UV Disinfectant Light System

Abstract

A UV light disinfectant system is provided that addresses the problems associated with catastrophic failure of the device due to the presence of moisture or corrosive elements getting into the light fixture and damaging internal power connections of the device. Additionally, the UV light disinfectant system is provided with safety features that prevent unintentional exposure of maintenance personnel to the intense UV light used to disinfect air passing through the duct on which the device is mounted.

Claims

1. A system for disinfecting the air moving within a ductwork, the system comprising: a base that is connectable to an exterior surface of the ductwork, said base including: a central opening that is designed to be aligned with an opening formed in the surface of the ductwork; a power connector formed as a raised power socket and coupled to a power cord; a removable body including; a UV lamp socket designed to receive a UV lamp; a power socket cavity including a plurality of pins adapted to engage with openings formed in the raised power socket; said UV lamp socket electrically coupled to the plurality of pins; said raised power socket including a seal that is adapted to engage with an inner surface of the power socket cavity to seal the pins from moisture entering said power socket cavity.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said seal is formed as an O-ring the surrounds an exterior surface of the raised power socket.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the raised power receptacle is detachable from said base.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein an exterior surface of the raised power socket includes an undercut that interacts with an edge formed on a power socket opening on said base, such that when the raised power socket is fully inserted into said power socket opening an interlock between the undercut and the edge is formed.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein said removable body further comprises a raised wall surrounding said UV lamp socket such that when the raised power socket is fully inserted into said power socket cavity said raised wall extends into said central opening.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein when the removable body is withdrawn from the base, the plurality of pins disconnect from electrical power prior in the raised power socket prior to said raised wall being fully withdrawn from said central opening, which functions to prevent any UV light from escaping the ductwork prior to power being shut off to the UV lamp.

7. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a protrusion positioned on said base adjacent to said central opening and opposite to said raised power receptable.

8. The system according to claim 7, further comprising a lateral cavity positioned on said removable body and opposite said protrusion such that when the removable body is attached to said base, said protrusion engages with said lateral cavity.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein said protrusion is formed as two parallel extending protrusions.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the two protrusions is provided with a beveled edge or with a rounded surface.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein said base further comprises a plurality of openings formed on a periphery of the base designed to receive a screw or a bolt for affixing the said base to the ductwork.

12. The system according to claim 11, further comprising at least two laterally extending tabs, wherein each tab has an opening formed therein.

13. The system according to claim 12, further comprising at least two laterally extending tabs on said removable body each having an opening, wherein the at least two laterally extending tabs on said removable body correspond to the at least two laterally extending tabs on said base.

14. The system according to claim 1, wherein said power cord extends from said raised power socket to a ballast and said ballast is connected to a source of power.

15. The system according to claim 1, where said power cord further comprises an over-limit thermostat formed in said power cord.

16. The system according to claim 15, where said over-limit thermostat is formed as a male and female connector with a seal positioned therebetween.

17. The system according to claim 1, wherein an indicator is provided on either said base or said removable body, the indicator providing an indication of a status of the UV lamp.

18. The system according to claim 17, wherein said indictor is selected from the group consisting of: a visual indication, an audio indication, a remote indication and combinations thereof.

19. The system according to claim 18, wherein the remote indication may comprise an email, a text message, electronic alert and combinations thereof, transmitted to a remote device.

20. A system for disinfecting the air moving within a ductwork, the system comprising: a base that is connectable to an exterior surface of the ductwork, said base including: a central opening that is designed to be aligned with an opening formed in the surface of the ductwork; a power connector formed as a detachable raised power socket and coupled to a power cord; said power cord including an over-limit thermal switch formed in said power cord; a removable body including; a UV lamp socket designed to receive a UV lamp; a power socket cavity including a plurality of pins adapted to engage with openings formed in the raised power socket; said UV lamp socket electrically coupled to the plurality of pins.

21. The system according to claim 20, wherein an exterior surface of the raised power socket includes an undercut that interacts with an edge formed on a power socket opening on said base, such that when the raised power socket is fully inserted into said power socket opening an interlock between the undercut and the edge is formed.

22. The system according to claim 20, wherein said raised power socket includes a seal that is adapted to engage with an inner surface of the power socket cavity to seal the pins from moisture entering said power socket cavity.

23. The system according to claim 22, wherein said seal is formed as an O-ring the surrounds an exterior surface of the raised power socket.

24. The system according to claim 20, wherein said over-limit thermal switch is formed as a male and female connector where: said female connector includes an elongated body portion coupled at a distal end to said power cord that extends to said raised power socket; and said male connector includes a plurality of connectors positioned at a proximal end and detachably connectable to a respective plurality of connectors on a proximal end of said female connector, said male connector coupled at a distal end to a power cable that extends to a ballast.

25. The system according to claim 24, where said thermal switch further comprises a seal positioned between the proximal ends of the male and female connectors.

26. The system according to claim 25 wherein said seal if affixed to and forms a complete seal of the proximal end of said male connector.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] FIG. 1 is a diagram of the UV light system installed in the side of a duct according to one configuration of the invention.

[0035] FIG. 2 is an illustration of the removable body according to FIG. 1.

[0036] FIG. 3 is an illustration of the removable body according to FIG. 2.

[0037] FIG. 4 is an illustration of the removable body according to FIG. 2.

[0038] FIG. 5 an illustration of the base according to FIG. 1.

[0039] FIG. 6 is an illustration of the base according to FIG. 5.

[0040] FIG. 7 is an illustration of the base according to FIG. 5.

[0041] FIG. 8 is an illustration of the removable body being inserted into the base according to FIG. 1.

[0042] FIG. 9 is the male side of an in-line thermal switch for a power cord that is coupled to a power receptacle that is removably coupled to the base according to FIG. 1.

[0043] FIG. 10 is the female side of the in-line thermal switch according to FIG. 1.

[0044] FIG. 11 is an illustration of the base with a dongle according to FIG. 1.

[0045] FIG. 12 is an illustration of the power receptacle and dongle according to FIG. 11.

[0046] FIG. 13 is an illustration of the UV light system assembled according to FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding structure throughout the views.

[0048] FIG. 1 is a diagram of the UV light disinfection system 100 installed in an air duct 10. The UV light disinfection system 100 includes a base 102 that is affixed to an exterior surface 12 of the duct. The base 102 includes a power cord 104 that is coupled at a distal end to a thermal switch 106, which in turn is connected via a power cable 108 to a ballast 110. The ballast is then connectable to a power source via a plug-in connector 112. It should be noted that while a plug-in connector 112 is illustrated, those of skill in the art will appreciate that a hard-wired connection could also be used depending on the voltage supplied to the ballast 110 (e.g., 120V, 277V, etc.).

[0049] The thermal switch 106 as illustrated in FIG. 1 is formed as two disconnectable units formed as a male and female connector 114, 116 respectively and are shown in more detail in connection with FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0050] Also shown in FIG. 1 is removable body 118 that includes a UV lamp 120. Power is supplied to the base 102, which is fed to the removable body 118 to power the UV lamp 120. The UV lamp 120 is positioned inside of the duct 10 and in the flow of air 14 within the duct 10. The UV light emitted from the UV lamp 120 functions to kill virus and/or bacteria that may be resident in the circulating air.

[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, the removable body 118 is shown in greater detail. The removable body 118 is provided with a power socket cavity 122 that include one or more (in this case four) power pins 124 that are designed to engage with a corresponding receptacle on the base 102. The power pins are adapted to transmit electrical power from the power pins 124 to corresponding UV socket receptacle 126 positioned in UV cavity 128. In this configuration, four power pins 124 are provided. However, one of skill in the art will understand that any number of pins may be provided (i.e., 2-pin, 4-pin) and that more than one UV socket receptacle may be provided.

[0052] The UV cavity 128 is bounded by a raised wall 130 that extends upward from a face of the UV socket receptacle 126. The raised wall 130 functions as a light shield when the removable body is being withdrawn from or inserted into the base 102. This function will be described in greater detail in connection with FIG. 8.

[0053] The removable body 118 further includes a lateral cavity 132 positioned opposite the power socket cavity 122 from the raised wall 130. Lateral cavity 132 is adapted to interact with a protrusion 164 (FIG. 5) positioned on base 102.

[0054] Also illustrated are laterally extending tabs 134, 134′ which include lateral openings 136, 136′ respectively that are adapted to receive a bolt or a screw 170, 170′ (FIG. 8) for securing the removable body 118 to the base 102.

[0055] An upper portion 138 of the removable body 118 is provided with a gripping surface 140 formed as a raised portion allowing a user to firmly grasp the removable body 118 when detaching it from the base 102.

[0056] Turning now to FIGS. 5-7, the base 102 is illustrated from several different angles. In particular, the base 102 is provided with a central opening 142, which is designed to align with a hole that is cut into the side of a duct. The base includes two laterally extending tabs 144, 144′ that are generally aligned with the laterally extending tabs 134, 134′ on the removable body 118. Lateral openings 146, 146′ are provided in laterally extending tabs 144, 144′ respectively. In this way, when the removable body 118 is positioned on base 102, it can be secured by screws or bolts 170, 170′ (FIG. 8) extending through the lateral openings 136, 136′, 146, 146′. Additional openings 148, 148′ may also be provided in base 102.

[0057] Also shown in base 102 is raised power receptacle 150. Raised power receptacle 150 is provided as a removable power device that is secured in power receptacle opening 190, which is better seen in FIG. 11. The raised power receptacle 150 is provided with at least one tine 152 that is provided with an undercut 154 adapted to interact with an edge 156 of the power receptacle opening 190. To form an interlock between the tine 152 and the edge 156. To remove the raised power receptacle 150, the tine 152 must be pushed inward relative to the edge 156, such that the raised power receptacle 150 can be pushed downward relative to the edge 156 and withdrawn from power receptacle opening 190.

[0058] The raised power receptacle 150 is provided with at least one seal 158 positioned on an exterior surface thereof. While two seals 158 are illustrated in FIGS. 5-7, it is contemplated that one or more than two may be provided. The seal 158 is designed in interact with an inner surface of power socket cavity 122 to form a seal preventing moisture from reaching pins 124 and power sockets 160 that are adapted to receive pins 124 respectively. The seal 158 can be formed of any suitable material that can form a moisture seal such as silicon or rubber. The seal 158 will typically sit in a channel 162 that is cut into the surface of the raised power receptacle 150 to securely hold the seal 158 in place.

[0059] Also shown in FIGS. 5-7 is a protrusion 164 that is formed as two parallel extending protrusions. The protrusion 164 is formed to match the interior surface of lateral cavity 132. For example, an exterior surface of protrusion 164 is partially formed as a rounded surface where a distal end 166 of protrusion 164 may be provided with beveled edge. It is contemplated that the protrusion will friction fit within lateral cavity 132.

[0060] FIG, 8 provides an exploded view of the base 102 and removable body 118. As can be seen, bolts or screws 170, 170′ may be used to secure the removable body 118 to base 102. It is contemplated that these maybe secured through the duct 12 or the base 102 may be independently secured to the duct 12 and the removable body 118 is then secured to base 102.

[0061] In operation, the UV lamp that is attached to removable body 118 will not be turned on until the power pins 124 make electrical contact with power sockets 160. The device is designed such that the power pins 124 not make electrical contact with power sockets 160 until the removable body 118 is seated well down onto base 102. This allows the upstanding wall 130 to enter the central opening 142 prior to the UV lamp 120 turning on thereby forming a light shield to prevent UV light from impinging on any worker installing or maintaining the system 100.

[0062] Additionally, the power pins 124 are inserted in each of their respective power sockets 160 some distance prior to electrical contact being made. This ensure that no arching can occur between pins to or to any other part of the device. A major problem that has been noted with duct-mounted UV light disinfectant systems is that moisture can build up in the light and especially around the power coupling. This moisture functions to corrode the pins and lowers the resistance for arching within the light fixture. The carbon scoring and subsequent damage to the UV light fixture require complete removal and replacement of the light fixture well before the lifespan of the device has been reached. However, the unique design of the UV light disinfectant system 100 addresses many of these problems by providing the raised power receptable 150 that interacts with power cavity 122. Additionally, the seals 158 on the surface of the raised power receptable 150 interacts with the inner surface of the power cavity 122 to prevent moisture from reaching the power pins 124 and the respective power sockets 160. Finally, the configuration of the power sockets 160 not allowing connection to the power pins 124 until the power pins 124 are almost fully inserted also prevents arching and ensures power is not turned on to the UV lamp until the upstanding wall enters central opening 142. All these features greatly enhance the safety and reliability of the UV light disinfectant system 100.

[0063] FIGS. 9 and 10 show the male connector 114 and female connector 116 that form thermal switch 106 that is formed in-line with power cord 104 and power cable 108 respectively. Male connector 114 includes a body 172 that includes a locking mechanism 174 in the form of a laterally displaceable arm. The female connector also includes a body 176 having a protrusion 178 that is adapted to interact with locking mechanism 174 when the two are axially aligned and inserted.

[0064] The male connector is formed have four pins 180, 180′, 180″, 180″′ that may be formed in four axially extending structures 182, 182′, 182″, 182″′, which in this case are formed as rectangular structures. The axially extending structures 182, 182′, 182′, 182′″ are integrally formed as part of the body 172 providing lateral strength and protection to the pins 180, 180′, 180″, 180″′ to avoid damage. The end 197 of the body 172 may be provided with a seal 198 that overlays the end 197.

[0065] The female connector 116 is provided with four receptacles 184, 184′, 184″, 184′″ that are designed to receive the axially extending structures 182, 182′, 182″, 182′″ and allow for the pins 180, 180′, 180″, 180″ to form an electrical connection to the four wires extending through the power cord 106 to raised power receptacle 150.

[0066] When the end 199 abuts end 197, the seal 198 forms a moisture tight seal therebetween preventing any moisture from getting into the pins 180, 180′, 180″, 180′″ causing corrosion or arching. It is contemplated that the seal may comprise any type of material that is pliable a liquid resistant as is known in the art. Additionally, the seal 198 not only surrounds the perimeter of end 197, but in one embodiment covers the entire face of end 198 including the areas of the face 197 in between the axially extending structures 182, 182′, 182″, 182″′. In this manner, not only are the pins 180, 180′, 180″, 180″′ sealed from the outside, but are sealed from each other.

[0067] FIGS. 11-12 illustrate the removable nature of the raised power receptacle 150 from the base 102. For example, as can be seen in FIG. 11, the raised power receptacle, the power cord 104 and the female connector 116 (collectively, a detachable power dongle 188) is shown fully inserted into base 102. FIG. 12 shows the detachable power dongle 188 completely detached from base 102. To attach the detachable power dongle 188 to base 102, the raised power receptacle is simply inserted into power receptacle opening 190. As tine 152 enters power receptacle opening 190 as raised power receptacle 150 is advanced, this will function to laterally displace tine 152 inward. Once tine 152 passes edge 156 it will snap outward again forming an interlock preventing the raised power receptacle from being removed from power receptacle opening 190. It is contemplated that while a mechanical interlock is illustrated, different types of interlocks could be provided including, for example, a friction fit, or a groove and channel configuration and the like.

[0068] FIG. 13 is a view of the removable body 188 affixed to the base 102, which is in turn affixed to a mounting plate 192 that may be affixed to the outer surface of the duct 12. The mounting plate may be affixed to the duct via screws or bolt via holes 194. The mounting plate may comprise metal or any other appropriate material. Also shown are the male and female connectors 114, 116 attached to power cable 108 and power cord 106 respectively.

[0069] Also shown in FIG. 13 is an indicator 196 that may be positioned on or in removable body 118. In one configuration, the indicator 196 may be provided as one or more LEDs that provide a visual status indication of the UV lamp 120.

[0070] It is contemplated that the UV light disinfectant system 100 may be provided with the ability to run self-diagnostics to determine the status of the UV lamp 120. In one configuration, if the UV lamp burns out or does not turn on (i.e., the ballast 110 is not functioning properly), the UV light disinfectant system 100 could provide an indication of the failure. In one configuration, the indictor 196 could provide a flashing red LED as opposed to showing a solid green LED when functioning properly. This is a simple and easy way to provide UV lamp 120 function information for maintenance personnel that are performing an inspection of the device.

[0071] It is further contemplated that the indicator 196 may provide an audio indication to alert maintenance personnel of a UV lamp 120 failure. The audio indication could be provided as a chip as is common with, for example, smoke detectors.

[0072] As ducts are often located in closed rooms or spaces that see little traffic, it may further be advantageous to provide a remote indication. For example, if the UV lamp disinfectant system 100 determines that the UV lamp 120 is out or the system is malfunctioning, an automatic warming could be transmitted via a network connection to a remote computer. This automatic warning could be transmitted wirelessly to a building automation system computer providing information relating to the location of the device in the facility. The building automation system could then automatically transmit information relating to the warning to a mobile device carried by maintenance personnel in the form of a text message or email, or even automatically generate a work order to service the device. Alternatively, it could be that the UV lamp disinfection system 100 has measured the total operating hours of the UV lamp 120 and sends an indication that the UV lamp is nearing the end of its life and thus, should be replaced. All of these are possible integration of the device via IoT to provide automated indication, whether to a remote computer in a facility, or even a message sent to a users mobile phone for installations in private homes.

[0073] Although the invention has been described with reference to a particular arrangement of parts, features and the like, these are not intended to exhaust all possible arrangements or features, and indeed many other modifications and variations will be ascertainable to those of skill in the art.