Patent Description:
<CIT>, in accordance with its abstracts, states a method and an apparatus for indicating minimum exposure of a surface to UVC light emitted by a source during a decontamination process. The apparatus includes a photochromic material to be applied to, or applied adjacent to the surface. The photochromic material is to exhibit a visible response to receiving the minimum exposure to the UVC light, and exhibit the visible response to a lesser extent after the photochromic material ceases to be exposed to the UVC light emitted by the source. A protective layer of material that is substantially transparent to the UVC light emitted by the source is positioned over the photochromic material to be disposed between the source and the photochromic material during the decontamination process.

<CIT>, in accordance with its abstracts, states a transfer paper and a sticker capable of being discolored by an ultraviolet lighting to prevent the sticker from being shown under a visible ray and to express different colors or shapes under the ultraviolet lighting. The transfer paper is capable of being discolored by an ultraviolet lighting and is composed of a transfer pasteboard; an invisible pattern layer printed on the upper surface of the transfer pasteboard to form a predetermined shape by the ink containing a photochromic pigment reacting under ultraviolet rays about <NUM>-30wt. %; an adhesive layer formed on the upper surface of the invisible pattern layer to include the whole of the invisible pattern layer; and a protective film stuck on the upper surface of the adhesive layer.

<CIT>, in accordance with its abstracts, states a decorative laminate having a first laminate layer, a second laminate layer, and a decorative layer disposed selectively between the first laminate layer and the second laminate layer. The decorative layer includes one or more visible materials, and one or more non-visible light activated materials that change from a non-visible state to a visible state when exposed to a light source. The light source includes an ultraviolet (UV) light source or an infrared (IR) light source. The decorative laminate further has a resin layer disposed on the second laminate layer. The first laminate layer, the decorative layer, the second laminate layer, and the resin layer are laminated together to form the decorative laminate configured for application to a structural component.

<CIT>, in accordance with its abstracts, states a laminar structure which comprises an information layer having an ultraviolet-permeable region and an ultraviolet-impermeable region and a color forming layer capable of forming color upon irradiation with ultraviolet rays, and which generates information as a result of association of the two layers with each other upon irradiation with ultraviolet rays. The information layer is a fragile film having printed thereon an ultraviolet-impermeable region of an ultraviolet absorbent-containing resin, and the color-forming layer is one containing an adhesive which contains an ultraviolet color forming agent such as a fluorescent brightening agent.

<CIT>, in accordance with its abstracts, states a system and method for manufacturing a strip or label used to place a substantially invisible identifying mark is disclosed. A strip is treated by removing at least one area of a liner element, a film layer and an adhesive layer. Each one of the removed areas is substantially congruent with the other removed areas. A laser or other ablating device is used to remove the areas through vaporization. The strip element is peeled away from the liner element, exposing the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is thereafter pressed against a substantially flat metal surface. The laminate top coat and the film layer are removed from the object, leaving the adhesive layer in place. The adhesive material is impregnated with a UV sensitive material, but is otherwise invisible.

The present invention provides a laminate according to claim <NUM>.

In one aspect, in combination with any other laminate above or below, the laminate includes the first layer that may be formed from a polyvinyl material or a fiberglass material.

In one aspect, in combination with any other laminate above or below, the laminate includes the first layer that may be formed from a material that is at least <NUM>% UV transparent within a predetermined wavelength.

In one aspect, in combination with any other laminate above or below, the laminate may include the material having a UV transparency of the predetermined wavelength from about <NUM> nanometers (nm) to about <NUM>.

In one aspect, in combination with any other laminate above or below, the laminate may include the material having a UV transparency of the he predetermined wavelength is from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

In one aspect, in combination with any other laminate above or below, the laminate includes the first layer that may be formed from a material that is non-flammable.

In one aspect, in combination with any other laminate above or below, the laminate may include a plurality of edges defining a surface area of the laminate.

In one aspect, in combination with any other laminate above or below, the laminate may include the first layer having a plurality of indicators formed from the photochromatic pigment, the plurality of indicators may be formed across less than an entirety of the surface area.

In one aspect, in combination with any other laminate above or below, the laminate may include the first layer having a plurality of indicators formed from the photochromatic pigment, the plurality of indicators being formed across an entirety of the surface area.

In one aspect, in combination with any other laminate above or below, the laminate may include the first layer having a plurality of indicators having at least one of a first color, a first material, or a first pattern that is different than at least one of a second color, a second material, or a second pattern of the first layer.

In one aspect, in combination with any other laminate above or below, the laminate may include the laminate being configured as a plurality of sections, each section of the plurality of sections being separated from an adjacent section of the plurality of sections by a series of perforations.

In one aspect, in combination with any other laminate above or below, the laminate may include the first layer having a plurality of indicators formed from the photochromatic pigment, the plurality of indicators being formed as an ordered array. In one aspect, in combination with any other laminate above or below, the laminate includes the second layer that may be formed from a polyvinyl material or a fiberglass material.

In one aspect, in combination with any other laminate above or below, the laminate may include the second layer having an adhesive.

In one aspect, in combination with any other laminate above or below, the laminate may include a backing layer removably coupled to the second layer.

In one aspect, in combination with any other laminate above or below, the laminate may include the photochromatic pigment having a first pigment and a second pigment, the first pigment being configured to change from the second state back to the first state after a first predetermined period of time, the second pigment being configured to change from the second state back to the first state after a second predetermined period of time, the first predetermined period of time being less than the second predetermined period of time.

In one aspect, in combination with any other laminate above or below, the laminate may include that the first layer is an outermost layer of the laminate.

In one aspect, in combination with any other laminate above or below, the laminate may include a protective layer formed on top of the first layer having the photochromatic pigment, the protective layer being an outermost layer of the laminate. The present disclosure provides a method of forming a UV-responsive laminate according to claim <NUM>.

In one aspect, in combination with any other method of forming a UV-responsive laminate above or below, the method may include, prior to disposing of the photochromatic pigment, removably coupling the laminate to a component, the disposing of the photochromatic pigment being performed in-situ.

In one aspect, in combination with any other method of forming a UV-responsive laminate above or below, the method may include that the component is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of: a polymer, a metal, a composite material, an organic material, and combinations thereof.

In one aspect, in combination with any other method of forming a UV-responsive laminate above or below, the method may include disposing the photochromatic pigment to form an ordered array of photochromatic indicators.

The present disclosure provides a method of cleaning according to claim <NUM>.

In one aspect, in combination with any other method of cleaning above or below, the method may include (d) subsequent to (c), exposing the laminate to the UV light source to change the photochromatic pigment from the first state to the second state.

In one aspect, in combination with any other method of cleaning above or below, the method may include that the UV light source is configured to emit UV light within a wavelength range from about <NUM> nanometers (nm) to about <NUM>.

In one aspect, in combination with any other method of cleaning above or below, the method may include that the UV light source is configured to emit UV light within a wavelength range from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

So that the manner in which the above recited features can be understood in detail, a more particular description, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to example aspects, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings.

The present disclosure relates to the cleaning, e.g., the disinfection and sanitization of one or more surfaces of a component using non-contact cleaning. The non-contact cleaning may include as exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. The cleaning discussed herein can, in some examples, include sterilization. As used herein, "sterilization" is a process that makes one or more surfaces of a component free from bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other living microorganisms. The surfaces discussed herein may be part of a public or private transportation vehicles (aerospace vehicles such as aircraft, spacecraft, marine vehicles, or the like, and non-aerospace transportation vehicles such as busses, cars, trains, boats, cruise ships), retail or food service locations, financial institutions, casinos, non-casino gaming environments (e.g., e-sports), or other locations, or other public or semi-public space having surfaces that can be contacted by multiple parties such that living microorganisms can be spread from the surface among and between parties that may or may not have contacted the surface. In some examples, UV light may be used alone, and in other examples, UV light may be used in combination with one or more cleaning agents, such as cleaning solvents, to remove contaminants such as dirt and oils as well as biologic elements such as viruses, fungi, mold, mildew, and bacteria such that the cleaned surfaces are not likely to transmit biologic contaminants among and between users of these surfaces.

In currently employed cleaning processes, a photo-luminescent element or elements can be used to indicate that rooms and surfaces, such as lavatories on aircrafts, have been cleaned. However, currently employed photo-luminescent processes may be commonly confirmed in a darkened passenger cabin, or other areas capable of having all light sources deactivated or otherwise covered, where photo-luminescent strips emit light from absorbed photons. Photo-luminescent inks currently used, may further be visible only while illuminated, and not by the naked eye under ambient light. In addition, some currently employed systems use photo-luminescent indicators that can be charged from a multitude of light sources such as ambient light sources in addition to cleaning sources such as UV lights. As such, the current photo-luminescent indicators might glow from being charged by these light sources, thereby undesirably providing a false reading of ultraviolet (UV) exposure and resultant clean status.

Using the systems and methods discussed herein, photochromatic pigments are used to indicate, to a party responsible for cleaning a surface as well as to a party who may use the surface, that the surface has been cleaned. The systems and methods discussed herein thus instill confidence and, in some examples, confirmation and auditability, that cleaning has been performed. The cleaning can be defined by a predetermined schedule set by a party who owns or rents the component(s), or by a local, state, or federal government regulation.

Photochromatic pigments may take various forms. As used herein, a "photochromatic indicator" is a printed text or graphic formed from one or more photochromatic pigments. Photochromatic indicators are one form which photochromatic pigments may take, wherein photochromatic pigment is disposed on a surface. A pigment such as a photochromatic pigment may also be used to form a "pigment texture. " A "pigment texture," as discussed herein, is to mean a series of features including or a pattern of repeating features that are embossed or otherwise formed in a material such as a fiberglass, polyvinyl, textile, organic, or other material or combination of materials such that the features are formed to include a pigment such as a photochromatic pigment. Photochromatic pigments are configured to change from a first state to a second state for a predetermined period of time in response to absorbing UV light. A determination as to whether a photochromatic pigment is in a first state or a second state may be made by a naked eye under ambient light conditions. As discussed herein, a "first state" of a photochromatic pigment is to mean that the photochromatic pigment is invisible to the naked eye under ambient light. As discussed herein, a "second state" of a photochromatic pigment is to mean that the photochromatic pigment is visible to the naked eye under ambient light. The photochromatic pigments, when in a visible state, may be various colors such as red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, brown, black, or other colors or combinations of colors.

As used herein, "ambient light" is light present in a room from natural light (e.g., the sun), or existing room lighting, in contrast to lights used to illuminate particular aspects of or areas within room or another environment. As used herein, something that is "visible to the naked eye" can be seen without magnification, including something which is visible to a person or persons whom are wearing prescription glasses. The first states and the second states of photochromatic pigments and resultant indicators discussed herein can be confirmed by and are visible using the naked eye in ambient light, such that the environment including the photochromatic indicator may not be darkened in order to confirm cleaning. In other aspects of the present disclosure, the change from the first state to the second state can be additionally confirmed via an application on a mobile device or via a tactile change, for example, if a party who desires to confirm the change is vision-impaired or desires to create a record of the change using the mobile device. The ability to verify that a surface has been cleaned using the photochromatic indicators discussed herein provides assurance for the party cleaning the surface as well as for the party using the surface.

The first state of a photochromatic pigment, where the photochromatic pigment is invisible to the naked eye under ambient light, may indicate that the surface including the photochromatic pigment may not have been cleaned recently. In contrast, the second state of the photochromatic pigment, where the photochromatic pigment is visible to the naked eye under ambient light, indicates that the surface including the photochromatic pigment has been cleaned. For example, photochromatic pigments may change from a first state that is invisible to the naked eye under ambient light, to a second state that is visible to the naked eye under ambient light upon the absorption of certain UV light. The photochromatic pigments can be in the forms of liquid, solid (e.g., powder), colloids (e.g., slurry), or other forms or combinations of forms. Depending upon the example, the photochromatic pigments can be used in indicators as liquid or gel reservoirs, paints or other coatings, and applied via various printing methods either at an original equipment manufacturer of, for example, a laminate that is to be installed in an aircraft or other vehicle or environment, or in-situ. As used herein, "in-situ" use of photochromatic pigments is to mean the application of photochromatic pigment by one or more means to a surface, such as a laminate surface, that is already installed in an aircraft, vehicle, or other environment, in contrast to forming the laminate at an OEM to include the photochromatic pigment. As used herein, the terms "paint" and "coating" may be used interchangeably to mean various types of materials (such as photochromatic indicators) applied in one or more layers to one or more surfaces via various application means. The laminates discussed herein as including photochromatic pigment can be referred to as "UV-responsive laminates" but may also be referred to as "laminates.

The photochromatic pigments discussed herein are disposed on laminates that are removably coupled to components which are installed in environments including aircraft. As used herein, a laminate can be "removably coupled" to one or more components such that the uncoupling of the laminate and the component does not damage the component and such that a second laminate may be subsequently applied to the component. In some examples, the component may be cleaned when the laminate is removed, prior to removably coupling a new laminate to the component. Accordingly, the photochromatic pigments are reversible so that the surfaces can be cleaned in a plurality of iterations while the component is installed in the environment without the laminate being replaced. The ability to repeatedly clean the surface, e.g., the laminate, without removing the laminate enables efficient maintenance and cleaning of these environments. As used herein, "reversible" is to mean that UV light is applied to the photochromatic indicator to change it from a first state to a second state. In this example, after a predetermined period of time that may range from about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> hours, the photochromatic indicator changes from the second state back to the first state. In other examples, the predetermined period of time can be from about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> hours. In still other examples, the predetermined period of time of the first state can be from about <NUM> hours to about <NUM> hours. As used herein, "about" is to mean within +/-<NUM>% of a stated target value, maximum, or minimum value.

<FIG> illustrates a cross-section of a first laminate 100A having a first layer <NUM>. The first layer <NUM> has a thickness 102A and includes a first side 102B and a second side 102C. The second side 102C is configured to be able to be removably coupled to a component (not shown) which may be formed from a material including a metal, polymer, composite, or from a combination of materials. The removably coupling of the first laminate 100A to a component may be via a chemical adhesive, a pressure-based adhesive, a heat-activated adhesive, and a thermoset adhesive, or other adhesives or combinations of adhesives as appropriate. In one example, the thickness 102A of the first layer <NUM> may be from about <NUM> mils (<NUM> mil = <NUM> inches (in. )) <NUM> mils. In another example, the thickness 102A of the first layer <NUM> may be from about <NUM> mils to about <NUM> mils. In still another example, the thickness 102A of the first layer <NUM> may be from about <NUM> mils to about <NUM> mils.

The first side 102B of the first layer <NUM> of the first laminate 100A includes a plurality of photochromatic pigment <NUM>. The plurality of photochromatic pigment <NUM> can take various forms, as discussed at least in <FIG> below. The plurality of photochromatic pigment <NUM> may be formed on the first side 102B of the first layer <NUM> via various printing methods, such as silk-screen printing, digital printing, ink jet printing, or another printing process capable of depositing the plurality of photochromatic pigment <NUM>. The first layer <NUM> can be formed from one or more materials, including a polyvinyl material or a fiberglass material. In one example, the first layer <NUM> can be formed from a polyvinyl fluoride film (PVF) or a fiberglass reinforced emboss resin. In some examples, the first layer <NUM> includes two or more types of material that may be layered vertically along the y-axis, horizontally along the x-axis, or otherwise configured (an example coordinate system is included adjacent to <FIG>).

<FIG> depicts a second laminate 100B having a first layer <NUM> that may be similar in composition to the first layer <NUM> of <FIG> and includes a photochromatic pigment <NUM> which can be arranged in various configurations as discussed below in <FIG>. In contrast to the first laminate 100A in <FIG>, the second laminate 100B includes a first side 120B and a second side 120C, and an adhesive layer <NUM> formed on the second side 102C. The adhesive layer <NUM> may include a chemical adhesive, a pressure-activated adhesive, a thermoplastic adhesive, a heat-activated adhesive, or combinations thereof. The adhesive layer <NUM> is configured to removably couple the second laminate 100B to a component (not shown). In some examples, an adhesive can be deposited on the component as well, such that the adhesive of the component is selected to bond to the adhesive layer <NUM>. In one example, the adhesive layer <NUM> is formed over the entire surface area (discussed below in <FIG>) of the second side 120C of the first layer <NUM>. In another example, the adhesive layer <NUM> is formed over one or more portions of the second side 120C which are less than the entire surface area of the second side 120C. The configuration of the second laminate 100B may be used, for example, when a roll of laminate is formed at an OEM. In this example, the second laminate 100B may be cut to form a portion of the second laminate 100B to couple the portion to a component. The coupling of any laminate or portion of laminate discussed herein may be referred to herein as "installation. " In another example, the roll of the second laminate 100B could include a plurality of perforations defining a plurality of pre-formed laminates. The plurality of pre-formed laminates may include the same shape and dimensions, or may vary in a single roll in shape, dimensions, or both.

The second laminate 100B has a thickness <NUM>. In one example, the thickness <NUM> of the second laminate 100B may be from about <NUM> mils (<NUM> mil = <NUM> inches (in. )) <NUM> mils. In another example, the thickness <NUM> of the second laminate 100B may be from about <NUM> mils to about <NUM> mils. In still another example, the thickness <NUM> of the second laminate 100B may be from about <NUM> mils to about <NUM> mils. The first layer <NUM> may have a thickness 120A that may be, in one example, from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% of the thickness <NUM> of the second laminate 100B. The first layer <NUM> may have a thickness 120A that may be, in another example, from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% of the thickness <NUM> of the second laminate 100B. In still another example, the first layer <NUM> may have a thickness 120A that may be from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% of the thickness <NUM> of the second laminate 100B.

<FIG> depicts a third laminate 100C having a first layer <NUM> and an adhesive layer formed on the second side 120C of the adhesive layer <NUM>, similar to those layers as discussed above in <FIG>. In contrast to <FIG>, the third laminate includes a backing layer <NUM> formed on the adhesive layer <NUM>. The backing layer <NUM> can include an organic material (paper), textile (woven material), or other material. The backing layer <NUM> is configured to be removed from the adhesive layer <NUM> prior to the third laminate 100C being removably coupled to a component (not pictured). The configuration of the third laminate 100C may be used, for example, when a roll of laminate is formed at an OEM. In this example, the roll could include a plurality of perforations (not shown here) defining a plurality of pre-formed laminates. The plurality of pre-formed laminates may include the same shape and dimensions, or may vary in a single roll in shape, dimensions, or both. In other examples, the configuration of the third laminate 100C may be as one or more unconnected pieces that may have various shapes configured to couple to components of aircrafts, ships (including cruise ships), other transportation vehicles or other components located in retail or restaurant environments.

The third laminate 100C has a thickness <NUM>. In one example, the thickness <NUM> of the third laminate 100C may be from about <NUM> mils (<NUM> mil = <NUM> inches (in. )) <NUM> mils. In another example, the thickness <NUM> of the third laminate 100C may be from about <NUM> mils to about <NUM> mils. In still another example, the thickness <NUM> of the third laminate 100C may be from about <NUM> mils to about <NUM> mils. The first layer <NUM> may have a thickness 120A that may be, in one example, from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% the thickness <NUM> of the third laminate 100C. The first layer <NUM> may have a thickness 120A that may be, in another example, from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% of the thickness <NUM> of the third laminate 100C. In still another example, the first layer <NUM> may have a thickness 120A that may be from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% of the thickness <NUM> of the third laminate 100C.

<FIG> depicts a fourth laminate 100D. The fourth laminate 100D includes a first layer <NUM> formed on a first side 112B of a second layer <NUM> that may also be referred to as the photochromatic pigment layer. In some examples, the first layer <NUM> can be formed from a polyvinyl material or a fiberglass material. In one example, the first layer <NUM> can be formed from a polyvinyl fluoride film (PVF) or a fiberglass reinforced emboss resin. The first layer <NUM> can have a thickness 110A. In one example, the thickness 110A may be from about <NUM> mils to about <NUM> mils. In another example, the thickness 110A of the first layer <NUM> may be from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% of the thickness <NUM> of the fourth laminate 100D. In contrast to the first layer <NUM> discussed in <FIG>, the first layer <NUM> of the fourth laminate 100D does not include a photochromatic pigment. Rather, the first layer <NUM> is a protective layer formed over the second layer <NUM> which includes the photochromatic pigment <NUM>. Similarly to third laminate 100C, the fourth laminate 100D includes an adhesive layer <NUM> formed on a second side 112C of the second layer <NUM>, and a backing layer <NUM> coupled to the adhesive layer <NUM>.

The fourth laminate 100D has a thickness <NUM>. In one example, the thickness <NUM> of the fourth laminate 100D may be from about <NUM> mils to about <NUM> mils. In another example the thickness <NUM> of the fourth laminate 100D may be from about <NUM> mils to about <NUM> mils. In still another example, the thickness <NUM> of the fourth laminate 100D may be from about <NUM> mils to about <NUM> mils. The first layer <NUM> may have a thickness 110A that may be, in one example, from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% the thickness <NUM> of the fourth laminate 100D. The first layer <NUM> may have a thickness 110A that may be, in another example, from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% of the thickness <NUM> of the fourth laminate 100D. In still another example, the first layer <NUM> may have a thickness 110A that may be from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% of the thickness <NUM> of the fourth laminate 100D. The second layer <NUM> has a thickness 112A. In one aspect, the thickness 112A of the second layer <NUM> may be from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% the thickness <NUM> of the fourth laminate 100D. In another aspect, the thickness 112A of the second layer <NUM> may be from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% of the thickness <NUM> of the fourth laminate 100D. In still another aspect, the thickness 112A of the second layer <NUM> may be from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% of the thickness <NUM> of the fourth laminate 100D. In one example, the thickness 110A is less than the thickness 112A. In one aspect, a ratio of the thickness 110A to the thickness 112A may be from about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>. In another aspect, the ratio of the thickness 110A to the thickness 112A may be from about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>. In still another aspect, the ratio of the thickness 110A to the thickness 112A may be from about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>.

The laminates discussed herein, including the laminates discussed above and below, include one or more layers fabricated from non-flammable material. "Non-flammable" material(s), as discussed herein, are materials that may melt or otherwise degrade in response to heat and/or flames but that do not ignite nor release toxic fumes. Materials from which the laminates discussed herein are formed may be selected based upon state, local, or federal regulations applicable to the environments in which the laminates are installed (e.g., aircraft, food service, cruise ships/boats, military vehicles, automobiles, trains, etc.).

<FIG> depict examples of laminates including photochromatic pigment.

The laminates illustrated in <FIG> may be formed in various manner and from various materials, such as the materials discussed above in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a first laminate 200A having a pigment texture <NUM> formed from photochromatic pigment. A pigment texture can include one or more colors of pigment (including but not limited to photochromatic pigment) that can be arranged in various patterns and configurations. In one example, a first pigment included in a pigment texture can include a photochromatic pigment and a non-photochromatic pigment, such that the non-photochromatic pigment can be visible under ambient light with the naked eye and the photochromatic pigment in a first state is invisible to the naked eye under ambient light and a second state which, after the photochromatic pigment is exposed to UV light, is visible to the naked eye under ambient light. In this example, the photochromatic pigment reverts back to the first state from the second state after a predetermined reversion time. As discussed herein, a "reversion time" is a time that it takes a photochromatic pigment to change from a second state (visible to the naked eye under ambient light) back to the first state (invisible to the naked eye under ambient light). Depending upon the example, the reversion time of a photochromatic pigment can be from about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> hours or more. In one example, a gradient of pigment that includes two or more colors of pigment can be used to form the pigment texture. In one example, the gradient includes a photochromatic pigment and a non-photochromatic pigment, as discussed above. In another example, the gradient of pigments can include two or more photochromatic pigments of varying colors, each having a different predetermined reversion time.

The first laminate 200A has a polygonal shape defined by a first side 204A, a second side 206A, a third side 208A, and a fourth side 210A. The first side 204A, the second side 206A, the third side 208A, and the fourth side 210A define a surface area of the first laminate 200A In other examples, the first laminate 200A may take other shapes or combinations of shapes as appropriate for installation in various environments having varying geometries. In one example, the pigment texture <NUM> can extend across a portion of the first laminate 200A that is less than an entire surface area of the first laminate 200A. In other examples, the pigment texture <NUM> may be formed on the first laminate 200A on portion of the surface area of the first laminate 200A that is less than its entire surface area. The first laminate 200A further includes pluralities of perforations <NUM>, which can be used to separate the first laminate 200A into sections which can be applied to one or more components or one or more regions of the same components.

<FIG> illustrates a second laminate 200B having at least one deposition of photochromatic pigment and does not include a pigment texture. The second laminate 200B has a polygonal shape defined by a first side 204B, a second side 206B, a third side 208B, and a fourth side 210B. The first side 204B, the second side 206B, the third side 208B, and the fourth side 210B define a surface area of the second laminate 200B. In other examples, the second laminate 200B may take other shapes or combinations of shapes as appropriate for installation in various environments having varying geometries. The at least one deposition of photochromatic pigment in the example of the second laminate 200B may include a graphic indicator <NUM> or a text indicator <NUM>. In the example in <FIG>, a single graphic indicator <NUM>, a single text indicator <NUM>, or a combination of the two may be formed on the entire surface area of the second laminate 200B. This is in contrast to the partial views of laminates in <FIG> which may include various ordered or random arrangements of photochromatic indicators.

In contrast to <FIG>, which show entire laminates <FIG> each depict partial top-views of laminates according to aspects of the present disclosure. <FIG> depicts a third laminate 200C that includes a plurality of randomly arranged graphic indicators <NUM>. A "random array" may mean that the distances (216A, 216B, 216C) between each pair of adjacent graphic indicators <NUM> are different. In some examples, the plurality of graphic indicators <NUM> shown in <FIG> are the only photochromatic indicators on the third laminate 200C. In other examples, other pluralities of graphic indicators <NUM> having non-uniform spacing (in contrast to the ordered arrays discussed below) may be included in the third laminate 200C. In other examples, which can be combined with various examples herein, the third laminate 200C can include one or more text indicators <NUM> which may be arranged in various patterns.

<FIG> depicts a fourth laminate 200D that includes an ordered array <NUM> of photochromatic indicators, shown here as graphic indicators <NUM>. In other examples, text indicators may also be formed as an ordered array. As discussed herein, an "ordered array" includes a plurality of photochromatic pigment depositions of a graphic, text, or combination, where each deposition of photochromatic pigment is positioned equidistance from each adjacent deposition. The ordered arrays discussed herein may extend over an entire surface area of a laminate or over a portion of the surface area of a laminate that is less than the entire surface area. In the example in <FIG>, the fourth laminate 200D includes an ordered array <NUM> of graphic indicators <NUM>, each of which is spaced equidistant 220A from one or more adjacent graphic indicators <NUM>. As discussed above, the graphic indicators <NUM> can take various shapes including acting as brand identifiers. In other examples, the ordered array <NUM> may include text indicators or combinations of graphic indicators and text indicators. While graphic indicators <NUM> having the same shape and dimensions are illustrated herein, in other examples, graphic indicators having various sizes and/or shapes may be used to form the ordered array <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts a fifth laminate 200E that combines the pigment texture <NUM> shown in <FIG> and the ordered array <NUM> that may be similar to the ordered array <NUM> shown in <FIG>. As discussed herein with respect to the ordered array <NUM> in <FIG>, the fourth laminate 200D includes graphic indicators <NUM> in the ordered array <NUM>, each of which is spaced equidistant 224A from one or more adjacent graphic indicators <NUM>. As discussed above, the graphic indicators <NUM> can take various shapes including acting as brand identifiers. In other examples, the ordered array <NUM> may include text indicators or combinations of graphic indicators and text indicators. While graphic indicators <NUM> having the same shape and dimensions are illustrated herein, in other examples, graphic indicators having various sizes and/or shapes may be used to form the ordered array <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts an illustrative cabin interior <NUM> of an aircraft <NUM> that may include one or more UV-responsive laminates ("laminates") according to aspects of the present disclosure. The cabin interior <NUM> may include structural components covered with one or more examples of a laminate as disclosed herein, such as a laminate <NUM>. The structural components include a cabin interior sidewall <NUM> and panels <NUM>. The structural components are shown herein as having a laminate coupled thereto, and may further include floor panels <NUM>, stowage bins <NUM>, and window elements <NUM> (e.g., window masks, window reveals, window shades and the like). Further in this example, elements of seating <NUM> may include laminates (e.g., seat console, seat interior, seat panel, seat backs, seat shell, tray table, and the like). Other structural components of the aircraft <NUM> not shown here that may have UV-responsive laminates removably coupled thereto include: insulation barriers, moisture barriers, composite noise panels, lavatory and galley panels and structures, bulkheads, partitions, ceilings, door linings, entryways, and cargo bin liners. The laminates in <FIG> are shown having the photochromatic pigment in a first state, where the photochromatic pigment is not visible to the naked eye under ambient light.

<FIG> depicts an illustrative service cart <NUM> that may be used in aircrafts and may include one or more laminates including photochromatic pigment according to aspects of the present disclosure. The service cart <NUM> can include laminates, shown herein as being removably coupled to a plurality of side panels <NUM> and a plurality of front panels <NUM>. It is understood that there is a second plurality of side panels located on another side of the service cart <NUM> that is parallel and opposite to the side shown in <FIG> as having the plurality of side panels <NUM> which further includes side panels having laminates coupled thereto. The service cart <NUM> further includes one or more trays <NUM> that may be slidingly engaged with the service cart <NUM>, such that the trays <NUM> can be pulled out from the service cart <NUM> to act as serving surfaces, in some examples without being fully disengaged from the service cart <NUM>. In this example, the one or more trays <NUM> can have laminates having photochromatic pigment as discussed herein removably coupled thereto. The plurality of front panels <NUM> having laminates including photochromatic pigment removably coupled thereto may include panels associated with drawers, bins, or other storage apparatuses. The service cart <NUM> can further include a frame <NUM> that may be formed from aluminum or other materials, and a handle <NUM> that may be configured to position the service cart <NUM>, and/or may be configured to provide access to a compartment of the service cart <NUM>. In some examples, the frame <NUM> has laminates including photochromatic pigment removably coupled thereto. The service cart <NUM> additionally includes a plurality of movable elements <NUM> configured to transport the service cart <NUM> among and between various locations on an aircraft as well off of the aircraft (e.g., for service cart <NUM> maintenance). In one example, the movable elements <NUM> include wheels. The service cart <NUM> further includes a top surface <NUM> that may have a laminate coupled thereto.

The UV-responsive laminates discussed in <FIG> can include photochromatic pigments in the form of one or more pigment textures. In other examples, the laminates can include photochromatic indicators such as "UV clean," brand identifiers (shown herein as "<NUM>") associated with the airline, aircraft manufacturer, food service provider, other advertisers, or combinations thereof. The service cart <NUM> is an example service cart that may, in other examples, may include different geometries, dimensions, and configurations of drawers, shelves, refrigeration /warming devices, or materials. For example purposes, the laminates of <FIG> that are removably coupled to the plurality of side panels <NUM> and the plurality of front panels <NUM> are shown in a second state, indicating that the service cart <NUM> has been cleaned, such that the photochromatic pigment is visible to the naked eye under ambient light.

<FIG> depicts an example galley <NUM> that can include UV-responsive laminates as discussed herein removably coupled to various surfaces. The galley <NUM> may be included in an aircraft, sea vessel, bus, train, restaurant, food kiosk, or other location where food preparation may occur. The galley <NUM> can have the laminates coupled to storage cabinets (502C, 502D, 502E, and 502F) used for non-perishable food or serving/cooking supplies, one or more trash or recycling bins 502B, and/or one or more drawers <NUM>. The galley <NUM> may further include the UV-responsive laminates coupled to refrigerated storage 502A and warming apparatuses 504A, 504B, as well as a servicing surface <NUM>. The laminates may be further removably coupled to structural elements and surfaces such as the top surfaces 506A, 506B, and the side surfaces 508A, 508B, 508C.

The UV-responsive laminates discussed in <FIG> can include photochromatic pigments in the form of one or more pigment textures. In other examples, the laminates can include photochromatic indicators such as "UV clean," brand identifiers for the airline, aircraft manufacturer, food service provider, other advertisers, or combinations thereof. The galley <NUM> is an example service cart that may, in other examples, may include different configurations of storage apparatuses (drawers, cabinets, etc.,) heating and cooling devices, serving surfaces and devices, or structural elements and surfaces. The galley <NUM> may be cleaned in between flights when passengers are not on board. In other examples, the galley <NUM> may be cleaned in whole or in part during flight when the passenger cabin includes passengers. The cleaning of the galley <NUM> can be visually confirmed using the naked eye under ambient light via the photochromatic pigment included in the laminates discussed above. One or more aspects of the galley <NUM> may be cleaned in flight, for example, before or after snack or meal service, or if contacted by crew or passengers. For example purposes, the laminates of <FIG> are shown in a first state where the photochromatic pigment is invisible to the naked eye.

<FIG> depicts an example cleaning system <NUM> according to aspects of the present disclosure. The cleaning system <NUM> includes a UV light source <NUM> that may include or be configured to couple to a power source <NUM>. The UV light source <NUM> can be configured as a stand-alone, wireless device that includes the power source <NUM> which may be a rechargeable battery. As discussed in detail below, the UV light source <NUM> can be configured to emit wavelengths from about <NUM> nanometers (nm) to about <NUM>. Also, the wavelength can be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In another example, the predetermined wavelength range is from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In still another example, the predetermined wavelength range is from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In yet another example, the predetermined wavelength range is from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. Moreover, in some examples, the UV light source can be configured to emit wavelengths from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In some examples, the UV light source <NUM> can have an elongated geometry referred to as a "wand," a circular geometry, polygonal geometry, or can have a combination of two or more geometries. The UV light discussed herein can be UVA, UVB, UVC, or combinations of UV light types. The UV light source <NUM> can include a plurality of LED lights. In other examples, the UV light source <NUM> can be configured as a wired device that may or may not be connected to the power source <NUM> when in use. In still other examples, the UV light source <NUM> can be configured as a self-driven or manually-driven device or collection of devices that can be coupled to a ceiling of an area to be cleaned and/or a floor of an area to be cleaned. In other examples, the UV light source <NUM> can be included in a robotically or manually-driven cleaning device that may or may not include the power source <NUM>. In one example, the UV light source <NUM> is included in a device that can be programmed to move along a predetermined path to clean a plurality of surfaces.

The UV light source <NUM> can be configured to operate at a wavelength or within a range such that the one or more photochromatic pigments 610A included in or formed on a laminate <NUM> change from a first state to a second state in response to absorbing the energy from the UV light source <NUM>. Depending upon the example, the one or more photochromatic pigments 610A can be reversible as discussed above. In some examples, the laminate <NUM>, which may be configured with photochromatic pigment 610A, for example, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, or combinations thereof. Accordingly, the photochromatic pigment 610A may be formed as a pigment texture or as one or more photochromatic indicators. In one example, the photochromatic pigment 610A can be configured to include two or more types (colors) of photochromatic pigment or two or more concentrations of the same type (color) of photochromatic pigments such that the laminate <NUM> has a color gradient which forms over time in one or more directions as the photochromatic pigment 610A changes from the second state back to the first state. In one example, the color gradient could be configured to indicate to a cleaner or cleaning system sensor when the photochromatic pigment 610A is changing from the first state to the second state.

The photochromatic pigment 610A and laminate <NUM> can each be formed from one or more materials configured to be used and approved for use (e.g., by one or more government authorities and/or by an OEM or customer's internal regulations) in one or more of an aircraft, automobile, hospital, restaurant, retail location, hotel/resort, or other locations as discussed herein. In some locations, each of the photochromatic pigment 610A and laminate <NUM> will thus be formed from one or more materials configured to resist humidity, fire, wide pH ranges, heat, cold, or other conditions without detaching or uncoupling from an associated component. In some examples, each of the photochromatic pigment 610A and laminate <NUM> is formed from a material chosen to prevent the release of toxic fumes during a fire.

In some examples, as discussed herein, the laminate <NUM> includes the photochromatic pigment 610A prior to being installed in, for example, an aircraft. In other examples, the photochromatic pigment 610A is added to the laminate <NUM> in-situ, subsequent to installation. In this example, an in-situ printing device <NUM> may be employed to dispose the photochromatic pigment 610A on the laminate <NUM> without uninstalling the laminate <NUM>. That is, the photochromatic pigment 610A may be applied to the laminate <NUM> in-situ, within the environment in which the laminate <NUM> is installed. In still other examples, the laminate <NUM> may include the photochromatic pigment 610A from either the OEM process or a subsequent in-situ process using the in-situ printing device <NUM>, but additional photochromatic pigment 610A may be added subsequent to installation.

In some examples, the cleaning system <NUM> includes a server computer <NUM> having a non-transitory memory configured to store a plurality of logic in the form of cleaning programs, cleaning schedules, and cleaning records. This information and other information may be stored on one or more data stores <NUM> which may be part of a cloud computing system. The UV light source <NUM> and the power source <NUM> may be in communication with and/or controlled by the server computer <NUM>. In some examples, a mobile device <NUM> such as a phone, tablet, personal data assistant, laptop computer, or wearable smart device can include an app configured to determine when the photochromatic pigment 610A is in the first state or the second state. In other examples, the mobile device <NUM> may be in communication with and able to control the UV light source <NUM> and the power source <NUM>. The cleaning system <NUM> may be used to clean laminates according to various methods discussed herein.

<FIG> depicts a flow chart of a method <NUM> of using cleaning systems to clean laminates according to aspects of the present disclosure. At operation <NUM>, a laminate including photochromatic pigment is fabricated (<NUM> - Fabricate laminate including photochromatic pigment). In one example, operation <NUM> includes disposing a plurality of photochromatic pigment on a laminate at operation <NUM> (<NUM> - Dispose a plurality of photochromatic pigment on laminate). In one example, operation <NUM> may be performed on a laminate that has not been installed. In another example, prior to operation <NUM>, the laminate is installed, that is, the laminate is removably coupled to a component, at optional operation <NUM> (<NUM> - Removably couple laminate to component).

Depending upon the example, the laminate installed at operation <NUM> may or may not include photochromatic pigment. The photochromatic pigment disposed at operation <NUM> may be disposed on the laminate as a pigment texture, one or more photochromatic indicators, or combinations thereof. The photochromatic pigment may be disposed at operation <NUM> in the first state, where it is invisible to the naked eye under ambient light. In other examples, the photochromatic pigment may be disposed at operation <NUM> in the second state, where it is visible to the naked eye under ambient light, for example, by disposing the photochromatic pigment under UV light. This may be done, for example, to ensure the placement and formation of the pigment texture and/or photochromatic indicators. In this example, the photochromatic pigment may revert to the first state from the second state prior to installation as discussed below. The photochromatic pigment may be disposed at operation <NUM> as a single photochromatic indicator, an ordered array of photochromatic indicators, or in other forms or patterns. The photochromatic pigment disposed at operation <NUM> can be configured to change from a first state to a second state in response to exposure to a UV light. The first state of the photochromatic pigment is invisible to a naked eye under ambient lighting and the second state is visible to the naked eye under ambient lighting. As discussed herein, the surface upon which the photochromatic pigment is disposed, whether in-situ after operation <NUM> or at an OEM prior to installation, may be formed from a polyvinyl material. In other examples, the surface upon which the photochromatic pigment is disposed may be formed from other materials that may be selected, for example, to meet OEM, customer, government, or other rules or regulations associated with durability, safety (e.g., flammability), or other aspects of an environment in which the laminates are installed. The component which the laminate is removably coupled to may be formed from a material such as a polymer, a metal, a composite material, an organic material, and combinations thereof.

At optional operation <NUM>, if the laminate has not been previously installed at operation <NUM>, the laminate including the photochromatic pigment is removably coupled to a component (installed) (<NUM> - Removably couple laminate including photochromatic pigment to component). At operation <NUM>, the laminate having photochromatic pigment configured in the first state is exposed to UV light (<NUM>- Expose photochromatic pigment in first state to UV light).

In one example, the UV light source is configured to emit UV light within a wavelength range at operation <NUM> from about <NUM> nanometers (nm) to about <NUM>. In another example, the UV light source is configured to emit UV light within a wavelength range at operation <NUM> from about <NUM> nanometers (nm) to about <NUM>. In yet another example, the UV light source is configured to emit UV light within a wavelength range at operation <NUM> from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

At operation <NUM>, in response to exposure to the photochromatic pigment at operation <NUM>, the photochromatic pigment changes to the second state, causing it to be visible to the naked eye in ambient light (<NUM>-Photochromatic pigment changes to the second state). The changing of the photochromatic pigment from the first state to the second state at operation <NUM> may occur instantaneously, that is, the change to the second state at operation <NUM> may be visible to the naked eye under ambient light upon exposure to the UV light, in about less than <NUM> second. In other examples, the change at operation <NUM> from the first state to the second state may occur during a period from about <NUM> seconds to about <NUM> seconds. In still other examples, the change at operation <NUM> from the first state to the second state may occur during a period from about <NUM> second to about <NUM> seconds. In other examples, the change at operation <NUM> from the first state to the second state may occur during a period from about <NUM> seconds to about <NUM> seconds.

Subsequently, after a predetermined period of time, at operation <NUM>, the photochromatic pigment changes (reverts) back to the first state from the second state, indicating that the laminate including the photochromatic pigment is clean (<NUM> - Photochromatic pigment changes back to the first state). In one example, the photochromatic pigment may remain in the second state, subsequent to operation <NUM> but before operation <NUM>, being visible to the naked eye under ambient light, for a predetermined time period from about <NUM> seconds to about <NUM> minutes. In one example, the photochromatic pigment may remain in the second state, subsequent to operation <NUM> but before operation <NUM>, being visible to the naked eye under ambient light, for a predetermined time period from about <NUM> seconds to about <NUM> minutes. In another example, the photochromatic pigment may remain in the second state, subsequent to operation <NUM> but before operation <NUM>, being visible to the naked eye under ambient light, for a predetermined time period from about <NUM> seconds to about <NUM> minutes. In yet another example, the photochromatic pigment may remain in the second state, subsequent to operation <NUM> but before operation <NUM>, being visible to the naked eye under ambient light, for a predetermined time period from about <NUM> seconds to about <NUM> minutes.

In some examples, subsequent to operation <NUM>, the method <NUM> returns to operation <NUM> for one or more iterations, such that the laminate including the photochromatic pigment is cleaned for a plurality of iterations without being removed or refurbished. In some examples, if the photochromatic pigment included in the laminate has broken down or is otherwise no longer changing to the second state at operation <NUM> in response to UV light exposure at operation <NUM>, the laminate can be removed (uninstalled) from the component at operation <NUM> and may be disposed of or refurbished or recycled (<NUM> - Remove and dispose of or refurbish/recycle laminate). In other examples, if the photochromatic pigment included in the laminate has broken down or is otherwise no longer changing to the second state at operation <NUM> in response to UV light exposure at operation <NUM>, the method <NUM> may return to operation <NUM> where another plurality of photochromatic pigment may be disposed on the laminate, either in-situ after operation <NUM> or after removal subsequent to operation <NUM>. This in-situ disposal of photochromatic pigment at operation <NUM> may also occur, for example, if a different type of photochromatic pigment is desired on the laminate (e.g., a new brand identifier or other text or symbol). In some examples, subsequent to removing the laminate at operation <NUM>, the method <NUM> proceeds to operation <NUM> (or operation <NUM>) and a new, different laminate is removably coupled to the component.

Using the systems and methods discussed herein, various surfaces having UV-responsive laminates coupled thereto can be verifiably cleaned by the transition of the photochromatic pigments included in the laminates changing from the first state to the second state. This visual confirmation can lead to more efficient cleaning processes as well as improved safety for both the parties cleaning the surfaces as well as the parties using the environments in which the laminates are installed. The photochromatic pigment can be customized to include various colors or combinations of colors, including gradients, as well as brand identifiers. The UV-responsive laminates can have the photochromatic pigment included therein at the OEM when the laminates are formed. The laminates may also have the photochromatic pigment disposed thereon or re-applied in-situ, after the laminate has already been removably coupled to a surface of a component. The UV-responsive laminates can be configured to removably couple to a variety of types of surfaces that are formed from a wide variety of materials and located in various types of environments, providing a reliable method of safely cleaning a wide breadth of environments, from aircrafts and other transportation vehicles to retail, gaming, and food service locations.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects described herein may be embodied as a system, method or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects may take the form of an entirely hardware aspect, an entirely software aspect (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an aspect combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a "circuit," "module" or "system. " Furthermore, aspects described herein may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable storage medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon.

Program code embodied on a computer readable storage medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatuses (systems), and computer program products according to aspects of the present disclosure.

Claim 1:
A laminate for confirming the execution of cleaning procedures, comprising:
a first layer (<NUM>) having a photochromatic pigment (<NUM>), the photochromatic pigment (<NUM>) being configured to change from a first state to a second state in response to exposure to an ultraviolet (UV) light source, the first state being invisible to a naked eye under ambient lighting and the second state being visible to the naked eye under ambient lighting; and
a second layer (<NUM>), the second layer (<NUM>) being a coupling layer configured to removably couple the laminate (100D) to a component,
wherein the first layer (<NUM>) comprises a combination of a plurality of indicators (<NUM>/<NUM>) and a pigment texture (<NUM>),
wherein the indicators (<NUM>/<NUM>) are formed from the photochromatic pigment (<NUM>), and the pigment texture (<NUM>) comprises an embossed pattern in which the photochromatic pigment (<NUM>) is disposed.