An ultraviolet sterilization system can be mounted to an air duct to sterilize the air therein and then selectively removed and used in a handheld portable mode that allows a user to sterilize a target surface. The ultraviolet sterilization system may include a housing, a heatsink element, an array of ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (LEDs) housed within the housing to generate a directional beam of ultraviolet radiation, and an electronic driver housed within the housing to drive the ultraviolet LEDs. One or more power interfaces allow for operation in an AC mode plugged into a power receptacle or in a DC mode plugged into a portable power source.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure generally relates to portable and multiuse light housing. In particular, this application relates to ultraviolet sterilization lights, including ultraviolet C (“UVC”) lights.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The features, structures, and operations associated with one embodiment may be applicable to or combined with the features, structures, or operations described in conjunction with another embodiment. In some instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of this disclosure.

Thus, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the systems and methods of the disclosure is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, as claimed, but is merely representative of possible embodiments. In addition, the steps of a method do not necessarily need to be executed in any specific order, or even sequentially, nor do the steps need to be executed only once.

According to various embodiments, an ultraviolet sterilization system includes an ultraviolet light assembly that can be selectively mounted, secured, and released from various locations. For example, the ultraviolet light assembly may be selectively connected to and disconnected from the ductwork of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The ultraviolet light assembly may be used in a handheld portable configuration for sterilization of surfaces. The ultraviolet light assembly may be selectively disconnected from and connected to a desktop mount for sterilizing objects placed under a fixed (or adjustable) zone of illumination. In some embodiments, one or more ultraviolet light assemblies may be connected to a portable cart or stand that can automatically (e.g., self-driving, autonomously, or randomly) or manually be moved through a facility to sterilize floors, walls, ceilings, air, and objects within a room, or other surfaces. On other examples, the UVC lights may be used to clean tables in a restaurant, a school facility, a hospital, and/or other facilities.

In various embodiments, the ultraviolet light assembly includes a housing, a heatsink element (that may be connected to or form part of the housing), an array of ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (LEDs), a driver to control the operation of the ultraviolet LEDs, and one or more power interfaces to receive power from an external source.

In some embodiments, a complete system may further include specific mounting interfaces that are configured to selectively maintain the ultraviolet light assembly in various fixed or portable configurations. For example, the system may include a duct mounting interface that can be secured proximate to a hole or opening in an air duct (e.g., of an HVAC system, sterilization system, fan assembly, blower assembly, intake, outflow, etc.). The mounting interface may be configured for permanent or temporary installation on the air duct or other surfaces, such as a desktop mount, a ceiling mount, a portable cart mount, a handheld wand or handle, etc. The mounting interface is further configured to selectively retain and disengage the ultraviolet light assembly. For example, the mounting interface may include tabs, screws, friction interfaces, snap interfaces, twist-lock interfaces, etc. that interact with corresponding interfaces on the ultraviolet light assembly.

In some embodiments, the complete kit or system may include one or more power supplies. For example, a first power supply may include a converter to convert alternating current (AC) power from a wall receptacle to direct current (DC) power for delivery via a plug interface or wireless power interface on the ultraviolet light assembly. A second power supply may comprise a DC power source, such as a battery, capacitor, or combination thereof, to deliver DC power directly to the same plug or wireless power interface.

In other embodiments, the ultraviolet light assembly includes an integrated AC to DC converter. The ultraviolet light assembly may automatically detect if incoming power is AC or DC and covert the power as necessary for the operation of the ultraviolet light assembly. Thus, in one example, the ultraviolet light assembly can be selectively mounted in a semi-permanent configuration to an air duct to sterilize the air passing therethrough. During this operational state, the ultraviolet light assembly may be mounted to the mounting interface and receive power from the first power supply plugged into an AC power wall receptacle in a room of a building. A user may want to use the ultraviolet light assembly to sterilize a surface in another room of the building. Accordingly, the user may selectively disengage the ultraviolet light assembly from the mounting interface on the air duct and disconnect the first power supply. The user may then connect a battery or other portable power supply to the ultraviolet light assembly and use the ultraviolet light assembly in a handheld operational state to sterilize a surface within a region illuminated by a directed beam of ultraviolet radiation generated by the ultraviolet light assembly. The user may move the ultraviolet light assembly around as needed to sterilize a larger surface and/or other objects.

According to some embodiments, the ultraviolet light assembly may include a user-adjustable focusing lens, reflector, or shroud to focus or change the spot size of the directional beam of ultraviolet radiation. In some embodiments, the ultraviolet LEDs are configured to generate ultraviolet C (UVC) optical radiation at a wavelength or band of wavelengths selected for specific sterilization properties. Similarly, the strength of the ultraviolet radiation generated, and the corresponding spot size of the focus or directional beam of ultraviolet radiation may be selected for a particular kill time of specific types of germs, bacteria, viruses, etc. In some instances, the ultraviolet light assembly may be used as a cure light or for other industrial and commercial purposes.

According to various embodiments, the ultraviolet light assembly may include an elongated handle that can be selectively bent and repositioned by a user to maintain a target shape during portable use and/or while installed on an air duct, vacuum, portable cart, and/or other appliances. The elongated handle may be removable in some embodiments. Additionally, in some embodiments, the elongated handle may include an integrated power cord and/or integrated batteries or another power source. In some embodiments, the ultraviolet light assembly may include integrated batteries (e.g., rechargeable batteries), capacitors, single-use disposable batteries, or the like. In some instances, integrated batteries of the ultraviolet light assembly are charged while it is mounted within a mounting interface of an air duct so that it is ready to be removed and immediately used in a handheld operational mode or on a portable device (cart, vehicle, etc.).

As previously described, in some embodiments, the housing of the ultraviolet light assembly comprises or is formed in part by the heatsink. In some instances, fins of the heatsink itself may interface with the mounting assemblies to selectively retain the ultraviolet light assembly in the various mounted operational modes.

In some instances, the intensity of the ultraviolet radiation may be varied or changed based on the mounting or operational state. For example, the ultraviolet light assembly may include a driver or other controller that automatically limits the total power or intensity of the ultraviolet radiation during operation in a handheld operational mode (e.g., due to health or safety risks). The driver or other controller may detect that the ultraviolet light assembly is mounted to an air duct and increase the power and/or intensity of the ultraviolet radiation to increase the kill rate or sanitization effectiveness and/or in response to the availability of fixed power vs portable power.

In some embodiments, the ultraviolet light assembly may be selectively mounted to a wall mounting interface configured to be permanently secured to a wall and to selectively secure and release the ultraviolet light assembly from a wall-mounted position. In another embodiment, the ultraviolet light assembly may be selectively mounted to a desktop mounting stand configured to be placed on a planar surface and to selectively secure and release the ultraviolet light assembly from a desktop mounted position. In another embodiment, the system or kit may include a portable large surface cleaning mount configured to selectively secure and release multiple ultraviolet light assemblies for mobile sterilization of large surfaces. The portable large surface cleaning mount may have an integrated power supply and power cords to connect multiple ultraviolet light assemblies. In some embodiments, the ultraviolet light assemblies are configured with power interfaces that allow for daisy-chaining of the ultraviolet light assemblies on the portable large surface cleaning mount to reduce wire clutter.

Embodiments may be best understood by reference to the drawing(s), wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. It will be readily understood that the components of the present disclosure, as generally described and illustrated in the drawing(s) herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the systems, methods, and apparatuses is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure but is merely representative of possible embodiments of the disclosure. In some cases, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail.

FIG.1illustrates an example of an ultraviolet C (UVC) light100, according to one embodiment. As illustrated, the UVC light100includes multiple UVC light-emitting diodes (LEDs)150within a housing110that includes heatsink fins. The housing may include, in some embodiments, a glass, acrylic, sapphire, polycarbonate, or another transparent cover over the LEDs150as part of the upper housing that is secured to the heatsink portion of the housing110via one or more fasteners115.

FIG.2Aillustrates a UVC light200plugged in and mounted to a duct210of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, according to one embodiment. As illustrated, the UVC light200may be temporarily, selectively, and/or releasably secured to the duct210via a duct mounting interface220. In the illustrated embodiment, the duct mounting interface220includes four mounting tabs that are secured to the duct (e.g., via screws, rivets, an adhesive, or another fastener). The four mounting tabs may, in some embodiments, be part of a single mounting interface. In the illustrated embodiment, the four mounting tabs of the duct mounting interface220provide a friction fit against fins of a heatsink of the housing of the UVC light200that selectively retain the UVC light200secured to the duct210.

As illustrated, in a duct-mounted position and operational mode, the UVC light200illuminates a large region221within the duct210that is sterilized by UVC radiation, including particles and other objects (e.g., viruses, bacteria, mold, fungus, etc.) within air passing through the duct210. In some embodiments, the UVC light200may detect the mounting and/or operational configuration and adjust (e.g., increase or decrease) a focus, intensity, power, or another characteristic of the emitted UVC radiation emitted by the UVC light200. In some embodiments, the emitted UVC radiation may be constantly emitted and in other embodiments, it may be pulse-width modulated. In some embodiments, a controller may vary the power driving UVC LEDs of the UVC light200based on a measured temperature and/or airflow within the duct. For example, the controller may decrease the power driving the UVC LEDs of the UVC light200when a temperature associated with the UVC LEDs or the heatsink on the housing of the UVC light200exceeds a thermal threshold to avoid damage to the UVC light200. In some embodiments, the UVC light200may include a sensor to detect airflow within the duct210. When there is no airflow, a controller of the UVC light200reduces the power output and/or turns off the LEDs completely to preserve power and/or the life of the UVC LEDs.

In some embodiments, the controller may report the total “on time” of the UVC LEDs. In such an embodiment, instead of requiring replacement LEDs after a certain number of hours, months, years, etc., the controller may provide an accurate estimate of the amount of life left based on the actual “on time” when the air was actually flowing within the duct210.

As illustrated, the UVC light200may include an integrated or detachable cord230that can be selectively attached and detached from a power supply cord235via a cord coupling233. In the illustrated configuration in which the UVC light200is mounted to the duct210in a fixed, duct sterilization operational mode, the UVC light200may be powered by power from a power receptacle205in a wall. The power receptacle205may provide alternating current (AC) that is converted to direct current (DC) by an external AC to DC converter238. In other embodiments, the UVC light200may include an internal and integrated AC to DC (AC/DC) converter that automatically detects whether supplied power is AC or DC and convert as necessary for internal operation and to drive the LEDs of the UVC light200.

FIG.2Billustrates the UVC light200ofFIG.1Aunplugged and selectively detached from the duct mounting interface220on the duct210of the HVAC system for portable sterilization use, according to one embodiment. As illustrated, the cord coupling233allows the detachable cord230to be detached from the power supply cord235and associated AC/DC converter238. In some embodiments, the duct mounting interface220includes a plug that can be selectively placed over the hole in the duct210while the UVC light200is being used elsewhere. In other embodiments, the duct mounting interface220includes a flap that is external or internal to the duct that automatically covers the hole in the duct210when the UVC light200is removed from the duct210.

FIG.2Cillustrates the UVC light200ofFIG.1Aplugged into a portable power source239during portable sterilization use, according to one embodiment. As illustrated, an operator or user201is able to hold the cord230like a handle while using the UVC light200to illuminate a surface of a toilet275with UVC within a region220. In some embodiments, the cord230may include a ridged texture that provides for some flexibility and also allows for the cord to be repositioned and maintain its shape. That is, the cord230may double as a handle that is rigid, flexible, flexibly repositionable, includes repositionable segments, includes a ball head, or otherwise allows the UVC light200to be repositioned with respect to the cord230.

In some embodiments, the UVC light200includes a controller that detects that the UVC light200is in a portable operational mode and adjusts characteristics of the UVC light200accordingly. For example, the controller may reduce the power or intensity of the output UVC light200during portable use to reduce power consumption or maintain the total output power level within a safe operating range and/or comply with regulations and laws governing UVC light output.

In one embodiment, the UVC light200may include a motion sensor that is used during portable operational mode to detect movement of the UVC light200. If the UVC light200is held stationary, an internal timer may initiate that will turn off the UVC light200after a time period that is sufficient to sterilize the illuminated region. For example, the user201may be informed to hold the UVC light 30 centimeters from a surface for sterilization within 5 seconds. The controller may detect that the UVC light200is being held stationary and illuminate the region for 5 seconds before turning off to inform the user201that the illuminated region200has been sterilized. The user201may then move the UVC light200to a new position and the controller will drive the UVC light200for 5 seconds in the new location.

In some embodiments, the UVC light200may also detect the distance to the surface being sterilized. For a given intensity of UVC radiation, the controller may determine or be programmed with specific kill times for effective sterilization based on the distance the UVC light200is being held from the surface or object being sterilized. For example, the UVC light200may illuminate a region that is 10 centimeters away for only 3 seconds before turning off to alert the user201that the region has been sterilized. If the UVC light200is held 40 centimeters away from a region and held stationary, the UVC light200may remain on for 10 seconds. The exact amount of time and acceptable distances depends on the intensity of the UVC radiation and the focus or spot size of the emitted UVC radiation. In some embodiments, rather than turn off after an effective sterilization time period has expired, the UVC light200may alert the user201that sterilization is complete by an audible beep and/or haptic feedback.

In some embodiments, the UVC light200may be attached to a mounting interface for a buck or container for sanitizing the contents thereof. For example, the UVC light200may be mounted to a mounting interface on a gallon jug of water to sanitize the water.

FIG.3illustrates a UVC light300mounted to a vacuum301to provide portable sterilization of a region320on a floor (e.g., carpet or a hard surface flooring), according to one embodiment. According to various embodiments, a purpose-built mounting interface may be used to secure the UVC light300to various objects, including the vacuum301, and the UVC light300may be powered by a connected battery or other portable power supply. In other embodiments, the vacuum301or other appliance may be specifically designed for use with the UVC light300and include an integrated mounting interface and power connection to be directly connected to the UVC light300. In such an embodiment, a user may generally leave the UVC light300mounted to an air duct for air purification and sterilization. The user may then selectively remove the UVC light300from the air duct for use with the vacuum301when desired.

FIG.4illustrates a UVC light400mounted on a platform450for desktop and small-item sterilization, according to one embodiment. In some embodiments, a rigid, semi-rigid, flexible, and/or repositionable cord430may be selectively disconnected from use with an air duct (e.g., cord230inFIG.2) and plugged into the platform450using cord coupling433. The platform450may include a power cord that is plugged into another power receptacle and/or an integrated power supply. A user may bend or otherwise reposition the UVC light400to illuminate a region on a desk or tabletop that can be used as a stationary location to sanitize objects placed therein. For example, the user may place keys, cell phones, wallets, utensils, and/or any other object within the illuminated region for sterilization.

As in other embodiments, the UVC light400in the desktop operational mode may remain on until the user turns it off (e.g., via a button or switch). In other embodiments, the UVC light400may automatically shut off after a predetermined time. In still other embodiments, the UVC light400may detect that it is in the desktop operational mode and turn on for a predetermined amount of time each time that it detects motion within the illuminated region. Thus, a controller of the UVC light400may turn on the UVC light400when it detects the motion of an object being placed within the irradiated region for an amount of time sufficient for sterilization. The UVC light400may be turned off after the sterilization is complete until it detects the motion of another object being placed within the illuminated region.

In some embodiments, the object detection sensor may be the same sensor used in the desktop operation mode used to detect the UVC light400being held stationary in the handheld operational mode (e.g., inFIG.2C). In some embodiments, the user actively informs the controller of the UVC light400which operational mode is being used (e.g., via a switch, toggle, Bluetooth, NFC, etc.). In other embodiments, the controller of the UVC light400automatically determines the operational mode based on the power source, RFID tags in the mounting interface, wireless communication between the UVC light400and the mounting interface, or the like.

FIG.5Aillustrates four UVC lights501,502,503, and504mounted to a duct510of a commercial HVAC system, according to one embodiment. As previously described, each of the four UVC lights501,502,503, and504may be connected via a duct mounting interface that remains permanently attached to the duct510when the UVC lights501,502,503, and504are removed. The UVC lights501,502,503, and504operate to transmit UVC radiation into the duct to sterilize air therein to kill bacteria, pathogens, molds, fungi, viruses, and the like.

FIG.5Billustrates the four UVC lights501,502,503, and504ofFIG.5Amounted to a mobile pole550for large surface sterilization, according to one embodiment. In the illustrated example, the pole550includes wheels to be pushed down a hallway while the UVC lights501,502,503, and504irradiate a large region580of a wall that includes lockers590. In the illustrated example, the UVC lights501,502,503, and504may be temporarily removed from the duct510(FIG.5A) where they are used to sterilize the air circulating within the facility, and positioned on a portable cart550to sanitize surfaces of the facility.

FIG.6Ais a top perspective view of a UVC light housing600, according to one embodiment. As illustrated, the UVC light housing600may include a glass, acrylic, polycarbonate, sapphire, or other transparent lens or covering610to allow UVC radiation to escape from the UVC light housing600. One or more lens assemblies, reflectors, shrouds, mirrors, or the like may be used to focus or direct generated UVC radiation to a spot size having a target shape and size (e.g., circular or another target shape for a given object or region to be irradiated).

FIG.6Bis a bottom perspective view of the UVC light housing600ofFIG.6A, with phantom lines depicting a central electrical cord input630, according to one embodiment. As previously described, the electrical cord input630may include a detachable interface for an electrical cord connection, a wireless power interface, and/or a fixed cord or handle containing a cord.

FIG.6Cis a right-side elevation view of the UVC light housing600ofFIG.6A, according to one embodiment. The right side elevation view of the UVC light housing600shows the alternating spacing of heatsink fins602that are integral with the UVC light housing600and operate to cool the UVC light housing600, an internal power source, an internal AC/DC power converter, an internal LED driver, and/or UVC LEDs.

FIG.6Dis a left-side elevation view of the UVC light housing ofFIG.6A, according to one embodiment.

FIG.6Eis a front-side elevation view of the UVC light housing ofFIG.6A, according to one embodiment.

FIG.6Fis a rear-side elevation view of the UVC light housing ofFIG.6A, according to one embodiment.

FIG.6Gis a top plan view of the UVC light housing ofFIG.6A, according to one embodiment.

FIG.6His a bottom plan view of the UVC light housing ofFIG.6A, according to one embodiment.

The various embodiments of systems and methods described herein improve the flexibility of LED lights in various industrial and residential applications. The above description provides numerous specific details for a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein; however, one or more of the specific details may be omitted, modified, and/or replaced by a similar process or system. The scope of this disclosure should be interpreted as encompassing the claims set forth below, which are included as part of this specification.