Abstract:
An apparatus and a method, in a handheld portable multi purpose device, for producing multiple and variable wavelength distributions of UV radiation, or visible radiation, comprising a primary UV radiation source, and a system of wavelength transforming (WT) materials that allows selecting at will between UV A, UV B, UV C radiation (individual selections or various combinations,) and visible radiation, whereby the apparatus provides for UV sterilization of food, fluid, air, fluids, and surfaces; while also providing a means to emit visible light. Additionally, an apparatus and method, in a handheld portable multi purpose device, for enabling production and emission of UV radiation selectable between UV A, UV B, UV C radiation (individual selections or various combinations,) and visible radiation in a small form factor device embodied in a handheld portable flashlight, or lamp, type device.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of pending U.S. utility application Ser. No. 12/027,270 Titled PORTABLE WAVELENGTH TRANSFORMING CONVERTER FOR UV LEDS, filed Feb. 7, 2008, and is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein for all purposes. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to handheld portable multi purpose ultraviolet radiation (UV) emitting devices used to provide UV sterilization of food, fluid, air, fluids, and surfaces; the fluorescing of desired minerals or materials, while also providing a means to emit visible light. Additionally, the present invention relates to handheld portable multi purpose ultraviolet radiation (UV) emitting devices used in the fields of mineralogy; scientific research; forensics; area illumination; photo-chemistry, photo-medical treatments, photo-lithography, artistic displays of fluorescent materials; and similarly related fields. Specifically, the present invention provides a system whereby the primary wavelength distribution of radiation being emitted from a primary UV radiation source may be transformed into a secondary wavelength distribution of radiation that is different from the primary wavelength distribution of radiation, while also providing the emission of radiation in the wavelength of substantially visible light. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The electromagnetic spectrum ranges from cosmic rays at one end, to radio waves at the other end. The UV region of the electromagnetic spectrum is situated between visible light and x-rays, with the wavelengths of the UV A radiation being shorter and more energetic than violet visible light and the wavelengths of vacuum UV radiation being slightly longer and less energetic than x-rays. The full UV radiation spectrum ranges from wavelengths of about 100 nanometers (nm) to 400 nm and the UV radiation spectrum is usually divided into 4 sections; vacuum UV radiation (also called far or very UV, from 100 nm to about 200 nm), UV C radiation (also called germicide or short-wave UV, from 200 to about 280 nm), UV B radiation (also called mid-wave or medium-wave UV, from 280 nm to about 320 nm), and UV A radiation (also called “poster lamp”, black-light, or long-wave UV, from 320 nm to 400 nm). 
         [0004]    UV radiation can be emitted from a variety of sources such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), lasers, electric arcs (especially as in arc welding), xenon bulbs, halogen bulbs, excimer bulbs, eximer bulbs, and mercury vapor lamps/tubes of low, medium and high pressures. UV C radiation is used extensively for sterilization, purifying, and deodorizing applications in food, air, fluid, and general surface sterilization processes because the UV C radiation not only deactivates micro-organisms such as: bacteria, molds, spores, fungi, and viruses (by direct irradiation which damages the DNA such that the micro-organisms cannot reproduce), but the UV C radiation also breaks down the chemical bonds of alcohols, pesticides, chloramines, and other contaminants such as NDMA or MTBE. UV B radiation is the agent that causes human skin to “sun-burn” and the UV B radiation is needed to start the suntanning process. The lamps/tubes used in suntanning booths usually emit a combination of UV B and UV A. UV B is also used extensively in various medical treatments—especially for skin diseases. UV A radiation is used for special effect lighting, suntanning, photo-lithotropy, and photo-chemistry. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,787,782 teaches a system that uses UV radiation emitting LEDs as one source of UV radiation for sterilizing air in a vehicle such as an airplane. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,333,748 teaches the use of UV radiation emitting LEDs in combination with a reactive surface to sterilize air for breathing inside a helmet. Neither of these two patents teaches any way to vary or transform the radiation from the UV radiation source. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,736,744, U.S. Pat. No. 6,670,619, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,911,657 by Waluszko describe a wavelength-shifting filter as only emitting one particular wavelength distribution of radiation. Waluszko does not teach the use of conversion plates with LEDs. 
         [0007]    The present invention relates to handheld portable multi purpose UV emitting devices used to provide UV sterilization of food, fluid, air, fluids, and surfaces; while also providing a means to emit visible light. Additionally, the present invention relates to handheld portable multi purpose UV emitting devices used in the fields of mineralogy; scientific research; forensics; area illumination; photo-chemistry, photo-medical treatments, photo-lithography, artistic displays of fluorescent materials; and similarly related fields. Specifically, the present invention provides a method and device whereby the primary wavelength distribution of radiation being emitted from a primary UV radiation source may be transformed into a secondary wavelength distribution of radiation that is different from the primary wavelength distribution of radiation, and wherein the device comprises a small form factor device, battery powered apparatus suited for carrying in a pocket, or by the hand, and whereby field use of the UV emitting device is very easy and 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    One object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method, in a handheld portable multi purpose device, for producing multiple and variable wavelength distributions of UV radiation, or visible radiation, comprising a primary UV radiation source, and a system of wavelength transforming (WT) materials that allows selecting at will between UV A, UV B, UV C radiation (individual selections or various combinations,) and visible radiation, whereby the apparatus provides for UV sterilization of food, fluid, air, fluids, and surfaces; while also providing a means to emit visible light. 
         [0009]    Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method, in a handheld portable multi purpose device, for enabling production and emission of UV radiation selectable between UV A, UV B, UV C radiation (individual selections or various combinations,) and visible radiation in a small form factor device embodied in a handheld portable flashlight, or lamp, type device. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1A  shows a plan view of a first preferred embodiment of the invention showing apparatus  150  comprising a primary UV radiation source, low-pressure mercury vapor tube  12 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 1B  shows a side view of the first embodiment of the invention, shown in  FIG. 1 , apparatus  150 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 1C  is a plan view of a second preferred embodiment of the invention showing apparatus  151 , comprising a primary UV radiation source, UV LED array  12   a.    
           [0013]      FIG. 1D  is a plan view of a third preferred embodiment of the invention showing apparatus  152 , comprising a primary UV radiation source, UV emitting xenon bulbs  12   b.    
           [0014]      FIG. 1E  is a plan view of a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention showing apparatus  153 , comprising a primary UV radiation source, UV emitting eximer/excimer bulb  12   c.    
           [0015]      FIG. 1A  G-G is a cross section of the first preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A  taken along the line G-G. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2A  is an exploded view of the first preferred embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 1A  showing apparatus  150  comprising the primary UV radiation source, low-pressure mercury vapor tube  12 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 2B  is an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of a flexible WT filter  23  of apparatus  150 - 153 , wherein a WT material  24   n  is uniformly distributed throughout the material comprising the WT filter  33 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 2C  is an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of the flexible WT filter  23  of apparatus  150 - 153 , showing a variation wherein the WT material  24   n  is coupled to the lower surface of the material comprising the WT filter  23 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 2D  is an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of the flexible WT filter  23  of apparatus  150 - 153 , showing a variation where the WT material  24   n  is coupled to the upper surface of the material comprising the WT filter  23 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 2E  is an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of the flexible WT filter  23  of apparatus  150 - 153 , showing a variation where the WT material  24   n  is laminated between two supporting upper and lower surfaces of the material comprising the WT filter  23 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 2F  is an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of the flexible WT filter  12  of apparatus  150 - 153 , showing a variation where the WT material  24   n  is coupled (to support uniform, lower or upper WT material and support material) to wire like shapes that form a mat comprising the material of the WT filter  23 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 2G  is an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of the flexible WT filter  23  of apparatus  150 - 153 , showing a variation where the WT material  24   n  is coupled with wire like shapes that form a woven mesh (similar to fiberglass cloth or metal screen) comprising the material of the WT filter  23 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 2H  is an expanded cross sectional view along the line G-G of  FIG. 1A  of a portion of apparatus  150 , comprising the primary UV radiation source  12 , the flexible WT filter  23  with WT material  24   n , and a lens cover  40 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 2I  is a side view of an external power supply assembly capable of supplying the proper power to operate and/or charge the internal batteries of the apparatus  150 - 156 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 3A  is an expanded perspective view of a rotatable disk shaped WT filter  33  which has multiple sections which optionally replace the single WT filter  23  shown in  FIG. 1A  G-G, and  2 A, wherein the rotatable disk shaped WT filter  33  is coupled to a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention, apparatus  156 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 3B  is an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of a flexible WT filter  33  of apparatus  156 , wherein a WT material  34   n  is uniformly distributed throughout the material comprising the WT filter  33 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 3C  is an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of the flexible WT filter  33  of apparatus  156 , showing a variation wherein the WT material  34   n  is coupled to the lower surface of the material comprising the WT filter  33 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 3D  is an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of the flexible WT filter  33  of apparatus  156 , showing a variation where the WT material  34   n  is coupled to the upper surface of the material comprising the WT filter  33 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 3E  is an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of the flexible WT filter  33  of apparatus  156 , showing a variation where the WT material  34   n  is laminated between two supporting upper and lower surfaces of the material comprising the WT filter  33 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 3F  is an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of the flexible WT filter  33  of apparatus  156 , showing a variation where the WT material  34   n  is coupled (to support uniform, lower or upper WT material and support material) to wire like shapes that form a mat comprising the material of the WT filter  33 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 3G  is an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of the flexible WT filter  33  of apparatus  156 , showing a variation where the WT material is coupled with wire like shapes that form a woven mesh (similar to fiberglass cloth or metal screen) comprising the material of the WT filter  33 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 3H  shows a plan view of the fifth preferred embodiment of the invention, apparatus  156 , comprising the rotatable disk shaped WT filter  33  of  FIG. 3A   
           [0033]      FIG. 4A  G-G is a cross section of a sixth preferred embodiment, apparatus  154 , of the invention shown in  FIG. 1A  taken along the line G-G, wherein a WT filter  43  is in the form of a flexible belt comprising UV transmitting material that is coupled with WT materials  44   n.    
           [0034]      FIG. 4B  is an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of a flexible WT filter  43  of apparatus  154 , wherein a WT material  44   n  is uniformly distributed throughout the material comprising the WT filter  43 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 4C  is an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of the flexible WT filter  43  of apparatus  154 , showing a variation wherein the WT material  44   n  is coupled to the lower surface of the material comprising the WT filter  43 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 4D  is an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of the flexible WT filter  43  of apparatus  154 , showing a variation where the WT material  44   n  is coupled to the upper surface of the material comprising the WT filter  43 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 4E  is an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of the flexible WT filter  43  of apparatus  154 , showing a variation where the WT material  44   n  is laminated between two supporting upper and lower surfaces of the material comprising the WT filter  43 . 
           [0038]      FIG. 4F  is an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of the flexible WT filter  43  of apparatus  154 , showing a variation where the WT material  44   n  is coupled (to support uniform, lower or upper WT material and support material) to wire like shapes that form a mat comprising the material of the WT filter  43 . 
           [0039]      FIG. 4G  is an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of the flexible WT filter  43  of apparatus  154 , showing a variation where the WT material  44   n  is coupled with wire like shapes that form a woven mesh (similar to fiberglass cloth or metal screen) comprising the material of the WT filter  43 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 4H  is an expanded cross sectional view along the line G-G of  FIG. 4A  of a portion of apparatus  154 , comprising the primary UV radiation source  12 , the flexible WT filter  43  with WT material  44   n , and a lens cover  40 . 
           [0041]      FIG. 5A  G-G is a cross section of a seventh preferred embodiment of the invention, apparatus  155 , shown in  FIG. 1A  taken along the line G-G, wherein a WT filter  53  is in the form of a flexible continuous belt comprising UV transmitting material that is coupled with WT materials  54   n.    
           [0042]      FIG. 5B  is an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of a flexible WT filter  53  of apparatus  155 , wherein a WT material  54   n  is uniformly distributed throughout the material comprising the WT filter  53 . 
           [0043]      FIG. 5C  is an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of the flexible WT filter  53  of apparatus  155 , showing a variation wherein the WT material  54   n  is coupled to the lower surface of the material comprising the WT filter  53 . 
           [0044]      FIG. 5D  is an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of the flexible WT filter  53  of apparatus  155 , showing a variation where the WT material  54   n  is coupled to the upper surface of the material comprising the WT filter  53 . 
           [0045]      FIG. 5E  is an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of the flexible WT filter  53  of apparatus  155 , showing a variation where the WT material  54   n  is laminated between two supporting upper and lower surfaces of the material comprising the WT filter  53 . 
           [0046]      FIG. 5F  is an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of the flexible WT filter  53  of apparatus  155 , showing a variation where the WT material  54   n  is coupled (to support uniform, lower or upper WT material and support material) to wire like shapes that form a mat comprising the material of the WT filter  53 . 
           [0047]      FIG. 5G  is an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of the flexible WT filter  53  of apparatus  155 , showing a variation where the WT material is coupled with wire like shapes that form a woven mesh (similar to fiberglass cloth or metal screen) comprising the material of the WT filter  53 . 
           [0048]      FIG. 5H  is an expanded cross sectional view along the line G-G of  FIG. 5A  of a portion of apparatus  155 , comprising the primary UV radiation source  12 , the flexible WT filter  53  with WT material  54   n , and a lens cover  40 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0049]    For the purposes of this invention, it will be understood that the primary UV radiation source may comprise: a low-pressure mercury vapor tube, a UV light emitting diode array, a UV emitting xenon bulb, a UV emitting eximer bulb or a UV emitting excimer bulb as described below. Where reference is made to such primary UV radiation source it will be understood to mean a source such as described above. Additionally, other UV sources, such as a laser for example, may also be utilized herein to supply primary UV radiation. The WT materials of any preferred embodiments may comprise any material or system that absorbs light of one wavelength or band of wavelengths and emits light of another wavelength or band of wavelengths, thus modifying the distribution of spectral emission. Such materials or systems include band pass filters, phosphors and include also such materials or systems such as quantum dots whose properties are a combination of bulk properties and their physical particle size. Although the WT materials used in similar applications are typically phosphors, any of a wide variety of WT materials (including phosphors) may be used in this invention without departing from the teaching herein. Further, the WT materials may have structural properties such that the material is self supporting, or the WT materials may need to be supported by a structural member If support is needed, the WT materials may be coupled to either side of a UV transmitting support surface, bonded between UV transmitting support surfaces, sandwiched between two layers of UV transmitting materials, or the WT material may be disposed internally to the UV transmitting support material. Further, the WT material may be incorporated into a fiber and then constructed into a mat of fibers (similar to fiber-glass matting) or the material may be woven into a screen (similar to fiber-glass cloth.) 
         [0050]    If the WT filter is to be hard and rigid, the material comprising the WT filter can be chosen from the group of materials that includes but is not limited to: natural or synthetic fused quartz or quartz glass, borosilicate glass, natural or synthetic calcium fluoride (also the other metallic fluorides such as barium, lithium, sodium, magnesium, strontium, and lanthanum fluoride), natural or synthetic sapphire, magnesium oxide, hard glass, lime glass, chemical Pyrex, sapphire glass, or UV transmitting or UV minimizing plexiglass. If the WT filter is to be flexible, the material comprising it can be a hard material that is fashioned into a mat or woven into a cloth or mesh that can be flexible, or the material can be chosen from the group of flexible materials that include but are not limited to: silicone polymers and fluoropolymers. One such group of fluoropolymers is the Teflon.RTM family that has acronyms such as ETFE, Tefzel.RTM, PFA, PTFE, FEP and EFEP. 
         [0051]    Referring now to the  FIGS. 1A through 1E , preferred embodiments of apparatus  150 - 153  of the present invention, provide a means for selectively producing one or more of a plurality of wavelength distributions of radiation in a handheld, portable, multi purpose ultraviolet radiation (UV) emitting device. 
         [0052]    With reference to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, apparatus  150 , is shown. The apparatus  150  comprises a housing  10 . The housing  10  contains and supports the internal elements as described further below. The housing  10  may be comprised of a variety of materials including plastics, metals, and etcetera as is known to those skilled in the art. The housing  10  further comprises a UV exit port  15  manufactured into the housing  10 . As shown, a primary UV radiation source, or lamp, a mercury vapor tube  12  is coupled within the housing  10  positioned such as to allow a primary UV radiation output, and/or a transformed radiation output (see below) to emit radiation via a lens cover  40  that is coupled to the housing  10  integrally filling the exit port  15 . The apparatus  150  further comprises a switch  31  coupled within apparatus  150 , and protruding through an opening in housing  10 . 
         [0053]    With reference now to  FIG. 1C , a second preferred embodiment of the present invention apparatus  151  is shown. The apparatus  151  comprises a housing  10 . The housing  10  contains and supports the internal elements as described further below. The housing  10  may be comprised of a variety of materials including plastics, metals, and etcetera as is known to those skilled in the art. The housing  10  further comprises a UV exit port  15  manufactured into the housing  10 . As shown, a primary UV radiation source, a UV LED array  12   a  is coupled within the housing  10  positioned such as to allow a primary UV radiation output, (and visible light if the LED array is not a pure UV source), and/or a transformed radiation output (discussed further below) to emit radiation via a lens cover  40  that is coupled to the housing  10  integrally filling the exit port  15 . The apparatus  151  further comprises a switch  31  coupled within apparatus  151 , and protruding through an opening in the housing  10 . 
         [0054]    With reference now to  FIG. 1D , a third preferred embodiment of the present invention apparatus  152  is shown. The apparatus  152  comprises a housing  10 . The housing  10  contains and supports the internal elements as described further below. The housing  10  may be comprised of a variety of materials including plastics, composites, metals, and etcetera as is known to those skilled in the art. The housing  10  further comprises a UV exit port  15  manufactured into the housing  10 . As shown, a primary UV radiation source, a pair of UV emitting xenon type bulbs  12   b  is coupled within the housing  10  positioned such as to allow a primary UV radiation output (and visible light if the LED array is not a pure UV source), and/or a transformed radiation output (discussed below) to emit radiation via a lens cover  40  that is coupled to the housing  10  integrally filling the exit port  15 . As is well known to those skilled in 
         [0055]    With reference now to  FIG. 1E , a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention apparatus  153  is shown. The apparatus  153  comprises a housing  10 . The housing  10  contains and supports the internal elements as described further below. The housing  10  may be comprised of a variety of materials including plastics, composites, metals, and etcetera as is known to those skilled in the art. The housing  10  further comprises a UV exit port  15  manufactured into the housing  10 . As shown, a primary UV radiation source, a pair of UV emitting eximer/excimer type bulbs  12   c  is coupled within the housing  10  positioned such as to allow a primary UV radiation output, and/or a transformed radiation output as described below to emit radiation via a lens cover  40  that is coupled to the housing  10  integrally filling the exit port  15 . As is well known to those skilled in the art, fewer than two and more than two eximer/excimer type bulbs  12   c  may be utilized in preferred embodiments of the present invention, and the pair shown herein is representative of at least one eximer/excimer type bulb  12   c . The apparatus  153  further comprises a switch  31  coupled within apparatus  153 , and protruding through an opening in housing  10 . 
         [0056]    With reference now to  FIG. 1A  G-G, a cross section of the first preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A  taken on the line G-G is shown. The apparatus  150  comprises a primary UV radiation source, a low-pressure mercury vapor tube  12  internally coupled to the housing  10 . Coupled to the housing  10 , is a reflector  19 , positioned so as to reflect the primary UV radiation  17  produced by the primary UV radiation source, a low-pressure mercury vapor tube  12  herein, in a preferred direction  20  towards and through the exit port  15  and through the lens cover  40  which integrally occupies the area of the exit port  15 , being further coupled to the housing  10 . Juxtaposed relative to the lens cover  40 , and disposed between the lens cover  40  and the primary UV radiation source, a low-pressure mercury vapor tube  12  herein, is a slideably removable WT filter  23  also comprising WT material  24   n . Note that the other enumerated primary UV radiation sources discussed herein may be used rather than the low-pressure mercury vapor tube  12 . 
         [0057]    With reference to  FIGS. 2B-2G , a series of expanded cross-sectional views of the WT filter  23  are shown. Each of these figures depicts one of the preferred systems of integrating the WT filter  23  with the WT material  24   n . Each of these WT filters  23  comprises the properties to enable proper system operation in each of the preferred embodiments  150 - 153  of the present invention. 
         [0058]    With reference to  FIG. 2B , an expanded cross sectional view of a flexible WT filter  23  of apparatus  150 - 153 , wherein a WT material  24   n  is uniformly distributed throughout the material comprising the WT filter  23  is shown. 
         [0059]    With reference to  FIG. 2C , an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of the flexible WT filter  23  of apparatus  150 - 153 , showing a variation wherein the WT material  24   n  is coupled to the lower surface of the material comprising the WT filter  23  is shown. 
         [0060]    With reference to  FIG. 2D , an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of the flexible WT filter  23  of apparatus  150 - 153 , showing a variation where the WT material  24   n  is coupled to the upper surface of the material comprising the WT filter  23  is shown. 
         [0061]    With reference to  FIG. 2E , an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of the flexible WT filter  23  of apparatus  150 - 153 , showing a variation where the WT material  24   n  is laminated between two supporting material comprising the upper and lower surfaces of the WT filter  23  is shown. 
         [0062]    With reference to  FIG. 2F , an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of the flexible WT filter  23  of apparatus  150 - 153 , showing a variation where the WT material  24   n  is coupled (to support uniform, lower or upper WT material and support material) to wire like shapes that form a mat comprising the material of the WT filter  23  is shown. 
         [0063]    With reference to  FIG. 2G , an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of the flexible WT filter  23  of apparatus  150 - 153 , showing a variation where the WT material  24   n  is coupled with wire like shapes that form a woven mesh (similar to fiberglass cloth or metal screen) comprising the material of the WT filter  23  is shown. 
         [0064]    Referring to  FIG. 2H  a blown up view of a portion of the low-pressure mercury vapor tube  12 , a portion of the WT filter  23  and a portion of the lens cover  40  is shown. The low-pressure mercury vapor tube  12  emits the primary UV radiation  17  in a preferred direction  20 . The WT filter  23 , including its WT material  24   n , transforms the primary UV radiation  17  into a secondary UV radiation that is different from the primary UV radiation  17 . In this figure, the secondary UV radiation is represented by the transformed radiation  18   n . The transformed radiation  18   n  is representative of a range of different secondary UV radiations comprising transformed radiation  18   a ,  18   b ,  18   c  . . .  18   n.    
         [0065]    With reference to  FIG. 2A , an exploded view of the first preferred embodiment of the invention of  FIG. 1A  showing apparatus  150  incorporating a primary UV radiation source, a low-pressure mercury vapor tube  12  in this preferred embodiment, is shown. The housing  10  is comprised of a housing top  10   a , that is coupled to a housing lower bottom half  10   b , and wherein both the housing top  10   a  and the housing lower bottom half  10   b  are further coupled to housing upper bottom half  10   c . The aforementioned housing pieces comprise the housing  10  in preferred embodiments of the present invention discussed herein. The housing  10  serves to support and protect the lower components coupled within the housing  10 . Positioned and supported within the bottom end of the housing  10 , is a source activation and control assembly  32 . Coupled to the source activation and control assembly  32  is the switch  31 . The switch  31 , a rocker switch in a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown herein, is operated to signal the source activation and control assembly  32  to start and operate the primary UV radiation source. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other types of switches could be used in other preferred embodiments of the present invention. The source activation and control assembly  32  contains electrical circuitry to start and operate the primary UV radiation source, a low-pressure mercury vapor tube  12  in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As will be understood by those well versed in the art, the source activation and control assembly  32  in other preferred embodiments comprises the electrical circuitry to start and operate the UV LED array  12   a , UV emitting xenon type bulbs  12   b , UV emitting eximer/excimer type bulbs  12   c , that are shown in the accompanying figures, and which may be used as the primary UV source herein. Additionally, other UV emitting sources known to those skilled in the art may also be utilized herein. Coupled to the source activation and control assembly  32  is a pair of batteries  30 . The batteries  30  provide electrical power via the source activation and control assembly  32  to the primary UV radiation source, a low-pressure mercury vapor tube  12  in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that a single battery may be used in some preferred embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0066]    With reference now to  FIG. 2I , an external power supply assembly  45  is shown. The power adapter assembly  45  comprises a power source  46  coupled via a connecting electrical cable  49  to a low voltage power coupling  47 . The low voltage power coupling  47  couples to the activation and control assembly  32  via a power input jack, not shown herein, in a manner well known to those skilled in the art. The external power supply assembly  45  provides electrical power to charge the batteries  30  wherein such batteries are re-chargeable. Additionally, the external power supply assembly  45 , in preferred embodiments of the present invention may further provide operating power to start and operate a primary UV radiation source in preferred embodiments of the present invention while re-charging the batteries  30 . 
         [0067]    With reference back to  FIG. 2A , a lens cover  40  is shown. The lens cover  40  may be either clearly transparent in a first mode of operation, or in a second mode of operation, the lens cover may be a transparent purple. The lens cover  40  is coupled to the housing top  10   a , which is integral to the housing  10 . The lens cover  40  integrally fills the exit port  15 . Further coupled to the housing  10 , is a reflector  19 , positioned so as to reflect the primary UV radiation  17  produced by the primary UV radiation source, a low-pressure mercury vapor tube  12  herein, in a preferred direction  20  towards and through the exit port  15  and through the lens cover  40 . The lens cover  40  will pass the primary UV radiation  17  and, the transformed radiation  18   n  in the preferred direction  20 . 
         [0068]    The apparatus  150  further comprises a primary UV radiation source, a low-pressure mercury vapor tube  12  internally coupled to the housing  10 . It should be noted that the noted primary UV radiation sources discussed herein, apparatus  150 - 153 , may also be coupled in place rather than the low-pressure mercury vapor tube  12 . Juxtaposed relative to the lens cover  40 , and between the lens cover  40  and the primary UV radiation source, a low-pressure mercury vapor tube  12  herein, is the slideably removable WT filter  23 . The WT filter  23  may be slid laterally into a WT filter insertion slot  60 , in such a manner as to place one or more of the WT materials  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c  . . .  24   n , (only  24   n  is shown in the figures) between the primary UV radiation source  12  and the radiation exit port  15  thus causing untransformed primary radiation  17  or transformed radiations  18 ,  18   a ,  18   b ,  18   c ,  18   n , (only  18   n  is shown in the figures), to be emitted from the apparatus  150 . It should be noted that the above description is also applicable to apparatus  151 - 153  discussed above as well as apparatus  154 - 156  discussed below. 
         [0069]    With reference now to  FIG. 3A , a rotatable substantially flat disk WT filter  33  with WT material  34   n  is shown. The WT filer  33  is used in combination with a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in  FIG. 3H , apparatus  156 . Portions of the substantially flat disk shaped WT filter  33  are coupled with different WT materials  34   n , each of which is capable of producing a transformed radiation  18   n  upon irradiation by the primary UV radiation  17 . 
         [0070]    With reference to  FIG. 3H , a plan view of the fifth preferred embodiment of the invention, apparatus  156 , comprising the rotatable disk shaped WT filter  33  of  FIG. 3A  is shown. In this preferred embodiment, the rotatable disk shaped WT filter  33  is inserted into and juxtaposed between a primary UV radiation source  17 , a UV LED array  12   a  is shown herein although any of the primary UV radiation sources  12 - 12   c  could be utilized herein, and the UV exit port  15 . The housing  10  has been modified in this preferred embodiment, apparatus  156 , such that the UV exit port  15 , manufactured into the housing  10 , is pie-shaped, thus blocking any radiation, primary or transformed, from being emitted without first passing through the rotatable disk shaped WT filter  33 . The modifications to the housing  10  and the exit port  15  enables the rotatable disk shaped WT filter  33  to be rotated, see directional arrow  36 , such that a desired segment of the rotatable disk shaped WT filter  33  may be positioned to enable a particular segment of WT filter  33  comprising a desired WT material  34   n  to substantially fill the opening of the exit port  15 , thus allowing a primary UV radiation  17  output, and/or a transformed radiation  18   n  output (see above) to be emitted via the lens cover  40  that is coupled to the housing  10  integrally filling the exit port  15 . The apparatus  156  further comprises a switch  31  coupled within apparatus  156 , and protruding through an opening in the housing  10 . 
         [0071]    Additionally, in this fifth preferred embodiment of the invention, apparatus  156 , a portion of the substantially flat disk shaped WT filter  33  can remain transparent to the primary UV radiation  17 , or even have a portion of the substantially flat disk shaped WT filter  33  missing. To easily switch between different radiation emissions, transformed or un-transformed, the substantially flat disk shaped WT filter  33  is rotated such that the desired WT material  34   n , a transparent region, or a void or slit in the flat filter, or a combination thereof, lies between the primary UV radiation  17 , or the transformed radiation  18   n , and the exit port  15  of the apparatus  156 . 
         [0072]    With reference to  FIGS. 3B-3G , a series of expanded cross-sectional views of the WT filter  33 , taken along plane s-s-s of  FIG. 3   a , are shown. Each of these figures depicts one of the preferred systems of integrating the WT filter  33  with the WT material  34   n . Each of these WT filter sections  33  comprises the properties to enable proper system operation of the preferred embodiment, apparatus  156 , of the present invention. 
         [0073]    With reference to  FIG. 3B , an expanded cross sectional view of a flexible WT filter  33  of apparatus  156 , wherein a WT material  34   n  is uniformly distributed throughout the material comprising the WT filter  33  is shown. 
         [0074]    With reference to  FIG. 3C , an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of the flexible WT filter  33  of apparatus  156 , showing a variation wherein the WT material  34   n  is coupled to the lower surface of the material comprising the WT filter  33  is shown. 
         [0075]    With reference to  FIG. 3D , an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of the flexible WT filter  33  of apparatus  156 , showing a variation where the WT material  34   n  is coupled to the upper surface of the material comprising the WT filter  33  is shown. 
         [0076]    With reference to  FIG. 3E , an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of the flexible WT filter  33  of apparatus  156 , showing a variation where the WT material  34   n  is laminated between two supporting material comprising the upper and lower surfaces of the WT filter  33  is shown. 
         [0077]    With reference to  FIG. 3F , an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of the flexible WT filter  33  of apparatus  156 , showing a variation where the WT material  34   n  is coupled (to support uniform, lower or upper WT material and support material) to wire like shapes that form a mat comprising the material of the WT filter  33  is shown. 
         [0078]    With reference to  FIG. 3G , an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of the flexible WT filter  33  of apparatus  156 , showing a variation where the WT material  34   n  is coupled with wire like shapes that form a woven mesh (similar to fiberglass cloth or metal screen) comprising the material of the WT filter  33  is shown. 
         [0079]    With reference now to  FIG. 4A  G-G, a cross section of the sixth preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A  taken on the line G-G is shown. The apparatus  154  comprises a primary UV radiation source, a low-pressure mercury vapor tube  12  internally coupled to the housing  10 . Coupled to the housing  10 , is a reflector  19 , positioned so as to reflect the primary UV radiation  17  produced by the primary UV radiation source, a low-pressure mercury vapor tube  12  herein, in a preferred direction  20  towards and through the exit port  15  and through the lens cover  40  which integrally occupies the area of the exit port  15 , being further coupled to the housing  10 . Juxtaposed relative to the lens cover  40 , and disposed between the lens cover  40  and the primary UV radiation source, a low-pressure mercury vapor tube  12  herein, is a WT filter  43  in the form of a flexible belt comprising UV transmitting material that is coupled to WT materials  44   n . The WT filter  43  is rolled around a pair of rollers  59  that are coupled to the housing  10 . The WT filter  43  may be moved back and forth with the WT filter  43  flexible belt material being rolled upon the rollers  59 . The rollers  59  may be rotated, arrows  56 , clockwise or counter-clockwise which will enable the desired portions the WT materials  44   n  to become Juxtaposed relative to the lens cover  40 , and disposed between the lens cover  40  and the primary UV radiation source, a low-pressure mercury vapor tube  12  herein. As previously discussed, although this figure comprises a low-pressure mercury vapor tube  12 , the UV LED array  12   a , UV emitting xenon type bulbs  12   b , and UV emitting eximer/excimer type bulbs  12   c , that are shown in the accompanying FIGS., may be used as the primary UV source herein juxtaposed between the WT filter  43  flexible belt material, and the reflector  19 . 
         [0080]    With reference to  FIGS. 4B-4G , a series of expanded cross-sectional views of the WT filter  43  are shown. Each of these figures depicts one of the preferred systems of integrating the WT filter  43  with the WT material  44   n  in a manner comprising the flexible belt. Each of these WT filters  43  comprises the properties to enable proper system operation of the preferred embodiment, apparatus  155 , of the present invention. 
         [0081]    With reference to  FIG. 4B , an expanded cross sectional view of a flexible WT filter  43  of apparatus  154 , wherein a WT material  44   n  is uniformly distributed throughout the material comprising the WT filter  43  is shown. 
         [0082]    With reference to  FIG. 4C , an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of the flexible WT filter  43  of apparatus  154 , showing a variation wherein the WT material  44   n  is coupled to the lower surface of the material comprising the WT filter  43  is shown. 
         [0083]    With reference to  FIG. 4D , an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of the flexible WT filter  43  of apparatus  154 , showing a variation where the WT material  44   n  is coupled to the upper surface of the material comprising the WT filter  43  is shown. 
         [0084]    With reference to  FIG. 4E , an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of the flexible WT filter  43  of apparatus  154 , showing a variation where the WT material  44   n  is laminated between two supporting material comprising the upper and lower surfaces of the WT filter  43  is shown. 
         [0085]    With reference to  FIG. 4F , an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of the flexible WT filter  43  of apparatus  154 , showing a variation where the WT material  44   n  is coupled (to support uniform, lower or upper WT material and support material) to wire like shapes that form a mat comprising the material of the WT filter  43  is shown. 
         [0086]    With reference to  FIG. 4G , an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of the flexible WT filter  43  of apparatus  154 , showing a variation where the WT material  44   n  is coupled with wire like shapes that form a woven mesh (similar to fiberglass cloth or metal screen) comprising the material of the WT filter  43  is shown. 
         [0087]    Referring to  FIG. 4H  a blown up view of a portion of the low-pressure mercury vapor tube  12 , a portion of the WT filter  43  and a portion of the lens cover  40  is shown. The low-pressure mercury vapor tube  12  emits the primary UV radiation  17  in a preferred direction  20 . The WT filter  43 , including its WT material  44   n , transforms the primary UV radiation  17  into a secondary UV radiation that is different from the primary UV radiation  17 . In this figure, the secondary UV radiation is represented by the transformed radiation  18   n . The transformed radiation  18   n  is representative of a range of different secondary UV radiations comprising transformed radiation  18   a ,  18   b ,  18   c  . . .  18   n.    
         [0088]    With reference now to  FIG. 5A  G-G, a cross section of the sixth preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A  taken on the line G-G is shown. The apparatus  155  comprises a primary UV radiation source, a low-pressure mercury vapor tube  12  internally coupled to the housing  10 . Coupled to the housing  10 , is a reflector  19 , positioned so as to reflect the primary UV radiation  17  produced by the primary UV radiation source, a low-pressure mercury vapor tube  12  herein, in a preferred direction  20  towards and through the exit port  15  and through the lens cover  40  which integrally occupies the area of the exit port  15 , being further coupled to the housing  10 . Juxtaposed relative to the lens cover  40 , and disposed between the lens cover  40  and the primary UV radiation source, a low-pressure mercury vapor tube  12  herein, is a WT filter  53  in the form of a continuous flexible belt comprising UV transmitting material that is coupled to WT materials  54   n . The WT filter  53  is placed around, and supported by, a pair of rollers  59  that are coupled to the housing  10 . The WT filter  53  may be moved back and forth with the WT filter  53  continuous flexible belt material being rolled past the rollers  59 . The rollers  59  may be rotated, arrows  56 , clockwise or counter-clockwise which will enable the desired portions the WT materials  54   n  to become Juxtaposed relative to the lens cover  40 , and disposed between the lens cover  40  and the primary UV radiation source, a low-pressure mercury vapor tube  12  herein. As previously discussed, although this figure comprises a low-pressure mercury vapor tube  12 , the UV LED array  12   a , UV emitting xenon type bulbs  12   b , and UV emitting eximer/excimer type bulbs  12   c , that are shown in the accompanying FIGS., may be used as the primary UV source herein juxtaposed between the WT filter  53  continuous flexible belt material, and the reflector  19 . 
         [0089]    With reference to  FIGS. 5B-5G , a series of expanded cross-sectional views of the WT filter  53  are shown. Each of these figures depicts one of the preferred systems of integrating the WT filter  53  with the WT material  54   n  in a manner comprising the continuous flexible belt. Each of these WT filters  53  comprises the properties to enable proper system operation of the preferred embodiments, apparatus  155 , of the present invention. 
         [0090]    With reference to  FIG. 5B , an expanded cross sectional view of a continuous flexible WT filter  53  of apparatus  155 , wherein a WT material  54   n  is uniformly distributed throughout the material comprising the WT filter  53  is shown. 
         [0091]    With reference to  FIG. 5C , an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of the continuous flexible WT filter  53  of apparatus  155 , showing a variation wherein the WT material  54   n  is coupled to the lower surface of the material comprising the WT filter  53  is shown. 
         [0092]    With reference to  FIG. 5D , an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of the continuous flexible WT filter  53  of apparatus  155 , showing a variation where the WT material  54   n  is coupled to the upper surface of the material comprising the WT filter  53  is shown. 
         [0093]    With reference to  FIG. 5E , an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of the continuous flexible WT filter  53  of apparatus  155 , showing a variation where the WT material  54   n  is laminated between two supporting material comprising the upper and lower surfaces of the WT filter  53  is shown. 
         [0094]    With reference to  FIG. 5F , an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of the continuous flexible WT filter  53  of apparatus  155 , showing a variation where the WT material  54   n  is coupled (to support uniform, lower or upper WT material and support material) to wire like shapes that form a mat comprising the material of the WT filter  53  is shown. 
         [0095]    With reference to  FIG. 5G , an expanded cross sectional view of a portion of the continuous flexible WT filter  53  of apparatus  155 , showing a variation where the WT material  54   n  is coupled with wire like shapes that form a woven mesh (similar to fiberglass cloth or metal screen) comprising the material of the WT filter  53  is shown. 
         [0096]    Referring to  FIG. 5H  a blown up view of a portion of the low-pressure mercury vapor tube  12 , a portion of the WT filter  53  and a portion of the lens cover  40  is shown. The low-pressure mercury vapor tube  12  emits the primary UV radiation  17  in a preferred direction  20 . The WT filter  53 , including its WT material  54   n , transforms the primary UV radiation  17  into a secondary UV radiation that is different from the primary UV radiation  17 . In this figure, the secondary UV radiation is represented by the transformed radiation  18   n . The transformed radiation  18   n  is representative of a range of different secondary UV radiations comprising transformed radiation  18   a ,  18   b ,  18   c  . . .  18   n.    
       Operation 
       [0097]    With reference to all of the FIGS., the preferred embodiments of the present invention, apparatus  150 - 156 , a handheld portable multi purpose sterilizing wavelength transforming converter, are operated as follows to emit UV ultraviolet radiation (UV) and visible light. Following activation of the switch  31 , the source activation and control assembly  32  supplies power to the primary UV radiation source: a low-pressure mercury vapor tube  12 , a UV LED array  12   a , a UV emitting xenon type bulb  12   b , or a UV emitting eximer/excimer type bulb  12   c . The primary UV radiation source emits primary UV radiation  17  in a preferred direction  20 . 
         [0098]    In a first mode of operation, if the primary UV source is pure i.e. the source emits little, if any, visible light, the primary UV radiation  17  is all, or substantially all UV C. A transparent lens cover  40  will pass the primary UV radiation  17 . The effect of the apparatus  150 - 156  emission of UV C will be to cause the sterilization of surfaces, air, or liquids after the UV C is directed for a sufficient period of time towards the material to be sterilized. UV C at a wavelength of approximately 254 nm kills germs, fungus, bacteria, viruses, molds, and etcetera by breaking bonds in the DNA (see www.fluorescents.com for a good discussion of this process on the FAQ page. In this mode, it does not matter if the primary UV C radiation source also produces some visible light because the visible light does not interfere with the sterilization process. 
         [0099]    It should be also be noted that the mercury vapor bulbs/tubes do emit visible light, i.e. they are not pure generally, and emit both UV C and some visible light. Conversely, some LED&#39;s and the excimer/eximer lamps can emit clean UV C, although depending on the desires on the user, LEDs and excimer/eximer lamps may also emit visible light. 
         [0100]    If another combination of UV radiation is desired, for example UV B, then the desired WT filter and associated WT transforming material  23 / 24   n ,  33 / 34   n ,  43 / 44   n ,  53 / 54   n , is placed in the path of the primary UV radiation  17 . This is accomplished as previously discussed by inserting the WT filter  23  into the WT filter insertion slot  60  (apparatus  150 - 153 ); rotating the rotatable disk shaped WT filter  33  (apparatus  156 ); or by positioning the WT filter  43  or  53 . This insertion would transform the primary UV radiation  17  into a transformed radiation  18   n . The conversion to UC B provides an additional feature for the preferred embodiments  150 - 156  of the present invention, as UV B of approximately 280 nm (at the low end of the UV B spectra), makes certain proteins fluoresce and in the process, the UV B damages the protein thus providing another means of sterilization. 
         [0101]    Under some conditions, an apparatus that emits a combination of both 254 nm UV C and 280 nm UV B would be more effective at sterilizing than one which only emits one of those wavelengths or the other wavelength. Therefore, by selecting yet another desired WT filter and associated WT transforming material  23 / 24   n ,  33 / 34   n ,  43 / 44   n ,  53 / 54   n , to be placed in the path of the primary UV radiation  17 , the preferred embodiments  150 - 156  of the present invention would simultaneously provide two ways to damage the fungus, mold, and etcetera rather than just one way. The WT filter and associated WT transforming material  23 / 24   n ,  33 / 34   n ,  43 / 44   n ,  53 / 54   n  can be made such by the user that only a desired percentage of the 254 nm primary radiation  17  UV C will be transformed into 280 nm UV transformed radiation  18   n . The ratio of 254 nm UV to 280 nm UV may be varied as desired by adjusting the amount of the WT transforming material  24   n ,  34   n ,  44   n ,  54   n  in the WT filter  23 ,  33 ,  43 ,  53 . It should be noted that this may be embodied, as previously discussed, by making a plurality of WT filters filter  23 ,  33 ,  43 ,  53  each having its own unique WT transforming materials  24   n ,  34   n ,  44   n ,  54   n  thus enabling the plurality of transformed radiations  18 ,  18   a ,  18   b ,  18   c ,  18   n.    
         [0102]    Additionally, if the primary UV source is pure, or substantially pure, the primary UV radiation  17  of these preferred embodiments of the present invention, apparatus  150 - 156 , can also be used for making materials fluoresce because the apparatus  150 - 156  emits UV C radiation, primary radiation  17 , and the selection of desired WT filter and associated WT transforming material  23 / 24   n ,  33 / 34   n ,  43 / 44   n ,  53 / 54   n , to be placed in the path of the primary UV radiation  17 , will further enable the preferred embodiments  150 - 156  of the present invention to selectively emit transformed radiation  18   a ,  18   b ,  18   c , . . .  18   n  which will produce UV B, UV A or any band or blend of UV radiation. 
         [0103]    Lastly, if the primary UV source is pure, the primary UV radiation  17  of these preferred embodiments of the present invention, apparatus  150 - 156 , can also be used for making visible, or substantially visible, light because the apparatus  150 - 156  emits UV C radiation, primary radiation  17 , and the selection of desired WT filter and associated WT transforming material  23 / 24   n ,  33 / 34   n ,  43 / 44   n ,  53 / 54   n , be placed in the path of the primary UV radiation  17 , will cause a transformed radiation  18   n  in the form of visible light to be developed and emitted. This provides another important feature of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, apparatus  150 - 156 , the functioning as a visible light or torch, in addition to the emission of UV C, UV A, UV B, UV A+B, as transformed radiation  18   n.    
         [0104]    In a second mode of operation, if the primary UV source is not pure, i.e. the source emits visible light, then the primary UV radiation  17  is not all, or substantially all UV C. In this case, a transparent lens cover  40  will pass the primary UV radiation  17  and the visible light at the same time. The effect of the apparatus  150 - 156  emission of UV C will be to cause the sterilization of surfaces, air, or liquids after the UV C is directed for a sufficient period of time towards the material to be sterilized, while providing visible light for a torch at the same time. As previously discussed, the UV C at a wavelength of approximately 254 nm kills germs, fungus, bacteria, viruses, molds, and etcetera by breaking bonds in the DNA. 
         [0105]    As was previously discussed, it should be noted that the mercury vapor bulbs/tubes do emit visible light, i.e. they are not pure generally, and emit both UV C and some visible light. And conversely, while some LED&#39;s and the excimer/eximer lamps can emit clean UV C, some may be selected to purposely emit visible light. 
         [0106]    If another combination of UV radiation is desired, for example UV B, then the desired WT filter and associated WT transforming material  23 / 24   n ,  33 / 34   n ,  43 / 44   n ,  53 / 54   n , is placed in the path of the primary UV radiation  17 . This is accomplished as previously discussed by inserting the WT filter  23  into the WT filter insertion slot  60  (apparatus  150 - 153 ); rotating the rotatable disk shaped WT filter  33  (apparatus  156 ); or by positioning the WT filter  43  or  53 . This insertion would transform the primary UV radiation  17  into a transformed radiation  18   n . The conversion to UC B provides an additional feature for the preferred embodiments  150 - 156  of the present invention, as UV B of approximately 280 nm (at the low end of the UV B spectra), makes certain proteins fluoresce and in the process, the UV B damages the protein thus providing another means of sterilization, while also providing visible light for a torch at the same time. 
         [0107]    Under some conditions, a UV lamp fixture that emits a combination of BOTH 254 nm UV C AND 280 nm UV B would be more effective at sterilizing that one which only emits one of those wavelengths or the other wavelength. Therefore, by selecting yet another desired WT filter and associated WT transforming material  23 / 24   n ,  33 / 34   n ,  43 / 44   n ,  53 / 54   n , to be placed in the path of the primary UV radiation  17 , the preferred embodiments  150 - 156  of the present invention would simultaneously provide two ways to damage the fungus, mold, and etcetera rather than just one way. The WT filter and associated WT transforming material  23 / 24   n ,  33 / 34   n ,  43 / 44   n ,  53 / 54   n  can be made such by the user that only a desired percentage of the 254 nm primary radiation  17  UV C will be transformed into 280 nm UV transformed radiation  18   n . The ratio of 254 nm UV to 280 nm UV may be varied as desired by adjusting the amount of the WT transforming material  24   n ,  34   n ,  44   n ,  54   n  in the WT filter  23 ,  33 ,  43 ,  53 . It should be noted that this may be embodied, as previously discussed, by making a plurality of WT filters filter  23 ,  33 ,  43 ,  53  each having its own unique WT transforming materials  24   n ,  34   n ,  44   n ,  54   n  thus enabling the plurality of transformed radiations  18 ,  18   a ,  18   b ,  18   c ,  18   n , while providing visible light for a torch at the same time. 
         [0108]    As previously discussed, in the first mode of operation, if the primary UV source is pure, or substantially pure, the primary UV radiation  17  of these preferred embodiments of the present invention, apparatus  150 - 156 , can also be used for making materials fluoresce. In the second mode of operation however, because the primary radiation  17  also comprises visible light, this would substantially prevent the fluorescent effect from being seen. Therefore, if fluorescing is desired, a purple colored transparent lens cover  40  may be used in place of the clear transparent lens cover  40 . The purple colored transparent lens cover  40  will filter out the visible light component of the primary UV radiation  17  thus enabling the fluorescent effect. i.e. the purple color transparent lens cover  40  acts as a visible light blocking—UV transmitting band pass filter. 
         [0109]    Additionally, with either the clear, or the purple color transparent lens cover  40  in place coupled to the housing  10  integrally filling the exit port  15 , the apparatus  150 - 156  will emit UV C radiation, primary radiation  17 ; and the user may select desired WT filter and associated WT transforming material  23 / 24   n ,  33 / 34   n ,  43 / 44   n ,  53 / 54   n , to be placed in the path of the primary UV radiation  17 , which will further enable the preferred embodiments  150 - 156  of the present invention to selectively emit transformed radiation  18   a ,  18   b ,  18   c , . . .  18   n  which will produce UV B, UV A or any band or blend of UV radiation. The presence of the clear or the purple colored transparent lens cover  40  will control whether visible light is also emitted thus providing a visible light torch function at the same time as the primary UV radiation and/or the transformed radiation  18   n.    
         [0110]    The terms and expressions which have been employed in the foregoing specification are used therein as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention, in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, it being recognized that the scope of the invention is defined and limited only by the claims which follow. It will doubtless be understood to those of ordinary skill in the art that there are other embodiments employing these principles that are not described in detail herein.