U.S. patent application number 17/165751 was filed with the patent office on 2021-06-17 for hard-surface disinfection system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Surfacide, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Surfacide, LLC. Invention is credited to Waldemar John Lyslo, Stephen Boyd Pettis, Mark Howard Schwartz.
Application Number | 20210178000 17/165751 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005421547 |
Filed Date | 2021-06-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210178000 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lyslo; Waldemar John ; et
al. |
June 17, 2021 |
Hard-Surface Disinfection System
Abstract
UV hard-surface disinfection system that is able to disinfect
the hard surfaces in a room, while minimizing missed areas due to
shadows by providing multiple UV light towers that can be placed in
several areas of a room such that shadowed areas are eliminated and
that can be transported by a cart that is low to the ground such
that the towers may be loaded and unloaded easily by a single
operator. The system is able to be controlled remotely, such that
during activation of the system, no operator is present, and to
automatically cut power to all towers in the event that a person
enters the room.
Inventors: |
Lyslo; Waldemar John;
(Naperville, IL) ; Schwartz; Mark Howard;
(Rochester, NY) ; Pettis; Stephen Boyd;
(Rochester, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Surfacide, LLC |
Waukesha |
WI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Surfacide, LLC
Waukesha
WI
|
Family ID: |
1000005421547 |
Appl. No.: |
17/165751 |
Filed: |
February 2, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16911123 |
Jun 24, 2020 |
10933149 |
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17165751 |
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16779351 |
Jan 31, 2020 |
10729797 |
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16911123 |
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16125642 |
Sep 7, 2018 |
10568981 |
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16779351 |
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15699219 |
Sep 8, 2017 |
10092665 |
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16125642 |
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15425585 |
Feb 6, 2017 |
9782505 |
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15699219 |
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15018440 |
Feb 8, 2016 |
9592312 |
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15425585 |
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14540869 |
Nov 13, 2014 |
9272059 |
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15018440 |
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14043465 |
Oct 1, 2013 |
8895939 |
|
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14540869 |
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12963590 |
Dec 8, 2010 |
8575567 |
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14043465 |
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61267805 |
Dec 8, 2009 |
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61324257 |
Apr 14, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61L 2/10 20130101; A61L
2209/111 20130101; H05B 45/10 20200101; A61L 2202/16 20130101; A61L
2/24 20130101; H05B 47/19 20200101; H05B 45/14 20200101; H05B 45/50
20200101; A61L 9/20 20130101; A61L 2202/25 20130101; A61L 2202/14
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61L 2/10 20060101
A61L002/10; A61L 2/24 20060101 A61L002/24; A61L 9/20 20060101
A61L009/20; H05B 45/10 20060101 H05B045/10; H05B 45/14 20060101
H05B045/14; H05B 45/50 20060101 H05B045/50; H05B 47/19 20060101
H05B047/19 |
Claims
1. A disinfection system comprising: a processor; a plurality of
scanners within a space; and a memory operatively coupled to the
processor, the memory storing program instructions that when
executed by the processor, causes the processor to: receive a
distance and occupancy within the space from the plurality of
scanners; receive sanitization information of the space from a
control panel; calculate emitter times based on the distance,
occupancy and sanitization information for the space; provide the
emitter times to the control panel, the control panel in
communication with a plurality of energy emitter assemblies which
are independently placeable within the space, wherein the energy
emitter assemblies comprise a base and an elongate energy emitter
extending vertically from the base.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/911,123 filed Jun. 24, 2020 entitled
Hard-Surface Disinfection System, which is a continuation of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 16/779,351 filed Jan. 31, 2020 entitled
Hard-Surface Disinfection System (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,729,979
issued Aug. 4, 2020), which is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/125,642 filed Sep. 7, 2018 entitled
Hard-Surface Disinfection System (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,568,981
issued Feb. 25, 2020), which is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/699,219 filed Sep. 8, 2017 entitled
Hard-Surface Disinfection System (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,092,665
issued Oct. 9, 2018), which is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/425,585 filed Feb. 6, 2017 entitled
Hard-Surface Disinfection System (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,782,505
issued Oct. 10, 2017), which is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/018,440 filed Feb. 8, 2016 entitled
Hard-Surface Disinfection System (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,592,312
issued Mar. 14, 2017), which is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/540,869 filed Nov. 13, 2014 entitled
Hard-Surface Disinfection System (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,272,059
issued Mar. 1, 2016), which is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/043,465 filed Oct. 1, 2013 entitled
Hard-Surface Disinfection System, (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,895,939
issued Nov. 25, 2014), which is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/963,590 filed Dec. 8, 2010 entitled
Hard-Surface Disinfection System (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,575,567
issued Nov. 5, 2013), which is the non-provisional of and claims
priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/324,257 filed
Apr. 14, 2010, entitled Hard-Surface Disinfection System and to
U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/267,805 filed Dec. 8,
2009, entitled Hard-Surface Disinfection System, the contents of
all of which are incorporated herein in their entireties.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to systems for disinfection of
hard-surfaces and related methods thereof and, more particularly,
to ultraviolet light disinfection of hard-surfaces.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Disinfection of the hard surface environment is a key factor
in the constant battle to reduce infections. The emergence of
multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs) throughout the as-built
environment poses a significant threat to the health and well-being
of people throughout the world. MDROs in the environment contribute
to rising health care costs, excessive antibiotic use and premature
mortality.
[0004] Disinfecting hard surfaces, such as those found in patient
areas, can be performed by exposing the hard surfaces to UVC light
that is harmful to micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses and
fungi. Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) is an
evidence-based sterilization method that uses ultraviolet (UV)
light at sufficiently short wavelengths to break-down and eradicate
these organisms. It is believed that the short wavelength radiation
destroys organisms at a micro-organic level. It is also believed
that UV light works by destroying the nucleic acids in these
organisms, thereby causing a disruption in the organisms' DNA. Once
the DNA (or RNA) chain is disrupted, the organisms are unable to
cause infection. The primary mechanism of inactivation by UV is the
creation of pyrimidine dimers which are bonds formed between
adjacent pairs of thymine or cytosine pyrimidines on the same DNA
or RNA strand.
[0005] There are several advantages to utilizing UV light, in
addition to the effectiveness described above. UV light requires
only electricity, there are no potentially hazardous chemicals and
the associated storage challenges presented thereby. UV light
leaves no residue, does not require drying time, cannot be spilled,
requires little manpower to apply, requires very little skill on
the part of the operator, and uses long-lasting bulbs that require
very little inventory management.
[0006] Safely using UV light to disinfect hard surfaces does
present some unique problems. First, UV light sources cast shadows.
Areas in shadows may not get disinfected. Second, UV light bulbs,
like nearly all light bulbs, are relatively fragile and present
dangers if broken. Third, UV radiation is harmful to humans,
especially in high-intensity applications like those used in
disinfecting procedures.
[0007] As such, there is a need for a UV hard-surface disinfection
system that exploits the advantages of UV light, while also
addressing the aforementioned problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] One aspect of the present invention provides a UV
hard-surface disinfection system that is able to disinfect the hard
surfaces in a room, while minimizing missed areas due to shadows.
In one embodiment, a system is provided that includes multiple UV
light towers. These towers can be placed in several areas of a room
such that nearly all shadowed areas are eliminated.
[0009] Another aspect of the present invention provides a UV light
tower design that incorporates a robustly protected light bulb,
thus reducing the occurrence of broken bulbs. In one embodiment,
the tower comprises a vertically oriented light bulb surrounded by
a plurality, preferably three, protective blades running the length
thereof. The blades preferably radiate from the bulb and are spaced
120 degrees apart. This design provides significant protection to
the bulb, while minimizing interference with the light being
emitted from the bulb.
[0010] In another preferred embodiment, the light bulb is
surrounded and protected by a clear, quartz sleeve. In addition to
protecting the bulb from accidental breakage, the sleeve induces a
convection effect, like a chimney. As the bulb heats, cool air is
drawn through vents in the bottom of the sleeve, heated and
exhausted through the top of the sleeve. This circulation cools the
bulbs, extending their life and protecting users from accidental
burns.
[0011] In order to further protect the bulb, another aspect of the
present invention provides a tower that has a relatively wide base
and a very low center of gravity. This design is a safety feature
that creates stability and reduces the possibility of a tower
tipping over while it is being moved.
[0012] In yet another aspect of the present invention there is
provided a UV disinfection system that minimizes UV light exposure
to humans during operation. In a preferred embodiment, the system
is able to be controlled remotely, such that during activation of
the system, no operator is present in the room.
[0013] In another preferred embodiment, one or all towers are
outfitted with safety devices that cut power to all towers in the
event that a person enters the room. More preferably, the safety
device includes motion-detecting capability, such that the safety
shutdown response is automatic. In a preferred embodiment, the
motion detection capability incorporates a laser scanner, providing
an extremely accurate motion detection capability that is more
thorough and less prone to false positives than other motion
detection scanners such as infra-red devices.
[0014] Another aspect of the present invention provides a control
cart that is constructed and arranged to transport a plurality of
towers. The cart is low to the ground such that the towers may be
loaded and unloaded easily by a single operator. Alternatively, the
towers may be linked together with the cart to form a chain. This
embodiment allows the towers to support themselves continuously,
while being transported by pushing or pulling the cart. This
embodiment also allows the use of a hand-cart attachment, which
provides a solution to moving all of the units from one room to
another without requiring that they be reloaded onto the control
cart, which may be left in a single location, such as a hallway, in
proximity to both rooms.
[0015] One embodiment provides a cart that includes a control panel
that can be used to remotely control various parameters of each of
the towers, as well as provide various diagnostic data to the
user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a system of
the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a system of
the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a light
tower of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a light
tower of the present invention in a first configuration;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the light tower of FIG. 5 in
a second configuration;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a base of a
light tower of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a base of a
light tower of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a light
tower of the present invention connected to two other light towers
and a hand cart of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of a
light tower of the present invention loaded into a controller cart
with two other light towers;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a partial elevation view showing an embodiment of
a tower cap of a light tower of the present invention; and
[0026] FIG. 11 is a partial elevation view showing an embodiment of
a tower cap of a light tower of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described
with reference to the accompanying drawings. This invention may,
however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather,
these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the
invention to those skilled in the art. The terminology used in the
detailed description of the embodiments illustrated in the
accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting of the
invention. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like
elements.
[0028] Referring now to the figures and first to FIG. 1, there is
shown an embodiment of a system 10 of the present invention. System
10 generally includes a control station or cart 100 and a plurality
of light assemblies or towers 200, shown as loaded onto the cart
100.
[0029] The cart 100 generally includes a carriage 110 supported by
a plurality of casters 112, and defining a cutout 114 shaped to
receive and secure the towers 200 for transport. The distal end 116
of the cutout 114 is open such that the towers may be easily loaded
onto and off of the cart 100. The cutout 114 may include a complete
floor (not shown) onto which wheels 202 of the towers 200 (see FIG.
2) may be rolled.
[0030] More preferably, however, the cutout 114 has an open bottom
and a supporting ridge that slightly elevates the wheels 202 off
the ground. This design provides a secure relationship between the
cart 100 and the towers 200. Many hospitals include ramped areas.
Disabling the wheels 202 by elevating the towers 200 prevents the
towers from rolling off of the cart 100.
[0031] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2, an embodiment 101 of the
cart has a carriage 111 that allows the towers 200 to remain in
contact with the ground, rather than being elevated. The towers in
this embodiment are preferably linked together for transport, with
at least one tower being linked or otherwise attached to the cart
100.
[0032] The cart 100 or 101 may also include a pair of safety arms
120 that extend along the length of the cart 100 or 101 on other
side of the towers 200 when the towers 200 are loaded onto the cart
100 or 101. Aesthetically, the arms may match the cutout 114 of the
carriage 110 or 111. Functionally, the arms 120 provide protection
against accidentally impacting the towers against objects or people
as the towers 200 are being transported on the cart 100 or 101.
[0033] In one embodiment, at a proximal end 122 of the cart 100,
there is a foot jack 126. The foot jack 126 is usable to elevate
the cart 100 enough to raise the wheels 202 off the ground. In this
way, the wheels 202 of the towers 200 may be used to roll the
towers 200 into the cutout 114. Once the towers 200 are in place
within the cutout 114, the foot jack 126 is depressed, raising the
towers 200 off the ground. When it is desired to deploy the towers
200, the foot jack 126 is released and the cart 100 lowers the
towers 200 such that the wheels 202 are again in contact with the
ground.
[0034] Also at the proximal end 122 of the cart 100 or 101, there
is a handle 130 and a control panel 140. The control panel 140 may
include a display 142 usable to display a variety of parameters
relevant to the safe operation of the towers 200. The parameters
include, but are not limited to: ambient room temperature, room
dimensions, fluence level, disinfection time, input current and
voltage, and maintenance information such as bulb run time.
Additionally, the control panel may be used to upload, preferably
wirelessly, data to a hospital information system regarding the
sanitization of a given room. It is also envisioned that the
control panel would have a communications ability that is
compatible with the LMS (or similar) system found in many hospitals
(smart scanner system to evaluate distance and occupancy) e.g. the
LMS can map the room and an algorithm could calculate emitter run
times.
[0035] One embodiment of a light tower 200 is shown in FIG. 3. The
light tower 200 generally includes a base 220 supported by a
plurality of wheels 202, a tower assembly 250, and a cap 300.
[0036] Another embodiment of a light tower 201 is shown in FIG. 4.
The light tower 201 includes a base 221 and is supported by a
plurality of wheels 202, a tower assembly 251, and a cap 301, but
also has a push ring 400 assembly for use in moving the light tower
201 without applying pressure to the light source 270. The push
ring 400 preferably includes a handle 410 and a plurality of
telescoping supports 420. The telescoping supports 420 allow the
push ring to be stowed in an active configuration, shown in FIG. 5,
when the light source 270 is activated. Because the push ring 400
is lowered in the active position, it does not interfere with the
light beams emitted by the light source 270, thereby ensuring no
shadows are created by the push ring assembly.
[0037] Electronics may be utilized to prevent the activation of the
light source, and/or emit a warning, if the push ring is in the up
position. Alternatively, the telescoping arms 420 may be
automatically activated such that they lower themselves prior to
activating the light source and raise themselves upon
completion.
[0038] Reference is now made to FIGS. 6-9, which show details of
embodiments 220 and 221 of the base, respectively. Notably, shared
features between the two are indicated by common reference
numerals. It is also understood that in these Figures, and
throughout the specification, that features may be interchangeable
between embodiments. The base 220 or 221 is comprised of a housing
222 or 223 that contains power circuitry for the tower 200 or 201.
Preferably, the housing 222 or 223 is round so that the tower 200
or 201 may be easily docked within the cart 100 or 101 without
regard to angular orientation. The housing 222 or 223 may
optionally include one or more bumpers 224 (shown associated with
housing 222) to protect the base 220 or 221 as well as anything the
base 220 or 221 may contact.
[0039] The base 220 or 221 may also include one or more power
connections 226. Providing a plurality of power connections 226
allows one of the towers 200 or 201 (designated herein as the
"master" tower) to be connected into a standard outlet. The
remaining towers may then be "daisy-chained" to the master such
that power to all of the towers 200 or 201 may be controlled by the
cart 100 or 101. This results in a redundant safety relay in the
base 220 or 221 of the master to control power to all down-stream
units that are connected together. The power connections 226 are
shown in the Figures as being female outlets but one skilled in the
art will realize that this is merely a convention of convenience
and not to be interpreted as limiting.
[0040] The tower assembly 250 generally includes a base connector
assembly 260, a light source 270, and, optionally, a plurality of
protective blades 280. The base connector assembly 260 connects the
bottom of the tower assembly 250 to the base 220 or 221. The base
connector assembly 260 includes one or more connectors 262, shown
in FIG. 6 in non-limiting example as hand screws, and in FIG. 7 in
non-limiting example as bolts or machine screws, and a light socket
264. Preferably, the connectors 262 may be secured and released
without the use of tools for ease of bulb replacement and other
maintenance. Most importantly, the light socket 264 securely
connects the tower assembly 250 to the base 220 and is sturdy
enough to withstand lateral forces placed on the tower assembly
250.
[0041] The light source 270 may be any appropriately shaped UV
light source, capable of emitting sufficient light for purposes of
sanitizing a room. Non-limiting examples include a low pressure
amalgam light source, preferably with a solarization-reducing
coating. Foreseeably, an LED UV light source would draw less power
and may be optimally suited to battery-powered towers 200. The
light source 270 preferably includes a variable output transformer
271 (see FIG. 7). The variable output transformer 271 controls the
output power of the light source 270.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 7, the base 220 or 221 may also include a
fluency sensor 273. This sensor 273 monitors the power output of
the light source 270 to ensure that it maintains an output over a
threshold, which may be either an absolute threshold, or a range
within a set power output. If the light source 270 has a power
output that drops below this threshold, the sensor 273 sends a
signal to the control panel 140 indicating a lower power output
status of a given tower 200 or 201. This may indicate a bad bulb or
other problem that may result in compromised disinfection if the
condition is not repaired.
[0043] Also shown in FIG. 7 is a lockout disconnect 275. This is a
mechanical power switch that accommodates a padlock that, when in
place, prevents the power switch from being turned to an on
position. This ensures a tower 200 or 201 may not be inadvertently
activated.
[0044] Shown also in FIG. 7 is a mechanical linkage 277 that allows
the base 221 to be mated with another base 221. The linkage 277 is
a female linkage. A corresponding male linkage 279 is on the other
side of the base 201. As discussed above, these linkages 277 and
279 provide a convenient means for transporting the towers 200 or
201 from room to room. FIG. 8 shows three towers 201 connected
together with linkages 277 and 279 and a handle 281 configured to
mate with a male connector 279 or a female connector 277.
[0045] FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a bottom of base 220 or 221
that includes one or more floor lamps 283. The floor lamps 283
provide disinfecting light under the bases 220 or 221 to ensure
there are no shadows created by the units themselves, and also that
contaminants are not dragged from room to room by the towers 200 or
201.
[0046] Though the light source 270 is shown as being
vertically-oriented, it is envisioned that the light source 270 may
be angled or even oscillating to further reduce shadows.
[0047] The selection of a lamp is a significant factor in
determining the footprint of the system 10. The physical layout of
a patient care area will provide obstacles to the UVC emissions.
These obstacles will produce shadows on surfaces and therefore
reduce the effectiveness of the system in certain areas of the
patient care area. The system 10 footprint is flexible so that it
can be deployed in such a way to overcome these shadows. Satellite
rooms such as the washroom attached to a patient care area will
also pose a challenge to the system as these areas have a high
probability of containing micro-organisms that could lead to a
Hospital Acquired Infection. The UVC reflective properties of
materials are not the same as that of visible light. The systems
will be deployed in existing patient care areas so selection of
materials with a high degree of UVC reflectivity is not an option.
The system's repeatability will suffer if system depends on
reflected UVC light to overcome shadows from obstacles in the
room.
[0048] The light source 270 is preferably surrounded by a
protective sleeve 272. The protective sleeve may be constructed of
any suitable clear material capable and very efficient at passing
UVC as well as protecting the bulb against impact without
significantly interfering with the light being emitted.
[0049] In a preferred embodiment the protective sleeve 272
comprises a quartz sleeve, synthetic quartz sleeve or similar
synthetic material to provide stability to the bulb as to not
restrict light and/or create shadow. It has been noted that using a
quartz sleeve 272 creates a protective temperature barrier to
reduce the severity and/or occurance of skin burns. Because the
sleeve 272 is significantly cooler than the bulb surface, using a
sleeve 272 may also reduce odors due to dust and other particulates
landing on the bulb and burning.
[0050] It is known that the sleeve 272 creates a chimney effect in
that heat coming off the light source 270 rises forcing cool
convection air to be drawn upward through the sleeve 272 from the
bottom. It may be beneficial to provide a forced cooling system, in
which a fan could be provided in-line with the top or bottom of the
sleeve 272.
[0051] In most applications, the quartz sleeves 272 provide
sufficient protection against accidental breakage. However, some
applications may warrant a more robust design. As such, one
embodiment of the present invention provides a light source 270
that further includes a plurality, preferably three, protective
blades 280 radiating from the light source 270 (e.g. FIG. 3) or
guidewires 281 (e.g. FIG. 5). The blades or guidewires 280 or 281
may be any acceptably light, yet strong material, such as aluminum,
plexiglass, or the like. A clear material may reduce shadows but,
due to the thin construction and radiating orientation of the
blades 280, they have very little effect on the light emission
capabilities of the light source 270. Shown are three blades 280,
spaced 120 degrees apart, and including a plurality of circular
cutouts used to increase stiffness and reduce weight, or four
guidewires 281 space 90 degrees apart.
[0052] Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, there are shown two
embodiments 300 and 301 of the cap assembly at the top of the tower
assembly 250. The cap assembly 300 or 301 is used to secure the
various components of the tower assembly 250 together. The cap
assembly 300 or 301 also preferably houses a safety sensor 302 or
303, preferably a motion detector that senses if a person has
entered a room and disables the tower. This motion detector could
be an infrared motion detector, such as those found in many
security systems, or it could be a dual motion detector, a door
curtain or the like. Preferably, the safety sensor 302 or 303
includes a motion detector that uses lasers that scan the
surrounding area. A preferred embodiment of the cap assembly 301,
shown in FIG. 11, utilizes a safety sensor 303 that overhangs the
rest of the cap assembly 301 such that the sensor can "see"
virtually straight down, giving the sensor nearly 180 degrees of
vertical coverage, as well as 360 degrees of coverage in a
horizontal plane. As such, safety sensor 303 has nearly complete
spherical coverage with exception of the area directly under the
base, which would not encounter motion.
[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the cap assembly 300 or 301, or
the base assembly 220 or 221, also includes a communications module
304. The communications module 304 communicates via any acceptable
medium such as radio, wifi, microwaves, Bluetooth.RTM., etc., with
the cart 100 or 101, and optionally the other towers 200 or 201.
Thus, if one sensor 302 or 303 senses movement, a signal could be
sent to the other towers 200 or 201 to shut down. Alternatively, a
signal could be sent to the cart 100 or 101, which would in turn
shut the remaining towers 200 or 201 down.
[0054] The sensor 302 or 303 may also be used to detect and monitor
the fluence level of the UV emissions (unless the base includes a
fluence sensor such as the fluence sensor 273 on base 221) to
confirm that the tower 200 or 201 is operating at a desired level.
These sensors can be used in conjunction with an amplifier to
transmit the data to a control device that will integrate the
irradiance level to obtain the fluence level received at the
sensor. Single point photosensors are sensitive to the angle of
light incidence.
[0055] Preferably, the tower 200 or 201 also includes a speaker
(not shown) in either the communications module 304 or the base 220
or 221 that creates an audible warning before the light source 270
is energized. It is also envisioned that the communications module
304, may be used to electronically measure the room to determine
the appropriate output necessary by the tower 200 to adequately
sanitize the space. This feature ensures that energy is not wasted
and bulb life and safety are maximized.
[0056] The cap assembly 301 shown in FIG. 11 also includes one or
more vents 305 in fluid communication with an interior of the
protective sleeve 272 to allow air heated by the lamp 270 to
escape.
[0057] Although the invention has been described in terms of
particular embodiments and applications, one of ordinary skill in
the art, in light of this teaching, can generate additional
embodiments and modifications without departing from the spirit of
or exceeding the scope of the claimed invention. For example, the
system of the present invention might be well-suited for
applications outside of healthcare. Non-limiting examples include
locker rooms and other athletic facilities, daycares, prisons etc.
Accordingly, it is to be understood that the drawings and
descriptions herein are proffered by way of example to facilitate
comprehension of the invention and should not be construed to limit
the scope thereof.
* * * * *