Apparatus for killing pathogens on human beings

p0001The invention relates to an apparatus for destroying pathogens in humans, in the broadest sense, a disinfection process which kills pathogens, such as bacteria or viruses, or rendered harmless.

p0002Disinfection procedures and disinfectants are known. Most is microbicidal chemicals. Also known are oxidatively-acting disinfectants, such as hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid. Also known is the use of electromagnetic radiation, in particular of UV radiation for killing pathogens.

p0003A combination of oxidative agents and UV radiation is known. Thus, for example the<patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="DE19949434"><text>DE 199 49 434</text></patcit> a combination of hydrogen peroxide and UV radiation to disinfect contaminated water. The<patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="WO0028552A"><text>WO 00/28552</text></patcit> describes a method in which a photoactive aerosol is sprayed and the object to be disinfected is irradiated with UV radiation.

p0004The <patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="US4366125A"><text>US 4,366,125</text></patcit> describes a device in which a film material is sprayed with hydrogen peroxide and irradiated with UV radiation. The method used for disinfection of the film.

p0005A disadvantage of these known disinfection processes that usually pose a health risk to humans or animals of the process. From preventive disinfection example of large groups of people must therefore be disregarded in most cases.

p0006The object of the invention to provide a device that disinfects people in a particularly simple and rapid manner. In particular, a rapid disinfection of a larger number of people, to be guaranteed for example in biological disasters.

p0007The object of the invention is achieved a device in accordance with claim 1 in a surprisingly simple manner.

p0008Preferred embodiments and modification of the invention are disclosed in the respective dependent claims.

p0009The invention relates to a device for a method of disinfecting, killing or passivation of pathogens to humans, in which the human being, is a mist of a liquid containing an oxidatively acting agent, sprinkles and the organism or object with UV- light is irradiated.

p0010The oxidizing action means is provided at a concentration that is harmless to humans or animals.

p0011The device is a method for disinfecting people and uses the effect that oxidative means of UV radiation can be activated, so that, for example, OH-radicals are formed, which have a strong oxidative effect. In combination with UV radiation, it is surprisingly possible to use an oxidatively-acting agent in a concentration which is harmless to humans and yet to achieve a high level of disinfection. In carrying out the process of the human being is first sprayed with a mist, it is in this case a liquid dispersed in the space portion sprayed, in which man is. This man is evenly sprayed with droplets and acted upon. Only the oxidizing action means already has a certain disinfecting effect, which, however, often not sufficient to achieve a sufficient degree of destruction of pathogens. After spraying the person is irradiated with UV light. Also, the UV light has in itself already a disinfecting effect. Ultimately, however, is only through the combination of oxidatively-acting means and the subsequent activation by UV light, a sufficient disinfecting action, a synergistic effect is achieved. Irradiation with UV light is also conceivable already during the spray phase.

p0012In a particular embodiment of the process is a solution of peracetic acid with a concentration of below 0.8% (in each case per cent by volume), preferably less than 0.6%, particularly preferably of less than 0.4% oxidative-acting agent. Peracetic acid concentrations of less than 0.8% are safe, you go to the concentration even below 0.4%, are side effects such as irritation of the skin and respiratory system practically impossible, so these peracetic acid solution acceptable also to treat people can be used. Surprisingly enough is enough already in combination with the UV light has a concentration of less than 0.8% in order to achieve a sufficient disinfecting effect.

p0013Alternatively to the peracetic acid lends itself in a particular embodiment of a method, a solution with hydrogen peroxide, which can also be used in a suitable low concentration.

p0014In a particular embodiment of the invention, the man moved first to a device for spraying the liquid and then to a UV light source for irradiating along. Thus, it is possible to disinfect human sequence. In particular, as larger numbers of people can be disinfected in quick succession.

p0015Conceivable, of course is that the human being moved under its own power on the device for spraying and to the UV light source along.

p0016In another particular embodiment of the invention, the mist has an average droplet size between 1 <i>μ</i>m and 50 <i>μ</i>m, preferably between 2 <i>μ</i>m and 15 <i>μ</i>m and particularly preferably between 4 <i>μ</i>m and 12 <i>μ</i>m.

p0017In particular, in the disinfection of persons has been found that a droplet size between 4 <i>μ</i>m and 12 <i>μ</i>m is particularly suitable to form a uniform film on the surface. Larger droplets sizes are particularly suitable to treat fast moving objects and people. So, if a very high throughput is required, can therefore also be a larger droplet size advantage.

p0018As radiation dose has been found particularly suitable is a dose between 0.3 and 1.0 m wc / cm² pointed out, in particular a dose between 0.4 and 0.6 m wc / cm² is for the treatment of humans is particularly suitable. This is a dose that is already suitable for adequate disinfection, on the other side but also no radiation damage such as causing sunburn. For example, in an exposure dose of 0.5 m wc / cm² a person be disinfected up to twelve times with a procedure before a limit of 6 m wc / cm² is achieved for the irradiation of skin with ultraviolet radiation. Such a process is therefore safe also with respect to the UV radiation dose.

p0019In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the irradiation time between one and ten seconds, more preferably between four and eight seconds. Thus, a high throughput is ensured. There is also a radiant flux of about 0.1 m wc / cm² sufficient.

p0020For the irradiation found to be particularly advantageous has a wavelength of 240 to 280 nanometers, in particular a wavelength of 250-270 nanometers. Thus, it has been found that a maximum is reached for the bacteria killing at 254 nanometers. The preferred wavelength range is around this value.

p0021Suitably, a person is disinfected, the using the apparatus of the present invention a UV radiation absorbent wearing glasses during the execution of a method. This ensures that it can not come to UV radiation damage to the eyes or glare.

p0022The invention relates to a device for disinfecting, killing or passivating pathogenic agents on people with a first region in which at least one device is provided for spraying a liquid which contains an oxidatively-acting agent and a second region having at least one UV-light source. The process may be carried out in an integrated device of the invention. Preferably, the agent with an oxidizing action is provided in a safe for people acting concentration.

p0023In one development of the invention the first portion of the second region are not separated geographically. So the entire disinfection can be carried out in a plant. Man is thus spent, for example, in a first region where it is sprayed with an oxidative agent. Then it is placed into a second region, in which it is bestahlt with UV radiation. This embodiment has the advantage that, for example, in the first region, a trough may be provided for collecting the liquid, then the person can move in a second region, in the UV light sources are arranged. Structurally, each region may be adapted to different requirements. For example, must be resistant to oxidizing action means the first region, while the second region must be constructed of materials UVstrahlungsresistenten.

p0024Preferably, the inventive device is suitable for disinfecting larger individuals amounts, for example at airports, for example, when an aircraft arrives from an infected area or for disinfection of animal herds, for example a herd of animals to be loaded onto a ship.

p0025Thus can be prevented with the inventive device, the spread of contagious diseases.

p0026In one development of the invention in the device is a tank for receiving the liquid of the oxidative agent is integrated. So no connection must be provided for the liquid. It has been found that even small amounts to be sprayed, sufficient to achieve adequate disinfection, so that no feeding from the outside is required. Especially in a mobile design of the device according to the invention is a tank of advantage.

p0027In a further advantageous embodiment, the device comprises a spectacle is provided a disinfectant to man can bear. These glasses prevented to a, that the agent with an oxidizing action is sprayed into the eyes of the user, on the other hand protects the glasses against UV radiation in the second region of the device.

p0028A further development of the invention provides a device which is adapted for mobile transportation. It is conceivable to incorporate a device, for example in a container that can be easily transported. When disaster strikes, so the inventive device can be moved to the "disaster area. It is also conceivable to integrate the device in a vehicle or aircraft.

p0029In a further embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is demountable. It is conceivable to provide a separable device that takes up little storage space and so, for example, can be easily transported in an aircraft and thus more easily in a disaster area can be moved.

p0030In one development of the invention, the device is telescopically collapsible, in particular it is provided that the second region is at least partially insertable into the first region. It has been found that the second area with the UV-lamps takes up a larger volume than the first region. It provides, for example, therefore, to telescopically design the second area and insert into the first region.

p0031Particularly advantageous for the first region in which the oxidatively acting agent is sprayed is a configuration made of stainless steel. This material is characterized by a high resistance against oxidative agents.

p0032The second portion may be made of stainless steel. But here is, for example, aluminum is a very advantageous material which is particularly light and UV radiation resistant. Plastics usually mind the disadvantage that they are not UV resistant. Would be conceivable nevertheless to provide a plastic composite material with a UV-impermeable protective layer.

p0033In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the device can be closed by doors on each of the first and second region. Thus, it can be prevented that the oxidizing action means or the UV-radiation passes to the outside. The doors may be for example, sliding doors, as well as a curtain is conceivable particularly in the second region advantageously.

p0034In one development of the invention, the doors of a sensor are automatically controlled. For example, needs to be disinfected a person to handle no handle or the like, which in turn could pose a risk of infection. Instead, the door opens automatically when entering the device and automatically reseals behind the person.

p0035A further advantageous embodiment of the invention indicates a sensor for controlling the spraying process or a sensor for controlling the UV radiation. It can be a light barrier or a motion sensor that activates the spraying or the UV radiation when the person enters the respective area, for example,. Thus a fully automated system is conceivable without operating personnel or to be disinfected person must operate the device itself.

p0036This sensor is advantageously arranged away from direct UV radiation. Since many sensors contain plastics that UV radiation could affect the life of the sensor.

p0037In an advantageous embodiment of the invention one or more sensor detect the reaching of the first region, the second region or leaving the apparatus. Spray or UV radiation can be controlled, for example, that they are only active when a person is present in the respective area. Especially an automatic on and off the spraying process is advantageous because the liquid is saved with the oxidative agents.

p0038A development of the invention has an acoustic or optical guidance device. This benefit can, for example, a voice-controlled guide or a guide by means of a signaling device, indicating when, for example, the next person can enter the device when the respective area to leave or when the device is to be left.

p0039In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus comprises means for automatically switching off the spraying process or the UV irradiation after a predetermined time. Such a device, for example, a timer is particularly important for the spraying, otherwise disinfectant is sprayed unnecessarily or it may occur, for example a wetting of the operator's clothing, or if those plant, from whatever reason, leave.

p0040A further development of the invention, a transponder for a card, especially for a bar code, magnetic card or chip card. This embodiment is particularly suitable, for example, the operating area of ​​a hospital or a laboratory, are in the persons entering the laboratory, may be contaminated, in particular for security sensitive areas. Here, it is conceivable that each person of passing a card with which it passes through the device. Then, either the card is read or are received on the map integrated memory means that the device was happening. With this read or transmitted data, for example, to ensure that a person only after passing through the device of the invention can leave a contaminated area or only after passing the device can enter a safety area. Advantageously, the card may be part of another security system as a locking system at the same time. This registration of the evidence can be provided after the event that the person or thing has been treated with the inventive method or the inventive apparatus. This is particularly important for insurance questions or you to trace the possible routes of infection.

p0041In a further development of the invention, the device comprises a conveyor belt for transporting the organisms or objects. So an automatic passing through the apparatus of the invention is secured. In particular, in animals also have a similar guide means, such as a grid, which passes through the device instead of one conveyor belt but conceivable in which the animal is forced to mitzulaufen. The automatic transport ensures that the device will also undergo approximately within the specified time.

p0042A preferred embodiment of the invention, to successively arranged areas with spray and UV light source, wherein between the first and second regions no screen wall is provided. It has proved to be particularly advantageous in that virtually all airborne germs are killed by the ultraviolet light at least in the second region. Now the first and second portion are arranged sequentially and there is no privacy screen between them, even by the circulation of air between the first and second range is achieved that in the entire system, no germs in the air are.

p0043The device according to the invention has on one side an entrance and on the opposite side to an output. Thus, the device can be passed in one direction. This is particularly advantageous in number of disinfecting a larger person.

p0044In a development of the above embodiment of the invention relative to the input or to the output a screen wall or a privacy curtain is arranged. This privacy curtain prevents people can look into it from the front or the back of the device. In particular the unwanted irradiation of persons with UV light is thus prevented.

p0045Advantageously, the screen wall or the privacy curtain is formed back mobile or retractable. It has been shown in particular that when the screen wall is positioned sufficiently close relation to the input or the output, wheelchairs can not go through the device. Therefore, it is advantageous if the screen wall or the privacy curtain is retractable forms. here is particularly advantageous automatic resetting retraction of the screen wall to the starting position after passage of the plant. This prevents that, for convenience, the screen wall or the privacy curtain remains permanently pushed back.

p0046According to the invention, the apparatus for disinfection of humans is formed and has a double-sided railing at least in the first region. This railing is such arranged that the to be disinfected man must bend his arms. Thus it is achieved that on the underside of the arms adhering a sufficient amount of the oxidative agent. Advantageously, the double-sided railing continues even in the second region, so there is also an irradiation under the arms.

p0047In one development of the invention, the apparatus comprises a railing, be guided by the above fan air. In particular, in the second region tends to a railing by the absorbed UV radiation to be warm while in the first region, the liquid leads to wetting of the railing with wetness. Through a fan, the room air from the device blows through the railing, on the one hand ensures that the railing in the second region cools, whereas the first portion is heated and thus remains essentially dry. It is conceivable, in particular also to provide the railing outlet openings for the air. The air that is free of germs by the UV radiation in the second region substantially, thus additionally resulting in a drying for disinfection of the railing. Preferably, may be integrated into the railing of the fan.

p0048Advantageously, the second portion of the apparatus has a substantially greater length than the first region of the device. Thus, it is possible that the uniform passing through the device, the spraying time, which is usually at least shorter than the irradiation time, and di irradiation time are matched e.

p0049In a further development of the invention, the device comprises an independent power supply for operating the UV light source. Thus, it is possible to operate the device independently. For example, conceivable is a power generator that operates the lamps. When disaster strikes, such disinfecting means is not reliant on a power supply. It is conceivable to operate also with the power supply, a pump for spraying the disinfectant or the above-mentioned fan.

p0050In one development of the invention, the device is designed as a lock in an operating room. The apparatus is integrated in a lock element. Thus it is achieved that the operating room, which essentially should be free of germs, is entered only by persons disinfected.

p0051Advantageously, the device is also conceivable, in a bridge, as are typically provided at major airports, to dock at the aircraft, the passengers leave the plane, to be integrated. For example, all inmates who leave an aircraft be disinfected with the inventive device.

p0052Alternatively, the device lends itself to, for example, as an inflatable goal on a means of transport, in particular an aircraft or a vehicle for transporting sick people or animals to be integrated. So the infection potential can be reduced in particular of sick people and their treatment staff.

p0053The invention further relates to the use of an inventive device or an inventive method for disinfecting people, especially in the hospital, in the operating room, in sports stadiums, in sports facilities, in health establishments, at airports, in particular on the gangway of an airport, in saunas, in slaughterhouses, in bunkers or in massage parlors, massage parlors and similar service companies. Especially in this area is often a high risk of infection exists, disinfection is carried out, but if at all, by microbicidal or fungicidal chemicals which are mostly out side effects. Surprisingly, using the inventive method or the inventive device disinfection of humans or animals a health completely harmless disinfection possible. Especially by a low concentration of an oxidative agent, this advantage is achieved due to the synergistic effect. By activation with UV radiation a health completely harmless concentration is sufficient.

p0054The device is next to your infection of humans and objects especially for the disinfection of animals, such as sheep or poultry from which often pose a particularly high risk of infection. Because of health safety, which is true even for the handling of the oxidative agent by the operator, there is a wide range of use. Even the disinfection of food such as fruit is provided.

p0055The device should be especially always used where a large sterility or a particularly high infection potential exists, therefore, for example in disaster areas, airports, ports or borders.

p0056In particular, the use of the apparatus for disinfection of items of baggage, in particular at airports, or of money is provided. Just from these objects is according to experience of a particularly high risk of infection.

p0057For use in a device according to the invention a pair of glasses is provided. The spectacle has a UV absorbing film as a field of view. Such a film can for example be used as disposable glasses.

p0058Preferably, the film has a rectangular shape roughly and has edge slots with recesses for attaching an elastic band from. So for example it is possible to punch a sheet and then be provided with a standard rubber band to use as glasses. This design has the particular advantage that it forms at least a substantially watertight seal in humans at the end, so that is prevented in performing the method of the invention that the oxidizing action of liquid or with the liquid mixed sweat in the eyes of the user drop can. Among rectangular according to the invention also has a substantially rectangular shape is understood with rounded edges or curved sides.

p0059In an advantageous development of the invention, the spectacle is part of a Multi Glasses band and by a weakened line, in particular a perforation, separable from other spectacles of the tape.

p0060Thus it would be possible for example to manufacture eyeglasses from a continuous web. These could then be wound up, for example as a roll and are inserted into a dispenser that each releases a spectacle. The glasses could then be demolished and provided by the user of the disinfection device of the invention with a rubber band and be worn. A dispenser which contains individual sheets stacked glasses is also conceivable.

p0061Preferably, the UV-absorbing film has a thickness of between 50 <i>μ</i>m to 200 <i>μ</i>m, more preferably between 120 <i>μ</i>m and 180 <i>μ</i>m. Such a film has an adequate flexibility. They can be worn for example, people with glasses on a spectacle frame it.

p0062The invention is illustrated below with reference to embodiments in the <figref idrefs="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004">Figures 1-9</figref> are explained in detail.<dl id="dl0001" compact="compact"><dt>Fig. 1</dt><dd>shows a schematic side view of a device according to the invention, especially designed for disinfection of humans,</dd><dt>FIG. 2</dt><dd>shows a schematic plan view of this apparatus from above,</dd><dt>Fig. 3</dt><dd>shows a schematic plan view of this apparatus from the front,</dd><dt>Fig. 7</dt><dd>shows a schematic representation of a pair of spectacles according to the invention,</dd><dt>Fig. 8</dt><dd>shows another diagrammatic representation of a cabin disinfection according to the invention for the disinfection of persons,</dd><dt>Fig. 9</dt><dd>shows a schematic representation of an aircraft or in a bridge of an airport integrated device for the disinfection of humans.</dd><dt>Fig. 10</dt><dd>shows a schematic representation of the first region of the inventive device.</dd><dt>Fig. 11</dt><dd>shows a schematic representation of the second portion of the device according to the invention</dd></dl>

p0063<figref idrefs="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> shows a schematic representation of an inventive device 1 for disinfection in particular a person 10. The device has a first region 2 and second region 3. The first area is the wetting of the person 10 by means of a spray of a peracetic acid solution. These 2 spray heads 4 are provided in the first region. The second region 3 comprises UV lamps (not shown) with which the person is irradiated. Further, an input section 7 and an output range can be seen 8. Before the entrance 7 and the output section 8 is a screen wall 9. This screen wall 9 prevents people from either end during operation or with activated UV lamp into the device 1 can look. In operation, to be disinfected person 10 first passes through the entrance 7. The person 10 enters the first section 2 of the disinfection apparatus 1. On both sides is a railing 6 arranged, which is so high that the person 10 must bend your arms so that of the spray heads 4, the disinfectant is spread over the whole body.

p0064In the first section 2, the inventive device comprises a stainless steel tank (not shown), which deviated sprayed disinfectant traps. After passing through the first region 2, the person 10 enters the second region 3 are arranged in the UV-lamps.

p0065Here, the peracetic acid is activated, that is, it splits from OH radicals, which results in the disinfection in accordance with the inventive method. The second area 3 is longer than the first region 2, since in this area a higher retention makes sense. After passing through the second region 3, the person enters 10 via the output section 8 and can thus leave the device of the invention. Furthermore, the device of input and output side still has a ramp 13 to allow wheelchair users navigating the device of the invention. This schematically illustrated apparatus is configured as a mobile unit, that can be relatively easily transported and set up in such example in disaster areas or in airports, ports or borders.

p0066<figref idrefs="f0001">FIG. 2</figref> show a schematic plan view of the in <figref idrefs="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> shown apparatus 1. You can see here the first region 2, are provided in the spray heads 4 of the distribution of the disinfectant. In the second area 3 UV lamps 5 are provided. The person 10 passes over the ramp 13, enters the first region 2, then the second section 3 and leaves the second region 3 and thus the device via a further ramp. 13 The direction is shown with arrows. Evident is the balustrade 6, the control box 11, which also has the necessary electrical system for an automatic guidance device including the pump (not shown) in this case includes the spraying of oxidative liquid. The apparatus is configured with an optical guiding means in the form of a signal lamp fourteenth Again, the partitions 9 can be seen, which prevent people in the operation of the front or rear can look into the device. 1 On the right side where the screen wall 9 is arranged opposite the second portion 3 with the UV lamps, the screen wall 9 is additionally drawn around the corner. So it is impossible that a person from the outside can obliquely look to the UV light.

p0067<figref idrefs="f0002">Fig. 3</figref> shows a schematic representation of the in <figref idrefs="f0001">Fig. 1 and Fig. 2</figref> to detect device for disinfecting a person 10. Good described here is the increased railings 6, which (not visible) is supplied with air via a fan. The switch cabinet 11 is to recognize and a schematically illustrated tank 17 for receiving the disinfection fluid. Into the tank 17 a pump (not shown) for spraying the oxidative disinfectant is integrated.

p0068the device can compensate for uneven ground and 20 are also suitable for mobile use.

p0069<figref idrefs="f0003">Fig. 7</figref> shows a schematic representation of a pair of glasses 50 which is intended to be worn in the method using the apparatus according to the invention. The glasses 50 consists of a rectangular foil 51. The foil is designed from a UV-absorbing plastic. It has the edge on slots 52 with recesses 53rd Through the slots a rubber band (not shown) can be passed, which is then fixed in the recesses 53rd Thus, the glasses can be worn 50th Because of the flexibility it closes by the train of the rubber band is flush in the forehead, so that the support from the top can not get a drop in the eye.

p0070<figref idrefs="f0003">Fig. 8</figref> shows a further embodiment of a disinfecting device according to the invention for people. The apparatus 60 has an input portion 7, through which the person 10 enters the first area 2 of the device, where it is sprayed with an oxidatively active liquid, is then irradiated in the second area 3 with UV light and an angled exit area 8, the device leaves again. Due to the design of the entrance area 7 and the output portion 8 is established that persons can not look into the UV light from the outside.

p0071<figref idrefs="f0004">Fig. 9</figref> shows schematic representations of embodiments of the device according to the invention. Firstly, here a device 70 is schematically shown, which is integrated into the entrance area of ​​an airplane 71st On the other hand is schematically illustrated an apparatus 80 which is integrated in a so-called bridge 81, which is provided at airports for exiting an aircraft 71st The bridge 81 is here docked at aircraft 71st now leaving the passengers, the aircraft 71, they first pass through the first region 2 of the device 80 by being sprayed with an oxidative agent and then passed through the second region 3, where they are exposed to UV radiation. With this device it is possible in a quick and effective way to disinfect all the passengers of an airplane when leaving in passing.

p0072<figref idrefs="f0004">Fig. 10</figref> shows a schematic representation of the first portion 2 of a device according to the invention. Evident are on each side two spray heads 4, through which the person 10 is sprayed with a mist of an oxidative liquid. Evident is also a mutually arranged railings 6, which is arranged so high that the person to be disinfected 10 must bend your arms.

p0073<figref idrefs="f0005">Fig. 11</figref> shows a schematic representation of the second region 3 a device according to the invention. To detect both sides of three UV light sources 5, through which the person 10 is bestahlt with UV light. It is also evident here that both sides arranged railings. 6