JP7697829B2 - UV Light Shielding System - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure relate generally to systems and methods that can be used to sanitize the air within structures and enclosed structures.

Vehicles such as commercial aircraft are used to transport passengers between various locations. Systems are currently being developed to disinfect or otherwise sanitize surfaces to kill or neutralize various harmful microorganisms or other pathogens. A typical method of sanitizing surfaces within an aircraft involves significant manual labor by one or more flight attendants. For example, some flight attendants may spray cleaning chemicals onto surfaces within the interior cabin of the aircraft and then wipe them down. Other flight attendants may slowly wave a wand that emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation near the interior cabin surface. The UV radiation can kill or neutralize some microorganisms or other pathogens when maintained in a specific vicinity of the target surface for at least a specified amount of time.

Additionally, many commercial vehicles, such as airplanes, have HEPA filters in their air conditioning systems that can trap microbes and pathogens. The HEPA filters receive and clean the air that is leaving or entering the cabin. HEPA filters and frequent cleaning of the cabin between flights are some of the ways to ensure the health of passengers and crew aboard aircraft. Additional sanitation methods can be used to supplement the HEPA filters and chemical cleaning.

What is needed is a system and method for preventing the spread of pathogens between passengers aboard a moving vehicle, such as between passengers in the interior cabin of an aircraft in flight, without risking harm to the passengers.

In light of these needs, certain embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure provide an ultraviolet (UV) light shielding system that includes a plurality of UV lamps mounted within an interior cabin of a vehicle. The UV lamps are positioned to emit UV light within a field that extends along a side of a passenger seat disposed within the interior cabin. Two adjacent fields are spaced apart to define a protection zone for a passenger seated in one of the passenger seats.

In one or more embodiments, a method is provided for shielding and sanitizing an in-seat passenger. The method includes mounting UV lamps within an interior cabin of a vehicle. The UV lamps are mounted to emit and direct UV light within a field extending along a side of a passenger seat disposed within the interior cabin. Two adjacent fields are spaced apart to define a protection zone for a passenger seated in one of the passenger seats.

In one or more embodiments, a UV light shielding system is provided that includes a plurality of UV lamps, a sensor, and a control unit. The UV lamps are mounted within an interior cabin of a vehicle and positioned to emit UV light within a field extending along a side of a passenger seat disposed within the interior cabin. Two adjacent fields are spaced apart to define a protection zone for a passenger seated in one of the passenger seats. A sensor is configured to monitor the occupancy or unoccupancy of the passenger seat and the proximity of the passenger to the UV lamps. A control unit includes one or more processors and is operatively connected to the UV lamps and the sensor. The control unit is configured to receive a sensor signal from the sensor and adjust the output of one or more of the UV lamps based on the occupancy or unoccupancy of the passenger seat and the proximity of the passenger to the UV lamps.

1 illustrates a perspective front view of an aircraft, according to some embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure. 1 shows a perspective view of a UV light shielding system within a portion of an interior cabin of an aircraft, according to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure. 1 illustrates a passenger in a seat incorporating a UV light shielding system according to some embodiments. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an interior cabin of an aircraft including a UV light shielding system according to some embodiments. 1 is a schematic diagram of a UV light shielding system according to some embodiments.

The above summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. As used herein, it should be understood that the use of "a" or "an" in the singular form of an element or step does not necessarily exclude a plurality of such elements or steps. Moreover, references to "an embodiment" should not be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that incorporate features described herein. Moreover, unless expressly stated otherwise, an embodiment that "includes" or "has" one or more elements having a particular condition may include additional elements that do not have that condition.

Certain embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure provide a UV light shielding system that shields seat occupants from pathogens along one or both sides of each seat occupant. The system utilizes UV lamps that are specifically mounted, positioned, and controlled to create a virtual shield or side curtain using UV light emitted by the UV lamps. The shield or side curtain is defined by a field of UV light. The UV light may be filtered at a specified wavelength or narrow range of wavelengths that are safe for human tissue. For example, the specified wavelength may be 222 nm. The system provides safe and effective sanitization by integrating UV lamps into locations on one or both sides of a passenger seat depending on the location of the seat. For example, a middle seat may have UV lamps on both sides, while a window seat furthest from the aisle may only have a UV lamp between the window seat and the adjacent seat. The UV lamps emit light into multiple areas on either side of the passenger to create a virtual shield of UV light. While some of the UV light strikes the passenger in the seat, most of the light is directed into the space along one or both sides of the passenger in the area adjacent to the passenger's upper body and head. Thus, the UV light essentially creates a side curtain, similar to a side curtain airbag or stall. The placement and/or control of the UV lamps can avoid irradiating the immediate area of the passenger, such as the passenger's face, without keeping the passenger shielded.

In one or more embodiments, the system may be controlled (e.g., by passengers, flight attendants, automatically based on sensor data, etc.) to emit UV light continuously to continue sterilizing air, surfaces, and people. In some embodiments, the UV lamps of the shielding system are mounted in or on both sides of the upper seating portion of the passenger seat structure. In some embodiments, one or more of the UV lamps may be mounted behind the seat in front of the passenger instead of the seat occupied by the passenger. An air fan may be mounted in the seat structure near the UV lamp to maintain airflow across the UV lamp. The fan air may be sanitized by the UV light emitted by the UV lamp and push unsanitary air away from the passenger. Reflectors may be integrated into the UV lamp or placed on the outside of the seat structure to direct the UV light to create a side curtain or stall illumination shape. Reflectors can be used to direct most of the UV light into the unoccupied space on either side of the passenger and a small amount of UV toward the passenger. The UV lamps may be electrically connected to existing wiring in the passenger seat, such as wiring for a headrest display device. The UV lamps may receive power from an on-board power source, such as one or more generators. Additionally, sensors may be used by the system to automatically adjust the power and duty cycle of the UV lamps when passengers are not in their seats and/or within close range of the UV lamps.

One or more technical effects of the UV light shielding system disclosed herein include the ability to kill or neutralize a significant percentage of pathogens (e.g., bacteria, viruses, etc.) on one or both sides of a passenger's head when the passenger is seated within the interior cabin. Pathogens in the air can be killed or neutralized by the UV side curtains before reaching the passenger's breathing area. The UV light shielding system can be harmless to passengers because the UV light has a specified narrow wavelength or range of wavelengths that are safe for human tissue. Yet, the UV light shielding system can take steps to avoid exposing passengers to UV light in the immediate vicinity (e.g., high doses) by reflecting the UV light into a space along the side of the seat (where the passenger's upper body and head are typically not present) and/or by automatically reducing power to the UV lamp or deactivating the UV lamp upon detecting a passenger directly in front of the UV lamp (within a specified threshold of UV lamp proximity). For example, the system can temporarily deactivate the UV lamp if it detects a human looking directly into the lamp from a distance of several centimeters. The UV screening systems disclosed herein can complement other methods for reducing the spread of pathogens among people, such as the use of face masks and social distancing.

1 illustrates a perspective front view of an aircraft 10 according to some embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure. The aircraft 10 includes a propulsion system 12 including, for example, engines 14. Optionally, the propulsion system 12 may include more engines 14 than are shown. The engines 14 are carried by wings 16 of the aircraft 10. In some embodiments, the engines 14 may be carried by a fuselage 18 and/or a tail 20. The tail 20 may also support a horizontal stabilizer 22 and a vertical stabilizer 24.

The fuselage 18 of the aircraft 10 defines an interior cabin that may include a flight deck or cockpit, one or more work areas (e.g., a galley, a crew baggage area, etc.), one or more passenger areas (e.g., first class, business class, and economy class), one or more restrooms, etc.

Alternatively, embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter may be used with various other vehicles, such as automobiles, buses, rail cars, ships, and the like, instead of aircraft. For example, the UV light shielding systems disclosed herein may be implemented within the interior cabins of passenger cars, buses, cruise ships, and the like. Embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter may also be used for enclosed areas within fixed structures, such as commercial and residential buildings. For example, the shielding systems disclosed herein may be installed and operated within theaters, concert halls, places of worship, office buildings, hospitals, stores, auditoriums, classrooms, stadiums, and the like. Sustained UV light at harmless wavelengths may provide continuous sterilization of air and surfaces.

2 illustrates a perspective view of a UV light shielding system 100 within a portion of an interior cabin 122 of an aircraft 10, according to one embodiment of the subject matter of the present disclosure. The interior cabin 122 includes an on-board wall 102 having a window 106 formed therein. A floor 108 supports a number of passenger seats 110. The seats illustrated in FIG. 2 may be priority seats, such as seats within a first class section or a business class section of the interior cabin 122. However, the system 100 disclosed herein may be used with seats within any section of the interior cabin 122, including economy.

The seat 110 has a cushion 112, a backrest 114, and a headrest cushion 116. The seat 110 has an inboard side 118 and an outboard side 120. The outboard side 120 faces the outboard wall 102. The UV light shielding system 100 in the illustrated embodiment includes two UV lamps 124 integrated into the seat 110. The UV lamps 124 are light sources, such as excimer lamps, that emit light in the UV region of the electromagnetic spectrum. For example, a first UV lamp 124A is mounted on the front 126 of the backrest 114 at or near the inboard side 118. A second UV lamp 124B is mounted on the front 126 of the backrest 114 at or near the outboard side 120. The UV lamps 124 emit UV light forward. The direction and/or spread of the UV light can be controlled. The field 128 thereby constructively creates a side curtain or stall of UV light. The field 128 of the UV lamp 124 refers to a three-dimensional space in the space defined by the propagation of the UV light waves (e.g., rays) emitted by the UV lamp 124. The shape of the field 128 may depend on the mechanical features of the UV lamp 124, such as reflectors, collimators, lenses, etc., and in this case may be controlled to provide a shape with a long vertical dimension and a short lateral width dimension. The field 128 may resemble a panel or shield. The fields 128 sandwich and define a passenger protection zone 130 therebetween. When a passenger is seated upright in the seat 110, the passenger is positioned within the passenger protection zone 130. The UV lamp 124 is mounted and positioned to direct UV light such that the field 128 is generally aligned with the passenger's upper body and head.

3 shows a passenger 140 seated in a seat 142 incorporating a UV light shielding system 100 according to one embodiment. The passenger 140 is positioned within the protection zone 130. The UV light in the field 128 is positioned on either side of the passenger 140. While some of the UV light may strike the passenger's body, such as the shoulders, head, and arms, the majority of the UV radiation is directed into the space to the side of the passenger 140. The UV light in the field 128 can kill or neutralize pathogens in the air before they can be inhaled by the passenger 140. The UV light shielding system 100 can prevent the spread of at least some pathogens to and from the passenger 130 when the passenger 140 is in the seat 142.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an interior cabin 150 of an aircraft including a UV light shielding system 100 according to some embodiments. In FIG. 4, UV lamps 124 are mounted along the rear 152 of passenger seats 154. The UV lamps 124 are positioned to direct emitted UV light aft toward seats 154 in the row 156 behind the seat 154 holding the UV lamps 124. The UV lamps 124 are mounted along the backrests 160 of the seats 154 on or near the inboard side 162 and outboard side 164 of the seats 154. The UV light creates a side curtain 164 or stall for the seats 154 in the rear row 156 and extends between the passengers seated in the row 156. Optionally, instead of mounting two UV lamps 124 to one seat 154 as shown in FIG. 4, the most outboard lamp 124 may instead be mounted to the adjacent seat 154, which is shown without any UV lamps 124.

In some embodiments, at least some of the UV lamps 124 may be mounted in the interior cabin ceiling above the seats 154 and positioned to direct UV light downward (towards the floor) into the space along either side of the seats 154 and any passengers occupying the seats 154.

5 is a schematic diagram of a UV light shielding system 100 (hereinafter referred to as system 100) according to one embodiment. System 100 includes UV lamps 120, a control unit 170, a sensor 178, and a switching and/or conversion device 180. UV lamps 124 are powered by an outboard power source 172 that provides electrical power. Power source 172 may be a generator that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy. Various conductive wires and cables may conduct power from power source 172 to UV lamps 124. For example, UV lamps 124 may utilize the same conductive paths that provide power to other components in the cabin, such as personal lights and headrest display units. For example, UV lamps 124 may be plugged into the same electronic circuit package that controls cabin lighting.

The control unit 170 is operatively connected to the UV lamps 124, the switching and/or power conversion devices 180, and the sensors 178 via wired and/or wireless communication paths. The control unit 170 generates control signals to control the operation of the UV lamps 124. The generated control signals may be based on signals (e.g., data) received from the sensors 178. The control unit 170 represents hardware circuitry that includes and/or is connected to one or more processors 182 (e.g., one or more microprocessors, integrated circuits, microcontrollers, field programmable gate arrays, etc.). The control unit includes and/or is connected to a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (e.g., memory) 184. For example, the memory 184 may store programmed instructions (e.g., software) that are executed by the one or more processors 182 to perform the operations of the control unit 170 described herein.

The control unit 170 may control the UV lamps 124 by controlling the presence and amount of power (e.g., voltage and/or current) provided to each of the UV lamps 124. In this function, the control unit 170 may utilize switching and/or power conversion devices 180. The switching and/or power conversion devices 180 may include one or more solid state relays, electromechanical relays, optical switches, power converters (e.g., DC to DC, DC to AC), and the like. The control unit 170 may deactivate or shut off one or more of the UV lamps 124 and change the non-zero output of one or more of the UV lamps 124 via the switching and/or power conversion devices 180. The switching and/or power conversion devices 180 may allow variable control over the amount of power provided to the associated UV lamps 124 beyond simply switching the lamps 124 on (e.g., activated and emitting UV light) and off (e.g., not activated and not emitting UV light). The variable power levels may include multiple settings, such as low, medium, and high.

In one or more embodiments, the UV light emitted by the UV lamps 124 is controlled to allow seat occupants (e.g., passengers and crew) to be exposed to the UV light for extended periods of time without harm. For example, the emitted UV light may have a designated wavelength or a narrow band of wavelengths that have been experimentally determined to be harmless to human tissue through extended exposure. Thus, passengers may not be harmed even if the UV lamps 124 constantly emit UV light throughout the duration of the flight. In one non-limiting embodiment, the designated wavelength is 222 nm. Sanitizing UV light having a wavelength of 222 nm has been found to kill pathogens (such as viruses and bacteria) instead of inactivating them. In contrast, UVC light with a wavelength of 254 nm inactivates pathogens by interacting with DNA, resulting in temporary inactivation, but may not kill the pathogen. Instead, pathogens may be reactivated by exposure to normal white light at a reactivation rate of about 10% per hour. Thus, UVC light with a wavelength of 254 nm may be ineffective in illuminated areas, such as within the interior cabin of a vehicle. Furthermore, UVC light with a wavelength of 254 nm is not recommended for human exposure because it can penetrate human cells. In contrast, sanitizing UV light with a wavelength of 222 nm is safe for human exposure and kills pathogens. Furthermore, sanitizing UV light with a wavelength of 222 nm can be emitted at full power of the UV lamp 120 within 1 millisecond or less of being activated (in contrast, UVC with a wavelength of 254 nm may require several seconds or minutes to reach full power).

The sensors 178 may monitor the occupancy of the seats and/or the proximity of the passengers to the UV lamps 124. For example, a first subset of sensors 178 may be configured to monitor the occupancy of the seats to determine the occupancy of each seat. The first subset may include pressure sensors, optical sensors, proximity sensors, cameras, etc. The pressure sensors may be integrated into the cushion or backrest to record changes in the sensor signal in response to a passenger sitting in and rising from the seat. The optical sensors may detect when a light beam near the seat cushion is interrupted. The interruption may occur when a person sits in and rises from the seat. The seat-mounted proximity sensors may utilize infrared and/or microwave to identify when a person is present in the seat. The sensors 178 may generate sensor signals that are transmitted to the control unit 170 periodically at regular intervals or in response to a monitored change, such as a beam interruption, being detected. The sensor signals may identify the source of the signal, such as the individual sensor generating each of the signals. The control unit 170 receives signals from the sensors 178 and analyzes the signals to determine whether each of the seats is occupied. In some embodiments, if a seat is determined to be vacant and unoccupied for at least a threshold amount of time (e.g., one minute), the control unit 170 is configured to reduce the power setting of one or more UV lamps 124 that provide a UV side curtain for that seat. The power setting can be reduced to a low setting or the UV lamp(s) can be deactivated, at least until the sensor signal indicates that the seat is occupied. When the control unit 170 determines that passengers in two adjacent seats are both present in the seats, the UV lamps 124 that emit UV light between the two adjacent seats can be operated at high or full power to sanitize the air between the two passengers.

A second subset of sensors 178 may be configured to monitor the proximity of passengers to the UV lamps 124. The second subset may be proximity sensors mounted on or in close proximity to the UV lamps 124. The proximity sensors may use infrared or microwave to identify when a person is within a specified threshold proximity to the UV lamps 124. The specified threshold proximity may be a few inches, such as 2 inches, 4 inches, 6 inches, 8 inches, or 10 inches. The proximity sensors may be intended to focus on the proximity of objects within the field of the UV light and may ignore the proximity of a person's head that is next to the UV lamp 124 but not within the field. In response to receiving a signal indicating that a person has crossed the threshold proximity, the control unit 170 may reduce the power setting of the associated UV lamp 124. The power setting may be reduced to a low setting or the UV lamp may be deactivated until the sensor signal indicates that at least the seat is occupied.

If the proximity threshold is not crossed or the seat is not occupied, the control unit 170 may control the UV lamps 124 to emit UV light continuously during the movement of the vehicle to provide continuous protection from pathogens. Optionally, the control unit 170 may be configured to generally adjust the power setting of the UV lamps 124 based on various factors such as the level of activity in the cabin and the time of day. For example, the UV lamps 124 may be operated at high or full power when passengers board and disembark the vehicle. When the vehicle is traveling/cruising during the day, the control unit 170 may operate the UV lamps 124 at a medium power setting to save energy compared to a high power setting. When the vehicle is traveling/cruising at night, the control unit 170 may operate the UV lamps 124 at a low setting since most people are relatively inactive and are sleeping, reading, or watching videos. Furthermore, the intensity of the UV irradiation may be increased to sterilize very quickly without excessive human exposure. The control actions taken by the control unit 170 may be stored in the memory 184.

The UV light shielding system 100 disclosed herein can sanitize the incoming air into an enclosed passenger space without directly shining UV light on the passenger. The UV lamps are positioned to provide protection primarily to the face and upper body of the person being protected. Reflectors can be used to direct most of the UV to unoccupied space on either side of the passenger and a small amount of UV toward the passenger himself. The UV lamps can be placed on top of or on the seat back in front of the passenger. Sensors can be used to adjust the UV output and duty cycle when a passenger is within close range of the UV lamp.

As described herein, embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter provide systems and methods for sanitizing and disinfecting surfaces, air, and people (particularly in passenger seats) within the interior cabin of a vehicle using UV light without harming the people exposed to the UV light. Additionally, embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter provide an air sanitization shield generated via UV light. The UV shield is provided on one or both sides of a passenger in a seat, similar to a side curtain or stall, to sanitize the air before it reaches the passenger and/or before air from the passenger zone reaches another person or surface.

For purposes of describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, various spatial and directional terms may be used, such as top, bottom, lower, center, sideways, horizontal, vertical, forward, etc., but it should be understood that such terms are used only relative to the orientation shown in the drawings. The orientation may be flipped, rotated, or otherwise changed so that top becomes bottom and bottom becomes top, horizontal becomes vertical, etc.

As used herein, a structure, limitation, or element that is "configured to" perform a task or operation is structurally shaped, configured, or adapted to specifically correspond to the task or operation. For clarity and to avoid doubt, an object that is merely modifiable to perform a task or operation is not "configured to" perform a task or operation as used herein.

As used herein, value modifiers such as "about," "substantially," and "approximately" inserted before a numerical value indicate that the value may represent other values within a specified threshold range above and/or below the particular value, such as values within 5%, 10%, or 15% of the particular value.

It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, not limiting. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to the teachings of the various embodiments to adapt to a particular situation or material without departing from the scope thereof. The geometries and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, but these embodiments are exemplary rather than limiting. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the present invention. The scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the words "including" and "in which" are used as plain-English equivalents of the words "comprising" and "wherein," respectively. Additionally, the words "first," "second," and "third" are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Moreover, the following claim limitations are not written in means-plus-function form and are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless such claim limitations expressly use the phrase "means for" followed by a statement of a function lacking further structure.

Furthermore, the present disclosure includes embodiments according to the following clauses:
Clause 1.
1. An ultraviolet (UV) light shielding system (100), comprising:
1. A UV light shielding system (100) comprising a plurality of UV lamps (124) mounted within an interior cabin (122) of a vehicle, the plurality of UV lamps (124) arranged to emit UV light within a field (128) extending along sides (118, 120) of passenger seats (110) disposed within the interior cabin (122), two adjacent fields (128) spaced apart to define a protection zone (130) for a passenger (140) seated in one of the passenger seats (110).
Clause 2.
2. The UV light shielding system (100) of claim 1, wherein one of the UV lamps (124) is mounted to a front (126) of a seat back (114) of one of the passenger seats (110) on or near the inboard side (118) or outboard side (120) of the one of the passenger seats (110).
Clause 3.
2. The UV light shielding system (100) of claim 1, wherein one of the two UV lamps (124) is positioned on or near the inboard side (118) of one of the passenger seats (110) and the other of the two UV lamps (124) is positioned on or near the outboard side (120) of the one of the passenger seats (110), and two of the UV lamps (124) are mounted to a front portion (126) of a seat back (114) of one of the passenger seats (110) such that the two UV lamps (124) provide the two adjacent irradiation fields (128).
Clause 4.
The UV light shielding system (100) described in clause 1, wherein at least one of the two adjacent irradiation fields (128) is provided by a UV lamp of the UV lamps (124) mounted at the rear (152) of a passenger seat (154) in front of one of the passenger seats (154) occupied by the passenger (140).
Clause 5.
2. The UV light shielding system (100) of claim 1, wherein the two adjacent radiation fields (128) are aligned with the upper body and head of the occupant (140).
Clause 6.
2. The UV light shielding system (100) of claim 1, wherein the UV lamp (124) is configured to emit the UV light at a specified wavelength or narrow range of wavelengths that is safe for human tissue.
Clause 7.
2. The UV light blocking system (100) of claim 1, wherein the specified wavelength is 222 nm.
Clause 8.
The UV light shielding system (100) of clause 1 further comprises a control unit (170) and a sensor (178), the control unit (170) including one or more processors (182) and operatively connected to the UV lamp (124) and the sensor (178), the sensor (178) configured to monitor the passenger seat (110), and the control unit (170) configured to determine whether or not the passenger seat (110) is occupied based on a sensor signal received from the sensor (178).
Clause 9.
The UV light shielding system (100) of clause 8, wherein in response to determining that the passenger (140) in one of the passenger seats (110) has not occupy the one of the passenger seats (110) for at least a threshold time, the control unit (170) is configured to reduce the output setting of at least one of the UV lamps (124) providing the two irradiation fields (128).
Clause 10.
9. The UV light shielding system (100) of claim 8, wherein the sensor (178) may be a pressure sensor (178), an optical sensor (178), or a proximity sensor (178).
Clause 11.
The UV light shielding system (100) of clause 1 further comprises a control unit (170) and a sensor (178), the control unit (170) including one or more processors (182) and operatively connected to the UV lamp (124) and the sensor (178), the sensor (178) being disposed on or near the UV lamp (124), and the control unit (170) configured to detect when a human is within a specified proximity threshold of the UV lamp (124) based on a sensor signal received from the sensor (178).
Clause 12.
The UV light blocking system (100) of clause 11, wherein in response to detecting that a human is within the specified proximity threshold of a first UV lamp of the UV lamps (124), the control unit (170) is configured to deactivate the first UV lamp or reduce the output setting of the first UV lamp without deactivating the first UV lamp.
Clause 13.
2. The UV light blocking system (100) of claim 1, wherein the vehicle is an aircraft (10).
Clause 14.
A method for shielding and sanitizing a passenger in a seat (110), comprising:
the method further comprising: mounting UV lamps (124) within an interior cabin (122) of a vehicle, the UV lamps (124) mounted to emit and direct UV light within a field (128) extending along a side (118, 120) of a passenger seat (110) disposed within the interior cabin (122), two adjacent fields (128) spaced apart to define a protection zone (130) for a passenger (140) seated in one of the passenger seats (110);
controlling the UV lamps (124) to emit the UV light continuously within the illumination field (128) while the transporter is moving.
Clause 15.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising providing power to the UV lamp (124) from an on-board power supply (172).
Clause 16.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the UV lamps (124) are controlled to shape the UV light emission such that the irradiation field (128) has a long vertical dimension and a short lateral dimension.
Clause 17.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the UV lamp (124) is controlled such that the emitted UV light has a specified wavelength or narrow range of wavelengths that is safe for human tissue upon prolonged exposure.
Clause 18.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising determining that one of the passenger seats (110) is unoccupied for at least a threshold time, and in response, reducing a power setting of at least one of the UV lamps (124) providing an illumination field (128) extending along the unoccupied passenger seat (110).
Clause 19.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising determining that one of the passengers is within a specified proximity threshold of one of the UV lamps (124) and, in response, reducing a power setting of the one of the UV lamps.
Clause 20.
1. An ultraviolet (UV) light shielding system (100), comprising:
a plurality of UV lamps (124) mounted within an interior cabin (122) of a vehicle, the plurality of UV lamps (124) arranged to emit UV light within a field (128) extending along a side (118, 120) of a passenger seat (110) disposed within the interior cabin (122), two adjacent fields (128) spaced apart to define a protection zone (130) for a passenger (140) seated in one of the passenger seats (110); the system (100) further comprising:
a sensor (178) configured to monitor whether the passenger seat (110) is occupied and the proximity of the passenger to the UV lamps (124); and a control unit (170) including one or more processors (182) and operatively connected to the UV lamps (124) and the sensor (178), the control unit (170) configured to receive a sensor signal from the sensor (178) and adjust the output of one or more of the UV lamps (124) based on whether the passenger seat (110) is occupied and the proximity of the passenger to the UV lamps (124).

The description set forth herein uses examples to disclose various embodiments of the present disclosure, including the best mode, and to enable any person skilled in the art to practice various embodiments of the present disclosure, including making and using any device or system, and performing any methods incorporated therein. The patentable scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if the examples have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if the examples include equivalent structural elements that differ only insignificantly from the literal language of the claims.

Claims (15)

1. An ultraviolet (UV) light shielding system (100), comprising:
a plurality of UV lamps (124) mounted within an interior cabin (122) of a vehicle, the plurality of UV lamps (124) arranged to emit UV light within a field (128) extending along a side (118, 120) of a passenger seat (110) disposed within said interior cabin (122), two adjacent fields (128) being spaced apart to define a protection zone (130) for a passenger (140) seated in one of said passenger seats (110);
A UV light shielding system (100), wherein at least one of the two UV lamps (124) providing the two adjacent irradiation fields (128 ) is mounted at the rear (152) of a passenger seat (154) in front of one passenger seat (154) occupied by the passenger (140). 2. The UV light shielding system (100) of claim 1, wherein one of the two UV lamps (124) providing the two adjacent irradiation fields (128 ) is mounted to a front portion (126) of a seat back (114) of the one passenger seat (110) on or near an inboard side (118) or an outboard side (120) of the one passenger seat (110). 2. The UV light shielding system (100) of claim 1, wherein the two UV lamps (124) providing the two adjacent irradiation fields (128) are mounted at a rear (152) of a passenger seat (154) in front of the one passenger seat (154) occupied by the passenger (140). 2. The UV light shielding system (100) of claim 1, wherein the two UV lamps (124) providing the two adjacent radiation fields (128) are electrically connected to wiring within the passenger seat (110). The UV light shielding system (100) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the two adjacent radiation fields (128) are aligned with the upper body and head of the passenger (140). The UV light shielding system (100) of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of UV lamps (124) are configured to emit the UV light at a specified wavelength or narrow range of wavelengths that are safe for human tissue. The UV light shielding system (100) of claim 6 , wherein the specified wavelength is 222 nm. 8. The UV light shielding system of claim 1, further comprising a control unit and a sensor, the control unit including one or more processors and operatively connected to the UV lamps and the sensor, the sensor being configured to monitor the passenger seats, the control unit configured to determine whether the passenger seats are occupied or not based on a sensor signal received from the sensor, and in response to determining that the passenger in one of the passenger seats has not occupied the one passenger seat for at least a threshold time, the control unit configured to reduce a power setting of at least one of the UV lamps providing the two adjacent irradiation fields. The UV light shielding system (100) of claim 8, wherein the sensor (178) includes at least one of a pressure sensor (178), an optical sensor (178), or a proximity sensor (178). 8. The UV light shielding system of claim 1, further comprising a control unit and a sensor, the control unit including one or more processors and operatively connected to the plurality of UV lamps and the sensor, the sensor being disposed on or near the plurality of UV lamps, the control unit configured to detect when a human is within a specified proximity threshold of the plurality of UV lamps based on a sensor signal received from the sensor, and in response to detecting that a human is within the specified proximity threshold of a first UV lamp of the plurality of UV lamps, the control unit configured to deactivate the first UV lamp or reduce a power setting of the first UV lamp without deactivating the first UV lamp. The UV light shielding system (100) of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the vehicle is an aircraft (10). A method for shielding and sanitizing a passenger in a seat (110), comprising:
mounting a plurality of UV lamps (124) within an interior cabin (122) of a vehicle, the plurality of UV lamps (124) being mounted to emit and direct UV light within a field (128) extending along a side (118, 120) of a passenger seat (110) disposed within the interior cabin (122), two adjacent fields (128) being spaced apart to define a protection zone (130) for a passenger (140) seated in one of the passenger seats (110);
The method further includes controlling the plurality of UV lamps (124) to emit the UV light continuously within the illumination field (128) during movement of the transporter;
At least one UV lamp of the two UV lamps (124) providing the two adjacent irradiation fields ( 128) is mounted at a rear (152) of a passenger seat (154) in front of one passenger seat (154) occupied by the passenger (140). The plurality of UV lamps (124)
to shape the UV light emission such that the field (128) has a long vertical dimension and a short lateral dimension; or
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the emitted UV light is controlled to have at least one of a specified wavelength or a narrow range of wavelengths that are safe for human tissue upon prolonged exposure. 14. The method of claim 12 or 13, further comprising at least one of: determining that one of the passenger seats (110) is unoccupied for at least a threshold time and, in response, reducing a power setting of at least one of the plurality of UV lamps (124) providing a radiation field (128) extending along the unoccupied passenger seat (110); or determining that one of the passengers is within a specified proximity threshold of one of the plurality of UV lamps (124) and, in response, reducing a power setting of the one of the UV lamps. 1. An ultraviolet (UV) light shielding system (100), comprising:
a plurality of UV lamps (124) mounted within an interior cabin (122) of a vehicle, the plurality of UV lamps (124) arranged to emit UV light within a field (128) extending along a side (118, 120) of a passenger seat (110) disposed within the interior cabin (122), two adjacent fields (128) spaced apart to define a protection zone (130) for a passenger (140) seated in one of the passenger seats (110); the system (100) further comprising:
a sensor (178) configured to monitor the occupancy or unoccupancy of the passenger seat (110) and the proximity of the passenger to the plurality of UV lamps (124); and a control unit (170) including one or more processors (182) operatively connected to the plurality of UV lamps (124) and the sensor (178), the control unit (170) configured to receive a sensor signal from the sensor (178) and adjust the output of one or more of the plurality of UV lamps (124) based on the occupancy or unoccupancy of the passenger seat (110) and the proximity of the passenger to the plurality of UV lamps (124),
A UV light shielding system (100), wherein at least one of the two UV lamps (124) providing the two adjacent irradiation fields (128 ) is mounted at the rear (152) of a passenger seat (154) in front of one passenger seat (154) occupied by the passenger (140).

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