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 to kill or neutralize various harmful microbes or other pathogens. Typical methods of sanitizing surfaces within aircraft involve significant manual effort by one or more crew members. For example, some crew members may spray and wipe cleaning chemicals on surfaces within an internal cabin of the aircraft. Other crew members may slowly wave a wand that emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation on nearby surfaces of the internal cabin. The UV radiation can kill or neutralize some microbes or other pathogens if held at a certain proximity to a target surface for at least a designated amount of time.

Furthermore, many commercial vehicles such as aircraft have HEPA filters in the air conditioning system that are able to entrap microbes and pathogens. The HEPA filters receive and clean air exiting the cabin or about to enter the cabin. HEPA filters and frequent cleaning of the cabin between flights are some methods to ensure the health of the passengers and crew onboard the aircraft. Additional sanitizing methods could be used to supplement the HEPA filters and chemical cleanings.

<CIT>, in accordance with its abstract, states a method for providing purified air to an occupant of a seat in a mask lacking corporeal features that is generated by an apparatus. The apparatus includes a contaminant conditioning system that delivers purified air to a first and a second laminar flow generator. Each laminar flow generator produces a respective laminar flow that combines to form and fill a breathing space with purified air that envelopes an inhalation sphere of the occupant and inhibits air other than the purified air from entering the breathing space.

<CIT>, in accordance with its abstract, states a lighting assembly configured to selectively emit light at a first frequency and light at a second frequency. The lighting assembly includes a light source that is configured to emit the light at the first frequency over a light emission path, a light converter, and an actuator operatively coupled to the light source or the light converter. The actuator is configured to move the light converter or the light source relative to the other of the light converter or the light source between a first position and a second position. The light converter is within the light emission path in the first position, and outside of the light emission path in the second position. The light converter converts the light at the first frequency to the light at the second frequency in the first position, and wherein the light at the first frequency is emitted from the lighting assembly when the light converter is in the second position.

<CIT>, in accordance with its abstract, states providing an in-cabin air cleaner capable of cleaning the air in a cabin of a vehicle, an aircraft or a ship without using an agent. A bearing member is arranged on a periphery of a ceiling of a cabin, at a prescribed distance from the cabin ceiling, so as to be faced to at least a part of the ceiling of the cabin, and an ultraviolet ray emission part for irradiating an ultraviolet ray having a wavelength of <NUM>-<NUM> to a light-emitting part is arranged on the bearing member, and the air existing between the bearing member and the ceiling of the cabin facing thereto is sterilized by irradiating an ultraviolet ray.

<CIT>, in accordance with its abstract, states systems and methods for treating passenger transportation vehicle cabin surfaces and surrounding air. The methods may use organic LEDs to produce ultraviolet light. Systems may be provided to ensure safety and operation of the air treatment only when passengers and personnel are not present in the cabin.

<CIT>, in accordance with its abstract, states a system comprising an in-vehicle sterilization assembly used for emitting ultraviolet light to sterilize the interior of a vehicle in the working process, and a control unit which is in signal connection with a vehicle machine system and used for controlling the working state of the in-vehicle sterilization assembly; the control unit is used for controlling the in-vehicle sterilization assembly to be started to work in a delayed mode according to the preset delayed sterilization duration when a receiving a sterilization starting signal; and the in-vehicle sterilization assembly is in a working state, the control unit can control the in-vehicle sterilization assembly to stop working after receiving a vehicle door opening signal sent by the vehicle machine system. The in-vehicle sterilization system can achieve automatic starting, can solve the problems that effective sterilization is difficult and the health of a vehicle user is harmed due to the fact that the vehicle user forgets to turn on or turn off the vehicle internal sterilization system, and can improve the using effect of the in-vehicle sterilization system.

<CIT>, in accordance with its abstract, states a lighting assembly for an aircraft includes a visible light source generating visible light and an ultraviolet light source generating ultraviolet light. The visible light source is disposed adjacent to the ultraviolet light source. The visible light source illuminates a first illumination area with the visible light when the lighting assembly operates in a first operation mode. The ultraviolet light source illuminates a second illumination area with the ultraviolet light when the lighting assembly operates in a second mode of operation. The first illumination area substantially overlaps the second illumination area.

<NPL>, in accordance with the introduction states airborne-mediated microbial diseases such as influenza and tuberculosis represent major public health challenges. A direct approach to prevent airborne transmission is inactivation of airborne pathogens, and the airborne antimicrobial potential of UVC ultraviolet light has long been established; however, its widespread use in public settings is limited because conventional UVC light sources are both carcinogenic and cataractogenic. By contrast, it has been previously shown that far-UVC light (<NUM>-<NUM>) efficiently inactivates bacteria without harm to exposed mammalian skin. This is because, due to its strong absorbance in biological materials, far-UVC light cannot penetrate even the outer (non-living) layers of human skin or eye; however, because bacteria and viruses are of micrometer or smaller dimensions, far-UVC can penetrate and inactivate them. It is shown for the first time that far-UVC efficiently inactivates airborne aerosolized viruses, with a very low dose of <NUM> mJ/cm2 of <NUM>-nm light inactivating ><NUM>% of aerosolized H1N1 influenza virus. Continuous very low dose-rate far-UVC light in indoor public locations is a promising, safe and inexpensive tool to reduce the spread of airborne-mediated microbial diseases.

A need exists for a system and a method for prohibiting the spread of pathogens between passengers onboard a vehicle during a trip, such as between passengers in an internal cabin of an aircraft during a flight, without risking harm to the passengers.

There is described herein a vehicle comprising: an internal cabin; and a sanitizing system comprising: a plurality of ultraviolet, UV, lamps mounted at various locations within the internal cabin of the vehicle, wherein the UV lamps are configured to receive electrical power from a power source onboard the vehicle and to emit UV light into the internal cabin on a continuous basis during a trip of the vehicle, wherein the UV lamps are positioned such that the emitted UV light disinfects air within the internal cabin; and a control unit including one or more processors, the control unit being operatively connected to the UV lamps; wherein the control unit is configured to operate one or more of the UV lamps at a first power level responsive to the control unit determining that passengers are boarding or deboarding the internal cabin.

There is further described herein a method comprising: supplying electrical power from a power source onboard a vehicle, optionally an aircraft, to a plurality of ultraviolet, UV, lamps mounted at various locations within an internal cabin of the vehicle; and controlling the UV lamps to emit UV light into the internal cabin on a continuous basis during a trip of the vehicle, the UV lamps positioned such that the emitted UV light disinfects air within the internal cabin before passengers in the internal cabin breathe the air; wherein supplying the electrical power to the UV lamps includes supplying the electrical power at a first power level during boarding and deboarding of the passengers in the internal cabin, responsive to a control unit determining that the passengers are boarding or deboarding the internal cabin.

Optionally, controlling the UV lamps to emit the UV light includes controlling the UV lamps to emit the UV light at a designated wavelength or narrow wavelength range that is safe for human tissue at prolonged exposure.

Certain examples of the present disclosure provide a sanitizing system and method for disinfecting the internal cabin of a vehicle, such as a commercial aircraft. The sanitizing system includes a group of ultraviolet (UV) lamps arranged within the internal cabin. The UV lamps are positioned and controlled to emit UV light into the internal cabin during travel of the vehicle such that the UV light sanitizes air and surfaces within the internal cabin. The UV lamps may be controlled to emit filtered UV light at a designated wavelength or narrow wavelength range that is safe for human tissue. For example, the designated wavelength may be <NUM>. The UV lamps are positioned to sanitize air in breathing areas in and around passenger heads to kill or neutralize pathogens that may be directly spread between occupants, such as between two passengers or between a passenger and a crew member. For this purpose, at least some of the UV lamps may be located above the passenger seats, such as adjacent to personal visible-wavelength lights and personal blower vents (or puffers) that emit conditioned air towards one or more passengers in a row. Additional UV lamps may be disposed along the ceiling above aisles, within galleys, within lavatories, and the like, to emit UV light in areas trafficked by onboard occupants (e.g., passengers and crew).

In at least one example, the UV lamps are operated to persistently emit UV light for extended periods of time. For example, the UV lamps may be ON to emit UV light throughout an entire duration of a trip, from the time that passengers board the vehicle to the time that passengers deboard. The persistent UV emission serves to kill or neutralize pathogens to prohibit the spread of pathogens in the air and on surfaces during travel of the vehicle, between cabin cleanings. For example, the UV light may kill pathogens in the air between two conversing occupants in the cabin. The HEPA filters in the environmental control system (e.g. air conditioning system) would not be able to prevent the direct spread of pathogens between two conversing occupants because the HEPA filters only treat air after the air is pulled from the cabin.

In at least one example, even though persistently operated, the sanitizing system may modulate or vary the output of the UV lamps based on passenger activity and/or occupancy. Activity refers to the physical movement and interactions of passengers. Occupancy refers to the number of passengers and location of passengers in the cabin. For example, the sanitizing system may be configurable in different modes or settings based on measured or expected activity of the passengers. The activity can be based on trip status, such as whether the passengers are boarding or seated in place with seatbelts on. The activity can also be based on time of day, as activity is expected to be greater during the day than at night when most people are reading, watching videos, and sleeping. The different settings may cause the UV lamps to emit UV light at different power levels. A higher power level increases the intensity and/or range of the emitted UV light, relative to a lower power level. The greater intensity and/or range could kill or neutralize a greater amount or percentage of pathogens in the field of illumination per unit time, but the higher power level also draws more electrical power than lower power levels (so is less efficient). In some examples, the sanitizing system can control the UV lamps at the different settings to sanitize the cabin while conserving energy. In some non-limiting examples related to occupancy, the sanitizing system could be configured to turn off or at least reduce the power provided to UV lamps located in areas devoid of passengers relative to UV lamps located proximate to passengers, which can conserve energy and increase energy efficiency.

One or more technical effects of the sanitizing system include reducing the spread of pathogens between occupants (e.g., passengers and crew members) of a vehicle during a trip of the vehicle. For example, the sanitizing system particularly prohibits the direct spread of pathogens through the air before the air can be filtered by the onboard environmental control system. The sanitizing system also can sanitize surfaces to prevent the spread of pathogens via touch before the cabin can be cleaned between trips. Another technical effect is that the presence and operation of the sanitizing system does not negatively impact the passengers or the enjoyment of the trip, as the persistent filtered UV light emitted by the sanitizing system is not distracting and does not harm the passengers. Furthermore, although operating the UV lamps requires energy and a power supply, the sanitizing system can modulate the settings of the UV lamps based on activity and occupancy to reduce the energy consumed (relative to perpetually operating at a medium or high power setting), which desirably limits power consumption without sacrificing passenger health and safety. The sanitizing system may ensure compliance with regulations that require a safe environment within the cabin of the aircraft during a flight.

<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, 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.

Alternatively, instead of an aircraft, examples of the present disclosure may be used with various other vehicles, such as automobiles, buses, rail vehicles, watercraft, and the like. For example, the sanitizing system disclosed herein can be implemented in an internal cabin of a passenger train, a bus, a passenger boat, and the like. Examples of the present disclosure may be used with respect to enclosed areas within fixed structures, such as commercial and residential buildings. For example, the sanitizing system and method disclosed herein can be installed and operated within theatres, concert venues, places of worship, office buildings, stores, and the like, where persistent UV light at non-harmful wavelengths can provide continuous disinfection of air and surfaces.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of a sanitizing system <NUM> within a portion of an internal cabin <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM> according to an example of the present disclosure. 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>. A row <NUM> may include three 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 than the single aisle <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

Passenger service units (PSUs) <NUM> are secured between the outboard wall <NUM> and the ceiling <NUM> on either side of the aisle <NUM>. The PSUs <NUM> are arranged in longitudinal columns that extend between a front end and rear end of the internal cabin <NUM>. For example, at least one PSU <NUM> may be positioned over the seats <NUM> within a row <NUM> on either side of the aisle <NUM>. The PSUs <NUM> may include personal air blowers <NUM> (e.g., or vents, puffers, etc.), reading lights, oxygen bag drop panels, attendant request buttons, and other such controls and components. At least some of the controls and components of the PSU <NUM> may be shared between groups of two or three seats <NUM> in the row <NUM>, such as the reading light. Other components may be specific to individual seats <NUM>, such as the personal air blowers <NUM>.

Overhead stowage bin assemblies <NUM> are secured to the ceiling <NUM> and/or the outboard wall <NUM> above 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> are configured to be pivoted open in order to receive passenger carry-on baggage and personal items, for example. As used herein, the term "outboard" means a position that is further away from a central longitudinal plane of the internal cabin <NUM> as compared to another component, and the term "inboard" means a position that is closer to the central longitudinal plane of the internal cabin <NUM> as compared to another component.

The sanitizing system <NUM> includes a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) lamps <NUM> mounted within the internal cabin <NUM>. The UV lamps <NUM> are controlled to generate and emit UV light into the internal cabin <NUM> to sanitize and disinfect air and surfaces within the internal cabin <NUM>. The UV lamps <NUM> may be located at various areas throughout the internal cabin <NUM>. In the illustrated example, a first subset <NUM> of UV lamps <NUM> are mounted to the PSUs <NUM> above the passenger seats <NUM>. For example, the UV lamps <NUM> in the PSUs <NUM> may be disposed proximate to other components of the PSUs <NUM> such as the air blowers <NUM> and the reading lights. In some examples, the UV lamps <NUM> in the first subset <NUM> are integrated into the PSUs <NUM> such that each UV lamp <NUM> emits UV light into an associated row <NUM> of seats <NUM> on one side of the aisle <NUM>. Depending on the field of illumination or spread at which the UV light is emitted from each UV lamp <NUM>, each PSU <NUM> may include only one or multiple UV lamps <NUM>. The field of illumination refers to refers to a three-dimensional volume in space that is defined by the propagation of UV light waves (e.g., rays) emitted by the UV lamp <NUM>. The width of the field of illumination can depend on mechanical features of the UV lamp <NUM>, such as reflectors, collimators, lenses, and the like, and optionally may be set to provide a predetermined width. In some non-limiting examples, the field of illumination of the UV lamps <NUM> in the PSUs <NUM> may be sufficient for each UV lamp <NUM> to sanitize the air and surfaces around two passenger seats <NUM>. Thus, for groups of three or more seats <NUM> in a row <NUM> on one side of the aisle <NUM>, the PSU <NUM> may include at least two UV lamps <NUM> with one UV lamp <NUM> located outboard of another UV lamp <NUM> to enable the combined UV light to cover the entire group of seats <NUM> and the passengers seated thereon. In other non-limiting examples, the number of UV lamps <NUM> in the first subset <NUM> may match the total number of seats <NUM> such that each UV lamp <NUM> is specifically directed to and associated with a different seat <NUM> in the internal cabin <NUM>.

A second subset <NUM> of UV lamps <NUM> of the sanitizing system <NUM> is mounted to the ceiling <NUM> between the overhead stowage bin assemblies <NUM>. The UV lamps <NUM> in the second subset <NUM> are aligned in a linear column that extends a length of the internal cabin <NUM> between the front and rear ends. The UV lamps <NUM> in the second subset <NUM> are spaced apart along the length. The spacing between the UV lamps <NUM> may be based on the field of illumination or spread of the UV light emitted from the UV lamps <NUM> to ensure that there is at least some overlap in the coverage areas of two adjacent UV lamps <NUM> at a designated height above the floor <NUM> to avoid creating dead zones that could harbor pathogens. The subset <NUM> may emit UV light that shines all the way down to the floor <NUM> within the aisle <NUM>. The UV light from the subset <NUM> may essentially form a sanitization wall that partitions the internal cabin <NUM>.

Although two subsets <NUM>, <NUM> or groupings of UV lamps <NUM> are shown in <FIG>, the UV lamps <NUM> may be located in other areas of the cabin <NUM> as well, such as in galleys, in lavatories, at partitions between sections, and the like. In general, the UV lamps <NUM> of the sanitizing system <NUM> are positioned throughout the cabin <NUM> to maximize the coverage area of the UV light. Maximizing the coverage area refers to emitting UV light to cover a substantial amount or percentage of the area or volume within the cabin <NUM>, such as over <NUM>%, over <NUM>%, over <NUM>%, or the like, particularly in areas occupied and trafficked by passengers and crew. The UV light sanitizes and disinfects the air and surrounding surfaces. The surrounding surfaces that can be disinfected by the UV light can include the seats <NUM> (including arm and headrests thereof), tray tables, personal computers used by the passengers, skin and clothing of the passengers and crew, walls of the cabin <NUM>, doors, and the like. The sanitizing system <NUM> is configured to persistently operate the UV lamps <NUM> in the on, emitting state even in the presence of passengers, such as during boarding, taxiing, flight, and deboarding. Unlike current practices which only provide intermittent disinfection, such as chemically cleaning the cabin <NUM> between flights and filtering a given volume of air every time that volume of air is pulled through a return register of an environmental control system, the sanitizing system <NUM> disinfects pathogens on surfaces and in the air on a continuous basis.

<FIG> illustrates one of the UV lamps <NUM> of the sanitizing system <NUM> according to an example. The UV lamp <NUM> that is illustrated is in the PSU <NUM> above a seat <NUM> that is occupied by a passenger <NUM>. In one or more examples, the UV lamp <NUM> is located and oriented to sanitize contaminated air before that air touches and/or is inhaled by the passenger <NUM>. For example, the UV lamp <NUM> has a field of illumination <NUM> that encompasses the passenger's head <NUM>, or at least face <NUM>, when the passenger <NUM> is sitting in the seat <NUM> facing forward. As such, air that is breathed by the passenger <NUM> travels through the UV light and is sanitized. Stated differently, the UV lamp <NUM> is positioned to emit UV light into a breathing area <NUM> in front of the passenger's face <NUM>, which protects the passenger <NUM> from airborne pathogens, such as during conversations with other passengers and crew members.

The illustrated example shows that the UV light is emitted into a flow path of air through the cabin <NUM>. For example, air from an environmental control system or air conditioning system is supplied into the cabin <NUM> via a supply vent <NUM> and a personal air blower (or vent) <NUM>. The supply vent <NUM> may be disposed along a wall or ceiling of the cabin <NUM>, such as above the stowage bin assemblies <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The personal air blower <NUM> is a component of the PSU <NUM>, and may have a manually adjustable damper to selectively regulate the direction and/or flow rate of air. A return register <NUM> or vent is configured to collect air from the cabin <NUM> and cycle the air back through the environmental control system. The return air may be filtered through at least one HEPA filter. As shown in <FIG>, the supply vent <NUM> and blower <NUM> are disposed above the seat <NUM>, and the return register <NUM> is disposed below the seat <NUM>, such as at or near the floor. The air through the cabin <NUM> generally flows downward from the supply vent <NUM> and the blower <NUM> to the return register <NUM>. The UV lamp <NUM> directs UV light into the air flow path at a location between the passenger <NUM> and the supply vent <NUM> and/or blower <NUM>.

In some examples, the UV lamp is controlled and/or the UV light is filtered to enable the passenger <NUM> to be exposed to the UV light for a prolonged period of time without harm to the passenger <NUM>. For example, the emitted UV light may have a designated wavelength or a narrow band of wavelengths experimentally determined to be harmless to human tissue through prolonged exposure. Thus, even if the UV lamp <NUM> persistently emits UV light through the duration of the flight, the passenger <NUM> is unharmed. The UV lamp <NUM> may be configured or constructed to only generate the designated wavelength or the narrow band. Alternatively, a filter may be utilized that absorbs or dissipates wavelengths outside of the designated wavelength or the narrow band such that emitted UV light in the field of illumination <NUM> shown in <FIG> only consists of the designated wavelength or the narrow band.

In some non-limiting examples, the designated wavelength is <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 the UV lamps <NUM> being activated (in contrast the UVC light having a wavelength of <NUM>, which may take seconds or even minutes to reach full power).

<FIG> illustrates a side view of one of the UV lamps <NUM> of the sanitizing system <NUM> according to an example. The UV lamp <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>, a bulb <NUM>, a cover sheet <NUM> or lens, and a reflector <NUM>. The bulb <NUM> and the reflector <NUM> are held within a cavity <NUM> defined by the housing <NUM> and the cover sheet <NUM>. The bulb <NUM> emits UV light that penetrates through the cover sheet <NUM>, which is transparent or at least translucent, into the field of illumination <NUM>. The reflector <NUM> is reflective and arranged such that the bulb <NUM> is between the reflector <NUM> and the cover sheet <NUM>. The reflector <NUM> is shaped and positioned to reflect light that impinges on the surface of the reflector <NUM> towards the cover sheet <NUM>. The reflector <NUM> may be curved at least partially around the bulb <NUM>. The walls of the housing <NUM> may be opaque, and optionally reflective, to prevent light transmission through the walls, ensuring that the field of illumination <NUM> is defined by light transmitted through the cover sheet <NUM>. The UV lamp <NUM> may include additional components, such as a convex lens or a concave lens, hardware for mounting the bulb <NUM> to the housing <NUM>, and circuitry for supplying electrical power to the bulb <NUM>.

In some examples, the field of illumination <NUM> is static and consistent during operation of the UV lamp <NUM>. For example, the reflector <NUM> may be mounted in a fixed position within the housing <NUM>. In alternative examples, the reflector <NUM> may be able to rotate or swivel to change the dimensions of the field of illumination <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a side view of one of the UV lamps <NUM> of the sanitizing system <NUM> according to another example. The reflector <NUM> is coupled to an actuator that is controlled to swivel and/or translate the reflector <NUM> to change the angle of the reflector <NUM> relative to the bulb <NUM> and the cover sheet <NUM>. In the illustrated position, the reflector <NUM> is off-center to the right and the field of illumination <NUM> (shown in solid lines) is skewed to the left. As the reflector <NUM> is gradually moved to a position off-center to the left, the field of illumination <NUM> (not shown) shifts to the right. As a result, over multiple cycles, the UV light is transmitted into a wider illumination area <NUM> than the static lamp <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The illumination area <NUM> represents the outermost edges of the field of illumination <NUM> through a full cycle of the moving reflector <NUM>, such that the dashed line represents an edge when the reflector <NUM> is off-center to the left. In other examples, the wider illumination area <NUM> can be provided by swiveling or rotating the entire housing <NUM> or a lens within the housing instead of moving the reflector <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of the sanitizing system <NUM> according to an example. The sanitizing system <NUM> includes the UV lamps <NUM>, a control unit <NUM>, a power source <NUM>, an input device <NUM>, an output device <NUM>, and sensors <NUM>. The sensors <NUM> are optional such that one or more examples may lack sensors. The sanitizing system <NUM> is disposed onboard the aircraft. The UV lamps <NUM> represent the multitude of UV lamps <NUM> throughout the internal cabin <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, including the UV lamps <NUM> in the PSUs <NUM> and along the ceiling <NUM>. The power source <NUM> provides electrical power to the UV lamps <NUM> to power the generation of UV light. The power source <NUM> may be a generator that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy. Various electrically conductive wires and cables may conduct the electrical power from the power source <NUM> to the UV lamps <NUM>. For example, the UV lamps <NUM> may utilize the same power source <NUM> and conductive pathways that supply power to other components in the cabin <NUM>, such as the lights and blowers <NUM> in the PSUs <NUM>. For example, the UV lamps <NUM> may plug into the same electronics package that controls cabin lighting.

The control unit <NUM> is operatively connected to the UV lamps <NUM>, the input device <NUM>, the output device <NUM>, and the sensors <NUM> via wired and/or wireless communication pathways. The control unit <NUM> generates control signals that control the operations of the UV lamps <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> represents hardware circuitry that includes and/or is connected with one or more processors <NUM> (e.g., one or more microprocessors, integrated circuits, microcontrollers, field programmable gate arrays, etc.). The control unit includes and/or is connected with a tangible and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (e.g., memory) <NUM>. For example, the memory <NUM> may store programmed instructions (e.g., software) that is executed by the one or more processors <NUM> to perform the operations of the control unit <NUM> described herein.

The control unit <NUM> can control the UV lamps <NUM> by controlling the presence and amount of electrical power (e.g., voltage and current) that is supplied to each of the UV lamps <NUM>. Optionally, the control unit <NUM> is operatively connected to at least one switching device <NUM> along the circuit or bus between the power source <NUM> and the UV lamps <NUM>. The switching device <NUM> is configured to selectively open (or break) a circuit to block power conduction to one or more of the UV lamps <NUM> and close (or establish) a circuit to enable power conduction to the one or more UV lamps <NUM>. The switching device <NUM> may represent or include a solid-state relay, an electromechanical relay, an optical switch, a DC-DC converter, and/or the like. Although one switching device <NUM> is illustrated, the sanitizing system <NUM> may include multiple switching devices <NUM> that are independently controlled by the control unit <NUM>. For example, each UV lamp <NUM> may have a different switching device <NUM> to enable independent control over each UV lamp <NUM>. One or more of the switching devices <NUM> may enable variable control over the amount of power supplied to the associated UV lamps <NUM>, besides merely turning the lamps <NUM> ON and OFF. For example, at least one switching device <NUM> can be controlled to supply full power to the associated UV lamps <NUM> and one or more reduced power levels, such as a medium power level and a low power level.

The input device <NUM> can represent or include a selector knob, a workstation computer, a tablet computer, a handheld computer (e.g., a smartphone), a keyboard, a touchpad, a joystick, and the like for enabling a pilot or another operator to control the sanitizing system <NUM>. For example, an operator can enter a user input via the input device <NUM> for turning the UV lamps <NUM> ON and OFF, for selecting a power setting for one or more of the UV lamps <NUM>, and/or for selecting an activity setting that controls one or more of the UV lamps <NUM>. The output device <NUM> can be an integrated display device onboard the aircraft and/or a display screen on a personal computer, tablet, or handheld computer (e.g., smartphone). The control unit <NUM> may generate control signals for controlling the output device <NUM> to display a notification indicating the operating status of the sanitizing system <NUM>. The operating status can include whether the sanitizing system <NUM> is ON or OFF and the power setting or level of the UV lamps <NUM>. The operating status show the status of different subgroups that may be operating at different power settings. For example, the operating status may show that a UV lamp <NUM> in the lavatory is OFF while the UV lamps <NUM> in the PSUs <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) are ON at a medium power setting.

In some examples, the sanitizing system <NUM> may be configured to automatically switch between different activity settings based on information received from the sensors <NUM> and/or other onboard systems. The activity settings can include boarding and deboarding, travel day, travel night, and OFF. For example, when the internal cabin <NUM> is empty (e.g., void of occupants), the sanitizing system <NUM> may operate in the OFF setting at which the UV lamps <NUM> are turned off and no UV light is emitted. The OFF setting is energy efficient because the sanitizing system <NUM> does not draw power to generate UV light. The control unit <NUM> may determine that the cabin <NUM> is empty based on one or more factors, such as the aircraft environmental control system being in the OFF state, the engines <NUM> and/or auxiliary power unit being in the OFF state, and the door to the aircraft being closed and locked. Optionally, the sensors <NUM> may include proximity sensors, motion sensors, and/or pressure sensors within the cabin <NUM>. The sensors <NUM> may operate based on optical beams, passive infrared energy, microwave pulses, electrical induction, or the like. The control unit <NUM> may also determine that the cabin <NUM> is empty based on the proximity sensors, motion sensors, and/or pressure sensors indicating a lack of moving persons within the cabin <NUM>.

During boarding prior to a trip (e.g., flight) and deboarding at the end of a trip, the control unit <NUM> operates the sanitizing system <NUM> in the boarding and deboarding setting. In this activity setting, the UV lamps <NUM> are operated in a high power level. The UV lamps generate and emit UV light at a high power output (relative to other activity settings) such that the emitted UV light has a high intensity. The UV lamps provide a stronger dose (e.g., amount of UV radiation per unit time) in the high power level relative to other power levels. The stronger dose is provided because the passengers and crew members are highly active during boarding and deboarding, as the passengers enter (or leave) the cabin <NUM>, walk through the aisle <NUM>, stow (or retrieve) their luggage, find (or exit) seats <NUM>, and talk to other passengers. Because the spread of pathogens is increased during high activity events, the UV lamps <NUM> are operated in the high or full power levels to kill as many pathogens as possible. The control unit <NUM> can automatically determine that the boarding and deboarding is occurring based on the door to the aircraft being open (as indicated by a sensor that monitors door position), the aircraft being stationary, the environmental control system operating, and the like. Furthermore, the proximity, motion, and/or pressure sensors <NUM> can be used to detect an amount of movement in the cabin <NUM> during boarding and deboarding events. The control unit <NUM> may automatically switch the sanitizing system <NUM> to the boarding and deboarding setting based on one or more of the factors above. For example, the control unit <NUM> may switch to the boarding and deboarding setting responsive to data or signals from the sensors <NUM> that indicate that a level or amount of movement in the cabin <NUM> exceeds a designated threshold activity level. Optionally, an operator may utilize the input device <NUM> to manually instruct the control unit <NUM> which setting to implement, such as to instruct the control unit <NUM> to switch to the boarding and deboarding setting. Such manual control inputs may override the automated setting selection by the control unit <NUM>.

During travel of the vehicle during the day, such as when the aircraft is at flight cruise, the control unit <NUM> may operate the sanitizing system <NUM> in the travel day setting. The travel day setting may represent a medium power level that is supplied to the UV lamps <NUM>. During daytime travel, most of the passengers are seated, but some passengers may hold conversations with each other and others may exit their seats to stand, retrieve items from overhead stowage, use the lavatories, and the like. The activity level during daytime travel is less than the activity level during boarding and deboarding. The UV lamps <NUM> are operated with the medium power level, instead of the high power level, to continue sanitizing the air with UV light while at the same time conserving some electrical energy relative to operating in the high power level. It is noted that the UV lamps <NUM> may remain ON and continuously emitting UV light even when switching between different activity-based settings. The control unit <NUM> can automatically switch to the daytime travel setting based on factors that indicate that the aircraft is in flight and that it is daytime. The factors that indicate flight can include altimeter data, velocity data, engine settings, and the like. The factors that indicate daytime can include a clock and/or an ambient light sensor. For example, if in flight and the time is after <NUM> AM and before <NUM> PM, the control unit <NUM> may switch to the daytime flight setting.

During travel of the vehicle at night, the activity of the passengers may be reduced relative to during the day, as many of the passengers may be sleeping, reading, and watching videos on personal devices. The passengers may hold fewer conversations with each other relative to during the day. Upon determining that the aircraft is in flight during night, the control unit <NUM> is configured to switch the sanitizing system <NUM> to a travel night setting. The travel night setting may represent a low power level. The UV lamps <NUM> remain ON and emitting UV light in the lower power level, but at a reduced intensity or concentration than in the medium and high power levels. The lower power level conserves more electrical energy than the medium and high power levels. The control unit <NUM> may switch to the travel night setting upon detecting that the aircraft is in flight and the time is after <NUM> PM and before <NUM> AM, for example. In non-limiting examples, the high or full power level may supply <NUM>% of the rated power of the UV lamps <NUM> to the UV lamps <NUM>, the medium power level may supply <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or <NUM>% of the rated power to the UV lamps <NUM>, and the low power level may supply <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or <NUM>% of the rated power to the UV lamps <NUM>. The one or more switching devices <NUM> may be utilized to appropriately step down the power delivered to the UV lamps <NUM>.

Optionally, the sensors <NUM> may include individual sensors disposed in each row of seats and configured to detect the presence of passengers in the seats of that row. For example, referring to <FIG>, there may be a pressure sensor installed in each seat <NUM> that detects when a passenger is present on the seat <NUM> by the weight of the passenger. Optionally, a proximity sensor may be installed in the PSU <NUM> that detects when a passenger is present on the seat <NUM> by the proximity of that person to the proximity sensor. The control unit <NUM> receives the sensor data from the sensors <NUM> and analyzes the data to determine if any seats <NUM> and/or entire rows <NUM> of seats <NUM> on either side of the aisle <NUM> are unoccupied. For a given unoccupied seat <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> may automatically reduce the power level supplied to the UV lamp <NUM> that is associated with that seat <NUM> by either turning the UV lamp <NUM> OFF or reducing to the low or medium power level. For example, the control unit <NUM> may reduce the power level of UV lamps <NUM> associated with unoccupied seats <NUM> one level below the current setting of the UV lamps <NUM> associated with occupied seats <NUM>. Thus, if the current setting is the travel day setting with the UV lamps <NUM> in the medium power level, the control unit <NUM> controls the UV lamps <NUM> associated with unoccupied seats <NUM> in the low power level.

A method for sanitizing and disinfecting air and surfaces within an internal cabin of a vehicle is provided. The method may be performed by the sanitizing system <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG>. Certain steps of the method may be performed by the control unit <NUM> shown in <FIG> based on programmed logic or instructions. The method optionally includes additional steps than described, fewer steps than described, and/or different steps than described. The method includes supplying electrical power from a power source <NUM> onboard a vehicle <NUM> to a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) lamps <NUM> mounted at various locations within an internal cabin <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM>. The method also includes controlling the UV lamps <NUM> to emit UV light into the internal cabin <NUM> on a continuous basis during a trip of the vehicle <NUM>. The UV lamps <NUM> are positioned such that the emitted UV light disinfects air within the internal cabin <NUM> before passengers in the internal cabin <NUM> breathe the air.

Optionally, controlling the UV lamps <NUM> to emit the UV light includes controlling the UV lamps <NUM> to emit the UV light at a designated wavelength or narrow wavelength range that is safe for human tissue at prolonged exposure. Supplying the electrical power to the UV lamps <NUM> may include supplying the electrical power at a first power level during boarding and deboarding of the passengers in the internal cabin <NUM> and supplying the electrical power at a second power level that is less than the first power level during travel (e.g., movement) of the vehicle <NUM>, such as flight of an aircraft.

As described herein, examples of the present disclosure provide systems and a methods for sanitizing and disinfecting surfaces, air, and people within an internal cabin of a vehicle on a continuous basis via UV light without harming the people exposed to the UV light. Further, examples of the present disclosure provide built-in, easy-to-use, and safe systems and methods for using UV light to sanitize air and surfaces within an internal vehicle cabin.

The sanitizing system <NUM> described with reference to <FIG> disinfects pathogens in air and surfaces in aircraft cabin on a continuous basis. For example, <NUM> UV light may be on continuously (according to a duty cycle controlled by flight regime and crew). This allows disinfection for that flight regime at controlled or limited power. The UV light may kill pathogens both in the air and on surfaces near the lamp. The <NUM> UV may not be harmful to human tissue, while at the same time may be effective at killing pathogens. Thus, continuous exposure of an aircraft zone to <NUM> UV would both reduce pathogens in that zone and cause no harm to human occupants. In cabin seating areas of aircraft, <NUM> UV lighting can be deployed in a modulated way according to flight regime to maintain a constant or increased level of disinfection presence. This <NUM> lighting will continuously sanitize both the air and the surfaces of the cabin, including tray tables, seats, computer screens, individuals clothing, individuals skin, etc..

As used herein, value modifiers such as "about," "substantially," and "approximately" inserted before a numerical value indicate that the value can represent other values within a designated threshold range above and/or below the specified value, such as values within <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or <NUM>% of the specified value.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (and/or features thereof) can be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various examples of the disclosure without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various examples of the disclosure, the examples are by no means limiting. Many other examples will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims. 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 vehicle comprising:
an internal cabin; and
a sanitizing system (<NUM>) comprising:
a plurality of ultraviolet, UV, lamps (<NUM>) mounted at various locations within the internal cabin (<NUM>) of the vehicle, wherein the UV lamps (<NUM>) are configured to receive electrical power from a power source (<NUM>) onboard the vehicle and to emit UV light into the internal cabin (<NUM>) on a continuous basis during a trip of the vehicle, wherein the UV lamps (<NUM>) are positioned such that the emitted UV light disinfects air within the internal cabin (<NUM>); and
a control unit (<NUM>) including one or more processors, the control unit (<NUM>) being operatively connected to the UV lamps (<NUM>); wherein
the control unit (<NUM>) is configured to operate one or more of the UV lamps (<NUM>) at a first power level responsive to the control unit (<NUM>) determining that passengers are boarding or deboarding the internal cabin (<NUM>).