The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 30, 2021
Filed:
Dec. 20, 2018
International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY (US);
Amos Cahan, Dobbs Ferry, NY (US);
Guy M. Cohen, Ossining, NY (US);
Lior Horesh, North Salem, NY (US);
Raya Horesh, North Salem, NY (US);
International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY (US);
Abstract
Techniques for automatically eradicating microorganisms (e.g., germs, bacteria, and/or viruses) from appliance handles using ultraviolet (UV) light are provided. In one aspect, a system for eradicating biological contaminants from a handle on an appliance door is provided. The system includes a UV light emitter for producing UV disinfecting light during a cleaning cycle; and a waveguide coating on the handle, coupled to the UV light emitter, for propagating the UV disinfecting light over a surface of the handle. The system can also include a control module for controlling the UV light emitter; and at least one sensor for providing data to the control module as to when to initiate or halt a cleaning cycle. A method for eradicating biological contaminants from a handle on an appliance door using the present system is also provided.