Chip sanitizing device

Abstract

A chip sanitizing device comprises an area that is substantially enclosed and includes a sanitizing unit comprising a germicidal bulb and a power source. One or more chips is placed within the device and after the germicidal bulb is activated the one or more chips is sanitized. In another embodiment of the invention a chip rack is modified to include a sanitizing unit comprising a germicidal bulb, a power source and a fan stored in a housing attached to the chip rack. The slots are modified to contain openings to allow ultraviolet light to reach the chips sitting atop the rack. The ultraviolet light may sterilize microorganisms such as germs and bacterium found on chips. A fan is used to provide circulation and may increase the likelihood of germs and bacteria coming into contact with the ultraviolet light. In a further embodiment of the invention a lid is provided that substantially covers the chip rack and stores the sanitizing unit. In a further embodiment, the inner surfaces of a lid or housing may be covered with reflective material to increase the likelihood that the ultraviolet light comes into contact with germs or bacteria.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for sanitizing chips comprising:
 a chip rack housing defining a plurality of slots adapted to support one or more casino chips wherein the slots comprise one or more openings allowing UV-C light to pass through;   a sanitizing layer comprising a UV-C light source, the UV-C light source comprising at least one germicidal bulb and a power supply, the at least one germicidal bulb electrically coupled to the power supply;   a housing unit storing the sanitizing layer, the housing unit adapted to attach with the chip rack housing and comprising four walls perpendicularly attached to a base.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the sanitizing layer further comprises at least one fan electrically coupled to the power supply. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the at least one germicidal bulb electrically coupled to the power source is coupled through the use of a ballast. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3  wherein the power source comprises a battery. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the power source comprises alternating current. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 4  wherein the sanitizing later is molded onto a tray made of semi-plastic material. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 4  wherein the germicidal bulb is configured to emit UV in the 253 nm to 265 nm range. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7  wherein the sanitizing layer further comprises a programmable controller electrically coupled to the at least one germicidal bulb and the at least one fan. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8  wherein the programmable controller is programmed such that a dosage of 6600 μW·s/cm2 is delivered by the at least one germicidal bulb. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9  wherein the sanitizing layer further comprises a non-UV light source electrically coupled to the programmable controller and the power source. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 9  further comprising a lid adapted to substantially cover the chip rack, the lid comprised of opaque material and lined with specular aluminum. 
     
     
         12 . A method for sanitizing chips comprising the steps of:
 a) placing one or more chips on the chip rack of the system of  claim 1 ;   b) activating the at least one germicidal bulb for a period of time.   
     
     
         13 . A system for sanitizing chips comprising:
 a substantially enclosed area where chips may be inserted and a sanitizing unit comprising a UV-C light source, the UV-C light source comprising at least one germicidal bulb and a power supply, the at least one germicidal bulb electrically coupled. to the power supply.   
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13  wherein the sanitizing unit further comprises at least one fan electrically coupled to the power supply. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14  wherein the substantially enclosed area comprises a covering adapted to substantially cover a chip rack. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 14  wherein the substantially enclosed area comprises a left component, a right component, a back component and a top component, wherein the top component is perpendicularly attached to the left component, the right component and the back component. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16  wherein the power source comprises a battery. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17  wherein the sanitizing section is molded onto a tray made of semi-plastic material. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18  wherein the sanitizing section further comprises a programmable controller electrically coupled to the at least one germicidal bulb and wherein the programmable controller is programmed such that a dosage of 6600 μW·s/cm2 is delivered by the at least one germicidal bulb. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 19  wherein the inner surface of one of the top back, left or right component is lined with specular aluminum.