Ultraviolet disinfection system
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. A device comprising:
a vessel comprising an opening; and
a detachable cover for covering the opening, the cover 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; and
a sensor for detecting whether the cover is covering the opening.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein the sensor is a detector of light.
3. The device of claim 1 wherein an inner surface of the vessel comprises a food safe material.
4. The device of claim 1 wherein the cover further comprises a thermistor.
5. The device of claim 1 wherein the cover further comprises a controller for supplying current to the semiconductor device.
6. The device of claim 5 wherein the cover further comprises a computer readable memory encoded with instructions for:
the controller receiving a user-generated input from a switch; and
the controller supplying current to the semiconductor device if the sensor indicates the cover is covering the opening.
7. The device of claim 6 wherein:
the cover further comprises an indicator; and
the computer readable memory further comprises instructions for:
activating a first indicator state if the sensor indicates the cover is not covering the opening; and
activating a second indicator state if the controller is supplying current to the semiconductor device.
8. The device of claim 7 wherein:
the indicator comprises a first light of a first color and a second light of a second color;
activating a first indicator state comprises activating the first light; and
activating a second indicator state comprises activating the second light.
9. The device of claim 6 wherein:
the cover further comprises a UV detector; and
the computer readable memory further comprises instructions for adjusting an amount of current supplied to the semiconductor device or a time current is supplied to the semiconductor device based on an output of the UV detector.
10. The device of claim 1 wherein an inner surface of the vessel comprises a UV reflective material.
11. A device comprising:
a vessel comprising an opening; and
a detachable cover for covering the opening, the cover 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; and
a detector for detecting whether the cover is covering the opening.
12. The device of claim 11 wherein:
the cover comprises a recess;
the detector is an infrared detector and is disposed on a first side of the recess;
an infrared source is disposed on a second side of the recess opposite the first side; and
the vessel comprises a wall that interposes the two sides of the recess when the cover is covering the vessel.
13. The device of claim 11 wherein:
the cover comprises a recess;
the detector is a visible light detector and is disposed on a first side of the recess;
a visible light source is disposed on a second side of the recess opposite the first side; and
the vessel comprises a wall that interposes the two sides of the recess when the cover is covering the vessel.
14. The device of claim 11 wherein an inner surface of the vessel comprises a food safe material.
15. The device of claim 11 wherein the cover further comprises a thermistor.
16. The device of claim 11 wherein the cover further comprises a controller for supplying current to the semiconductor device.
17. The device of claim 16 wherein the cover further comprises a computer readable memory encoded with instructions for:
the controller receiving a user-generated input from a switch; and
the controller supplying current to the semiconductor device if the detector detects the cover is covering the opening.
18. The device of claim 17 wherein:
the cover further comprises an indicator; and
the computer readable memory further comprises instructions for:
activating a first indicator state if the detector detects the cover is not covering the opening; and
activating a second indicator state if the controller is supplying current to the semiconductor device.