WO2023186712A1

WO2023186712A1 - Photonic disinfection systems and methods

Info

Publication number: WO2023186712A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/057575
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jack TIEBERG; Aaron Benjamin STEPHAN; Marc Andre De Samber; Curtis Allen LEYK; Tina LOESEKANN; Dragan Sekulovski
Original assignee: Signify Holding B.V.
Priority date: 2022-03-29
Filing date: 2023-03-23
Publication date: 2023-10-05

Abstract

: Provided herein are photonic disinfection systems and methods of using photonic disinfection systems. The system can include a substrate to form a cylinder having an inner cavity. The substrate includes a first surface forming an inner wall of the cylinder and a second surface forming an outer wall of the cylinder. A plurality of light sources can be coupled to the first surface of the substrate to provide light (e.g., UV radiation, violet light) to the inner cavity of the cylinder. A light controller is coupled to the plurality of light sources through one or more connections. The light controller is configured to control a level of the light provided by the plurality of light sources to the inner cavity of the cylinder.

Description

PHOTONIC DISINFECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to photonic disinfection systems and methods of using photonic disinfection systems.

BACKGROUND

In dairy farms, the environmental area that dairy-producing animals are exposed to or held in can become contaminated by microorganisms. For example, the udders of dairy-producing animals (cows, sheep, goats, etc.) may become contaminated by environmental and/or contagious microorganisms. The microorganisms can cause disease or result in disease and even can be fatal in the animals and may cause economic loss, for example, due to temporary or permanent reduction in milk volume or milk quality produced by the animals, increased culling and replacement costs, and costs of veterinary treatment The milking of dairy-producing animals can be accomplished using milking machine systems that apply suction cups to each teat of the animal. The udders can be chemically disinfected prior to and after a milking session. Horizontal transmission of bacteria via the milking system still represents a major source of transmission of mastitis-causing bacteria. The udders are particularly susceptible to infection during and immediately after milking because the teat or streak canal remains open during that time period.

SUMMARY

Systems and methods described herein relate to photonic disinfection systems and methods of using photonic disinfection systems. The photonic disinfection systems can disinfect the mammary glands of milk-producing mammals to reduce or eliminate the prevalence of microorganisms residing on the surface of the udder. The photonic disinfection system can use germicidal illumination to prevent or slow growth rates and/or destroy (e.g., eliminate) a wide variety of bacteria through photoactivation of porphyrin derivatives. In embodiments, the photonic disinfection system may use direct germicidal effect onto the genetic material or the proteins of the bacteria with light, for example, in the form of UV radiation, near UV, blue light and/or violet light. The photonic disinfection system can be coupled to or included with milking systems in different arrangements, providing within a holding of handling areas of a milking parlour, in a stall and/or as a wearable device.

The photonic disinfection system can reduce the contraction rates of mastitis, the inflammation or infection of the udder as well as reducing the contamination of collected milk. In some embodiments, the photonic disinfection system may reduce or prevent the loss of productive cows.

At least one aspect is a system for providing light to a target surface is provided. The system includes a substrate provided to form a cylinder having an inner cavity. The substrate includes a first surface forming an inner wall of the cylinder and a second surface forming an outer wall of the cylinder. The system includes a plurality of light sources coupled to the first surface of the substrate to provide light to the inner cavity of the cylinder. The system includes a light controller coupled to the plurality of light sources through one or more connections. The light controller configured to control a level of light provided by the plurality of light sources to the inner cavity of the cylinder.

In embodiments, a second surface of the substrate is disposed between an outer wall of a chamber of a milking system and an inner wall of the chamber to provide the light to a target surface disposed within the chamber of the milking system, wherein the inner wall is transparent to the light. At least one surface of the inner wall can include a textured portion to diffuse the light generated by the plurality of light sources to a target surface disposed within the chamber. The substrate can include a first end, middle portion and a second end. In embodiments, the first end can include a bent shape with respect to a surface plane of the middle portion and second end to direct a portion of the light outside of the inner cavity of the cylinder.

In embodiments, the plurality of light sources provide far UVC radiation in a range 205-225 nm to deliver a dose in a rage from of 1 mJ/cm2 to 100 mJ/cm2 to a target surface. In some embodiments, the plurality of light sources provide violet light or near UV in a range of 400-420 nm to deliver a dose of in a range from 5 J/cm2 to 500 J/cm2 to a target surface. The plurality of light sources can include at least one of: a light emitting diode, excimer, or mercury lamp.

In at least one aspect, a system for providing light to a target surface is provided. The system includes a chamber including a liner and a shell. The liner includes a first material and a second material. The first material can be transparent to light and the second material can be opaque to the light. The system includes a substrate disposed between the liner and the shell of the chamber. The substrate is provided in the form of a cylinder having an inner cavity. The substrate includes a first surface forming an inner wall of the cylinder and a second surface forming an outer wall of the cylinder. The system includes a plurality of light sources coupled to the first surface of the substrate to provide the light to the inner cavity of the cylinder. The system includes a light controller coupled to the plurality of light sources through one or more connections. The light controller configured to control a level of the light provided by the plurality of light sources to the inner cavity of the cylinder.

In embodiments, the first material of the liner is optically coupled to the plurality of light sources to receive the light. The first material of the liner can include a textured portion to portion to diffuse the light generated by the plurality of light sources to a target surface disposed within the chamber.

In embodiments, the system can include a vacuum port extending from at least one surface of the outer wall of the chamber forming an orifice through the inner wall, the substrate and the outer wall to couple the inner cavity to the vacuum port.

In at least one aspect, a system for providing light to a target surface is provided. The system includes a chamber having a liner and a shell. The liner includes a light transparent material and the shell includes an opaque material. The chamber includes a first end, middle portion and second end. The system includes a substrate coupled to the first end of the chamber. The substrate includes a first surface and a second surface. The system includes a plurality of light sources coupled to the first surface of the substrate. The plurality of light sources optically coupled to the liner, wherein the light is guided over a length of the liner to form a transmissive liner within an interior cavity of the chamber.

In embodiments, the system can include a vacuum port extending from at least out surface of the shell of the chamber forming an orifice through the liner. The substrate and the shell can couple the inner cavity of the chamber to the vacuum port. In some embodiments, the system can include a coating disposed over a surface of the shell having reflective properties to reflect the radiation light towards the inner cavity of the chamber. In embodiments, a thickness of the liner is greater than a width of at least one light source of the plurality of light sources.

In at least one aspect, a method for providing light to a target surface is provided. The method can include coupling a photonic disinfection system to a target surface. The photonic disinfection system includes a substrate formed having a cylinder shape and inner cavity. The photonic disinfection system includes a plurality of light sources coupled to a first surface of the substrate to provide light to the inner cavity of the cylinder. The photonic disinfection system includes a light controller coupled to the plurality of light sources through one or more connections. The method includes providing, by the photonic disinfection system, the light to the target surface disposed within the inner cavity of the cylinder, wherein the light controller is configured to control a level of the light provided by the plurality of light sources.

In embodiments, the method includes the plurality of light sources providing far UVC radiation in a range 205-225 nm to deliver a dose of 1 mJ/cm2 to 100 mJ/cm2 to the target surface. The method can include the plurality of light sources providing violet light or near UV in a range of 400-420 nm to deliver a dose of 5 J/cm2 to 500 J/cm2 to the target surface. In embodiments, the method can include disposing a second surface of the substrate between an outer wall of a chamber of a milking system and an inner wall of the chamber to provide the light to a target surface disposed within the chamber of the milking system. The inner wall can be transparent to the light.

These and other aspects and implementations are discussed in detail below. The foregoing information and the following detailed description include illustrative examples of various aspects and implementations, and provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claimed aspects and implementations. The drawings provide illustration and a further understanding of the various aspects and implementations, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements. For purposes of clarity, not every component can be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:

Figs. 1 A-1C are block diagrams depicting portions of a photonic disinfection system having a flexible substrate with LED components mounted on the substrate, according to an illustrative implementation;

Figs. 2A-2C are block diagrams depicting portions of a photonic disinfection system having a double wall, according to an illustrative implementation;

Figs. 3 A-3B are block diagrams depicting a photonic disinfection system using an optical waveguide and outcoupling, according to an illustrative implementation;

Fig. 4 is a block diagram depicting a photonic disinfection system provided in a housing quarter, according to an illustrative implementation;

Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an architecture for a lighting controller of a photonic disinfection system to implement elements of the systems and methods described and illustrated herein, including, for example, the system depicted in FIGS. 1 A-4, and the method depicted in FIG. 6; and

Fig. 6 is a flow diagram of an example method of providing light to a target surface, according to an illustrative implementation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and implementations of photonic disinfection systems and methods, for example, to disinfect devices used to milk dairy-producing animals and disinfect target areas and/or udders of dairy-producing animals. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below can be implemented in any of numerous ways.

Systems and methods described herein relate to photonic disinfection systems and methods of using photonic disinfection systems. The photonic disinfection systems described herein include lighting elements to generate and provide germicidal lighting to, for example, the dairy udders of dairy-producing animals. It should be appreciated that although the photonic disinfection systems described herein discuss dairy-producing animals, the germicidal lighting and photonic disinfection systems can be used and applied to a variety of animals and milk-producing organisms, including but not limited to, sheep, goats, camels and/or humans.

The photonic disinfection system can generate the germicidal lighting having a variety of different wavelengths to disinfect the equipment and/or portion of the respective animals. The wavelengths can be selected to target a specific pathogen, bacteria and/or type of surface to be treated (e.g., type of equipment, animal skin surface, human skin surface). Thus, light sources of the photonic disinfection system can be controlled to emit light having a determined wavelength and/or wavelength range to target a specific pathogen, bacteria and/or type of surface. For example, in embodiments, the photonic disinfection system can generate light having a wavelength in a range from 100 nm to 280 nm (e.g., UVC radiation), in a range from 280 nm to 315 nm (e.g., UVB radiation), in a range from 315 nm to 400 nm (e.g., UVA radiation) and/or light having a wavelength greater than 400 nm (in a range from 405 nm to 415 nm, near UV) and/or in a range from 400 nm to 420 nm (e.g., violet light). In embodiments, the photonic disinfection system can apply a combination of UV radiation, near UV, blue light and/or violet light and generate light having a wavelength in a range from 100 nm to 400 nm (e.g., UVC, UVB, UVA) and light having a wavelength greater than 400nm and/or in a range from 400 nm to 420 nm (e.g., violet light). In one embodiment, the photonic disinfection system can generate light having a wavelength corresponding to far UVC light (e.g., 222 nm), for example, to limit or reduce penetration of the UVC light into tissue of a target (e.g., udder of an animal). In some embodiments, for target pathogens or specific pathogens that have protein membrane, far UVC light (e.g., 222 nm, far UVC) may be used. In other embodiments, for a different or second pathogen, far UVC light having a different wavelength (e.g., 254 nm, UVC) can be used to target RNA (e.g., RNA damage). In some embodiments, the photonic disinfection system can generate light having a wavelength in a range from 405 nm to 415 nm (e.g., near-UV). In some embodiments, the violet light can be used to target certain bacteria target that may include or have endogenous photosensitizers. It should be appreciated that the wavelength ranges are provided for example purposes and that the light sources of the photonic disinfection system can emit light having wavelengths less than or greater than the wavelength ranges discussed herein.

The photonic disinfection system can provide or achieve germicidal levels by applying doses of the UV radiation, near UV, blue light and/or the violet light at determined levels to portions of the animals, including but not limited to, the udder tissue. The dosage can vary and be selected to target a specific pathogen, bacteria and/or type of surface to be treated (e.g., type of equipment, animal skin surface, human skin surface). In embodiments, the dosage can include or correspond to a k-value or D90 value (e.g., dose to inactivate 90% of particular pathogen/bacteria) for a particular pathogen and/or bacteria. Thus, light sources of the photonic disinfection system can be controlled to emit light in a determined dose to target a specific pathogen, bacteria and/or type of surface. The target pathogens can include, but are not limited to, Streptococcus uberis, Staphlococcus aureus, or Escherichia coli. In some embodiments, the photonic disinfection system can generate and apply UVC at a dose in a range from 1 millijoules/centimeter2 (mJ/cm²) to 100 mJ/cm². In some embodiments, the photonic disinfection system can generate and apply near UV at a dose in a range from 5 joules/centimeter² (J/cm²) to 500 J/cm². For example, in one embodiment, the photonic disinfection system can generate and apply UVC radiation at a dose of 10 millijoules/centimeter² (mJ/cm²) and/or the violet light at a dose of 10 joules/centimeter² (J/cm²). It should be appreciated that the dose ranges provided herein are provided for explanation and example purposes only and not intended to limit the scope of the present application. The photonic disinfection system can generate and apply dosages outside the ranges provided herein, for example, to target a particular pathogen, bacteria and/or to provide some other form of disinfection. The photonic disinfection system can include a light emitting diode (LED), an excimer, a mercury lamp, and/or other forms of light sources capable of generating light in the wavelengths and doses described herein.

The photonic disinfection system can generate germicidal lighting based in part on a threshold value. The type of threshold value can vary. For example, the threshold value can include a threshold value for a target surface (e.g., exposure limit, contact time limit), a threshold value indicating a desired level of disinfection, a threshold value based on a k-value and/or D90 value for a specific pathogen, bacteria and/or type of surface to be treated (e.g., type of equipment, animal skin surface, human skin surface), and/or a threshold value (e.g., time value, amount value) for a desired milking process or workflow. For example, a lighting controller of the photonic disinfection system can generate and control the photonic disinfection system and the light sources to execute a desired milking process and define a lighting dose (e.g., UV radiation, near UV, blue light, violet light) or varying lighting dosages to execute the desired milking process and use one or more threshold values to meet a desired level of disinfection and/or limit an amount of contact/ exposure time for a target surface.

The photonic disinfection system can be provided in different forms and embodiments. In some embodiments, the photonic disinfection system can be embedded within, formed within or coupled to a milking system. For example, the photonic disinfection system can be embedded within a suction cup of the milking system to directly illuminate the teat and teat canal during the milking process. The photonic disinfection system can include or use transparent suction cup inflations. In embodiments, the photonic disinfection system can remain illuminated between milking individual animals and continuously disinfect the respective device, which can result in lower incidence of cross-contamination via the milking system. For example, during periods between milking different animals and/or for periods when the photonic disinfection system is not in contact with an udder, higher irradiance/doses can be provided into the apparatus for a deeper disinfection as to prevent cross-contamination from animal to animal. In some embodiments, higher irradiance/doses can be provided into the apparatus before using the photonic disinfection system on an animal (e.g., initial use, first use of the day) and/or after using the photonic disinfection system to provide disinfection and prevent cross-contamination between uses. For example, a sensor (e.g., pressure sensor to measure a vacuum value or level) can be coupled to the photonic disinfection system or included with the photonic disinfection system to detect when the photonic disinfection system is actively being used and/or applied to an animal. In such an embodiment, the germicidal dose can be provided during the milking process (e.g., about 5- minute milking process). The photonic disinfection system can provide direct (e.g., direct LOS exposure) light (e.g., UV radiation, near UV, blue light, violet light) exposure from the light engine of the system to the udder. In embodiments, the photonic disinfection system can provide light (e.g., UV radiation, near UV, blue light, violet light) through an in-coupling of the light into a transparent waveguide and local outcoupling onto the teats of the udder.

Referring now to FIGs. 1 A-1C, a photonic disinfection system 100 is depicted having a substrate 102 and a plurality of light sources 110 (e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs)) mounted (e.g., embedded, coupled) to the substrate 102. In embodiments, the light sources 110 can be mounted or embedded to a first surface 104 of the substrate to form a three- dimensional (3D) wrap-around light engine. The photonic disinfection system 100 can include or refer to a light engine, photonic disinfector and/or light system. The photonic disinfection system 100 can provide direct LOS exposure, for example, to an udder of a dairy -producing animal using the 3D wrap-around light engine. In embodiments, the substrate 102 can include a flexible and/or foldable material that can be folded to form a cylinder or a circular shape having an inner cavity 106. The first surface 104 can form an inner surface of the inner cavity 106 when the photonic disinfection system 100 is provided in the cylinder shape. The light sources 110 mounted to the first surface 104 can generate and provide light to the inner cavity 106 of the photonic disinfection system 100 in the folded or cylinder shape. In embodiments, the photonic disinfection system 100 can form a onedirectional light engine (e.g., due to an LED die or package, using a reflective coating on the substrate), such that the light (e.g., UV radiation, near UV, blue light, violet light) is emitted in one direction, in a diffuse manner and/or an omni-directional matter.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 A, the substrate 102 can be fabricated or provided in a flat format or two-dimensional (2D) format in a first state (e.g., prior to being folded into a cylinder). The substrate 102 can be provided in a variety of different shapes and sizes based in part on the application of the photonic disinfection system 100 and/or properties of a milking system. In embodiments, the substrate 102 can be provided having a square shape, rectangular shape, or circular shape or other shapes configurable for coupling to a milking system.

The substrate 102 can be partially light transmissive. The substrate 102 can include a flexible material. In embodiments, the substrate 102 can include a molded rigid material formed in two halves to make or form a cylinder. In embodiments, the substrate 102 can include polyethylene teraphthalate (PET), polyethylene naphtalate (PEN), silicone, polyurethane (PUR), epoxy, or the like material. In embodiments, electronic circuitry can be coupled (directly or indirectly) to the substrate 102. For example, the electronic circuitry can include light source contact pads or light source connection elements for connecting the light sources 110 to the electronic circuitry. In embodiments, the light sources 110, light source contact pads and/or the substrate 102 can be coupled to a light controller 140 through one or more connection wires 120. The light controller 140 can control a level of light (e.g., UV radiation, near UV, blue light, violet light) generated by and/or provided by the plurality of light sources 110 to an inner cavity 106 of the cylinder. The lighting controller 140 can control the level of light based in part on an exposure time, a determined time exposure for a particular pathogen and/or bacteria, a determined dose for a particular pathogen and/or bacteria, and/or a determined dose for a particular pathogen and/or bacteria. In embodiments, the lighting controller 140 can control the level of light emitted by the light sources 110 based in part on a milking workflow and/or milking protocol.

Referring now to FIG. IB, the light sources 110 are coupled to (e.g., mounted to, embedded within, attached to) the first surface 104 of the substrate 102. The first surface 104 can be populated with the light sources 110 to form a pattern of LEDs and/or to provide a pre-determined level of light (e.g., UV radiation, near UV, blue light, violet light). The light sources 110 can be arranged along the first surface 104 at pre-determined positions or randomly positioned along the first surface 104. In some embodiments, the light sources 110 can be uniformly positioned along the first surface 104. In some embodiments, the light sources 110 can be evenly spaced along the first surface 104. The arrangement of the light sources 110 can vary and be selected based in part on a type of application the photonic disinfection system 100 is used. The number of light sources 110 can vary and can be selected based in part on the size of the respective light sources 110 and/or the size of the substrate 102. In some embodiments, a diffuse cover layer can be coupled to, disposed over and/or applied to a surface of the substrate 102 to distribute the light more evenly over a disinfection area. In embodiments, the number of light sources 110 selected and coupled to the first surface 104 can be selected based at least in part on the pre-determined level of light to be provided.

The light sources 110 can include light emitting diodes (LEDs) of one or more colors including ultraviolet (UV), near UV, blue light and/or violet light. In embodiments, the light sources 110 can be arranged so as to be able to emit light of different colors to allow color mixing. In some embodiments, the light sources 110 can be arranged so as to emit light having substantially the same color. Now referring to FIG. 1C, the substrate 102 is rolled or formed into the second state corresponding to a cylinder shape and to form the 3D wrap-around light engine. As illustrated in FIG. 1C, a second surface 108 (e.g., outer surface) forms an outer surface of the photonic disinfection system 100 and the first surface 104, opposite surface from the second surface 108, forms the inner wall or surface of the photonic disinfection system 100 in the second state (e.g., rolled state, cylinder shape). The light sources 110 are positioned within the inner cavity 106 and providing light to the inner cavity 106 and/or any item, animal portion (e.g., udder) positioned within the inner cavity 106 of the photonic disinfection system 100 in the second state. For example, the substrate 104 can include or be formed from a flexible and/or foldable material that can be rolled or formed into a shape to accommodate or couple to a milking system in the second state.

In embodiments, the first surface 104 can include reflective material to reflect the light generated by the light sources 110 when the photonic disinfection system 100 is in the second state. The reflective material can include, but is not limited to, aluminum or Teflon. In some embodiments, the reflective material can include or correspond to a finish layer to mirror, specular or diffuse the light. Thus, the light generated by the light sources 110 can be reflected by the reflective portions of the first surface 104 to reflect light inward within the interior cavity 106 and to increase a light coverage within the interior cavity 106. In some embodiments, the first surface 104 can be coated with a reflective material or reflective substance (e.g., reflective paint) to direct light (e.g., UV radiation, near UV, blue light, violet light) from the light sources 110 in a target direction. For example, the reflective substance can include, but is not limited to, a catalyst such as titanium dioxide (Ti02). The reflective substance can be coated to the first surface 104 to create a reactive oxygen in response to the light (e.g., 400 nm light) that is disinfecting or provides disinfection to a target surface (e.g., tissue) proximate to the first surface 104. The first surface 104 can include a reflective surface to increase a level of the light provided to the interior cavity 106 and/or in a target direction (such as inwards towards the interior cavity 106, an area proximate to the first end (e.g., above the photonic disinfection system 100), or an area proximate to the second end (e.g., below the photonic disinfection system 100).

The photonic disinfection system 100 includes connection wires 120 that connect to a light controller 140 and/or a power source 130 to the light sources 110 and/or the substrate 102. The connection wires 120 can include connectors, connections and/or attachment devices to couple the light controller 140 and/or a power source 130 to the light sources 110 and/or the substrate 102. The connection wires 120 can connect the light controller 140 and/or the power source 130 to control the light sources 110 and/or provide power to the photonic disinfection system 100. For example, the connection wires 120 can include a first end coupled to the light controller 140 and a second end coupled to a connection port (e.g., light source connection pad) of the substrate 102. In embodiments, a connection wire 120 can connect the light controller 140 to the power source 130. For example, the connection wire 120 can include a first end coupled to the light controller 140 and a second end coupled to the power source 130. In some embodiments, the power source 130 can be a component of or part of the light controller 140.

The power source 130 can include an electrical power source or a battery. The power source 130 can provide an AC voltage and/or AC current waveform at their terminals for activation, for example, from the power source 130 through the connection wires 120.

In embodiments, the photonic disinfection system 100 can be fabricated in a first state (e.g., flat state, unrolled state, 2D state) and then formed into the second state (e.g., rolled shape, cylinder shape) to be inserted into a space between an inner and outer wall of a suction cup (e.g., chamber, receiving portion) such as a suction cup of a milking system. In embodiments, the inner wall of the suction cup is transparent to enable or allow light generated by the light sources 110 and within the interior cavity 106 of the photonic disinfection system 100 to be reflected inward within the interior cavity 106 and to increase a light coverage within the interior cavity 106. The outer wall can be highly reflective, for example, to indicate or signal that the disinfection is actively happening. For example, the outer wall can include a reflective material such that a portion of the light leaks through the outer wall to indicate the disinfection protocol is ongoing.

For example, when the photonic disinfection system 100 is coupled with (e.g., inserted between inner and outer wall) a suction cup of a milking system and the suction cup is positioned over the teats (e.g., teats are positioned within interior cavity 106) of an animal, light (e.g., UV radiation, near UV, blue light, violet light) is provided in short range distance to the teats providing an optimal and highly efficient exposure of the skin of the teats to the light generated and emitted by the photonic disinfection system 100. In embodiments, disinfection of the udder in-between the teats can be provided, for example, by shaping or forming the substrate 102 into a flower-like open shape at at least one end of the cylinder shape. In embodiments, the end (e.g., top end, bottom end) of the substrate 102 in the cylinder shape can be cut and bended to form a flower like shape and provide additional up- lighting functionality to expose the udder region to light generated by the photonic disinfection system 100 and disinfect the udder region. In embodiments, the substrate 102 can include a first end (e.g., top end), middle portion and a second end (e.g., bottom end), and the first end can be formed having a bent shape with respect to a surface plane of the middle portion and second end to direct a portion of the light outside of the inner cavity 106 of the cylinder. For example, the first end of the substrate 102 can be bent backwards (e.g., backwards from the interior cavity 106, leaning in an opposite direction from the interior cavity 106), folded back or slanted backwards with respect to the interior cavity 106.

In some embodiments, the inner wall or inner cup of the suction cup is transparent to the light (e.g., photoactive radiation) generated by the light sources 110. In some embodiments, at least one surface of the inner wall or inner cup of the suction cup is textured to operate as a surface diffuser. For example, the at least one surface of the inner wall or inner cup of the suction cup can be textured to provide a uniform distribution of the light over a target surface (e.g., teats, udder) that the suction cup is disposed over or to increase the uniform distribution of the of the light over the target surface. In some embodiments, both surfaces of the inner cup can be flat and/or have surfaces that do not scatter light.

Referring now to FIGs. 2A-2C, a chamber 202 (e.g., suction cup portion of a milking system, a teat cup) is depicted having an liner 204 (e.g., inner liner, inner wall) and a shell 206 (e.g., outer liner, outer wall) to provide a double wall arrangement. In embodiments, the liner 204 can include or correspond to an inner wall or inner surface and the shell 206 can include or correspond to an outer wall or outer surface. The chamber 202 can include or correspond to a suction cup, a teatcup, a milking tube, a receiving portion or other components of a milking system be disposed or receive a target surface or teat of an animal during a milking process. In the double wall arrangement, the substrate 102 can be coupled to an inner surface 210 of the shell 206 and thus disposed between the liner 204 and the shell 206. In FIG. 2A, the substrate 102 is illustrated in the second state (e.g., rolled state) forming a cylinder and two connection wires 120 couple a power source 130 (as shown in FIG. 1C) to the substrate 102. The substrate 102 can be inserted to into the space between liner 204 and the shell 206 of the chamber 202.

Referring now to FIG. 2B, the shell 206 is illustrated and can include a rigid material, for example, to form an outer shell or outer surface of the chamber 202. The liner 204 can be formed from or include multiple materials (e.g., two materials, more than two materials) having different properties. In embodiments, the liner 204 can include a first material that is a transparent material, transparent to light (e.g., UV light, near UV, blue light, violet light), and is flexible and the liner 204 can include a second material 208 that is opaque to light (e.g., UV light, near UV, blue light, violet light) and is rigid. The transparent material can include, but is not limited to, silicone, acrylic or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The first material and the second material can be formed or arranged to enable or allow the light to reach a target surface. For example, a target surface that the chamber 202 is disposed over or otherwise positioned proximate to. In one embodiment, the first material (e.g., transparent material) can be formed into a cylinder shape (e.g., narrow cylinder) and positioned in direct optical and mechanical contact with at least one of the radiation sources (e.g., light sources 110). One or more spaces, one or more regions and/or one or more places in between the first material can be filled in by the second material (e.g., opaque material, flexible material) to form the liner 204. In embodiments, at least one end (e.g., top end, bottom end) of the first material (e.g., transparent material) can be textured to provide surface scattering.

In some embodiments, the liner 204 can include a rigid or inflexible material. For example, the liner 204 can include or be formed from a rigid tube and create a vacuum through a membrane that is positioned under a bottom end of the rigid tube when in contact with an udder of an animal.

In embodiments, the liner 204 can be formed into a cylinder shape and can be positioned in an interior cavity 212 formed by a cylinder shape of the shell 206. A vacuum 220 (e.g., vacuum port) can be coupled to a portion of the shell 206 or attached to the shell 206. For example, the vacuum 220 can be coupled to an orifice or hole formed in the shell 206. In some embodiments, the vacuum 220 can be formed from the shell 206 and/or be a component of the shell 206 and integrated into the shell 206. The vacuum 220 (e.g., vacuum port) can extend from at least one surface of the shell 206 of the chamber 202 (e.g., chamber) forming an orifice 222 through the liner 204, the substrate 102 and the shell 206 to couple an interior cavity 214 of the chamber 202 to the vacuum port 220. The orifice 222 and the vacuum 220 can couple a vacuum or vacuum source in the chamber 202 to provide a determined air flow (e.g., negative air flow) or an air pressure differential between two areas to cause the suction cup portion 202 to couple, contact or attach to a target surface disposed within the interior cavity 214 of the chamber 202.

Now referring to FIG. 2C, the substrate 102 is inserted between the liner 204 and the shell 206 of the chamber 202. An outer surface 108 of the substrate 102 can be coupled to, attached to, disposed over or disposed proximate to an inner surface 210 of the shell 206. In embodiments, the outer surface 108 of the substrate 102 can be sealed to or against the inner surface 210 of the shell 206. The liner 204 can be positioned within the interior cavity 106 of the substrate 102 in the second state. In embodiments, the first material of the liner 204 can be in direct optical and mechanical contract with the light sources 110 coupled to the first surface 104 of the substrate 102 to enable or allow light (e.g., UV radiation) generated by the light sources 110 to reach the target surface, for example, disposed within an interior cavity 214 of the liner204 and/or disposed proximate to (e.g., above, below) the photonic disinfection system 100.

Referring now to FIGs. 3A-3B, a photonic disinfection system 100 is provided having the substrate 102 and a plurality of light sources 110 coupled to a first end portion 310 (e.g., edge, top edge) of the chamber 202 (e.g., suction cup). The chamber 202 can include the first end 310, middle portion 314, and a second end 316 (e.g., edge, bottom edge). The light sources 110 can provide light to the liner 204 of the chamber 202 cup via wave guiding. For example, the substrate 102 and light sources 110 can be coupled to the portion 310 and the material (e.g., light transparent, UV transparent) of the liner 204 such that the light generated by the light sources 110 is propagated via wave guiding into the liner 204. In embodiments, the liner 204 can include or be formed from a flexible material to contact and couple to a target surface (e.g., teat). In some embodiments, the liner 204 can include or be formed from a rigid material (e.g., rigid cup) with a flexible portion (e.g., flexible suction cup) positioned lower, for example, to contact and couple to a target surface (e.g., teat). The light (e.g., UV radiation, near UV, blue light, violet light) generated by the light sources 110 can be coupled to the liner 204 via in-coupling optical features and properties of the liner 204.

Referring now to FIG. 3 A, the substrate 104 can include the plurality of light sources 110 to provide light (e.g., UV radiation, near UV, blue light, violet light) to the chamber 202, for example, the liner 204 of the chamber 202. In some embodiments, the light sources 110 can be coupled to or arranged on a surface of the substrate 104 to form a ring of LEDs when coupled to the first end 310 of the chamber 202. The substrate 102 can be coupled to, folded over, attached to or disposed on the first end 310 of the chamber 202. In embodiments, the substrate 102 can be coupled to the first end 310 or second end 316, a top portion, a bottom portion, an edge portion and/or any portion such that the light sources 110 can optically or mechanically coupled with the liner 204 of the chamber 202.

The chamber 202 includes the liner 204 and the shell 206. The liner 204 includes transparent material (e.g., light transparent material, UV transparent material). In embodiments, the shell 206 can include opaque material. In some embodiments, the liner 204 includes or forms a transmissive liner (e.g., light transmissive liner, UV transmissive liner) within the interior cavity 214 of the liner 204. The light (e.g., UV radiation, near UV, blue light, violet light) from the light sources 110 is coupled into the transparent material of the liner 204 and the chamber 202 and propagated via waveguiding. The light can be coupled into the transparent material via in-coupling 305 optical features, properties and/or structures of the liner 204. In embodiments, a thickness or width of the liner 204 can be greater than or larger than a thickness or width of a light source 110. The in-coupling 305 can, for example, be done or performed by mounting the light sources 110 (e.g., a ring of light sources 110) producing light (e.g., radiation) with a determined wavelength (e.g., set wavelength, requested wavelength) onto the portion 310 of the chamber 202. In embodiments, the light sources 110 can provide light having a wavelength selected to target a particular pathogen or bacteria. In some embodiments, the light sources 110 can provide light (e.g., radiation) with wavelengths ranging from 100 nm to 420 nm (e.g., UVC, UVB, UVA, near UV, blue light, violet light) and/or greater than 420 nm onto the portion 310 of the chamber 202. In embodiments, and responsive to establishing optical contact (or physical contact, mechanical contact) between the light sources 110 and the liner 204 or portion 310 of the chamber cup 202, the light from the light sources 110 can be guided using total internal reflection (TIR) over a length of the liner 204 such that the liner 204 forms a transmissive liner (e.g., light transmissive liner, UV transmissive liner) within the interior cavity 214 of the chamber 202.

The chamber 202 can be formed from glass, plastic, stainless steel, silicone (e.g., flexible material), quartz silica (e.g., rigid material), or fused silica (e.g., rigid material). The liner 204 can have a textured surface or graded surface to operate as a surface diffuser. For example, the textured surface of the liner 204 of the chamber 202 can be textured to provide a uniform distribution of the light over a target surface (e.g., teats, udder) disposed within the interior cavity 214 and/or that the chamber 202 is disposed over or to increase the uniform distribution of the of the light over the target surface. In some embodiments, both surfaces of the liner 204 can be flat and/or have surfaces that do not scatter light.

Now referring to FIG. 3B, a portion of a target surface 350 (e.g., teat) is positioned or disposed within the chamber 202, for example, during a milking event. In embodiments, the portion of the target surface 350 can be disposed within the interior cavity 214 of the liner 204 of the chamber 202 such that the liner 204 has physical contact with the portion of the target surface 350. The target surface 350 can cause or result in a change in a refractive index interface of the interior cavity 214 of the liner 204 and a local direct contact based outcoupling 320 of the light can be provided to or on target surface 350 or skin of the target surface (e.g., the skin being an outcoupling structure). The light (e.g., UV radiation, near UV, blue light, violet light) can disinfect the target surface 350 (e.g., skin of the teat) using the germicidal lighting. In some embodiments, a reflective layer, material or coating (e.g., reflective paint) can be applied to the shell 206 of the chamber 202 in a pattern formation or determined design. For example, the reflective layer can be applied to a surface of the shell 206 that is not in contact or facing the skin of the target surface 350 during a milking event.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a system 400 includes a photonic disinfection system 402 provided in a housing 410 or animal handling quarters 410. The photonic disinfection system 402 can be mounted in a fixed position or to a movable device such that the photonic disinfection system 402 can be moved around in the housing 410 to disinfect the animals, structures, surfaces and environment of the housing 410. Although FIG. 4 shows an illustrative embodiment of one form of housing 410, it should be appreciated that the photonic disinfection system 402 can be mounted to or used in a variety of different settings, housings, buildings, environments and/or setting to provide germicidal lighting and disinfection to the people, animals, structures, surfaces and environment of the respective setting. The photonic disinfection system 402 can be the same as or similar to the photonic disinfection system 100 of FIGs. 1A-3B. For example, the photonic disinfection system 402 can include a substrate 102 having a plurality of light sources 110 coupled to at least one surface of the substrate 102 to provide light to a target surface the photonic disinfection system 100 is directed towards.

The housing 410 can include, but is not limited to, a holding area 412, a feed alley 414 and a milking parlour 420. In embodiments, one or more animals 440 (e.g., cows) can be held or organized within the housing 410 can traverse between the holding area 412, the feed alley 414, and the milking parlour 420. The milking parlour 420 can include, but is not limited to, a return alley 422, a milk storage 424, a milk pipeline 426, a pit area 428, and a ramp 430 that connects the milking parlour 420 to the holding area 412.

In embodiments, the photonic disinfection system 402 can be mounted to a floor, on a raised platform (e.g., surface straddled by the animals 440 or proximate to the animals 440), wall, ceiling and/or other surfaces within the housing 410. The photonic disinfection system 402 can be mounted to a surface or multiple surfaces within the housing area 412, the feed alley 414 and/or the milking parlour 420. In some embodiments, the photonic disinfection system 402 can be mounted to a surface or multiple surfaces within multiple areas of the housing 410 including a combination of two or more of the holding area 412, the feed alley 414 and/or the milking parlour 420. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the photonic disinfection system 402 can be mounted to a floor 416 of the holding area 412. The photonic disinfection system 402 can provide light (e.g., UV radiation, near UV, blue light, violet light) upward from the floor 416 (e.g., with respect to the floor 416) such that the light is directed towards a ceiling and/or walls of the holding area 412. In embodiments with the photonic disinfection system 402 mounted to a raised platform, the raised platform can be positioned such that the animals 440 straddle or are positioned adjacent to or proximate to the photonic disinfection system 402. The photonic disinfection system 402 can provide light upward and/or sideways to provide disinfection for the animals 440. Thus, when the animals 440 are held or positioned within the holding area 412, the photonic disinfection system 402 can generate and provide light to different portions of the animals 440. In embodiments, the photonic disinfection system 402 can provide or expose the udders and other skin portions of the animals 440 to light while the animals 440 are within the housing area 412. The holding area 412 can include a single photonic disinfection system 402 or multiple photonic disinfection systems 402 (e.g., two or more). In some embodiments, the photonic disinfection systems 402 can be mounted to or attached to different surfaces within the holding area 412, for example but not limited to, the floor 416, one or more walls and/or one or more raised platforms to provide light to the animals 440 within the housing area 412.

The photonic generation system 402 can provide light for a determined time period and/or in determined doses (e.g., set wavelengths, set time lengths). The determined time period and/or determined dose can vary and be selected based at least in part on a number of animal 440, a size of the respective space (e.g., holding area 412, feed alley 414, milking parlour 420) and/or a number of photonic disinfection systems 420 provided in the respective space.

In some embodiments, the photonic disinfection system 402 can be part of, a component of and/or incorporated into a lighting system of the housing 410 (e.g., floor lights, wall lights). The photonic disinfection system 402 can be coupled to or mounted to a movable structure or movable device to provide light as the animals 440 traverse the different areas of the housing 410.

In embodiments, the photonic disinfection system 402 can be coupled to a movable device that is mounted to a wall or raised surface within an area (e.g., holding area 412, feed alley414, milking parlour 420) of the housing 410. For example, the movable device can move with the photonic disinfection system 402 from a first position at a first end of the respective area to one or more other positions along the respective wall (e.g., slide along surface of wall) of the area to provide the animals 440 light for a determined length and/or a determined dose.

In embodiments, the photonic disinfection system 402 can be provided in the form of a wearable device that is attached to or otherwise worn by the animal 440 to provide disinfection to the animal 440 while the animal 440 is within the housing 410. For example, the wearable device having the photonic disinfection system can attach to or be positioned proximate (e.g., hang below animal) to an under area (e.g., udder) of the animal 440 and provide light upward to illuminate the under area of the animal 440.

Various operations described herein can be implemented on computer systems. FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of a representative lighting controller 140 (e.g., computing system) usable to implement the present disclosure. In embodiments, the lighting controller 140 can include or correspond to a computing system or computing device. In some embodiments, the lighting controller 140 is implemented as a computing system. The lighting controller 140 can include one or more sensors to detect the presence of a target surface, an animal and/or a human (e.g., farmer) within a determined range of the photonic disinfection system 100. For example, the light controller 140 can include or be communicatively coupled with a presence sensor or other forms of sensors to detect a target surface, an animal and/or a human (e.g., farmer) within a determined range of the photonic disinfection system 100. The determined range can vary and can include, but is not limited to, the photonic disinfection system 100 coupled to the target surface, a portion of the target surface (e.g., teat) within the inner cavity of the photonic disinfection system 100 or an operator (e.g., farmer) of the photonic disinfection system 100 within a distance of the photonic disinfection system 100. In embodiments, the lighting controller 140 can generate control signals for the light sources to emit light based on determined thresholds (e.g., time limit thresholds) to limit exposure to the light (e.g., UV radiation, near UV, blue light, violet light) based in part on a particular pathogen, a particular bacteria and/or the properties of the target surface (e.g., type of device, animal skin surface, human skin surface). In some embodiments, the control signals can be generated based in part on and/or in response to data from the sensor indicating the presence a target surface, an animal and/or a human within a determined range of the photonic disinfection system 100. For example, the lighting controller 140 can generate control signals to activate or deactivate the light sources 110 in response to data from the sensor indicating the presence a target surface, an animal and/or a human within a determined range of the photonic disinfection system 100 and/or based in part on a threshold for particular light (e.g., UV radiation, near UV, blue light, violet light) emitted from the light sources 110.

The lighting controller 140 can be implemented, for example, as a consumer device such as a smartphone, other mobile phone, tablet computer, wearable computing device, desktop computer, laptop computer, or implemented with distributed computing devices. The lighting controller 140 can be implemented to control operation of a photonic disinfection system 100. In some embodiments, the lighting controller 140 can include conventional computer components such as processors 516, storage device 518, network interface 520, input device 522, and user output device 524.

Network interface 520 can provide a connection to a wide area network (e.g., the Internet) to which WAN interface of a remote server system is also connected. Network interface 520 can include a wired interface (e.g., Ethernet) and/or a wireless interface implementing various RF data communication standards such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular data network standards (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G, 60 GHz, LTE, etc.).

Input device 522 can include a user input device 522. The user input device 522can include any device (or devices) via which a user can provide signals to the lighting controller 140; computing system 514 can interpret the signals as indicative of particular user requests or information. Input device 522 can include any or all of a keyboard, touch pad, touch screen, mouse or other pointing device, scroll wheel, click wheel, dial, button, switch, keypad, microphone, sensors (e.g., a motion sensor, an eye tracking sensor, etc.), and so on. In some embodiments, the input device 522 can include a tag (e.g., radio frequency identifier (RFID) ID tag) provided on or disposed on a target surface to detect to an amount of light received from the light sources 110 and communicate the amount (e.g., dose) of light received from the light sources 110 and/or a time value associated with the treatment to the lighting controller 140. For example, the input device 522 can detect the onset of an infection (e.g., mastitis) and/or reddening of the target surface (e.g., udder skin). In embodiments, the input device 522 can provide input that is based on a reduced (e.g., observed) productivity of a specific animal (e.g., cow) during a milking process.

User output device 524 can include any device via which lighting controller 140 can provide information to a user. For example, user output device 524 can include a display to display images generated by or delivered to computing system 514. The display can incorporate various image generation technologies, e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), light-emitting diode (LED) including organic light-emitting diodes (OLED), projection system, cathode ray tube (CRT), or the like, together with supporting electronics (e.g., digital-to-analog or analog-to-digital converters, signal processors, or the like). A device such as a touchscreen that function as both input and output device can be used. Output devices 524 can be provided in addition to or instead of a display. Examples include indicator lights, speakers, tactile “display” devices, printers, and so on.

Some implementations include electronic components, such as microprocessors, storage and memory that store computer program instructions in a computer readable storage medium (e.g., non-transitory computer readable medium). Many of the features described in this specification can be implemented as processes that are specified as a set of program instructions encoded on a computer readable storage medium.

The lighting controller 140 can include electronic components, such as microprocessors (e.g., processor 516), storage and memory that store computer program instructions in a computer readable storage medium (e.g., non-transitory computer readable medium). Many of the features described in this specification can be implemented as processes that are specified as a set of program instructions encoded on a computer readable storage medium. When these program instructions are executed by one or more processors, they cause the processors to perform various operation indicated in the program instructions. Examples of program instructions or computer code include machine code, such as is produced by a compiler, and files including higher-level code that are executed by a computer, an electronic component, or a microprocessor using an interpreter. Through suitable programming, processor 156 can provide various functionality for the lighting controller 140, including any of the functionality described herein as being performed by the lighting controller 140 to implement method 600 discussed with respect to FIG. 6.

Storage device 518 can include a database and/or memory for storing and retrieving position data, commands and/or instructions for the lighting controller 140. The storage device 518 can include a volatile memory (e.g., RAM), non-volatile memory (e.g., one or more hard disk drives (HDDs) or other magnetic or optical storage media, one or more solid state drives (SSDs) such as a flash drive or other solid state storage media, one or more hybrid magnetic and solid state drives, and/or one or more virtual storage volumes, such as a cloud storage, or a combination of such physical storage volumes and virtual storage volumes or arrays thereof).

Referring now to FIG. 6, a flow diagram of a method 600 for providing light is provided. In brief overview, the method 600 can include coupling a photonic disinfection system to a target surface (602), receiving control signals from a lighting controller (604), providing light to a target surface (606), determining if a modification to a level of the light is needed (608), and completing the disinfection (610).

At operation 602, and in some embodiments, a photonic disinfection system 100 can be coupled to a target surface 350. The photonic disinfection system 100 can include a substrate 100 formed having or in a cylinder shape and inner cavity 106. A plurality of light sources 110 can be coupled to a first surface 104 of the substrate 102 to provide light to the inner cavity 106 of the cylinder. A light controller 140 coupled to the plurality of light sources 110 through one or more connections 120. The target surface 350 can be disposed within the inner cavity 106 to couple the photonic disinfection system 100 to the target surface 350. In embodiments, the photonic disinfection system 100 can include a vacuum 220 to create an air flow (e.g., suction effect) and cause the photonic disinfection system 100 to couple to or attach to the target surface 350 when the disposed within the inner cavity 106.

At operation 604, control signals can be received from a lighting controller 140. The light controller 140 can generate and provide control signals to control a level of light generated by the plurality of light sources 110. The level of light can be determined based in part on the target surface 350 (e.g., type of surface, type of animal, type of environment), a target microorganism, properties of the light sources 110 and/or properties of the photonic disinfection system 100. The control signals can include a type of light (e.g., UV radiation, near UV, blue light, violet light) to be emitted by the light sources 110. The light controller 140 can transmit the control signals to the light sources 110 through one or more connection wires. The light level can be same for each of the light sources 110. In some embodiments, the light level for a first light source 110 can be different from one or more other light sources 110.

At operation 606, light can be provided to the target surface 350. The photonic disinfection system 100 can provide light to the target surface 350. The light sources 110 can generate and provide light to the target surface 350 when the target surface 350 is coupled to the photonic disinfection system 100, disposed near (e.g., proximate) to the photonic disinfection system 100 and/or when the target surface 350 is disposed within the inner cavity 106 of the photonic disinfection system 100. The light sources 110 can provide different levels or ranges of doses of light to the target surface. The dosage can vary and be selected to target a specific pathogen, bacteria and/or type of surface to be treated (e.g., type of equipment, animal skin surface, human skin surface). Thus, light sources 110 of the photonic disinfection system 100 can be controlled to emit light in a determined dose to target a specific pathogen, bacteria and/or type of surface. In some embodiments, the light sources 110 can generate and apply UVC at a dose in a range from 1 millijoules/centimeter2 (mJ/cm²) to 100 mJ/cm². In some embodiments, the light sources 110 can generate and apply near UV at a dose in a range from 5 joules/centimeter² (J/cm²) to 500 J/cm². . In some embodiments, the light sources 110 can provide a combination of different wavelengths of light, for example, but not limited to, UV radiation, far UVC radiation, near UV, blue light and/or violet light to the target surface 350.

At operation 608, a determination can be made to modify the level of the light or amount of the light. The light controller 140 can determine to change or modify a setting or level of the light (e.g., UV radiation, near UV, blue light, violet light) provided to the target surface 350. In embodiments, the photonic disinfection system 100 can provide varying levels of light to the target surface 350 based in part on properties of the target surface 350 (e.g., type of surface, type of animal), a type of bacteria and/or microorganism to be treated, and/or a time period of the treatment. In some embodiments, the photonic disinfection system 100 can provide a first level of light to the target surface 350 during a first time period and a second level of light to the target surface 350 during a second, subsequent time period. The light controller 140 can determine to modify the light based on how long the target surface 350 has been exposed to light, for example, and compare a current time value to a time threshold. The time threshold can indicate the different time periods for different levels of light. In embodiments, the lighting controller 140 can monitor an applied dose and/or accumulated dose for a target surface (e.g., each animal) over a determined time period (e.g., during a milking process, over course of a day) to determine if the applied dose is within or less than the threshold and/or determine if the applied dose is nearing the threshold. The lighting controller 140 can determine to modify the light applied to remain under or within a particular threshold. If the light controller 140 determines to modify the light, the method 600 can return to 604 and the light controller 140 can provide control signals indicated the modified or changed level of light for a next or subsequent dose or time period of treatment. If the light controller 140 determines not to modify the light or that the treatment of light to the target surface 350 is complete, the method 600 can move to operation 610. At operation 610, the disinfection can be completed. For example, the target surface 350 can be removed from the inner cavity 106 of the photonic disinfection system 100. In embodiments, during the milking process, the photonic disinfection system 100 can turn off the light sources (110) or stop emitting light (e.g., UV light can be switched off) when a determined dose and/or required dose has been reached or applied to the target surface 350. In some embodiments, during the milking process, the photonic disinfection system 100 can turn off the light sources (110) or stop emitting light (e.g., UV light can be switched off) when a threshold (e.g., time limit threshold) has been met or reached.

It will be appreciated that lighting controller 140 is illustrative and that variations and modifications are possible. Computer systems used in connection with the present disclosure can have other capabilities not specifically described here. Further, while lighting controller 140 is described with reference to particular blocks, it is to be understood that these blocks are defined for convenience of description and are not intended to imply a particular physical arrangement of component parts. For instance, different blocks can be located in the same facility, in the same server rack, or on the same motherboard. Further, the blocks need not correspond to physically distinct components. Blocks can be configured to perform various operations, e.g., by programming a processor or providing appropriate control circuitry, and various blocks might or might not be reconfigurable depending on how the initial configuration is obtained. Implementations of the present disclosure can be realized in a variety of apparatus including electronic devices implemented using any combination of circuitry and software.

Having now described some illustrative implementations, it is apparent that the foregoing is illustrative and not limiting, having been presented by way of example. In particular, although many of the examples presented herein involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, those acts and those elements can be combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives. Acts, elements and features discussed in connection with one implementation are not intended to be excluded from a similar role in other implementations or implementations.

The hardware and data processing components used to implement the various processes, operations, illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose single- or multi-chip processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or, any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor also may be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. In some embodiments, particular processes and methods may be performed by circuitry that is specific to a given function. The memory (e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device, etc.) may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage, etc.) for storing data and/or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes, layers and modules described in the present disclosure. The memory may be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory, and may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present disclosure. According to an exemplary embodiment, the memory is communicably connected to the processor via a processing circuit and includes computer code for executing (e.g., by the processing circuit and/or the processor) the one or more processes described herein.

The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and program products on any machine-readable media for accomplishing various operations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or another purpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include program products comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine- readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.

The phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” “comprising” “having” “containing” “involving” “characterized by” “characterized in that” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, equivalents thereof, and additional items, as well as alternate implementations consisting of the items listed thereafter exclusively. In one implementation, the systems and methods described herein consist of one, each combination of more than one, or all of the described elements, acts, or components.

Any references to implementations or elements or acts of the systems and methods herein referred to in the singular can also embrace implementations including a plurality of these elements, and any references in plural to any implementation or element or act herein can also embrace implementations including only a single element. References in the singular or plural form are not intended to limit the presently disclosed systems or methods, their components, acts, or elements to single or plural configurations. References to any act or element being based on any information, act or element can include implementations where the act or element is based at least in part on any information, act, or element.

Any implementation disclosed herein can be combined with any other implementation or embodiment, and references to “an implementation,” “some implementations,” “one implementation” or the like are not necessarily mutually exclusive and are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the implementation can be included in at least one implementation or embodiment. Such terms as used herein are not necessarily all referring to the same implementation. Any implementation can be combined with any other implementation, inclusively or exclusively, in any manner consistent with the aspects and implementations disclosed herein.

Where technical features in the drawings, detailed description or any claim are followed by reference signs, the reference signs have been included to increase the intelligibility of the drawings, detailed description, and claims. Accordingly, neither the reference signs nor their absence have any limiting effect on the scope of any claim elements.

Systems and methods described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the characteristics thereof. References to “approximately,” “about” “substantially” or other terms of degree include variations of +/-10% from the given measurement, unit, or range unless explicitly indicated otherwise. Coupled elements can be electrically, mechanically, or physically coupled with one another directly or with intervening elements. Scope of the systems and methods described herein is thus indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are embraced therein.

The term “coupled” and variations thereof includes the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly with or to each other, with the two members coupled with each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled with each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.

References to “or” can be construed as inclusive so that any terms described using “or” can indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. A reference to “at least one of ‘A’ and ‘B’” can include only ‘A’, only ‘B’, as well as both ‘A’ and ‘B’. Such references used in conjunction with “comprising” or other open terminology can include additional items.

Modifications of described elements and acts such as variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations can occur without materially departing from the teachings and advantages of the subject matter disclosed herein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed can be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements can be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions can be altered or varied. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions can also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the disclosed elements and operations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. The orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. The system of claim 7, wherein a second surface (108) of the substrate (102) is disposed proximate to or coupled to the inner surface (210) of the shell (206).

2. The system of claim 7, wherein at least one surface of the inner wall includes a textured portion to diffuse the light generated by the plurality of light sources (110) to a target surface disposed within the chamber.

3. The system of claim 7, wherein the substrate (102) includes a first end, middle portion and a second end, and wherein the first end includes a bent shape with respect to a surface plane of the middle portion and second end to direct a portion of the light outside of the inner cavity (106) of the cylinder.

4. The system of claim 7, wherein the plurality of light sources (110) provide far UVC radiation in a range 205-225 nm to deliver a dose in a rage from of 1 mJ/cm² to 100 mJ/cm² to a target surface.

5. The system of claim 7, wherein the plurality of light sources (110) provide violet light or near UV in a range of 400-420 nm to deliver a dose of in a range from 5 J/cm² to 500 J/cm² to a target surface.

6. The system of claim 7, wherein the plurality of light sources (110) include at least one of: a light emitting diode, excimer, or mercury lamp.

7. A system (100) for providing light to a target surface, the system comprising: a chamber (202) including a liner (204) and a shell (206); the liner (204) including a first material and a second material, wherein the first material is transparent to light and the second material is opaque to the light ; a substrate (102) disposed between the liner (204) and the shell (206) of the chamber (202), wherein the substrate (102) is provided in the form of a cylinder having an inner cavity (106); the substrate (102) including a first surface (104) forming an inner wall of the cylinder and a second surface forming an outer wall of the cylinder, a plurality of light sources (110) coupled to the first surface (104) of the substrate (102) to provide the light to the inner cavity (106) of the cylinder; and a light controller (140) coupled to the plurality of light sources (110) through one or more connections (120), the light controller (140) configured to control a level of the light provided by the plurality of light sources (110) to the inner cavity (106) of the cylinder.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the first material of the liner (204) is optically coupled to the plurality of light sources (110) to receive the light.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the first material of the liner (204) includes a textured portion to portion to diffuse the light generated by the plurality of light sources (110) to a target surface disposed within the chamber (202).

10. The system of claim 7, further comprising a vacuum port (220) extending from at least one surface of the outer wall of the chamber (202) forming an orifice through the inner wall, the substrate and the outer wall to couple the inner cavity (106) to the vacuum port (220).

11. A method for providing light to a target surface, the method comprising: coupling a photonic disinfection system (100) to a target surface, the photonic disinfection system comprising: a chamber (202) including a liner (204) and a shell (206); the liner (204) including a first material and a second material, wherein the first material is transparent to light and the second material is opaque to the light; a substrate (102) disposed between the liner (204) and the shell (206) of the chamber (202), wherein the substrate (102) is provided in the form of a cylinder having an and inner cavity (106); the substrate (102) including a first surface (104) forming an inner wall of the cylinder and a second surface forming an outer wall of the cylinder, a plurality of light sources (110) coupled to the first surface (104) of the substrate (102) to provide light to the inner cavity (106) of the cylinder; and a light controller (140) coupled to the plurality of light sources (110) through one or more connections (120); and providing, by the photonic disinfection system (100), the light to the target surface disposed within the inner cavity (106) of the cylinder, wherein the light controller (140) is configured to control a level of the light provided by the plurality of light sources (HO).

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the plurality of light sources (110) provide far UVC radiation in a range 205-225 nm to deliver a dose of 1 mJ/cm² to 100 mJ/cm² to the target surface.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the plurality of light sources (110) provide violet light or near UV in a range of 400-420 nm to deliver a dose of 5 J/cm² to 500 J/cm² to the target surface.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising disposing a second surface (108) of the substrate (102) proximate to an inner surface (210) of the shell (206) or coupling the second surface (108) to the inner surface (210) of the shell (206) wall of the chamber to provide the light to a target surface disposed within the chamber of the milking system, wherein the inner wall is transparent to the light.

15. The method of claim 12, further comprising positioning the liner (204) within the inner cavity (106) of the substrate (102), wherein the first material of the liner (204) is in direct optical and mechanical contract with the plurality of light sources (110) coupled to the first surface 104 of the substrate 102.