Ford's Latest Patent Aims to Keep Hands Clean
A recent patent application from Ford describes a “disinfecting handle” that will keep your hands clean.
Originally filed on November 10, 2015, the patent application was published on May 11, 2017 and details a door handle constructed with a layer of disinfectant that activates when an LED shines ultraviolet light onto it.
The handle itself includes a “light-producing-assembly with a first light source and a second light source,” says the patent application. Both light sources are configured to emit light of different wavelengths. These light sources could be LEDs, with the disinfecting layer being activated based on light from at least one of the first and second LEDs.
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The patent details a disinfecting layer that could be configured “to disinfect or kill bacteria, fungi, viruses and/or pathogens capable of infecting human or animal hosts.” It could also breakdown organic compounds like oils and greases, dirt, grime and other substances typically present on human hands. Basically once the handle is activated, the disinfecting layer releases charged or uncharged hydroxyl radicals that may react with the substances on a human hand.
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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