Patent Description:
Vehicles such as commercial aircraft are used to transport passengers between various locations. Systems are currently being developed to disinfect or otherwise sanitize surfaces within aircraft, for example, that use ultraviolet (UV) light. However, many known UV light sanitizing systems are typically large, bulky, and often require fixed, stationary infrastructure.

<CIT>, in accordance with its abstract, states systems and methods for disinfection of aircraft galleys and lavatories and other surfaces. UV light sources and/or a disinfection unit powered by a fuel cell or other external power source may be used. <CIT> also states, in accordance with its description, ". there is provided a mobile, galley-sized cart that can project a UV light source on a surface to be treated. provides a unit that can rolled out, disinfection can be conducted, and then the unit is rolled back into a galley cart storage area".

A need exists for a system and a method for efficiently sterilizing surfaces within an internal cabin of a vehicle, such as a commercial aircraft.

There is described herein a galley cart for use within an internal cabin of a vehicle, the galley cart comprising: a base; wheels extending downwardly from the base; end walls extending upwardly from the base; lateral walls extending upwardly from the base; a top wall connected to the end walls and the lateral walls opposite from the base; an internal chamber defined between the base, the end walls, the lateral walls, and the top wall; and one or more ultraviolet (UV) light sources configured to emit UV light to sanitize one or more surfaces; wherein the one or more UV light sources are within the internal chamber; and wherein one or more of the base, the end walls, the lateral walls, and the top wall include one or more transparent portions that allow the UV light emitted by the one or more UV light sources to pass.

With that need in mind, certain examples of the present disclosure provide a galley cart for use within an internal cabin of a vehicle.

The galley cart may further include a mount coupled to the one or more UV light sources, and an actuator operatively coupled to the mount. The actuator is configured to move the one or more UV light sources between a stowed position within the internal chamber and an extended position outside of the internal chamber.

The one or more UV light sources may be secured to one or more exterior surfaces of one or more of the base, the end walls, the lateral walls, or the top wall.

The galley cart may not be configured to contain consumable items.

The galley cart can include a power source that is configured to provide power to the one or more UV light sources. The power source can include one or more batteries. The one or more batteries can be automatically recharged when the galley cart is stored in the cart compartment.

The galley cart can include a controller configured to control operation of the one or more UV light sources.

The galley cart may include a first compartment including the one or more UV light sources, and a second compartment configured to contain consumable items.

A galley insert may be removably contained within an insert compartment. The galley insert includes at least one UV light source.

The one or more UV light sources may be configured to emit the UV light at a wavelength of <NUM>.

There is also described herein a vehicle, optionally an aircraft, comprising: an internal cabin; a galley within the internal cabin; a cart compartment within the galley; and the galley cart described above, wherein the galley cart is configured to be stored within and removed from the cart compartment.

There is also described herein a method for sanitizing a surface of a component within an internal cabin of a vehicle, optionally an aircraft, the method comprising: providing a galley cart, the galley cart comprising: a base; wheels extending downwardly from the base; end walls extending upwardly from the base; lateral walls extending upwardly from the base; a top wall connected to the end walls and the lateral walls opposite from the base; an internal chamber defined between the base, the end walls, the lateral walls, and the top wall; and one or more ultraviolet (UV) light sources configured to emit UV light to sanitize one or more surfaces; wherein the one or more UV light sources are within the internal chamber; wherein one or more of the base, the end walls, the lateral walls, and the top wall include one or more transparent portions that allow the UV light emitted by the one or more UV light sources to pass; and wherein the galley cart is configured to be stored within a cart compartment within a galley of the internal cabin; and emitting UV light from the one or more UV light sources through the one or more transparent portions onto the surface of the component.

The present disclosure provides a sanitizing system and method that includes an ultraviolet (UV) lamp (such as an excimer lamp) that emits UV light in a far UV light spectrum, such as at a wavelength of <NUM>, which neutralizes (such as kills) microbes (for example, viruses and bacteria), while posing no risk to humans. The UV lamp is used within an internal cabin to decontaminate and kill pathogens. The UV lamp is coupled to a galley cart that is configured for use within in a vehicle, such as a commercial aircraft.

The present disclosure provides a galley cart configured for use within an internal cabin of a vehicle. The galley cart includes one or more UV light sources that are configured to emit UV light onto surfaces of components within the internal cabin to sanitize the surfaces.

By utilizing a frame of existing galley carts to include UV lighting systems, examples of the present disclosure provide portable sanitization systems that can be stored onboard a vehicle (such as a commercial aircraft), and moved throughout the internal cabin, such as between flights, during maintenance, and/or when the vehicle is in storage. The galley carts can be half carts, full carts, etc. Because the galley carts are already sized and shaped to be used and stored within internal cabins, they are easily used with existing vehicles, such as commercial aircraft. That is, there may be no need to provide separate and/or customized storage locations for the galley carts.

The present disclosure provides a galley cart for use within an internal cabin of a vehicle, such as a commercial aircraft. The galley cart includes one or more UV light sources, a power supply (such as one or more batteries), a controller, and at least one transparent wall. In at least one example, UV light from the UV light sources is emitted from all sides. In at least example, the galley cart has a first compartment for UV light disinfection, and a second compartment for storage of food, snacks, and/or beverages. In at least one example, the galley cart has a separate removeable self-contained UV light source.

The galley cart is configured to be stowed in a standard galley cart stowage compartment in an aircraft. The galley cart can be automatically charged when stowed.

The galley cart can include an extending arm that allows a UV light source to be extended beyond the interior of the galley cart. The extended arm can include a UV light emitting sphere, which allows the light to be emitted in all directions.

The galley cart can be stowed just like any other galley cart. An attendant can move the cart to a location that needs disinfecting. In at least one example, the UV light source(s) emit UV light at a wavelength of <NUM>, which is safe for use around humans, and therefore can be operated in the presence of individuals.

In at least one example, a self-contained UV light source can be contained in a galley insert, such as a container that locks into a specific location in a galley within an internal cabin. The insert sides can be transparent to allow the UV light to disperse from the container. Batteries can be charged while the insert is located in a cart compartment. Such charging can be accomplished via a blind mate power connect that is attached when the galley insert is pushed in and disconnects when the insert is removed. The galley insert can be removed from the cart compartment and placed where UV light disinfection is needed.

As described herein, the present disclosure provides a method for sanitizing a surface of a component within an internal cabin of a vehicle. The method includes providing a galley cart that is configured to be stored within a cart compartment within a galley of the internal cabin with one or more or more ultraviolet (UV) light sources. The method further includes emitting UV light from the UV light sources onto the surface.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective front view of an aircraft <NUM>, according to an example of the present disclosure. The aircraft <NUM> includes a propulsion system <NUM> that includes engines <NUM>, for example. Optionally, the propulsion system <NUM> may include more engines <NUM> than shown. The engines <NUM> are carried by wings <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM>. In other examples, the engines <NUM> may be carried by a fuselage <NUM> and/or an empennage <NUM>. The empennage <NUM> may also support horizontal stabilizers <NUM> and a vertical stabilizer <NUM>.

The fuselage <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM> defines an internal cabin <NUM>, which includes a flight deck or cockpit, one or more work sections (for example, galleys, personnel carry-on baggage areas, and the like), one or more passenger sections (for example, first class, business class, and coach sections), one or more lavatories, and/or the like. The internal cabin <NUM> includes one or more lavatory systems, lavatory units, or lavatories, as described herein.

Alternatively, instead of an aircraft, examples of the present disclosure may be used with various other vehicles, such as automobiles, buses, locomotives and train cars, watercraft, spacecraft, and the like. Further, examples of the present disclosure may be used with respect to fixed structures, such as commercial and residential buildings.

<FIG> illustrates a top plan view of an internal cabin <NUM> of an aircraft, according to an example of the present disclosure. The internal cabin <NUM> may be within the fuselage <NUM> of the aircraft, such as the fuselage <NUM> of <FIG>. For example, one or more fuselage walls may define the internal cabin <NUM>. The internal cabin <NUM> includes multiple sections, including a front section <NUM>, a first class section <NUM>, a business class section <NUM>, a front galley <NUM>, an expanded economy or coach section <NUM>, a standard economy of coach section <NUM>, and an aft section <NUM>, which may include multiple lavatories and galleys. It is to be understood that the internal cabin <NUM> may include more or less sections than shown. For example, the internal cabin <NUM> may not include a first class section, and may include more or less galleys than shown. Each of the sections may be separated by a cabin transition area <NUM>, which may include class divider assemblies between aisles <NUM>.

The aisles <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> extend to egress paths or door passageways <NUM>. Exit doors <NUM> are located at ends of the egress paths <NUM>. The egress paths <NUM> may be perpendicular to the aisles <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The internal cabin <NUM> may include more egress paths <NUM> at different locations than shown. As described herein, lavatory systems may be located at or proximate to intersections of the aisles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the egress paths <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a top plan view of an internal cabin <NUM> of an aircraft, according to an example of the present disclosure. The internal cabin <NUM> is an example of the internal cabin <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The internal cabin <NUM> may be within a fuselage <NUM> of the aircraft. For example, one or more fuselage walls may define the internal cabin <NUM>. The internal cabin <NUM> includes multiple sections, including a main cabin <NUM> having passenger seats <NUM>, and an aft section <NUM> behind the main cabin <NUM>. It is to be understood that the internal cabin <NUM> may include more or less sections than shown.

The aisle <NUM> extends to an egress path or door passageway <NUM>. Exit doors <NUM> are located at ends of the egress path <NUM>. The egress path <NUM> may be perpendicular to the aisle <NUM>. The internal cabin <NUM> may include more egress paths than shown. As described herein, lavatory systems may be located at or proximate to intersections of the aisle <NUM> and one or more egress paths <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective interior view of an internal cabin <NUM> of an aircraft, according to an example of the present disclosure. The internal cabin <NUM> is an example of the internal cabin <NUM>, shown in <FIG>. The internal cabin <NUM> includes outboard walls <NUM> connected to a ceiling <NUM>. Windows <NUM> may be formed within the outboard walls <NUM>. A floor <NUM> supports rows of seats <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a row <NUM> may include two seats <NUM> on either side of an aisle <NUM>. However, the row <NUM> may include more or less seats <NUM> than shown. Additionally, the internal cabin <NUM> may include more aisles than shown.

Each PSU <NUM> may include a housing <NUM> that may contain vents, reading lights, an oxygen bag drop panel, an attendant request button, and/or other such controls over each seat <NUM> (or groups of seats) within a row <NUM>.

Overhead stowage bin assemblies <NUM> are secured to the ceiling <NUM> and/or the outboard wall <NUM> above and inboard from the PSU <NUM> on either side of the aisle <NUM>. The overhead stowage bin assemblies <NUM> are secured over the seats <NUM>. The overhead stowage bin assemblies <NUM> extend between the front and rear end of the internal cabin <NUM>. Each stowage bin assembly <NUM> may include a pivot bin or bucket <NUM> pivotally secured to a strongback (hidden from view in <FIG>). The overhead stowage bin assemblies <NUM> may be positioned above and inboard from lower surfaces of the PSUs <NUM>. The overhead stowage bin assemblies <NUM> are configured to be pivoted open in order to receive passenger carry-on baggage and personal items, for example.

Referring to <FIG>, galley carts are stored in cart compartments within galleys, such as the galley <NUM>. The galley carts are sized and shaped to be stored within the cart compartments, removed therefrom, and move within the aisles of the internal cabin, such as the aisle <NUM>. As described herein, at least one of the galley carts includes one or more UV light sources that are configured to emit UV light that sanitizes surfaces of components (such as seats, monuments, stowage bins, PSUs, floors, ceilings, and the like) within an internal cabin.

<FIG> illustrate a lateral view of a galley cart <NUM>, according to an example of the present disclosure. The galley cart <NUM> includes a base <NUM>, end walls <NUM> extending upwardly from the base <NUM>, lateral walls <NUM> extending upwardly from the base <NUM>, and a counter or top wall <NUM> connected to the end walls <NUM> and the lateral walls <NUM> opposite from the base <NUM>. An internal chamber <NUM> is defined between the base <NUM>, the end walls <NUM>, the lateral walls <NUM>, and the top wall <NUM>. Wheels <NUM> downwardly extend from the base <NUM>. For example, the galley cart <NUM> includes four wheels <NUM> proximate to four corners of the base <NUM>. The wheels <NUM> are configured to be supported on a floor of an internal cabin and allow the galley cart <NUM> to be rolled to different locations within the internal cabin.

<FIG> illustrates a front view of the galley cart <NUM> of <FIG>. An end wall <NUM> at the front of the galley cart <NUM> includes a main door <NUM> that is configured to be selectively opened and closed. The main door <NUM> includes a latch handle <NUM> proximate to a first lateral wall <NUM>, and is pivotally coupled to a hinge <NUM> proximate to a second lateral wall <NUM> that is opposite from the first lateral wall <NUM>. The main door <NUM> is configured to pivotally open and close about the hinge <NUM>. The galley cart <NUM> can also include a handle <NUM> extending from a top portion, such as at one or both ends.

<FIG> illustrates an internal view of the galley cart <NUM> through line <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>. The internal chamber <NUM> of the galley cart <NUM> is typically configured to contain consumable items, such as beverages <NUM> (for example, soft drinks, cans of beer, bottles of liquor, and the like), water bottles <NUM>, ice <NUM>, coffee materials <NUM>, prepared meals <NUM>, snacks <NUM>, and the like. Further, a work surface <NUM>, such as a counter or ledge, can extend within and/or from the internal chamber <NUM> proximate to the top wall <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the galley cart <NUM> is sized and shaped to be contained or otherwise stored within a cart compartment within an internal cabin of a vehicle. The galley cart <NUM> is further sized and shaped to move into and through aisles of the internal cabin, such as the aisle <NUM> shown in <FIG>, which is between rows of seats. The galley cart <NUM> can be a full size cart, a half size cart, or the like. As described herein, the galley cart <NUM> includes one or more UV light sources that are configured to emit UV light to sanitize components within the internal cabin.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of a galley <NUM> within an internal cabin <NUM>, according to an example of the present disclosure. The galley <NUM> includes one or more cart compartments <NUM>. A cart compartment <NUM> is configured to receive and retain the galley cart <NUM>. For example, the galley cart <NUM> is configured to be moved into and out of the cart compartment <NUM> in the direction of arrows A.

<FIG> illustrate a lateral view of the galley cart <NUM>, in accordance with the claims. One or both of the lateral walls <NUM> include transparent portions <NUM>, such as panels, entire walls or sections thereof, and/or the like. For example, the transparent portions <NUM> may be or include glass or plexiglass panels that form the lateral walls <NUM>, or portions thereof. The transparent portions <NUM> allow UV light emitted from UV light sources inside the galley cart <NUM> to pass therethrough. Optionally, in an example not encompassed by the wording of the claims, instead of the transparent portions <NUM>, the lateral walls <NUM> can include outer frames with open spaces therebetween.

<FIG> illustrates a front view of the galley cart <NUM> of <FIG>. One or both of the end walls <NUM> include transparent portions <NUM>, such as panels, entire walls or sections thereof, and/or the like. For example, the transparent portions <NUM> may be or include glass or plexiglass panels that form the end walls <NUM>, or portions thereof. The transparent portions <NUM> allow UV light emitted by UV light sources inside the galley cart <NUM> to pass therethrough. Optionally, in an example not encompassed by the wording of the claims, instead of the transparent portions <NUM>, the end walls <NUM> can include outer frames with open spaces therebetween.

<FIG> illustrates an internal view of the galley cart <NUM> through line <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>. As shown, one or more UV light sources <NUM> are secured within the internal chamber <NUM>. In at least one example, the galley cart <NUM> does not contain consumable items. Instead, the galley cart <NUM> contains the UV light sources <NUM> and associated components, such as a power source <NUM> coupled to the UV light sources <NUM>, and a controller <NUM> coupled to the UV light sources <NUM> (for example, one or more processors that are configured to control operation of the UV light sources <NUM>). Because the UV light sources <NUM> are contained within the internal chamber <NUM>, they are protected from being touched, bumped, inadvertently engaged, damaged, or the like from outside the galley cart <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the UV light sources <NUM> are configured to emit UV light through the transparent portions <NUM> and <NUM> to sanitize surfaces of components within an internal cabin. The internal chamber <NUM> contains UV light sources <NUM> to emit UV light in a forward direction <NUM>, a rearward direction <NUM>, a first lateral direction <NUM>, and a second lateral direction <NUM>, which is opposite the first lateral direction. That is, the UV light sources <NUM> are configured to emit the UV light from inside the internal chamber <NUM> around the galley cart <NUM>. Optionally, the galley cart <NUM> can include UV light sources <NUM> that emit UV light in less than all of the forward direction <NUM>, the rearward direction <NUM>, the first lateral direction <NUM>, and the second lateral direction <NUM>.

In at least one example, the galley cart <NUM> includes one or more UV light sources <NUM> proximate to the top wall <NUM> (such as within <NUM> inches of less), one or more UV light sources <NUM> proximate to junctions of one or both end walls <NUM> and one or both lateral walls <NUM> (such as within <NUM> inches or less), one or more UV light sources <NUM> proximate to the base <NUM>, and/or the like. One or more light sources <NUM> can be at or proximate to a center of the galley cart <NUM>. The galley cart <NUM> can include more or less UV light sources <NUM> than shown.

As shown, the UV light sources <NUM> may be linear UV light arrays. As another option, one or more of the UV light sources <NUM> may be a spherical UV light source that emits UV light in all directions. For example, in at least one example, the galley cart <NUM> includes a single spherical UV light source <NUM> within the internal chamber <NUM>. The UV light source <NUM> can emit UV light in all directions.

In at least one example, the top wall <NUM> and the base <NUM> can also include transparent portions. One or more UV light sources <NUM> can be configured to emit UV light through the top wall <NUM> and the base <NUM> to sanitize surfaces above and below the galley cart <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the controller <NUM> and the UV light sources <NUM> can be powered through a main power system within the internal cabin <NUM>. For example, the galley cart <NUM> can include a plug <NUM> that is configured to dock with a reciprocal receptacle <NUM> (or vice versa) within the cart compartment <NUM> when the galley cart <NUM> is stored within the cart compartment <NUM>. When the plug <NUM> is connected to the receptacle <NUM> (which is connected to a power source), electrical energy is transferred to the power source <NUM>, such as one or more batteries, thereby automatically charging or recharging the batteries. In at least one other example, the power source <NUM> may be electrically connected to an electrical cord that includes a plug that is configured to removably couple to a reciprocal receptacle within the internal cabin.

<FIG> illustrates a front view of the galley cart <NUM>, according to an example of the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrates a lateral view of the galley cart <NUM> of <FIG>. Referring to <FIG>, in this example, a UV light source <NUM> may be or otherwise include a spherical UV lamp <NUM>. The spherical UV lamp <NUM> can be fixed in position within the internal chamber <NUM> and configured to emit UV light in all radial directions.

In at least one other example, the UV light source <NUM> (whether the spherical UV lamp <NUM>, a linear UV array, or the like) is coupled to a mount <NUM>, such as a telescoping, articulating, pivoting, or the like arm(s) and/or beam(s), which, in turn is connected to an actuator <NUM>, such as a motor. The actuator <NUM> is configured to move the UV light source <NUM> between a stowed position <NUM> within the internal chamber <NUM>, and an extended position <NUM> outside of the internal chamber, such as the UV lamp <NUM> extending through an opening <NUM> within the top wall <NUM>. For example, a door <NUM> may be opened to expose the opening <NUM>. In at least one other example, the extended position is through one or more walls other than, and/or in addition to, the top wall <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a front view of the galley cart <NUM>, according to an example of the present disclosure. In this example, the internal chamber <NUM> may include a dividing wall <NUM> that separates the internal chamber <NUM> into a first compartment <NUM> and a second compartment <NUM>. The first compartment <NUM> contains one or more UV light sources <NUM>, as shown and described with respect to <FIG>. The second compartment <NUM> is shielded from UV light by the dividing wall <NUM>, and is configured to contains consumable items, as shown and described with respect to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a lateral view of the galley cart <NUM>, according to an example of the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrates a front view of the galley cart <NUM> of <FIG>. Referring to <FIG>, in this example, one or more UV light sources <NUM> are secured to exterior surfaces of the one or more of the base <NUM>, the end walls <NUM>, the lateral walls <NUM>, and/or the top wall <NUM>. The galley cart <NUM> may or may not include transparent portions. More or less UV light sources <NUM> than shown may be used. Further, less than all of the base <NUM>, the end walls <NUM>, the lateral walls <NUM>, and the top wall <NUM> may include UV light sources <NUM> on exterior surfaces thereof.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of a galley insert <NUM> in relation to an insert compartment <NUM> within a galley <NUM>, according to an example of the present disclosure. The galley insert <NUM> includes a container <NUM> defining an internal chamber <NUM>. The container <NUM> is configured to be stored within the insert compartment <NUM>. In at least one example, the galley insert <NUM> includes one or more UV light sources <NUM>. For example, a spherical UV lamp <NUM> is within the internal chamber <NUM>, and walls of the container <NUM> are transparent, thereby allowing UV light emitted by the UV lamp <NUM> to pass therethrough. Optionally, one or more UV light sources <NUM> can be linear arrays, and/or secured to external surfaces of the container <NUM>, which may or may not include transparent walls.

When the galley insert <NUM> is in a stored position within the insert compartment <NUM>, a latch <NUM> can be engaged to secure the galley insert <NUM> within insert compartment <NUM>. Further, the galley insert <NUM> can include a plug <NUM> that mates with a reciprocal receptacle <NUM> within the insert compartment <NUM> so that a power source (for example, one or more batteries) of the galley insert <NUM> can be charged and re-charged.

The galley insert <NUM> can be removed from the insert compartment <NUM> and placed in a position within the internal cabin to sanitize surfaces of components. For example, the galley insert <NUM> can be positioned within a flight deck, seating area, lavatory, or the like within an internal cabin, and the UV light source <NUM> can be activated to emit light to sanitize various surfaces. Further, the galley insert <NUM> may be positioned on the galley cart <NUM> (such as shown in <FIG>).

<FIG> illustrates an ultraviolet light spectrum. Referring to <FIG>, the UV light sources <NUM> are configured to emit sanitizing UV light within a far UV spectrum, such as between <NUM> to <NUM>. In at least one example, the UV light sources <NUM> emit sanitizing UV light having a wavelength of <NUM>.

It has been found that sanitizing UV light having a wavelength of <NUM> kills pathogens (such as viruses and bacteria), instead of inactivating pathogens. In contrast, UVC light at a wavelength of <NUM> inactivates pathogens by interfering with their DNA, resulting in temporary inactivation, but may not kill the pathogens. Instead, the pathogen may be reactivated by exposure to ordinary white light at a reactivation rate of <NUM>% per hour (or about <NUM>% per hour). As such, UVC light at a wavelength of <NUM> may be ineffective in illuminated areas, such as within an internal cabin of a vehicle. Moreover, UVC light at <NUM> is not recommended for human exposure because it may be able to penetrate human cells.

In contrast, sanitizing UV light having a wavelength of <NUM> is safe for human exposure and kills pathogens. Further, the sanitizing UV light having a wavelength of <NUM> may be emitted at full power within one millisecond or less of a UV light source <NUM> being activated (in contrast the UVC light having a wavelength of <NUM>, which may take seconds or even minutes to reach full power).

Alternatively, the UV light sources <NUM> may emit sanitizing UV light at wavelengths other than between <NUM>-<NUM>. For example, the UV light sources <NUM> may emit sanitizing UV light between <NUM>-<NUM>, within the UVC spectrum.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective end view of a UV light source <NUM>, according to an example of the present disclosure. The UV light source <NUM> shown in <FIG> is merely exemplary. The UV light source <NUM> can be configured other than shown and described.

In at least one example, the UV light source <NUM> includes a UV lamp <NUM> and a reflector <NUM>. The UV lamp <NUM> and the reflector <NUM> can be secured within a shroud, for example. In at least one example, the reflector <NUM> is secured to an underside of the shroud, such as through one or more adhesives. In at last one other example, the reflector <NUM> is an integral part of the shroud. For example, the reflector <NUM> may be or otherwise provide the underside of the shroud. The reflector <NUM> provides a reflective surface <NUM> (such as formed of Teflon, a mirrored surface, and/or the like) that is configured to outwardly reflect UV light emitted by the UV lamp <NUM>. In at least one example, shroud may be or include a shell formed of fiberglass, and the reflector <NUM> may be formed of Teflon that provides a <NUM>% reflectivity.

The reflector <NUM> may extend along an entire length of the underside of the shroud. Optionally, the reflector <NUM> may extend along less than an entire length of the underside of the shroud.

The UV lamp <NUM> may extend along an entire length (or along substantially the entire length). The UV lamp <NUM> is secured to the reflector <NUM> and/or the shroud through one or more brackets, for example. The UV lamp <NUM> includes one or more UV light emitters, such as one more bulbs, light emitting elements (such as light emitting diodes), and/or the like. In at least one example, the UV lamp <NUM> is configured to emit UV light in the far UV spectrum, such as at a wavelength between <NUM> - <NUM>. In at least one example, the UV lamp <NUM> is configured to emit UV light having a wavelength of <NUM>. For example, the UV lamp <NUM> may be or include a <NUM> W bulb that is configured to emit UV light having a wavelength of <NUM>.

As shown, the reflector <NUM> includes flat, upright side walls <NUM> connected together through an upper curved wall <NUM>. The upper curved wall <NUM> may be bowed outwardly away from the UV lamp <NUM>. For example, the upper curved wall <NUM> may have a parabolic cross-section and/or profile.

It has been found that the straight, linear side walls <NUM> provide desired reflection and/or focusing of UV light emitted from the UV lamp <NUM> toward and onto a desired location. Alternatively, the side walls <NUM> may not be linear and flat.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective end view of the UV light source <NUM>, according to an example of the present disclosure. The UV light source <NUM> shown in <FIG> is merely exemplary. The UV light source <NUM> can be configured other than shown and described. The reflector <NUM> shown in <FIG> is similar to the reflector <NUM> shown in <FIG>, except that the side walls <NUM> may outwardly cant from the upper curved wall <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective end view of the UV light source <NUM>, according to an example of the present disclosure. The UV light source <NUM> shown in <FIG> is merely exemplary. The UV light source <NUM> can be configured other than shown and described. In this and other examples, the side walls <NUM> may be curved according to the curvature of the upper curved wall <NUM>.

As described herein, examples of the present disclosure provide systems and a methods for efficiently sterilizing surfaces, components, structures, and/or the like within an internal cabin of a vehicle. Further, examples of the present disclosure provide compact, easy-to-use, and safe systems and methods for using UV light to sterilize surfaces within an internal cabin.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. In the appended claims and the detailed description herein, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein. " Moreover, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

Claim 1:
A galley cart (<NUM>) for use within an internal cabin (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of a vehicle, the galley cart (<NUM>) comprising:
a base (<NUM>);
wheels (<NUM>) extending downwardly from the base (<NUM>);
end walls (<NUM>) extending upwardly from the base (<NUM>);
lateral walls (<NUM>) extending upwardly from the base (<NUM>);
a top wall (<NUM>) connected to the end walls (<NUM>) and the lateral walls (<NUM>) opposite from the base (<NUM>);
an internal chamber (<NUM>) defined between the base (<NUM>), the end walls (<NUM>), the lateral walls (<NUM>), and the top wall (<NUM>); and
one or more ultraviolet (UV) light sources (<NUM>) configured to emit UV light to sanitize one or more surfaces;
wherein the one or more UV light sources (<NUM>) are within the internal chamber (<NUM>); and
wherein one or more of the base (<NUM>), the end walls (<NUM>), the lateral walls (<NUM>), and the top wall (<NUM>) include one or more transparent portions (<NUM>) that allow the UV light emitted by the one or more UV light sources (<NUM>) to pass.