Methods and systems for UV-based aircraft decontamination

Abstract

A method and system for removing pathogens from surfaces on an aircraft is provided. [Solution] A decontamination system for removing pathogens from surfaces on an aircraft, the decontamination system comprising a UV light source that generates UV light having a wavelength between approximately 200 nm and approximately 240 nm, and a UV transmission device, the UV transmission device including a material that transmits the wavelength, the material forming first and second transparent surfaces, the first transparent surface being in the line of sight of the UV light source such that the first transparent surface is directly exposed to the UV light for removing pathogens from the first transparent surface, the second transparent surface being indirectly exposed to the UV light, the second transparent surface being removed of pathogens by transmission of the UV light through the UV transmission device between the first and second transparent surfaces, and the transmission of the UV light through the UV transmission device between the first and second transparent surfaces being at least approximately 80%.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] Commercial aircraft have interior cabins that include various facilities such as restrooms and galley kitchens. As can be appreciated, during a typical flight, various surfaces within these facilities can become contaminated. For example, passengers and crew members may touch door handles to enter the restrooms and sneeze near the handles. Thus, door handles and other similar components can be exposed to various contaminants, such as viruses, bacteria, and other similar pathogens or contaminants.

[0002] Conventional methods include crew members periodically cleaning such surfaces. Additionally, ground cleaning crews perform comprehensive decontamination between flights. However, there may not be enough time between, for example, two consecutive flights, to effectively clean each contact surface. Furthermore, individual flight crew members may not thoroughly clean all surfaces or may forget some surfaces. Thus, various contaminants may remain on certain surfaces, which may pose real and / or perceived health concerns for future passengers. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Described herein are methods and systems for removing pathogens from aircraft surfaces using UV light having a wavelength between approximately 200 nanometers and approximately 240 nanometers. These wavelengths are safe for humans while efficiently removing pathogens. In other words, humans can remain in the decontamination zone while the system is operating. Furthermore, UV-transmitting devices, such as doors, cabinets, and other handles, allow decontamination of all surfaces of the device, whether the surface is directly or indirectly exposed to UV light. Indirect exposure occurs when UV light penetrates the device. Thus, flat surfaces can be decontaminated without a line of sight to the UV light source. Thus, the present methods and systems allow efficient decontamination of devices with complex surfaces (e.g., doors, cabinets, and other handles) without the need to place numerous UV light sources around the device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0004] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an aircraft illustrating decontamination systems located in aircraft restrooms and galley kitchens, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2A] 1 is a schematic side view of a decontamination system including a UV light source and a UV transmission device, the UV light source configured to decontaminate all surfaces of the UV transmission device, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2B] FIG. 10 is another schematic side view of a decontamination system including a UV light source and a UV transmission device, in accordance with some embodiments, where the UV light source is configured to decontaminate all surfaces of the UV transmission device and surfaces of objects in the shadow of the UV transmission device. [Figure 2C] 1 is yet another schematic side view of a decontamination system including a UV light source and a UV transmission device, where the UV light source is mounted on an object that supports the UV transmission device, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 shows the UV transmittance of one exemplary material of a UV transmission device. [Figure 3B]FIG. 1 illustrates the lack of UV transparency of conventional borosilicate glass at wavelengths below 250 nanometers. [Figure 4] 1 shows a graph of absorbance for DNA and protein as a function of wavelength in the UV spectrum. [Figure 5] 1 is a process chart corresponding to a method for removing pathogens from an aircraft using a UV light source, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6] 1 is a process chart corresponding to a method for aircraft manufacturing and service. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary aircraft according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the presented concepts. In some embodiments, the presented concepts can be practiced without some or all of the specific details. In other instances, well-known processing operations have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the described concepts. While some concepts will be described in conjunction with specific examples, it should be understood that these examples are not intended to be limiting.

[0006] Introduction Decontamination of commercial aircraft can be quite challenging due to various design and operational considerations. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an aircraft 100 equipped with a restroom 102 and a galley kitchen 104, according to some embodiments. Each of these facilities is used by multiple different personnel. For example, each restroom is used multiple times during each flight, especially during long intercontinental flights. Furthermore, each of these facilities contains multiple surfaces that can become contaminated through direct contact (e.g., touching) or indirect contact (e.g., sneezing, coughing). Some of these surfaces have complex geometries, further complicating the decontamination process.

[0007] While crews may perform some decontamination during flight, the frequency and extent of such decontamination is limited by the various complications discussed above. Additionally, ground cleaning crews perform comprehensive decontamination between flights, but such decontamination is also required during flight.

[0008] A method (described below with reference to FIG. 5) and a system (described below with reference to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C) are configured to remove pathogens from any complex surface on an aircraft using UV light having a wavelength between about 200 nanometers and about 240 nanometers, such as about 222 nanometers or about 207 nanometers. As noted above, these wavelengths are safe for humans while still efficiently removing pathogens. In other words, humans can remain in the decontamination zone while the system is operating.

[0009] As explained further below, without being bound by any particular theory, the UV subrange is absorbed by the DNA and RNA of microorganisms, causing changes in their DNA and RNA structure. This change prevents the microorganisms from replicating and effectively controls their spread. Specifically, the microorganisms are unable to multiply within a host, such as a human, and become infectious agents. Conventional methods focus on the peak of the germicidal effectiveness curve, which corresponds to radiation at approximately 265 nanometers, a wavelength harmful to humans. Thus, these conventional methods cannot be used while passengers or crew are present in the area requiring decontamination. At the same time, isolating certain areas (e.g., restrooms or galley kitchens) from humans while the decontamination process is taking place may be impossible, or at least impractical. For example, conventional disinfection cycles last approximately 10 to 30 minutes, imposing unreasonable requirements for aircraft equipment to be taken offline during such cycles. Furthermore, conventional methods are limited in terms of line-of-sight, only irradiating and decontaminating surfaces within the line-of-sight of the UV light source. If the object is another object in the light path, the surface may be blocked from the light. Furthermore, non-transparent objects have shadowed sides that may be further contaminated and remain contaminated during the conventional removal methods.

[0010] Referring again to FIG. 1 , aircraft 100 includes decontamination systems 110 located in each of restrooms 102 and galley kitchen 104. Each piece of equipment at risk of pathogen contamination can be designated a decontamination area, with decontamination systems 110 located in this area. Decontamination systems 110 rely on a combination of a specific UV subrange (between approximately 200 nanometers and approximately 240 nanometers) and the use of UV-transmitting devices, such as door handles. The UV-transmitting devices described herein allow for decontamination of all surfaces of the device, whether the surface is directly or indirectly exposed to UV light. Indirect exposure occurs when UV light is transmitted through the device. For example, the UV-transmitting devices may include or be entirely made of quartz glass, such as Corning HPFS® Fused Silica 7980.

[0011] Example of a decontamination system FIG. 2A is a schematic side view of a decontamination system 110 for removing pathogens from surfaces on an aircraft 100, according to some embodiments. The decontamination system 110 includes one or more UV light sources 120 and one or more UV transmission devices 130. While FIG. 2A shows one UV light source 120 and one UV transmission device 130, those skilled in the art will recognize that the decontamination system 110 may include any number of UV light sources 120 and UV transmission devices 130. For example, one UV light source 120 may be used to decontaminate multiple UV transmission devices 130, such that all of the UV transmission devices 130 are within line of sight of the single UV light source 120. Alternatively, multiple UV light sources 120 may be used to decontaminate one UV transmission device 130. Finally, multiple UV light sources 120 may be used to decontaminate multiple UV transmission devices 130.

[0012] The UV light source 120 is configured to generate UV light 122 having a wavelength between about 200 nanometers and about 240 nanometers, or about 200 to about 222 nm, or about 207 to about 222 nm. Note that the 200 to 240 nanometer wavelength is a fairly narrow subrange of shortwave ultraviolet-C radiation, which is traditionally utilized for UV germicidal radiation. Shortwave ultraviolet-C radiation is 100 to 280 nanometers. Without being bound by any particular theory, this 200 to 240 nanometer subrange is believed to be particularly effective for pathogen removal while being safe for humans, as described herein with reference to FIG. 4. In particular, FIG. 4 shows a graph of absorbance for DNA and protein as a function of wavelength in the UV spectrum. Line 410 corresponds to DNA absorbance and represents safe UV exposure. From a human safety perspective, lower DNA absorbance is desirable. Line 420 corresponds to protein absorbance and decontamination effectiveness; the higher the protein absorbance, the higher the decontamination efficiency. UV absorption inactivates pathogens by causing various internal changes. In the 200-240 nanometer subrange, DNA absorbance is "good" and protein absorbance is sufficiently high. Figure 4 does not show the decontamination effectiveness of wavelengths below 200 nanometers. For example, a wavelength of 172 nanometers (produced by a xenon-type light source) is approximately 10 times less effective at decontaminating typical pathogens (e.g., fungi) than a 220 nanometer wavelength.

[0013] The human safety considerations of the 200-240 nanometer subrange allow the UV light source 120 to be activated while a human is within line of sight. In other words, the decontamination system 110 does not need to monitor for the presence of a human within line of sight of the UV light source 120 to selectively activate and deactivate the UV light source 120. In some embodiments, the UV light source 120 operates continuously.

[0014] In some embodiments, UV light source 120 is one of a chlorine-type light source (producing a wavelength of 222 nanometers) or a krypton bromide-type light source (producing a wavelength of 207 nanometers). Other types of light sources capable of producing wavelengths in the 200-240 nanometer subrange are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0015] 2A, 2B, and 2C, UV-transmitting device 130 includes first transparent surface 131 and second transparent surface 132, with the second surface being in the shadow of the first transparent surface. In some embodiments, the second surface is located behind or below UV-transmitting device 130 (object 140), and in some examples, the second surface may or may not be transparent. UV-transmitting device 130 includes a material that transmits wavelengths between about 200 nanometers and about 240 nanometers, e.g., from about 200 nanometers to about 222 nm, or from about 207 nanometers to about 220 nm. The material forms first transparent surface 131 and second transparent surface 132. The transmissive feature of UV-transmitting device 130 allows UV light to pass through UV-transmitting device 130 to decontaminate both first transparent surface 131 and second transparent surface 132.

[0016] For example, first transparent surface 131 is in the line of sight of one or more UV light sources 120, which directly exposes first transparent surface 131 to one or more UV light rays 122 to remove pathogens on first transparent surface 131 from first transparent surface 131. This decontamination occurs through direct exposure of first transparent surface 131.

[0017] The second transparent surface 132 is indirectly exposed to the one or more UV rays 122. The second transparent surface 132 is located opposite the first transparent surface 131 and is not in the line of sight of the UV light source 120. Specifically, the second transparent surface 132 is decontaminated by the one or more UV rays 122 penetrating through the UV transmission device 130 between the first transparent surface 131 and the second transparent surface 132. Specifically, the one or more UV rays 122 penetrate the first transparent surface 131, the body of the UV transmission device 130 disposed between the first transparent surface 131 and the second transparent surface 132, and finally the second transparent surface 132, at which point the pathogens (located on the second transparent surface 132) are decontaminated.

[0018] In some embodiments, the transmittance of one or more UV rays 122 through UV-transmitting device 130 between first transparent surface 131 and second transparent surface 132 is at least about 80%, or specifically about 80% to about 99%, or about 90% to about 99%, and can reach up to 100%. Such transmittance (in the 200-240 nanometer subrange) requires special materials for UV-transmitting device 130. For example, UV-transmitting device 130 may include, or more specifically be formed entirely of, fused silica, such as Corning HPFS® fused silica 7980, or other materials that are UV-transmitting and can be sanitized at about 207 to about 222 nm. In some embodiments, first transparent surface 131 and / or second transparent surface 132 are formed from fused silica, or more specifically, from a transparent material that is UV transparent and can be sanitized at about 207 to about 222 nm, or even more specifically, from Corning HPFS® fused silica 7980.

[0019] 3A is a graph showing the UV transmittance of Corning HPFS® fused silica 7980. The transmittance is at least 99% throughout the 200-240 nanometer subrange. Thus, when UV-transmitting device 130 is formed from Corning HPFS® fused silica 7980 and first transparent surface 131 is exposed to UV light source 120, there is minimal difference between the UV exposure of first transparent surface 131 and second transparent surface 132.

[0020] 3B is a graph showing the UV transmittance of conventional borosilicate glass. Specifically, the graph shows the lack of UV transparency of conventional borosilicate glass for wavelengths below 250 nanometers.

[0021] 2A, 2B, and 2C, in some embodiments, UV-transmitting device 130 is a handle, and more specifically, a door handle. Generally, UV-transmitting device 130 can be any object whose surface can become contaminated (e.g., through contact or other means). In a particular embodiment, UV-transmitting device 130 is a door handle in aircraft restroom 102.

[0022] 2A and 2B , in some embodiments, the decontamination system 110 further includes an object 140 that includes an object surface 141. For example, the object 140 can be a door, and the UV transmission device 130 is a door handle pivotally attached to the door. At least a portion of the object surface 141 is within the line of sight of the one or more UV light sources 120. Specifically, the UV transmission device 130 is positioned between the one or more UV light sources 120 and the portion of the object surface 141, and substantially "casts a shadow" on the portion of the object surface 141. However, because the UV transmission device 130 transmits UV light rays 122, the portion of the object surface 141 is indirectly exposed to the one or more UV light rays 122. The UV exposure of the portion of the object surface 141 results in the removal of pathogens from the portion of the object surface 141. Specifically, one or more UV rays 122 pass through the UV transmission device 130 between the first transparent surface 131 and the second transparent surface 132 and the space between the second transparent surface 132 and a portion of the object surface 141 to inactivate pathogens on the portion of the object surface 141.

[0023] 2C, in some embodiments, decontamination system 110 includes object 140 (e.g., a door) whereby UV transmission device 130 (e.g., a door handle) is pivotally attached to object 140 and at least one of one or more UV light sources 120 is mounted on object 140. For example, UV light source 120 is mounted on the door.

[0024] In some embodiments, the one or more UV light sources 120 include multiple UV light sources, such that the surface area of ​​the first transparent surface 131 is greater than the surface area of ​​the second transparent surface 132. Note that the first transparent surface 131 is a surface that is in line of sight to the one or more UV light sources 120, and the second transparent surface 132 is not in line of sight to the one or more UV light sources 120. Decontamination of the second transparent surface 132 occurs when the UV light 122 passes through the UV transmission device 130.

[0025] 2B , in some embodiments, UV-transmitting device 130 includes a non-transmitting insert 133. For purposes of this disclosure, a non-transmitting insert 133 is defined as an object that is not transparent (e.g., has a transmittance of less than 10% or even less than 1%) to wavelengths between about 200 nanometers and about 240 nanometers. In this example, one or more UV light sources 120 are positioned such that non-transmitting insert 133 does not cast a shadow from UV light beam 122 onto any surface of UV-transmitting device 130. Some examples of non-transmitting insert 133 include, but are not limited to, portions of a door utilized to attach UV-transmitting device 130 to the UV-transmitting device, such as a door handle, e.g., screws, bolts, etc.

[0026] Example of decontamination method FIG. 5 is a process chart corresponding to a method 500 of removing pathogens from an aircraft using a UV light source 120, according to some embodiments.

[0027] In some embodiments, the method 500 includes irradiating (block 510) one or more UV light sources 120. The irradiating step produces one or more UV light rays 122 having wavelengths between about 200 nanometers and about 240 nanometers.

[0028] The method 500 proceeds with directing one or more UV light beams 122 toward a UV-transmitting device 130 (block 520). Various embodiments of the UV-transmitting device 130 are described above with reference to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C. In some embodiments, the UV-transmitting device 130 includes a first transparent surface 131 and a second transparent surface 132. The first transparent surface 131 is in the line of sight of the one or more UV light sources 120, thereby directly exposing the first transparent surface 131 to the one or more UV light beams 122. This direct UV exposure removes pathogens from the first transparent surface 131. Additionally, the second transparent surface 132 is indirectly exposed to the one or more UV light beams 122. One or more UV light rays 122 penetrate the UV transmitting device 130 between the first transparent surface 131 and the second transparent surface 132, i.e., penetrate each of the first transparent surface 131 and the second transparent surface 132. This indirect exposure removes pathogens from the second transparent surface 132 by the one or more UV light rays 122 penetrating the UV transmitting device 130 between the first transparent surface 131 and the second transparent surface 132.

[0029] In some embodiments, directing one or more UV light beams 122 onto UV transmission device 130 includes illuminating at least a portion of object surface 141 of object 140, for example, as shown schematically in FIG. 2B. UV transmission device 130 is positioned between the portion of object surface 141 such that the portion of object surface 141 is substantially "blind" to one or more UV light sources 120. However, due to the transparency of UV transmission device 130 to wavelengths between about 200 nanometers and about 240 nanometers, the portion of object surface 141 is indirectly exposed by UV light source 120.

[0030] Aircraft example In some embodiments, the methods and systems described above are utilized on aircraft, and more particularly by the aviation industry, and in particular may be utilized during aircraft manufacturing and during aircraft operation and maintenance.

[0031] Accordingly, the previously described apparatus and methods are applicable to an aircraft manufacturing and service method 900 shown in Figure 6 and for an aircraft 902 shown in Figure 7. During pre-production, method 900 includes specification and design 904 of the aircraft 902 and material procurement 906. During production, component and subassembly manufacturing 908 and system integration 910 of the aircraft 902 occurs. The aircraft 902 then undergoes certification and delivery 912 before being placed into service 914. While in customer service, the aircraft 902 is scheduled for routine maintenance and service 916, including modifications, reconfigurations, refurbishments, etc.

[0032] In some embodiments, each process of method 900 may be performed or carried out by a system integrator, a third party, and / or an operator (e.g., a customer). For purposes of this specification, a system integrator may include, but is not limited to, any number of aircraft manufacturers and major system subcontractors, a third party may include, but is not limited to, any number of vendors, subcontractors, and suppliers, and an operator may be an airline, a leasing company, a military organization, a service organization, etc.

[0033] 7, aircraft 902 produced by method 900 includes an airframe 918 with multiple systems 920 and an interior 922. Airframe 918 includes the wings of aircraft 902. Examples of systems 920 include one or more of a propulsion system 924, an electrical system 926, a hydraulic system 928, and an environmental system 930. Any number of other systems may also be included.

[0034] Apparatus and methods presented herein may be utilized during any one or more stages of method 900. For example, components or subassemblies corresponding to production 908 are fabricated or manufactured in a manner similar to components or subassemblies manufactured while aircraft 902 is in service. Also, one or more apparatus embodiments, method embodiments, or a combination thereof are utilized during the production 908 and system integration 910 stages, for example, by substantially streamlining the assembly of or reducing the cost of aircraft 902. Similarly, one or more apparatus embodiments, method embodiments, or a combination thereof are utilized while aircraft 902 is in service, for example, during maintenance and service 916.

[0035] Furthermore, the present disclosure includes embodiments according to the following clauses:

[0036] Clause 1. A decontamination system (110) for removing pathogens from surfaces on an aircraft (100), comprising: A decontamination system (110) one or more UV light sources (120) configured to generate one or more UV light rays (122) having a wavelength between about 200 nanometers and about 240 nanometers; a UV-transmitting device (130) including a first transparent surface (131) and a second transparent surface (132); Equipped with the UV-transmitting device (130) includes a material that transmits wavelengths between about 200 nanometers and about 240 nanometers, the material forming a first transparent surface (131) and a second transparent surface (132); the first transparent surface (131) is in the line of sight of the one or more UV light sources (120), whereby the first transparent surface (131) is directly exposed to the one or more UV rays (122) to remove pathogens from the first transparent surface (131); a second transparent surface (132) is indirectly exposed to one or more UV rays (122), and the second transparent surface (132) is cleared of pathogens by the transmission of the one or more UV rays (122) through a UV transmission device (130) between the first transparent surface (131) and the second transparent surface (132); A decontamination system (110) in which the transmittance of one or more UV rays (122) through the UV transmission device (130) between the first transparent surface (131) and the second transparent surface (132) is at least about 80%.

[0037] Clause 2. A decontamination system (110) as described in clause 1, wherein the transmittance of one or more UV rays (122) through the UV transmission device (130) between the first transparent surface (131) and the second transparent surface (132) is at least about 90%.

[0038] Clause 3. The decontamination system (110) of clause 1 or 2, wherein the first transparent surface (131) is formed from quartz glass.

[0039] Clause 4. The decontamination system (110) of any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the first transparent surface (131) is formed from Corning HPFS® fused silica 7980.

[0040] Clause 5. The decontamination system (110) of any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the UV transmission device (130) is a door handle.

[0041] Clause 6. The decontamination system (110) of any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the UV transmission device (130) is a door handle of an aircraft restroom (102).

[0042] Clause 7. The method further includes an object (140) including an object surface (141); A decontamination system (110) described in any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein at least a portion of the object surface (141) is not within the line of sight of the one or more UV light sources (120), thereby indirectly exposing at least a portion of the object surface (141) to the one or more UV light rays (122) by the one or more UV light rays (122) passing through a UV transmission device (130) between the first transparent surface (131) and the second transparent surface (132), and through a space between the second transparent surface (132) and at least a portion of the object surface (141) to remove pathogens from at least a portion of the object surface (141).

[0043] Clause 8. The decontamination system (110) of any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the UV transmission device (130) is pivotally mounted to the object (140).

[0044] Clause 9. Further includes an object (140), a UV transmission device (130) pivotally attached to the object (140); 9. The decontamination system (110) of any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein at least one of the one or more UV light sources (120) is mounted on the object (140).

[0045] Clause 10. A decontamination system (110) described in any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the one or more UV light sources (120) include multiple UV light sources, whereby the surface area of ​​the first transparent surface (131) is greater than the surface area of ​​the second transparent surface (132).

[0046] Clause 11. A UV transmission device (130) for use on an aircraft (100), comprising: one or more UV light sources (120) configured to generate one or more UV light rays (122) having wavelengths between about 200 nanometers and about 240 nanometers to remove pathogens from the aircraft (100); The UV transmission device (130) a first transparent surface (131) positioned in the line of sight of the one or more UV rays (122), such that the first transparent surface (131) is directly exposed to the one or more UV rays (122) to remove pathogens from the first transparent surface (131); a second transparent surface (132) that is indirectly exposed to one or more UV rays (122), whereby pathogens are eliminated from the second transparent surface (132) by the transmission of the one or more UV rays (122) through a UV transmission device (130) between the first transparent surface (131) and the second transparent surface (132); Including, A UV-transmitting device (130), wherein the transmittance of one or more UV rays (122) through the UV-transmitting device (130) between the first transparent surface (131) and the second transparent surface (132) is at least about 80%.

[0047] Clause 12. A UV transmission device (130) according to clause 11, wherein the transmittance of one or more UV rays (122) through the UV transmission device (130) between the first transparent surface (131) and the second transparent surface (132) is at least 90%.

[0048] Clause 13. The UV transmission device (130) of clause 11 or 12, wherein the first transparent surface (131) comprises a material that is made transparent and can be sanitized at a UV wavelength of about 222 nanometers.

[0049] Clause 14. The UV transmission device (130) of any one of clauses 11 to 13, wherein the first transparent surface (131) is formed from Corning HPFS® fused silica 7980.

[0050] Clause 15. The UV transmission device (130) of any one of clauses 11 to 14, wherein the UV transmission device (130) is a door handle of a restroom (102).

[0051] Clause 16. A method (500) for removing pathogens from surfaces on an aircraft (100), comprising: irradiating (510) one or more UV light sources (120) to generate one or more UV light rays (122) having wavelengths between about 200 nanometers and about 240 nanometers; Directing (520) one or more UV light beams (122) toward a UV-transmitting device (130) including a first transparent surface (131) and a second transparent surface (132). Including, the first transparent surface (131) is in the line of sight of the one or more UV light sources (120), whereby the first transparent surface (131) is directly exposed to the one or more UV rays (122) to remove pathogens from the first transparent surface (131); a second transparent surface (132) is indirectly exposed to one or more UV rays (122), and the second transparent surface (132) is cleared of pathogens by the transmission of the one or more UV rays (122) through a UV transmission device (130) between the first transparent surface (131) and the second transparent surface (132); A method (500) wherein the transmittance of one or more UV rays (122) through the UV transmission device (130) between the first transparent surface (131) and the second transparent surface (132) is at least about 80%.

[0052] Clause 17. A UV transmission device (500) as described in clause 16, wherein the first transparent surface (131) is formed by a material that is transparent and can be sanitized at UV wavelengths between about 200 nanometers and about 240 nanometers.

[0053] Clause 18. The method (500) of clauses 16 and 17, wherein directing one or more UV light rays (122) onto the UV transmission device (130) includes irradiating at least a portion of the object surface (141) of the object (140) that is not illuminated by the one or more UV light sources (120) by the UV transmission device (130).

[0054] Clause 19. A method (500) according to any one of clauses 16 to 18, wherein the object (140) is a door of a restroom (102) on an aircraft (100), and the UV transmission device (130) is pivotally coupled to the object (140).

[0055] Clause 20. The method (500) of any one of clauses 16 to 19, wherein the UV transmission device (130) is formed from Corning HPFS® fused silica 7980.

[0056] conclusion Although the above concepts have been described in some detail for clarity of understanding, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims. It should be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing processes, systems, and devices. Accordingly, the present examples are illustrative and should not be considered limiting.

Claims

1. A decontamination system (110) for removing pathogens from surfaces on an aircraft (100), comprising: The decontamination system (110) one or more UV light sources (120) configured to generate one or more UV light rays (122) having a wavelength between about 200 nanometers and about 240 nanometers; a UV-transmitting device (130) including a first transparent surface (131) and a second transparent surface (132); Equipped with the UV-transmitting device (130) includes a material that transmits the wavelengths between about 200 nanometers and about 240 nanometers, the material forming the first transparent surface (131) and the second transparent surface (132); the first transparent surface (131) is in line of sight of the one or more UV light sources (120), whereby the first transparent surface (131) is directly exposed to the one or more UV rays (122) to remove the pathogens from the first transparent surface (131); the second transparent surface (132) is indirectly exposed to the one or more UV rays (122), and the pathogens are removed from the second transparent surface (132) by the transmission of the one or more UV rays (122) through the UV transmission device (130) between the first transparent surface (131) and the second transparent surface (132); A decontamination system (110) wherein the transmittance of the one or more UV rays (122) through the UV transmission device (130) between the first transparent surface (131) and the second transparent surface (132) is at least about 80%.

2. 2. The decontamination system (110) of claim 1, wherein the transmittance of the one or more UV rays (122) through the UV transmission device (130) between the first transparent surface (131) and the second transparent surface (132) is at least about 90%.

3. The decontamination system (110) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first transparent surface (131) is formed from quartz glass.

4. The decontamination system (110) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first transparent surface (131) is formed from Corning HPFS® fused silica 7980.

5. The decontamination system (110) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the UV transmission device (130) is a door handle.

6. further comprising an object (140) including an object surface (141); 6. The decontamination system (110) of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the object surface (141) is not within the line of sight of the one or more UV light sources (120), such that the at least a portion of the object surface (141) is indirectly exposed to the one or more UV rays (122) by the one or more UV rays (122) passing through the UV transmission device (130) between the first transparent surface (131) and the second transparent surface (132), and through a space between the second transparent surface (132) and the at least a portion of the object surface (141) to remove the pathogens from the at least a portion of the object surface (141).

7. The decontamination system (110) of claim 6, wherein the UV transmission device (130) is pivotally mounted to the object (140).

8. A UV transmission device (130) for use on an aircraft (100), comprising: one or more UV light sources (120) configured to generate one or more UV light rays (122) having wavelengths between about 200 nanometers and about 240 nanometers for decontaminating pathogens from the aircraft (100); The UV transmission device (130) a first transparent surface (131) positioned in the line of sight of the one or more UV rays (122), such that the first transparent surface (131) is directly exposed to the one or more UV rays (122) to decontaminate the pathogens from the first transparent surface (131); a second transparent surface (132) that is indirectly exposed to the one or more UV rays (122), where the pathogens are eliminated by the transmission of the one or more UV rays (122) through the UV transmission device (130) between the first transparent surface (131) and the second transparent surface (132); Including, A UV-transmitting device (130), wherein the transmittance of the one or more UV rays (122) through the UV-transmitting device (130) between the first transparent surface (131) and the second transparent surface (132) is at least about 80%.

9. 9. The UV transmission device (130) of claim 8, wherein the transmittance of the one or more UV rays (122) through the UV transmission device (130) between the first transparent surface (131) and the second transparent surface (132) is at least 90%.

10. 10. The UV transmission device (130) of claim 8 or 9, wherein the first transparent surface (131) comprises a material that is transparent and can be sanitized at UV wavelengths between about 200 nanometers and about 240 nanometers.

11. 11. The UV-transmitting device (130) of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the first transparent surface (131) is formed from Corning HPFS® fused silica 7980.

12. The UV transmission device (130) of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the UV transmission device (130) is a door handle of a restroom (102).

13. A method (500) for removing pathogens from surfaces on an aircraft (100), comprising: irradiating (510) one or more UV light sources (120) to generate one or more UV rays (122) having wavelengths between about 200 nanometers and about 240 nanometers; Directing (520) the one or more UV light beams (122) toward a UV-transmitting device (130) including a first transparent surface (131) and a second transparent surface (132). Including, the first transparent surface (131) is in line of sight of the one or more UV light sources (120), whereby the first transparent surface (131) is directly exposed to the one or more UV rays (122) to remove the pathogens from the first transparent surface (131); the second transparent surface (132) is indirectly exposed to the one or more UV rays (122), and the pathogens are removed from the second transparent surface (132) by the transmission of the one or more UV rays (122) through the UV transmission device (130) between the first transparent surface (131) and the second transparent surface (132); The method (500), wherein the transmittance of the one or more UV rays (122) through the UV transmission device (130) between the first transparent surface (131) and the second transparent surface (132) is at least about 80%.

14. 14. The method (500) of claim 13, wherein directing the one or more UV rays (122) onto the UV transmission device (130) comprises irradiating at least a portion of an object surface (141) of the object (140) that is not hit by the one or more UV light sources (120) by the UV transmission device (130).

15. 15. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein the object is a door to a restroom on the aircraft, the UV-transmitting device is pivotally coupled to the object, and the UV-transmitting device is formed from Corning HPFS® fused silica 7980.

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