Oct 27 2009
Vioguard Self-Sanitizing Keyboard Unveiled for U.S. Consumers at Product-n-Press LIVE Media Showcase Tuesday, October 27 at La.Venue NYC
Vioguard LLC introduces the world’s first self-sanitizing computer keyboard delivering germicidal ultraviolet (UV) light this week, marking the first availability of the innovative keyboard for consumer use in the U.S.
Vioguard’s Self-Sanitizing Keyboard will be unveiled at Product-n-Press LIVE media showcase Tuesday, October 27 at La.Venue NYC. (http://www.product-n-press.com)
Vioguard’s proprietary UVKB50 Self-Sanitizing Keyboard harnesses the power and properties of germicidal UV light. It is being introduced at a time when H1N1 flu has reached emergency status in the U.S. and the spread of MRSA and other harmful bacteria kills tens of thousands each year.
Scientific publications have shown germicidal ultraviolet light to be effective against the H1N1 flu virus, MRSA, molds and variety of other harmful microorganisms. Based on published data, 50-watts of ultraviolet light generated by germicidal UV lamps kill more than 99.99% of these harmful bacteria and viruses, in seconds.
Vioguard’s product incorporates a standard keyboard and touchpad and requires no software or special hardware to function. The Vioguard system automatically retracts the keyboard and touchpad into its clean, light tight enclosure where it is flooded with germicidal ultraviolet light to safely disinfect the keyboard and touchpad surfaces after every use.
Shared computer keyboards have emerged as one of the prime focal points of contamination in a variety of workplace and home offices settings. Manual cleaning is currently the most common method used to disinfect keyboards. To be effective however, keyboards should be wiped down repeatedly throughout the day to disinfect -- which is often difficult, impractical and labor-intensive.
Since the early 20th century, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation has been studied and used as a disinfectant. Microbes are vulnerable to the effects of UV light at specific wavelengths that contain the right amount of energy to break down organic molecular bonds. Pathogens such as H1N1 flu, MRSA and many other dangerous microbes are particularly impacted by UV light.
Developed by former Microsoft veterans and their business partners, the UVKB50 Self-Sanitizing Keyboard is the first product introduced by Bothell, Washington-based Vioguard.
“The spread of MRSA and other infections, not to mention H1N1 flu, is a complex problem that is being tackled each day. We believe germicidal UV technology offers an effective tool in this fight,” said Vioguard’s Chief Technical Officer Craig Ranta, a former Microsoft hardware engineering director.
How it works
The key to the usefulness of the UVKB50 is not only the UV technology, but specific and proprietary features, including:
- Automatic: Disinfects the keyboard after each use. The user no longer has to manually wipe down the keyboard to disinfect it.
- Easy to use: Features a high quality keyset and an advanced multi-touch track pad.
- Easy to install: Designed as a simple USB “plug-and-play” tool that works without the need of additional software.
- Reliable: Self monitoring to ensure consistent UV exposure every time and extensive lifecycle testing for robustness.
“Our system was designed to be durable, efficient and user-friendly where computer keyboards are shared in consumer environments,” said John Sharps, Vioguard’s Vice President of Development and Manufacturing who previously oversaw development and manufacturing of Microsoft hardware products. “Our goal is to present a disinfected keyboard to each user and help reduce the spread of MRSA, H1N1 flu and other harmful bacteria in shared computer environments.”
Priced at $899, first shipments for consumers and non-healthcare customers in the U.S. and Canada begin in November through Amazon.com. For additional sales information call toll free at 866-910-0471 or email mailto:[email protected]
The keyboard is also available to healthcare customers in Canada. The UVKB50 is not available for use in healthcare settings in the United States, as it is currently an investigational device and is limited by Federal (or United States) law to investigational use only. The device is under review by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. FDA clearance is estimated to be in the first quarter of 2010.