US 9700642

US Patent 9700642, titled "Method and apparatus for sterilizing and disinfecting air and surfaces and protecting a zone from external microbial contamination," was filed on April 17, 2014, and issued on July 11, 2017. The inventor is S. Edward Neister. While originally assigned to an Individual, the current assignee is Healthy Environment Innovations.

Abstract:
The patent describes a method, process, and apparatus for disinfecting and sterilizing various surfaces, air, and food from microorganisms and toxic chemical substances. It also covers protecting confined spaces from external microbial contamination using sterilized air. The core of the invention is a new ultra-violet (NUV) source, claimed to be more effective than traditional mercury-based 254 nm UV light for destroying microbial DNA (viruses, bacteria, spores, cysts) and breaking chemical bonds in biotoxins and nerve agents. This NUV source is integrated with support apparatus for particulate removal and byproduct management, and it maintains positive pressure in protected zones to prevent contamination.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Claim 1: This claim describes a process for destroying microbial DNA or RNA on human or animal skin. The process involves generating photons at a wavelength of either 222 nm or 282 nm (or both), which correspond to a peak absorption wavelength of DNA or RNA. These photons are then directed to the human or animal skin, specifically chosen to break multiple chemical bonds within the microorganisms' DNA or RNA.

• Claim 12: This claim outlines a process for destroying microbial DNA or RNA on a general substance or surface. It involves generating photons at at least two distinct single-line wavelengths from the group of 222 nm, 254 nm, and 282 nm, which correspond to a peak absorption wavelength of DNA or RNA. These photons are directed to the substance or surface to be disinfected, where they are selected to destroy a plurality of chemical bonds within the DNA or RNA of the microorganisms.

Litigation and Legal Status:
As of April 26, 2026, US Patent 9700642 is active, but its "Adjusted expiration" date is listed as June 22, 2026, after which it will be "Expired - Fee Related."

The patent family is involved in litigation, including a critical case filed in the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) with case number 24-1374. Additionally, several US district court cases have been filed in the Texas Northern District Court (e.g., case 3:22-cv-00425), Missouri Western District Court (case 4:21-cv-00345), Illinois Northern District Court (case 1:21-cv-02753), and Florida Middle District Court (case 6:20-cv-02233). An inter partes review (IPR) case, IPR2022-00381, was also filed at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) and has reached a Final Written Decision.