DESC:ATHERMAL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MICROBIAL DESTRUCTION AND SANITIZATION

Field of the invention:

The present invention relates to microbial destruction and sanitization and more particularly, the present invention relates to an athermal system and method for microbial destruction and sanitization of any surface or space using microwaves.

Background of the invention:

Micro-organisms include bacteria, viruses and spores. The micro-organisms can be destroyed by several techniques such as chemical treatment, UVC radiation and thermal treatment with or without moisture. Most micro-organisms can be destroyed below a maximum temperature of 150°C. The notorious Covid-19 virus is known to get destroyed at around 70°C to 90°C. Many surfaces such as counter tops, cushions and walls cannot be heated to such temperatures. The technique used in such situations is chemical spraying or UVC radiation. The chemical treatment is laborious and messy, while the UVC radiation and thermal treatment techniques are hazardous. The thermal process involves destruction of microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses at elevated temperatures in excess of about 60°C. Many applications that require sanitization of large areas/volumes cannot use this technique. Further, the penetration depth of UVC radiation in almost all materials is very less and hence it is ineffective for porous materials and fabrics.

A prior-art patent EP2150280B1 discloses a cleaning system for germ reduction using microwaves. This system is used for household appliances, commercial dishwashers, medical device and / or care device. This system comprises cleaning region and microwave disinfecting device. This system is not useful for large areas/volumes sanitization. The sanitation process of this system increases the temperature of the item to be sanitized, so that this is not suitable for porous materials and fabrics.

Accordingly, there is a need of an athermal system for microbial destruction and sanitization of large surface or space.

Objects of the invention:

An object of the present invention is to provide an athermal system for microbial destruction and sanitization.

Another object of the present invention is to sanitize the object or surface without increase in the temperature.

Yet another object of the present invention is to sanitize the constrained area from airborne viruses.

Summary of the invention:

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides an athermal system and a method for microbial destruction and sanitization. The athermal system comprises a microwave generator, a movable trolley, a microwave antenna, a turning swivel and a safety guard. The microwave generator is mounted on the movable trolley that is adjustable relative to the height and angle. The microwave antenna is connected with the microwave generator through a turning swivel arranged therebetween. Specifically, an output of the microwave generator is directed towards contaminated surfaces through the microwave antenna. When the microwave generator is operated by an operator, the turning swivel provides angular movements to the microwave antenna in the horizontal and vertical planes for covering large areas and constrained regions for microbial destruction and sanitization thereof using microwaves without increase in temperature of objects/surfaces that are being sanitized. The safety guard is mounted on upper side of the microwave generator. The safety guard avoids the microwave exposure on the operator.

Brief description of the drawings:

The objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when the disclosure is read in conjunction with the following figures, wherein

Figure 1 shows an overview of an athermal system for microbial destruction and sanitization, in accordance with the present invention; and

Figure 2 shows a rear-side view of the athermal system for microbial destruction and sanitization, in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed description of the embodiments:

The foregoing objects of the present invention are accomplished and the problems and shortcomings associated with the prior art, techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention as described below in the preferred embodiments.

The present invention provides an athermal system and method for microbial destruction and sanitization. The sanitization is done using microwaves without increase in the temperature of the object or surface.

The viruses have small size and structure. Depending on their chemical composition, the viruses absorb microwave radiation strongly due to the principle of resonance. Every object depending on its mass, shape and size has a unique resonance frequency. At that frequency, the object vibrates with the highest amplitude. The viruses are known to have their resonance frequency at about 8-9 GHz. The viruses physically disintegrate due to excessive amplitude in the vibrations. This mechanical destruction eliminates multiplication of the viruses inhibiting their growth in numbers.

The present invention is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, throughout which reference numbers indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. These reference numbers are shown in bracket in the following description.

Referring now to figures 1 and 2, there is shown athermal system (100) for microbial destruction and sanitization. The athermal system (100) comprises a microwave generator (101), a movable trolley (105), a microwave antenna (102), a turning swivel (103) and a safety guard (104).

The microwave generator (101) is mounted on a movable trolley (105). The movable trolley (105) is adjustable relative to the height and angle. In an embodiment, the height of the movable trolly (105) can be adjusted in rang of 200mm to 1600mm.

The microwave generator (101) is connected to a microwave antenna (102). The microwave antenna (102) is connected with the microwave generator (101) through a turning swivel (103) arranged therebetween.

An output of the microwave generator (101) is directed towards contaminated surfaces through the microwave antenna (102). When the microwave generator (101) is operated by an operator, the turning swivel (103) provides angular movements to the microwave antenna (102) in the horizontal and vertical planes. This will help in covering large areas and constrained regions. In an exemplary embodiment, the large coverage areas include operation theatres, wards, reception centres, corridors and the like, but not limited thereto.

The sanitization is carried out using microwaves without increase in temperature of objects/surfaces that are being sanitized. The microwave has significant depth of penetration which helps to sanitize both side surface of a thin item at once. In an embodiment, the approximate time required to sanitize using the microwaves is 10-20 seconds.

The safety guard (104) is mounted on upper side of the microwave generator (101). The safety guard (104) avoids an exposure of the microwaves on the operator.

Advantages of the invention:

1. The athermal system (100) provides simple and efficient athermal sanitation system with no noticeable increase in temperature of the surfaces.
2. The athermal system (100) provides sanitization of object with no adverse effect and no discoloration of object/fabrics.
3. The athermal system (100) is suitable for large coverage areas as in operation theatres, wards, reception centres, corridors and the like.
4. The athermal system (100) is suitable for porous surfaces and thin items.
5. The athermal system (100) can be useful for any virus sanitation by adjusting frequency accordingly.
6. The athermal system (100) is thoroughly effective for airborne virus.
7. The athermal system (100) is safer to use as it contains low power.
8. The athermal system (100) is having lower operating and manufacturing cost and longer life.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the claims of the present invention. ,CLAIMS:We claim:

1. A athermal system (100) for microbial destruction and sanitization comprising:
a microwave generator (101) mounted on a movable trolley (105); and
a microwave antenna (102) connected with the microwave generator (101) through a turning swivel (103) arranged therebetween;
wherein, an output of the microwave generator (101) is directed towards contaminated surfaces through the microwave antenna (102) and when the microwave generator (101) is operated by an operator, the turning swivel (103) provides angular movements to the microwave antenna (102) in horizontal and vertical planes for covering large areas and constrained regions for microbial destruction and sanitization thereof using microwaves without increase in temperature of objects/surfaces that are being sanitized.

2. The athermal system (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the movable trolley (105) is adjustable relative to the height and angle.

3. The athermal system (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, a safety guard (104) is mounted on upper side of the microwave generator (101) for avoiding an exposure of the microwaves on the operator.

Dated this 25th day of June 2021

Prafulla Wange
(Agent for Applicant)
(IN/PA-2058)