WO2001051098A1

WO2001051098A1 - Infant utensil sterilization method and apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2001051098A1
Application number: PCT/US2001/001169
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jon L. Roberts
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-01-14
Filing date: 2001-01-12
Publication date: 2001-07-19
Anticipated expiration: 2002-07-14
Also published as: AU2001229451A1

Abstract

An infant utensil sterilization apparatus having ultraviolet sterilization in an enclosed container to kill bacteria and other disease carrying organisms. The invention comprises a horizontal or vertical container into which a user places infant utensils to be sterilized. An ultraviolet source within the container irradiates the infant utensils thereby killing any microorganisms that might reside on the infant utensils. Ultraviolet radiation below 200 nm can also be used thereby creating ozone gas having germicidal characteristics. The ozone gas is circulating in and around the infant utensils thereby providing further sterilization together with the ultraviolet radiation. A sterilization switch turns the UV source off when the container is opened.

Description

Title of Invention: Infant Utensil Sterilization Method and Apparatus

Field of the invention

The present invention relates generally to sterilization devices. More particularly this invention relates to a device for sterilizing Infant utensils commonly used in when raising

children infant utensil using ultraviolet radiation and ozone gas in a closed or semi-closed

container.

Background of the invention

It has long been known that germs are spread by, among other things, hand to hand

contact. Hence there's been much in the literature recently concerning the washing of hands in

order to prevent the spreading of the common cold as well as other microbes. Further, it has long

been known that toothbrushes can be a source of the spreading of germs as well. Recently, it has

been discovered that bacteria continue to live on infant utensils there used by individuals. As

such, infant utensils can also carry microbes and therefore can be a vector for the spread of

disease. Bacteria can also continue to live on utensils that are used by infants an toddlers.

For purposes of this invention the term "utensil" refers to nipples, pacifiers, bottles for

milk and formula, rattles, teething rings, small spoon and forks, and other eating utensils and all

manner of devices that are used by infants and toddlers and which are subject to being put in the

infant or toddlers mouth. Also for purposes of this application the term '"infant" is generally used

not to denote any specific age range but to denote those young children of any age who have such

utensils noted above and who might be prone to put such utensils in their mouths.

There is much prior art for the sterilization of various objects. For example, hospitals use sterilization routinely for surgical instruments. Typically such sterilization occurs both

chemically as well as through high-pressure high temperature steam sterilization. This results in generally sterile instruments for use in surgery. The difficulty, of course, is that such devices are expensive, cumbersome, and are therefore not practical for the widespread sterilization of more common devices.

The spread of germs via bathroom articles has been the subject of invention. Many

inventors have dealt with the issues associated with toothbrush sterilization. For example, patent

No. 3.954.407 to Andary et al. discloses an automatic toothbrush sterilization comprising

ultraviolet lamps. Similarly patent No. 4,088,445 to Ellis discloses a sterilization holder and

night light for toothbrushes. Patent No. 4,88,4072 Ritter discloses a toothbrush sterilizer with

automatic control. Patent No. 4,772,795 to Sakurai et al. discloses an ultraviolet sterilizer for

dental implements. Patent No. 4,803,364 to Ritter discloses a toothbrush conditioner comprising

an ultraviolet radiation source. Patent No. 4,806,770 to Hylton et al. discloses another form of

toothbrush holder having an ultraviolet lamp mounted within the housing.

Patent No. 4,906,851 to Beasley et al. discloses yet another form of ultraviolet toothbrush

sterilizer and holder. Patent No. 4.973,847 to Lackey et al. discloses a toothbrush sanitation

device having ultraviolet light source and a removable lid. Patent No. 5.023,460 to Foster, Jr. et

al. discloses a toothbrush sanitizer having a centrally mounted ultraviolet bulb with cavities for

receiving toothbrushes. Patent No. 5,126,572 to Chu discloses a toothbrush holder also having

an ultraviolet source. Patent No. 5,127.521 to Bourgue discloses a toothbrush holder also having

an ultraviolet light source. Patent No. 5.487,877 to Choi discloses a rest room organizer having a

sterilization apparatus using ultraviolet light for sterilizing bathroom articles. Patent No. 5,547.635 to Duthei, Jr. discloses a general sterilization method and apparatus wherein microorganisms are exposed to ultraviolet light. Thus it can be seen that much work has been done with respect to the sterilization of bathroom articles. However no attention has been paid

to the sterilization of more common implements, specifically infant utensils which have also been shown to carry disease producing microbes.

In addition, the sterilization of infant utensils has been the subject of patent application

no. 09/014,559 by the present inventor whose specification is incorporated herein by reference in

its entiret}'. Additionally, the sterilization of computer input devices ahs been the subject of an

application for letters patent filed 09/228,263 by the present inventor, whose specification is

incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

It would therefore be desirable to have a convenient, commonly available, inexpensive.

and easy to use sterilization method and apparatus for sterilizing infant utensils thereby

preventing the transmission of object-borne disease spreading microorganisms.

Summary of the Invention

It is therefore an object to the present invention to sterilize commonly used infant

utensils.

It is a further object of present invention to provide a infant utensil infant sterilization

apparatus that can be commonly available and easy to use.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a sterilization apparatus using

ultraviolet radiation as a means of sterilization.

It is a further object of present invention to combine ultraviolet sterilization and ozone

sterilization together to substantially sterilize infant utensils. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a sterilization device for sterilizing infant utensils without exposing a user to ultraviolet sterilization radiation.

It is a further object of a present invention to provide a infant utensils sterilization unit that operates on normal wall cunent or battery power.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art by review of the specification that follows.

The present invention is a convenience, compact, and easy to use infant utensil

sterilization unit. The present invention comprises generally an ultraviolet light source

particularly in the 200 to 300 nm wavelength range. This range has long been known for its

germicidal and sterilization effects achieved by direct radiation. It is also well-known that

ultraviolet radiation below 200 nm can produce small quantities of ozone from oxygen in the

atmosphere. Ozone, in sufficient concentrations is known to have significant germicidal and

sterilization effects. Further, ozone, as a gas, is able to reach certain places and crevices in infant

utensils where ultraviolet radiation might not reach, especially when a number of infant utensils

are being sterilized together simultaneously.

The ultraviolet light source of the present invention is mounted within a housing such that

the ultraviolet radiation can shine directly upon and reflect onto infant utensils that are also

disposed within the housing. Thus the interior of the housing also can reflect ultraviolet radiation

in directions such as to both directly and indirectly reach all parts of the infant utensils to be

stylized.

The ultraviolet light source can be mounted in a number of configurations. For example

where the infant utensil sterilization apparatus is disposed vertically, the ultraviolet lamp can be a ring type lamp at the top of the housing, a tubular ultraviolet lamp source that can stand vertically in the housing, a series of ultraviolet lamps that can be disposed around the perimeter of the housing thereby directing radiation inward to infant utensils that are contained vertically or horizontally within the housing.

Alternatively the infant utensils sterilization apparatus can be disposed horizontally with

infant utensils simply laid down horizontally inside the horizontal housing. In this instance, an

ultraviolet light source could be disposed underneath the infant utensil support with the ultraviolet radiation shining upward. Ultraviolet light sources also could be mounted in an upper

lid which is closed over the infant utensils allowing ultraviolet light to shine downward over the

infant utensils. Alternatively the ultraviolet radiation could come from both above and below the

infant utensils thereby completely immersing them in sterilizing, germicidal ultraviolet rays.

The wavelength range of the ultraviolet radiation of the present invention also causes a

small amount of ozone to be generated. This ozone is released into the housing and together with

the ultraviolet radiation provides a more complete sterilization of the infant utensils.

The present invention also comprises the top or lid which is hingedly or removably

attached in to the lower sterilization housing. This cover or lid prevents ultraviolet radiation

from escaping the container thereby protecting any users or those who pass by the sterilization

apparatus.

Integral to the housing and its cover, is an interlocking switch which is biased in the

Aoff@ position. When the cover is placed over the sterilization apparatus, the switch is engaged

and the ultraviolet radiation light source is turned on. When the cover is removed, for example

when a infant utensil is withdrawn from housing, the ultraviolet radiation is immediately turned off as soon as the cover is removed or the lid is lifted.

A timer circuit for the ultraviolet light source is also part of present invention. The timing circuit is activated as soon as the cover or lid of the sterilization apparatus is closed and

the interlocking switch is engaged. The timer allows the ultraviolet light source to remain on for

a predetermined amount of time. This time is consistent with complete sterilization of infant

utensils contained within the apparatus of the present invention. When the amount of time has

expired, the ultraviolet light source is turned off thereby saving both power as well as prolonging

the life of the ultraviolet light source(s). In the event that the cover or lid is lifted, as in the

removal of infant utensils, the timer is reset and, upon closing of the lid, the sterilization time

period begins again.

The present invention allows for infant utensils to be supported either by a screen or other

porous and/or transparent material that can both support the infant utensils as well as allow the

passage of ultraviolet light and ozone. Alternatively the present invention comprises a quartz

tray such that the ultraviolet light is allowed to pass through the quartz supporting tray while still

supporting the infant utensils. In those cases where a quartz supporting mechanism is used,

sufficient gaps between the housing and quartz supporting mechanism is present to allow ozone

gas to diffuse among the infant utensils thereby providing further sterilization. Alternatively,

apertures or holes in the quartz tray are provided to allow the passage of ozone gas.

As integral part of the sterilization, an indicator light is provided whereby, when

sterilization is proceeding, the indicator light is lit. When sterilization is not occuning. as in the

case when the lid is lifted or the sterilization lamp has burned out, the indicator light is not lit. In

this case it will be clear to the user that either maintenance on the device must occur or the lid is not properly engaged with the interlocking switch.

The present invention can operate both on normal cunent found in homes, businesses,

and buildings of all types as well as on battery power. Where battery power is used it is anticipated that rechargeable batteries will be present in the present invention such that

sterilization can continue to take place for some period of time even during power failures. Brief description of the Drawings

The present invention is now described by way of example with references to the

accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 illustrates a horizontally disposed version of the present invention

Figure 2 illustrates a vertically disposed version of the present invention

Figure 3 illustrates a simple schematic of the circuitry of the present invention

Figure 4 illustrates a vertically disposed version of the present invention with a central

vertical UV source.

Figure 5 illustrates a cabinet version of the present invention

Figure 6 illustrates a boxlike version, open on one side for covering infant utensils on, for

example, a counter.

Referring to Figure 1 a horizontal embodiment of the present invention is shown. The

sterilization apparatus of the present invention comprises the top lid 10 hingedly attached to a

lower container 24 by hinges 32 and 34. Ultraviolet lamps 12 and 14 are attached to the top lid

10. Another pair of ultraviolet lamps to 28 and 30 are located in and attached to the floor

container 24. It should be noted that the number of lamps depicted in Figure 1 is not meant to be

limiting. For example in certain embodiments it may be more appropriate to have more than two lamps in the upper lid and the lower container portion. Further while the lamps are shown as

individual tube type lamps, alternative shapes are well within the state-of-the-art including U- shaped lamps, ring-shaped lamps individual bulb-type lamps, and indeed any other lamp that will emit the appropriate ultraviolet radiation necessary for the sterilization.

The sterilization apparatus receives power from the typical wall outlet via a plug 20

which is attached to a sterilization switch 18. This switch is biased in the Aoff@ position so that

when upper lid 10 in the open position all lamps 28, 30, 12 and 14 are off. Conversely, when the

upper lid is closed, switch 18 is closed and power is provided to lamps 28, 30, 12 and 14.

Further when all lamps are lit indicator light 16 is also lit showing anyone viewing the apparatus

that ultraviolet radiation is being generated by the lamps contained in the apparatus. It should be

noted that the position of indicator lights 16 is entirely arbitrary and can be placed anywhere on

the apparatus to provide satisfactory convenient viewing by the user.

Infant utensils are supported by the supporting means 26 which is of a transparent and/or

porous material. This supporting means may be a quartz plate, metallic screen or any other

material that allows transmission of the ultraviolet radiation generated from lamps 28 and 30

which are disposed below the supporting means 26. Further, supporting means 26 may also have

circulation apertures in the supporting means to allow circulation of air within the sterilization

apparatus.

As noted earlier, ultraviolet radiation in the 200 nm range generates ozone gas. In

sufficient quantities ozone gas can have a germicidal effect. Therefore apertures in the

supporting means 26 are provided to allow circulation of the ozone gas so that additional

germicidal effects in addition to those of the ultraviolet radiation may occur. To further enhance circulation of air within the apparatus a small circulation fan 36 is provided. This fan is actuated when the interlocking switch 18 is actuated thereby providing power to the apparatus.

As part of the prefened embodiment, a timer circuit 22 is also provided. This timer

circuit activates the ultraviolet sterilization lamps 12,14. 28, and 30 as well as the recirculating

fan 36 for a specific period of time. This period of time can be preset based upon the optimum

time necessary to achieve sterilization. In the event that the upper lid 10 is not opened within the

time period established in the timer circuit 22 the sterilization lamps will go off after the passage

of the optimum sterilization time. In event that the upper lid 10 is opened before the time for

sterilization has expired, the timer 22 is reset and. when the upper lid 10 is closed, the

sterilization period begins again. In this fashion power to sterilization lamps 12,14. 28. and 30 is

turned off after the appropriate sterilization period thereby saving lamp life and prolonging useful

life of the ultraviolet sterilization lamps.

Refening to Figure 2 an alternative vertical embodiment of the present invention is

shown. In this case an inner cylinder 54 which comprises a quartz material metallic screen or

any other material that is transparent to ultraviolet radiation or allows UV light to pass through is

disposed inside an outer cylinder 52. Ultraviolet sterilization lamps 56. 58, 60. and 62 are

disposed between a inner cylinder and the outer cylinder. Light from the sterilization lamps is

directed into the inner cylinder 54 in which infant utensils may be placed. Upper lid 50 is

removably attached to the lower cylinder 52.

It should be noted that the number of sterilization lamps depicted in Figure 2 is arbitrary .

More lamps could be used depending upon the configuration and size of the inner and outer

cylinders. For example, a ring-shaped lamp could be disposed in the bottom of the cylinder and the upper lid thereby shining UV radiation both up and down the length of the infant utensils to be sterilized. However, a sufficient number of lamps to achieve the sterilization desired must be

used.

Again a sterilization switch (not shown) is actuated when upper lid 50 is placed over lower cylinder 52 thereby providing power to the sterilization lamps 56, 58, 60, and 62. In

addition, a circulation fan (not shown) is provided with the vertical embodiment to circulate any

ozone produced by the sterilization lamps within the container. Power is provided to the vertical

embodiment of Figure 2 from conventional household power. A battery backup is also

anticipated in event of power failure. In order to assist in the circulation of ozone, inner cylinder

54 has apertures through the walls of the cylinder to allow for circulation of ozone gases

produced by the sterilization lamps in and around the infant utensils to be sterilized.

Alternatively a metallic or other porous screen may also be used for the inner cylinder.

Refening to Figure 3 a simplified circuit diagram of the present invention is shown.

Power from conventional household power 100 is provided to the sterilization unit. Power is

provided directly to the interlocking switch 102 so that when the upper lids of the various

embodiments are closed, power is provided to the entire device. A battery 103 is also provided

such that power from the wall outlet also recharges the battery 103. Power then flows to the

timer circuit 104 which is preset to an optimum sterilization time. When switch 102 is actuated

and timer 104 begins, power is applied to the sterilization lamp(s) 106. As noted earlier it is

anticipated that numerous configurations of sterilization lamps in both size, physical shape, and

number are anticipated as within the scope of the present invention.

Whenever the sterilization lamp(s) 106 is lit indicator lamp 108 is also lit thereby noting to users that ultraviolet radiation is being produced. If sterilization lamp(s) 106 is not lit either

because the lamp has burned out or switch 102 is in the open position, indicator light 108 is not lit. When the power is again provided to the sterilization lamp(s) 106, indicator light 108 is also

lit.

In addition, whenever power is applied to sterilization lamp(s) 106 a small circulation fan

110 is also actuated thereby circulating any ozone gas that is produced by the UV lamps of the

present invention. This gas circulates in and around the infant utensils that are being sterilized.

Referring to Figure 4 an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown.

Ultraviolet producing lamp 90 is positioned vertically inside a protective cylinder 88. The

protective cylinder is both transparent to ultraviolet radiation and therefore may comprise quartz

or any other material that has the appropriate transparency characteristics. Protective cylinder 88

also serves to protect the lamp 90 from any damage due to infant utensils being placed within the

sterilization apparatus.

The ultraviolet lamp 90 and protective cylinder 88 are placed within an outer container

cylinder 84 which serves to be the container into which infant utensils are placed for sterilization.

Upper lid 82 is hingedly or removably attached to lower cylinder 84. Interlocking switch 86 is

disposed in an Aoff@ position such that when upper lid 82 is not placed over lower cylinder 84

power to the ultraviolet lamp 90 is not provided. This insures the safety of users so that they are

not exposed to any ultraviolet radiation. Whenever upper lid 82 is placed over cylinder 84

thereby actuating interlocking switch 86 an indicator light 80 is lit thereby showing a user that

power is being supplied to the sterilization lamps within the sterilization apparatus.

As in other alternative embodiments, timer circuit 94 allows both power and timed illumination to occur. Timer circuit 94 allows power to reach circulation fan 96 which circulates the air within the present invention thereby circulating any ozone gas produced by the UV lamps in and around any infant utensils that are being sterilized. This provides an additional measure of germicidal sterilization of the infant utensils stored within present invention. So long as the time

is not expired in timer circuit 94 power is provided to the power circuit 92 which allows

sterilization lamp 90 to be lit.

Referring to Figure 5 a cabinet version of the present invention is illustrated. In this case.

the cabinet is similar in form and shape to the now ubiquitous microwave oven and has a door

and cavity into which infant utensils are placed. The unit would fit on a countertop in any

convenient location or could be wall mounted.

The sterilization apparatus in this embodiment comprises a door 70 hingedly attached to

a cabinet having a cavity 24 by hinges 74. Ultraviolet lamps 22 is disposed within the cavity and

may also be present in the door itself 23. Other of ultraviolet lamps to 76 are located in the floor

of the cavity 72. It should be noted that the number of lamps or the shape of the lamps depicted

in Figure 5 is not meant to be limiting. For example in certain embodiments it may be more

appropriate to have more than two lamps in the in the walls of the cavity. Further while the

lamps are shown as individual tube type lamps, alternative shapes are well within the state-of-

the-art including U-shaped lamps, ring-shaped lamps individual bulb-type lamps, and indeed am

other lamp that will emit the appropriate ultraviolet radiation necessary for the sterilization.

which is attached to an sterilization switch 16. This switch is biased in the Aoff@ position so

that when door 70 in the open position all lamps 22. 23 and 76 are off. Conversely, when the door is closed, sterilization switch 16 is closed and power is provided to lamps 22. 23 and 76.

Further when all lamps are lit indicator light 77 is also lit showing anyone viewing the apparatus that ultraviolet radiation is being generated by the lamps contained in the apparatus. It should be noted that the position of indicator lights 77 is entirely arbitrary and can be placed anywhere on

the apparatus to provide satisfactory convenient viewing by the user.

Infant utensils are supported by the floor of the cavity 78 which is of a transparent and/or

porous material. This supporting means may be a metallic screen, quartz plate or any other

material that allows transmission of the ultraviolet radiation generated from lamps 76 which are

disposed below the floor 78. Further, floor 78 may also have circulation apertures to allow

circulation of air within the sterilization apparatus.

sufficient quantities ozone gas can have a germicidal effect. Therefore apertures in the floor 78

are provided to allow circulation of the ozone gas so that additional germicidal effects in addition

to those of the ultraviolet radiation may occur. To further enhance circulation of air within the

apparatus a small circulation fan 79 is provided. This fan is actuated when the sterilization

switch 16 is actuated thereby providing power to the apparatus.

As part of the prefened embodiment, a power/timer circuit 18 is also provided. This

power/timer circuit provides power to the ultraviolet sterilization lamps 22,23 and 76 as well as

the recirculating fan 79 for a specific period of time. This period of time can be preset based

upon the optimum time necessary to achieve sterilization. In the event that the door 70 is not

opened within the time period established in the timer circuit 18 the sterilization lamps will go

off after the passage of the optimum sterilization time. In event that the door 70 is opened before the time for sterilization has expired, the timer 18 is reset and. when the door 70 is closed, the sterilization period begins again. In this fashion power to sterilization lamps 22. 23 and 76 is

turned off after the appropriate sterilization period thereby saving lamp life and prolonging useful life of the ultraviolet sterilization lamps.

Figure 6 illustrates a boxlike version, open on one side for covering infant utensils on. for

example, a counter. The sterilization apparatus of the present invention comprises the housing

120 and further comprises ultraviolet lamps 22, which are attached to the housing 120. The

housing 120 is dimensioned to fit over any infant utensils (generally shown) when they are

simply placed on a counter 122.

The number of UV lamps shown is not meant as a limitation. It will be apparent to those

skilled in the art that other numbers of lamps are also appropriate depending upon the size of the

lamps and the depth of the housing. For example in certain embodiments of the present

invention it may be more appropriate to have more than two lamps in the housing 120 Further

while the lamps are shown as individual tube type lamps, alternative shapes are well within the

state-of-the-art including U-shaped lamps, ring-shaped lamps individual bulb-type lamps, and

indeed any other lamp that will emit the appropriate ultraviolet radiation necessary for the

sterilization.

The sterilization apparatus receives power from the typical wall outlet via a plug 64.

which is connected, to an interlocking sterilization switch 16. This switch is biased in the Aoffα

position so that when housing 120 in the open position (i.e. not place over the infant utensils), all

lamps. 22 are off. Conversely, when the housing is placed over the infant utensils on a counter,

switch 16 is closed and power is provided to lamps 22. Further when all lamps are lit indicator light (not shown) is also lit showing anyone viewing the apparatus that ultraviolet radiation is being generated by the lamps contained in the apparatus. It should be noted that the position of indicator lights is entirely arbitrary and can be placed anywhere on the apparatus to provide satisfactory convenient viewing by the user.

A protective cover for the UV lamps is also provided (but not shown in the figure) which

simply protects the UV lamps from damage or contact but allows the UV illumination to shine

through the protective cover and illuminate the keyboard or other input device.

sufficient quantities ozone gas can have a germicidal effect. Therefore apertures in any

protective cover for the UV tubes are provided to allow circulation of the ozone gas so that

additional germicidal effects in addition to those of the ultraviolet radiation may occur. To

further enhance circulation of air within the apparatus a small circulation fan 62 is provided.

This fan is actuated when the sterilization switch 16 is actuated thereby providing power to the

apparatus.

As part of the prefened embodiment, a timer/power circuit 18 is also provided.

This timer circuit activates the ultraviolet sterilization lamps 22 as well as the recirculating fan

62 for a specific period of time. This period of time can be preset based upon the optimum time

necessary to achieve sterilization. In the event that the housing 10 is not opened within the time

period established in the timer circuit 18 the sterilization lamps will go off after the passage of

the optimum sterilization time. In event that the housing 120 is lifted before the time for

sterilization has expired, the timer 18 is reset. When the housing 120 is again placed over the

infant utensils, the sterilization period begins again. In this fashion power to sterilization lamps 22 is turned off after the appropriate sterilization period thereby saving lamp life and prolonging useful life of the ultraviolet sterilization lamps.

A method and apparatus for sterilization of infant utensils has been shown. Various alternative embodiments of the present invention have also been shown by reference to the figures contained herein. Common to all of these embodiments are the sterilization lamps.

means for supporting infant utensils in such a fashion that ultraviolet radiation can reach the

various infant utensils to sterilize them, circulation means to circulate in any ozone produced by

the ultraviolet lamps, and power and timing circuits to provide timed sterilization for infant

utensils that are stored in the sterilization apparatus of the present invention.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other embodiments may be possible

employing the common elements of the present invention that has been disclosed.

Claims

What is claimed is: 1. A infant utensil sterilization apparatus comprising: a cabinet comprising a door and cavity; the door attached to the cavity; a first ultraviolet light source disposed within the cavity:

a support for supporting infant utensils disposed within the cavity;

a power supply connected to the first ultraviolet source; and

a sterilization switch connected between the power supply and the ultraviolet lamps

biased to the off position such that when the door is in an open position the sterilization switch is

not engaged no power is supplied to the ultraviolet light source and when the door is closed, the

sterilization switch is engaged and power is supplied to the ultraviolet light source.

2. The infant utensil sterilization apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first ultraviolet light

source emits ultraviolet radiation below 200 nm and creates ozone gas.

3. The infant utensil sterilization apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first ultraviolet light

source emits ultraviolet radiation above 200 nm.