UVC germicidal lighting with sensor and relay for safety

The present invention is directed to a device consisting of at least one occupancy sensor and relay switch for providing power to UVC germicidal light sources when the at least one sensor does detect the absence of a person or object in the room or space, and automatically turns off the UVC germicidal light sources when the at least one sensor does detect the presence of a person or object entering or already in a room or space. Additionally, the same device using the at least one sensor and relay switch can include general lighting white color light sources that energize automatically when the at least one sensor does detect the presence of a person or object in a room or space, and automatically turns off the general lighting white color light sources when the at least one sensor does detect the absence of a person or object in the room or space.

PRIORITY APPLICATION

This present application claims the benefits and earlier filing date of Provisional Patent Application No. 63/042,048 filed on Jun. 22, 2020 under the same invention title.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device for controlling the illumination in a room or space using at least one sensor and a relay switch. The device can be used with UVC germicidal lamps that energize automatically when the at least one sensor detects the absence of a person or object in the room or space, and automatically turns off the UVC germicidal lamps when the at least one sensor detects the presence of a person or object in the room or space. Additionally, the same device can include white color general lighting lamps that energize automatically when the at least one sensor detects the presence of a person or object in the room or space, and automatically turns off the white color general lighting lamps when the at least one sensor detects the absence of a person or object in the room or space while using the at least one sensor and relay switch in the same device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has changed society immeasurably, and in the process, impacted technology and product development in profound ways. The research and technology communities are looking for ways to prevent and mitigate the present pandemic, minimize possible resurgence of the present pandemic, and help prevent future outbreaks and pandemics by using UVC-band fluorescent lighting and solid-state lighting (SSL) technology as tools to disinfect surfaces and deactivate viruses in the air including the coronavirus. Still UVC can also be a hazard for humans and must be applied carefully with research backing the application. In this pandemic-driven time, some companies are trying to rush the technology to market in unsafe and unproven forms. UVC lamps and LEDs may prove invaluable in germicidal and sterilizing applications, but the industry must get the applications correct and make it safe for the general public to use and implement in their own rooms and spaces.

UVC lamps and UVC type LEDs fall in the wavelength range from 100 nm to 280 nm. Traditionally, UVC germicidal and sterilizing was performed using 254 nm wavelength UVC lamps either in fluorescent tubes or HID type lamps using ballasts, and cold cathode lamps with inverters. For safety, the UVC lamps were used on timers, or were turned on and off using a manual power switch, or were automated with control by a remote computer. More recently, UV LED manufacturers are developing and manufacturing UVC LEDs with wavelengths in the range from 250 nm to 280 nm for specific germicidal and sterilizing applications. There is a definite need for an automatic safety device to turn off the potentially harmful UVC germicidal lamps and lighting fixtures when a person or object enters a room or space.

Presently, occupancy sensors are used as energy savings devices. They operate by turning on lighting when a person or object enters a room or space, and turns off the lighting when a person or object exits the room or space after a set hold time. This method of operation is opposite to what needs to be done for the safe use of UVC germicidal lamps and lighting fixtures. The present invention overcomes these drawbacks and provides many other advantages and improvements.

For primarily energy savings purposes, there are many patents that use motion sensors and/or light sensors to operate general lighting fixtures and lamps. Some use the sensors remotely while some use the sensors internal to the lighting fixtures. The various embodiments of the present invention use a reverse operation relay switch to turn on and off UVC lighting device either in solo or in combination with general lighting devices.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,668,446 issued to Baker on Sep. 16, 1997 entitled, “Energy Management Control System for Fluorescent Lighting discloses an energy saving lighting control system for operating fluorescent light fixtures with means for controlling the light level base on the inputs from light sensors. Likewise, World Patent Number WO2013189012 published on Dec. 27, 2013 entitled, “Lighting control device for LED and fluorescent lamp” discloses an arrangement of electric circuit elements in a lighting control device that are activated by means of a human body motion detector and illumination sensor for detecting the proximity and presence or movement of a person or object. China Patent Number CN201892068U granted on 07-06-2011 entitled, “Microwave sensitive LED lamp tube” discloses an energy saving general lighting LED lamp tube with automatic control by a microwave sensor. And also, China Patent Number CN203477954U granted on 03-12-2014 entitled, “Gradually-changing-type dimming LED fluorescent lamp controlled by pyroelectric infrared intelligent sensor” discloses a dimmable energy saving LED fluorescent lamp controlled by a pyroelectric infrared or PIR intelligent sensor.

For UV germicidal and sterilizing lighting fixtures and lamps, there are some patents that use remote sensors including motion or light sensors in solo or in combination to control the UV lighting. While others use other methods of control including remote computers to turn the UV devices on and off. In contrast, the occupancy sensors operate in solo without the use of light sensors with a relay switch both of which are mounted in the UVC germicidal lighting devices and/or general lighting devices.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,859,994 issued to Deal on Oct. 14, 2014 entitled, “Disinfection Device and Method” discloses a UV-C are sterilizer or disinfector incorporated into a building structure with remote radiation and motion sensors to monitor the amount of ultra-violet radiation emitted in a room of the building for safety.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,666,424 issued to Veloz et al. on May 30, 2017 entitled, “Method and apparatus for operating a germicidal UV Device with a Programmable Logic Controller and a Bluetooth Low Energy Solution” employs a programmable logic controller or computer with wireless Bluetooth communications to remotely operate germicidal UV devices.

Lastly, China Patent Number CN203298034U granted on 11-20-2013 entitled, “Light emitting diode (LED) lighting germicidal lamp” discloses a kind of LED illumination and UV sterilization integrate lamp in one. The LED illumination or the UV sterilization light sources can be turned on independently or each other, or both the LED illumination and the UV sterilization light sources can be turned on simultaneously. In contrast, the present invention can turn on one or the other lighting, but not both on together at the same time.

Based on the above disclosures, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a safety device and system to automatically turn off UVC germicidal lighting when a person or object comes near the UVC germicidal lighting, and to automatically turn on UVC germicidal lighting when a person or object moves away from the UVC germicidal lighting by using at least one occupancy sensor and relay switch.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device and system to automatically turn on white color general lighting when a person or object comes near the white color general lighting, and to automatically turn off the white color general lighting when a person or object moves away from the white color general lighting by using at least one occupancy sensor and relay switch.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a safety device and system to automatically turn off UVC germicidal lighting and at the same time, turn on white color general lighting when a person or object comes near the combination dual UVC germicidal lighting and white color general lighting, and to automatically turn on UVC germicidal lighting and at the same time, turn off the white color general lighting when a person or object moves away from the combination dual UVC germicidal and white color general lighting by using the same at least one occupancy sensor and relay switch.

Also, another object of the present invention is to provide a UVC germicidal device that is more efficient than using portable UVC germicidal device options.

And yet another object of the present invention is to provide both a combination dual UVC germicidal lighting and white color general lighting device that can be easily retrofitted into new and existing transportation vehicles including buses, trains, and boats.

A final object of the present invention is to provide a combination dual UVC germicidal lighting and white color general lighting device that can continuously operate at all times with no downtime and no additional labor as long as there is power available.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a combination sensor and relay switch UVC light source for irradiating a room or space with germicidal UVC wavelengths of light to disinfect and sterilize the room or space when no one is present in said room or space. The UVC light source turns on automatically after a preset time when the sensor detects the room or space is empty, and will automatically turn off when the sensor detects someone is entering or is in the room or space to prevent the UVC wavelengths of light to cause damage to a person or persons entering or is presently in the room or space. The sensor continuously monitors the room or space for the presence of a person or objects in the room or space and will keep the UVC light source disabled until the person or persons should leave the space after a preset period of time that can be set on the sensor itself.

The subject invention serves as an automatic safety switch to turn off the UVC light source and UVC wavelengths of light whenever someone is entering or is still in the room or space where the sensor and UVC light source is installed.

In addition to just providing power to UVC light sources, the same device using the same sensor and relay switch can also power general lighting light sources that energize automatically when the sensor detects the presence of a person or object in the room or space, and turns off the general lighting lamps when the sensor senses the absence of a person or object in the room or space. This allows the use of one fixture with multiple light sources including UVC wavelengths of light in combination with general lighting full spectrum wavelengths of white color light sources for use together in a room or space.

At times, a single occupancy sensor is not enough for the accurate detection of an object or person in a room or space with the single sensor sometimes providing false alarms or not detecting properly. To overcome this problem, the various embodiments of the present invention can use more than one sensor or more than one type of sensor for detection. The at least one sensor can be of the same type and variety, but mounted in different locations for better coverage or a mixture of different types of sensors and technologies may be used for optimum detection. Or, there can be a mixture of different types of sensors and quantity of sensors used for best performance. For example, the present embodiments can use a combination dual technology PIR and a microwave sensor together either in solo packages or combined into one single package. Therefore, any combination and number of sensors and types of sensors may be used in any of the embodiments of the present invention.

The present devices will operate the UVC germicidal lighting in solo or in combination with white color general lighting when both sensors detect an object or person in a room or space at the same time, or when any one of the sensors are activated. The PIR section operates by detecting a rapid change in temperature when a person crosses a protected area. When a beam experiences a change in heat (projected back through the lens), a pulse is generated by the sensor element. The microwave transmitter sends out short bursts of RF energy, and the receiver detects changes in the returned signal caused by motion within its coverage area. The microwave sensor is unaffected by visible light, air drafts, or temperature changes (as from space heaters or air conditioners, for example), but is sensitive to motion. Strong vibrations can be troublesome. Microwave signals may pass through non-metallic walls and windows. Infrared is virtually unaffected by vibration, and will not penetrate walls or windows. Thus, the two complementary technologies will provide an inherent immunity to false alarms when both the PIR sensor and microwave sensor are activated at the same time. Dual technology is ideal for use in hostile environments. Since both must trip simultaneously to cause an alarm, installation is easier and requires less discipline.

One embodiment of the present invention uses at least one occupancy sensor with a Normally Closed (NC) Single Pole Single Throw (SPST) AC-to-AC power relay switch to reverse the operation of the normal operation of at least one occupancy sensor. The AC-to-AC relay switch will turn off the UVC germicidal lighting when a person or object enters a space, and turns back on the germicidal lighting when a person or object exits the space after a set hold time. This relay switch can be implemented into new or existing germicidal fixtures that use UVC fluorescent or HID lamps and ballasts, or cold cathode lamps with inverters. This allows for the safe operation of separate and dedicated UVC germicidal lighting fixtures only.

In some applications, there may not be enough room in a space to install both general lighting for illumination and then to add dedicated UVC germicidal lighting as well. In addition, the installation of separate and dedicated UVC germicidal lighting may require additional power circuits to be installed and connected to the fixtures, which will add installation and possible construction charges for the new installation. For this reason, another embodiment of the present invention uses at least one occupancy sensor with an AC-to-AC power relay switch to control both UVC germicidal and general lighting in the same luminaire. In this embodiment, at least one occupancy sensor is used with a Normally Closed (NC) and Normally Open (NO) Single Pole Double Throw (SPDT) AC-to-AC power relay switch to alternately turn on and off power to separate UVC germicidal and general lighting. This AC-to-AC relay switch can be implemented into new or existing lighting fixtures that use UVC fluorescent or HID lamps with dedicated ballasts or cold cathode lamps with inverters, and general lighting fluorescent or HID lamps with their own separate and dedicated ballasts.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention uses at least one occupancy sensor with a Normally Closed (NC) Single Pole Double Throw (SPDT) DC-to-AC power relay switch to reverse the operation of the normal operation of at least one occupancy sensor installed in a lighting device to power dedicated UVC LEDs. The DC-to-AC relay switch will turn off the UVC LEDs when a person or object enters a space, and turns back on the UVC LEDs when a person or object exits the space after a set hold time. This retrofit UVC LED germicidal lighting device can be installed into new and existing lighting fixtures that use conventional fluorescent or HID lamps and ballasts, and cold cathode lamps with inverters to easily convert them into safe and dedicated UVC LED germicidal and sterilization lighting.

Also, in some applications like in a public transportation vehicle bus, train, or boat, and in some tunnel lighting that use existing fluorescent ballast type fixtures, there may not be enough room or a budget to install additional dedicated UVC germicidal lighting to their existing general lighting. For example, the MTA of New York has spent about $1 million to purchase 150 UVC portable lamps from a startup company named PURO and begun the first phase of the experimental program in hopes of eradicating the coronavirus from its fleet of subway trains and buses. However, the rather large portable UVC lamps on wheels are moved from car to car at the bus stops or train depot after about 30 minutes of irradiation times. This method is time consuming, very laborious, and not efficient. For this reason, this embodiment of the present invention uses an integral at least one occupancy sensor and integral DC-to-AC power relay switch to control both UVC germicidal and general lighting in the same lighting device. The UVC germicidal lamps and general lighting are used in existing light fixtures already installed in the buses and subway trains to work automatically to sterilize the vehicles when no one is present and provide general lighting when there are occupants in the bus or subway train spaces. Since transportation vehicles including buses, trains, and boats operate on primarily 12 VDC battery power for the lighting, a properly rated inverter to convert the low voltage 12 VDC powered light fixtures to operate the high-voltage 120 VAC lamps of the present embodiment. Besides 12 VDC, other low voltages including 24 VDC and 48 VDC may be supplied in the transportation vehicles, and as mentioned before, the UVC germicidal lamps of the present embodiment may operate at other high voltages including 220 VAC and 277 VAC, etc. and not just on 120 VAC power.

In this embodiment, an at least one occupancy sensor is used with a Normally Closed (NC) and Normally Open (NO) Single Pole Double Throw (SPDT) DC-to-AC power relay switch to alternately turn on and off power to separate UVC LED germicidal and white color general lighting type LEDs in the same lighting device. This retrofit combination UVC LED germicidal and white color general lighting type LED lighting device each with their respective and separate built-in LED drivers can be installed into new and existing lighting fixtures that use conventional fluorescent or HID lamps and ballasts, and cold cathode lamps with inverters, or ballast bypass line voltage for power to easily convert them into combination UVC LED germicidal and white color general lighting type LED lighting.

In a final embodiment, the inverter is not needed and the UVC LED lamps are powered directly on DC power as provided in most transportation vehicles including buses, trains, and boats. In this embodiment, an at least one occupancy sensor is used with a Normally Closed (NC) and Normally Open (NO) Single Pole Double Throw (SPDT) DC-to-DC power relay switch to alternately turn on and off power to separate UVC LEDs in solo or in alternate combination with white color general lighting type LEDs. This retrofit combination UVC LEDs in solo or in alternate combination with white color general lighting type LED lighting device each have respective and separate built-in LED drivers can be installed into new and existing lighting fixtures that use conventional fluorescent or HID lamps and ballasts, and cold cathode lamps with inverters, or ballast bypass line voltage for power to easily convert them into combination UVC LED germicidal lighting with optional white color LED general lighting.

These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the following attached drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1is a view of a prior art luminaire10showing a schematic wiring diagram of an occupancy sensor20connected to at least one power supply unit30for providing power to at least one light source lamp40. The sensor20shown here inFIG.1is a PIR or Passive Infrared occupancy sensor20. Other types of motion sensors may be used here including microwave, ultrasound, radio-frequency, radar, etc. either in solo or in combination with any other type of motion sensor (not shown). The PIR sensor20is a high-voltage AC device for operation with 120Vac, 60 Hz power. Other voltages including 220Vac or 277Vac, etc. may be used depending on the mains utility power service available in the installation site. An input line HOT black color wire50and common NEUTRAL white color wire60are connected to 120Vac to the PIR sensor20. The LOAD output red color wire70is connected to the line HOT black wire80of the power supply unit30, and the common NEUTRAL white color wire60is connected to the common NEUTRAL white color wire90of the power supply unit30. The green color wire100is ground and connected to AC Ground back to the main utility circuit breaker panel. The power supply unit30may be a fluorescent ballast to power at least one fluorescent lamp, a HID ballast to power at least one HID lamp, an inverter to power a cold cathode lamp, or an LED driver to power at least one LED lamp using the RED color output wires110and BLUE color output wires120exiting from the power supply unit30.

In normal operation, when a person or object (not shown) enters the room or space where this luminaire is installed, the PIR sensor20will output a high-voltage 120Vac signal on the LOAD output red color wire70to power on the power supply unit30and turn on the lamp(s)40. After a preset HOLD time to prevent false triggering and when the PIR sensor20does not sense the presence of a person or object (not shown) in the room or space and after the person (not shown) has exited the room or space (not shown), the PIR sensor20will stop sending a high-voltage 120Vac signal to the LOAD output red color wire70to turn off the power to the lamp(s)40. This method of operation helps to conserve energy by turning off the lamp(s)40when no one is in the room or space to save energy.

FIG.2is a view of a UVC germicidal luminaire130showing a schematic wiring diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention including sensors140,145connected to an AC-to-AC relay switch150, and then connected to at least one power supply unit160for providing power to at least one UVC light source lamp170. The relay switch150can be an electro-magnetic, solid-state (SSR), electronic, mechanical, low-voltage reed, or other type of relay. Sensor140shown here inFIG.2is a PIR or Passive Infrared occupancy type sensor140, and sensor145is a microwave type sensor145. Additional types of motion sensors may be used here including PIR, microwave, ultrasound, radio-frequency, radar, etc. (not shown) either in solo or in combination with any other type of motion sensor listed here. PIR sensor140and microwave sensor145are high-voltage AC devices for operation with 120Vac, 60 Hz power. Other voltages including 220Vac or 277Vac, etc. may be used depending on the mains utility power service available in the installation site. An input line HOT black color wire180and common NEUTRAL white color wire190is connected to 120Vac to PIR sensor140and microwave sensor145, and also to an AC-to-AC SPST (Single Pole Single Throw) type relay switch150. The input line HOT black color wire180is connected to the COM or Common pin200of the relay switch150, and the NC or Normally Closed pin210is connected to the line HOT black wire220of the power supply unit160. Alternatively, the input line HOT black color wire180can be connected to the NC or Normally Closed pin210of the relay switch150, and the COM or Common pin200is connected to the line HOT black wire220of the power supply unit160to operate the power supply unit160in the same manner. The LOAD output red color wire230is connected to the one input end of the AC-to-AC SPST relay switch150coil240with the second input end of the AC-to-AC SPST relay switch150coil240connected to the common NEUTRAL white color wires190. The switched output of AC-to-AC SPST relay switch150is connected to the line HOT black wire220of the power supply unit160, and the common NEUTRAL white color wires190are connected to the common NEUTRAL white color wire250of the power supply unit160. The green color wire260is ground and connected to AC Ground back to the main utility circuit breaker panel. The power supply unit160may be a fluorescent ballast to power at least one UVC fluorescent lamp, a HID ballast to power at least one UVC HID lamp, an inverter to power at least one cold cathode lamp, or an LED driver to power at least one UVC LED lamp using the RED color output wires270and BLUE color output wires280exiting from the power supply unit160.

In reverse safety operation, when a person or object (not shown) enters the room or space where this germicidal luminaire130is installed, PIR sensor140and/or microwave sensor145will output a high-voltage 120Vac signal on the LOAD red color wire230to energize the coil240connected between the LOAD red color wire230and common NEUTRAL white color wire190of the AC-to-AC SPST relay switch150, thereby disconnecting the NC or Normally Closed connection210between COM common200and turning off the power supply unit160and the lamp(s)170. After a preset HOLD time to prevent false triggering and when PIR sensor140and/or microwave sensor145do not sense the presence of a person or object (not shown) in the room or space and after the person (not shown) has exited the room or space (not shown), PIR sensor140and/or microwave sensor145will stop sending a high-voltage 120Vac signal to the LOAD red color wire230to de-energize the coil240and to turn back on the power to the UVC germicidal lamp(s)170for automatic sterilizing. This method of operation presents an automatic solution to turn off the UVC germicidal lamp(s)170and prevent exposure to potentially harmful UVC light when someone enters or is present in the room or space for safety.

FIG.3is a view of a combination UVC germicidal and general lighting luminaire290showing a schematic wiring diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention including sensors300,305connected to an AC-to-AC Single Pole Double Throw SPDT relay switch310connected to a first at least one power supply unit320for providing power to at least one UVC light source lamp330, and alternately connected to a second at least one power supply unit340for providing power to at least one full spectrum white color light source lamp350. The relay switch310can be an electro-magnetic, solid-state (SSR), electronic, mechanical, low-voltage reed, or other type of relay. Sensor300shown here inFIG.3is a PIR or Passive Infrared occupancy type sensor300, and sensor305is a microwave type sensor. Additional types of motion sensors may be used here including PIR, microwave, ultrasound, radio-frequency, radar, etc. (not shown) either in solo or in combination with any other type of motion sensor listed here. PIR sensor300and microwave sensor305are high-voltage AC devices for operation with 120Vac, 60 Hz power. Other voltages including 220Vac or 277Vac, etc. may be used depending on the mains utility power service available in the installation site. An input line HOT black color wire360and common NEUTRAL white color wire370is connected to 120Vac to the PIR sensor300and microwave sensor305, and also to an AC-to-AC SPDT (Single Pole Double Throw) type relay switch310. The input line HOT black color wire360is connected to the COM or Common pin380of the relay switch310, and the NC or Normally Closed pin390is connected to the line HOT black wire400of the first at least one power supply unit320that provides power to UVC type germicidal lamps330and the NO or Normally Open pin410is connected to the line HOT black wire420of the second at least one power supply unit340that provides power to general lighting full spectrum white color lamps350. The LOAD output red color wire430is connected to the one input end of the AC-to-AC SPDT relay switch310coil440with the second input end of the AC-to-AC SPDT relay switch310coil440connected to the common NEUTRAL white color wires370. The switched output of AC-to-AC SPDT relay switch310is connected to the respective line HOT black wires400,420of the at least one power supply units320,340at the corresponding NC390and NO410outputs from the relay switch310that is triggered by the status of the PIR sensor300and/or microwave305LOAD output red color wire430connected to the coil440and also connected to the common NEUTRAL white color wires370. The common NEUTRAL white color wires370are all connected together and also to the common NEUTRAL white color wires450,460of the at least one power supply units320,340. The green color wire470is ground and connected to AC Ground back to the main utility circuit breaker panel. The at least one power supply units320,340may be at least one fluorescent ballast to power at least one UVC fluorescent lamp, at least one HID ballast to power at least one UVC HID lamp, at least one inverter to power at least one cold cathode lamp, or at least one LED driver to power at least one UVC LED lamp each using the RED color output wires480,500and BLUE color output wires490,510exiting from the respective at least one power supply units320,340.

In reverse safety operation, when a person or object (not shown) enters the room or space where this combination UVC germicidal and general lighting luminaire290is installed, PIR sensor300and/or microwave sensor305will output a high-voltage 120Vac signal on the LOAD red color wire430to energize the coil440connected between the LOAD red color wire430and common NEUTRAL white color wire370of the AC-to-AC SPDT relay switch310, thereby disconnecting the NC or Normally Closed connection390between COM common380and turning off the at least one UVC power supply unit320and the at least one UVC germicidal lamp330. After a preset HOLD time to prevent false triggering and when PIR sensor300and/or microwave sensor305do not sense the presence of a person or object (not shown) in the room or space and after the person (not shown) has exited the room or space (not shown), PIR sensor300and/or microwave sensor305will stop sending a high-voltage 120Vac signal to the LOAD red color wire430to de-energize the coil440and to turn back on the power to the at least one UVC germicidal lamp330for automatic sterilizing. Alternatively, when a person or object (not shown) enters the room or space where this combination UVC germicidal and general lighting luminaire290is installed, PIR sensor300and/or microwave sensor305will output a high-voltage 120Vac signal on the LOAD red color wire430to energize the coil440connected between the LOAD red color wire430and common NEUTRAL white color wire370of the AC-to-AC SPDT relay switch310, thereby connecting the NO or Normally Open connection410between COM common380and turning on the at least one general lighting power supply unit340and the at least one white color general lighting lamp350. After a preset HOLD time to prevent false triggering and when PIR sensor300and/or microwave sensor305do not sense the presence of a person or object (not shown) in the room after the person (not shown) has exited the room or space (not shown), PIR sensor300and/or microwave sensor305will stop sending a high-voltage 120Vac signal to the LOAD red color wire430to de-energize the coil440and to turn off the power to the at least one white color general lighting lamp350. This method of dual operation presents an automatic solution to turn off the UVC germicidal lamps and prevent exposure to potentially harmful UVC light when someone enters or is present in the room or space for personnel safety, and at the same time turning on the general lighting full spectrum white color lighting when someone enters or is still present in the room or space for normal performance and activity by personnel in the room or space (not shown).

FIG.4is a view of a UVC LED germicidal lamp520showing a schematic wiring diagram of a third embodiment of the present invention including sensors530,535connected to a DC-to-AC relay switch560, and then connected to at least one UVC LED driver620for providing power to at least one UVC LED670light source. The relay switch560can be an electro-magnetic, solid-state (SSR), electronic, mechanical, low-voltage reed, or any other type of relay.

The UVC LED germicidal lamp520represents a conventional fluorescent replacement lamp. The length of the UVC LED germicidal lamp520may be 18″, 24″, 36″, 48″, or 96″ in length, and may be in a T5, T8, or T12 diameter package. Shown inFIG.4is a tubular UVC LED lamp520with a pair of opposing bi-pins to fit into standard G13 type sockets (not shown). Single opposing pins may also be used to fit into FA8 type sockets, etc., so power will be applied at the two ends in this case (not shown). Also, the lamp can be made in different lamp bases including medium screw E26 and E27, E12 and E14 candelabra, E17 intermediate screw, E39 and E40 mogul, GU23 twist and lock, etc. (not shown). In addition, the UVC LED germicidal lamp520may be a Type A replacement lamp to operate with existing ballasts with power applied to non-shunted and shunted sockets; a Type B ballast bypass lamp to work with mains line voltage with AC power applied at one end or at both ends of the lamp; a Type C LED lamp for use with a remote driver with DC input power applied at one end or at both ends of the LED lamp; or a hybrid dual mode Type AB LED lamp for use with a ballast, mains AC power, or DC power applied to one end of both ends of the LED lamp or to any two pins of the LED lamp to energize the LEDs in the UVC LED germicidal lamp520.

The sensor530shown inFIG.4is a low-voltage PIR or Passive Infrared occupancy type sensor530, and sensor535is a microwave type sensor535. Additional types of motion sensors may be used here including PIR, microwave, ultrasound, radio-frequency, radar, etc. (not shown) either in solo or in combination with any other type of motion sensor listed here. PIR sensor530and microwave sensor535are low-voltage DC devices for operation with 12V DC power. Other voltages including 5Vdc and 24Vdc, etc. may be used depending on the manufacturer and model number of the sensors530,535. A 12Vdc input SENSOR+ wire540and ground SENSOR− wire550is connected to PIR sensor530and microwave sensor535with the 12Vdc SENSOR+ wire540also going to a DC-to-AC SPST (Single Pole Single Throw) type relay switch560and the ground SENSOR− wire550also going to the UVC LED driver negative output ground570. A high-voltage NEUTRAL white color power input pin580is connected to the COM or Common pin590of the relay switch560, and the NC or Normally Closed pin600is connected to the NEUTRAL white color wire610of the UVC LED driver620. Alternatively, the NEUTRAL white color input power pin580can be connected to the NC or Normally Closed pin600of the relay switch560, and the COM or Common pin590is connected to the NEUTRAL white color wire610of the UVC LED driver620to operate the UVC LED lamp520in the same manner. A high-voltage HOT black color input power pin630connects to the HOT driver input black color wire640to UVC LED driver620. Note the line HOT black color input power pin630and the NEUTRAL white color input power pin580are interchangeable, because the inputs are high-voltage AC and the UVC LED lamp520will still operate. A voltage surge protection device V1720connected between NEUTRAL white color input power pin580and HOT black color input power pin630can be a varistor, MOV, etc. to protect the internal circuitry of UVC LED lamp520from excessive high voltage surges. The SIGNAL output wire650from the PIR sensor530and microwave sensor535are connected to the one input end of the DC-to-AC SPST relay switch560coil660with the second input end of the DC-to-AC SPST relay switch560coil660connected to the PIR sensor530and microwave sensor535power SENSOR+540. PIR sensor530and microwave sensor535output SIGNAL650is a negative sinking voltage that will cause SENSOR+540to energize the coil660in the relay switch560to turn off the UVC LED driver620and thus the UVC LEDs670of the UV LED lamp520. PIR Sensor530and microwave sensor535SIGNAL650may also be a positive sourcing voltage to the coil660of DC-to-AC SPST relay switch560, in which case the other end of the coil660will be connected to SENSOR−550instead of SENSOR+540to energize the coil660in the relay switch560to turn off the UVC LED driver620and thus the UVC LEDs670of the UVC LED lamp520. The switched output of DC-to-AC SPST relay switch560is connected to the NEUTRAL white color wire610of the UVC LED driver620, and the line HOT black color input power pin630is connected to the HOT black color wire640of the UVC LED driver620. The UVC LED driver620supplies power to the UVC LEDs670at positive output UVC+680and negative output UVC−690. There are three UVC LEDs670connected in series in the UVC LED lamp520ofFIG.4, but there can more or less UVC LEDs670used in the UVC LED germicidal lamp520depending on the design and amount of UVC wavelengths of light desired for sterilization from the UVC LED germicidal lamp520. The UVC LED driver620shown inFIG.4is a simple full bridge rectifier, but any LED driver may be used including buck converters, boost converters, DC to DC converters, buck-boost drivers, current limiting drivers, constant current drivers, constant voltage drivers, integrated IC driver chips, etc. to provide power to the at least one UVC LED670used in the UVC LED germicidal lamp520ofFIG.4. Resistors R1700and R2710are properly selected to produce 12Vdc from UVC LED output voltage UVC+680through diode D1730to provide power to PIR sensor530and microwave sensor535via the SENSOR+540and SENSOR−550connections. UVC LED driver positive output575connects to resistor R1700to provide UVC+680to the UVC LEDs670. Note that a separate 12Vdc power supply or voltage regulator device or circuit (not shown) may be used to provide 12Vdc power to the PIR sensor530and microwave sensor535. Alternately, some LED drivers provide a 12Vdc auxiliary output for use with sensors (not shown). In addition, PIR sensor530and microwave sensor535may also be high-voltage type devices and will operate similar to the PIR sensor140and microwave sensor145described earlier inFIG.2. Lastly, UVC−690and SENSOR−550are DC ground for the UVC LED germicidal lamp520and are connected to the UVC LED driver negative output ground570of UVC LED driver620.

In reverse safety operation, when a person or object (not shown) enters the room or space where this UVC LED germicidal lamp520is installed, PIR sensor530and/or microwave sensor535will output a negative grounding SIGNAL650to energize the coil660connected between the positive SENSOR+ connection540and negative sinking SIGNAL650of the DC-to-AC SPST relay switch560, thereby disconnecting the NC or Normally Closed connection600between NEUTRAL COM580and turning off the UVC LED driver620and the UVC LED670light sources. After a preset HOLD time to prevent false triggering and when PIR sensor530and/or microwave sensor535do not sense the presence of a person or object (not shown) in the room or space and after the person (not shown) has exited the room or space (not shown), PIR sensor530and/or microwave sensor535will stop sending a negative sinking SIGNAL650to de-energize the coil660and will turn back on the power to the UVC LED germicidal lamp520for automatic sterilizing. This method of operation presents an automatic solution to turn off the UVC LED germicidal lamp520and prevent exposure to potentially harmful UVC light (not shown) when someone enters or is present in the room or space for safety.

FIG.5is a view of a combination UVC germicidal and general lighting lamp740showing a schematic wiring diagram of a fourth embodiment of the present invention including sensors750,755connected to a DC-to-AC relay switch760connected to a first at least one UVC LED driver770for providing power to at least one UVC LED780light source, and alternately connected to a second at least one white color general lighting LED driver790for providing power to at least one full spectrum white color LED800light source. The relay switch760can be an electro-magnetic, solid-state (SSR), electronic, mechanical, low-voltage reed, or any other type of relay.

The combination UVC germicidal and general lighting LED lamp740represents a conventional fluorescent replacement lamp. The length of the combination UVC germicidal and general lighting LED lamp740may be 18″, 24″, 36″, 48″, or 96″ in length, and may be in a T5, T8, or T12 diameter package. Shown inFIG.5is a tubular combination UVC germicidal and general lighting LED lamp740with a pair of opposing pins to fit into standard G13 type sockets (not shown). Single opposing pins may also be used to fit into FA8 type sockets, etc., so power will be applied at the two ends in this case (not shown). Also, the lamp can be made in different lamp bases including medium screw E26 and E27, E12 and E14 candelabra, E17 intermediate screw, E39 and E40 mogul, GU23 twist and lock, etc. (not shown). In addition, the combination UVC germicidal and general lighting LED lamp740may be a Type A replacement lamp to operate with existing ballasts with power applied to non-shunted and shunted sockets; a Type B ballast bypass lamp to work with mains line voltage with AC power applied at one end or at both ends of the lamp; a Type C LED lamp for use with a remote driver with DC input power applied at one end or at both ends of the LED lamp; or a hybrid dual mode Type AB LED lamp for use with a ballast, mains AC power, or DC power applied to one end of both ends of the LED lamp or to any two pins of the LED lamp to energize the LEDs in the combination UVC germicidal and general lighting LED lamp740.

The sensor750shown here inFIG.5is a low-voltage PIR or Passive Infrared occupancy type sensor750, and sensor755is a microwave type sensor755. Additional types of motion sensors may be used here including PIR, microwave, ultrasound, radio-frequency, radar, etc. (not shown) either in solo or in combination with any other type of motion sensor listed here. PIR sensor750and microwave sensor755are low-voltage DC devices for operation with 12V DC power. Other voltages including 5Vdc and 24Vdc, etc. may be used depending on the manufacturer and model number of the sensors750,755. A 12Vdc input SENSOR+ wire810and ground SENSOR− wire820is connected to the PIR sensor750and microwave sensor755with the 12Vdc SENSOR+ wire810also going to a DC-to-AC SPDT (Single Pole Double Throw) type relay switch760and the ground SENSOR− wire820also going to the UVC LED driver770and white color general lighting LED driver790output grounds830and840respectively. A high-voltage NEUTRAL white color wire850from one power input pin of the combination UVC germicidal and general lighting LED lamp740is connected to the COM or Common pin860of the SPDT relay switch760, and the NC or Normally Closed pin870is connected to the NEUTRAL white wire880of the UVC LED driver790that provide power to a string of UVC LEDs780, and the NO or Normally Open pin890is connected to the NEUTRAL white wire900of the general lighting white light LED driver790that provides power to a string of full spectrum white color type LEDs800. A high-voltage HOT black color wire from a second power input pin910of the combination UVC germicidal and general lighting LED lamp740is connected to the HOT black wire920of the UVC LED driver770and also to the HOT black wire930of the white color general lighting LED driver790. Note the line HOT black input power pin910and the NEUTRAL white color input power pin850are interchangeable, because the inputs are high-voltage AC and the combination UVC germicidal and general lighting LED lamp740will still operate. A voltage surge protection device V1940connected between power input pins910,850HOT black and NEUTRAL white respectively can be a varistor, MOV, etc. to protect the internal circuitry of combination UVC germicidal and general lighting LED lamp740from excessive high voltage surges. The SIGNAL output wire950from PIR sensor750and microwave sensor755are connected to the one input end of the DC-to-AC SPST relay switch760coil960with the second input end of the DC-to-AC SPST relay switch760coil960connected to PIR sensor750and microwave sensor755power SENSOR+810. PIR sensor750and microwave sensor755output SIGNAL950is a negative sinking voltage that will cause SENSOR+810to energize the coil960in the relay switch760to turn off the UVC LED driver770and thus the UVC LEDs780of the combination UVC germicidal and general lighting LED lamp740. PIR sensor750and microwave sensor755SIGNAL950may also be a positive sourcing voltage to the coil960of DC-to-AC SPST relay switch760, in which case the other end of the coil960will be connected to SENSOR−820instead of SENSOR+810to energize the coil960in the relay switch760to turn off the UVC LED driver770and thus the UVC LEDs780of the combination UVC germicidal and general lighting LED lamp740, while appropriately turning on the white color general lighting LED driver790and thus the white color LEDs800of the same combination UVC germicidal and general lighting LED lamp740. The switched output of DC-to-AC SPDT relay switch760is connected to the respective line NEUTRAL white wires880,900of the UVC LED driver770and white color general lighting LED driver790at the corresponding NC870and NO890outputs from the SPDT relay switch760that is triggered by the status of the PIR sensor750and/or microwave sensor755. The UVC LED driver770supplies power to the UVC LEDs780at positive output UVC+970and negative output UVC−980, and the general lighting white LED driver790supplies power to the white color LEDs800at positive output WHT+990and negative output WHT−1000. There is only one UVC LED780connected in the combination UVC germicidal and general lighting LED lamp740ofFIG.5, but there can be more UVC LEDs780used in the UVC germicidal and general lighting LED lamp740depending on the design of the UVC LED driver770and amount of UVC wavelengths of light desired for sterilization from the combination UVC germicidal and general lighting LED lamp740. Likewise, there are two white color LEDs800connected in series in the combination UVC germicidal and general lighting LED lamp740ofFIG.5, but there can be more or less white color LEDs800used in the combination UVC germicidal and general lighting LED lamp740depending on the design of the white color LED driver790and the amount of general lighting output desired to light up a room or space where this combination UVC germicidal and general lighting LED lamp740is used.

The UVC LED driver770and white color LED driver790shown inFIG.5are simple full bridge diode rectifiers, but any LED driver may be used including buck converters, boost converters, DC to DC converters, buck-boost drivers, current limiting drivers, constant current drivers, constant voltage drivers, integrated IC driver chips, etc. to provide power to the at least one UVC LED780and at least one white color LED800used in this combination UVC germicidal and general lighting LED lamp740ofFIG.5. Resistors R11010, R21020, R31030, and R41040are properly selected to produce 12Vdc from respective LED output voltages UVC+970and WHT+990through diodes D11050and D21060to provide power to PIR sensor750via the SENSOR+810and SENSOR−820connections. UVC LED driver positive output835connects to resistor R31030to provide UVC+970to at least one UVC LED780, and white color general lighting LED driver positive output845connects to resistor R11010to provide WHT+990to white color LEDs800. Note that a separate 12Vdc power supply or voltage regulator device or circuit (not shown) may be used to provide 12Vdc power to the PIR sensor750and microwave sensor755. Alternately, some LED drivers provide a 12Vdc auxiliary output for use with sensors (not shown). In addition, PIR sensor750and microwave sensor755may also be high-voltage type devices and will operate similar to the 120Vac PIR sensor300and microwave sensor305described earlier inFIG.3. Lastly, UVC−980, WHT−1000, and SENSOR−820are all connected together here and serve as the DC ground in this case for the combination UVC germicidal and general lighting LED lamp740of this embodiment, but they may be isolated from the each other depending on the circuit design.

In reverse safety operation, when a person or object (not shown) enters the room or space where this combination UVC germicidal and general lighting LED lamp740is installed, PIR sensor750and/or microwave sensor755will output a negative grounding SIGNAL950to energize the coil960connected between the positive SENSOR+ connection810and negative sinking SIGNAL950of the DC-to-AC SPDT relay switch760, thereby disconnecting the NC or Normally Closed connection870between NEUTRAL white COM pin850to UVC driver NEUTRAL input white wire880and turning off the UVC LED driver770and the UVC LED780light sources. After a preset HOLD time to prevent false triggering and when PIR sensor750and/or microwave sensor755do not sense the presence of a person or object (not shown) in the room or space and after the person (not shown) has exited the room or space (not shown), PIR sensor750and/or microwave sensor755will stop sending a negative sinking SIGNAL950to de-energize the coil960and will turn back on the power to the UVC germicidal LED780light sources for automatic sterilizing. Alternatively, when a person or object (not shown) enters the room or space where this combination UVC LED germicidal and general lighting lamp740is installed, PIR sensor750and/or microwave sensor755will send a negative grounding SIGNAL950to energize the coil960connected between the positive SENSOR+ connection810and negative sinking SIGNAL950of the DC-to-AC SPDT relay switch760, thereby connecting the NO or Normally Open connection890between NEUTRAL white COM pin850to white color general lighting LED driver NEUTRAL input white wire900and turning on the at least one white color general lighting LED driver790and at least one white color LED800. After a preset HOLD time to prevent false triggering and when PIR sensor750and/or microwave sensor755no longer senses the presence of a person or object (not shown) in the room or space and after the person (not shown) has exited the room or space (not shown), PIR sensor750and/or755will stop sending a negative grounding SIGNAL950to the DC-to-AC SPDT relay switch760to de-energize the coil960and to turn back off the power to the at least one white color LED800light source for general lighting. This method of dual operation presents an automatic solution to turn off the UVC germicidal LEDs780and prevent exposure to potentially harmful UVC light when someone enters or is present in the room or space for safety, and at the same time turning on the general lighting full spectrum white color LEDs800when someone enters or is still present in the room or space for normal performance and activity in the room or space.

FIG.6is a view of a UVC LED germicidal lamp1070showing a schematic wiring diagram of a fifth embodiment of the present invention including sensors1080,1085connected to a DC-to-DC relay switch1090, and then connected to at least one UVC LED driver1100for providing power to at least one UVC LED1110light source. The relay switch1090can be an electro-magnetic, solid-state (SSR), electronic, mechanical, low-voltage reed, or any other type of relay.

The UVC LED germicidal lamp1070represents a conventional fluorescent replacement lamp. The length of the UVC LED germicidal lamp1070may be 18″, 24″, 36″, 48″, or 96″ in length, and may be in a T5, T8, or T12 diameter package. Shown inFIG.6is a tubular UVC LED germicidal lamp1070with a pair of opposing pins to fit into standard G13 type sockets (not shown). Single opposing pins may also be used to fit into FA8 type sockets, etc., so power will be applied at the two ends in this case (not shown). Also, the lamp can be made in different lamp bases including medium screw E26 and E27, E12 and E14 candelabra, E17 intermediate screw, E39 and E40 mogul, GU23 twist and lock, etc. (not shown). In addition, the UVC LED germicidal lamp1070may be a Type A replacement lamp to operate with existing ballasts with power applied to non-shunted and shunted sockets; a Type B ballast bypass lamp to work with mains line voltage with AC power applied at one end or at both ends of the lamp; a Type C LED lamp for use with a remote driver with DC input power applied at one end or at both ends of the LED lamp; or a hybrid dual mode Type AB LED lamp for use with a ballast, mains AC power, or DC power applied to one end of both ends of the LED lamp or to any two pins of the LED lamp to energize the LEDs in the UVC LED germicidal lamp1070.

The sensor1080shown inFIG.6is a low-voltage PIR or Passive Infrared occupancy type sensor1080, and sensor1085is a microwave type sensor1085. Additional types of motion sensors may be used here including PIR, microwave, ultrasound, radio-frequency, radar, etc. (not shown) either in solo or in combination with any other type of motion sensor listed here. PIR sensor1080and microwave sensor1085are low-voltage DC devices for operation with 12V DC power. Other voltages including 5Vdc and 24Vdc, etc. may be used depending on the manufacturer and model number of sensors1080,1085. A 12Vdc input SENSOR+ wire1120and ground SENSOR− wire1130is connected to PIR sensor1080and microwave sensor1085with the 12Vdc SENSOR+ wire1120also going to a DC-to-DC SPST (Single Pole Single Throw) type relay switch1090coil1140, and the ground SENSOR− wire1130also going to the UVC LED driver1100LED negative output ground1150. A low-voltage 12Vdc+ positive input power pin1160is connected to the COM or Common pin1170of the relay switch1090, and the NC or Normally Closed pin1180is connected to the positive input power wire1190of the UVC LED driver1100. Alternatively, the low-voltage 12Vdc+ positive power input pin1160can be connected to the NC or Normally Closed pin1180of the relay switch1090, and the COM or Common pin1170is connected to the positive power input wire1190of the UVC LED driver1100to operate the UVC LED germicidal lamp1070in the same manner. Note the low-voltage 12Vdc+ positive input power pin1160and 12Vdc− negative input power pin1200is interchangeable, as long as they are connected to the corresponding positive and negative power input pins1160,1200respectively to UVC LED driver1100. A voltage surge protection device V11220connected between power input pins 12Vdc+1160and 12Vdc−1200can be a varistor, MOV, etc. to protect the internal circuitry of UVC LED germicidal lamp1070from excessive high voltage surges. The SIGNAL output wire1230from PIR sensor1080and microwave sensor1085is connected to the one input end of the DC-to-DC SPST relay switch1090coil1140with the second input end of the DC-to-DC SPST relay switch1090coil1140connected to PIR sensor1080and microwave sensor1085power SENSOR+1120. PIR sensor1080and microwave sensor1085output SIGNAL1230is a negative sinking voltage that will cause SENSOR+1120to energize the coil1140in the relay switch1090to turn off the UVC LED driver1100and thus the UVC LEDs1110of the UVC LED germicidal lamp1070. PIR Sensor1080and microwave sensor1085SIGNAL1230may also be a positive sourcing voltage to the coil1140of DC-to-DC SPST relay switch1090, in which case the other end of the coil1140will be connected to SENSOR−1130instead of SENSOR+1120to energize the coil1140in the relay switch1090to turn off the UVC LED driver1100and thus the UVC LEDs1110of the UVC LED germicidal lamp1070. The switched output of DC-to-DC SPST relay switch1090is connected to the positive voltage input wire1190of the UVC LED driver1100, and the negative voltage 12Vdc− negative power input pin1200of the UVC LED germicidal lamp1070is connected to the negative voltage input wire1210of the UVC LED driver1100and connecting all negative DC grounds together. The UVC LED driver1100supplies power to the UVC LEDs1110at positive output UVC+1240and negative output UVC−1250. There are three UVC LEDs1110connected in series in the UVC LED germicidal lamp1070ofFIG.6, but there can more or less UVC LEDs1110used in the UVC LED germicidal lamp1070depending on the design and amount of UVC wavelengths of light desired for sterilization from the UVC LED germicidal lamp1070. The UVC LED driver1100shown inFIG.6is a DC to DC converter, but any LED driver may be used including buck converters, boost converters, diode bridge rectifiers, buck-boost drivers, current limiting drivers, constant current drivers, constant voltage drivers, integrated IC driver chips, etc. to provide power to the at least one UVC LED1110used in the UVC LED germicidal lamp1070ofFIG.6. Resistors R11260and R21270are properly selected to produce 12Vdc from UVC LED output voltage UVC+1240through diode D11280to provide power to PIR sensor1080and microwave sensor1085via the SENSOR+1120and SENSOR−1130connections. UVC LED driver positive output1155connects to resistor R11260to provide UVC+1240to UVC LEDs1110. Note that a separate 12Vdc power supply or voltage regulator device or circuit (not shown) may be used to provide 12Vdc power to the PIR sensor1080and microwave sensor1085. Alternately, some LED drivers provide a 12Vdc auxiliary output for use with sensors (not shown). In addition, PIR sensor1080and microwave sensor1085may also be high-voltage type devices, and will operate similar to the PIR sensor140and microwave sensor145described earlier inFIG.2. In this configuration, the relay switch1090will be an AC-to-DC SPDT type device (not shown). Lastly, UVC−1250and SENSOR−1130are negative DC grounds for the UVC LED germicidal lamp1070and are connected to the UVC LED driver negative output ground1150of UVC LED driver1100and 12Vdc− input power DC ground pin1200of UVC LED germicidal lamp1070.

In reverse safety operation, when a person or object (not shown) enters the room or space where this UVC LED germicidal lamp1070is installed, PIR sensor1080and/or microwave sensor1085will output a negative grounding SIGNAL1230to energize the coil1140connected between the positive SENSOR+ connection1120and negative sinking SIGNAL1230of the DC-to-DC SPST relay switch1090, thereby disconnecting the NC or Normally Closed connection1180between NEUTRAL COM1170and turning off the UVC LED driver1100and the UVC LED1110light sources. After a preset HOLD time to prevent false triggering and when PIR sensor1080and/or microwave sensor1085do not sense the presence of a person or object (not shown) in the room or space and after the person or object (not shown) has exited the room or space (not shown), PIR sensor1080and/or microwave sensor1085will stop sending a negative sinking SIGNAL1230to de-energize the coil1140and will turn back on the power to the UVC LEDs1110for automatic sterilizing. This method of operation presents an automatic solution to turn off the UVC LED germicidal lamp1070, and to prevent exposure to potentially harmful UVC light when someone enters or is present in the room or space for personal safety.

FIG.7is a view of a combination UVC germicidal and general lighting lamp1290showing a schematic wiring diagram of a sixth and final embodiment of the present invention including sensors1300,1305connected to a DC-to-DC relay switch1310connected to a first at least one UVC LED driver1320for providing power to at least one UVC LED1330light source, and alternately connected to a second at least one white color general lighting LED driver1340for providing power to at least one full spectrum white color LED1350light source. The relay switch1310can be an electro-magnetic, solid-state (SSR), electronic, mechanical, low-voltage reed, or any other type of relay.

The combination UVC germicidal and general lighting LED lamp1290represents a conventional fluorescent replacement lamp. The length of the combination UVC germicidal and general lighting LED lamp1290may be 18″, 24″, 36″, 48″, or 96″ in length, and may be in a T5, T8, or T12 diameter package. Shown inFIG.7is a tubular UVC germicidal and general lighting LED lamp1290with a pair of opposing pins to fit into standard G13 type sockets (not shown). Single opposing pins may also be used to fit into FA8 type sockets, etc., so power will be applied at the two ends in this case (not shown). Also, the lamp can be made in different lamp bases including medium screw E26 and E27, E12 and E14 candelabra, E17 intermediate screw, E39 and E40 mogul, GU23 twist and lock, etc. (not shown). In addition, the combination UVC germicidal and general lighting LED lamp1290may be a Type A replacement lamp to operate with existing ballasts with power applied to non-shunted and shunted sockets; a Type B ballast bypass lamp to work with mains line voltage with AC power applied at one end or at both ends of the lamp; a Type C LED lamp for use with a remote power supply unit with DC input power applied at one end or at both ends of the LED lamp; or a hybrid dual mode Type AB LED lamp for use with a ballast, mains AC power, or DC power applied to one end of both ends of the LED lamp or to any two pins of the LED lamp to energize the LEDs in the lamp.

The sensor1300shown here inFIG.7is a low-voltage PIR or Passive Infrared occupancy type sensor1300, and sensor1305is a microwave type sensor1305. Additional types of motion sensors may be used here including PIR, microwave, ultrasound, radio-frequency, radar, etc. (not shown) either in solo or in combination with any other type of motion sensor listed here. PIR sensor1300and microwave sensor1305are low-voltage DC devices for operation with 12V DC power. Other voltages including 5Vdc and 24Vdc, etc. may be used depending on the manufacturer and model numbers of sensors1300,1305. A 12Vdc input SENSOR+ wire1360and ground SENSOR− wire1370is connected to PIR sensor1300and microwave sensor1305with the 12Vdc SENSOR+ wire1360also going to a DC-to-DC SPDT (Single Pole Double Throw) type relay switch1310coil1380, and the ground SENSOR− wire1370also going to the UVC LED driver1320and white color general lighting LED driver1340negative output grounds1390and1400respectively. A low-voltage 12Vdc positive voltage from one power input pin1410of the combination UVC germicidal and general lighting LED lamp1290is connected to the COM or Common pin1420of the SPDT relay switch1310, and the NC or Normally Closed pin1430is connected to the positive power input pin1440of UVC LED driver1320that provides power to a string of UVC LEDs1330, and the NO or Normally Open pin1450is connected to the positive power input pin1460of the general lighting white light LED driver1340that provides power to a string of full spectrum white color LEDs1350. A low-voltage 12Vdc− negative voltage from a second power input pin1470of the combination UVC germicidal and general lighting LED lamp1290is connected to the negative input voltage wire1480of the UVC LED driver1320, and also to the negative input voltage wire1490of the white color general lighting LED driver1340. Note the low-voltage 12Vdc+ positive input power pin1410and 12Vdc− negative input power pin1470is interchangeable, as long as they are connected to the corresponding positive and negative power input wires1440,1480of UVC LED driver1320and corresponding positive and negative power input wires1460,1490of general lighting white light LED driver1340. A voltage surge protection device V11500connected between power input pins 12Vdc+1410and 12Vdc−1470can be a varistor, MOV, etc. to protect the internal circuitry of combination UV germicidal and general lighting LED lamp1290from excessive high voltage surges. The SIGNAL output wire1510from PIR sensor1300and microwave sensor1305is connected to the one input end of the DC-to-DC SPDT relay switch1310coil1380with the second input end of the DC-to-DC SPDT relay switch1310coil1380connected to the PIR sensor1300and microwave sensor1305power SENSOR+1360. PIR sensor1300and microwave sensor1305output SIGNAL1510is a negative sinking voltage that will cause SENSOR+1360to energize the coil1380in the relay switch1310to turn off the UVC LED driver1320and thus the UVC LEDs1330of combination UVC germicidal and general lighting LED lamp1290. PIR Sensor1300SIGNAL1510may also be a positive sourcing voltage to the coil1380of DC-to-DC SPDT relay switch1310, in which case the other end of the coil1380will be connected to SENSOR−1370instead of SENSOR+1360to energize the coil1380in the relay switch1310to turn off the UVC LED driver1320and thus the UVC LEDs1330of the combination UVC germicidal and general lighting LED lamp1290, while appropriately turning on the white color general lighting LED driver1340and thus the white color LEDs1350of the same combination UVC germicidal and general lighting LED lamp1290. The switched output of DC-to-DC SPDT relay switch1310is connected to the respective positive input power wires1440,1460of the UVC LED driver1320and white color general lighting LED driver1340at the corresponding NC1430and NO1450outputs from the SPDT relay switch1310that is triggered by the status of the PIR sensor1300and/or microwave sensor1305. The UVC LED driver1320supplies power to the UVC LEDs1330at positive output UVC+1520and negative output UVC−1525, and the general lighting white LED driver1340supplies power to the white color LEDs1350at positive output WHT+1530and negative output WHT−1535. There is only one UVC LED1330connected in the combination UVC germicidal and general lighting LED lamp1290ofFIG.7, but there can be more UVC LEDs1330used in the combination UVC germicidal and general lighting LED lamp1290depending on the design of the UVC LED driver1320and amount of UVC wavelengths of light desired for sterilization from the combination UVC germicidal and general lighting LED lamp1290. Likewise, there are two white color LEDs1350connected in series in the combination UVC germicidal and general lighting LED lamp1290ofFIG.7, but there can be more or less white color LEDs1350used in the combination UVC germicidal and general lighting LED lamp1290depending on the design of the white color LED driver1340and the amount of general lighting output illumination desired to light up a room or space where this combination UVC germicidal and general lighting LED lamp1290is used.

The UVC LED driver1320and white color LED driver1340shown inFIG.7are simple DC TO DC converters, but any LED driver may be used including buck converters, boost converters, diode bridge rectifiers, buck-boost drivers, current limiting drivers, constant current drivers, constant voltage drivers, integrated IC driver chips, etc. to provide power to the at least one UVC LED1330and at least one white color LED1350used in this combination UVC germicidal and general lighting LED lamp1290ofFIG.7. Resistors R11540, R21550, R31560, and R41570are properly selected to produce 12Vdc from the respective UVC LED output voltages UVC+1520and WHT+1530through diodes D11580and D21590to provide power to PIR sensor1300via the SENSOR+1360and SENSOR−1370connections. UVC LED driver positive output1395connects to resistor R31560to provide UVC+1520to at least one UVC LED1330, and white color general lighting LED driver positive output1405connects to resistor R11540to provide WHT+1530to white color LEDs1350. Note that a separate 12Vdc power supply or voltage regulator device or circuit (not shown) may be used to provide 12Vdc power to the PIR sensor1300and microwave sensor1305. Alternately, some LED drivers provide a 12Vdc auxiliary output for use with sensors (not shown). In addition, the PIR sensor1300and microwave sensor1305may also be high-voltage type devices, and will operate similar to the 120Vac PIR sensor300and microwave sensor305described earlier inFIG.3. In this configuration, the relay switch1310will be an AC-to-DC SPDT type device (not shown). Lastly, UVC−1525, WHT−1535, and SENSOR−1370are all connected together here and serve as the DC ground in this case for the combination UVC germicidal and white color general lighting LED lamp1290of this embodiment, but they may also be isolated from the each other depending on the circuit design.

In reverse safety operation, when a person or object (not shown) enters the room or space where this combination UVC germicidal and general lighting LED lamp1290is installed, PIR sensor1300and/or microwave sensor1305will output a negative grounding SIGNAL1510to energize the coil1380connected between the positive SENSOR+1360connection and negative sinking SIGNAL1510of the DC-to-DC SPDT relay switch1310, thereby disconnecting the NC or Normally Closed connection1430between NEUTRAL white COM1420and turning off the UVC LED driver1320and the UVC LED1330light sources. After a preset HOLD time to prevent false triggering and when PIR sensor1300and/or microwave sensor1305do not sense the presence of a person or object (not shown) in the room or space and after the person (not shown) has exited the room or space (not shown), PIR sensor1300and/or microwave sensor1305will stop sending a negative sinking SIGNAL1510to de-energize the coil1380and will turn back on the power to the UVC LED1330light sources for automatic sterilizing. Alternatively, when a person or object (not shown) enters the room or space where this combination UVC LED germicidal and general lighting lamp1290is installed, PIR sensor1300and/or microwave sensor1305will send a negative grounding SIGNAL1510to energize the coil1380connected between the positive SENSOR+ connection1360and negative sinking SIGNAL1510of the DC-to-DC SPDT relay switch1310, thereby connecting the NO or Normally Open connection1450between NEUTRAL white COM1420and turning on the at least one white color general lighting LED driver1340and at least one white color type LED1350. After a preset HOLD time to prevent false triggering and when PIR sensor1300and/or microwave sensor1305no longer senses the presence of a person or object (not shown) in the room or space and after the person (not shown) has exited the room or space (not shown), PIR sensor1300and/or microwave sensor1305will stop sending a negative grounding SIGNAL1510to the DC-to-DC SPDT relay switch1310to de-energize the coil1380and to turn back off the power to the at least one white color general lighting LED driver1340and at least one white color type LED1350light source for general lighting. This method of dual operation presents an automatic solution to turn off the UVC LEDs1330and prevent exposure to potentially harmful UVC light when someone enters or is present in the room or space for safety, and at the same time turning on the general lighting full spectrum white color LEDs1350when someone enters or is still present in the room or space for normal performance and activity by personnel in the room or space.

It will be understood that various changes in the details, materials, types, values, and arrangements of the components that have been described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of this invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the principle and scope of the various embodiments of the invention as expressed in the following claims.