Sterilization system and sterilization method

Abstract

A light fixture is provided that is positioned within the room and operable to provide visible light to the room and to sterilize the air through application of UV light to air flowing through the air treatment chamber. In one embodiment, one or more baffles may be positioned within the air chamber to substantially prevent UV light from leaking beyond the one or more baffles into the room. In one embodiment, a UV light regulator may be provided to selectively control the amount of UV light directed into the room.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to sterilization systems and, more particularly, to a lighting fixture for sterilizing air.

[0002] Infections by foreign organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, can be caused in a variety of ways. However, once an infection is caused, if harmful, it can colonize and cause disease. The immune system of an infected host (e.g., a human) may respond to the infection and attempt to kill or neutralize the foreign organism. However, in some cases, the immune system may not be able to completely neutralize the infection, necessitating hospitalization for survival. For these reasons, prevention of infectious diseases is usually preferred over relying solely on the immune system of an infected host.

[0003] Traditional efforts to prevent the spread of infectious diseases often involve manual disinfection techniques, such as wiping or cleaning surfaces that may have foreign particles on them. Manual disinfection techniques can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, as infectious diseases can spread in a variety of ways, including direct person-to-person contact. For example, a common mode of infection is when an infected person comes into contact with an environmental fixture, which is then indirectly contacted by another person who has come into contact with the contaminated environmental fixture. Due to the large number of surfaces present in an environment, decontaminating all or substantially all surfaces in the environment would be labor-intensive and time-consuming, making such decontamination impractical in nature in many cases. As another example, airborne pathogens from an infected person may find their way into areas that are inaccessible to manual disinfection techniques. Contact pathogens are also known to float in the air on common airborne particles.

[0004] Room environments, such as patient rooms, contain air and surfaces that can become contaminated. Due to the volume of air and the number and variety of surfaces (e.g., nooks and crannies formed by the presence of objects in the room), manually decontaminating such environments can be labor intensive. The room's HVAC system is particularly labor intensive to decontaminate and typically mixes and distributes particulates. Additionally or alternatively, in a hospital environment (e.g., patient rooms), the number and frequency of visitors and potential pathogens increases the likelihood of air and surface contamination, again increasing the effort and time to effectively decontaminate such surfaces with conventional techniques. For these and other reasons, conventional techniques do not allow decontamination of room environments in a practical manner.

[0005] A conventional sterilization technique for a patient room involves bringing a mobile UV lighting assembly into the room. The mobile UV lighting assembly is placed in the room and operated for a time deemed sufficient to sterilize the room. The mobile UV lighting assembly is then removed from the room and transported to storage or another room for use. This process can be laborious due to the labor involved in bringing in and transporting the mobile UV lighting assembly and managing the usage schedule of the mobile UV lighting assembly used across multiple rooms. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present disclosure, according to one embodiment, provides a light fixture that fits within a conventional ceiling opening used for tiles and lighting fixtures. The light fixture may include a general lighting fixture combined with a UVC lighting fixture. The UVC lighting may be included in a reactor that provides a precise multiple reflector system that directs the light within a narrow opening to reach from the main fixture through offset openings to provide UVC illumination to the ceiling, thereby sterilizing the air at a targeted dose. The reflector system and baffle system may be configured to provide a thin plane of light that travels along the surface to limit human exposure. The air treatment system may include separate reactors and lamps for surface sterilization, or may utilize a transparent film to allow one UVC light source to be used for the air sterilization reactor and to feed the surface treatment reflector system.

[0007] Systems and methods according to one embodiment may include a light fixture configured to be disposed within the room and operable to provide visible light to the room and to sterilize the air via application of UV light to air flowing through the air treatment chamber. In one embodiment, one or more baffles may be disposed within the air chamber to substantially prevent UV light from escaping beyond the one or more baffles into the room. In one embodiment, a UV light regulator may be provided to selectively control the amount of UV light directed into the room.

[0008] In one embodiment, an apparatus for sterilizing air in a room is provided. The apparatus may include a support member operable to facilitate attachment to a surface and a germicidal light source operable to generate UV light. The apparatus may include a UV treatment chamber having an untreated air inlet and a treated air outlet, and an air treatment region operable to receive air from the untreated air inlet and direct air to the treated air outlet. The UV light from the germicidal light source may be directed toward the air treatment region.

[0009] The fixture may include one or more baffles operable to substantially prevent leakage of UV light from the UV treatment chamber through the untreated air inlet and the treated air outlet into the room. The fixture may include a visible light source operable to generate visible light for illuminating the room.

[0010] In one embodiment, the instrument includes a germicidal light source. from light Receives light The UV light regulator may be operable to selectively control the amount of UV light directed into the room from the germicidal light source.

[0011] In one embodiment, an apparatus for sterilizing air in a room includes a support member operable to facilitate attachment to a surface and a germicidal light source operable to generate UV light. The apparatus may include a UV treatment chamber having an untreated air inlet and a treated air outlet, and an air treatment region operable to receive air from the untreated air inlet and direct air to the treated air outlet. The UV light from the germicidal light source may be directed toward the air treatment region.

[0012] The apparatus includes a visible light source operable to generate visible light for illuminating a room, and a germicidal light source. from light Receives light and a UV light regulator for selectively controlling an amount of UV light directed into the room from the germicidal light source. The UV light regulator may be operable to selectively control the amount of UV light directed into the room from the germicidal light source.

[0013] In one embodiment, the UV light regulator may include multiple active apertures available for UV light transmission from the germicidal light source to the room, each of the active apertures including a fixed window and a sliding window.

[0014] In one embodiment, the UV light regulator is operable to obtain user information relating to whether a user is present in the room, and the UV light regulator is operable to selectively provide UV light in the room based on the user information indicating that no user is present in the room.

[0015] According to one embodiment, an apparatus for sterilizing air in a room is provided. The apparatus may include a support member operable to facilitate attachment to a surface and a germicidal light source operable to generate UV light. The apparatus may include a first reflector configured to direct UV light within a UV light region toward a target surface, the UV light region being defined by the target surface and opposing boundaries that are parallel or convergent to the target surface.

[0016] In one embodiment, the instrument may include a second reflector configured to direct UV light toward the first reflector, and the germicidal light source is positioned to direct light toward both the area within the treatment chamber and the second reflector.

[0017] In one embodiment, a system is provided that utilizes a people counting sensor, an air sterilizer, a surface sterilizer, and linked controls to compensate for human biofouling in the environment for proactive pathogen reduction.

[0018] These and other advantages and features of the present invention will be more fully understood with reference to the following description and drawings, in which:

[0019] Before describing the embodiments of the invention in detail, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of operation or to the details and arrangement of construction of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention may be practiced by trying or performing various other embodiments and alternative ways not expressly disclosed herein. It should also be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be considered limiting. The use of "including" and "comprising" and variations thereof is intended to encompass the items listed thereafter and their equivalents, as well as additional items and their equivalents. Furthermore, in describing various embodiments, enumerations may be used. Unless otherwise stated, the use of enumerations should not be construed as limiting the invention to a particular order or number of components. Furthermore, the use of enumerations should not be construed as excluding from the scope of the invention additional steps or components that may be combined with the listed steps or components. A reference to "at least one of X, Y, and Z" in a claim element is intended to include any one of X, Y, or Z individually, and any combination of X, Y, and Z (e.g., X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z; and Y, Z). [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a representative diagram of a light fixture according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a control system for the light fixture of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment.

[0022] [Figure 3A-3D] 3A-3D are diagrams illustrating a UV light regulator according to one embodiment.

[0023] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a sterilization system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a light fixture and a sterilization system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a disinfection system having multiple light fixtures according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 illustrates the germicidal system of FIG. 6 with a light fixture providing UV light to a room area, according to one embodiment.

[0027] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a UV light regulator according to one embodiment.

[0028] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a sterilization system according to one embodiment.

[0029] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG.

[0030] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is another enlarged view of a portion of FIG.

[0031] [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a sterilization system according to one embodiment.

[0032] [Figure 13] FIG. 13 illustrates a dynamic dose curve according to one embodiment.

[0033] [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating dosage based on status information (eg, utilization or contact), according to one embodiment.

[0034] [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating illumination based on status information (eg, utilization or contact) according to one embodiment.

[0035] [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a front view of a light fixture according to one embodiment.

[0036] [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a right side view of the light fixture of FIG.

[0037] [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the light fixture of FIG.

[0038] [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a left side view of the light fixture of FIG.

[0039] [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of the light fixture of FIG.

[0040] [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a top view of the light fixture of FIG.

[0041] [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the light fixture of FIG. 16 with the visible light module removed.

[0042] [Figure 23A-23B] 23A-23B are multiple views of components of a light fixture according to one embodiment.

[0043] [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the light fixture of FIG.

[0044] [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a partially enlarged view of FIG.

[0045] [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the light fixture of FIG.

[0046] [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the light fixture of FIG.

[0047] [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the light fixture of FIG.

[0048] [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a control system according to one embodiment.

[0049] [Diagram 30] FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a control system according to one embodiment.

[0050] [Fig. 31A-31B] 31A-31B show light modules that direct light downward and into lenses that are shaped to diffuse the light or create a light pattern downward.

[0051] [Diagram 32] FIG. 32 illustrates how the light module of FIG. 31 can be used as a low clearance light and germicidal system.

[0052] [Fig. 33A-33B] 33A-33B are diagrams illustrating a lenticular lens of the optical module of FIG. 31A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] [Figure 34A] FIG. 34A is a perspective view of a portable visible light air germicidal assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] [Figure 34B] FIG. 34B is a side cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 34A.

[0055] [Figure 34C] FIG. 34C is a top cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 34A.

[0056] [Figure 35A] FIG. 35A is a side cross-sectional view of a portable visible light air germicidal assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] [Figure 35B] FIG. 35B is a top cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 35A.

[0058] [Diagram 36] FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating a tethered pathogen reduction system according to one embodiment.

[0059] [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating a tethered pathogen reduction system according to one embodiment.

[0060] [Figure 38] FIG. 38 illustrates a processing system according to one embodiment.

[0061] [Figure 39] FIG. 39 illustrates a filter disposal system according to one embodiment in a storage mode.

[0062] [Diagram 40] FIG. 40 illustrates the filter disposal system of FIG. 39 in a disposal mode.

[0063] [Diagram 41] FIG. 41 shows the cross-sectional view of FIG. 39 along with a cross-sectional view of a processing system.

[0064] [Diagram 42] FIG. 42 is a diagram showing a booth according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0065] Systems and methods according to one embodiment may include a light fixture configured to be disposed within the room and operable to provide visible light for the room and to sterilize the air via application of UV light to air flowing through the air treatment chamber. In one embodiment, one or more baffles may be disposed within the air chamber to substantially prevent UV light from escaping beyond the one or more baffles into the room. In one embodiment, a UV light regulator may be provided to selectively control the amount of UV light directed into the room.

[0066] While the illustrated embodiment of the present disclosure focuses on the light fixture 100 being mounted to a structure in a room, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to this configuration. In one embodiment, the light fixture 100 need not be a fixture that is mounted to a structure in a room, but instead may be a lighting assembly that can be positioned within a room. For example, the light assembly may be a movable light source or a separate light assembly that can be semi-permanently positioned within a room in a manner similar to the placement of a house lamp having a pedestal that is placed on the floor or object of the room.

[0067] I. Overview A light fixture according to one embodiment of the disclosure is shown in FIG. 1 and generally designated 100. The light fixture 100 may include a support member 150 operable to facilitate attachment of the light fixture 100 to a surface. The surface may be an exposed surface of an interior wall of a room or an interior surface of a wall such as an interior wall stud that is hidden from view. The light fixture 100 may receive power from a power source 152 or may be connected to the power source 152 in a variety of ways depending on the application, such as direct wiring or connection to a power socket. The light fixture 100 in one embodiment may include a control system 200 configured to control the operation of the light fixture 100 and its components.

[0068] In one embodiment, the light fixture 100 may include a visible light module 180 operable to provide visible light to the room region 50 of the room. It should be noted that the visible light module 180 may not be specified in one or more embodiments described herein. Also, for purposes of disclosure, the light fixture 100 is described in connection with having one or more components in the illustrated embodiment, and one or more components described herein in the light fixture 100 may not be specified in the light fixture 100, and any combination of the components described herein may be incorporated into the light fixture 100.

[0069] The visible light module 180 may include a plurality of LEDs and an LED driver circuit operable to power the plurality of LEDs to generate sufficient visible light to illuminate the room region 50. The visible light module 180 is shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 as being integral with the UV light regulator 120 (which may form a door or removal access panel to the processing chamber 110), which may be, for example, a movable panel or door having edge lighting (e.g., lighting such as one or more LEDs arranged about at least a portion of the periphery of the UV light regulator 120 and configured to direct light from the periphery through the UV light regulator 120). Visible light from the edge lighting may be directed from within the UV light regulator 120 toward the room region 50. This disclosure is not limited to the visible light module 180 being integral with the UV light regulator 120. do not have For example, the visible light module 180 may be separate from the UV light regulator 120.

[0070] In one embodiment, the light fixture 100 may be controlled by a switch 154 located remotely from the light fixture 100. The switch 154 may be operable to control the supply of power to a subset of the components of the light fixture 100. For example, the switch 154 may be coupled to a control system 200 of the light fixture 100 that enables or disables activation of a visible light source for a room based on the state of the switch 154. Other circuits and components of the light fixture 100 may remain enabled or disabled regardless of the state of the switch 154. Such circuits or components may, for example, be connected to power from a power source 152 or under control from a control system described herein, independent of the state of the switch 154.

[0071] Alternatively, the switch 154 may be operable to selectively control the supply of total power from the power source 152 to the light fixture 100. For example, the switch 154 may be operable to disconnect or connect the power source 152 to the light fixture 100. This control may be provided via a wired or wireless interface and can be driven via BACNET, Ethernet, or other control systems. Systems coupled to the control system are configured to enable dimming, zone control, and other programmable functions based on communications transmitted via one or more digital communication protocols.

[0072] The light fixture 100 may include a treatment chamber 110 into which air is directed and within which the air is treated with UV light from a UV light source 160. The UV light source 160 may be a germicidal light source operable to generate UV light in response to being supplied with power from a power source 152. For example, the UV light source 160 may be a UV-C light source, such as a cold cathode lamp, a low pressure mercury lamp, or a UV-C light emitting diode.

[0073] The power applied to the UV light source 160 may be in the form of a conditional power from the power source 152. For example, the power source 152 may be operable to provide AC power. The light fixture 100 may include circuitry to condition this AC power into DC power sufficient to operate the UV light source 160. The DC power may be constant or pulsed depending on the operating specifications and target parameters of the UV light source 160. In a DC pulse configuration, the DC pulse may vary between 90% and 30% to provide power according to the target operating parameters.

[0074] In one embodiment, raw air 52 may enter the treatment chamber 110 via an air inlet 112, and treated air 54 may exit the treatment chamber 110 via an air outlet 114. The air inlet 112 may be in fluid communication with a filter assembly 116 configured to filter particulates from the raw air 52 before it is treated by UV light in the treatment chamber 110. Removal and replacement of the filter assembly 116 may be performed periodically to prevent substantial clogging of the filter assembly 116.

[0075] In one embodiment, filter assembly 116 may be positioned such that one or both sides of filter assembly 116 are in the path of light from UV light source 160. In this manner, UV light may be directed at filter assembly 116 to decontaminate all or a portion of filter assembly 116. The UV light applied to filter assembly 116 may be selectively applied, or filter assembly 116 may be positioned to receive light from UV light source 160 while UV light source 160 is active.

[0076] As discussed herein, the treated air 54 may exit the processing chamber 110 via the air outlet 114. The air outlet 114 may include an air vent 118 configured to allow air flow therethrough at a rate substantially greater than the rate of the treated air 54. In other words, the air vent 118 may be configured to not substantially restrict air flow through the processing chamber 110. The air vents 118 may each include a plurality of openings sized to substantially prevent inappropriate objects (e.g., hands and fingers) from entering the processing chamber 110.

[0077] The processing chamber 110 in one embodiment may include baffle assemblies, such as air inlet baffle assembly 130A and air outlet baffle assembly 130B, operable to substantially prevent leakage of UV light from the air inlet 112 and air outlet 114 of the processing chamber 110. Each baffle assembly 130A, 130B may include multiple baffles 132 arranged to allow air flow through the processing chamber 110 without substantially restricting or affecting a target flow rate of air. For example, if the light fixture 100 is configured to process air at a rate of 300 CFM, the baffles 132 of each baffle assembly 130A, 130B may be arranged to allow air flow at a rate greater than 300 CFM. It is noted that using this same target air flow rate of 300 CFM, in one embodiment, the processing chamber 110 may be configured to allow air flow at a rate greater than the target air flow rate (e.g., greater than 300 CFM). A fan assembly 140, as described herein, may be selected or operated to move air at the target flow rate.

[0078] In the illustrated embodiment, the multiple baffles 132 of each baffle assembly 130A, 130B may be arranged such that the airflow through each baffle assembly 130A, 130B is serpentine. This configuration may substantially prevent the passage of UV light through the baffle assemblies 130A, 130B and out through the respective air inlets 112 or air outlets 114.

[0079] The baffle 132, in one embodiment, is a filter assembly 116 from contact with UV light from the UV light source 160. This configuration facilitates protecting the filter assembly from damage due to exposure to UV light. 116 and substantially preventing damage or failure of the filter assembly. 116 potentially extending the service life of

[0080] In one embodiment, one or both of the baffle assemblies 130A, 130B may be absent from the light fixture 100. One or both of the air inlet 112 and the air outlet 114 may be configured in such an embodiment to substantially prevent leakage of UV light from the processing chamber 110.

[0081] As described herein, the light fixture 100 may include a UV light regulator 120 and general illumination lenses and systems. The baffle assemblies 130A, 130B may form part of the UV light regulator 120 to control the transmission of UV light from the processing chamber 110 into the room region 50. Controlling the transmission of UV light may include directing UV light from one or more regions of the light fixture 100 and substantially preventing the transmission or leakage of light from one or more other regions of the light fixture 100.

[0082] The light fixture 100 may include a fan assembly 140 operable to direct air through the processing chamber 110 from the air inlet 112 to the air outlet 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the fan assembly 140 is located near the air outlet 114, although it will be understood that the disclosure is not so limited. The fan assembly 140 may be located or provided in a different position to direct air through the processing chamber 110. For example, the fan assembly 140 may be located proximate the air inlet 112 to direct air through the processing chamber 110.

[0083] The fan assembly 140 may include a fan operable to direct air through the treatment chamber 110 at a target flow rate for sterilization or decontamination of the air via application of UV light within the treatment chamber 110. As an example, the target flow rate may be 50 CFM. In one embodiment, the fan assembly 140 may be variable to increase or decrease the flow rate of air through the treatment chamber 110 as directed by the control system 200 of the light fixture 100. The increase in flow rate may also be digitally driven by other control factors derived from or interactions with the environment.

[0084] The light fixture 100 in the illustrated embodiment may include a control system 200 operable to direct the operation of the light fixture 100 as described herein. For example, the control system 200 may be configured to direct the supply of power to the UV light source 160 to facilitate the treatment of air flowing through the treatment chamber 110. As described herein, the control system 200 may be operatively coupled to one or more sensors. The one or more sensors may be configured to sense various information depending on the application. Examples of sensor types include passive infrared sensors (PIR sensors), motion sensors, contact centers, capacitive contact sensors, USB input interfaces, accelerometers, temperature sensors, RFID readers, UV light regulator sensors, and motor sensors. It should be noted that some of these examples include overlapping capabilities, such as PIR sensors and motion sensors, and in embodiments where such capabilities are described, one or more exemplary sensors may be provided for such sensor capabilities.

[0085] The control system 200 in the illustrated embodiment may be operable to selectively control the application of UV light from the UV light source 160 to the room region 50. The control system 200 may obtain information indicating whether the room region 50 is being utilized by one or more persons, and based on such information indicating that the room region 50 is not being utilized, the control system 200 may control the UV light regulator 120 to direct UV light from the UV light source 160 to the room region 50.

[0086] The control system 200 in the illustrated embodiment may also be operable to direct the operation of the visible light module 180. For example, the control system 200 may incorporate a driver circuit to provide power to one or more light sources (e.g., LEDs) of the visible light module 180. As another example, the control system 200 may include a communication interface (e.g., I2C or SPI) operable to communicate commands to a driver circuit incorporated in the visible light module 180 to control the provision of power to the one or more light sources. In one embodiment, a room having an air treatment and surface sterilization system may modulate the visible light with an ID to communicate this ID to other sterilization systems and assets in the room.

[0087] The control system 200 may include any and all electrical circuits and components for performing the functions and algorithms described herein. In general, the control system 200 may include one or more microcontrollers, microprocessors, and / or other programmable electronics programmed to perform the functions described herein. The control system 200 may additionally or alternatively include other electronic components that are programmed to perform the functions described herein or that support the microcontrollers, microprocessors, and / or other electronics. The other electronic components include, but are not limited to, one or more field programmable gate arrays, systems on chips, volatile or non-volatile memory, discrete circuits, integrated circuits, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and / or other hardware, software, or firmware. Such components may be physically configured in any suitable manner, such as mounted on one or more circuit boards, and may be combined into a single unit, distributed across multiple units, or otherwise arranged. Such components may be physically distributed in different locations within the light fixture 100 or may reside in a common location within the light fixture 100. When physically distributed, the components may communicate using any suitable serial or parallel communication protocol, such as, but not limited to, CAN, LIN, FireWire, I2C, RS-232, RS-485, and Universal Serial Bus (USB). In one embodiment, a control system specific to a device (e.g., light fixture 100) can also interact with a cloud-based control system to receive or send additional inputs obtained from external systems (e.g., other light fixtures or sterilization systems or environmental systems, or any combination thereof) to provide a larger view and awareness of the entire environment. The cloud-based control system can also directly control the equipment based on additional protocols and information obtained from sensor data, etc.

[0088] In one embodiment, the light fixture 100 may be operable to fit within current ceiling openings used for tiles and lighting fixtures. The light fixture 100 may have a common visible light component and be operable to be retrofitted in place of existing conventional light fixtures. The light fixture 100 may include UV lighting aspects (e.g., UVC lighting) as described herein. The UV lighting may be provided within a reactor, such as a treatment chamber, that sterilizes the air at a targeted dosage. The UV lighting aspects may include a UV-C reactor vessel and a reflector having a UV projection area. The UV light may be directed, in one embodiment, by a precision, multi-piece reflector system that directs the UV light within a narrow opening through an offset opening and out of the light fixture 100 to provide a UV dosage on a ceiling or another target surface. This reflector and baffle system may be configured to limit human exposure to the UV light while providing a thin plane of light that travels along the target surface.

[0089] In one embodiment, the light fixture 100 may include an air treatment system that includes a reactor and UV light source separate from the reactor and UV light source provided for surface sterilization of a target surface. Alternatively, the light fixture 100 may include a transparent film or light-transmitting element that allows light to pass through but not air. The light-transmitting element may allow a UV light source of the air treatment system or surface sterilization system to be used to both power the air sterilization reactor and to power the surface sterilization system (e.g., a surface treatment reflector system).

[0090] In one embodiment, airflow is changed by HVAC and door pressurizing the room. A system according to one embodiment may measure airflow and adjust UV germicidal intensity relative to a table with a chart of flow rate vs. intensity dosage. A control system may adjust the duration of the higher flow rate and may track changes in flow rate over time and transmit that data to an external device. In one embodiment, information obtained from pressure and / or HVAC sensors may provide data regarding flow path and potential contamination times and events. In a hospital environment, sensor information such as pressure and / or HVAC sensor information may allow tracking of door opening and closing times and changes in areas adjacent to the sterile zone.

[0091] In one embodiment, an air treatment system with surface disinfection and air disinfection is provided. The system may include a hinged LED light fixture, a lamp or light source, and a reactor system for treating particles with UV light (e.g., UVC light). The air treatment reactor may include a fan, a UVC reactor, and a HEPA filter at the input. The air treatment system may include a particle sensor capable of sensing skin and dust particles. The air treatment system may monitor the timing of the lamp(s) life and filter life. The system may be networked and capable of communicating information such as end of life data and sensor and room data to external devices. This data may include temperature, air pressure, light level, air flow, filter end of life, lamp end of life, installation and replacement date, total hours used, hours used since last filter, lamp replacement, when to open the unit for service, number of times the light source is used each day and night, etc. The light sensor may be used to detect daylight or room light levels. The light level may be set as a threshold so as not to disturb the patient when the room is dark. The floor may be treated between the use of the light portion and daylight. Additionally, information obtained from one or more daylight sensors can be used as the basis for energy conservation controls, as well as understanding daylight patterns and adjusting operation based on such daylight patterns.

[0092] It should be noted that in one embodiment, the light fixture 100 may be opened for servicing. For example, the visible light module 180 may be rotated out of the way to gain access to and replace the UV light source 160.

[0093] II. Control System As described herein, an embodiment of the light fixture 100 may include a control system 200 configured to control the operation of the light fixture 100 and its components. An embodiment of the control system 200 is shown in FIG. 2. In one embodiment, the control system 200 may be configured as an Internet-of-Things ("IOT") hub or node in a network, as described herein. In one embodiment, the control system 200 may be operable to detect and identify a location for a terminal cleaning device.

[0094] The control system 200 may include power management capabilities and an optional battery management system for safety and emergency purposes. One or more sensors may be provided to detect conditions within the room for general data use and analysis, and to help inform the system control of events and conditions for response. The system may include an industrial automation interface for control and energy management. The control system may include a UVC sensor to understand dose and time for air reaction devices and surface treatments. Power management may include one or more of the following operations: delayed off, intermittent cycle scheduling, dimming, power monitoring and accounting, and on / off control.

[0095] The control system 200 in the illustrated embodiment includes a UV light power source 232 (e.g., a UV-C power source) that allows for UV intensity control and contact time control. The UV light source 160 may be any UV light source capable of generating UV light at a target intensity, including UV-C light at a target intensity. The UV light power source 232 may be capable of controlling the current and / or voltage provided to the UV light source 160 and may provide such power in a variety of ways. For example, the UV light power source 232 may provide power directly to the UV light source 160 via wires, or the UV light power source 232 may provide power wirelessly to the UV light source 160. In a wireless configuration, the UV light power source 232 may include a primary power source capable of wirelessly transmitting power, and the UV light source 160 may include a secondary power source capable of receiving the wirelessly transmitted power.

[0096] The control system 200 of this embodiment may include a controller 236 that may perform various functions related to the operation of the light fixture 100. The controller may be a low current microprocessor configured on a regulated rail. The microprocessor may be configured to monitor temperature (e.g., ambient temperature, source temperature, and local microprocessor temperature), accelerometer values, voltage and current sensors, and any other suitable sensors for use in conjunction with the microprocessor, or any combination thereof. The microprocessor module may also enable external communication and interfacing.

[0097] In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 236 is coupled to a sensor system 224 that provides various sensor inputs to the control system 200, such as PIR sensors, motion sensors, capacitive touch sensors, accelerometers, temperature sensors, and may provide an interface for an RFID reader 226. Data collected by these sensors assists in controlling the operation of the control system 200 and in collecting data related to tracking infection-related events. The contact sensing aspect of one embodiment allows for contact events to be used to trigger activation of the UV source to interrupt a disinfection cycle and provide valuable data in making dynamic adjustments to UV parameters such as cycle time and UV source intensity. The PIR sensor in one embodiment may allow for heat and motion tracking. Additionally or alternatively, capacitive contact sensing may allow for tracking touches of grab handles and non-switch surfaces.

[0098] The sensor system 224 in one embodiment may include a particle sensor capable of sensing information about particles present in the air external or internal, or both, to the process chamber 110. The control system 200 may alter operation based on the particle information obtained from the particle sensor.

[0099] In one embodiment, the control system 200 may also be coupled to a cloud system, as described herein as a cloud-based control system 3602. The cloud system 3602 may take multiple particle sensor readings for the environment and dictate fan speeds and on times to treat particulate dust within a larger environment of multiple devices in a connected pathogen reduction system (e.g., multiple airborne pathogen reduction systems).

[0100] The controller 236 in one embodiment may monitor the current and voltage of the power supplied to the UV light source 160 and may determine whether the current and / or voltage are within a preset range for proper operation and lamp diagnostics. The UV light source 160 may exhibit an open circuit, a short circuit, or an impedance change that causes a different operating voltage. The controller 236 may identify such conditions based on the current and / or voltage and transmit information regarding such conditions as a service request to a remote network component, such as a network server on the cloud. In one embodiment, the UV light power source 232 monitors the current and voltage to the UV light source 160 and feeds the information back to the controller 236. The controller 236 may also include volatile and / or non-volatile storage memory. For example, the controller 236 may include a flash memory.

[0101] In one embodiment, the UV light source 160 and the control system 200 have integrated RFID capabilities. An RFID tag 238 located on the UV light source 160 allows the controller 236 to uniquely identify the UV light source 160 using the RFID reader 226. This allows the control system 200 to properly verify the UV light source 160 and transfer new thresholds (e.g., operating current and / or voltage and other operating parameters) to the controller 236 for the particular UV light source 160 connected to the light fixture 100. These thresholds may vary by manufacturer or lamp age and may change over time as the controller 236 adapts and learns the operating parameters of the UV light source 160.

[0102] The UV light power supply 232 in one embodiment includes an amplifier circuit, and the amplifier gain is changed to increase or decrease the intensity of the UV light source 160. The amplifier can change the voltage applied to the UV light power supply 232 to within an acceptable threshold. Note that operating at a higher threshold or near the upper end of the voltage range of the UV light source 160 can adversely affect the life of the UV light source 160. The operating intensity threshold, operating range, or other operating conditions of the UV light source 160 can also be pushed to and stored on the RFID tag 238. For example, the time at each intensity level may be useful for the controller 236 to accumulate the time at each intensity of the UV light source 160 to enable a total life calculation. This information may be associated with the RFID tag 238 of the UV light source 160 so that if the UV light source 160 is made into another light fixture 100, the light fixture 100 will know the operating parameters and end of life associated with the UV light source 160.

[0103] The controller 236 may be able to control the UV power output by regulating and applying power to the UV light source 160 at controlled intervals. This allows for dynamic handling and compensation for frequent foot traffic in and out of the room area 50. Operating at full intensity is often not ideal as it will impact the lifespan of the UV light source 160. At lower intensity operation, a longer duration "on" cycle time (or dosage time) may be targeted to obtain sufficient disinfection, as shown in Figures 14 and 15.

[0104] Dynamic control is utilized to instantaneously increase dose during busy times. Running averages of busy times and target dose changes can be pre-programmed and then the controller 236 can dynamically modify these as the recurrence of presence changes with respect to the room region 50. This can be dictated locally by the control means 200 or by a cloud interface via a communication protocol.

[0105] An example of an algorithm includes first having a target dose set. Each light fixture 100 may store the target dose, for example, in the form of intensity level and contact time at a calibrated distance relative to the room area 50. A communication interface 220 of the control system 200 may be provided to receive information from and transmit information to external electronic devices. For example, the communication interface 220 may include a USB interface 242 (or other wired communication interface such as Ethernet or RS-232) or a BTLE interface (or other wireless communication interface) that may be configured to allow an external electronic device, such as a smartphone, tablet computer, or other mobile electronic device, to automatically write UV parameters and other related values ​​to the control system 200.

[0106] In some applications, the UV light source 160 is fixed at a specific distance from the target germicidal surface and a UV-C intensity meter is used to guarantee the dose at that interval. This can be used to ensure that all equipment is calibrated to a preset standard. Some UV light sources 160 are manufactured from glass, not quartz, and do not emit UV-C. This type of quality and output calibration can be used in the field and in production facilities. The OEMs who manufacture the equipment can guarantee proper mounting configurations across many mounting options and distances, with Go-No-Go answers for performance limits. The expected lamp life will dynamically change once these minimum intensities are set. Aging rates can be added to these numbers to account for source degradation over the expected source life. The chart in Figure 13 shows a typical curve calculated for a dynamic dose curve. The dose data versus output may be first defined and measured in the laboratory, stored, averaged over the life, and then verified on the surface by testing. Note that the range or intensity span may be set and designed for the optimal life of the UV light source 160, and is often over-designed. The start calibration value includes a span of intensity, which sets the range of time allowed and may be limited by UV light exposure limits, such as a line of sight threshold. In the illustrated case, the threshold is set by the OSHA standard for UV-C contact and exposure.

[0107] In some applications, additional security-related components may be provided in the control system 200. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 5, a crypto chip 244 is included to provide a unique ID for each unit. Other mechanisms may be provided to identify each light fixture 100. Security may also be supplemented with a security token or SSID stored in non-volatile memory set by the installer through a BTLE or USB program for the WiFi interface. This crypto chip 244 may be provided for additional security measures and may be configured to create a sterilization and room utilization tracking device that may have security conditions deemed sufficient to be written directly into the electronic medical record.

[0108] In one embodiment, the communication interface 220 of the control system 200 has BTLE and / or mesh capabilities. The mesh network can be Zigbee or BACNet to meet certain regulatory requirements or hospital specifications. In extreme monitoring solutions, a cellular module 286 is used to communicate data to an external device (e.g., the cloud) as an alternative source of information collection. As shown, the control system 200 may include a transceiver and antenna matching circuit 228 coupled to corresponding antennas 252, 250, 254, and a cellular module 286. The controller 236 may also have ports to allow for oriented wired connections using, for example, USB, Ethernet, and RS-232 protocols.

[0109] In some applications, the control system 200 may have the ability to operate on battery power. A battery version may have a battery 248 that provides the power source 152 for the light fixture 100. Battery-based systems may be rechargeable in a variety of ways, including wired and wireless charging configurations. The battery may be sized according to the amount of UV light and interval, and may be connected to a charging device or may be directly rechargeable. It may also have various indicators to provide feedback to the user.

[0110] As mentioned above, the UV light source 160 (e.g., a UV-C lamp) may have an RFID tag 238 and the control system 200 may have an RFID reader 226 to understand when the UV light source 160 has reached the end of its useful life to encourage proper use and maintenance. The UV light source 160 often has a lifespan based on a number of hours due to the nature of UV light, including UV-C light, being self-destructive. The control system 200 may track the "on time" of the lamp, for example, via the controller 236, by reading from and writing to memory resident on the RFID tag 238. The control system 200 may adjust the actual "on time" by a correlation factor to compensate for the lamp intensity. For example, the control system 200 may increment the lamp life counter less than the actual "on time" for operation that occurs when the lamp intensity decreases and may increment the lamp life counter more than the actual "on time" for operation when the lamp intensity increases. The correlation coefficient (or intensity adjustment coefficient) may be provided by the lamp manufacturer, may be determined through testing of the UV light source 160, or may be estimated based on past experience.

[0111] The communication interface 220 of the control system 200 may also include USB and Power over Ethernet ("POE") circuitry 237, allowing use without additional power cord requirements for the device. In one embodiment, the power management circuitry 239 may allow input from various voltages and power generation sources allowing flexible power adaptation. For example, the power management circuitry 239 may pass AC power so that the host device portion is not disturbed. If the light fixture 100 is embedded in other electronic devices, the power management circuitry 239 may allow the light fixture 100 to draw power from the host electronic device's power source as the power source 152. A single outlet may be used to avoid potential confusion when plugging in devices. The power management circuitry 239 may be operable to provide power from various sources including wireless, USB, DC, and battery sources. In one embodiment, the power regulation is performed in a buck-boost manner to provide an energy harvested power source that generates a regulated power source when voltages are generated by the various power sources.

[0112] The control system 200 in the illustrated embodiment may include a regulator circuit 246 configured to facilitate operation of the UV light regulator 120. The regulator circuit 246 may include a motor controller and a sensor circuit. The motor controller and sensor circuit may drive and monitor the motor RPM of the one or more fans. The motor controller may control the speed of the one or more fans, such as by adjusting the duty cycle of a PWM drive signal provided to the one or more fans. The sensor circuit may monitor the current against a target value and / or range of current associated with a target RPM of the one or more fans.

[0113] The regulator circuit 246 may also include a UV light regulator sensor circuit 256, which in the illustrated embodiment is shown separate from the regulator circuit 246 but may be incorporated therein.

[0114] As discussed herein, the motor controller of the regulator circuit 246 may be operable to control the amount of UV light directed into the room region 50 of the room. The motor controller may be a DC motor controller operable to provide power to drive a motor of the UV light regulator 120, which may move a movable component of the UV light regulator 120 to selectively increase or decrease the amount of UV light directed into the room region 50.

[0115] The UV light regulator sensor circuit 256 may be operable to provide feedback indicative of at least one of a position of a movable component and an amount of UV light directed into the room region 50. For example, the UV light regulator sensor circuit 256 may include a UV-C light sensor operable to provide a value indicative of an intensity of UV-C light directed into the room region 50. The intensity value can assist in determining positioning of the movable components of the UV light regulator 120 to achieve a target level of UV light applied to the room region 50. The UV light regulator sensor circuit 256, in one embodiment, may include an encoder (e.g., an optical encoder) that indicates a position of a motor shaft or a movable component, thereby indicating the amount of UV light being applied to the room region 50.

[0116] In one embodiment, as discussed herein, the control system 200 may include a room sensor interface 255 operably coupled to the controller 236. The room sensor interface 255 may be configured to provide feedback indicating whether the room area 50 (potentially the entire area of ​​the room) is being utilized by one or more people. The room sensor interface 255 may be configured to count people or track the number of people in the room area 50. Alternatively, feedback from the room sensor interface 255 may be used by a controller separate from the room sensor interface 255 to count people or track the number of people in the room 50.

[0117] In the illustrated embodiment, the control system 200 may use feedback from the room sensor interface 255 to determine whether to direct UV light into the room region 50 or to discontinue providing UV light into the room region 50.

[0118] It is understood that the room sensor interface 255 may be an external device, separate from the control system 200, capable of communicating information indicative of the presence of one or more people in the room. For example, the room sensor interface 255 may be a motion sensor (e.g., a PIR sensor) capable of sensing the presence of one or more people in the room or room region 50. The motion sensor may communicate wirelessly with the control system 200 or with an intermediary device that may relay user information to the control system 200. Additionally or alternatively, the room sensor interface 255 may include a switch coupled to the door of the room to indicate whether the room is open or closed, and this information may be used as an indication of whether the UV light source 160 can be activated to sterilize the room region 50. For example, if the door is determined to be open, activation of the UV light source 160 may be prevented to avoid leakage of UV light outside the room region 50.

[0119] Control system 200 may include a visible light driver 245, separate from or in visible light module 180, to facilitate directing operation of the visible light source. Visible light driver 245 in the illustrated embodiment may also include a user interface (e.g., an ON / OFF switch, a brightness adjuster, and a color adjuster) operable to allow a user to control operation of the visible light source. For example, a user may utilize the user interface to direct visible light driver 245 to increase or decrease the color temperature of the visible light source. Visible light driver 245 may include a controlled current source and / or a controlled voltage source to power the visible light source according to a target operating mode of the visible light source.

[0120] III. UV light regulator A UV light regulator 120 according to one embodiment is shown in closed and open positions in Figures 3A-B. The UV light regulator 120 may be operable to selectively control the amount of UV light directed into a room from a germicidal light source, such as UV light source 160. The UV light regulator 120 may include one or more openings 124 that are selectively transparent to UV light. Each of the one or more openings 124 may be an operable window that is transparent to UV light and adjustable in size. The window may allow gas or air to pass through or may include a UV light transmissive material (e.g., glass) that allows UV light to pass through but not gas or air.

[0121] In the illustrated embodiment, the UV light regulator 120 includes a fixed element 121 having a number of fixed windows 125 that are UV light transmissive and optionally air permeable. The UV light regulator 120 may also include a movable element 123 having a number of movable windows 127 that are UV light transmissive and optionally air permeable. Each of the fixed windows 125 may be associated with one of the movable windows 127, which together form an opening 124 with a variable size window.

[0122] The movable element 123 in one embodiment slides laterally relative to the fixed element 121 to vary the overlap between each fixed window 125 and the associated movable window 127. The degree or amount of overlap sets the size of the opening 124 (e.g., between a fully closed position as shown in FIG. 3C and a fully open position as shown in FIG. 3D).

[0123] In the illustrated embodiment, the motor may be coupled to a pinion gear 129 that interfaces with a rack gear 128 of the movable element 123 to facilitate lateral movement of the movable element 123. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to a pinion and rack gear arrangement for moving the movable element 123, and that any type of mechanism may be provided to facilitate movement of the movable element 123.

[0124] An alternative embodiment of the UV light regulator 120 is shown in FIG. 8 and includes similarly configured components designated with the same reference numbers followed by "'". The UV light regulator 120' includes a fixed element 121' and a movable element 123' in the form of a rotatable disk having a plurality of movable windows 127' that move relative to the fixed windows 125' such that the overlap between the movable windows 127' and the fixed windows 125' defines an opening 124' having a variable size, thereby allowing the amount of UV light directed through the UV light regulator 120 to be controlled. The center of the movable element 123' may be coupled to a motor to facilitate rotation of the movable element 123' in response to rotation of a shaft of the motor. The UV light regulator 120' in the illustrated embodiment may rotate continuously without stopping to control the amount of UV light directed through the UV light regulator 120 into the room region 50.

[0125] As discussed herein, the light fixture 100 may include a UV light sensor circuit 256. In one embodiment, the UV light sensor circuit 256 may include a UV sensor that is responsive to UV-C light and capable of providing a sensor output indicative of the intensity of the UV-C light received by the UV sensor. The UV light sensor of the UV light sensor circuit 256 may be positioned downstream relative to the UV light regulator 120 such that it does not substantially sense UV-C light from the UV light source 160 when the UV light regulator 120 is closed.

[0126] The UV light sensor circuit 256 may include multiple UV light sensors in one embodiment. For example, a first UV sensor may be located downstream of the UV light regulator 120 and a second UV sensor may be located upstream of the UV light regulator 120. In this manner, a measurement of the amount of UV light from the UV light source 160 may be obtained without adjustment. In other words, the UV light sensor circuit 256 may indicate the total amount of light available for adjustment by the UV light regulator 120, and knowing this total amount is useful in diagnostics and in controlling at least one of the UV light source 160 and the UV light regulator 120. For example, the control system 200 may increase or decrease the UV light output from the UV light source 160 based on the output from the second UV light sensor upstream of the UV light regulator 120.

[0127] In one embodiment, the control system 200 may compare the sensor outputs from the first and second UV sensors to determine control parameters for the UV light regulator 120. For example, the control system 200 may adjust at least one of an operating parameter of the UV light source 160 (e.g., increase or decrease the output intensity) and the amount of light directed by the UV light regulator 120 from the UV light source 160 to the room 50. The room may be, for example, a room in a house, a car cabin, an elevator, a train compartment, a bathroom, or any other enclosed space.

[0128] In one embodiment, the UV light sensor circuit 256 may include multiple UV sensors disposed at stages of the UV light regulator 120. As discussed herein, the UV light regulator 120 may include multiple stages of UV light control. For example, the UV light regulator 120 may include a first UV light regulator, such as the structure shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 3A-3D, and a second UV light regulator capable of directing UV light received from the first light regulator and controlling the amount of received UV light transmitted downstream of the second UV light regulator. For example, the second UV light regulator may be similar to the structure shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 8 or may be a structure capable of controlling the amount of UV light directed downstream of any type of UV light regulator or structure described herein. The UV light sensors of the UV light sensor circuit 256 may be disposed after each stage of the UV light regulator, including downstream of the first UV light regulator and downstream of the second UV light regulator.

[0129] Alternatively or additionally, the UV light regulator 120 may include a door 122 pivotable from a closed position 135 to an open position 137. This configuration according to one embodiment is shown in Figures 6 and 7. In the closed position 135, the door 122 substantially prevents UV light from the light fixture 100 from being directed into the room region 50. And in the open position 137, the door 122 may direct UV light from the light fixture 100 into the room region 50. The door 122 in one embodiment may be provided instead of or in addition to the fixed element 121 and the movable element 123. For example, the fixed element 121 and the movable element 123 described in connection with the illustrated embodiment of Figures 3A-D may be a first UV light regulator, and the door 122 may be a second UV light regulator downstream of the first UV light regulator.

[0130] 6 and 7, and as discussed herein, the UV light regulator 120 may be operable to control the transmission of UV light from the UV light source 160 to block it from being directed into the room region 50 based on the room occupancy status in the control system 200 indicating that the room region 50 is occupied. The UV light regulator 120 may be operable to direct a controlled amount of UV light from the UV light source 160 into the room region 50 based on the room occupancy status and the control system 200 indicating that the room region 50 is not occupied.

[0131] As discussed herein, the light fixture 100 may include a visible light module 180 operable to provide visible light to the room region 50. The visible light module 180 may be operable by the control system 200 to provide visible light based on a visible light command (e.g., based on an input from a light switch associated with the room region or a room occupancy status indicating that the room is being occupied). Additionally or alternatively, the visible light module 180 may be operable to provide visible light to the room region 50 based on whether the UV light regulator 120 is providing UV light from the UV light source 160 to the room region 50.

[0132] IV. Sterilization System A sterilization system according to one embodiment is shown in Figure 4 and generally designated 300. The sterilization system 300 may include a light fixture 100 according to one embodiment described herein and a number of remote sterilization units 310. The light fixture 100 may be a main unit 320 of the sterilization system 300, although the disclosure is not so limited. For example, the light fixture 100 may be a remote sterilization unit 310 in one embodiment.

[0133] The sterilization system 300 may include the light fixture 100 with additional networked sterilization systems that treat other areas of the room and share treatment sequences and data. The light in the room may be modulated to include the identity of the light fixture 100 and may communicate encrypted information. Other devices on the network, such as keyboards, input devices, surface treatment devices, floor treatment devices, etc., may also work in conjunction with the light fixture 100 to decontaminate the room area 50. This sterilization system 300 may operate to detect environmental service personnel when cleaning, and detect assets, people, and other equipment within the room area 50. The identity may enable association with devices for control, control sequences and protocols to obtain analytics, and in-room tracking of sterilization within the network and within the local room.

[0134] In the illustrated embodiment, the primary unit 320 is operable to control and monitor a plurality of remote germicidal units 310. In this embodiment, the germicidal control system 300 includes a primary unit 320 including a UV light source, a control circuit capable of controlling the operation of the UV light source in the primary unit 320, and the remote germicidal unit 310. The primary unit 320 in the illustrated embodiment is a light fixture 100 including a control system 200, a UV light source 160, a UV light regulator 120, a power source 152, a switch 154, an air inlet 112, and an air outlet 114. The light fixture 100 may be configured differently in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. For example, the light fixture 100 may include a door 122 operable as a UV light regulator 120 instead of or in addition to the movable and fixed elements 121, 123.

[0135] In the illustrated embodiment of the sterilization system 300, the remote sterilization unit 310 is controlled by the primary unit 320 via a communication system 340. The communication system 340 may be a wired or wireless network system or a combination thereof. For example, the communication system 340 may include a wired Ethernet communication system and / or a Wi-Fi network.

[0136] As another example, the communication system 340 may be based on modulated light, including modulated UV light 330 as depicted in the illustrated embodiment. The modulated UV light 330 may include encoded data that can be extracted and processed by one or more of the remote sterilization units 310. The remote sterilization units 310 may include a UV light sensor capable of detecting the modulated UV light 330 and communication circuitry capable of decoding data from the modulated UV light 330.

[0137] In one embodiment, the remote sterilization unit 310 may be operable to sense the presence or absence of UV light from the primary unit 320. In this configuration, the modulated UV light 330 may be replaced with unmodulated UV light from the primary unit 320. The remote sterilization unit 310 may be operable to sense such unmodulated UV light and, in response to sensing the presence of unmodulated UV light, to generate UV light for sterilization purposes.

[0138] In one embodiment, the remote sterilization units 310 are configured to direct UV light 312 into a room region. The remote sterilization units 310 may be in the same room or in different rooms and may direct UV light to overlapping regions of the room, or any combination thereof. The remote sterilization units 310 may include one or more UV light sources 360 capable of generating UV light and configured similarly to the UV light sources 160 described herein in connection with the light fixture 100. The remote sterilization units 310 may include a control system 314 capable of directing the operation of the remote sterilization units 310, such as controlling the UV light output from the UV light sources 360. In one embodiment, one or more or all of the remote sterilization units 310 may be light fixtures 100 as described herein. For example, the remote sterilization units 310 may be capable of treating air via UV light in the air treatment chamber 110. One or more aspects of the light fixture 100 described herein may not be present in the remote sterilization units 310. For example, the remote sterilization unit 310 may not include the air treatment chamber 110, or the UV light regulator 120. As another example, the remote sterilization unit 310 may not include the visible light module 180.

[0139] In one embodiment, the remote sterilization units 310 may be separately powered via separate connections to a shared power source (e.g., a building's utility power). Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the remote sterilization units 310 may each be powered from a separate power source, such as a battery.

[0140] In one embodiment, the remote sterilization unit 310 may be powered via a bus or multiple power supply lines provided in a cable harness. Optionally, the cable harness may include communication and / or control wires that form part of the communication system 340.

[0141] The remote sterilization unit 310 in conjunction with the primary unit 320 may be operable to provide UV light to the room area 50 from different angles in one embodiment. In this way, complex surfaces provided within the room area 50, such as surfaces provided by furniture, can receive UV light for sterilization purposes. Activation or operation of the UV light sources 160, 360 of the remote sterilization unit 310 and the primary unit 320 facilitates cooperative sterilization of the room area 50. The use of multiple heads with one control (e.g., the primary unit 320) can reduce costs and sterilize larger, more complex surfaces. For example, different UV sources can be directed to different areas with complex surfaces, helping to ensure that the entire surface is properly sterilized.

[0142] It should be noted that the remote sterilization unit 310 may be located in various locations in the room. For example, the remote sterilization unit 310 may be provided as an appliance in the room. Additionally or alternatively, the remote sterilization unit 310 may be provided in one or more objects in the room, such as a vitals monitor, an infusion pump, a visible light lamp, or a keyboard. These objects may include a remote sterilization unit 310 that may be activated in response to a command provided from the primary unit 320 via the communication system 340. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the primary unit 320 may transmit a coded signal via the modulated UV light 330 to the remote sterilization unit 310 to activate or operate the UV light source 360 ​​to generate UV light 312 for sterilization of the room area 50 or another surface provided in the room (e.g., an inner surface or a hidden surface of the keyboard).

[0143] In one embodiment, multiple UV light sources (e.g., a primary unit 320 and one or more remote sterilization units 310) can be used in coordination to clean hard-to-reach areas. A whole room end-of-line cleaning system can use swept high intensity UV light to clean a room. The amount of time determined to provide a target dose can be reduced compared to a traditional single light source system. Additionally or alternatively, the systems can utilize UV ​​sterilization for specific areas or devices, such as multiple high touch areas, in coordination with each other and / or one or more light fixtures 100. Air sterilization may also be provided to achieve even greater sterilization effectiveness. In one embodiment, assets may be identified with a room, allowing for a determination as to when end-of-line cleaning is being used, and logging cleaning activity over the network for sterilization times of units being used, and deep cleaning. stomach It can clean in concert with any other devices in the room for a cleaning cycle.

[0144] In one embodiment, one or more remote germicidal units 310 may be positioned to direct UV light 312 toward a floor of a room in a manner that is parallel or converging with the floor of the room. For example, the remote germicidal unit 310 may be a floorboard germicidal fixture that can direct light toward the floor from a wall adjacent to the floor or parallel to the floor. Such a configuration can be seen in the illustrated embodiment of Figures 6 and 7.

[0145] In one embodiment, the remote sterilization unit 310 may be operable to communicate information to the primary unit 320 and / or another external device via the communication system 340. The information communicated by the remote sterilization unit 310 may include status information, such as whether UV light 312 is being provided from the UV light source 360, the duration and / or intensity of the UV light 312, and the time associated with the provision of the UV light 312. This information allows tracking of the sterilization status for one or more areas or objects in a room.

[0146] For example, an object may not be permanently located in a room, but may be movable to another room. The object may or may not include a remote sterilization unit 310. In one embodiment, the object may include tracking circuitry that can facilitate identification of whether the object is in a room, the time of entry, and the time of exit. This information allows tracking of the sterilization dose (e.g., duration and time, dose strength) for the object. In this manner, the sterilization system 300 may determine whether the object is sterilized and therefore permitted to be moved from one room to another. If the object is determined to be insufficiently sterilized, the sterilization system 300 may indicate that the object should not be moved, and potentially sterilization may be prioritized for the room in which the object is located to allow for the object to be moved in response to a request for movement. In one embodiment, if the object is moved, sterilization may be prioritized in the new room to which the object is moved. The tracking circuitry may include a Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE) transceiver that can communicate with BTLE circuitry located in the room, potentially in the primary unit 320.

[0147] The object and / or the remote sterilization unit 310 may include one or more sensors that can detect contact with or from a user or other objects in the room. This information may be communicated to the sterilization system 300 and used as a basis for determining when and for how long to perform a sterilization process. As an example, if a keyboard indicates that it has been touched by a user within the past hour and the sterilization system 300 determines that no one is in the room, the UV light source 360 ​​on the keyboard and / or one or more other UV light sources 160, 360 in the room may be activated for a sterilization process. Contact between objects may also be identified, such as contact between one or more medical instruments and a surgical tray in the room, and used as a criterion for determining whether to schedule a sterilization process for one or both of the objects or the rooms in which the objects are located. In one example, contact between two or more objects may indicate an activity (e.g., surgery) that has occurred in the room, and a sterilization process may be scheduled based on identifying that an activity has occurred.

[0148] In one embodiment, the system 300 may monitor activity in a room via sensor feedback or communication from one or more devices. For example, when an HVAC enters a room, a change in flow may occur. These changes may stir up dust and other contaminants. The system 300 may increase air treatment in response to the HVAC being turned on to enhance disinfection of dust and other contaminants. The system 300 may sense air flow, movement, and activity in the room to respond to potential contaminants in the room.

[0149] In one embodiment, the control system 200 of the light fixture 100 may include driver circuits for the UV light source 160 or the visible light module 180, or both, under the control of the controller 236. The driver circuits may be lamp drivers driven by the PWM output of the controller 236. The UV light and / or visible light provide a data signal by generating pulses or gaps in the light that are sensed by devices in proximity to the light fixture 100. This communication technique is utilized by UVC lighting or general visible lighting. Signaling via UVC light may be utilized to control or coordinate other germicidal devices (e.g., remote germicidal device 310).

[0150] The use of driver circuits or digital ballasts controlled by the controller 236 allows for defining and utilizing source intensities controlled by PWM control methods. The time for treatment during movement in the room may be tracked. Accumulators may be utilized to track the average time between movements. Treatment in the room during various sensor outputs may provide a profile of movement for each of the various sensors and systems. Cleaning of the room may be coordinated, for example, to trigger floor and ceiling treatments may be initiated. In one embodiment, the air treatment system of the light fixture 100 may be constantly running during deep cycle sterilization to aid the sterilization process by increasing reactor strength and fan speed. When the system 300 detects environmental services (cleaning) or higher movement in the room (e.g., a patient with special needs), it may increase the airflow for air treatment and increase reactor strength.

[0151] In one embodiment, a device ID may be associated with the light fixture 100 as the main unit 320. This device ID allows the device to synchronize to the pulses or patterns encoded in the light (e.g., UV light and / or visible light). The association between the device ID and the light fixture 100 can be flagged on a network-based communication system (e.g., a cloud messaging system) through which the light fixture 100 and the remote sterilization unit 310 communicate. The remote sterilization unit 310, sensing the light pattern from the light fixture 100, can be associated with the light fixture 100 and its device ID. The generation of a particular detectable pattern may be microprocessor controlled and programmable to be enabled by motion, BTLE beacons, WiFi links, remote network sensors, or messages, or a combination thereof.

[0152] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 12, a sterilization system according to one embodiment is provided and generally designated 500. The sterilization system 500 may include a video and image processing circuit 510 operably coupled to a utilization tracking and decision processing circuit 512. A tracking and room statistics circuit 514 may provide information to the utilization tracking and decision processing circuit 512. A communication interface 516, such as Ethernet, direct wired control communication BTLE, Wi-Fi, RF, or IR, or a combination thereof, may be operably coupled to one or more sensors 518 (e.g., door or bed sensors) and provide information to the utilization tracking and decision processing circuit 512. The communication interface 516 may directly couple the sterilization system 500 to a room control system or may remotely couple to another system configured to monitor and control the room.

[0153] The video images of the sterilization system 500 may utilize optical and infrared to track body counts, movement, and occupancy sensing. The optical processor may identify images of any body size and is calibrated for anything from babies to adults, as well as body temperature. The system may also include audio sensors and a processor to recognize events and record these for statistical analysis and occupancy. Bodies are counted for statistical event counts as well as patients. These images are differentiated by profile and tracked to beds / bathrooms etc.

[0154] V. UV reflector In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a light fixture is provided for directing light towards surfaces in a room. Such a light fixture, according to one embodiment, is shown in Figures 5 and 9-11 and is generally designated 400. The light fixture 400 may be incorporated into a sterilization system 300' similar to the sterilization system 300 described herein, except that the light fixture 400 may be provided in addition to or instead of the light fixture 100.

[0155] It should be noted that the sterilization system 300, in one embodiment, includes a communication system 340 that utilizes UV light, optionally modulated UV light 330, to communicate with the remote sterilization unit 310. The communication system 340 may alternatively or additionally communicate with the remote sterilization unit 310 using visible light 430, as depicted in the illustrated embodiment of Figure 5. Communication may be provided via visible light, by the presence or absence of visible light 430, or by modulating the visible light 430.

[0156] In one embodiment, light fixture 400 may be similar to light fixture 100 with some exceptions, including a reflector 464 operable to direct UV light 462 within a light field 469 .

[0157] Similar to the light fixture 100, the light fixture 400 may include an air inlet 412, a treatment chamber 410, and an air outlet 414, similar to the air inlet 112, the treatment chamber 110, and the air outlet 114, respectively. A fan 440, similar to the fan assembly 140, may flow air 492 through the air inlet 412 and through a filter 416 located near the air inlet 412. The air may be further directed through the air treatment chamber 410 and treated with UV light from a UV light source 460, which may be similar to the UV light source 160. The fan 440 may facilitate the exhaust of air 494 from the air outlet 414 via an air vent 418 after the air has been treated in the treatment chamber 410. The light fixture 400 may include a support member 450, similar to the support member 150, for supporting the light fixture 400 within the room region 50. The fan may monitor current and / or load and may be controlled by PWM. A change in pressure drop may be determined based on one or more operating conditions (e.g., PWM duty cycle, monitored current, or monitored load, or a combination thereof). Additionally, or alternatively, an end of life (EOF) indication may be determined based on the one or more operating conditions. Systems may include multiple fans and allow for comparison of data between fans to determine whether one or more operating conditions indicate a fluid problem or a fan problem.

[0158] In the illustrated embodiment, light fixture 400 includes a visible light module 480 that may be similar to visible light module 180 of light fixture 100. Similarly, light fixture 400 may include a control system 490, a power source 452, and a switch 454 that are similar to control system 200, power source 152, and switch 154, respectively.

[0159] The reflector 464 in the illustrated embodiment may be operable to direct light from the UV light source 460 to one or more light outlets 471, 472. The light outlets 471, 472 and / or the reflector 464 may be configured to direct light within a light region 469 towards a target surface 53, such as a ceiling or floor 55 in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 9-11. As described herein, the light region 469 may be defined by a boundary line 461 that is parallel to the target surface 53 (e.g., parallel to the ceiling) or may be defined by a boundary line 461 that converges to the target surface 53. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 11, the boundary line 461 is shown parallel to the target surface 53 such that a distance D, 467 between the boundary line 461 and the target surface 53 is substantially constant.

[0160] For purposes of disclosure, boundary line 461 is shown to have a distance D, 467 at a different angle from UV light 462 directed toward reflector 464 toward target surface 53 because light area 469 is located at a distance such that it is outside the area of ​​space that the head of a person standing in the room can occupy. For example, distance D, 467 may be less than 6 inches for an 8 foot ceiling such that a person standing in the room cannot place their head or eyes directly within light area 469.

[0161] As previously discussed, for purposes of disclosure, boundary line 461 is shown at a different angle than UV light 462 in the illustrated embodiment. Boundary line 461 in the illustrated embodiment may have an angle α, 466 with respect to target surface 53 such that boundary line 461 converges at target surface 53 from an intersection point located proximate light opening 471. In this manner, light field 469 is within a distance D, 467 from target surface 53. Additionally, reflector 464 may be positioned at angle β, 468 to direct UV light 462 into light field 469 defined by boundary line 461 and target surface 53.

[0162] In one embodiment, UV light 465 is directed from the UV light source 460 towards the reflector 464 and reflected towards the target surface 53, but may be within the light region 469. The UV light 465 may be directed through an outlet or opening 472 of the light fixture 400 that is permanently transparent to the UV light 465 but non-transparent to air. Alternatively, a UV light regulator according to one embodiment may control the transmission of the UV light 465 to the reflector 464. Additionally or alternatively, one or both of the air inlet 412 and the air outlet 414 may be utilized to direct the UV light 465 from the UV light source 460 to the reflector 464.

[0163] In one embodiment, the reflector and / or baffle of the light fixture 400 may be configured to transmit light in a plane parallel to the target surface 53 or converging with the target surface 53. The light fixture 400 may have a reflector 464 that reflects light from the UV light source 460 in a light region 469, taking a radian point from the lamp surface of the UV light source 460 and reflecting it along a parallel plane from a location closest to the UV light source 460 to a location farther from the UV light source 460. The actual pitch may focus the light to a more distant reach according to an inverse square law to achieve a target intensity and define a possible dosage at a target distance. The reflector 464 may distribute the light beam according to its proportions. Optionally, a chamber reflector 467 may be provided where the reflector 464 uses the output from the second portion of the UV light source 460 to selectively redistribute its partial energy again on a plane by reflecting it from the chamber reflector 467 to the reflector 464 in an attempt to homogenize the energy as related to the inverse square law.

[0164] It should be noted that light region 469 may be defined in conjunction with other light sources described herein, including a remote germicidal unit 310 as depicted in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 10. The remote germicidal unit 310 may be configured to direct its UV light output within a light region 469' defined by a boundary 461' that is parallel to or converges with a target surface 53', which in the illustrated embodiment is a floor. The boundary 461' may be at an angle α, 316 with respect to the target surface 53' such that the UV light 312 from the remote germicidal unit 310 is confined to the light region 469' and is no greater than a distance D, 317 with respect to the target surface 53'. In this manner, it is unlikely that a person in the room would position their head or eyes within the light region 469'.

[0165] In one embodiment, the parallel plane surface treatment used on the ceiling may be used to disinfect the floor. By limiting the parallel plane to a specific distance from the target surface 53', an inherent level of human protection is provided while still providing disinfection to hard to reach surfaces. In the illustrated embodiment, a person's eyes are not exposed to the UV light source unless they rest their head on the floor and look directly at the emitter surface. Given that this position is rare for people in most environments, such as in a hospital, such a sequence of events is considered an unlikely event. To further harden against accidental exposure of sensitive tissue to UV light, a system according to one embodiment may use motion, sound, and distance sensing, or a combination thereof, to detect or listen for motion or presence. If motion or presence is detected, a soiling flag may be set on the system and the UVC output may be disabled.

[0166] VI. Alternative light fixtures In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a light fixture for directing light towards a surface in a room is provided. Such a light fixture according to one embodiment is shown in Figures 16-28 and is generally designated 600. The light fixture 600 may be incorporated into a germicidal system similar to the germicidal system 300, 300' described herein, with the exception that the light fixture 600 may be provided in addition to or instead of the light fixture 100, 400. It will be understood that one or more aspects of the light fixture 600 may be incorporated into the light fixture 100, 400, and one or more aspects of the light fixture 100, 400 may be incorporated into the light fixture 600. It will also be understood that one or more aspects described in connection with the light fixture 100, 400, 600 may be absent, such that any subset of the features described in connection with the light fixture 100, 400, 600 may be utilized to form a light fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0167] A light fixture 600 according to one embodiment may be similar in many respects to the light fixture 100. Like the light fixture 100, the light fixture 600 may include an air inlet 612, a processing chamber 610, and an air outlet 614, similar to the air inlet 112, the processing chamber 110, and the air outlet 114, respectively. A fan assembly 640, similar to the fan assembly 140, may direct air 652 through the air inlet 612. The air may be directed through the processing chamber 610 and treated with UV light from a UV light source 660, which may be similar to the UV light source 160. The fan assembly 640 may facilitate the intake of air 652 through the air inlet 612 via the vent 616 and the exhaust of air 654 through the air outlet 614 via the vent 618 after the air has been treated in the processing chamber 610. In the illustrated embodiment, the fan assembly 640 includes four fans positioned in close proximity to each other and near the air outlet 614. The number and location of the fans may vary depending on the application.

[0168] The light fixture 600 may include a support member 650 similar to the support member 150 for supporting the light fixture 600 within the room area 50 .

[0169] The light fixture 600 in the illustrated embodiment may include one or more baffles 632 positioned proximate the air inlet 612 and the air outlet 614. The one or more baffles 632 may be similar to the one or more baffles 132 described in connection with the light fixture 100. For example, the one or more baffles 632 may be positioned to substantially prevent leakage of UV light from the processing chamber 610 through the air inlet 612 and the air outlet 614.

[0170] In the illustrated embodiment, the light fixture 600 includes a filter assembly 642 that is similar in many respects to the filter assembly 116 described in connection with the light fixture 100. The filter assembly 642 of the light fixture 600 may be proximate the air outlet 614 rather than the air inlet 612. Additionally, or alternatively, a filter assembly similar to the filter assembly 642 may be located proximate the air inlet 612 of the light fixture 600.

[0171] The light fixture 600 may include a control system 690 that is similar in many respects to the control system 200 described herein in connection with the light fixture 100. The control system 690 may be configured to control the operation of the light fixture 600, including the operation of the UV light source 660. For example, the control system 690 may include a UV light source operable to control the supply of power to the UV light source 660 to generate UV light.

[0172] The control system 690 may be operatively coupled to a sensor system 624 similar to the sensor system 224 described in connection with the light fixture 100. The sensor system 624 may be configured differently from the sensor system 224 such that one or more sensors of the sensor system 224 are not present and / or the sensor system 624 may include one or more sensors described separately from the sensor system 224 in connection with the light fixture 100.

[0173] As an example, the sensor system 624 may include a UV light sensor circuit similar to the UV light sensor circuit 256. In one embodiment, with the sensor system 624 including a UV light sensor circuit, the UV light sensor circuit may be configured to detect UV light within the processing chamber 610. Such a UV light sensor circuit may be operable to provide a sensor output indicative of the light intensity of the UV light within the processing chamber 610.

[0174] The light fixture 600 in the illustrated embodiment includes a visible light assembly 680 operable to form part of the processing chamber 610. The visible light assembly 680 may be movable to allow access to the processing chamber 610 for maintenance and / or discharge of UV light from the processing chamber 610 into a room. When the visible light assembly 680 is movable to allow discharge of UV light into the room, the visible light assembly 680 may operate as a UV light regulator similar to the UV light regulator 120 described herein.

[0175] The visible light assembly 680 in one embodiment may be movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the processing chamber 610 via manual input from a human. Additionally, or alternatively, the visible light assembly 680 may be operatively coupled to an actuator that can move the visible light assembly 680 between an open position and a closed position relative to the processing chamber 610. The illustrated embodiment of Figure 24 depicts the visible light assembly 680 in an open position, and the illustrated embodiment of Figure 26 depicts the visible light assembly 680 in a closed position.

[0176] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 25, it can be seen that the visible light assembly 680 has a hinge 672 operable to allow the visible light assembly 680 to pivot relative to the light fixture 600. The hinge 672 may move within a slot 675 in the frame 670 of the light fixture 600, with the end 673 being sized larger than the slot 675 to prevent the hinge 672 from allowing movement of the visible light assembly 680 beyond the position defined by the engagement of the end 673 with the slot 675. The hinge 672 may include an engagement portion 674 attached to the visible light assembly 680 operable to couple the hinge 672 to the visible light assembly 680. It is understood that the hinge 672 may be configured differently than shown in the illustrated embodiment. It should also be understood that the visible light assembly 680 may be coupled to the light fixture via more than one hinge 672.

[0177] The visible light assembly 680 in the illustrated embodiment may include a reflector 686 operable with the visible light assembly 680 in a closed position to reflect UV light from the UV light source 660 into the processing chamber 610. In the illustrated embodiment of Figure 24, one or more additional surfaces of the processing chamber 610 may include a reflective side, such as a reflector 688 disposed opposite the reflector 686. The reflectors 686, 688 may cooperate to enhance sterilization of the air within the processing chamber 610.

[0178] In one embodiment, reflector 686 of visible light assembly 680 may include a visible light reflector operable to reflect visible light received from visible light source 682 towards an area of ​​the room. As such, reflector 686 may be a two-sided reflector operable to reflect UV light within process chamber 610 and reflect visible light towards the room.

[0179] The visible light assembly 680 may include a visible light source 682 configured similarly to the light source of the visible light module 180 of the light fixture 100. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 25, the visible light source 682 may be positioned to direct light generally transverse to a target direction of the visible light of the visible light assembly 680. The visible light source 682 may be disposed within a channel 653 of the frame assembly 651 of the visible light assembly 680. The visible light source 682 in one embodiment may be a strip within the channel 653 along the length of the frame assembly 6510, having multiple light sources, disposed to engage a base surface 658 of the channel 653. The visible light source 682 may be captured within the channel 653 by first and second protrusions 656A-B spaced apart from the base surface 658 of the channel 653.

[0180] The visible light director 684 may be at least partially disposed within the channel 653 as depicted in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 16-28. The channel 653 of the frame assembly 651 may support the visible light director 684 such that a portion of a room-facing surface 688 of the visible light director 684 is exposed to the room to facilitate directing visible light into the room. The visible light director 684 may include a side 687 (e.g., a peripheral surface) operable to receive light from the visible light source 682. In the illustrated embodiment, light received via the side 687 may be directed into the visible light director 684 and directed laterally relative to the side 687 toward the room-facing surface of the reflector 688.

[0181] In the illustrated embodiment, the visible light director 684 is a lenticular lens operable to facilitate directing light received from a visible light source 682 in the channel 653 onto a room-facing surface of the reflector 688 and into the room. An example of a lenticular lens is shown in the illustrated embodiment of Figures 31A-31B and 33A-33B. The lenticular lens may include one or more physical sides (e.g., holes or depressions) that facilitate directing light from within the lenticular lens to an external area. The lenticular lens may receive light from one or more light sources 683, which may be located proximate the reflectors 686, 688 and may be located on one or more sides of the lenticular lens, as discussed herein.

[0182] In the illustrated embodiment, the lenticular lens includes depressions 693 (e.g., microdomes) that vary in size along at least one axis 692 of the lenticular lens to facilitate directing a substantially uniform amount of light from the lenticular lens despite the presence of the light source 682 at the edge of the lenticular lens. For example, the depressions 693 may have a shallower depth 695 closer to the light source 682 and a deeper depth 695 farther away from the light source 682. A shallower depression 693 may direct a smaller portion of the more intense light closer to the light source 682 to the exterior of the lenticular lens. And a deeper depression 693 may direct a larger portion of the less intense light that forms further away from the light source 682. There may be a type of inverse relationship between the depression depth 695 and the distance from the light source 682 to facilitate directing light that may be generally uniform across the surface 697 of the lenticular lens to the exterior of the lenticular lens. The depressions 693 may be formed in a variety of ways, including laser drilling.

[0183] A lenticular lens according to an embodiment may position light sources 682 closer to the ends of the lenticular lens to save space and reduce cost while directing light laterally to the surface 697. The spacing 696 of the recesses 693 depends on the configuration of the lenticular lens, including the strength of the light sources 682 and the surface area of ​​the surface 697. In one embodiment, the lenticular lens may include first and second light sources 682 positioned on opposite sides of the lenticular lens. In this configuration, the depth 695 may be deeper near the midpoint between the two sides than the depth 695 closer to each side, as depicted in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 31B.

[0184] The lenticular lens is described herein in connection with a light source 683 that generates visible light. It is understood that the disclosure is not limited and that the light source 683 may include alternative or additional types of light sources. For example, the light source 683 may include a UV light source 689 or an IR light source 699, or both. Energy from the UV light source 689 and / or the IR light source 699 may be directed to one or both of the surfaces 696, 697 of the lenticular lens. For example, the IR light source 699 may be used to direct IR light into the room region 50 in a modulated manner for communication. Such communication may be used for asset tracking in conjunction with an IR sensor located in the room region 50. Energy from the UV light source 689 may be directed into the room region 50 for disinfection purposes, such as when a sensor system indicates that no one is present in the room region 50.

[0185] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 31, an edge-lit lens configuration is depicted according to one embodiment of a visible light assembly 680. The optical system allows for a light guide or lens to have tens of thousands of optical holes that redirect the light output from the light source 683 (e.g., from an LED light). The printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) associated with the light source 683 may include LEDs that generate one or more types of energy, such as IR, UV, or color and white light. The IR may be used for asset tracking systems to identify rooms. Network and WiFi systems may be used with asset tracking sensors to identify codes of IR light within a room or area. The PCBA may be held by extrusions that act as heat sinks and structural frames, and may be driven by a common ballast of PWM circuits or drivers depending on the application. The UV light source 689 may generate UV energy, which may be mixed with the visible lighting and IR for use at times driven by the controller, potentially only when utilization is certified to be free of people or animals.

[0186] In one embodiment, the lenticular lens may also be configured to pass light out of the lenticular lens from one surface 696 to another surface 697. As an example, the lenticular lens may be configured to direct visible light from an edge-located light source 683 laterally to a lower surface 697 of the lenticular lens. Additionally, the lenticular lens may be configured to direct UV light in a substantially straight line from the upper surface 696 to the lower surface 697.

[0187] Although the visible light module 680 is described in connection with an air treatment assembly, it will be understood that the disclosure is not so limited. The visible light module 680 with lenticular lens may be configured for a variety of applications, some of which may not include a visible light source, but instead generate only UV light with the light source 682 including a UV light source. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 32, a lenticular lens configuration with light source 682 configured for UV light (and optionally visible light) is shown in relation to a low-profile sterilization area associated with a keyboard 750 or another type of user interface. A lenticular lens may be provided in a low-profile keyboard storage area. This area may be illuminated with general visible illumination for viewing and UV light energy for UV light sterilization. When the keyboard 750 is pulled out, an open area sterilization array 751 may be used to sterilize the keyboard 750. A sensor on the keyboard slide, such as a magnetic sensor, may be used to sense the keyboard in and out and as a basis for controlling the operation of the light source 682 (e.g., to output visible and / or UV energy).

[0188] The frame assembly 651 may be formed by a plurality of extrusions that define a channel 653 and are joined by corner supports 659. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame assembly 651 is a rectangular piece having four corner supports 659 and four extrusions that are disposed between each of the corner supports 659. The frame assembly 651 may include a channel 653 defined about the entire perimeter of the frame assembly 651. It is noted that the visible light source 682 may be disposed within the channel 653 along one or more sides of the frame assembly 651. For example, the visible light source 682 may be disposed along one side of the frame assembly 651 within the channel 653.

[0189] Two views of an exemplary embodiment of corner support 259 are depicted in Figures 23A-23B. Corner support 659 may include first and second support extensions 655A, 655B operable to fit within respective extruded components of frame assembly 651. Corner support 659 may also include first and second engagement portions 656A, 656B operable to fit within respective extruded components of frame assembly 651. Corner support 659 may include openings 657 to facilitate attachment of fasteners (not shown) to connect the extruded components to corner support 659.

[0190] Turning to the illustrated embodiment of Figures 29 and 30, the light fixture 600 includes a control system 690 that is similar in many respects to the control system 200 described herein. It should be noted that the control system 690 in the illustrated embodiment depicts connections between components in various ways and groups components in different ways. It is understood that the groupings are not limiting, but instead are provided for purposes of disclosure to facilitate discussion and understanding of the operational aspects of the components of the control system 690, and the coordination of such operational aspects between the various components of the control system 690.

[0191] In the illustrated embodiment, the control system 690 may include a power source 622 that may be powered from an external power source and / or from a portable power source such as a battery, similar to the power source 152. In the illustrated embodiment, the power source 622 includes utility power in the form of an equipment ground, neutral, and line connection (e.g., for 120 VAC power). The power source 622 may also include a switched line connection operable to provide power to a visible light driver 645, which may be similar to the visible light driver 245 discussed herein. The switched line connection may be provided by a switch (not shown) similar to the switch 154 described in connection with the light fixture 100.

[0192] The control system 690 may also include a power management circuit 639 similar to the power management circuit 239. The power management circuit 639 may include a DC power supply 710 operable to receive power from the power source 622 and convert the received power (such as 12V DC). In the illustrated embodiment, the power management circuit 639 includes grounds and DC power connections or distribution to various components of the control system 690 including one or more fans of the fan assembly 640 and control circuitry for the visible light driver 645. The power management circuit 639 in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 30 is associated with a UV light driver circuit 712 or ballast circuit that can apply power to the UV light source 660 in a controlled manner.

[0193] The control system 690 of the illustrated embodiment may include a controller 636 similar to the controller 236 of the control system 200. The controller 636 may direct one or more components of the light fixture 600 for operation, including, for example, directing the output from the visible light source 682 and the output from the UV light source 660. The controller 636 in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 30 may include a regulator circuit 714 for receiving power from a DC power source 710 and converting the received power into a form usable by the microcontroller 716. The controller 636 may include a state circuit 718 operable to indicate one or more states of the controller 636, such as an active state.

[0194] The controller 636 may be operable to provide one or more control signals to components of the control system 690, including pulse width modulated signals, discrete signals, analog signals (e.g., 0-10V), and serial communications. The controller 636 may also be operable to receive one or more such control signals from other components of the control system 690. Based on these one or more control signals, the controller 636 may determine to change the state of an output control signal to another component or to the same component from which the control signal was received.

[0195] The control system 690 may include a room sensor interface 625 similar to the room sensor interface 255 described in connection with the control system 200. For example, the room sensor interface 625 may include a door switch capable of generating an output indicating whether a door to the room region 50 is closed or open. As described herein, the state of the door may be used as a criterion for determining whether to direct UV light from the UV light source 660 into the room.

[0196] The control system 690 may support connection to an external interface or circuitry 646, such as a fire suppression circuit 720 or a light switch 722 (which may be similar to switch 154 in one embodiment). The external circuitry 646 may provide inputs and / or receive outputs from the controller 636 to facilitate operation. For example, the light switch 722 may provide outputs to the controller 636, which may direct operation of the visible light source 682 based on the state of the light switch 722. As another example, the controller 636 may control operation of the light fixture according to one or more predetermined states based on activation of fire suppression components as indicated by the fire suppression circuit 720.

[0197] The control system 690 may include a sensor and feedback circuit 626 that is similar in some respects to the sensor circuit 256 of the control system 200 . Sensors andThe feedback circuit 626 may, for example, detect the presence of UV light or the intensity of UV light being generated by the UV light source 660 and provide a sensor output to the controller 636 indicative of the detected characteristic. Based on the sensor feedback from the sensor and feedback circuit 626, the controller 636 may adjust the operation of the light fixture 600, such as by increasing or decreasing the power output of the UV light source 660. In one embodiment, the sensor and feedback circuit 626 may include an error indicator 734, such as an LED indicator, that may be indicated to indicate a fault. The fault condition is identified by the controller 636 based on the sensor feedback indicating that the UV light source 660 is operating outside of target parameters. The sensor and feedback circuit 626 may additionally or alternatively include a photocell or light sensor 724 operable to sense at least one of UV light and visible light. The light sensor 724 may provide a sensor output indicative of the intensity of the sensed light.

[0198] The control system 690 in the illustrated embodiment may include a visible light driver 645 that may control the supply of power to the visible light source 682 according to target parameters as discussed herein. The visible light driver 645 in the illustrated embodiment includes a light control module 726 that may be incorporated into the controller 636 in one embodiment, but is shown separately in FIG. 29 for purposes of disclosure. The light control module 726 may receive commands from a user, similar to the user interface described in connection with the visible light driver 245 of the control system 200. For example, the light control module 726 may receive brightness commands from a dimming control element 728 and color temperature commands from a color control element 730. The dimming control element 728 and the color control element 730 may be incorporated into a user interface provided on a smartphone or may be provided in an interface installed in the room area 50. In one embodiment, the LED driver, ballast driver, fan driver, and IOT control electronics may all be provided in one electronics package, providing significant cost savings over separate configurations and providing a competitive advantage. This combined electronics configuration can be adapted for AC or DC input voltages.

[0199] The visible light driver 645 may include an LED driver 732 operable to provide power in a controlled manner to the visible light source 682. In one embodiment, the LED driver 732 may include a controlled current source and / or a controlled voltage source for providing power to the visible light source 682, as discussed herein in connection with the control system 200. In one embodiment, the power provided by the LED driver 732 may be pulse width modulated.

[0200] 30, the visible light driver 645 may receive an intensity command from the controller 636 in the form of an analog signal that varies between upper and lower limits, where the upper limit corresponds to an upper intensity level and the lower limit corresponds to a lower intensity level. For example, the intensity command may range from 0 to 10V, where 0V corresponds to 10% intensity and 10V corresponds to 100% intensity.

[0201] 29 and 30, and the controller 636 in the illustrated embodiment, are operable to direct the operation of the fan assembly 640. As an example, the controller 636 can direct the power management circuitry 639 to provide power to the fans of the fan assembly 640.

[0202] The control system 690 of the light fixture 600 may include a reactor circuit 611 that includes, for example, a UV light source 660. The reactor circuit 611 in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 30 includes a fan control circuit 736 operable to provide power in a controlled manner to one or more fans of the fan assembly 640. The fan control circuit 736 may provide feedback in the form of pulses (e.g., tacho pulses) indicative of the rotation rate of the one or more fans of the fan assembly 640. This feedback may be provided to the controller 636, which may provide a fan speed control signal (e.g., a pulse width modulated signal) to the fan control circuit 736. The fan control circuit 736 may provide power to the one or more fans of the fan assembly 640 in accordance with the fan speed control signal.

[0203] The reactor circuit 611 in the illustrated embodiment includes a temperature sensor 738 (e.g., a thermistor) operable to provide a signal to the controller 636 indicative of the internal temperature of the reactor or air treatment chamber 610. In one embodiment, two thermistors may be utilized to monitor airflow. Alternatively, or additionally, a tachometer output from each fan may be provided for preventative maintenance, service tracking, and airflow determination. Conventional pressure sensors for low airflow speeds can be inaccurate and costly. One embodiment according to the present disclosure includes a thermistor to provide a more accurate and / or more cost-effective system for measuring low air speeds. The two sensors may be connected to a Wheatstone bridge to identify the temperature difference. One of the sensors may be coated to reduce the effect of wind or airflow and measure a basic temperature. As a result, the airflow cools the thermistor.

[0204] The reactor circuit 611 may include an RFID reader 740 configured to detect or read information from an RFID tag 641 associated with the filter assembly 642. In one embodiment, the RFID reader is configured to operate at approximately 125 kHz, and the RFID information may be communicated to the controller 636. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 636 may transmit the information to the RFID tag 641 of the filter assembly 642 for storage. Information such as the number of hours of use of the filter assembly 642 may be tracked by the controller 636 to enable the controller to determine whether one or more criteria associated with the filter assembly 642 have been met. For example, a criterion such as being used for more than a specified amount of time may trigger a condition that recommends replacement of the filter assembly 642. The reactor circuit 611 in the illustrated embodiment may include an RFID tag 638 associated with the UV lamp 660, which may be similar to the RFID tag 238 described in connection with the control system 200.

[0205] 30, the reactor circuit 611 includes an interlock 742 operable to provide feedback to the controller 636 indicative of the status of the reactor or process chamber 610. For example, the interlock 742 may indicate whether the visible light module 680 is in a closed or open position. In one embodiment, if the interlock 742 indicates that the visible light module 680 is open, the controller 636 may prevent the UV light source 660 from being activated.

[0206] VII. Combination Lamp Air Sterilization System One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a light assembly having an air sterilization system for pathogen reduction. For example, the light assembly can include a visible light source, a lamp housing element having a cavity, and an air sterilization system disposed within the cavity, the air sterilization system including a UV light source, the cavity forming a UV light sterilization chamber having an air inlet for receiving untreated air and an air outlet for outputting air treated by the UV light source.

[0207] The lamp can be any type of lamp that can be adapted to include an air sterilization system. For example, the lamp can be a portable light assembly such as a table lamp or floor lamp that includes a lampshade with a cavity into which the air sterilization component can be fitted to form a suitable UV light sterilization chamber. For example, some portable lamps have a shade assembly that forms a cavity. Parts of the shade assembly can be opaque to visible light (e.g., a steel surface) and other parts of the shade assembly can be transparent to visible light (e.g., a light diffuser). The shade assembly can be fully or partially opaque or reflective to UV light. The surfaces of the shade assembly (interior, exterior, or both) can be partially or completely coated with a coating that gives the shade assembly, or parts thereof, UV light reflective properties. The UV light reflective properties can help turn the cavity of the shade assembly into a UV light air treatment chamber.

[0208] An example of a combination lamp air sterilization system is illustrated in the table lamp of Figures 34A-34C. Figure 34A is a side partial perspective view of the table lamp, and Figures 34B and 34C are representative cross-sectional views. The air sterilization system is integrated into a cavity formed by the lamp shade assembly. In this example, the top metal surface 3408 and lens 3411 of the lamp shade assembly cooperate to form an open air cavity into which the air sterilization component can be fitted.

[0209] The lamp body 3401 can be used to hide and route wires for power and control functions. The lamp body 3401 in some embodiments can be used to control the functionality of the lamp (e.g., control visible light on and off and UV light on and off, or other lamp / air sterilization functionality). For example, the body 3401 can include a capacitive sensor that controls the desired function, or a physical button or other actuator can be integrated (or located on the lamp body 3401).

[0210] The visible light source 3480 of the lamp can be mounted in a socket 3481 that is disposed within the lamp cavity formed by the lampshade assembly. The socket can be directly coupled to the base, coupled to a harp holder that screws onto a threaded tube, or otherwise coupled to the lampshade assembly or base. In some embodiments, a lamp harp (not shown) may be included to support the internal structure 3409 or a portion thereof, for example if the internal structure 3409 is a different structure than the lampshade assembly. In some embodiments, the internal structure 3409 cooperates with the metal surface 3408 to form the cavity 3410. In other embodiments, the metal surface 3408 cooperates with the diffuser plate 3416 to form the cavity 3410. For example, a metal surface 3408 and lens 3411 can be bonded together and supported by body 3401 to form a single open air chamber or two separate open air chambers separated by internal structure 3409.

[0211] The lamp's visible light source 3480 is disposed within a cavity 3410 of a lamp shade assembly, a portion of which is metallic (e.g., steel) so that the visible light is directed to the lens 3411, which reflects and may be directed onto a table in the vicinity of the user. The visible light is directed to the lens 3411 of the lamp, which may diffuse the light before being provided onto a table in the vicinity of the user. A similar configuration comes in the form of a floor lamp, where the body includes a pole forming a pendant lamp configuration (see Figs. 35A-35B), with the pole connected to the top of the shade. The air sterilization system can be integrated into the lamp assembly during manufacture or can be retrofitted to an existing lamp assembly.

[0212] A lens 3411 may be disposed proximate the interior surface 3409 and the bottom surface of wall 3408. Lens 3411 may be a sheet of light-transmissive material that can diffuse the light from the lamp before it is applied to a table or other surface.

[0213] Figure 34B shows a side cross-sectional view and Figure 34C shows a top cross-sectional view. The air sterilization system can include a germicidal light source 3460 operable to generate UV light. The air sterilization system can also include a UV treatment chamber 3410 having an untreated air inlet 3412 and a treated air outlet 3414, the UV treatment chamber comprising an air treatment region operable to receive air from the untreated air inlet and direct air to the treated air outlet, where the UV light from the germicidal light source 3460 is directed towards the air treatment region.

[0214] The UV treatment chamber 3410 is at least partially defined by the walls 3408 of the portable light assembly. For example, the portable light assembly 3400 can include a lampshade having a shell configuration that can be adapted to form the UV chamber 3410. The walls 3408 are substantially opaque to the UV light output from the germicidal light source 3460. In one embodiment, the walls 3408 are metal or metal-like and are substantially opaque to all light. In an alternative embodiment, the walls 3408 may be substantially opaque to UV light but allow visible light to diffuse. The components of the UV light air treatment system can be concealed within the UV light chamber. If the lampshade is not opaque to visible light, the UV treatment components are positioned within the shade shell so as not to significantly impede the diffusion of visible light through the shade or to strategically interrupt the visible light to allow diffusion in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

[0215] The UV treatment chamber 3410 is attached to the wall 3409 of the portable light assembly. ,especially, inner wall 3409The wall 3409 is at least partially defined by. For example, the portable light assembly 3400 can include a lamp shade having a shell configuration that can be adapted to form a UV chamber 3410. The wall 3409 can be substantially opaque to the UV light output from the germicidal light source 3460. In one embodiment, the wall 3409 is metal or metal-like and is substantially opaque to all light. In an alternative embodiment, the wall 3409 may be substantially opaque to UV light but allow visible light to diffuse. The components of the UV light air treatment system can be concealed within the UV light chamber. If the lamp shade is not opaque to visible light, the UV treatment components are positioned within the shade shell so as not to significantly impede the diffusion of visible light through the shade or to strategically interrupt the visible light to allow diffusion in an aesthetically pleasing manner. In one embodiment, the bottom surface of the inner wall 3409 of the portable light assembly can be a visible light reflector for the visible light source 3480 of the portable light assembly.

[0216] The portable lighting assembly 3400 may include a treatment chamber 3410 into which air is directed and within which the air is treated with UV light from a UV light source 3460. The UV light source 3460 may be a germicidal light source operable to generate UV light in response to being provided with power from a power source 3452. For example, the UV light source 3460 may be a UV-C light source such as a cold cathode lamp, a low pressure mercury lamp, or a UV-C light emitting diode.

[0217] The UV treatment chamber 3410 can include a gasket interface 3418. The gasket interface 3418 can be disposed between the outer wall 3408 and the inner wall 3409 of the lampshade. That is, the UV treatment chamber can include a gasket interface coupled to a wall of the UV treatment chamber. The gasket interface can be operable to contact a portion of the portable light assembly. The gasket can be configured to substantially prevent leakage of the UV light output from the germicidal light source 3460 to the outside environment and prevent air leakage. The gasket interface can be a C-shaped gasket that receives the wall of the UV treatment chamber and seals against the wall of the portable light assembly. The C-shaped gasket can form a compression seal with the wall or walls of the portable light assembly. The UV chamber is defined by a combination of the gasket interface 3418 and the walls 3408, 3409 of the lampshade.

[0218] The power applied to the UV light source 3460 may be a conditional form of power from the power source 3452. For example, the power source 3452 may be operable to provide AC power. The portable light assembly 3400 may include circuitry to condition the AC power to DC power sufficient to operate the UV light source 3460. The DC power may be constant or pulsed depending on the operating specifications and target parameters of the UV light source 3460. In a DC pulsed configuration, the power may be variable, such as varying the DC pulse between 90% and 30% to provide power depending on the target operating parameters.

[0219] In one embodiment, raw air enters the treatment chamber 3410 via an air inlet 3412, and treated air can exit the treatment chamber 3410 via an air outlet 3414. The air inlet 3412 may be in fluid communication with a filter assembly 3416 configured to filter particulates from the raw air before it is treated by UV light in the treatment chamber 3410. The filter assembly may include a filter having a minimum efficiency reported value (MERV) selected depending on the application. For example, in some embodiments, the filter is a MERV6 filter. Removal and replacement of the filter assembly 3416 is performed periodically to prevent substantial clogging of the filter assembly 3416 or for other maintenance benefits. The raw air inlet 3416 and the treated air outlet 3418 are at least partially defined by the walls 3408, 3409 of the portable light assembly 3400. The cross-sectional area of ​​the raw air inlet 3416 may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the treated air outlet 3414 to facilitate air flow through the UV chamber.

[0220] In one embodiment, the filter assembly 3416 may be positioned such that one or both sides of the filter assembly 3416 are in the path of light from the UV light source 3460. In this manner, UV light may be directed at the filter assembly 3416 to decontaminate all or a portion of the filter assembly 3416. The UV light applied to the filter assembly 3416 may be selectively applied or the filter assembly 3416 may be positioned to receive light from the UV light source 3460 while the UV light source 3460 is active. The filter assembly 3416 is positioned in the air flow path between the air inlet 3412 and the UV treatment chamber 3410.

[0221] As discussed herein, the treated air may exit the processing chamber 3410 via the air outlet 3414. The air outlet 3414 may include an air vent configured to permit air flow therethrough at a rate substantially greater than the rate of the treated air. In other words, the air vent may be configured to not substantially restrict air flow through the processing chamber 3410. The air vents may each include a plurality of openings sized to substantially prevent inappropriate objects (e.g., hands and fingers) from entering the processing chamber 3410.

[0222] The portable light assembly 3400 may include a fan assembly 3440 operable to direct air through the treatment chamber 3410 from the air inlet 3412 to the air outlet 3414. In the illustrated embodiment, the fan assembly 3440 is located proximate to the air outlet 3414, but it should be understood that the disclosure is not so limited. The fan assembly 3440 may be located or provided in a different location to direct air through the treatment chamber 3410. The fan assembly 3440 may include a fan operable to direct air through the treatment chamber 3410 at a target flow rate for sterilization or decontamination of the air via application of UV light within the treatment chamber 3410. As an example, the target flow rate may be 50 CFM. In one embodiment, the fan assembly 3440 may be variable to increase or decrease the flow rate of air through the treatment chamber 3410 under the direction of the control system 200 of the lamp assembly 3400. For example, the portable light assembly 3400 including the air sterilization system may be remotely controlled via a wired or wireless connection. Control may be provided via a power connection to the lamp assembly or via a separate control connection.

[0223] In one embodiment, the portable light assembly 3400 may include a driver circuit 3406 for the UV light source 3460 and / or the visible light module 3480 under the control of a local controller or remote controller 200 located elsewhere, either at the portable light assembly 3400's location or at a remote server connected via the internet. The driver circuit 3406 may be a lamp driver driven by the PWM output of the controller 200. The UV and / or visible light provides data signaling by generating pulses or gaps in light that are sensed by devices in proximity to the lamp assembly 3400. This communication technique is utilized by UVC lighting or general visible lighting. Signaling via UVC light is utilized to control or coordinate other germicidal devices.

[0224] The control system can be located external to the UV treatment chamber 341 but locally within the lamp assembly. The germicidal control system can be hidden within a portion of the portable light assembly such that the germicidal control system is hidden from external view by an observer of the portable light assembly. For example, the control circuitry may be located with the power supply circuitry 3452 and / or the driver circuitry 3406.

[0225] The sterilization system can be a retrofit system for a portable light assembly. For example, an existing lamp can be retrofitted by installing an air inlet, an air outlet, a UV lamp, and a fan in the interior cavity of the lampshade or other section of the lamp. A visible light driver can be utilized to drive the UV source, and a visible light power source can be utilized to power the UV bulb and the fan. In some embodiments, the air treatment system may not include a fan.

[0226] The sterilization control system may include a proximity sensor operable to detect the proximity of a user. Proximity sensing may be provided by a variety of different types of sensors or combinations of sensors, such as infrared sensors, time-of-flight sensors, accelerometers, or essentially any other sensor capable of detecting the presence or proximity of a human. The sterilization control system is operable to change states based on the proximity of a user to the portable light assembly.

[0227] An alternative structure of a combined lamp air disinfection system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated in the side and top cross-sectional views of FIGS. 35A-35B. In this embodiment, the light assembly 3500 is a pendant or floor light with a body 3501 attached to the top wall of a lamp shell 3508. The structure can be similar to that of the table lamp of FIGS. 34A-34C. One variation is that the gasket interface 3518 can be configured to provide an air inlet on one side of the lampshade shell and an air outlet on the other side. Air can enter through the air inlet 3512 and flow through the filter 3516, similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 34A-34V, but instead of having an air outlet in the top wall 3508 of the shell, the fan 3540 can be oriented to direct the treated air through an outlet 3514 in the bottom wall 3509 of the lampshade shell. In one embodiment, the air inlet 3512 and / or air outlet 3514 may be cut into the lens 3511 of the light assembly (e.g., the visible light lens and diffuser element). The air inlet 3512 and / or air outlet 3514 may be formed by a notch in the periphery of the lens 3511. Alternatively, the air inlet 3512 and / or air outlet 3514 may be defined by an opening in the bottom wall 3509. The air inlet 3512 and air outlet 3514 may be configured to provide a target amount of airflow for the system to provide effective sterilization.

[0228] VIII. Power Management System A power management system 3600, shown in FIG. 36, is provided in accordance with the present disclosure to control and power an air sterilization system. The air sterilization system may include multiple airborne pathogen reduction hardware devices. For example, separate airborne pathogen reduction hardware modules are provided throughout a room. Each of these airborne pathogen reduction hardware modules may include one or more different systems therein, such as one or more power control systems 3610, one or more engineering control systems 3612, and one or more pathogen reduction systems 3614.

[0229] One example of a power control system 3610 that may be included in an airborne pathogen reduction hardware module is remote power and energy monitoring, which may include one or more sensors, e.g., current, voltage, power, or other types of sensors, that may monitor and report the amount of power received, consumed to a control system, such as the control system 200 described in connection with FIG. 2. The local or remote lighting modules may be connected to a master germicidal control system, such as the germicidal control system of FIG. 2. Separate power and control lines are connected to the germicidal control system. For example, one of the airborne pathogen reduction hardware modules may be the germicidal control system of FIG. 2, which may be coupled to other airborne pathogen reduction hardware, such as the portable lamp assemblies of FIGS. 34A-34B and 35A-35B, via a multi-drop AC-DC controller and / or a network interface, such as the network interface 3702. As discussed herein, Power over Ethernet may be utilized for communication and power connections, although alternative embodiments may utilize wireless network connections between the airborne pathogen reduction hardware, or wireless or wired network connections to a common server, such as a cloud-based server that may perform control and data collection as part of the cloud-based control system 3602.

[0230] Examples of engineering control systems 3612 include a maintenance monitoring module, a forward looking infrared (FLIR) module, a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) module, a time of flight (TOF) module, and a network interface module. These various engineering control systems 3612 are included in the airborne pathogen reduction hardware to provide engineering control functionality. These modules are exemplary and other types of engineering control system modules can be provided alone or in combination with other engineering control modules depending on the desired functionality of the airborne pathogen reduction hardware.

[0231] Examples of pathogen reduction systems 3614 that may be utilized for the airborne pathogen reduction hardware include one or more of air control, fan control, whole room lighting and UV-C sterilization, surface sterilization systems, support hardware, and various other pathogen reduction systems. The pathogen reduction systems may provide a sterilization function.

[0232] The airborne pathogen reduction hardware can be powered from a multi-drop AC-DC controller 3606 connected to a mains power source. The multi-drop AC-DC controller can provide a low voltage differential swing multi-drop connection. That is, the multi-drop controller can provide power to multiple different airborne pathogen reduction hardware systems. Power can be provided via a daisy chain connection of the airborne pathogen reduction hardware as depicted in FIG. 36 or via a parallel connection.

[0233] In the current embodiment, the multi-drop AC-DC controller converts the AC power to 42-56 VDC power, or 48-56 VDC power, or another voltage level sufficient to power the airborne pathogen reduction hardware, and distributes the power to the airborne pathogen reduction hardware modules as operating power.

[0234] The multi-drop controller can also provide a network connection to the airborne pathogen reduction hardware over a low-voltage network. That is, in some embodiments, the multi-drop controller functions as a driver that can send and receive data to and from multiple airborne pathogen reduction modules simultaneously or sequentially. The multi-drop controller can include a network interface or can be connected to an external network interface 3604 as depicted in FIG. 36. The network interface 3604 can connect to the cloud to provide Internet communication and Internet of Things functionality to the airborne pathogen reduction hardware. For example, data can be collected and managed in a cloud-based service. Additionally, the airborne pathogen reduction system can be controlled and monitored from a remote device that communicates with a cloud-based server or that communicates with the multi-drop controller 3606.

[0235] The multi-drop controller can provide various functionality in relation to the airborne pathogen reduction hardware. For example, the multi-drop controller can monitor current, control schemes, balance between various parameters, energy control, and can manage communications. For example, the multi-drop controller can connect to the airborne pathogen reduction hardware with DC copper or Ethernet Power over Ethernet (POE) and manage those connections.

[0236] An example of a network interface 3702 and associated topology that may be utilized in connection with the power management system of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 37. Power over Ethernet generally describes any standard or ad-hoc system that passes power along with data over an Ethernet cable. The network interface 3702 depicted in this embodiment has eight ports, five POE ports, and three communication ports that provide communication but do not provide Power over Ethernet. In alternative embodiments, the network interface may have additional or fewer POE and communication ports. The network interface 3702 includes a power input that may be connected to a mains power source or other power source. The network interface 3702 may also include an inbound network connection, such as a fiber Internet connection, that allows the network interface to communicate with cloud-based services or with other remote servers or computers.

[0237] The POE network interface port allows a single cable to provide both data connection and power to devices. In the illustrated embodiment, power and communications can be provided to the illustrated units including the surface treatment device 3712 and the airborne pathogen reduction hardware unit 3706, such as the air treatment module 3714 and the visible lighting module 3716. The POE connections can be provided as a supplement to or instead of the multi-drop controller connections. In some situations, a particular device may only receive power or only receive communications. In other situations, all devices can receive power and communicate over the network. POE can be provided via IEEE 802.3, such as Alternative A, Alternative B, 4PPoE standard, or essentially any other POE type protocol.

[0238] Through this network interface 3702, network connectivity can be provided to various local devices, e.g., various devices located around the room. For example, several different combinations of air handling and visible lighting units 3706 and surface treatment modules 3712 can be installed throughout a room and connected via POE to make each module an individually addressable Internet of things device. A controller in the room 3704 can be configured to collectively control certain designated devices or One ( o ne) or multiple devices individually. The smart building management system can also communicate with the system and issue commands to the various devices over the network as well as receive reports and other information regarding sterilization available from the surface treatment device 3712, the combination unit 3706, sensors, controls, or any other equipment connected to the POE network interface 3702.

[0239] The network interface can be connected to various sensors, such as a people counting sensor 3708 that can count the number of people in the vicinity of the sensor. Tracking information can be relayed to a cloud server via the network interface. This data can be utilized to improve sterilization and sterilization cycle interruption recovery planning.

[0240] In one embodiment, the power management system 3600 may be incorporated into a booth (e.g., a telebooth) for providing one or more remote services, such as health services (sometimes referred to as a telehealth or telemedicine booth). An example of such a booth is depicted in FIG. 42 and generally designated 760. The booth 760 may include any one or more aspects of the embodiments described herein, including an air handling system. The booth 760 may include an integrated air handling system and a UV surface disinfection system. The air handling system may take in interior air, circulate some back to the booth 760, and exhaust some of it from the booth 760 via an exhaust for cooling the booth 760. The treated outlet air for the cabin and private spaces may be configured with a return air vent (returning air to the cabin) and may include an outlet vent (returning treated air to the outside environment). This allows some of the air to be treated internally and some to be treated and exhausted from the cabin, contributing to cooling the cabin.

[0241] IX. Converter System A light fixture according to one embodiment of the disclosure is shown in FIG. 38 and is generally designated 1100. Light fixture 1100 may include any one or more aspects of the embodiments described herein, including any one or more aspects of light fixture 100. Similarly, light fixture 100 may include any aspect of light fixture 1100. It should be noted that one or more aspects of light fixture 1100 may be absent to provide one or more alternative embodiments.

[0242] The light fixture 1100 may be similar in some respects to the light fixture 100 described herein, with some exceptions. For example, the light fixture 1100 may include a support member 1150, similar to support member 150, operable to facilitate mounting the light fixture 1100 to a surface. The surface may be an exposed surface of an interior wall of a room or an interior surface of a wall, such as a wall stud, that is hidden from view. The light fixture 1100 may include a control system 1190, similar to control system 200, operable to direct operation of the light fixture 1100 as described herein. The control system 200 may receive power from a power source and direct such power to components of the light fixture 1100 (e.g., the UV light source 1160 and the fan 1140).

[0243] In one embodiment, the light fixture 1100 may be controlled by a switch (not shown) located remotely from the light fixture 1100, similar to switch 154 of the light fixture 100. The switch may be operable to control the supply of power to a subset of the components of the light fixture 1100. Circuits and components of the light fixture 100 may remain active or inactive regardless of the state of the switch.

[0244] The light fixture 1100 may include a treatment chamber 1110, similar to the treatment chamber 1100, through which air may be directed and in which it may be treated with UV light from a UV light source 1160. The UV light source 1160 may be a germicidal light source operable to generate UV light in response to being supplied with power from a power source. For example, the UV light source 1160 may be a UV-C light source, such as a cold cathode lamp, a low pressure mercury lamp, or a UV-C light emitting diode.

[0245] UV light source 1160 may be powered in a similar manner as UV light source 160. For example, the power applied to UV light source 160 may be a conditioned form of power from a power source.

[0246] In the illustrated embodiment, untreated air 1152 may enter the treatment chamber 1110 via an air inlet 1112, and treated air 1154 may exit the treatment chamber 1110 via an air outlet 1114. The air inlet 1112 may be in fluid communication with a filter assembly 1116, which may be configured to filter particulates from the untreated air 1152 before it is treated by UV light in the treatment chamber 1110. Removal and replacement of the filter assembly 1116 may be performed periodically to prevent substantial clogging of the filter assembly 1116.

[0247] As discussed herein, the treated air 1154 may exit the treatment chamber 1110 via an air outlet 1114. The air outlet 1114 may include an air vent 1118 configured to allow air to flow therethrough at a rate significantly greater than the rate of the treated air 1154.

[0248] The light fixture 1100 may include a fan assembly 1140 operable to direct air through the processing chamber 1110 from the air inlet 1112 to the air outlet 1114. In the illustrated embodiment, the fan assembly 1140 is located proximate the air inlet 1112, although it should be understood that the disclosure is not so limited. The fan assembly 1140 may be located or provided in a different location to direct air through the processing chamber 1110. The fan assembly 1140 may include a fan operable to direct air through the processing chamber 1110 at a target flow rate for sterilization or decontamination of the air by application of UV light within the processing chamber 1110. The fan assembly 1140 may include one or more fans operable to direct air through the processing chamber 1110.

[0249] The untreated air 1152, the air inlet 1112, the filter assembly 1116, the fan 1140, the air outlet 1114, the vent 1118, and the treated air 1154 may be similar to the untreated air 52, the air inlet 112, the filter assembly 116, the fan 140, the air outlet 114, the vent 118, and the treated air 154, respectively.

[0250] In the illustrated embodiment, the light fixture 1100 is depicted without a baffle, however, it will be understood that the light fixture 1100 may include a baffle, such as the baffle assemblies 130A, 130B described herein in connection with the light fixture 100.

[0251] The light fixture 1100 in one embodiment may include a visible light module 1180 operable to provide visible light to the room region 50 of the room. The visible light module 1180 may be operable to convert UV light from the UV light source 1160 to visible light and facilitate directing such light to the room region 50.

[0252] The visible light module 1180 may include a UV light converter 1184 operable to receive the UV light from the UV light source 160. The UV light converter 1184 may be configured to provide visible light based on the UV light received from the UV light source 160. This visible light may be provided to illuminate the room area.

[0253] In the illustrated embodiment, the UV light converter 1184 is a UV light downconverter operable to convert UV light to visible light. The UV light converter 1184 may include a substrate 1184 (e.g., glass) on which a film 1186 is disposed, the film 1186 operable to convert UV light to visible light. The film 1186 may be a downconversion layer, and the substrate 1184 may be optically transparent. The film 1186 may be disposed upstream of the substrate 1184 relative to the UV light source 1160 such that UV light from the UV light source 1160 is converted to visible light before passing through the substrate 1184 and traveling into the room region 50.

[0254] The UV light converter 1184 may be constructed in a variety of ways, including down-converting nanophosphors, which may be formed from SiO2 co-doped with Ce and Tb, or nanocrystals with different bandgaps to provide down-conversion. These structures may be provided on or form the film 1186 so that the UV light output from the UV light source 1160 can be down-converted to visible light.

[0255] In one embodiment, the UV light converter 1184 may comprise a passive converter or passive conversion system for converting UV light to visible light. The light fixture 1100 may 1) not utilize electrical power to convert the UV light, or 2) generate visible light separately from the UV light source 1160, or both.

[0256] The UV light converter 1184 may be configurable in a variety of ways depending on the application. In one embodiment, the UV light converter 1184 may be configurable to customize the light fixture 1100 without substantially modifying the light fixture 1100. For example, the UV light converter 1184 may be configurable for a target color temperature based on a user's selection or parameters. The UV light converter 1184 may be configurable for such target color temperature without affecting the overall build of the light fixture 1100, allowing the light fixture 1100 to be manufactured for an application without regard to the target color temperature. As an example, the UV light converter 1184 may be replaced with another UV light converter 1184 that can provide visible light having a second color temperature that is different from the first color temperature of the visible light output from the UV light converter 1184. One or more additional or alternative parameters may be affected by the UV light converter 1184, allowing the light fixture 1100 to be manufactured for an application without regard to the additional or alternative parameters.

[0257] The UV light converter 1184 in one embodiment may be field replaceable after the light fixture 1100 is installed to change one or more characteristics of the light fixture 1100.

[0258] In one embodiment, the light fixture 1100 may include a visible light regulator similar to the UV light regulator 120 described herein, except that the visible light regulator is operable to control the emission of visible light into the room. The visible light regulator may be operable to selectively control the emission of visible light into the room region 50 based on commands from the control system 1190. As an example, the visible light regulator may include one or more apertures that are selectively transmissive with respect to the visible light output from the UV light converter 1184.

[0259] In an alternative embodiment, the UV light converter 1184 may be an upconverter configured to convert visible light to UV light. In one embodiment, the light fixture 1100 may include a visible light source (such as the visible light source 180) capable of generating visible light for illuminating the room region 50. The visible light from the visible light source may be directed to the UV light converter 1184 and directed to the process chamber 1110. The UV light converter 1184 may upconvert the visible light to UV light to sterilize the air flowing through the process chamber 1110. An example of an upconversion configuration may include lanthanide doped upconverting phosphor (UCP) materials, such as lanthanide doped upconverting luminescent nano- and microcrystalline Y2SiO5.

[0260] X. Filter Disposal System A filter assembly according to one embodiment is shown in Figures 39-41 and is generally designated 2112. The filter assembly 2112 may be configured for use in combination with a light assembly 2100, which may be similar to any light fixture or light configuration described herein. The light assembly 2100 may include a filter support 2102 having a receiver 2106 configured to maintain the position of the filter assembly 2112 in place relative to a processing chamber 2108, such that air is transferred through the filter assembly 2112 into or out of the processing chamber 2108.

[0261] The filter assembly 2112 in the illustrated embodiment includes a filter storage element 2130 (e.g., a disposable bag) that is movable from a storage position to a filter disposal position to facilitate disposal of the filter assembly 2112 in a manner that substantially avoids a user contacting the filter media 2120 of the filter assembly 2112.

[0262] The filter assembly 2112 may include a filter media 2120 capable of removing particulates from air flowing into or out of the UV treatment chamber 2108 of the light assembly 2100, as discussed herein. The filter media 2120 may be a MERV6 type filter media capable of removing such particulates in one embodiment. The filter media 2120 may be sufficiently flexible to allow deformation to place the filter assembly 2212 into the receiver 2106 of the light assembly 2100, yet may be sufficiently rigid to form an interference fit with the receiver 2106 to facilitate maintaining the position of the filter assembly 2112 in the receiver 2106 of the light assembly 2100. In an alternative embodiment, the receiver 2106 may be defined by first and second brackets that receive the filter assembly 2112 by sliding the filter assembly 2112 into the receiver 2106 along a longitudinal axis of the filter assembly 2112, with the upper and lower portions of the filter assembly 2112 sliding along the receiver 2106 until the filter assembly 2112 is positioned to filter a particular object, in which position the receiver 2106 substantially prevents the filter assembly 2112 from moving along a direction aligned with the air flow direction (e.g., perpendicular to the major surface of the filter assembly 2112).

[0263] In the illustrated embodiment, the filter assembly 2112 includes at least one filter support 2112A-2112B (e.g., first and second filter supports 2112A, 2112B) disposed on one or more sides of the filter media 2120, respectively. The first and second filter supports 2112A-2112B may be paperboard bonded (with or without adhesive) to the filter media 2120 to maintain the shape of the filter media 2120 and one or more axes, such as the longitudinal or lateral axes, of the filter media 2120. The first and second supports 2112A-2112B may flex during installation of the filter assembly 2112 into the receiver 2106 of the light assembly 2100. The first and second supports 2112A-2112B may define a slide along which the filter bag 2136 slides as the filter bag 2136 transitions from a storage position to a discard position, as described herein.

[0264] As an example, at least one of the filter supports 2112A-2112B may be configured to support at least a portion of the filter media 2120 (e.g., Surrounding (p e r i The filter assembly 2112 may be a paperboard frame disposed around a portion or all of the filter media 2120 (approximately 1.5 meter) of the filter assembly 2112. The paperboard frame may substantially maintain the shape of the filter assembly 2112 to match the shape of the receiver 2106 of the light assembly 2100. Additionally or alternatively, the light assembly 2100 may include a support grid (e.g., a metal screen) disposed on at least one side of the filter media 2120 that is perpendicular to the direction of airflow through the filter media 2120.

[0265] Optionally, the light assembly 2100 may include at least one lip 2104A-B configured to facilitate maintaining the position of the filter assembly 2112 in the receiver 2106 of the light assembly 2100. The at least one lip 2104A-B may enable maintaining the position of the filter assembly 2112 with or without an interference fit as described herein in connection with the receiver 2106 and the filter assembly 2112. For example, the at least one lip 2104A-B may hold the filter assembly 2112 in place relative to the receiver 2106 without relying on an interference fit and without the presence of an interference fit between the filter assembly 2112 and the receiver 2106.

[0266] The filter assembly 2112 in the illustrated embodiment includes a filter storage element 2130 that is integral with the filter assembly 2112. The filter assembly 2112 is installed for use with the light assembly 2100 with the filter storage element 2130 in a storage position, as in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 39. The filter storage element 2130 includes a disposal interface 2132 (e.g., a pull tab) that can be pulled by a user to transition the filter storage element 2130 from the storage position to a discard position, as depicted in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 36X. The transition between storage positions in the discard position is performed with the filter assembly 2112 in a home or fixed position relative to the receiver 2106. As a result, a user can transition the filter assembly 2112 to a disposal configuration prior to removing the filter assembly 2112 from the light assembly 2100, and can configure the filter assembly 2112 in a disposal mode to allow the filter assembly 2112 to be removed without touching the filter media 2136 during removal of the filter assembly 2112 and / or without significantly disturbing the filter media 2136 in the uncontained configuration. In this manner, particulates captured by the filter media 2136 are substantially maintained within the filter storage element 2130 during removal of the filter assembly 2112 from the light assembly 2100.

[0267] The filter storage element 2130, in the illustrated embodiment, includes a filter bag 2136 secured to the side 2122 of the filter media 2120 and disposed in a storage position as depicted in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 39 and FIG. 41. The filter bag 2136 may be capable of being expanded from the storage position to a disposal position depicted in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 40. A user can grasp the disposal interface 2132 and expand the filter bag 2136 around the filter media 2120, substantially enclosing the filter media 2120 within the filter bag 2136. As discussed herein, deployment of the filter bag 2136 around the filter media 2120 may be accomplished by pulling on the disposal interface 2132 while the filter assembly 2112 is in place relative to the receiver 2106 of the light assembly 2100.

[0268] In the illustrated embodiment, the filter storage element 2130 includes a waste support element 2134 that may be configured to secure to the filter bag 2136 and substantially protect the filter bag 2136 in the storage position. For example, the waste support element 2134 may substantially block the filter bag 2136 from view when the filter assembly 2112 is placed in the receiver 2106 with the filter storage element 2130 in the storage position.

[0269] In the illustrated embodiment, the disposal interface 2132 may also facilitate removal of the filter assembly 2112 from the receiver 2106 of the light assembly 2100. For example, a user may grasp the disposal interface 2130 to transition the filter bag 2136 to a disposal position and then pull the disposal interface 2130 to remove the filter assembly 2112 from the receiver 2106. In one embodiment, the receiver 2106 may be provided with lips 2104A-B that a user can overcome (which may act as a catch) by pulling the disposal interface 2130 parallel to the air flow, such that the filter assembly 2112 is capable of sufficient deformation to overcome the lips 2104A-B for removal of the filter assembly 2112 from the receiver 2106, as described herein.

[0270] Negative pressure with UVA based on time and alarms generated in room evaluation may be determined by the system according to an embodiment. By tracking positive pressure changes or negative pressure changes or both, the system may identify the exit and entrance of potentially contaminated airflow. For example, if a room is kept at negative pressure, theoretically, the room will not contaminate other rooms. However, if there is significant movement from the room to the outside, a momentary event may occur in which the air in the room moves to the outside. Multiple people leaving the room with the door open acts to pull air from the room in a column of air. Such events can be tracked and monitored based on pressure changes to determine risk levels and triggers to treat adjacent areas. Generally, people are the source of contamination, so by tracking sensor information to understand movement and airflow, the system may be able to determine the majority of contamination transfer.

[0271] Directional terms such as "vertical," "horizontal," "up," "down," "upper," "lower," "inner," "inwardly," "outer," "outwardly," and the like are used to help describe the invention based on the orientation of the embodiments shown in the figures. The use of directional terms should not be construed as limiting the invention to any particular orientation.

[0272] The above description is of the current embodiment of the invention. Various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents. This disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the invention, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claims to the specific elements shown or described in connection with these embodiments. For example, but not by way of limitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention may be replaced with alternative elements providing substantially similar functionality or providing other suitable operations. This includes, for example, alternative elements that may be currently known to those skilled in the art and alternative elements that may be developed in the future, for example, alternative elements that may be recognized as alternative elements by those skilled in the art upon development. Furthermore, the disclosed embodiments include multiple features that are described in combination and may cooperate to provide a set of advantages. The invention is not limited to only those embodiments that include all of these features or provide all of the described advantages, except to the extent expressly defined in the issued claims. For example, use of the articles "a," "an," "the," or "said" to refer to a claim element in the singular should not be construed as limiting the element to the singular. The following is a reference embodiment. [Reference Example 1] An apparatus for sterilizing the air in a room, comprising: a support member operable to facilitate attachment of the device to a surface; a germicidal light source operable to generate UV light; a UV treatment chamber having an air treatment area having an untreated air inlet and a treated air outlet, the air treatment area being operable to receive air from the untreated air inlet and direct air to the treated air outlet, the UV light from the germicidal light source being directed toward the air treatment area; one or more baffles operable to substantially prevent leakage of the UV light from the UV treatment chamber through the untreated air inlet and the treated air outlet into the room; a visible light source that generates visible light to illuminate the room; An apparatus comprising: [Reference Example 2] The apparatus of Reference Example 1, wherein the one or more baffles are provided within the UV treatment chamber. [Reference Example 3] The germicidal light source from light Receives light and a UV light regulator operable to selectively control the amount of UV light directed from the germicidal light source into the room. [Reference Example 4] The apparatus of reference embodiment 3, wherein the UV light regulator includes a fixed window that is transparent to the UV light, and the UV light regulator includes a sliding window surrounded by an opaque structure, the sliding window being movable relative to the fixed window to selectively control the size of the effective opening available for UV light transmission from the germicidal light source to the room. [Reference Example 5] An apparatus as described in Reference Example 4, wherein at least one of the fixed window and the sliding window is an opening that is transparent to both air and light. [Reference Example 6] The apparatus of reference embodiment 3, wherein the UV light regulator includes a plurality of effective openings available for UV light transmission from the germicidal light source to the room, each of the effective openings including a fixed window and a sliding window. [Reference Example 7] Each fixed window of the plurality of effective apertures is provided in a first disk, Each sliding window of the plurality of effective openings is provided in a second disk. 7. The device of claim 6. [Reference Example 8] The device of reference embodiment 7, wherein the first disk contacts the second disk and rotates relative to the second disk. [Reference Example 9] The device of Reference Example 7, wherein the first disc contacts the second disc and moves linearly relative to the second disc. [Reference Example 10] The apparatus of reference aspect 3, wherein the UV light regulator is operable to obtain user information regarding whether a user is present in the room, and the UV light regulator is operable to selectively provide the UV light in the room based on the user information indicating that no user is present in the room. [Reference Example 11] The apparatus of reference embodiment 1 includes a control system operable to control operation of the germicidal light source, the control system including a wireless communication controller configured to transmit and receive information with an external network device. [Reference Example 12] The apparatus of reference embodiment 1 further comprises a first reflector configured to direct the UV light from the germicidal light source to a target surface in the room within a UV light region, the UV light region being defined by the target surface and opposing boundaries that are parallel or convergent to the target surface. [Reference Example 13] An apparatus for sterilizing the air in a room, comprising: a support member operable to facilitate attachment of the device to a surface; a germicidal light source operable to generate UV light; a UV treatment chamber having an air treatment area having an untreated air inlet and a treated air outlet, the air treatment area being operable to receive air from the untreated air inlet and direct air to the treated air outlet, the UV light from the germicidal light source being directed toward the air treatment area; a visible light source that generates visible light to illuminate the room; The germicidal light source from light Receives lighta UV light regulator operable to selectively control the amount of UV light directed into the room from the germicidal light source; An apparatus comprising: [Reference Example 14] The apparatus of reference embodiment 13, further comprising one or more baffles operable to substantially prevent leakage of the UV light from the UV treatment chamber through the untreated air inlet and the treated air outlet into the room. [Reference Example 15] The apparatus of reference embodiment 13, wherein the UV light regulator includes a fixed window that is transparent to the UV light, and the UV light regulator includes a sliding window surrounded by an opaque structure, the sliding window being movable relative to the fixed window to selectively control the size of the effective opening available for UV light transmission from the germicidal light source to the room. [Reference Example 16] An apparatus as described in Reference Example 15, wherein at least one of the fixed window and the sliding window is an opening that is transparent to both air and light. [Reference Example 17] The apparatus of reference embodiment 13, wherein the UV light regulator includes a plurality of effective openings available for UV light transmission from the germicidal light source to the room, each of the effective openings including a fixed window and a sliding window. [Reference Example 18] Each fixed window of the plurality of effective apertures is provided in a first disk, Each sliding window of the plurality of effective openings is provided in a second disk. The device described in reference embodiment 17. [Reference Example 19] The device of reference embodiment 18, wherein the first disk contacts the second disk and rotates relative to the second disk. [Reference Example 20] The device of reference embodiment 18, wherein the first disc contacts the second disc and moves linearly relative to the second disc. [Reference Example 21] The apparatus of reference embodiment 13, wherein the UV light regulator is operable to obtain user information regarding whether a user is present in the room, and the UV light regulator is operable to selectively provide UV light in the room based on user information indicating that no user is present in the room. [Reference Example 22] The apparatus of reference embodiment 13 further comprises a control system operable to control operation of the germicidal light source, the control system including a wireless communication controller configured to transmit and receive information with an external network device. [Reference Example 23] The apparatus of Reference Aspect 13 includes a first reflector configured to direct the UV light from the germicidal light source to a target surface in the room within a UV light region, the UV light region being defined by the target surface and opposing boundaries that are parallel or convergent to the target surface. [Reference Example 24] 1. An apparatus for sterilizing a target surface in a room, comprising: a support member operable to facilitate attachment of the device to a surface; a germicidal light source operable to generate UV light; a first reflector configured to direct the UV light within a UV light region toward the target surface, the UV light region being defined by the target surface and opposing boundaries that are parallel to or convergent with the target surface; An apparatus comprising: [Reference Example 25] The device of reference embodiment 24, wherein the opposing boundary lines converge to the target surface at a point distal to the device. [Reference Example 26] The device described in Reference Embodiment 24, wherein the opposing boundary lines intersect at an intersection with an optical opening of the device. [Reference Example 27] An apparatus as described in reference embodiment 26, wherein the distance between the intersection point and the target surface defines the UV light region to be outside the region of space occupied by the head of a person standing in the room. [Reference Example 28] An air intake; An air outlet; a fan operable to direct air through a processing chamber of the instrument, operable to direct air from the air inlet to the processing chamber, and operable to direct air from the processing chamber to the air outlet; The apparatus of reference embodiment 24, comprising: [Reference Example 29] The apparatus of reference embodiment 28, wherein the UV light from the germicidal light source is directed toward the treatment chamber. [Reference Example 30] The apparatus of reference embodiment 28 includes a second reflector configured to direct the UV light toward the first reflector, and the germicidal light source is positioned to direct light toward both an area within the treatment chamber and the second reflector. [Reference Example 31] The apparatus of reference embodiment 30, wherein the germicidal light source is positioned within the treatment chamber. [Reference Example 32] The apparatus of reference embodiment 28, wherein at least one of the air inlet and the air outlet corresponds to a UV light port through which the UV light is directed to the target surface within the UV light region. [Reference Example 33] The apparatus of reference embodiment 24, comprising a visible light source operable to illuminate an area of ​​the room for human use. [Reference Example 34] 1. A system for sterilizing air, comprising: a first air sterilization assembly operable to sterilize the air, the first assembly power input included, and a first assembly communication interface operable to communicate information related to the sterilization of the air to a network device; a second air sterilization assembly operable to sterilize the air, the second assembly including a second assembly power input, and a second assembly communication interface operable to communicate information related to the sterilization of the air to the network device; a power management system configured to supply power to the first and second air sterilization assemblies, the power management system including a first wire assembly connected to the first assembly power input and a second wire assembly connected to the second assembly power input, the power management system configured to control the supply of power to the first and second air sterilization assemblies via the first and second wire assemblies; a network communications system configured to provide a communications bridge between the first and second air sterilization assemblies and the network device, the network communications system coupled to the first and second assembly communications interfaces of the first and second air sterilization assemblies; A system comprising: [Reference Example 35] The system described in Reference Example 34, wherein the network communication system is coupled to the first assembly communication interface via the first wire assembly and to the second assembly communication interface via the second wire assembly. [Reference Example 36] The system described in Reference Aspect 34, wherein the network communication system is coupled to the first and second air sterilization assemblies via at least one communication medium separate from the first and second wire assemblies. [Reference Example 37] The system described in Reference Example 36, wherein the first wire assembly is directly connected to the power management system and the second wire assembly is directly connected to the first air sterilization assembly such that the second air sterilization assembly receives power from the power management system via the first air sterilization assembly. [Reference Example 38] The system of embodiment 34, wherein the power management system provides a low-voltage power distribution system. [Reference Example 39] The system of Reference Example 34, wherein the first air sterilization assembly is one of a light fixture, a portable light assembly, a stand-alone air sterilization system, and an HVAC-integrated air sterilization system. [Reference Example 40] The system described in reference embodiment 34, wherein the power management system is integrated into a telebooth, the telebooth providing a communication interface. [Reference Example 41] 1. A germicidal system for a portable light assembly having a visible light source, comprising: a germicidal light source operable to generate UV light; a UV treatment chamber having an air treatment area having an untreated air inlet and a treated air outlet, the air treatment area being operable to receive air from the untreated air inlet and direct air to the treated air outlet, the UV light from the germicidal light source being directed toward the air treatment area; a fan configured to draw air outside the portable light assembly into the raw air inlet; A sterilization system comprising: [Reference Example 42] A sterilization system as described in Reference Example 41, wherein the UV treatment chamber is at least partially defined by walls of the portable light assembly, the walls being substantially opaque to the UV light output from the sterilizing light source. [Reference Example 43] A sterilization system as described in Reference Example 42, wherein the UV treatment chamber substantially prevents leakage of the UV light output from the sterilizing light source to the external environment and includes a gasket interface for the wall of the portable light assembly to prevent air leakage. [Reference Example 44] A sterilization system as described in Reference Embodiment 43, wherein the gasket interface is a C-shaped gasket that receives a wall of the UV treatment chamber and seals against the wall of the portable light assembly, the C-shaped gasket forming a compression seal with the wall of the portable light assembly. [Reference Example 45] The sterilization system of reference embodiment 41, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the untreated air inlet is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the treated air outlet. [Reference Example 46] A sterilization system as described in Reference Example 41, wherein the untreated air inlet is at least partially defined by a wall of the portable light assembly. [Reference Example 47] A sterilization system as described in reference embodiment 41, comprising a sterilization control system positioned outside the UV treatment chamber, the sterilization control system being concealed within a portion of the portable light assembly so that the sterilization control system is hidden from external view by an observer of the portable light assembly. [Reference Example 48] A sterilization system as described in Reference Example 41, wherein the wall of the portable light assembly is a visible light reflector for the visible light source of the portable light assembly. [Reference Example 49] A sterilization system as described in reference embodiment 47, wherein the sterilization control system is operable to control the power supply to the sterilization light source and the visible light source. [Reference Example 50] The sterilization system of reference embodiment 41, wherein the sterilization system is a retrofit system for the portable optical assembly. [Reference Example 51] A sterilization system as described in reference embodiment 47, wherein the sterilization control system includes a proximity sensor operable to detect the proximity of a user, and the sterilization control system is operable to change state based on the proximity of a user to the portable light assembly. [Reference Example 52] A sterilization system described in Reference Example 41, wherein the portable light assembly is a desk lamp. [Reference Example 53] A sterilization system as described in Reference Example 41, wherein the UV treatment chamber includes a gasket interface coupled to a wall of the UV treatment chamber, the gasket interface being operable to contact a portion of the portable light assembly. [Reference 54] a germicidal light source operable to generate UV light; a UV treatment chamber having an air treatment area having an untreated air inlet and a treated air outlet, the air treatment area being operable to receive air from the untreated air inlet and direct air to the treated air outlet, the UV light from the germicidal light source being directed toward the air treatment area; a UV light converter operable to receive the UV light from the germicidal light source and configured to provide visible light based on the UV light received from the germicidal light source, the visible light being provided to illuminate a room; A sterilization system comprising: [Reference Example 55] A sterilization system as described in Reference Example 54, wherein the UV light converter is a UV light downconverter operable to convert the UV light to the visible light. [Reference Example 56] A sterilization system as described in Reference Embodiment 54, wherein the UV light converter comprises a substrate and a film operable to convert the UV light to the visible light. [Reference 57] A sterilization system described in Reference Example 56, wherein the film is a down conversion layer and the substrate is optically transparent. [Reference Example 58] A sterilization system described in Reference Embodiment 54, wherein the UV light converter is a passive converter that converts UV light to visible light. [Reference Example 59] A sterilization system as described in reference embodiment 58, wherein the UV light converter is replaceable with another UV light converter capable of providing visible light having a second color temperature different from the first color temperature of the visible light output from the UV light converter. [Reference Example 60] A sterilization system as described in reference embodiment 54, wherein the sterilization system is incorporated into a light fixture for sterilizing the air in the room. [Reference 61] A sterilization system as described in reference embodiment 54, comprising a visible light regulator operable to selectively control the output of visible light while UV light is output from the sterilization light source. [Reference Example 62] 1. A removable filter assembly for a sterilization system, the filter assembly comprising: a filtration media operable to remove particulates from air flowing therethrough; a disposal bag movable from a storage position to a filter disposal position, the disposal bag including an interface operable by the user for moving the disposal bag from the storage position to the filter disposal position without contact between the user and the filtration media; in the stowed position, air flow through the filtration media is substantially unimpeded by the waste bag; In the filter disposal position, the filtration media is substantially enclosed within the disposal bag. Removable filter assembly. [Reference 63] A removable filter assembly as described in reference embodiment 62, wherein the interface is a pull tab. [Reference 64] a first support coupled to the filtration media and configured to removably engage the sterilization system to support the filtration media relative to the sterilization system and to receive and remove particulates from the air; a second support coupled to the filtration media and configured to removably engage the sterilization system to support the filtration media relative to the sterilization system and to receive and remove particulates from the air; the first and second supports include first and second sliding portions, respectively, the first and second sliding portions operable to connect to first and second portions, respectively, of the waste bag to guide the waste bag from the storage position to the filter disposal position; A removable filter assembly as described in reference embodiment 62, comprising: [Reference 65] A removable filter assembly as described in reference embodiment 64, wherein the first and second supports are operable to slide within first and second receiving portions, respectively, of the sterilization system. [Reference Example 66] A removable filter assembly as described in reference embodiment 65, comprising a fastener operable to prevent the removable filter assembly from being removed from the sterilization system in response to movement of the waste bag from the storage position to the filter disposal position, and configured to release in response to a user pulling on the interface while the waste bag is in the filter disposal position. [Reference 67] An apparatus as described in reference embodiment 1, comprising a filter arranged to remove particulates from air, the filter being positioned relative to one or more baffles such that the one or more baffles substantially prevent the filter from being exposed to UV light, thereby maintaining filter durability by preventing exposure of the filter to UV light and substantially avoiding failure of the filter due to UV light exposure.

Claims

1. An apparatus for sterilizing the air in a room, comprising: a support member operable to facilitate attachment of the device to a surface; a germicidal light source operable to generate UV light; a UV treatment chamber having an air treatment area having an untreated air inlet and a treated air outlet, the air treatment area being operable to receive air from the untreated air inlet and direct air to the treated air outlet, the UV light from the germicidal light source being directed toward the air treatment area; a plurality of baffles that substantially prevent leakage of the UV light from the UV treatment chamber through the untreated air inlet into the room; a visible light source that generates visible light to illuminate the room; a fan operable to direct air from the untreated air inlet into the UV treatment chamber and operable to direct air from the UV treatment chamber to the treated air outlet; a sensor circuit and a controller configured to control a speed of the fan based on an output of the sensor circuit; a control system operable to control operation of the germicidal light source, the control system including a wireless communication controller configured to transmit and receive information to and from an external network device; An apparatus comprising:

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of baffles are disposed within the UV treatment chamber.

3. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a UV light regulator that receives the UV light from the germicidal light source, the UV light regulator operable to selectively control an amount of the received UV light that is directed into the room from the germicidal light source.

4. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the UV light regulator includes a fixed window that is transmissive to the UV light, and wherein the UV light regulator includes a sliding window surrounded by an opaque structure, the sliding window being movable relative to the fixed window to selectively control a size of an effective opening available for UV light transmission from the germicidal light source to the room.

5. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the UV light regulator is operable to obtain occupant information regarding an occupant present in the room, and wherein the UV light regulator is operable to selectively provide the UV light in the room based on the occupant information indicating the absence of an occupant in the room.

6. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a first reflector configured to direct the UV light from the germicidal light source toward a target surface in the room within a UV light region, the UV light region being defined by the target surface and opposing boundaries that are parallel or convergent to the target surface.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to track pressure changes in the room based on fan operating conditions.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the sensor circuit is an audio sensor, and the controller is configured to receive an audio sensor output from the audio sensor and recognize a user event based on the audio sensor output.

9. The instrument of claim 6 , wherein the opposing boundary lines converge to the target surface at a point distal to the instrument.

10. The device of claim 6 , wherein the opposing boundary lines intersect an optical opening of the device at an intersection.

11. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the distance between the intersection point and the target surface defines the UV light region to be outside a region of space occupied by the head of a person standing in the room.

12. The instrument of claim 1 , wherein the UV light from the germicidal light source is directed into the UV treatment chamber.

13. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, including a second reflector configured to direct the UV light toward the first reflector, the germicidal light source being positioned to direct light toward both an area within the UV treatment chamber and the second reflector.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to track pressure changes in the room based on fan operating conditions.

15. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller dictates the speed and on-time of the fan to operate in conjunction with multiple additional devices to treat particulate dust within a larger environment to form a connected pathogen reduction system.

16. 10. The instrument of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to direct the fan to generate air flow through the UV treatment chamber at a target air flow rate based on a rate of air treatment of the germicidal light source.

17. 10. The instrument of claim 1, wherein the fan is operable to direct air through the UV treatment chamber at a target air flow rate for sterilization or decontamination of air via application of the UV light within the UV treatment chamber.

18. 10. The instrument of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to control the germicidal light source and the fan during germicidal disinfection in a deep clean cycle in which an intensity of the germicidal light source and a speed of the fan are increased.

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