Self adhesive bandage embodying light infused photodynamically sanitized permeable absorbent pad outer surface
View Patent ↗A Band-Aid type self-adhesive bandage whose absorbent pad outer surface is photodynamically sanitized while maintaining standard absorbency performance.
1. A simultaneously exudate absorbing and photodynamically wound sanitizing absorbent non-stick bandage comprising: a self-adhesive bandage having an integral absorbent pad with a perforated non-stick outer surface or meshed non-stick outer surface, LED illuminated side emitting fiber optic strands or LEDs embedded in said surface, a DC power source on board the bandage coupled to the LEDs and operable to provide power to the LEDs, wherein upon activation said surface emits light which effectively sanitizes a wound surface; a peel off backing containing embedded magnetic material which when pulled off activates a magnetically activated switch in the bandage initiating an illumination cycle; wherein electronic circuitry is traced on a circuit board embedded in the bandage; wherein a time of activation is controlled by a digital timer on said circuit board; and wherein said digital timer is a microprocessor controller with a preprogrammed timing algorithm.
2. The bandage in claim 1 wherein the outer surface is a thin film.
3. The bandage in claim 1 wherein the outer surface is wavelength specific transmissive polytetrafluoroethylene, PTFE.
4. The bandage in claim 1 wherein the absorbent pad comprises cotton.
5. The bandage in claim 1 wherein the LEDs comprise LED chips embedded in the outer surface that have a miniature lamp configuration.
6. The bandage in claim 1 wherein the LEDs comprise LED chips embedded in the outer surface that have a printed LED configuration.
7. The bandage in claim 1 wherein the LEDs comprise LED chips embedded in polycarbonate material.
8. The bandage in claim 1 wherein the LEDs comprise LED chips embedded in a polymeric sapphire substrate composite material.
9. The bandage in claim 1 wherein the LEDs emit at a wavelength within or near the germicidal UVC band of the ultraviolet spectrum.
10. The bandage in claim 1 wherein the LEDs emit at a molecule excitation frequency within the blue light spectrum at or near 405 nm.
11. The bandage in claim 1 wherein the DC power source is an ultra-thin flexible battery on said circuit board.
12. The bandage in claim 1 wherein irradiation is digitally pulsed.
13. The bandage in claim 1 wherein instructions “Peel To Activate” are printed on said backing.
14. The bandage in claim 1 wherein the peel off backing acts as a mechanical battery pullout tab.
15. The bandage in claim 1 wherein a moniker “UV” is imprinted or embossed on the bandage.
16. The bandage in claim 1 further comprising an outer cover that is a solar cell fabric acting as an adjunct or primary power source.
17. The bandage in claim 1 wherein light is propagated through the absorbent pad via a light guide.
18. The bandage in claim 1 wherein one or more absorbent pad components are coated with a reflective material.
19. The bandage in claim 1 wherein the bandage is disposed of after use.
20. The bandage in claim 1 wherein some or all of the elements on the circuit board are recyclable or reusable.