Portable UV-C disinfection apparatus, method, and system

A portable UV-C disinfection apparatus, method, and system for ultraviolet germicidal irradiation. UV-C emitters may be coupled to an array housing having a planar array surface in a vertical configuration. UV-C sensors are configured to measure the amount of UV-C light or near UV-C light from a target surface. A controller may be configured to engage with the UV-C sensors to determine the amount of UV-C radiation collected by the UV-C sensors. The controller includes instructions stored on a memory according to the amount of UV-C radiation collected corresponding to an effective kill-dose for surface disinfection. The improved apparatus, method, and system reduces exposure time by varying the intensity and wavelength of the UV-C administered, while concurrently reducing UV overexposure to surfaces by administering radiation through a rotational zonal application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to methods and devices for bacterial, fungal and/or viral sterilization and disinfection, and is more particularly directed to a portable UV-C disinfection apparatus and system for ultraviolet germicidal irradiation.

2. Description of Related Art

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) is a disinfection method that uses short-wavelength ultraviolet (UV-C) light to kill or inactivate microorganisms. One mechanism by which UV-C deactivates microorganisms is by destroying nucleic acids and disrupting their DNA, leaving them unable to perform vital cellular functions. The administration of UV-C radiation is becoming widely adopted by many hospitals as a more effective and reliable means of surface disinfection, as compared to the use of chemical cleaning agents alone. The effectiveness of germicidal UV-C irradiation depends on factors such as the length of time a microorganism is exposed to UV-C, the intensity and wavelength of the UV-C radiation, the presence of particles that can protect the microorganisms from UV, and a microorganism's ability to withstand UV-C during its exposure. In air and surface disinfection applications, the UV effectiveness is estimated by calculating the UV dose to be delivered to the microbial population. A method of calculating UV dose is as follows: UV dose μWs/cm2=UV intensity μW/cm2×Exposure time (seconds).

Germicidal UV for disinfection is most typically generated by a mercury-vapor lamp. Low-pressure mercury vapor has a strong emission line at 254 nm, which is within the range of wavelengths that demonstrate strong disinfection effect. The optimal wavelengths for disinfection are close to 265 nm. UV-C LEDs use semiconductors to emit light between 255 nm-280 nm. The wavelength emission is tunable by adjusting the material of the semiconductor. The use of LEDs which emit a wavelength more precisely tuned to the maximal germicidal wavelength results in greater microbe deactivation per amp of power, maximization of microbial deactivation for the available, less ozone production, and less materials degradation. Although the germicidal properties of ultraviolet (UV) light have long been known, it is only comparatively recently that the antimicrobial properties of visible violet-blue 405 nm light have been discovered and used for environmental disinfection and infection control applications. A large body of scientific evidence is now available that provides underpinning knowledge of the 405 nm light-induced photodynamic inactivation process involved in the destruction of a wide range of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbial species, including resistant forms such as bacterial and fungal spores. Violet-blue light, particularly 405 nm light, has significant antimicrobial properties against a wide range of bacterial and fungal pathogens and, although germicidal efficacy is lower than UV light, this limitation is offset by its facility for safe, continuous use in occupied environments.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present disclosure is a portable UV-C disinfection apparatus comprising an array housing having a substantially planar array surface; a plurality of UV-C emitters coupled to the substantially planar array surface, the plurality of UV-C emitters being coupled to the substantially planar array surface in a substantially vertical configuration in relation to each other; at least one UV-C sensor coupled to the substantially planar array surface; at least one orientation sensor coupled to the array housing; a base housing, the base housing defining an interior portion; a motor being housed in the interior portion of the base housing, the array housing being coupled to a shaft of the motor at a bottom portion of the array housing; a controller being housed in the base housing, the controller being operably engaged with the motor, the at least one orientation sensor, the plurality of UV-C emitters, and the at least one UV-C sensor; and, a battery pack being housed in the base housing, the battery pack being operably engaged with the motor, the controller, the plurality of UV-C emitters, and the at least one UV-C sensor.

Another object of the present disclosure is a method for room disinfection using UV-C radiation comprising delivering, with a planar array of UV-C emitters, a beam of UV-C radiation to a first zone of a room; receiving, with at least one UV-C sensor, an amount of UV energy reflected from the first zone of the room; measuring, with a processor, a UV energy threshold for the at least one UV-C sensor; rotating, with an electric motor, the planar array of UV-C emitters to a second zone of the room in response to satisfying a UV energy threshold received by the at least one UV-C sensor; delivering, with the planar array of UV-C emitters, a beam of UV-C radiation to the second zone of the room; receiving, with the least one UV-C sensor, an amount of UV energy reflected from the second zone of the room; measuring, with the processor, a UV energy threshold in the second zone for the at least one UV-C sensor; rotating, with the electric motor, the planar array of UV-C emitters to an Nthzone of the room in response to satisfying a UV energy threshold received by the at least one UV-C sensor.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is a system for room disinfection using UV-C radiation comprising at least one portable UV-C disinfection apparatus, the at least one portable UV-C disinfection apparatus comprising an array housing having a substantially planar array surface; a plurality of UV-C emitters coupled to the substantially planar array surface, the plurality of UV-C emitters being coupled to the substantially planar array surface in a substantially vertical configuration in relation to each other; at least one UV-C sensor coupled to the substantially planar array surface; at least one orientation sensor coupled to the array housing; a base housing, the base housing defining an interior portion; a motor being housed in the interior portion of the base housing, the array housing being coupled to a shaft of the motor at a bottom portion of the array housing; a controller being housed in the base housing, the controller being operably engaged with the motor, the at least one orientation sensor, the plurality of UV-C emitters, and the at least one UV-C sensor; a battery pack being housed in the base housing, the battery pack being operably engaged with the motor, the controller, the plurality of UV-C emitters, and the at least one UV-C sensor; a remote interface, the system interface being communicably engaged with the controller of the at least one portable UV-C disinfection apparatus; and, a database, the database being communicably engaged with the controller of the at least one portable UV-C disinfection apparatus and the system interface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments are described herein to provide a detailed description of the present disclosure. Variations of these embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art. Moreover, certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. For example, the words “right,” “left,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner” and “outer” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The word “a” is defined to mean “at least one.” The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for a UV-C disinfection apparatus that reduces exposure time by varying the intensity and wavelength of the UV-C administered, while concurrently reducing UV overexposure to surfaces by administering radiation through a rotational zonal application.

Referring now toFIGS. 1A-1C, a diagrammatic representation of a portable UV-C disinfection apparatus100is shown. According to an embodiment, portable UV-C disinfection apparatus100is generally comprised of an array housing102, one or more UV-C emitters104, one or more near UV emitters106, a slip ring108, a base housing110, a controller112, one or more UV-C sensors114, a ranging sensor116, an orientation sensor118, a battery pack120, a motor122, motor shaft124, one or more emitter arrays130, an encoder132, and an array support134. Array housing102is coupled to base housing110via array support134, which is coupled to motor shaft124. Slip ring108is operably coupled to array support134via motor shaft124, and functions to provide electrical connections between the components in array housing102and battery pack120, as well as functions as a system bus between the components in array housing102and controller112. Slip ring108is operable to enable array support134to rotate in a continuous 360-degree rotation via motor shaft124while maintaining circuitry connections with battery pack120and controller112. Array housing102may be constructed of rigid or flexible material, such as plastic, metal, metal alloy, and the like. Base housing110provides a stationary foundation for apparatus100, and may comprise wheels for ease of transportation and positioning.

According to an embodiment, one or more UV-C emitters104, one or more near UV emitters106, UV-C sensor114, and ranging sensor116, are coupled to a face portion of the array housing102. In an embodiment, UV-C emitters104and near UV emitters106are preferably UV-C and/or visible light LEDs. In an alternative embodiment, UV-C emitters104and near UV emitters106are electronic gas-discharge lamps including but not limited to low-pressure mercury-vapor lamps, high-pressure mercury vapor lamps, xenon lamps, mercury-xenon lamps, pulsed-xenon lamps, and deuterium lamps. In another embodiment, UV-C emitters104and near UV emitters106may be CFL lamps and halogen lamps. Emitters104and near UV emitters106may be distributed in a linear arrangement over a 48-inch or 24-inch planar surface. Emitters104and near UV emitters106may be distributed in groups defining an emitter array130. The linear arrangement of UV-C emitters104and near UV emitters106direct UV-C radiation in a targeted beam, enabling higher intensity emission with less power consumption as compared to an omnidirectional bulb—thereby enabling power to be supplied by a battery source, such as battery pack120. The higher intensity generated by focusing a beam of UV-C radiation using a linear array, rather than an omnidirectional transmission generated by a mercury-vapor bulb or a circular LED array, has the dual benefits of reducing exposure time in the dosage calculation and conserving energy. In a preferred embodiment, UV-C emitters104are calibrated to have a wavelength emission of 265 nm, and near UV emitters106are calibrated to have a wavelength emission of 405 nm (which falls on the visible light spectrum). However, both emitters may be calibrated to various wavelength emissions within a known range of wavelengths that demonstrate strong disinfection effect. UV-C sensor114is a closed loop sensor operable to measure the amount of UV-C light or near UV light reflected from the target surface back to UV-C sensor114. UV-C sensor114may be a single sensor or an array of multiple sensors, and may be either integral to array housing102or distributed in a target room. UV-C sensor114may be a dual band sensor comprised of a single carrier operable to measure UV-C radiation wavelengths of about 265 nm and near UV of about 405 nm. UV-C sensor114is operably engaged with controller112to communicate the amount of UV-C radiation (single or dual band) collected by UV-C sensor114. Controller112has a set of instructions stored thereon to measure a “kill dose” according to the amount of reflected UV-C radiation collected by UV-C sensor114and kill dose parameters stored in memory. Controller112may calibrate various kill dose thresholds depending on the specific disinfection application. For example, viruses may require a lower kill dose, while bacteria may require a higher kill dose, and spores may require yet a higher kill dose.

Controller112may operate in communication with ranging sensor116to more accurately measure a kill dose delivered from emitters104and near UV emitters106. The UV-C energy collected by UV-C sensor114might not accurately represent the amount of UV-C energy reflected by the target surface due to the distance, or air gap, between the target surface and UV-C sensor114. This is due to the fact that UV-C radiation loses intensity as a function of distance travelled; therefore, the measured reflected energy at UV-C sensor114is less than the energy actually reflected by the target surface by a function of the distance between the target surface and UV-C sensor114. Ranging sensor116may be operably engaged with controller112to calculate an “air gap compensation” to virtually relocate UV-C sensor114to the nearest object. This can be accomplished mathematically by correcting for the reduction in UV-C energy as a function of distance, as well as other variables such as temperature and humidity. Ranging sensor116is operably engaged to detect the distance to the nearest object in the zone of each UV-C sensor114. Ranging sensor116may be comprised of, for example, one or more sensors capable of detecting the presence and location of objects within the sensor range without physical contact, such as sonic ranging, scanning ranging, and/or visible or infrared-based light sensors. Controller112may adjust the kill dose threshold of reflected energy received by UV-C sensor114in accordance with the distance input defined by ranging sensor116. In the absence of ranging sensor116, controller112may enable a manual input by a user to define the desired air gap adjustment.

Controller112may be positioned within an interior portion of base housing110or array housing102. Battery pack120may be positioned within an interior portion of base housing110and is operable to provide all components of portable UV-C disinfection apparatus100. Orientation sensor118is coupled to an interior or exterior portion of array housing102, and is operable to enable controller112to detect unit location, array orientation, and zone position of UV-C disinfection apparatus100. Orientation sensor118may be comprised of one or more motion sensors, real-time clocks, RFID, GPS, accelerometers, magnetic compass, gyroscopes, piezoelectric sensors, piezoresistive sensors, and capacitive orientation-sensing components or any other suitable means or orientation and location functioning; or any combination thereof.

Referring now toFIG. 1D, emitter array130may further comprise a lens assembly140. Lens assembly140may be comprised of a heat sink or reflector138and a lens142. Lens assembly140functions to protect UV-C emitters104and near UV emitters106from damage, dissipate heat from emitters104and106, and direct light in a desired angle (e.g. 120 degrees). Heat sink138functions to remove heat from UV-C emitters104and near UV emitters106to prevent overheating through conduction, and dissipate heat from heat sink138to the environment through convention and/or conduction. Heat sink138may be constructed of any suitable thermally conductive material. Lens142may be coupled to heat sink138, and may function to protect UV-C emitters104and near UV emitters106from physical contact and environmental damage, such as dust accumulation. Lens142may be constructed from any UV-C transmittable material (for example, Acrylite); and, may be configured as a Fresnel lens such that lens142may be substantially planar in shape.

As discussed above, UV-C emitters104and near UV emitters106emit radiation at wavelengths of 265 nm and 405 nm respectively. Each wavelength displays its own kinetics of a kill curve for target microorganisms. It is anticipated that UV-C emitters104and near UV emitters106may pulse emission in-phase (i.e. emit light at the same time), or out of phase (i.e. emit light at opposite times), or operate independently, which may modify the kinetics of each wavelength's respective kill curve, such that a dual wavelength emission will reduce the overall time required to achieve a kill dose as compared to a single wavelength emission. Likewise, various modulation schema may be employed between UV-C emitters104and UV-C emitters106in order to optimize the kinetics of the kill curve for a given microorganism (e.g. viruses, bacteria, and spores), thereby reducing the amount of time required to achieve a kill dose for the target microorganism.

Referring now toFIG. 2, a system diagram of a portable UV-C disinfection system is shown. According to an embodiment, portable UV-C disinfection apparatus100administers UV-C radiation to a target zone via one or more UV-C emitters104and one or more near UV emitters106. In a preferred embodiment, as mentioned above, UV-C emitters104are calibrated to emit short wave UV-C radiation at a wavelength of 265 nm, and near UV emitters106are calibrated to have a wavelength emission of 405 nm, or vice versa. Remote interface220is communicably engaged with controller112via a wireless communication interface, such as Bluetooth or WiFi. Remote interface220may be a tablet computer, smart phone, laptop computer, wireless I/O device, and the like. Remote interface220associates a room identifier222with a target room for disinfection. Remote interface220may include a user workflow configured to validate that a target room is prepped properly for disinfection and that all the steps in the disinfection workflow have been completed. A room identifier222may be a scanned barcode or RFID tag. Remote interface220communicates a request to begin a disinfection cycle to controller112. Processor204processes the request to begin a disinfection cycle. Processor204executes instructions to orientation sensor118to determine a position and orientation in the target room. Processor204executes instructions for ranging sensor116to scan a Zone N224to determine the closest object in the target room. The data from orientation sensor118and ranging sensor116is stored in memory206, along with room ID222. Processor204executes instructions to measure air gap compensation to calibrate UV-C sensor114according to the data from ranging sensor116. Processor204executes instructions to initiate UV-C emitters104and near UV emitters106to emit UV-C radiation to target Zone N224. Radiation reflected from target Zone N224is reflected back to array housing102and is collected by UV-C sensor114. UV-C sensor114sends UV dosage data to processor204. Processor204executes instructions to measure a kill dose according to UV reflectivity data and air gap compensation variables. Once a threshold dosage value has been received by UV-C sensor114, processor204executes instructions to discontinue UV-C emission by UV-C emitters104and near UV emitters106and rotate array housing to the next consecutive zone. Processor204executes instructions to store dosage data from Zone N224in memory. Processor204executes instructions to engage motor122, thereby turning motor shaft124to rotate array housing102such that UV-C emitters104and near UV emitters106are oriented to the next consecutive zone. Slip ring108is the relay and the system bus between the components in array housing102and battery pack120; and is the system bus between the components in array housing102and controller112. Slip ring108enables array housing102to rotate in a 360-degree range of motion with motor shaft124; however, the desired rotation may be calibrated to less than 360-degrees. Once array housing102has been rotated to the next zone, processor204executes the same instructions as those of Zone N224to deliver radiation to the next zone and measure a kill dose based on reflected radiation. This process is continued until UV-C emitters104and near UV emitters106have delivered a kill dose in a full 360-degree rotation (or the desired angular zones).

Processor204executes instructions to store dosage data from each zone in memory208. The dosage data is time stamped, and communicated to hospital server214using wireless communication chip set208via hospital network212. Hospital server214stores information retrieved from controller112in hospital database216. This information can be utilized by hospital server214to determine the health of the hospital, as well as monitor the health and status of a facility wide deployment. Communication chip set208may be a LoRa chipset, and hospital network212may be configured as a low power wide area network (LPWAN) to reduce burden on the hospital's Wi-Fi network. LoRa is a wireless modulation for long-range, low-power, low-data-rate applications. LoRa is based on chirp spread spectrum modulation which maintains low-power characteristics and significantly increases communication range. LoRa commonly operates in the unlicensed frequency bands of 867-869 MHz and 902-928 MHz, although other frequency bands under 1000 MHz may be commonly utilized. Processor204may communicate a confirmation to remote interface220to confirm disinfection of the target room is complete.

Referring now toFIG. 3, a functional diagram of a portable UV-C disinfection system is shown. According to an embodiment, UV-C disinfection apparatus100is positioned in a target room for disinfection. UV-C disinfection apparatus100is operable to process a room identifier, orientation inside the room, and the desired zones for disinfection. The identity of the target room and the orientation of UV-C disinfection apparatus100within the target room may be determined by Real-Time Clock, RFID or other means to identify the room, GPS and other location methods, inertial navigation, magnetic navigation and other orientation methods. The UV-C sensors measure the UV-C energy reflected from the target zone. The ranging sensors measure the distance to the nearest object in the zone, and virtually relocate the UV-C sensors to the location of the nearest object to compensate for the air gap between the surface of the nearest object and the surface of the UV-C sensor. The UV-C emitters deliver UV-C light in a first zone, e.g. Zone1. Due to the varying distance and reflectivity of zone surfaces and objects, the UV-C sensors may receive reflected energy at varying rates between zones. Reflective paints or reflective adhesive sheets may be used on hospital walls to increase the rate of UV-C reflectivity of the walls. Once a target area is disinfected, i.e. has received a kill dose, the array stores the zone dosage information and rotates the array to the next consecutive zone, e.g. Zone2. Information regarding the orientation of objects in the zones and room location is saved in the memory of the UV-C disinfection apparatus. UV-C disinfection apparatus100may be programmed to exclude zones in certain spaces, e.g. “keep out zones.” Likewise, UV-C disinfection apparatus100may be programmed to disinfect non-successive zones in a predetermined disinfection path. UV-C disinfection apparatus100delivers radiation in a predetermined path until all zones (in this illustration Zones1-8) have received a kill dose, as measured by the reflected energy at the UV-C sensors. In a preferred embodiment, the area of each zone and intensity of UV-C emission is calculated such that UV-C disinfection apparatus100is operable to deliver a kill-dose to all desired zones by continuous rotation. Upon delivering a kill dose to all desired zones, the disinfection cycle is concluded and a confirmation is communicated to the remote interface and hospital server. The data collected during the disinfection cycle, such as air gap compensation, keep-out zones, disinfection path, and dosage allocation, is stored in the UV-C disinfection apparatus memory under a unique room identifier. This data may be acquired by a hospital server to monitor the health and status of a facility wide deployment.

FIG. 4further illustrates the concepts fromFIG. 3; in particular, the ability of the present disclosure to solve the problem of over exposure of UV-C radiation during a UV-C disinfection process, as compared to the prior art. Prior art solutions emit UV-C radiation in an omnidirectional pattern. A kill dose is measured when a threshold amount of reflected energy is measured at the UV-C sensor on the UV-C disinfection apparatus. Since a target room exhibits different rates of reflectivity at different locations within the room, a UV-C disinfection apparatus that administers radiation in an omnidirectional pattern is reliant on the least reflective surface in the room to measure a kill dose at the UV-C sensor. Embodiments of the present disclosure, as discussed above, administer radiation and measure reflected energy on a per zone basis; thereby delivering only the necessary amount of radiation required for a particular zone, and not more. This dramatically reduces the overall amount of excess radiation delivered to the target room, as embodiments of the present disclosure enable emission of radiation and measurement of reflected energy specifically in the target zone.

Referring now toFIG. 5, a functional illustration of an air gap compensation calculation by UV-C disinfection apparatus100is shown. According to an embodiment, ranging sensor116measures the distance from UV-C disinfection apparatus100, D0, to the target surface, D1, and to the leading surface of the closest object in the room, D2. The distance D2defines the air gap between the UV-C sensors114and the leading surface of the closest object in the room44. The back side of object44, i.e. the “dark” side of the object relative to UV-C disinfection apparatus100, is disinfected by receiving UV-C radiation reflected back from the target surface42. As discussed above, a kill dose is measured by the amount of radiation reflected from the target surface42to UV-C sensors114. The kill dose is measured using reflected radiation, rather than direct energy, in order to ensure that the dark side of surfaces in the target room (i.e. surfaces not receiving direct exposure of UV-C radiation) are sufficiently disinfected. The amount of reflected radiation only needs to be measured from the leading edge of the closest object in the room44to measure a kill dose on the dark side of object44. The space between D0and D2represents the air gap between UV-C sensors114and the leading edge of the closest object in the room44. The intensity of the reflected radiation is reduced between D2and D0, as the intensity of radiation diminishes with distance. Therefore, measuring a kill dose at D0results in an over measurement of radiation, which in turn results in overexposure UV-C radiation and increased time for UV-C disinfection apparatus100to complete a disinfection cycle. UV-C disinfection apparatus100mitigates over-exposure and minimizes disinfection time by virtually relocating UV-C sensors114to distance D2by executing an air gap compensation algorithm. This enables UV-C disinfection apparatus100to measure the minimum required amount of reflected UV-C radiation necessary for an effective kill dose.

FIG. 6further illustrates the above concepts ofFIG. 5by plotting the reflected energy received by UV-C sensors114(on the y-axis) as a function of time (on the x-axis) in order to reach a target dose of reflected energy. Where UV-C sensors114have not been virtually relocated to compensate for air gap, the time required to reach an effective kill dose is shown on the graph as T0. Where UV-C sensors114have been virtually relocated to compensate for air gap, the time required to reach an effective kill dose is shown on the graph as T1. The delta between T0and T1represents the amount of time saved during the disinfection cycle when compensating for air gap between the UV-C sensor and the location of the nearest object in the zone.

Referring now toFIG. 7, a process flow diagram of a room disinfection using a portable UV-C disinfection system is shown. According to an embodiment, the portable UV-C disinfection system identifies the room400by receiving an identification tag, such as an RFID label, or other location information, such as GPS, and stores this room ID in memory402. The room ID is communicated to a remote interface and through a network to a hospital database404. A user positions the portable UV-C disinfection system in a room406and sends a command to the portable UV-C disinfection system via a remote interface to begin the disinfection cycle408. The portable UV-C disinfection system verifies no occupants are present in the room410, and once safety has been verified, the UV-C disinfection system begins the disinfection cycle412.

Referring now toFIG. 8, a flow diagram of a zone disinfection by a portable UV-C disinfection system is shown. According to an embodiment, the portable UV-C disinfection system signals the ranging to scan Zone1500, and calculates the distance between a UV-C sensor and the nearest object in the zone to determine air gap compensation502for the UV-C sensor. The UV-C emitters deliver radiation to Zone1504in dual wavelengths of about 265 nm and about 405 nm. The UV-C sensors receive reflected radiation506from the target zone to continuously measure dosage508. As the sensors receive reflected UV-C radiation, a decision is made as to whether or not the calculated dosage strength for a zone has been met510, i.e. a kill dose has been administered. If “NO,” the UV-C sensors continue to monitor radiation506and radiation is delivered until the calculated dosage for the zone has been achieved. Once the sensors receive a threshold radiation value, the UV-C emitters discontinue radiation and Zone1disinfection is concluded512. The UV-C disinfection system stores dosage data in memory514along with room identifying information. Upon completion of Zone1disinfection, the array rotates to Zone2516.

Ranging sensors scan Zone2518and calculate the distance between the UV-C sensor and the nearest object in the zone to determine air gap compensation520for the UV-C sensor. Alternatively, a predetermined air gap compensation parameter may be calibrated in the system. The UV-C emitters deliver radiation to Zone2522in dual wavelengths of about 265 nm and about 405 nm. The UV-C sensors receive reflected radiation524from the target zone to continuously measure dosage526. As the sensors receive reflected UV-C radiation, a decision is made as to whether a kill dose for the zone has been delivered528. If “NO,” the UV-C sensors continue to receive reflected radiation524from the target zone to continuously measure dosage526. If “YES,” the sensors have received a threshold radiation value, the UV-C emitters discontinue radiation and Zone2disinfection is concluded530. The UV-C disinfection system stores dosage data in memory532along with room identifying information.

Upon the completion of a zone disinfection, the system processing ranging and orientation data from sensors to determine if the 360-degree rotation is complete534. If “NO,” sensors begin to scan the next successive zone until an Nthnumber of zones are radiated and the cycle is complete536. If the information from the ranging and orientation sensors indicate a complete rotation of 360 degrees and disinfection of all zones, then the cycle is complete538. Once a disinfection cycle is complete, the portable UV-C disinfection system signals the remote interface of the completion and stores system data related to the disinfection in the device database.

FIG. 9illustrates the utilization of data from a zone disinfection by a portable UV-C disinfection system. According to an embodiment, the portable UV-C disinfection system receives data from the UV-C, ranging, and orientation sensors. This data provides information as to the orientation of objects in a room and the time and dosage strength needed to disinfect a room. The data is stored in the portable UV-C disinfection system memory600. The data is time-stamped to keep a record of when a room was disinfected602. This time-stamped data is then communicated via a network to a hospital server604. The received time-stamped information is then associated with a room identification and stored in a hospital database606. This information can be utilized by quality control to determine the health of the hospital, as well as monitor the health and status of a facility wide deployment.

Referring now toFIG. 10, a front, side, and top view of an alternative embodiment of a portable UV-C disinfection system is shown. According to an embodiment, a UV-C disinfection apparatus10is generally comprised of a left and a right array surface12, a left and a right UV-C sensor14, a front and a rear proximity sensor20, a base housing16, a left and a right emitter array18, and tracks22. UV-C disinfection apparatus10may function to emit UV-C radiation in substantially the same way as described inFIG. 1above, including the application of dual band radiation. As opposed to rotating in a 360-degree range of motion as described above, UV-C disinfection apparatus10emits radiation in a fixed transmission pattern from left and right array surface12. As shown inFIG. 11, UV-C disinfection apparatus10is operable to disinfect the interior of an aircraft by moving down an aircraft aisle24using tracks22. Left emitter array18delivers radiation to left seats26L, and right emitter array18delivers radiation to right seats26R. Left and right UV-C sensors14measure the amount of reflected energy received from left emitter array and right emitter array18, respectively. Once a kill dose has been measured for a target zone in the aircraft, UV-C disinfection apparatus10continues down aircraft aisle24using tracks22. Front and rear proximity sensors20prevent UV-C disinfection apparatus10from making contact with objects in its path.

Other alternative embodiments of the present disclosure may provide for one or more fixed planar emitters or one or more rotational planar emitters. The configuration of fixed vs. planar emitters may depend on the desired disinfection application. For example, the hospital room application as discussed above employs a rotational planar emitter to reduce time disinfection time and overexposure of UV radiation; while an aircraft application employs multiple fixed planar emitters. A bathroom stall, by comparison, may employ a fixed or a rotational planar emitter. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for application-specific programming of disinfection zones; for example, “keep out” zones and target zones.

The present disclosure includes that contained in the appended claims as well as that of the foregoing description. Although this invention has been described in its exemplary forms with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of example and numerous changes in the details of construction and combination and arrangement of parts may be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.