Ultraviolet disinfection system

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention include a vessel having an opening and a detachable cover for covering the opening. The cover includes a semiconductor device with an active layer disposed between an n-type region and a p-type region. The active layer emits radiation having a peak wavelength in a UV range. The cover also includes a sensor for detecting whether the cover is covering the opening.

1 - 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . A device comprising:
 a vessel for containing a liquid to be disinfected, the vessel comprising an opening;   a detachable cover for covering the opening, the cover comprising:
 a support structure; 
 a UV LED mounted on the support structure, the UV LED comprising a semiconductor device comprising an active layer disposed between an n-type region and a p-type region, wherein the active layer emits radiation having a peak wavelength in a UV range; 
 a fluid-tight optic over the UV LED; 
 a wall spaced from and overlying the support structure, the wall having an opening through which the optic is exposed, the wall forming a first fluid-tight seal with the vessel; and 
 a second fluid-tight seal formed within the opening in the wall to prevent the fluid in the vessel from contacting the UV LED and support structure, the second fluid-tight seal filling the opening around the optic and conforming to outer surfaces of the optic and the opening. 
   
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 19  wherein the second fluid-tight seal is formed of one of silicone and epoxy. 
     
     
         21 . The device of  claim 19  wherein the second fluid-tight seal extends down to the support structure, while conforming to sides of the optic, and protrudes through the opening. 
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 19  wherein the optic protrudes through the opening in the wall. 
     
     
         23 . The device of  claim 19  wherein the optic is a domed lens. 
     
     
         24 . The device of  claim 19  wherein the optic collimates light emitted by the UV LED. 
     
     
         25 . The device of  claim 19  wherein the optic directly overlies a top surface of the UV LED but not side surfaces of the UV LED. 
     
     
         26 . The device of  claim 25  wherein the optic is affixed to the UV LED by an adhesive that surrounds the UV LED. 
     
     
         27 . The device of  claim 19  wherein the support structure is a printed circuit board. 
     
     
         28 . A device comprising:
 a vessel for containing a liquid to be disinfected, the vessel comprising an opening;   a detachable cover for covering the opening; and   an electrically powered sonication device within the vessel of the cover for supplying sound energy to agitate the liquid.   
     
     
         29 . The device of  claim 28  wherein the sonication device comprises a piezoelectric device. 
     
     
         30 . The device of  claim 28  wherein the sonication device is within the cover. 
     
     
         31 . The device of  claim 28  wherein the sonication device is positioned within the liquid. 
     
     
         32 . The device of  claim 28  wherein the sonication device vibrates at a frequency between 20 Hz and 400 kHz.