Patent Abstract:
An application for a hearing aid drying/disinfecting system includes a closable container with an internally mounted ultraviolet lamp for disinfecting the hearing aid. A heating element creates an internal temperature that is higher than ambient temperature and a fan circulates air through vents from the outside of the container over the hearing aid and back out, thereby drying the hearing aid contained within the drying/disinfecting system. The vents are positioned to reduce ultraviolet emissions out of the container.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending application Ser. No. 12/249,578 filed Oct. 10, 2008. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to an appliance for reducing moisture damage to sensitive electronic devices and more particularly to an appliance for reducing moisture in hearing aids. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Current trends in electronics have enabled the production of hearing aids small enough to reside partially or completely in the ear canal. This exposes the devices to a warm, humid environment and presents the opportunity for damage to the device and ultimately, failure of the device. 
         [0004]    There are several ways for hearing aid wearers to protect their devices from moisture damage while they are not being worn. The simplest device is a container having desiccant material inside and way to separate the device from the desiccant. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,640,783 to Schumaier, U.S. Pat. No. 5,852,879 to Schumaier and U.S. Pat. No. 7,017,276 to Greenspan, et al, describe both drying and bactericidal activity in their devices. These devices utilize a fan to circulate air internally within the unit and have a heater to assist in moisture removal. Since the air is circulated internally, a desiccant material is used to absorb moisture from the air. At some point, the desiccant material used in the above-described devices becomes saturated with moisture and needs to be either replaced with a fresh desiccant or regenerated by heating it to a high temperature. The desiccant material is regenerated by exposure to very high temperatures, usually in excess of 100 degrees Celsius. 
         [0006]    What is needed is a de-moisturizing appliance that does not require a desiccant material to reduce moisture in a contained electronic device. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    An electronic device drying and disinfecting apparatus includes an enclosure with an internal ultraviolet lamp for disinfecting the electronic device. A heating element creates an internal temperature to reduce humidity and a fan circulates air from the outside of the container through the container and back out, thereby drying the electronic device. Precautions are included to reduce emission of ultraviolet light to outside of the enclosure through gaps between the lid/base and through air vents that are fluidly interfaced to the fan. 
         [0008]    In one embodiment, a drying system for a hearing aid is disclosed including an enclosure having a lid portion hingedly connected to a base portion with a shelf within the base portion for supporting the hearing aid. An ultraviolet lamp (e.g., a germicidal ultraviolet lamp) is housed in the lid portion such that at least some ultraviolet light emitted from the lamp is directed towards the hearing aid. A heater is within the base portion and beneath the shelf, thereby heating the hearing aid. A force air flow system circulates air from outside the drying system, over the hearing aid and out of the drying system. The force air flow system includes a fan, a fan grill, vents in the base portion directing air over the hearing aid, vents in the lid portion, directing air away from the hearing aid and exit vents in the lid portion direction air out of the drying system. A power source is electrically connected to the fan, the heater and the ultraviolet lamp through a power switch. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment, a drying system for a hearing aid is disclosed including an enclosure having a lid portion hingedly connected to a base portion with a shelf within the base portion for supporting the hearing aid. A source of electric power is electrically interfaced to an ultraviolet lamp (e.g., a germicidal ultraviolet lamp) that is in the lid portion. At least some ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet lamp is directed towards the hearing aid. A heater is within the base portion and beneath the shelf. A fan is also within the base portion. The fan draws air into the drying system through a fan grill in the base portion, forces air through air vents in the base portion and over the hearing aid. The air flows into the lid portion through air vents in the lid portion and exits the lid portion through exit vents in the lid portion. A power source is connected to a power switch that electrically connects the fan, the ultraviolet lamp and the heater to the power source when the power switch is closed. A timer is electrically interfaced between the power source and the ultraviolet lamp and connects the power source to the ultraviolet lamp during a timer interval. An interlock switch electrically interfaces to the timer; the interlock switch mechanically interfaces between the lid portion and the base portion and disconnects the power source from the ultraviolet lamp upon detection of an open condition between the base portion and the lid portion. 
         [0010]    In another embodiment, a drying system for a hearing aid is disclosed including an enclosure having a lid portion hingedly connected to a base portion with a shelf within the base portion for supporting the hearing aid. A source of electric power is electrically interfaced to an ultraviolet lamp (e.g., a germicidal ultraviolet lamp) that is in the lid portion. The ultraviolet lamp is directed towards the hearing aid, thereby illuminating the hearing aid with ultraviolet light when power from the electric power source is applied to the ultraviolet lamp. A heater is located in the base portion and beneath the shelf. A system for circulating air into the drying system, over the shelf and out of the drying system is configured to limit unwanted emission of the ultraviolet light to outside of the drying system. There is a protection circuit that electrically disconnects the power source from the ultraviolet lamp responsive to detecting an open condition between the lid portion and the base portion. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary system of the present invention with the lid open. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  illustrates a second perspective view of the exemplary system of the present invention with the lid open. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  illustrates a cutaway view of the exemplary system of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary system of the present invention with the lid shut. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  illustrates a second perspective view of the exemplary system of the present invention with the lid shut. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary system of the present invention with the lid open holding a pair of hearing aids. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary system of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  illustrates a schematic view of a second exemplary system of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view of a second exemplary system of the present invention with the lid open. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  illustrates a second perspective view of the second exemplary system of the present invention with the lid open. 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  illustrates a cutaway view along lines  11 - 11  of the second exemplary system of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  illustrates a perspective view of the second exemplary system of the present invention with the lid shut. 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  illustrates a second perspective view of the second exemplary system of the present invention with the lid shut. 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  illustrates a bottom perspective view of the second exemplary system of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  illustrates a perspective view of the second exemplary system of the present invention with the lid open holding a pair of hearing aids. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures. 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , perspective views of an exemplary system  10  of the present invention with the lid open is shown. The hearing aid dryer  10  dries and disinfects a hearing aid  99  (see  FIG. 6 ) or other electronic device using heat, a germicidal ultraviolet light and air flow without the use of a desiccant. Existing hearing aid dryers require a desiccant to remove humidity/moisture from within their sealed enclosure. The hearing aid dryer  10  performs its function without the use of a desiccant. 
         [0029]    The hearing aid dryer  10  has a base portion  13  with a lid portion  11  hingedly attached to the base  13 . The lid  11  contains an ultraviolet lamp  24  such as germicidal ultraviolet lamps as known in the industry. The ultraviolet lamp  24  emits ultraviolet light onto the hearing aid  99  (see  FIG. 6 ) as it sits on a shelf  20 , thereby disinfecting the hearing aid  99 . In the preferred embodiment, the shelf  20  has a mirrored surface facing upward and the upper shelf  22  of the lid  11  has a mirrored surface facing downward to both intensify the ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet lamp  24  and to provide ultraviolet light at many different angles to reach within openings of the hearing aid  99 . 
         [0030]    A fan  81  (see  FIG. 3 ) is positioned beneath a ledge cover  26  of the base  13 . The fan  81  vents air through a fan grill  28  and in or out a vent hole  52 . Although the system  10  works well with the fan  81  blowing either in either direction; it is preferred that the fan  81  blow air out through the vent hole  52  to exhaust humidity. In the preferred embodiment, air flows in through a vent hole  50  on the side  42  of the base  13  and flows out of the vent hole  52  on the opposite side  44 . In another embodiment, air flows in through a vent hole  52  on the side  44  of the base  13  and air flows out of the vent hole  50  on the opposite side  42 . Although it is preferred that the vent holes  50 / 52  as shown (on opposite side surfaces  42 / 44 ), in alternate embodiments, the vent holes  50 / 52  are on other surfaces. Although two vent holes  50 / 52  are shown, any number of vent holes  50 / 52  are anticipated in any shape and size. 
         [0031]    The vent hole  50  is coupled to an internal vent hole  32  through a channel within the side  42  such to provide protection from ultraviolet light escaping, being that ultraviolet light is harmful to one&#39;s eyes. A similar channel couples vent hole  52  to another internal vent hole  33  (see  FIG. 3 ). 
         [0032]    Although the internal vent holes  32 / 33  and the external vent holes  50 / 52  are fabricated in any way currently known, a preferred method of staggering the internal vent holes  32 / 33  from the external vent holes  50 / 52  is by using an inner base  14  and an outer base  12 . The internal vent holes  32 / 33  are cut or formed in the inner base  14  and external vent holes  50 / 52  are cut or formed in the outer base  12 . Likewise, although the lid  11  is anticipated to be made in any way known in the industry, it is preferred that the lid be made of an inner lid  18  and an outer lid  16 . To reduce emissions of ultraviolet light, the inner lid  18  is recessed from the outer lid  16  and the inner base  14  extends beyond the edge of the outer base  12 , thereby providing a staggered interface to each other to seal the lid portion  11  to the base portion  13 , thereby reducing ultraviolet light emissions outside of the system  10 . 
         [0033]    In some embodiments, an on/off switch  60  and an indicator  62  are provided on an outside surface such as the front surface  40 . In some embodiments, a lid deck  30  covers part of the interlock switch (see  FIG. 3 ). 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , a plan view of the exemplary system of the present invention is shown. The hearing aid dryer  10  has a base portion  13  with a lid portion  11  attached to the base  13  by, for example, hinges  94 . The lid  11  contains an ultraviolet lamp  24  that shines ultraviolet light to disinfect the hearing aid  99  (see  FIG. 6 ) as it sits on a shelf  20 . In the preferred embodiment, the shelf  20  has a mirrored surface facing upward and the upper shelf  22  of the lid  11  has a mirrored surface facing downward to both intensify the ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet lamp  24  and to provide ultraviolet light at many different angles to reach within openings of the hearing aid  99 . The shelf  20  and upper shelf  22  are fastened to the lid  11  and base  13  with screws  92  or are affixed in any other way known. 
         [0035]    A fan  81  is positioned beneath the ledge cover  26  of the base  13 . The fan  81  blows air through a fan grill  28  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) and in or out a vent holes  52 / 33 . In the preferred embodiment, air flows in through vent holes  50 / 32  on the side  42  of the base  13  and flows out of the vent hole  52 / 33  on the opposite side  44 . In another embodiment, air flows in through a vent hole  52 / 33  on the side  44  of the base  13  and air flows out of the vent hole  50 / 32  on the opposite side  42 . Although it is preferred that the vent holes  50 / 52  are shown on opposite side surfaces  42 / 44 , in alternate embodiments, the vent holes  50 / 32 / 52 / 33  are on other surfaces. Although two vent holes  50 / 32 / 52 / 33  are shown, any number of vent holes  50 / 32 / 52 / 33  are anticipated in any shape and size. 
         [0036]    The vent hole  50  is coupled in a staggered configuration to an internal vent hole  32  through a channel within the side  42  to provide protection from ultraviolet light escaping, being that ultraviolet light is harmful to one&#39;s eyes. In this way, since light and ultraviolet light do not naturally bend, very little ultraviolet light is emitted out of the vent hole  50  (it is possible for a harmless, very small amount of reflected ultraviolet light to escape). A similar channel couples vent hole  52  to the other internal vent hole  33 . 
         [0037]    Although the internal vent holes  32 / 33  and the external vent holes  50 / 52  are fabricated in any way currently known, a preferred method of staggering the internal vent holes  32 / 33  from the external vent holes  50 / 52  is by using an inner base  14  and an outer base  12 . The internal vent holes  32 / 33  are cut or formed in the inner base  14  and external vent holes  50 / 52  are cut or formed in the outer base  12 . Likewise, although the lid  11  is anticipated to be made in any way known in the industry, it is preferred that the lid be made of an inner lid  18  and an outer lid  16 . To reduce emissions of ultraviolet light, the inner lid  18  is recessed from the outer lid  16  and the inner base  14  extends beyond the edge of the outer base  12 , thereby providing a staggered pair of interface edges that seal and reduce ultraviolet light emissions. 
         [0038]    To prevent operation of the ultraviolet light when the hearing aid dryer  10  is opened, an interlock is provided. In the example shown, the interlock comprises a magnet  70  and a magnet sensing switch  72 , for example, a reed switch. The magnet sensing switch  72  is coupled to the main circuit board  86  through wires  76 . When the magnet sensing switch  72  detects a reduction of magnetic field from the magnet  70  (e.g., the lid  11  is opened slightly), circuitry on the main circuit board  86  prevents the flow of electricity through wires  74  to the ultraviolet lamp  24 . 
         [0039]    In some embodiments, an on/off switch  60  and an indicator  62  are provided on an outside surface such as the front surface  40  and are connected to the main circuit board  86 . 
         [0040]    A heating element  80  is powered through wires  82  connecting it to the main circuit board  86 . The heating element  80  is any known heating element such as a resistive heating element or a semiconductor heating element, etc. In some embodiments, the heating element  80  is held close to the shelf  20  by a stand-off  84 . 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , a perspective view of the exemplary system of the present invention with the lid shut  11  is shown. In this view, the power switch  60  and indicator  62  are located on the front surface  40  of the base  13  and the vent hole  52  on the right side  44  of the base  11  is visible. The lid  11  is closed, thereby enabling operation of the ultraviolet lamp  24 . 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , a second perspective view of the exemplary system of the present invention with the lid  11  shut is shown. In this view, a power connector  90  (e.g., a power source or source of power) is located on a rear surface of the base  13  and the vent hole  52  on the right side  44  of the base  11  is visible. The lid  11  is closed, thereby enabling operation of the ultraviolet lamp  24 . In this example, the lid  11  is connected to the base  13  by two hinges  94 , although, any number of hinges are anticipated. 
         [0043]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a perspective view of an exemplary system  10  of the present invention with the lid open holding a pair of hearing aids  99  is shown. The hearing aid(s)  99  or other electrical equipment is placed on the shelf  20  to dry and disinfect when the lid  11  is closed and the on/off switch is operated, energizing the heater  80 , fan  81 , and ultraviolet lamp  24 . 
         [0044]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a schematic view of an exemplary system of the present invention will be described. Power is connected through a power jack  90  as known in the industry, one side to ground and the other is connected to the heater  80 , fan  81 , ultraviolet lamp  24  and indicator  62  (an LED in this example). Power and ground are also provided to a timer  87 . When the power switch  60  is pressed (making contact in this example), the timer  87  starts a timing interval. During the timing interval, the timer  87  energizes a relay  89  whose contacts connect the heater  80 , fan  81 , ultraviolet lamp  24  and indicator  62  (the indicator is optional) to ground potential, thereby powering the heater  80  to heat, fan  81  to move air, ultraviolet lamp  24  to emit ultraviolet light and indicator  62  (optional) to illuminate. When the time interval expires, the timer de-energizes the relay  89  and removes ground potential from the heater  80 , fan  81 , ultraviolet lamp  24  and indicator  62 , thereby turning off these devices. 
         [0045]    Many configurations of timers  87  are anticipated. In some configurations, the fan and heater operate independent of the timer (e.g., operate when the power switch  60  is closed) and the ultraviolet lamp  24  is controlled by the timer  87  to operate the ultraviolet lamp  24  for a specific interval such as 5-7 minutes. In another exemplary configuration, the power switch  60  enables the timer  87  and the timer  87  has two intervals, one in hours (e.g., 3-4 hours) to power the fan  81  and heater  80 ; and another interval in minutes to power the ultraviolet lamp  24  (e.g., 5-7 minutes). 
         [0046]    The timer is also connected to the interlock switch  72  which is closed when the lid  11  is shut. If the lid  11  is opened during the timing interval (e.g., the ultraviolet lamp  24  is on), the interlock switch  72  opens (in this example) and signals the timer to cancel the timing interval and, therefore, the timer de-energizes the relay  89  and removes ground potential from the heater  80 , fan  81 , ultraviolet lamp  24  and indicator  62 , thereby turning off these devices. 
         [0047]    The timing interval is either pre-set to an optimal amount of time, that required to dry and disinfect most hearing aids or is adjustable (not shown) as known in the industry. 
         [0048]    There are many timers known in the industry including electro-mechanical timers (bi-metalic, etc.), clock-movement timers and semiconductor timers, along with many circuit configurations to achieve the same operational results; all are anticipated here within. An exemplary timer is an industry standard 555 timer that is well known. In some cases, the power output of such a timer is sufficient to operate the heater  80 , fan  81 , and ultraviolet lamp  24  without the use of the relay  89 . In some exemplary systems, the relay  89  is a semiconductor relay or a power transistor or power FET, as known in the industry. 
         [0049]    Since the air in the system  10  and, therefore, the hearing aid  99  is heated by the heating element  80  to a temperature above ambient, for example,  103 C, as air is circulated, moisture is removed from the hearing aid  99  and exhausted from the system  10  through the vents  52 / 33  while fresh, drier air enters the system through the vents  50 / 32 . 
         [0050]    Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a schematic view of a second exemplary system of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, the power switch  60  connects/disconnects power to the entire system such that, when powered, the fan  81 , heater  80  and indicator  62  (if provided) are energized whenever the power switch  60  is closed. Also, in this embodiment, the timer  87  is connected to the interlock switch  72  such that the timer  87  starts timing each time the lid  11  is closed or the power switch  60  is turned on (closed). For example, when the lid  11  is closed, the ultraviolet lamp  24  is energized through the timer  87  and optional relay  89  for several minutes such as 5-7 minutes. 
         [0051]    As before, Power is connected through a power jack  90  as known in the industry, one side to ground and the other is connected to the heater  80 , fan  81 , ultraviolet lamp  24  and the optional indicator  62  (an LED in this example). Power and ground are also provided to a timer  87 . When the power switch  60  is closed, the heater  80 , fan  81  and indicator  62  (the indicator is optional) are connected to ground potential and, therefore, operate. If, the lid  11  is closed, the interlock switch  72  enables the timer  87  to start a timing interval. During the timing interval, the timer  87  energizes a relay  89  whose contacts connect (or transistor conducts current), thereby powering the ultraviolet lamp  24  to emit ultraviolet light. When the time interval expires, the timer de-energizes the relay  89  and removes ground potential from the ultraviolet lamp  24 , thereby turning off the ultraviolet lamp  24  and reducing the risk of exposure to the harmful effects of ultraviolet light. 
         [0052]    The timing interval is either pre-set to an optimal amount of time, that required to dry and disinfect most hearing aids or is adjustable (not shown) as known in the industry. The timing interval is typically 5-7 minutes, although the present invention is not restricted to any particular timing interval. 
         [0053]    There are many timers known in the industry including electro-mechanical timers (bi-metalic, etc.), clock-movement timers and semiconductor timers, along with many circuit configurations to achieve the same or similar operational results; all are anticipated here within. An exemplary timer is an industry standard 555 timer that is well known. In some cases, the power output of such a timer is sufficient to operate the ultraviolet lamp  24  without the use of the relay  89 . In some exemplary systems, the relay  89  is a semiconductor relay or a power transistor or power FET, as known in the industry. 
         [0054]    Since the air in the system  10  and, therefore, the hearing aid  99  is heated by the heating element  80  to a temperature above ambient, for example,  105 C, as air is circulated, moisture is removed from the hearing aid  99  and exhausted from the system  10  through the vents  52 / 33  while fresh, drier air enters the system through the vents  50 / 32 . 
         [0055]    Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , perspective views of a second exemplary system  110  of the present invention with the lid open is shown. The hearing aid dryer  110  dries and disinfects a hearing aid  99  (see  FIG. 15 ) or other electronic device using heat, a germicidal ultraviolet light and air flow without the use of a desiccant. The hearing aid dryer  110  has a base portion  113  with a lid portion  111  hingedly attached to the base  113 . The lid  111  contains an ultraviolet lamp  24  such as germicidal ultraviolet lamps as known in the industry. The ultraviolet lamp  24  emits ultraviolet light onto the hearing aid  99  (see  FIG. 15 ) as it sits on a shelf  20 . In the preferred embodiment, the shelf  20  has a mirrored surface facing upward and the upper shelf  22  of the lid  111  has a mirrored surface facing downward to both intensify the ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet lamp  24  and to provide ultraviolet light at many different angles to reach within openings of the hearing aid  99 . In some embodiments, all interior surfaces around the hearing aid  99  are mirrored. For example, inside surfaces of the lid  111  and base  113  are painted, electroplated or coated with a reflective material that reflects the ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet lamp  24  onto as many surfaces of the hearing aid  99  as possible. 
         [0056]    A forced air system of the exemplary system  110  includes a fan  186  (see  FIG. 11 ) that is positioned, for example, beneath the shelf  20  within the base  113 . The fan  186  vents air in through a fan grill  150  (see  FIG. 11 ) and out of the base  113  through vent holes  128 , thereby creating a circulation of air around the hearing aid  99 . Although the system  110  works well with the fan  186  blowing either in either direction; it is preferred that the fan  186  blow air in from the fan grill  150 . In the preferred embodiment, air flows in through the fan grill  150 , flows out of the base  113  through vents  128 , circulates around the hearing aid  99 , passes through gaps/vents  115  around the ultraviolet lamp  24  and ultimately exits through exit holes  152  in the lid  111  (see  FIG. 13 ). Any number, size, shape and/or arrangement of holes in the fan grill  150 , vents  128 , gaps  115  and exit holes  152  are anticipated. 
         [0057]    The fan grill  150  is preferably not in direct alignment with the vents  128  to reduce ultraviolet light escaping out of the fan grill  150 . Likewise, the exit holes  152  are internally blocked and/or positioned to also reduce ultraviolet light escaping out of the exit holes  152 . In general, concentrations of ultraviolet light are harmful to one&#39;s eyes, although a small amount of leakage is acceptable. 
         [0058]    Additionally, it is preferred that the area where the lid  111  meets the base  113  when the system  110  is closed has a stepped set of mating edges  116 / 118 / 112 / 114  such that the stepped edges  116 / 118  of the lid  111  overlap with the stepped edges  112 / 114  of the base  113 , also reducing leakage of ultraviolet light. Any formation of steps is anticipated to block/reduce the escape of ultraviolet light. This is accomplished through any known production method including, but not limited to, molding and/or inserts. 
         [0059]    In some embodiments, an on/off switch  60  is provided on an outside surface such as the front surface  40 . In some embodiments, a lid deck  126  houses part of the interlock switch  72 . 
         [0060]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , a plan view of the second exemplary system of the present invention is shown. The hearing aid dryer  110  has a base portion  113  with a lid portion  111  attached to the base  113  by, for example, hinges  94 . The lid  111  contains an ultraviolet lamp  24  that emits ultraviolet light to disinfect the hearing aid  99  (see  FIG. 15 ) as the hearing aid  99  sits on a shelf  20 . 
         [0061]    A fan  186  is positioned in the vicinity of the fan grill  150  of the base  13  and blows air into the system  110  through the fan grill  150  and onto the hearing aid  99  through vent holes  128 . In this example, air flows into the base  113  through the fan grill  150 , out of the base  113  and onto the heating aid  99  through vents  128 , then exits from the area around the hearing aid  99  through openings  115  in the lid  111  and out of the lid  111  through exit holes  152 . 
         [0062]    To prevent operation of the ultraviolet light when the hearing aid dryer  110  is opened, an interlock is provided. In the example shown, the interlock comprises a magnet  70  and a magnet sensing switch  72 , for example, a reed switch (see  FIG. 3 ). The magnet sensing switch  72  prevents the flow of electricity through wires  74  to the ultraviolet lamp  24  when the lid  111  is opened slightly. 
         [0063]    A heating element  80  provides heat to the shelf  20  to improve drying of the hearing aid  99 . 
         [0064]    Referring to  FIG. 12 , a perspective view of the second exemplary system of the present invention is shown with the lid  111  shut. In this view, the power switch  60  is located on the front surface  40  of the base  113 . The lid  111  is closed, thereby enabling operation of the ultraviolet lamp  24 . 
         [0065]    Referring to  FIG. 13 , a second perspective view of the second exemplary system of the present invention is shown from the back perspective. This view shows a power connector  160  (e.g., a power source or source of power) located on a rear surface of the base  113  and the exit holes  152  on the back surface of the lid  111 . The lid  111  is closed, thereby enabling operation of the ultraviolet lamp  24 . In this example, the lid  111  is connected to the base  113  by two hinges  94 , although, any number of hinges or other hinge-like connections are anticipated. 
         [0066]    Referring now to  FIG. 14 , a perspective view of the second exemplary system  110  of the present invention is shown from the bottom perspective. In this, the bottom has the fan grill  150  for directional air flow into/out of the base  113 . To improve air flow when the system  110  rests on a flat surface, feet  154  are provided to maintain a gap between the fan grill  150  and the surface. 
         [0067]    Referring now to  FIG. 15 , a perspective view of the second exemplary system  110  of the present invention with the lid open and supporting a pair of hearing aids  99  is shown. The hearing aid(s)  99  or other electrical equipment is placed on the shelf  20  to dry and disinfect when the lid  111  is closed and the on/off switch is operated, energizing the heater  80 , fan  186 , and ultraviolet lamp  24 . It is preferred, although not required, to have vents  128  on two sides of the base  113  to provide air flow from multiple directions. It is also preferred to have the gaps  115  (or other vent openings in the lid  111 ) located in proximity to where the hearing aid  99  is placed to improve air flow over the hearing aid  99 . 
         [0068]    Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result. 
         [0069]    It is believed that the system and method of the present invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5