WO2025019320A1

WO2025019320A1 - Disinfecting robot vacuum system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2025019320A1
Application number: PCT/US2024/037812
Authority: WO
Inventors: Manny R. Subramanian; Edward A. WILSON; William J. FLOWER; John D. LINDMAN; Toby D. Henderson
Original assignee: Best Automation Inc
Current assignee: Best Automation Inc
Priority date: 2023-07-18
Filing date: 2024-07-12
Publication date: 2025-01-23
Anticipated expiration: 2026-01-18

Abstract

Embodiments of the automated disinfecting robot vacuum system include a robot vacuum for cleaning a select area or include a disinfecting system adapted to be mounted on a moveable platform. The robot vacuum is provided with a selectively deployable telescoping ultraviolet (UV) assembly for emitting UV rays. UV rays of a predetermined spectrum and intensity eliminate bacteria and viruses exposed to these rays depending on duration and intensity of exposure. The UV assembly includes dosimeters for monitoring UV dosage around the robot vacuum, at least one sensor coupled to the periphery of the robot vacuum for steering and avoiding obstacles, and a misting assembly coupled to the periphery of the robot vacuum for deodorizing/ disinfecting an area covered by the automatic robot vacuum during operation. The robot vacuum or moveable platform can selectively couple to a remote docking assembly to recharge and/or program the vacuum or moveable platform.

Description

DISINFECTING ROBOT VACUUM SYSTEM AND METHOD

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/527,542, filed on July 18, 2023, hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention generally relates to cleaning devices, and more particularly to an automated disinfecting robot vacuum system and method with subsystems for disinfecting and deodorizing select areas to effectively sterilize the select areas and provide a safe environment for users.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] The current pandemic of the Corona virus (Covid- 19) increased awareness of the potential effects of contaminants and bacteria that may exist in one’s environment, whether it is at home or elsewhere. It is well established that masks, frequent handwashing, and liberal use of hand sanitizers all contribute to minimizing the potential risks of spreading the disease to others as well as to oneself. The unprecedented development of vaccines provided a pivotal weapon to combat this virus. Though these vaccines have been proven to be effective in at least minimizing the chances of hospitalization due to Covid, the United States and the world has yet to achieve herd immunity at this time. Consequently, one must still exercise and maintain preventive measures that minimize exposure to such dangerous viruses. [0004] One such measure resides in maintaining a relatively sterile or disinfected environment which is especially important in medical and elderly care facilities where patients and medical staff are constantly exposed to potentially harmful bacteria, including viruses, on a daily basis. Moreover, many patients may be immuno-compromised due to underlying health conditions, which renders them more susceptible to infection.

[0005] Regular or conventional cleaning such as vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, and manual wiping of surfaces with suitable sprays, wet wipes, and the like may be sufficient for the task, and depending on the cleaning solution, may also disinfect surfaces. However, these are all labor-intensive and time-consuming tasks. All these tasks are generally performed one at a time, usually by a single person, so a certain amount of time and effort must be allotted to each. This may not be an operational issue for a well-staffed facility in normal circumstances, but many current facilities have experienced staffing issues due to the extended hardships endured by those in the medical and care industry due to the pandemic. In some countries, medical and elderly care facilities are operating with the bare minimum of staff or less.

[0006] Typical households as well as office and retail spaces can also benefit from a thorough cleaning that provides a high degree of sterilization and disinfection. Such an environment from cleaning helps to reduce transmission of diseases and instances of contamination from vermin, bacteria, viruses and the like, especially of the airborne variety. Unfortunately, this type of cleaning tends to be infrequent due to many factors such as busy schedules of individuals (for households), high costs, specialized equipment, and the physical capability of the one undertaking the cleaning task.

[0007] In light of the above, it would be a benefit in the cleaning arts to provide an automated disinfecting robot vacuum that can perform multiple tasks such as disinfecting and deodorizing in addition to vacuuming so as to sanitize a given area and thereby reduce potential bacterial and viral transmissions.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0008] Embodiments of the automated disinfecting robot vacuum system include a robot vacuum for cleaning a select area. The robot vacuum is provided with a selectively deployable telescoping ultraviolet (UV) assembly for emitting UV rays. UV rays of a predetermined spectrum and intensity eliminate bacteria and viruses exposed to these rays depending on duration and intensity of exposure. The UV assembly includes dosimeters for monitoring UV dosage around the robot vacuum, at least one sensor coupled to the periphery of the robot vacuum for guided steering and/or avoiding obstacles, and a misting assembly coupled to the periphery of the robot vacuum for deodorizing/disinfecting an area covered by the automatic robot vacuum during operation. The robot vacuum can selectively couple to a remote docking assembly to recharge and/or program the vacuum.

[0009] These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Fig 1A is an environmental perspective view of an automated disinfecting robot vacuum system in a working, undocked state with an UV assembly fully extended, according to the present invention. [0011] Fig IB is an environmental perspective view of the automated disinfecting robot vacuum system in a docked state with the UV assembly fully retracted, according to the present invention.

[0012] Fig 2 is a side view of the automated disinfecting robot vacuum system according to the present invention.

[0013] Fig 3 is a bottom view of the automated disinfecting robot vacuum system according to the present invention.

[0014] Fig 4 is perspective view of another embodiment of an automated disinfecting robot vacuum system with an UV assembly in a retracted state according to the present invention.

[0015] Fig 5 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the automated disinfecting robot vacuum system as shown in Fig. 4 with the UV assembly in an extended state according to the present invention.

[0016] Fig 6 is a schematic diagram of general operation for the automated disinfecting robot vacuum system according to the present invention.

[0017] Fig 7 is a schematic diagram of a controller schematic for the automated disinfecting robot vacuum system according to the present invention.

[0018] Unless otherwise indicated, similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Embodiments of the automated disinfecting robot vacuum system, generally referred to by the reference number 10 in the drawings, provides a versatile and easy cleaning system that can clean, disinfect, sterilize and deodorize a preselected or designated area, especially in medical -related environments. The disinfecting robot vacuum system 10 includes a robot vacuum 30, a selectively extendable UV assembly 50 coupled to the robot vacuum 30, a selectively actuatable misting assembly 60 also coupled to the robot vacuum 30, and a docking station 20.

[0020] As shown in Figs. 1A-3, the robot vacuum 30 includes a relatively short, generally circular or cylindrical housing 32 containing components for vacuum cleaning. As best seen in Fig. 3, the robot vacuum 30 is provided with a pair of spaced driven wheels 34 and a follower wheel 36 spaced from the driven wheels 34 at the bottom of the housing 32 to enable automated movement and navigation of the robot vacuum 30 during operation. The driven wheels 34 and the follower wheel 36 are desirably arranged in a triangular pattern to provide a relative stable base enabling the robot vacuum 30 to move in a stable manner. A drive motor 35 within the housing 32 is coupled to each driven wheel 34 to provide the motive force for moving the robot vacuum 30 as well as for steering. Each drive motor 35 is desirably an electric motor, such as a servomotor, so as to facilitate selective reversible rotation and variable speeds with minimal power draw. These features enable the robot vacuum 30 to navigate a designated area due to a wide range of movement afforded by the drive motors 35 such as forward and backward movements of the housing 32 and rotation of the housing 32 about a vertical axis for turning in either left or right directions, all in a power-efficient manner. To ensure smooth steering, the follower wheel 36 is desirably a caster wheel with its mounting bracket freely rotatable about a vertical axis as indicated by the arrows 36a in Fig. 3. This free rotation permits the follower wheel 36 to freely turn in the correct direction in response to any turns initiated by the driven wheels 34 during operation. [0021] An elongate, generally rectangular cutout at the bottom of the housing 32 forms a brush recess 37 for mounting a pair of counter-rotating brushes, such as including a first brush 38a and a second brush 38b therein. These brushes 38a, 38b can also be referred to as main brushes since they perform the main cleaning function of vacuum cleaning. A brush motor 39 within the housing 32 is coupled to the brushes 38a, 38b to power the same during operation. The first brush 38a is desirably an agitator brush for loosening, lifting and pulling in dirt or other debris from the floor or carpet with the first brush 38a rotating in one direction, usually corresponding to the direction of movement of the robot vacuum 30. For example and when seen from the side, if the robot vacuum 30 is moving from left to right, the rotation of the first brush 38a will be clockwise. The second brush 38b is desirably an accelerator brush rotating in the opposite direction, i.e., counter clockwise, from the first brush 38a to propel and direct the dirt and debris from the first brush 38a into a vacuum assembly 40. The vacuum assembly 40 is in communication with the brush recess 37 and provides suction to draw in the dirt and debris and directs the same into a waste bin 40a for collection and subsequent removal. The waste bin 40a can be a compartment accessed through a hatch; a compartment movable between closed and open positions; or a removable compartment. These are some examples for the waste bin 40a depending on application and use and should not be construed in a limiting sense. For containment and minimizing spread of potentially harmful airborne particles during vacuuming, the vacuum assembly 40 desirably includes a filter system, such as a HEPA filter (not shown), in a manner known to those skilled in the art.

[0022] The robot vacuum 30 can also include one or more rotary side brushes 46 near the bottom periphery of the housing 32. These side brushes 46 agitate dirt or debris near comers and other areas not easily accessible by the main brushes 38a, 38b. The agitated dirt or debris from the side brushes 46 will eventually be picked up and processed by the main brushes 38a, 38b. The rotary power for the side brushes 46 can be provided by one or more separate electric motors (not shown) for the side brushes or coupled to the brush motor 39. In an embodiment with two or more side brushes 46, adjacent pairs of side brushes 46 can be configured to counter rotate so as to direct dirt generally towards the middle of the housing 32 for vacuum cleaning by the main brushes 38a, 38b. The arrangement and powering of the side brushes 46 can vary depending on application and use and should not be construed in a limiting sense.

[0023] To facilitate autonomous navigation of the disinfecting robot vacuum system 10, the robot vacuum 30 includes a plurality of sensors 48, such as photocell and/or infrared sensors and the like, around an outer circumferential periphery of the robot vacuum 30. A control 302 (Fig. 7) within the disinfecting robot vacuum system 10 includes a program for analyzing the sensed data and determine steerage of the robot vacuum 30 during operation. For example, if the robot vacuum 30 encounters a wall or an obstacle, either by impact or predetermined proximity limit, the sensors 48 relay this data to control 302. After analysis, the control 302 determines the best manner to steer around the object, or in the case of a wall, the best manner to follow the wall depending on predetermined parameters such as predefined follow distance from the wall surface and/or predetermined layout of the designated area. The sensors 48 can also include internal torque sensors 48a coupled to the driven wheels 34 to monitor certain parameters such as collision conditions and travel distance so as to assist control 302 and the program for efficient operation.

[0024] The robot vacuum 30 described thus far provides the general vacuum cleaning function of the disinfecting robot vacuum system 10. The disinfecting robot vacuum system 10 also includes features for disinfecting and/or eliminating viruses, bacteria, mold, pathogens, odors and the like.

[0025] As shown in Figs. 1A and IB, the disinfecting robot vacuum system 10 is provided with a selectively deployable UV assembly 50. The UV assembly 50 is configured to expose the environment to ultraviolet radiation, more specifically UVC or UV-C. UV-C is the highest energy portion of ultraviolet radiation spectrum, i.e., shortest wavelength, and it has been shown to be an efficient means of killing microbes, including bacteria and viruses. However, unprotected exposure to UV-C can be harmful. Thus, the disinfecting robot vacuum system 10 is configured to be employed in the absence of personnel, such as an unoccupied room, when the UV assembly 50 is to be used. Other forms of UV radiation may also be employed, such as UV- A (longest wavelength) or UV-B (medium wavelength). However, UV-A and UV-B are not as effective as UV-C in sterilizing an area exposed to ultraviolet light.

[0026] In an embodiment, the UV assembly 50 includes a telescoping mast with one or more extendable sections 52a, 52b, 52c. As best seen in Figs. 1A and 2 when viewed from top to bottom, the telescoping mast includes a cylindrical first UV section 52a with a given diameter or dimensions; a cylindrical second UV section 52b having a diameter or dimension greater than the first UV section 52a which enables the first UV section 52a to be nested within the second UV section 52b in a retracted state; and a cylindrical third UV section 52c having a diameter or dimension greater than the second UV section 52b which enables the second UV section 52b (and therefore the first UV section 52a inclusive) to be nested within the third UV section 52c in the retracted state. The UV sections 52a, 52b, 52c are coupled to a telescopic driver 53 to selectively extend or retract the UV sections 52a, 52b, 52c with respect to the housing 32. Examples of telescopic drivers include, but not limited to, pneumatic drivers, hydraulic drivers and mechanical linear drivers.

[0027] Each UV section 52a, 52b, 52c is provided with one or more vertical UV emitter strips 54a, 54b, 54c. Each UV emitter strip 54a, 54b, 54c includes one or more discrete UV emitters or sources, such as one or more elongate UV fluorescent bulbs or lamps for each UV emitter strip 54a, 54b, 54c or a columnar array of one or more UV LEDs for each UV emitter strip 54a, 54b, 54c. UV LEDs are more desirable due to their relatively low power consumption compared to other types of UV light emitters, UV bulbs, UV lamps or UV sources.

[0028] To control and monitor dosage of UV radiation exposure in the designated area, the UV assembly 50 includes one or more dosimeters 56 arranged around the outer periphery of the housing 32, these dosimeters 56 being in communication with the control 302. The dosimeters 56 measure the total delivered radiation dose.

[0029] In use, the control 302 for the disinfecting robot vacuum system 10 utilizes data from the abovementioned sensors 48, 48a and the dosimeters 56 to estimate the area and/or volume of the designated area as well as the potential bioburden therein. This will determine, via control 302 and program, the irradiation time required for sterilization, such as for complete or substantially complete sterilization, and when needed, to periodically adjust the length, intensity, and irradiation time for operation of the UV assembly 50. The periodic adjustments can occur due to real-time constant monitoring of the sensors 48, 48a and dosimeters 56 during operation. Based on this determination, one or more of the UV sections 52a, 52b, 52c are raised by the action of the telescopic driver 53 upon command from the control 302 to expose the respective UV emitter strips 54a, 54b, 54c. The UV emitter strips 54a, 54b, 54c are activated to commence sterilizing irradiation. This UV sterilization can occur in tandem with a vacuum cleaning cycle or independently therefrom. When irradiation is complete, the control 302 activates the telescopic driver 53 to retract the UV sections 52a, 52b, 52c back into the housing 32.

[0030] Regarding the selective extension and retraction of the UV sections 52a, 52b, 52c, the number and sequence of deploying these UV sections 52a, 52b, 52c can vary. For example, instead of a full extension of the telescoping mast as shown in Figs. 1A and 2, one or two of the first UV section 52a, the second UV section 52b and the third UV section 52c can be independently extended and retracted as a partial extension/retraction of the telescoping mast. This partial extension/retraction can be useful in areas with limited space and/or power availability from a power source 44 (Fig. 3). Additionally, the sequence of extending the telescoping mast can be facilitated in the order of the first UV section 52a to the third UV section 52c and vice versa. Any combination of number and deploying sequence of the UV sections 52a, 52b, 52c can be changed depending on application and use by the user.

[0031] Referring to Figs. 1A-3, the disinfecting robot vacuum system 10 also includes a misting assembly 60 to deodorize and/or disinfect the designated area during operation. The misting assembly 60 includes a tank 62 within the housing 32 coupled to an array of spray or misting nozzles 64 around the outer periphery of the housing 32. The tank 62 contains a given volume of deodorizer and/or disinfectant and operates in the manner of an aerosol. Upon command from the control 302, the tank 62 releases its content through the misting nozzles 64 to expel the deodorant and/or disinfectant as a mist into the environment. Thus, the misting assembly 60 provides a means for masking or neutralizing any unpleasant odors and/or an additional means for sterilizing/disinfecting the designated area. Operation of the misting assembly 60 can be in tandem with both the robot vacuum 30 and the UV assembly 50 during the cleaning cycle or independent therefrom. [0032] The operating power for the disinfecting robot vacuum system 10 including the robot vacuum 30, UV assembly 50, the misting assembly 60 and the control 302 is provided by the power source 44 coupled to the interior of the housing 32 as shown in Fig. 3. This power source 44 is desirably a lithium-ion (Li-ion) rechargeable battery with suitable capacity for extended operation. A Li-ion battery is generally more desirable due to its relative low weight and quick charge/discharge times. However, other types of rechargeable batteries can be used, such as nickel metal hydride (NiMH) and the like, depending on the requirements of the user.

[0033] Whenever the disinfecting robot vacuum system 10 requires a recharge, the control 302 directs the robot vacuum 30 to the docking station 20. As best seen in Figs. 1A and IB, the docking station 20 is desirably an upstanding structure with a power-transfer contact 22 near the bottom of the docking station 20 to selectively contact a corresponding contact on the robot vacuum 30 (not shown) when the robot vacuum 30 docks onto the docking station 20. The power-transfer contact 22 is normally plugged into or communicates with an outlet and transfers power from the outlet to the robot vacuum 30 through the power-transfer contact 22 whenever the robot vacuum 30 is docked and thereby recharges the battery.

[0034] Other types of charging can also be employed to recharge the battery. For example, the robot vacuum 30 can be provided with a socket, such as a USB socket, for selective connection to a power bank. This type of recharging can be useful in situations where the docking station cannot be employed or does not have ready access to power from an outlet. Additionally, the disinfecting robot vacuum system 10 can incorporate various types of wireless charging technologies known to those in the art to fulfill its charging needs.

[0035] The top of the docking station 20 can include a display 23, operating buttons 24 and indicator lights 25. The display 23 can be a small digital display, monochrome or colored, showing various information on the disinfecting robot system such as operational status of the disinfecting robot vacuum 30, time, cleaning cycle duration, battery life, etc. The buttons 24 can be used to power on the system as well as input user-defined operational settings such as establishing a wi-fi connection and parameters for cleaning and disinfecting, e.g., a combination of vacuum, UV irradiation and misting functions. The indicator lights 25 are desirably LED lights that can change color to provide visual cues as to the general operation of the disinfecting robot vacuum system 10. These visual cues can be a specific color representing certain conditions, such as the powered state of the robot vacuum 30, connectivity, battery level, and the like.

[0036] The docking station 20 can also include a detachable remote controller 26 that mirrors the functionality of the buttons 24. When not in use, the remote controller 26 can be stored in an integrated storage pocket 27 disposed on a side of the docking station 20.

[0037] Referring to Figs. 4 and 5, these views show another embodiment of a disinfecting robot vacuum system, generally referred to by the reference number 100. Similar reference numbers in the “100” series refer to similar features in the previously described disinfecting robot vacuum system 10.

[0038] In this embodiment, the disinfecting robot vacuum system 100 can be configured as a kit that includes a UV assembly 150, a misting assembly 160 and hardware for mounting these assemblies onto a conventional robot vacuum; or a kit that includes a robot vacuum 130, the UV assembly 150, the misting assembly 160 and means for mounting the assemblies onto the robot vacuum 130.

[0039] As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the robot vacuum 130 is similar in function to the previously described robot vacuum 30 except for integrated dosimeters 56 for the UV assembly 50 and misting nozzles 64 for the misting assembly 60. Accordingly, the robot vacuum 130 includes all the previously described features in the robot vacuum 30 to enable automated vacuum cleaning and self-navigation during operation. Alternatively, the robot vacuum 130 can be a conventional off-the-shelf robot vacuum for mounting the assemblies thereon.

[0040] To facilitate coupling or mounting of the UV assembly 150 and the misting assembly 160 onto the robot vacuum 130, the disinfecting robot vacuum system 100 is provided with a generally T-shaped mount bracket 101 secured to the top of the robot vacuum 130 by fasteners 102. The general T-shape of the mount bracket 101 is defined by an elongate cross section 101a and an elongate center section 101b. Examples of fasteners 102 include, but are not limited to, screws, bolts and the like. A pair of bracket caster wheels 103 are mounted to and extend downward from opposite ends of the cross section 101a of the mount bracket 101.

[0041] Each bracket caster wheel 103 depend a suitable length from the mount bracket 101 so as to maintain the mount bracket 101 at a constant or a substantially constant parallel height with respect to the top of the robot vacuum 130 when assembled. By this construction, the secured mount bracket 101 and the bracket caster wheels 103 provide a level and stable platform for mounting and operation of the UV assembly 150 and the misting assembly 160. The bracket caster wheels 103 enhance stabilization to counteract potential imbalances from the mounted assemblies during operation, especially when traversing over uneven terrain. As can be seen from Figs. 1A, IB, 4 and 5, the configuration of the disinfecting robot vacuum system 100 is relatively taller than the disinfecting robot vacuum system 10. Consequently, the center of mass of the disinfecting robot vacuum system 100 is relatively higher than that of the disinfecting robot vacuum system 10 mainly due to the weight and vertical height of the UV assembly, which increases or can increase the chances of toppling during operation. The arrangement of the bracket caster wheels 103 minimizes this potential accident or occurrence.

[0042] The UV assembly 150 includes a main post 151 mounted to a bottom portion of the center section 101b. A UV section 152 is coupled to a piston rod 153 reciprocally mounted within the main post 151 and carried thereby. The main post 151 serves as a piston cylinder enabling the piston rod 153 to reciprocate therein to selectively raise and lower the UV section 152. The piston action can be facilitated by hydraulic, pneumatic or linear mechanical means, for example.

[0043] As with the UV sections 52a, 52b, 52c, the UV section 152 is provided with one or more vertical UV emitter strips 154. Each UV emitter strip 154 includes one or more discrete UV emitters or sources, such as one or more elongate UV fluorescent bulbs or lamps for each UV emitter strip 154 or a columnar array of one or more UV LEDs for each UV emitter strip 154. UV LEDs are more desirable due to their relatively low power consumption compared to other types of light emitters, bulbs or sources. Unlike the UV assembly 50, the UV assembly 150 incorporates one or more dosimeters 156 arranged around the lower outer periphery of the UV section 152. In all other respects, the UV assembly 150 functions substantially the same as the UV assembly 50.

[0044] The misting assembly 160 is mounted to a vertical mount 104 on the mount bracket 101 near the UV assembly 150. The misting assembly 160 includes a tank 162 supported on the vertical mount 104, and a misting nozzle 164 operatively coupled to the tank 162. The tank 162 contains a given volume of deodorizer and/or disinfectant and operates in the manner of an aerosol. An actuator 163 is disposed between the tank 162 and the misting nozzle 164 to selectively force the contents of the tank 162 through the misting nozzle 164. In all other respects, the misting assembly 160 functions substantially the same as the misting assembly 60.

[0045] The general operation of the disinfecting robot vacuum system 10, 100 is schematically shown in Figs. 6 and 7. The disinfecting robot vacuum system 10, 100 is configured to be programmable and controlled through an internal control and program, and the components and operation of the disinfecting robot vacuum system 10, 100 are powered by a suitable power source, such as a Li-ion battery or other suitable rechargeable battery, for example. As can be seen in Fig. 6, the disinfecting robot vacuum system 10, 100 follows a general operation 200 that includes a program/application 202 containing instructions for various operating functions such as vacuum cleaning, parameters for UV irradiation and deodorizing/disinfecting via the misting assembly 60, 160 in a given cleaning cycle as well as independent operation of the robot vacuum 30, 130, the UV assembly 50, 150 and the misting assembly 60, 160. A user can set desired parameters for each cleaning/disinfecting component through an interface/input 204 via wired or wireless communication. For wireless communication, the control 302 employs wi-fi and/or Bluetooth™ means to enable communication between the interface/input 204, control 302 and the cleaning/disinfecting components of the disinfecting robot vacuum system 10, 100. Various means can be employed to input commands and settings such as a smartphone 206a, a tablet 206b, or a pc/laptop 206c, such as personal computers, laptops and work stations. These devices will interface through an application on the respective devices.

[0046] The schematic diagram of Fig. 7 details a controller schematic 300 as to the various functions of the disinfecting robot vacuum system 10, 100. The control 302 contains a program for operation and a memory 304 for storing programs, settings data and data from sensors 48, 48a and dosimeters 56, 156. The control 302 obtains settings and command data from input 304 via the interface/input 204, via either wireless 306a or wired 306b communication. In most instances, the input would be performed wirelessly but situations may arise where a wired connection is the only option, e.g., an unexpected power outage.

[0047] Based on the commands and settings from the user, the control 302 executes a cleaning cycle through a processor 303 that includes one or more of the following cleaning functions: vacuum clean 308, UV disinfect 310 and deodorize/disinfect 312. Calculations are performed by the processor 303, which may be any suitable type of computer processor, and the results thereof are used to operate the robot vacuum 30, 130, the UV assembly 50, 150 and the misting assembly 60, 160.

[0048] The control 302, the processor 303 and the memory 304 may be associated with, or incorporated into, any suitable type of computing device, for example, a programmable logic controller (PLC) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), all disposed within the robot vacuum 30, 130, the UV assembly 50, 150, the misting assembly 60, 160 and/or the docking station 20. The control 302, the processor 303 and the memory 304, the associated working components of the disinfecting robot vacuum assembly 10, 100 and any associated computer readable media are in communication with one another by any suitable type of data bus, as is well known in the art.

[0049] Examples of computer readable media include a magnetic recording apparatus, non-transitory computer readable storage memory, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, and/or a semiconductor memory (for example, RAM, ROM, etc.). Examples of magnetic recording apparatus that may be used in addition to memory 304, or in place of memory 304, include a hard disk device (HDD), a flexible disk (FD), and a magnetic tape (MT). Examples of the optical disk include a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a DVD-RAM, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), and a CD-R (Recordable)/RW.

[0050] Regarding vacuum clean 308, the processor 303 of the control 302 can determine optimal time, intensity of vacuum cleaning, and navigation based on data from the sensors 48, 48a and presets such as flooring type. The processor 303 can also generate a general topography of the designated area from sensor data to further optimize navigation. This is facilitated through machine learning over time. Regarding the UV disinfect 310, the processor 303 can determine and execute intensity of UV emission and optimal duration of irradiation based on dosimeter readings from the dosimeters 56, 156 and bioburden considerations. Regarding the deodorize/disinfect 312, the processor 303 executes misting of the designated area based on user- defined settings, such as the timing and sequence of the cleaning cycle, and the type of misting, e.g., interval or continuous sprays.

[0051] It can be seen from the above that the disinfecting robot vacuum system 10, 100 provides autonomous cleaning and disinfecting of the designated area in a relatively compact form. The UV assembly 50, 150 and the misting assembly 60, 160 are effective means of eliminating microbes, and these assemblies expand the generic cleaning function of a conventional robot vacuum to one that also disinfects. This is very helpful for medical facilities in maintaining relatively clean, sterile and safe environment for patients and staff. Additionally, embodiments of the disinfecting robot vacuum system 10, 100 can include a disinfecting system 10, 100 including the UV assembly 50, 150 and the misting assembly 60, 160, these assemblies having the above described features, and the disinfecting system 10, 100 can be adapted to be coupled to a moveable platform. The moveable platform can include the features as described above in relation to the robot vacuum 30, 130, but the moveable platform can also be without the vacuum cleaning functions as described above in relation to the robot vacuum 30, 130. Also, the moveable platform can be associated with a docking station, similar to the docking station 20, and having the above described features of the docking station 20.

[0052] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A disinfecting robot vacuum system for cleaning and disinfecting a designated area, comprising: a robot vacuum having a housing and vacuum cleaning means; an UV assembly coupled to the robot vacuum, the UV assembly having at least one selectively extendable UV section, the at least one UV section having at least one UV emitter for emitting UV radiation on the designated area and thereby disinfect the designated area; a misting assembly coupled to the robot vacuum, the misting assembly having a tank selectively filled with a deodorizer/disinfectant and at least one misting nozzle operatively coupled to the tank, the misting assembly being selectively actuatable to expel the deodorizer/disinfectant through the at least one misting nozzle; and a control for operating one or more of the robot vacuum, the UV assembly and the misting assembly to clean and disinfect the designated area.

2. The disinfecting robot vacuum system for cleaning and disinfecting a designated area according to Claim 1, wherein the robot vacuum comprises: a pair of spaced driven wheels for steering the housing of the robot vacuum during use and a follower wheel spaced from the driven wheels, the follower wheel being freely rotatable about a vertical axis to be steered in response to a steering direction of the driven wheels; at least one main brush for loosening dirt and debris on a surface of the designated area; a vacuum assembly in communication with the at least one main brush to draw the dirt and debris, the at least one main brush directing the loosened dirt and debris towards the vacuum assembly; a waste bin disposed in the housing, the waste bin collecting the dirt and debris from the vacuum assembly; and at least one sensor coupled to the housing for detecting an obstacle, the at least one sensor providing data for optimal navigation of the robot vacuum during use.

3. The disinfecting robot vacuum system for cleaning and disinfecting a designated area according to Claim 1, wherein the at least one selectively extendable UV section comprises: a cylindrical first UV section with a given diameter; a cylindrical second UV section having a diameter greater than the given diameter of the first UV section, the second UV section facilitating selective nesting of the first UV section within the second UV section in a retracted state of the at least one selectively extendable UV section; a cylindrical third UV section having a diameter greater than the diameter of the second UV section, the third UV section facilitating selective nesting of the second UV section within the third UV section in the retracted state of the at least one selectively extendable UV section; and a telescopic driver coupled to the at least one selectively extendable UV section to selectively extend and retract one or more of the first UV section, the second UV section and the third UV section with respect to the housing, the first UV section, the second UV section and the third UV section defining a selectively extendable mast for selective deployment of the first UV section, the second UV section and the third UV section.

4. The disinfecting robot vacuum system for cleaning and disinfecting a designated area according to Claim 3, wherein the at least one UV emitter comprises: at least one UV lamp or at least one UV LED, the at least one UV emitter being respectively disposed in at least one vertical column on a periphery of the first UV section, the second UV section and the third UV section.

5. The disinfecting robot vacuum system for cleaning and disinfecting a designated area according to Claim 4, wherein the UV assembly further comprises: at least one dosimeter coupled to the housing, the at least one dosimeter measuring UV radiation dosage on the designated area due to exposure to UV radiation from the at least one UV emitter during use.

6. The disinfecting robot vacuum system for cleaning and disinfecting a designated area according to Claim 1, wherein the at least one selectively extendable UV section comprises: a main post coupled to a mount bracket on the robot vacuum; a piston rod reciprocally mounted within the main post; and the at least one selectively extendable UV section coupled to the piston rod; the main post, the piston rod and the at least one selectively extendable UV section defining a selectively extendable mast for deployment of the at least one selectively extendable UV section.

7. The disinfecting robot vacuum system for cleaning and disinfecting a designated area according to Claim 6, wherein the at least one at least one UV emitter comprises: at least one UV lamp or at least one UV LED, the at least one UV emitter being disposed in at least one vertical column on a periphery of the at least one selectively extendable UV section.

8. The disinfecting robot vacuum system for cleaning and disinfecting a designated area according to Claim 7, wherein the UV assembly further comprises: at least one dosimeter coupled to the at least one selectively extendable UV section, the at least one dosimeter measuring UV radiation dosage on the designated area due to exposure to UV radiation from the at least one UV emitter during use.

9. The disinfecting robot vacuum system for cleaning and disinfecting a designated area according to Claim 1, wherein the misting assembly comprises: the tank disposed within the housing and a plurality of misting nozzles disposed in an array around the periphery of the housing, the plurality of misting nozzles being coupled to the tank for selective expelling of the deodorizer/disinfectant.

10. The disinfecting robot vacuum system for cleaning and disinfecting a designated area according to Claim 1, wherein the misting assembly comprises: the tank coupled to a mount bracket on the robot vacuum; the at least one misting nozzle coupled to the tank; and an actuator disposed between the tank and the at least one misting nozzle, the actuator being in communication with the tank and the at least one misting nozzle to facilitate selective dispensing of the deodorizer/disinfectant through the at least one misting nozzle.

11. The disinfecting robot vacuum system for cleaning and disinfecting a designated area according to Claim 1, further comprising: a power source for powering the robot vacuum, the UV assembly, the misting assembly and the control.

12. The disinfecting robot vacuum system for cleaning and disinfecting a designated area according to Claim 11, wherein the power source comprises: a rechargeable battery disposed within the housing.

13. The disinfecting robot vacuum system for cleaning and disinfecting a designated area according to Claim 12, further comprising: a docking station for recharging the rechargeable battery.

14. A disinfecting system adapted to be coupled to a moveable platform, comprising: an UV assembly adapted to be coupled to the moveable platform, the UV assembly having at least one selectively extendable UV section, the at least one UV section having at least one UV emitter for emitting UV radiation on a designated area and thereby disinfect the designated area; a misting assembly adapted to be coupled to the moveable platform, the misting assembly having a tank selectively filled with a deodorizer/disinfectant and at least one misting nozzle operatively coupled to the tank, the misting assembly being selectively actuatable to expel the deodorizer/disinfectant through the at least one misting nozzle; and a control for operating one or more of the UV assembly, the misting assembly and the moveable platform to clean and disinfect the designated area.

15. The disinfecting system adapted to be coupled to a moveable platform according to Claim 14, wherein the at least one selectively extendable UV section comprises: a main post coupled to a mount bracket adapted to be coupled to the moveable platform; a piston rod reciprocally mounted within the main post; and the at least one selectively extendable UV section coupled to the piston rod; the main post, the piston rod and the at least one selectively extendable UV section defining a selectively extendable mast for deployment of the at least one selectively extendable UV section.

16. The disinfecting system adapted to be coupled to a moveable platform according to Claim 15, wherein the at least one UV emitter comprises: at least one UV lamp or at least one UV LED, the at least one UV emitter being disposed in at least one vertical column on a periphery of the at least one selectively extendable UV section.

17. The disinfecting system adapted to be coupled to a moveable platform according to Claim 16, wherein the UV assembly further comprises: at least one dosimeter coupled to the at least one selectively extendable UV section, the at least one dosimeter measuring UV radiation dosage on the designated area due to exposure to UV radiation from the at least one UV emitter during use.

18. The disinfecting system adapted to be coupled to a moveable platform according to Claim 14, wherein the misting assembly comprises: the tank coupled to a mount bracket adapted to be coupled to the moveable platform; the at least one misting nozzle coupled to the tank; and an actuator disposed between the tank and the at least one misting nozzle, the actuator being in communication with the tank and the at least one misting nozzle to facilitate selective dispensing of the deodorizer/disinfectant through the at least one misting nozzle.

19. The disinfecting system adapted to be coupled to a moveable platform according to Claim 14, wherein: the moveable platform comprises a robot vacuum.