Patent Application
20220088252
Typically, fixtures that include lights are fitted with lights that illuminate space that is occupied by living beings or sensitive items. Pathogen reduction or elimination in such a space has become desirable. Emission from fixtures of pathogen-killing light or other energy may be desired. However, pathogen-killing light may be incompatible with the use of the space by the living beings or for the sensitive items.
It would therefore be desirable to provide apparatus and methods for providing the light or other energy from a fixture in a manner that provides safety for the living beings or the sensitive items.
The objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which:
The leftmost digit (e.g., “L”) of a three-digit reference numeral (e.g., “LRR”), and the two leftmost digits (e.g., “LL”) of a four-digit reference numeral (e.g., “LLRR”), generally identify the first figure in which a part is called-out.
Apparatus, methods and algorithms for disinfecting air and surfaces are provided. The methods may involve the apparatus. The methods may involve the algorithms. The algorithms may include instructions.
The apparatus may include a support. The support may be configured to be suspended from a structure. The structure may be a ceiling, a drop ceiling frame, a wall, a joist, a beam, a stud, a frame or any other suitable structure.
The apparatus may include a germicidal energy source. The energy source may include an emitter. The emitter may include an ionizing energy source. The emitter may include a light-emitting diode (“LED”).
The energy source may include a light source. The light source may include the emitter.
The light source may be supported by the support. The light source may be configured to emit, upward from a horizontal plane, a beam that, absent reflection off an environmental object, does not cross the horizontal plane.
The apparatus may include a shield that prevents light from the light source from crossing the horizontal plane.
The light source may be configured to neutralize a virion. The light source may be configured to neutralize a bacterium. The light source may be configured to neutralize a fungus.
The light source may be disposed in a fixture that may be configured to direct the beam. Table 1 lists illustrative fixtures.
The fixture may include one or more devices. Table 2 lists illustrative devices.
The fixture may intersect the horizontal plane.
The light source may include an array of light emitting diodes. The array may intersect the horizontal plane.
A diode may face upward. A diode may face horizontally. A diode may be canted at an angle between the upward direction and the vertical direction. A diode may face downward.
The light source may include a light tape. The array may define the horizontal plane.
The light source may be embedded in a chip. The horizontal plane may be coincident with a surface of the chip.
The light source may include an emitter that emits light having a wavelength that may be no longer than that of ultraviolet light.
The wavelength may be in the UV-A spectrum. The wavelength may be in the UV-B spectrum. The wavelength may be in the UV-C spectrum. The wavelength may be bactericidal. The wavelength may be virucidal. The wavelength may be fungicidal. The wavelength may be 275 nm. Table 3 lists illustrative ranges that may include a germicidal wavelength.
The germicidal wavelength may be produced by an emitter such as a 3030 series (CUD7QF1A) UV-C emitter, available from Seoul Viosys (www.seoulviosys.com).
The light source may be configured to disinfect air above the horizontal plane. The air may be flowing relative to the light source. The air may be in circulation about a room.
The light source may include an array of light-emitting diodes. The array may be circular, polyhedral, or may have any other suitable shape.
The shield may surround the array.
The apparatus may include a controller. The controller may be configured to control the light source.
The controller may be configured to deliver to the air a selected amount of energy.
The selected amount of energy may be based on a volume of the air. The selected amount of energy may be based on a flow rate of the air.
The apparatus may include one or more sensors. A sensor may be configured to sense or detect a characteristic or condition in an environment. The sensor may be mounted on a swivel-based. The user may select the orientation of the sensor by moving the sensor relative to the swivel base.
The sensor may face radially away from a plumb direction that runs through the fixture in which the light source is disposed.
The apparatus may include a range sensor configured to estimate a distance between the horizontal plane and a structure below which the support may be suspended. The structure may be a ceiling. The apparatus may include a “workspace” light. The workspace light may include a housing of extruded aluminum.
The emitter may have a beam spread. The beam spread and the distance may define a beam volume. The controller may be configured to estimate the beam volume. The beam volume may be defined by: an inner beam angle; an outer beam angle; and a distance to the support. A captive volume may be defined by a product of: a horizontal dimension of a fan and the distance to the support. The captive volume may be a “target zone.” The horizontal dimension may be an area swept out by a fan blade in a revolution about the support. The horizontal dimension may be any other suitable horizontal dimension of the fixture. The beam volume may include space occupied by the fixture itself, such as mount M. The beam volume may exclude space occupied by the fixture itself, such as mount M. The captive volume may include space occupied by the fixture itself, such as mount M. The captive volume may exclude space occupied by the fixture itself, such as mount M. A treatment volume ratio may be defined as the ratio of the beam volume to the captive volume.
The blade may induce vertical circulation in environment E. The vertical circulation may bring air from different levels in environment E into the captive volume. The blade may induce horizontal circulation through the captive volume. The blade may induce vertical circulation through the captive volume. The blade may induce mixed vertical and horizontal circulation through the captive volume. The blade may induce mixing in the captive volume.
Table 4 lists illustrative values of treatment volume ratios.
The apparatus may include a velocity-measuring instrument. The velocity-measuring instrument may be used to estimate an exchange rate of the air in the captive volume. The amount of energy may be based on the captive volume and the exchange rate.
The apparatus may include an LED driver circuit. The LED driver circuit may be configured to adjust a duration (“ON-time”) of the energy.
The LED driver circuit may be configured to adjust a frequency of the energy.
The LED driver circuit may be configured to adjust an intensity of the energy.
A beam intensity may be selected to deliver a predetermined energy to the beam volume. A beam intensity may be selected to deliver a predetermined energy to the captive volume. A beam intensity may be selected to cause a predetermined areal energy density at the distance.
The apparatus may include a sensor that is configured to detect a presence of a living body. The sensor may be a motion sensor. The controller may be configured to change a beam characteristic of the light source in response to detection of the living body by the sensor. The beam characteristic may be a fixture parameter. The fixture may power OFF the beam in response to the motion.
The living body may be a person.
The apparatus may include a fan blade. The fan blade may be configured to revolve about the support. The apparatus may include a microprocessor. The motion sensor may be configured to detect a first electromagnetic signal. The microprocessor may be configured to subtract from the first electromagnetic signal a second electromagnetic signal caused by the fan blade.
The microprocessor may be programmable.
The apparatus may include a microcontroller. The microcontroller may be programmable.
The motion sensor may face upward from the horizontal plane.
The motion sensor may face downward from the horizontal plane.
The apparatus may include a motion sensor. The motion sensor may be configured to detect a reflection of light from the light source from a structure.
The structure may be a ceiling.
The structure may be a wall.
The structure may be a structure that extends vertically at a horizontal distance from the light source.
The controller may be configured to change a beam characteristic of the light source in response to the reflection.
The characteristic may be energy emission.
The characteristic may be energy intensity.
The light source may be disposed in the fixture; and the fixture may support a louver that may be configured to direct the beam.
The fixture may include a motor that is configured to adjust an attitude (angle) of the louver. The fixture may include a motor-control. The motor control may be configured to control the motor. The motor control may be configured to receive from the controller an instruction to adjust the attitude.
The fixture may include a motor that is configured to adjust a vertical position of the louver. The fixture may include a motor-control. The motor control may be configured to control the motor. The motor control may be configured to receive from the controller an instruction to adjust the vertical position.
The louver may have opaque walls. The louver may have an opaque top. The louver may block laterally-directed radiation propagating from the array. The louver may block vertically-directed radiation propagating from the array.
The apparatus may include a stray-light sensing circuit. The stray-light sensing circuit may be configured to sense, outside the captive volume, light from the light source. The stray-light sensing circuit may be configured to responsively transmit a signal to the controller to prompt the instruction.
The support may support the circuit.
The light source may be disposed in a fixture; and the fixture may support a reflector that may be configured to direct the beam.
The fixture may include a motor. The motor may be configured to adjust an attitude of the reflector. The fixture may include a motor control. The motor-control may be configured to control the motor. The motor-control may be configured to receive from the controller an instruction to adjust the attitude.
The apparatus may include a stray-light sensing circuit. The stray-light sensing circuit may be configured to sense, outside the captive volume, light from the light source. The stray-light sensing circuit may be configured to responsively transmit a signal to the controller to prompt the instruction.
The support may support the circuit.
The apparatus may include a range sensor. The range sensor may be configured to estimate a distance below the horizontal plane and above a floor above which the support may be suspended. The controller may be configured to change the beam characteristic of the light source in response to the distance.
The apparatus may include lensing disposed over the light source.
The lensing may have UV-C transmissivity in a range. Table 5 lists illustrative ranges of transmissivity.
The apparatus may include a housing. The apparatus may include a liquid-tight seal. The light source may be disposed in the housing. The seal may seal between the lensing and the housing.
The apparatus may include a coating. The coating may be disposed on a surface of the lensing.
The apparatus may include a motor. The motor may be configured to adjust a distance between the light source and the lensing to change a beam angle of the beam.
The apparatus may include a control interface in electronic communication with the controller. The control interface may be configured to receive an instruction conforming to a lighting control protocol.
Table 6 lists illustrative protocols.
The control interface may be configured to override the instruction when the instruction is configured to reduce an amount of energy emitted from the light source.
The apparatus may include a circuit that may be configured to provide to the light source a predetermined amount of power when the instruction is configured to reduce an amount of energy emitted from the light source.
The apparatus may include, when the circuit is a first circuit, a second circuit that may be configured to provide power to the light circuit subject to the instruction.
The first circuit may be parallel the second circuit.
The first circuit may be in serial connection with the second circuit.
The light source may be powered by a line voltage. The first circuit may have a first source of power drawn from the line voltage. The second circuit may have a second source of power drawn from the line voltage. The first source of power may be distinct from the second source of power.
The apparatus may include a fan supported by the support. The fan may be operative to flow room air through the beam. The fan may be operable in an updraft mode. In the updraft mode, the fan may draw room air up from a lower region of a room. The fan may be operable in a downdraft mode. In the downdraft mode, the fan may force room air down from an upper region of a room. The microprocessor may be configured to adjust the light source to provide a level of disinfecting energy that is correlated with a setting of the fan. The setting may be a speed setting. The setting may be a direction setting.
The apparatus may include, and the methods and instructions may involve, the germicidal light source. The germicidal light source may be configured to be supported by a support suspended below a ceiling. The germicidal light source may be configured to emit, upward from a horizontal plane, a beam that, absent reflection off an environmental object, does not cross the horizontal plane.
The germicidal energy source may be supported by the support. The germicidal energy source may be configured to emit into the air germicidal energy. A fan blade may cause relative motion of the air with respect to the energy source.
The germicidal energy source may include a cathode. The germicidal energy source may include an anode. The germicidal energy may be transmitted in an electrical field established between the cathode and the anode.
The apparatus may include a rotatable electrical power contact. The contact may be configured to rotate about the axis. The contact may include a brush. The contact may be configured to receive electrical power from a conductor rotationally fixed to the support. The contact may be configured to provide the electrical power to the emitter. The emitter may be fixed to the blade. The emitter may be fixed to a top of the blade. The emitter may be fixed to a bottom of the blade.
The energy may have an intensity that is sufficient to ionize a gas molecule. The gas molecule may include oxygen. The gas molecule may include nitrogen.
The apparatus may include the support configured to be suspended from a structure; a germicidal light source and the fixture. The support may support the fixture. The support may support the light source. The fixture may direct a beam from the light source to a zone below the support.
The apparatus may include a light absorption panel. The panel may be disposed to prevent light from illuminating a structure. The panel may be disposed to prevent light from illuminating a surface. The panel may be disposed to prevent light from reaching a structure from which the light might reflect to a location outside the captive volume. The panel may be disposed to prevent light from reaching a surface from which the light might reflect to a location outside the captive volume.
The germicidal light source may be configured to neutralize a virion. The germicidal light source may be configured to neutralize a bacterium. The light source may be disposed in a fixture that may be configured to direct the beam.
The light source may include an emitter that emits light having a wavelength that is no longer than ultraviolet. The wavelength may be in the UV-A spectrum. The wavelength may be in the UV-B spectrum. The wavelength may be in the UV-C spectrum.
The light source may be configured to disinfect a surface of an object in the zone.
The light source may include a circular array of light-emitting diodes.
The apparatus may include a controller that may be configured to control the beam. The controller may be configured to control the light source. The controller may be configured to control the fixture in which the light source is disposed. The controller may be configured to cause the light source to emit to the captive volume or the beam volume a selected amount of energy.
The selected amount of energy may be selectable by a user.
The controller may be configured to adjust a duration of emission of the energy. The controller may be configured to adjust a frequency of the energy. The controller may be configured to adjust an intensity of the energy.
The controller may be configured to change a beam characteristic of the light source in response to a detection by the motion sensor. The motion sensor may be mounted in a user-selected location.
The sensor may be a photosensor. The photosensor may be configured to detect a reflection of light from the light source from a structure. The structure may be a ceiling. The structure may be a wall. The structure may be a structure that extends vertically at a horizontal distance from the light source.
The controller may be configured to change a beam characteristic of the light source in response to the reflection. The characteristic may be energy emission. The characteristic may be energy intensity.
The light source may be disposed in the fixture; and the fixture may support a louver that may be configured to direct the beam.
The fixture may include a motor that is configured to adjust an attitude of the louver. The fixture may include a motor-control. The motor control may be configured to control the motor. The motor control may be configured to receive from the controller an instruction to adjust the attitude.
The apparatus may include a stray-light sensing circuit. The stray-light sensing circuit may be configured to sense, outside the captive volume, light from the light source. The stray-light sensing circuit may be configured to responsively transmit a signal to the controller to prompt the instruction.
The support may support the circuit.
The light source may be disposed in a fixture; and the fixture may support a reflector that may be configured to direct the beam.
The fixture may include a motor. The motor may be configured to adjust an attitude of the reflector. The fixture may include a motor control. The motor-control may be configured to control the motor. The motor-control may be configured to receive from the controller an instruction to adjust the attitude.
The apparatus may include a stray-light sensing circuit. The stray-light sensing circuit may be configured to sense, outside the zone, light from the light source. The stray-light sensing circuit may be configured to responsively transmit a signal to the controller to prompt the instruction.
The apparatus may include lensing disposed over the light source.
The lensing may have UV-C transmissivity.
The apparatus may include a housing. The apparatus may include a liquid-tight seal. The light source may be disposed in the housing. The seal may seal between the lensing and the housing.
The apparatus may include a coating disposed on a surface of the lensing.
The apparatus may include a motor configured to adjust a distance between the light source and the lensing to change a beam angle of the beam.
The apparatus may include a control interface in electronic communication with the controller. The control interface may be configured to receive an instruction conforming to a lighting control protocol. The control interface may be configured to override the instruction when the instruction is configured to reduce an amount of energy emitted from the light source.
The apparatus may include a circuit that may be configured to provide to the light source a predetermined amount of power when the instruction is configured to reduce an amount of energy emitted from the light source.
The circuit may be a first circuit. The apparatus may include a second circuit that may be configured to provide power to the light source subject to the instruction. The first circuit may be parallel the second circuit. The first circuit may be in serial connection with the second circuit.
The light source may be powered by a line voltage. The first circuit may have a first source of power drawn from the line voltage. The second circuit may have a second source of power drawn from the line voltage. The first source of power may be distinct from the second source of power.
The fixture may include a visible light emitter. The visible light emitter may emit one or more colored lights to signal to signal to the user a status of the fixture. For example, Yellow: “A germicidal feature of the fixture is about to turn on (after delay time).” Red: one or both of (1) “A germicidal feature of the fixture will turn on in X seconds,” where X=a predetermined number of seconds between 0.1 and 60, or any other suitable number; and (2) “A germicidal feature of the fixture is currently on.” Green: “A disinfection cycle has been completed.” X may be user-selected. X may be shorter than the delay time.
The light source may include a user-cuttable light tape. Illustrative embodiments of apparatus and methods in accordance with the principles of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which forma part hereof. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural, functional and procedural modifications or omissions may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
Communication between fixture arrangement 102 and fixture control module 104 may be wired. Communication between fixture arrangement 102 and fixture control module 104 may be wireless. Communication between fixture control module 104 and inputs 106 may be wired. Communication between fixture control module 104 and inputs 106 may be wireless.
Fixture arrangement 102 may be disposed in or near environment E. Environment E may be an indoor environment. Environment E may be an outdoor environment. Environment E may include one or more elements, such as work stand W, floor F, partition P, surface U of partition P, and structure S, or other suitable elements. Table 7 lists illustrative work stands.
Environment E may include captive volume V1, above horizontal plane h. Environment E may include captive volume V2, above horizontal plane h, and captive volume V2, below horizontal plane g.
Control module 104 may be disposed apart from fixture arrangement 102. Fixture control module 104 may disposed in or on fixture arrangement 102. Fixture control module 104 may be disposed in or on a fixture of fixture arrangement 102.
Fixture arrangement 102 may include fixture support 116. Fixture arrangement 102 may be supported by mount M. Mount M may fix fixture support 116 to structure S. Structure S may include a ceiling, a wall, a beam, cabinet, a free-standing object or any other suitable structure. h shows a level of a horizontal plane. Fixture support 116 may support one or more fixtures such as fixtures 110 and 112. One or more of the fixtures may be disposed on top of fixture support 116. One or more of the fixtures may be disposed on bottom of fixture support 116. One or more of the fixtures may be disposed on a side of fixture support 116. One or more of the fixtures may be disposed on an end of fixture support 116.
Architecture 100 may include one or more sensors. The sensors may include a range sensor such as 132 and 134. The range sensor may sense a distance to a surface. The sensors may include a temperature sensor such as 136 and 138. The temperature sensor may sense an ambient temperature. The temperature sensor may sense a temperature or a differential temperature of a surface at a distance from the sensor. The sensors may include a motion sensors such as 140 and 142. The sensors may include one or more light sensors (not shown). The light sensor may sense visible light. The light sensor may sense UV light. Architecture 100 may include one or more sources of ionizing energy.
Fixture control module 104 may include fixture controller 118. Fixture control module 104 may include user interface 120. Fixture controller 118 may be in electrical communication with line power 122. Line power 122 may provide two-phase or three-phase power at 110 V or 220 V, DC voltage at any suitable level, or any other suitable voltage. Fixture controller 118 may include a battery (not shown).
Input 106 may include user communication device 124. Table 8 lists illustrative user communication devices.
Fixture controller 118 may be in wired electrical communication with fixtures of fixture arrangement 102. The wired electrical communication may be provided by cable 117. The wired electrical communication may provide power to with fixtures of fixture arrangement 102. The wired electrical communication may provide for exchange of information 126 with fixtures of fixture arrangement 102. Fixture controller 118 may provide the power and the information over different conductors. Fixture controller 118 may provide the power and the information simultaneously over a conductor, as is done in power line control methods.
Information 126 may include control messages 128.
Table 9 lists illustrative control messages.
Information 126 may include fixture parameters 130.
Table 10 lists illustrative fixture parameters.
Fixture control module 104 may be in communication with input 106.
A user may input a user command to user interface 120.
Table 11 lists illustrative user commands.
User interface 120 may include a data input device. The data input device may include one or more of a touch screen, a key pad and any other suitable device.
The user may input the user command from user communication device 124.
Array 210 may include one or more visible light emitters.
Fixture 208 may include blades 212. A motor inside housing 202 may cause blades 212 to rotate about axis L1. In motion, blades 212 may circulate air from environment E into captive volume V1. Array 210 may treat the air when it moves through captive volume V1.
A beam edge may be defined by a decrease of 50% intensity relative to a maximum intensity of the beam. Beam edges may be identified by optical goniometry.
θ2 may exceed 90°. θ1 may be an angle that is not less than zero.
β may be adjusted by one or more LCD electric-field-focused lenses. r5 may exceed r4.
Table 14 lists illustrative ranges that may include light:blade ratio r5:r4.
Table 15 lists illustrative ranges that may include an illumination intensity of each UV-C emitter in array 210.
Fixture 506 may include platform 514. Platform 514 may support the array. Fixture 506 may include shield 516. Platform 514 may support shield 516. Shield 516 may include quartz glass. The quartz glass may have a transmissivity of UVC light. Shield 516 may prevent dust from environment E from settling on the array. Shield 516 may be displaceable from platform 514. This may provide access by a user to the array. Shield 516 may be removable from fixture 506.
Mount 504 may include bracket 518. Bracket 518 may include holes for fasteners (not shown). The fasteners may attach fixture 506 to structure S. Mount 504 may include hanger 520. Hanger 520 may engage bracket 518 at an upper joint (not shown). Hanger 520 may engage fixtures 506 at a lower joint (not shown). Hanger 520 may engage fixture 508 at the lower joint or another lower joint (not shown). Mount 504 may include cover 522. Cover 522 may cover the lower joint or the other lower joint.
Arrangement 500 may include disc 908. Disc 908 may be attached to motor 904. Disc 908 may rotationally (about axis L5) fixed relative to motor 904. Disc 908 may include mounting holes such as 910 for attaching disc 908 to motor 904 via fasteners.
Housing 502 may be rotationally (about axis L5) fixed relative to motor 904. disc 908 may fix housing 502 to motor 904.
Arrangement 500 may include flange 912. Flange 912 may be rotationally (about axis L5) fixed relative to hanger 520. Flange 912 may be longitudinally (along axis L5) fixed relative to hanger 520. Flange 912 may be rotationally (about axis L5) fixed relative to drive shaft 902. Flange 912 may be longitudinally (along axis L5) fixed relative to drive shaft 902.
Flange 912 may include ledge 914. Ledge 914 may limit the insertion of hanger 520 into flange 912.
Flange 912 may support platform 514. Platform 514 may include outer edge 915. Outer edge 915 may be inside rim 916 of housing 502. Outer edge 915 may be (although not shown) outside rim 916 of housing 502. Outer edge 915 may be below rim 916 of housing 502. Outer edge 915 may be (although not shown) above rim 916 of housing 502.
A fastener such as knurled bolt 918 may fasten platform 514 to flange 912.
Arrangement 500 may include ring 920. Arrangement 500 may include ring 922. Rings 920 and 922 may secure inner radial edges 924 and 926, of panels 602 and 604, respectively. Ring 920 may be disposed above edges 924 and 926. Ring 922 may be disposed below edges 924 and 926. Bolt 918 may apply compression to skirt 925 and platform 514. The compression may compress rings 920 and 922 against edges 924 and 926. This may secure panels 602 and 604 against displacement. Such displacement may be a consequence of vibrations or rocking from motor 904. Shelf 928 of platform 514 may support outer radial edges 930 and 932 of panels 602 and 604, respectively. Shelf 934 may support array 702.
Arrangement 500 may include guard plate 936. Guard plate 936 may prevent wires 708 from contacting motor 094.
Guard plate 936 may be longitudinally fixed relative to drive shaft 902.
To replace a segment of array 702, a user may slide cover 522 upward, release panels 602 and 604 by backing of bolts such as 918, disconnect connector 710 from array 702, and remove one or both of segments 712 and 714 from platform 514. New segments may be placed in platform 514 and connected to connector 710. Panels 602 and 604 may be re-installed and re-secured. Cover 522 may be restored to its operational position.
Housing 502 may include buttresses such 938. Tabs such as 940 of blade supports 942 may be secured inside housing 502. Tab 940 may be secured to buttress 938 by a fastener (not shown).
Fixture 1506 may include platform 1514. Platform 1514 may support the array. Fixture 1506 may include a shield (not shown) for array 1510. Platform 1514 may support shield the shield. The shield may include quartz glass. The quartz glass may have a transmissivity of UVC light. The shield may prevent dust from environment E from settling on the array. The shield may be displaceable from platform 1514. This may provide access by a user to the array. The shield may be removable from fixture 1506.
Mount 1504 may include hanger 1520. Hanger 1520 may engage a bracket (not shown) at an upper joint (not shown). Hanger 1520 may engage fixture 1506 at a lower joint (not shown). Hanger 1520 may engage fixture 1508 at the lower joint or another lower joint (not shown). Cover 1521 may cover the lower joint the other lower joint.
Arrangement 1500 may include louver 1522. Louver 1522 may include vertical blinds such as radial blinds 1524. Louver 1522 may include vertical blind such as circumferential blind 1526. Louver 1522 may include vertical blind such as circumferential blind 1527. The blinds may define open windows such as 1528. Louver 1522 may be deployed on housing 1502. Louver 1522 may reduce radiation from array 1510 that propagates in a non-vertical direction. This may reduce the propagation of light to areas in environment E that are desired to be protected from the light. Housing 1502 may include groove 1530. Louver 1522 may be placed such that circumferential blind 1526 extends into groove 1530. Louver 1522 may be placed such that circumferential blind 1527 circumscribes cover 1521. An outer surface of cover 1521 may center louver 1522 relative to axis L13 as louver is lowered toward groove 1530.
Louver 1522 may be deployed manually. Louver 1522 may be deployed by releasing louver 1522 from canopy 1505. Guides (not shown) may guide louver 1522 from canopy 1505 to the deployed state. Arrangement 1500 may include a sensor (not shown) that detects the presence of an object or person in environment E. The sensor may trigger the release of louver 1522. Louver 1522 may provide glare control].
Fixture 1606 may include platform 1614. Platform 1614 may support the array. Fixture 1606 may include shield 1616. Platform 1614 may support shield 1616. Shield 1616 may include quartz glass. The quartz glass may have a transmissivity of UV-C light. Shield 1616 may prevent dust from environment E from settling on the array. Shield 1616 may be displaceable from platform 1614. This may provide access by a user to the array. Shield 1616 may be removable from fixture 1606.
Mount 1604 may include bracket 1618. Bracket 1618 may include holes for fasteners (not shown). The fasteners may attach fixture 1606 to structure S. Mount 1604 may include hanger 1620. Hanger 1620 may engage bracket 1618 at upper joint 1619. Hanger 1620 may engage fixtures 1606 at a lower joint (not shown). Hanger 1620 may engage fixture 1608 at the lower joint or another lower joint (not shown). Mount 1604 may include cover 1623. Mount 1604 may include collar 1625. Cover 1623 may cover the lower joint or the other lower joint.
Arrangement 1600 may include louver 1622. Louver 1622 may include vertical blinds such as radial blinds 1624. Louver 1622 may include vertical blind such as circumferential blind 1627. Louver 1622 may include vertical blind such as circumferential blind 1627. The blinds may define open windows such as 1628. Louver 1622 may be deployed on housing 1602. Louver 1622 may be deployed on platform 1614. Louver 1622 may be deployed on flat shoulder 1626 of platform 1614. Louver 1622 may reduce illumination from array 1607 that propagates in a non-vertical direction. This may reduce the propagation of light to areas in environment E that are desired to be protected from the light. Louver 1622 may be placed such that circumferential blind 1627 circumscribes cover 1623. An outer surface of cover 1623 may center louver 1622 relative to axis L13 as louver is lowered toward flat shoulder 1626.
Louver 1622 may be deployed manually. Louver 1622 may be deployed by releasing louver 1622 from canopy 1605. Guides (not shown) may guide louver 1622 from canopy 1605 to the deployed state. Arrangement 1600 may include a sensor (not shown) that detects the presence of an object or person in environment E. The sensor may trigger the release of louver 1622.
Shaft 1632 may be fixed to hanger 1620. Shaft 1632 may be rotationally (about axis L17) fixed with respect to hanger 1620. Shaft 1632 may be longitudinally (along axis L5) fixed with respect to hanger 1620. Electric motor 1613 may include windings (not shown) and magnets (not shown) that drive shaft 1632 to rotate about axis L17 relative to shaft 1632. Drive shaft 1632 may be rotationally (about axis L17) fixed with respect to flange 1636. Drive shaft 1632 may rotate flange 1636. Flange 1636 may be fixed to and rotate blades such as 1612.
Housing 1602 may be rotationally (about axis L17) fixed with respect to hanger 1620.
Fixture 1706 may include platform 1714. Platform 1714 may support array 1707. Fixture 1706 may include reflector 1716. Platform 1714 may support reflector 1716. Reflector 1716 may have a parabolic cross-section. Reflector 1716 may focus light from emitter 1708 toward the upward direction.
Fixture 1806 may include platform 1814. Platform 1814 may support array 1807. Fixture 1806 may include reflector 1816. Platform 1814 may support reflector 1816. Reflector 1816 may have a “U”-shaped cross-section. The cross-section may include vertical walls 1818 and 1820. Reflector 1816 may focus light from emitter 1808 toward the upward direction.
Fixture 1906 may include platform 1914. Platform 1914 may support array 1907. Platform 1914 may include heat sink 1916.
The UVC germicidal lamp may emit light upwards.
Blisk 2005 may cycle through forward and reverse rotations to pass air through light from the UVC germicidal lamp for sterilization of the air. After sterilization, the UVC germicidal lamp assembly may be turned off, but rotating blisk 2005 may remain powered to circulate air in environment E.
The UVC germicidal lamp assembly may include chassis 2231. The UVC germicidal lamp assembly may include UVC LED module 2232. The UVC germicidal lamp assembly may include quartz glass 2233. The UVC germicidal lamp assembly may include cushion 2234. The UVC germicidal lamp assembly may include fixing plate 2235. Chassis 2231, UVC LED module 2232, quartz glass 2233, cushion 2234 and fixing plate 2235 may be arranged from bottom to top. UVC LED module 2232 may be installed at an upper end of chassis 2231. Quartz glass 2233 may cover an upper surface of UVC LED module 2232. Upper and lower ends of cushion 2234 may be pressed against fixing plate 2235 and the quartz glass 2233, respectively. One or more of chassis 2231, UVC LED module 2232, quartz glass 2233, cushion 2234, and fixing plate 2235 may include a through hole. A mounting component may be arranged on an inner side of fixing plate 2235 and fixedly connected to chassis 2231. Chassis 2231 may be fixedly connected to the stator end of rotating motor 2104.
Quartz glass 2233 may have high UVC transmittance (above 90% transmittance). Quartz glass 2233 may be arranged to protect UVC LED module 2232. Since glue may fail under ultraviolet radiation, UVC germicidal lamp assembly 2003 may include mechanical fixation of quartz glass 2233. Quartz glass 2233 may be pressed tightly on UVC LED module 2232 through fixing plate 2235. This may effect the fixation. Cushion 2234 may be arranged between fixing plate 2235 and quartz glass 2233. This may prevent quartz glass 2233 from fracture due to excessive pressure. One or more of chassis 2231, UVC LED module 2232, quartz glass 2233, cushion 2234, and fixing plate 2235 may include a through hole for spindle 2002 to pass through.
UVC LED module 2232 may include substrate 2221. UVC LED module 2232 may include a plurality of LED lamp slices 2222. Lamp slices 2222 may be arranged on substrate 2221. Light emitted by LED lamp slice 2222 may have a wavelength in the range 200 to 280 nm. Light radiation in this range of wavelengths may act on microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, spores, and other pathogens), breaks molecular structures of DNA and RNA in cells of the microorganisms, cause breakage of DNA chains and cross-linking damage of nucleic acid and protein, and may cause death of growth cells and regenerative cells, thereby effecting disinfection and sterilization.
Substrate 2221 may include a plurality of first mounting holes 2223. Chassis 2231 include a plurality of second mounting holes 2211 at positions corresponding to the first mounting holes 2223. Fasteners 2207 may be inserted into first mounting holes 2223 and second mounting holes 2211. First mounting holes 2223 and second mounting holes 2211 may be aligned with each other. Fixed connection between substrate 2221 and chassis 2231 through fasteners 2207 may stabilize the position of the UVC LED module 2232, reduce vibration, and reduce or avoid damage to UVC LED module 2232 from vibration.
The fasteners 2207 may be screws.
Signal receiver 2111 may be arranged in ceiling plate 2001. One or both of UVC germicidal lamp assembly 2003 and rotating motor 2104 may be electrically connected to signal receiver 2111. Signal receiver 2111 may be configured to receive a control signal from controller 2108 to control turning on of UVC germicidal lamp assembly 2003, turning on rotating motor 2104, a rotating direction of rotating motor 2104, and the like.
LED lighting module 2006 may be installed at a lower end of blisk 2005, and may provide a lighting function. LED lighting module 2006 may be electrically connected to signal receiver 2111. LED lighting module 2006 may be independently controlled by the controller 2108.
Rectifier 2302 may receive a 120 VAC line input. Rectifier 2302 may output to power supply 2304 a full-wave rectified voltage having a voltage such as 170 V. Power supply 2304 may receive the voltage, and may provide it to LED circuit 2306 as incremental DC voltages. Capacitor EC12008 may maintain any ripple current voltage at no more than 20% of the voltage output from power supply 2304. Switch Q12310 may open and close to allow increments of current to flow through LED circuit 2304. Microcontroller U12312, via gate pin 42314 may trigger switch Q12310 to provide the incremental current to flow through LED circuit 2304. LED circuit 2304 may include LED string 2316. LED string 2316 may include UV-C LEDs LED1-LED21. LED string 2316 may include visible light (e.g., one or more of red, green, blue and any other suitable color) LEDs Blue LED3 and Blue LED1.
LED circuit 2304 may include LED string 2318. LED string 2318 may include UV-C LEDs LED24-LED44. LED string 2318 may include visible light (e.g., one or more of red, green, blue and any other suitable color) LEDs Blue LED4 and Blue LED2.
Strings 2316 and 2318 may be wired in parallel. Strings 2316 and 2318 may be wired in series.
The visible light LEDs may be in line with strings 2316 and 2318. The visible LEDs may be controlled by microcontroller U12312 separately from the control of the UV-C LEDs.
Structure S26 may correspond to structure S. Work stand W26 may correspond to work stand W. One or both of structure S26 work stand W26 may include all some of partition P.
Table 16 lists illustrative ranges that may include values of height Δz, of fixture 2606, above work stand W26, d, the horizontal depth of work stand W26, and c, a horizontal length along partition P26 that is to be illuminated by a single fixture such as 2606, of work stand W26.
Fixture 2606 may have one or more features in common with fixture 102. Fixture 2606 may propagate light 2502 onto work stand W26. Partition P may block light 2502. Fixture 2606 may limit light 2502 to be propagated within an angle α of partition P. Light 2502 may define a beam. The beam may have edge 2608. Edge 2608 may be defined as having half the light intensity of the maximum intensity of the beam. Edge 2608 may be detected by optical goniometry. Edge 2608 may lie at angle α. Table 17 lists illustrative ranges that may include α.
Fixture 2606 may have width f. Fixture 2606 may limit light 2502 to be propagated within an angle γ with respect to vertical V and spanning along partition P. The beam may have edge 2610. Edge 2610 may be defined as having half the light intensity of the maximum intensity of the beam. Edge 2610 may be detected by optical goniometry. Edge 2610 may lie at angle γ. Table 18 lists illustrative ranges that may include γ.
When Δz is in the range 18″-24″, and f is 12″, light 2502 may cover 36″ along work stand W26.
Fixture 2702 may include delay-time control shaft 2706. A user may rotate control shaft 2706 to set a delay time for fixture 2702. The delay time may be a time after which fixture 2702 will begin to emit light. The delay may provide for a user to exit the area in which the fixture is located, if desired, before the fixture turns on.
Fixture 2702 may include ON-time control shaft 2708. A user may rotate control shaft 2708 to set an ON-time time for fixture 2702. The ON-time may be a duration of time during which fixture 2702 is programmed to emit light.
Housing 2704 may include spine 2710. Fasteners such as 2712 may support one or both of the emitter arrays.
Housing 2704 may include end plates such as 2714.
Fixture 2702 may include connectors such as 2716. Connector 2716 may connect with a cable (not shown). The cable may provide power to fixture 2702. The cable may provide communication between fixture 2702 and a fixture controller (not shown). Fixture 2702 may include ports such as 2717 to receive a connector on a cable end. The connector may be a quick-connect type connector. Using the connectors, fixtures such as 2702 may be daisy-chained together with other such fixtures, with other types of fixtures, with sensors, control modules, communication networks and the like. A motion sensor may thus be used to turn off a run of fixtures. The motion sensor may be located in a strategic location, such as a doorway, hallway, or entranceway to a room or closet in which the fixture or run of fixtures is located. The fixture or fixtures may thus be turned off in advance of the arrival of a person, animal or other object.
Fixture 2702 may be attached to a structure such as S by a bracket such as 2718. Mounting surface 2720 may be oriented at an angle, with respect to spine 2710, that is fixed. Fixture 2702 may be attached to the structure by a bracket such as 2722. Bracket 2722 may include mounting surface 2724. Mounting surface 2724 may be oriented at an angle, with respect to spine 2710, that is adjustable by pivoting mounting surface 2724 about pin 2726. The brackets may be attached to fixture 2702 and to the structure with suitable fasteners. The fasteners may engage fixture 2702 in recess 2728 and another recess (not shown) on the opposite side of fixture 2702.
Fixture 2702 may include connector 2916. Connector 2916 may connect with a cable (not shown). The cable may provide power to fixture 2702. The cable may provide communication between fixture 2702 and a fixture controller (not shown). Fixture 2702 may include ports such as 2917 to receive a connector on a cable end.
Sides 3406 and 3408 may include, respectively, extensions 3424 and 3426. The extensions may limit the spread of light propagating from emitter array 3410.
Sides 3406 and 3408 may include, respectively, recesses 3428 and 3430. Recesses 3428 and 3430 may receive protrusions extending from a mounting bracket (not shown) for mounting to a structure such as S.
Width w31 may be 0.91″ or any other suitable width. Height h31 may be 1.5″ or any other suitable height.
Power conditioning module 3502 may receive 24 VDC current from an external voltage supply (not shown). Power conditioning module 3502 may provide 24 VDC to LED driver module 3504. Power conditioning module 3502 may receive VDC current at any suitable voltage from an external voltage supply (not shown). Power conditioning module 3502 may provide any suitable VDC to LED driver module 3504.
Driver module 3504 may provide conditioned 24 VDC current to LED. Driver module 3504 may include DC-DC converting microcontroller 3508 (U1) for high-speed switching of current to LED driver module 3504 using MOSFET 3510 (Q1) coupled near low voltage end 3512 of germicidal emitter array 3506.
Microcontroller 3508 (U1) may receive at DIN pin 3514 (3) germicidal emitter enable voltage 3516. Enable voltage 3516 may be set by a microcontroller (not shown) based on settings or conditions such as one or more of a delay time, a duration (“ON time”), a sensor condition (such as motion or occupancy), and a user command.
Module 3602 (LED8) may include a blue emitter. Module 3602 (LED8) may include a green emitter. Module 3602 (LED8) may include a red emitter. Circuit 3600 may include MOSFET switch 3606 (Q2) in line with the green emitter. Circuit 3600 may include MOSFET switch 3608(Q4) in line with the red emitter. Circuit 3600 may include another MOSFET switch (not shown) in line with the blue emitter.
The microcontroller may, using pins such as 3610 (PD3) and 3612 (PD4) to open and close one or more of the emitters to signal to a user an operational state of the germicidal emitter array.
Module 3602 (LED8) may receive 5 VDC current 3604 from a current source (not shown).
Module 3702 (LED7) may include a blue emitter. Module 3702 (LED7) may include a green emitter. Module 3702 (LED7) may include a red emitter. Circuit 3700 may include MOSFET switch 3704 (Q5) in line with the green emitter. Circuit 3700 may include MOSFET switch 3706 (Q6) in line with the red emitter. Circuit 3700 may include another MOSFET switch (not shown) in line with the blue emitter.
The microprocessor may, using pins such as 3610 (PD3) and 3612 (PD4) to open and close one or more of the emitters to signal to a user an operational state of the germicidal emitter array.
Module 3702 (LED7) may receive 5 VDC current 3604 from a current source (not shown).
Power supply 3802 may be disposed in a housing such as 2710. Power supply 3802 may be disposed in an electrical box such as 3110.
Power supply 3802 may include linear regulator 3812 (U3). Linear regulator may be a low drop-out regulator. Regulator 3812 may convert 24 VDC to 5 VDC. Regulator 3812 may provide the 5 VDC to microcontroller 3804 (U2).
Regulator 3812 may provide the 5 VDC to visual spectrum LED circuit 3600. Regulator 3812 may provide the 5 VDC to visual spectrum LED circuit 3700. Regulator 3812 may provide the 5 VDC to supply to delay-time module 3806. Regulator 3812 may provide the 5 VDC to supply to on-time module 3808. Regulator 3812 may provide the 5 VDC to supply to motion sensing module 3813. Regulator 3812 may provide the 5 VDC to any other suitable components or auxiliary circuits of circuit 3800.
Delay-time module 3806 may include switch 3814 (SW2). Switch 3814 may be a rotary switch. Microcontroller 3804 may receive a voltage at one of pins 3816 (PC4), 3818 (PB4), 3820 (PC5) and 3822 (PC3), each corresponding to a user-selected position of switch 3814. The voltage may correspond to a selected delay-time. Microcontroller 3804 may be programmed to implement the delay time.
On-time module 3808 may include switch 3824 (SW1). Switch 3824 may be a rotary switch. Microcontroller 3804 may receive a voltage at one of pins 3826 (PA1), 3828 (PC7), 3830 (PA2) and 3832 (PC6), each corresponding to a user-selected position of switch 3824. The voltage may correspond to a selected on-time. Microcontroller 3804 may be programmed to implement the on-time.
Connector 3810 may be in electrical communication with a transmitter (not shown). The transmitter may be a wired transmitter. The transmitter may be a wireless transmitter. The receiver may be a wired receiver. The receiver may be a wireless receiver. Connector 3810 may be in electrical communication with a receiver (not shown). The transmitter and the receiver may transmit and receive information such as information 126. Connector 3810 may be connected to transmit terminal 3834 (TX). Connector 3810 may be connected to receive terminal 3836 (RX).
Motion sensing module 3813 may include motion sensor 3838. Motion sensor 3838 may detect motion in environment E. Motion sensor 3838 may detect motion outside environment E. In response to the motion, motion sensor 3838 may provide a voltage to microcontroller 3804 at pin 3840 (PA3). Voltage suppression diodes 3842 and 3844 may protect microcontroller 3804 from a voltage surge from motion sensor 3838. Connector 3846 may connect motion sensor 3838 with pin 3848 (SWIU.PD1). Microcontroller 3804 may power motion sensor 3838 ON and OFF through pin 3848. Microcontroller 3804 may adjust a sensing threshold or sensitivity of motion sensor 3838 through pin 3848. Motion sensor 3838 may include a manual switch that a user can use to power motion sensor 3838 ON and OFF. Motion sensor 3838 may include a manual switch that a user can use to adjust a sensing threshold or sensitivity of motion sensor 3838.
Table 19 lists illustrative features of a fixture such as 112.
Apparatus may omit features shown and/or described in connection with illustrative apparatus. Embodiments may include features that are neither shown nor described in connection with the illustrative apparatus. Features of illustrative apparatus may be combined. For example, an illustrative embodiment may include features shown in connection with another illustrative embodiment.
For the sake of illustration, the steps of the illustrated processes will be described as being performed by a “system.” A “system” may include one or more of the features of the apparatus and schemae that are shown in
The steps of methods may be performed in an order other than the order shown and/or described herein. Embodiments may omit steps shown and/or described in connection with illustrative methods. Embodiments may include steps that are neither shown nor described in connection with illustrative methods.
Illustrative method steps may be combined. For example, an illustrative process may include steps shown in connection with another illustrative process.
Embodiments may include features that are neither shown nor described in connection with the illustrative apparatus. Features of illustrative apparatus may be combined. For example, an illustrative embodiment may include features shown in connection with another illustrative embodiment. It is to be understood that structural, functional and procedural modifications or omissions may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, apparatus and methods shown or described herein may be embodied in whole or in part as a method, a data processing system, or a computer program product. Accordingly, such apparatus may take the form of, and such methods may be performed by, an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment combining software, hardware and any other suitable approach or apparatus.
All ranges and parameters disclosed herein shall be understood to encompass any and all subranges subsumed therein, every number between the endpoints, and the endpoints. For example, a stated range of “1 to 10” should be considered to include any and all subranges between (and inclusive of) the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more (e.g. 1 to 6.1), and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less (e.g., 2.3 to 9.4, 3 to 8, 4 to 7), and finally to each number 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 contained within the range.
Functions of electrical circuits, or parts thereof, disclosed herein may be incorporated into or combined with other electrical circuits, or parts thereof, disclosed herein, or with other suitable electrical circuits.
Thus, apparatus, methods and algorithms for disinfecting air have been provided. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration rather than of limitation.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 202120548631.2 | Mar 2021 | CN | national |
This is a nonprovisional of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 63/026,702, filed May 18, 2020, and 63/027,315, filed May 19, 2020, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(a) of commonly owned P.R.C. Application No. 202120548631.2, filed Mar. 17, 2021 which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63027315 | May 2020 | US | |
| 63026702 | May 2020 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17319432 | May 2021 | US |
| Child | 17542702 | US |
