Ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatuses

Abstract

To provide ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatuses having features of improving the efficiency of the ultraviolet light generated, increasing the versatility of the apparatuses, and reducing and / or eliminating time-consuming and cumbersome provisions that are required by conventional systems.SOLUTION: Apparatuses are provided which include: a discharge lamp configured to emit ultraviolet light; a power circuit configured to operate the discharge lamp; and a reflector system configured to redirect ultraviolet light emitted by the discharge lamp. Further provided is a system including processor-executable program instructions for: receiving data concerning characteristics of a room in which one or more disinfectant sources are located; and determining one or more independent operational parameters of the one or more disinfectant sources based on the received data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatus and systems for controlling the operation of sterilization devices, and more particularly to ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatus having one or more reflectors, methods for operating such apparatus, and systems for determining operating parameters and disinfection schedules for sterilization devices. [Background technology]

[0002] The following descriptions and examples are not admitted to be prior art by virtue of their inclusion in this section.

[0003] Sterilization systems are generally designed to expose one or more surfaces and / or objects to a germicide to inactivate or kill microorganisms remaining on the one or more surfaces and / or objects. Applications of sterilization systems include, but are not limited to, sterilization, disinfection of objects, and room / area decontamination. Examples of sterilization systems include those used to sterilize surgical instruments, food, or pharmaceutical packaging. Examples of area / room decontamination systems include those used in agricultural activities, such as those used in hospital rooms to disinfect surfaces and objects within the rooms, and those used on farm animals and / or livestock. Disinfection of areas / rooms has become increasingly important as pathogenic microorganisms have become more prevalent in the environment and can cause infections. This is especially true as microorganisms resistant to antimicrobial agents become more common and increasingly difficult to combat.

[0004] A challenge with conventional room / area decontamination systems is efficiently distributing sterilant to all surfaces requiring disinfection. In particular, cost and size constraints limit the number of sterilant sources included in many conventional room / area decontamination systems. Furthermore, the directional distribution of sterilant in conventional room / area decontamination systems is fixed. As a result, conventional systems are often configured to deliver large doses of sterilant to simultaneously disinfect multiple surfaces within a room or area. A problem with distributing large doses of sterilant globally is that some portions of the room or volume are overexposed to the sterilant, which effectively wastes sterilant and potentially wastes time and / or energy to carry out the disinfection process. Furthermore, in some cases, when sterilant is distributed globally throughout the room, some portions of the room / area, particularly surfaces that are relatively far from the sterilant source and / or that are not in line with the sterilant source, do not receive an adequate amount of sterilant. This lack of exposure to sterilant can result in the retention of large numbers of unwanted pathogenic microorganisms on surfaces or objects, making them susceptible to infection for humans who subsequently come into contact with these surfaces.

[0005] A further problem with conventional room / area decontamination systems is that they do not consider or prioritize the objects and surfaces within the room when conducting the disinfection process. As a result, if the disinfection process for a room / area is interrupted earlier than the allotted time, potentially highly contaminated objects and / or surfaces within the room may not be adequately disinfected. In particular, the disinfectant source in a room / area decontamination system is often located or installed near a central point of the room (rather than near one or more specific objects) so that exposure of the disinfectant from the disinfectant source to the periphery of the room / area is substantially uniform throughout the room / area. Similarly, when a system includes multiple disinfection devices, the devices are often distributed uniformly throughout the room, rather than near one or more specific objects, to disinfect the entire room with a given disinfection process.

[0006] In some embodiments, a disinfectant source in a room / area decontamination system may be positioned near an object or surface, such as a bed, in a patient room. However, positioning the disinfectant source near a specific object does not address the need to disinfect other objects or surfaces in the room / area that may be more heavily contaminated, such as a door handle or a room light switch. Furthermore, if the disinfectant source is fixedly installed in a specific location in the room, the effectiveness of the disinfectant source's placement relative to a specific object is negated if the object moves. When a decontamination system includes one or more disinfectant sources that can be freely positioned in the room, the task of positioning the disinfectant source(s) is generally performed manually, which is therefore labor-intensive and prone to placement errors. Furthermore, these later-listed configurations do not involve analysis of room characteristics (e.g., size, area configuration, and / or relative placement of objects within the room) to determine the location of the disinfectant source(s) within the room.

[0007] There are many different methods for disinfecting surfaces and objects, ranging from chemical methods such as bleaching to advanced methods such as ultraviolet (UV) disinfection. UV radiation, particularly in the spectrum from about 200 to about 320 nm, is known to be effective in inactivating and, in some cases, killing microorganisms, leading to the use of ultraviolet light technology for disinfecting and / or sterilizing items. Some UV disinfection devices utilize discharge lamps to generate ultraviolet light. In addition to their use in disinfection and sterilization applications, discharge lamps are used to generate ultraviolet (UV) light in a wide range of applications, such as polymer curing. Generally, a discharge lamp refers to a lamp that generates light using an internal discharge between electrodes in a gas. This discharge creates a plasma that provides the radiated light. In some instances, such as mercury vapor lamps, the generated light is continuous once the lamp is triggered. Other configurations of discharge lamps, also known as flash bulbs or flash lamps, generate light for extremely short periods of time. Such discharge lamps are sometimes used to provide cyclic pulses of light and are therefore sometimes referred to as pulsed light sources. A commonly used flash lamp is the xenon flash lamp.

[0008] While various types of discharge lamps have been researched to provide UV light for various applications, little research has been done on improving the efficiency of UV light generated in devices that include discharge lamps, particularly with respect to UV light propagation (i.e., distance to the target object and angle of incidence). The reason for this lack of progress is that many devices that include discharge lamps, such as food sterilization devices and single-object disinfection devices, are configured to process items positioned in close proximity to and aligned with the lamp, and therefore little or no improvement in UV light efficiency can be achieved by modifying UV light propagation. Furthermore, room / area decontamination systems are specifically designed to distribute UV light over a wide area, and therefore modifying UV propagation from the system would hinder such objectives. Furthermore, the applications and versatility of many devices with discharge lamps are limited. For example, many food sterilization devices and single-object disinfection devices are self-contained devices configured for processing specific items and therefore generally lack features that improve the versatility of the system for processing other items or for use in other applications. Furthermore, some devices require time-consuming and / or cumbersome measures to protect users from injury. For example, pulsed ultraviolet light technology typically uses a xenon flash lamp that produces pulses of light across a broad spectrum from deep ultraviolet to infrared, including extremely bright and intense visible light. Visible and ultraviolet light exposure is harmful, and therefore precautions must be taken, such as confining the pulsed light within the confines of the device or within a sealed window in the room where the room decontamination unit is used.

[0009] Therefore, it would be beneficial to develop an ultraviolet discharge lamp device having features that improve its utilization, including, but not limited to, features that improve the efficiency of the ultraviolet light produced, increase the versatility of the device, and reduce and / or eliminate the time-consuming and cumbersome measures required by conventional systems. Additionally, it would be advantageous to develop a room / area decontamination system that is more effective and efficient than conventional room / area decontamination systems. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The following description of various embodiments of the system should not be construed in any way as limiting the subject matter of the appended claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] Embodiments of the apparatus disclosed herein include a discharge lamp configured to emit ultraviolet light, a power supply circuit configured to operate the discharge lamp, and a reflector system configured to redirect the ultraviolet light emitted by the discharge lamp, but do not include an optical device for generating a laser from the light emitted by the discharge lamp. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a support structure including the power supply circuit and supporting the discharge lamp. In some such embodiments, the reflector system is configured to redirect ultraviolet light propagating away from the support structure to an area outside the apparatus that is about 2 to about 4 feet above the floor of a room in which the apparatus is disposed. Additionally or alternatively, in other embodiments, the reflector system is configured to redirect ultraviolet light propagating away from the support structure to an area surrounding the outer surface of the apparatus, and the reflector system is further configured to occupy the entire area when all of the ultraviolet light redirected into the area during operation of the apparatus is collected. In any case, in some embodiments, the reflector system of the apparatus disclosed herein includes a repositionable reflector.

[0012] An embodiment of the system includes a disinfectant source and a processing subsystem with a processor and program instructions executable by the processor to receive data regarding physical attributes of a room in which the disinfectant source is located. The processing subsystem further includes program instructions executable by the processor to determine a location within the room based on the received data, thereby positioning the disinfectant source and / or the orientation of a component with the disinfectant source.

[0013] Other embodiments of the system include multiple disinfectant sources and a processing subsystem with one or more processors and program instructions executable by the one or more processors. In some cases, the one or more processors are capable of executing the program instructions to receive data regarding characteristics of a room in which the multiple disinfectant sources are disposed and determine one or more independent operating parameters for the multiple disinfectant sources based on the received data. In other cases, the one or more processors are capable of executing the program instructions to determine, for each of the multiple disinfectant sources, a target location, area, object, or surface within the room in which the disinfectant source is disposed and compare two or more of the target locations, areas, objects, or surfaces. In such systems, the one or more processors are also capable of executing the program instructions to perform one or more corrective actions to modify the planned disinfection process of at least one of the multiple disinfectant sources upon detecting two or more target locations within a predetermined distance from each other and / or upon detecting two or more target areas overlapping.

[0014] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon review of the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an ultraviolet discharge lamp device having a horizontally positioned discharge lamp. [Figure 2a] FIG. 2a shows an alternative arrangement for accommodating an optical filter in the ultraviolet discharge lamp device shown in FIG. [Figure 2b] FIG. 2b shows another alternative arrangement for accommodating an optical filter in the ultraviolet discharge lamp device shown in FIG. [Figure 2c] FIG. 2c shows yet another alternative arrangement for accommodating an optical filter in the ultraviolet discharge lamp device shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows an alternative configuration of the ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with the discharge lamp mounted external to the support structure of the apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an ultraviolet discharge lamp device with a vertically positioned discharge lamp. [Figure 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an alternative configuration of a discharge lamp assembly for the ultraviolet discharge lamp device shown in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a perspective view showing an alternative configuration of an optical filter for the ultraviolet discharge lamp device shown in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is a perspective view showing another alternative configuration of an optical filter for the ultraviolet discharge lamp device shown in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a system including a plurality of ultraviolet discharge lamp devices. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 illustrates a system that includes one or more disinfectant sources and a processing subsystem having processor-executable program instructions for determining operating parameters and disinfection schedules for the one or more disinfectant sources. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flow chart outlining a method for which the processor-executable program instructions of the system shown in FIG. 9 are configured to be performed. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flow chart outlining another method for which the processor-executable program instructions of the system shown in FIG. 9 are configured to be performed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereof are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms originally disclosed, but on the contrary, are intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0017] Turning now to the drawings, exemplary embodiments of discharge lamp devices are provided. More specifically, FIGS. 1-3 illustrate exemplary configurations of devices having discharge lamps disposed vertically parallel to the plane of the device supporting the lamps (hereinafter referred to as "horizontally positioned lamps"). Additionally, FIGS. 4-7 illustrate exemplary configurations of devices having discharge lamps disposed vertically perpendicular to the plane of the device supporting the lamps (hereinafter referred to as "vertically positioned lamps"). Additionally, FIG. 8 illustrates a system having two discharge lamp devices. As explained in more detail below, the devices and features described herein are not limited to those depicted in the drawings, including the fact that the discharge lamps are not limited to "horizontal" and "vertical" positions. Furthermore, it should be noted that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, where certain features are emphasized by being drawn at a larger scale than other features.

[0018] Each of the devices described with reference to FIGS. 1-8 includes a discharge lamp configured to generate ultraviolet light, and thus the devices described with reference to FIGS. 1-8 may be referred to as "ultraviolet discharge lamp devices." In some embodiments, the discharge lamp of the device may be further configured to generate light in other ranges, without precluding the device described herein from being referred to as an "ultraviolet discharge lamp device." In any case, the devices described with reference to FIGS. 1-8 do not include an optical system for generating a laser from the light emitted by the discharge lamp, and thus, in some embodiments, the devices may also be referred to herein as non-laser devices. In other words, the devices described with reference to FIGS. 1-8 are configured to propagate the light emitted by the discharge lamp in a non-laser manner. As described in more detail below, the devices described with reference to FIGS. 1-8 are configured to expose entire regions, chambers, and objects to ultraviolet light, and thus are particularly configured to distribute light over a wide area rather than producing a narrow, diffraction-limited beam of light, as produced by a laser.

[0019] As used herein, the term "discharge lamp" refers to a lamp that produces light using an internal discharge between electrodes in a gas. This term also encompasses gas discharge lamps, which produce light by sending a discharge through an ionizable gas (i.e., a plasma). This term also encompasses surface discharge lamps, which produce light by sending a discharge along the surface of a dielectric substrate in the presence of a gas, creating a plasma along the surface of the substrate. Thus, discharge lamps contemplated for the devices described herein include gas discharge lamps and surface discharge lamps. Discharge lamps can be further characterized by the type(s) of gas(es) used and the pressure(s) at which the lamp is operated. Discharge lamps contemplated for the devices described herein include low-pressure, medium-pressure, and high-intensity discharge lamps. Furthermore, the gas(es) used may include helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, water vapor, carbon dioxide, mercury vapor, sodium vapor, and any combination thereof. Furthermore, discharge lamps contemplated for the devices described herein may be of any size and shape depending on the design specifications of the device. Additionally, discharge lamps contemplated for the devices described herein may include those that produce continuous light and those that produce light for short periods of time, the latter being referred to herein as flash bulbs or flash lamps. Flash bulbs or flash lamps used to provide recurrent pulses of light are referred to herein as pulsed light sources.

[0020] A commonly used gas discharge lamp for producing continuous light is a mercury vapor lamp, which may be considered for some of the devices described herein. Mercury vapor lamps emit light with a peak intensity of 253.7 nm, which is considered particularly applicable to disinfection and is therefore commonly referred to as ultraviolet germicidal radiation (UVGI). A commonly used flash lamp considered for the devices described herein is a xenon flash bulb. In contrast to mercury vapor lamps, xenon flash bulbs generate light over a broad spectrum from ultraviolet to infrared, thus providing ultraviolet light across the entire spectrum known to be germicidal (i.e., from about 200 to about 320 nm). Furthermore, xenon flash bulbs can provide relatively sufficient intensity in the spectrum known to have optimal germicidal properties (i.e., from about 260 to about 265 nm). Furthermore, xenon flash bulbs generate a significant amount of heat, which may also be useful for inactivating or killing microorganisms.

[0021] Although not readily available to date, as noted above, surface discharge lamps are contemplated for some of the devices described herein. Like xenon flash lamps, surface discharge lamps generate ultraviolet light across the entire spectrum (i.e., about 200 to about 320 nm) known to be germicidal. In contrast, however, surface discharge lamps operate at higher energy levels per pulse than xenon lamps, and therefore operate with better UV efficiency and offer longer life. It should be noted that the foregoing discussion and comparison of mercury vapor lamps, xenon flash lamps, and surface discharge lamps is not intended to limit the devices described herein to include such lamps. Rather, the foregoing discussion and comparison are provided solely to provide factors that one skilled in the art can consider when selecting a discharge lamp for an ultraviolet discharge lamp device, particularly depending on the device's purpose and application.

[0022] As mentioned above, the devices described with reference to FIGS. 1-8 are configured to distribute ultraviolet light over a wide area so that entire objects and / or areas / rooms can be treated. In other words, the devices described with reference to FIGS. 1-8 are not configured to generate a narrow beam of light aimed at a specific, small target, such as can be used for laser applications. By distributing ultraviolet light over a wide area, the devices described with reference to FIGS. 1-8 are particularly applicable to disinfecting, decontaminating, and / or sterilizing entire objects and areas and / or rooms. For example, the devices described with reference to FIGS. 1-8 may be used to disinfect hospital rooms or in agricultural-related activities, including those used with farm animals and / or livestock. Additionally or alternatively, the devices described with reference to FIGS. 1-8 may be used to reduce microbial growth on plants or to sterilize surgical instruments, food, or pharmaceutical packaging. Other applications of the devices described with reference to FIGS. 1-8 involving exposure of a wide area to ultraviolet light may be polymer curing and medical procedures.

[0023] In some cases, the devices described herein may be specifically directed to room disinfection. More specifically, and as explained in more detail below, some of the features presented with respect to the devices described with reference to FIGS. 1-8 (e.g., including an optical filter, including a reflector system for redirecting ultraviolet light propagating from the device's support structure, being adapted for movement throughout a room during operation, and / or including multiple discharge lamp devices) are particularly suited to room disinfection devices. For these reasons, many of the devices described with reference to FIGS. 1-8 are directed to room disinfection devices. Furthermore, for reasons explained below, the devices described with reference to FIGS. 1-8 are specifically directed to floor-based, freestanding, portable room disinfection devices. However, the features described with respect to the devices described with reference to FIGS. 1-8 are not necessarily limited to room disinfection devices or floor-based, portable, or freestanding configurations. Rather, the features described with reference to FIGS. 1-8 may be applied to any type of ultraviolet discharge lamp device. As used herein, the term "room disinfection" means cleaning a delimited area suitable for human habitation to inactivate, destroy, or prevent the growth of carrier microorganisms in the area.

[0024] The room disinfection devices described herein may take a wide variety of configurations, including floor-based, wall-based, and ceiling-based. However, while the room disinfection device may be located within the ceiling or within or against a wall of a room, it is often advantageous to position the ultraviolet room disinfection device away from such structures. In particular, one of the primary factors affecting the intensity of UV light on an object (and therefore its disinfection efficiency) is the distance to the object; therefore, it is often advantageous to position the ultraviolet room disinfection device near the center of the room or near the object suspected of contamination to minimize the distance to the object. Furthermore, in environments where the room disinfection device can be used in multiple rooms in a building (e.g., a hospital), it is generally beneficial for the device to be portable. For these reasons, many of the devices described herein and shown in the drawings are directed to freestanding, portable, floor-based room disinfection devices.

[0025] In general, the devices described with reference to Figures 1-8 may be configured to distribute light substantially unidirectionally or multidirectionally. As used herein, "configured to distribute light substantially unidirectionally" refers to a device configured to propagate a majority of the light emitted from the discharge lamp in a single direction, with secondary light propagating at angles less than 30° from that direction. All other light distributions are referred to as "configured to distribute light multidirectionally." A room disinfection device configured to distribute light substantially unidirectionally may be located within a wall or ceiling and / or may have a discharge lamp within the confines of the device and no secondary optical component system for redirecting light propagating away from the device. In contrast, a room disinfection device configured to distribute light multidirectionally may have a discharge lamp extending outward from a structure on which the discharge lamp is supported and / or a structure with a secondary optical component system for redirecting light propagating away from the device.

[0026] Given that a room typically contains objects of different sizes and shapes located at various heights and distances from a given point in the room (which increases the number and location of surfaces to be disinfected), it may be advantageous to configure an ultraviolet device used for room disinfection to distribute ultraviolet light in many directions (i.e., multi-directionally). Furthermore, as discussed above, it may be advantageous to position the ultraviolet room disinfection device at a distance from the walls of the room to reduce the distance to various objects in the room and effectively increase the disinfection efficiency of the UV light emitted by the device. Building on this concept, it may be effective to configure the ultraviolet room disinfection device so that at least some of the ultraviolet light generated by the discharge lamps propagates to an area surrounding the exterior surface of the device, and further, so that all of the ultraviolet light propagating to this area during operation of the device is collected to occupy the entire area. Such a configuration differs from an ultraviolet room disinfection device located on a ceiling or wall, and will be described in more detail below with reference to some of the illustrated devices.

[0027] Returning to FIG. 1 , an exemplary configuration of an ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatus having a horizontally positioned lamp is provided. In particular, the apparatus 20 is shown having a discharge lamp 22 disposed within a support structure 24 and specifically oriented vertically parallel to the plane of the apparatus 20 supporting the discharge lamp 22 (i.e., parallel to the upper surface of the support structure 24). As noted above and as explained in more detail below, the ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatuses described herein are not limited to embodiments in which the discharge lamp is positioned in a "horizontal position." Rather, the ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatuses described herein may include a discharge lamp positioned at any angle relative to the surface plane of the support structure supporting the discharge lamp. Furthermore, the ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatuses described herein are not limited to embodiments in which the discharge lamp is positioned proximate the upper surface of the apparatus. In particular, the ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatuses described herein may have a discharge lamp positioned proximate any exterior surface of the apparatus, including the sidewalls and bottom surface.

[0028] Although horizontally and vertically positioned lamps proximate the upper surface of a support structure are specifically described herein, this is because these lamps are configurations used to enhance some of the novel features of the ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatus disclosed herein. However, such disclosure should not be construed as necessarily limiting the placement of the discharge lamp within the ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatus described herein. Furthermore, the ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatus described herein is not limited to embodiments in which the discharge lamp is positioned within the confines of a support structure, as shown in FIG. 1. Rather, an ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatus may instead have a discharge lamp disposed at least partially outside the support structure, as described with respect to the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 3-7.

[0029] In addition to the discharge lamp 22, the apparatus 20 includes a power supply circuit 26 and a trigger circuit 30 disposed within the support structure 24, as well as electrical circuitry connecting the power supply circuit and trigger circuit to the discharge lamp 22, as shown in FIG. 1. Generally, the power supply circuit 26, trigger circuit 30, and connecting electrical circuitry are configured to operate the discharge lamp 22 (i.e., to deliver a discharge to the lamp and generate a radiating plasma within the lamp). In particular, the trigger circuit 30 is used to apply a trigger voltage to an ignition electrode of the discharge lamp 22, which may be wrapped around the lamp or may be the anode or cathode of the lamp, and the power supply circuit 26 (e.g., a capacitor) is used to apply a potential between the lamp's cathode and anode. In some cases, particularly when the discharge lamp apparatus includes a flashlight bulb, the trigger circuit 30 may be referred to herein as a pulse generator circuit. The trigger voltage ionizes the gas within the lamp, thereby increasing the gas's conductivity and allowing an arc to form between the cathode and anode.

[0030] As noted above, in some cases, discharge lamp 22 may be a continuous light lamp, such as a mercury vapor lamp. In such embodiments, trigger circuit 30 may generally generate a signal below 1000 volts and is not considered high voltage. (As used herein, the term "high voltage" refers to voltages greater than 1000 volts.) In other embodiments, discharge lamp 22 may be a flashlight bulb. Flashlight bulbs require higher voltages for ignition, typically between 2000 and 150,000 volts. An example voltage range for a trigger circuit for a xenon bulb is approximately 20 to 30 kV. By comparison, an example voltage range for a power storage circuit for a xenon bulb is approximately 1 to 10 kV. In any case, device 20 may include additional electrical circuitry to provide power to other features within the device, including, but not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU) 32, a user interface 34, and a room occupancy sensor 36, as shown in FIG. 1 .

[0031] Although not required, one or more operations of device 20 may be computer-implemented, and thus, in some embodiments, device 20 may include a CPU 32 for executing applicable program instructions. Additionally, device 20 may optionally include a user interface 34 to provide a user with a means for initiating the operation of device 20, and possibly particular modes of operation, as well as for accessing data collected from the device. In some cases, user interface 34 may alternatively be a device separate from device 20 but configured for wired or wireless communication with device 20. In this manner, device 20 may be remotely controlled. Room occupancy sensor 36 is an optional safety mechanism, typically configured to determine whether a person is present in a room, such as by motion detection or light recognition. Other optional features shown on device 20 include wheels 38 and a handle 39, which affect the portability of the device, although these may be omitted depending on the device's design.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1 , device 20 includes optical filter 40, cooling system 44, and reflector system 60. As described in more detail below, the configurations of the optical filter, cooling system, and reflector system, as well as the placement of the discharge lamp, may vary among the ultraviolet light devices described herein. Indeed, with reference to FIGS. 2-7 , alternative embodiments of one or more of such features to the configurations shown and described with reference to FIG. 1 are described. Each such embodiment includes a support structure and associated components as described with reference to FIG. 1 , specifically, support structure 24, power supply circuitry 26, trigger circuitry 30, CPU 32, user interface 34, room occupancy sensor 36, wheels 38, and handle 39. However, for simplicity and to highlight the different configurations of the optical filter and reflector systems and placement of the discharge lamps shown, FIGS. 2-7 do not show such features.

[0033] As noted above, each of the devices described with reference to FIGS. 1-8 includes a discharge lamp configured to generate ultraviolet light. In some embodiments, the discharge lamp of the device may also be configured to generate light in other ranges, including, but not limited to, visible light. In some such cases, attenuating the visible light may be advantageous, particularly (but not necessarily) when the generated visible light tends to be extremely bright and / or scattered. For example, a xenon flash lamp generates pulses of light with a broad spectrum similar to the sunlight spectrum, but with visible light that is up to 20,000 times more intense than sunlight. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the devices described herein include an optical filter configured to attenuate visible light. In some cases, the devices described herein include an optical filter configured to attenuate light in a majority of the visible light spectrum, more than 75% of the visible light spectrum, or the entire visible light spectrum. However, in other embodiments, the optical filter may be configured to attenuate light in less than a majority of the visible light spectrum. In either case, the optical filter may be configured to attenuate a large portion of the light in a given portion of the visible light spectrum, and in some cases may be configured to attenuate more than 75% or all of the light in a given portion of the visible light spectrum.

[0034] Because the devices described with reference to FIGS. 1-8 are configured for ultraviolet light exposure, the optical filter must pass ultraviolet light while attenuating visible light. Thus, in some cases, the optical filter is a visible light band-blocking filter. However, in other embodiments, the optical filter may be an ultraviolet band-pass filter. In either case, the optical filter may be configured to pass a majority of light in a predetermined portion of the ultraviolet light spectrum, and in some embodiments, may be configured to pass more than 75% or all of the light in the predetermined portion of the ultraviolet light spectrum. In some cases, the predetermined portion of the ultraviolet light spectrum may be a majority of the ultraviolet light spectrum, more than 75% of the ultraviolet light spectrum, or the entire ultraviolet light spectrum. However, in other embodiments, the predetermined portion of the ultraviolet light spectrum may be less than a majority of the ultraviolet light spectrum. In some embodiments, the optical filter is specifically configured to pass light in a particular portion of the ultraviolet light spectrum. For example, if the device is used for disinfection, decontamination, or sterilization purposes, the optical filter may be configured to pass a majority, more than 75%, or all of the germicidal UV spectrum (i.e., approximately 200-320 nm). Additionally or alternatively, the optical filter may be configured to pass a large portion, greater than 75%, or all of the ultraviolet light spectrum known to have optimal germicidal properties (i.e., about 260-265 nm).

[0035] An exemplary optical filter glass material that can be used as an optical filter for the ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatus described herein is Schott UG5 glass, available from SCHOTT North America, Inc., Elmsford, New York. The Schott UG5 glass filter attenuates most of the visible light spectrum while allowing approximately 85% of ultraviolet light between about 260 and about 265 nm to pass through. Other optical filter glass materials with similar or different characteristics may be used depending on the design specifications of the apparatus. In other cases, optical filters contemplated for the ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatus described herein may be films having any of the optical properties described above. In such embodiments, the films may be disposed on an optically transparent material such as quartz. In other embodiments, optical filters contemplated for the ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatus described herein may be a combination of an optical filter glass material and a film disposed thereon, each configured to attenuate visible light.

[0036] As used herein, the term "optical filter material" refers to a material designed to affect the spectral transmittance of light by blocking or attenuating a specific wavelength spectrum. In contrast, as used herein, the term "optically transparent" refers to a material that allows light to pass through a specific wavelength spectrum without substantially blocking or attenuating it. Recommended are well-known optically transparent materials. As used herein, the term "film" refers to a thin layer of material and encompasses the term "coating," which refers to a layer of material spread over a surface. Films contemplated for the optical filters described herein are in solid or semi-solid form, and thus encompass solid materials and gels. Furthermore, films contemplated for the optical filters described herein may be in liquid, semi-solid, or solid form when applied to a material, and the liquid and semi-solid forms can later be converted to solid or semi-solid forms after application.

[0037] In either case, the efficiency of optical filters disposed within the ultraviolet discharge lamp devices described herein decreases over time due to solarization, necessitating periodic replacement of the optical filters. Solarization is a phenomenon involving a decrease in the ability of optical components to transmit ultraviolet radiation related to the duration of exposure to UV radiation. In some embodiments, optical filters contemplated for the ultraviolet discharge lamp devices described herein may have a solarization rate that is approximately an integer multiple of the degradation rate of the discharge lamp included in the device. In other words, the discharge lamp may have a degradation rate that is approximately equal to a factor of the solarization rate of the optical filter. The term "factor" in characterizing optical filters refers to the mathematical definition of this term, specifically, a number that can be divided evenly, i.e., without remainder, into another number. The solarization rate of an optical filter may be approximately equal to any integer multiple (including 1) of the degradation rate of the discharge lamp; therefore, in some embodiments, the solarization rate of the optical filter may be similar to or identical to the degradation rate of the discharge lamp.

[0038] Typically, discharge lamps are guaranteed for a certain number of uses (i.e., a certain number of triggers to generate plasma), which is determined according to the predicted degradation of one or more of their components. For example, pulsed light sources are often guaranteed for a certain number of pulses. For the devices described herein, this number of uses can be used to characterize the degradation rate of the discharge lamp by multiplying the amount of ultraviolet light emitted during each operating period by the number of triggers for which the discharge lamp is guaranteed to be used. In this manner, a degradation rate that correlates with the solarization rate of the optical filter may be calculated. If the solarization rate of the optical filter is approximately an integer multiple of the degradation rate of the discharge lamp in the device, the components are advantageously replaced simultaneously. This reduces downtime of the device compared to embodiments in which components are replaced based on their respective independent characteristics. Furthermore, when monitoring light to determine when to replace an item, the monitoring process may be simplified so that light from only one component needs to be measured. Other features that address solarization of the optical filters incorporated into the devices described herein are described in more detail below with reference to Figures 1 and 3, and in particular with reference to sensor systems configured to monitor parameters related to the operation of the discharge lamp, the transmittance of the optical filter, and whether a heat recovery system is included in the device.

[0039] Several different exemplary configurations and arrangements of optical filters, as well as any accompanying components, are described in detail below, particularly with reference to FIGS. 1-7. More specifically, several different configurations of devices for housing the optical filters in alignment with the discharge lamps are described below. The optical filters of the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 1-7 each have the optical filter features described above. For the sake of brevity, these features will not be repeated for each embodiment. As noted above, optical filters are particularly suited, though not necessarily limited to, room disinfection devices. This is why room disinfection devices are generally configured to distribute light to the device's environment and therefore do not include a housing to contain the light. Note that while the inclusion of an optical filter is beneficial in some of the devices described herein, it is not necessary and may therefore be omitted in some embodiments.

[0040] Another distinguishing feature exemplified for the ultraviolet discharge lamp devices described herein is a reflector system configured to redirect ultraviolet light propagating away from the device's support structure. Generally, reflector systems contemplated for the ultraviolet discharge lamp devices described herein can be used to increase the size of the area exposed to ultraviolet light by the device, decrease the distance the ultraviolet light propagates to a target object or area, and / or improve the angle of incidence of the ultraviolet light on a target object or area. Several different exemplary configurations and arrangements of reflector systems configured to achieve one or more of these objectives are described in more detail below and illustrated in FIGS. 1-7. In particular, devices having repositionable reflectors are described. Additionally, devices having reflector systems configured to redirect ultraviolet light propagating away from the device's support structure to encompass the device's exterior surface are described. As noted above, such configurations are particularly applicable to room disinfection devices.

[0041] The present invention further describes a device having a reflector system configured to redirect ultraviolet light propagating away from the device's support structure toward an area outside the device that is approximately 2 to 4 feet above the floor of the room in which the device is located. Generally, areas approximately 2 to 4 feet above the floor of a room are considered "high-touch" areas of the room because frequently used objects are typically located in such areas. Examples of objects typically found in high-touch areas of a room include, but are not limited to, desktop computers, keyboards, telephones, chairs, door and cabinet handles, light switches, and sinks. Additionally or alternatively, examples of objects in high-touch areas of a patient room include beds, bedside tables, tray tables, and IV poles. By considering such areas as high-touch areas, these areas are generally considered to be areas most likely to come into contact with germs, and some studies have shown that high-touch areas can be areas with the highest germ densities. For this reason, it is advantageous to direct at least some of the ultraviolet light toward an area approximately 2 to 4 feet above the floor of the room. A reflector system such as that described herein may be included in the device for use in achieving such a purpose.

[0042] Although not necessarily so limited, the reflector systems described herein are particularly suited to room disinfection devices because room disinfection devices are generally configured to distribute light within the device's environment and, therefore, do not include a housing to contain and reflect the light. For the reasons stated above, many of the ultraviolet discharge lamp devices described herein and shown in the drawings are directed to floor-based room disinfection devices, in which the discharge lamps are disposed to propagate light above an upper surface of the device's support structure. However, as noted above, this emphasized disclosure should not be construed as unnecessarily limiting the configurations of the ultraviolet discharge lamp devices described herein. For example, in embodiments in which the discharge lamps are disposed to propagate light adjacent to a sidewall surface of the device's support structure, the device's reflector system includes a reflector coupled to an uppermost portion of the sidewall surface and / or a reflector coupled to a lowermost portion of the sidewall surface to reflect the ultraviolet light downward or upward toward a concentrated area. In other cases in which the discharge lamps are disposed to propagate light below a lower surface of the device's support structure, the device's reflector system includes a reflector below the discharge lamp. Several other configurations are similarly suitable, particularly for increasing the size of the area exposed to ultraviolet light by the device, decreasing the distance the ultraviolet light propagates to the target object or area, and / or improving the angle of incidence of the ultraviolet light onto the target object or area.

[0043] In either case, as described in more detail below, the reflector systems contemplated for the devices described herein include one or more reflectors, which may be of any size or shape and may be located at any position within the device to achieve the desired redirection of light. Furthermore, the material of the reflector(s) may be any material found to be suitable for the desired redirection of light. An exemplary reflector material found to be suitable for many of the device configurations described herein is 4300UP Miro-UV, available from ALANOD Aluminum-Veredlung GmbH & Co. KG. Another exemplary reflector material found to be suitable for many of the device configurations described herein is GORE® DRP® Diffuse Reflector Material, available from W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Depending on the design specifications of the reflector system, other reflector materials may be used in addition to or instead of the reflector. In either case, each of the embodiments of the reflector systems described with reference to FIGS. 1-7 includes the features of the reflector systems described above. For the sake of brevity, these features will not be repeated for each embodiment. Similar to the inclusion of optical filters in the devices described herein, the inclusion of a reflector system in some devices may be beneficial, but is not necessary and may therefore be omitted in some embodiments. Furthermore, the optical filter and reflector system features are not mutually exclusive or inclusive to a device, and thus a device may include one or both of these features.

[0044] Returning to FIG. 1 , the device 20 includes an optical filter 40 configured to attenuate visible light emitted from the discharge lamp 22. The configuration of the optical filter 40 for attenuating visible light emitted from the discharge lamp 22 in FIG. 1 specifically involves the optical characteristics of the filter for attenuating visible light and the placement of the optical filter above and aligned with the discharge lamp 22. As shown in FIG. 1 , the optical filter 40 is disposed between the sidewalls of a cup-shaped housing 42 and flush with the upper surface of the support structure 24, thereby forming part of the housing that encloses the discharge lamp 22. As described in more detail below, the devices described herein include a cooling system for regulating the temperature of the discharge lamp, and storing the lamp within an enclosure provides an efficient method for achieving a desired temperature. Using the optical filter 40 as part of the housing of the discharge lamp 22 simplifies the integration of the optical filter into the device 20, thereby providing certain design benefits. However, in some embodiments, it may be beneficial to provide the optical filter 40 separately from the housing of the discharge lamp 22. For example, in some cases it may be advantageous to be able to position the optical filter in and out of alignment with the discharge lamp, depending on the desired operation of the device. Such an arrangement is described in more detail below, and exemplary variations of device 20 incorporating such an arrangement are shown in Figures 2a-2c.

[0045] The cooling systems contemplated for the devices described herein may vary and generally depend on the design specifications of the device. Exemplary cooling systems that can be used include, but are not limited to, forced-draft systems and liquid cooling systems. The cooling system 44 shown in FIG. 1 is a forced-draft system including an air inlet 46, an air intake duct 48, a fan 50, a temperature sensor 52, an air duct 54, and an air outlet 56. In some cases, one or more of the air inlet 46, the air intake duct 48, the air duct 54, and the air outlet 56 may include an air filter. In some embodiments, the air duct 54 and / or the air outlet 56 may additionally or alternatively include an ozone filter. However, in other cases, the ozone filter may be omitted from the device. Ozone is generally produced as a by-product of the use of discharge lamps 22, especially when the lamps generate ultraviolet light with wavelengths shorter than approximately 240 nm, because this spectrum of UV light causes the dissociation of oxygen atoms in oxygen molecules, initiating the ozone generation process. Ozone is known to be harmful to health and air quality, and therefore, the emission of ozone by devices is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Ozone is also known to be an effective disinfectant, and therefore, if the amount of ozone produced by a discharge lamp is below the EPA's ozone exposure limits, it is beneficial to remove the ozone filters from devices containing such discharge lamps.

[0046] In any case, various configurations of outlet ducts for the cooling system 44 are contemplated for the apparatus 20 and other apparatuses described herein. For example, in some configurations, the cooling system may be configured to have an air outlet on the lower portion of the sidewall of the support structure 24 or on the bottom surface of the support structure 24. Advantages of such alternative configurations include improved ozone filtering and reduced environmental impact, particularly when the air outlet is located on the bottom surface of the support structure 24. In any case, the apparatuses described herein may also include a cooling system for the remaining components within the support structure 24. In some cases, the support structure cooling system may be integrated with the cooling system 44 for the discharge lamps 22. However, in other embodiments, the two cooling systems may be separate. While the inclusion of one or more cooling systems is beneficial in some of the apparatuses described herein, it is not necessary and may therefore be omitted in some embodiments.

[0047] As described above, the apparatus 20 may include a reflector system 60. Generally, the reflector system 60 is configured to redirect ultraviolet light propagating away from the support structure 24. Configuring the reflector system 60 to achieve this objective involves the placement, shape, size, and angle of the reflector 62. In particular, the discharge lamp 22 is positioned within the apparatus 20 to propagate light above the upper surface of the support structure 24, and a reflector 62 is positioned above the discharge lamp 22 to redirect the propagated ultraviolet light. In general, redirecting the ultraviolet light reduces the distance the ultraviolet light must travel to an object adjacent to the apparatus (including the lower surface of the object and the top and sidewall surfaces of the object). In particular, redirecting the ultraviolet light via the reflector 62 prevents it from traveling to an upper surface of the apparatus (e.g., the ceiling of a room in which the apparatus is located) and reflecting back to an object adjacent to the apparatus. Preventing travel to an upper surface of the apparatus in this manner also reduces the distance the ultraviolet light must travel to impinge on the underside of an object (e.g., via reflection from the floor of a room in which the apparatus is located). Thus, reflector system 60 may include a reflector positioned above support structure 24 and spaced apart from the ceiling of the space in which the apparatus is located, such as reflector 62 in Figure 1. However, in some cases, reflector system 60 may include a reflector positioned in or on the ceiling of the room in which the apparatus is located.

[0048] In some cases, reflector system 60 is configured to optimize the angle of incidence at which the ultraviolet light is directed onto the object surface. For example, reflector 62 may be designed with a particular size and / or shape and / or may be repositionable to obtain an optimal angle of incidence on the object. Exemplary configurations in which reflector 62 is repositionable are described in more detail below. In any case, in some embodiments, reflector system 60 can include one or more additional reflectors (i.e., in addition to reflector 62). For example, in some cases, reflector system 60 can include a reflector coupled to a sidewall of support structure 24, which is configured to redirect the ultraviolet light received from reflector 62. The inclusion of such an additional reflector can be beneficial for directing the ultraviolet light to the underside of an object within a room. The additional reflector may also or alternatively be used and is generally designed (i.e., with respect to size, shape, and placement) to achieve any one of the objectives described above with respect to reflector 62 and associated reflector system 60.

[0049] In some embodiments, reflector system 60 may be configured to redirect ultraviolet light propagating away from support structure 24 toward a region that is about 2 to about 4 feet above the floor of a room in which apparatus 20 is disposed. Redirecting ultraviolet light toward such regions may be advantageous, particularly since, as noted above, such regions are high-contact areas. In some cases, reflector system 60 may additionally or alternatively be configured to redirect ultraviolet light propagating away from support structure 24 toward a region surrounding the exterior surface of the apparatus. For example, reflector 62 may be shaped and sized to redirect ultraviolet light toward a region surrounding support structure 24. Alternatively, reflector 62 may be shaped and sized to redirect ultraviolet light toward a region surrounding reflector system 60. In either case, a conical reflector 62 is particularly suitable for achieving such redirection.

[0050] As used herein, the term "surrounding" refers to forming a continuous circle around an object. This term is not limited to embodiments that surround the entire object or a substantial portion of the object. Thus, the phrase "ultraviolet discharge lamp devices described herein may be configured such that ultraviolet light surrounds the exterior surface of the device" refers to forming a continuous ring of ultraviolet light around at least some portion of the exterior of the device. Furthermore, the phrase "ultraviolet discharge lamp devices described herein may be configured such that all of the ultraviolet light propagating into an area surrounding the device during operation of the device, when collected, occupies the entire surrounding area" refers to each portion of the continuous ring area around the device being exposed to ultraviolet light for some time during operation of the device.

[0051] Regardless of the configuration of the reflecting system 60, or whether the device 20 also includes the reflecting system 60, in some embodiments, the device 20 may include other reflecting systems disposed within the support structure 24 and configured to redirect light emitted from the discharge lamp 22 in a direction of light propagation away from the support structure. In particular, the device 20 may include a reflecting system configured to redirect light emitted from the side and bottom surfaces of the discharge lamp 22 in the same direction as light emitted from the top surface of the discharge lamp 22. Examples with such reflecting systems may involve the floor and / or sidewalls of the cup-shaped housing 42 having a reflective material. However, other configurations of reflecting systems are contemplated for the devices described herein.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 1 , the reflector system 60 includes support beams 64, 66 for suspending the reflector 62. Such a cantilevered support structure is merely exemplary, and various other support structures for the reflector 62 are contemplated. Regardless of the structure for suspending the reflector 62 above the discharge lamp 22, the reflector system 60 may optionally include through-holes that allow some light propagating to the reflector system 60 to pass through to the upper side of the reflector system 60. An example of an embodiment having support beams 66 with through-holes 68 is shown in FIG. 1 . Additionally or alternatively, the reflector 62 may include through-holes for such purposes. In other embodiments, the reflector system 60 may not include such through-holes at all. Notwithstanding the above, the size of the reflector system 60, and more specifically, the size of the reflector 62, may vary depending on the device. In some cases, the areal dimensions of the reflector 62 may be the same as or larger than the areal dimensions of the housing enclosing the discharge lamp 22. In this manner, substantially all of the light propagating from the support structure 24 is directed toward the reflector 62. However, in other embodiments, the area dimensions of the reflector 62 may be smaller than the area dimensions of the housing enclosing the discharge lamp 22. In such cases, some of the light propagating from the support structure 24 is directed beyond the reflector 62.

[0053] In some cases, regardless of its size and configuration, reflector system 60 may be configured to move reflector 62 horizontally and / or vertically, as indicated by the open double arrow in FIG. 1 . In this manner, reflector 62 may be a repositionable reflector. In some embodiments, reflector 62 may move between operations of apparatus 20; thus, in some cases, reflector system 60 includes means for fixing the repositionable reflector at different locations within apparatus 20. In other embodiments, reflector system 60 may include means for moving reflector 62 during operation of apparatus 20. Movement of reflector 62 may be continuous or periodic during operation of apparatus 20; thus, reflector 62 may move, in some cases, while discharge lamp 22 is emitting light. The term "apparatus 20 is in operation" refers to the period during which the components of the apparatus are activated to operate discharge lamp 22 (specifically, to perform operations to generate a radiating plasma within the discharge lamp). As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the discharge lamp 22 is configured to produce continuous light once the lamp is triggered, and therefore, in such cases, the statement that the device 20 is operating refers to the time used to trigger the lamp and the time that it emits continuous light. In other embodiments, a flash lamp or pulsed light source is used for the discharge lamp 22, and the statement that the device 20 is operating refers to the time that light is being emitted from the lamp and the time between flashes.

[0054] In either case, in some embodiments, the means for moving the reflector 62 and securing the reflector 62 at different positions within the apparatus 20 comprises one or more linear actuators for the beams 64 and / or 66, and program instructions processed by the CPU 32 to affect the movement and timing of the one or more linear actuators. In some embodiments, the apparatus 20 is configured so that the reflector 62 is manually movable. In such cases, exemplary means for securing the reflector 62 at different positions within the apparatus 20 comprise notches along the support beams 64 and / or 66 and receiving protrusions on the reflector 62, or vice versa. Various other means for moving the reflector 62 and / or securing the reflector 62 at different positions within the apparatus 20 are also contemplated. Accordingly, the apparatus is not limited to the examples described above. In either case, the reflector 62 may optionally be removable from the apparatus 20 to affect movement of the reflector 62 relative to the discharge lamp 22 and / or for ease of storage or portability of the apparatus 20.

[0055] In some cases, the movement of the reflector 62 is based on characteristics of the room in which the device 20 is disposed. More generally, in some embodiments, it is advantageous to access and / or analyze room characteristics and use such information to determine a number of operating parameters for the device 20, including, but not limited to, the placement of the reflector 62 and / or the movement characteristics of the reflector 62. For example, if a relatively large number of objects in a room are in the same general area, it may be beneficial to position the reflector 62 to direct more light to this area relative to other areas of the room. Other examples of determining operating parameters of the disinfectant source based on room characteristics are described with reference to FIGS. 2a-2c (determining the position of the optical filter 40 based on room characteristics), with reference to FIG. 7 (determining the position of the optical filter / reflector assembly based on room characteristics), and with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0056] Generally, as used herein, the phrase "room characteristics" refers to physical and non-physical characteristics of a room. Non-physical characteristics of a room include, but are not necessarily limited to, an identifier used to reference the room (e.g., a room number and / or room name) and occupancy information about the room (e.g., infection information for patients who have occupied the room or the patient's schedule for occupying the room). Physical characteristics of a room include, but are not necessarily limited to, the size and / or dimensions of the room and / or the number, size, distance, location, reflectivity, and / or identity of surfaces, objects, and / or items within the room. In some cases, a physical characteristic of a room may be the identity of one or more pathological organisms within the room, and even the number or density of one or more such organisms within the room, particularly within a particular area of ​​the room or on a particular surface of the room. As used herein, "disinfectant source operating parameters" refers to any parameters that affect the operation of the disinfectant source, including, but not limited to, the run time of the disinfectant source, the location of the disinfectant source, the orientation of components comprising the disinfectant source, and / or the power supplied to the disinfectant source. As used herein, the term "disinfectant source" refers to a collection of one or more components used to generate and dispense a sterilant, and may encompass any additional components used to perform the sterilant generation or distribution. For example, the discharge lamp 22, power supply circuit 26, trigger circuit 30, optical filter 40, and reflector system 60 of FIG. 1 may collectively be referred to as the disinfectant source. Alternatively, the entire device 20 may be referred to as the disinfectant source.

[0057] In some embodiments, the apparatus 20 may include a database listing characteristics of a room in which the apparatus 20 is disposed or may be configured to access such a database. Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus 20 may include a system 70 for collecting and / or generating data regarding the characteristics of the room in which the apparatus is disposed. In such cases, any system known in the art for collecting, generating, and / or analyzing room characteristics in response to the generated data may be used. Examples include spatial sensors, optical recognition systems, and / or dosimeters. As shown in FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, the system 70 may be operatively coupled to the CPU 32. Alternatively, the CPU 32 may be configured to access the room characteristic data from the database. In either case, the CPU 32 may be configured to obtain data regarding the characteristics of the room in which the apparatus 20 is disposed, access such data, and determine operating parameters of the apparatus 20, such as the position of the reflector 62, based on the data. In some embodiments, the determined operating parameters may be relayed via user interface 34, which may inform a user of device 20 to initiate an operating parameter of device 20, such as moving reflector 62 to a particular position. In other cases, CPU 32 may be configured to send a command associated with the determined operating parameter to a means within device 20 for automatically initiating the operating parameter, such as automatically moving reflector 62.

[0058] In some embodiments, system 70 may be used to measure the dose of ultraviolet light received at an object or location within a room in which device 20 is located. In particular, measuring the dose of ultraviolet light received at an object or location within a room can aid in determining operating parameters of device 20, such as optimizing the position of reflector 62. As discussed above, one of the primary factors affecting the intensity of UV light on an object is the distance to the object. Another primary factor is the angle of incidence of the light. In light of the above, the dose of ultraviolet light received at an object or location within a room can be measured, and such measurements can be used to determine operating parameters of device 20 (e.g., moving reflector 62 to optimize the angle of incidence at the object or location, etc.). Through operative coupling of system 70 to CPU 32, CPU 32 may be configured to obtain measurements from system 70, determine operating parameters of device 20, such as the position of reflector 62, based on the measurements, and relay the determined operating parameters to user interface 34 and / or send commands related to the determined operating parameters to means within device 20 for automatically initiating the operating parameters (e.g., moving reflector 62). In general, any system known in the art for measuring ultraviolet light dose may be used as system 70. Examples include ultraviolet dosimeters and radiometers.

[0059] As mentioned above, the efficiency of discharge lamps and optical filters decreases over time due to solarization. Furthermore, discharge lamps typically have a limited lifespan due to fatigue of their components after a significant number of uses. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the ultraviolet discharge lamp devices contemplated herein include a sensor system configured to monitor one or more parameters related to the operation of the discharge lamp and, optionally, one or more parameters related to the transmittance of the optical filter. Such a sensor system is particularly useful for determining when to replace the discharge lamp and, optionally, the optical filter, as well as for monitoring the efficiency of the UV light emitted by the device (as this relates to UV intensity and dose). Typically, the one or more parameters related to the transmittance of the optical filter may be UV capacity or UV intensity. The same parameters may be monitored for the operation of the discharge lamp; however, because discharge lamps are typically guaranteed for a certain number of pulses, the number of pulses may also be monitored, or alternatively. In either case, when a sensor system is used to monitor one or more parameters related to both the operation of the discharge lamp and the transmittance of the optical filter, the sensor system may be configured to monitor the same or different parameters for the two components. In some embodiments, the sensor system includes a single sensor configured to measure one or more parameters associated with the discharge lamp and the optical filter, however, in other embodiments, the sensor system may include separate sensors for measuring each parameter of the discharge lamp and the optical filter.

[0060] An exemplary sensor system for the apparatus 20 of FIG. 1 includes a sensor 72 disposed below the reflector system 60 and a sensor 74 located within the housing containing the discharge lamp 22. Generally, the sensor 74 may be used to monitor a parameter related to the operation of the discharge lamp 22, and more specifically, to monitor light emitted by the discharge lamp 22 before passing through the optical filter 40. While FIG. 1 shows the sensor 74 located on a sidewall surface of the cup-shaped housing 42, the sensor 74 may be located anywhere within the housing of the discharge lamp 22. In other embodiments, the sensor 74 may be omitted from the apparatus 20. In particular, in some embodiments, the sensor 72 is configured to monitor a parameter related to the operation of the discharge lamp 22 (e.g., via pulse count), and thus the sensor 74 is not required. In either case, the sensor 72 may be used to monitor a parameter related to the transmittance of the optical filter 40, and thus the sensor 72 may be located anywhere on or near the apparatus 20 to receive light that has passed through the optical filter 40. Although FIG. 1 shows the sensor 72 mounted on the underside of the reflector system 60, such placement is exemplary.

[0061] As noted above, it may be advantageous in some cases to position an optical filter both in and out of alignment with the discharge lamp, depending on the desired operation of the device. Exemplary embodiments include those in which the device is used in various rooms, some with windows and some without. As noted above, it is advantageous to have an optical filter aligned with the discharge lamp in rooms with windows. In contrast, however, it may be beneficial to position an optical filter out of alignment with the discharge lamp in closed rooms without windows to prevent unnecessary degradation of the optical filter. More specifically, visible light generated by a discharge lamp is invisible in closed rooms, eliminating the need to filter this light. Furthermore, as noted above, the ability of an optical filter to transmit ultraviolet radiation decreases with time of exposure to UV radiation due to solarization. Therefore, being able to position an optical filter out of alignment with the discharge lamp can provide a way to extend the life of the optical filter for a given device.

[0062] Exemplary variations of device 20 configured to accommodate placement of optical filter 40 both in and out of alignment with discharge lamp 22 are shown in FIGS. 2a-2c. In particular, FIGS. 2a-2c illustrate variations in placement of optical filter 40 relative to the placement shown in FIG. 1 as part of the housing of discharge lamp 22. Note that FIGS. 2a-2c merely provide examples of configurations for incorporating an optical filter both in and out of alignment with the discharge lamp, and such exemplary disclosure and illustration should not be construed as limiting the configuration of the device described herein with respect to such subject matter. Furthermore, note that while FIGS. 2a-2c are described as variations of device 20 shown in FIG. 1, FIGS. 2a-2c depict only a portion of the device for ease of illustration. In particular, FIGS. 2a-2c depict only the placement of optical filter 40 relative to the housing containing discharge lamp 22 within support structure 24. It should be noted that features shown in Figures 2a-2c having the same configuration as those described with reference to Figure 1 are given the same reference numerals (i.e., discharge lamp 22, support structure 24, optical filter 40, and cup-shaped housing 42), and for the sake of brevity, the description of such features will not be repeated. Because the embodiment shown in Figures 2a-2c does not have optical filter 40 as part of the housing that contains discharge lamp 22, each of Figures 2a-2c includes a new feature relative to Figure 1, specifically housing lid 82. Housing lid 82 is typically made of an optically transparent material, including, but not limited to, quartz.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 2a, a variation 80 of device 20 provides optical filter 40 on housing lid 82. In such a configuration, in some embodiments, optical filter 40 may simply be placed on support structure 24 (i.e., the portion of support structure 24 that includes housing lid 82) without any means for securing optical filter 40 to the support structure. Alternatively, variation 80 may include means for securing optical filter 40 to support structure 24. In either case, placement of optical filter 40 on housing lid 82 may be manual or automated. FIG. 2b illustrates variation 84 of device 20, which is a slight modification of variation 80 of FIG. 2a. In particular, FIG. 2b illustrates a configuration that includes a hinge 86 on one side of optical filter 40. In this manner, optical filter 40 may be placed on housing lid 82 and can be removed from this position without being separated from the device. The hinge 86 may be configured to pivot the optical filter 40 at any angle between 90 and 180 degrees relative to the position of the optical filter 40 shown in FIG. 2b. Thus, the optical filter 40 can be positioned anywhere between an upright position and a position on the support structure 24 opposite the discharge lamp 22 when moved from above the discharge lamp. Movement of the optical filter 40 in such an embodiment may be manual or automated. A different variation of the apparatus 20 is shown in FIG. 2c. This includes the optical filter 40 mounted on a slider (not shown) for moving the optical filter along the upper surface of the support structure 24 into and out of alignment with the discharge lamp 22, as represented by the horizontal double-headed arrow. Movement of the optical filter 40 on the slider may be manual or automated.

[0064] Regardless of the configuration of the device 20 to accommodate placement of the optical filter 40 both in and out of alignment with the discharge lamp 22, the device 20 is configured to protect the optical filter 40 from exposure to ultraviolet light when not aligned with the discharge lamp 22. For example, in some embodiments, the device 20 includes a compartment in which the optical filter 40 can be placed when removing and / or repositioning the optical filter 40 within the device. Additionally or alternatively, the device 20 may include a compartment that covers the optical filter 40 when it is not aligned with the discharge lamp 22. In any case, as noted above, the embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 2a-2c may be automated; thus, not only may the ultraviolet discharge lamp devices described herein be configured to contain an optical filter both in and out of alignment with the discharge lamp, but in some embodiments, the devices include means for automatically moving the optical filter to positions aligned and out of alignment with the discharge lamp. Such means may include any one or more means for moving an object known in the art. In some embodiments, the decision whether and / or when to move the optical filter is made by a user of device 20. In other cases, however, the decision whether and / or when to move the optical filter may be automated, such that device 20 includes program instructions executable by CPU 32.

[0065] As mentioned above, in some embodiments, it may be advantageous to access and / or analyze room characteristics and use this information to determine a number of operating parameters of apparatus 20. In particular, it may be advantageous to determine whether a room in which apparatus 20 is located has a window and to determine the position of optical filter 40 based on this data. Thus, in embodiments in which a window is detected in the room in which apparatus 20 is located, optical filter 40 may be positioned in alignment with discharge lamp 22 before the discharge lamp is operated to generate light. Conversely, in embodiments in which a window is not detected in the room in which apparatus 20 is located, optical filter 40 may be positioned out of alignment with discharge lamp 22 before the discharge lamp is operated to generate light. It should be noted that any configuration for affecting the movement of optical filter 40 may be in addition to or in place of the components described above for affecting the movement of reflector 62. As mentioned above, apparatus 20 may include or be configured to access a database listing one or more room characteristics and / or include a system 70 for collecting and / or generating data regarding room characteristics, generally including, but not limited to, a reflectance sensor. Any system known in the art for determining whether a room has a window may be used as system 70 in this instance. Further, as described above, CPU 32 of device 20 may be configured to obtain and / or access data, determine the position of optical filter 40 based on this data, and relay the determined position to user interface 34 and / or send commands related to the determined position to means within device 20 for automatically moving optical filter 40.

[0066] FIG. 2c illustrates an optional feature of apparatus 20, specifically a thermal recovery chamber 90 adjacent to support structure 24, incorporating a slider (not shown) for optical filter 40. As discussed above, solarization reduces the ability of an optical filter to transmit ultraviolet radiation relative to the duration of exposure to UV radiation. However, in some cases, heating the optical filter to a high temperature, such as on the order of 500°C, reverses the solarization effect. While such a process may be performed independently of apparatus 20, in some embodiments, it is advantageous to incorporate this process into apparatus 20 to reduce apparatus downtime and / or to eliminate the need for a replacement optical filter while recovering optical filter 40. Due to the high temperatures required to reverse the effects of solarization, it is preferable that thermal recovery chamber 90 be a separate chamber from support structure 24. Furthermore, to prevent thermal degradation / damage to components within support structure 24, it is advantageous to configure thermal recovery chamber 90 not only to withstand the heat generated therein, but also to substantially contain that heat.

[0067] As indicated by the downward-pointing arrow in FIG. 2c, in some embodiments, the apparatus 20 may be configured to move the optical filter 40 into the thermal recovery chamber 90. In other embodiments, this may be done manually. In any case, in some embodiments, the movement of the optical filter 40 into the thermal recovery chamber 90 depends on measurements made regarding the transmittance of the optical filter 40. In particular, information gathered from the sensor 72 regarding the transmittance of the optical filter 40 is used to determine when to move the optical filter into the thermal recovery chamber 90. While the inclusion of a thermal recovery chamber is beneficial in some apparatuses, it is not a necessary requirement and may therefore be omitted in some embodiments. Furthermore, the features of the thermal recovery chamber 90 and the optical filter 40 being on a slider, as shown in FIG. 2c, are not mutually exclusive or inclusive to the apparatus, and therefore an apparatus may include one or both of these features. Indeed, any apparatus including an optical filter described herein may include a thermal recovery chamber, including those described above with reference to FIGS. 1, 2a, and 2b and those described below with reference to FIGS. 3-7.

[0068] As mentioned above, the ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatus described herein is not limited to embodiments in which the discharge lamp is disposed (i.e., contained) within the confines of the support structure 24, as shown in FIG. 1 . Instead, the ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatus may have a discharge lamp disposed at least partially outside the support structure 24. An exemplary embodiment of a variation of the apparatus 20 in which the discharge lamp 22 is disposed at least partially outside the support structure 24 is shown in FIG. 3 . As shown in FIG. 3 , variation 92 includes a different optical filter configuration than that shown in FIG. 1 for the apparatus 20. Specifically, optical filter 40 is replaced with another optical filter 94. In addition to being configured to attenuate visible light propagating above the discharge lamp 22, optical filter 94 is configured to attenuate visible light propagating laterally from the discharge lamp, given that the discharge lamp 22 is disposed above the support structure 24. Due to this conversion of the discharge lamp 22, in some embodiments, the cup-shaped housing 42 may be omitted from the support structure 24, as shown in FIG. 3 . In this example, the optical filter 94 corresponds to the housing of the present invention. In such cases, as shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, variant 92 includes a reflective flat surface 96 positioned below discharge lamp 22 to redirect light emitted from the bottom of discharge lamp 22 upward.

[0069] As further noted above, the ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatus described herein is not limited to embodiments in which the discharge lamp is disposed in a "horizontal position." Rather, the ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatus described herein includes a discharge lamp disposed at any angle relative to the surface plane supporting the discharge lamp. Examples of ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatuses having a discharge lamp disposed in a "vertical position" (i.e., vertically perpendicular to the plane of the apparatus supporting the lamp) are shown in FIGS. 4-7. As shown in FIG. 1, each such embodiment includes a support structure, power supply circuitry, trigger circuitry, and any associated components (e.g., a CPU, user interface, sensors, chamber characterization system, hinges, sliders, and / or thermal recovery chambers). However, for simplicity and to highlight the different configurations of the illustrated optical filter and reflector systems, these features are not shown in FIGS. 4-7, respectively. Furthermore, for simplicity, these features are not described with reference to FIGS. 4-7.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 4 , an apparatus 100 is shown having a discharge lamp assembly supported on a support structure 102 and disposed vertically relative to the plane of the support structure 102. The discharge lamp assembly includes a discharge lamp 104 surrounded by an optical filter 106 and disposed vertically between a fan 108 and an ozone filter 119. The discharge lamp assembly further includes a base 110 supported on a base 114 and an air filter 112. In some embodiments, the optical filter 106 forms a housing wall enclosing the discharge lamp 104 and, together with the fan 108, forms a forced air cooling system for the apparatus 100. The apparatus 100 further includes a reflector 118 secured to the ozone filter 119 on top of the optical filter 106. Features of the reflector 118, the discharge lamp 104, and the cooling system of the apparatus 100, as well as the optical properties of the optical filter 106, generally include those described above for all ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatuses contemplated herein and will not be repeated for the sake of brevity. As with the above-described embodiments, other configurations of the ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatus described herein may be substituted and / or omitted for several of the components included in the apparatus 100, particularly the optical filter 106, the reflector 118, the ozone filter 119, and the cooling system of the apparatus 100. Thus, the completeness and configurations of the components shown in FIG. 4 are not necessarily mutually exclusive.

[0071] It should be further noted that the device 100 may include additional components (i.e., components other than those shown in FIG. 4 ). For example, in some embodiments, the device 100 may include an optically transparent intermediate barrier spaced apart from the discharge lamp 104 and the optical filter 106. An exemplary material for the intermediate barrier may be quartz, but its composition is not limited thereto. The intermediate barrier may be a wall of a housing that encloses the discharge lamp 104 and, therefore, may be disposed vertically between the fan 108 and the ozone filter 119 and may be part of the cooling system of the device 100. In such a case, the optical filter 106 may be a separate glass piece spaced apart from the intermediate barrier, surrounding the intermediate barrier and secured to the base 110, the fan 108, and / or the reflector 118. Incorporating an intermediate barrier between the discharge lamp 104 and the optical filter 106 may be advantageous when it is desirable to be able to position the optical filter 106 in and out of alignment with the discharge lamp 104, or when it is desirable to move the optical filter 106 independently of the discharge lamp 104 during operation of the device. In particular, the intermediate barrier can act as part of the housing of the discharge lamp 104 , thereby allowing movement of the optical filter 106 without sacrificing the cooling system for the discharge lamp 104 .

[0072] As described in more detail below, in some embodiments, it is advantageous to move (e.g., rotate or oscillate) the optical filter of the devices described herein about a central axis during operation of the device. However, it is generally undesirable to move the discharge lamp in the same manner due to concerns about damaging the discharge lamp. Thus, in some embodiments, the optical filter 106 may be fixed to the base 110 or the fan 108 while being spaced apart from the reflector 118, or vice versa. In such cases, the device 100 may include one or more additional components coupled to the optical filter 106 that are configured to block light, particularly visible light, in the gap between the optical filter 106 and the base 110, the fan 108, or the reflector 118. An exemplary component that is particularly well-suited for such a function is densely packed bristles.

[0073] In either case, the amount and flow rate of cooling gas discharged from the device varies widely and generally depends on the device's design specifications; however, in some embodiments, as discovered during development of the devices described herein, the amount and flow rate of gas may be sufficient to trigger a room's water spray system, particularly if the cooling system outlet duct is directed toward a ceiling. Accordingly, in some cases, device 100 may include a cap component spaced above the discharge lamp assembly, allowing air to be discharged to the side of the device rather than above it. An exemplary configuration of the cap component is shown in FIG. 5 and described in more detail below. An alternative solution to preventing cooling system exhaust gases from triggering a water spray system is to reduce the gas flow rate through the lamp assembly, as long as this does not cause the discharge lamp to exceed a predetermined maximum operating temperature. Conversely, because operating a discharge lamp at a lower temperature generally extends lamp life and, theoretically, allows more ultraviolet light to be produced, reducing the gas flow rate may be undesirable in some cases (i.e., even if it does not cause the discharge lamp to exceed its maximum operating temperature).

[0074] FIG. 5 illustrates a variation 115 of apparatus 100 including a cap component 117 disposed above the apparatus's discharge lamp assembly, and more specifically, above the cooling system outlet within the discharge lamp assembly, so that exhaust gases from the cooling system can be directed to the side rather than above the apparatus. As shown in FIG. 5, cap component 117 is dome-shaped to prevent objects from being placed on it. This dome-shaped configuration is not limited to embodiments in which the apparatus includes a cap component above the discharge lamp assembly. Notably, in some cases, the top of the discharge lamp assembly may be dome-shaped to prevent objects from being placed on it. Furthermore, the inclusion of cap component 117 is not mutually exclusive of embodiments in which an ozone filter 119 comprises the entire top of the discharge lamp assembly, as shown in FIG. 5. Notably, any of the apparatuses disclosed herein may include a component spaced from the cooling system outlet for directing exhaust gases from the cooling system.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, the apparatus 100 includes a linear actuator 116 coupled to the base 114. Generally, the linear actuator 116 can be used to move the discharge lamp assembly and its attached reflector 118 in and out of the support structure 102. Such a configuration is advantageous for protecting the discharge lamp assembly and its attached reflector from damage while the apparatus 100 is not in use, particularly during transportation. In other embodiments, the linear actuator 116 can be used to move the discharge lamp and its attached reflector while the apparatus 100 is in operation, and potentially while the discharge lamp 104 is emitting light. In particular, in some embodiments, it is advantageous to move the discharge lamp and its attached reflector during operation of the apparatus 100 to aid in the distribution of ultraviolet light within a room in which the apparatus is installed. Other methods for effecting movement of the discharge lamp assembly and its attached reflector may be used, and therefore the apparatus contemplated herein is not necessarily limited to the linear actuator 116 in achieving such purposes. For example, apparatus 100 may alternatively include a fixed rail along which the discharge lamp assembly and attached reflector can move. In any case, the configuration for moving the discharge lamp assembly during operation of the apparatus is not exclusive to embodiments in which the apparatus includes a reflector attached to and / or above the discharge lamp assembly.

[0076] Because the device 100 is configured such that the discharge lamp 104 extends beyond the outer surface of the support structure 102, the optical filter 106 is configured to surround the discharge lamp 104 and, therefore, may be cylindrical in the case shown in FIG. 4 . Such an optical filter 106 configuration may be an optical filter glass formed into a right cylindrical shape, or a film having desired optical properties disposed on an optically transparent right cylindrical substrate, such as quartz. Other configurations of the optical filter surrounding the discharge lamp 104 are possible, as described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 . In still other cases, the optical filter 106 may be omitted from the device 100. While the inclusion of an optical filter is beneficial in some of the devices described herein, particularly as noted above, it is not a necessary requirement.

[0077] An advantage of configuring the device 100 so that the discharge lamp 104 extends beyond the outer surface of the support structure 102 is that the ultraviolet light emitted by the discharge lamp 104, and optionally passing through the optical filter 106, surrounds the outer surface of the device without the need for a reflector 118. In particular, essentially by extending the discharge lamp 104 beyond the outer surface of the support structure 102, the ultraviolet light emitted by the discharge lamp 104, and optionally passing through the optical filter 106, surrounds the lamp housing, which constitutes the outer surface of the device. Depending on the height of the support structure 102 and the height of the discharge lamp assembly, extending the discharge lamp 104 beyond the outer surface of the support structure 102 also surrounds the support structure 102 with the ultraviolet light emitted by the discharge lamp 104. Furthermore, in some embodiments, extending the discharge lamp 104 beyond the outer surface of the support structure 102 allows the ultraviolet light to propagate to an area that is about 2 to about 4 feet above the floor of the room in which the device is disposed. This may be the case, as discussed above, when high-touch areas in a room require particularly effective disinfection. In still other cases, suspending the discharge lamps 104 above the support structure 102 may be beneficial in distributing light around the device 100, although the placement of the discharge lamps 104 is not necessarily limited to this. Notably, the discharge lamps 104 may alternatively be mounted on the support structure 102 or may be partially disposed with the support structure 102.

[0078] Because the extension of the discharge lamp beyond the outer surface of the support structure is effective in propagating light around the device, a reflector system for redirecting UV light propagating away from the device is not necessary in some embodiments of the devices described herein, particularly devices with vertically positioned discharge lamps. In some cases, however, device 100 may include such a reflector system, as shown in FIG. 4 . As noted above, the reflector system of device 100 includes a reflector 118 secured to an ozone filter 119 on top of optical filter 106. While such a configuration is advantageous for moving reflector 118 with the discharge lamp assembly (i.e., vertically in and out of support structure 102), the device is not limited to this configuration. Specifically, alternatively, reflector 118 may be detachable from the discharge lamp assembly within device 100. Such a configuration may be advantageous in embodiments where it is desirable to move the reflector independently of the discharge lamp assembly, such as to optimize UV ​​light redirection to a particular area. Another alternative configuration of device 100 includes a reflector 118 and an ozone filter 119 having the same or similar diameters and arranged perpendicular to one another as shown in FIG. 5. In particular, FIG. 5 shows a variation 115 of device 100 in which ozone filter 119 comprises the top of the discharge lamp assembly and reflector 118 comprises the bottom of the assembly. Such a configuration advantageously allows more airflow through the lamp housing, providing a more efficient cooling system. In still other embodiments, ozone filter 119 may be omitted from device 100 and replaced with an air filter and / or an optical filter.

[0079] In either case, the reflector 118 may be circular, as shown in FIG. 4 , or, in some embodiments, particularly conical. However, other shapes are contemplated for the reflector 118. In some embodiments, the reflector 118 may include holes to allow some UV light to propagate to the upper side of the device 100. In either case, in some embodiments, the device 100 may include one or more additional reflectors to redirect UV light propagating from the discharge lamp 104 and / or the reflector 118. For example, in some embodiments, the device 100 may include a reflector disposed around the base of the discharge lamp assembly. In some cases, the additional reflector may be attached to the discharge lamp assembly so that the additional reflector moves with the discharge lamp assembly. In other embodiments, the additional reflector may be fixed to the top surface of the support structure 102, through which the discharge lamp assembly moves. Like the shape of the reflector 118, the additional reflector may in some cases be circular and even conical, although other shapes are contemplated. Regardless of the configuration of the reflector 118, or whether the device 100 even includes it, the base supporting the discharge lamp 104 (eg, the top of the fan 108) may be provided with a reflector.

[0080] As mentioned above, other configurations of optical filters surrounding the discharge lamp 104 are contemplated for the ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatus disclosed herein and are illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. Note that the variations of the apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 are used to highlight the various configurations of optical filters contemplated for the apparatus described herein. Although not shown, the variations of the apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 may include any of the components shown and described in FIGS. 1-5. For example, these variations may include any of the components of the lamp assembly and reflector 118 described with reference to FIG. 4. Furthermore, depending on the design specifications of the apparatus, the size of the ozone filter 119 in FIGS. 6 and 7 may be varied from that shown, and / or the ozone filter 119 may be omitted from the configurations of FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0081] FIG. 6 illustrates a variation 120 of the device 100 that includes a multifaceted optical filter 122 surrounding the discharge lamp 104. While FIG. 6 illustrates the multifaceted optical filter 122 mounted on the support structure 102, such an arrangement is exemplary. The multifaceted optical filter 122 may be suspended above the support structure 102, similar to that shown in FIG. 4 for the optical filter 106. In yet other embodiments, the multifaceted optical filter 122 and associated discharge lamp 104 may be partially disposed within the support structure 102. In either case, the multifaceted optical filter generally includes multiple optical filter panels fused together. While the multifaceted optical filter 122 is illustrated as including six panels, this is not limiting. In particular, the multifaceted optical filters contemplated for the devices described herein may include any number of optical filter panels. Furthermore, the optical filter panels may be made of an optical filter glass material or an optically transparent substrate, such as quartz, onto which a film having desired optical properties is disposed. In either case, in some embodiments, the optical filter panel comprises narrow strips of different materials (such as metal or plastic) to support the structure, and in some cases, one or more of the narrow strips comprises a partially or entirely reflective material to help redirect light emitted from the discharge lamp around which the narrow strip is disposed.

[0082] In some embodiments, polyhedral optical filters are less expensive than cylindrical optical filters, particularly for those embodiments in which the optical filter is made of an optical filter glass material. However, a drawback to using polyhedral optical filters is that ultraviolet light is blocked where the plates are fused and / or where the support strips are located, thereby preventing adequate disinfection of multiple areas of the room in which the device is installed. One way to overcome this drawback is to move the polyhedral optical filter during device operation. In particular, the polyhedral optical filter is moved about a central axis so that ultraviolet light propagating to an area surrounding the device 100 during device operation can be collected and occupy the entire area. The polyhedral optical filter may be rotated more than one revolution during device operation, or may be rotated less than one revolution during device operation. In some embodiments, the polyhedral optical filter moves only a fraction of a revolution, the fraction corresponding to the number of optical panels comprising the polyhedral optical filter. For example, in an embodiment in which the polyhedral optical filter includes six optical panels, the polyhedral optical filter may be moved 1 / 6 of a revolution.

[0083] In either case, some of the devices described herein may include a means for moving the optical filter about the central axis. Such a means may be any mechanism known in the art for moving an object, and in further embodiments, may comprise program instructions executable by the CPU 32 to automate the timing of moving the optical filter about the central axis. As noted above, while it may be advantageous in some embodiments to move the optical filter of the ultraviolet discharge lamp device described herein about the central axis during operation of the device, it is generally undesirable to move the discharge lamp in the same manner due to concerns about damaging the discharge lamp. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the variation 120 includes an intermediate barrier between the discharge lamp 104 and the multifaceted optical filter 122. As noted above, the intermediate barrier may be part of the housing around the discharge lamp 104. Furthermore, the multifaceted optical filter 122 may be configured to move independently of the intermediate barrier.

[0084] In yet other embodiments, the multi-faceted optical filter 122 may not be configured to move about a central axis during operation of the device. In particular, it is contemplated that light propagating from adjacent optical filter panels of the multi-faceted optical filter 122 converges at a single point, thereby allowing ultraviolet light to surround the exterior surface of the device 100 without moving the multi-faceted optical filter 122 about a central axis during operation of the device 100. In yet other embodiments, the discharge lamp 104 includes a configuration that interacts with potential blockages from the fused regions of the optical filter panels and / or support strips disposed on the multi-faceted optical filter 122. For example, the discharge lamp 104 may be a U-shaped bulb with spaces between the "bars" of the U that are greater than the width of the fused regions and / or support strips. In any such case, the device 100 may be said to be configured such that at least some of the ultraviolet light emitted from the discharge lamp 104 and passing through the multi-faceted optical filter 122 surrounds the exterior surface of the device. Alternatively, gaps created by the fused areas of the optical filter panel and / or where the support strips are placed on the polyhedral optical filter 122 are not significant, and therefore no movement of the polyhedral optical filter 122 is necessary.

[0085] FIG. 7 illustrates yet another configuration of an optical filter that can be used in the devices described herein. In particular, FIG. 7 illustrates a variation 124 of device 100 having an assembly of optical filter 126 and reflector 128 surrounding discharge lamp 104. As shown in FIG. 7, in some embodiments, optical filter 126 and reflector 128 may be approximately equal in size along the cylindrical sidewall of the assembly. However, other configurations are possible, including one in which optical filter 126 is larger than the portion of reflector 128 along the sidewall of the assembly, and one in which optical filter 126 is smaller than the portion of reflector 128 along the sidewall of the assembly. Thus, a more general description of an optical filter / reflector assembly contemplated for the devices described herein would be an assembly including an optical filter and a reflector facing the optical filter, or vice versa.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 7 , in some cases, the reflector 128 may also comprise the top of the assembly. However, other configurations for the top of the assembly are also contemplated, such as alternatively including the optical filter 126 comprising the top of the assembly, or including a combination of the reflector 128 and the optical filter 126 comprising the top of the assembly. Furthermore, it should be noted that the shape of the optical filter / reflector assembly is not limited to a perfect cylinder as shown in FIG. 7 . Rather, one or more of the reflector 128 and the optical filter 126 may include multiple panels, and thus in some cases the assembly may have a polygonal prism shape. Additionally or alternatively, the top of the assembly may be sloped or, more generally, may vary in height. Such a configuration is particularly advantageous when at least a portion of the top includes the reflector 128 so that the ultraviolet light can be redirected downward to a desired area within the room. Additionally or alternatively, such a configuration is advantageous for preventing exhaust gases from the cooling system of the device from being directed directly into the ceiling of the room in which the device is located.

[0087] In either case, the optical filter / reflector assembly of FIG. 7 is effective for targeting specific areas in a room adjacent to the device, such as areas with a high density of objects. In some embodiments, the optical filter / reflector assembly may be configured to move. For example, in some cases, the optical filter / reflector assembly may be configured to vibrate. Such a configuration is advantageous when the predetermined target area is larger than the area over which the optical filter / reflector assembly can effectively emit UV light when stationary. In other embodiments, the optical filter / reflector assembly may be configured to rotate. In either case, in some embodiments, the movement of the optical filter / reflector assembly may be based on the characteristics of the room in which the device 100 is located. For example, if a relatively large number of objects in a room are in the same general area, it may be beneficial to position the optical filter / reflector assembly to direct light to a specific area relative to other areas in the room.

[0088] Similar to the apparatus 20 described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2a-2c, the apparatus 100 may include or be configured to access a database listing one or more room characteristics and / or may include a system 70 for collecting and / or generating data regarding the room characteristics. Any system known in the art for generating, collecting, and / or analyzing room characteristics may be used. Examples include a dosimeter, a spatial sensor, and / or an optical recognition system. Optionally, the apparatus 100 may further include a CPU 32 for acquiring data, determining a position of the optical filter / reflector assembly based on the data, and relaying the determined position to a user interface 34 and / or sending commands related to the determined position to a means within the apparatus 100 for automatically moving the optical filter / reflector assembly.

[0089] In addition to or as an alternative to the above features, in some embodiments, the ultraviolet discharge lamp device described herein includes multiple discharge lamps. Such devices may include an optical filter and / or reflector system for each discharge lamp, in accordance with the above description of such features. In some embodiments, the device includes a discharge lamp having an optical filter configured to attenuate most of the emitted visible light, and may also include a discharge lamp without an adjacent optical filter. This configuration is advantageous for rotating the use of discharge lamps depending on whether attenuation of visible light is desired during operation of the device. In some cases, some or all of the multiple discharge lamps may be operated by the same power supply circuit and / or the same trigger circuit. In other embodiments, the device includes a separate power supply circuit and / or separate trigger circuit for each discharge lamp. In any case, it is contemplated herein that multiple devices, each having one or more discharge lamps, may be configured to operate in conjunction with one another (i.e., form a system) to disinfect a room. 8 shows an exemplary system 130 including multiple ultraviolet discharge lamp devices 132, 142, each including a discharge lamp assembly 134, 144 and a sensor 136, 146. The dotted line between devices 132 and 142 indicates that these units may be configured to work together and / or may be connected via a central processing unit.

[0090] In either case, devices having multiple discharge lamps or systems having multiple discharge lamp units are configured to operate these discharge lamps simultaneously, sequentially, or in separate device / system operations. Simultaneous operation of multiple discharge lamps advantageously reduces the time required to treat an area. To further minimize the time required to treat an area while preventing the area from being "overdosed" with excessive UV light, devices / systems are configured to modify device / system operating parameters, such as the intensity or pulse frequency of each lamp, based on characteristics of the room in which the device / system is located or ultraviolet light reflected from the target object. Here, a database or one or more sensors, and optionally a sensor for each discharge lamp unit, are used to determine the amount or intensity of ultraviolet light reflected from the room characteristics or target object. In some cases, the device / system includes ultrasonic, infrared, or other sensors to map the room in which the device / system is located, and in some embodiments, the device / system is configured to map the room relative to each discharge lamp unit. Such mapping adaptation may also be included in devices that include a single discharge lamp that are not necessarily part of a multiple-device system.

[0091] In either case, the device / system's CPU is configured to analyze one or more maps to determine the required UV light dose to ensure a minimum dose is delivered to all targeted surfaces. The CPU of a multi-lamp device / system is further configured to allocate power to each discharge lamp to optimize the total treatment time of the room. This can also be achieved using feedback from sensors used to measure reflected UV light. Information from all sensors (e.g., emitted UV light, room size / shape, and positioning of all bulb units) can be fed into an equation or algorithm that determines the total operating time of each bulb unit. This allows power to be delivered to units to optimize the decontamination rate within an area. For example, in some system configurations, two units can be used to treat different portions of an area or even different rooms. If a sensor detects that one of the portions is receiving the required UV light dose, the corresponding unit may be shut down. In some embodiments, the remaining units can receive the delivered power and, if necessary, pulse at a higher frequency. The sensor system may be sophisticated enough to detect if there is a common space between different portions and instruct the second unit to process this common area and exclude this area from the dose calculation for the first unit. Additionally, the orientation of the emitted UV light for each bulb unit can be altered by changing the height, direction and / or shape of the reflector to optimize operation time.

[0092] In some embodiments, a device or system can be created that moves through a room to provide multiple focal points for UV light distribution. In such cases, information obtained from sensing the room (using ultrasound or infrared sensors, or reflected UV light) can be used to guide the device / system as it moves through the room. The device / system can move using motor-driven wheels and may be equipped with sensors to avoid obstacles. The device / system can "learn" the room through real-time sensing as it moves and mapping the dose each surface receives as it moves. A user can manually push the device / system through the room while the device / system maps the room, and the device / system's CPU analyzes this map to determine the correct dose at each location for the device / system's operation. The map and dose requirements can be used to vary the speed at which the moving device / system passes over different surfaces.

[0093] With reference to FIGS. 9-11, a system for controlling the operation of a sterilization device, and more particularly, a system for determining operating parameters and a sterilization schedule for a sterilization device, is provided. In particular, FIG. 9 illustrates a system including one or more sterilant sources and processor-executable program instructions for determining operating parameters and a sterilization schedule for the one or more sterilant sources. FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart outlining a method configured to be executed by the processor-executable program instructions of the system illustrated in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart outlining another method configured to be executed by the processor-executable program instructions of the system illustrated in FIG. 9. In general, the systems and processes described with reference to FIGS. 9-11 are applicable to any system including a sterilant source. As used herein, the term "sterilant source" refers to a collection of one or more components used to generate and dispense a sterilant, and may encompass any additional components used to perform the sterilant generation or distribution. In some embodiments, a device or apparatus may include a set of multiple components for generating a sterilant. In such cases, the components associated with generating the sterilant are referred to as the sterilant source, or alternatively, the entire device or apparatus is referred to as the sterilant source. In other embodiments, the device or apparatus includes multiple disinfectant sources (ie, multiple sets of components for generating multiple sources of one or more germicides).

[0094] In any event, the term "germicide" as used herein refers to an agent for inactivating or killing microorganisms, particularly disease-carrying and / or disease-causing microorganisms (i.e., pathogens). As used herein, the term "kill" means causing the death of an organism. In contrast, the term "inactivate" as used herein means rendering an organism unable to reproduce without killing it. Thus, a germicide configured to inactivate a microorganism refers to an agent that renders the microorganism unable to reproduce but leaves the organism viable. Generally, one or more germicide sources contemplated for the systems and processes disclosed in FIGS. 9-11 are configured to generate germicide in the form of a liquid, vapor, gas, plasma, ultraviolet light, and / or high-intensity narrow-spectrum (HINS) light. Thus, one or more germicide sources contemplated for the systems and processes disclosed in FIGS. 9-11 include, but are not necessarily limited to, the discharge lamp devices described above with reference to FIGS. 1-8. Examples of disinfectant sources that may be configured to dispense liquid, vapor, gas, or plasma sterilants include, but are not necessarily limited to, liquid foggers, atomizers, plasma torches, and fogging systems, including wet and dry fogging systems. As used herein, the term "fog" refers to tiny globules of liquid suspended in a gas. As used herein, a germicide fog is classified as a liquid germicide.

[0095] In some embodiments, liquid, vapor, gas, or plasma sterilants can perform their inactivation or killing functions depending on the manner in which they are used. For example, boiling water, steam, and heated air can be effective sterilants due to the temperatures at which they are used. Furthermore, the sterilizing effect of some plasma sterilants is due to the presence and activity of the charged particles that form the plasma, rather than their molecular composition. As used herein, "molecularly composed" refers to the elemental composition of a substance (i.e., the number and types of atoms that make up the substance) to perform the function described below. In some cases, the ability of a liquid, vapor, gas, or plasma sterilant to inactivate and / or kill microorganisms is attributed to the elements that make up the sterilant, and therefore such sterilants can be described as molecularly composed to inactivate and / or kill microorganisms.

[0096] An example of a gas sterilant molecularly configured to kill microorganisms is ozone. An example of a plasma sterilant molecularly configured to inactivate or kill microorganisms is one that uses or generates reactive oxygen species. Examples of liquid and vapor sterilants molecularly configured to inactivate or kill microorganisms include liquid and vapor sterilizing solutions with basic disinfectants, including, but not limited to, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, chlorine, alcohol, quaternary ammonium compounds, or ozone. In any of these cases, the liquid and vapor sterilants may be aqueous or non-aqueous. The disinfectant source(s) contemplated for the systems and processes disclosed in Figures 9-11 may include those configured to perform the inactivation or killing function depending on the mode of use and the molecular makeup of the disinfectant.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 9, a system 150 is shown that includes one or more sanitizer sources 160 and optionally one or more sanitizer sources 162, 164. Notably, the dotted lines that border the one or more sanitizer sources 162, 164 indicate that these are optional features of the system 150. In general, the system 150 may include any number of sanitizer sources, including only one sanitizer source or any multiple sanitizer sources. Furthermore, the system 150 may include any number of devices or apparatuses that include one or more sanitizer sources. Notably, the system 150 may, in some cases, include a single sanitizer device or apparatus with one or more sanitizer sources. In other embodiments, the system 150 includes multiple sanitizer devices or apparatuses, each with one or more sanitizer sources, as shown in FIG. 9.

[0098] In either case, the one or more sanitizer sources in system 150 may be fixedly located within the room or may be portable. In embodiments in which system 150 includes multiple sanitizer sources, some of the sanitizer sources may be fixedly located within the room, while others may be portable. In yet other embodiments in which system 150 includes multiple sanitizer sources, all of the sanitizer sources may be fixedly located within the room or all may be portable. Further, as noted above, the one or more sanitizer sources contemplated for the systems and processes disclosed in FIGS. 9-11 may be configured to generate sterilant in the form of a liquid, vapor, gas, plasma, ultraviolet light, and / or high-intensity narrow-spectrum (HINS) light. It should be noted that in embodiments in which system 150 includes multiple sanitizer sources, the one or more sanitizer sources may be any combination of sources configured to generate sterilant in the form of a liquid, vapor, gas, plasma, ultraviolet light, and / or high-intensity narrow-spectrum (HINS) light, or may include only sanitizer sources of the same type.

[0099] As described in more detail below, the process outlined in Figures 10 and 11 for determining the operating parameters and disinfection schedule for the disinfectant source(s) 160 and any disinfectant source(s) 162, 164 is based on the characteristics of the room in which the system 150 is located. Accordingly, the disinfectant source(s) and the device(s) and apparatus(es) comprising the disinfectant source(s) of the system 150 are specifically configured for room disinfection. More specifically, the disinfectant source(s) and the device(s) and apparatus(es) comprising the disinfectant source(s) of the system 150 are configured to distribute germicide over a wide area to treat a room. As used herein, the term "room disinfection" refers to cleaning a demarcated area suitable for human occupancy to inactivate, destroy, or prevent the growth of carrier microorganisms in the area. The room disinfection devices and apparatuses described herein, particularly those contemplated for the systems and processes described with reference to Figures 9-11, come in a variety of configurations, including floor-based, wall-based and ceiling-based.

[0100] As further shown in FIG. 9 , system 150 includes a processing subsystem 152 having a processor 156 and program instructions 154 executable by processor 156. As described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 , program instructions 154 are configured to determine operating parameters and / or a sanitizing schedule for sanitizer sources (e.g., one or more sanitizer sources 160 and, optionally, one or more sanitizer sources 162, 164) comprising system 150. As used herein, the term “program instructions” generally refers to instructions within a program configured to perform a particular function, such as receiving inputs, recording received signals, determining when and / or whether a device can initiate an action, and sending signals to start and / or end a device action. The program instructions may be implemented in any of a variety of ways, including procedure-based, component-based, and / or object-oriented techniques, among others. The program instructions may be implemented, for example, using ActiveX controls, C++ objects, JavaBeans, Microsoft Foundation Classes (“MFC”), or other technologies or methodologies, as desired. The program instructions implementing the processes described herein are transmitted over a carrier medium such as a wire, cable or wireless transmission link.

[0101] In some embodiments, the processing subsystem 152 is a single processing unit connected to each of the one or more disinfectant sources of the system 150 and may therefore be considered a central processing unit, particularly when the system 150 includes multiple disinfectant sources. In such cases, in some embodiments, the processing subsystem 152 is a separate entity from the one or more devices or apparatuses that include the one or more disinfectant sources of the system 150, as shown in FIG. 9 . In still other cases, the processing subsystem 152 is located within a device or apparatus that includes the one or more disinfectant sources of the system 150. In still other embodiments, the processing subsystem 152 includes multiple processors, each located on a different device or apparatus that includes the one or more disinfectant sources of the system 150. In such cases, the processing subsystem 152 may be at least partially distributed among the devices or apparatuses that include the multiple disinfectant sources. In some embodiments, each device or apparatus that includes the one or more disinfectant sources of the system 150 includes a processor and program instructions 154.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 10 , a flowchart outlining a process for determining one or more operating parameters of one or more disinfectant sources of a sterilization system based on characteristics of the room in which the one or more disinfectant sources are located is provided. As shown in block 170 of FIG. 10 , the method includes receiving data regarding characteristics of the room in which the one or more disinfectant sources are located. Such a process may include accessing a database containing such data, as shown in block 172, and / or receiving data from one or more sensors in the room that generate such data, as shown in block 174. In the latter case, in some embodiments, the one or more sensors are separate from the one or more disinfectant sources and treatment subsystems of the sterilization system. In other cases, one or more of the sensors are located within one or more of the disinfectant sources of the sterilization system, or within the treatment subsystem if the treatment subsystem is separate from the one or more disinfectant sources.

[0103] Generally, as used herein, "room characteristics" refers to physical and non-physical characteristics of a room. Non-physical characteristics of a room include, but are not necessarily limited to, an identifier used to reference the room (e.g., room number and / or room name) and occupancy information about the room (e.g., infection status of patients who have occupied the room or the schedule for patients occupying the room). Physical characteristics of a room include, but are not necessarily limited to, the size and / or dimensions of the room, and / or the number, size, distance, location, reflectivity, and / or identification or prioritization of surfaces and / or objects within the room. In some cases, a physical characteristic of a room may be the identification (i.e., detection from sample analysis) of one or more pathological organisms within the room, or even the number or density of one or more such organisms within the room, within a particular region of the room, or on a particular surface of the room. As used herein, "disinfectant source operating parameters" refers to any parameters that may affect the operation of the disinfectant source, including, but not limited to, the run time of the disinfectant source, the location of the disinfectant source, the orientation of the component with the disinfectant source, the sterilant dosage parameters of the disinfectant source, and / or the power supplied to the disinfectant source.

[0104] As shown in block 180 of Figure 10, the method further includes determining one or more independent operating parameters of the one or more disinfectant sources based on the received data regarding the room characteristics. Generally, there are numerous ways to perform such a process. In particular, in some embodiments, this process involves accessing a database containing a list of room characteristics and corresponding one or more predetermined operating parameters of the one or more disinfectant sources. For example, non-physical characteristics of the room, such as the room number, room name, or occupancy information for the room, may be entered into a user interface of the sterilization system, and entry of such data may initiate access to the aforementioned database to determine one or more parameters of the one or more disinfectant sources.

[0105] In particular, a pre-assigned room identifier (e.g., "103" or "Operation Room") may be entered into the user interface (e.g., by keying in or scanning a barcode), and one or more operating parameters of one or more disinfectant sources disposed in such room may be determined from a database outlining such correlation information. Such an embodiment is particularly applicable to sterilization systems including one or more portable disinfection devices and therefore used in multiple different rooms. Another example is when occupancy information for a room (e.g., infection information of patients who have occupied the room or their room occupancy schedule) is entered into the user interface, and one or more operating parameters of one or more disinfectant sources are determined from such information. Such an embodiment is particularly applicable when patients who have occupied the room have been diagnosed with and / or are being treated for a particular spore-forming bacterial infection, or when a patient known to have a weakened immune system (e.g., human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)) enters the room. In such cases, the operating parameters determined for one or more disinfectant sources are based on the patient's illness.

[0106] In some cases, the above-described process may be augmented by the number and / or type of disinfectant sources or devices disposed in the room. In particular, in addition to inputting non-physical room characteristics, such as the room number, room name, or occupancy information, into the user interface, the number and / or type of disinfectant sources or devices disposed in the room may be input into the user interface to determine one or more operating parameters for the one or more disinfectant sources. In such cases, the database accessed upon such input includes one or more additional fields related to the number and / or type of disinfectant sources, which are applicable to each listed room characteristic and a corresponding different set of one or more operating parameters for each disinfectant source. In some cases, a particular disinfectant source is selected for use based on the characteristics of the room. It should be noted that the above-described embodiment is not exclusively applicable to sterilization systems having one or more portable disinfection devices, but may also be applicable to sterilization systems having one or more portable disinfection devices in combination with disinfectant sources fixedly disposed in the room. In the latter of these embodiments, the operating parameters listed in the database are optionally pre-set based on the known location of a fixedly located disinfectant source in the room.

[0107] It should be noted that accessing the database to determine one or more operating parameters of one or more disinfectant sources is not limited to non-physical characteristics of the room (such as a room identifier or occupancy information for the room). In particular, the database may additionally or alternatively include a list of values ​​or ranges for one or more physical characteristics of one or more disinfectant sources that may be located in the room (such as the size and / or dimensions of the room and / or the number, size, distance, location, reflectivity, and / or identification or prioritization of surfaces and / or objects within the room), and one or more corresponding predetermined operating parameters. Such embodiments may also be augmented to determine one or more operating parameters of one or more disinfectant sources, factoring in the number and / or type of disinfectant sources or devices located in the room.

[0108] In either case, the physical attributes are input via a user interface or obtained via one or more sensors in the chamber. An example of an embodiment where the above case is applicable is when the chamber size is obtained and an accessible database contains different run times, different sterilant emissions, and / or different power levels supplied to the disinfectant source for different chamber sizes or ranges of chamber sizes. In particular, relatively large chambers tend to require longer and / or more efficient sterilant exposure than smaller chambers, and therefore it may be advantageous to set the run time, sterilant emissions, and / or power levels supplied to the disinfectant source based on the chamber size. Other correlations between chamber characteristics and disinfectant source operating parameters are also possible for the database, and therefore the above example should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure provided herein.

[0109] An alternative method for determining one or more operating parameters of one or more disinfectant sources based on room characteristics is to use an algorithm that correlates such variables. In some embodiments, the algorithm determines one or more operating parameters of one or more disinfectant sources based solely on the physical characteristics of the room. In other cases, the algorithm determines one or more operating parameters of one or more disinfectant sources based on a combination of physical and non-physical characteristics of the room. In any embodiment, in addition to or as an alternative to determining the operating parameters of one or more disinfectant sources, the use of a particular disinfectant source may be selected based on room characteristics, particularly through the use of an algorithm. As with the database embodiment described above, in some embodiments, the algorithm is based on the number and / or type of disinfection devices disposed in the room in addition to room characteristics. While not necessarily limited in this manner, an algorithm-based process may be advantageous when multiple room characteristics affect the determination of one or more operating parameters of one or more disinfectant sources. Additionally or alternatively, when multiple operating parameters are desired to be determined and / or when one or more independent operating parameters are desired to be determined for multiple disinfectant sources, an algorithm-based process may be advantageous, particularly as the range of correlated variables becomes more complex as more variables play a role, and therefore, in such cases, an algorithm may be more appropriate than a database.

[0110] In some cases, the room characteristic data received in block 170 of FIG. 10 is used to identify locations, areas, objects, and / or surfaces within the room, as shown in blocks 176 and 178. In such cases, the process of determining independent operating parameters for one or more disinfectant sources, as shown in block 180, is based on the identified locations, areas, objects, or surfaces in block 176 or block 178 (i.e., by a database or algorithm). As shown in block 176, in some embodiments, the room characteristic data received in block 170 is used to identify locations, areas, objects, and / or surfaces within the room, and assigns a priority ranking (e.g., a number or letter) to each identified location, area, object, and / or surface according to a predetermined association (e.g., by a database or algorithm) between the priority and the identified location, area, object, and / or surface. In some cases, the priority ranking for at least some of the surfaces may be based on the amount of time since they were last disinfected. Note that assigning priority rankings in block 176 is one method for prioritizing locations, areas, objects, and / or surfaces within a room. Alternatively, locations, areas, objects, and / or surfaces may be pre-assigned priority rankings. In either case, the priority rankings may include any type of symbol that represents hierarchical importance among locations, areas, objects, and surfaces within a room, including but not limited to numbers, letters, and words such as "high" and "low."

[0111] As shown in FIG. 10 , in some embodiments, the priority symbols assigned in block 176 are used to identify target locations, regions, objects, and / or surfaces within the room, as indicated by the arrows between blocks 176 and 178. Note, however, that the dotted line bordering blocks 176 and 178 indicates that these processes are optional. Thus, in some embodiments, block 176 is omitted from the process, and the room characteristic data received in block 170 is used to directly identify target locations, regions, objects, and / or surfaces within the room in block 178 (e.g., via a database or algorithm). In other cases, block 178 is omitted, and the locations, regions, objects, and / or surfaces identified in block 176 are used to determine one or more independent operating parameters in block 180. In still other embodiments, both blocks 176 and 178 are omitted from the method, and thus the process outlined in FIG. 10 may continue directly from block 170 to block 180. It should be noted that in identifying target locations, areas, objects and / or surfaces within a room, the process of block 180 determines, for each disinfectant source, one or more operating parameters specific to one or more target locations, areas, objects and / or surfaces.

[0112] The process of identifying target locations, areas, objects, and / or surfaces in block 178 may be implemented in a variety of ways and generally depends on the type of sensors used to analyze the room for such targets. For example, in some cases, targets may be identified by detecting the maximum distance from each disinfectant source, i.e., the maximum distance from the device to the object, or the maximum distance from the disinfectant source if no other devices are detected nearby (i.e., using a distance sensor). In other embodiments, targets may be identified by detecting the minimum distance from each disinfectant source or by detecting surfaces that are a specific distance from each disinfectant source. Alternatively, sensors may be used to assess the dimensions of objects and / or surfaces in the room, and from this data, the sterilization system's sensor and / or processing subsystem can determine what the objects and / or surfaces are (e.g., a bed, nightstand, or IV pole in a patient room).

[0113] In some of these embodiments, targets are selected based on identified objects or surfaces. For example, in some cases, target areas are identified based on a relatively large number of objects or surfaces within the area. In other embodiments, target areas are identified based on the presence of one or more high-priority objects and / or surfaces within the area. Similarly, target locations, objects, or surfaces may be identified based on prioritization of locations, objects, and / or surfaces within a room. In some cases, identifying target locations, areas, objects, or surfaces may include identifying subsets of multiple locations, areas, objects, and surfaces located near each disinfectant source, and designating one location, area, object, and surface within each subset as a target. This designation process may be based on a number of different qualifiers, including, but not limited to, prioritization of locations, areas, objects, or surfaces and / or distance from each disinfectant source.

[0114] There are many methods for creating a database and / or algorithm for determining one or more operating parameters of one or more disinfectant sources. Some exemplary methods are illustrated in blocks 184 and 186 of FIG. 10 . In particular, block 184 illustrates tailoring one or more independent operating parameters to prioritize disinfecting surfaces of the room's furniture and / or equipment rather than the room's floor, walls, and ceiling. In some such cases, the process further includes determining one or more secondary operating parameters to prioritize disinfecting the room's floor, walls, and / or ceiling after disinfecting the room's furniture and equipment for a predetermined amount of time. Generally, the room's furniture and equipment are more likely to harbor bacteria than the room's floor, walls, and ceiling, and therefore it is advantageous to tailor the disinfection process to prioritize disinfecting these surfaces. Specifically, implementing such prioritization in the disinfection schedule can result in a shorter and / or more efficient disinfection process, or at least increase the likelihood that a sufficient amount of disinfection will be accomplished if the disinfection process is interrupted early.

[0115] As mentioned above, areas about 2 to about 4 feet above the floor of a room are considered "high-touch" areas of the room because frequently used objects are typically placed in these areas. By considering these areas as high-touch areas, it is generally believed that these areas are most likely to come into contact with germs, and some studies have shown that high-touch areas are areas with the highest germ densities. For this reason, it is advantageous to tailor one or more independent operating parameters to prioritize disinfection of furniture and / or equipment surfaces in areas about 2 to about 4 feet above the floor of the room. Additionally or alternatively, it is advantageous to tailor one or more independent operating parameters between different furniture and / or equipment or between different components of furniture and / or equipment. For example, ensuring a higher and / or longer disinfectant dose for cabinet handles than for the vertical surfaces of cabinets. Other preferences among furniture, equipment, and components are similarly contemplated for tailoring the operating parameters of the disinfectant source to the needs of the disinfection of the treated room.

[0116] As shown in block 186 of FIG. 10 , in some embodiments, the process of block 180 includes adapting one or more independent operating parameters to prioritize disinfection surfaces having a high priority ranking, which may be assigned or pre-assigned in block 176 to locations, regions, objects, and / or surfaces in a room. Similar to the process of block 184, the process of block 186 implementing such priorities on the disinfection schedule may result in a shorter and / or more efficient disinfection process, or at least increase the likelihood that a sufficient amount of disinfection will be accomplished if the disinfection process is interrupted early. In some such cases, the method includes determining one or more secondary operating parameters to prioritize disinfection of surfaces having a lower priority ranking after disinfecting the surfaces having the highest priority ranking for a predetermined amount of time. Blocks 184 and 186 are enclosed in dotted lines in FIG. 10 , indicating that these blocks are optional. In particular, many other methods are used to adapt one or more operating parameters of one or more disinfectant sources based on room characteristic data, and therefore the scope of the disclosure provided herein is not necessarily limited to the depiction of FIG. 10.

[0117] 10, the process optionally includes block 182 for determining a schedule of independent operating parameters for one or more disinfectant sources. In this context, the term "schedule" refers to a series of operating parameter assignments that are sequentially implemented for one or more disinfectant sources. As discussed with respect to the option of implementing the process of block 180, the determination of the operating parameter schedule is based on the priority of disinfecting furniture and equipment within the room and / or based on pre-assigned prioritization of locations, areas, objects, and / or surfaces within the room. Other methods may be used to adapt the schedule as well.

[0118] Regardless of the method for determining one or more operating parameters of one or more disinfectant sources, in some embodiments, the process of FIG. 10 includes block 188, which sends information to one or more disinfectant sources in response to one or more independent operating parameters. The information includes one or more run times of the one or more disinfectant sources, commands for adjusting the output of germicide from the one or more disinfectant sources, and / or the amount of power level at which the one or more disinfectant sources operate. In still other embodiments, one or more specific amounts of power are sent to the one or more disinfectant sources in response to the decision process performed with reference to block 180. In some cases, the information sent to the one or more disinfectant sources may be the location of the disinfectant source in the room and / or the orientation of one or more components comprising the one or more disinfectant sources. In such cases, the one or more disinfection devices comprising the one or more disinfectant sources are configured to move and / or one or more of their components can move so that they can comply with the received information. Alternatively, the one or more operating parameters determined in block 180 may be displayed on a user interface, allowing a user of the sterilization system to activate the one or more operating parameters.

[0119] Embodiments of the process outlined in Figure 10 that may find particular application in room disinfection are described in detail below. While such embodiments are described in detail and further enhancements are contemplated with respect to them, the specific disclosure of such embodiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure set forth above with respect to Figure 10.

[0120] One system that may be particularly useful for room disinfection includes a processing subsystem with program instructions executable by a processor to receive data regarding a disinfectant source and the physical characteristics of the room in which the processor and disinfectant source are located. Such program instructions may be for accessing a database containing the data and / or for receiving data from one or more sensors in the system that generate the data. In either case, the processing subsystem includes program instructions executable by a processor to determine, based on the received data, locations within the room where the disinfectant source should be located and / or orientations of components that comprise the disinfectant source. In some cases, the program instructions are further for determining, based on the data, a schedule of locations within the room where the disinfectant source should be located and / or a schedule of orientations of one or more components that comprise the disinfectant source. In some embodiments, the disinfectant source may be one of multiple disinfectant sources that comprise the system. In such cases, the program instructions of the system may be executable by a processor to determine locations within the room where each of the multiple disinfectant sources should be located and / or to determine orientations of one or more components of each of the multiple disinfectant sources.

[0121] The one or more disinfectant sources of the above-described systems may include one or more liquid, vapor, gas, plasma, ultraviolet light, and / or high-intensity narrow spectrum (HINS) light disinfectant sources. Additionally, the adjustable one or more components of the one or more disinfectant sources may include any movable components of the one or more disinfectant sources. Examples of movable components of a light-based disinfectant source may include, but are not limited to, an optical filter comprising the disinfectant source, or any component of a reflector system comprising the disinfectant source, such as those described with respect to the ultraviolet discharge lamp device shown in FIGS. 1-8. In some embodiments, the disinfectant source may be configured to move relative to the one or more disinfectant-containing devices or apparatuses. An example of a possible configuration of a movable disinfectant source may be similar to a movable spotlight with 180° or even approximately 360° movement capabilities. Other configurations of movable disinfectant sources are also contemplated. For example, in some cases, the disinfectant source may be configured to move along a track. In other embodiments, the entire disinfectant source-containing device or apparatus may be configured to move, particularly to different locations within a room.

[0122] In either case, in embodiments in which the disinfectant source is configured to move and / or one or more components of the disinfectant source move, the processing subsystem further includes program instructions executable by a processor to transmit information to the disinfectant source for positioning the disinfectant source at a predetermined location and / or disposing the components in a predetermined orientation. In yet other embodiments, the predetermined location and / or predetermined component orientation may be displayed on a user interface, and a user of the sterilization system may activate one or more operating parameters. In either case, a disinfectant source believed to be particularly suitable for the above-described method is an ultraviolet light disinfectant source with a repositionable reflector. However, such disclosure should not be construed as limiting the scope of the systems and / or methods described herein. In either case, the above-described system may have any of the configurations described above with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. Thus, the system is not necessarily limited to receiving data regarding physical characteristics of the room. In particular, the system may be configured to receive data regarding non-physical characteristics of the room as well. Furthermore, the system may include program instructions for determining any isotropic parameters of the disinfectant source based on the characteristics of the room. In particular, the above-described systems are not necessarily limited to determining the location within a room where a disinfectant source is located and / or the orientation of the components that make up the disinfectant source.

[0123] Another system that may be particularly useful for room disinfection includes multiple disinfectant sources and a processing subsystem with one or more processors and program instructions executable by the one or more processors to receive data regarding characteristics of a room in which the multiple disinfectant sources are disposed. The program instructions are further for determining, based on the data, one or more independent operating parameters of the multiple disinfectant sources. In particular, the one or more independent operating parameters are unique to each disinfectant source. The one or more independent operating parameters include a disinfectant source run time, a disinfectant source position or velocity within the room, an orientation of components comprising the disinfectant source, a disinfectant output from the disinfectant source, and / or a power supplied to the disinfectant source. In some cases, the program instructions are further for determining, based on the data, a schedule for the independent operating parameters of each of the multiple disinfectant sources based on the room characteristics. Typically, the multiple disinfectant sources include liquid, gas, vapor, plasma, ultraviolet light, and / or high-intensity narrow spectrum (HINS) light disinfectant sources. The multiple disinfectant sources may include disinfectant sources of the same type, or may include a combination of disinfectant sources, at least some of which are different from one another. Furthermore, the above-described system may have any of the configurations described above with reference to Figures 9 and 10.

[0124] A sterilization system believed to be particularly suitable for the system described above is a photodisinfection system having multiple disinfectant sources and further power distribution means for distributing independent power requirements to each of the photodisinfection sources as determined by the processing subsystem. Instead of a power distribution means, each of the disinfectant sources includes a power control circuit. In such cases, the processing subsystem includes processor-executable program instructions for sending independent signals to the power control circuit to set the amount of power each disinfectant source uses to generate light. In either case, the different photodisinfection sources may be distributed among different devices, located in the same device, or a combination thereof. While the photodisinfection system described above is believed to be particularly suitable for room disinfection using multiple disinfectant sources, such disclosure should not be construed as limiting the scope of the systems and / or methods described herein. In particular, other types of germicidal disinfectant sources may be used in similar systems, and / or systems may be configured with varying operating parameters other than power.

[0125] As described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 11 , in some embodiments, systems are configured to coordinate disinfectant sources with one another, particularly with respect to the locations, areas, objects, and / or surfaces targeted for disinfection by the disinfectant sources. In some cases, the coordination efforts involve separate devices communicating with one another. In particular, systems including disinfectant sources located on separate devices are configured to have at least some of the devices communicate with one another, particularly with respect to their presence / position relative to one another and / or the locations, areas, objects, and / or surfaces targeted for disinfection by the one or more disinfectant sources. More specifically, in some cases, the devices are configured to detect one another via sensing systems, including, but not limited to, ultrasonic sensing or infrared sensing. In other embodiments, at least one device includes a processor and program instructions executable by the processor to transmit information regarding the location of the device or the target locations, areas, objects, or surfaces of the device's disinfectant sources. Thus, sterilization devices in the systems described herein may be configured to know or ascertain the presence or location of other sterilization devices in a room.

[0126] If the device is configured to transmit information about the target locations, areas, objects, or surfaces of the device's disinfectant source, another device includes a processor and processor-executable program instructions for receiving this information and comparing the received information with the target locations, areas, objects, or surfaces of the disinfectant source. Additionally or alternatively, however, a collaboration effort may involve comparing information about the target locations, areas, objects, or surfaces of multiple disinfectant sources at a central processing unit. In either situation, the system is configured to perform one or more corrective actions upon detecting that two or more locations, objects, or surfaces are within a predetermined distance of each other or that two or more areas overlap, as described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 11. Additionally, the system is configured to record areas disinfected by the device during the disinfection process and deprioritize or exclude these areas from consideration for disinfection in subsequent stages of the disinfection process.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 11 , a flowchart is shown outlining a method for which the processor-executable program instructions of the system shown in FIG. 9 are configured to execute. In particular, FIG. 11 outlines a method for coordinating information regarding target locations, areas, objects, or surfaces of multiple disinfectant sources and for implementing changes in operational parameters of one or more of the target locations, areas, objects, or surfaces and / or the disinfectant sources upon detecting that two or more locations, objects, or surfaces are within a predetermined distance from one another or that two or more areas overlap. As shown in blocks 190 and 192 of FIG. 11 , the method includes, for each of the multiple disinfectant sources, identifying a target location, area, object, or surface within a room in which the multiple disinfectant sources are disposed. Note that the term “identifying” as used herein encompasses determining / identifying a target location, area, object, or surface based on room characteristic data, as described with reference to block 178 of FIG. 10 , but also encompasses receiving a target location, area, object, or surface by user input, barcode scanning, database access, etc. In either case, it is determined whether two or more target locations, objects, or surfaces are within a predetermined distance of each other or whether two or more target regions overlap in blocks 194, 196. The predetermined distance may be any predetermined value, and in some cases may be a threshold value that indicates whether the target locations, objects, or surfaces are identical.

[0128] If the determination at block 194 or block 196 is "no," the method proceeds to block 198 and continues preparing the system for the sterilization process based on the identified target locations, areas, objects, or surfaces for the sterilant sources. In some cases, the process at block 198 includes determining one or more independent operating parameters for each sterilant source, as described with reference to FIG. 10 . However, in alternative embodiments, such processes may occur before blocks 194 and 196. In some cases, the process at block 198 includes transmitting information to the sterilant sources in response to the independent operating parameters for each sterilant source, as described with reference to block 188 of FIG. 10 . In alternative embodiments, the process at block 198 includes displaying the one or more operating parameters on a user interface, where a user of the sterilization system can activate the one or more operating parameters.

[0129] If the determination at block 194 or block 196 is “yes,” the method continues at block 200 to perform one or more corrective actions, particularly modifying the planned sanitization process of at least one of the multiple disinfectant sources. Blocks 202 and 204 are provided to provide examples of corrective actions that may be performed, but other corrective actions are contemplated. Both blocks 202 and 204 may be performed for block 200, or only one of blocks 202 and 204 may be performed for block 200. As shown in block 202, one corrective action may be to identify a different target location, area, object, or surface for at least one of the disinfectant sources corresponding to the two or more sensed locations, areas, objects, and / or surfaces. Another corrective action may be to modify the operating parameters of at least one of the disinfectant sources corresponding to the two or more sensed locations, areas, objects, and / or surfaces, as shown in block 204. In such cases, the operating parameters that are modified are the run time of the disinfectant source, the location of the disinfectant source within the room, the orientation of the components that make up the disinfectant source, the amount of germicide discharged from the disinfectant source, and / or the power supplied to the disinfectant source. In some cases, predetermined operating parameters for the disinfectant sources corresponding to two or more sensed locations, areas, objects, and / or surfaces may be compared before performing one or more corrective actions in block 200. In particular, if the determination in block 194 or block 196 is "yes," the predetermined operating parameters for the disinfectant sources are compared, and this comparison factors into the one or more corrective actions performed with reference to block 200.

[0130] It should be noted that while the processor-executable program instructions outlined in Figures 10 and 11 are described as part of a system including one or more sterilant sources, the processor-executable program instructions are not necessarily limited in this manner. In particular, the processor-executable program instructions outlined in Figures 10 and 11 may be located on a recording medium that is independent and not necessarily associated with a particular sterilization system. More specifically, the processor-executable program instructions outlined in Figures 10 and 11 may be distributed as software on a commercially viable recording medium for incorporation into one or more sterilization systems. In general, as used herein, the term "recording medium" refers to any electronic medium configured to hold one or more sets of program instructions, including, but not limited to, read-only memory, random-access memory, magnetic or optical disks, or magnetic tape.

[0131] Those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure will understand that the present invention is believed to provide an ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatus having one or more reflectors and a method of operating such an apparatus. Furthermore, the present invention is believed to provide a system for determining the operating parameters and / or disinfection schedule of a sterilization device. In particular, the system is configured to operate in a "smart" manner (i.e., to determine the operating parameters and / or disinfection schedule of the sterilization device by taking into account one or more characteristics of the room). In some cases, the system may be configured to optimize the disinfection process (e.g., time, efficiency, and thoroughness) of the room. Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of this specification.

[0132] For example, while the above discussion emphasizes the configuration of an ultraviolet discharge lamp device for disinfection purposes, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In particular, the ultraviolet discharge lamp device described herein may be used in any application utilizing ultraviolet light. Furthermore, the systems and processes for determining operating parameters and disinfection schedules described herein are appropriate for any disinfection system. Accordingly, this description should be construed as illustrative only and is intended to teach those skilled in the art the general manner of carrying out the invention. It should be understood that the forms of the invention shown and described herein are to be construed as presently preferred embodiments. Substitutions of elements and materials shown and described herein may be made, parts and processes may be reversed, and certain features of the invention may be utilized independently, all of which will be apparent to those skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the invention. Changes may be made in the elements described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus comprising: a lamp configured to emit germicidal light, the device being configured such that the germicidal light emitted from the lamp is projected outside the device; a movable carrier supporting said lamp; a push / pull handle extending from an outer surface of the movable transporter, the uppermost surface of the push / pull handle being positioned at a height lower than the uppermost surface of the ramp; wheels disposed along the bottom of the movable carrier; a motor for providing automated movement of the device across at least a portion of a chamber or area in which the device is placed; a processor; a storage medium having program instructions executable by the processor to activate the motor to move the device within the room or area while the lamp emits germicidal light; An apparatus comprising:

2. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the ramp is movable but not movable beyond a vertical plane aligned with an exterior of the movable carrier.

3. 3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the ramp is spaced inwardly from the nearest outer periphery of the movable carrier a distance greater than three times the width of the ramp.

4. 1. An apparatus comprising: a lamp configured to emit germicidal light, the device being configured such that the germicidal light emitted from the lamp is projected outside the device, and a top surface of the lamp is at least 36 inches higher than the floor of the room or area when the device is placed on the floor of the room or area; a wheel disposed along the bottom of the device; a motor that provides automated movement of the device across at least a portion of the chamber or area; a processor; a storage medium having program instructions executable by the processor to activate the motor to move the device within the room or area while the lamp emits germicidal light; An apparatus comprising:

5. 1. An apparatus comprising: a lamp configured to emit germicidal light, the device being configured such that the germicidal light emitted from the lamp is projected outside the device; a wheel disposed along the bottom of the device; a motor for providing automated movement of the device across at least a portion of a chamber or area in which the device is placed; an occupancy sensor that determines the presence of an individual within the room or area in which the device is located; a processor; activating the motor to move the device within the room or area while the lamp is emitting germicidal light; and preventing and terminating germicidal light emission outside the device when the occupancy sensor detects the presence of an individual within the room or area. a storage medium having program instructions executable by said processor; An apparatus comprising:

6. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lamp is a xenon flash lamp.

7. 6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the lamp is a mercury vapor lamp.

8. 8. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a reflector assembly configured to redirect germicidal light emitted from the lamp to an area outside the apparatus between 2 and 4 feet above the floor of the room or area in which the apparatus is placed.

9. 9. The device of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the device is configured to project germicidal light emitted from the lamp outside the device to an area surrounding the device, and wherein during operation of the device, the germicidal light redirected into the enclosed area collectively occupies the entire enclosed area.

10. The apparatus of any one of claims 4 to 9, further comprising a movable carrier supporting the lamp, and a push / pull handle extending from an outer surface of the movable carrier.

11. 11. The device of claim 10, wherein a top surface of the push / pull handle is positioned at a lower height than a top surface of the ramp.

12. 1. An apparatus comprising: one or more lamps configured to emit germicidal light, the device being configured such that the germicidal light emitted from the one or more lamps is projected outside the device to an area surrounding the device, and during operation of the device, the germicidal light redirected into the enclosed area collectively occupies the entire enclosed area; a wheel disposed along the bottom of the device; a motor for providing automated movement of the device across at least a portion of a chamber or area in which the device is placed; a processor; a storage medium having program instructions executable by the processor to activate the motor to move the device within the room or area while the one or more lamps emit germicidal light; An apparatus comprising:

13. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the one or more lamps comprise a xenon flash lamp.

14. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the one or more lamps comprise mercury vapor lamps.

15. 15. The apparatus of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the one or more lamps are positioned within the apparatus such that a top surface of the one or more lamps is at least 36 inches higher than the floor of the room or area when the apparatus is placed on the floor of the room or area.

16. 16. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising an ultrasonic sensor or an ultraviolet light sensor, the apparatus being configured to use information obtained from the ultrasonic sensor or ultraviolet light sensor to guide the apparatus throughout the room or area.

17. 17. The device of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the program instructions are further executable by the processor to vary the speed of the device based on a map and dose requirements for the chamber or region.

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