Patent Publication Number: US-2010108917-A1

Title: Ultraviolet light sanitizing method and apparatus

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present application relates to microbes, and more particularly, to a system for disinfecting the entire surface area of an object using ultraviolet light and a surface capable of passing the ultraviolet light therethrough. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Each year, thousands of children and adults get sick as a result of contaminated food. Microbes gain access to food virtually at any stage of the food&#39;s manufacture, from harvest of the raw materials through post-harvest storage, processing, and distribution. Good practice through the food chain from raw material to finished product is intended to ensure that the food that reaches the consumer is wholesome and above all, safe to eat, yet outbreaks of illnesses attributable to food-borne pathogenic microbes still arise, implying microbial contamination at some link in the chain before the food reaches the consumer. 
     Cooking sterilizes food using heat to kill the microbes. In general applications of heat, water with the temperature of about 74° C. (165° F.) or higher sterilize the food. Nonetheless, food often becomes contaminated thereafter causing sickness and possibly, death to those who are more susceptible to food poising, such as the very young or old, or those whose immune system is already compromised. 
     Ordinary utensils, bottles, and everyday items coming in contact with those susceptible to illness may also retain microbes making them sick and possibly, even causing death. Heat and chemicals often provide the best option to sterilize these items. Nonetheless, using these results in releasing harmful environmental pollutants into the air. 
     DISCLOSURE OF THE APPLICATION 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that is further described below in the DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE APPLICATION. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     In accordance with one aspect of the present application, a disinfection unit is presented. The disinfection unit includes at least one ultraviolet light source producing ultraviolet light for disinfecting an item. In addition, the disinfection unit includes a cavity housing the ultraviolet light source, the cavity having a reflective interior for redirecting the ultraviolet light produced by the at least one ultraviolet light source. Furthermore, the disinfection unit includes a shelf positioned above a bottom portion of the cavity to support the item, the shelf capable of passing light produced by the at least one ultraviolet light source therethrough to disinfect an entire surface area of the item. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present application, a system for sterilizing an item is presented. The system includes a chamber and a light source located within the chamber. In addition, the system includes a member positioned within the chamber to allow ultraviolet light produced from the light source to disinfect an entire surface area of the item by allowing the ultraviolet light to pass through. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the present application, a method is presented. The method includes placing an item on a surface within a chamber having reflective walls. In addition, the method includes applying ultraviolet light from a single light source to the item, wherein the ultraviolet light directly strikes the item and further, indirectly strikes the item through the surface or redirected off the chamber walls allowing the ultraviolet light to strike the item at three hundred sixty degrees using the single light source. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S) 
       For a better understanding of the present application, reference is made to the below-referenced accompanying Drawing(s). Reference numbers refer to the same or equivalent parts of the present application throughout the several figures of the Drawing(s). 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram showing a side elevated view of an exemplary disinfection unit having a rectangular box configuration in accordance with one aspect of the present application; 
         FIG. 2  is an illustration showing a front view of the exemplary disinfection unit having the rectangular box configuration in accordance with one aspect of the present application; 
         FIG. 3  depicts exemplary placements of illustrative ultraviolet light sources within the rectangular box configuration in accordance with one aspect of the present application; 
         FIG. 4  shows typical paths taken by ultraviolet light produced from the ultraviolet light sources within the rectangular box configuration in accordance with one aspect of the present application; 
         FIG. 5  is an illustration showing a front view of an exemplary disinfection unit having a spherical configuration in accordance with one aspect of the present application; 
         FIG. 6  depicts exemplary placement of an illustrative ultraviolet light source within the spherical configuration in accordance with one aspect of the present application; and 
         FIG. 7  shows typical paths taken by ultraviolet light produced from the ultraviolet light sources within the spherical configuration in accordance with one aspect of the present application. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE APPLICATION 
     The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently-preferred embodiments of the application and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present application may be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the application in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of this application. 
     Generally described, the present application relates to an apparatus for microbial decontamination. More specifically, the present application relates to a disinfecting unit having a member allowing ultraviolet light to pass through, the ultraviolet light capable of striking an item placed on the member at three hundred sixty degrees around the item. As a result, the ultraviolet light disinfects or sterilizes the entire surface area of the item. In an illustrative embodiment, an item is placed on a surface within a chamber having reflective walls. A single ultraviolet light source, placed within the chamber, generates ultraviolet light capable of striking the entire surface area of the item either directly or indirectly. Light not only strikes the item directly, but can pass through the transparent glass surface and strike the item. Furthermore, the reflective walls of the chamber redirect any ultraviolet light into the item, thus disinfecting or sterilizing the entire surface area of the item. The disinfecting unit provides an attractive alternative to radiation or pasteurization. 
     Central to the disinfecting unit is the shelf, member, or surface providing support for the item. While shelf, member, or surface are described through out this application, one skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that such terms may be interchangeable together or with other terms representing the same concept. 
     While the term “item” is described generally throughout this application, item can refer to, but is not limited to, food, clothes, surgical tools, baby bottle tops, hairbrushes, etc. Depending on the size of the disinfecting unit itself, a variety of different types of items can be placed within the disinfecting unit. Furthermore, more than one item can typically be placed within the unit, the unit still capable of disinfecting or sterilizing the entire surface area of the item. Most items can be placed within the numerous embodiments and aspects described throughout this application. 
     In addition, the term cavity may be interchangeably used with the term chamber. Also, the terms disinfecting unit may also be referred to as system through the application. One skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that there are numerous terms that may be exchanged and as such, this application is not limited to those terms. 
     Ultraviolet light is useful for sterilizing and disinfecting surfaces. Ultraviolet light, having a wavelength sufficient to break down microbes, can be used in a variety of applications, such as food, air, and water purification. Effectively, the ultraviolet light destroys the nucleic acids in the microbes so that their DNA is disrupted by the ultraviolet light radiation, which is a form of ionizing radiation, removing their reproductive capabilities and killing them. 
     Dependent on the source of ultraviolet light, disinfecting or sterilizing times may vary. In one embodiment, items are exposed to ultraviolet radiation from about one to thirty seconds. In other embodiments, items are radiated with the ultraviolet light from about thirty seconds to the time needed to disinfect item(s). Exposing items to such conditions generates little or no increase in temperature of the item. 
     Ultraviolet light having wavelengths from about one hundred nanometers to about four hundred nanometers are typically used in this application. It has been found that these wavelengths effectively eliminate microbes on the entire surface area of the item. More preferably, however, ultraviolet light having wavelengths of about two hundred fifty three point seven nanometers have been used to eliminate microbes. One skilled in the relevant art can appreciate that many different types of light may be used to effectively eliminate microbes and the application, as presented, is not limited to the use of ultraviolet light. 
     To effectively eliminate microbes on an item, multiple configurations of using ultraviolet light are presented. The embodiments presented in this application allow for the ultraviolet light source to strike the item around three hundred sixty degrees thereby completely removing microbes or other infectious germs from the entire surface area of the item.  FIG. 1  is a diagram showing a side elevated view of an exemplary disinfection unit  100  having a rectangular box configuration in accordance with one aspect of the present application. Disinfection unit  100  can have a bubble top for a more sleek style or any other shape thereof. 
     Front panel  102  provided on the face of disinfection unit  100  allows the user to view, select, and enter in a variety of options. Such options can include a clock, time of ultraviolet light exposure, clear function, enter function, and numerical digits for entering in the time for ultraviolet exposure. Front panel  102  can use a computer system that takes the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment containing both hardware and software elements. In one embodiment, the computer system is implemented in software, which includes but is not limited to firmware, resident software, microcode, etc. 
     Continuing with  FIG. 1 , enclosed within disinfection unit  100  is cavity  108 . Cavity  108  houses item  106 . While a circular opening to cavity  108  is provided, the opening may come in a variety of different forms allowing item  106  to be inserted into the disinfection unit  100 . This may include, but is not limited to, a square, rectangle, or any other type of shape. Provided on the opening to cavity  108  may be a rubber seal for preventing ultraviolet light from escaping cavity  108 . 
     Disinfection unit  100  also contains shelf  104 . To provide three hundred sixty degrees of exposure to item  106  from the ultraviolet light, shelf  104  is can be made of glass, but can be made of a variety of other materials. Shelf  104  is generally made of materials capable of passing and not affecting ultraviolet light. Shelf  104  can generally be made of quartz, Teflon AF, or Teflon FEP. Furthermore, shelf  104  can be made of soft glass. Each of these materials allow ultraviolet to pass therethrough without interfering or altering the ultraviolet light. While preferred embodiments have been disclosed, shelf  104  may incorporate other materials that allow ultraviolet light to pass through. 
     Although a single shelf  104  is provided for in  FIG. 1 , multiple shelves may be incorporated within cavity  108 . These shelves  104  may be stacked on one another or some combination thereof. Alternatively, walls made of the same material as shelf  104  along with the shelves  104  can be used to separate items  106  by forming cubicles within cavity  108 . Separate items  106  can be stored in different cubicles as each item  106  may require different treatment times. As such, shelves  104  may be placed horizontally and walls may be placed vertically in any combination thereof. 
     To expose item  106  from every angle, item  106  is placed on top of shelf  104  allowing the underside of item  106  to be exposed to ultraviolet light. Shelf  104 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , is typically placed above a bottom portion of the cavity. Shelf  104  can support item  104  and be supported by bracings on the side of cavity  108 . Alternatively, shelf  104  can be supported through other means including support from the bottom of cavity  108  or on top of cavity  108 . 
     Shelf  104  can also be rotated within cavity  108 . Through rotation, item  106  can be displaced relative to cavity  108 , preferably substantially radially or substantially arcuately, so as to expose contact points on the item  106  to ultraviolet radiation. Rotation and displacement not only helps to eliminate untreated areas, but also help to make the treatment more uniform across the entire surface area of item  106 , helping to reduce the required treatment times. 
     A front view of exemplary disinfection unit  100  having the rectangular box configuration is depicted in  FIG. 2 . In preferred embodiments, door  202  coupled to disinfection unit  100  can be used to close and open disinfection unit  100  preventing ultraviolet light from escaping or exiting cavity  108 . In the rectangular box configuration, the interior surface of door  202  that is exposed to the cavity of disinfection unit  100  is typically flat. 
     Typically, items  106  are placed within cavity  108  and door  202  is shut to prevent ultraviolet light from escaping disinfection unit  100 . Alternatively, disinfection unit  100  does not include door  202 . In this embodiment, items  106  can be transported in and out of the disinfection unit  100  using an automated process. This automated process can include a conveyer belt made of the same glass as shelf  104 . 
     Preferred dimensions of disinfection unit  100  have a depth of fourteen inches, a height of eleven point ninety-nine inches, and a width of twenty-one point thirty-five inches. These dimensions are exemplary and do not limit the scope of the application. One skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that different types of dimensions may exist for disinfection unit  100 . 
     To create cavity  108 , bottom wall b, top wall t, left side wall l, right side wall r, back wall z, and a wall connected to door  202 , not shown, are used to form a rectangular box configuration. Each wall is planar and coupled to at least another wall with the exception of the wall connected to door  202 . Bottom wall b has edges  320 ,  322 ,  324 , and  326 . Edge  320  is coupled to left side wall l. Edge  322  is coupled to back wall z. Edge  324  is coupled to right side wall r. When sealed, edge  326  is coupled to the wall connected to door  202 . 
     Top wall t has edges  328 ,  330 ,  332 , and  334 . Edge  328  is coupled to back wall z. Edge  330  is coupled to right side wall r. When sealed, edge  332  is coupled to the wall connected to door  202 . Edge  334  is coupled to left side wall l. Back wall z has edges  322 ,  328 ,  336 , and  338 . Edge  322  is coupled to bottom wall b. Edge  328  is coupled to top wall t. Edge  336  is coupled to right side wall r. Edge  338  is coupled to left side wall l. Right side wall r has edges  324 ,  330 ,  336 , and  340 . Edge  324  is coupled to bottom wall b. Edge  330  is coupled to top wall t. Edge  336  is coupled to back wall z. When sealed, edge  340  is coupled to the wall connected to door  202 . 
     Left side wall l has edges  320 ,  334 ,  338 , and  342 . Edge  320  is coupled to bottom wall b. Edge  334  is coupled to top wall t. Edge  338  is coupled to back wall z. When sealed, edge  342  is coupled to the wall connected to door  202 . The wall connected to door  202 , when sealed, has edges  326 ,  332 ,  340 , and  342 . Edge  326  is coupled to bottom wall b. Edge  332  is coupled to top wall t. Edge  340  is coupled to right side wall r. Edge  342  is coupled to left side wall l. 
     Continuing with  FIG. 3 , shelf  104  is placed above bottom wall b allowing ultraviolet light to strike items  106  that are placed on shelf  104 . While shelf  104  extends from left side wall l to right side wall r, this is not limiting. As such, shelf  104  may be supported by bottom wall b, back wall z, or even top wall t. 
     Cavity  108  also includes at least one ultraviolet light source  302 . Placement of ultraviolet light sources  302  within cavity  108  may vary and are not limited to the positions described herein. As depicted in  FIG. 3 , one ultraviolet light source  302  is coupled to top wall t, while another ultraviolet light source  302  is coupled to bottom wall b. One skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that the larger the number of ultraviolet light sources  302  used, the more energy required. 
     Each wall of cavity  108  can include reflective material to redirect ultraviolet light from ultraviolet light sources  302 . The reflective material can be made of a thin polished layer of metal, such as aluminum, which is deposited on glass substrates. Metals used determine the reflective characteristics. Aluminum is typically the cheapest and most common reflective material. Other reflective materials may include, but are not limited to, silver and gold. Silver, which has a reflectivity of about ninety-five percent to about ninety-nine percent can reflect ultraviolet spectral regions. Gold, which has a reflectivity of about ninety-eight percent to about ninety-nine percent, can reflect light which has wavelengths below five hundred and fifty nanometers. Increasing and decreasing the density and thickness of the metals used also determines the reflectivity of the walls. Preferably, the metals are grounded. 
     In other embodiments of the present application, non-reflective walls may be used within cavity  108 . Typically, this embodiment would require a plurality of light sources in order for the entire surface area of item  106  to be exposed to ultraviolet light. Still yet, some of the walls will allow light to pass through, while others do not. 
     Instead of using reflective metals as described above, reflective coatings can be placed on the walls. In exemplary embodiments, dielectric coatings having a different refractive index to the substrate may be used. Dielectric coatings can include magnesium fluoride, calcium fluoride, and various metal oxides, which are deposited onto a substrate. By carefully choosing the exact composition, thickness, and number of layers, reflectivity and transmitivity of the coating can produce any desired characteristic. 
     Through the dielectric coatings, reflectivity can be increased to greater than ninety-nine point ninety-nine percent producing a high-reflector coating. The level of reflectivity can also be tuned to any particular value, for instance to produce a mirror that reflects ninety percent and transmits ten percent of the light that falls on it, over some range of wavelengths. 
     Multiple implementations of producing reflective walls for disinfecting unit  100  can be used and as such, is not limited to the discussion presented above. Furthermore, ultraviolet sources  302  may be shaped and formed in many different ways. Still yet, ultraviolet light sources  302  may be embedded into the walls or rise above the walls. Thus, the ultraviolet light sources  302  may come in a variety of different shapes, sizes, and placed in a variety of locations with cavity  108 . 
     Typical paths taken by ultraviolet light produced from the ultraviolet light sources  302  within the rectangular box configuration of cavity  108  are shown in accordance with one aspect of the present application depicted-in  FIG. 4 . While the ultraviolet light is depicted in beams, ultraviolet light is understood to contain properties of both waves and particles. The beams can directly strike item  106 . In addition, the beams can strike item  106  through the transparent glass surface  104  or be redirected off the cavity  108  walls allowing the ultraviolet light to eventually strike item  106 . Through the combination of glass surface  104  and the walls, item  106  can be hit with ultraviolet light at three hundred sixty degrees using a single ultraviolet light source  302 . For purposes of illustration, three separate beams  402 ,  404 , and  406  will be followed within cavity  108  of disinfecting unit  100 . 
     In one illustrative beam, beam  402  begins at the middle ultraviolet light source  302  coupled to bottom wall b of cavity  108 . Beam  402  is projected towards glass  104 . When beam  402  reaches glass  104 , beam  402  goes through glass  104  as if glass  104  was transparent. Because of the chemical properties of glass  104 , beam  402  is only slightly or not affected in any manner. 
     Thereafter, beam  402  hits or strikes left side wall l. Left side wall l redirects beam  402  based on the incoming angle and reflects beam  402  towards top wall t. Because item  106  has not been reached, beam  402  is again redirected off top wall t towards right side wall r. Beam  402  continues to be redirected off the walls and through glass  104  until beam  402  finally strikes the surface of item  106 . 
     Exemplary beam  404  begins at the left ultraviolet light source  302  coupled to bottom wall b of cavity  108 . Beam  404  is projected towards glass  104 . When beam  402  reaches glass  104 , beam  402  goes through glass  104  striking a bottom portion of item  106 . Through similar directed beams, the bottom portion of the entire item  106  can receive ultraviolet light from ultraviolet light source  302 . 
     Illustrative beam  406  begins from ultraviolet light source  302  coupled to top wall t of cavity  108 . Beam  406  is projected towards item  106 . Thereafter, beam  406  directly strikes item  106 . Beams can also be redirected or reflected of back wall z and the wall on door  202 . Through exemplary beam  402 , beam  404 , and beam  406  light can strike item  106  three hundred sixty degrees thereby disinfecting or sterilizing the entire surface area of item  106 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, a single ultraviolet light source  302  is used taking advantage of the reflective walls and glass shelf  104 . This greatly lowers the cost as it reduces the hardwiring needed to operate multiple ultraviolet light sources  302 . Furthermore, the costs can be realized when only one ultraviolet light source  302  needs to be replaced. 
     Through this configuration, items  106  may also be scattered along glass shelf  104  and do not have to be directly placed within the middle. The combination of glass shelf  104  and the reflective side walls allow for items to be struck around three hundred sixty degrees even though items  106  are not placed within the middle. 
     In alternative embodiments, a front view of an exemplary disinfection unit  100  having a spherical configuration in accordance with one aspect of the present application is depicted in  FIG. 5 . Similar to the previous FIGURES, disinfection unit  100  includes cavity  108  for placing item  106  on top of shelf  104 . In addition, disinfection unit  100  contains front panel  102  allowing the user to view, select, and enter in a variety of options. Unlike the previous FIGURES, however, disinfection unit  100  includes door  202  having a round interior portion. When closed, and as shown below, the door creates a spherical configuration for cavity  108 . 
       FIG. 6  depicts exemplary placements of illustrative ultraviolet light sources  302  within the spherical configuration of cavity  108  in accordance with one aspect of the present application. Again, item  106  can be placed anywhere on top of glass shelf  104 , the glass shelf  104  positioned above the bottom of cavity  108 . Furthermore, while not shown, a single light source  302  can be used to disinfect or sterilize the entire surface area of item  106 . 
       FIG. 7  shows typical paths taken by ultraviolet light produced from the ultraviolet light source  302  within the spherical configuration in accordance with one aspect of the present application. As shown, there are no walls and the interior of cavity  108  is rounded creating a spherical configuration. The spherical configuration, as will be shown below, redirects each beam of light to the center making this embodiment more practical for items  106  to be placed on the center of shelf  104 . 
     For purposes of illustration, three separate beams  702 ,  704 , and  706  will be followed within the cavity  108  of disinfecting unit  100 . Beam  702  begins at ultraviolet light source  302  coupled to the top of cavity  108 . Thereafter, beam  702  directly strikes item  106 . 
     Beams may also indirectly strike item  106 . Exemplary beam  704  begins at ultraviolet light source  302  coupled to the top of cavity  108 . Beam  704  is projected toward the left side of cavity  108 . Cavity  108  redirects beam  704  towards shelf  104 . Because shelf  104  is transparent to the ultraviolet light, beam  704  passes through shelf  104  and strikes the bottom of cavity  108 . Beam  704  is redirected again through glass  104 , shelf  104  passing beam  704  and allowing beam  704  to strike the bottom portion of item  106 . 
     In another illustration, beam  706  is projected at shelf  104 . Shelf  104  passes beam  706  allowing beam  706  to strike the bottom portion of cavity  108 . Thereafter, beam  706  is redirected toward the other bottom portion of cavity  108 . Beam  706  is then redirected upwards towards shelf  104 . Beam  706 , after passing through shelf  104  for the second time, strikes the side of item  106 . As a result of the plurality of beams, it can be shown that items  106  placed in the center of cavity  108  are more likely to be struck by the beams in a spherical configuration. 
     While only a rectangular box configuration and spherical configuration are presented, one skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that cavity  108  of disinfecting unit  100  may include multiple shapes and is not limited to those presented above. For example, cavity  108  may come in a box, columnar, oblong, irregular, or any other shape to disinfect and sterilize items  106 . 
     Furthermore, ultraviolet light sources  302  can be placed throughout the cavity  108  at many different locations. Because of the reflectivity of cavity  108  and the transparency of shelf  104 , the ultraviolet light produced by the ultraviolet light sources  302  will eventually strike item  106  within cavity  108 . 
     Ultraviolet light sources  302  can also be interchanged to provide additional types of radiation to item  106 . Each source  302  can typically be snapped on and off from cavity  108 . As recited above, ultraviolet light sources  302  can produce light having wavelengths from about one hundred nanometers to about four hundred nanometers. More preferably, however, ultraviolet light having wavelengths of about two hundred and fifty three point seven nanometers have been used to eliminate microbes. In alternative embodiments, pulsating ultraviolet light sources  302  may be used. Experiments have shown that pulsating ultraviolet light sources  302  more effectively kill bacteria and other microbes that affect items  106 . In preferred embodiments, ultraviolet light sources  302  can be made from quartz and a material called soft glass. 
     Disinfecting unit  100  can either come by itself or include other elements which may sterilize or provide other features for a user. For example, disinfecting unit  100  can incorporate a microwave in the cavity  108  of disinfecting unit  100 . The microwave would include a dielectric element for heating item  106 . Through the dielectric element, microbes on item  106  would be killed. Important, however, is the fact that the reflective walls or coating cannot be made of any type of metal as the microwaves will bounce back to the dielectric element causing damage to disinfecting unit  100 . Alternatively, disinfecting unit  100  can incorporate a wash down chamber. The wash down chamber would include a cleansing element for removing dirt or other particles on item  106 . One skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that multiple embodiments can be incorporated into disinfecting unit  100 . 
     Furthermore, the basic principles applied in disinfecting unit  100  can be incorporated to other types of devices. One device can include a home countertop disinfection system. This system would have an ultraviolet light source  302  attached to a top portion, the top portion surrounded by reflective walls. The system would thereby be placed over the countertop to disinfect the system. The reflective walls would bounce any ultraviolet light towards the countertop. Alternatively, the system provided above can be applied to any other dirty surface containing microbes or other germs and does not have to be a countertop. 
     In accordance with one aspect of the present application, a disinfection unit  100  is presented. The disinfection unit  100  includes at least one ultraviolet light source  302  producing ultraviolet light for disinfecting an item  106 . In addition, the disinfection unit  100  includes a cavity  108  housing the ultraviolet light source  302 , the cavity  108  having a reflective interior for redirecting the ultraviolet light produced by the at least one ultraviolet light source  302 . Furthermore, the disinfection unit  100  includes a shelf  104  positioned above a bottom portion of the cavity  108  to support the item  106 , the shelf  104  capable of passing light produced by the at least one ultraviolet light source  302  therethrough to disinfect an entire surface area of the item  106 . 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present application, a system  100  for sterilizing an item  106  is presented. The system  100  includes a chamber  108  and a light source located within the chamber  108 . In addition, the system  100  also includes a member  104  positioned within the chamber  108  to allow ultraviolet light produced from the light source  302  to disinfect an entire surface area of the item  106  by allowing the ultraviolet light to pass through. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the present application, a method is presented. The method includes placing an item  106  on a surface  104  within a chamber  108  having reflective walls. In addition, the method includes applying ultraviolet light from a single light source  302  to the item  106 , wherein the ultraviolet light directly strikes the item  106  and further, indirectly strikes the item  106  through the surface  104  or redirected off the chamber walls allowing the ultraviolet light to eventually strike the item  106  three hundred sixty degrees using the single flight source  302 . 
     The foregoing description is provided to enable any person skilled in the relevant art to practice the various embodiments described herein. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the relevant art, and generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown and described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically stated, but rather. “one or more.” All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodiments described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims.