Patent Publication Number: US-11642427-B2

Title: Fogging system for disinfecting a treatment area including humidity control features

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation Ser. No. 15/981,125 filed May 16, 2018 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/658,803 filed Jul. 25, 2017; which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/043,744 filed Feb. 15, 2016, which claims the benefit of provisional app. No. 62/115,871 filed Feb. 13, 2015, provisional app. No. 62/200,679 filed Aug. 4, 2015 and provisional app. No. 62/506,697 filed May 16, 2017, which are hereby incorporated herein in their entireties by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to the field of disinfecting, deodorizing, preserving, or sterilizing, and, more particularly, to apparatuses and methods for delivery of disinfecting, deodorizing, preserving, or sterilizing solutions. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Disinfection and sterilization are particularly important in the field of healthcare to ensure that infectious pathogens are not transmitted to patients via medical devices or the environment in which patients are treated. While medical instruments may be placed in autoclaves or other sterilization chambers for sterilization, sterilization of the atmosphere and surfaces within a patient or operating room can be more difficult and labor intensive to perform properly. Moreover, there is evidence to show that a manual “spray and wipe”, in addition to being labor and time intensive, is not always a suitably effective process for disinfection. More particularly, spray and wipe allows for human error (missing areas where pathogens reside), and may also allow for cross-contamination (spreading of germs). 
     While spray and wipe processes remain an important component of a disinfection strategy for certain applications, more contemporary methods such as fogging for whole room disinfection may be desirable to help ensure that all surfaces, whether visible or not, are reached for effective pathogen elimination. 
     SUMMARY 
     A system for disinfecting an enclosed area may include a humidity sensor, and a fogging device including a portable housing, an atomizing disinfectant generator carried by the portable housing, at least one output circuit carried by the portable housing, and a processor carried by the portable housing. The processor may be configured to determine a humidity level within the enclosed area based upon the humidity sensor, operate a humidity control device via the at least one output circuit responsive to the determined humidity control level being outside of a starting humidity range, cease operating the humidity control device responsive to the humidity level being within the starting humidity range based upon the humidity sensor, and initiate a treatment cycle during which the atomizing disinfectant generator dispenses atomized disinfectant fluid into the enclosed area. 
     In an example embodiment, the treatment cycle may include a saturation phase wherein the atomizing disinfectant generator operates to dispense atomized disinfectant fluid continuously to bring the enclosed area to a target saturation level, and a pulse phase wherein the atomizing disinfectant generator operates to intermittently dispense atomized disinfectant fluid to maintain the enclosed area at the target saturation level. In another example embodiment, the system may further include at least one ultraviolet (UV) light, and the processor may be further configured to, after a first time period following initiation of the treatment cycle, activate the at least one UV light via the at least one output circuit to irradiate the enclosed area and atomized disinfectant while the atomized disinfectant fluid is being dispensed into the enclosed area. Moreover, the processor may be further configured to, after a second time period following initiation of the treatment cycle longer than the first time period and prior to completion of the treatment cycle, deactivate the at least one UV light via the at least one output circuit. 
     In an example implementation, the fogging device may further include a power outlet carried by the portable housing and coupled to the at least one output circuit, and the processor may activate the humidity control device via the at least one output circuit and the power outlet. By way of example, the humidity control device may comprise a dehumidifier or a humidifier. In some embodiments, the at least one output circuit may comprise a wireless communications transceiver. In one implementation, the humidity sensor may be carried by the portable housing. By way of example, the humidity starting range may be between 30% and 50% relative humidity in the enclosed area. 
     A related fogging device, such as the one described briefly above, and related method for disinfecting an enclosed area using such a fogging device are also provided. The method may include determining a humidity level within the enclosed area based upon a humidity sensor, operating a humidity control device via the at least one output circuit responsive to the determined humidity control level being outside of a starting humidity range, ceasing operating the humidity control device responsive to the humidity level being within the starting humidity range based upon the humidity sensor, and initiating a treatment cycle during which the atomizing disinfectant generator dispenses atomized disinfectant fluid into the enclosed area. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is perspective view of a fogging device in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  2 A  is a perspective view of the fogging device of  FIG.  1    with a side panel removed and illustrating installation of a fluid reservoir therein. 
         FIG.  2 B  is a perspective view of the area B of  FIG.  2 A  illustrating an example funnel assembly for the fluid reservoir in greater detail. 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of the fogging device of  FIG.  1    with the side panel removed and illustrating installation of a compressor therein. 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of the fogging device of  FIG.  1    with the side panel removed after installation of the fluid reservoir and compressor. 
         FIGS.  5  and  6    are top and side views, respectively, of an example nozzle assembly for the fogging device of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  7    is a schematic block diagram illustrating a system for treating an enclosed area with an atomized fluid which may include a plurality of the fogging devices of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIGS.  8 - 11    are screen shots of a mobile wireless communications device which may be used with the system of FIG.  7  illustrating various control screens for operating the fogging devices. 
         FIG.  12    is a schematic block diagram illustrating a system for treating an enclosed area in accordance with another example embodiment. 
         FIG.  13    is a schematic block diagram illustrating a system for treating an enclosed area in accordance with still another example embodiment. 
         FIG.  14    is a flow diagram illustrating method aspects associated with the system of  FIG.  7   . 
         FIG.  15    is a flow diagram illustrating method aspects associated with the system of  FIG.  12   . 
         FIG.  16    is a flow diagram illustrating method aspects associated with the system of  FIG.  12   . 
         FIG.  17    is a perspective view of another embodiment of the fogging device of  FIG.  1    including integrated ultraviolet (UV) lighting which is selectively activated during a fogging treatment cycle. 
         FIG.  18    is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example system including the fogging device of  FIG.  17    for treating an enclosed area with an atomized disinfectant and ultraviolet light in accordance with another example embodiment. 
         FIG.  19    is a flow diagram illustrating method aspects associated with the foggers and systems of  FIGS.  18 - 19  and  20 - 21   . 
         FIG.  20    is a perspective view of another example embodiment of the fogging device of  FIG.  1    for selectively activating an external UV light during a fogging treatment cycle. 
         FIG.  21    is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example system including the fogging device of  FIG.  20    for treating an enclosed area with an atomized disinfectant and ultraviolet light in accordance with another example embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure is provided with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments are shown. However, other embodiments in many different forms may be used, and the disclosure should not be construed as limited to the particular embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the claim scope to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
     Referring initially to  FIGS.  1 - 7  and  14   , the present disclosure relates to a fogging or atomizing system  30  which may be used for the application of a chemical solution to a treatment area for the purposes of disinfecting, deodorizing, preserving, or sterilizing the area or items within the area, for example. By way of example, the fogging system may be used for application of a disinfectant chemical to an enclosed area, including one or more rooms in a building, as well as in vehicles such as busses, ships/boats, airplanes, subway or train cars, automobiles, trucks, etc. In the example illustrated in  FIG.  7   , those components schematically shown on the right of the vertical dashed line are considered to be within the enclosed treatment area. 
     The fogging system  30  illustratively includes a plurality of fogging devices or foggers  31  which are to be positioned within the enclosed treatment area ( FIG.  7   ) to perform a treatment cycle. Each fogging device  31  illustratively includes a portable housing  32 , and an atomizing fluid generator carried by the housing and including a fluid reservoir  33  carried by the housing, a compressor  34  carried by the housing and coupled to the fluid reservoir, and an atomizing nozzle  35  carried by the housing and in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir. The fogging device  31  further includes a first wireless transceiver  36  carried by the housing, and a first processor  37  carried by the housing and coupled to the compressor and the wireless transceiver. 
     The fogging device  31  may provide several advantages over conventional devices, in that it is relatively compact, rugged, and portable. In one example implementation, each fogging device  31  may provide an atomized solution of chemical to disinfect enclosed areas up to 10,000 square feet for a one gallon fluid reservoir, although the size of the fogging device  31  and reservoir may be changed for treatment of areas of different sizes. By way of example, the fogging device  31  may be used in medical, mold remediation, commercial and residential applications, as well as other areas. Furthermore, in addition to disinfecting, deodorizing, preserving, or sterilizing applications, the fogging device  31  described herein may also be used for other applications such as the delivery of pesticides (e.g., for termite, mosquito, bedbug, or general pest prevention chemicals). In some embodiments, the fogging device  31  may also be used in a semi-enclosed or open area, in addition to treating enclosed areas. 
     The housing or case  32  of the fogging device  31  may be a relatively compact and rugged rotomold construction, and in the illustrated example it includes molded banding along the bottom and top of the unit encompassing one or more round air intakes  40  (although air intake or exhaust ports may be located at different locations on the housing). The fogging device  31  also illustratively includes cut-outs for power entry  41 , an output(s)  42  (e.g., an electrical AC outlet), and associated circuit breaker  43 . A fill cover  48  ( FIG.  1   ) is over an integrated funnel  44  ( FIG.  2 B ), which leads to the chemical solution reservoir  33  (e.g., a one-gallon reservoir, although other sizes may also be used). By way of example, feet  45  (e.g., rubber) may be coupled to the bottom of the housing  32  (four are shown in the example embodiment, although other numbers may be used in different embodiments). Cord wraps (made of injection mold) may be used to stow the power cord in some embodiments, if desired. 
     The form factor of the fogging device  31  allows for relatively easy transportation, as well as stability during transport. An integrated handle  46  also allows for ease of carrying. In the example embodiment, the total size of the unit is 19¾″ long×14½″ wide by 17¼″ high, although different dimensions and case shapes may be used in different embodiments. Metal reinforcing mounting plates may also be used inside the housing  32  to mounting the various internal components and increase ruggedness and structural integrity. 
     The atomizing nozzle  35  is carried by a nozzle holder assembly  50 , which allows the nozzle to be adjustable to multiple dispensing positions ranging from vertical to horizontal (although a greater range of adjustability than 90° may be used, if desired). That is, the nozzle holder assembly  50  advantageously allows fogging vertically or horizontally as conditions require. More particularly, the nozzle holder assembly illustratively includes two “L” shaped or 90° brackets  51 ,  52  with a hole through each side or leg of the bracket. The holes in the bracket  51  allow a feed pipe  53  to supply compressed air from the compressor  34  to the atomizing nozzle  35 , while the holes in the bracket  52  allow a feed pipe  54  to supply chemical fluid from the fluid reservoir  33  to the atomizing nozzle  35  ( FIGS.  5  and  6   ). In some embodiments, an optional filter may also be connected in-line between the fluid reservoir  33  and the atomizing nozzle  35 . The nozzle  35  is pivotally coupled to the brackets  51 ,  52  to allow the above-noted rotation from horizontal to vertical orientations (or otherwise), as desired. The fluid reservoir  33  may optionally include a vent, such as with barb fitting, for example. In some embodiments a strap may be used to add further stability to the fluid reservoir  33  within the housing  32 , although this is not required in all configurations. 
     In some embodiments, an actuator may be included that is controlled by the first processor  37  to move the nozzle  35  during the treatment cycle for enhanced fog circulation, if desired. Also, in other embodiments, more than one atomizing nozzle  35  may be used, as well as different mounting configurations, along with an appropriately sized compressor to provide increased atomized spray output. One example atomizing nozzle  35  which may be used is part no. 1/4J—SU2A from Spraying Systems Co. of Wheaton, Ill., for example, although other suitable atomizing nozzles may be used in different embodiments. Moreover, different atomizing nozzles may be interchanged for different chemicals, and in some embodiments the processor  37  may accommodate different treatment schedules and/or parameters (e.g., times, pressures, etc.) for different nozzles and treatment chemicals, to allow use of the same fogging device  31  for a variety of different treatment applications. Such treatment schedules and/or parameters may be implemented at the time of manufacture of the fogging device  31 , as well as by firmware updates at a later time, as will be discussed further below. 
     The fogging device  31  may be assembled with the fluid reservoir  33  and compressor  34  being riveted to the interior of the case or housing  32  (although other suitable connectors, such as screws, bolts, etc., may also be used). Recessed rotomolded groves may also be provided in the case for side panel attachment, if desired. 
     In the illustrated example embodiment, the outlet  42  is a 120V outlet to plug in an air scrubber/filter or dehumidifier to aid in shortening the time required to clear the disinfected area after application of the chemical disinfectant solution, as will be discussed further below. The outlet on/off power may be sequenced by the processing circuitry, i.e., the first processor  37 , carried on the included circuit board(s) (not shown), for example. The processing circuitry may be implemented using a combination of hardware (e.g., microprocessors, etc.) and a non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for causing the processing circuitry to perform the various control operations for the fogging system. One or more case fans  55  may also be provided to aid in housing and compressor cooling, which may also be controlled by the processing circuitry. 
     By way of example, the first wireless transceiver  36  (which may also be carried on an internal circuit board) may be a Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (WLAN), WiMax, cellular, or other suitable wireless transceiver which may be used to wirelessly interface the first processor  37  with other fogging devices  31 , wireless humidity sensors, wireless filters or dehumidifiers, as well as one or more mobile wireless communications devices  60  (e.g., smart phones, tablet computers, laptops, etc.). In the illustrated example, the wireless communications device  60  is a smart phone including a second wireless transceiver  61  and a second processor  62 . With reference to the flow diagram  140  of  FIG.  14   , beginning at Block  141 , the second processor  62  may be programmed to identify the plurality of fogging devices  31  within the enclosed area based upon the first and second wireless transceivers, at Block  142 . In accordance with one example implementation shown in  FIG.  8   , the second processor identifies that there are four fogging devices  31  within wireless communication range which have serial nos. 1234, 1235, 1236, and 1237 as indicated on a display  63  of the mobile wireless communications device  62 . 
     In addition to an identifier (e.g., serial no.) of the identified fogging devices  31 , various other types of information or events for each fogging device may also be provided to the wireless communications device  60 , including a status of each fogging device  31 , a time left in the fogging cycle, etc. For example, treatment cycle status information may be provided, such as when the treatment cycle has been initiated, how much treatment time left, and when the treatment cycle is complete. Another event is when the treatment area is safe to enter. For example, the treatment area may be safe to enter after a delay period following treatment. In another example, the treatment area may be safe to enter after an associated air filtering or dehumidification process is complete following treatment, as will be discussed further below. An audible alarm may also be provided to indicate one or more of the following events. Moreover, other information which may be communicated to/from the fogging system may include start/stop commands, a pause or delay command, updated status requests, tank fill level, operating temperature, etc., for example. 
     In another example shown in  FIG.  9   , the mobile wireless communications device  60  may allow a user to input certain parameters associated with the treatment job to be performed. In this example, an operator&#39;s name (here “Frank”) may be provided, along with a name of the building or job site (“St. Mary&#39;s Hospital”), a room number of the job (“345”), the dimensions and/or volume of the room to be treated, a target humidity level (here 95%), as well as fog time (here 30 minutes) and pulse time (here 15 minutes). Moreover, these settings may also be saved in memory as a job and assigned a respective number (here job #35) so that the next time a treatment is performed the job particulars need not be input again. 
     For the present example where multiple fogging devices  31  are present in the enclosed treatment area, the second processor  62  may determine respective fogging times for the plurality of fogging devices based upon a size of the enclosed area and the number of fogging devices identified within the enclosed area, at Block  143 . More particularly, multiple fogging devices  31  may advantageously be used in conjunction for the treatment of larger areas, or to expedite the treatment of a smaller more critical area that needs to be turned around quickly (e.g., an operating room, etc.). Knowing the fluid dispensing rate of the fogging device  31  for a given chemical, the desired saturation level, and the size (e.g., entered volume or volume calculated based upon the entered room dimensions), the second processor  62  may calculate the respective times that the fogging device will need to run continuously to reach the desired saturation level. Generally speaking, the desired saturation level may be selected so that the concentration of the chemical is at a maximum level before condensation begins on surfaces in the enclosed area. 
     In the present example, each fogging device  31  will only need to run ¼of the time it otherwise would if it was the only fogging device in the enclosed area (since there are four fogging devices). Generally speaking, each fogging device  31  will be assigned an equal treatment or fogging time, but in some embodiments different devices may be assigned different fogging times. This could be based upon different fluid levels in each of the fogging devices  31 , different flow rates of the identified fogging devices, operational hours on each fogging device, etc. 
     Moreover, respective pulse times may also be assigned to each fogging device  31 . During a pulse cycle, the fogging device may cycle on and off to help keep the enclosed area at the desired humidity level without oversaturating the enclosed area. Moreover, this may also help to conserve treatment fluid. When multiple fogging devices  31  are being used, their pulse times may be coordinated to be on (i.e., dispensing fluid) at the same time, or to turn on at different (staggered) times, if desired. 
     Once the fogging times are determined for the fogging devices  31 , the second processor  62  may initiate a treatment cycle during which, on a coordinated schedule, the first processor  37  of each fogging device  31  causes its associated compressor  34  to dispense fluid from the fluid reservoir  33  into the enclosed area via the atomizing nozzle  35  for the respective fogging time of the fogging device, at Block  144 . The fogging devices  31  may then run for the designated fogging times in a continuous mode so that the enclosed area reaches the desired saturation level, at Block  145 , after which the optional pulse phase may occur for the appropriate amount of time, at Block  146 , which illustratively concludes the method of  FIG.  14    (Block  147 ). In the example implementation shown in  FIG.  9   , a H 2 O 2  fogging solution (i.e., a mixture of H 2 O 2  and water) is used for a disinfection treatment in a hospital room, with a desired saturation level of greater than 85%, and more particularly between 90 and 95%, although other types of treatment chemicals and appropriate saturation levels may be used for different applications in different embodiments. An example pulse phase for this use case may be 45 seconds on, 15 seconds off during each minute of the pulse phase, although other cycle times may be used in different embodiments. 
     Generally speaking, Applicant theorizes without wishing to be bound thereto that during the fog or saturation phase, enough chemical should be added to the enclosed area to bring the area to around 90% relative humidity or more for the above-described H 2 O 2 /H 2 O mixture. More particularly, with such a chemical mixture, when the relative humidity is above 85% then the enclosed area may be considered to be in the “kill zone” where most if not all pathogens will be killed if exposed for a sufficient duration at this concentration. Thus, the amount of time necessary for the fog or saturation cycle may vary depending on the starting relative humidity, and additional time may be required where the starting humidity is relatively low, for example, to reach the kill zone. The purpose of the pulse phase is to keep the enclosed area in the kill zone. 
     In accordance with another example dwell cycle implementation, the pulse phase may be broken into five minute programmable segments (although other durations may also be used). Each segment may include compressor cycling on/off for a given time (e.g., 100 seconds off, 100 seconds on, 100 seconds off, although other durations may be used and the on/off times may be different). This ratio may change based upon the given fog or saturation time. That is, for a shorter fog time there may be a shorter ON segment, and a longer fog time may have a longer ON segment, for example. The length of the pulse time may advantageously be adjusted (e.g., in a range of 10 to 40 minutes, although longer or shorter times may be used) based upon the particular pathogen(s) that is targeted. By way of example, a relatively short pulse phase of ten minutes may be sufficient for a relatively easy to kill pathogen, while a longer time (e.g., 25 minutes or more) may be used to kill C-Difficile (C. diff). 
       FIG.  10    shows an example screen shot during a treatment cycle indicating the status of the job being performed for the specific fogger with serial no. 1234. Here again, the building/room information and technician name are displayed, along with other parameters relating to the status of the job. More particularly, a temperature measured by an optional temperature sensor (not shown) of the fogging device  31  is displayed, a current measured humidity level is being displayed (which may be determined by a humidity sensor located in the room, as will be discussed further below, although there may be a humidity or micro-condensation sensor on the fogging device as well), as well as indicators of progress in the treatment cycle and time remaining. In should be noted that the screen shot of  FIG.  10    may be based upon “real time” data when the first and second wireless transceivers  36 ,  61  are in range of one another, but the second processor  62  may also provide virtual or estimated information if the wireless transceivers are out of range. That is, the second processor  62  may keep its own estimated times to completion for each fogging device(s)  31 , which is updated when in wireless communications range of the fogging device. Thus, if a technician leaves the vicinity of the enclosed area during the treatment cycle, he may still know the approximate status of each fogging device(s)  31  even though it is presently out of range. 
     In accordance with one example implementation, the plurality of fogging devices  31  may be wirelessly “daisy-chained” or otherwise connected together in a wireless network (e.g., an ad-hoc Wi-Fi network) to coordinate start/stop times for application to larger spaces. For example, an ad-hoc network may be established between a plurality of fogging devices  31  in one or more rooms of a building, etc., such that the wireless communications device  60  acts as a master device to coordinate start/stop times of the other devices between them (which act as slave devices). In this regard, the wireless communications device  60  may be a smart phone, tablet, etc., as noted above, or in other embodiments the wireless communications device may be may be a given fogging device  31  from which the treatment cycle is initiated for all of the remaining devices. In another example embodiment, the wireless communications device  60  (e.g., a smart phone, tablet computer, etc.) may pair with each of the fogging devices  31  individually (e.g., via Bluetooth), and cause them to start sequentially (i.e., one after the next), or to all begin fogging at the same time, for example. Thus, start/stop times for the different fogging devices  31  may be coordinated to occur at the same time, or to be staggered, as desired for a given implementation. 
     Referring additionally to  FIG.  11   , in some embodiments the wireless communications device  60  may be further programmed to provide firmware updates (e.g., retrieved via the Internet from the manufacturer) to the first processors  37  of each fogging device  31  via the first and second wireless transceivers  36 ,  61 . In the illustrated example, two fogging devices  31  are identified (here labeled Fogger A and Fogger B), along with an indication of the firmware version that each is running (52.20 and 52.25, respectively). Moreover, a most current version of the firmware currently available (here version 52.25) is also provided, along with a selection button or link to download or push the update to the given fogging device  31 . Moreover, this illustrated screen also provides an indication of the version of the app running on the mobile wireless communications device  60  (here version 1.02), along with a link or button that may be selected to update the app version. 
     The app may be provided by the manufacturer of the fogging devices  31  for users to install on different computing platforms (e.g., Android, iOS, etc.), and allow for future firmware upgrades to the fogging devices including, but not limited to, support for optional hardware (humidity sensors, H 2 O 2  sensors, etc.), new treatment cycle profiles for different chemicals, etc. Similarly, the app may provide corresponding control options for such features on the display  63 . The app may also display operational hours, maintenance issues, malfunctions, etc., which may occur with the fogging devices as well. Such information may be maintained by the first processor  37  of each fogging device  31  and locally stored, and it may be accessed via respective control panels  49  at each of the fogging devices as well. The control panel  49  may include a digital (e.g., LED) display and one or more input devices (e.g., buttons, knobs, etc.), for example. The app may also cause the first processor  37  to provide updates regarding usage and status of each fogging device  31  to a central location (e.g., manufacturer, service company, etc.) so that maintenance needs and job performance may be monitored, for example. 
     Turning now to  FIGS.  12  and  15   , in accordance with another example embodiment, a fogging device(s)  31  may be paired with a humidity sensor  120  for monitoring the humidity level in the enclosed area to control the fogging treatment cycle. In one example embodiment, the humidity sensor  120  may be a micro-condensation sensor, for example, although other types of humidity sensors may be used in different implementations (e.g., a H 2 O 2  sensor, where are H 2 O 2  treatment chemical is being used). In some applications, it may be desirable to place the humidity sensor  120  in the enclosed area apart from the fogging device  31 , as illustratively shown in  FIG.  12   , to help ensure that the humidity reading more accurately reflects that of the overall area. However, in other applications the humidity sensor  120  may be incorporated or integrated in the fogging device  31  itself. In particular, if the nozzle  35  is directed out and away from the fogging device  31  (i.e., rather than straight up in the air), a built in humidity sensor  120  may provide desired readings as well. In such case, the humidity sensor  120  may be directly connected or hard wired to the first processor  37 . 
     Beginning at Block  151  in the flow diagram  150 , the fogging device  31  may be identified by the wireless communications device  60  as described above, at Block  152  (although in some embodiments the fogging device may be controlled locally and a separate wireless communications device need not be used to interface with the fogging device). The first processor  37  of the fogging device  31  may communicate with the humidity sensor  120  via the first wireless transceiver  36 , although a wired link may also be used in some embodiments. The first processor  37  may thereby determine an initial humidity level for the enclosed area prior to the beginning of the treatment cycle, at Block  153 . 
     Generally speaking, for some chemical solutions, greater efficacy may be achieved if the treatment is started when the humidity within the enclosed area is in a preferred or desired range. By way of example, with respect to a 95% H 2 O to 5% H 2 O 2  disinfectant solution, Applicant theorizes without wishing to be bound thereto that greater efficacy is achieved if the treatment cycle is initiated when a relative humidity in the enclosed treatment area is between 30% and 50%. 
     To this end, a dehumidifier  121  may optionally be connected to the output  42  of the fogging device  31 , and when the first processor  37  determines that the humidity level in the enclosed area is above 50% from the humidity sensor  120 , the first processor may accordingly activate the output  42  to turn on the dehumidifier until the humidity level falls below the desired humidity threshold (here 50%, although other levels may be used in different applications), at Blocks  154 - 155 . Conversely, in extremely dry climates, a humidifier may likewise be connected to the output  42  to perform humidification and raise the starting humidity for the enclosed area to the desired lower threshold for the effective starting humidity range (e.g., 30% in the above example). It should be noted that while the output  42  was described as an AC outlet above, in some embodiments this could be a low power output (e.g., USB port, etc.), or the humidifier, dehumidifier, filter, etc. may be controlled wirelessly, similar to the humidity sensor  120 . In such cases, the dehumidifier (and/or humidifier) may be plugged into its own wall outlet, so that it need not receive power from the fogging device  31 . 
     Once the humidity in the room is within the desired starting range (e.g., below 50% in the present example), the treatment cycle may be initiated (Block  156 ) during which the first processor  37  of the fogging device(s)  31  causes its associated compressor  34  to dispense fluid from the fluid reservoir  33  into the enclosed area via the atomizing nozzle  35 , as discussed above. However, in this implementation, a fogging time for the fogging device(s)  31  need not be set or calculated by the second processor  62 , as the first processor  37  may instead communicate with the humidity sensor  120  to determine when the humidity level in the enclosed area has reached the target saturation level from fogging (e.g., 90% in the present example), at Block  157 . 
     If a pulse phase is used for the particular treatment, as discussed above, intermittent cycling of the atomizing spray may be performed until the desired pulse time is completed, at Blocks  158 - 159 . Stated alternatively, it is the determination by the humidity sensor  120  that the target saturation level has been reached that triggers stopping of the saturation or fog phase of the treatment cycle, and the beginning of the pulse phase of the cycle (if used in the given embodiment). Again, the pulse time may be based upon the particular chemical being used, and how long the enclosed area needs to remain at the saturation level for the given application. In the above example, the pulse phase may be used to help keep the relative humidity in approximately the 80-95% range (although different target saturation levels and pulse ranges may be used for different types of chemicals). Controlling the treatment cycle based upon measured humidity, rather than a timed cycle, may be helpful in area where there is a significant amount of drapes, carpet, bedding, etc., which tend to absorb some of the atomized fluid such that a longer saturation phase may be required to get the enclosed area up to the target saturation level as compared to a “bare” room. 
     In embodiments where the dehumidifier  121  is optionally used, upon completion of the pulse phase the first processor  37  may activate the dehumidifier (Block  160 ) to help dissipate the chemical in the enclosed area and bring the humidity level back down to a normal level. This may advantageously help make the room safe to enter more quickly than simply waiting for the room to air out. The method of  FIG.  15    illustratively concludes at Block  161 . 
     Turning additionally to  FIG.  13    and the flow diagram  160  of  FIG.  16   , another example embodiment is now described in which an optional filter  130  is coupled to the output  42  of the fogging device  31 . Beginning at Block  161 , The fogging device(s)  31  in the enclosed area may be identified, and the treatment cycle initiated, by the wireless communications device  60  as described above (Blocks  162 - 163 ), although it should be noted that a fogging cycle may be initiated directly at the fogging device via the control panel  49  as well without using the wireless communications device in some embodiments. Once the treatment cycle is completed (which may include a saturation phase only, or saturation and pulse phases (as discussed above), at Block  164 , the first processor  37  may then operate the filter  130  via the output  42 , similar to the way in which the dehumidifier  121  is operated, as described above. The method concludes after the filtration is complete, at Blocks  166 - 167 . 
     The filter  130  illustratively includes a fan  131  to circulate air through or over a filter medium  132 . While various types of filters may be used and coupled to the output  42  of the fogging device  31 , for example, for the above-described example of a hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) based treatment solution, a manganese dioxide (MnO 2 ) filter medium may be particularly helpful to dissipate or neutralize the H 2 O 2  in the room. Here again, this will more rapidly bring the concentration of the chemical in the room to a level that is safe, allowing the room to be turned around more quickly for its next use. This may be particularly advantageous in areas such as patient rooms or surgical rooms where there is high throughput or demand. Moreover, this approach may be significantly faster than using a comparable portable size dehumidifier. In one example embodiment, the filter medium  132  may include glass beads or pellets which are coated with MnO 2 , although other suitable styles of filters may also be used, and different chemicals or materials may be used for the filter medium  132  depending upon the given chemical solution that is to be used in the treatment cycle. 
     In accordance with another advantageous aspect, the fogging device  31  may wirelessly interface with an HVAC system in the building (e.g., such as through a wireless thermostat that has Wi-Fi connectivity, etc.). As a result, the fogging device  31  may control when the HVAC system turns on/off during/after a treatment cycle. 
     It should be noted that, while various features discussed above are presented individually with respect to different diagrams for clarity of illustration, these features may be combined in a same embodiment in different applications. For example, some or all of the humidity sensor  120 , dehumidifier  121 , and filter  130  (and/or humidifier) may be used in a same embodiment. Moreover, both time-based treatment cycles and humidity-based treatment cycles may be supported simultaneously. That is, if the humidity sensor  120  is not present in the treatment area, then treatment times may be calculated and used for the fogging device(s)  31 , but otherwise the humidity sensor may be used to determine when to start and/or stop the fogging cycle. Furthermore, the treatment times for the fogging device(s)  31  may still be determined even when the humidity sensor  120  is present, in the event that the humidity sensor fails, etc., and the fogging cycle may then be concluded based upon the first processor  37  of the second processor  62  keeping the fogging time as a backup, for example. 
     Turning now to  FIGS.  17 - 19   , in accordance with another example embodiment, the fogging device(s)  31  may further include a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) lights  170 , which in the illustrated example are strips of light emitting diode (LED) UV lights which are coupled to or integrated with the housing  32 . In the present example, the UV lights  170  are positioned on the top and sides of the housing to shine UV light in all directions around the fogging device  31 , although in other embodiments the lights do not have to be on every side of the housing. 
     Generally speaking, certain higher wavelengths of UV light act as a natural disinfectant by penetrating the outer cell wall and cell body of microorganisms to alter their deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), and thereby destroy the microorganisms. In this regard, certain UV light devices are sometimes used to irradiate surfaces or treatment areas for disinfection purposes. However, in addition to the ability of UV light to break down microorganisms on its own, when used in the presence of water, other lower wavelengths of UV light generate hydroxyl (—OH) free radicals. Thus, by activating the UV lights  170  during the treatment cycle when there is atomized disinfectant within the enclosed treatment area, Applicant theorizes without wishing to be bound thereto that there is a combined or compounded effect which causes organic molecules and microorganisms to be destroyed faster. That is, the pathogens are killed by one or more of: (a) the disinfectant (e.g., H 2 O 2 ) in the atomized fluid; (b) the natural cell destroying power of the relatively higher UV wavelengths by themselves; and (c) the lower UV wavelengths causing the water within the atomizing fluid to produce very reactive hydroxyl free radicals which also attack molecules in microorganisms. This, in turn, may result in a significant decrease in the amount of time required to obtain a kill for any given pathogen, which may be particularly important in environments such as hospitals, etc., where rooms need to be disinfected and put back into service quickly. 
     Yet, UV light is also harmful to human cells for the same reasons, and it is accordingly important that operators of the fogging device  31  or others be exposed to the UV light as little as possible. As such, referring to the flow diagram  190  of  FIG.  19   , beginning at Block  191 , the processor  37  (either responsive to the second processor  62  or via direct user input at the fogging device  31 ) initiates the treatment cycle as described above, at Block  192 , during which the disinfectant fluid is dispensed from the fluid reservoir  33  into the enclosed area via the atomizing nozzle  35 . However, the processor  37  may advantageously wait for a first time period (e.g., 30 seconds to a few minutes) and then turn on the UV lights  170  to expose the atomized fluid in the enclosed area to UV radiation (Blocks  193 - 194 ). This first time period or delay advantageously allows the operator time to exit the enclosed area before the UV lights  170  are activated. In this regard, a delay (of the same or different duration) may also be used in some embodiments from the time the operator initiates the treatment process until the time that fogging commences. 
     The processor  37  may further determine when a second time period has elapsed, at Block  195 . In accordance with one example, the second time period may be set to coincide with the end of the dwell period (i.e., the end of the dwell period is also the end of the second time period). In this way, the UV lights  170  are activated only while atomized fluid is being dispensed. In other embodiments, the second time period may end earlier or later (e.g., part way through the dissipation phase). In any event, the second time period will generally be selected so that the UV lights  170  are turned off (Block  196 ) prior to the treatment cycle being fully completed. That is, the UV lights  170  may be turned off prior to providing an indication that the treatment cycle has been completed. Thus, if following proper safety precautions and waiting until the treatment cycle completion indication is provided, the operator will at no time be exposed to UV light when setting up or retrieving the fogging device(s)  31  from the treatment area. The method of  FIG.  19    illustratively concludes at Block  199 . 
     Referring additionally to  FIGS.  20 - 21   , in accordance with another example embodiment an external UV light assembly  270  is used instead of the integrated UV lights  170  described above (although in some embodiments both may be used). In this configuration, the UV light assembly  270  is coupled to and controlled by the output  42  of the fogging device, which in this example is an AC outlet that is selectively powered by the first processor  37  to turn the UV light assembly on and off as described above with reference to  FIG.  19   . It should be noted that in other embodiments, the UV assembly  270  may be powered by a different source and merely controlled via the output  42  (e.g., a wireless interface, for example). Other suitable approaches for powering and controlling the UV light assembly  270  may also be used. In the illustrated example, the UV light assembly  270  includes low-pressure mercury discharge lamps, although other suitable UV light sources (or combinations thereof) may also be used in different embodiments (e.g., black lights, halogen lights, fluorescent and incandescent sources, and certain types of lasers). 
     Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and embodiments are intended to be included.