초록 ▼

A telephone handset sterilization apparatus and method having ultraviolet sterilization of the mouthpiece and earpiece of a telephone handset. The invention has an ultraviolet source within the earpiece and mouthpiece cradles of a telephone handset cradle. The telephone handset engages a seal around

A telephone handset sterilization apparatus and method having ultraviolet sterilization of the mouthpiece and earpiece of a telephone handset. The invention has an ultraviolet source within the earpiece and mouthpiece cradles of a telephone handset cradle. The telephone handset engages a seal around the earpiece and mouthpiece which blocks UV illumination from a user and seals in ozone gas that is produced by UV source below 200 nm. The UV source illuminated the earpiece and mouthpiece of a telephone handset when the handset is in the on-hook position. When on-hook, the handset engages a switch which signals a timer/power circuit which provides a timed application of power to the UV source(s). The duty cycle of the UV source os timed for substantially complete sterilization of the telephone handset. Minute amounts of ozone gas surround the earpiece and mouthpiece of the telephone handset providing more complete sterilization. An alternate embodiment can be retrofit to existing telephones. An additional alternate embodiment has a cover that encloses the telephone handset and contains additional UV lamps for sterilizing the complete handset. The sterilizer switch turns the unit off when the telephone handset is lifted off hook or when the cover is opened.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A sterilizer for suppressing germs on a telephone handset having an earpiece and a mouthpiece, the sterilizer comprising:a telephone handset cradle;a telephone handset cover hingedly attached to the telephone cradle and positioned to cover the telephone handset when the

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A sterilizer for suppressing germs on a telephone handset having an earpiece and a mouthpiece, the sterilizer comprising:a telephone handset cradle;a telephone handset cover hingedly attached to the telephone cradle and positioned to cover the telephone handset when the telephone handset cover is closed over the telephone handset when the telephone handset is in the on-hook position;a sterilizer switch biased to an off position, positioned to engage the telephone handset cover when the telephone handset cover is closed over the telephone handset;a timed power circuit connected to the sterilizer switch for providing timed application of power;a first ultraviolet (UV) source mounted within the telephone handset cover and connected to the timed power circuit for receiving the timed application of power, the first UV source being positioned to illuminate the telephone handset when the telephone handset cover is closed over the telephone handset; anda power supply connected to the timed power circuit;wherein, when the sterilizer switch is switched to an on position upon engaging the telephone handset cover when the telephone handset cover is closedover the telephone handset, the timed power circuit is caused to provide the timed application of power to the first UV source, and wherein, when the telephone handset cover is not closed over the telephone handset, no power is supplied to the first UV source.