Patent ID: 12257373

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention overcomes the problems associated with the prior art, by directly and uniformly subjecting pathogens in a fluid to ultraviolet radiation from sources disposed on and around a straight fluid pathway. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth (e.g., utilization of laser diode and/or LED light sources) in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced apart from these specific details. In other instances, details of well-known disinfecting practices (e.g., routine optimization) and components have been omitted, so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

FIG.1shows a side-view of an example dental tool100, which utilizes UV radiation to destroy pathogens in its fluid supply. Dental tool100includes fluid reservoirs102, a disinfecting chamber104, and a nozzle106. Fluid reservoirs102receive fluid from an external source (e.g. tap) (not shown) and direct it toward a pressure adjusting valve108, which is coupled to the top of each of reservoirs102. Valve108allows a user to adjust the rate of flow of the fluid through fluid reservoirs102, and includes a pressure adjusting screw110, a spring112, and a plunger114. Screw110, applies downward pressure on spring112, which in turn applies downward pressure on plunger114. When screw110is rotated clockwise, plunger114is forced downward into a depression116, decreasing the flow of fluid through fluid reservoirs102, ultimately decreasing the pressure of fluid exiting nozzle106. When screw110is rotated counter-clockwise, plunger114is forced upward by the fluid travelling underneath it, increasing the flow through fluid reservoirs102, ultimately increasing the pressure of fluid exiting nozzle106.

After the fluid exits fluid reservoirs102, it enters disinfecting chamber104, which includes a polished stainless steel inner surface118, a UV light source120(e.g. laser diode and/or LED), and reflective rings122. Inner surface118ensures a smooth flow of the fluid through disinfecting chamber104and allows for some reflection of UV light. UV light source120shines UV light through transparent windows124and toward reflective rings122. The UV light travels through the fluid, reflecting off of reflective rings122(through respective transparent windows), and killing any UV sensitive organisms that might be present in the fluid. The reflection of UV light off reflective rings122increases the travel path and volume coverage of UV light inside disinfecting chamber104and increases the number of pathogens that are neutralized. Fluid exiting disinfecting chamber104travels through nozzle106and exits dental tool100, where it will be utilized in an oral procedure.

As indicated by the double-ended arrows, UV light source120can be oriented at an angle with respect to the walls of disinfecting chamber104(as shown) or, optionally, mounted flush and include optics to direct emitted light along any desired path.

Whether or not an organism is killed by UV radiation depends on how long it has been subjected to the UV light. If the flow rate of fluid through disinfecting chamber104is x meters per second, and the UV light covers a width of w meters of the chamber, then the fluid will be subject to the UV radiation for w/x seconds. For example, if the flow rate of fluid is 0.01 meter (1 cm) per second and the width of each UV light beam is 0.01 meters (1 cm), then the fluid will be subject to the light for 1 second, each time it passes through one of the beams. The width covered by the UV light is independent of any angle that the light makes with the sides of disinfecting chamber104. If the light is reflected off of reflective rings122twice, then the fluid must pass through 3 beam segments, each 1 cm wide. Therefore, the effective width of the light exposure is 3 cm, and the fluid is subject to the light for 3 seconds.

The example embodiment completely saturates one or more cross sections of the fluid pathway with UV light, in order to ensure that every pathogen in the fluid is subject to UV radiation for the minimum necessary length of time. This can be assured by adjusting the flow rate, the intensity of the UV radiation, the number of reflections, or some combination of the three.

FIG.2shows a side view of an alternate dental tool200, which includes fluid reservoirs202, a disinfecting chamber204, and a nozzle206. Fluid reservoirs202and nozzle206are identical to fluid reservoirs102and nozzle106, respectively. Dental tool200is substantially similar to dental tool100, except for the changes related to disinfecting chamber204. Fluid reservoirs202direct fluid to disinfecting chamber204, which includes a polished stainless steel inner surface208, a UV light source210, and a reflective surface212, which is disposed within disinfecting chamber204. Inner surface208ensures smooth flow of the fluid through disinfecting chamber204and allows for some reflection of UV light. UV light source210shines UV light through a clear window214and toward reflective surface212, which reflects UV light further into disinfecting chamber204. The reflection of UV light off reflective surface212(as well as off of inner surface208) increases the path length and volume coverage of light inside disinfecting chamber204, and therefore increases the number of pathogens that are neutralized. Fluid exiting disinfecting chamber204travels through nozzle206and exits dental tool200, where it will be utilized in an oral procedure.

FIG.3shows a side view of disinfecting chamber204fromFIG.2. Fluid flows in on a first side300of disinfecting chamber204. Inner surface208ensures a smooth flow of fluid. UV light source210shines UV light into disinfecting chamber204through clear window214and toward reflective surface212. Reflective surface212reflects UV light further into disinfecting chamber204, increasing the concentration of light throughout and increasing the number of pathogens that are neutralized. Disinfected fluid exits disinfecting chamber204through a second side302and enters nozzle206(not shown).

FIG.4shows a side view of another alternate dental tool400, which includes fluid reservoirs402, a disinfecting chamber404, and a nozzle406. Fluid reservoirs402and nozzle406are identical to fluid reservoirs102and nozzle106, respectively. Fluid reservoirs402direct fluid to disinfecting chamber404, which includes a polished stainless steel inner surface408, a UV light source410, an angled reflective surface412, and a flat reflective surface414. Polished inner surface408ensures smooth flow of the fluid through disinfecting chamber404and allows for some reflection of UV light. UV light source410shines UV light through a clear window416straight across disinfecting chamber404toward angled reflective surface412, which redirects the UV light further into disinfecting chamber404. The UV light then reflects off of flat reflective surface414, which directs it even further into disinfecting chamber404. The reflection of UV light off angled reflective surface412and flat reflective surface414increases the concentration of light inside disinfecting chamber404and increases the number of pathogens that are neutralized. Disinfected fluid exiting disinfecting chamber404travels through nozzle406and exits dental tool400, where it will be utilized in an oral procedure.

FIG.5shows a side view of disinfecting chamber404fromFIG.4. Fluid flows in on a first side500of disinfecting chamber404. Inner surface408ensures smooth flow of fluid. UV light source410shines UV light straight into disinfecting chamber404through clear window416and toward angled reflective surface412. Reflective surface412reflects UV light on an angle toward flat reflective surface414, which directs the light further into disinfecting chamber404, increasing the concentration of light throughout and increasing the number of pathogens that are neutralized. Disinfected fluid exits disinfecting chamber404through a second side502and enters nozzle406(not shown).

FIG.6shows a side view of yet another alternate dental tool600, which includes fluid reservoirs602, a disinfecting chamber604, and a nozzle606. Fluid reservoirs602and nozzle606are identical to fluid reservoirs102and nozzle106, respectively. Fluid reservoirs602direct fluid to disinfecting chamber604, which includes a polished stainless steel inner surface608, a UV light source610, an angled reflective surface612, and a flat reflective surface614. Polished inner surface608ensures smooth flow of the fluid through disinfecting chamber604and allows for some reflection of UV light. UV light source610is disposed within a cavity616of disinfecting chamber604, such that the fluid being disinfected also cools UV light source610. UV light source610shines UV light straight across disinfecting chamber604toward angled reflective surface612, which redirects the UV light further into disinfecting chamber604. The UV light then reflects off of flat reflective surface614, which directs it even further into disinfecting chamber604. The reflection of UV light off angled reflective surface612and flat reflective surface614increases the concentration of light inside disinfecting chamber604and increases the number of pathogens that are neutralized. Fluid exiting disinfecting chamber604travels through nozzle606and exits dental tool600, where it will be utilized in an oral procedure.

FIG.7shows a side view of disinfecting chamber604fromFIG.6. Fluid flows in on a first side700of disinfecting chamber604. Inner surface608ensures a smooth flow of fluid. UV light source610is disposed within cavity616of disinfecting chamber604and shines UV light straight into disinfecting chamber604toward angled reflective surface612. Reflective surface612reflects UV light on an angle toward flat reflective surface614, which directs the light further into disinfecting chamber604, increasing the concentration of light throughout and increasing the number of pathogens that are neutralized. Disinfected fluid exits disinfecting chamber604through a second side702and enters nozzle606(not shown).

FIG.8shows a side view of another example disinfecting chamber800, including a clear wall802, a UV light source804, an angled reflective surface806, and a plurality of flat reflective surfaces808. Fluid flows in on a first side810of disinfecting chamber800. UV light source804shines light along disinfecting chamber800and toward angled reflective surface806. Reflective surface806reflects UV light on an angle through clear wall802and toward a first of flat reflective surfaces808, which directs the light further into disinfecting chamber800toward another of flat reflective surfaces808. Disinfected fluid exits disinfecting chamber800through a second side812.

FIG.9shows a view in the direction of the fluid flow path of another example disinfecting chamber900, including a first UV light source902, a second UV light source904, a third UV light source906, a fourth UV light source908, and a clear, square-walled tube910. First UV light source902shines light through a first side912or tube910. Second UV light source904shines light through a second side914of tube910. Third UV light source906shines light through a third side916of tube910. Fourth UV light source908shines light through a fourth side918of tube910. Using four light sources to shine light into every side of tube910ensures that a cross section of the tube is completely saturated with light, which in turn guarantees that no pathogen will pass through the tube without being subjected to UV radiation.FIGS.9A-9Dshow UV light sources902,904,906, and908individually, but within the context of disinfecting chamber900.FIG.9Ashows first UV light source902shining light through first side912.FIG.9Bshows second UV light source904shining light through second side914.FIG.9Cshows third UV light source906shining light through third side916.FIG.9Dshows fourth UV light source908shining light through fourth side918.FIGS.9A-9Dshow the amount of coverage of UV light that is achieved via each UV light source individually, and indicate the amount of coverage that is achieved when all four light sources are used simultaneously. If each individual light source is powered sufficiently to kill all pathogens, and a cross-section of disinfecting chamber900is saturated with UV light from all four sources, then no pathogens can pass through the chamber alive.

FIGS.9E-9Fshow cross sectional views of two examples of disinfecting chamber900. Fluid flows in through a first side920and out through a second side922of disinfecting chamber900.FIG.9Eshows UV light sources902,904,906(not shown), and908each positioned at the same height around disinfecting chamber900. They shine light on an angle across and downward into disinfecting chamber900.FIG.9Fshows UV light sources902,904,906(not shown), and908each positioned at varying heights around disinfecting chamber900. They shine light on an angle across and downward into disinfecting chamber900.

FIG.10Ashows a perspective view of an example UV light source1000. Light source1000includes an LED1002and a lens1004mounted to the top surface of LED1002. LED1002emits light through the bottom surface of lens1004, which refracts the light and concentrates it along an imaginary plane extending from a top edge1006of lens1004. Light source1000can be used in any of the example embodiments previously discussed.

FIG.10Bshows a side view of light source1000. Rays of light shine upward from LED1002and are refracted by lens1004. The rays exit lens1002angled toward a focal line above edge1006.

FIG.11Ashows a side view of another example light source1100A, including an LED1102and a refractive lens1104. Light from LED1102emits light upward through refractive lens1104, which bends the light and concentrates it toward focal point. Light source1100A can be used in any of the example embodiments previously discussed.

FIG.11Bshows a side view of yet another example light source1100B, including an LED1106, an intermediate spacer1108, and a refractive lens1110. Light from LED1102travels upward through intermediate spacer1108, which transmits the light toward the bottom of refractive lens1110. The thickness of intermediate lens1108displaces the focal point of the light from LED1100B with respect to the embodiment ofFIG.11A, and can be adjusted to concentrate light on specific areas/volumes. Refractive lens1110refracts and concentrates the light toward the focal point. Light source1100B can be used in any of the example embodiments previously discussed.

FIG.12Ashows a side view of yet another example light source1200A, including an LED1202and a reflective surface1204. LED1202shines light upward toward reflective surface1204, which reflects the light outward at an angle, determined by an angle1206between reflective surface1204relative to LED1202. For example, when angle1206is 45 degrees, light from LED1202will be reflected in a direction perpendicular its original direction. At larger angles, it will be reflected up at an angle that depends on angle1206, and at smaller angles, it will be reflected down at an angle that depends on angle1206. Angle1206can be adjusted to alter the path of UV light and direct it to specific areas. The space between the upper surface of LED1202and reflective surface1204can be filled with air or a solid, transparent material such as glass. Light source1200A can be used in any of the example embodiments previously discussed.

FIG.12Bshows a side view of yet another example light source1200B, including an LED1208, a parabolic mirror1210and a parabolic reflective surface1212. Light from LED1208travels upward toward parabolic mirror1210, which reflects all the light toward the focal point of parabolic reflective surface1212. Light passing through the focal point of parabolic reflective surface1212is reflected upward in a collimated beam through a pin-hole1214in parabolic mirror1210. In this example embodiment, the focal points of parabolic mirror1210and parabolic reflective surface1212are coincident. Light source1200B can be used, in any of the embodiments discussed above, to concentrate UV light and direct it to specific areas.FIG.13shows a side view of yet another example light source1300, including an LED1302and a fiber optic cable1304. Light from LED1302shines into a first end1306of fiber optic cable1304, which directs the light along its length toward a second end1308of fiber optic cable1304. The light exits second end1308, which can be oriented to direct the light to specific areas within a disinfecting chamber. Fiber optic cable1304is capable of directing light from LED1302along meandering paths, allowing for ease of positioning of LED1302within a disinfecting tool. Light source1300can be used, in any of the example embodiments previously discussed, to allow for ease of placement of the light source and any power sources or control wires.

The description of particular embodiments of the present invention is now complete. Many of the described features may be substituted, altered or omitted without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, alternate light sources (e.g., lasers, laser diodes, etc.), may be substituted for the laser diode and/or LED discussed above. As another example, the flow rate of fluids passing through the disinfecting chamber can be adjusted to ensure sufficient exposure time of any pathogens to the ultraviolet light. As another example, the disinfecting chambers described can be utilized in a wide range of systems, dental tools being only one particular example. These and other deviations from the particular embodiments shown will be apparent to those skilled in the art, particularly in view of the foregoing disclosure.