Patent ID: 12214096

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring toFIG.1A, a handheld light assembly of the present invention is generally shown at10. The assembly10includes a housing12that defines a lamp opening14as will be explained further herein below. A secondary light opening16is defined by the housing12approximate the lamp opening14. Both openings14,16are defined by a face side18of the housing12. The purpose of the lamp opening14in the secondary light opening16will be explained further herein below.

Devices of this type are contemplated in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/119,440 filed Dec. 11, 2020, HANDLHELD FAR-UVC DEVICE WITH LIDAR MEASUREMENT AND CLOSED LOOP FEEDBACK; Ser. No. 16/811,522 filed Mar. 6, 2020 PORTABLE AND DISPOSABLE FAR-UVC DEVICE; Ser. No. 16/809,976 filed Mar. 5, 2020; PORTABLE AND DISPOSABLE FAR-UVC DEVICE; 62/963,682 filed Jan. 21, 20202 PORTABLE AND DISPOSABLE UV DEVICE; Ser. No. 16/279,253 filed Feb. 19, 2019 PORTABLE AND DISPOSABLE FAR-UVC DEVICE; 62/694,482 filed Jul. 6, 2018 PORTABLE AND DISPOSABLE FAR-UVC DEVICE; and 62/632,716 filed Feb. 20, 2018 PORTABLE AND DISPOSABLE FAR-UVC DEVICE, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The housing12, as best shown inFIG.1Bincludes a backside20that defines an indicator opening22. A removable grip21receives the backside20of the housing12and is removably retained by the complementary abutting surfaces23,25(FIG.3) respectively that each defines a convex shape providing an interference retention system. The removable grip21is cleanable by way of illumination with the assembly10as will become more evident herein below or is cleanable by alternative methods in a desired manner. When mated, the face side18and the backside20define a stand19so that the assembly10may stand upright, when desired, orienting the lamp14in a vertical direction.

An indicator24encloses the indicator opening22. The indicator24signals an operator whether a distance between a lamp26(FIG.4) and a surface being irradiated is within a predetermined distance to a pathogen to provide optimal eradication energy. For example, a first telltale28signals the operator if the distance is beyond a predetermined distance (or in some instances not spaced enough). In one embodiment, the telltale illuminates red or other color signaling the operator if the lamp is too far, or too close. The indicator24generate a second signal by way of 2nd telltale30indicating when the lamp is proximate the predetermined distance to the surface being irradiated. In one embodiment, the second telltale illuminates in yellow to signal the lamp26is proximate the predetermined distance to the surface60(FIG.4) being irradiated. When the lamp26is disposed at the predetermined distance to the surface being irradiated, a third telltale32illuminates in green to signal the operator the lamp is operating at optimal efficiency at the predetermined distance. Each telltale28,30,32is illuminated by a corresponding light29,31,33(FIG.3) respectively, in this embodiment a corresponding light emitting diode.

It should be understood to those of ordinary skill in the art the different telltales or indicators may be used to signal an operator whether the assembly10is being used properly by way of distance from a surface being disinfected. These include, but are not limited to, blinking lights, sound or audible feedback cues, vibration or any indicator that would suffice to signal an operator the lamp26is disposed at the proper distance from a surface being irradiated for providing optimal eradication of pathogens. As described in further detail hereinbelow, these signals can be used to provide additional information to a user including, but not limited to indications of exposure limits; indication of existence or eradication of pathogens and the like.

While “surface” is used throughout the application, it should be understood that the invention of the present application provides for rapid eradication of pathogens not only on inanimate object, but also on epidermis including hands, legs arms, and even a face of an individual. As will be explained further herein below, disinfecting skin at a rapid pace is now possible without requiring the use of soap or chemicals. In a matter of seconds an individual's hands my disinfected with the handheld assembly10of the present invention. Furthermore, abrasions and wounds may also be rapidly disinfected in a safe and immediate manner while awaiting administered antibiotics to begin working. Even though illumination energy is quite high when the lamp26is disposed at close ranges to epidermis, such as, for example, one inch, the filtered far-UVC light will not penetrate the epidermis while rapidly eradicating a wide range of pathogens in seconds.

Referring now toFIG.3, the lamp26(FIG.2) is activated by depressing switch35that partially extends through opening37adefined by the backside20of the housing12and an opening37bdefined the removable grip21, each of which are aligned when the removable grip21is disposed in place on the housing12. A switch cover39is disposed between the switch35and the backside20of the housing and conceals the switch35so that when depressed, an operator does not contact the switch35but contacts the switch cover39. A still further embodiment includes a protective barrier41(FIG.1B) being affixed, either permanently or temporarily to the removal grip21over the grip opening37bto prevent the switch cover39from becoming contaminated. In this manner the barrier41may also be disinfected with the grip21when removed from the housing12. In one embodiment, when the assembly10is supported in a vertical direction by the stand19, the switch35optionally activates the processor68to power the lamp26for a predetermined amount of time allowing a user to disinfect, for example his or her hands, the removable grip21, or any other object without continuously depressing the switch35, or even having to hold the device10. Because the illumination wavelength of the lamp26is filtered restricting transmission wavelength to below 230 nm, and not harmful to eyes and epidermis, the lamp26may be illumined while disposed in a vertical orientation while not requiring the use of safety equipment. Alternatively, because activating or deactivating the device10may contaminate the device10via human touch, optionally, the device10may also or otherwise be activated/deactivated through facial/eye recognition (as seen in some mobile devices) and/or through voice activation (similar to voice assistants on mobile devices). The device10may also or otherwise be activated/deactivated through specific movements (i.e., shaking it, moving it in a specific motion, etc.).

Referring now toFIG.2, a cross sectional view through line2-2ofFIG.1Ais shown. The lamp26is disposed over the lamp opening14in a fixed location by lamp frame27for generating illumination through the lamp opening14onto a target surface60. The lamp26is adapted to use a variety of illumination techniques including krypton chloride tubes, light emitting diodes, or any other illumination system capable of transmitting light at a peak wavelength 222 nm. In one embodiment, the lamp26is filtered to eliminate light having a wavelength above about 230 nm. Therefore, disinfecting light is transmitted at a wavelength between about 200 nm and 230 nm. In one embodiment, fused silica protective cover34, or equivalent is placed over the lamp opening14to protect the lamp during use. Fused silica protective cover34is believed durable enough to withstand the energy generated by far-UVC light emissions without significant degradation while allowing light transmission without significantly reducing irradiation power of the lamp26. However, other cover compositions are within the scope of this invention, including, but not limited to quartz or any other material capable of allowing transmission of far-UVC light without becoming substantially degraded. It should also be understood that lens and cover are used interchangeably throughout this specification but that each refers to the element36disposed between the lamp26or tubes contained in the lamp and the surface60being irradiated so that the far-UVC light is transmitted through the lens36. Still further, the filter (not shown) that filters the far-UVC light to eliminate or substantially reduce wavelengths above 230 nm may be part of the lens36. It should be understood that alternative far-UVC light is within the scope of this invention including light emitting diodes or alternative sources that do not transmit light above about 230 nm but provide peak irradiation at or about 222 nm capable of eradicating pathogens while being substantially safe for humans.

The lamp26is powered via power pack36. The power pack36is rechargeable through plug-in charging port38. In one embodiment, the power pack36includes two lithium ion 18650 PMI cells (not shown) providing about 3.6 volts each. Therefore, the power pack36, when charged, provides about 7.2 volts. Alternatively, the lamp26is powered by electrical current provided through the charging port36. The power pack38is received by a power pack support40that secures the power pack36to screw bosses located on an inner surface of the face side18of the housing12via fasteners (not shown) in a known manner. The fasteners are received through support apertures44defined by support legs46(FIG.7).

The support legs46allow the power pack support40to straddle an inverter48that is also secured to the face side18of the housing12. The inverter48receives current from the power pack36at 7.2 volts and shapes the current wavelength in a known manner so it that may be received by the lamp26. The inverter48is disposed upon an inverter frame50that is secured to the face side18of the housing12by fasteners received through inverter frame apertures52.

A transformer54steps up the voltage from about 7.2 volts generated by the power pack36to about 4,000 volts to provide sufficient energy to power the lamp26. In one embodiment, the inverter48is a Stratheo inverter. However, it should be understood that any inverter/transformer combination capable of shaping the current wavelength and stepping up voltage to about 4,000 volts will suffice. The transformer54is also mounted on the inverter frame50to reduce overall size of the inverter48transformer54combination.

Referring now toFIGS.4and5, a distance measuring device56is secured to a lamp frame58that also secures the lamp26to the face side18of the of the housing12. The lamp frame58is oriented so that the lamp26is disposed horizontally to a surface60being disinfected when the assembly10is in use as is best shown inFIG.4. The distance measuring device56is offset from the lamp26and disposed at an angle relative to the lamp26. In one embodiment, the distance measuring device56transmits a signal to a center portion62of an irradiation zone64on the surface60defined by the lamp26. The distance measuring device56includes a sensor66that receives reflected feedback of the signal from the center portion62. The sensor66provides the feedback data to the processor68to calculate a vertical distance from the lamp26to the center portion62of the irradiation zone64. Therefore, even though the distance measuring device56is offset from the lamp26, it measures a precise vertical distance between the lamp26and the surface60being irradiated at the location of the highest energy level, the purpose of which will become more evident as explained below.

In one embodiment, the distance measuring device56is a lidar system transmitting a laser beam63to the center portion62of the irradiation zone64. The laser beam63is either visible or invisible. When visible, the laser beam provides user feedback to the center portion62of the irradiation zone64. In another embodiment, the distance measuring device56takes the form of an infrared light that transmits to the center portion62of the irradiation zone64and the sensor66is an infrared sensor that detects reflected light from the center portion62for signaling the processor to calculate vertical distance from the center portion62to the lamp14. Other types of distance measuring devices are within the scope of this invention including radar, photogrammetry and the like so long as the center portion62of the irradiation zone64can be detected. It should also be understood that a time of flight determination between the light (or other signal) and sensor66detecting reflection has provided sufficient accuracy for the processor68to calculate vertical distance between the central portion62, or point as the case may be, and the lamp26.

As set forth above, the processor68signals the indicator24to signal if the lamp26is located at a predetermined distance from the center portion62of the irradiation zone. In one embodiment, the indicator24signals proper distance is maintained for rapid eradication of pathogens when the lamp26is disposed within a range of distances, such as, for example between one and two inches. Therefore, the user is provided feedback that the lamp26is maintained within in a proper range even when three dimensional surfaces are being irradiated for eradicating pathogens. It has been determined that distance is inversely proportional to the rate of energy that reaches the surface60. The less the distance the lamp14is to the surface60being irradiated, the higher the rate of ultraviolet energy transfer to the surface60is achieved for rapid eradication of surface pathogens.

The lamp14was tested at a range of distances to ascertain the amount of energy required to eradicate pathogens, both with the fused silica protective lens34and without the fused silica protective lens34. The results showed only a small decrease in the amount of far-UVC light energy when the fused silica lens34was employed. The results were measured in μWatts as is shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1Distance fromNo ProtectiveUV FusedSensorCoverSilica1″ (2.5 cm)320230302″ (5.08 cm)177016504″ (10.16 cm)6856346″ (15.24 cm)353330

At a distance of about one inch from the surface60being irradiated, the lamp14provides 3030 μW rate of energy transfer. Alternatively, a distance of about six inches from the surface60being irradiated, the lamp14provides 330 μW of ultraviolet energy transfer. The amount of energy transfer translates into the amount of time necessary to eradicate certain pathogens. The fused silica protective cover (or lens)34reduces to some extent the amount of irradiation energy at the surface60being irradiated. Surprisingly, the amount of reduction of irradiation by the fused silica lens34energy at the surface60decreases as distance increases. Therefore, the reduction of irradiation energy attributed to the protective fused silica lens34is inversely proportional to the distance between the lamp26and the surface.

Furthermore, the irradiation energy when the lamp14is spaced a distance of about one inch from the surface being irradiated is between about 1.8 and 1.83 (about a factor of 2) times greater than when the distance between the lamp14and the surface60being irradiated is about two inches from the lamp14. The lamp14provides between about 4.67 and 4.77 (about a factor of five) times more surface energy when disposed about one inch from the surface60being irradiated than when the lamp14is disposed about four inches from the surface being irradiated. The lamp14provides between about 9.07 and 9.18 (about a factor of ten) times more surface energy when disposed at about one inch from the surface60being irradiate than when the lamp14is disposed at about six inches from the surface60being irradiated.

Test results show that Covid-19 is eradicated by providing a 3 Log reduction (99.9% eradication) in the pathogen in about one second when the lamp14is disposed at a distance of about one inch from the surface60being irradiated. Alternatively, Covid-19 can be eradicated to a 3 Log reduction in about 9.5 seconds when the lamp14is disposed at a distance of about six inches from the surface60being irradiated. It should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that different pathogens require different doses of irradiation for full or 3 Log reduction on any surface. While a virus may require only one second of irradiation when the lamp14is disposed at one inch from the surface60being irradiated, a bacteria or spore may require several seconds of irradiation at the same distance. Furthermore, a 2 Log reduction providing 99% eradication of Covid-19 is achieved in about 0.1 seconds when the lamp26is spaced about one inch from the surface60being irradiated. Likewise, Covid-19 can be eradicated to a 2 Log reduction in about 0.95 seconds when the lamp14is disposed at a distance of about six inches from the surface60being irradiated. It should be apparent that determining an accurate distance of the lamp26from the surface60being irradiated is requisite when determining the level of a pathogen eradication being achieved.

FIG.5shows an alternative arrangement where the distance measuring device56transmits secondary light onto a measurement area72that intersects the irradiation zone64on the surface64. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the measurement area72intersects the center portion62of the irradiation zone64. The sensor66detects the reflected light, radar, or the like from the irradiation zone64for signaling the processor68to calculate a vertical distance between the lamp26and at least the center portion62of the irradiation zone64.

It should also be understood that the distance measuring device56includes a transmitter74that transmits a signal to the surface60being irradiated by the lamp26. The transmitter74is contemplated to project any of a non-visible laser beam, a visible laser beam, infrared light, radar, or the like enabling the sensor66to detect a reflected signal from the surface60being irradiate so that the processor68can calculate vertical distance between the lamp26and at least the center portion62of the irradiation zone64.

Transmitted far-UVC light is largely in an invisible spectrum. Therefore, it is difficult for a user to fully identify a surface area in which the lamp14is achieving optimal irradiation. In addition, the lamp provides efficacy as the far-UVC light illumination on a surface extends radially outwardly from the central portion62(or area) of the irradiation zone64. However, the energy transfer to the surface60diminishes beyond the irradiation zone64on the surface60. While still providing efficacy, a secondary irradiation zone76located generally radially outwardly of the first irradiation zone64requires additional time in which to eradication pathogens. To assist the operator with identifying at least the irradiation zone64, and also, when desired, a secondary irradiation zone76, an identifier light source70projects a first ring78or equivalent around the primary irradiation zone64and second ring80or equivalent around the secondary irradiation zone76as is represented inFIG.6. The identifier light source70is a separate light from the secondary light that is part of the distance measurement device56.

The illumination by the identifier light source70, in one embodiment, is modified by identifier light source lens82that focuses the light from the identifier light source70to focus the light so that the first ring78is disposed on the surface60immediately adjacent the broadest spatial boundary of the primary irradiation zone64and the second ring80is disposed immediately adjacent the broadest spatial boundary of the secondary irradiation zone76. A diameter of the first ring78and the second ring80increase proportionally with the vertical distance between the lamp26and the center portion62of the irradiation zone an equal amount to the broadest spatial boundary of the primary irradiation zone64and the secondary irradiation zone76. In this manner, the identifier light source lens82is configured in a correlated manner so that angular displacement of the refracted light generates rings78,80that increase in diameter at a same rate as does the far-UVC light in each of the first irradiation zone64and the second irradiation zone76. Furthermore, the rings78,80are transmitted on three dimensional surfaces providing identification that an object on a flat surface is within the irradiation zones64,76. The combination of the rings64,76and the distance measuring device56providing user feedback via the indicator24enables a user, for example, to ascertain the viability of pathogen eradication that is achieved when used on inanimate objects and even on hands or other parts of the human anatomy.

In a further embodiment, the device10may emit visible light in various formats and/or shapes. For example, the formats and/or shapes may include names (or any other words), initials, symbols and/or shapes (e.g., a bat signal, stars, a flag, etc.) and/or photos, depending on the particular application or selection made by the user. Optionally, the user may upload one or more images to the device10to use for the emitted visible light (whereby the uploaded image is backlit by the light source so that the image is projected onto the surface). Optionally, when the device10is at an appropriate height, the customized visible light or projected image or icon may be in focus so that the user knows where the device10is aiming and that the device10is at the proper effective height or distance to eradicate pathogens. In another example, the device10may emit visible light in the shape of an icon that the user targets or aims at the surface to be irradiated. When the device10has run as long as is necessary to be effective, the visible light may turn off and/or fade and/or the device10may communicate to the user that the visible light may be disabled and/or that the device10needs to be recharged and/or the entire far-UVC unit must be replaced (e.g., when lack of visible light indicates that the far-UVC device10is no longer eradicating pathogens).

In a still further embodiment, the device10may emit sound in lieu of or in addition to visible light. For example, whether for the visually impaired or just as an alternate means to target an area for a set period of time, the device10may use sound or sonic messaging to communicate an amount of time to the user. In this embodiment, the processor68also includes an audio transistor for providing sound output. The device10emits a sound indicating an appropriate distance from a surface to eradicate pathogens at a predetermined time, so as to inform the user that the device10is at the appropriate or optimal distance from the surface being irradiated. For example, in addition to or alternatively to emitting visible light, the device10may include a sound activated feature that activates when the user is at the right and/or wrong distance for eradicating pathogens. The processor via the sound transistor may also provide audible user feedback if the device10is moving too quickly over a surface60to provide adequate eradication of pathogens identifiable by way of accelerometer and/or surface distance measurement.

In a further embodiment, the device10emits sound that indicate when the device10is getting too close or too far away from a target surface (e.g., using ultrasonic sensors, lidar or other distance detection systems). Such sounds may be permanent and/or customizable (similar to ringtones on mobile phones). When the device10has run as long as is necessary to be effective (e.g., eradicate pathogens), the sound may turn off and/or fade and/or the device10may communicate to the user that the device10needs to be recharged and/or the entire far-UVC unit must be replaced (e.g., when the lack of sound indicates that the far-UVC device10is no longer eradicating pathogens because the lamp has exceeded use limits). Optionally, the sound may be customizable to the preference of the user (such as in a similar manner as a cell phone's ringtones and notification sounds are customizable).

In a still further embodiment, the device10emits a scent instead of or in addition to emitting visible light for stationary use. Whether for the visually or audibly impaired, the device10emits scents to denote when the device10is in use or when the device10needs to be replaced or recharged. Instead of visible light, or in combination with the visible light, the device10emits scents that emanate when the device10is activated by way of an attachable fragrance unit proving user feedback as to operational disposition of the device10as is disclosed throughout the present application.

In some instances, human exposure may be limited by regulations or standards that are based upon an UVC or far-UVC light energy for a predetermine time period such as over eight or twenty-four hours. As such, the device10of the present invention includes a biometric sensor90capable of determining presence of human epidermis. Referring again toFIGS.1-3, the biometric sensor90is represented in schematics on the handheld light assembly10also includes a biometric sensor90for detecting and identify an individual that is present in the irradiation zone64. For example, the biometric sensor90detects the presence of human epidermis by identifying a heartbeat, body heat, skin recognition. Furthermore, the biometric sensor90detects the presence of skin and/or eyes through thermal or skin recognition, e.g., using backscatter or blue LED technology. Various types of biometric sensors are within the scope of this invention, including, but not limited to heart rhythm, vein pattern, fingerprints, hand geometry, DNA, voice pattern, iris pattern, and face detection. Adaptive biometric sensing is also within the scope of this invention. For example, the biometric sensor10and processor68are programmed to distinguish one user, or more importantly one individual exposed to far-UVC light from another using heartbeat, vein recognition or the like. As will be explained further hereinbelow, the device10will automatically terminate illumination when an individual has been exposed to the far-UVC light to a predetermined threshold or limit. The biometric sensor90distinguishes between multiple users deactivating the device10when a given use has met threshold limits but allowing activation for another use who has not yet met threshold limits. The biometric sensor90identifies if multiple users are within the irradiation zone of the device10and signals the processor68to tabulate the amount of time any given user is withing the irradiation zone thereby terminating illumination by the device10. It should be understood that the processor68is programmed to correlate distance from the device10to epidermis with amount of far-UVC light energy is being transferred to the epidermis for the purpose of identifying whether predetermine threshold limits have been met. Therefore, epidermis in close proximity to the device10will be allowed less time of exposure than epidermis that is more distant from the device10.

In some instances, it is also desirable to include an ability to detect pathogens that are either aerosol or disposed on a surface. As such, in another embodiment, the device10includes a pathogen sensor91for detecting and identifying any pathogens within the irradiation zone64. Microbial sensors provided by Nuwave Sensors and equivalents may be use for rapid detection of airborne microbes. When detecting presence of surface pathogens, it is believed that long-range surface plasmon-enhanced fluorescence spectroscopy provides for rapid detection. Surface plasmon resonance sensors are an optical platform capable of highly sensitive and specific measuring of biomolecular interactions in real-time that provide rapid user feedback as to whether surface pathogens have been eradicated. If a pathogen is detected within the irradiation zone64, the processor68maintains irradiation to ensure that the pathogen is eradicated. For example, the processor68maintains illumination by the lamp26until no further pathogens are detected, or until 2 Log, 3 Log or other eradication level has been achieved. Hospital settings may require 3 Log or even 4 Log reduction of pathogens while personal or other commercial uses may only require a 2 Log reduction. The processor68is programmable to adapt the device10for any of these desired eradication outcomes. In a still further embodiment, an audible indication or visible signal are generated to advise the operator no further pathogens have been detected so that the operator may at his or her discretion deactivate the device10.

Further uses of pathogen eradication are desirable in confined spaces, such as, for example, passenger vehicles, airplanes, and the like.FIGS.8-10depict a further embodiment of a system100for safely eradicating pathogens that is implemented in a vehicle102. It should be understood that while a passenger vehicle is shown, the invention of the present application may be implement in any vehicle in which passengers ride, including, but not limited to, busses, cabs, rideshare vehicles, fully or autonomous vehicles and even airplanes. The vehicle102includes far-UVC lamps104integrated into the headliner106of the vehicle102that operate in a similar manner as does the handheld assemblies10set forth above and may also be removable from the headliner106for handheld use. It should be understood that while headliners are referred to throughout the specification the lamp104may be integrated with any interior trim component, including, but not limited to seats, pillar covers, speaker grilles, door panels, steering wheels and columns, instrument panels and the like. The lamps104not only eradicate pathogens on the vehicle seats108, and other interior surfaces, but the lamps104also eradicate pathogens on any passengers110seated within the vehicle102as well as the surrounding air within the vehicle102, as will be discussed further below. The lamps104are controlled by a processor112via electrical cables114, both of which are integrated into the headliner106. Alternatively, the processor112is placed anywhere within the vehicle102, integrated with the main vehicle processor; and may even communicate with the lamps104wirelessly. The processor112is programmed in the same manner as is the processor68disposed in the handheld device10. In this embodiment, the system110also includes fans or air circulation devices116integrated into the headliner106proximate to the lamps104or being integrated with the lamps104. The fans116assist the vehicle HVAC system to circulate air that has been eradicated of pathogens by the lamps104, and to direct air in the path of the lamp104irradiation zone as is identified inFIG.8with dashed lines to increase a probability that aerosol pathogens are directed into the irradiation zone of the lamp104.

The vehicle-based system100further includes a biometric sensor118for detecting the presence of a passenger110within the vehicle102. Similar to the biometric sensor90included with the handheld device10, biometric sensor118may include a heartrate monitor or a fingerprint detector, or it may detect the presence of skin and/or eyes through thermal or skin recognition, e.g., using backscatter or blue LED technology as is described in the earlier embodiment hereinabove. The system also may include HVAC far-UVC lamps120within the HVAC system of the vehicle102to eradicate air that is circulated within the vehicle102from the ventilation system. As best represented inFIG.8, a far-UVC lamp120is also locatable on or in an instrument panel121proximate an HVAC vent used to direct air throughout the vehicle102passenger compartment. In this manner, aerosolized pathogens are eradicated prior to air being circulated throughout the passenger compartment.

It is within the scope of this invention that the system100and the device10of the prior embodiment communicate via wireless transmission or over the internet so that multiple devices toll exposure of any user as a further safety precaution. Further, multiple devices, even integrate with a cellular phone app are provided wireless communication through Bluetooth or cellular services to toll exposure of a given user.

Still further, the vehicle-based system100optionally includes a pathogen sensor119for sensing aerosol or surface pathogens in the same manner as that described the earlier embodiment hereinabove. The system provides user or passenger input when pathogens are detected or even not detected. A passenger entering the vehicle is scanned by the pathogen sensor119for pathogens causing the system100to activate the lamps120when pathogens are detected. Alternatively, the doors of the vehicle102remain locked preventing a passenger from entering if pathogens are detected.

Scent may also be circulated within the vehicle110(instead of or in addition to the visible light) being indicative of pathogens or the lack thereof operating much like an air freshener. The scent may be customizable to the preferences of the user. The system100may indicate, when the scent fades, that the scent either needs to be replaced, and/or that the device needs to be recharged and/or the entire far-UVC system100needs to be replaced (e.g., when the lack of scent will indicate that the far-UVC lamp120is no longer eradicating pathogens in the air within the interior of the automobile). or just for stationary use when portably attached to, for example, a passenger vehicle air vent, the system100emits scents to denote when the lamps120are activated or when a lamp120needs to be replaced or recharged. For example, the system100may include an odor producing attachment that attaches within the interior of, or proximate to, a passenger vehicle ventilation system.

FIG.10shows an exemplary method for operating the handheld light device10. When the device10is activated (step130), the sensor90determines whether an individual is within the irradiation zone64(step132). If the sensor90determines that an individual has entered the irradiation zone64, the sensor90identifies the specific individual (step132) in order to track the amount of far-UVC light exposure the individual receives from the device10. It is important to track the amount of far-UVC light exposure each individual receives because regulations governed by various non-government agencies limit the maximum duration of exposure to far-UVC light that a person may receive within a given exposure period. For example, under current regulations, an individual must limit the amount of exposure he or she has to far-UVC light to predetermined threshold limits. To ensure that the specific individual within the irradiation zone64does not exceed the recommended limits, the processor68tracks the amount of time that the specific individual is exposed to the far-UVC light by implementing a timer or counter. If the device10is still activated (step134), the processor68determines whether the specific individual may be exposed with far-UVC light from the device10(step136). In other words, the processor68determines if the specific individual has already reached his or her maximum duration under the regulations. If the processor68determines that the specific individual has met threshold limits for exposure to far-UVC light from the device10, the processor68remains in the loop (steps132,134and136) until either the individual leaves the irradiation zone64at step132, or the device is inactivated at step134. Because the regulations are periodically updated, the present invention updates the maximum duration that an individual may be exposed to far-UVC light from the device10via a website, or via mobile pairing with the device10to update the software and/or code.

If at step136, the processor68determines that the specific individual is allowed to be exposed to far-UVC light from the device10, the processor68turns on the lamp26and starts the timer for the specific individual to keep track of the amount of time the specific individual is exposed to far-UVC light from the device10(step138). The sensor90continues to monitor whether the specific individual remains within the irradiation zone64(step140), and the processor68monitors the time the individual remains within the irradiation zone64to ensure that he or she does not exceed the maximum duration (step142) while the device10is still activated (step144). If at step142, the processor68determines that the specific individual has reached his or her maximum duration and is no longer allowed to be exposed to far-UVC light from the device10, the processor68turns off the lamp26(step146), turns off the specific individual's timer and records the time as the individual's last exposure to far-UVC light (step148). The system then returns to the loop132,134,136, and waits for the individual to leave the irradiation zone64.

If at step144, the processor68determines that the device10is no longer active, the processor68turns off the lamp26, turns off the individual's timer and records the end time as the individual's last exposure to far-UVC light (step150). Threshold limits are based upon an eight or twenty-four-hour period after which the processor68resets the timer for each individual allowing additional exposure.

If at step132, the sensor90does not detect an individual within the irradiation zone64, the processor68turns on the lamp26(step152). The sensor90continues to monitor whether an individual enters the irradiation zone64(step154). If the sensor90determines that an individual has entered the irradiation zone64, the processor68moves to step142to determine whether the specific individual may be exposed with far-UVC light from the device10. If at step154the sensor does not detect an individual in the irradiation zone64, the processor68remains in loop154,156until it determines that the device10has been deactivated (step156), at which point, the processor68turns off the lamp26(step158). If at step140the specific individual leaves the irradiation zone64, the processor68turns off the individual's timer and records the end time as the individual's last exposure to far-UVC light (step160). The method then returns to step154. As long as the device10is activated (step156), the lamp26remains on until another individual is detected within the irradiation zone64(step154). The use of biometric sensors for identifying individuals at which time the individuals are expose to the far-UVC light provides the failsafe ability for use of the device10while verifying threshold limits are not exceeded.

FIG.11shows an exemplary method for operating the eradication system100in passenger compartments and on passenger seats108within the vehicle102depicted inFIG.8. When the system100is activated (step162), the processor112turns the lamps104on (step164) and starts a timer (step166) to control the duration of the time that the lamps104are activated. The biometric sensor118determines whether a passenger110is in the vehicle seat108(step168). If the biometric sensor118does not detect a passenger110in the vehicle seat108, the processor verifies the system is still activated (step170). If the system is still activated, the processor112determines if the first threshold time period is reached (step172). The first threshold time period is the duration of time that the lamps104are activated when no passengers110are detected within the vehicle seat108. If the first threshold has been reached, the processor turns off the lamps104(step174) and turns off the timer (step176). At this point, the vehicle seat108and other surfaces have been eradicated of pathogens, and the system100waits for the entry of a passenger (step178). After the entry of the passenger110, the processer112turns on the lamps104(step180) and starts the timer (step182). The processor112determines if the timer has reached the second threshold, which is the maximum amount of time a passenger may be safely exposed to the far-UVC light or that enough time has lapsed that the pathogens have been eradicated.

If the second threshold is not reached, the system110continues to irradiate the passenger110in the vehicle seat108until either the second time threshold is reached (step184) or the passenger110leaves the vehicle (step186). If the processor determines that the second time threshold has been reached, the processor112turns off the lamps104(step188) and turns off the timer (step190).

If the driver would like to eradicate any pathogens on himself or herself, the driver may activate the lamp104above the driver seat. The process would follow the steps182-190provided inFIG.11B. Alternatively, the process may follow steps140-150provided for device10.

The device10and/or the system100may also include a pathogen detecting sensor to target the time and intensity of the far-UVC light applied to target the specific pathogen.

The invention has been described is in an illustrative manner; many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible, including removal of toxins from fluids, in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the specification, the reference numerals are merely for convenience, and are not to be in any way limiting, and that the invention may be practiced otherwise than is specifically described. Therefore, the invention can be practiced otherwise than is specifically described within the scope of the stated claims following this first disclosed embodiment.