WO2021214014A1

WO2021214014A1 - Systems, methods, and devices for disinfecting reusable assets using light

Info

Publication number: WO2021214014A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/060161
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nam Chin Cho; Joseph SEMAAN; Steven Russell CLEMENTS; Parth JOSHI; Raymond George JANIK; Eric JERGER; Anthony Carney
Original assignee: Signify Holding B.V.
Priority date: 2020-04-21
Filing date: 2021-04-20
Publication date: 2021-10-28

Abstract

An adaptive irradiation disinfection system (100) for disinfecting the surfaces of reusable assets, includes a conveyor (800), a controller (810) controlling the speed of the conveyor, and luminaires (816), where each luminaire includes light sources emitting light in the ultraviolet-C (UVC) light spectrum. The luminaires (816) are arranged on at least one wall of a tunnel (802) where the tunnel includes the conveyor (800). The system further includes at least one sensor (808) detecting UVC light emitted in the tunnel (802), where the controller (810) adjusts the conveyor speed based on the dosage determined based on the UVC light detected by the sensor(s) (808).

Description

SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR DISINFECTING REUSABLE ASSETS USING LIGHT

RELATED APPLICATIONS AND CLAIM OF PRIORITY

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/013,118 filed April 21, 2020 and titled “Systems, Methods, and Devices for Disinfecting Reusable Assets Using Light.” The entire content of the foregoing application is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to lighting and controls solutions, and more particularly to lighting systems emitting spectrums of light for disinfecting reusable assets.

BACKGROUND

In many environments with reusable assets (e.g., baskets, carts, pallets, cartons, beds, gurneys, wheelchairs, strollers, vehicles, tools, handheld devices, personal protective equipment, etc.) that are used, often in succession, by multiple people (e.g., customers, shoppers, co-workers, classmates, patients, passengers, general public, etc.) bacteria, viruses, and other harmful pathogens can linger on the surfaces of such reusable assets and spread to users, even if diligent efforts are made to disinfect those assets with various cleaners through physical application by wipes, liquids, or other cleaners. An effective means of killing these bacteria, viruses, and other harmful pathogens is important for the health and safety of people who use these reusable assets, but the way in which these bacteria, viruses, and other harmful pathogens are killed must also be safe for the people who use the reusable assets and provide practical, consistent, and/or time efficient disinfection of reusable assets that people may be expected to use one after the other.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present disclosure relates generally to asset disinfection systems, and more particularly to the operation of an asset disinfection system using 2020PF80230 WO 2021/214014 PCT/EP2021/060161

2 disinfecting light sources. The adaptive irradiation disinfection system for disinfecting the surfaces of reusable assets, includes a conveyor, a controller controlling the speed of the conveyor, and luminaires, where each luminaire includes light sources emitting light in the ultraviolet-C (UVC) light spectrum. The luminaires are arranged on at least one wall of a tunnel, where the tunnel includes the conveyor. The system further includes at least one sensor detecting UVC light emitted in the tunnel, where the controller adjusts the conveyor speed based on the dosage determined based on the UVC light detected by the sensor(s).

The system may include mirrored reflectors adjacent one or more of the luminaires. The system may include additional sensor(s) disposed in at least one of the luminaires. In some example embodiments, the controller is connected to a remote monitoring system via a network. In one example embodiment, at least one of the luminaires is disposed below a plane of the top of the conveyor and angled toward the center of the tunnel.

In another example embodiment, the system includes a reusable asset disposed on the conveyor. In some example embodiments, the conveyor moves the reusable asset through the tunnel for a period of time associated with a dosage of UVC light to be applied to one or more surfaces of the reusable asset. In another example embodiment, the reusable asset may include an indicator of ultraviolet light dosage received by the reusable asset. The indicator may include a transceiver for communicating with a real time location system (RTLS) enabled distributed sensor network. In some example embodiments the indicator may be disposed on a handle of the reusable asset.

In another example embodiment, the tunnel may include a camera for monitoring a location within the tunnel that is within an emission field of at least one of the plurality of luminaires. In yet another example embodiment, the system may include at least one infrared (IR) sensor(s) where the controller adjusts the conveyor speed based on a temperature determined from the IR sensor(s). In another example embodiment, the system may include at least one humidity sensor(s) where the controller adjusts the conveyor speed based on humidity determined from the humidity sensor(s). In another example embodiment, the system may include at least one motion sensor(s) located at an entrance or exit of the tunnel, where the controller turns off the luminaires if the motion sensor detects motion that is not associated with a reusable asset. In yet another example embodiment, the system may include an emergency stop button electrically coupled to the controller. These and other aspects, objects, features, and embodiments will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims. 2020PF80230 WO 2021/214014 PCT/EP2021/060161

3

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a chamber of luminaires adjacent various surfaces of an asset to be disinfected according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross section of an adaptive luminaire used for disinfecting an asset through irradiation according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 3 shows various views of an attachment example for wire guards that may be used in conjunction with an adaptive luminaire used for disinfecting an asset through irradiation according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates a system using luminaires for irradiating the surfaces of reusable assets oriented in a tunnel around the reusable assets that the reusable assets are passed through according to an example embodiment;

FIGs. 5A and 5B each show a system using luminaires in different orientations for irradiating the surfaces of reusable assets creating a tunnel around the reusable assets that the reusable assets are passed through according to an example embodiment;

FIGs. 6A - 6C show the entrance, exit, and top view of the disinfection tunnel of FIG. 5 A according to an example embodiment.

FIGs. 7A-7E show cross sections of different embodiments of disinfection tunnels that include luminaires for irradiating the surfaces of reusable assets or other reusable assets according to various example embodiments;

FIG. 8A is an illustration of an adaptive conveyor system for use with a disinfection tunnel that includes luminaires for irradiating the surfaces of reusable assets according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 8B is an illustration of a monitoring system for an adaptive conveyor system for use with a disinfection tunnel that includes luminaires for irradiating the surfaces of reusable assets according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 8C is an illustration of a viewing window for an adaptive conveyor system for use with a disinfection tunnel that includes luminaires for irradiating the surfaces of reusable assets according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 9A is an illustration of an indicator tag for use with a reusable asset in conjunction with an irradiation disinfection system according to an example embodiment; 2020PF80230 WO 2021/214014 PCT/EP2021/060161

4

FIG. 9B is a block diagram of an indicator tag for use with a reusable asset in conjunction with an irradiation disinfection system according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 9C is an illustration of an indicator tag connected to the handlebar of a reusable asset (e.g., shopping cart) for use in conjunction with an irradiation disinfection system according to an example embodiment;

FIG 10 is an illustration of a wireless real time location system (RTLS) used to monitor or communicate with an indicator tag associated with a reusable asset in conjunction with an irradiation disinfection system according to an example embodiment; and

FIG. 11 is a floor plan of a retail store, including the customer entrance and parking lot, deployment of the RTLS system of FIG.10 incorporating an irradiation disinfection system according to an example embodiment.

The drawings illustrate only example embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The elements and features shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the example embodiments. Additionally, certain dimensions or placements may be exaggerated to help visually convey such principles. In the drawings, the same reference numerals used in different drawings may designate like or corresponding, but not necessarily identical elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

In the following paragraphs, example embodiments will be described in further detail with reference to the figures. In the description, well-known components, methods, and/or processing techniques are omitted or briefly described. Furthermore, reference to various feature(s) of the embodiments is not to suggest that all embodiments must include the referenced feature(s).

FIG. 1 illustrates a chamber 100 of luminaires 104 adjacent various surfaces of an asset 102 to be disinfected according to an example embodiment. As shown in FIG 1, to disinfect the surfaces of a reusable asset 102, the asset 102 is placed at a set distance for a set amount of time from UVC irradiating light sources of light fixtures 104 placed all around the reusable asset 102 (the front and back surfaces not shown also could have similar light fixtures 104 or light sources aimed at those surfaces). In some example embodiments, as many surfaces of the reusable asset 102 should be exposed to the UVC light emitted from the luminaires 104 as practicable (e.g., a shopping cart has its extendable seat extended, be free of debris, etc.) to ensure a maximum amount of disinfection of the asset 102. Also shown in 2020PF80230 WO 2021/214014 PCT/EP2021/060161

5

FIG. 1, is an example of a calculation of the amount of UVC energy needed to render a virus, bacteria, or pathogen inactive. Such determination is necessary to determine the length of time needed to deliver a necessary dosage level to an asset’s 102 surface at a particular distance from the irradiation light source.

For the example embodiment configuration shown in FIG. 1, if the distance ( d) from the light source is much larger than the length (/) of the light source emission surface (or d » /), the following equation applies:

lfd< (0.5)1, then the following equation applies: = L·

2ndl

In the example embodiment of FIG. 1, the equation:

is valid for short distances (d) from the lamp (length of the light emission surface, /). As an example, assume a 36W lamp (Lamp UV Power: 15W; Delivered power: 11W (50% reflectivity, with a length of 1.2m) and a set distance from a surface to be irradiated of 15 cm):

E = m² dis the distance from the asset surface; / is the length

of the UVC lamp.

Assuming, for the example, 200 J/m² is recommended for killing 90% of virus. To kill 99.99%, use 4 x 200 J/m² (44og)

Time = lo ⁸w⁰⁰/ ^J m² , = 80 seconds

Based on the above calculations and set variables based on the specification of a particular UVC lamp at a set 15 cm distance from a surface to be irradiated, then the desired dosage level for 8 x 36W lamps on each side and irradiate for at least 10 seconds would deliver the same as a 36W lamp at the same 15 cm distance for 80 seconds. The amount of time it takes for disinfection varies depending on the virus, bacteria, or pathogen to be disinfected. 2020PF80230 WO 2021/214014 PCT/EP2021/060161

6

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross section of an adaptive luminaire 200 used for disinfecting an asset through irradiation according to an example embodiment. The luminaire 200 shown in FIG.2 includes a luminaire housing 202, ballast (power conditioner circuity) 204, irradiation light sources (lamps) 206 emitting ultraviolet light (UVC for example, but could use other parts of the spectrum UVA, UVB, far-UVC, or other germicidal ultraviolet (GUV) light, etc. in other embodiments), and a wire guard 208 in front of the light sources 206 protecting the light sources 206 from potential damage or collision with the assets to be irradiated by the luminaire 200. In some example embodiments, like the one shown in FIG.2, heating elements 210 may be included to warm up the UVC lamps 206 in cold weather conditions when the temperature is too low to strike the lamps or to extend the life of the lamps 206 (e.g., fluorescent lamps). In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the germicidal UVC light source 206 is fluorescent technology but other germicidal like sources may be used in other embodiments, including LEDs, laser, or other light sources producing light in spectrums with disinfection impact, etc.)

Also shown included the luminaire 200 of FIG. 2, is an integrated sensor 212, or sensor array or multiple sensors, which may include motion sensors, proximity sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, UV level detector, accelerometer, and camera. The sensors 212 may include transceivers to relay the sensed information to an external control system or to an internal control system associated with the ballast 204 of the luminaire 200.

In certain example embodiments, the integrated sensors 212 can be used to detect irradiation levels 214 being emitted or proximity to the asset being irradiated being the fixture 200 and relay such UV information in a control system for dynamically adjusting irradiation levels 214.

In other embodiments the sensors 212 may be used to monitor the useful life of the lamps 206 (detected output intensity, lamp strike counts, temperature, humidity, etc.) for maintenance tracking purposes. In other embodiments, sensors 212 or transceivers could work in conjunction or the lamps 206 or ballast 204 include circuitry for logging inrush current for variation and to detect degradation, logging operating current (i.e., contacts degrade, impedance goes up, needs more power, etc.). In other embodiments, the sensors 212 may include motion or proximity detection (IR detectors) or cameras for determining any motion or people within the emission field of the light fixture 200 as a safety feature for turning off the irradiation 214. In some example embodiments the sensor 212 may include an accelerometer for detecting if the luminaire 200 or lamps 206 is moved or knocked out of 2020PF80230 WO 2021/214014 PCT/EP2021/060161

7 alignment for delivering the proper irradiation dosage. In an alternative embodiment the sensor 212 maybe a module that is external to the luminaire housing 202.

FIG. 3 shows various views of an attachment example 300 for wire guards that may be used in conjunction with an adaptive luminaire used for disinfecting an asset through irradiation according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a system using luminaires 402 for irradiating the surfaces of reusable assets (e.g., a shopping cart) 404 oriented in a tunnel 400 around the reusable assets 404 that the reusable assets 404 are passed through according to an example embodiment. Shown in the example embodiment of FIG. 1 is a first-in, first-out enclosure assembly 406 for disinfecting assets 404, for instance a shopping cart. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 4, each shopping cart 404 is oriented in the disinfection tunnel 400 in such a way as to minimize any shadows or light blocking obstructions to the extent practical by having its extendable seat extended, being free of debris, etc. In the example embodiment of FIG. 4, a conveyor device (e.g., conveyor belt) can pull, push, or carry a reusable asset through the tunnel 400 and have an associated asset holder device or mechanism to hold, position, or align the reusable asset for proper irradiation (i.e., disinfecting dosage of light) by the UVC light emitting from the luminaires 402 in the tunnel 400.

In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the fixtures 402 include Bluetooth low energy (BLE) enabled wireless sensors that are capable of sensing and collecting data used in conjunction with real time location (RTLS) systems or other building controls systems through an API or BACnet to confirm a cart 404 has passed through the tunnel 400, the time spent in the disinfection tunnel 400, allow for the count of the number of times through conveyor in a time period and sense or collect other data to report on frequency and duration of cart disinfection. In the example embodiment of FIG. 4, each cart 404 may have a small BLE tag attached to it with a unique ID. The small BLE tag may have a battery (e.g., 5-year life battery) included, or in alternative embodiments, the BLE tag has a solar cell for recharging a battery in the BLE tag. In other alternative embodiments the BLE tag may be integrated into the cart 404 (e.g., handle). The BLE tag is used in conjunction with the RTLS system to collect and associate data relating to the disinfection of the individual cart 404 associated with that BLE tag. In some example embodiments the BLE tag itself may have an indicator (e.g., LED light) that indicates whether the cart 404 has been disinfected through the tunnel 400 or whether the dosage delivery of the tunnel was adequate for disinfection. 2020PF80230 WO 2021/214014 PCT/EP2021/060161

8

FIGs. 5A and 5B each show a system using luminaires 502 in different orientations for irradiating the surfaces of reusable assets 504 creating a tunnel 500 around the reusable assets 504 that the reusable assets 504 are passed through according to an example embodiment. FIG. 5A shows the light fixture 502 in a vertical orientation in one example embodiment, and FIG. 5B shows the light fixtures 502 in a horizontal orientation in another example embodiment.

FIGs. 6A - 6C show the entrance 602, exit 604, and top view 606 of the disinfection tunnel 600 of FIG. 5 A according to an example embodiment. FIG 6A shows a side view of the entrance 602 to the tunnel system 600 for disinfection according to an example embodiment where the reusable asset is a shopping cart 610 for use in a retail setting. FIG 6B shows a side view of the exit 604 to the tunnel system 600 for disinfection according to an example embodiment where the reusable asset is a shopping cart 610 for use in a retail setting. FIG. 6C shows top view 606 of the tunnel system 600 for disinfection according to an example embodiment where the reusable asset is a shopping cart 610 for use in a retail setting. As can be seen in the example embodiment shown in FIG. 6C, individual disinfecting light fixtures 608 forming the tunnel 600 of disinfecting light around the shopping cart 610 from the top and both sides of the shopping cart 610. Also shown in FIG.

6, is the exit 604 of the tunnel is smaller than the tunnel 600 providing a barrier for the UVC light to escape the tunnel 600 as well as keep out people, animals, or potential obstructions to the tunnel conveyor system. In alternative embodiments, the exit 604 of the tunnel may include one or flaps (e.g., flaps of light absorbing material or color, or swinging doors, automatic doors, other movable barriers) to limit the light escaping the tunnel 600 while allowing the reusable assets 616 to exit the tunnel.

FIGs. 7A-7E show cross sections of different embodiments of disinfection tunnels that include luminaires for irradiating the surfaces of reusable assets or other reusable assets according to various example embodiments. FIG. 7A shows a cross section of the disinfection tunnel 700 where the cart 720 is surrounded by various disinfecting light fixtures 704 each emitting UVC light 706. In some example embodiments, the fixtures 704 are attached to walls 708 of the tunnel 700 where the interior surfaces 710 of the walls 708 may be reflective (i.e., mirrored surfaces made of reflective material like aluminum or other reflective materials or surface treatments), and the exterior 712 of the walls 708 are opaque to prevent the UVC rays from leaving the interior of the tunnel 700. FIG. 7B shows a cross section of the disinfection tunnel 702 where the cart 720 is surrounded by disinfecting light fixtures 704 except for the bottom where some smaller light fixtures 718 are angled towards 2020PF80230 WO 2021/214014 PCT/EP2021/060161

9 the cart 720 to provide UVC light to the bottom surfaces of the cart 720. In some example embodiments, various luminaire (or lamp, light sources) shapes and sizes can be incorporated on the tunnel surfaces as various angles of orientation towards the various surfaces of a reusable asset to increase effectiveness of UVC dosage delivery.

FIG. 7C-E show various cross sections of the disinfection tunnel 702 where the cart 720 is surrounded by disinfecting light fixtures 704 except for the bottom where a conveyor belt 714 is located to take the asset 720 through the tunnel 700 and reflectors 716 of various shapes and sizes are included between the fixtures 704 to reflect UVC light provide UVC light to the bottom or harder to reach surfaces of the cart 720. Various types of reflectors 716 and materials could be used. For example, aluminum is a good UV reflector, or reflective paints or coatings may also be used in alternative embodiments. In other alternative embodiments, like the one shown in FIG. 7E, in addition to light fixtures 704 and reflecting surfaces 716, quartz fiber optic cables 722 could be included coupled to deliver UV light to particular surface angles blocked by shadows but reduce maintenance by relocating the light source to outside the tunnel 700. In addition, the fiber optic cables 722 could be installed to move across a surface of a cart 720 to target UVC delivery like a spray nozzle in a car wash.

FIG. 8A is an illustration of an adaptive conveyor system 800 for use with a disinfection tunnel 802 that includes luminaires 816 for irradiating the surfaces of reusable assets 804 (e.g., baskets, carts, pallets, cartons, beds, gurneys, wheelchairs, strollers, vehicles, tools, handheld devices, personal protective equipment, etc.) according to an example embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8A, sensors 808 are included throughout the disinfecting tunnel 802 that may be used in the same fashion as the sensors 808 described above in FIG.

2. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the sensors 808 are integrated meters for continuous measurement of irradiation strength of UVC light delivered by the light fixtures 816 in the tunnel 802.

In the embodiments shown in FIGs. 8A-8C, sensor 808 located inside the disinfecting tunnel 802 could be calibrated based on its location to determine the amount of UVC light the sensor 808 detects over a certain period of time to confirm that the disinfecting tunnel 802 is delivering the right amount of dosage to the surface of the carts 804 by establishing a relationship between the amount of energy at the cart 804 (handle, basket edge, etc.) to the sensors 808 in the tunnel 802. In an alternative embodiment, along the belt 806 with a similar transfer functions created to determining the amount of energy delivered. The feedback from the sensor 808 could be sent to a controller 810 that controls the speed of the 2020PF80230 WO 2021/214014 PCT/EP2021/060161

10 conveyor 806 carrying, pulling, or pushing the carts 804. If the sensor 808 detects a drop in the delivered UVC light the conveyor 806 could be slowed to extend the UVC light delivery time to ensure that the proper dosage of UVC light is delivered to the cart 804 surfaces. If the sensor 808 detects a significant enough drop (e.g., lamp failure of one or more of the lamps or low output due to the lamps age), the controller 810 could stop the conveyor 806 and send an alter via indicator lights 814 on the outside of the tunnel 802 or a message to a building management system, mobile application, or other communication method. In some example embodiments the tunnel 802 may include temperature, humidity, and/or moisture sensors 808, located on the tunnel 802 walls or in the luminaires 816, for use in detecting environmental conditions in the tunnel 802 for dynamically adjusting the exposure time by sending information to adjust the speed of the conveyor belt 806 or intensity of irradiation based on the environment conditions and that environmental conditions association with increasing or decreasing the effectiveness of the UVC dosing.

In some embodiments, a change in the environmental conditions inside the tunnel 802 detected by the sensors 808 that results in decreased reduction of pathogens from the UV light sources 816 will result in a reduction of conveyor 806 speed so more energy would be accumulated on the surfaces. As one example, the speed of the conveyor 806 can be associated with a look up from a table or algorithm stored locally or in the cloud, where the data or algorithm is based on a combination of ambient conditions in the tunnel 802 or lamp output. In some embodiments, heat sources may be included in the tunnel 802 to supplement UVC exposure, for instance, in situations where the humidity reduces the effectiveness of UVC. Incorporating heat sources in the interior tunnel 802 wall may be able to supplement the UVC dosage or allow for the UVC lamp 816 to lower intensity, thereby extending the life of the UVC lamps 816 and reduce preventative maintenance. In other embodiments, humidity measurements may be used to control the speed of the conveyor 806 and UVC intensity.

In other example embodiments, the controller 810 of the conveyor 806 can adjust the throughput speed based on one or more of the amount of irradiation from the disinfecting light fixtures 816 as determined by the power setting of the fixture’s 816 power supply (e.g., ballast or dim controller), the UVC level detected by an integrated sensor in the light fixture 816 (as discussed above in relation to FIG. 2), and the UVC level detected by a sensor module (e.g., a BLE tag or other internet of things (IoT) module) attached to the reusable asset 804 (e.g., shopping cart) for detecting the UVC delivered to the sensor module and by association the adjacent surface of the reusable asset 804. In some example embodiments visual light communication sensors can be deployed to receive data from the 2020PF80230 WO 2021/214014 PCT/EP2021/060161

11 lamps 816 that emit information via the light incorporated into the indicator light of a tag associated with the reusable asset 804 for the purposes of improving accuracy of position tracking of the asset 804 by an RTLS system or the tunnel controller 810 and more accurately calculating irradiation exposure time of the reusable asset 804.

In some embodiments the controller 810 may be co-located with the tunnel 802, while in other embodiments it may connect, remotely, with a control center via a network connection 812 (e.g., cloud-based monitoring, analytics, predictive maintenance, or control). The controller 810 (or cloud-based control center) can alter conveyor 806 speed (asset exposure time) or UV light intensity output of the luminaires 816 in the tunnel 802. In a cloud connected controller 810 embodiment, a remote operator can run diagnostics and be able to deploy new software updates to different tunnels at different locations to implement different conveyor operations or light intensities for each location (e.g., tunnels located in different geographies, or when a new strain of pathogen or seasonal virus or a shift from viruses to bacteria or molds requires a change in light intensity or conveyor speed, etc.).

In some example embodiments, for safety reasons, the UVC irradiation may only activated when an asset 804 is detected by the conveyor belt 806 through one or more means such as proximity sensor integrated to the light fixtures 816 located in the disinfection tunnel 802, a scale (weight displacement sensor) integrated or located adjacent to the conveyor belt 810, or an RTLS system verifying the location of the reusable asset 804 via an attached tag (e.g., BLE beacon or tag) with a transmitter to provide its RF strength (RSSI), which can be used to determine its location using other sensors (beacons, gateways, etc.) in the RTLS system. Some example embodiments may include other safety mechanisms such as integrated cameras 818 for detecting people or other living things in the disinfection tunnel 802, carbon dioxide sensors 808 within the tunnel 802, thermal imaging sensors 808 within the tunnel 802, or a microphone 808 to detect voices or animal sounds or other electronic safety mechanisms.

Other safety mechanisms that may be used could be physical safety mechanisms like sliding doors at the entrance or exit of the disinfecting tunnel 802 or multiple curtains (flaps) to limit the amount of UVC that leaves the tunnel 802 through the exit or entrance, physical barriers at the entrance or exit to only allow the reusable assets 804 through, as well as deploying lock out / tag out procedures when the disinfecting tunnel 802 is shutdown between used or when the associated store or other setting the reusable assets 804 are deployed is closed or shutdown. 2020PF80230 WO 2021/214014 PCT/EP2021/060161

12

In some example embodiments, various means of confirming disinfection of a particular reusable asset 804 may be deployed, such as measuring the amount of time the asset 804 was in the disinfecting tunnel 802 as measured via the RTLS system, monitoring the power level of the luminaire(s) 816 via the ballast or dim controller of the luminaire(s) 816, or monitoring the UVC levels detects by the sensors 808 in the tunnel 802 or attached to the reusable assets 804. The UVC detecting sensors 808 located in the tunnel 802 or attached to a reusable asset 804 can be used to calibrate the amount of UVC light being emitted in the disinfecting tunnel 802 associated with a particular speed of the conveyor 806, and such calibration may be performed periodically to ensure proper disinfection of assets 804 over time.

In some example embodiments, disinfection efficacy of the disinfection tunnel 802 may be improved by incorporating nozzles positioned at the exit of the disinfection tunnel 802 to provide a disinfectant spray in addition the UVC light provided through the tunnel 802. In other example embodiments, disinfection efficacy of the disinfection tunnel 802 may be improved by incorporating nozzles positioned at the entrance of the disinfection tunnel 802 to provide disinfectant spray that the UVC or IR emitted light further activates and improves efficacy of disinfection. In some other example embodiments, the luminaires 816 surrounding the reusable asset 804 in the disinfecting tunnel 802 can vary their intensities depending on the geometry of the reusable asset 804, the geometry of the tunnel 802 (i.e., the tunnel 802 cross section could be shaped based on the shape of the reusable asset 804 to locate the luminaires 816 closer to the asset 804 surfaces), or the location of the luminaire 816 to the surface to be disinfected. For example, the controller 810 of the tunnel luminaires 816 (or each luminaire individually) could activate or intensify only the luminaires located on the bottom of the tunnel for a flatbed hand truck asset 804 instead of shopping cart.

FIG. 8B is an illustration of a monitoring system for an adaptive conveyor system for use with a disinfection tunnel that includes luminaires for irradiating the surfaces of reusable assets according to an example embodiment. In some example embodiments, an exterior start /stop button 822 (e.g., emergency shut down button) activates and deactivates the UVC lamps in the fixtures as a failsafe in the event a person or animal enters the tunnel and it doesn’t shut off through other detection means. In an alternative embodiment, the entrance and exit of the tunnel could have other detection means 818 (IR, Doppler radar, camera, carbon dioxide detection. Etc.) included to detect when people or animals break the 2020PF80230 WO 2021/214014 PCT/EP2021/060161

13 plane of the exit or entrance and display such interior condition on a monitoring device 820 (e.g., user interface, TV monitor, etc.) at the tunnel or remotely.

FIG. 8C is an illustration of a viewing window 824 for an adaptive conveyor system for use with a disinfection tunnel that includes luminaires for irradiating the surfaces of reusable assets according to an example embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, a viewing window 824 could be incorporated to allow customers to see the disinfection process in action and aid in maintenance (e.g., allows to view any lamps that may be out and need replacement, detect misalignment issues, obstructions, observe that no person or animal is in the tunnel during use, etc.) In one example embodiment the viewing window 824 may be made of glass since glass is a barrier to UV light.

FIGs. 9A-9C provide additional details to the asset tags 900 described above in relation to FIG. 4. FIG. 9A is an illustration of an indicator tag 900 (e.g., BLE enabled tag) for use with a reusable asset in conjunction with an irradiation disinfection system according to an example embodiment. The tag 900 shown in FIG. 9A is an attachable device for tracking location and usage of assets. FIG. 9B is a block diagram of an indicator tag 900 for use with a reusable asset in conjunction with an irradiation disinfection system according to an example embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9B, the tag 900 includes a wireless transceiver 904 to transmit location or usage data to an RTLS system or other system associated with the disinfection tunnel and receive instructions or updates to its operating software from the RTLS system. The tag 900 includes a microcontroller 906 to operate the tag 900 and transceiver 904 and perform any computation or analysis local to the tag and/or associated with the reusable asset. The tag 900 includes a battery 920 and power management or conditioning module 926 to power the transceiver and other components. The tag 900 includes a memory 908 (which may be part of the microcontroller 906) that includes its operating software and/or store unique identification information associated with the tag 900, usage data or history of operation, messaging, etc. The example tag 900 also includes an indicator light 910 (e.g., a multicolored LED light) that indicates to a customer, employee, or other user (e.g., shoppers, co-workers, classmates, patients, passengers, general public, etc.) of a reusable asset the disinfection status of that reusable asset or some other operating or error condition of the tag 900.

In alternative embodiments, the tag 900 may also include a mini-speaker or buzzer 912 to provide audio alerts to users associated with the disinfection of the reusable asset or the operation of the tag 900. The tag 900 may include push-buttons 914 or other 2020PF80230 WO 2021/214014 PCT/EP2021/060161

14 actuators to all for commissioning, resetting or other operational changes associated with the tag 900 by a user or someone maintaining the tag 900.

The tag 900 may also include various sensors, including temperature or humidity sensors 922 for wirelessly monitored feedback for the disinfection tunnel system operation, or motion sensors 924, such as accelerometers to detect motion, speed, as well as bump/shock detection which generates information to be sent via the transceiver 904 when inside the disinfection tunnel or during other operation of the reusable asset that may result in having some effect on the reusable assets ability to properly engage the disinfection tunnel or be properly disinfected while in the tunnel (e.g, the accelerometer may be able to detect when a wheeled asset needs wheel maintenance or the integrity of the cart has been compromised). The accelerometer included in the BLE tag 900 may be used to provide usage activity information for delivery, via the transceiver 904, to the RTLS connected lighting system or building management system, such data including the amount of time spent in the disinfection tunnel, number of times cycled through the tunnel, or a shock or collision detection event indicator while in the tunnel or otherwise in use.

The tag 900 may include an integrated photo detector 916 to detect the level of UVC dosage delivered to the tag 900 (a proxy for the cart surface) to confirm and maintain the integrity of the disinfectant system by communicating the level detected to the tunnel (or the control system overseeing the tunnel operation) for intensity adjustment, conveyor speed adjustment, or lamp replacement. In other alternative embodiments, the BLE tag 900 may have a solar cell 918 or infrared (IR) receiver for recharging a battery 920 in the BLE tag and/or providing auxiliary power. FIG. 9C is an illustration of an indicator tag 900 connected to the handle 902 of a reusable asset (e.g., shopping cart) for use in conjunction with an irradiation disinfection system according to an example embodiment.

FIG 10 is an illustration of a wireless RTLS system 1000 used to monitor or communicate with an indicator tag 1002 associated with a reusable asset 1004 in conjunction with an irradiation disinfection system according to an example embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the location of an individual asset tag 1002 is identified by aggregating data received from the asset indicator tag 1002 by the distributed sensor network 1006 contained in the light fixtures 1008 in the ceiling of a facility (e.g., retail or grocery store, warehouse, hospital, school, cafeteria, airport, etc.). In some example embodiments, such RLTS data assists with identifying exposure duration within the tunnel system for disinfection. In other embodiments the RTLS system 1000 may be able to provide alerts to customers or employees of where clean (or abandoned or dirty) carts 1004 are located using geo-fencing 2020PF80230 WO 2021/214014 PCT/EP2021/060161

15 and location data received from the individual asset tag 1002. In other embodiments the RTLS system 1000 may be able to include people counting or detection (via motion sensors or cameras) to determine if people are located in unauthorized or dangerous parts of the tunnel including areas too close to the entrance or exit or if the entrance or exit barriers of the tunnel are faulty or unintentionally exposed, which can result in controlling the tunnel to shut down or alerting personnel via communication methods or alarms or visual indicator lights.

FIG. 11 is a floor plan 1100 of a retail store 1112, including the customer entrance 1102 and parking lot 1104, deployment of the RTLS system of FIG.10 incorporating an irradiation disinfection system 1110 according to an example embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the floor plan 1100 shows a grid of connected light fixtures 1106 that each provide general illumination for the retail store 1112 while also included wireless communication devices (e.g., Bluetooth radios, etc.) and sensors for facilitating an RTLS system. In the example embodiment of FIG. 11, each wheeled asset 1108 (e.g., shopping cart) has a wireless tag the position of with is detectable from the RTLS system. Also shown in FIG.11, is the disinfection tunnel system 1110 located near the entrance 1102 of retail store 1112. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the RTLS system may be used to detect abandoned shopping carts 1108 in the store or parking lot 1104 that would indicate a need for return to the disinfecting tunnel 1110 before reuse by another customer and allow employees to retrieve those abandoned shopping carts 1108. In some alternative embodiments, disinfection tunnels 1110 may be located at a retail store 1112 in areas other than the entrance 1102 for use in disinfecting other reusable assets 1108 such as baskets, pallets, cartons, crates or the like used in the delivery of products to the retail store 1112 or in the stocking of shelves in the store 1112.

Although particular embodiments have been described herein in detail, the descriptions are by way of example. The features of the example embodiments described herein are representative and, in alternative embodiments, certain features, elements, and/or steps may be added or omitted. Additionally, modifications to aspects of the example embodiments described herein may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the following claims, the scope of which are to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass modifications and equivalent structures.

Claims

2020PF80230 WO 2021/214014 PCT/EP2021/060161 16 CLAIMS:

1. An adaptive irradiation disinfection system for disinfecting the surfaces of reusable assets, comprising: a conveyor; a controller controlling the speed of the conveyor; a plurality of luminaires, wherein each luminaire included a plurality of light sources emitting light in the ultraviolet-C (UVC) light spectrum; wherein the plurality of luminaires are arranged on at least one wall of a tunnel, wherein the tunnel includes the conveyor; and at least one sensor detecting UVC light emitted in the tunnel, wherein the controller adjusts the conveyor speed based on the dosage determined based on the UVC light detected by the at least one sensor.

2. The system of Claim 1, further comprising a plurality of mirrored reflectors adjacent one or more of the plurality of luminaires.

3. The system of Claim 1, further comprising at least one additional sensor disposed in at least one of the luminaires.

4. The system of Claim 1, wherein the controller is connected to a remote monitoring system via a network.

5. The system of Claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of luminaires is disposed below a plane of the top of the conveyor and angled toward the center of the tunnel.

6. The system of Claim 1, wherein a reusable asset is disposed on the conveyor.

7. The system of Claim 6, wherein the conveyor moves the reusable asset through the tunnel for a period of time associated with a dosage of UVC light to be applied to one or more surfaces of the reusable asset.

8. The system of Claim 6, wherein the reusable asset includes an indicator of ultraviolet light dosage received by the reusable asset.

9. The system of Claim 8, wherein the indicator includes a transceiver for communicating with a real time location system (RTLS) enabled distributed sensor network.

10. The system of Claim 9, wherein the indicator is disposed on a handle of the reusable asset.

11. The system of Claim 1, wherein the tunnel includes a camera for monitoring a location within the tunnel that is within an emission field of at least one of the plurality of luminaires.

12. The system of Claim 1, further comprising: at least one infrared (IR) sensor and wherein the controller adjusts the conveyor speed based on a temperature determined from the at least one IR sensor.

13. The system of Claim 1, further comprising: at least one humidity sensor and wherein the controller adjusts the conveyor speed based on a humidity determined from the at least one humidity sensor.

14. The system of Claim 1, further comprising: at least one motion sensor located at an entrance or exit of the tunnel, wherein the controller turns off the luminaires if the motion sensor detects motion not associated with a reusable asset.

15. The system of Claim 1, further comprising: an emergency stop button electrically coupled to the controller.