Patent Description:
At certain times, an interior of an aircraft must be disinfected. Disinfectants are typically applied by hand or are sprayed using manually operated sprayers. As such, manual disinfecting operations are laborious and time consuming. Additionally, manual disinfecting operations may expose a human applicator to potentially harmful chemicals. As such, personal protective equipment may be required to protect the human applicator. Furthermore, when applied to the interior of the aircraft, disinfectants may be drawn into functional systems by air circulation fans, which may damage components of the functional system. Accordingly, those skilled in the art continue with research and development efforts in the field of disinfecting operations of interiors of aircraft.

<CIT> discloses, according to its abstract, "methods for decontamination of compartments, such as aircraft compartments and other types of compartments, and systems for implementing these methods. In some aspects, a method involves detecting presence of one or more contaminants in a compartment. This information is used to select various decontamination conditions. In some aspects, additional information, such as the type of the compartment (e.g., an aircraft compartment), temperature, and humidity, may be also considered while selecting the decontamination conditions. The decontamination conditions include identification of one or more decontaminating agents to be dispensed in the compartment, temperature profile of the air to be flown into the compartment, and timing of the decontaminant dispensing and air flowing operations. These conditions are selected to increase efficacy of the selected decontaminating agents with respect to the one or more detected contaminants and reduce impact on the aircraft compartment".

<CIT> discloses, according to its abstract, "A method and apparatus for decontaminating substantially enclosed environments by using ultrasonic cavitation of a cleaning fluid to produce a low pressure, low air flow mist that can be activated by a nonthermal plasma actuator to create a cloud of activated hydroxyl species with the capacity to decontaminate articles, open surfaces or substantially enclosed spaces of pathogens, including bacteria, and other pathogenic microorganisms. An automated system and related non-transitory computer medium are also disclosed".

<CIT> discloses, according to its abstract, an "invention [is] intended for carrying out sanitation measures (disinfection, insect deinfestation, rat extermination and odour removal) in enclosed spaces, in particular cabins in aircraft and other vehicles. The method comprises an additionally introduced oxygen concentrator allowing denitration and an increase in the oxygen content in a working mixture which can be supplied to the input of an ozone generator. An apparatus for carrying out the sanitation method comprises an ozone generator and sensor, a blower, an air circulation system, a decomposer, an oxygen concentrator and a nitrogen sensor, which allow a selected concentration of ozone throughout a cabin and the maintaining of said concentration for a specified exposure time. The use of an oxygen concentrator increases the productivity of an ozone generator by <NUM>-<NUM> times while maintaining the installed capacity thereof, thus reducing the period needed for generating a specified ozone dose, and eliminates the destructive effect of nitrogen oxides and derivatives thereof on materials of the cabin".

In a first aspect there is provided an aircraft as defined in claim <NUM> of the appended claims. In a second aspect there is provided a method as defined in appended claim <NUM>.

Disclosed are examples of an aircraft, a disinfecting system for an aircraft, and a method of disinfecting an aircraft. The following is a non-exhaustive list of examples, which may or may not be claimed, of the subject matter according to the present disclosure.

The disclosed aircraft includes an interior, a plurality of sensors configured to detect one or more conditions of the interior, and an environmental system configured to circulate air through the interior. The aircraft also includes at least one disinfectant dispenser configured to automatically dispense a disinfectant in the air circulated through the interior.

In an example not according to the claims, the disclosed disinfecting system for an aircraft, including an interior, a plurality of sensors configured to detect one or more conditions of the interior, and an environmental system, includes a disinfectant supply configured to store a disinfectant and at least one disinfectant dispenser in fluid communication with the disinfectant supply and configured to dispense the disinfectant in air circulated through the interior by the environmental system.

In an example, the disclosed method of disinfecting an interior of an aircraft includes steps of: (<NUM>) circulating air through an interior of the aircraft; (<NUM>) automatically dispensing a disinfectant in the air circulated through the interior; and (<NUM>) upon a predetermined condition, automatically purging the disinfectant from the interior.

Other examples of the disclosed aircraft, disinfecting system and method will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific examples described by the present disclosure. Other examples having different structures and operations do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure. Like reference numerals may refer to the same feature, element, or component in the different drawings.

Illustrative, non-exhaustive examples, which may be, but are not necessarily, claimed, of the subject matter according the present disclosure are provided below. Reference herein to "example" means that one or more feature, structure, element, component, characteristic, and/or operational step described in connection with the example is included in at least one aspect, embodiment, and/or implementation of the subject matter according to the present disclosure. Thus, the phrases "an example," "another example," "one or more examples," and similar language throughout the present disclosure may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same example.

Referring generally to <FIG> and <FIG>, by way of examples, the present disclosure is directed to an aircraft <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) that includes a disinfecting system <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) for rapidly and efficiently disinfecting an interior <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in one or more examples, the aircraft <NUM> is a fixed-wing aircraft. However, in other examples, the aircraft <NUM> may be any other type of aircraft. The aircraft <NUM> includes a plurality of high-level systems <NUM>. Examples of the high-level systems <NUM> include one or more of a propulsion system <NUM>, an electrical system <NUM>, a hydraulic system <NUM>, an environmental control ("environmental") system <NUM>, and a flight control system <NUM>. In other examples, the aircraft <NUM> may include any number of other types of systems, such as a communications system, a guidance system, a weapons system, and the like.

The aircraft <NUM> includes an airframe <NUM>. In one or more examples, the airframe <NUM> forms a fuselage <NUM>, a pair of wings, and a tail. The fuselage <NUM> generally defines an interior <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM>, which may include a flight deck, a passenger compartment, a cargo compartment, and other compartments or service areas. The fuselage <NUM> is the main body of the aircraft <NUM> and includes any suitable central structure configured to hold a crew, one or more passengers, service equipment, and/or cargo.

In one or more examples, the propulsion system <NUM> includes turbofan engines that are mounted to the wings of the aircraft <NUM>, for example, by pylons. In other examples, the engines may be mounted to the fuselage <NUM> or other aircraft structures, such as the tail of the aircraft <NUM>. In various other examples, the propulsion system <NUM> may include more or fewer engines and other types of engines (e.g., turboprop engines) may be used.

Referring to <FIG>, the environmental system <NUM> is configured to circulate air <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) through the interior <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM>. As used herein, the phrase "circulate air through the interior" and other similar phrases generally refer to a process that includes introducing air from outside of the interior <NUM>, moving the air through interior <NUM>, and discharging the air from the interior <NUM>. As used herein, the phrase "circulating air within the interior" and other similar phrases generally refer to moving air from one portion (e.g., compartment or area) of the aircraft <NUM> to another portion (e.g., compartment or area) of the aircraft <NUM> within the interior <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in one or more examples of the aircraft <NUM>, the environmental system <NUM> includes an air handling device <NUM>. The air handling device <NUM> is configured to generate an airstream <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) that circulates the air <NUM> through the interior <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM>. In one or more examples, the environmental system <NUM> includes air supply ducts <NUM>. The air supply ducts <NUM> are in fluid communication with the air handling device <NUM>. The air supply ducts <NUM> are configured to direct the airstream <NUM> within the interior <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in one or more examples, the air supply ducts <NUM> are arranged within the interior <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM> such that the airstream <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) is directed to at least the passenger compartment and a flight deck of the aircraft <NUM>. In other examples, the air supply ducts <NUM> are arranged such that the airstream <NUM> is directed to other areas of the interior <NUM>, such as a crew rest area, a galley, a lavatory, the cargo compartment, personal air outlets, and the like. As an example, a wide body commercial aircraft typically includes three to six cabin zones that form the passenger compartment. The air supply ducts <NUM> are arranged so that the airstream <NUM> is directed to each one of these cabin zones.

Referring to <FIG>, in one or more examples, the air supply ducts <NUM> include a plurality of air supply outlets <NUM>. Each one of the air supply outlets <NUM> is situated within the interior <NUM> such that the airstream <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) is directed to different areas within the interior <NUM>. In one or more examples, the environmental system <NUM> also includes at least one return air inlet <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) that is situated within the interior <NUM> such that the air within the interior <NUM> is recirculated via at least one return air duct <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>).

In one or more examples, the environmental system <NUM> also includes an outflow valve <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) that is in fluid communication with the interior <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM> and that is in fluid communication with outside of the aircraft <NUM>. The outflow valve <NUM> is configured to maintain a predetermined pressure within the interior <NUM>. For example, as a quantity (e.g., volume) of air is introduced into the interior <NUM> via the air supply outlets <NUM> a corresponding quantity (e.g., volume) of air is discharged from the interior <NUM> via the outflow valve <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, in one or more examples of the environmental system <NUM>, an outside air supply <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) is drawn into the interior <NUM>. In an example, the outside air supply <NUM> is drawn into the interior <NUM> using an outside air supply fan <NUM> that is in fluid communication with a conditioned air duct <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>). In one or more examples, the outside air supply fan <NUM> is an example of, or forms a portion of, the air handling device <NUM>. In an example, bleed air passing through one or more of the engines of the aircraft <NUM> is directed into the interior <NUM>. In another example, outside air is bled from different compressor stages within the engine (e.g., air is drawn in through compressors in at least one engine). In these examples, the outside air supply fan <NUM> refers generally to, and may be referred to as, a compressor of the engine. In one or more examples, the outside air supply <NUM> is conditioned (e.g., heated or cooled) using an air conditioning unit <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>).

In one or more examples of the environmental system <NUM>, a recirculated air supply <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) is drawn from within the interior <NUM>, for example, using a recirculated air supply fan <NUM> that is in fluid communication with the return air duct <NUM> and with a recirculated air duct <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>). In one or more examples, the recirculated air supply fan <NUM> is an example of, or forms a portion of, the air handling device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in one or more examples, the environmental system <NUM> includes an environmental controller <NUM>. The environmental controller <NUM> is in communication with the air handling device <NUM>, such as each one of the outside air supply fan <NUM> and the recirculated air supply fan <NUM>. For example, the environmental controller <NUM> is configured to selectively control each one of the outside air supply fan <NUM> and the recirculated air supply fan <NUM>. As examples, at least one of the outside air supply fan <NUM> and the recirculated air supply fan <NUM> is selectively activated or selectively deactivated under direction from the environmental controller <NUM>. In one or more examples, at least one of the outside air supply fan <NUM> and the recirculated air supply fan <NUM> includes, or takes the form of, a variable speed fan <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) such that the speed of at least one of the outside air supply fan <NUM> and the recirculated air supply fan <NUM> is selectively controlled under direction of the environmental controller <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in one or more examples, the outside air supply <NUM> and the recirculated air supply <NUM> are directed to a mixing manifold <NUM> where they are mixed to form the airstream <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>). In one or more examples, the air supply ducts <NUM> are in fluid communication with the mixing manifold <NUM> and direct the airstream <NUM> from the mixing manifold <NUM> to different areas of the interior <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the aircraft <NUM> also includes at least one disinfectant dispenser <NUM>. The at least one disinfectant dispenser <NUM> is configured to dispense a disinfectant <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) in the air <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) circulated through the interior <NUM>.

Generally, the disinfectant <NUM> is any chemical agent designed to inactivate or destroy microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, on surfaces and in the air. Dispersing the disinfectant <NUM> into the air <NUM> creates a disinfectant mixture <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) in a gaseous form or a gas mixed with liquid droplets of the disinfectant <NUM> that can cover a plurality of contact surfaces <NUM> located within the interior <NUM>. As an example, filling the interior <NUM> with the disinfectant mixture <NUM> facilitates rapid and efficient sanitization of a great number of contact surfaces <NUM> and large contact surfaces <NUM> as compared to other manual sanitizing operations. Additionally, filling the interior <NUM> with the disinfectant mixture <NUM> facilitates sanitization of portions of the contact surfaces <NUM> that may be missed during a manual sanitizing operation.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in one or more examples, the at least one disinfectant dispenser <NUM> is located within the air supply duct <NUM> (e.g., at least one of the air supply ducts <NUM>) of the environmental system <NUM> to dispense the disinfectant <NUM> directly into the airstream <NUM> within the air supply duct <NUM>.

Referring still to <FIG> and <FIG>, the aircraft <NUM> includes a plurality of sensors <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>). The plurality of sensors <NUM> is configured to detect one or more conditions of the interior <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM>. The aircraft <NUM> also includes a disinfectant controller <NUM>. The disinfectant controller <NUM> is configured to selectively control dispensation of the disinfectant <NUM> from the at least one disinfectant dispenser <NUM>, for example, based on the one or more conditions detected by the at least one sensor <NUM>.

In one or more examples, the disinfectant controller <NUM> is configured to monitor (e.g., periodically or continuously) the one or more conditions of the interior <NUM>, such as before introduction of the disinfectant <NUM> to the air <NUM>, while dispensing the disinfectant <NUM> in the air <NUM>, and after the disinfectant <NUM> is introduced to the air <NUM>.

In one or more examples, the disinfectant controller <NUM> is configured to selectively control one or more functional components of the environmental system <NUM>, such as the air handling device <NUM>, various variable speed fans <NUM>, various circulation fans <NUM>, and the like. As an example, the disinfectant controller <NUM> may be in communication with a plurality of functional components of the environmental system <NUM> directly or indirectly via the environmental controller <NUM>. In an example, the disinfectant controller <NUM> is in communication with the environmental controller <NUM> such that selective control of components of the environmental system <NUM> are selectively controlled by the environmental controller <NUM> under direction from the disinfectant controller <NUM>.

In one or more examples of the aircraft <NUM>, the one or more conditions includes at least one of occupancy of the interior <NUM> and concentration of the disinfectant <NUM> in the air <NUM>. In other examples, the one or more conditions include any other measurable or determinable condition, such as internal pressure within the interior <NUM>, a circulation rate of the air <NUM> through the interior <NUM>, and the like.

Referring still to <FIG> and <FIG>, in one or more examples of the aircraft <NUM>, the at least one disinfectant dispenser <NUM> includes a plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM>. The aircraft <NUM> includes a disinfectant delivery device <NUM>. The disinfectant delivery device <NUM> is in fluid communication with the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM> (e.g., each one of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM>). The disinfecting delivery device <NUM> is configured to deliver the disinfectant <NUM> to the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM> (e.g., each one of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM>).

In one or more examples, the aircraft <NUM> also includes a distribution manifold <NUM>. The distribution manifold <NUM> is in fluid communication with the disinfectant delivery device <NUM> and is in fluid communication with the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM>. The distribution manifold <NUM> is configured to distribute the disinfectant <NUM> to each one of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM>.

In one or more examples, the aircraft <NUM> includes at least one metering device <NUM>. The metering device <NUM> is located between and is in fluid communication with the disinfectant delivery device <NUM> and with the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM> (e.g., at least one disinfectant dispenser <NUM> or each one of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM>). The metering device <NUM> is configured to selectively control a quantity of the disinfectant <NUM> delivered to the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM> (e.g., at least one disinfectant dispenser <NUM> or each one of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM>).

In one or more examples, the metering device <NUM> includes, or takes the form of, any mechanism suitable to regulate and selectively control a flow (e.g., mass flow or volumetric flow), a flow rate (e.g., mass flow rate or volumetric flow), or other parameter of a fluid. In one or more examples, the metering device <NUM> is in communication with the disinfectant controller <NUM> such that, under direction from the disinfectant controller <NUM>, the metering device <NUM> controls the quantity of the disinfectant <NUM> delivered to the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM> (e.g., at least one disinfectant dispenser <NUM> or each one of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM>) from the disinfectant delivery device <NUM>.

In one or more examples of the aircraft <NUM>, the at least one metering device <NUM> includes a plurality of metering devices <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>). Each one of the plurality of metering devices <NUM> is in fluid communication with the disinfectant delivery device <NUM> and with a corresponding one of the plurality of disinfectant dispenser <NUM>. Each one of the plurality of metering devices <NUM> is configured to selectively control the quantity of the disinfectant <NUM> delivered to the corresponding one of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM>.

The disinfectant controller <NUM> is in communication with the disinfectant delivery device <NUM>. The disinfectant controller <NUM> is configured to selectively initiate or selectively terminate delivery of the disinfectant <NUM> from the disinfectant delivery device <NUM> to the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM> (e.g., at least one disinfectant dispenser <NUM> or each one of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM>). Selective control of the disinfectant delivery device <NUM> facilitates selective control of dispersal of the disinfectant <NUM> from the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM> (e.g., at least one disinfectant dispenser <NUM> or each one of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM>).

In one or more examples, the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM> (e.g., at least one disinfectant dispenser <NUM> or each one of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM>) is selectively controllable by the disinfectant controller <NUM>. As an example, the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM> (e.g., at least one disinfectant dispenser <NUM> or each one of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM>) is a "smart" dispenser that includes an actuatable valve (e.g., a solenoid) that is configured to selectively initiate, selectively terminate, or selectively control a flow of the disinfectant <NUM> through the disinfectant dispenser <NUM> under direction from the disinfectant controller <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in one or more examples, the aircraft <NUM> includes an occupancy sensor <NUM>. The occupancy sensor <NUM> is in communication with the disinfectant controller <NUM>. The occupancy sensor <NUM> is configured to generate an occupancy signal <NUM> that indicates whether the interior <NUM> is occupied. The occupancy sensor <NUM> is an example of one of the plurality of sensors <NUM>.

In one or more examples, the occupancy sensor <NUM> is suitably situated to detect the presence of a human in the interior <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM>. In one or more examples, the disinfectant controller <NUM> is adapted (e.g., programmed) to determine whether the interior <NUM> is occupied by a human based on the occupancy signal <NUM>. In one or more examples, the occupancy sensor <NUM> includes, or takes the form of, at least one of an infrared (IR) sensor, a motion sensor, a proximity sensor, a thermal sensor, and the like. In one or more examples, the disinfecting system <NUM> and/or the aircraft <NUM> includes a plurality of occupancy sensors <NUM>.

In one or more examples, the aircraft <NUM> includes a concentration sensor <NUM>. The concentration sensor <NUM> is in communication with the disinfectant controller <NUM>. The concentration sensor <NUM> is configured to generate a concentration signal <NUM> that indicates a concentration of the disinfectant <NUM> in the air <NUM> within the interior <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM>. The concentration sensor <NUM> is an example of one of the plurality of sensors <NUM>.

In one or more examples, the concentration sensor <NUM> is suitably situated to detect the concentration of the disinfectant <NUM> in the air <NUM>. In one or more examples, the disinfectant controller <NUM> is adapted (e.g., programmed) to determine the concentration of the disinfectant <NUM> in the air <NUM> based on the concentration signal <NUM>. In one or more examples, the concentration sensor <NUM> includes, or takes the form of, a gas sensor, an optical gas sensor, an electrochemical gas sensor, and the like. In one or more examples, the disinfecting system <NUM> and/or the aircraft <NUM> includes a plurality of concentration sensors <NUM>.

In one or more examples of the aircraft <NUM>, the disinfectant controller <NUM> is configured to determine the concentration of the disinfectant <NUM> in the air <NUM> within the interior <NUM> based on an interior volume <NUM> of the interior <NUM> and a circulation rate of the air <NUM> through the interior <NUM>. As used herein, the "circulation rate" refers to the rate at which a volume of gas (e.g., the air <NUM> or the mixture <NUM> of the air <NUM> and the disinfectant <NUM>) enters and exits the interior <NUM>.

In one or more examples, the disinfectant controller <NUM> includes a computing device that includes a processor and memory, storing instructions that are executed by the processor. The disinfectant controller <NUM> is adapted (e.g., programmed) to determine (e.g., calculate) the concentration of the disinfectant <NUM> in the air <NUM> (e.g., the disinfectant mixture <NUM>) within the interior <NUM> based on a plurality of known and/or controllable variables. In one or more examples, the interior volume <NUM> of the interior <NUM> and the circulation rate of the air <NUM> through the interior <NUM> are examples of the plurality of known and/or controllable variables. Additionally, the quantity (e.g., the flow or flow rate) of the disinfectant <NUM> dispersed into the airstream <NUM> is also an example of a known and/or controllable variable, for example, based on the operating parameters of the disinfectant delivery device <NUM> and/or the at least one disinfectant dispenser <NUM>. Further, a quantity (e.g., the flow or flow rate) of the air <NUM> (e.g., the airstream <NUM>) that is directed into the interior <NUM> is also an example of a known and/or controllable variable, for example, based on the operating parameters of the air handling device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in one or more examples of the aircraft <NUM>, the air handling device <NUM> is configured to generate the airstream <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) that circulates the air <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) through the interior <NUM>. In one or more examples, the disinfectant controller <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) is in communication with the air handling device <NUM>, such as via the environmental controller <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>). The disinfectant controller <NUM> is configured to selectively activate or selectively deactivate the air handling device <NUM>, such as by providing instruction to the environmental controller <NUM>.

In one or more examples of the aircraft <NUM>, the air handling device <NUM> includes at least one variable speed fan <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>). In one or more examples, the variable speed fan <NUM> is at least one of the outside air supply fan <NUM> (e.g., the engine compressor) (e.g., as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) and the recirculated air supply fan <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>).

In one or more examples, the air conditioning unit <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) is configured to provide a variable flow of air <NUM>.

In one or more examples, the variable speed fan <NUM> is an additional fan that is included in the environmental system <NUM>.

In one or more examples, the variable speed fan <NUM> supplies variable flow (e.g., a variable airstream <NUM>) to the interior <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM>. The disinfectant controller <NUM> is configured to, in response to at least one predetermined condition, increase a speed of the variable speed fan <NUM> to increase the air flow (e.g., the airstream <NUM>) from the air handling device <NUM>, for example, to purge the disinfectant <NUM> from the interior <NUM>. Examples of the at least one predetermined condition includes, but are not limited to, achieving a predetermined (e.g., an effective) concentration of the disinfectant <NUM> in the air <NUM>, achieving a time period suitable for the disinfectant <NUM> to sanitize the contact surfaces <NUM>, achieving a predetermined internal pressure within the interior <NUM>, and the like. Generally, increasing the speed of the variable speed fan <NUM> (e.g., at least one of the outside air supply fan <NUM> and the recirculated air supply fan <NUM>) increases the flow and the circulation rate of the air <NUM> through the interior <NUM>.

Referring still to <FIG>, in one or more examples of the aircraft <NUM>, the environmental system <NUM> includes the plurality of air supply ducts <NUM>. The air supply ducts <NUM> are in fluid communication with the air handling device <NUM>. The air supply ducts <NUM> are configured to direct the airstream <NUM> within the interior <NUM>. At least one disinfectant dispenser <NUM> is located within at least one of the air supply ducts <NUM> to dispense the disinfectant <NUM> directly into the airstream <NUM> within the air supply ducts <NUM>.

In one or more examples of the aircraft <NUM>, the air supply ducts <NUM> include the plurality of air supply outlets <NUM> located in the interior <NUM>. At least one disinfectant dispenser <NUM> is located upstream from the plurality of air supply outlets <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>). Situating at least one disinfectant dispenser <NUM> within the air supply ducts <NUM> upstream from the air supply outlets <NUM> facilitates proper mixing of the disinfectant <NUM> with the airstream <NUM> within the air supply ducts <NUM> before the airstream <NUM> exits the air supply outlets <NUM> and is introduced within the interior <NUM>.

In one or more examples of the aircraft <NUM>, the air supply ducts <NUM> have an inner diameter <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>). In one or more examples, at least one disinfectant dispenser <NUM> is located upstream from any one of the plurality of air supply outlets <NUM> by a distance of at least five times the inner diameter <NUM>. In one or more examples, at least one disinfectant dispenser <NUM> is located upstream from any one of the plurality of air supply outlets <NUM> by a distance of less than five times the inner diameter <NUM>. The distance upstream of at least one disinfectant dispenser <NUM> from any one of the plurality of air supply outlets <NUM> may depend on the form of the disinfectant <NUM>. As an example, when the disinfectant <NUM> is in a gaseous form, the distance needed to ensure adequate mixing of the disinfectant <NUM> and the air <NUM> may be at least five times the inner diameter <NUM> of the air supply duct <NUM>. As another example, when the disinfectant <NUM> is in a liquid form, the distance needed to ensure adequate mixing of the disinfectant <NUM> and the air <NUM> may be less than five times the inner diameter <NUM> of the air supply duct <NUM>.

In one or more examples, the aircraft <NUM> includes the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM>. The disinfecting system <NUM> and/or the aircraft <NUM> also includes the distribution manifold <NUM> in fluid communication with the disinfectant delivery device <NUM> and with the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM>. The distribution manifold <NUM> is configured to distribute the disinfectant <NUM> to each one of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM>.

In one or more examples of the aircraft <NUM>, the air supply ducts <NUM> include the plurality of air supply outlets <NUM> located in the interior <NUM>. At least one of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM> corresponds to one of plurality of air supply outlets <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>). At least one of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM> is located within each one of the air supply ducts <NUM> upstream from a corresponding one of the plurality of air supply outlets <NUM> to dispense the disinfectant <NUM> directly into the airstream <NUM> within each one of the air supply ducts <NUM>.

Referring still to <FIG>, in one or more examples, the aircraft <NUM> includes the mixing manifold <NUM>. The mixing manifold <NUM> is located between and is in fluid communication with the air handling device <NUM> and the air supply ducts <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, in one or more examples, at least one disinfectant dispenser <NUM> is located within the mixing manifold <NUM> to dispense the disinfectant <NUM> directly into the airstream <NUM> within the mixing manifold <NUM>.

Situating at least one disinfectant dispenser <NUM> within the mixing manifold <NUM> reduces the number of disinfectant dispensers <NUM> required by creating the disinfectant mixture <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) within the mixing manifold <NUM> and distributing the disinfectant mixture <NUM> to the plurality of air supply ducts <NUM>.

In one or more examples, at least one of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM> is located within the mixing manifold <NUM> and at least one of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM> is located within one or more of the air supply ducts <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in one or more examples of the aircraft <NUM>, the interior <NUM> includes a floor <NUM>. In one or more examples, at least one disinfectant dispenser <NUM> (e.g., at least one of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM>) is coupled to the floor <NUM> to dispense the disinfectant <NUM> directly into the air <NUM> within the interior <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>). Locating at least one disinfectant dispenser <NUM> on the floor <NUM> within the interior <NUM> enables the disinfectant <NUM> to mix with the air <NUM> as the air <NUM> is circulated within the interior <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in one or more examples, at least one of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM> is located within of the mixing manifold <NUM>, at least one of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM> is located within at least one of or each one of the air supply ducts <NUM>, and at least one of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM> is located on the floor <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in one or more examples, the aircraft <NUM> includes a plurality of circulation fans <NUM> located within the interior <NUM>. The circulation fans <NUM> are configured to circulate the air <NUM> within the interior <NUM>. In an example, the circulation fans <NUM> are configured to move air <NUM> between different portions (e.g., compartments, areas, cabin zones, etc.) of the interior <NUM> that include at least one of the air supply outlets <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>). In another example, the circulation fans <NUM> are configured to move air <NUM> from a portion of the interior <NUM> that includes at least one of the air supply outlets <NUM> to any other portion of the interior <NUM> that does not include at least one of the air supply outlets <NUM>. As an example, electronic components of the aircraft <NUM> (e.g., components of the electrical system <NUM>, components of the flight control system <NUM>, components of the communications system, and the like) may be located in portions of the interior <NUM> that do not have one of the air supply outlets <NUM>. As such, these portions of the interior <NUM> may receive air <NUM>, such as to cool the electronic components, via the circulation fans <NUM>.

In one or more examples of the aircraft <NUM>, the disinfectant controller <NUM> is in communication with the plurality of circulation fans <NUM>. As an example, the disinfectant controller <NUM> may be in communication with the plurality of circulation fans <NUM> directly or indirectly via the environmental controller <NUM>. The disinfectant controller <NUM> is configured to selectively activate or selectively deactivate each one of the plurality of circulation fans <NUM>. In an example, the disinfectant controller <NUM> may deactivate one or more of the circulation fans <NUM> while the disinfectant <NUM> is within the interior <NUM> to prevent the disinfectant <NUM> from encountering (e.g., coming into contact with) undesirable surfaces, equipment, filters, and the like.

In one or more examples, the aircraft <NUM> includes a disinfectant supply <NUM>. The disinfectant supply <NUM> is configured to store the disinfectant <NUM>. The disinfectant supply <NUM> is in fluid communication with the disinfectant delivery device <NUM>. The disinfectant supply <NUM> includes, or takes the form of, any container (e.g., reservoir or tank) suitable to hold a volume of the disinfectant <NUM>, depending on the form of the disinfectant <NUM>.

In one or more examples of the aircraft <NUM>, the disinfectant supply <NUM> is located within the interior <NUM>. In these examples, the disinfectant supply <NUM> is refillable.

In one or more examples, the aircraft <NUM> includes a disinfectant connection port <NUM>. The disinfectant connection port <NUM> is in fluid communication with the disinfectant delivery device <NUM>. In one or more examples, the disinfectant connection port <NUM> is located outside of the interior <NUM> and the disinfectant supply <NUM> is located outside of the interior <NUM>. The disinfectant supply <NUM> is configured to be fluidly coupled with the disinfectant connection port <NUM>. In these examples, when located outside of the aircraft <NUM>, the disinfectant supply <NUM> is portable and is releasably connected to the disinfectant delivery device <NUM>, via the disinfectant connection port <NUM>, prior to initiation of the disinfecting operation.

In one or more examples, the aircraft <NUM> includes a disinfectant fill port <NUM>. The disinfectant fill port <NUM> is in fluid communication with the disinfectant supply <NUM> and is configured to enable an amount of the disinfectant <NUM> to be supplied to (e.g., within) the disinfectant supply <NUM>.

Referring still to <FIG>, in one or more examples of the aircraft <NUM>, the disinfectant <NUM> is a gas <NUM>. The disinfectant delivery device <NUM> includes a fan <NUM>. In one or more examples, the disinfectant <NUM> includes any suitable gaseous disinfectant material, such as at least one of a chemical-based gas, ionized air gas, ozone, and the like. In one or more examples, the fan <NUM> includes any suitable gas moving device.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in one or more examples of the aircraft <NUM>, the at least one disinfectant dispenser <NUM> includes, or takes the form of, a piccolo nozzle <NUM>, also referred to as a piccolo-tube nozzle. In one or more examples, the piccolo nozzle <NUM> includes, or takes the form of, a closed-end tube, or pipe, having a plurality of orifices through which a gas is dispensed. In these examples, the piccolo nozzle <NUM> facilitates dispersal of the disinfectant <NUM> in gaseous form (e.g., the gas <NUM>) into the air <NUM> to form the mixture <NUM>.

In other examples, different types of suitable gas-dispensing nozzles or gas-dispersal nozzles are also contemplated.

In one or more examples of the aircraft <NUM>, the disinfectant <NUM> (e.g., the gas <NUM>) includes, or takes the form of, ozone <NUM>. In one or more examples, the aircraft <NUM> includes a catalytic converter <NUM>. The catalytic converter <NUM> is configured to convert the disinfectant <NUM> (e.g., ozone <NUM>) in the air <NUM> within the interior <NUM> to oxygen. Use of the catalytic converter <NUM> may increase the rate that the disinfectant <NUM> is purged from within the interior <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in one or more examples of the aircraft <NUM>, the disinfectant <NUM> is a liquid <NUM>. The disinfectant delivery device <NUM> includes, or takes the form of, a pump <NUM>. In one or more examples, the disinfectant <NUM> includes any suitable liquid disinfecting material, such as at least one of a chemical-based liquid disinfectant, a hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectant, a bleach-based disinfectant, and the like. In one or more examples, the pump <NUM> includes any suitable liquid moving device.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in one or more examples of the aircraft <NUM>, the at least one disinfectant dispenser <NUM> includes, or takes the form of, an atomizing nozzle <NUM>, also referred to as an atomizer nozzle or aspirator nozzle. In one or more examples, the atomizing nozzle <NUM> is configured to atomize a liquid (e.g., the disinfecting liquid <NUM>) by creating a fine spray. In these examples, the atomizing nozzle <NUM> facilitates dispersal of the disinfectant <NUM> in liquid form (e.g., the liquid <NUM>) into the air <NUM> to form the mixture <NUM>. For example, the disinfectant <NUM> in liquid form (e.g., the liquid <NUM>) and compressed air may be used to produce a mist of atomized liquid at low pressure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in one or more examples of the aircraft <NUM>, the at least one disinfectant dispenser <NUM> includes, or takes the form of, a swirl nozzle <NUM>, also referred to as a pressure-swirl nozzle. In one or more examples, the swirl nozzle <NUM> is configured to produce a small drop size and includes a stationary core that induces a rotary fluid motion, which causes swirling of the disinfectant <NUM> in liquid form (e.g., the liquid <NUM>) in a swirl chamber. A film is discharged from a perimeter of an outlet orifice producing a characteristic hollow cone spray pattern. Air or other surrounding gas is drawn inside the swirl chamber to form an air core within the swirling liquid. Many configurations of fluid inlets may be used to produce the hollow cone pattern depending on the nozzle capacity and materials of construction. In these examples, the swirl nozzle <NUM> facilitates dispersal of the disinfectant <NUM> in liquid form (e.g., the liquid <NUM>) into air <NUM> to form the mixture <NUM>.

In other examples, different types of suitable liquid-dispensing nozzles or liquid-dispersal nozzles are also contemplated.

Referring generally to <FIG> and <FIG>, by way of examples not according to the claims, the present disclosure is also directed to the disinfecting system <NUM> for rapidly and efficiently disinfecting the interior <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM>. In one or more examples, the disinfecting system <NUM> is located within, is integrated with, or forms a portion of the aircraft <NUM>. In one or more examples not according to the claims, the disinfecting system <NUM> is located within, is integrated with, or forms a portion of the environmental system <NUM>. In one or more examples not according to the claims, the disinfecting system <NUM> is a standalone system that is appropriately situated within the aircraft <NUM> and/or the environmental system <NUM> for performance of the disinfecting operation.

Referring again to <FIG> and <FIG>, in one or more examples not according to the claims, the disinfecting system <NUM> includes the disinfectant supply <NUM> configured store the disinfectant <NUM>. The disinfecting system <NUM> also includes at least one disinfectant dispenser <NUM> in fluid communication with the disinfectant supply <NUM> and configured to dispense the disinfectant <NUM> in the air <NUM> circulated through the interior <NUM> by the environmental system <NUM>.

In one or more examples of the disinfecting system <NUM> not according to the claims, the at least one disinfectant dispenser <NUM> is located within the air supply duct <NUM> of the environmental system <NUM> to dispense the disinfectant <NUM> directly into the airstream <NUM> within the air supply duct <NUM>. In one or more examples not according to the claims, the disinfecting system <NUM> includes the at least one sensor <NUM> configured to detect one or more conditions of the interior <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM>. The disinfecting system <NUM> also includes the disinfectant controller <NUM> configured to selectively control dispensation of the disinfectant <NUM> from the at least one disinfectant dispenser <NUM> based on the one or more conditions detected by the at least one sensor <NUM>.

In one or more examples of the disinfecting system <NUM> not according to the claims, the one or more conditions includes at least one of occupancy of the interior <NUM> and the concentration of the disinfectant <NUM> in the air <NUM>. In other examples not according to the claims, the one or more conditions include any other measurable or determinable condition, such as internal pressure within the interior, a circulation rate of the air <NUM> through the interior <NUM>, and the like.

In one or more examples of the disinfecting system <NUM> not according to the claims, the at least one disinfectant dispenser <NUM> includes the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM>. The disinfecting system <NUM> includes the disinfectant delivery device <NUM> in fluid communication with the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM>. The disinfecting system <NUM> also includes the distribution manifold <NUM> in fluid communication with the disinfectant delivery device <NUM> and with the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM>. The distribution manifold <NUM> is configured to distribute the disinfectant <NUM> to each one of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM>.

In one or more examples not according to the claims, the disinfecting system <NUM> includes the disinfectant delivery device <NUM> in fluid communication with the disinfectant supply <NUM> and with the at least one disinfecting dispenser <NUM>. The disinfecting delivery device <NUM> is configured to deliver the disinfectant <NUM> to the at least one disinfecting dispenser <NUM>.

In one or more examples not according to the claims, the disinfecting system <NUM> includes the metering device <NUM> located between and in fluid communication with the disinfectant delivery device <NUM> and with the at least one disinfectant dispenser <NUM>. The metering device <NUM> is configured to selectively control the quantity of the disinfectant <NUM> delivered to the at least one disinfectant dispenser <NUM>.

In one or more examples not according to the claims, the disinfecting system <NUM> includes the disinfectant controller <NUM> in communication with the disinfectant delivery device <NUM> and configured to selectively initiate or selectively terminate delivery of the disinfectant <NUM> from the disinfectant delivery device <NUM> to the at least one disinfectant dispenser <NUM>.

In one or more examples not according to the claims, the disinfecting system <NUM> includes the occupancy sensor <NUM> in communication with the disinfectant controller <NUM> and configured to generate an occupancy signal <NUM> that indicates whether the interior <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM> is occupied.

In one or more examples not according to the claims, the disinfecting system <NUM> includes the concentration sensor <NUM> in communication with the disinfectant controller <NUM> and configured to generate a concentration signal <NUM> that indicates a concentration of the disinfectant <NUM> in the air <NUM> within the interior <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM>.

In one or more examples of the disinfecting system <NUM> not according to the claims, the disinfectant controller <NUM> is configured to determine the concentration of the disinfectant <NUM> in the air <NUM> within the interior <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM> based on the interior volume <NUM> of the interior <NUM> and the circulation rate of the air <NUM> through the interior <NUM>.

In one or more examples of the disinfecting system <NUM> not according to the claims, the disinfectant controller <NUM> is in communication with the air handling device <NUM> of the environmental system <NUM>, configured to generate the airstream <NUM> that circulates the air <NUM> through the interior <NUM>, and is configured to selectively activate or selectively deactivate the air handling device <NUM>.

In one or more examples of the disinfecting system <NUM> not according to the claims, at least one disinfectant dispenser <NUM> is located within at least one of the plurality of air supply ducts <NUM> of the environmental system <NUM>, which is in fluid communication with the air handling device <NUM>, to dispense the disinfectant <NUM> directly into the airstream <NUM> within the at least one of the plurality of air supply ducts <NUM>.

In one or more examples of the disinfecting system <NUM> not according to the claims, at least one disinfectant dispenser <NUM> is located upstream from the plurality of air supply outlets <NUM> of the plurality of air supply ducts <NUM>.

In one or more examples not according to the claims, the disinfecting system <NUM> includes the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM>. The disinfecting system <NUM> also includes the distribution manifold <NUM> in fluid communication with the disinfectant delivery device <NUM> and with the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM>. The distribution manifold <NUM> is configured to distribute the disinfectant <NUM> to each one of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM>.

In one or more examples of the disinfecting system <NUM> not according to the claims, each one of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM> corresponds to one of the plurality of air supply outlets <NUM> of the plurality of air supply ducts <NUM>. At least one of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers <NUM> is located within each one of the plurality of air supply ducts <NUM> upstream from a corresponding one of the plurality of air supply outlets <NUM> to dispense the disinfectant <NUM> directly into the airstream <NUM> within each one of the plurality of air supply ducts <NUM>.

In one or more examples not according to the claims, the disinfecting system <NUM> includes the mixing manifold <NUM> that is located between and that is in fluid communication with the air handling device <NUM> and with the plurality of air supply ducts <NUM>. The at least one disinfectant dispenser <NUM> is located within the mixing manifold <NUM> to dispense the disinfectant <NUM> directly into the airstream <NUM> within the mixing manifold <NUM>.

In one or more examples of the disinfecting system <NUM> not according to the claims, Wfe the at least one disinfectant dispenser <NUM> is coupled to the floor <NUM> of the interior <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM> to dispense the disinfectant <NUM> directly into the air <NUM> within the interior <NUM>.

In one or more examples of the disinfecting system <NUM> not according to the claims, the disinfectant controller <NUM> is in communication with the plurality of circulation fans <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM> and is configured to selectively activate or selectively deactivate each one of the plurality of circulation fans <NUM>.

In one or more examples not according to the claims, the disinfecting system <NUM> includes the disinfectant supply <NUM> configured to store the disinfectant <NUM> and in fluid communication with the disinfectant delivery device <NUM>. In one or more examples, a regulator <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) is coupled between and is in fluid communication with the disinfectant supply <NUM> and the disinfectant delivery device <NUM>. The regulator <NUM> is configured to selectively control the flow of the disinfectant <NUM> from the disinfectant supply <NUM>. In one or more examples not according to the claims, the disinfectant controller <NUM> is in communication with the regulator <NUM> to selectively control the flow of the disinfectant <NUM>. In one or more examples not according to the claims, additional components, such as pumps, valves, restrictors, and the like maybe used to transfer the disinfectant <NUM>.

In one or more examples of the disinfecting system <NUM> not according to the claims, the disinfectant supply <NUM> is located within the interior <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM>.

In one or more examples not according to the claims, the disinfecting system <NUM> includes the disinfectant connection port <NUM> coupled to the aircraft <NUM>, outside of the interior <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM>, and in fluid communication with the disinfectant delivery device <NUM>. The disinfectant supply <NUM> is located outside of the interior <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM> and is configured to be fluidly coupled with the disinfectant connection port <NUM>.

In one or more examples of the disinfecting system <NUM> not according to the claims, the disinfectant <NUM> is the gas <NUM>. The disinfectant delivery device <NUM> includes, or takes the form of, the fan <NUM>.

In one or more examples of the disinfecting system <NUM> not according to the claims, at least one disinfectant dispenser <NUM> includes, or takes the form of, the piccolo nozzle <NUM>.

In one or more examples of the disinfecting system <NUM> not according to the claims, the disinfectant <NUM> includes, or takes the form of, ozone <NUM>.

In one or more examples, the disinfecting system <NUM>, not according to the claims, includes the catalytic converter <NUM> configured to convert the disinfectant <NUM> (e.g., ozone <NUM>) in the air <NUM> within the interior <NUM> to oxygen.

In one or more examples of the disinfecting system <NUM> not according to the claims, the disinfectant <NUM> is the liquid <NUM>. The disinfectant delivery device <NUM> includes, or takes the form of, the pump <NUM>.

In one or more examples of the disinfecting system <NUM> not according to the claims, at least one disinfectant dispenser <NUM> includes, or takes the form of, the atomizing nozzle <NUM>.

In one or more examples of the disinfecting system <NUM> not according to the claims, at least one disinfectant dispenser <NUM> includes, or takes the form of, the swirl nozzle <NUM>.

Referring generally to <FIG> and <FIG>, and particularly to <FIG>, by way of examples, the present disclosure is also directed to a method <NUM> of disinfecting the interior <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM>.

Method <NUM> includes a step of (block <NUM>) circulating air <NUM> through the interior <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM>. The method <NUM> also includes a step of (block <NUM>) dispensing the disinfectant <NUM> in the air <NUM> circulated through the interior <NUM>. The method <NUM> further includes a step of (block <NUM>), upon a predetermined condition, purging the disinfectant <NUM> from the interior <NUM>.

In one or more examples, in accordance with the method <NUM>, the step of (block <NUM>) circulating the air <NUM> through the interior <NUM> includes, or is achieved by, a step of (block <NUM>) generating the airstream <NUM> and a step of (block <NUM>) directing the airstream <NUM> within the interior <NUM>.

In one or more examples, the method <NUM> includes a step of (block <NUM>) mixing the disinfectant <NUM> with the air <NUM> to form the mixture <NUM>.

In one or more examples, in accordance with the method <NUM>, the step of (block <NUM>) dispensing the disinfectant <NUM> into the air <NUM> includes a step of dispensing the disinfectant <NUM> directly into the airstream <NUM>. In accordance with the method <NUM>, the step of (block <NUM>) mixing the disinfectant <NUM> includes a step of mixing the disinfectant <NUM> with the airstream <NUM> before directing the airstream <NUM> within the interior <NUM>.

In one or more examples, in accordance with the method <NUM>, the step of (block <NUM>) dispensing the disinfectant <NUM> into the air <NUM> includes a step of dispensing the disinfectant <NUM> within the interior <NUM> after directing the airstream <NUM> within the interior <NUM>. In accordance with the method <NUM>, the step of (block <NUM>) mixing the disinfectant <NUM> includes a step of mixing the disinfectant <NUM> with the airstream <NUM> after directing the airstream <NUM> within the interior <NUM>.

In one or more examples, the method <NUM> includes a step of (block <NUM>) determining occupancy of the aircraft <NUM>, such as determining that the interior <NUM> is unoccupied before dispensing the disinfectant <NUM> in the air <NUM>.

In one or more examples, the method <NUM> includes a step of (block <NUM>) determining the concentration of the disinfectant <NUM> in the air <NUM> within the interior <NUM>.

In one or more examples, in accordance with the method <NUM>, the predetermined condition includes achieving a predetermined concentration of the disinfectant <NUM> in the air <NUM>.

In one or more examples, in accordance with the method <NUM>, the predetermined condition includes achieving a predetermined pressure within the interior <NUM>.

In one or more examples, in accordance with the method <NUM>, the predetermined condition includes achieving a predetermined period.

In one or more examples, the step of (block <NUM>), upon a predetermined condition, purging the disinfectant <NUM> from the interior <NUM> involves detecting the predetermined condition and purging the disinfectant <NUM> from the interior <NUM> in response to detecting the predetermined condition.

In one or more examples, the method <NUM> includes a step of terminating interior circulation of the air <NUM> within the interior <NUM> before dispensing the disinfectant <NUM> in the air <NUM>. For example, one or more of the circulation fans <NUM> may be deactivated to prevent the disinfectant <NUM> from entering undesirable areas of the interior <NUM>.

The step of (block <NUM>) purging the disinfectant <NUM> from the interior <NUM> includes a step of terminating the dispensing of the disinfectant <NUM> and a step of continuing to circulate the air <NUM> through the interior <NUM>. Directing the airstream <NUM>, without the disinfectant <NUM>, into the interior <NUM> fills the interior <NUM> with the air <NUM>, thus reducing the concentration of the disinfectant <NUM> and/or pushing the disinfectant mixture <NUM> out of the interior <NUM> as the air <NUM> fills the interior <NUM>. Purging the disinfectant <NUM> continues until the concentration of the disinfectant <NUM> in the area is reduced to below a predetermined threshold.

Accordingly, examples of the disclosed aircraft <NUM>, disinfecting system <NUM>, and method <NUM> facilitate injection of the disinfectant <NUM> (e.g., gas or liquid) directly into the interior <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM> through the air supply of the environmental control system <NUM>. The disinfecting operation is automatic. For example, the plurality of sensors <NUM> detect whether the interior <NUM> is empty and detect when enough disinfectant <NUM> is present in the air <NUM> to adequately disinfect the contact surfaces <NUM>. The disinfecting system <NUM> fills at least a portion of the interior <NUM> with the disinfectant mixture <NUM> (the gaseous mixture of the disinfectant <NUM> and the air <NUM>). The disinfecting system <NUM> then purges the disinfectant mixture <NUM> out of interior <NUM>. The plurality of sensors <NUM> also detect that the disinfectant mixture <NUM> is purged from interior <NUM> and generate an indicator that the interior <NUM> is safe for re-entry.

In one or more examples, the disinfectant controller <NUM> is configured to control all or some of the circulation fans <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM> to ensure that the disinfectant <NUM> adequately fills the interior <NUM> and to ensure that the disinfectant <NUM> is not directed into areas of the interior <NUM> that house electronic systems and to prevent the disinfectant <NUM> from going into equipment racks. In one or more examples, the disinfectant controller <NUM> is also configured to control other fans for filters to prevent the disinfectant <NUM> from building up in the filters.

In one or more examples, not according to the claims, the disinfecting system <NUM> is an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) component of the aircraft <NUM>. In one or more examples, the aircraft <NUM> is retrofitted to include the disinfecting system <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, examples of the disinfecting system <NUM>, which is not according to the claims, and the method <NUM> may be related to, or used in the context of, an aircraft manufacturing and service method <NUM>, as shown in the flow diagram of <FIG> and the aircraft <NUM>, as schematically illustrated in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, during pre-production, the method <NUM> includes specification and design of the aircraft <NUM> (block <NUM>) and material procurement (block <NUM>). During production of the aircraft <NUM>, component and subassembly manufacturing (block <NUM>) and system integration (block <NUM>) of the aircraft <NUM> take place. Thereafter, the aircraft <NUM> goes through certification and delivery (block <NUM>) to be placed in service (block <NUM>). Routine maintenance and service (block <NUM>) includes modification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, etc. of one or more systems of the aircraft <NUM>.

Each of the processes of the method <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may be performed or carried out by a system integrator, a third party, and/or an operator (e.g., a customer). For the purposes of this description, a system integrator may include, without limitation, any number of spacecraft manufacturers and major-system subcontractors; a third party may include, without limitation, any number of vendors, subcontractors, and suppliers; and an operator may be an airline, leasing company, military entity, service organization, and so on.

Examples of the aircraft <NUM>, and the method <NUM> shown and described herein may be employed during any one or more of the stages of the manufacturing and service method <NUM> shown in the flow diagram illustrated by <FIG>. In an example, implementations of the disclosed aircraft <NUM>, the disinfecting system <NUM>, and the method <NUM> may form a portion of component and subassembly manufacturing (block <NUM>) and/or system integration (block <NUM>). For example, disinfecting the interior <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM> and/or components thereof using implementations of the disclosed disinfecting system <NUM> and method <NUM> may correspond to component and subassembly manufacturing (block <NUM>) and may be utilized in a manner similar to components or subassemblies prepared while the aircraft <NUM> is in service (block <NUM>). Also, implementations of the disclosed disinfecting system <NUM> and the method <NUM> may be utilized during system integration (block <NUM>) and certification and delivery (block <NUM>). Similarly, implementations of the disclosed disinfecting system <NUM> and the method <NUM> may be utilized, for example and without limitation, while the aircraft <NUM> is in service (block <NUM>) and during maintenance and service (block <NUM>).

Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc. are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer.

As used herein, the phrase "at least one of", when used with a list of items, means different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used and only one of each item in the list may be needed. For example, "at least one of item A, item B, and item C" may include, without limitation, item A or item A and item B. This example also may include item A, item B, and item C, or item B and item C. In other examples, "at least one of" may be, for example, without limitation, two of item A, one of item B, and ten of item C; four of item B and seven of item C; and other suitable combinations.

For the purpose of this disclosure, the terms "coupled," "coupling," and similar terms refer to two or more elements that are joined, linked, fastened, attached, connected, put in communication, or otherwise associated (e.g., mechanically, electrically, fluidly, optically, electromagnetically) with one another. In various examples, the elements may be associated directly or indirectly. As an example, element A may be directly associated with element B. As another example, element A may be indirectly associated with element B, for example, via another element C. It will be understood that not all associations among the various disclosed elements are necessarily represented. Accordingly, couplings other than those depicted in the figures may also exist.

As used herein, the term "approximately" refers to or represent a condition that is close to, but not exactly, the stated condition that still performs the desired function or achieves the desired result. As an example, the term "approximately" refers to a condition that is within an acceptable predetermined tolerance or accuracy, such as to a condition that is within <NUM>% of the stated condition. However, the term "approximately" does not exclude a condition that is exactly the stated condition. As used herein, the term "substantially" refers to a condition that is essentially the stated condition that performs the desired function or achieves the desired result.

In <FIG> and <FIG>, referred to above, the blocks may represent functional elements, features, or components thereof and lines connecting the various blocks do not necessarily imply any particular structure. Accordingly, modifications, additions and/or omissions may be made to the illustrated structure. Additionally, those skilled in the art will appreciate that not all elements described and illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, referred to above, need be included in every example and not all elements described herein are necessarily depicted in each illustrative example. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the schematic illustrations of the examples depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>, referred to above, are not meant to imply structural limitations with respect to the illustrative example. Rather, although one illustrative structure is indicated, it is to be understood that the structure may be modified when appropriate.

In <FIG> and <FIG>, referred to above, the blocks may represent operations, steps, and/or portions thereof and lines connecting the various blocks do not imply any particular order or dependency of the operations or portions thereof. It will be understood that not all dependencies among the various disclosed operations are necessarily represented. <FIG> and <FIG> and the accompanying disclosure describing the operations of the disclosed methods set forth herein should not be interpreted as necessarily determining a sequence in which the operations are to be performed. Rather, although one illustrative order is indicated, it is to be understood that the sequence of the operations may be modified when appropriate. Accordingly, modifications, additions and/or omissions may be made to the operations illustrated and certain operations may be performed in a different order or simultaneously. Additionally, those skilled in the art will appreciate that not all operations described need be performed.

Further, references throughout the present specification to features, advantages, or similar language used herein do not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the examples disclosed herein should be, or are in, any single example. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an example is included in at least one example. Thus, discussion of features, advantages, and similar language used throughout the present disclosure may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same example.

Claim 1:
An aircraft (<NUM>) comprising:
an interior (<NUM>);
a plurality of sensors (<NUM>) configured to detect one or more conditions of the interior (<NUM>);
an environmental system (<NUM>) configured to circulate air (<NUM>) through the interior (<NUM>);
at least one disinfectant dispenser (<NUM>) configured to automatically dispense a disinfectant (<NUM>) in the air (<NUM>) circulated through the interior (<NUM>);
a disinfectant delivery device (<NUM>) in fluid communication with the at least one disinfectant dispenser (<NUM>), wherein the disinfecting delivery device (<NUM>) is configured to deliver the disinfectant (<NUM>) to the at least one disinfectant dispenser (<NUM>); and
a disinfectant controller (<NUM>) in communication with the disinfectant delivery device (<NUM>) and configured to selectively initiate or selectively terminate delivery of the disinfectant (<NUM>) from the disinfectant delivery device (<NUM>) to the at least one disinfectant dispenser (<NUM>);
wherein the environmental system (<NUM>) comprises an air handling device (<NUM>) configured to generate an airstream (<NUM>) that circulates the air (<NUM>) through the interior (<NUM>), andthe disinfectant controller (<NUM>) is in communication with the air handling device (<NUM>) and is configured to selectively activate or selectively deactivate the air handling device (<NUM>);
wherein the disinfectant controller (<NUM>) is configured to, upon a predetermined condition, automatically purge the disinfectant (<NUM>) from the interior (<NUM>), wherein purging the disinfectant (<NUM>) from the interior (<NUM>) comprises terminating delivery of the disinfectant (<NUM>) and continuing to circulate the air (<NUM>) through the interior (<NUM>) of the aircraft (<NUM>), wherein purging the disinfectant (<NUM>) continues until the concentration of the disinfectant (<NUM>) in the interior (<NUM>) is reduced to below a predetermined threshold, and the disinfectant controller (<NUM>) is further configured to detect, using the plurality of sensors (<NUM>) that a disinfectant mixture (<NUM>) is purged from the interior (<NUM>), and generate an indicator that the interior (<NUM>) is safe for re-entry.