Radiant energy – Invisible radiation responsive nonelectric signalling – Luminescent device
Reexamination Certificate
1998-09-03
2001-04-10
Hannaher, Constantine (Department: 2878)
Radiant energy
Invisible radiation responsive nonelectric signalling
Luminescent device
C250S372000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06215126
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a plug and method of manufacture of a plug, and more particularly to a lamp plug operable to indicate instances when a radiation source is energized.
BACKGROUND
Treatment systems and techniques for removing contaminants from contaminated media (such as liquids, gasses, and solids) have been developed in the past. Such conventional treatment systems and techniques include treatments using ultraviolet radiation. Contaminated media are often exposed to ultraviolet radiation permitted by radiation source, such as an ultraviolet lamp, which causes contaminants in the media to become inactive or to be reduced or oxidized.
Although ultraviolet radiation treatment is an effective way to decontaminate contaminated media, several problems have been encountered with ultraviolet radiation treatments.
One problem is that ultraviolet lamps must be monitored in order to replace the lamps when they fail. An automated monitoring system may be used, but such systems typically require extensive wiring, metering, and controls. Automated systems are typically not utilized to their full potential because lamp failure does not need to be immediately detected. Thus, an automated system provides a higher level of monitoring than may be required, usually at a significantly greater cost.
Another problem encountered with ultraviolet radiation treatment systems is the generation of ozone. Because such systems are generally exposed to environmental oxygen, ozone is formed when the system is in operation. In an enclosed location, such as an indoor facility, such systems can generate potentially dangerous levels of ozone and must therefore be well ventilated.
Another problem encountered with ultraviolet radiation treatment systems is the breakage of the enclosures in which ultraviolet lamps are disclosed. Glass enclosures typically seal ultraviolet lamps from liquid media, and may be subject to hydrostatic pressures. When glass enclosures break, the leakage of the liquid media from the system may result in a hazardous condition.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, a need has arisen for a lamp plug and method of manufacture that allows the status of a lamp to be monitored without the need for active monitoring equipment.
In accordance with the present invention, a lamp plug and method of manufacture are provided that overcome problems inherent with known methods for monitoring lamp status.
One aspect of the present invention is a plug for an enclosure in which a radiation source, such as an ultraviolet lamp, is disposed. The plug is formed from a material that emits visible light when the radiation source is energized, such that the status of the radiation source may be readily determined by visual inspection and without the need for monitoring equipment. The plug also operates to seal the radiation source from the environment to prevent ozone formation and leakage into or out of the enclosure.
Another aspect of the present invention is an apparatus for holding a radiation source. The apparatus includes an external housing made of a transparent or translucent material. The external housing has at least one opening through which the radiation source may be inserted into the external housing. A plug is installed in the external housing that seals the opening of the external housing. The plug is made of a material that emits visible light when the radiation source is energized. One or more conducting elements are installed through the plug, which allow the radiation source to be electrically connected to an external power source.
Another aspect of the present invention is a method for decreasing ozone generation in a decontamination system. The method of the present invention includes placing each of two or more radiation sources in a corresponding enclosure. Each enclosure is sealed with an airtight translucent plug that emits light when the radiation source is operating. Each radiation source is electrically connected to a power source using a conductor that is installed through an airtight penetration of each airtight translucent plug.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a plug for an enclosure that holds a radiation source. The method includes forming a plug from an ultraviolet-sensitive material having predetermined dimensions. A seal structure is then formed onto the plug, and a penetration is formed through the plug. A conductor is installed through the penetration in a manner so as to maintain an atmospheric seal.
The present invention provides many important technical advantages. One important technical advantage of the present invention is a passive status indicator for lamp functionality in a decontamination or disinfection system. The present invention utilizes material properties of ultraviolet-blocking or ultraviolet active materials to provide an indication of the operational status of a radiation source without requiring electronic monitoring equipment.
Another important technical advantage of the present invention is a method for preventing the formation of ozone in a disinfection or decontamination system. The present invention uses a plug that indicates the operability of the radiation sources of the system, thus allowing the system to be sealed without requiring expensive and complex monitoring equipment. The method of the present invention thus limits ozone formation while allowing the status of the radiation sources to be easily monitored.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5019256 (1991-05-01), Ifill et al.
patent: 6039460 (2000-03-01), Ng et al.
Butters Brian E.
Powell Anthony Leonard
Baker & McKenzie
Gabor Otilia
Hannaher Constantine
Purifics Enviornmental Technologies, Inc.
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