Importance

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Abstract

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.

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First Claim