Disinfecting device utilizing ultraviolet radiation

Abstract

A disinfecting device is presented having a UV light source for radiation of a cleaning medium to eradicate the medium of infestation agents such as molds, viruses, bacteria and dust mites. The device enhances the disinfection of the medium by providing mechanisms for enhanced penetration of the UV light into the cleaning medium. The device also offers enhanced heat dissipation to promote effective use of the device. Also provided are safety mechanisms to promote the safe and advantageous use of the UV device.

1 - 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . A disinfecting device for use in disinfecting a cleaning medium of infestation agents, the device comprising:
 a housing;   a bulb assembly disposed within the housing, the bulb assembly comprising at least one ultraviolet (UV) light bulb positioned in the chamber and operable to radiate UV light onto the cleaning medium;   a collection bin disposed within the housing; and   a battery electrically coupled to the UV light bulb.   
     
     
         20 . The disinfecting device of  claim 19 , further comprising a filter housing disposed within the housing and proximate to the collection bin. 
     
     
         21 . The disinfecting device of  claim 20 , further comprising a filter within the filter housing. 
     
     
         22 . The disinfecting device of  claim 19 , further comprising a safety switch. 
     
     
         23 . The disinfecting device of  claim 22 , wherein the safety switch is a deadman's switch with respect to the disinfecting device, the UV light, or the disinfecting device and the UV light. 
     
     
         24 . The disinfecting device of  claim 22 , wherein the safety switch is capable of detecting a temperature within the disinfecting device, distance of the disinfecting device to the cleaning medium, motion of the disinfecting device, or tilt of the disinfecting device. 
     
     
         25 . The disinfecting device of  claim 19 , further comprising an indicator light. 
     
     
         26 . The disinfecting device of  claim 25 , wherein the indicator light indicates a temperature within the disinfecting device, distance of the disinfecting device to the cleaning medium, motion of the disinfecting device, or tilt of the disinfecting device. 
     
     
         27 . The disinfecting device of  claim 19 , further comprising a beater bar. 
     
     
         28 . The disinfecting device of  claim 27 , further comprising a power switch that controls power to the UV light and the beater bar. 
     
     
         29 . The disinfecting device of  claim 27 , further comprising a power switch that controls power to the UV light. 
     
     
         30 . The disinfecting device of  claim 27 , further comprising a power switch that controls power to the beater bar. 
     
     
         31 . The disinfecting device of  claim 27 , wherein the beater bar further comprises beaters, the beaters comprising a rubber strip, a plastic strip, bristles, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         32 . The disinfecting device of  claim 19 , further comprising a pole assembly comprising a segment, said pole assembly extending between the housing and a handle assembly. 
     
     
         33 . The disinfecting device of  claim 19 , further comprising a first motor for driving a beater bar and a second motor for creating a vacuum. 
     
     
         34 . The disinfecting device of  claim 19 , further comprising a motor housing external to the housing and a motor disposed within the motor housing. 
     
     
         35 . A method of disinfecting a cleaning medium of infection agent, the method comprising:
 providing a disinfecting device comprising:
 a housing, 
 a bulb assembly disposed within the housing, the bulb assembly comprising at least one ultraviolet (UV) light bulb positioned in the chamber and operable to radiate UV light onto the cleaning medium, 
 a collection bin disposed within the housing, 
 a battery electrically coupled to the UV light bulb; and 
 irradiating UV light onto the cleaning medium. 
   
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the housing further comprises a filter housing and a filter within the filter housing. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 35 , further comprising providing a deadman's switch adapted to shut-off the disinfecting device, the UV light, or the disinfecting device and the UV light. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 35 , further comprising providing a motor housing external to the housing and a motor disposed within the motor housing.