A Visionary Invention by John Coates, Founder of RF Safe
In a world inundated with microwave-based wireless networks, few innovators have dared to propose an entirely new communication paradigm—one that transmits data using germicidal light frequencies instead of radio waves. John Coates, the founder of RF Safe, has taken on that challenge. He’s the inventor behind Patent US11700058B2, a system that leverages Far-UVC light for wireless data transmission while simultaneously disinfecting the air. The result? A zero-SAR network that avoids deep tissue penetration and provides an added layer of safety.
This patent, assigned to Far Uv Innovations Inc., is a testament to John Coates’s lifelong mission: reduce exposure to potentially harmful radiation and ensure that wireless technology coexists harmoniously with human health and well-being. Here’s a closer look at this revolutionary concept and why it matters now more than ever.
From Radio Waves to Germicidal Light
The Problem with Conventional Wireless Networks
- Microwave Penetration: Traditional Wi-Fi and cellular signals operate at microwave frequencies that can penetrate deep into biological tissue, raising questions about Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) and long-term health implications.
- Overcrowded Spectrums: With more devices than ever, the RF (radio frequency) spectrum is heavily congested, leading to potential interference and concerns about reliability.
John Coates’s Breakthrough
- Far-UVC Light: Unlike radio waves, Far-UVC occupies a narrow slice of the ultraviolet spectrum—generally around 200–230 nm—and cannot pass through human skin or eyes in significant amounts.
- Germicidal Benefits: Far-UVC is well-known for its ability to inactivate viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens, making it ideal for sanitizing indoor air and surfaces.
- Zero-SAR Network: Because these photons are so energetic yet unable to penetrate tissue deeply, the technology is essentially SAR-free—meaning it circumvents the health concerns associated with microwave-based communication.
Inside Patent US11700058B2: The Core Innovations
This patent discloses a system and method for transmitting and receiving data using Far-UVC light. Here are the highlights:
- Data-Carrying Germicidal Wavelength
- Utilizes Far-UVC (about 207–230 nm) to carry digital signals while simultaneously sterilizing the air.
- Achieves multi-functionality: communication + disinfection.
- Adaptive Environmental Feedback
- The system can measure indoor conditions—like particulate density and humidity—and adjust the amplitude of Far-UVC light to ensure both effective data transfer and optimal sterilization.
- Safe for Continuous Occupation
- Unlike UVA or UVB, Far-UVC doesn’t penetrate beyond the upper layers of dead skin cells or eye tear layer
- This makes it suitable for occupied spaces such as offices, classrooms, and healthcare settings.
- Secure, Solar-Blind Communication
- Because Earth’s ozone layer filters out Far-UVC from the sun, ambient sunlight won’t interfere with the signals.
- Walls, windows, and regular glass block these UV wavelengths, providing enhanced security against eavesdropping from outside.
A Better Way to Safeguard Health: The Zero-SAR Advantage
John Coates has long been an advocate for minimizing RF radiation exposure. For years, RF Safe has pioneered protective cases, guidelines, and technologies to reduce microwave-based SAR values in phones and wearables. Now, with Patent US11700058B2, Coates takes the ultimate step: eliminating microwave penetration altogether.
- Deep Tissue Concerns: Traditional Wi-Fi and cellular signals can deposit energy into tissues—a point of contention among consumers worried about long-term health.
- Far-UVC’s Skin Barrier: Because Far-UVC can’t penetrate live skin cells, it avoids these concerns altogether, offering a truly zero-SAR experience in wireless communication.
The Germicidal Boost: Fighting Airborne Pathogens
How It Works
- Emission of Far-UVC: Specialized LEDs or laser-based emitters project Far-UVC beams, modulated to carry data.
- Photocatalytic Inactivation: Bacteria and viruses in the immediate area absorb these photons and are neutralized by the UV-induced damage.
- Short Range = High Safety: Far-UVC doesn’t travel far and is absorbed by surfaces or filtered by standard materials, making it ideal for enclosed indoor spaces.
Benefits for Indoor Environments
- Offices & Schools: Minimizes the risk of airborne disease transmission, a concern highlighted by recent global health crises.
- Hospitals: Could provide a sterile communication channel crucial for patient data.
- Homes: Brings an added layer of peace of mind where families gather and spend extended periods.
Overcoming Common Concerns and Misconceptions
1. Does Far-UVC Harm Human Skin or Eyes?
- According to ongoing studies, Far-UVC in the ~222 nm range does not penetrate the outer layers of dead skin or the tear layer in eyes. This drastically lowers the risk of tissue-level damage.
2. Will We Need Special Fixtures or Bulbs?
- Yes, but many LED manufacturers are already researching and producing Far-UVC diodes. These can be embedded in ceilings, lamp fixtures, or specialized devices with integrated sensors and controllers.
3. Is Data Speed Competitive with Wi-Fi?
- Far-UVC networks can leverage high terahertz frequencies, allowing for high-speed data transmission—in some cases even surpassing traditional RF speeds if engineered efficiently.
Potential Applications and Next Steps
Commercial Buildings
Far-UVC transmitters could replace or supplement Wi-Fi routers, offering localized coverage in conference rooms, coworking spaces, and lounge areas. Air sterilization becomes a built-in bonus.
Healthcare Facilities
Hospitals could reduce infection rates by installing Far-UVC communication systems in patient rooms, operating theaters, and waiting areas—providing safe data transfer and real-time environmental disinfection.
Education
Classrooms and campuses—especially in high-density settings—gain an added barrier against seasonal outbreaks while ensuring uninterrupted, secure data communication for digital learning.
Bridging the Gap to a UVGI-Fueled Future
With US11700058B2, John Coates charts a course where wireless data and germicidal technology unite to make indoor spaces safer and connectivity more secure. As public awareness of electromagnetic safety and infection control grows, this patent stands poised to transform both the tech landscape and public health policy.
- Synergy with Li-Fi: The broader push for light-based data (Li-Fi) aligns perfectly with the Far-UVC approach, taking “light fidelity” to a new level of health-centric design.
- Sustainability: Using light for dual purposes—data transfer and disinfection—can reduce energy overhead, contributing to greener building operations.
A New Chapter in Wireless Innovation
John Coates’s vision—and the resulting patent—represent a bold move to reinvent wireless communication. By turning to Far-UVC light, we can bypass the pitfalls of microwave radiation, improve indoor air quality, and create a zero-SAR ecosystem that respects human health.
In a rapidly evolving digital world, where both connectivity and well-being are paramount, this patent offers a path to coexistence: data networks that are as kind to people as they are to technological progress.
The future is bright—and germ-free. And with innovators like John Coates leading the charge, that future is closer than we think.
About the Inventor
John Coates is the founder of RF Safe, an organization dedicated to promoting safety in wireless communication. His passion for minimizing RF exposure led him to explore alternative spectra for data transmission, culminating in Patent US11700058B2. By harnessing Far-UVC light, Coates aims to usher in an era of smart, sanitary, and safe networks—a testament to his lifelong commitment to health-focused technology innovation.
