Patent Publication Number: US-2022233732-A1

Title: Uv sterilization system and device and related methods

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 16/846,550 filed Apr. 13, 2020, which is a divisional of application Ser. No. 15/898,930 filed Feb. 19, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,058,783, which claims priority to Application No. 62/460,516 filed Feb. 17, 2017, and Application No. 62/460,347 filed Feb. 17, 2017, the entire subject matter of these applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to the field of medical devices, and, more particularly, to sterilization device and related methods. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Health care facilities, such as hospitals, are under increasing financial pressure due to the global economic downturn. The determination of the federal and state payers to reduce health care payments, and the trend of private insurers to move their insured to high deductible plans. Also, government payment strategies now include reductions in payments for failures to achieve certain outcome and quality targets, a move that private insurers are sure to follow. 
     Infection controls is an increasingly important aspect of quality at health care facilities. Several approaches to maintaining the sterile field and sterilizing anything that comes in to contact with patient have been disclosed. For example, health care facilities have instituted rigorous hand washing and sterilization procedures, such as requiring hand sanitizer and hand washing before and after interacting with a patient. 
     As mobile device technology has permeated every aspect of society, in most health care facilities, many personnel carry one or more mobile devices. For example, a user may carry a typical voice communications handset for voice calls, and a tablet/laptop computing device for accessing patient records wirelessly. Of course, since these devices go everywhere the user goes, they accumulate biological contaminants and must be sterilized from time to time. 
     SUMMARY 
     Generally, an ultraviolet (UV) sterilization system comprises a server comprising a processor and memory coupled thereto, and at least one UV sterilization device. The at least one UV sterilization device may comprise a housing defining a cavity therein, and having a door configured to permit access to the cavity, at least one tray carried within the cavity configured to receive at least one device, the at least one device including a radio frequency (RF) identification (ID) tag, and a near field communications (NFC) device configured to communicate with the at least one device when external to the cavity and unlock the door when the at least one device is authorized. The at least one UV sterilization device may comprise at least one UV circuit board assembly (CBA) carried within the cavity adjacent the at least one tray and comprising a plurality of light emitting diode ultraviolet (LED UV) sources configured to irradiate the at least one device with UV radiation, a transceiver configured to communicate with the server, at least one RF transmitter configured to energize the RFID tag, and a controller coupled to the at least one RF transmitter. The controller is configured to identify the at least one device based upon an RF signal from the RFID tag, determine a position and a number of the at least one device based upon the RF signal from the RFID tag, selectively power the at least one UV CBA for disinfecting the at least one device based upon the identification of the at least one device, and send at least one status message to the server. 
     In some embodiments, each tray may comprise a material (e.g. quartz) transparent to UV radiation. The controller may be configured to selectively power the at least one UV CBA when the at least one device is detected on a respective tray. The at least one UV sterilization device may comprise a keypad carried on an external surface of the housing and coupled to the controller, and the controller may be configured to unlock the door based upon a code received from the keypad. 
     The UV sterilization system may further comprise a wireless base station, and the transceiver may comprise a wireless transceiver coupled to the controller and configured to communicate with the wireless base station. The at least one UV sterilization device may comprise a positive air pressure source carried by the housing and configured to create positive air pressure in the cavity when the door is open. The at least one UV CBA may comprise a circuit board carrying the plurality of LED UV sources. 
     Also, the at least one UV sterilization device may comprise a light louver carried by the housing and configured to permit air to flow out of the cavity. The light louver may comprise a plurality of interdigitated arms. The plurality of LED UV sources may be configured to perform 360 degree irradiation of the at least one device. 
     Another aspect is directed to an UV sterilization device comprising a housing defining a cavity therein, and having a door configured to permit access to the cavity. The UV sterilization device also may include at least one tray carried within the cavity and configured to receive at least one device, the at least one device including an RFID tag, and an NFC device configured to communicate with the at least one device when external to the cavity and unlock the door when the at least one device is authorized, and at least one UV CBA carried within the cavity adjacent the at least one tray and comprising a plurality of LED UV sources configured to irradiate the at least one device with UV radiation. The UV sterilization device also may include at least one RF transmitter configured to energize the RFID tag, and a controller coupled to the at least one RF transmitter. The controller may be configured to identify the at least one device based upon an RF signal from the RFID tag, determine a position and a number of the at least one device based upon the RF signal from the RFID tag, and selectively power the at least one UV CBA for disinfecting the at least one device based upon the identification of the at least one device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1-3  are schematic diagrams of varying embodiments of the UV sterilization system, according to the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 4-5  are diagrams of illustrating structure of the UV sterilization system, according to the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 6 and 7  are perspective front and back views of a UV sterilization device, according to the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is a front elevational view of the UV sterilization device of  FIGS. 6-7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a partial front perspective view of the UV sterilization device of  FIGS. 6-7  with the door removed. 
         FIG. 10  is a section view of the UV sterilization device of  FIGS. 6-7 . 
         FIGS. 11-13  are perspective and top plan elevational views of UB circuit boards from the UV sterilization device of  FIGS. 6-7 . 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a UV CBA from the UV sterilization device of  FIGS. 6-7 . 
         FIG. 15  is a section view of a light louver from the UV sterilization device of  FIGS. 6-7 . 
         FIG. 16  is a partial front elevational view of the UV sterilization device of  FIGS. 6-7 . 
         FIG. 17  is a back plant elevational view of the UV sterilization device of  FIGS. 6-7 . 
         FIGS. 18-19  are partial front perspective views of the UV sterilization device of  FIGS. 6-7 . 
         FIGS. 20A-20B  are top plan elevational views of UB circuit boards from the UV sterilization device of  FIGS. 6-7 . 
         FIGS. 21-22  are a flowchart for operation of the UV sterilization device of  FIGS. 6-7 . 
         FIGS. 23-24  are flowcharts for operation of the UV sterilization device of  FIGS. 6-7 . 
         FIG. 25  is a schematic diagram of a UV sterilization device, according to the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 26  is a schematic diagram of a UV sterilization device, according to the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 27  is a diagram showing UV LED aging in an embodiment of the UV sterilization device, according to the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 28A-28M  are images of circuit board layers for the backplane CBA in the UV sterilization device of  FIGS. 6-7 . 
         FIGS. 29A-29I  are images of circuit board layers for the display in the UV sterilization device of  FIGS. 6-7 . 
         FIGS. 30A-30B  are images of circuit board layers for the UV CBAs in the UV sterilization device of  FIGS. 6-7 . 
         FIGS. 31-33F  are circuit diagrams for the controller in an embodiment of the UV sterilization device, according to the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 34A-34C  are a circuit diagram for power for the controller in an embodiment of the UV sterilization device, according to the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 35A-35C  are a circuit diagram for the Ethernet connection in an embodiment of the UV sterilization device, according to the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 36A-36B  are a circuit diagram for the power supplies in an embodiment of the UV sterilization device, according to the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 37  is a circuit diagram for the detector circuits in an embodiment of the UV sterilization device, according to the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 38A-38C  are a circuit diagram for the RFID detection in an embodiment of the UV sterilization device, according to the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 39A-39F  are a circuit diagram for the UV LED drivers in an embodiment of the UV sterilization device, according to the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 40  is a circuit diagram for the wireless transceiver in an embodiment of the UV sterilization device, according to the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 41  is a schematic diagram for the flexible connector for the display in an embodiment of the UV sterilization device, according to the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 42A-42C  are schematic diagrams for the antenna and coaxial connector in an embodiment of the UV sterilization device, according to the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 43  is several views of the wireless transceiver in an embodiment of the UV sterilization device, according to the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 44A-44B  are schematic diagrams for the antenna and coaxial connector in an embodiment of the UV sterilization device, according to the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 45  is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the UV sterilization system, according to the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which several embodiments of the invention are shown. This present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and base  100  reference numerals are used to indicate similar elements in alternative embodiments. 
     Referring initially to  FIGS. 1 and 6-20B , a UV sterilization system  100  according to the present disclosure is now described. The UV sterilization system  100  illustratively includes a server  111  comprising a processor and memory coupled thereto, and a plurality of UV sterilization devices  101   a - 101   d.    
     In this illustrated embodiment, the server  111  illustratively includes a support/maintenance provider  109  coupled to the Internet  105 , a ticket system  110  coupled to the support/maintenance provider, a support portal  108 , a firewall  107  coupled between the Internet and the support portal, a hospital firewall  106  coupled to the Internet, a router  104  coupled to the hospital firewall, a switch  103  coupled to the router, a wireless base station  102  coupled to the switch, and the plurality of UV sterilization devices  101   a - 101   d  coupled to one or more of the switch or the wireless base station. In other embodiments, the server  111  may be coupled to a local area network, serving only local clients. 
     Each UV sterilization device  101   a - 101   d  illustratively includes a housing  120  defining a cavity therein, and having a door  121  configured to permit access to the cavity. Each UV sterilization device  101   a - 101   d  illustratively includes a plurality of trays  131   a - 131   d  carried within the cavity, each tray configured to receive at least one mobile wireless communications device. 
     Each UV sterilization device  101   a - 101   d  illustratively includes a plurality of UV CBAs  125   a - 125   d  carried within the cavity respectively adjacent the plurality of trays  131   a - 131   d . Each UV CBA  125   a - 125   d  illustratively includes a plurality of LED UV sources  135   a - 1351 ,  139   a - 139   e  configured to irradiate the at least one mobile wireless communications device with UV radiation. Each of the plurality of trays  131   a - 131   d  comprises a plurality of device bays for receiving devices of varying sizes and configurations (e.g. cell phones, tablets, laptops). As will be appreciated, the UV irradiation eliminates microbial contamination on the at least one mobile wireless communications device, i.e. effecting a disinfection or sanitizing process. 
     Each UV sterilization device  101   a - 101   d  illustratively includes a transceiver (e.g. WiFi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, cellular)  153  configured to communicate with the server  111 , and a controller  144  configured to selectively power at least one of the plurality of UV CBAs  125   a - 125   d  for disinfecting the at least one mobile wireless communications device, and send at least one status message to the server. The server  111  is configured to contact respective users via e-mail or short message service (SMS) messages when needed. Advantageously, the UV sterilization device  101   a - 101   d  is more power efficient since unused trays  131   a - 131   d  are not irradiated. 
     Each tray  131   a - 131   d  comprises a material transparent to UV radiation. For example, the material comprises quartz. Indeed, since the plurality of LED UV sources  135   a - 1351  have a narrow emission spectrum, the material need only be transparent to the emission spectrum and not the entire UV band. Helpfully, since there are no UV shadows on the device, this permits for 360 degree irradiation of the at least one mobile wireless communications device. 
     The server  111  is be configured to provide a web interface portal for accessing respective status information for the plurality of UV sterilization devices  101   a - 101   d . The at least one mobile wireless communications device includes an RFID tag. The UV sterilization device  101   a - 101   d  illustratively includes an RF transmitter (e.g. an ultra high frequency (UHF) transmitter)  115  coupled to the controller  144  and configured to energize the RFID tag. The controller  144  is configured to identify the at least one mobile wireless communications device based upon an RF signal from the RFID tag. The controller  144  is configured to selectively power the at least one of the plurality of UV CBAs  125   a - 125   d  when the at least one mobile wireless communications device is detected on a respective tray. In these embodiments, each mobile wireless communications device would have a passive RFID tag, for example, an adhesive backed RFID tag. 
     Advantageously, the RF transmitter  115  is configured to operate in a closed loop system, and segregates device bays in each tray  131   a - 13   d  into an RF zone to solve for device orientation and placement. In fact, some embodiments may include a plurality of RF transmitters, which are activated in sequence based upon the detected placement and number of mobile wireless communications devices within the cavity. In these embodiments, the plurality of RF transmitters may operate with circular polarization. 
     Also, this identification feature permits the UV sterilization device  101   a - 101   d  to maintain an accurate real-time inventory of the mobile wireless communications devices within the plurality of trays  131   a - 13   d . This may aid in providing for reduction of device theft and loss. Further, the disinfection status and frequency of each mobile wireless communications device is monitored and reported back to the server  111 . 
     The UV sterilization device  101   a - 101   d  may further comprise a keypad carried on an external surface of the housing  120  and coupled to the controller  144 . The controller  144  is configured to unlock the door  121  based upon a code received from the keypad. Since each user has a unique code to open the door  121 , the UV sterilization device  101   a - 101   d  can keep track of which user opened the door and verify the proper device was removed. Indeed, if the wrong device is removed, the UV sterilization device  101   a - 101   d  may cause the server  111  to send a notification to the user. 
     In other embodiments, the UV sterilization device  101   a - 101   d  may further comprise a near field communications (NFC) device configured to communicate with the mobile wireless communications device. Helpfully, the NFC device would be accessible from the exterior of the UV sterilization device  101   a - 101   d  and permit the user to tap the mobile wireless communications device for access. In other words, the UV sterilization device  101   a - 101   d  may identify the mobile wireless device and open the door  121  when the NFC device detects an authorized device. 
     The UV sterilization device  101   a - 101   d  may further comprise a charging port (e.g. universal serial bus) carried within the cavity and configured to charge the at least one mobile wireless communications device. Also, in the cavity, the housing  120  comprises a plurality of cable management devices for reducing potential UV shadow of charging cables. 
     Helpfully, the UV sterilization device  101   a - 101   d  use of LED UV light sources creates less waste infrared (IR), i.e. heat, energy, keeping the at least one mobile wireless communications device at a lower temperature during the disinfection process. In prior approaches that used incandescent UV sources, the at least one mobile wireless communications device would be heated with waste IR energy, making simultaneous charging undesirable or impossible. 
     The housing  120  comprises opposing front and back sides, the front side defining the door  121 . The UV sterilization device  101   a - 101   d  may further comprise a backplane CBA  130  carried by the back side and configured to receive and power the plurality of UV CBAs  125   a - 125   d . In fact, the plurality of UV CBAs  125   a - 125   d  are readily removable and coupled to the backplane CBA via a slot connection. In the illustrated embodiment, each UV CBAs  125   a - 125   d  illustratively includes a circuit board  134 ,  137  comprising a connector tab  136 ,  138  to be received by respective slots in the backplane CBA  130 , and a carrying housing  141  coupled to the circuit board. The carrying housing  141  illustratively includes side edges to be received by the slots within the sides of the cavity of the housing  120 . 
     The UV sterilization device  101   a - 101   d  illustratively includes a positive air pressure source  126  (e.g. an electrical fan) carried by the housing and configured to create positive air pressure in the cavity when the door  121  is open. Helpfully, this causes an outflow of air when the door  121  is open and prevents particulate contaminants from entering the cavity, which can cause UV micro-shadowing during the disinfection process. In some embodiments, the positive air pressure source  126  illustratively includes an air filter (e.g. HEPA filter) to filter incoming air, preventing unintended ingestion of particulate matter from the positive air pressure source. In some embodiments, the housing  120  comprises a plurality of adjustable feet on a bottom exterior surface. 
     The UV sterilization device  101   a - 101   d  may further comprise a sensor (e.g. Hall effect sensor) coupled to the controller  144  and configured to detect a state of the door  121 . Accordingly, when the door  121  is opened, the controller sends a status update to the server  111 . The UV sterilization device  101   a - 101   d  illustratively includes a latch  133 , and an electromechanical solenoid  132  cooperating therewith and coupled to the controller  144 . The electromechanical solenoid  132  is configured secured the door  121 . In embodiments where the UV sterilization device  101   a - 101   d  has a keypad for coded entry, the controller  144  would include a user identifier in the status message, and would activate the solenoid  132  to open the door  121 . In these embodiments, the door  121  is biased to open outward with a spring, for example. In some embodiments, the controller  144  may activate a sound indicator to alert a user to when the door  121  is open for a period greater than a set timeout period. In some embodiments, the door  121  may be totally automated and motorized to open and close. 
     The UV sterilization device  101   a - 101   d  may further comprise a data communications bus coupled to the controller  144 , and a plurality of wired data ports (e.g. Ethernet)  129  coupled to the data communications bus. The UV sterilization device  101   a - 101   d  illustratively includes a display  122  coupled to the controller  144  and configured to present operational indicators to the user. In some embodiments, the keypad may be integrated with the display  122 . The UV sterilization device  101   a - 101   d  illustratively includes a pair of handles  123   a - 123   b  on sides of the housing  120  and configured to permit easy handling. The UV sterilization device  101   a - 101   d  illustratively includes a plurality of indicators  124   a - 124   b  for indicating a charging status for the at least one mobile wireless communications device. As shown, the door  121  illustratively includes a plurality of light conduits coupled to internal indicator LEDs. 
     The UV sterilization device  101   a - 101   d  illustratively includes a wired port  129  (e.g. universal serial bus (USB) B type) configured to permit access to the controller  144  for firmware updates and maintenance, a power connector  128  configured to receive a power cord, and a power switch  127  configured to power toggle the device. The UV sterilization device  101   a - 101   d  illustratively includes a light louver  140  configured to permit air to flow out of cavity, but prevent UV radiation from leaking out. The UV sterilization device  101   a - 101   d  illustratively includes a plurality of wall mount openings  143   a - 143   d  configured to anchor the housing  120  to a wall. 
     The UV sterilization device  101   a - 101   d  illustratively includes an LED driver circuit configured to drive the UV LEDs with a stepped waveform, which provides for a constant operation current and a narrow emission spectrum. This also provides for a long lifespan for the UV LEDs, on the order of 5,000 hours. Moreover, the controller  144  is configured to monitor the wear on the UV LEDs and alert the server  11  when replacement is needed. In particular, the wear on the UV LEDs is based upon a known degradation curve, as show in diagram  900  ( FIG. 27 ). 
     Another aspect is directed to a method for operating a UV sterilization device  101   a - 101   d  including a housing  120  defining a cavity therein, and having a door  121  configured to permit access to the cavity, and a plurality of trays  131   a - 131   d  carried within the cavity, each tray configured to receive at least one mobile wireless communications device. The UV sterilization device  101   a - 101   d  may include a plurality of UV CBAs  125   a - 125   d  carried within the cavity respectively adjacent the plurality of trays, each UV CBA comprising a plurality of LED UV sources  135   a - 1351  configured to irradiate the at least one mobile wireless communications device with UV radiation. The UV sterilization device  101   a - 101   d  may include a controller  144 , and the method may include operating the controller to selectively power at least one of the plurality of UV CBAs  125   a - 125   d  for disinfecting the at least one mobile wireless communications device. 
     Another aspect is directed to a method for operating a UV sterilization system  100  comprising a server  111  comprising a processor and memory coupled thereto, and a plurality of UV sterilization devices  101   a - 101   d . Each UV sterilization device  101   a - 101   d  may include a housing  120  defining a cavity therein, and having a door  121  configured to permit access to the cavity, a plurality of trays  131   a - 131   d  carried within the cavity, each tray configured to receive at least one mobile wireless communications device, and a plurality of UV CBAs  125   a - 125   d  carried within the cavity respectively adjacent the plurality of trays. Each UV CBA  125   a - 125   d  may comprise a plurality of LED UV sources  135   a - 1351  configured to irradiate the at least one mobile wireless communications device with UV radiation. Each UV sterilization device  101   a - 101   d  may comprise a transceiver  153  configured to communicate with the server  111 . The method may include operating a controller  144  to selectively power at least one of the plurality of UV CBAs  125   a - 125   d  for disinfecting the at least one mobile wireless communications device, and send at least one status message to the server  111 . The method may include operating the server  111  to provide a web interface portal for accessing respective status information for the plurality of UV sterilization devices  101   a - 101   d.    
     Advantageously, controller  144  is configured with a custom firmware. This is advantageous in the healthcare facility application for the following reasons. Since prior approaches may leverage existing operating systems (OSs) to cut costs and provide built-in functionality, they are rarely updated once put into use as medical devices, which can lead to critical unpatched vulnerabilities. This may cause security risks to local networks in healthcare facilities. 
     The custom firmware of the controller  144  addresses this issue, yet includes a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) stack to communicate on typical networks. In particular, the controller is configured to perform one-time handshakes with the server  111 , the switch  103 , and/or the wireless base station  102 . The controller is configured to provide for media access control address (MAC address) authentication, so that the handshake occurs only with proper devices. 
     Also, the UV sterilization device  101   a - 101   d  illustratively includes a plurality of image sensors configured to detect a number and location of mobile wireless communications devices placed in the cavity. Advantageously, the controller  144  then activates needed antennas of the RF transmitter  115  to activate the respective RFID tag on the device. For example, the plurality of image sensors may each comprise an RGB color sensor, or a proximity sensor. 
     Referring now additionally to  FIG. 2 , another embodiment of the UV sterilization system  100  is now described. In this embodiment of the UV sterilization system  200 , those elements already discussed above with respect to  FIG. 1  are incremented by 100 and most require no further discussion herein. This embodiment differs from the previous embodiment in that this UV sterilization system  200  illustratively includes the server  211  as a cloud based service provided by Amazon Web Services. The server  211  illustratively includes a public accessible zone  212  providing the web interface, a secured zone  212 , and a firewall  214 . 
     Referring now additionally to  FIG. 3 , another embodiment of the UV sterilization system  100  is now described. In this embodiment of the UV sterilization system  300 , those elements already discussed above with respect to  FIG. 1  are incremented by 200 and most require no further discussion herein. This embodiment differs from the previous embodiment in that this UV sterilization system  300  illustratively includes the server  311  as a virtual private cloud implementation. The server  311  illustratively includes a plurality of modules  315 - 318 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4-5, 21-24 , diagrams  800 ,  805  illustrate structure of example embodiments of the UV sterilization system  100 . Flowcharts  810 ,  840 ,  860 ,  880  show the logic of the controller  144  of the operation of the UV sterilization device  101   a - 101   d.    
     Referring now to  FIG. 25 , the UV sterilization device  101  illustratively includes the RF transmitter  115  coupled to the controller  144 , the solenoid driver circuit  146  coupled to the controller, the wired port  129  coupled to the controller, a terminal port  147  also coupled to the controller, a display  122  coupled to the controller, a door sensor  142  coupled to the controller, and a push button entry  143  coupled to the controller. The UV sterilization device  101  illustratively includes a light driver circuit  151  coupled to the controller  144 , a LED board identification circuit  152  coupled to the controller, a wireless transceiver  153  coupled to the controller, a MAC/serial circuit  154  coupled to the controller, and a device present sensor (e.g. image sensor) coupled to the controller. The UV sterilization device  101  illustratively includes a power supply  149 , and a boost converter circuit  150  coupled between the power supply and the light driver circuit  151 . 
     Referring now additionally to  FIG. 26 , another embodiment of the UV sterilization device  101  is now described. In this embodiment of the UV sterilization device  401 , those elements already discussed above with respect to  FIG. 25  are incremented by 300 and most require no further discussion herein. This embodiment differs from the previous embodiment in that this UV sterilization device  401  illustratively includes first and second boost converters  450   a - 450   b.    
     Referring to  FIGS. 28A-28M , patterns for circuit board layers for the backplane CBA  130  in the UV sterilization device  101   a - 101   d  are shown. Referring to  FIGS. 29A-29I , patterns for circuit board layers for the display in the UV sterilization device  101   a - 101   d  are shown. Referring to  FIGS. 30A-30B , patterns for circuit board layers for the UV CBAs  125   a - 125   d  in the UV sterilization device  101   a - 101   d  are shown. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 31-40 , circuit diagrams  905 ,  910 ,  915 ,  920 ,  925 ,  930 ,  935 ,  940 ,  945 ,  950  illustrate several components from the UV sterilization device  101   a - 101   d . Referring now to  FIGS. 41-44B , diagrams  955 ,  960 ,  965 ,  970 ,  975  illustrate several components from the UV sterilization device  101   a - 101   d.    
     Referring now additionally to  FIG. 45 , another embodiment of the UV sterilization system  100  is now described. In this embodiment of the UV sterilization system  1000 , those elements already discussed above with respect to  FIG. 1  are incremented by 900 and most require no further discussion herein. This embodiment differs from the previous embodiment in that this UV sterilization system  1000  illustratively includes the server  1011  having a memory  1059 , and a processor  1060  coupled thereto, and the UV sterilization device  1001   a  having a controller  1044 , and a memory  1055  coupled thereto. The UV sterilization system  1000  illustratively includes a mobile wireless communications device  1056  having an RF ID tag  1057  therein, and a remote terminal  1058  communication with the server  1011 . 
     Many modifications and other embodiments of the present disclosure will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is understood that the present disclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.