Heat sterilization tool

Abstract

A thermal disinfection tool for disinfecting a surface defining or located within a fixed volume of air and including a housing and a heater is disclosed. The housing defines one or more inlets and one or more outlets. Air is drawn from the fixed volume of air through the one or more inlets and exits the housing through the one or more outlets. The heater is disposed within the housing downstream of the one or more inlets and upstream of the one or more outlets. The thermal disinfection tool further includes one or more processors in electronic communication with the heater and a memory coupled to the one or more processors, wherein the memory stores an inactivation time curve for a particular pathogen, the inactivation time curve indicating an inactivation time for the particular pathogen over a range of temperatures.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to thermal disinfection tools. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to thermal disinfection tools for disinfecting surfaces defining or located within a fixed volume of air using heat. BACKGROUND

[0002] Cockpits of aircraft contain various instruments and control devices. In operating the aircraft, the pilot and co-pilot can repeatedly touch or otherwise manipulate some of the instruments and control devices on the cockpit. In fact, the cockpit can include hundreds of touch points. Accordingly, the various instruments and other surfaces located in the cockpit can need to be disinfected between flights to inactivate pathogens such as viruses and bacteria.

[0003] Currently, there are a variety of methods for disinfecting the instruments on the cockpit. For example, chemical disinfectants can be used to inactivate pathogens present on various surfaces of the cockpit. However, many of the components on the cockpit have not been tested for the effects of frequent or prolonged exposure to chemical disinfectants.

[0004] Alternatively, in another approach, ultraviolet light can be used to disinfect the various surfaces of the cockpit. For example, a portable tool such as a wand that emits ultraviolet light can be provided to disinfect the cockpit. However, certain types of wands can be bulky. Accordingly, some people can find it difficult to manipulate the wand. This problem can be further complicated when using the wand in a confined area such as the cockpit of an aircraft. Furthermore, the effectiveness of ultraviolet light disinfection depends on the line-of-sight exposure of the contaminants to the ultraviolet light. Environments such as the cockpit of an aircraft include obstructions or obstacles that tend to block the ultraviolet light emitted by the wand, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the wand. Finally, certain types of wands can require specialized training to operate. SUMMARY

[0005] According to several aspects, a thermal disinfection tool for disinfecting a surface defining or located within a fixed volume of air is disclosed. The thermal disinfection tool includes a housing and a heater. The housing defines one or more inlets and one or more outlets. Air enters the housing through the one or more inlets and exits the housing through the one or more outlets. The heater is configured to generate heat. The heater is disposed within the housing downstream of the one or more inlets and upstream of the one or more outlets. The thermal disinfection tool further includes one or more processors in electronic communication with the heater and a memory coupled to the one or more processors, the memory storing an inactivation time curve for a particular pathogen, the inactivation time curve indicating an inactivation time for the particular pathogen over a range of temperatures. The memory stores data into one or more databases and program code that, when executed by the one or more processors, causes the thermal disinfection tool to receive a signal indicative of a current inlet temperature of air entering the one or more inlets of the housing and compare the current inlet temperature of the air to a target temperature located on the inactivation time curve stored in the memory. In response to determining that the current inlet temperature is less than the target temperature, the one or more processors calculate a disinfection rate for the surface defining or located within the fixed volume of air based on the inactivation time curve for each current inlet temperature up to the target temperature, wherein the disinfection rate indicates a period of time required to inactivate the particular pathogen disposed on the surface defining or located within the fixed volume of air at the current inlet temperature until the target temperature is reached. The one or more processors command the heater to generate heat for the period of time required to inactivate the particular pathogen.

[0006] In another aspect, a method of disinfecting a surface defining or located within a fixed volume of air by a thermal disinfection tool is disclosed. The method includes activating a heater by a control module, wherein the heater is disposed within a housing of the thermal disinfection tool. The method further includes receiving, by the control module, a signal indicative of a current inlet temperature of air entering the housing. The method further includes comparing, by the control module, the current inlet temperature of the air to a target temperature located on an inactivation time curve stored in a memory of the control module, wherein the inactivation time curve is for a particular pathogen and indicates an inactivation time for the particular pathogen over a range of temperatures. In response to determining that the current inlet temperature is less than the target temperature, the method includes calculating a disinfection rate for the surface defining or located within the fixed volume of air based on the inactivation time curve for each current inlet temperature up to the target temperature. The disinfection rate indicates a period of time required to inactivate the particular pathogen disposed on the surface defining or located within the fixed volume of air at the current inlet temperature until the target temperature is reached. Finally, the method includes commanding the heater to generate heat for the period of time required to inactivate the particular pathogen.

[0007] The features, functions, and benefits discussed can be implemented in various embodiments, either individually or in any combination, and as further described below. The details of one or more embodiments of the application are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a disclosed heat disinfection tool according to exemplary embodiments, the heat disinfection tool including a housing, a heater, a fan, and a control module, wherein the heat disinfection tool is located within a cockpit of an aircraft;

[0010] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the heat disinfection tool shown; Figure 1

[0011] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a lower end of the housing of the heat disinfection tool according to exemplary embodiments;

[0012] Figure 4 is a graph showing inactivation time curves for certain pathogens according to exemplary embodiments;

[0013] Figure 5 is an illustration of two heat disinfection tools located on a cockpit of an aircraft according to exemplary embodiments;

[0014] Figures 6A-6B shows an exemplary process flow diagram according to exemplary embodiments, the flow diagram showing a method for disinfecting a fixed volume of air or a surface inside thereof using the disclosed heat disinfection tool; and

[0015] Figure 7 shows a control module for the disclosed system according to exemplary embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] ​The present disclosure relates to a thermal disinfection tool for disinfecting a surface bounding a fixed volume of air or inside thereof using heat. The thermal disinfection tool includes a housing defining one or more inlets and one or more outlets. The thermal disinfection tool also includes a control module in electronic communication with one or more inlet sensors configured to monitor a current inlet temperature of air entering the housing, one or more outlet sensors configured to monitor a current outlet temperature of air exiting the housing, a heater, and a fan. The control module of the thermal disinfection tool calculates a disinfection rate of the surface bounding the fixed volume of air or inside thereof based on an inactivation time curve for a particular pathogen, where the inactivation time curve is saved in a memory of the control module. The inactivation time curve indicates an inactivation time of the particular pathogen over a range of temperatures. The particular pathogen is a particular virus, bacteria, or fungus. For example, in one embodiment, the inactivation time curve can relate to a particular type of virus, such as a coronavirus.

[0017] During operation of the thermal disinfection tool, the control module compares the current inlet temperature of the air to a target temperature located on the inactivation time curve saved in the memory. In response to determining that the current inlet temperature is less than the target temperature, the control module calculates the disinfection rate of the surface bounding the fixed volume of air or inside thereof based on the inactivation time curve for each current inlet temperature up to the target temperature. The control module continues to command the heater to generate heat for a period of time required to inactivate the particular pathogen. In one embodiment, the thermal disinfection tool generates a notification indicating that the surface bounding the fixed volume of air or inside thereof has been disinfected.

[0018] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.

[0019] Reference Figure 1 illustrating a thermal disinfection tool 10 for disinfecting a surface 8 bounding a fixed volume of air 12 or inside the fixed volume of air 12. In Figure 1In the example embodiment shown, the thermal disinfection tool 10 is located within the cockpit 14 of the aircraft 16. The fixed volume of air 12 represents air located within the cockpit 14 of the aircraft 16 when the door (not shown) leading to the cockpit 14 is closed. The thermal disinfection tool 10 includes a housing 20 defining a conduit 18, one or more inlets 22, and one or more outlets 24. In the embodiment shown, the conduit 18 extends in a longitudinal direction L between the one or more inlets 22 and the one or more outlets 24 of the housing 20. Air is drawn into the housing 20 from the fixed volume of air 12 through the one or more inlets 22, passes through the conduit 18, and exits the housing through the one or more outlets 24. The thermal disinfection tool 10 further includes one or more inlet sensors 30 configured to monitor a current inlet temperature of air entering the housing 20, one or more outlet sensors 32 configured to monitor a current outlet temperature of air exiting the housing 20, a heater 34 configured to generate heat, a fan 36, and a control module 40. The control module 40 is in electronic communication with the one or more inlet sensors 30, the one or more outlet sensors 32, the heater 34, and the fan 36.

[0020] The control module 40 employs feedback to regulate the temperature of air exiting the housing 20 from the one or more outlets 24. As described below, the control module 40 calculates an amount of time required to disinfect a surface 8 bounding or located within the fixed volume of air 12. The fixed volume of air 12 represents air located within the cockpit 14 of the aircraft 16 when the door leading to the cockpit 14 has been closed. It should be appreciated that disinfecting the surface 8 bounding or located within the fixed volume of air 12 in the cockpit 14 inactivates pathogens (e.g., viruses and bacteria) disposed on surfaces 42 of various avionics equipment 44 located in the cockpit 14 Figure 4 ). While the figures show the thermal disinfection tool 10 employed on the cockpit 14 of the aircraft 16, it should be appreciated that this is merely exemplary in nature. In fact, the thermal disinfection tool 10 is not limited to aircraft and can be used in various other applications.

[0021] The thermal disinfection tool 10 is relatively light and compact, and thus portable. In other words, the thermal disinfection tool 10 is sized such that an individual can pick up the thermal disinfection tool 10 and transport it from one place to another. In Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the thermal disinfection tool 10 includes a cable 46 configured to temporarily connect the thermal disinfection tool 10 to an external power source (not shown). For example, in one embodiment, the cable 46 receives power from a ground power unit in a jetway. The cable 46 transmits power from the external source to the one or more inlet sensors 30, the one or more outlet sensors 32, the heater 34, the fan 36, and the control module 40.

[0022] In such Figure 1 In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the housing 20 includes a generally cylindrical profile defining an upper end 50, a lower end 52, and a side surface 54 connecting the upper end 50 to the lower end 52. One or more inlets 22 are located at the upper end 50 of the housing 20. One or more outlets 24 are disposed along the side surface 54, and a base 58 is located at the lower end 52 of the housing 20. The base 58 of the housing 20 is mounted on the floor 60 of the cockpit 14. Because one or more inlets 22 are located at the upper end 50 of the housing 20, the thermal sterilization tool 10 draws air from the upper portion 64 of a fixed volume of air 12. Similarly, one or more outlets 24 are located at the lower end 52 of the housing 20. Thus, air is exhausted from the thermal sterilization tool 10 and returned to the lower portion 66 of the cockpit 14. Drawing air from the upper portion 64 of the cockpit 14 and exhausting air to the lower portion 66 of the cockpit 14 facilitates air circulation throughout the cockpit 14.

[0023] One or more inlet sensors 30 are configured to detect the current inlet temperature of the air entering the housing 20. It should be understood that the current inlet temperature of the air entering the housing 20 represents the current temperature of a fixed volume of air 12 within the cockpit 14. In such cases... Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, one or more inlet sensors 30 are located directly near the inlet 22 within the housing 20. However, one or more inlet sensors 30 may be placed at other locations within the housing 20, upstream of the heater 34 and fan 36. Similarly, one or more outlet sensors 32 are configured to monitor the outlet temperature of the air leaving the housing 20. Figure 1 In the non-limiting embodiment shown, one or more outlet sensors 32 are located directly near outlet 24. However, the one or more outlet sensors 32 are not limited to... Figure 1 The location shown can be located at other locations downstream of the heater 34 within the housing 20.

[0024] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The heater 34 is positioned downstream of the inlet 22 and upstream of the outlet 24 within the housing 20 to heat the air before it exits the housing 20 through one or more outlets 24. The heater 34 is any type of heater configured to heat the air entering the heat sterilization tool 10. For example, in one embodiment, the heater 34 is a resistance heater configured to convert electrical energy into heat. Figure 2 As shown, heater 34 communicates electronically with control module 40. Control module 40 uses any number of methods (e.g., pulse width modulation (PWM) or variable voltage control) to control the heater.

[0025] Continue to refer toFigure 1 and Figure 2 Fan 36 is in electronic communication with control module 40. Fan 36 is disposed upstream of heater 34 within housing 20 and is configured to generate an airflow when turned on. A volume of air 12 entering inlet 22 of housing 20 is driven by fan 36 in a direction toward heater 34. Control module 40 is configured to control the speed of fan 36 using any number of methods (e.g., PWM or variable voltage control).

[0026] With specific reference Figure 2 In one embodiment, thermal disinfection tool 10 includes a notification device 70 in electronic communication with control module 40. Control module 40 commands notification device 70 to be configured to generate one or more notifications indicating that thermal disinfection tool 10 has completed disinfection of the fixed volume of air 12 or surface 8 located within the fixed volume of air 12. For example, in one embodiment, the notification device is an audible alarm that emits an audible tone. However, in alternative embodiments, control module 40 generates one or more messages that are transmitted to a personal electronic device 74 over a wireless network 72 and personal electronic device 74 generates one or more notifications indicating that thermal disinfection tool 10 has completed disinfection of the fixed volume of air 12 or surface 8 located within the fixed volume of air 12. Personal electronic device 74 can be, for example, a smartphone or laptop computer of the individual.

[0027] With reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one exemplary embodiment, thermal disinfection tool 10 is placed in cockpit 14 of aircraft 16. An individual can then activate thermal disinfection tool 10, exit cockpit 14, and close the door leading to cockpit 14. Once the fixed volume of air 12 in cockpit 14 or surface 8 located within the fixed volume of air 12 in cockpit 14 has been disinfected, the individual receives one or more notifications generated by thermal disinfection tool 10. Thus, this disinfection process requires limited human interaction.

[0028] With specific reference Figure 2 In one non-limiting embodiment, thermal disinfection tool 10 includes a humidifier 78 configured to increase the humidity of the air exiting thermal disinfection tool 10. Specifically, humidifier 78 includes an optional airflow valve 80, a reservoir 82, and a mixer 84. Airflow valve 80 is configured to divert a portion 76 of the air exiting heater 86 to humidifier 78. With reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2The reservoir 82 is disposed at the lower end 52 of the housing 20 of the heat sterilization tool 10. In one embodiment, the reservoir 82 includes an absorbent pad 88 containing water, and a portion 76 of the air exiting the heater 86 is blown through the absorbent pad 88. Thus, the portion 76 of the air exiting the heater 86 becomes saturated with water. The portion 76 of the air exiting the heater 86 is then combined with the remaining air exiting the heater 86 at the mixer 84. In one embodiment, if the airflow valve 80 is omitted, the portion 76 of the air flowing through the humidifier 78 is instead fixed at a rate previously determined to be acceptable in most or all cases.

[0029] The airflow valve 80 is in electronic communication with the control module 40. In one embodiment, the control module 40 sets the airflow valve 80 to a predetermined position. Thus, the portion 76 of the air diverted from the air exiting the heater 86 is fixed. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the control module 40 actively adjusts the position of the airflow valve 80 to increase or decrease the relative humidity of the air exiting the one or more inlets 22 of the heat sterilization tool 10. It should be appreciated that the relative humidity of the air exiting the heat sterilization tool 10 is determined based on the particular environment of the fixed volume of air 12 and the particular pathogen being inactivated by the heat sterilization tool 10 from the surfaces 8 bounding or within the fixed volume of air 12. For example, the relative humidity can be set to a percentage recommended for aircraft avionics. Further, as another example, certain types of viruses are more easily inactivated when the relative humidity is increased. Thus, in one embodiment, the control module 40 adjusts the relative humidity of the air exiting the heat sterilization tool 10 based on the particular application and the particular type of pathogen being inactivated or destroyed.

[0030] Reference is now made to Figure 3 The housing 20 includes a second conduit 90 defining a second inlet 92 and a second outlet 94 configured to provide a flow of cooling air that is directed through the control module 40. The second conduit 90 is located at the lower end 52 of the housing 20, and the second outlet 94 terminates at the interior of the housing 20 directly adjacent to the fan 36. Cooling air 91 enters the second inlet 92, passes through the control module 40, and exits the second conduit 90 through the second outlet 94 into the airflow A created by the fan 36.

[0031] Reference is now made to Figure 2 and Figure 4 The control module 40 includes a memory 1034. The memory 1034 of the control module 40 stores an inactivation time curve 100 for a particular pathogen, which is shown in Figure 4 As shown in Figure 4 The inactivation time curve 100 indicates the inactivation time of a particular pathogen over a range of temperatures. For example, as shown in Figure 4In the illustrated embodiment, the temperature range is from 20°C to 80°C; however, it should be understood that the temperature range may vary based on the specific pathogen. The inactivation time curve 100 includes an x-axis representing temperature and a y-axis with a logarithmic scale representing time. For example, at 50°C, a specific pathogen will be inactivated in approximately 50 minutes. Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the inactivation curve 100 is specific to a particular coronavirus. In one embodiment, the memory 1034 of the control module 40 also stores multiple inactivation time curves 100 for several different pathogens. Therefore, the heat sterilization tool 10 is configured to inactivate several different viruses, bacteria, and fungi.

[0032] Continue to refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4 For each current inlet temperature detected by one or more inlet sensors 30 up to a target temperature, the control module 40 calculates the disinfection rate defining a fixed volume of air 12 or the surface 8 within it, based on the inactivation time curve 100 stored in the memory 1034. The disinfection rate indicates the time period required to inactivate a specific pathogen within the defined fixed volume of air 12 or the surface 8 within it at the current inlet temperature until the target temperature 96 is reached. At the target temperature 96, the specific pathogen will be inactivated within a threshold time period. Therefore, it should be understood that the control module 40 considers previous temperatures detected by one or more inlet sensors 30 when calculating the disinfection rate defining the fixed volume of air 12 or the surface 8 within it.

[0033] For example, in such Figure 4 In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the exemplary target temperature 96 is approximately 65°C, and the threshold time period is approximately ten minutes. In this example, the control module 40 considers disinfection occurring at various temperatures positioned along the inactivation time curve 100 prior to the target temperature 96. In this example, this means that the actual disinfection time is less than ten minutes because the control module 40 takes into account disinfection up to the target temperature 96 when calculating the disinfection time. In other words, the time period required to inactivate a specific pathogen defining a fixed volume of air 12 or on the surface 8 within it is less than the threshold time period at the target temperature 96.

[0034] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The control module 40 also monitors one or more outlet sensors 32 for the outlet temperature of the air to ensure that the air leaving one or more outlets 24 does not exceed a maximum temperature 98. The maximum temperature 98 is based on the specific environment in which a fixed volume of air 12 is located. For example, in... Figure 1 and Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment, the maximum temperature 98 is about 70°C, which is the maximum operating temperature for the avionics of the aircraft. In other words, the thermal disinfection tool 10 limits the temperature of the air exiting the one or more outlets 24 based on the environment in which the fixed volume of air 12 is located.

[0035] In one embodiment, the control module 40 compares the inlet temperature of the air to the maximum temperature 98 and, in response to determining that the outlet temperature is less than the maximum temperature 98, the control module 40 continues to command the heater 34 to generate heat. However, in response to determining that the outlet temperature is equal to or greater than the maximum temperature 98, the control module 40 commands the heater to reduce or stop generating heat.

[0036] Figures 6A-6B A process flow diagram is shown that illustrates an exemplary method 200 for disinfecting the surfaces 8 that bound or are inside the fixed volume of air 12 by the thermal disinfection tool 10. With reference to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 4 and Figure 6A , the method 200 begins at block 202. In block 202, the control module 40 activates the heater 34 and the fan 36. Then, the method 200 can proceed to block 204.

[0037] In block 204, the control module 40 monitors the one or more inlet sensors 30 for the current inlet temperature of the air entering the one or more inlets 22 of the housing 20. Then, the method 200 can proceed to block 206.

[0038] In block 206, the control module 40 receives a signal indicative of the current inlet temperature of the air entering the one or more inlets 22 of the housing 20. Then, the method 200 can proceed to block 208.

[0039] In block 208, the control module 40 compares the current inlet temperature of the air to the target temperature 96 located on the inactivation time curve 100 stored in the memory 1034. Then, the method 200 can proceed to block 210.

[0040] In decision block 210, if the current inlet temperature is greater than or equal to the target temperature, the method 200 proceeds to block 214. However, if the current inlet temperature is less than the target temperature, the method 200 proceeds to block 212.

[0041] In block 212, in response to determining that the current inlet temperature is less than the target temperature 96, the control module 40 calculates a disinfection rate of the surfaces 8 bounding or within the fixed volume of air 12 based on the inactivation time plot 100 for each current inlet temperature up to the target temperature 96. As described above, the disinfection rate indicates the period of time required to inactivate a particular pathogen disposed on the surfaces 8 bounding or within the fixed volume of air 12 at the current inlet temperature until the target temperature 96 is reached. It will be appreciated that in one embodiment, the control module 40 determines that the surfaces 8 within or at the boundary of the fixed volume of air 12 have been disinfected without the current inlet temperature ever reaching the target temperature 96. The method 200 can then proceed to block 214.

[0042] In block 214, the control module 40 commands the heater 34 to generate heat for the period of time required to inactivate the particular pathogen. The method 200 can then proceed to block 216.

[0043] In block 216, the control module 40 monitors the one or more outlet sensors 32 for a current outlet temperature. The method 200 can then proceed to block 218.

[0044] With reference to Figure 6B In block 218, the control module 40 compares the current outlet temperature of the air to the maximum temperature 98. The method 200 can then proceed to decision block 220.

[0045] In decision block 220, if the current outlet temperature of the air is equal to the maximum temperature 98, the method 200 proceeds to block 222. In block 222, the control module 40 commands the heater 34 to reduce or stop generating heat. The method can then return to block 216. However, if the control module 40 determines that the current outlet temperature is less than the maximum temperature 98, the method 200 proceeds to block 224.

[0046] In block 224, in response to determining that the current outlet temperature is less than the maximum temperature 98, the control module 40 continues to command the heater 34 to generate heat. The method 200 can then proceed to block 226.

[0047] In block 226, the control module 40 determines that the period of time required to inactivate the particular pathogen disposed on the surfaces 8 bounding or within the fixed volume of air at the current inlet temperature has elapsed and the surfaces 8 bounding or within the fixed volume of air 12 are disinfected. The method 200 can then proceed to block 228.

[0048] In block 228, in response to determining that the period of time required to inactivate the particular pathogen on the surface bounding the fixed volume of air or inside it at the current entry temperature has elapsed and the surface bounding the fixed volume of air 12 or inside it is disinfected, the control module 40 commands the notification device 70 to generate one or more notifications indicating that the thermal disinfection tool 10 has completed disinfection of the surface bounding the fixed volume of air 12 or inside it. In alternative embodiments, the control module 40 generates one or more messages that are transmitted to the personal electronic device 74 over the wireless network 72. In response to receiving the one or more messages, the personal electronic device 74 generates one or more notifications indicating that the thermal disinfection tool 10 has completed disinfection of the surface bounding the fixed volume of air 12 or inside it. The method 200 can then terminate.

[0049] With general reference to the figures, the disclosed thermal disinfection tool provides various technical effects and benefits. In particular, the thermal disinfection tool provides a cost-effective and relatively simple solution for disinfecting a surface bounding a volume of air or located within a volume of air. The disclosed thermal disinfection tool requires limited human involvement and does not require any specialized training or knowledge to operate, unlike some other tools currently available for disinfection. Moreover, unlike tools that use ultraviolet light to inactivate pathogens, the disclosed thermal disinfection tool does not require line-of-sight exposure of the contaminant.

[0050] With reference to Figure 7 The control module 40 is implemented on one or more computer devices or systems, such as the example computer system 1030. The computer system 1030 includes a processor 1032, a memory 1034, a mass storage device 1036, an input / output (I / O) interface 1038, and a human-machine interface (HMI) 1040. The computer system 1030 is operatively coupled to one or more external resources 1042 via the network 1026 or the I / O interface 1038. The external resources can include, but are not limited to, servers, databases, mass storage devices, peripheral devices, cloud-based network services, or any other suitable computer resources usable by the computer system 1030.

[0051] The processor 1032 includes one or more devices selected from among microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, microcomputers, central processing units, field programmable gate arrays, programmable logic devices, state machines, logic circuits, analog circuits, digital circuits, or any other devices that manipulate signals (analog or digital) based on operational instructions stored in the memory 1034. The memory 1034 includes a single storage device or a plurality of storage devices, including but not limited to read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), flash memory, cache, or any other device capable of storing information. The mass storage device 1036 includes a data storage device such as a hard disk drive, optical drive, magnetic tape drive, volatile or non-volatile solid state device, or any other device capable of storing information.

[0052] The processor 1032 operates under the control of an operating system 1046 resident in the memory 1034. The operating system 1046 manages computer resources so that computer program code embodied as one or more computer software applications, such as the application 1048 resident in the memory 1034, can have instructions executed by the processor 1032. In alternative examples, the processor 1032 can execute the application 1048 directly, in which case the operating system 1046 can be omitted. One or more data structures 1049 are also resident in the memory 1034 and can be used by the processor 1032, the operating system 1046, or the application 1048 to store or manipulate data.

[0053] The I / O interface 1038 provides a machine interface that operatively couples the processor 1032 to other devices and systems, such as the network 1026 or the external resource 1042. In this way, the application 1048 cooperates with the network 1026 or the external resource 1042 through communication via the I / O interface 1038 to provide various features, functions, applications, processes, or modules including examples of the present disclosure. The application 1048 also includes program code executed by one or more external resources 1042 or otherwise relies on functionality or signals provided by other system or network components external to the computer system 1030. Indeed, given the virtually innumerable hardware and software configurations possible, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that examples of the present disclosure can include applications located external to the computer system 1030, applications distributed among multiple computers or other external resources 1042, or applications provided by computing resources (hardware and software) provided as a service (e.g., cloud computing service) on the network 1026.

[0054] The HMI 1040 is operably coupled to the processor 1032 of the computer system 1030 in a known manner to allow a user to directly interact with the computer system 1030. The HMI 1040 can include a video or alphanumeric display, a touch screen, a speaker, and any other suitable audio and visual indicators capable of providing data to a user. The HMI 1040 also includes input devices and controls (e.g., an alphanumeric keyboard, a pointing device, a keypad, buttons, control knobs, a microphone, etc.) that are capable of accepting commands or input from a user and transmitting the inputted input to the processor 1032.

[0055] The database 1044 can reside on the mass storage device 1036 and can be used to collect and organize data used by the various systems and modules described herein. The database 1044 can include data and support data structures that store and organize data. In particular, the database 1044 can be arranged to have any database organization or structure, including but not limited to a relational database, a hierarchical database, a network database, or combinations thereof. A database management system in the form of a computer software application executing as instructions on the processor 1032 can be used to access information or data stored in records of the database 1044 in response to queries, which can be dynamically determined and executed by the operating system 1046, other applications 1048, or one or more modules.

[0056] Further, the present disclosure includes embodiments in accordance with the following clauses:

[0057] Clause 1. A thermal disinfection tool (10) for disinfecting a surface (8) that bounds or is located within a fixed volume of air (12), the thermal disinfection tool (10) comprising:

[0058] a housing (20) defining one or more inlets (22) and one or more outlets (24), wherein air enters the housing (20) through the one or more inlets (22) and exits the housing (20) through the one or more outlets (24);

[0059] a heater (34) configured to generate heat, wherein the heater (34) is disposed within the housing (20) downstream of the one or more inlets (22) and upstream of the one or more outlets (24);

[0060] one or more processors (1032) in electronic communication with the heater (34); and

[0061] a memory (1034) coupled to the one or more processors (1032), the memory (1034) storing an inactivation time curve (100) for a particular pathogen, the inactivation time curve indicating an inactivation time for the particular pathogen over a range of temperatures, and wherein the memory (1034) stores data into one or more databases and program code that, when executed by the one or more processors (1032), cause the heat disinfection tool (10) to:

[0062] receive a signal indicative of a current inlet temperature of air entering one or more inlets (22) of the housing (20);

[0063] compare the current inlet temperature of air to a target temperature (96) located on the inactivation time curve stored in the memory (1034);

[0064] in response to determining that the current inlet temperature is less than the target temperature (96), calculate a disinfection rate for a fixed volume of air (12) or a surface (8) located within the fixed volume of air (12) based on the inactivation time curve (100) for each current inlet temperature up to the target temperature (96), wherein the disinfection rate indicates a period of time required to inactivate the particular pathogen disposed on the fixed volume of air (12) or the surface (8) located within the fixed volume of air (12) at the current inlet temperature until the target temperature (96) is reached; and

[0065] command the heater (34) to generate heat for the period of time required to inactivate the particular pathogen.

[0066] Clause 2. The heat disinfection tool (10) of Clause 1, further comprising one or more outlet sensors (32) configured to monitor a current outlet temperature of air exiting one or more outlets (24) of the housing (20).

[0067] Clause 3. The heat disinfection tool (10) of Clause 2, wherein the one or more processors (1032) execute instructions to:

[0068] monitor the one or more outlet sensors (32) for a current outlet temperature;

[0069] compare the current outlet temperature of air to a maximum temperature (98); and

[0070] in response to determining that the current outlet temperature is less than the maximum temperature (98), continue to command the heater (34) to generate heat.

[0071] Clause 4. The heat disinfection tool (10) of Clause 3, wherein the one or more processors (1032) execute instructions to:

[0072] In response to determining that the current outlet temperature is equal to or greater than the maximum temperature (98), the heater (34) is commanded to reduce or stop generating heat.

[0073] Clause 5. The thermal disinfection tool (10) of clause 3, wherein the maximum temperature (98) is a maximum operating temperature of the aircraft avionics.

[0074] Clause 6. The thermal disinfection tool (10) of clause 1, further comprising one or more inlet sensors (30) in electronic communication with the one or more processors (1032), wherein the one or more inlet sensors (30) are configured to monitor a current inlet temperature of air entering the one or more inlets (22) of the housing (20).

[0075] Clause 7. The thermal disinfection tool (10) of clause 1, wherein the target temperature (96) inactivates the specific pathogen within a threshold period of time.

[0076] Clause 8. The thermal disinfection tool (10) of clause 7, wherein the period of time required to inactivate the specific pathogen disposed on the surface (8) that bounds the fixed volume of air (12) or located within the fixed volume of air (12) is less than the threshold period of time.

[0077] Clause 9. The thermal disinfection tool (10) of clause 1, further comprising a humidifier (78) configured to increase a humidity of air exiting the thermal disinfection tool (10), wherein the humidifier (78) comprises an airflow valve (80), a reservoir (82), and a mixer (84).

[0078] Clause 10. The thermal disinfection tool (10) of clause 9, wherein the airflow valve (80) is configured to divert a portion of the air exiting the heater (34) to the reservoir (82).

[0079] Clause 11. The thermal disinfection tool (10) of clause 10, wherein the airflow valve (80) is in electronic communication with the one or more processors (1032), and wherein the one or more processors (1032) execute instructions to:

[0080] actively adjust a position of the airflow valve (80) to increase or decrease a relative humidity of the air exiting the one or more inlets (22) of the thermal disinfection tool (10) based on the specific environment of the fixed volume of air (12) and the specific pathogen.

[0081] Clause 12. The thermal disinfection tool (10) of clause 1, further comprising a fan (36) in electronic communication with the one or more processors (1032), wherein the fan (36) is located upstream of the heater (34) within the housing (20).

[0082] Clause 13. The thermal disinfection tool (10) of clause 12, wherein the housing (20) includes a second conduit (90) defining a second inlet (92) and a second outlet (94), wherein the cooling air (91) enters the second inlet (92), passes through the one or more processors (1032), exits the second conduit (90) through the second outlet (94), and enters the airflow generated by the fan (36).

[0083] Clause 14. The thermal disinfection tool (10) of clause 1, further comprising a notification device (70) in electronic communication with the one or more processors (1032), wherein the one or more processors (1032) execute instructions to:

[0084] determine that a time period required to inactivate a particular pathogen disposed on the surface (8) bounding the fixed volume of air (12) or located within the fixed volume of air (12) has elapsed at the current inlet temperature;

[0085] in response to determining that the time period required to inactivate the particular pathogen disposed on the surface (8) bounding the fixed volume of air (12) or located within the fixed volume of air (12) has elapsed, command the notification device (70) to generate one or more notifications indicating that the thermal disinfection tool (10) has completed disinfection of the surface (8) bounding the fixed volume of air (12) or located within the fixed volume of air (12).

[0086] Clause 15. The thermal disinfection tool (10) of clause 1, wherein the one or more processors (1032) execute instructions to:

[0087] determine that a time period required to inactivate a particular pathogen disposed on the surface (8) bounding the fixed volume of air (12) or located within the fixed volume of air (12) has elapsed at the current inlet temperature;

[0088] in response to determining that the time period required to inactivate the particular pathogen disposed on the surface (8) bounding the fixed volume of air (12) or located within the fixed volume of air (12) has elapsed, generate one or more messages sent to a personal electronic device (74) over a wireless network (72).

[0089] Clause 16. A method (200) of disinfecting a surface (8) bounding a fixed volume of air (12) or located within the fixed volume of air (12) by a thermal disinfection tool (10), the method (200) comprising:

[0090] starting a heater (34) by a control module (40), wherein the heater (34) is disposed within a housing (20) of the thermal disinfection tool (10);

[0091] receiving, by the control module (40), a signal indicative of a current inlet temperature of air entering the housing (20);

[0092] comparing, by the control module (40), the current inlet temperature of air to a target temperature (96) located on an inactivation time curve graph (100) stored in a memory (1034) of the control module (40), wherein the inactivation time curve graph (100) is for a particular pathogen and indicates an inactivation time of the particular pathogen over a range of temperatures;

[0093] in response to determining that the current inlet temperature is less than the target temperature (96), calculating, based on the inactivation time curve graph (100) for each current inlet temperature up to the target temperature (96), a sanitization rate of the fixed volume of air (12) or the surface (8) located within the fixed volume of air (12) that indicates a period of time required to inactivate the particular pathogen disposed on the surface (8) located within the fixed volume of air (12) or the fixed volume of air (12) at the current inlet temperature until the target temperature (96) is reached; and

[0094] commanding the heater (34) to generate heat for the period of time required to inactivate the particular pathogen.

[0095] Clause 17. The method (200) of clause 16, further comprising:

[0096] receiving, by the control module (40), a signal indicative of a current outlet temperature of air exiting the housing (20);

[0097] comparing the current outlet temperature of air to a maximum temperature (98); and

[0098] in response to determining that the current outlet temperature is less than the maximum temperature (98), continuing to command the heater (34) to generate heat.

[0099] Clause 18. The method (200) of clause 17, further comprising:

[0100] in response to determining that the current outlet temperature is equal to or greater than the maximum temperature (98), commanding the heater (34) to reduce or stop generating heat.

[0101] Clause 19. The method (200) of clause 16, further comprising:

[0102] determining that the period of time required to inactivate the particular pathogen disposed on the surface (8) located within the fixed volume of air (12) or the fixed volume of air (12) at the current inlet temperature has elapsed; and

[0103] in response to determining that the period of time required to inactivate the particular pathogen disposed on the surface (8) bounding or located within the fixed volume of air (12) has elapsed, commanding the notification device (70) to generate one or more notifications indicating that the thermal disinfection tool (10) has completed disinfection of the surface (8) bounding or located within the fixed volume of air (12).

[0104] Clause 20. The method (200) of clause 16, further comprising:

[0105] determining that the period of time required to inactivate the particular pathogen disposed on the surface (8) bounding or located within the fixed volume of air (12) has elapsed at the current inlet temperature; and

[0106] in response to determining that the period of time required to inactivate the particular pathogen disposed on the surface (8) bounding or located within the fixed volume of air (12) has elapsed, generating one or more messages sent over the wireless network (72) to the personal electronic device (74).

[0107] The description of the present disclosure is merely exemplary in nature and variations that do not depart from the gist of the present disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A thermal disinfection tool (10) for disinfecting a surface (8) that bounds or is located within a fixed volume of air (12), the thermal disinfection tool (10) comprising: a housing (20) defining one or more inlets (22) and one or more outlets (24), wherein air enters the housing (20) through the one or more inlets (22) and exits the housing (20) through the one or more outlets (24); a heater (34) configured to generate heat, wherein the heater (34) is disposed within the housing (20) downstream of the one or more inlets (22) and upstream of the one or more outlets (24); one or more processors (1032) in electronic communication with the heater (34); one or more inlet sensors (30) in electronic communication with the one or more processors (1032), wherein the one or more inlet sensors (30) are configured to monitor a current inlet temperature of the air entering the one or more inlets (22) of the housing (20); and a memory (1034) coupled to the one or more processors (1032), the memory (1034) storing an inactivation time curve (100) for a particular pathogen, the inactivation time curve indicating an inactivation time for the particular pathogen over a range of temperatures, and wherein the memory (1034) stores data into one or more databases and program code that, when executed by the one or more processors (1032), causes the thermal disinfection tool (10) to: receive a signal indicative of the current inlet temperature of the air entering the one or more inlets (22) of the housing (20); compare the current inlet temperature of the air to a target temperature (96) located on the inactivation time curve stored in the memory (1034); in response to determining that the current inlet temperature is less than the target temperature (96), calculate a disinfection rate for the surface (8) that bounds or is located within the fixed volume of air (12) based on the inactivation time curve (100) for each current inlet temperature up to the target temperature (96), wherein the disinfection rate indicates a period of time required to inactivate the particular pathogen disposed on the surface (8) that bounds or is located within the fixed volume of air (12) at the current inlet temperature until the target temperature (96) is reached; and command the heater (34) to generate heat for the period of time required to inactivate the particular pathogen.

2. The thermal disinfection tool (10) of claim 1, further comprising one or more outlet sensors (32) configured to monitor a current outlet temperature of the air exiting the one or more outlets (24) of the housing (20).

3. The heat sterilization tool (10) of claim 2, wherein the one or more processors (1032) execute instructions to: monitor the one or more outlet sensors (32) for the current outlet temperature; compare the current outlet temperature of the air to a maximum temperature (98); and in response to determining that the current outlet temperature is less than the maximum temperature (98), continue to command the heater (34) to generate heat.

4. The heat sterilization tool (10) of claim 3, wherein the one or more processors (1032) execute instructions to: in response to determining that the current outlet temperature is equal to or greater than the maximum temperature (98), command the heater (34) to reduce or stop generating heat.

5. The heat sterilization tool (10) of claim 3, wherein the maximum temperature (98) is a maximum operating temperature of aircraft avionics.

6. The heat sterilization tool (10) of claim 1, wherein the particular pathogen is inactivated at the target temperature (96) within a threshold period of time.

7. The heat sterilization tool (10) of claim 6, wherein the period of time required to inactivate the particular pathogen disposed on the surface (8) bounding or located within the fixed volume of air (12) is less than the threshold period of time.

8. The heat sterilization tool (10) of claim 1, further comprising a humidifier (78) configured to increase a humidity of the air exiting the heat sterilization tool (10), wherein the humidifier (78) comprises an airflow valve (80), a sump (82), and a mixer (84).

9. The heat sterilization tool (10) of any one of claims 1-8, further comprising a fan (36) in electronic communication with the one or more processors (1032), wherein the fan (36) is located within the housing (20) upstream of the heater (34).

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