Multifunctional ambient lighting compositions

Abstract

An acrylic or other polymer composition, optionally containing aluminum trihydrate, and having undoped and/or doped titanium dioxide dispersed evenly throughout is disclosed. Said composition provides a sterile surface which can be renewed. Said composition provides a highly sterile surface upon photoactivation of the surface by at least either low-level ultraviolet irradiation or ambient/natural light (as when using doped titanium dioxide). A method of using such a surface material is also disclosed. Said acrylic or other polymer composition may be adhered onto a polycarbonate or other polymeric backing, optionally by an intervening layer of a third polymer. The resulting acrylic or other polymer/polycarbonate or other polymer combination is adapted to provide ambient lighting when exposed to a light source.

1 .- 25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . A panel for use in an ambient light source in a sterile environment, comprising:
 a translucent polymer sheet; and   at least one of 0.1 to 1.1% (v/v) titanium dioxide and doped titanium dioxide dispersed throughout the translucent polymer sheet in an amount such that a first surface is sterilizable upon exposure to at least one of ambient, natural and ultraviolet light;   wherein light from a light source incident on a second surface of the translucent polymer sheet opposite the first surface passes through the translucent acrylic sheet and exits from the first surface in an evenly diffused manner.   
     
     
         27 . The panel of  claim 26 , wherein the translucent polymer sheet comprises at least one of an acrylic material and a polycarbonate material. 
     
     
         28 . The panel of  claim 26 , wherein the translucent polymer sheet further comprises aluminum trihydrate dispersed therein. 
     
     
         29 . The panel of  claim 26 , wherein the translucent polymer sheet further comprises titanium dioxide doped with at least one of nitrogen, boron and carbon. 
     
     
         30 . The panel of  claim 26 , wherein the translucent polymer sheet comprises an amount of titanium dioxide sufficient to permit the first surface to be rendered 99% sterile upon exposure to at least one of ambient light and ultraviolet light. 
     
     
         31 . The panel of  claim 26 , further comprising a translucent polycarbonate sheet bonded to the translucent polymer sheet. 
     
     
         32 . The panel of  claim 31 , wherein the polycarbonate sheet is bonded to the translucent polymer sheet by an intervening layer. 
     
     
         33 . A method for providing an ambient light source for a sterile environment comprising:
 providing a translucent polymer sheet having an outer layer exposed to a sterile environment, the panel containing at least one of 0.1 to 1.1% (v/v) titanium dioxide and doped titanium dioxide dispersed throughout the translucent polymer sheet in an amount sufficient to sterilize the outer layer when the outer layer is exposed to at least one of ambient, natural and ultraviolet light; and   renewing at least a portion of the outer layer to provide a uniform surface with antibacterial properties.   
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein renewing at least a portion of the outer layer comprises at least one of resurfacing the portion of the outer layer via sanding, polishing or other resurfacing process. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein renewing at least a portion of the outer layer further comprises renewing the outer layer on a periodic basis to maintain sterility. 
     
     
         36 . An ambient light source for a sterile environment comprising:
 a light-sterilizable, translucent polymer panel, wherein the translucent polymer panel comprises about 0.1 to 1.1% (v/v) titanium dioxide or doped titanium dioxide uniformly dispersed therein, the translucent polymer panel comprising:
 a first surface, the first surface positioned proximal to and exposed to a sterile environment; 
 an interior; and 
 a second surface substantially parallel to the first surface, the second surface positioned distal to and not exposed to the sterile environment; 
   a reflector positioned further distal to the sterile environment than the light-sterilizable, translucent polymer panel and in optical juxtaposition to the light-sterilizable, translucent polymer panel; and   a light source positioned to directly illuminate the second surface of the light-sterilizable, translucent polymer panel and to indirectly illuminate the second surface via reflection of light from the reflector;   wherein the light-sterilizable, translucent polymer panel provides a diffuse ambient light from the first surface to the sterile environment when the light source directly and indirectly illuminates the second surface.   
     
     
         37 . The ambient light source of  claim 36 , wherein the light source comprises at least one of a focused colored light, an array of colored lights, an array of colored, focused lights, or an array of unfocused, colored lights. 
     
     
         38 . The ambient light source of  claim 36 , wherein the light source comprises an array of back-panels joined to the light-sterilizable, translucent polymer panel. 
     
     
         39 . The ambient light source of  claim 36 , further comprising a control box operably connected to the light source for controlling at least one of the on/off state of the light source, the color of the light source, and the intensity of the light source. 
     
     
         40 . The ambient light source of  claim 36 , wherein the control box is operable to receive wireless commands for controlling the ambient light source.