Abstract:
There is disclosed a mobile germicidal system and a process of decontaminating a wall and a ceiling of a room of undesirable substances. The system comprises a frame, a displacement device and an germicidal lamp. The displacement device is selected from the group comprising a wheel, a castor, a ball, a disk, a drum, a roller, and a traction belt. The displacement device is affixed to the frame. The germicidal lamp is affixed to the frame at a non-vertical incline. The process comprises providing a mobile germicidal system comprising an germicidal lamp having an enclosure having an exposed portion, at least a portion of the exposed portion disposed non-vertically and emitting ultraviolet radiation from the germicidal lamp at a wavelength substantially at 253.7 nm through all points in a horizontal area 6″ directly above the mobile germicidal system while generating an insignificant quantity or less of ozone.

Description:
NOTICE OF COPYRIGHTS AND TRADE DRESS  
       [0001]     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. This patent document may show and/or describe matter which is or may become trade dress of the owner. The copyright and trade dress owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by any one of the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright and trade dress rights whatsoever.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Office buildings, homes, factories, food preparation facilities, storage facilities and other structures often times are not well kept or go abandoned for periods of time. Many of these buildings are exposed to moisture due to climatic conditions, environmental conditions, floods, leaking roofs, failures in plumbing systems and other reasons. If a building is neglected, undesirable substances may accumulate on various surfaces including floors, walls and ceilings. Undesirable substances refer to any of mold, bacteria, fungi, viruses, mildew, allergens, spores, yeasts, mycotoxins, and endotoxins. As undesirable substances accumulate, they may become airborne within the structures.  
         [0003]     Occupants of these buildings, such as hotel guests, students, office employees, and residents, may become ill. The occupants may become nauseated by foul odors emanating from the undesirable substances. The undesirable substances may render the room uninhabitable. Health is a factor for employee and student performance. More frequent illness results in increased medical costs for individuals. More frequent illness results in lost productivity for businesses.  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0004]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a mobile germicidal system.  
         [0005]      FIG. 2  is a plan view of a mobile germicidal system.  
         [0006]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of a base of a mobile germicidal system.  
         [0007]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of a mount of a mobile germicidal system.  
         [0008]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a base of a mobile germicidal system.  
         [0009]      FIG. 6  is a plan view of a base of a mobile germicidal system.  
         [0010]      FIG. 7  is a plan view of a base of a mobile germicidal system.  
         [0011]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a mobile germicidal system.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0012]     Throughout this description, the embodiments and examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than limitations on the apparatus and methods of the present invention.  
         [0013]     Referring now to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , there are respectively shown a perspective and a plan view of a mobile germicidal system  100 . The term mobile refers to the ability to being moved about readily. The term germicidal refers to the ability to retard the accumulation and/or kill undesirable substances. The mobile germicidal system  100  may be readily moved into, out of and within rooms or areas of a building or structure. The mobile germicidal system  100  may comprise one or a plurality of germicidal lamps  154 , one or a plurality of sockets  139 , a frame  124 , one or a plurality of displacement devices  130  and one or a plurality of power supplies  135 .  
         [0014]     The term germicidal lamp refers to a device which emits radiation at a germicidal wavelength. A germicidal wavelength may be at an ultraviolet-C (UVC) wavelength. A germicidal wavelength, for example 254 nm, is a wavelength of light which retards buildup or accumulation of undesirable substances. UVC may also stun undesirable organisms.  
         [0015]     Examples of germicidal lamps include electric discharge lamps and solid state devices. Solid state devices include light emitting diodes. Some deep ultraviolet light emitting diodes may emit light at a wavelength between 250 nm and 290 nm with a peak of 254 nm or other wavelengths. Deep ultraviolet light emitting diodes may be disposed in an array, for example a 4×4 array, a 10×10 array or other configuration.  
         [0016]     The term electric discharge lamp refers to an apparatus which emits radiation caused by an electric discharge from electrodes in an enclosure. An electric discharge is electrical conduction through a gas or vapor in an applied electric field. An enclosure is a hollow device used to hold vaporizable materials and gases. An enclosure may be at least partially translucent. An enclosure may be constructed of glass, metal, quartz, plastic or other material. Examples of electric discharge lamps include fluorescent lamps, mercury vapor lamps, low pressure sodium lamps and high pressure sodium lamps.  
         [0017]     For example purposes, the germicidal lamps  154  are shown as electric discharge lamps. The germicidal lamps  154  may each include an enclosure  155 , a stem  150  and an end  160 .  
         [0018]     The stem  150  may be constructed of a ceramic, composite, plastic or other heat resistant and electrically non-conductive material. Typically, stems and ends of germicidal lamps are opaque or non-translucent. The stem  150  may include electrical contacts (not shown). The electrical contacts may be flush with, protrude out of, or be recessed within the stem  150 . The electrical contacts may be electrically connected to electrodes (not shown).  
         [0019]     The stem  150  may receive mechanical support from the frame  124  and electrical power from the socket  139 . The stem  150  may attach to the socket  139  via industry standard pins such as a bi-pin, a single pin, a R17d, a medium bi-pin, a four pin, a 2G×13, a recessed double contact, a G-23, or a 2G-11. A single ended germicidal lamp typically includes a 4 pin circular base. The stem  150  may be a conduit for electrical components. The stem  150  may provide mechanical rigidity to the end of the germicidal lamp  150 .  
         [0020]     The dimensions and shape of the stem  150  may be selected based on the assembly size and weight constraints as well as power requirements. A common shape of a stem  150  is a substantially hollow cylinder with one end affixed to the enclosure  155 . The stem  150  may have the geometry of a cube with beveled edges. The stem  150  may have a flange extending from the body of the cylinder. Common dimensions for a cylindrical stem include, but are not limited to, a length of approximately 1¼ inches, and a diameter of approximately ¾ of an inch. Common dimensions for a cubic stem include, but are not limited to, an edge length of ¾ of an inch.  
         [0021]     The socket  139  may receive mechanical support from the stem  150 . The socket  139  may provide power to the stem  150 . The socket  139  may be constructed of metal, plastic, ceramic, glass, a composite or other material. The choice of material may be made based on the environment that the socket  139  will be exposed to. Examples of suitable materials for the socket  139  include, but are not limited to fiberglass, silica fiber, and ceramic.  
         [0022]     A common socket for a germicidal lamp  150  may have a tombstone shape, and be approximately 1 inch in height, approximately 1 inch in width, and approximately ⅜ th  inches in depth or other dimensions. The socket  139  may be similar in form to a cube with rounded edges having an edge length of approximately 1⅜ th  inches or other dimension. The socket  139  may take the form of a cylinder with a length of 2 inches and a diameter of ⅜ th  of an inch or other dimensions.  
         [0023]     The end  160  may be a second stem or an electrode-less mechanical support. Typical electric discharge lamps which are double ended include two stems. Typical electric discharge lamps which are single ended include one stem and one end. The end  160  may be constructed of metal, plastic, ceramic, glass, a composite or other material.  
         [0024]     The germicidal lamp  154  may include a vaporizable material, such as mercury. The mercury, when electrically excited, may emit ultraviolet light at a germicidal wavelength. The ultraviolet light may pass through the enclosure  155 . The ultraviolet light may be at least partially reflected, refracted and/or absorbed by the stem  150  and the end  160 . The germicidal lamp  154  may be shaped toroidal, unshaped, cylindrical, bulbous or other shape. The germicidal lamp  154  may have a cross sectional shape of a circle, an oval, a tetrahedron, a pentagon, a hexagon, an octagon or other shape. Common cylindrical electric discharge lamps are manufactured in lengths of approximately 16″, 22″, 28″, 34″, 40″ and other lengths.  
         [0025]     The germicidal lamp  154  may be affixed to the frame  124  directly or indirectly. For example, the germicidal lamp  154  may be affixed to a fixture (not shown) which is in turn affixed to the frame  124 .  
         [0026]     The geometry and dimensions of the germicidal lamp  154  may be selected based on maximizing the direct exposure of the majority or entirety of the surfaces of a wall and/or a ceiling in a room to UVC. The longer and larger the germicidal lamp  154  is, the more surface area of a wall and a ceiling in a room will be directly exposed to UVC. The more surfaces of a room exposed to UVC, the more decontamination of undesirable substances may be effected. For example, the germicidal lamp  154  may be a 40″ cylindrical single ended electric discharge lamp.  
         [0027]     The term frame refers to a basic structural unit onto or into which other components of a system are fitted, to which they attach, or with which they are integrated. Frames are typically rigid. The frame  124  may include a first member  140 , a second member  125 , a third member  120  and a fourth member  190 .  
         [0028]     The first member  140  may be a pedestal or other structural member. A pedestal is the base of an upright structure. The first member  140  may be constructed of sheet metal, composites, plastic, wood or other material. For manufacturing cost savings, the first member  140  may be a pedestal of a manager&#39;s office chair. The first member  140  may have a geometry based on providing stability to an upright structure. The first member  140  may have the geometry of a triangle, a rectangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, an octagon or other shape.  
         [0029]     The first member  140  may be disposed horizontally or at an inclination similar to a camera tripod. The first member  140  may be a plurality of radially disposed arms  615  coalescing at the center as shown in the plan view of  FIG. 7 . The radial length of the first member  140  may be selected based on a dimension less than ½ the width of a typical door opening in order that the mobile germicidal system  100  may pass through a door opening. The radial length of the first member  140  may be 12″, 16″ or other dimension.  
         [0030]     The displacement device  130  may be affixed to the first member  140 . The term affixed refers to any method of being physically attached or integrated, for example fastened, welded, chemically bonded, brazed, magnetically attached or other means for attachment. A displacement device refers to any device which allows a structure to be easily moved along a floor, ramp or other surface. Examples of displacement devices include wheels, castors, balls, disks, drums, roller and traction belts. The displacement device  130  may be in contact with the floor. The first member  140  may distribute the weight of the mobile germicidal system  100  to the floor via the displacement device  130 . The mobile germicidal system  100  may be adapted to roll, slide or step along the floor, ground or ramp via the displacement device  130 . The displacement device  130  may be selected based on the weight of the mobile germicidal system  100 , the size of the mobile germicidal system  100  and the surfaces that the mobile germicidal system  100  may be displaced across. For example, the displacement device  130  may be a 2″ diameter castor, a 4″ diameter wheel or other device.  
         [0031]     The second member  125  may be disposed vertically. The second member  125  may be a column, pillar, cylinder, mast, post, truss, spiral, coil, cone, pyramid, screw or other structural member. The second member  125  may have a cross section of a circle, square, triangle or other shape. The second member  125  may be solid or hollow. The second member  125  may be constructed of metal, a composite, wood or other material. The cross sectional dimensions of the second member  125  may be selected based upon the objects which it may support. For example, the second member  125  may have a cross sectional diameter of 2″, 3″ or other dimension.  
         [0032]     The second member  125  may be affixed to or integral with the first member  140 . The second member  125  may receive mechanical support from the first member  140 . The second member  125  may have a height based on the mobile germicidal system  100  being shorter than the height of a typical door opening or shorter than a typical ceiling of a room. The height of the second member  125  may be selected based on positioning the germicidal lamp  154  close to the ceiling of a room.  
         [0033]     UVC radiation intensity is related to the proximity to the source of the UVC emission, the germicidal lamp  154 . Thus, the closer the germicidal lamp  154  is to the ceiling, the greater intensity of UVC the ceiling will be exposed to. The second member  125  may have a fixed height or may have a variable height determined by a telescoping means, a screw means or other means for vertical displacement. For example, the height of the second member  125  may be 38″, 56″, 76″ or other dimension.  
         [0034]     The third member  120 , also shown in the plan view of  FIG. 3 , may be a base, mount or foundation. A base is a part of a frame or structure on to or in to which operating parts of a system are affixed. The third member  120  may be constructed from metal, composites, wood or other material. The third member  120  may be affixed to or integral with the second member  125 . The third member  120  may be disposed horizontally or at an inclination. The third member  120  may provide mechanical support to the germicidal lamp  154 . The geometry of the third member  120  may be selected based on offsetting the stem  150  of the germicidal lamp  154  horizontally from the second member  125 . The geometry of the third member  120  may be selected based on a dimension less than the width of a typical opening of a door in order for the mobile germicidal system  100  to readily pass through the door opening. The geometry of the third member  120  may be selected based on the size of one or a plurality of power supplies  135 , which in turn may be affixed to the third member  120 . The third member  120  may have a cross sectional shape of a circle, triangle, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon, or other regular or irregular shape. For example purposes, the third member  120  may have the cross sectional geometry of a regular hexagon with an edge length of 10″, 12″ or other length.  
         [0035]     The third member  120  may define an opening  310  through which the second member  125  is disposed. The opening  310  may have a cross sectional shape based on the cross sectional shape of the second member  125 . The third member  120  may be adapted to be displaced vertically along the second member  125 . The vertical position of the third member  120  relative to the second member  125  may be selected based on a desired elevation of the stem  150  of the germicidal lamp  154 . The third member  120  may be disposed relative to the second member  125  at a height approximately 24″, 36″, 48″ or other dimension above the ground. The higher the third member  120  is disposed relative to the second member  125 , the closer the germicidal lamp  154  may be disposed relative to the ceiling of a room, thus concentrating UVC towards the ceiling.  
         [0036]     The third member  120  may include one or a plurality of clasps  175 . The clasp  175  may provide mechanical support to the stem  150  of the germicidal lamp  154 . The clasp  175  may be integral to or be affixed to the third member  120 . The clasp  175  may take the form of one of or combinations of a spring clamp, a sleeve, a hanger, a race, a locking clamp, a clip, a holster, and a strap. The clasp  175  may comprise a material that is resistant to heat and environmental elements.  
         [0037]     An example of the clasp  175  is a stamped aluminum spring clip with a hard plastic coating. The clasp  175  of  FIG. 1  is a common spring clip which may secure a ¾ th  inch diameter germicidal lamp. The common spring clip may have bent surfaces that contact the stem  150  and/or the enclosure  155  of the germicidal lamp  154  in 30 degree arcs or other dimension, ⅝ th  of an inch in width or other dimension, on opposite sides of the germicidal lamp  154 . Another example of the clasp  175  is a composite rigid sleeve. Moreover, the clasp  175  may be a stainless steel locking clamp with neoprene teeth.  
         [0038]     The clasp  175  may be disposed relative to the third member  120  at or near an edge  320  of the third member  120 . The clasp  175  may be disposed relative to the third member  120  at or near a position  330  that is located approximately ½ the distance between the edge  320  and the opening  310  or at another position. The position where the clasp  175  is affixed to or integral with the third member  120  may be selected based on horizontally offsetting the stem  150  of the germicidal lamp  154  from the second member  125 . The stem  150  of the germicidal lamp  154  may be horizontally offset from the second member  125  by 10″, 12″, 13″ or other dimension. The greater the horizontal offset of the stem  150  from the second member  125 , the more spread out across the surfaces of the room UVC will be emitted.  
         [0039]     A power supply is an electronic device or system that converts electric power from a form being received to a form which is supplied to a load. A power supply may convert power from DC to AC, from DC to DC, or from AC to DC, or other. A power supply may regulate electric power. The power supply  135  may be or include a ballast. A ballast is a power converter that regulates electric power and functions as a starting and control unit for an electric discharge device. The ballast initially provides a voltage to ionize the gas or vaporizable material in the tube. The ballast then controls the power that drives the germicidal lamp  154 .  
         [0040]     The power supply  135  or a plurality of power supplies  135  may be partially or fully affixed to, mounted to or integral with the third member  120  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ), the second member  125  (not shown), the first member  140  (not shown), the fourth member  190  (not shown) or remote from the mobile germicidal system  100  (not shown). The power supply  135  may be partially or fuly integral to the germicidal lamp  154 . The power supply  135  may receive power from a generator (not shown), household current via wires and a plug  180 , a battery pack (not shown) or another power source. The power supply  135  may provide power to a single germicidal lamp  154  or a plurality of germicidal lamps  154 . The power supply  135  may provide power to the stem  150  of the germicidal lamp  154  via wires  136  and the socket  139 .  
         [0041]     The fourth member  190 , also shown in the plan view of  FIG. 4 , may be a base, mount or foundation. The fourth member  190  may be affixed to or integral with the second member  125 . The fourth member  190  may be disposed horizontally or at an inclination. The fourth member  190  may provide mechanical support to the germicidal lamp  154 . The fourth member  190  may be constructed of metal, composite, wood or other material. The geometry of the fourth member  190  may have the shape of a circle, square, hexagon or other regular or irregular shape. The geometry of the fourth member  190  may be selected based on offsetting the end  160  of the germicidal lamp  154  horizontally from the second member  125 . The dimensions of the fourth member  190  may be selected based on offsetting the end  160  of the germicidal lamp  154  from the second member  125  a different distance than the offset of the stem  150  of the germicidal lamp  154  from the second member  125 . For example, the fourth member  190  may have a substantially circular shape with an outer diameter of 5, 6, 7 inches or other dimension.  
         [0042]     The fourth member  190  may define an opening  410  through which a portion of the second member  125  is disposed. The fourth member  190  may include a clasp  176 . The clasp  176  may be integral with or affixed to the fourth member  190 . The clasp  176  may be affixed to or integral with the fourth member  190  at an edge  420  of the fourth member  190 . The clasp  176  may be affixed to or integral with the fourth member  190  at a position  430  which is ¾ of the distance from the opening  410  to the edge  420  or other position. The clasp  176  may provide mechanical support to the end  160  of the germicidal lamp  154 . Thus, the end  160  of the germicidal lamp  154  may be horizontally offset 3″, 4″ or other dimension from the second member  125 .  
         [0043]     Typical stems and ends of germicidal lamps are not considered to be translucent to UVC. In general, UVC is not emitted in substantial quantities through either the stem or the end. In typical germicidal systems when UVC is being emitted, a shadow may result beyond the stem and/or the end. If all the germicidal lamps of a germicidal system are disposed vertically, a shadow may be formed in a horizontal plane above the germicidal lamps. If UVC does not emit on a given area, for example a ceiling, due to a shadow effect from the stem or ends of the germicidal lamps, undesirable substances on the ceiling may continue to accumulate.  
         [0044]     If the horizontal offset between the stem  150  and the second member  125  is different than the horizontal offset between the end  160  and the second member  125 , then the germicidal lamp  154  will be disposed at a non-vertical incline relative to the floor. An incline is an upward or downward slant or grade forming an angle with the horizon. The term incline may include a decline. An exposed portion of the enclosure  155  of the germicidal lamp  154  is the portion of the enclosure  155  which is not surrounded by either the stem  150  or the end  160 . If the germicidal lamp  154  is disposed at a non-vertical incline relative to the floor, then at least an exposed portion of the enclosure  155  may be disposed non-vertically.  
         [0045]     When the mobile germicidal system  100  is receiving power and operating, the germicidal lamp  154  may emit UVC radiation towards the walls and the ceiling of a room. UVC may be emitted omnidirectionally through the exposed portion of the enclosure  155 . If at least an exposed portion of the enclosure  155  is disposed non-vertically, UVC may be emitted vertically and in directions having both vertical and horizontal components. When the operating germicidal lamp  154  is disposed at a non-vertical incline relative to the horizon, UVC will be emitted towards the ceiling above the germicidal lamp  154 .  
         [0046]     If the mobile germicidal system  100  includes at least two germicidal lamps  154  disposed non-parallel to each other, the germicidal lamps may emit UVC radiation through all points in a horizontal area 6″ directly above the mobile germicidal system  100 . Depending on the incline of the germicidal lamps, the germicidal lamps may emit UVC radiation through all points in a horizontal area 1″, 3″, 4″ or other dimension directly above the mobile germicidal system. The incline of the germicidal lamps may determine at what height above the mobile germicidal system that no shadow exists. A mobile germicidal system  100  may include at least two germicidal lamps  154  disposed not parallel to each other wherein the germicidal lamps are disposed in a conical arrangement, V-shape arrangement, diamond arrangement, pyramid arrangment, or other arrangement. By operating a mobile germicidal system  100  where the germicidal lamps  154  are disposed at a non-vertical incline UVC may be emitted both towards the ceiling and towards the walls providing extensive exposure of a room&#39;s surfaces to UVC without shadows on the ceilings or walls.  
         [0047]     As accumulation of undesirable substances within such structures is reduced or minimized, employee and student performance may be improved, health care costs may be saved and productivity may be increased. Moreover, if uninhabitable spaces are decontaminated, uninhabitable areas may become habitable for work, storage, business, food preparation, manufacturing, residence and other purposes.  
         [0048]     Additional methods of cleaning walls and ceilings include applying chemicals, often times via high pressure sprayers. Such chemicals may emanate toxic fumes may be dangerous enough that the entire building must be vacated. With the mobile germicidal system  100 , only one room may be vacated at a time.  
         [0049]     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , there is shown a perspective view of a mobile germicidal system  500 . The mobile germicidal system  500  may include a fixture  515 , a first plurality of germicidal lamps  520 , a second plurality of germicidal lamps  550 , a first plurality of power supplies  530 , a second plurality of power supplies  556  and a displacement device  502 . The mobile germicidal system  500  of  FIG. 5  may be configured with the first plurality of germicidal lamps  520  disposed at a lower position than the second plurality of germicidal lamps  550 . By including a first plurality of germicidal lamps  520  and a second plurality of germicidal lamps  550 , a larger surface area of the walls, floor and ceiling of a room may be exposed to UVC while the mobile germicidal system  500  is operating. By exposing more surfaces of a room to UVC, the mobile germicidal system  500  may not need to be moved horizontally and vertically around the room or operate within the room. Moreover, decontamination time may be reduced.  
         [0050]     The fixture  515  may include a pedestal  501 , a column  510 , a first base  516 , a second base  535 , a third base  589  and a plurality of castors  502 . The pedestal  501 , the first base  516 , the second base  535  and the third base  589  may be affixed to or integral with the column  510 . The castors  502  may be affixed to or integral with the pedestal  501 .  
         [0051]     The first plurality of germicidal lamps  520  may each include a stem  521 , an enclosure  522  and an end  523 . The stem  521  may receive electrical power from a socket  524 . The socket  524  may be electrically connected to one or a plurality of the first plurality of power supplies  530  via wires  525 .  
         [0052]     The second plurality of germicidal lamps  550  may each include a stem  551 , an enclosure  552  and an end  582 . The stem  551  may receive electrical power from a socket  554 . The socket  554  may be electrically connected to one or a plurality of the second plurality of powers supplies  556  via wires  555 .  
         [0053]     The first plurality of power supplies  530  and the second plurality of power supplies  556  may be electrically connected to a power source (not shown) via wires  570  and a plug  571 , socket (not shown) or other device.  
         [0054]     The pedestal  501 , also shown in the plan view of  FIG. 6 , may include a plurality of concentric radially extending members  615  and a circular shaped member  610  encompassing the outermost portions of the radially extending members  615 . The plurality of concentric radially extending members  615  may be affixed to or integral with the circular shaped member  610 . The outer diameter of the circular shaped member  610  may be based on the length of the plurality of the radially extending members  615 . The inner diameter of the circular shaped member  610  may be based on a dimension such that the distance between the inner diameter of the circular shaped member  610  and the outer diameter of the circular shaped member  610  is larger than the dimensions of the power supply  530 . The plurality of power supplies  530  may be affixed to or integral with the circular shaped member  610  or the radially extended arms (as shown in the plan view of a pedestal of  FIG. 7 ). The location where to dispose the plurality of power supplies  530  may be based on providing horizontal stability to the mobile germicidal system  500 .  
         [0055]     The column  510  may have a length selected based on a dimension less than the typical height of a ceiling of a room. The column  510  may have a length greater than the length required to support a first plurality of germicidal lamps  520  and a second plurality of germicidal lamps  550  wherein the first plurality of germicidal lamps  520  is disposed below the second plurality of germicidal lamps  520 . For example, if each germicidal lamp is a 40″ lamp disposed at a 68 degree vertical incline (as shown for the second plurality of germicidal lamps  550  in  FIG. 5 ) or decline (as shown for the first plurality of germicidal lamps  550  in  FIG. 5 ), the vertical component of the germicidal lamp would be approximately 38″. Thus, the minimum length of the column may be selected as two times 38″ (76″) or other dimension, for example 84″.  
         [0056]     The first base  516  may include a plurality of clasps  540 . The plurality of clasps  540  may provide mechanical support to the stems  521 . The plurality of clasps  540  may horizontally offset the stems  521  a first distance from the column  510 .  
         [0057]     The second base  535  may include a first plurality of clasps  542 . The first plurality of clasps  542  may provide mechanical support to the ends  523 . The first plurality of clasps  542  may horizontally offset the ends  523  a second distance from the column  510 . The second base  535  may include a handle (not shown). A person moving mobile germicidal system  500  may hold the mobile germicidal system  500  by the handle. A person may tip the mobile germicidal system  500  via the handle in order to fit the mobile germicidal system  500  through a standard 6 foot 8 inch high doorway. By holding the mobile germicidal system  500  via the handle while displacing the mobile germicidal system  500 , it is less likely that the mobile germicidal system  500  will tip over causing the electric discharge lamps  520 ,  550  to break.  
         [0058]     If the first plurality of clasps  542  horizontally offsets the ends  523  a greater distance from the column  510  than the plurality of clasps  540  horizontally offsets the stems  521  from the column, then the first plurality of germicidal lamps  520  may be disposed at a vertical decline. If the first plurality of clasps  542  horizontally offsets the ends  523  a lesser distance from the column  510  than the plurality of clasps  540  horizontally offsets the stems  521  from the column, then the first plurality of germicidal lamps  520  may be disposed at a vertical incline (not shown). If the first plurality of germicidal lamps  520  are disposed at a vertical incline or decline then a UVC shadow on the floor or a horizontal plane below the first plurality of germicidal lamps  520  may be minimized.  
         [0059]     The second base  535  may provide mechanical support to the second plurality of power supplies  556 .  
         [0060]     The second base  535  may include a second plurality of clasps  580 . The second plurality of clasps  580  may provide mechanical support to the stems  551 . The second plurality of clasps  580  may horizontally offset the stems  551  a third distance from the column  510 .  
         [0061]     The third base  589  may include a plurality of clasps  553 . The plurality of clasps  553  may provide mechanical support to the ends  582 . The plurality of clasps  553  may horizontally offset the ends  582  a fourth distance from the column  510 .  
         [0062]     If the second plurality of clasps  580  horizontally offsets the stems  551  a different distance from the column  510  than the plurality of clasps  553  offsets the ends  582 , then the second plurality of germicidal lamps  550  may be disposed at a slope or gradient relative to the horizon. If the second plurality of germicidal lamps  550  are disposed at a slope or gradient relative to the horizon, then a UVC shadow on the ceiling or a horizontal plane above the second plurality of germicidal lamps  550  may be minimized.  
         [0063]     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , there is shown a mobile germicidal system  800 . The mobile germicidal system  800  may include a frame  801 , a first plurality of germicidal lamps  812 , a second plurality of germicidal lamps  825 , a first plurality of power supplies  818 , a second plurality of power supplies  830  and a displacement device  802 . The mobile germicidal system  800  may be configured so that at least one of the plurality of germicidal lamps may be reconfigured to different heights.  
         [0064]     The frame  801  may include a pedestal  809 , a first base  806 , a second base  808 , a third base  807  and a column  805 . The pedestal  809 , the first base, the second base  808  and the third base  807  may be affixed to or integral with the column  805 .  
         [0065]     The first plurality of germicidal lamps  812  may each include a stem  815 , an end  813  and an enclosure  807 . The stem  815  may receive electrical power via a socket  816 . The socket  816  may be electrically connected to one or a plurality of the first plurality of power supplies  818 . One or a plurality of the first plurality of power supplies  818  may be affixed to or integral with the column  805 .  
         [0066]     The second plurality of germicidal lamps  825  may each include two stems  827  and an enclosure  826 . The enclosure  826  may be a U-shaped enclosure. The U-shaped enclosure has at least a portion of the enclosure disposed horizontally. Thus, the germicidal lamp  825  may emit at least some UVC vertically towards the ceiling of a room. At least one of the stems  827  of each germicidal lamp  825  may receive electrical power from the socket  828 . The socket  828  may be electrically connected to one or a plurality of the second plurality of power supplies  830 . One or a plurality of the second plurality of power supplies  830  may be affixed to or integral with the third base  807  or the column (not shown). One or a plurality of the second plurality of power supplies  830  may be integrated with the germicidal lamps  825 .  
         [0067]     The first base  806  may include one or a plurality of clasps  814 . The clasps  814  may provide mechanical support to the stems  815 . The second base  805  may include one or a plurality of clasps  819 . The clasps  819  may provide mechanical support to the ends  813 . The third base  807  may include one or a plurality of clasps  899 . The clasps  899  may provide mechanical support to the stems  827 .  
         [0068]     The column  805  may include one or a plurality of stops  820 . The stops  820  may be a protrusion, nub or other mechanical device which vertically fixes a base relative to a column. The stops  820  may be retractable into the column  805  such that the third base  807  may be raised or lowered relative to the column  805 . The third base  807  may include a lift (not shown) which aids the third base  807  in being raised or lowered relative to the column  805 . Common lifts include a crane, an elevator, a hoist, a jack, a telescoping member, and a trestle. If the third base  807  may be lowered relative to the column  805 , the mobile germicidal system  800  may readily pass through a doorway without needing to be tilted. If the third base  807  may be raised relative to the column  805 , the second plurality of germicidal lamps  825  may be positioned proximate to the ceiling of a room.  
         [0069]     The displacement device  802  may be affixed to or integral with the pedestal  809 . The displacement device  802  shown in  FIG. 8  is a tractor style displacement device. The displacement device  802  may include a plurality of wheels  811  and a track  810 . Tracks may be constructed of metal, composites, rubber or other durable materials. Tracks allow the weight of the mobile germicidal system  800  to be distributed over a greater surface area than wheels and prevent the mobile germicidal system  800  from sinking into a surface such as mud, dirt or sand. Since some buildings have no manufactured flooring, the mobile germicidal system  800  may be displaced along an earthen surface via the track  810 .  
         [0070]     Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art that a number of changes, modifications, or alterations to the invention as described herein may be made, none of which depart from the spirit of the present invention. All such changes, modifications and alterations should therefore be seen as within the scope of the present invention.  
       CLOSING COMMENTS  
       [0071]     The foregoing is merely illustrative and not limiting, having been presented by way of example only. Although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art that changes, modifications, and/or alterations may be made, none of which depart from the spirit of the present invention. All such changes, modifications and alterations should therefore be seen as within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0072]     Although many of the examples presented herein involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, it should be understood that those acts and those elements may be combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives. Acts, elements and features discussed only in connection with one embodiment are not intended to be excluded from a similar role in other embodiments.  
         [0073]     For any means-plus-function limitations recited in the claims, the means are not intended to be limited to the means disclosed herein for performing the recited function, but are intended to cover in scope any means, known now or later developed, for performing the recited function.  
         [0074]     As used herein, “plurality” means two or more.  
         [0075]     As used herein, a “set” of items may include one or more of such items.  
         [0076]     As used herein, whether in the written description or the claims, the terms “comprising”, “including”, “carrying”, “having”, “containing”, “involving”, and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of”, respectively, are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases with respect to claims.  
         [0077]     Use of ordinal terms such as “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements.  
         [0078]     As used herein, “and/or” means that the listed items are alternatives, but the alternatives also include any combination of the listed items.