INTEGRATED SURFACE DISINFECTANT AND AIR SANITIZER

Abstract

A robotic surface cleaning device is described. The robotic surface cleaning device can be configured to traverse a floor surface in a room area to disinfect various surfaces, as well as disinfect the air in the room. The robotic surface cleaning device may include a maneuvering base. The robotic surface cleaning device may also include a support tower attached to the maneuvering base and at least one deployable structure attached to the support tower, wherein the at least one deployable structure is capable of extending and retracting to pass over surfaces in the room area. The at least one deployable structure may include one or more ultraviolet (UV) light sources configured to disinfect surfaces in the room area.The support tower may include at least one air intake vent configured to draw in room air, at least one air sanitizing unit configured with at least one array of UV light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and at least one exhaust vent configured to emit sanitized air.

Description

INTEGRATED SURFACE DISINFECTANT AND AIR SANITIZER ncncnn / eznz / E / YiAi Background of the Invention There is a growing demand for improvements in indoor air quality in both private and public settings to reduce the transmission of pathogens. As information becomes available on the health risks associated with exposure to various types of pollutants, the focus on maintaining a healthy indoor environment has expanded to include residential and commercial settings. In particular, the presence of certain molds, bacteria, and / or viruses has been shown to cause long-lasting and far-reaching health problems. Consequently, the prevention and treatment of indoor pollutants is of interest to all industries, as well as to individuals. Brief Description of the Invention Systems, methods, and devices of various modalities allow a robotic surface cleaning device to move across a floor surface in a room area. In some systems, methods, and devices of various modalities, the robotic surface cleaning device may include a maneuvering base, a support tower attached to the maneuvering base, and at least one deployable structure attached to the support tower. In some systems, methods, and devices of various modalities, the support tower Ref. 344408 may include at least one air intake vent configured to draw in room air, at least one air sanitizing unit configured with at least one ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diode (LED) array, and at least one exhaust vent configured to emit sanitized air. In some systems, methods, and devices, the at least one deployable structure may be capable of extending and retracting to pass over surfaces in the room area. In some systems, methods, and devices, the at least one deployable structure may include one or more UV light sources configured to disinfect surfaces in the room area. In some systems, methods, and devices, the at least one air sanitization unit may include at least one high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, at least one motor and fan assembly configured to generate an airflow, and at least one sterilization chamber. In some systems, methods, and devices, the at least one sterilization chamber may include an internal surface at least partially coated with an ultraviolet (UV) light-reflecting material. In some systems, methods, and devices, at least one UV LED array may be mounted on the internal surface. In some systems, methods, and devices, the at least one UV LED array may be configured to irradiate the airflow. In some systems, methods, and devices, the robotic surface cleaning device may also include at least one power source. In some systems, methods, and devices, at least one UV LED array may be configured to emit radiation at one or more wavelengths within a 240–280 nm range. In some systems, methods, and devices, at least one UV LED array is configured to irradiate the airflow with a sufficient dose of UV radiation to reduce airborne pathogens. In some systems, methods, and modality devices, the robotic surface cleaning device may also include at least one drive motor and at least one wheel coupled to the maneuvering base. In some systems, methods, and devices, the robotic surface cleaning device may further incorporate at least one sterilization unit. In some systems, methods, and devices, the at least one sterilization unit may include a portion of a conduit at least partially coated with ultraviolet (UV) light-reflecting material, a plurality of hollow structures positioned within the conduit portion, each comprising an external UV-reflecting surface and at least one array of UV light-emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on a surface of at least one of the plurality of hollow structures.In some systems, methods, and modality devices, the sterilization unit can be configured to replace a section of an existing duct in the HVAC system so that the airflow within the HVAC system passes through the sterilization unit before exiting one or more vent holes. In some systems, methods, and devices, the at least one sterilization unit may also include a power supply housed within at least one of the hollow structures. In some systems, methods, and devices, each of the at least one UV LED array may be connected to a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) within the hollow structure in which the array is mounted. In some systems, methods, and devices, the at least one hollow structure in which the at least one UV LED array is mounted may be positioned at one end of the sterilization unit upstream of an airflow outlet. In some systems, methods, and devices, the at least one LED array... UV can be configured to emit radiation at one or more wavelengths within a range of 240-280 nm. In some systems, methods, and modality devices, UV LEOs can be configured to irradiate the air within. HVAC system with a sufficient dose of UV radiation to reduce airborne pathogens. In some systems, methods, and devices, the robotic surface cleaning device may also include at least one drive motor and at least one wheel attached to the maneuvering base. In some systems, methods, and devices, the robotic surface cleaning device may have at least one deployable structure capable of rotating so that one or more UV light sources are positioned to irradiate in an upward direction. In some systems, methods, and devices, at least one air sanitizing unit may be configured to operate independently of the at least one deployable structure. 0 Brief Description of the Figures These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying figures where: Figure 1 shows a representative diagram of an ncncnn / eznz / E / YiAi robotic surface cleaning device according to various modalities. Figure 2 shows a composite view of a modality of the i riverici ón, which iw:l nye perspective, orthographic projection and cross-section views of a system for sterilizing and disinfecting air that is suitable for installation within a robotic surface cleaning device according to various modalities. Figure 3 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for reducing airborne pathogenic contaminants in a room airflow using a robotic surface cleaning device according to various modalities. Figure 4 is a component block diagram of a robotic surface cleaning device that includes an air sanitization unit according to various modalities. Detailed Description of the Invention In the description and claims below, and in the accompanying figures, reference is made to particular features (including method steps) of the invention. The description of the invention herein shall be understood to include all possible combinations of these particular features. For example, where a particular feature is described in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature may also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and / or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention in general. The term UV radiation is used herein to mean high-energy UV-C photons with wavelengths shorter than 290 nm, which are capable of penetrating cell walls. In various applications, the UV radiation used for air treatment may be at one or multiple wavelengths within the 200–320 nm range. The terms flux and radiation flux are used herein to refer to the amount of radiation at the specified wavelength that reaches the surface of airborne pathogens. The terms dwell time and residence time are used herein to refer to the length of time that airborne pathogens remain exposed to the radiation flux. The terms Lériiilnos and Lariinanfes are used herein to refer to impurities, which include all biological agents (e.g., pathogens), chemical agents, polluting particles, volatile organic compounds, and chemical vapors. The term comprises and its grammatical equivalents ncncnn / eznz / E / YiAi are used herein to signify that other components, ingredients, steps, etc., are optionally present. For example, an item comprising (or comprising) components A, B, and C may consist of (i.e., contain only) components A, B, and C, or it may contain not only components A, B, and C, but also one or more other components. Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps may be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), and the method may include one or more of other steps that are carried out before any of the defined steps, between any two of the defined steps, or after all of the defined steps (except where the context excludes that possibility). The term "at least" followed by a number is used herein to indicate the beginning of an interval that starts with that number (which may be an interval that has an upper limit or no upper limit, depending on the variable being defined). For example, "at least" means 1 or more than 1. The term "at most" followed by a number is used herein to denote the end of an interval that ends with that number (which may be an interval that has 1 or 0 as its lower limit, or an interval that has no lower limit, depending on the variable being defined). When, in this description, an interval is given as (a first number) to (a second number) or (a first number)-(a second number), this means an interval whose lower limit is the first number and whose upper limit is the second number. Since the description concludes with the claims that define the characteristics of the modalities of the invention that are considered novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description together with the figures, in which similar reference numbers are transferred. Current approaches to reducing pathogens involve decontaminating room surfaces between occupied spaces. This can be achieved by irradiating the room and all its surfaces with high-level ultraviolet (UV) radiation or by spraying the room with a hydrogen peroxide mist. However, the room must be unoccupied and isolated, and if anyone needs to enter the room during this process, appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn. Robotic surface cleaning devices have been developed that disinfect surfaces by irradiating high-touch areas in offices, airplanes, and hospitals. However, the high doses of UV radiation used can be 25 times beyond safe limits for human exposure, requiring operation at night. These robotic surface cleaning devices can use an ultraviolet (UV) vacuum tube or a xenon pulse discharge tube as the UV light source, which can be mounted on the body or on articulated structures. These surface cleaning devices are developing capabilities, but essentially they lack the ability to remove airborne pathogens. This is a serious limitation to the overall effectiveness of surface cleaners. Pathogen-laden aerosols and dust particles are suspended in the air. Large, heavy particles settle first, and progressively finer particles settle more slowly on freshly sterilized surfaces. Surfaces are cleaner immediately after exposure and gradually become contaminated again later in the night, even before occupants arrive. Radiation sources, such as UV lamps, have been used in portable air purification devices and HVAC systems to inhibit the growth of bacteria and certain molds on condensate coils and / or drain pans. Filtration devices such as activated carbon filters, high-energy particulate air (HEPA) filters, and electrostatic filters have been used to remove particulate matter and contaminants from indoor air. ncncnn / eznz / E / YiAi The various models provide a robotic surface cleaning device that includes an air sanitization unit. In several models, the air sanitization unit can be compact enough not to increase the size of the robotic surface cleaning device. In this way, the surface cleaning device can navigate narrow cleaning paths throughout a room. An air intake area can be located near the base of the surface cleaning device, with the air sanitizing unit component located within the structural column that supports the articulated arms. An air discharge area can be located near the top of the structural column. In various configurations, the air sanitizing unit can have an airflow of approximately 200 cubic feet per minute (5663.37 liters per minute), single-pass pathogen elimination capability, and HEPA particle removal. The operating volume for the robotic surface cleaning device can be 12 ft x 12 ft x 8 ft (3.65 m x 3.65 m x 2.43 m) around the robot as it performs its surface cleaning process. Therefore, the air exchange rate achieved by the device's sanitizing unit can be at least 9 air changes per hour (ACH). The combined ability to provide clean air and clean surfaces provides an enhanced level of room air sanitization. In various designs, the air sanitization unit may include one or more sterilization chambers containing at least one array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to treat an airflow circulating within a room to significantly reduce the number of contaminants. For example, at least one sterilization chamber may include one or more UV LED arrays capable of directing ultraviolet radiation into the airstream, thereby sterilizing microbes and halting their reproduction. In one mode, one or more sensors can be used to monitor air quality characteristics and / or equipment status. Monitored air quality characteristics may include, but are not limited to, airflow, temperature, humidity, and contaminant levels. Monitored equipment parameters may include, but are not limited to, UV LED performance. If an irregularity is detected, a monitoring system can automatically send a notification to an indicator external to the HVAC system. The sterilization unit, available in various configurations, can be installed in an existing HVAC system to eradicate pathogens in the exhaust air. The sterilization unit can be located at the end of a ventilation duct where air flows into a specific room or a larger area. The sterilization unit can be adapted to different sizes depending on the robotic surface cleaning device. The electronics for the air sanitizing unit components (e.g., for the LEDs, fan 10 and motor) can be enclosed within the base of the robotic surface cleaning device bodies of the units, and only require a low-voltage AC line to supply power. Figure 1 illustrates an example of a robotic surface cleaning device 15 100 according to various embodiments. The cleaning device 100 may include a robotic maneuvering base 102, a support tower 104, and at least two extendable arms 106a, 106b with UV light sources. In various embodiments, the extendable arms 106a, 106b 20 may be approximately 6 feet (1.82 m) long when extended and may be configured for high-throughput surface disinfection. The UV light sources in the arms 106a, 106b may be vacuum tube UV lamps. In various configurations, the 25 deployable arms 106a, 106b can be folded compactly to facilitate the mobility of the cleaning device as it navigates its cleaning route through a room area.The extended span of the deployable arms 106a, 106b can be used to improve the various exposure angles and viewing paths for UV radiation, reducing the amount of contaminated surface that remains untreated. In some embodiments, at least two deployable arms 106a, 106b can be rotated so that the UV light sources are positioned to irradiate upwards. This upward irradiation can provide the ability, for example, to disinfect various surfaces below (e.g., tables) or surfaces above the cleaning device 100. The support tower 104 may include various components for treating the air within the room. Specifically, room air may enter through an air inlet vent 108 located near the base 102 and be passed through an air sanitizing unit 110 housed within the body of the support tower 104. The air sanitizing unit 110 may include, in various configurations, at least a HEPA filter 112, a motor / fan component 114, and a sterilization chamber 116. The clean air (i.e., the airflow that has passed through the air sanitizing unit) 110) can exit the device through a discharge vent hole 118. In this way, contaminated aerosols and pathogen-laden dust particles that may be suspended in the air can be removed from the air. Therefore, these particles can be prevented from re-contaminating the disinfected surfaces. The sterilization chamber 116 can be lined with a UV-reflective coating and may include at least one UV LED that can be mounted on its inner surface. The number of UV LEDs in each array, and the number and location of the arrays, can be customized based on the size of the sterilization chamber 116 and the robotic surface cleaning device 100. The UV LED arrays can be connected to one or more printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) within the air sanitizing unit, which can be powered by a power supply housed within the support tower 104 or the maneuvering base 102. In various configurations, the power supply can include various subcomponents and features as necessary to provide and regulate power to the various components. In various forms, the sterilization chamber 116 may include at least one UV sensor positioned on the top, near the discharge vent hole 118. In some embodiments, the UV sensor may be coupled to a UV function display (not shown) which may be placed on the outside of the robotic surface cleaning device 100 to provide feedback to a user and ensure normal operation without requiring disassembly of the device. In various embodiments, the airflow area within the support tower 104 between the sterilization chamber 116 and the discharge vent 118 can be lined with a UV-absorbing material. The UV-absorbing material can be, for example, a coating that includes titanium dioxide and / or zinc oxide. In some embodiments, the discharge vent 118 can also be covered with a UV-absorbing screen made of any of a variety of UV-absorbing materials. This UV-absorbing material can prevent the unwanted escape of any UV radiation originating from the sterilization chamber 116. The robotic surface cleaning device, according to various models, may include a computer or microprocessor containing at least firmware and memory storage software to control the device's movement and the operation of the extendable arms. In some models, the computer or microprocessor can be programmed to automatically turn off the UV light sources in the arms and / or to deactivate the robotic surface cleaning device when a prescribed dose of UV light has been administered. In other models, the computer or microprocessor can be programmed to automatically turn off the UV light sources in the arms and / or to deactivate the robotic surface cleaning device when the presence of a living object (e.g., person, animal, etc.) is detected. In various configurations, the robotic surface cleaning device 100 may include at least one battery that supplies operating power to the computer and / or the UV light sources (e.g., UV lamps on the deployable arms, UV PCBA / LED in the sterilization chamber, etc.), as well as other components, such as at least one drive motor. In various configurations, the robotic surface cleaning device 100 may also include a DC / AC converter. The robotic surface cleaning device 100 may also include at least one drive motor, each coupled to a wheel on the underside of the robotic maneuvering base. In some embodiments, the at least one drive motor may be controlled by signals from a computer or microprocessor, which may provide direction for the robotic surface cleaning device. Room navigation to avoid obstacles can be achieved using any of a variety of sensors, including, but not limited to, ultrasonic distance sensors, proximity sensors, infrared / photoelectric beam sensors, GPS sensors, etc., which can be incorporated into a multi-sensor platform. In some modes, the robotic surface cleaning device can employ vision simultaneous localization and mapping (VSLAM) to intelligently track the space in the room to be cleaned. Specifically, using VSLAM, the cleaning device can dynamically build a map of a room while tracking its own position using one or more cameras. In some configurations, the robotic surface cleaning device may employ tracking or GPS technology to map a room and track its position. Alternatively, a wire or guide can be placed on the floor and used to direct the cleaning device along a particular path and / or to prevent the device from going out of bounds around furniture or other fixtures in the room. In various configurations, the robotic surface cleaning device may include at least one wireless transmitter that allows connection to a remote location and / or mobile devices. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating components of an example system 200 for sterilizing and disinfecting air 25 that is suitable for installation within a robotic surface cleaning device ncncnn / cznz / E / YiAi according to various modalities. With reference to Figures 1-2, the system 200 may represent one or more portions of the robotic surface cleaning device 100 (e.g., the air sanitation unit 110, which includes the sterilization chamber 116). In various embodiments, the system 200 may include an inlet portion configured to receive an airflow 401, a high-efficiency filter 410 (for example, a HEPA filter) operatively coupled to the inlet portion 410, an outlet portion 430 configured to expel the sterilized airflow 402, and a sterilization chamber 260. The sterilization chamber 260 may include a UV-reflective surface portion 440 made of an inner UV-reflective surface 450 and an outer surface 460. The non-UV-reflective surface portion 440 defines a substantially enclosed area 470 between the inlet portion 410 and the outlet portion 430 through which the airflow passes. The inner UV-reflective surface 450 may be formed by a coating of a highly reflective material, such as polished aluminum. In some embodiments, the sterilization chamber 260 may include one or more turbulators 320 positioned with the airflow 25 in the substantially enclosed area 47 0 to create ncncnn / eznz / E / YiAi IO turbulence 321 within the airflow. The sterilization chamber 260 may also include one or more openings, and one or more UV light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 310 inserted in the one or more openings 461 so that UV radiation is emitted into the substantially enclosed area 470, thereby exposing this airflow to UV radiation. The 260 sterilization chamber designs may include an internal surface treatment that provides diffuse reflection of UV radiation. The use of diffuse reflectors can increase the efficiency of the UV irradiation field by scattering the UV light rays, unlike specular reflective surfaces (such as polished metals) that reflect the UV beam at an angle equal to the angle at which the beam strikes the surface. In some designs, a diffuse UV reflective surface can be achieved through a microtexture, coating, or laminated material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In some embodiments, the sterilization chamber 116 and other components of the air sanitization unit 20 can be secured within the support structure of the cleaning device by one or more fasteners. The number and shape of the various components (e.g., sterilization chamber, UV LED array, fan / motor, HEDA filter, etc.) may depend on and vary according to the dimensions of the robotic surface cleaning device. In some embodiments, the sterilization chamber may be cylindrical or approximately cylindrical, or it may be in the shape of a rectangular prism. The number of UV LEDs in each array, and the positions in which they are mounted, can be customized based on the size of the sterilization chamber. In some configurations, the UV LED arrays can be positioned near the bottom of the air sanitization chamber, closer to the fan / motor and farther from the exhaust vent. In various configurations, the power source (e.g., one or more batteries) that provides operating power to the UV LEDs and / or the corresponding PCBAs may include various subcomponents and features as would be necessary to provide and regulate power to the various components. In various configurations, the air sanitization chamber can have different shapes to meet treatment and design needs. For example, the components that include the sterilization chamber can be positioned so that the incoming airflow achieves optimal exposure to UV radiation through UV-reflective material on the inner surface (e.g., substantially enclosed area 47 0). The 100 25 robotic surface cleaning device in various modes can be used for cleaning surfaces and airflow in residences, commercial buildings, hospitals, public spaces and other environments where it is desired to supply pure and clean airflow and sterilize surfaces without requiring an empty space. In various configurations, the power supply for powering the PCBAs, UV LEDs, UV light sources in the extendable arms 106a and 106b, drive motors, computer or microprocessor, and any other components of the cleaning device may include a means of regulation. The power supply may be, but is not limited to, a power plug, voltage regulator, transformer, circuit breaker, and / or other circuitry for powering, monitoring, and regulating the UV LEDs through one or more PCBAs, as well as powering, monitoring, and regulating the movement of the extendable arms and the UV light sources for surface cleaning. In some configurations, the power supply may be a rechargeable battery pack, which can be charged using conventional charging methods. In various configurations, an interlock switch can be incorporated into the cleaning device to turn off the UV LEDs in the sterilization chamber if any part of the support tower is opened. This protects the user from exposure to UV radiation. The interlock switch may include various components known in the art, including, but not limited to, relays, contact closures, and circuit breakers. As will be evident to those skilled in the art, and within the scope of this description, 5 while the preceding embodiments have been described as a UV sanitizing unit apparatus installed in a robotic surface cleaning device, it can be equivalently installed in other devices and / or systems. Furthermore, various embodiments may comprise one or more of any of the components. One embodiment of the sterilization chamber 116 may comprise a cross-sectional area that is substantially consistent along its length, whereas a further embodiment may comprise a cross-sectional area that varies in shape and / or size along the length of the sterilization chamber. The cross-section of the sterilization chamber 116 may be circular, elliptical, rectangular, or any other shape that may be chosen to optimize the airflow path through the air sanitation unit. In some embodiments, the sterilization unit may be designed to maintain a specific volumetric throughput and to fit within the support tower of a particular robotic surface cleaning device. ncncnn / eznz / E / YiAi The sterilization chamber 116 is manufactured using various methods and materials as can be known in the technique which include, but are not limited to, extracted plastics, formed metals or a combination of materials. UV LEDs in various configurations can be selected based on the desired wavelength and power rating, as well as size and expected lifespan. The number and distribution of these UV LEDs in arrays within a sterilization chamber 116 can be such that they maximize the radiant flux within the sterilization chamber, while preventing substantial leakage of UV radiation from the discharge vent 118. The various electrical components, such as the PCBAs for the UV LEDs, the latching switch, the UV sensor 15, and the UV function display, can be electrically connected and powered by the power supply. The power supply may also include one or more electronics and control modules, processing equipment, and power regulation equipment. The embodiments of the present invention may comprise a device for supplying clean air to one or more rooms while simultaneously cleaning the surfaces of the one or more rooms. Embodiments of the device may comprise: at least one sterilization chamber including a plurality of UV LEDs capable of achieving at least an initial elimination rate of airborne pathogens. In some modalities, the UV LEDs in the at least aria matri-emit radiation at one or more wavelengths within the range of 240-280 nm, such as within the range of 260-270 nm. The internal surface of one or more sections of the sterilization chamber 116 can be coated with a reflective material. In various configurations, the arrangement of at least one sterilization chamber 116 within the support tower 104 can be designed to manage the UV radiation flow and effectively sanitize the airflow without compromising the desired airflow rate. Generally, increasing the path length can lead to a longer residence time for the airflow and thus provide space for more core units configured with UV LED arrays to increase the effectiveness of the radiation in eliminating airborne pathogens. However, since increasing the airflow path length also increases the pressure drop across the system, the sterilization unit can be designed with a length to mitigate this pressure drop.Furthermore, since a high level of reflectance within the sterilization unit generally maximizes the effectiveness of the UV LEDs, the sterilization unit can be designed and positioned to prevent reflected radiation from escaping the discharge vent. In various configurations, the optimal positioning of at least one UV LED array can be achieved using UV radiation beam tracing technology. In some models, the airflow of the air sanitizing unit may be within the range of approximately 100 cubic feet per minute (cfm) (2831.68 liters per minute) to approximately 700 cfm (19821.8 liters per minute). An electronics and control module can be incorporated to regulate the power supplied to various components in the cleaning devices. In some models, an electronics and control module can be implemented as a computer or microprocessor. The electronics and control module can be provided as a single unit or multiple integrated circuits and can be coupled to the power supply for one or more UV cameras, a UV sensor, a UV function panel, and / or an interlock switch. Figure 3 shows a mode 300 method for purifying air inside a building or room that can be cleaned by a robotic surface cleaning device 25 (e.g., system 100 in Figure 1). ncncnn / cznz / E / YiAi In various configurations, air purification according to method 300 can be performed simultaneously with surface disinfection within the building or room, or it can be performed without surface disinfection (for example, during occupancy). In this way, air purification can be carried out by a mobile unit. With reference to Figures 1-3, in block 302, a supply air stream can be drawn into the air sanitization unit through an inlet vent (e.g., 108) and passed through at least one filter that removes fine particles (e.g., HEPA filter) and / or adsorbs harmful gases (e.g., volatile organic chemical filter). In block 304, an airflow can be generated by at least one fan and / or motor (e.g., 114). In block 306, the airflow can be supplied to at least one sterilization chamber (e.g., 116, 260) within the support tower of the cleaning device for treatment. In block 308, the airflow can be exposed to a predetermined UV radiation dose as it passes through the substantially enclosed area of ​​one or more sterilization chambers (e.g., 116, 260). The predetermined UV radiation dose can be achieved by optimizing the number and position of the UV LED arrays and the materials used, and by configuring the sterilization chamber to allow for the required residence time. In various modalities, the predetermined UV radiation dose can be sufficient to eliminate or deactivate at least 90% of the airborne pathogens within the airflow. In block 310, the irradiated airflow can be expelled from the cleaning device through a discharge vent (e.g., 118) near the top of the support tower (e.g., 104). In some embodiments, the inner surface of the support tower 104 between the outlet portion (e.g., 430) of the sterilization chamber and the discharge vent can be lined with UV-absorbing material. In some embodiments, additional air treatment functionality can be added to a robotic surface cleaning device 15 by including specialized components. For example, a UV sensor (e.g., 214) can be arranged within or connected to a sterilization chamber 116 of robotic surface cleaning devices 100 in order to monitor 20 the radiation flux and ensure proper operation. In various embodiments, this UV sensor can use one or more UV photodetectors, such as those based on gallium nitride (GaN), indium gallium nitride (InGaN), and / or aluminum gallium nitride (AlGaN). In various embodiments, the UV sensor 25 can be configured to communicate with an externally visible indicator (e.g., UV function display 220) to confirm to the user that the device is operating.In some modes, the indicator may be in wireless communication with one or more UV 5 sensors connected to one or more sterilization chambers. Figure 4 illustrates air treatment components of an example robotic surface cleaning device 400. In device 400, at least one electronics and control module 401 can be implemented on a circuit board 10 (e.g., PCBA). With reference to Figures 1-4, the circuit board can be placed inside or outside an air sanitization unit (e.g., 110), and can be separate from one or more controllers for the other components of the robotic surface cleaning device 15. The electronics and control module 402 may include a microcontroller 404 coupled to a memory device 406 and a charge controller 408. The charge controller 808 may be connected to at least one power supply 20 410, which may be an AC power supply and / or a battery. Other air treatment components within the cleaning device 400 may include one or more UV arrays 414, a UV sensor 416, and an interlock switch 420. The interlock switch 420 can be coupled to the microcontroller 404. The UV sensor 416 can be connected to an interface 418 that connects one or more visible indicators 422. The visible indicator 422 can be provided as an external component, which may be part of another device or system (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, etc.). The interface 418 can connect the visible indicator 422 via a wireless communication link. The UV LEDs of one or more arrays can be electrically connected to the electronics and control module and permanently attached to openings in the walls of a portion of the sterilization chamber so that the UV LEDs irradiate inside the chamber. The UV sensor can also be electrically connected to the electronics and control module and permanently attached to an opening in the wall of the sterilization chamber so that the sensor can detect the irradiance levels. Taking into account the above description, it must be recognized that the modalities according to the present invention can be realized in numerous configurations contemplated within the scope and spirit of the claims. Furthermore, the above description is proposed only by way of example and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way, except as set forth in the following claims. It is hereby stated that, as of this date, the best method known to the applicant for putting the aforementioned invention into practice is the one that is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims

1. A robotic surface cleaning device configured to traverse a floor surface in a room area, characterized in that it comprises: a maneuvering base; at least one drive motor and at least one wheel coupled to the maneuvering base; a support tower coupled to the maneuvering base; and at least one deployable structure attached to the support tower, wherein the at least one deployable structure is capable of extending and retracting to pass over surfaces in the room area, and wherein the at least one deployable structure comprises one or more ultraviolet (UV) light sources configured to clean surfaces in the room area; wherein the support tower comprises: at least one air intake vent configured to draw in room air; at least one air sanitizing unit configured with at least one array of UV light-emitting diodes (LEDs);and at least one exhaust vent configured to emit sanitized air where the robotic surface cleaning device is configured to navigate and avoid obstacles in the room area using at least one sensor. 5; 2. The robotic surface cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one sanitizing unit comprises: at least one high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter; at least one motor and fan assembly configured to generate an airflow; and at least one sterilization chamber comprising an inner surface at least partially coated with an ultraviolet (UV) light-reflecting material, wherein the at least one UV LED array is mounted on the inner surface, and wherein the at least one UV LED array is configured to irradiate the airflow.

3. The robotic surface cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that 20 further comprises at least one power supply.

4. The robotic surface cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one UV LED array is configured to emit radiation at one or more wavelengths within a range of 240-280 nm. ncncnn / eznz / E / YiAi 5. The robotic surface cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one UV LED array is configured to irradiate the ambient airflow with a sufficient UV radiation dose to reduce airborne pathogens.

6. The robotic surface cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one deployable structure is capable of rotating 10 so that the one or more light sources U¥ are positioned to radiate in an upward direction.

7. The robotic surface cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one air sanitizing unit is configured 15 to be operated independently of the at least one deployable structure.

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