An autonomous vehicle (AV) implements a health protocol that may reduce pathogen transmission between users of the AV. The AV is equipped with a thermal sensor that captures a body temperature of a user. The AV compares the user’s temperature to a threshold temperature, and if the user’s temperature exceeds the threshold temperature, the AV performs checks to ensure that the user’s planned trip follows current regulations or recommendations. For example, the AV confirms that the user is traveling between the user’s home and a healthcare facility. If the trip is permitted, the AV enables the user to enter the AV. The AV may include a disinfectant system for disinfecting the passenger compartment or surfaces after the user exits the AV.

A product sterilization system includes a vault, a source of X-rays in the vault producing a field of X-rays in a treatment zone, a conveyance delivering products to the treatment zone for irradiation by the field of X-rays, a first X-ray detection subsystem in the treatment zone between the products and the source of X-rays, a second X-ray detection subsystem in the treatment zone behind the products, and a controller subsystem responsive to the first X-ray detection subsystem and the second X-ray detection subsystem and configured to determine an X-ray dose absorbed by the products.

A product sterilization system includes a vault, a source of X-rays in the vault producing a field of X-rays in a treatment zone, a conveyance delivering products to the treatment zone for irradiation by the field of X-rays, a first X-ray detection subsystem in the treatment zone between the products and the source of X-rays, a second X-ray detection subsystem in the treatment zone behind the products, and a controller subsystem responsive to the first X-ray detection subsystem and the second X-ray detection subsystem and configured to determine an X-ray dose absorbed by the products.

The invention is a system and method for the initial and on-going disinfection of pathogens from building surfaces and plumbing fixtures. The disclosed system and method can be particularly useful in bathrooms to disinfect the drains of sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and other standing water sources that act as persistent reservoirs of deadly pathogens. The disclosed system and method include a disinfecting chemical storage or disinfecting chemical generation unit, a control module, a conduit configured to pump or convey the disinfecting fluid to a surface of the plumbing fixture, an attachment configured to attach a portion of the distribution structure piping, and at least two separate openings in the piping or other conduit.

The invention is a system and method for the initial and on-going disinfection of pathogens from building surfaces and plumbing fixtures. The disclosed system and method can be particularly useful in bathrooms to disinfect the drains of sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and other standing water sources that act as persistent reservoirs of deadly pathogens. The disclosed system and method include a disinfecting chemical storage or disinfecting chemical generation unit, a control module, a conduit configured to pump or convey the disinfecting fluid to a surface of the plumbing fixture, an attachment configured to attach a portion of the distribution structure piping, and at least two separate openings in the piping or other conduit.

A UV-C sterilization apparatus for a confined space having a closure which can be selectively positioned between a closed position, wherein the confined space is fully enclosed, and an opened position, wherein the confined space is accessible from an exterior thereof. The apparatus comprises means for connecting the apparatus to a power source to provide operating power to the apparatus and a housing dimensioned to fit within the confined space. The housing supports at least one sensor operative to detect when the closure is in the closed position and/or when the closure is not in the closed position; at least one source operative to emit UV-C light for irradiating the confined space; and a controller. The controller is connected to the at least one sensor and the at least one UV-C light source, and is operative to: determine when the closure is and is not in the closed position; activate the at least one UV-C light source to irradiate the confined space for a first fixed period of time when it is determined that the closure has gone to the closed position from not being in the closed position; periodically activate the UV-C light source to irradiate the confined space for at least a second fixed period of time, the periodic activation occurring following the first fixed period of time for so long as the closure remains in the closed position; and prevent the at least one UV-C light source from irradiating the confined space when it is determined that the closure is not in the closed position.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a sterilization apparatus. The sterilization apparatus includes a housing. A drawer is slidably secured to the housing and adapted to receive input devices. The drawer is configured to operate between a retracted position, an intermediate position and an extended position. A plurality of ultraviolet (UV) lights is mounted within the housing and configured to emit UV radiation for a pre-determined time for sterilizing the input devices. A closure member is movably coupled to the housing. The closure member is operated between an open position and a closed position by manually applying force on the closure member, thereby causing the closure member to be pushed down by a distance within the housing. The closure member pushed down within the housing collectively operates a hinge mechanism, a cam and lever mechanism and a rotary mechanism, thereby configuring the closure member to the open and position positions.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a sterilization apparatus. The sterilization apparatus includes a housing. A drawer is slidably secured to the housing and adapted to receive input devices. The drawer is configured to operate between a retracted position, an intermediate position and an extended position. A plurality of ultraviolet (UV) lights is mounted within the housing and configured to emit UV radiation for a pre-determined time for sterilizing the input devices. A closure member is movably coupled to the housing. The closure member is operated between an open position and a closed position by manually applying force on the closure member, thereby causing the closure member to be pushed down by a distance within the housing. The closure member pushed down within the housing collectively operates a hinge mechanism, a cam and lever mechanism and a rotary mechanism, thereby configuring the closure member to the open and position positions.

A dynamic treatment system incorporates multiple pathogen reduction devices and sensors for enhanced pathogen reduction. The system can provide coordinated multi-level control to provide automated engineered control of pathogen reduction that is suitable for use in confined spaces, such as building and vehicle systems. Room level occupancy tracking provides biological load level estimates while pressure level sensing provides pathogen travel path estimation through the building. Combining this pathogen load information and airflow path information the system can drive room level and building level pathogen reduction device adjustments to enhance pathogen reduction based on expected pathogen travel. Zone level pathogen interception, height adjustable portable treatment devices, along with various application specific pathogen reduction devices can be integrated into the dynamic treatment system.

A dynamic treatment system incorporates multiple pathogen reduction devices and sensors for enhanced pathogen reduction. The system can provide coordinated multi-level control to provide automated engineered control of pathogen reduction that is suitable for use in confined spaces, such as building and vehicle systems. Room level occupancy tracking provides biological load level estimates while pressure level sensing provides pathogen travel path estimation through the building. Combining this pathogen load information and airflow path information the system can drive room level and building level pathogen reduction device adjustments to enhance pathogen reduction based on expected pathogen travel. Zone level pathogen interception, height adjustable portable treatment devices, along with various application specific pathogen reduction devices can be integrated into the dynamic treatment system.