Embedded ultraviolet disinfection of aircraft interiors

Abstract

Presentation of an improved method of applying an ultraviolet light for disinfecting of aircraft interiors between flights. This novel system involves applying said UV light from the UV LEDs permanently embedded in the passenger seats, and/or in the IFE monitors, and/or in the overhead bins and/or in the ceiling, all connected to a remote on-off switch, to provide electric power to disinfect the entire cabin at once.

This invention allows for a significantly increased amount of time as well as target optimization of the UV light focused onto cabin surfaces compared to a push-card system with UV lights, which slowly and unevenly disinfects the aircraft interior, only one row of seats at a time.

The subject invention results in more effective disinfection, safer interior for the next load of passengers, cost-savings by eliminating push-cart operators, and shortening aircraft on ground down time, due to total cabin being disinfected at once, increasing the number of possible daily flight cycles, resulting in increased overall revenue for aircraft operators.

Claims

1. An improved aircraft cabin disinfection system adapted for disinfection of aircraft seats between flights, and comprising: a) a passenger seat having a backrest, b) a UV light installed in upper area of said backrest, c) an electric power source wired to said UV light d) a remote on-off-switch to operate said UV light whereby such improvement provides a quick and easy disinfection of aircraft seats when they are not occupied between flights.

2. An improved aircraft cabin disinfection system adapted for disinfection of aircraft seats between flights, and comprising: a) a passenger seat having a backrest, b) an IFE In-Flight Entertainment video monitor installed in said backrest, c) a UV light installed in said IFE monitor, d) an electric power source wired to said UV light, e) a remote on-off-switch to operate said UV light whereby such improvement provides a quick and easy disinfection of aircraft seats when they are not occupied between flights.

3. An improved vehicle cabin disinfection system adapted for disinfection of passenger occupied areas in bus, train, ferry, or cruise ship, before these vehicles are boarded for the next trip, and comprising: a) an occupant seats or beds with passenger body-contact areas, b) an overhead storage bin or ceiling, d) an embedded UV light installed in said overhead bun or ceiling, e) an on-off-electric switch to operate said UV light when the cabin is not occupied whereby such improvement provides a quick and easy disinfection of vehicle interior when it is not occupied between the next bus, train, ferry or cruise ship journey.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] In the drawings, all of the above three (3) basic suggested locations are shown but it is not to be construed as the only locations. For example, the UV lights can be installed in the ceiling of the aircraft cabin as well, for as long as the UV light is directed down toward the top-exposed seat surfaces.

[0025] FIG. 1 shows side and top view of seats, with UV light(s) mounted in the upper area of the seat backrests, and illuminating the UV light backward and down, to the body contact areas of the seats positioned immediately behind (to the next row seat).

[0026] FIG. 2 shows side and top view of seats, with UV light(s) mounted inside or near the IFE video monitors (and directed similar to FIG. 1 above)

[0027] FIG. 3 shows side and top view of the cabin, with the UV lights installed in the overhead PSU units, or in the overhead bins, or in the overhead ceiling area to illuminate the seats from above

NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS

[0028] Balloon 1: UV light bulb (or source) and approx. direction of the UV rays [0029] Balloon 2: Electrical wiring (in the floor or in the ceiling, or in the side walls) [0030] Balloon 3: Remote On-Off Switch in the Control Panel area (from the electric power source).

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0031] The new Aircraft Cabin Embedded UV Disinfection System is to be designed, built, flight-tested and certified by FutureFlite, Inc., having FAA-PAH (Production Approval Holder) Privileges for a long time, and having 40-years hands on experience in the aircraft interiors business world.

[0032] Although the description above and drawings submitted contain many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of this invention but as merely providing illustrations to some of the presently preferred embodiments of this innovation. For example, the UV light can be directed both slightly forward, not only backward, and with the remote on-off-button not only near the front-end of the cabin, but even from the outside of that cabin of aircraft.

[0033] In yet another embodiment, it may be provided for disinfection of the passenger seats in bus, train, or in sea-going ferries, or in ocean-going cruise ship cabins.

[0034] Thus, the scope of this invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.