106. Flush water delivery pipe 106 may transmit the received water to toilet 112 through an outlet end 110 that is fluidically coupled to toilet 112.

In some embodiments, flush water delivery pipe 106 may comprise stainless steel. In some embodiments, flush water delivery pipe 106 may comprise one or more plastics. In some embodiments, flush water delivery pipe 106 may be greater than or equal to 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, or 3 feet in length. In some embodiments, flush water delivery pipe 106 may be less than or equal to 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, or 3 feet in length. In some embodiments, flush water delivery pipe 106 may be between about 1-2, about 2-3, or about 3-4 feet in length. In some embodiments, flush water delivery pipe 106 may be configured to be concealed within a wall behind toilet 112.

In some embodiments, the flush valve housed by flush valve housing 102 may be a manual flush valve configured to be manually controlled by a user (e.g., with a lever or a button). In some embodiments, the flush valve housed by flush valve housing 102 may be an automatic flush valve configured to automatically flush toilet 112 when one or more conditions are met. For example, the flush valve housed by flush valve housing 102 may be an automatic flush valve that is configured to communicate with a motion sensor or a presence sensor. When the motion sensor detects movement proximal to toilet 112, or when the presence sensor detects a change in user presence proximal to toilet 112, the flush valve housed by flush valve housing 102 may be configured to flush toilet 112.

UV light source 114 may be at least partially housed within flush valve housing 102. Flush valve housing 102 may comprise an aperture 116 through which UV light source 114 is configured to emit ultraviolet light. In some embodiments, UV light source 114 may comprise one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

In some embodiments, the light emitted by UV light source 114 through aperture 116 may be configured to illuminate a target disinfection volume 118. In some embodiments, target disinfection volume 118 may include a toilet seat 120 of toilet 112. In some embodiments, target disinfection volume 118 may include a toilet bowl 122 of toilet 112. In some embodiments, target disinfection volume 118 may include a portion of a floor 124 below toilet 112.

In some embodiments, target disinfection volume 118 may be a conical volume. In some embodiments, target disinfection volume 118 may be a pyramidal volume. In some embodiments, target disinfection volume 118 may encompass a total volume of at least 1, at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, or at least 5 cubic feet. In some embodiments, target disinfection volume 118 may encompass a total volume of less than or equal to 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 cubic feet.

UV light source 114 may be configured to emit light in the UV-C range (i.e., germicidal ultraviolet light). In some embodiments, UV light source 114 may be configured to emit light with a wavelength less than or equal to 300, 280, 260, 240, 220, 200, or 180 nanometers. In some embodiments, UV light source 114 may be configured to emit light with a wavelength greater than or equal to 300, 280, 260, 240, 220, 200, or 180 nanometers. In some embodiments, UV light source 114 may be configured to emit light with a wavelength between about 200-220, 200-240, 200-260, 200-280, or 200-300 nanometers.

In some embodiments, when activated (i.e., turned on), UV light source 114 may be configured to deliver a specific dose of ultraviolet light to target disinfection volume 118. In some embodiments, UV light source 114 may be configured to deliver at least 1, at least 5, at least 10, at least 20, at least 30, at least 40, at least 50, at least 60, at least 70, at least 80, at least 90, or at least 100 mJ/cm²of ultraviolet light to target disinfection volume 118. In some embodiments, UV light source 114 may be configured to deliver less than or equal to 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, or 100 mJ/cm²of ultraviolet light to target disinfection volume 118. The dose of ultraviolet light delivered by UV light source 114 may be configured to target and eliminate one or more bacteria, fungi, or viruses. For example, in some embodiments, UV light source 114 may be configured to target and eliminate Streptococcus bacteria and thus may deliver a dose of UV light between about 2 mJ/cm²and about 12 mJ/cm²to target disinfection volume 118. In some embodiments, UV light source 114 may be configured to target and eliminate E. coli bacteria and thus may deliver a dose of UV light between about 1.5 mJ/cm²and about 17 mJ/cm²to target disinfection volume 118.

In some embodiments, UV light source 114 may receive energy from a power source 126. In some embodiments, UV light source 114 may be electrically coupled to power source 126 through a wired connection. In some embodiments, UV light source 114 may receive power wirelessly from power source 126. In some embodiments, power source 126 may include one or more batteries. In some embodiments, power source 126 may be configured to electrically couple to a power supply for a building (e.g., a power supply for an office).

In some embodiments, UV light source 114 may be controlled by a controller comprising one or more processors. The controller may be housed by flush valve housing 102. In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to detect that one or more activation conditions have been met and, in response to detecting that the one or more activation conditions have been met, activate UV light source 114. In some embodiments, the activation conditions may be associated with a user presence in a predetermined proximity of toilet 112.

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate perspective views of an exemplary flush valve assembly with an ultraviolet light module for sanitizing a urinal, according to some embodiments. Specifically, FIGS. 2A-2C respectively show a front view, a side view, and a top view of a flush valve assembly 200 comprising an ultraviolet light source 214 for sanitizing a urinal 212.

Flush valve assembly 200 may comprise a flush valve housing 202. In some embodiments, flush valve housing 202 may comprise stainless steel. In some embodiments, flush valve housing 202 may comprise one or more plastics. In some embodiments, flush valve housing 202 may be configured to be at least partially concealed by a wall behind urinal 212.

Flush valve housing 202 may house a flush valve. The flush valve may be fluidically connected to a flush water inlet 204 which, in turn, may be configured to fluidically couple to a flush water supply. When urinal 212 is flushed, the flush valve housed by flush valve housing 202 may be configured to receive water from the water supply through flush water inlet 204. The flush valve may be fluidically coupled to an inlet end 208 of a flush water delivery pipe 206. In some embodiments, when urinal 212 is flushed, the flush valve may be configured to deliver water received from the water supply to flush water delivery pipe 206. Flush water delivery pipe 206 may transmit the received water to urinal 212 through an outlet end 210 that is fluidically coupled to urinal 212.

In some embodiments, flush water delivery pipe 206 may comprise stainless steel. In some embodiments, flush water delivery pipe 206 may comprise one or more plastics. In some embodiments, flush water delivery pipe 206 may be greater than or equal to 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, or 3 feet in length. In some embodiments, flush water delivery pipe 206 may be less than or equal to 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, or 3 feet in length. In some embodiments, flush water delivery pipe 206 may be between about 1-2, about 2-3, or about 3-4 feet in length. In some embodiments, flush water delivery pipe 206 may be configured to be concealed within a wall behind urinal 212.

In some embodiments, the flush valve housed by flush valve housing 202 may be a manual flush valve configured to be manually controlled by a user (e.g., with a lever or a button). In some embodiments, the flush valve housed by flush valve housing 202 may be an automatic flush valve configured to automatically flush urinal 212 when one or more conditions are met. For example, the flush valve housed by flush valve housing 202 may be an automatic flush valve that is configured to communicate with a motion sensor or a presence sensor. When the motion sensor detects movement proximal to urinal 212, or when the presence sensor detects a change in user presence proximal to urinal 212, the flush valve housed by flush valve housing 202 may be configured to flush urinal 212.

UV light source 214 may be at least partially housed within flush valve housing 202. Flush valve housing 202 may comprise an aperture 216 through which UV light source 214 is configured to emit ultraviolet light. In some embodiments, UV light source 214 may comprise one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

In some embodiments, the light emitted by UV light source 214 through aperture 216 may be configured to illuminate a target disinfection volume 218. In some embodiments, target disinfection volume 218 may include a urinal bowl (i.e., urinal basin) 220 of urinal 212. In some embodiments, target disinfection volume 218 may include a urinal wall 222 of urinal 212. Urinal wall 222 may be configured to receive flush water when urinal 212 is flushed. In some embodiments, target disinfection volume 218 may include a portion of a floor 224 below urinal 212.

In some embodiments, target disinfection volume 218 may be a conical volume. In some embodiments, target disinfection volume 218 may be a pyramidal volume. In some embodiments, target disinfection volume 218 may encompass a total volume of at least 1, at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, or at least 5 cubic feet. In some embodiments, target disinfection volume 218 may encompass a total volume of less than or equal to 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 cubic feet.

UV light source 214 may be configured to emit light in the UV-C range (i.e., may be configured to emit “germicidal” ultraviolet light). In some embodiments, UV light source 214 may be configured to emit light with a wavelength less than or equal to 300, 280, 260, 240, 220, 200, or 180 nanometers. In some embodiments, UV light source 214 may be configured to emit light with a wavelength greater than or equal to 300, 280, 260, 240, 220, 200, or 180 nanometers. In some embodiments, UV light source 214 may be configured to emit light with a wavelength between about 200-220, 200-240, 200-260, 200-280, or 200-300 nanometers.

In some embodiments, when activated (i.e., turned on), UV light source 214 may be configured to deliver a specific dose of ultraviolet light to target disinfection volume 218. In some embodiments, UV light source 214 may be configured to deliver at least 1, at least 5, at least 10, at least 20, at least 30, at least 40, at least 50, at least 60, at least 70, at least 80, at least 90, or at least 100 mJ/cm²of ultraviolet light to target disinfection volume 218. In some embodiments, UV light source 214 may be configured to deliver less than or equal to 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, or 100 mJ/cm²of ultraviolet light to target disinfection volume 218. The dose of ultraviolet light delivered by UV light source 214 may be configured to target and eliminate one or more bacteria, fungi, or viruses. For example, in some embodiments, UV light source 214 may be configured to target and eliminate Streptococcus bacteria and thus may deliver a dose of UV light between about 2 mJ/cm²and about 12 mJ/cm²to target disinfection volume 218. In some embodiments, UV light source 214 may be configured to target and eliminate E. coli bacteria and thus may deliver a dose of UV light between about 1.5 mJ/cm²and about 17 mJ/cm²to target disinfection volume 218.

In some embodiments, UV light source 214 may receive energy from a power source. In some embodiments, UV light source 114 may be electrically coupled to the power source through a wired connection. In some embodiments, UV light source 114 may receive power wirelessly from the power source. In some embodiments, the power source may include one or more batteries.

In some embodiments, UV light source 214 may be controlled by a controller comprising one or more processors. The controller may be housed by flush valve housing 202. In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to detect that one or more activation conditions have been met and, in response to detecting that the one or more activation conditions have been met, activate UV light source 214. In some embodiments, the activation conditions may be associated with a user presence in a predetermined proximity of urinal 212.

In some embodiments, urinal 212 may comprise a UV light source 226 that is at least partially housed in urinal wall 222. In some embodiments, UV light source 226 may be disposed adjacent to or along a flush bar configured to transmit flush water into urinal 212. UV light source 226 may be configured to emit ultraviolet light through an aperture formed in urinal wall 222. In some embodiments, the aperture may be an approximately rectangular opening in the surface of urinal wall 222. In some embodiments, the aperture may be greater than or equal to 2, 3, 4, 5, or 10 inches in length. In some embodiments, the aperture may be less than or equal to 2, 3, 4, 5, or 10 inches in length. The ultraviolet light emitted by UV light source 226 may illuminate a target disinfection volume 228. In some embodiments, target disinfection volume 228 may include urinal bowl 120 and one or more surfaces of urinal wall 222. In some embodiments, UV light source 226 may be provided in addition to UV light source 214 in order to increase a total dose of ultraviolet light that is delivered to a specific portion of urinal 212.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate perspective views of an exemplary concealed flush valve assembly with an ultraviolet light module for sanitizing a sanitary ware, according to some embodiments. Specifically, FIGS. 3A-3B show front views of a concealed flush valve assembly 300 comprising a UV light source 314 for sanitizing a sanitary ware 312. As shown, in some embodiments, sanitary ware 312 may be a toilet (e.g., toilet 112 shown in FIGS. 1A-1C). In some embodiments, sanitary ware 312 may be a urinal (e.g., urinal 312 shown in FIGS. 2A-2C). A close-up view of concealed flush valve assembly 300 is shown in FIG. 3C. In some embodiments, flush valve assembly 100 shown in FIG. 1 may include one or more features of concealed flush valve assembly 300. In some embodiments, flush valve assembly 200 shown in FIG. 2 may include one or more features of concealed flush valve assembly 300.

Concealed flush valve assembly 300 may comprise a flush valve housing 302 that may be at least partially housed within a wall 303 behind sanitary ware 312. Flush valve housing 302 may house a flush valve. The flush valve may be configured to fluidically connect to a flush water supply. When sanitary ware 312 is flushed, the flush valve housed by flush valve housing 302 may be configured to receive water from the water supply. The flush valve may be fluidically coupled to an inlet end 308 of flush water delivery pipe 306. Flush water delivery pipe 306 may be concealed by wall 303. In some embodiments, when sanitary ware 312 is flushed, the flush valve may be configured to deliver water received from the water supply to flush water delivery pipe 306. Flush water delivery pipe 306 may transmit the received water to sanitary ware 312 through an outlet end that is fluidically coupled to sanitary ware 312.

UV light source 314 may be at least partially housed in flush valve housing 302. In some embodiments, UV light source 314 may be configured to emit ultraviolet light through an aperture 316 in flush valve housing 302. In some embodiments, the UV light emitted by UV light source 314 may be configured to illuminate a target disinfection volume (e.g., target disinfection volume 118 shown in FIGS. 1A-1C or target disinfection volume 218 shown in FIGS. 2A-2C).

UV Sanitizing Solutions for Faucet Assemblies

Bathroom sink assemblies, like sanitary wares such as toilets and urinals, are highly likely to harbor harmful pathogens. Fittings such as faucet assemblies that are associated with sink assemblies come into frequent contact with large numbers of people, especially if a sink assembly is in a public space. In some situations, the moist environment of a sink or a drain associated with a faucet assembly may provide ideal conditions for bacterial or fungal growth. As described below, housing an ultraviolet sanitizing systems housed in a faucet body may allow the sink, drain, and/or countertop associated with a faucet assembly to be effectively sanitized using UV radiation.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate perspective views of an exemplary faucet assembly with an ultraviolet light module, according to some embodiments. Specifically, FIGS. 4A-4C respectively show a front view, a side view, and a bottom view of a faucet assembly 400 comprising an ultraviolet (UV) light source 408.

As shown, faucet assembly 400 may comprise a faucet body 402. Faucet body 402 may be mounted on a countertop 414 and may be configured to deliver water to a sink 412. In some embodiments, faucet body 402 may comprise stainless steel. In some embodiments, faucet body 402 may comprise one or more plastics.

Faucet body 402 may comprise a water inlet 404 and a water outlet 406. Faucet body 402 may house a water flow path configured to fluidically couple water inlet 404 to water outlet 406. Water inlet 404 may be configured to fluidically couple to a water supply. In some embodiments, water inlet 404 may be configured to fluidically couple to a water supply via a mixing valve. Water flow into water inlet 404, through faucet body 402, and out of water outlet 406 may be controlled by a faucet control 420. In some embodiments, faucet control 420 may comprise one or more buttons, one or more knobs, a motion sensor, or a presence sensor.

In some embodiments, a portion of faucet body 402 that includes water outlet 406 may be configured to pull away from faucet body 402 (i.e., faucet assembly 400 may be a pull-out faucet). In some embodiments, the position of faucet body 402 relative to sink 412 may be adjustable.

In some embodiments, UV light source 408 may be adjacent to water outlet 406. In some embodiments, UV light source 408 may encircle water outlet 406. UV light source 408 may comprise one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs). In some embodiments, UV light source 408 may be configured to emit ultraviolet light in a target direction 418 with respect to faucet body 402. In some embodiments, target direction 418 may be perpendicular to an upper portion 424 of faucet body 402. In some embodiments, target direction 418 may be parallel to a direction of water flow through water outlet 406.

UV light source 408 may be configured to emit ultraviolet light to illuminate a target disinfection volume 410. In some embodiments, target disinfection volume 410 may include at least a portion of sink 412. In some embodiments, target disinfection volume 410 may include a portion of countertop 414. In some embodiments, target disinfection volume may include a sink drain 422 of sink 412. In some embodiments, target direction 418 may be the direction of a center line through target disinfection volume 410.

In some embodiments, target disinfection volume 410 may be a conical volume. In some embodiments, target disinfection volume 410 may be a pyramidal volume. In some embodiments, target disinfection volume 410 may encompass a total volume of at least 0.25, at least 0.5, at least 0.75, at least 1, or at least 2 cubic feet. In some embodiments, target disinfection volume 218 may encompass a total volume of less than or equal to 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, or 2 cubic feet.

UV light source 408 may be configured to emit light in the UV-C range (i.e., may be configured to emit “germicidal” ultraviolet light). In some embodiments, UV light source 408 may be configured to emit light with a wavelength less than or equal to 300, 280, 260, 240, 220, 200, or 180 nanometers. In some embodiments, UV light source 408 may be configured to emit light with a wavelength greater than or equal to 300, 280, 260, 240, 220, 200, or 180 nanometers. In some embodiments, UV light source 408 may be configured to emit light with a wavelength between about 200-220, 200-240, 200-260, 200-280, or 200-300 nanometers.

In some embodiments, when activated (i.e., turned on), UV light source 408 may be configured to deliver a specific dose of ultraviolet light to target disinfection volume 410. In some embodiments, UV light source 408 may be configured to deliver at least 1, at least 5, at least 10, at least 20, at least 30, at least 40, at least 50, at least 60, at least 70, at least 80, at least 90, or at least 100 mJ/cm²of ultraviolet light to target disinfection volume 410. In some embodiments, UV light source 408 may be configured to deliver less than or equal to 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, or 100 mJ/cm²of ultraviolet light to target disinfection volume 410. The dose of ultraviolet light delivered by UV light source 408 may be configured to target and eliminate one or more bacteria, fungi, or viruses. For example, in some embodiments, UV light source 408 may be configured to target and eliminate Streptococcus bacteria and thus may deliver a dose of UV light between about 2 mJ/cm²and about 12 mJ/cm²to target disinfection volume 410.

In some embodiments, UV light source 408 may receive energy from a power source. In some embodiments, UV light source 408 may be electrically coupled to the power source through one or more wires 416. In some embodiments, UV light source 408 may receive power wirelessly from the power source. In some embodiments, the power source may include one or more batteries.

In some embodiments, UV light source 408 may be controlled by a controller comprising one or more processors. In some embodiments, the controller may be housed by faucet body 402. In some embodiments, the controller may be housed beneath countertop 414. In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to detect that one or more activation conditions have been met and, in response to detecting that the one or more activation conditions have been met, activate UV light source 408.

In some embodiments, the activation conditions may be associated with a user presence in a predetermined proximity of faucet assembly 400. In some embodiments, the activation conditions may be associated with a spatial configuration of faucet body 402. For example, if a spatial position of faucet body 402 is configured to be adjustable (e.g., if faucet body 402 can be twisted to the left and/or to the right by a user), the controller may be configured to activate UV light source 408 only if faucet body 402 is centered over sink 412. In some embodiments, faucet body 402 may be centered over sink 412 when water outlet 406 is positioned directly above sink drain 422. In some embodiments, if faucet body 402 comprises an portion that is fixed to countertop 414 and an extendable spout portion that is configured to pull away from the fixed portion (e.g., if faucet body 402 is a pull-out faucet wherein a portion comprising water outlet 406 can be pulled out by a user) the controller may be configured to activate UV light source 408 only if the extendable spout portion of faucet body 402 is in its retracted position.

UV Sanitizing Systems

As previously discussed, an ultraviolet sanitizing system for a sanitary ware such as a faucet assembly or a flush valve assembly may comprise a controller that is configured to automatically activate or deactivate a UV light source based on one or more activation conditions. FIG. 5 illustrates a diagram of an exemplary ultraviolet sanitizing system, according to some embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 5 shows a diagram of an ultraviolet (UV) sanitizing system 500. In some embodiments, UV sanitizing system 500 may be a component of a flush valve assembly for a sanitary ware (e.g., flush valve assembly 100 shown in FIGS. 1A-1C or flush valve assembly 200 shown in FIGS. 2A-2C). In some embodiments, UV sanitizing system 500 may be a component of a faucet assembly (e.g., faucet assembly 400 shown in FIGS. 4A-4C).

UV sanitizing system 500 may comprise a UV light source 502, a controller 504, and a power supply 506. Power supply 506 may be electrically coupled and configured to provide energy to UV light source 502 and controller 506. Controller 506 may comprise one or more processors 512 configured to control UV light source 502. Specifically, in some embodiments, processors 512 may be configured to cause controller 506 to detect that one or more activation conditions have been met and, in response to detecting that the one or more activation conditions have been met, activate UV light source 502. When UV light source 502 is activated by controller 506, UV light source 502 may emit ultraviolet light 516 that illuminates a target disinfection volume 518.

In some embodiments, the one or more activation conditions may be associated with a human presence within a certain proximity of the flush valve assembly or faucet assembly of which UV sanitizing system 500 is a component. In some embodiments, controller 506 may comprise a receiver 510 configured to communicate with one or more external devices 514. External devices 514 may be devices that are separate from UV sanitizing system 500. In some embodiments, external devices 514 may be separate from the flush valve assembly or faucet assembly of which UV sanitizing system is a component. In some embodiments, external devices 514 may comprise one or more “smart” devices configured to connect to and communicate over a wireless network.

In some embodiments, external devices 514 may comprise a presence sensor, and the one or more activation conditions may comprise that a user is detected by the presence sensor. In some embodiments, the presence sensor may be an optical presence sensor (e.g., an infrared presence sensor), an inductive presence sensor, a capacitive presence sensor, or an ultrasonic presence sensor. The presence sensor may be configured to wirelessly communicate with receiver 510 of controller 506 (e.g, using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth). In some embodiments, processors 512 may be configured to cause controller to activate UV light source 502 only when receiver 510 receives information from the presence sensor indicating that the user is not within a predetermined proximity of UV light source 502. In some embodiments, the predetermined proximity may be less than or equal to 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 feet from UV light source 502. In some embodiments, the predetermined proximity may be any spatial position inside target disinfection volume 518. This may prevent user exposure to ultraviolet radiation from UV light source 502.

In some embodiments, external devices 514 may comprise a presence sensor as described above, and the one or more activation conditions may comprise that a user has recently utilized the sanitary ware of which UV sanitizing system 500 is a component (i.e., has recently utilized the sanitary ware associated with the flush valve assembly or has recently utilized the faucet assembly). In some embodiments, processors 512 may be configured to detect a current configuration of a valve (i.e., detect whether a valve is in an open configuration or a closed configuration). When a user approaches the sanitary ware, a presence sensor may transmit a signal to receiver 510 indicating that the user is within a predetermined proximity of the flush valve assembly or faucet assembly. In some embodiments, after receiver 510 receives the signal indicating that the user is within the predetermined proximity of the flush valve assembly or faucet assembly, processors 512 may detect that a valve (e.g., a flush valve of flush valve assembly 100 shown in FIGS. 1A-1C or a valve associated with faucet assembly 400 shown in FIGS. 4A-4C) has been opened. In some embodiments, after detecting that a valve has been opened, processors 512 may detect that the valve has returned to a closed configuration. Receiver 510 may subsequently receive a signal from the presence sensor indicating that the user is no longer within the predetermined proximity of the sanitary ware.

In some embodiments, the one or more activation conditions may comprise that a room light in a room where the sanitary ware is located is turned off. When the room light is turned off, a human is unlikely to be in the room where the sanitary ware is located, and thus is unlikely to be exposed to harmful ultraviolet radiation if UV light source 502 is activated.

In some embodiments, external devices 514 may comprise a light switch configured to control the room light. The light switch may be configured to wirelessly communicate with receiver 510 (e.g., using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth). In some embodiments, the light switch may transmit a signal to receiver 510 when it is closed (i.e., when the room light is turned off). In some embodiments, the light switch may transmit a signal to receiver 510 when it is opened (i.e., when the room light is turned on). Processors 512 may be configured to cause controller 504 to control UV light source 502 based on signal(s) received from the light switch. In some embodiments, if UV light source 502 is activated when receiver 510 receives a signal from the light switch indicating switch is open, processors 512 may be configured to cause controller 504 to deactivate UV light source 502.

In some embodiments, external devices 514 may comprise a photodetector configured to detect an amount of ambient light in the room where the sanitary ware is located. The photodetector may be configured to wirelessly communicate with receiver 510 (e.g., using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth). In some embodiments, the photodetector may transmit a signal to receiver 510 when the amount of ambient light in the room has dropped below a threshold level. In some embodiments, the photodetector may transmit a signal to receiver 510 when the amount of ambient light in the room increases at a high rate (e.g., when a light in the room is turned on). Processors 512 may be configured to cause controller 504 to control UV light source 502 based on signal(s) received from the photodetector. In some embodiments, if UV light source 502 is activated when receiver 510 receives a signal from the photodetector indicating that the amount of ambient light has increased, processors 512 may be configured to cause controller 504 to deactivate UV light source 502.

In some embodiments, external devices 514 may comprise an electronic door lock for a door to a room where the sanitary ware is located. The electronic door lock may be configured to wirelessly communicate with receiver 510 (e.g., using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth). In some embodiments, the electronic door lock may be configured to unlock the door when a user swipes an access badge or enters an access code. When the electronic door lock is unlocked, it may transmit a signal to receiver 510 indicating that a user is entering the room where the sanitary ware is located. Processors 512 may be configured to cause controller 504 to control UV light source 502 based on signal(s) received from the door lock. In some embodiments, if UV light source 502 is activated when receiver 510 receives a signal from the door lock indicating a user has unlocked the door, processors 512 may be configured to cause controller 504 to deactivate UV light source 502.

In some embodiments, external devices 514 may comprise a sensor configured to determine when an entrance to a room where the sanitary ware is located is open. In some embodiments, receiver 510 may be configured to receive a signal from the sensor when the entrance is open. Processors 512 may be configured to cause controller 504 to control UV light source 502 based on this signal. In some embodiments, if UV light source 502 is activated when receiver 510 receives a signal from the sensor indicating that the entrance is open, processors 512 may be configured to cause controller 504 to deactivate UV light source 502.

In some embodiments, external devices 514 may comprise motion sensor for a room where the sanitary ware is located. The motion sensor may be configured to wirelessly communicate with receiver 510 (e.g., using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth). In some embodiments, the motion sensor may transmit a signal to receiver 510 if user movement has not been detected for more than a threshold period of time. In some embodiments, the threshold period of time may be greater than or equal to 1, 10, 20, 40, 60, 120, or 180 minutes. Processors 512 may be configured to cause controller 504 to control UV light source 502 based on this signal.

In some embodiments, the one or more activation conditions may comprise schedule information. Controller 504 may comprise a memory 506 configured to store schedule information that indicates one or more days and/or times of day when UV light source 502 should be active. Processors 512 may be configured to use the schedule information stored in memory 506 to control UV light source 502. In some embodiments, the one or more days and/or times of day when UV light source 502 should be active may be days and/or times of day when humans are unlikely to be present in the room where the sanitary ware is located. For example, in some embodiments, the sanitary ware may be a flush valve assembly or a faucet assembly in a public bathroom. The building where the public bathroom is located may not be open on certain days of the week (e.g., on weekends) or at certain times of day (e.g., between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m.). Memory 506 may contain this schedule information and processors 512 may be configured to cause controller 504 to activate UV light source 502 based on the schedule information.

In some embodiments, the one or more activation conditions may comprise two or more of the aforementioned conditions. For example, in some embodiments, controller 504 may be configured to receive signals from a photodetector for a room where the sanitary ware is located and from a motion sensor for a room where the sanitary ware is located. Controller 504 may be configured to activate UV light source 502 upon receiving a signal from the photodetector indicating that the light in the room is turned off and a signal from the motion sensor indicating that no motion is detected in the room. In some embodiments, determining when to activate UV light source 502 based on two or more activation conditions may reduce the probability of human exposure to harmful UV radiation.

In some embodiments, after the appropriate activation conditions have been met, controller 504 may be configured to keep UV light source 502 activated for a predetermined period of time. Specifically, after UV light source 502 has been activated, processors 512 may be configured to determine when a threshold activation time period has passed. In some embodiments, the threshold activation period may be associated with a minimum amount of time that UV light source 502 must illuminate target disinfection volume 518 in order to deliver a specific dose of ultraviolet light to target disinfection volume