CA3182051A1 - Sanitization device and systems for the passenger compartment of vehicles and method of using same - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided heater systems and method of use thereof for thermally sanitizing a cabin of a vehicle. The heater system includes a heating apparatus, and a duct extending from the heating apparatus, the duct dimensioned to extend and convey heat from the heating apparatus into the cabin of the vehicle. The system also includes a temperature sensor configured to monitor and send a signal regarding a temperature within the cabin of the vehicle and a control system coupled to the heating apparatus and to the temperature sensor to receive the signal therefrom. The control system is configured to control the heating apparatus based on the signal from the temperature sensor, to heat the cabin of the vehicle until the temperature within the cabin reaches a predetermined temperature.

Description

TITLE
SANITIZATION DEVICE AND SYSTEMS FOR THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF
VEHICLES AND METHOD OF USING SAME
FIELD
[0001] This invention relates generally to a heater system for thermally sanitizing a passenger compartment of a vehicle, a system for thermally sanitizing multiple vehicles and methods thereof.
BACKGROUND

[0002] A number of viruses and bacteria can be transmitted between people through contaminated droplets produced by individuals as they breath and interact with one another. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that Covid-19 spreads "very easily" from person to person through contaminated droplets produced by others as they talk, cough, sneeze and breath.

[0003] A single cough can produce up to 3,000 droplets. These particles can land on other people, clothing, and surfaces around them. Smaller particles can remain airborne for a considerable amount of time. Infectious diseases, such as Covid-19, can be transferred easily by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus.

[0004] Indeed, a number of number of viruses and bacteria can survive in droplets for a significant period of time after coughing, and can remain in the air for several hours if the air is still. As a result, viruses and bacteria can circulate in unfiltered air conditioning systems, and can persist for a couple of hours, especially

5 as aerosol droplets tend to settle on surfaces faster in disturbed air. Some viruses and bacteria can even survive on metal, glass, fabric, and plastic surfaces for a number of days.
[0005] In particular, studies show that the Covid-19 virus could survive in droplets for up to three hours after being coughed out into the air. Fine droplets of between 1-5 micrometers in size, about 30 times smaller than the width of a human hair, can remain airborne for several hours in still air. Studies have also found that the Coronavirus can survive on metal, glass, and plastic for as long as nine days, unless they are properly disinfected. The virus can even persist for up to 28 days in low temperatures.

[0006] Thus, the risk of person to person spread of viruses, and bacteria, especially the Coronavirus, is particularly high in cases where multiple, different operators are using the same vehicle, such as in the trucking business, car rental systems, and the police, fire, and ambulatory sectors.

[0007] Coronaviruses are well known to be particularly resilient in terms of where they can survive, and researchers are now beginning to understand more about how this affects its spread.

[0008] Many viruses and bacteria can be inactivated within a minute by disinfecting surfaces with 62-71% alcohol, or 0.5% hydrogen peroxide bleach or household bleach containing 0.1% sodium hypochlorite. In some cases, however, reaching areas where airborne particles may be found can be difficult using disinfectants.

[0009] A disadvantage of persistently using such harsh chemicals for disinfecting is that they can potentially cause other health issues to the individual. As well, repeated applications on some surfaces may damage those surfaces.
SUMMARY

[0010] In one aspect the invention there is provided a heater system for thermally sanitizing a cabin of a vehicle, the heater system comprising a heating apparatus; a duct extending from the heating apparatus, the duct dimensioned to extend and convey heat from the heating apparatus into the cabin of the vehicle; and a temperature sensor configured to monitor and send a signal regarding a temperature within the cabin of the vehicle; a control system coupled to the heating apparatus and to the temperature sensor to receive the signal therefrom, the control system being configured to control the heating apparatus based on the signal from the temperature sensor, to heat the cabin of the vehicle until the temperature within the cabin reaches a predetermined temperature.

[0011] In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for thermally sanitizing cabins of multiple vehicles, the system comprising:
multiple heater systems, where each of the multiple heater systems is the heater system as described above; and a central processor remotely coupled to the control systems of each of the multiple heater systems to allow a user to remotely operate each of the control systems and monitor the thermal sanitization of the cabin of each of the multiple vehicles.

[0012] In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for thermally sanitizing cabins of multiple vehicles, the system comprising: a heating apparatus; multiple ducts extending from the heating apparatus, each of the multiple ducts dimensioned to extend and convey heat from the heating apparatus into the cabin of one of the multiple vehicles; and a temperature sensor situated within the cabin of each of the multiple vehicles, each temperature sensor configured to monitor and send a signal regarding a temperature within the cabin of the respective vehicle;
a central control system coupled to the heating apparatus and the multiple ducts, the central control system configured to receive the signals from the temperature sensors and to control the heating apparatus and the multiple ducts to heat the cabins of the multiple vehicles based on the signals from the temperature sensors until the temperature within the respective cabins reach a predetermined temperature.

[0013] In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a use of a fuel fired heater for thermally sanitizing a cabin of a vehicle.

[0014] In another aspect of the invention, there is provided A
method of thermally sanitizing a cabin of a vehicle, the method comprising: providing a duct system with an outlet and an inlet coupled to a component of the vehicle, at least the outlet of the duct system being in communication with an interior of the cabin of the vehicle; providing a heating apparatus coupled to the inlet of the duct system; and monitoring a temperature within the cabin of the vehicle; operating the heating apparatus to heat the cabin of the vehicle until the monitored temperature within the cabin of the vehicle reaches a predetermined level.

[0015] In a further aspect of the invention, the heating apparatus is operated until the internal temperatures within the cabin of the vehicle reach at least 57 C.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings which show exemplary embodiments of the present invention in which:

[0017] Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a heater system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of a heating apparatus of the heater system of Figure 1 in isolation.

[0019] Figure 3 is a schematic view of the wiring of the heater system of Figure 1.

[0020] Figure 4 is front view of a user interface on the heater system of Figure 1.

[0021] Figure 5 is schematic view of multiple heater systems of Figure 1 in use in a central heating system.

[0022] Figure 6 is schematic view of an alternate central heating system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 7 is flow chart of a method of using the heater system of Figure 1.

[0024] Figure 8 is a schematic view of methods of using the heater system of Figure 1.

[0025] Figure 9 is graph illustrating the temperatures within a cabin of a vehicle when the heater system of Figure 1 is in use.
DESCRIPTION

[0026] The present invention may be embodied in a number of different forms.
The specification and drawings that follow describe and disclose some of the specific forms of the invention.

[0027] Higher temperatures tend to result in viruses and bacteria drying and dying more quickly than in ambient or lower temperatures. Research by the World Health Organization has shown that higher temperatures help to kill coronaviruses more quickly. Specifically, studies have shown that the coronavirus can be killed by being exposed to temperatures above 56 C or 132 F for an extended period of time, and may be killed at a rate of about 10,000 viral particles every 15 minutes.

[0028] Thus, the present disclosure relates to a heater system 10 and uses thereof to create the necessary and desired amount of heat required to kill viruses and bacteria inside a cabin of a vehicle, thereby thermally disinfecting the passenger compartment and making it safe for the next operator to use. The system can be used in conjunction with the vehicle's own heating system to decrease the system's run time and to circulate heat throughout the vehicle's HVAC system.

[0029] As best seen in Figures 1-4, the present system 10 includes a heating apparatus 12 with a fuel fired heater 14 to generate the necessary heat, i.e.
at a level required for disinfecting purposes. A duct 16, such as flex ducting, extends from the outlet of fuel fired heater 14 and is dimensioned to extend into the cabin of the vehicle. Duct 16 may include clamps, positioned at both ends of the ducting, for securing duct 16 to heating apparatus 12. Heater system 10 may also include window inserts (not shown) to help secure duct 16 to the window of the vehicle. In some applications, foam material, such as the form packaging in which heater system may be packaged, can be cut to create the window inserts.

[0030] Duct 16 may further include a push-pull latch 20 to help secure duct 16 to the window of the vehicle. Duct 16 may also include adjustment lobe wheels 18 to keep the window inserts horizontal if the window is angled. Adjustment lobe wheels 18 may be used to adjust the degree of angle that duct 16 will sit in the vehicle. For example, if the window is on an angle, adjustment lobe wheels 18 adjusts the position of duct 16 relative to the window in order to position duct 16 straight across the vehicle.

[0031] While only one duct 16 is illustrated in Figure 1, heater system 10 may include multiple ducts extending from heating apparatus 12. For vehicles with larger passenger compartments, each duct may extend into the vehicle through different openings, or different windows. Alternately, multiple ducts 16 may be positioned to extend through a single opening.

[0032] In the depicted embodiment of heating apparatus 12, the heating apparatus runs on diesel fuel with a fuel capacity of 20 litres (or 5 gallons) and has a heat output of at least 8 kilowatts. Alternately, or additionally, heating apparatus 12 may run on other hydrocarbon fuels, such as kerosene, propane, natural gas, gasoline, biofuels etc. Alternately, or additionally, heating apparatus 12 may run on electricity. In some applications, the fan and/or the control system (discussed below) run on electricity, with electrical consumption of 78 watts (or 5.6 amps at 12 VDC), while the heat is mainly generated by the fuel-fired heating apparatus 12. In that regard, heater system 10 may include a battery system, such as two 92 A-h AGM
Batteries, and a charger, such as a 120Volt 100amp charger.

[0033] Heater system 10 can either be permanently mounted in the vehicle or can be portable with access through an open window or door. Heater system 10 may be connected to the vehicles battery for operation or it may be plugged into its own battery system or land based power grid.

[0034] In the present, specific application, heating apparatus 12 has a height of 101.6 cm/40 inches (excluding casters), a depth of 96.5 cm/38 inches, and a width of 45.7 cm/18 inches. As understood by the skilled person, heating apparatus 12 may have different dimensions depending on the type of vehicle it is to be used with and/or how heating apparatus 12 is to be coupled to the vehicle. In some applications, heating apparatus 12 may be secured to the window of the vehicle.

[0035] Heater system 10 includes a temperature sensor 17 to monitor the temperature in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, and further includes a control system 21 that monitors the cabin temperature via temperature sensor 17.
Other sensors, such as additional temperature sensors positioned to sense the surface temperature of different components of the vehicle, can also be utilized to verify the desired result.

[0036] Heater system 10 will notify the user when the desired temperature has been reached, when the heating is in progress, and when heater system 10 has completed its operation and is safe to remove. In that regard, heater system 10 may include a user interface screen 22 coupled to control system 21 to receive inputs and directions from the user. Interface screen 22 may be configured to provide visual notification to the user when the different stages of the heating disinfecting process have been reached. The system may further include a speaker coupled to the control system to provide audio notification to the user when the different stages of the heating disinfecting process have been reached.

[0037] In some applications, user interface screen 22 and/or the speaker may be remotely coupled to control system 21. For example, user interface screen 22 and the speaker may be situated in a smart phone, thus allowing the user to operate and monitor the different stages of the heating disinfecting process remotely.

[0038] Control system 21 may further comprise a memory, where control system 21 may be further configured to collect operating data (such as the operating time, temperature status of the temperature sensor(s), time and date stamp of activation/deactivation of heater system 10, etc.) from heating apparatus 12 and temperature sensor 17 and save the data in the memory. Control system 21 may further be configured to send operating data to user interface screen 22 to indicate to the user that the desired temperature and timespan parameters have been performed or achieved, when the parameters were met, etc. Where user interface screen 22 is remotely coupled to control system 21, the devices may be Wi-Fl or GSM
enabled devices, such that the collected operating data may be remotely sent and received over a network.

[0039] Heater system 10 may be releasably connected to the vehicle's electronic control system (ECU) through a hard wired connection, blue tooth, or Wi-Fi. Such a connection may permit the control system to assume control over the vehicle's HVAC system, such as the vehicle's fan. In that manner, the heater system can operate the vehicle's fan at designated times during the sanitization process to circulate heated air throughout the passenger compartment, including the vehicle's heating/cooling ducts. The ECU connection may also provide an additional vehicle door lock function, where the control system locks the vehicle's door when the internal compartment temperatures are sufficiently high such that the heat could cause harm to an individual who may enter the compartment. The door lock function could also be employed for security purposes while the vehicle is undergoing the thermal sterilization process and is unattended.

[0040] In applications where heater system 10 is permanently fixed to the vehicle, heater system 10 may be used wherever the vehicle may be located, and whenever thermal disinfection of the cabin is desired. In such a case, duct 16 and heating apparatus 12 may be permanently integrated into the vehicle, such as in the vehicle's HVAC system, and not inserted through the window.

[0041] For example, certain highway trucks may have a heater or heating apparatus 12 mounted in the cabin for comfort and climate control purposes. If the heater is capable of raising the internal temperature of the passenger compartment to at least 57 C, for example, the present control system 21 and associated components/accessories may be integrated and/or operatively coupled to heating apparatus 12. In this manner, the heater may form part of heater system 10 and be used in the thermal sterilization process.

[0042] Figure 4 illustrates an example of a main display screen 24 on interface screen 22.

[0043] During operation of one embodiment of the invention, after a master switch is turned on, a power button 30 may illuminate. In the depicted embodiment, after power button 30 is pressed, all of the other icons (a power icon 32, a time icon 34, an arrow icon 36, an info icon 38, a units icon 40) and temperature display 42 in main display screen 24 will be illuminated on interface screen 22 and the center bar on the power icon will turn green.

[0044] In an embodiment, main display screen 24 includes a number of buttons, including a time button 44, an info button 46, a units selection button 48, an OK button 50, system adjustment buttons 52, a screen dim button (not shown) and status LED 56.

[0045] When the time button 44 is pressed, the time is displayed on interface screen 22 and flashes the time. The words "Press Ok To Start" may also appear at the top of the screen. At that time, the user may use arrows 52 to adjust and set a time that heater system 10 will operate while the vehicle temperature reaches an Extermination Mode temperature (described below). After the Ok button 50 is pressed, the time will be set, and the screen will return back to main display screen 24. If the time is adjusted and the OK button is not pressed, the user may leave main display screen 24 as is until the Ok button is pressed. If the main power is removed or any other button is pressed, the time setting will automatically revert back to the previous setting. In one embodiment, the minimum amount of time setting is 15 minutes, and the maximum amount of time setting is 60 minutes.

[0046] When the info button 46 is pressed, the model of heating apparatus 12 and the version of software is shown. The units selection button 48 may simply be a toggle that changes the temperature units from C to F and vice versa. The Ok button 50 is intended to be pressed to set any setting made by the user. The system adjust button 52 may be used to adjust time and temperature setting of the thermal sanitization process.

[0047] A screen dim button (not shown) may be included and used to adjust the brightness of interface screen 22. In one embodiment, the screen dim button may also be a toggle between a low light setting and a high light setting.

[0048] The status LED 56 may be used to convey information to the user. For example, when the status LED 56 is off, the system power may be on, but the unit may not be in operation. When status LED 56 is green, the system may be indicated as in operation. An orange status LED 56 may indicate that the system power is on, but it is operating at less than 12.2 Volts. A red status LED 56 may indicate detection of a failure in the system.

[0049] Heater system 10 may also be used as part of a larger centralized system 100, 150 (see Figures 5 and 6). In the centralized system illustrated in Figure 5, system 100 may include multiple heater systems 10, where each of multiple heater systems 100 may be heater system 10 as described above. Rather than each heater system 10 having its own user interface 22, in this embodiment, user interface screen 22 and the speaker may be situated in a remote central computer/processor 102, which could be configured to remotely monitor a fleet of vehicles at a depot.
In this manner, central processor 102 may be remotely coupled to the control systems of each of multiple heater systems 10 to allow a user to remotely operate each of heater systems 10 via its control system 21 and to monitor the thermal sanitization of the cabin of each of the multiple associated vehicles.

[0050] In centralized system 150 illustrated in Figure 6, heating apparatus 12 may be a centralized heater with multiple ducts 16 extending therefrom. Each duct 16 may be dimensioned/configured to extend from the centralized heater to connect to one of a number of vehicles 152. Thus, heat from the centralized heater may be conveyed to the cabins of multiple vehicles 152 concurrently.

[0051] Temperature sensors (not shown) may be situated within the cabin of each of the multiple vehicles 152, where each temperature sensor is configured to monitor and send a signal regarding a temperature within the cabin of the respective vehicle 152.

[0052] The centralized system may have a control system 21 coupled to heating apparatus 12 and the multiple ducts 16, control system 21 being configured to receive the signals from the multiple temperature sensors and to control heating apparatus 12 and the multiple ducts to heat the cabins of the multiple vehicles based on the signals from the temperature sensors until the temperature within the respective cabins reach a predetermined temperature.

[0053] Similarly, in this embodiment, control system 21 may be remotely controlled by user interface screen 22 and the speaker that is situated in a central computer/processor 102, which could be configured to remotely monitor the fleet of vehicles at a depot. In alternate embodiments, control system 21 may be physically integrated with interface screen 22. In either case, control system 21 receives signals from the multiple temperature sensors, which may then send the temperature data to remote central processor 102.

[0054] System 150 may further include a duct control mechanism (not shown) coupled to control system 21 and/or central processor 102, for selectively opening and closing certain ducts to direct heat from heating apparatus 12 to specific/desired vehicles 152. In that manner, such a system may be used for sanitization of a fleet of vehicles during off-hours.

[0055] Turning now to Figures 7-9, there are shown, schematically and graphically, methods by which heater system 10 may be used to sanitize or disinfect the cabin of the vehicle.

[0056] Shown generally in Figure 7 is a method 700 for thermally sanitizing a cabin of a vehicle. At 702, a duct system with an outlet and an inlet coupled to a component of the vehicle is provided, where at least the outlet of the duct system is in communication with an interior of the cabin of the vehicle.

[0057] At 704, a heating apparatus coupled to the inlet of the duct system is provided. At 706, temperature within the cabin of the vehicle is monitored. At 708, the heating apparatus is operated to heat the cabin of the vehicle until the monitored temperature within the cabin of the vehicle reaches a predetermined level.
According to the present embodiment, the predetermined level is at least 57 C, though other predetermined temperature levels can be set.

[0058] In some embodiments, the temperature within the cabin of the vehicle is monitored remotely from the heating apparatus, such as via a remote temperature sensor. The remote temperature sensor may be an air temperature sensor or a surface temperature sensor, which monitors the temperature of a surface within the cabin. Multiple sensors may be employed in the present method.

[0059] As presently described, the heating apparatus is a fuel fired heater. As well, the heating apparatus may be operated and controlled directly or remotely via a user interface. Method 700 may further include locking a door of the vehicle when the heating apparatus is operating to heat the cabin of the vehicle.

[0060] Turning to Figure 8, if heater system 10 is a portable system, or simply one that has yet to be secured to the vehicle, the user first installs heater system 10 to the vehicle. In some applications, duct 16 and the window inserts may be first secured to the window without heating apparatus 12.

[0061] In that regard, using the window inserts, the user rolls down the window of the vehicle. The window insert sits on the window and may be secured to the window using push pull latch 20. The user may add seals (not shown) to seal around the rest of the opening, and then roll the window up. As the window reaches the top, the window insert secures itself in the opening where the glass extends, and is secured in place. The angle of duct 16 may be adjusted by loosening adjustment lobe wheels 18 on each side of the window insert. Using the rear handle, the angle of the window insert can be adjusted up and down. Lobe wheels 18 can be tightened when the window insert is horizontal.

[0062] Once duct 16 and the window inserts are in place, duct 16 may be attached to heating apparatus 12 using the clamps provided with duct 16.

[0063] To start the process, the user may start the machine by turning the master switch on. The master switch controls the power supply to the heater system 12. Once the control system is up and running, the user may select the "Power"

button on interface screen 22. Once the power has been turned on, icons will appear on interface screen 22 and a bar on the icons turn to green. After the rest of interface screen 22 is activated, the user will see normal standard selection icons above the buttons. Figure 4 illustrates an example of a main display screen.

[0064] In other applications, the initial screen may state, for example:
Verify Settings Temperature Set Point 56 Operating Time 15 Min Press OK to Start

[0065] The user may simply press "OK" and start the process without modifying any of the settings.

[0066] Once the OK button has been pressed, heater system 10 will start fuel fired heater 14. Optionally, when the ok button is pressed, the speaker may provide an audio notification to signify that the warm up stage has begun. Fuel fired heater 14 then continues to run on its high setting to reach the desired temperature.
Until the desired temperature is reached, heater system 10 is in the warmup stage.

[0067] During this stage, interface screen 22 may display the following, for example:
Mode: Warm Up Temperature: XX (the number read by the temperature sensor)

[0068] Once the sensor senses that the desired temperature has been reached, the controller may cause the speaker to provide another audio notification.
Such a notification may be different that the first audio notification, such as three buzzes or beeps in three seconds, to let the user know that heater system 10 has started the extermination mode. In the extermination mode, heater system 10 will continue to heat the cabin of the vehicle.

[0069] Interface screen 22 may then display:
Mode: Extermination Temperature: XX
Time Remaining: XX:XX

[0070] If a temperature higher than that of the extermination mode is desired, heater system 10 may continue to heat the cabin of the vehicle until a predetermined maximum temperature is reached. At that point, heater system 10 will shut down the heating process and monitor the temperature inside the vehicle. If the cabin drops by a predetermined amount (such as 3 C), heater system 10 may be programmed to start again and continue the heating cycle until a predetermined amount of time has elapsed.

[0071] Interface screen 22 may then display:
Mode: Extermination Mode: Max Temp - Hold Temperature: XX
Time Remaining: XX:XX

[0072] At any time, the user may stop the procedure by pressing the Power Button. When the process has stopped, interface screen 22 may flash the word "Incomplete" with the bottom "Press OK to Clear" positioned underneath.

[0073] Shutting Down Normally: After the desired/predetermined amount of time has elapsed, the speaker may provide another, different audio notification, such as a continuous buzz or beep for 5 seconds. Interface screen 22 may flash "Extermination Complete" and then become solid.

[0074] Interface screen 22 may then display:
Mode: Extermination Mode: Cool Down Extermination Complete

[0075] When the process is complete, heater system 10 will allow fuel fired heater 14 to cool down for an additional period of time to allow the system components to cool. During this cool down period, a fan and/or the vehicle's own air conditioning system may be activated in order to bring temperatures in the passenger compartment down faster, and to permit earlier re-entry by the driver Interface screen 22 may display:
Verify Settings Temperature Set Point 56 Operating Time 15 Min Press OK to Start

[0076] If heater system 10 is untouched for a period of 5 minutes, interface screen 22 may go to the original power on screen or main display screen 24.

[0077] After the process is complete, the user may remove heater system 12 from the vehicle by simply lowering the window and removing the window insert.

[0078] In cases where heater system 10 includes additional sterilization components, such as UV lights or a disinfectant spray, they may be deployed by the control system before, during and/or after the thermal sterilization process/cycle. In some applications, for example, the disinfectant spray used may have a thermally activated composition. Thus, the heat from heater system 10 may itself kill the viruses and/or bacteria, and may also thermally activate the disinfectant spray for a more comprehensive cleaning.

[0079] While waiting for its next assignment, the window insert may be placed on the side of heating apparatus 12 and duct 16 may be placed into a storage cabinet 26 along with any foam inserts used on the vehicles. The clamps and other small parts can be placed in the cabinet tray 28.

[0080] In the case of the centralized system, drivers may park the vehicle at a designated location, install the duct from the central system in the window of the vehicle as described above, initiate the sterilization process as described above, and then leave. When the driver, or a new driver, returns to the vehicle a period of time later, the passenger compartment of the vehicle has been sanitized and is safe for use.

[0081] Figure 9 illustrates a test performed using heater system 10 on a vehicle. Tests were performed in an ambient temperature of 20 C, where the vehicle was first placed at that temperature for several hours. Temperature sensors were positioned on the steering wheel, the shifter surface, and in open air in the middle of the cabin to test the temperatures of the air versus the surfaces.

[0082] The results indicated that the surfaces were lower in temperature than the air and, therefore, more heat was required to bring the surfaces above the required 56 C. It was found that there was a consistent difference of temperature in several tests where air temperature was used as a control.

[0083] However, temperature compensation must be made in the software logic to have the components' temperatures reach above 56 C. With assistance from the vehicle's heating system, it took approximately 34 minutes for all of the sensors to reach 57 C and above. Without assistance from the vehicle's heating system, it took 45 minutes for all of the sensors to reach 57 C and above.

[0084] An advantage of the present heater system is that the use of heat presents no health risks to others and can reach areas in the vehicle where cleaners and chemical disinfectants may not.

[0085] Another advantage of the present heater system is that no attendance is required from the user, since heater system 10 is automated. If the user is within hearing range, audible alarms or notifications let the user know what stage the thermal sanitization process is in. Otherwise, the user can check in on heater system and view the operation cycle from interface screen 22.

[0086] Another advantage is that heater system 10 can be operated using battery power for up to 16 hours before charging is required. This permits the system to be made portable so that it can be transported to different locations.
Where a hydrocarbon fuel is used, the fuel capacity provides up to 20 hours of operation.

[0087] A further advantage of heater system 10 is that its use can be remotely monitored, such as at a central monitoring location for a fleet of vehicles, and/or with a smart phone.

[0088] It is to be understood that what has been described are the preferred embodiments of the invention. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth above, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claims (21)

I CLAIM:

1. A heater system for thermally sanitizing a cabin of a vehicle, the heater system comprising:
- a heating apparatus;
- a duct extending from the heating apparatus, the duct dirnensioned to extend and convey heat from the heating apparatus into the cabin of the vehicle; and - a temperature sensor configured to monitor and send a signal regarding a temperature within the cabin of the vehicle;
- a control system coupled to the heating apparatus and to the temperature sensor to receive the signal therefrom, the control system being configured to control the heating apparatus based on the signal from the temperature sensor, to heat the cabin of the vehicle until the temperature within the cabin reaches a predetermined temperature.

2. The heater system of claim 1, wherein the temperature sensor is a wireless sensor that is configured to wirelessly send the signal regarding the temperature within the cabin to the control system.

3. The heater system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the temperature sensor is a surface temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of a surface within the cabin.

4. The heater system of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the heating apparatus is a fuel fired heater.

5. The heater system of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the predetermined temperature is at least 57 C.

6. The heater system of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the heating apparatus, duct, and temperature sensor are permanently integrated into the cabin of the vehicle, and the heating apparatus is configured to heat the cabin of the vehicle to at least 57 C.

7. The heater system of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the duct incudes a latch for securing the duct to a window of the vehicle.

8. The heater system of any one of claims 1-7, further comprising a door lock coupled to the control system for locking and unlocking a door of the vehicle, the control system further configured to lock the door of the vehicle using the door lock when heating apparatus is heating the cabin of the vehicle.

9. The heater system of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the control system comprises a memory, the control system further configured to collect and save operating data from the heating apparatus and the temperature sensor in the memory.

10. The heater system of any one of claims 1-9, further comprising a user interface remotely coupled to the control system, to allow a user to remotely operate the control system and monitor the thermal sanitization of the cabin of the vehicle.

11. A system for thermally sanitizing cabins of multiple vehicles, the system comprising:
multiple heater systems, where each of the multiple heater systems is the heater system of any one of claims 1-9; and a central processor remotely coupled to the control systems of each of the multiple heater systems to allow a user to remotely operate each of the control systems and monitor the thermal sanitization of the cabin of each of the multiple vehicles.

12. A system for thermally sanitizing cabins of multiple vehicles, the system comprising:
- a central heating apparatus;
- multiple ducts extending from the central heating apparatus, each of the multiple ducts dimensioned to extend and convey heat from the central heating apparatus into the cabin of one of the multiple vehicles; and - a temperature sensor situated within the cabin of each of the multiple vehicles, each temperature sensor configured to monitor and send a signal regarding a temperature within the cabin of the respective vehicle;
- a control system coupled to the central heating apparatus and the multiple ducts, the control system configured to receive the signals from the temperature sensors and to control the central heating apparatus and the multiple ducts to heat the cabins of the multiple vehicles based on the signals from the temperature sensors until the temperature within the respective cabins reach a predetermined temperature.

13. Use of a fuel fired heater for thermally sanitizing a cabin of a vehicle.

14. The use of claim 13, wherein the fuel fired heater heats the cabin of the vehicle to at least 57 C.

15. A method of thermally sanitizing a cabin of a vehicle, the method comprising:
- providing a duct system with an outlet and an inlet coupled to a component of the vehicle, at least the outlet of the duct system being in communication with an interior of the cabin of the vehicle;
- providing a heating apparatus coupled to the inlet of the duct system; and - monitoring a temperature within the cabin of the vehicle;
- operating the heating apparatus to heat the cabin of the vehicle until the monitored temperature within the cabin of the vehicle reaches a predetermined level.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the temperature within the cabin of the vehicle is monitored remotely from the heating apparatus.

17. The method of claim 15 or 16, wherein the temperature is a surface temperature of a surface within the cabin.

18. The method of any one of claims 15-17, wherein the heating apparatus is a fuel fired heater.

19. The method of any one of claims 15-18, wherein the predetermined level is at least 57 C.

20. The method of any one of claims 15-19, further comprising locking a door of the vehicle when the heating apparatus is operating to heat the cabin of the vehicle.

21. The method of any one of claims 15-20, wherein the heating apparatus is remotely operated and controlled by via a user interface.