Patent Publication Number: US-2021177012-A1

Title: System and method for a drink sterilization unit

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a non-provisional application which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/946,755 filed on Dec. 11, 2019, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present invention relates to a system and method for using a sterilization unit that is configured to disinfect and sterilize objects. In particular, the sterilization unit disclosed herein in one or more non-limiting embodiments may easily sterilize and disinfect a drink in a safe, sterile environment while the owner of the drink or other beverage is indisposed. The drink sterilization unit may be easily mounted or otherwise located in public or private venues in areas where a user would benefit from having a drink sterilization unit. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many individuals like to purchase and carry their drinks or beverages around with them. If an individual is at a party, a sporting event, a concert, at a dance club, or many other locations or venues, it is common to see people holding their drinks and carrying them around with them, including to the bathroom or to a kitchen area so as not to leave the drink or beverage unattended. The disadvantage with this is that the bathroom that the user is located in or any other location is usually unclean. If the individual with the drink has to put the drink on the floor or even on another commonly used surface, the drink may end up contaminated with bacteria, viruses, germs, or various contaminants that may be end up on one or more surfaces of the drink and that are harmful to the health of the user. Accordingly, there is a need for a sterilization unit that may be used in particular for drinks or beverages for a user to sterilize and disinfect his or her drink. 
     The sterilization unit may also be used with various other objects as well. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments are provided below for a drink sterilization unit that includes a housing that has one or more ultraviolet lights and an interior cavity. The drink sterilization unit may further include a drip tray disposed within the housing and beneath the interior cavity, and one or more doors that are configured to open and close. The one or more doors are configured to provide access or block access to the interior cavity. The housing unit may further include a base, whereby the one or more ultraviolet lights are configured to emit ultraviolet wavelengths in order to disinfect and sterilize the drink or other object when located within the interior cavity. The drink sterilization unit may include one or more selectors for manually opening and closing the doors of the drink sterilization unit. The ultraviolet lights disposed within the sterilization unit may activate automatically after a period of time to disinfect and sterilize the drink or other object. Alternatively, the sterilization unit may include one or more weight or pressure sensors in the drip tray that detect when a drink or object has been placed on the drip tray and is responsive to detecting the presence of the drink or other object on the drip tray, activating the ultraviolet lights. In order to save energy and power, the ultraviolet lights may be programmed to deactivate after a particular amount of time. 
     As an alternative to the drink sterilization unit that may be opened and closed manually by the user, another embodiment is provided for herein whereby the one or more doors of the drink sterilization unit may automatically open and close upon detecting any motion in front of or near the one or more doors. Accordingly, the user may wave their hands in front of or under the drink sterilization unit so that the one or more doors automatically open and the user can simply place the drink or other object inside of the interior cavity and on the drip tray without having to touch the drink sterilization unit, its doors, or another button or selector. Accordingly, the drink sterilization unit may include a microcontroller, a sensor, such as an infrared sensor capable of detecting any motion in front of or near the drink sterilization unit, as well as one or more motors. Accordingly, the use of the sensor and the motors to operate the doors may enable the doors to operate independently of a user&#39;s touch. 
     In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the present description includes a method of using a drink sterilization unit. The method may include activating one or more ultraviolet lights directed at the interior cavity of the drink sterilization unit in order to sterilize and disinfect a drink or other object located within the interior cavity of the drink sterilization unit. After a designated period of time, the one or more ultraviolet lights may be deactivated in order to save energy and power even if the drink or object is still stored within the interior cavity of the drink sterilization unit. The method may further comprise sensing motion in front of or otherwise near the one or more doors of the drink sterilization unit and automatically opening the one or more doors so that the drink or the other object can be placed within the interior cavity of the drink sterilization unit, and then automatically closing the one or more doors after the drink or the other object has been placed within the interior cavity of the drink sterilization unit. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  is a pictorial illustration of a drink sterilization unit in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a pictorial illustration of an exploded view of the drink sterilization unit in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a pictorial illustration of another exploded view of the drink sterilization unit in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a pictorial illustration of another exploded view of the drink sterilization unit showing a closer view of the drip tray and base of the drink sterilization unit in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a pictorial illustration of a schematic for a microcontroller and other connected components in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart of an exemplary method of using the drink sterilization unit in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart of another exemplary method of using the drink sterilization unit in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the Summary above and in this Detailed Description, and the claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features (including method steps) of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally. 
     The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, steps, among others, are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” (or “which comprises”) components A, B, and C can consist of (i.e., contain only) components A, B, and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C but also contain one or more other components. 
     Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), and the method can include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all the defined steps (except where the context excludes that possibility). 
     The term “at least” followed by a number is used herein to denote the start of a range beginning with that number (which may be a range having an upper limit or no upper limit, depending on the variable being defined). For example, “at least 1” means 1 or more than 1. The term “at most” followed by a number is used herein to denote the end of a range ending with that number (which may be a range having 1 or 0 as its lower limit, or a range having no lower limit, depending upon the variable being defined). For example, “at most 4” means 4 or less than 4, and “at most 40%” means 40% or less than 40%. When, in this specification, a range is given as “(a first number) to (a second number)” or “(a first number)−(a second number),” this means a range whose lower limit is the first number and whose upper limit is the second number. For example, 25 to 100 mm means a range whose lower limit is 25 mm and upper limit is 100 mm. 
     Certain terminology and derivations thereof may be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, words such as “upward,” “downward,” “left,” and “right” would refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made unless otherwise stated. Similarly, words such as “inward” and “outward” would refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of a device or area and designated parts thereof. References in the singular tense include the plural, and vice versa, unless otherwise noted. 
     The term “coupled to” as used herein may mean a direct or indirect connection via one or more components. The term “set” as used herein may refer to “one or more.” 
     The present disclosure is generally drawn to various embodiments for a drink sterilization unit. The drink sterilization unit may be particularly suitable for disinfecting and sterilizing a drink or beverage placed within the interior chamber of the drink sterilization unit and kept for safekeeping while a user is indisposed and unable to hold the drink or beverage. The drink sterilization unit, as described in one or more non-limiting embodiments, may include ultraviolet lights that emit ultraviolet wavelengths capable of destroying harmful organisms. The ultraviolet radiation from the one or more ultraviolet lights may help to disinfect and sanitize the surfaces of the drink or beverage from unwanted elements, such as microorganisms, including but not limited to viruses, bacteria, and other germs. Other unwanted contaminants may also be effectively destroyed using the drink sterilization unit described below, including pathogens, molds, and other unwanted contaminants that can be found on the surfaces of the user&#39;s drink that can harm the health of the user. 
     The drink sterilization unit, described below in one or more non-limiting embodiments, is not limited to be used only with drinks or beverages, but may also accommodate any type of other object the user may have, including his or her keys, wallet, phone, glasses, makeup, or any other type of object. Advantageously, in one or more non-limiting embodiments, the drink sterilization unit may include a set of retractable doors that open and close over the interior cavity of the drink sterilization unit where a user&#39;s drink or other object is located. The set of retractable doors may open and close automatically in the embodiment where the drink sterilization unit includes a set of sensors that detect motion in front of or near the drink sterilization unit, which can cause a set of motors to in turn open or close the set of retractable doors of the drink sterilization unit. 
     Alternatively, the user may manually open and close the set of retractable doors and place the drink or other object himself or herself within the interior chamber of the drink sterilization unit. Further, the drink sterilization unit may advantageously be mounted on any wall surface or other surface and located in any type of venue that is convenient. Alternatively, the sterilization unit described below in non-limiting embodiments may be freestanding and portable so as to be carried to different locations. Further details about a drink sterilization unit will be provided with respect to the Figures below. 
       FIG. 1  shows a non-limiting embodiment of a drink sterilization unit  102 . The drink sterilization unit  102  can disinfect and sterilize a user&#39;s drink  104  that may be located and placed within an interior cavity or chamber  112  of the drink sterilization unit  102 . The term “drink sterilization unit” may be interchangeably be referred to herein as “sterilization unit.” Further, the term “drink” as used herein may refer to any type of beverage or beverage container. In the example shown in  FIG. 1 , the drink  104  is a wine glass containing wine or any other liquid. It is noted that drink sterilization unit  102  may be used with any other type of drink container or drink including bottles, cups, holders, or thermoses regardless of what material they are made from. Further, the drink containers may have lids or be open containers, as shown in  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the drink  104  may be placed within the interior cavity or chamber  112  of the sterilization unit  102  in an upright position so as to prevent the liquid contents of the drink  104  from toppling over or spilling. 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded view of a non-limiting embodiment of the drink sterilization unit  102  shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 3  is another exploded view of the drink sterilization unit  102 . In one or more non-limiting embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the sterilization unit  102  includes a top plate or top surface  106  and a base  108 . The base  108  may include one or more plates, such as plate  302 , as well as other components, including electromechanical components such as those shown in  FIGS. 3-5  and as discussed further later on. The base  108  may be removable in one or more embodiments, as is the top plate  106 . 
     The top surface  106  and the base  108  may be coupled to or integrally formed with an outer housing  110  of the sterilization unit  102 . The outer housing  110  of the sterilization unit  102  may fit around or otherwise be coupled to an inner housing assembly, shown as inner housing assembly  202  in  FIG. 2 . In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the front surface of the top plate  106  and the base  108  may have a curved, arcuate shape as shown in  FIGS. 1-2 . Alternatively, in other embodiments, the top plate  106  and base  108  may take on other shapes and configurations. 
     The sterilization unit  102  may include a drip tray, such as drip tray  116  shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 . The drip tray  116  may be a support surface on which the drink  104  or another physical object belonging to the user can be placed. In some embodiments, the drip tray  116  may be removable so that the drip tray  116  can be washed and cleaned regularly. The drip tray  116  may be removable also for easy access to an underlying support plate  117  as shown in  FIG. 2 . The underlying support plate  117  connected to an underside of the drip tray  116  may also function as a protective plate that prevents any liquids in the drink  104  from spilling and harming any electronics stored within an interior area of the base  108  of the sterilization unit  102 . As shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , the drip tray  116  and/or support plate  117  may be located above the base  108  of the sterilization unit  102 . The drip tray  116  and/or support plate  117 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , may be part of the inner housing assembly  202  in one or more non-limiting embodiments. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , the sterilization unit  102  may include a set of retractable doors, such as retractable doors  120 . The set of retractable doors  120  can be a single panel door or may have multiple pieces and components in one or more non-limiting embodiments. In the illustrations of  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , the set of retractable doors  120  include at least two main panels that can open to provide access to an interior chamber  112  of the sterilization unit  102  and can then fully close to block access and cover the interior chamber  112  of the sterilization unit  102 .  FIG. 1  shows the set of retractable doors  120  in an open position and thus providing access to the interior chamber  112  of the sterilization unit  102 .  FIG. 2  shows the set of retractable doors  120  in a closed position blocking access to the interior chamber  112  of the sterilization unit  102 . The two panels of the set of retractable doors  120  may meet and make contact at a central meeting point  208  as shown in  FIG. 2  when in the fully closed position. The set of retractable doors  120  may be clear and transparent in a preferred embodiment so that the drink  104  or other object is visible to the user through the set of retractable doors  120 . Alternatively, the set of retractable doors  120  may be instead opaque and not transparent in various other embodiments. 
     In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the top edge  208  of the set of retractable doors  120  may contact one or more surfaces of the top plate  106 . In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the bottom edge  210  of the set of retractable doors  120  may extend past the drip tray  116  and contact one or more surfaces of the base  108  (and/or support plate  117 ). Further, the top edge  208  of the set of retractable doors  120  may fit behind the top edge of the top plate and the bottom edge  210  of the set of retractable doors  120  may fit behind the bottom edge of the base  108 . The set of retractable doors  120  may be curved in one or more non-limiting embodiments as shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 . Alternatively, the set of retractable doors  120  may be straight. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , in a non-limiting embodiment, the outer housing assembly  110  may include two side panels  126  and a back surface  124  that define the interior cavity  112  of the drink sterilization unit  102 . Each outer housing side panel  126  may be coupled to the top plate  106  and the base  108  of the sterilization unit  102 . 
     The inner housing assembly  202  is configured to fit within the outer housing assembly  110  as shown in the exploded view of  FIG. 2 . The inner housing assembly  202  may include two side panels  204 . Each inner housing side panel  204  may also be coupled to the top plate  106  and the base  108 . Further, each inner housing side panel  204  may be coupled to the drip tray  116  and/or support plate  117 . 
     In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the inner housing side panels  204  may extend vertically upwards and perpendicular to the drip tray  116 . The inner housing side panels  204  may be placed facing each other and define the interior cavity  112  of the sterilization unit  102 . In one or more non-limiting embodiment, each inner housing side panel  204  includes a clear surface  114  as shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3 . The clear surface  114  may be made of glass or plastic or any type of clear material. The clear surface  114  may face the interior cavity  112  of the sterilization unit  102  and the opposite inner housing side panel  204  as shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3  when located in the inner housing assembly  202 . 
     Further, the inner housing side panels  204  may include cavities  206  that extend downwardly within each inner housing side panel  204 . The cavities  206  within each inner housing side panel  204  may be defined by the back wall of the inner housing side panel  204  and the clear surface  114 . As shown in  FIG. 1 - FIG. 2 , in one or more non-limiting embodiments, the ultraviolet lights  122  are stored and fitted within the inner cavities  206  of the inner housing side panels  202 . Accordingly, any ultraviolet light emitted or radiated from the ultraviolet lights  122  shines through the clear surface  114  of the inner housing side panel  204  and onto a drink  104  or other object that is located within the interior cavity  112  of the sterilization unit  102 . The drink  104  or other object will thus be within the light path of the ultraviolet lights  122 . 
     While in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the ultraviolet lights  122  are oriented so as to shine on the drink  104  or other object from the side panels  204 , in alternative embodiments, the ultraviolet lights  122  may be housed in other locations other than or in addition to the side panels  204  of the inner housing assembly  202 . For example, ultraviolet lights  122  may be located within the top surface  106  and shine down on the drink  104  or another object. Alternatively, ultraviolet lights  122  may be located within the base  108  and shine upwardly on the drink  104  or another object. Further still, there may be ultraviolet lights  122  stored within the inner housing side panels  204  as well as in any of these other locations in other non-limiting embodiments. 
     The ultraviolet lights  122  are depicted in broken lines to indicate that the ultraviolet lights  122  are located behind the clear surface  114  and within the cavities  206  of the inner housing assembly  202  as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 .  FIG. 1  further includes a depiction of a “glowing light” shown as the three lines coming out of the clear surface  114  in order to illustrate that the ultraviolet lights  122  have been turned on and are activated to shine through the clear surface  114  of the inner housing assembly  202 . 
     The ultraviolet (UV) lights  122  emit ultraviolet wavelengths and ultraviolet radiation. Ultraviolet lights  122  can disinfect and sterilize the surfaces of a drink  104  or another object from unwanted elements such as bacteria, viruses, germs, or other unwanted elements. Ultraviolet radiation is classified into three primary types: ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and ultraviolet C (UVC). These groups are based on the measure of their wavelength, which is measured in nanometers. Ultraviolet wavelengths are invisible to the human eye but can be detected using other devices. 
     As noted above, the sterilization unit  102  provides UV sterilization via the one or more ultraviolet lights  122 . For UV sterilization, it may be preferable for the ultraviolet lights  122  to emit UVC radiation, which has a wavelength in the range of approximately 100 to 280 nanometers. UVC has a high enough energy to effectively kill microorganisms and other harmful elements. Studies have shown that UVC is effective against a variety of organisms, and also effective in killing foodborne pathogens, natural microbiota, molds, and yeasts. Because microorganisms come with different sizes and shapes that affect their UV absorption, the required time for killing each species may vary. UV sterilization is also known as UV disinfection or ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI), which works by breaking down certain chemical bonds and scrambling the structure of DNA, RNA, and proteins, causing a microorganism to be unable to multiply. When a microorganism is unable to multiply, it is considered dead since it cannot reproduce within a host and is no longer infectious. The destruction of these organisms and unwanted elements occurs because UV sterilization uses the energy of UVC wavelengths to destroy biomolecules. The overall effectiveness of the UV sterilization of the sterilization unit  102  may take into consideration the total amount of energy applied which is affected by the length of exposure time and the distance from the light source. 
     In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the drink  104  or another object is located in proximity to the side panels  204  of the inner housing assembly  202  and therefore proximate to the ultraviolet lights  122  that are emitting ultraviolet wavelengths (e.g. UVC wavelengths). The drink  104  or another object, in use, will therefore be in the light path of the ultraviolet wavelengths emitted by the ultraviolet lights  122 . Further, the ultraviolet lights  122  may be programmed to be activated for a period of time in order to provide enough exposure time to disinfect and sterilize the drink  104  or another object. While different microorganism may require different exposure times than others to be destroyed by the UVC wavelengths of the ultraviolet lights  122 , the ultraviolet light  122  may be programmed to automatically radiate the UVC wavelengths for a minimum period of time that may be useful for destroying most microorganisms. For example purposes only and without limitation on range of time, the ultraviolet light  122  may be programmed to be activated for a range of 5 to 10 minutes at a minimum. A greater or lesser amount of time may alternatively be used during which the ultraviolet lights  122  are activated. In some non-limiting embodiments, the sterilization unit  102  may include the ability to allow the user to select the length of exposure time that the drink  104  or another object is exposed to the UVC wavelengths of the ultraviolet lights  122 . 
     Accordingly, the sterilization unit  102  provides a number of advantages. For one, no chemicals are needed to disinfect one&#39;s drink  104  or another object such that no chemical residue is left behind on the user&#39;s drink  104  or other object needing sterilization. Further, the ultraviolet lights  122  within the sterilization unit  102  are capable of destroying multiple kinds of microorganisms, including chemical resistant bacteria or viruses. 
     Because direct exposure to UVC light may be dangerous to humans, the sterilization unit  102  includes various surfaces that protect and shield the user or human from the direct exposure to UVC light from the ultraviolet lights  122 . For example, the sterilization unit  102  incorporates the outer housing  110  and the inner housing assembly  202 . Further, the ultraviolet lights  122  are fitted and hidden behind a clear surface  114 . Further the set of retractable doors  120  may be closed when the drink  104  or other object is being sterilized via the ultraviolet lights  122 . Accordingly, for safety reasons, the sterilization unit  102  does not leave the ultraviolet lights  122  openly exposed, but rather includes various barriers to protect surrounding users. Further, in one or more non-limiting embodiments, if the set of retractable doors  120  are opened, the ultraviolet lights  122  may automatically shut off so as to protect the user from any harmful exposure. 
     Any type of light source may be used for ultraviolet light  122  included light emitting diodes (LEDs) or other types of light bulbs. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the ultraviolet lights  122  may be included as multiple light emitting diodes (LEDs). As known in the art, there are UV-LED lights in the form of light strips that emit UVC wavelengths. Accordingly, such UV-LED lights having UVC may be used in drink sterilization unit  102 . Alternatively, other UVC emitting light devices may be used and fitted within the side panels  204  or on another location of the sterilization unit  102 . The ultraviolet lights  122  may obtain their power from the microcontroller  508 , which is further described below, whereby the microcontroller  508  is further connected to a power source and can control the operation of the ultraviolet lights  122 . If no microcontroller  508  is included, the ultraviolet lights  122  may be powered on and off and connected to a power source including integrated batteries. 
     In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the set of retractable doors  120  may be manually opened and closed by a user. The sterilization unit  102  may include one or more selectors to open and close the set of retractable doors  120 . Such selectors are commonly known in the art by one of ordinary skill and may include any type of button, lever, toggle, slide device, or any other type of selector as known in the art. 
     Alternatively, the set of retractable doors  120  may be automatically programmed to open upon detecting motion. For example, a user may wave his or her hands in front of the sterilization unit  102  and the set of retractable doors  120  may automatically open for a programmable period of time that is sufficient for the user to either place the drink  104  or another object inside of the interior cavity  112  of the sterilization unit  102 . The user may also wave his or her hands in front of the sterilization unit  102  in order to remove his or her drink  104  or other object that has already been sterilized by having been kept inside of the interior chamber  112  of the sterilization unit  102  for a period of time. This type of motion, i.e. the wave hand, is one example only of a motion that the sterilization unit  102  may detect. Further, in other embodiments, the user may cause the set of retractable doors  120  to open or close by placing his or her hands and waving or not waving them under the base  108  of the sterilization unit  102  rather than in front of the sterilization unit  102 , such as with the automatic dryers often found in bathrooms and washrooms. In other embodiments, any motion other than wave hand that the user engages in that is proximate to the sterilization unit  102  may cause the set of retractable doors  120  to open and close. 
     Accordingly, in one or more non-limiting embodiments, the set of retractable doors  120  may retract backwards to provide access to the interior cavity  112  of the sterilization unit  102  and to open the doors. Further, the set of retractable doors  120  may extend forward and block access to the interior chamber  112  of the sterilization unit  102  to close the doors. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the doors  120  may retract backwards and fit in a gap, whereby the gap is located between the interior of the outer housing  110  and the exterior of the inner housing assembly  202 . The outer housing  110  may be wider than the inner housing assembly  202  so as to contain and encompass the inner housing assembly  202  with a gap remaining between the interior of the outer housing  110  and the inner housing assembly  202 . 
     In order for the set of retractable doors  120  to open and close, a number of electromechanical components may be used. As noted above,  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4  show additional exploded views of a lower portion of the sterilization unit  102  and include further details for the base  108 , including an interior plate  302  that has one or more gears  304 .  FIG. 5  is a schematic of some of the electrical components that may be included with the sterilization unit  102 . In one or more non-limiting embodiment, the microcontroller  508  may be an Arduino UNO® unit, which is a well-known microcontroller which can be programmed by a computer to control one or more functions and cause one or more outputs to occur. Accordingly,  FIG. 5  shows the microcontroller  508  having USB cables  510  coupled to the microcontroller  508  to indicate that the microcontroller  508  may be connected to a computer via the USB cables  510  and programmed to provide one or functions as further described below. 
     While not shown, in one or more non-limiting embodiments, a printed circuit board (PCB) module may be used to modulate and control the power provided from a power source to the microcontroller. Accordingly, the sterilization unit  102  may be coupled to a power source. The power source may provide power to the one or more electromechanical components of the sterilization unit  102 . The power source may be an electrical outlet that provides electrical energy to the sterilization unit  102  or may be obtained from any type of battery that may be included within the sterilization unit  102  and housed in a battery compartment of the sterilization unit  102 . 
     In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the set of retractable doors  120  are motor operated. Accordingly, the motors  502  shown in  FIG. 5  may be coupled to one or more gears  304 . The gears  304  may be coupled to the motors  502  via shafts that extend through the central hole of the gears  304  and connect to the tips  503  of the motors  502 , thus causing the gears  304  to turn in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The motors  502  shown in  FIG. 5  may be DC motors in one or more non-limiting embodiments. A DC motor is a rotary electrical motor that converts direct current electrical energy into mechanical energy. Accordingly, via the connected shaft that connects to the tip  503  of the DC motor  502 , the gears  304  can be rotated in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to cause the connected set of retractable doors  120  to open and close. 
     The motors  502  incorporated into the sterilization unit  102  may be coupled to the microcontroller  508  and also to one or more motor drivers  506 . Each motor  502  may be coupled to its own respective motor driver  506  that is programmed to operate its motor  502  to turn in a particular direction, i.e. clockwise or counterclockwise, and for a programmed amount of time. Motor drivers  506  act as an interface between the motors  502  and the microcontroller  508 . 
     While not shown in the Figures, the set of retractable doors  120  may include a gear rack that runs along the interior bottom edge  210  of the set of retractable doors  120 . A gear rack, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, may have a set of teeth that are configured to mesh with the teeth of the gears  304 . Accordingly, the gears  304  may be configured to slidably engage and mesh with the gear rack of the set of retractable doors  120  in order to open and close the set of retractable doors  120 . The location of the gears  304  on the support plate  302  shown in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4  is purely exemplary as the gears  304  may have different locations other than as shown in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 . Further, the gear rack may also be located elsewhere other than the interior bottom edge  210  of the set of retractable doors  120  as long as the gear rack can slidably mesh with the gears  304 . 
     In addition to the above, in one or more non-limiting embodiments, the sterilization unit  102  may include one or more sensors that have various functions. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, an infrared sensor, such as infrared sensor  504 , may be connected to the microcontroller  508 . Infrared sensor  504  may be a passive sensor because it may measure only infrared radiation, rather than emit the infrared radiation. The passive infrared sensor  504  may detect and measure infrared radiation that may be emitted by a human user. Every human radiates infrared energy at a specific wavelength range that can be sensed by the infrared sensor  504 . Once the infrared sensor  504  detects the requisite infrared radiation, the infrared sensor  504  is also effectively detecting motion of the user. Accordingly, the infrared sensor  504  may sense motion based on changes in the background heat signature. Infrared sensor  504  may detect whether a person has moved into or out of its field of vision and, thus, within the needed range of proximity to the sterilization unit  102 . 
     Accordingly, the infrared sensor  504  may detect changes in the amount of infrared radiation in its field of vision, which means everything in front of the infrared sensor  504 . When a person passes in front of the infrared sensor  504  that is integrated into the sterilization unit  102 , the amount of radiation increases because the human&#39;s body temperature is higher than the background temperature. The infrared sensor  504  can detect this fluctuation, which is converted into a voltage change inside the sterilization unit  102  and provided as an input to the microcontroller  508  to provide a response. In one or more non-limiting examples, the microcontroller  508  may control the DC motors  502  via the motor drivers  506  and provide a determination whether to turn the motors  502  in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction so as to cause the one or more retractable doors  120  to open or close by the intermediate set of gears  304 . The infrared sensor  504  may have a detection range within which the infrared sensor  504  is able to detect infrared radiation and indicate that motion is occurring in front of or near the sterilization unit  102 . It is noted that the infrared sensor  504  may be placed in the base  108  or in another location of the sterilization unit  102 . 
     Other sensors may also be included in the sterilization unit  102 . While not shown, in some embodiments, weight and/or pressure sensors may be coupled to the microcontroller  508  and may function to detect when a drink  104  or other object has been placed on the drip tray  116  of the sterilization unit  102 . Accordingly, the set of retractable doors  120  in such an embodiment may be programmed to open and close based on the input provided by the weight or pressure sensors (not shown) in addition to or in place of the one or more infrared sensors  504 . 
     The infrared sensor  504  may be useful to avoid having a user touch any physical buttons or other physical selectors to open the one or more set of retractable doors  120  and avoid having more bacteria or viruses contact the user&#39;s skin, drink  104 , or other objects. The touchless system of the sterilization unit  102  may allow the user to wave his or her hands and the set of retractable doors  102  may automatically open and/or close due to the detection of the user (i.e. the user&#39;s infrared radiation) by the one or more infrared sensors  504 . Accordingly, the user can minimize or avoid altogether touching the physical surfaces of the sterilization unit  102  to help ensure greater cleanliness and sanitation. 
     As noted above, in one or more non-limiting embodiments, the sterilization unit  102  may have the outer housing  110  and the inner housing assembly  202 . The base  108  may include multiple compartments. The drip tray  116  and the support plate  117  may be coupled to the inner housing assembly  202  and the electromechanical components of the sterilization unit  102  may be stored or housed in the base  108  area. For example, the gears  304  may be coupled to either the support plate  302  or to another surface or location within the base  108 . Preferably, the gears  304  are configured to contact the gear rack of the set of retractable doors  120  so as to slidably mesh with the gear rack of the set of retractable doors  120  to cause the doors  120  to open and close. 
     The microcontroller  508  and attached components, such as one or more sensors (e.g. infrared sensor  504 ), the motors  502 , and motor drivers  506  may be contained within an interior chamber or compartment of the base  108 . These electromechanical components of the sterilization unit  102  may be protected from any liquids from the drink  104  by the dividing drip tray  116  and/or support plate  117 . In one or more non-limiting embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the support plate  302  of the base  108  may clip onto the support plate  117  that is connected to the drip tray  116  via one or more clips  306 . The clips  306  shown in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4  are exemplary only and any other type of fastener or means of attachment may be used to connect the support plate  302  of the base  108  to the support plate  117  and/or the drip tray  116 , including, soldering or welding. 
     The sterilization unit  102  may be mounted onto one or more wall structures of any type of venue. It may be advantageous to mount the sterilization unit  102  in a bathroom or kitchen so that the users may easily place their drinks  104  or other objects inside of the interior chamber  112  of the sterilization unit  102  in areas that are particularly high traffic and have a lot of potential unwanted contaminants, including bacteria and viruses. In this sense, the sterilization unit  102  may act to sterilize as well as to store and house the drink  104  or other object for safe keeping. As noted above, many people often carry their drinks  104  into the bathrooms of public venues and areas, which causes a health concern that the drinks  104  become contaminated with harmful elements. It may be particularly advantageous for a sterilization unit  102  such as sterilization unit  102  to be mounted in one or more bathroom stalls so that if a user enters the bathroom stall, he or she can simply place the drink  104  into the sterilization unit  102  and not worry where he or she can place the drink  104  in the bathroom. Further, this will ensure that the drink  104  does not spill over and is kept safe within the sterilization unit  102 . 
     As noted above, instead or in addition to the user&#39;s drink  104 , the user may want to include his or her keys, phone, wallet, or other objects that may benefit from UV sterilization or radiation. It is foreseeable that the sterilization unit  102  may be particularly beneficial in areas having a large amount of people where beverages and drinks are regularly consumed and distributed, such as restaurants, clubs, bars, schools, stadiums. However, this is a non-limiting list of venues, as sterilization unit  102  may be useful in any type of location, including in any type of residential or commercial location. As noted above, in some cases, the sterilization unit  102  may be connected to a power source such as an outlet to provide electric energy for the electromechanical components. Alternatively, or additionally, the sterilization unit  102  may include a compartment for batteries and may be battery operated. 
     In some embodiments, the sterilization unit  102  is not mounted to a wall or other support structure. Rather, the sterilization unit  102  may be freestanding. Further, the sterilization unit  102  may be portable so as to be easily carried and transported to various locations by the user any time the user has need of a sterilization unit  102 . 
     In some embodiments, the sterilization unit  102  may be free to any user. In other cases, the sterilization unit  102  may be opened only if a user has paid in advance or if is part of a membership. In some embodiments, the user may have an application on his or her phone or other computing device and communicate with the sterilization unit  102  via Bluetooth or Wifi. In other embodiments, the sterilization unit  102  may be unlocked via a QR code on the user&#39;s phone or other computing device. 
     The sterilization unit  102  may be particularly longer in its height than in its width in one or more non-limited embodiments. This may enable the sterilization unit  102  to accommodate many sized drinks and beverages that have a taller height profile. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the height of the sterilization unit  102  so as to accommodate drinks may range anywhere from 4-10 or more inches in height. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 6  is a flowchart of an exemplary method of using a sterilization unit, such as sterilization unit  102 . In one or more non-limiting embodiments, at step  602 , the method may begin with the sterilization unit  102  detecting that a drink or other object has been placed inside of an interior chamber  112  of the drink sterilization unit  102 . In some embodiments, the drink sterilization unit  102  may include one or more sensors, such as a weight sensor and/or a pressure sensor, to sense when a drink  104  or other object has been placed on the drip tray  116  and to then notify the microcontroller  508  and/or ultraviolet lights  122  when the drink  104  or other object has been placed on the drip tray  116 . At step  604 , the method may continue with responding to sensing the drink  104  or other object inside of the sterilization unit  102  by activating one or more ultraviolet lights  122  to emit UV radiation or wavelength in order to sterilize the drink  104  or other object. 
     In other embodiments, the step  602  may be omitted because the sterilization unit  102  may not include the sensors to detect that a drink  104  or other object has been placed on the drip tray  116 . At step  606 , the ultraviolet lights  122  may be deactivated after a period of time. The exposure time of the ultraviolet lights  122  may be programmed to a minimum period of time that may be effective in killing many known microorganisms as explained above. 
       FIG. 7  is a flowchart for another exemplary method of using drink sterilization unit  102 . At step  702 , the method may begin with activating the one or more ultraviolet lights  122  to sterilize a drink  104  or another object. The ultraviolet lights  122  emit UV wavelengths that are directed towards the interior chamber  112  of the drink sterilization unit  102  whereby the drink  104  or other object is within the light path of the ultraviolet lights  122 . The step  702  of  FIG. 7  may include activating the one or more ultraviolet lights  122  responsive to the set of retractable doors  120  opening and then closing rather than detecting when a drink  106  or object has been placed on a drip tray  116 . 
     At step  704 , the drink  104  or another object is disinfected. At step  706 , the ultraviolet lights  122  are deactivated after a period of time. As noted above, it may be beneficial to program the microcontroller  508  such that the one or more ultraviolet lights  122  are programmed to deactivate or to turn off when the set of retractable doors  120  are opened. 
     In embodiments where the sterilization unit  102  may be controlled manually, the user may physically open or close the set of retractable doors  120 . In some cases, the set of retractable doors  120  may thus include a handle or other element for manually pulling the set of retractable doors  120  open and pushing the doors  120  shut. The sterilization unit  102  may further include a power button to power the ultraviolet lights  122  on or off as desired by the user. Accordingly, once a user has placed the drink  104  or other object inside of the sterilization unit  102 , the user determines when to press the power button on or off in order to activate the ultraviolet light  122  for a recommend/desired/or programmed period of time. 
     There are thus various configurations that may be provided in which the sterilization unit  102  is fully programmable and includes various automated features and functions, such as automatic control of the set of retractable doors  120 . Alternatively, or additionally, the sterilization unit  102  may be manually operated and controlled by the user. It may be beneficial to combine some manual switches and buttons to control the opening and closing of the set of retractable doors  120  for maintenance and troubleshooting purposes even if the sterilization unit  102  is automated. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-7 , many uses, and advantages are offered by the one or more non-limiting embodiments in the present description of sterilization unit  102 . 
     The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. 
     The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. The present invention according to one or more embodiments described in the present description may be practiced with modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Thus, the description is to be regarded as illustrative instead of restrictive of the present invention.