Method and apparatus for sterilizing and disinfecting air and surfaces and protecting a zone from external microbial contamination

Abstract

This invention relates to a method, process and apparatus for disinfecting and sterilizing all types of surfaces contaminated with microorganisms and toxic substances to render both inactive. Furthermore, this invention relates to both a method and apparatus for disinfecting and/or sterilizing breathable air and then using this air to protect a confined space from external contamination. The apparatus consists of a new ultra-violet (NUV) source that is more effective than mercury based 254 nm light for destroying DNA of virus, bacteria, spores and cists. It is most effective in breaking chemical bonds in toxic gases and Biotoxins that are useful to terrorists. It is combined with other apparatus that remove particulates and byproducts sometimes produced by the NUV source and maintains positive pressure of the confined space so as to prevent the influx of air from outside the protected zone.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A disinfecting apparatus comprising:
 a source of photons generating photons having a wavelength of 222 nm; and   the source of photons being capable of being directed to a selected zone or surface to efficiently damage or destroy a DNA or RNA of a microorganism.   
     
     
         2 . The disinfecting apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the source of photons having a wavelength of 222 nm substantially corresponds to an absorption peak of amino acids or proteins in microorganisms. 
     
     
         3 . The disinfecting apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a photon reflector secured in a spaced relationship to the source of photons. 
     
     
         4 . The disinfecting apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the photon reflector is a gull wing shaped reflector. 
     
     
         5 . The disinfecting apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the source of photons is a lamp. 
     
     
         6 . The disinfecting apparatus of  claim 5  wherein the lamp is positioned within a hand held wand. 
     
     
         7 . The disinfecting apparatus of  claim 5  further comprising a fiber optic cable in communication with the lamp. 
     
     
         8 . The disinfecting apparatus of  claim 5  wherein the lamp comprises a cover, the cover substantially transparent to 222 nm. 
     
     
         9 . The disinfecting apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising an air duct surrounding the photon source. 
     
     
         10 . The disinfecting apparatus of  claim 9  further comprising turning vanes within the air duct to change a direction of an air flow. 
     
     
         11 . The disinfecting apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the source of photons is operable to generate a radiant dose energy of 40 mJ/cm 2  to a substance or surface to be disinfected. 
     
     
         12 . The disinfecting apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the source of photons is operable to generate a radiant dose energy of 60 mJ/cm 2  to a substance or surface to be disinfected. 
     
     
         13 . The disinfecting apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the source of photons is operable to provide 540 kJ/mole of photon energy. 
     
     
         14 . The disinfecting apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the source of photons is operable for use in disinfecting human tissue. 
     
     
         15 . The disinfecting apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the source of photons is positioned in an operating room.