Pathogens such as bacteria, spores, mildew, and viruses generally pose a threat to human health. Exposure to some of these pathogens (e.g., Covid-19 SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus) may cause a person to contract a severe, or in some cases fatal illness. As such, avoiding exposure to some of these pathogens is paramount. Exposure to pathogens generally results from direct contact with a person infected with the pathogen, contacting a surface contaminated with the pathogen, contacting infected droplets in the air resulting from a cough, sneeze, etc., or other forms of transmission. Public areas pose a particularly high risk of exposure as people are generally in closer to proximity to each other such that a person may directly (e.g., handshake) or indirectly (e.g., droplets from cough) be exposed to a person infected with a pathogen. Avoiding these forms of transmission may be facilitated during times of risk (e.g., flu season and pandemics) via social distancing. Unfortunately, practicing social distancing may be impractical in certain situations leaving people at risk is public areas.
Further, another potentially high risk of exposure in public areas may be from contacting contaminated surfaces (e.g., restaurant tables and seating, checkout counters, public transportation seats and rails, card readers, door handles, etc.) as the contaminated surfaces cannot be identified by the naked eye and the surfaces may remain contaminated for hours or days after being contacted by an infected individual. Routine cleaning of hard surfaces (e.g., tables) may mitigate risk, but sufficient cleaning for removing the pathogen from surfaces consistently after contact with every individual may not be reasonable in certain settings. Further, sufficient cleaning of soft surfaces (e.g., cloth seats) is substantially more difficult and not common practice. As such common surfaces in public spaces (e.g., places where people may transmit or become infected with a communicable respiratory infection) may pose a substantially high risk of exposure to individuals. However, society should not have to avoid public spaces and live in perpetual risk of infection.
In the past, people would continue to venture out in society even in times of risk (e.g., flu season). It was generally accepted that some people would occasionally contract illnesses due to pathogens (e.g., influenza, stomach bugs, etc.), but society at large was unaffected. Unfortunately, that has changed in the recent wake up Covid-19. As Covid-19 appears to cause harsher symptoms and poses an unusually high risk of death, at least some public spaces have been shut down for the safety of society. Eventually, people will be permitted to re-enter public spaces. However, an ongoing risk of infection may persist, especially in public spaces. This may cause people to be reluctant to go out into public, which negatively affects society and the economy. For example, even after re-opening, restaurants may see a significant downturn in patrons in comparison to pre-Covid-19 business. To help restore society, a system or method for consistently and more reliably eliminating pathogens from public spaces is needed.
These drawings illustrate certain aspects of some examples of the present disclosure and should not be used to limit or define the disclosure.
The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the present disclosure. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, the embodiments are not intended to be limited to embodiments shown but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements in different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments. Skilled artisans will recognize the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of the embodiments.
Referring now to the drawings,
The UV light source 102 may include a UV light emitting diode (LED), a UV bulb, a scanning UV laser, or any other suitable UV light source 102 for emitting the UV light 104. The UV light source may be a single element or an array of multiple elements, and may include an optical lens and/or mirrors to direct the output energy to a target area or space. While active, the UV light source 102 emits the UV light 104 at a mean peak wavelength range between 200-280 nanometers, which may at least partially inactivate pathogens (e.g., Covid-19 SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, all known coronaviruses, etc.) at the target location 106. Alternatively, the mean peak wavelength range may be between 200-250 nanometers, 200-220 nanometers, or any other suitable range. In some embodiments, the UV light source 102 may have a narrow bandpass filter. For example, the UV light source 102 may include a ±5 nanometer full width at half maximum (FWHM) bandpass filter.
Moreover, the UV light source 102 may be configured to provide a target dosage of the UV light 104 to the target location 106 to achieve inactivation of the pathogens on the target location 106. The target dosage may include a range of 1-120 millijoule/cm2 of exposure of the target location 106 to the UV light 104. Alternatively, the target dosage may include a range of 1-20 millijoule/cm2. To achieve the target dosage, the UV light source 102 may be configured to emit the UV light 104 at a power of 0.1-150 watts at a distance 108 of 5-300 cm from the target location 106. The actual dosage at the target location 106 may vary based at least in part on the distance 108 between the UV light source 102 and the target location 106. In some embodiments, the UV disinfection system 100 includes a controller 110 having dosimetry circuitry 112 configured to monitor the actual dosage (e.g., cumulative dosage) of the UV light 104 at the target location 106 in real-time based at least in part on an intensity and/or power of the UV light 104, duration, and the distance 108 between the UV light source 102 and the target location 106. The controller may receive a cumulative dose signal indicating the actual dosage. Based on the monitored actual dosage, the controller 110 may be configured to vary an output power of the UV light source 102. For example, the UV light source 102 may move towards the target location 106 such that the actual dosage at the target location 106 increases. Based on the monitored actual dosage, the controller 110 may reduce the output power or shut off the UV light source 102 to achieve the target dosage at the target location 106.
Further, the UV disinfection system 100 may include a UV sensor 114 (e.g., distance sensor) configured to detect UV light 116 reflected from the target location 106 (e.g., target surface). In some embodiments, the UV sensor 114 is configured to output reflected UV light 116 data (e.g., a distance input signal) to the controller 110. Using data from the reflected UV light 116, the controller 110 may be configured to calculate, via an algorithm, the distance 108 between the target location 106 and the UV light source 102. The distance 108 may be calculated in real-time such that the controller 110 may monitor the actual dosage in real-time. The controller 110 may be configured to monitor the actual dosage of the UV light 104 at the target location 106 in real-time via a processor 118 and a memory 120. The processor 118 may include one or more processing devices, and the memory 120 may include one or more tangible, non-transitory, machine-readable media. By way of example, such machine-readable media can include RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by the processor 118 or by other processor-based devices (e.g., portable communication devices). In some embodiments, the memory 120 is configured to store controller instructions executable by the processor 118 to output various control system signals. For example, the processor 118 may execute the controller instructions to reduce the output power or shut off the UV light source 102 (e.g., send a deactivation signal to the UV light source) when the cumulative dose signal indicates that the target dosage has been achieved.
Moreover, the UV disinfection system 100 may include a UV detector 122 positioned on the target location 106 (e.g. target surface). The UV detector 122 is configured to provide an indication of exposure of the target location 106 to the UV light emitted from the UV light source 102. The UV detector 122 may include a phosphorescent material layer 124 that changes colors in response to exposure to the UV light 104 having the mean peak wavelength between 200-280 nanometers. In some embodiments, the UV detector 122 is configured to gradually change colors based at least in part on the actual dosage of UV light 104 provided to the phosphorescent material layer 124. For example, once 10 percent of the target dosage has been delivered, the phosphorescent material layer 124 may have a red color. At 50 percent of the target dosage (e.g., a midpoint to the target dosage), the phosphorescent material layer 124 may have a yellow color. Further, at completion of the target dosage, in some embodiments, the phosphorescent material layer 124 may have a green color indicating that the target location 106 has been exposed to the target dosage. In some embodiments, the UV detector 122 is configured to revert from the green color back to the red color over time. For example, the phosphorescent material layer 124 of the UV detector 122 may revert from green to red over a period of 10-600 seconds. Moreover, the UV disinfection system 100 may include a visible light source 126 for emitting visible light 148 having a wavelength in the visible light spectrum (e.g., about 380-700 nanometers), with a power draw of 0.1-150 watts. target location
The UV disinfection system 100 may include circuitry 128 for providing power (e.g., from a power source 130) to activate the UV light source 102 and/or the visible light source 126. In some embodiments, the circuitry 128 includes a circuit board for housing the UV light source 102 and/or the visible light source 126. For example, if the UV and visible light sources are LEDs and not other bulb types, a UV LED and a visible light LED may be mounted to the circuit board. Alternatively, the circuitry 128 may include an integrated circuit such that the UV light source 102 and/or the visible light source 126 are mounted to the integrated circuit. However, any suitable circuitry 128 may be used for providing power to the UV light source 102 and/or the visible light source 126.
Moreover, as set forth above, the UV disinfection system 100 may include the controller 110 for controlling operation of the UV disinfection system 100. That is, the controller 110 may control activation/deactivation of the UV light source 102 and/or the visible light source 126, as well as power output for the respective light sources 102, 126). Further, the controller 110 may be configured to receive input from a motion sensor to determine a dosage at the target location 106. In some embodiments, the controller 110 may also be configured to receive inputs from other sources (e.g., an infrared sensor 132, a motion sensor 134, a user interface 136, proximity sensor 152, etc.) of the UV disinfection system 100. For example, the controller 110 may be configured to receive temperature data from the infrared sensor 132, or other temperature sensor, configured to detect temperatures within a human or mammalian body temperature range (e.g., 95-105 degrees Fahrenheit) or over 10 degrees Fahrenheit above ambient or actual room temperature and within the UV light beam zone of illumination, such that the controller 110 may determine that a person is within a deactivation zone configured to trigger deactivation of the UV light source 102. Further, the controller 110 may be configured to receive ambient temperature data, weather data, etc. from external sources, which may be used in determining whether the detected temperature is over 10 degrees Fahrenheit above ambient or actual room temperature. In another example, the motion sensor 134 may provide data indicating that a person is within an activation zone configured to trigger activation of the UV light source 102. In some embodiments, the input may include operational data, diagnostics, and maintenance parameters. In some embodiments, the controller 110 may be configured to receive inputs based at least in part on user input via the user interface 136. The user interface 136 may include an input/output device 138 (e.g., keyboard, mouse, or touch screen) configured to provide the user input to the controller 110. Further, the user interface 136 may include a display 140 (e.g., computer monitor or personal device screen) configured to display information related to operation of the UV disinfection system 100 such that a user may monitor operation of the UV disinfection system 100 via a portable communication device, tablet, desktop computer, or any other suitable electronic device.
Moreover, the controller 110 may be configured to receive the inputs, as well as output data, controller instructions, etc., via communications circuitry 142. The communications circuitry 142 may include antennas, radio transceiver circuits, and signal processing hardware and/or software (e.g., hardware or software filters, A/D converters, multiplexers, amplifiers), or a combination thereof, and that may be configured to communicate over wireless communication paths via infrared (IR) wireless communication, satellite communication, broadcast radio, microwave radio, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Wifi, UHF, NFC, etc. In some embodiments, the controller 110 may communication with a mobile application 144 (mobile app) via the communication circuitry 142. For example, the controller 110 may output data to a cloud based mobile app 144 via the communication circuitry 142. Users may access the mobile app 144 via the user interface 136 set forth above.
Further, the controller 110 may be configured to output data in response to predetermined events or triggers for the UV disinfection system 100. For example, the controller 110 may be configured to output a sound signal to a speaker device of the UV disinfection system 100 in response to activation of the UV light source 102. The speaker device 146 may include a local speaker device 146. However, the speaker device 146 may also include a speaker of a device providing access to the user interface 136 (e.g., a portable communication device speaker). The sound signal may be configured to cause the speaker device 146 to output an audio cue to provide an indication that the UV light source 102 is active. The controller 110 may be configured to output other sound signals to the speaker device 146 in response to operation of the UV light source 102, deactivation of the UV light source 102, or any other suitable event or trigger. That is, the speaker device may be configured to produce an audio output in response to activation of the UV light source, before, during, or after activation or deactivation of the UV light. In another example, the controller 110 may be configured to output a signal to an air freshener device 150 based on any suitable event or trigger (e.g., activation of the UV light source). The air freshener device 150 may be configured to output a scented aroma and/or a neutralizing agent in response to activation of the UV light source 102 to provide an indication that the UV light source 102 is active. The neutralizing agent configured to react with and neutralize unwanted byproducts (e.g., ozone, organic, or organochlorine compounds) of UV exposure.
As set forth above, the UV light source 102 is configured to provide a target dosage of the UV light 104 to the target location 106 to achieve inactivation of the pathogens on the target location 106. For example, the target dosage may include 1-20 millijoule/cm2 of exposure of the target location 106 to the UV light 104. To achieve the target dosage, a user may activate the UV light source 102 while holding the mobile device 200 within 6-18 inches from the target location 106 for a disinfection cycle of 5-60 seconds. For example, the user may activate the UV light source 102 for a disinfection cycle of 10 seconds while holding the mobile device 200 at a distance 108 of about twelve inches from a door handle to at least partially inactivate pathogens on the door handle.
To determine the distance 108 between the mobile device 200 and the target location 106 such that the target dosage may be achieved, the UV disinfection system 100 may include the UV sensor 114 set forth above in
The UV pathogen disinfection system may also include the UV detector 122 configured to change colors in response to exposure to UV light 104 to provide an indication of exposure to UV light 104. The UV detector 122 may be detachably mounted to the mobile device 200 or a mobile device 200 case secured to the mobile device 200. Prior to operation of the UV disinfection system 100, a user may detach the UV detector 122 from the mobile device 200 and/or case and place the UV detector 122 under, behind, or otherwise proximate to the target location 106 (e.g., the object to be disinfected). The UV detector 122 is configured to provide an indication in response to exposure to UV light 104. That is the UV detector 122 is configured to change colors from a first color to a second color in response to exposure to UV light 104. For example, the UV detector 122 may change from a red color to a green color in response to exposure to the UV light 104. The UV detector 122 may include a surface 210 having phosphorescent and/or photochromic material configured to change color under the UV light 104 having the mean peak wavelength between 200-280 nanometers. The UV detector 122 may be configured to provide the indication (e.g., change color) based on exposure to the UV light 104 from the UV light source 102. The UV detector 122 may fully provide the indication after being exposed to the target dosage. For example, the UV detector 122 may change from a red color to a green color upon being exposed to the target dosage. In some embodiments, the UV detector 122 is configured to revert from the second color to the first color within 10-60 seconds after exposure to the UV light 104 ceases. For example, the UV detector 122 may revert from the green color back to the red color after 10 seconds.
The UV disinfection system 100 may also include a temperature sensor (e.g., the infrared sensor 132) configured to monitor the temperature proximate the target location 106 and output temperature data to the controller 110. In some embodiments, the UV disinfection system may include the motion sensor 134 configured to monitor motion proximate the target location 106 and output motion data to the controller 110. Based at least in part on the temperature data and/or motion data, the controller 110 may determine whether a person is disposed in a path of the UV light 104 emitted from the UV light source 102. In response to detecting a person in the path of the UV light 104, the controller 110 may output a deactivation signal to deactivate the UV light source 102. In some embodiments, the UV light source 102 may automatically re-activate in response to the controller 110 determining that the person is no longer in the path of the UV light 104. Alternatively, the mobile device 200 may require manual re-activation of the UV light source 102. Further, in response to detecting a person in the path of the UV light 104, the controller 110 may also output a warning sound signal configured to provide an audio cue to the user that the UV light source 102 has been deactivated in response to detecting a person in the path of the UV light source 102.
As illustrated, the UV disinfection system 100 may further include the visible light source 126 configured to emit the visible light 148. The visible light source 126 may include the camera flash 206 of the mobile device 200. However, the visible light source 126 may include a separate, dedicated LED or other light bulb for providing the normal light. Any suitable visible light source 126 arrangement may be incorporated. Moreover, in some embodiments, the UV disinfection system 100 includes the speaker device 146 configured to emit an audible sound, before, during, or after activation or deactivation of the UV light source 102, or some combination thereof. Further, in some embodiments, the UV disinfection system may include a tilt sensor 212 configured to provide a tilt angle signal indicating a tilt angle of the mobile device 200.
In one example, the user may open the mobile app 144 to view the user interface 136, which may show a user interface target dosage button (e.g., target dosage button 312) proximate a user interface UV light source activation button (e.g., UV activation button 314). The user may select the target dosage button 312 to open an option window 316 for adjusting the target dosage. Alternatively, the target dosage may be fixed, and the mobile app 144 may be configured to automatically deactivate the UV light source 102 (e.g., shown in
In some embodiment, the mobile app 144 includes processor executable instructions configured to activate various components before, during, or after activation or deactivation of the UV light source 102, or some combination thereof. For example, the mobile app 144 may be configured to activate the speaker device 146 (e.g., show in
Moreover, the UV disinfection apparatus 324 (e.g., cover element) incorporates the UV disinfection system 100. Accordingly, the UV disinfection apparatus 324 includes the UV light source 102 configured to emit the UV light 104 having a mean peak wavelength between 200-280 nanometers toward the target location 106 to at least partially inactivate pathogens exposed to the emitted UV light 104 in the path of the emitted UV light 104 and a surface of the target location 106. The UV disinfection apparatus 324 may also include the visible light source 126 configured to emit visible light 148, which may provide an indication that the UV light source 102 is active.
The UV disinfection apparatus 324 may also include the UV sensor 114, or other distance measuring system, configured to determine a distance between the UV light source 102c and the target location 106. For example, the UV sensor 114 may determine the distance from the target location 106 based upon sensing the UV light 104 reflected from the target location 106. Based on the determined distance between the UV light source 102 and the target location 106, the UV sensor 114 or other distance measuring system may generate a distance input signal. The UV disinfection apparatus 324 may also include the dosimetry circuit 112 or algorithm configured to receive the distance input signal and generate a cumulative dose signal indicating a cumulative dose of UV light received at the target location 106 in real-time based at least upon the distance input signal and an intensity of the UV light 104 emitted from the UV light source 102. The application may include processor executable instructions configured to receive the cumulative dose signal and to send a deactivation signal to the UV light source 102 when the cumulative dose signal indicates that a target dose has been achieved. Moreover, the UV disinfection apparatus 324 may also include the temperature sensor (e.g., IR sensor 132) or the motion sensor 134 configured to provide a deactivation input signal to the application upon sensing a particular temperature or motion within the UV light 104 emitted from the UV light source 102.
In one example, a user points the UV disinfection apparatus 324 at the target location 106 and depresses the icon 320 (e.g., shown in
The UV disinfection apparatus 324 may include other components such as the tilt sensor 212 to provide a tilt angle signal indicating a tilt angle of the mobile device 200. The application may include processor executable instructions configured to monitor the tilt angle signal and generate a deactivation signal for communication to the UV light source 102 to deactivate the UV light source 102 in response to a maximum tile angle having been exceeded. Alternatively, the mobile device 200 may include the tilt sensor 212. Accordingly, the application may include processor executable instructions configured to receive the tilt angle signal from the mobile device 200 and to generate a deactivation signal for deactivating the UV light source 102 in response to a maximum tilt angle having been exceeded. Further, the UV disinfection apparatus 324 may include its own power and charging system including an internal battery 330, USB charging/data transfer port 332, or wireless charging capability so that it may be charged by adjacent mobile device 200 or adjacent wireless charging source, or via a hardwire connection to a standard USB charging port of mobile device 200.
Moreover, the mobile device 200 may include components such as the speaker device 146. The application may include processor executable instructions configured to activate the speaker device 146 to emit an audible sound before, during, or after activation or deactivation of the UV light source 102, or some combination thereof.
The portable UV disinfection system 100 may also include a tilt sensor 212 disposed within the housing 402 of the portable handheld device 400. The tilt sensor 212 is configured to detect a tilt orientation of the portable handheld device 400 with respect to a horizontal plane (e.g., the ground). For example, a zero degree orientation may indicate that the portable handheld device 400 is oriented such that the UV light beam 104 is directed horizontally or in parallel to the ground, whereas a negative ninety degree angle may indicate that the UV light beam 104 is directed downward to the ground. In the context of the aforementioned coordinate system, the UV disinfection system 100 may be configured to automatically shut down the UV light source 102 in response to detecting that the tilt orientation of the portable handheld device 400 is, for example between −45 and +90 degrees relative to the horizontal plane. In some embodiments, the mobile application 144 may allow the user to disable the tilt orientation auto-shut down feature such that the user may operate the portable handheld device at the tilt orientation less than a pre-determined angle, for the purposes of the example above, of −45 degrees.
Further, the portable UV disinfection system 100 may include the infrared sensor 132 and/or the UV sensor 114 as set forth above in
Moreover, the portable UV disinfection system 100 may also include communications circuitry 142 (e.g., a Bluetooth circuit, or any other suitable wireless protocol) for providing wireless functionality to the UV disinfection system 100. The wireless functionality may allow the user to track user-specific operational data via the mobile app 144. The wireless functionality may also facilitate data upload to a cloud server and/or permit downloads for firmware updates. In some embodiments, the user may remotely access the operational data for the portable UV disinfection system 100 by accessing the mobile app 144 from an internet enabled device such as a mobile phone, tablet, desktop computer, or any other suitable device.
The UV disinfection system 100 may include other components secured to the housing of the portable handheld device 400. For example, the UV disinfection system 100 may include a battery 410 for powering the device, a USB charging port 412 for recharging the battery and/or data transfer, a power button 414 for activating the portable handheld device, a flip cover 416 for protecting the screen when the device is not in use, an integrated hinge 418 for facilitating movement of the flip cover 416, and/or any other suitable component.
The housing 514 may have a cylindrical shape with an axial bore 518 extending through a central portion 520 of the housing 514. However, the housing 514 may include any suitable shape. A diameter of the axial bore may be sized such that the downrod 510 may be inserted into the axial bore. In one example, the fastening feature 516 includes compression clamps configured to secure the housing 514 to the downrod 510 once the housing 514 is disposed around the downrod 510. During installation, the housing 514 may slide over the downrod 510 to a desired position with respect to the fan motor housing 504. Once in position, the compression clamps may be actuated to secure the housing 514 in position. In some embodiments, the housing 514 may be a split housing 514 with a hinge 522 connecting a first portion 524 and a second portion 526 of the housing 514. The split housing 514 may be configured to open via the hinge 522, slide over the downrod 510 in a direction 528 transverse to the axis 530 of the downrod 510, and then close to clamp around the downrod 510. The split housing 514 may provide for ease of installation as the housing 514 may be installed to existing fans 500 without having to detach the downrod 510 from the fan motor housing 504 or the ceiling. In some embodiments, the UV disinfection system 100 includes the tilt sensor 212 and/or a motion sensor 134 configured to prevent operation of the UV disinfection system 100 unless the housing 514 is in a proper orientation with respect to the fan 500. The UV disinfection system 100 may also include other components such as the sensor 544, the UV sensor 114, the speaker device 146, air freshener 150, the tilt sensor 212, etc.
Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment, the UV disinfection system 100 includes a plurality of UV light sources 102 configured to emit UV light 104 into a path of the air driven (e.g., pulled or pushed) by the fan 500 to at least partially inactivate pathogens in the air proximate the fan 500. In particular, the plurality of UV light sources 102 configured to emit UV light 104 in a substantially horizontal path substantially normal to the direction of the induced airflow. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of UV light sources 102 is configured to emit the UV light 104 in a direction 532 radially outward from the downrod 510. Accordingly, the plurality of UV light sources 102 may be disposed around a radially outer surface 534 of the housing 514. However, in some embodiments, the UV disinfection system 100 may include at least some of the UV light sources 102 (e.g., UV LEDs or UV bulbs) disposed on other surfaces (e.g., a top surface 536 or a bottom surface) of the housing 514. While active, each of the plurality of UV light sources 102 emit UV light 104 at a mean peak wavelength between 200-280 nanometers. Alternatively, the mean peak wavelength range may be between 200-250 nanometers, 200-220 nanometers, or any other suitable range. Moreover, to inactivate the pathogens in the air proximate the fan 500 at a desired rate, each UV light source 102 may be configured to emit the UV light 104 at a power of 0.1-150 watts into a respective target volume 542 corresponding to the UV light source 102. In some embodiments, the UV disinfection system 100 may include a switch configured to activate the UV light source in response to activation of the motor.
In some embodiments, the UV disinfection system 100 may include a baffle plate 538 configured to control a beam angle of the UV light 104 emitted from each of the plurality of UV light sources 102. In the illustrated embodiments, the baffle plate 538 may restrain the UV light beams 104 from emanating in a vertically downward direction 540 toward an area beneath the fan 500 such that UV disinfection system 100 may operate without any direct exposure to people congregated in the area beneath the fan 500. As such, the baffle plate 538 may be disposed between the UV light sources 102 and the fan motor housing 504. Although the baffle plate 538 is configured to constrain the UV light beams 104, the baffle plate 538 may be positioned and sized to minimize interference of the baffle plate to the flow of air caused by operation of the fan 500. In some embodiments, an outer diameter of the baffle plate 538 is less than or equal to a diameter of the fan motor housing 504. However, the baffle plate has a larger diameter than an outer diameter of the housing 514 of the UV disinfection system 100 such that the baffle plate 538 may restrain the UV light beams 104.
In some embodiments, the UV disinfection system 100 may include a sensor 544 (e.g., a temperature or motion sensor) configured to detect a temperature or a motion in a volume below the fan 500 and to provide an activation input signal to activate the UV light source 102 in response to sensing a particular temperature or motion in the volume below the fan 500. For example, the sensor 544 may be configured to provide the activation signal in response to detecting a temperature below the fan 500 corresponding to a human being such that the UV light source 102 activates when a person is in the volume (e.g., room, space, etc.) below the fan 500.
In some embodiments, the UV disinfection system 100 may include components for time-based control and monitoring of the UV disinfection system 100. For example, the UV disinfection system 100 may include a clock circuit, a signal generator configured to generate a time signal indicating the times when the UV light source is active, a transmitter configured to transmit the time signal, and a recording device configured to receive the time signal and record the times during which the UV light source 102 is active. The recording device may include a software application with processor executable instructions configured to record the times during which the UV light source is active, as well as operate the fan 500 and/or the UV light source 102. In some embodiments, the recorded times may be output to the controller 110 (e.g., shown in
The at least one UV light source 102 may be configured to activate when a corresponding seating arrangement 602 is unoccupied. For example, after a party leaves the seating arrangement 602 and a busser clears the restaurant table 604, the UV light source 102 may automatically activate for a disinfecting cycle. In another example, the busser may actuate a switch 620 to activate the disinfecting cycle, by direct action or via remote communication such as Bluetooth, or any suitable wireless protocol. The UV light source 102 is configured to provide a target dosage of UV light 104 to the target locations 106 at the seating arrangement 602 during the disinfecting cycle. For example, the target dosage may be 1-100 millijoules/cm2. The UV disinfection system 100 may be configured to adjust various parameters (e.g., power, duration, etc.) for the UV light source 102 based on a position of the UV light source 102 to achieve the target dosage. For example, a first UV light source 102 disposed proximate a light fixture 610 of the seating arrangement 602 may be between 3-10 feet from the target location 106 (e.g., the restaurant table 604. Based at least in part on the distance 108 of the UV light source 102 from the target location 106, the UV light source 102 may be configured to emit UV light 104 with a power draw of 0.1-150 watts for 10 to 120 seconds to achieve the target dosage. Providing the target dosage to the target location 106 may at least partially inactivate pathogens (e.g., Covid-19), thereby, reducing a risk of pathogen transmission to subsequent patrons entering the seating arrangement 602.
Further, to provide the target dosage to each of the surfaces 604, 608 of the seating arrangement 602, the UV disinfection system 100 may include a plurality of UV light sources 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the UV disinfection system 100 includes a first UV light source 612 disposed above the seating arrangement 602. Specifically, the first UV light source 102 is disposed proximate the light fixture 610 positioned above the restaurant table 604 and may be configured to emit UV light 104 in a downward direction toward the restaurant table 604 and the benches 608. Additionally, the UV disinfection system 100 includes a second UV light source 614 disposed below the restaurant table 604 to disinfect surfaces at the seating arrangement 602 that are not in line of sight of the first UV light source 102. The second UV light source 614 may be secured to a center post 616 of the restaurant table 604 such that the second UV light source 614 may emit UV light 104 radially outward to a bottom surface 618 of the restaurant table 604, as well as to other surfaces that are not exposed to the UV light 104 from the first UV light source 102. In another embodiment, the UV disinfection system 100 may include additional UV light sources 102 that may be disposed in any suitable positions proximate the seating arrangement 602. Further, the UV disinfection system 100 may include aprons, baffles, etc. to control beam angles for the UV light 104 emitted from the respective UV light sources 102.
Moreover, the UV disinfection system 100 may also include at least one UV detector 122 positioned on the target locations 106 (e.g., the restaurant table 604, the benches 608, etc.) of the seating arrangement 602. The UV detector 122 may be embedded in or secured to the target location 106 via coatings, surface materials, adhesives, clamps, or other suitable fasteners. As set forth above, the UV detector 122 is configured to provide an indication of an amount of exposure of the target location 106 to the UV light 104 emitted from the UV light sources 102. Each UV detector 122 is configured to changes colors in response to exposure to UV light 104 having the mean peak wavelength between 200-280 nanometers. The UV detector 122 may include a photochromic pigment, dye, or other colorants that have the property of changing color under the UV light having a mean peak wavelength between 200-280 nanometers. In some embodiments, the UV detector 122 is configured to gradually change colors based at least in part on a dosage of UV light 104. For example, once 10 percent of the target dosage has been delivered, the UV detector 122 may have a red color. At 50 percent of the target dosage (e.g., a midpoint to the target dosage), the UV detector 122 may have a yellow color. Further, at completion of the target dosage, the UV detector 122 may have a green color to indicate that the target location 106 has been exposed to the target dosage. In some embodiments, the UV detector 122 is configured to revert from the green color back to the red color over time. For example, the UV detector 122 may revert from green to red over a period of 10-600 seconds. In another example, after UV light source 102 deactivate and exposure to the UV light 104 ceases, the UV detector 122 may revert from green to red over a period of 2-10 minutes.
In some embodiments, the UV disinfection system 100 includes a light array 622. The light array may include a frame 624 configured to house a plurality of UV light sources 102 and a plurality of visible light sources 126. As set forth above, each UV light source 102 is configured to emit ultraviolet light having a mean peak wavelength between 200-280 nanometer to at least partially inactivate pathogens exposed to the emitted UV light 104. Moreover, each of the UV light sources 102 and the visible light sources 126 are configured to produce an individual light beam having an individual volume between the individual sources and a corresponding target location 106 (e.g., a surface area located at a given distance away from the individual source). The UV light sources 102 and the visible light sources 126 may be individually adjusted to point towards corresponding target locations 106.
Moreover, the plurality of UV light sources 102 of the light array 622 are collectively configured to produce a collective UV light beam having a collective volume between the light array 622 and a collective target surface area. The collective target area may include the table 604, the seating arrangement 602, an area where people may congregate, or some combination thereof. In another example, the collective target area may include a keypad, touchscreen, or any surface disposed in a public space. Further, the plurality of visible light sources 126 are configured to collectively illuminate the collective target area to indicate that the UV light sources 102 are active and the UV disinfection system 100 is in a disinfection mode. The controller 110 (e.g., shown in
The UV disinfection system 100 may also include a proximity sensor 152 configured to detect the presence of a human being within a given safety volume greater than or equal to the target volume and to emit a motion signal to the controller 110 to deactivate the light array 622 upon detecting the presence of a human being in the given safety volume. In some embodiments, the proximity sensor 1152 is a temperature sensor configured to monitor a temperature in a predetermined range within the target volume. The predetermined range may be between 95-105 degrees Fahrenheit or over 10 degrees Fahrenheit above ambient or room temperature within the target volume. In some embodiments, the proximity sensor 152 is a motion sensor configured to detect when an object or human being has moved into the UV light path within the target volume.
Moreover, the table mounting assembly 700 may be configured to house additional components of the UV disinfection system 100. For example, the table mounting assembly 700 may be configured to house control circuitry (e.g., the controller 110) of the UV disinfection system 100. The control circuitry may be configured to power and/or control operation of the UV light source 102 and the visible light source 126. That is, the control circuitry may activate the UV light source 102 and the visible light source 126 for the disinfection cycle and may deactivate the UV light source 102 and visible light source 126. The control circuitry may be configured to control operation of the UV disinfection system 100 based on manual input from the user interface 136 (e.g., shown in
Further, the table mounting assembly 700 may be configured to house a sensor (e.g., infrared sensor 132, UV sensor 114, motion sensor 134, proximity sensor 152, etc.) of the UV disinfection system 100. The sensor may be configured to detect the presence of a person within a vicinity of the seating arrangement 602. For example, the sensor may be the infrared sensor 132 configured to detect a temperature within body temperature range (e.g., 95-105 degrees Fahrenheit) or over 10 degrees Fahrenheit above ambient or room temperature and/or motion proximate the seating arrangement 602. The control circuitry may include an auto-shut feature to deactivate the UV light source 102 (i.e., to switch the UV disinfection system 100 from the disinfection mode to the normal operation mode) if a body temperature or motion are detected. Further, the control circuitry the UV disinfection system 100 may output an alarm code to a user, via communication circuitry (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi, etc.), in conjunction with deactivating the UV light source 102. That is, the control circuitry may output the alarm code to the mobile app 144 or another suitable location such that the user may receive the alarm code remotely with a device such as a mobile phone, tablet, and desktop computer, etc. Moreover, if the sensor fails to detect a body temperature or motion proximate the seating arrangement 602, the control circuitry may be configured to reactivate the disinfection cycle.
The UV disinfection system 100 may include other features electronically coupled to the control circuitry, which may be housed by the table mounting assembly 700. In some embodiments, the UV disinfection system 100 may include the speaker device 146 configured to produce an audio output to provide audio cues indicating a status of the UV disinfection system 100. For example, the speaker device 146 may be configured to output a first audio cue in response to activation of the disinfection cycle. Further, the speaker device 146 may include other audio cues to indicate that the UV light source 102 is active (i.e., the disinfection cycle is in progress), deactivation of the UV light source 102 due to disinfection cycle completion, deactivation due to auto-shut, or any event related to operation of the UV disinfection system 100. Further, in some embodiments, the UV disinfection system 100 may include a delay switch 702 electronically coupled to the control circuitry. In particular, UV disinfection systems 100 using control circuitry configured to control operation of the UV disinfection system 100 based on manual input from a user may include the delay switch 702. Using manual input systems, the busser or another worker at the restaurant may manually activate the disinfection cycle after clearing the restaurant table 604. The delay switch 702 may be configured to delay activation of the disinfection cycle for at least five seconds from receiving user input to start the disinfection cycle to allow the busser adequate time to move away from the seating arrangement 602 before the disinfection cycle begins. In some embodiments, the UV disinfection system 100 may also include the air freshener 150 configured to output a scented aroma and/or a neutralizing agent in response to activation of the UV light source 102 to provide an indication that the UV light source 102 is active, as set forth above.
The UV disinfection system 100 may be configured to provide a target dosage of the UV light 104 to the respective target location 106 (e.g., the passenger seats 802 and/or other surfaces of the vehicle) to achieve inactivation of the pathogens on the target location 106. For example, the target dosage may include 1-100 millijoule/cm2 of exposure of the target location 106 to the UV light 104. Moreover, the UV disinfection system 100 may include at least one UV detector 122 positioned on the target location 106. For example, the at least one UV detector 122 may be positioned on the passenger seats 802, a center console 822, a dashboard 824, and/or any other suitable surface for the UV detector 122 within the vehicle 800. In some embodiments, the UV disinfection system 100 may include a plurality of UV detectors 122 positioned within the vehicle 800. The UV detectors 122 may include cards, mats, stickers, etc., positioned on the target location 106. In some embodiments, the target location 106 may include a photochromic material configured to change color in response to exposure to UV light 104. For example, in some embodiments, the seats may include a color changing fabric configured to change color in response to exposure to UV light 104. Each UV detector 122 is configured to provide an indication of exposure of the respective target location 106 to UV light 104. In particular, the UV detector 122 may change colors in response to exposure to the UV light 104 having the mean peak wavelength between 200-280 nanometers. In some embodiments, the UV detector 122 is configured to gradually change colors based at least in part on the actual dosage of UV light 104 provided to the UV detector 122. For example, once 10 percent of the target dosage has been delivered, the UV detector 122 may have a red color. At 50 percent of the target dosage (e.g., a midpoint to the target dosage), the UV detector 122 may have a yellow color. Further, at completion of the target dosage, the UV detector 122 may have a green color to indicate that the target location 106 has been exposed to the target dosage. In some embodiments, the UV detector 122 is configured to revert from the green color back to the red color over time. For example, the UV detector 122 may revert from green to red over a period of 2-10 minutes.
Moreover, the UV disinfection system 100 may include the visible light source 126 secured within the overhead housing assembly 804. The visible light source 126 may be configured to output visible light 148 coincident with the UV light 104 emitted from the UV light source 102.
As illustrated, the overhead housing assembly 804 includes the user interface 136. The user interface 136 may include the display 140 configured to display information (e.g., real-time operation data) related to operation of the UV disinfection system 100. For example, the display 140 may display showing an activation status of the UV light source 102 (e.g., on/off), a timer with elapsed time from UV light source 102 activation, estimated dynamic countdown clock for target dosage, actual dosage estimation, cumulative use tracking, or any other suitable metric for the overhead housing assembly 804 of the UV disinfection system 100. In some embodiments, the overhead housing assembly 804 may output the information related to operation of the UV disinfection system 100 to the mobile app 144 (e.g. shown in
Moreover, the overhead housing assembly 804 may include components configured to detect the information related to operation of the UV disinfection system 100 that is displayed via the display 140 and/or mobile app 144. For example, the overhead housing assembly 804 may include the infrared sensor 132 set forth above. The infrared sensor 132 may be configured to detect temperatures in a body temperature range (e.g., 95-105 degrees Fahrenheit) or within 10 degrees Fahrenheit of ambient temperature within the vehicle, which may indicate that a person is sitting in the vehicle. In some embodiments, the UV disinfection system 100 may deactivate or prevent activation of the UV light source 102 in response to the infrared sensor 132 detecting a temperature in the body temperature range. In some embodiments, the overhead housing assembly 804 may also include the motion sensor 134 and/or UV sensor 114 configured to provide additional data (e.g., motion data, distance data) for determining whether a person is sitting within the vehicle 800 (e.g., shown in
The UV disinfection system 100 may include a beam shaping mechanism 1018 (e.g., one or more reflectors disposed in the housing 1000, a slot disposed above or in the housing 1000, etc.) configured to shape the path of the emitted UV light 104 so that the UV light is confined to a selected light beam width 1014 for at least a selected height above or distance 1016 from the housing 1000. The UV light source 102 may be configured to output the UV light beams 104 at an output power sufficient to inactivate airborne pathogens passing through the narrow UV light beam 104 up to the selected distance 1016 (e.g., a distance to the target location 106 for the UV light) corresponding to a breathing zone for adjacent individuals. However, in some embodiments, the breathing zone may extend up to 5 feet, 10 feet, or to any other suitable distance. Further, as set forth above, the UV light source 102 may be configured to emit the UV light beam 104 at a mean peak wavelength range between 200-280 nanometers. However, the mean peak wavelength range may alternatively be between 200-250 nanometers, 200-220 nanometers, or any other suitable range. Further, the UV light source 102 may be configured to emit the UV light 104 at 1-120 millijoules/cm2 for at least the selected distance 1016 corresponding to the target location 106 and/or the target volume 542.
The UV disinfection system 100 may also include the visible light source 126 configured to emit the visible light 148 indicating that the UV light source 102 is active. For example, the visible light source 126 may be configured to emit a visible light indicating that the UV light source 102 is active. In some embodiments, the visible light source 126 is configured to output different colors based on a status of the embedded UV disinfection system 100. For example, the visible light source 126 may be configured to output a red light indicating that the embedded UV disinfection system 100 is inactive. Moreover, the pathogen disinfection system 100 may include other components such as the speaker device 146, the air freshener 150, and/or the tilt sensor 212 set forth above.
As illustrated, the UV light source 102 and the visible light source 126 may be embedded within the housing 1000. The housing 1000 may be at least partially UV-transparent such that the UV light may pass through a portion of the housing 1000. Moreover, the length 1010 of the housing 1000 may be selected length based at least in part on a desired length of coverage for the UV disinfection system 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 1000 is positioned on top of a retail counter 1002 such that UV light beams 104 from the UV light source 102 may at least partially inactivate the airborne pathogens passing through the air between customers 1004 and workers 1006. Accordingly, the desired length may be a length of the counter, a length of the breathing zone, or any other suitable length for at least partially inactivate the airborne pathogens passing through the air between customers 1004 and workers 1006. Moreover, the UV light source 102 may be configured to operate (e.g., emit the UV light 104) in the presence of people, without any direct exposure to the people. For example, the customer 1004 and the worker 1006 may stand next to the retail counter 1002 with the housing 1000 without being directly exposed to the emitted UV light 104. Moreover, in some embodiments, the UV light source 102 and/or the visible light source 126 may be embedded within an embodiment of the retail counter 1002 having the material, which is at least partially UV-transparent, set forth above.
The pathogen disinfection system 100 may include a first motion sensor 1020 configured to detect when an object or human being (e.g., customer 1004 or worker 1006) has moved into the UV light path and to send a first signal in response to detecting such a movement. Further, the pathogen disinfection system 100 may include a proximity sensor 1022 configured to detect when a human being (e.g., customer 1004 or worker 1006) is present within a given distance from the housing 1000 in a particular direction and to send a second signal in response to detecting such a presence. In some embodiments, the proximity sensor 1022 may be a second motion sensor or a temperature sensor. The controller 110 (e.g., shown in
In some embodiments, the housing 1000, that is at least partially UV-transparent, may also be configured to house the speaker device 146 for outputting audio cues. For example, the speaker device 146 may be configured to output a warning sound when body temperature and/or motion is detected in a path of the UV light 104 emitted by the UV light source 102. The warning sound may be configured to deter customers 1004 and workers 1006 (e.g., shown in
Moreover, the housing 1000 may also be configured to house the memory 120 of the UV disinfection system 100. The memory 120 may be configured to store operational data (e.g., cumulative use, elapsed time, etc.) for the UV disinfection system 100. Communication circuitry 142 (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi, or LAN) may be secured within the housing 1000 to provide a connection to the mobile app 144 (e.g., shown in
Moreover, the UV light source 102 may be secured to the mountable housing 1206. In some embodiments, mountable housing 1206 includes a non-UV light reflecting, material 1212 that is at least partially UV-transparent. The UV light source 102 may be disposed within the material 1212. Having the material 1212 may protect the UV light source 102 from potential damage due to collisions, rain, etc. Moreover, as set forth above, the UV light source 102 is configured to emit UV light beams 104 to at least partially inactivate an airborne pathogen passing by the mountable housing 1206. Specifically, the UV light source 102 may be configured to output a narrow beam of UV light 104 (e.g., 1-3 inch narrow beam) to at least partially inactivate an airborne pathogen passing above the mountable housing 1206. The UV light source 102 may be configured to output the UV light beams 104 at an output power sufficient to inactivate airborne pathogens passing through the narrow UV light beam 104. Further, as set forth above, the UV light source 102 may be configured to emit the UV light beam 104 at a mean peak wavelength between 200-280 nanometers. Alternatively, the mean peak wavelength range may be between 200-250 nanometers, 200-220 nanometers, or any other suitable range.
In some embodiments, the UV disinfection system 100 is configured to activate the UV light source 102 in response to the seat 1202 corresponding to the UV disinfection system 100 being occupied by a patron 1214. The UV light source 102 is configured to operate (e.g., emit the UV light 104) in the presence of the patron, without any direct exposure to the patron or others. Moreover, the UV disinfection system 100 may include sensors (e.g., IR sensor 132, motion sensor 134, a pressure sensor 1220, etc.) to determine whether the patron 1214 is occupying the seat 1202 or in the vicinity. In some embodiments, the UV disinfection system 100 may be configured to automatically deactivate the UV light source 102 in response to the patron 1214 leaving the seat 1202 or the vicinity. However, the UV disinfection system 100 may include a timer configured to delay deactivation of the UV light source 102 for a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 8-10 seconds) after the UV disinfection system 100 detects that the patron 1214 left the seat 1202 or the vicinity. Moreover, the UV disinfection system 100 may include a tilt sensor configured to cause automatic deactivation the UV light source 102 in response to the UV disinfection system 100 being tilted. For example, in response to the backrest 1210 seat 1202 of a first seat 1216 being forced backward such that the UV light source 102 is directed toward a second seat 1218 positioned behind the first seat 1216, the UV disinfection system 100 may be configured to shut down the UV light source 102. Moreover, the UV disinfection system 100 may include any other suitable component set forth above.
The UV disinfection system 100 may also include the visible light source 126 for providing a visual indication of a status of the UV disinfection system 100. For example, the visible light source 126 may output visible light 148 having a first color (e.g., red) indicating that the UV disinfection system 100 is active and output a second color (e.g., green) indicating that the target location 106 (e.g., keypad) has been disinfected and is ready for use. Moreover, the UV disinfection system 100 may include the speaker device 146 for providing audio cues indicating the status of the UV disinfection system 100. Further, the UV disinfection system 100 may include any other suitable component (e.g., the air freshener 150) set forth above.
The UV light source 102 is configured to output the UV light 104 during a disinfection cycle to at least partially inactivate pathogens disposed within the air and surfaces in internal compartment 1402. In some embodiments, the disinfection cycle may be set via user interface 136 (e.g., shown in
Moreover, the portable housing 1400 may include a lid 1414 that may be opened to provide access to the internal compartment 1402. The UV disinfection system 100 may be configured to prevent activation of the plurality of UV light sources 102 when the lid 1414 is in the open position. The UV disinfection system 100 may include a sensor 1416 configured detect whether a door or lid 1414 into the internal compartment 1402 is closed or open. Further, the UV disinfection system 100 may include any other suitable component set forth above.
Accordingly, the preceding description provides a UV disinfection system configured to emit UV light to at least partially inactivate pathogens exposed to the emitted UV light. The systems, methods, and apparatus may include any of the various features disclosed herein, including one or more of the following statements.
Statement 1A. A pathogen disinfection apparatus may comprise an ultraviolet (UV) light source configured to emit UV light toward a target location to at least partially inactivate pathogens exposed to the emitted UV light in the path of the emitted light and a surface of the target location, the UV light having a mean peak wavelength between 200-280 nanometers; a distance sensor configured to determine a distance between the UV light source and the target location; and dosimetry circuitry configured to monitor a dose of the UV light at the target location in real-time based at least in part on an intensity of the UV light and the distance between the UV light source and the target location.
Statement 2A. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 1A, wherein the UV light having a mean peak wavelength between 200-280 nanometers is configured to at least partially inactivate the Covid-19 SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.
Statement 3A. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 1A, wherein the UV light source is configured to emit the UV light to provide a target dosage of 1-120 millijoules/cm2 to the target location, the target location being between 5-300 cm from the UV light source.
Statement 4A. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 1A, further comprising a visible light source configured to emit visible light, the visible light source configured to activate when the UV light source is activated to indicate that the UV light source is active and the apparatus is in a disinfection mode.
Statement 5A. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 4A, wherein the UV light source configured to emit the UV light with a power draw of 0.1-150 watts toward the target location, and wherein the visible light source is configured to emit the visible light with a power draw of 0.1-150 watts toward the target location.
Statement 6A. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 1A, wherein the distance sensor comprises a UV sensor configured to receive the UV light reflected from the target location to determine the distance between the UV light source and the target location
Statement 7A. A pathogen disinfection system may comprise a UV light source configured to emit UV light toward a target location to at least partially inactivate pathogens on the target location, the UV light having a mean peak wavelength between 200-280 nanometers; a visible light source configured to emit visible light; and a circuit configured to power the UV light source and the visible light source, wherein the circuit activates both the UV light source and visible light source in a disinfection mode.
Statement 8A. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 7A, wherein UV light source is configured to emit UV light with a power draw of 0.1-150 watts toward a target location and the visible light source is configured to emit visible light with a power draw of 0.1-150 watts.
Statement 9A. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 7A, wherein the UV light source and the visible light source are secured to a lighting fixture, wherein the lighting fixture is disposable facing the target location.
Statement 10A. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 7A, wherein the visible light source is configured to emit the visible light at a wavelength between 380-700 nanometers.
Statement 11A. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 7A, further comprising a motion sensor configured to detect movement inside of a safety area bounding a travel path of the UV light and output a shut-down or an activation signal.
Statement 12A. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 7A, wherein the circuit comprises a delay switch configured to delay activation of the disinfection mode for at least 5 seconds from receiving user input to activate the disinfection mode.
Statement 13A. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 7A, wherein the target location includes one or more of the group comprising: a table; a seating arrangement; and an area wherein people may congregate.
Statement 14A. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 7A, wherein the UV light source is secured within an interior of a vehicle and configured to at least partially inactivate pathogens exposed to the emitted UV light in the path of the emitted light and a surface of the target location within the interior of the vehicle.
Statement 15A. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 7A, wherein the UV light comprises a light beam width of 0.5-12 inches at the target location
Statement 16A. A pathogen disinfection system may comprise a UV light source configured to emit UV light toward a target location to at least partially inactivate pathogens exposed to the emitted UV light in the path of the emitted light and a surface of the target location at the target location, the UV light having a mean peak wavelength between 200-280 nanometers; a temperature sensor configured to monitor a temperature at the target location, wherein the temperature sensor is configured to output a deactivation signal in response to detecting a temperature within a predetermined temperature range at the target location; and a circuit configured to deactivate the UV light source in response to receiving the deactivation signal from the temperature sensor.
Statement 17A. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 16A, wherein the predetermined temperature range includes temperatures between 95-105 degrees Fahrenheit or over 10 degrees Fahrenheit above ambient or room temperature.
Statement 18A. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 16A, further comprising a UV detector, wherein the UV detector comprises a first surface that is selected from the materials comprising at least in part photochromic pigments, dyes, or other colorants that have the property of changing color under the UV light having a mean peak wavelength between 200-280 nanometers.
Statement 19A. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 16A, further comprising a UV detector, wherein the UV detector is configured to provide the indication in response to exposure to a target dosage of 1-120 millijoules/cm2 of the UV light for at least 10 seconds, wherein the indication includes a surface of the UV detector changing colors from a first color to a second color and/or third color.
Statement 20A. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 19A, wherein the UV detector is configured to revert from the third color to the second color, or second color to the first color at least 10 seconds after exposure to the UV light ceases.
Statement 1B. A pathogen disinfection system may comprise a base having a selected length; a pathogen disinfection apparatus including at least one ultraviolet (UV) light source disposed in the base and configured to emit UV light having a mean peak wavelength between 200-280 nanometer in a target volume, in a path substantially normal to the base for substantially the length of the base, to at least partially inactivate pathogens exposed to the emitted UV light in the path of the emitted light in the target volume; a beam shaping mechanism such as one or more reflectors disposed in the base or a slot disposed above or in the base and configured to shape the path of the emitted UV light so that the UV light path is confined to a selected width for at least a selected height or distance from the base; a first motion sensor configured to detect when an object or human being has moved into the UV light path and to send a first signal in response to detecting such a movement; a proximity sensor configured to detect when a human being is present within a given distance from the base in a particular direction and to send a second signal in response to detecting such a presence; and a controller to activate the UV light source after receiving the first signal and deactivating the UV light source after receiving the second signal.
Statement 2B. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 1B, wherein the base is mounted to or otherwise placed upon a portion of a chair such as the back, seating surface, or arm rest.
Statement 3B. A pathogen disinfection system of statement 1B, wherein the base is mounted to or otherwise placed upon a counter or other flat-topped surface.
Statement 4B. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 1B, wherein the UV light source is configured to emit 1-120 millijoules/cm2 of UV light for at least a distance corresponding to the selected height or distance from the base.
Statement 5B. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 1B, further comprising a visible light source configured to emit visible light, the visible light source configured to activate when the UV light source is activated to indicate that the UV light source is active and the apparatus is in a disinfection mode.
Statement 6B. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 1B, wherein the proximity sensor is a second motion sensor or a temperature sensor.
Statement 7B. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 1B, further including data port configured to transmit data to and receive commands from a controller.
Statement 8B. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 7B, wherein the controller comprises a processor and an application having processor executable instructions configured for sending signals for operating the UV light source, the proximity sensor, and the motion sensor, and receiving data therefrom.
Statement 9B. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 8B, wherein the data includes operational data, diagnostics, and maintenance parameters.
Statement 10B. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 1B, wherein the base comprises a non-UV light reflecting, at least partially UV-transparent material configured to allow transmittance of the UV light emitted from the UV light source.
Statement 11B. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 1B, further comprising a speaker device configured to produce an audio output in response to activation of the UV light source, before, during, or after activation or deactivation of the UV light source, or some combination thereof.
Statement 12B. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 1B, further including an air freshener configured to output a scented aroma and/or a neutralizing agent in response to activation of the UV light source.
Statement 13B. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 1B, further including a tilt sensor configured to provide a tilt angle signal indicating a tilt angle of the pathogen disinfection apparatus, and wherein the controller is configured to receive the tilt angle signal and deactivate the UV light source in response to a maximum tilt angle having been exceeded.
Statement 1C. A pathogen disinfection fan system may comprise a fan having blades or other motive device to induce airflow in a particular direction; a motor coupled to the fan configured for rotating the fan blades or motive device to induce the airflow in the particular direction; a ceiling mount; a connecting member connecting the ceiling mount to the fan and motor; and a pathogen disinfection apparatus mounted to the connecting member, the apparatus including at least one ultraviolet (UV) light source configured to emit UV light having a mean peak wavelength between 200-280 nanometer in a target volume, in a substantially horizontal path substantially normal to the direction of the induced airflow to at least partially inactivate pathogens exposed to the emitted UV light in the path of the emitted light in the target volume.
Statement 2C. A pathogen disinfection fan system, as claimed in statement 1C, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the fan in either a first or a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction.
Statement 3C. A pathogen disinfection fan system, as claimed in statement 2C, having a switch configured to activate the UV light source wherein the motor is configured to rotate in the first or the second rotational direction.
Statement 4C. A pathogen disinfection fan system, as claimed in statement 1C, wherein the motor is configured to cause the fan to induce a first downward air flow or second upward air flow.
Statement 5C. A pathogen disinfection fan system, as claimed in statement 4C, having a switch configured to activate the UV light source wherein the motor is configured to cause the fan to induce the first downward air flow or second upward air flow.
Statement 6C. A pathogen disinfection fan system, as claimed in statement 1C, further comprising: a temperature or motion sensor configured to detect a temperature or a motion in a volume below the fan and to provide an activation input signal to activate the UV light source in response to sensing a particular temperature or motion in the volume below the fan.
Statement 7C. A pathogen disinfection fan system, as claimed in statement 1C, further comprising: a clock circuit; and a signal generator configured to generate a time signal indicating the times when the UV light source is active; a transmitter configured to transmit the time signal; and a recording device configured to receive the time signal and record the times during which the UV light source is active.
Statement 8C. A pathogen disinfection fan system, as claimed in statement 1C, wherein the recording device comprises a software application including processor executable instructions configured for operating the fan, the UV light and recording the times during which the UV light source is active.
Statement 9C. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 1C, further comprising a speaker device configured to produce an audio output in response to activation of the UV light source, before, during, or after activation or deactivation of the UV light source, or some combination thereof.
Statement 10C. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 1C, further including an air freshener configured to output a scented aroma and/or a neutralizing agent in response to activation of the UV light source.
Statement 11C. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 1C, further including a tilt sensor configured to detect a tilt orientation of the pathogen disinfection apparatus, and wherein the UV light source is configured to deactivate in response to a maximum tilt angle having been exceeded.
Statement 12C. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 1C, further comprising a speaker device configured to produce an audio output in response to activation of the UV light source, before, during, or after activation or deactivation of the UV light source, or some combination thereof.
Statement 13C. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 1C, further including a housing or baffling to further direct the induced airflow.
Statement 14C. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 1C, further comprising a user interface configured to the UV light source in response to user input.
Statement 15C. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 1C, wherein the UV light source emits a light beam spread between 0-180 degrees.
Statement 1D. A mobile communication device may comprise a pathogen disinfection apparatus including an ultraviolet (UV) light source configured to emit UV light having a mean peak wavelength between 200-280 nanometers toward a target location to at least partially inactivate pathogens exposed to the emitted UV light in the path of the emitted light and a surface of the target location; and an application including processor executable instructions configured to generate signals to control the pathogen disinfection apparatus.
Statement 2D. A mobile communication device, as claimed in statement 1D, wherein: the pathogen disinfection apparatus further comprises a visible light source configured to emit visible light; and the application includes processor executable instructions configured to generate signals for communication to the visible light source to operate the visible light source to activate the visible light source when the UV light source is active.
Statement 3D. A mobile communication device, as claimed in statement 1D, wherein: the pathogen disinfection apparatus further comprises a temperature or motion sensor configured to provide a deactivation input signal to the application upon sensing a particular temperature or motion within a light beam emitted from the UV light source; and the application includes processor executable instructions configured to generate a signal for communication to the UV light source to deactivate the UV light source in response to receiving the deactivation input signal from the temperature or motion sensor.
Statement 4D. A mobile communication device, as claimed in statement 1D, wherein: the pathogen disinfection apparatus further comprises a distance sensor configured to determine a distance between the UV light source and the target location and to generate a distance input signal.
Statement 5D. A mobile communication device, as claimed in statement 4D, wherein: the distance sensor comprises a UV sensor which determines distance from the target surface based upon sensing the UV light reflected from the target location to generate the distance input signal.
Statement 6D. A mobile communication device, as claimed in statement 4D, wherein: the pathogen disinfection apparatus further comprises a dosimetry circuit or algorithm configured to receive the distance input signal and generate a cumulative dose signal indicating a cumulative dose of UV light received at the target location in real-time based at least upon the distance input signal and an intensity of the UV light emitted at the UV light source.
Statement 7D. A mobile communication device, as claimed in statement 6D, wherein the application further comprises processor executable instructions configured to receive the cumulative dose signal and to send a deactivation signal to the UV light source when the cumulative dose signal indicates that a target dose has been achieved.
Statement 8D. A mobile communication device, as claimed in statement 1D, wherein the mobile communication device includes a speaker mechanism and the application further comprises processor executable instructions configured to activate the speaker mechanism to emit an audible sound, before, during, or after activation or deactivation of the UV light source, or some combination thereof.
Statement 9D. A mobile communication device, as claimed in statement 1D, wherein the application further comprises computer executable instructions to operate the UV light source in response to a user input.
Statement 10D. A mobile communication device, as claimed in statement 9D, wherein the application further comprises computer executable instructions to generate a visual interface to allow a user to provide the user input.
Statement 11D. A mobile communication device, as claimed in statement 1D, wherein: the mobile communication device includes a tilt sensor to a tilt sensor configured to provide a tilt angle signal indicating a tilt angle of the mobile communication device; and the application includes processor executable instructions configured to receive the tilt angle signal from the mobile communication device and to generate a deactivation signal for deactivating the UV light source in response to a maximum tilt angle having been exceeded.
Statement 1E. An accessory for a mobile communication device, the mobile communication device having an exterior housing and a processor, the accessory may comprise: a pathogen disinfection apparatus mountable to the exterior housing of the mobile communication device, the pathogen disinfection apparatus including an ultraviolet (UV) light source configured to emit UV light having a mean peak wavelength between 200-280 nanometers toward a target location to at least partially inactivate pathogens exposed to the emitted UV light in the path of the emitted light and a surface of the target location; and an application for downloading to the mobile communication device, the application including processor executable instructions configured to generate signals to control the pathogen disinfection apparatus, including to operate the UV light source.
Statement 2E. An accessory for a mobile communication device, as claimed in statement 1E, wherein: the pathogen disinfection apparatus further comprises a visible light source configured to emit visible light; and the application includes processor executable instructions configured to generate signals for communication to the visible light source to operate the visible light source to activate the visible light source when the UV light source is active.
Statement 3E. An accessory for a mobile communication device, as claimed in statement 1E, wherein: the pathogen disinfection apparatus further comprises a temperature or motion sensor configured to provide a deactivation input signal to the application upon sensing a particular temperature or motion within a light beam emitted from the UV light source; and the application includes processor executable instructions configured to generate a signal for communication to the UV light source to deactivate the UV light source in response to receiving the deactivation input signal from the temperature or motion sensor.
Statement 4E. An accessory for a mobile communication device, as claimed in statement 1E, wherein: the pathogen disinfection apparatus further comprises a distance sensor configured to determine a distance between the UV light source and the target location and to generate a distance input signal.
Statement 5E. An accessory for a mobile communication device, as claimed in statement 4E, wherein: the distance sensor comprises a UV sensor which determines distance from the target surface based upon sensing the UV light reflected from the target location to generate the distance input signal.
Statement 6E. An accessory for a mobile communication device, as claimed in statement 4E, wherein: the pathogen disinfection apparatus further comprises a dosimetry circuit or algorithm configured to receive the distance input signal and generate a cumulative dose signal indicating a cumulative dose of UV light received at the target location in real-time based at least upon the distance input signal and an intensity of the UV light emitted at the UV light source.
Statement 7E. An accessory for a mobile communication device, as claimed in statement 6E, wherein the application further comprises processor executable instructions configured to receive the cumulative dose signal and to send a deactivation signal to the UV light source when the cumulative dose signal indicates that a target dose has been achieved.
Statement 8E. An accessory for a mobile communication device, as claimed in statement 1E, wherein the mobile communication device includes a speaker mechanism and the application further comprises processor executable instructions configured to activate the speaker mechanism to emit an audible sound before, during, or after activation or deactivation of the UV light source, or some combination thereof.
Statement 9E. An accessory for a mobile communication device, as claimed in statement 1E, wherein the application further comprises computer executable instructions to operate the UV light source in response to a user input.
Statement 10E. An accessory for a mobile communication device, as claimed in statement 1E, wherein the application further comprises computer executable instructions to generate a visual interface to allow a user to provide the user input.
Statement 11E. An accessory for a mobile communication device, as claimed in statement 1E, wherein: the pathogen disinfection apparatus further comprises a tilt sensor to provide a tilt angle signal indicating a tilt angle of the mobile communication device; and the application includes processor executable instructions configured to monitor the tilt angle signal and generate a deactivation signal for communication to the UV light source to deactivate the UV light source in response to a maximum tile angle having been exceeded.
Statement 12E. An accessory for a mobile communication device, as claimed in statement 1E, wherein the target location comprises a keypad, touchscreen, or any surface disposed in a public space.
Statement 1F. A pathogen disinfection system comprising: a light array; a proximity sensor; and a controller configured to send and receive signals to the light array and proximity sensor; wherein the light array comprises a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) light sources and a plurality of visible light sources; wherein each of the UV light sources and the visible light sources are configured to produce an individual light beam having an individual volume between the emitter and an individual target surface area located at a given distance away from the individual sources; wherein each UV light emitter is configured to emit ultraviolet light having a mean peak wavelength between 200-280 nanometer to at least partially inactivate pathogens exposed to the emitted UV light in the path between the respective UV light source and its target surface area; wherein the plurality of UV light sources of the array are collectively configured to produce a collective light beam having a collective volume between the array and a collective target surface area; and wherein the plurality of visible light emitters are configured to collectively illuminate the collective target area to indicate that the UV light emitters are active and the system is in a disinfection mode; wherein the controller is configured to send a first signal to the light array to activate the light array and a second signal to the light array to deactivate the light array; and wherein the proximity sensor is configured to detect the presence of a human being within a given safety volume greater than or equal to the target volume and to emit a motion signal to the controller to deactivate the light array upon detecting the presence of a human being.
Statement 2F. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 1F, wherein at least one light emitter of the array is individually configurable to be pointed towards its target surface area.
Statement 3F. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 1F, wherein the controller includes a deactivation circuit or algorithm to deactivate the array when the deactivation circuit or algorithm determines that a target dose of UV light has been achieved on the collective target surface area.
Statement 4F. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 3F, wherein the deactivation circuit or algorithm determines that a target dose of UV light has been achieved on the collective target surface area based upon at least in part on an intensity of the UV light and the distance between each UV light emitter and its individual target surface area.
Statement 5F. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 1F, wherein the UV light is configured to provide a target dosage of 1-120 millijoules/cm2 to the target location to at least partially inactivate the Covid-19 SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.
Statement 6F. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 1F, further comprising a speaker device configured to produce an audio output at least when the UV light emitters are active and the system is in disinfection mode.
Statement 7F. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 1F, wherein the controller further comprises a user interface configured to operate the array in response to user input.
Statement 8F. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 1F, wherein the collective target surface includes one or more of the group comprising: a table; a seating arrangement; and an area wherein people may congregate.
Statement 9F. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 1F, wherein the collective target surface comprises a keypad, touchscreen, or any surface disposed in a public space.
Statement 10F. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 1F, wherein the proximity sensor is a temperature sensor configured to monitor a temperature in a predetermined range within the target volume.
Statement 11F. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 1F, wherein the proximity sensor is the predetermined range is between 95-105 degrees Fahrenheit or over 10 degrees Fahrenheit above ambient or room temperature within the target volume.
Statement 12F. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 1F, wherein the proximity sensor is a motion sensor configured to detect when an object or human being has moved into the UV light path within the target volume.
Statement 13F. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 1F, further comprising a UV detector, wherein the UV detector comprises a first surface that is selected from the materials comprising at least in part photochromic pigments, dyes, or other colorants that have the property of changing color under the UV light having a mean peak wavelength between 200-280 nanometers.
Statement 14F. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 12F, further comprising a UV detector, wherein the UV detector is configured to provide the indication in response to exposure to a target dosage of 1-120 millijoules/cm2 of the UV light for at least 10 seconds, wherein the indication includes a surface of the UV detector changing colors from a first color to a second color and/or third color.
Statement 15F. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 13F, wherein the UV detector is configured to revert from the third color to the second color, or second color to the first color at least 10 seconds after exposure to the UV light ceases.
Statement 16F. The pathogen disinfection system of statement 1F, wherein the controller comprises a processor and an application having processor executable instructions.
In the above description of various embodiments of present inventive concepts, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of present inventive concepts. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which present inventive concepts belong. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
When an element is referred to as being “connected”, “coupled”, “responsive”, or variants thereof to another element, it can be directly connected, coupled, or responsive to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected”, “directly coupled”, “directly responsive”, or variants thereof to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Furthermore, “coupled”, “connected”, “responsive”, or variants thereof as used herein may include wirelessly coupled, connected, or responsive. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity. The term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
It will be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements/operations, these elements/operations should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element/operation from another element/operation. Thus, a first element/operation in some embodiments could be termed a second element/operation in other embodiments without departing from the teachings of present inventive concepts. The same reference numerals or the same reference designators denote the same or similar elements throughout the specification.
As used herein, the terms “comprise”, “comprising”, “comprises”, “include”, “including”, “includes”, “have”, “has”, “having”, or variants thereof are open-ended, and include one or more stated features, integers, elements, steps, components or functions but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, elements, steps, components, functions or groups thereof.
Although several embodiments of inventive concepts have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood that many modifications and other embodiments of inventive concepts will come to mind to which inventive concepts pertain, having the benefit of teachings presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that inventive concepts are not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed hereinabove, and that many modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. It is further envisioned that features from one embodiment may be combined or used with the features from a different embodiment(s) described herein. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims which follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the described inventive concepts, nor the claims which follow. The entire disclosure of each patent and patent publication cited herein is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, as if each such patent or publication were individually incorporated by reference herein. Various features and/or potential advantages of inventive concepts are set forth in the following claims.
The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/926,327, entitled “ULTRAVIOLET PATHOGEN DISINFECTION SYSTEM,” filed on Jul. 10, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 16926327 | Jul 2020 | US |
Child | 16930119 | US |