U.S. patent application number 10/964183 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-06 for method and apparatus for sterilizing mail and textile articles.
Invention is credited to Jimmie D. Miller, Blair Sutton.
Application Number | 20070280867 10/964183 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38664565 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070280867 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Miller; Jimmie D. ; et
al. |
December 6, 2007 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STERILIZING MAIL AND TEXTILE ARTICLES
Abstract
An apparatus for sterilizing various articles includes a chamber
defining an airtight space and an entrance and exit. A vacuum pump
is coupled to the chamber for withdrawing air therefrom which
reduces the chamber air pressure. An ozone generator is coupled to
the chamber for introducing ozone at atmospheric pressure therein
following air withdrawal. This causes efficient diffusing of the
ozone into the article for sterilizing it against anthrax. The
ozone is then withdrawn into an ozone filter having a
non-consumable catalyst for converting the ozone back into oxygen.
The apparatus may be implemented using single or multiple chambers.
A conveyor extending through water chambers surrounding respective
sterilizing chambers may be utilized for conveying textile articles
while more traditional conveyors may be utilized for traditional
mail articles.
Inventors: |
Miller; Jimmie D.; (Arkansas
City, KS) ; Sutton; Blair; (Lawrence, KS) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARSHAW RESEARCH, INC.
210 W. TECUMSEH STREET
OTTAWA
KS
66067
US
|
Family ID: |
38664565 |
Appl. No.: |
10/964183 |
Filed: |
October 13, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
422/300 ;
422/304 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61L 2/10 20130101; A61L
2/202 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
422/300 ;
422/304 |
International
Class: |
A61L 2/18 20060101
A61L002/18 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for sterilizing an article, comprising: a framework
having opposed upstream and downstream ends; a first water chamber
mounted to said upstream end of said framework, said first water
chamber configured for holding a first quantity of water and
defining a first water level; a conveyor extending through said
first water chamber for conveying the article through said first
quantity of water beneath said first water level; a sterilizing
chamber mounted to said framework downstream from said first water
chamber, said sterilizing chamber defining an enclosed space and
having an entrance and an exit above said first water level;
wherein said conveyor extends between said entrance and said exit
for moving the article through said sterilizing chamber enclosed
space along a conveyance path; a vacuum pump coupled to said
sterilizing chamber for withdrawing air from the article being
conveyed along said conveyance path, said vacuum pump causing a
reduced air pressure within said sterilizing chamber; an ozone
generator coupled to said sterilizing chamber for introducing ozone
into said sterilizing chamber as the article is moved therethrough;
an oxygen tank operatively connected to said ozone generator for
supplying oxygen to said ozone generator for ozone production; an
ozone filter coupled to said sterilizing chamber and having a
non-consumable catalyst for converting said ozone into oxygen; a
second water chamber mounted to said framework downstream from said
sterilizing chamber, said second water chamber configured to hold a
second quantity of water and defining a second water level; and
wherein said conveyor extends through said second water chamber for
conveying the article through said second quantity of water below
said second water level.
2. The apparatus as in claim 1 further comprising an ultraviolet
lamp positioned in said sterilizing chamber along said conveyance
path for sterilizing outer surfaces of the article.
3. The apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said non-consumable catalyst
is manganese dioxide.
4. (canceled)
5. The apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said vacuum pump is coupled
to said ozone filter such that said vacuum pump draws air into said
ozone filter.
6. The apparatus as in claim 1 wherein: said first water chamber
includes an upper wall having a first water chamber downstream
portion, said first water chamber downstream portion having a first
end positioned below said first water level and a second end
connected to said sterilizing chamber upwardly adjacent said
entrance; said second water chamber includes an upper wall having a
second water chamber upstream portion, said second water chamber
upstream portion having a first end connected to said first
sterilizing chamber upwardly adjacent said exit; and whereby said
first water chamber downstream portion and said second water
chamber upstream portion form an airlock surrounding said
sterilizing chamber for retaining said reduced air pressure.
7. The apparatus as in claim 1 further comprising: a first guide
roller pivotally coupled to said upstream end of said framework and
coupled to said conveyor; and a second guide roller pivotally
coupled to said downstream end of said framework and coupled to
said conveyor, an operation of said first and second guide rollers
moving said conveyor in a downstream direction.
8. The apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said conveyor includes a
continuous conveyor belt.
9. The apparatus as in claim 8 wherein said conveyor includes a
plurality of conveyor stop members mounted atop said conveyor belt
and spaced apart longitudinally therealong for stabilizing
respective articles.
10. An apparatus for sterilizing an article, comprising: a
framework having opposed upstream and downstream ends; a first
water chamber mounted to said upstream end of said framework, said
first water chamber configured for holding a first quantity of
water and defining a first water level; a conveyor extending
through said first water chamber for conveying the article through
said first quantity of water beneath said first water level,
wherein said conveyor includes a continuous conveyor; a sterilizing
chamber mounted to said framework downstream from said first water
chamber, said sterilizing chamber defining an enclosed space and
having an entrance and an exit above said first water level;
wherein said conveyor extends between said entrance and said exit
for moving the article through said sterilizing chamber enclosed
space along a conveyance path; a vacuum pump coupled to said
sterilizing chamber for withdrawing air from the article being
conveyed along said conveyance path, said vacuum pump causing a
reduced air pressure within said sterilizing chamber; an ozone
generator coupled to said sterilizing chamber for introducing ozone
into said sterilizing chamber as the article is moved therethrough;
an ozone filter coupled to said sterilizing chamber and having a
non-consumable catalyst for converting said ozone into oxygen;
wherein said vacuum pump is coupled to said ozone filter such that
said vacuum pump draws air into said ozone filter; a second water
chamber mounted to said framework downstream from said sterilizing
chamber, said second water chamber configured to hold a second
quantity of water and defining a second water level; and wherein
said conveyor extends through said second water chamber for
conveying the article through said second quantity of water below
said second water level.
11. The apparatus as in claim 10 wherein: said first water chamber
includes an upper wall having a first water chamber downstream
portion, said first water chamber downstream portion having a first
end positioned below said first water level and a second end
connected to said sterilizing chamber upwardly adjacent said
entrance; said second water chamber includes an upper wall having a
second water chamber upstream portion, said second water chamber
upstream portion having a first end connected to said first
sterilizing chamber upwardly adjacent said exit; and whereby said
first water chamber downstream portion and said second water
chamber upstream portion form an airlock surrounding said
sterilizing chamber for retaining said reduced air pressure.
12. The apparatus as in claim 10 further comprising an ultraviolet
lamp positioned in said sterilizing chamber along said conveyance
path for sterilizing outer surfaces of the article.
13. The apparatus as in claim 10 wherein said vacuum pump is
coupled to said ozone filter such that said vacuum pump draws air
into said ozone filter.
14. The apparatus as in claim 10, further comprising: a first guide
roller pivotally coupled to said upstream end of said framework and
coupled to said conveyor; and a second guide roller pivotally
coupled to said downstream end of said framework and coupled to
said conveyor, an operation of said first and second guide rollers
moving said conveyor in a downstream direction.
15. (canceled)
16. The apparatus as in claim 10 wherein said conveyor includes a
plurality of conveyor stop members mounted atop said conveyor belt
and spaced apart longitudinally therealong for stabilizing
respective articles.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser.
No. 10/223,919 filed Aug. 20, 2002 entitled Method and Apparatus
for Sterilizing Mail which claims the benefit of U.S. application
Ser. No. 10/833,242, filed Apr. 27, 2004, entitled Method and
Apparatus for Sterilizing Mail and Textile Articles, which claims
the benefit of U.S. Application No. 60/337,648, filed Dec. 7, 2001,
entitled Device To Sterilize Anthrax Spores Being Sent Through The
Mail.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to decontamination and sterilization
devices and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for
sterilizing articles of mail that may be tainted with anthrax or
other pathogens.
[0003] A single letter contaminated with anthrax or similar
pathogens can cause serious health issues or even death to humans.
In fact, a single letter may include thousands of times more than
the lethal dose of anthrax. The threat of safety relative to the
delivery of mail was accented by the anthrax infections following
the historic terrorist attacks against the United States on Sep.
11, 2001. Several people were infected with anthrax as a result of
letters containing the deadly pathogens. Postal offices and other
businesses had to be shut down and fully sterilized. Anthrax in a
single letter can cross-contaminate other articles of mail, postal
sorting equipment, and the like. This is a significant problem in
view of the 680 million pieces of mail handled by the U.S. Postal
Service every day.
[0004] Various devices have been proposed for sterilizing medical
equipment and other articles. Although assumably effective for
their intended purposes, the existing devices are not suitable for
sterilizing mail at the initial point of mail deposit or without
damaging the mail. More particularly, the use of steam heat or
intense dry heat would irreversibly damage mail. Further, chemical
sterilization with ethylene oxide gas avoids the damages associated
with heat sterilization but requires long cycle times and the
handling of harsh chemicals. These disadvantages would be
unacceptable for use in mass mail processing. Sterilization with
gamma radiation, while effective, would be prohibitively expensive
for use in the decentralized mail processing and delivery
industry.
[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to have a method and apparatus
for sterilizing mail quickly and without damaging the mail.
Further, it is desirable to have a method and apparatus for
sterilizing mail without generating excessive heat or pollution. In
addition, it is desirable to have a method and apparatus for
sterilizing mail that may be used in the mail sorting process.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A method and apparatus for sterilizing mail according to the
present invention includes a chamber defining an airtight enclosed
space and having an entrance and exit through which mail may be
conveyed. A vacuum pump is coupled to the chamber for withdrawing
air from the chamber and an article of mail therein. This
withdrawal of air reduces the air pressure in the chamber. An ozone
gas generator is also coupled to the chamber and is capable of
introducing ozone therein after all gases have been removed by the
vacuum pump. Introducing ozone into the low pressure environment
causes the ozone to permeate the article of mail very quickly as
the ozone seeks to diffuse in even concentration throughout the
chamber. Ozone is an unstable molecule that reacts with organic
matter such as bacteria and viruses. This reaction destroys
critical components of organisms, thereby being an effective
sterilizing agent against anthrax within an article of mail. The
highly reactive property of ozone makes sterilization very quick
compared to other disinfectant methodologies. Following
sterilization, the ozone is withdrawn from the chamber by another
operation of the vacuum pump or with another fan such that the
ozone is collected in an ozone filter. The filter includes a
non-consumable catalyst such as manganese dioxide which converts
the ozone into oxygen. The apparatus may be implemented using a
single chamber or using multiple chambers connected by airlocks
(multi-stage implementation).
[0007] Therefore, a general object of this invention is to provide
a method and apparatus for sterilizing mail from anthrax or other
pathogenic poisoning.
[0008] Another object of this invention is to provide a method and
apparatus, as aforesaid, which sterilizes articles of mail quickly
and without exposure of persons to harsh or harmful chemicals.
[0009] Still another object of this invention is to provide a
method and apparatus, as aforesaid, which sterilizes articles of
mail without damaging the articles of mail.
[0010] Yet another object of this invention is to provide a method
and apparatus, as aforesaid, which sterilizes mail without
generating excessive heat or pollution.
[0011] A further object of this invention is to provide a method
and apparatus, as aforesaid, which may be integrated into a
conventional mail sorting process.
[0012] A still further object of this invention is to provide a
sterilizing apparatus having a unique conveyor system for moving
textile articles between multiple water and sterilizing
chambers.
[0013] Another object of this invention is to provide a sterilizing
apparatus having a unique conveyor system for moving textile
articles into a single sterilizing chamber bounded by water
chambers for sterilization within an enclosed space.
[0014] Other objects and advantages of this invention will become
apparent from the following description taken in connection with
the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of
illustration and example, embodiments of this invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partially broken away, of a
mail sterilization apparatus according to one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a side view of the mail sterilization apparatus as
in FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a mail sterilization
apparatus, partially broken away, according to another embodiment
of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a side view of the mail sterilization apparatus as
in FIG. 3;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view, partially broken away, of a
sterilization apparatus according to another embodiment of the
present invention;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a side view of the sterilization apparatus as in
FIG. 5;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a sterilization device
according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0022] FIG. 8 is a side view of the sterilization apparatus as in
FIG. 7.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0023] A method and apparatus for sterilizing mail against anthrax
and other pathogens will now be described in detail with reference
to FIGS. 1 through 4 of the accompanying drawings.
[0024] A mail sterilizing apparatus 10 according to one embodiment
of the present invention includes a multi-stage, multiple chamber
construction (FIGS. 1 and 2). More particularly, the apparatus 10
includes a first chamber 12 having a rectangular or box-shaped
configuration defining an enclosed interior space. The first
chamber 12 may also be referred to as the vacuum chamber. The first
chamber 12 includes entrance and exit openings at opposed ends
thereof for entry and exit of articles of mail 8, respectively. A
first conveyor 14 is positioned in the first chamber 12 and extends
between the first chamber entrance and exit for moving an article
of mail through the interior of the first chamber 12 along a first
conveyance path. A first letter guide 16 extends along each side of
the first conveyor 14 and is situated in an upstanding
configuration for guiding an article of mail 8 along a first
conveyance path defined by the first conveyor 14.
[0025] A first airlock 52 is coupled to the first chamber 12
adjacent the entrance thereto, the first airlock having doors that
are selectively movable so as to seal or expose the entrance. A
second airlock 56 is coupled to the first chamber 12 adjacent the
exit therefrom, the second airlock 56 having doors that are
selectively movable so as to seal or expose the exit. Of course,
doors attached directly to the first chamber 12 for sealing or
exposing the entrance and exit would also be a suitable
construction. It is also understood that rotary airlocks would also
be suitable rather than the two door airlocks shown. Therefore, the
first chamber 12 is airtight when the first chamber entrance and
exit are sealed. This is important as the air pressure within the
first chamber 12 is modified as to be described in detail below.
Each airlock 52, 56 further includes respective auxiliary conveyors
54, 58, respectively, for conveying an article of mail 8
therealong.
[0026] Preferably, a pair of perforation rollers 18 are mounted in
upstanding configurations on opposed sides of the first chamber
conveyor 14 adjacent the first chamber entrance, although a single
perforation roller would be adequate. Thus, the perforation rollers
18 are positioned to bear against an article of mail 8 as it enters
the first chamber 12. The perforation rollers 18 may be spring
loaded so as to press against the article of mail 8 while
accommodating various sizes of mail articles. Each perforation
roller 18 includes a plurality of miniature pins or spikes for
making almost imperceptible perforations in the article of mail 8
(i.e. in the envelope).
[0027] A vacuum pump 20 is coupled to the first chamber 12 and is
in communication with the enclosed interior space thereof (FIGS. 1
and 2). An operation of the vacuum pump 20 withdraws air from the
first chamber 12 and, more particularly, from the article of mail 8
being conveyed therethrough. The perforations placed in the article
of mail 8 make this air withdrawal faster and more complete.
[0028] A first ozone filter 22 is connected to the vacuum pump 20
for receiving all air withdrawn from the first chamber 12 (FIG. 1).
Preferably, the first ozone filter 22 includes a non-consumable
catalyst 24 of manganese dioxide for converting any withdrawn ozone
into oxygen before the air is exhausted into the environment
surrounding the apparatus 10. Manganese dioxide is the preferred
catalyst in that it is not consumed by reaction with ozone,
decomposes ozone at ambient temperature, and decomposes ozone
quickly.
[0029] One or more ultraviolet lamps 26 may be positioned within
the first chamber 12. Ultraviolet light is a form of non-ionized
radiation that is effective to irradiate and destroy pathogens upon
exposure. Thus, exposing articles of mail to ultraviolet light
sterilizes the outer surfaces thereof but does not penetrate
envelopes or other packaging. However, sterilizing the outer
surfaces of mail articles is still advantageous so as to prevent
cross-contamination of the apparatus 10 itself or of postal
workers.
[0030] The apparatus 10 includes a second chamber 30 connected to
the first chamber 12 (FIG. 1). The second chamber 30 includes a
construction substantially similar to the construction of the first
chamber 12, including defining an entrance and exit. The second
chamber 30 further includes a second conveyor 32 extending between
the second chamber entrance and exit for moving an article of mail
therethrough and includes second mail guides 34. More particularly,
the second airlock 56 links the first and second chambers together.
The second airlock 56 enables the article of mail 8 from which air
has been withdrawn to maintain its low pressure as it exits the
first chamber 12 and enters the second chamber 30. A third airlock
60 having a construction substantially similar to the airlocks
previously described is coupled to the second chamber 30 adjacent
the second chamber exit for selectively sealing the exit and making
the second chamber airtight.
[0031] An ozone generator 36 is coupled to the second chamber 30
and is in communication with the enclosed interior space thereof.
The ozone generator 36 is operatively connected to an oxygen tank
38 as its source of oxygen for ozone gas generation. Although the
ozone generator 36 is capable of producing ozone using atmospheric
air, a direct supply of oxygen can increase ozone concentration
generation by over 400%. Once the article of mail 8 is received
into the second chamber 30 and the second chamber 30 is sealed, the
ozone generator 36 introduces a quantity of ozone gas into the
second chamber 30. Of course, the second chamber 30 may already be
filled with ozone when the article of mail 8 enters. The pressure
differential between the article of mail 8 and the second chamber
30 causes the ozone to quickly diffuse and permeate the article of
mail 8 and sterilize any microorganisms such as anthrax. Ozone is a
powerful oxidant formed of three oxygen atoms (O.sub.3). An ozone
molecule is highly unstable and reacts with any organic matter
including bacteria and viruses. Such a reaction is capable of
splitting proteins and carbohydrates to damage critical components
of organisms.
[0032] The apparatus 10 further includes a third chamber 40
connected to the second chamber 30 via the third airlock 60 (FIG.
1). The third chamber 40, which may also be referred to as the
polishing chamber, includes a construction substantially similar to
the construction of the chambers previously described, including
having a third conveyor 42 and third mail guide 44. The third
chamber 40 also defines a corresponding entrance and exit. In
addition, a second ozone filter 46 is connected to the third
chamber 40 for collecting ozone molecules remaining on the article
of mail 8. The second ozone filter 46 includes a non-consumable
catalyst 50 such as manganese dioxide for decomposing collected
ozone into oxygen before exhausting it into the surrounding
environment. A fan 51 is positioned within the third chamber 40 at
the base of the second ozone filter 46 for drawing air from the
third chamber 40 into the second ozone filter 46 (FIG. 2). It
should be observed that the third conveyor 42 is perforated to
allow air to be drawn more easily into the second ozone filter 46.
It should be appreciated that air withdrawn from the first chamber
12 by the vacuum pump 20 may be funneled directly to the third
chamber 40 such that only a single ozone filter would be
needed.
[0033] At least one embossing roller 48 is mounted in the third
chamber 40 adjacent the third chamber exit. The embossing roller 48
is positioned in an upstanding configuration adjacent a conveyance
path defined by the third conveyor 42 such that articles of mail
passing therealong will contact the embossing roller 48. The
embossing roller 48 is suitable to leave a mark, impression, or
indicia upon articles of mail with which it makes contact so as to
indicate to mail recipients that the article of mail has completed
the sterilization cycle. The article of mail 8 is then passed
through the third chamber exit and may continue in a conventional
mail sorting process, etc.
[0034] In use, the apparatus 10 may be configured as part of a
flow-through mail sorting process or be used independently, e.g. in
a corporate mailroom. A control panel (not shown) configured to
properly sequence operations may be used to control the apparatus
10 if the operations are not otherwise sequenced into an existing
mail sorting process. An article of mail 8 is inserted or directed
into the entrance of the first chamber 12 where it is conveyed
along the first conveyor 14. Of course, the article of mail 8 may
start by passing through the first airlock 52 although that is not
essential. The article of mail 8 is perforated by the perforation
rollers 18 and then the vacuum pump 20 may operate to withdraw air
from the first chamber 12. Either sequentially or simultaneously
with the vacuum pump operation, the outer surfaces of the article
of mail 8 may be exposed to ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet
lamps 26.
[0035] The lowered pressure is maintained as the article of mail 8
is conveyed through the second airlock 56 and into the second
chamber 30. Ozone at substantially atmospheric pressure may be
introduced into the second chamber 30 and the pressure differential
causes the ozone to quickly permeate the article of mail 8. The
diffusion of ozone within the article of mail sterilizes any
microorganisms contained therein, such as anthrax spores. It should
be appreciated that the ozone would eventually diffuse evenly into
the article of mail in the absence of a pressure differential or
perforations, but the pressure differential and perforations speed
the process significantly. The article of mail 8 may then be
conveyed through the third airlock 60 into the third chamber 40
where remaining ozone is drawn into the second ozone filter 50.
This is the polishing stage which may conclude by embossing the
article of mail 8 to indicate that it has completed the
sterilization process.
[0036] A mail sterilization apparatus 70 according to another
embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and
includes a construction substantially similar to the construction
described above except as specifically noted below. The apparatus
70 according to this embodiment includes only a single chamber 72
but is capable of performing in a substantially similar manner as
the apparatus first described. The single chamber 72 includes
entrance 74 and exit 76 doors for sealing the entrance and exit
openings as appropriate for the insertion or withdrawal of an
article of mail 8. Perforation rollers 78 are mounted adjacent the
entrance door 74 and along the path of a conveyor 80 for
perforating the article of mail 8 as it is conveyed through the
single chamber 72. One or more ultraviolet lamps 82 are positioned
in the single chamber 72 along the path of the conveyor 80 for
sterilizing the outer surfaces of an article of mail, in the manner
described previously.
[0037] In the manner as described previously, a vacuum pump 84 is
coupled to the single chamber 72 for withdrawing air from the
single chamber 72 and from the article of mail 8. Withdrawn air is
passed through an ozone filter 86 with a non-consumable catalyst 88
prior to being exhausted into the surrounding atmosphere. An ozone
generator 90 is also coupled to the single chamber 72 for
introducing ozone gas therein after operation of the vacuum pump
84. It is understood that the ozone is introduced at normal
atmospheric pressure. Due to the pressure differential between the
article of mail 8 and the ozone being introduced, the ozone quickly
permeates the article of mail 8 for sterilizing any microorganisms
therein. Following ozone sterilization, another operation of the
vacuum pump 84 may evacuate the chamber of ozone before the article
of mail 8 contacts an embossing roller 92 and exits the apparatus
70. This apparatus 70 is particularly convenient for use in a
corporate mailroom, drop box, or residence.
[0038] In addition, it is contemplated that multiple tracks (e.g.
conveyance paths) may be constructed within each chamber such that
several articles of mail may be sterilized in parallel.
[0039] A sterilizer apparatus 100 according to yet another
embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The
sterilizer apparatus 100 according to this embodiment includes
sterilization components substantially similar to those previously
described. However, while this embodiment may be used to convey and
sterilize articles of mail, this embodiment of the invention
particularly includes unique structures developed for conveying
textile articles 118 such as sheets, pillows, pillowcases and other
textiles through the sterilizer components described
previously.
[0040] More particularly, this embodiment of the sterilizer
apparatus 100 includes a framework 102 as well as a conveyor
assembly 108 that is uniquely directed toward conveying textiles
through a multi-stage, multi-chamber construction. The conveyor
assembly 108 includes first 110 and second 112 guide rollers
pivotally coupled to upstream 104 and downstream 106 ends of the
framework 102, respectively. The conveyor assembly 108 includes an
elongate continuous conveyor belt 114 coupled about the guide
rollers such that an operation of the guide rollers 110, 112
operates the conveyor belt 114 in a downstream direction. A
plurality of stop members 116 are mounted atop the conveyor belt
114 and spaced apart longitudinally therealong, each stop member
116 having a configuration for stabilizing and holding a textile
article in place as the conveyor belt 114 moves through the
sterilizing chambers described in more detail below.
[0041] This embodiment of the sterilizer apparatus 100 includes
first 120, second 126, and third 130 sterilizing chambers having a
construction substantially similar to the sterilizing chambers
first described herein except as specifically noted below. Further,
the sterilizer apparatus 100 includes first 140, second 160, and
third 180 water chambers. The single conveyor assembly 108 extends
through the water and sterilizing chambers and operates to convey
an article 118 therethrough to be sterilized. Accordingly, a vacuum
pump 122 is coupled to the first sterilizing chamber 120 for
withdrawing air from the article 118 being conveyed through the
first sterilizing chamber 120. Further, an ozone generator 128 is
coupled to the second sterilizing chamber 126 for introducing ozone
into the second sterilizing chamber 126 as the article 118 is moved
therethrough. An ozone filter 132 is coupled to the third
sterilizing chamber 130 and includes a non-consumable catalyst such
as manganese dioxide. In addition, a fan 134 is mounted in the
third sterilizing chamber 130 and is coupled to the ozone filter
132 for drawing air from the third sterilizing chamber 130 across
the non-consumable catalyst and into the filter 132.
[0042] Each water chamber is configured for holding a respective
quantity of water and defining a respective water level. While the
sterilizing chambers define respective entrance and exit openings,
they do not include movable airlock doors. Instead, the unique
construction of the water chambers provides suitable airlock
function, as described in detail below. With specific reference to
FIG. 5, the first water chamber 140 includes an upper wall 142,
which may also be referred to as a ceiling. The first water chamber
upper wall 142 includes upstream 144 and downstream 146 portions
connected to one another below the first water level that is
defined within the first water chamber 140. As shown, the upstream
portion 144 includes a first end 143 and a second end 145, the
second end 145 being positioned below the first water level. The
downstream portion 146 of the first water chamber upper wall 142
includes a first end 148 situated below the first water level and a
second end 150 connected to the first sterilizing chamber 120
upwardly adjacent the first sterilizing chamber entrance.
[0043] The second 160 and third 180 water chambers include upper
walls having substantially similar constructions which are
referenced herein and on the drawings using identical numbers that
are primed and double primed, respectively. It is understood that
each water chamber include front and back 152 walls as can be seen
in FIG. 5 so as to contain the water therein and to establish
enclosed air spaces. The water chambers and sterilizing chambers
are positioned in succession such that the article 118 to be
sterilized is conveyed through a water chamber before entering the
next sterilizing chamber. It should be appreciated that connection
of upstream and downstream portions of respective water chamber
upper walls establishes a closed airspace surrounding a respective
sterilizing chamber.
[0044] In operation, the sterilizer apparatus 100 according to the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 may be utilized as part of a
traditional laundering process or used independently, i.e. as an
independent article sterilizing process. An article 118 is placed
upon the conveyor belt 114 and the conveyor assembly 108 is
operated. Accordingly, the article 118 is moved beneath the water
level of the first water chamber 140 and then into the first
sterilizing chamber 120 where the air pressure is reduced by
operation of the vacuum pump 122 and may be exposed to ultraviolet
light by operation of the ultraviolet lamp 124. The reduced air
pressure is maintained by the closed air spaces formed by the
unique configurations of the water chamber upper walls.
[0045] The article 118 is further conveyed through the second water
chamber 160 and then into the second sterilizing chamber 126 where
the article is exposed to ozone upon operation of the ozone
generator 128. The article may then be conveyed through the third
water chamber 180 and finally into the third sterilizing chamber
130 where remaining ozone is drawn into the ozone filter 132 by
operation of the fan 134. Use of hot air is anticipated in the
third sterilizing chamber 130 so as to thoroughly dry the article
as well.
[0046] A sterilizer apparatus 200 according to still another
embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The
apparatus 200 according to this embodiment includes a construction
substantially similar to the apparatus 100 previously described
except as specifically noted below. As with the previous
embodiments, this apparatus 200 may be used to sterilize certain
types of mailed packages of a traditional or textile type or, more
particularly, to sterilize actual textile articles like pillows,
sheets, and the like. It could even be used for sterilization of
medical supplies or equipment. While the immediately previous
embodiment described herein utilizes three separate sterilizing
chambers 120, 126, 130 separated by three separate and independent
water chambers 140, 160, 180 (FIG. 5), the present embodiment of
the apparatus 200 includes only a single, multi-function
sterilizing chamber 210 with first 256 and second 260 water
chambers being positioned on upstream and downstream ends of a
conveyance path, as will be described in detail below.
[0047] This apparatus 200 also includes a framework 240 having
upstream 242 and downstream 244 ends and a conveyor assembly 246
having first 248 and second 250 guide rollers for operating a
continuous conveyor belt 252 in a generally downstream direction. A
plurality of stop members 254 are spaced apart longitudinally along
the conveyor belt 252 for stabilizing articles 202 being
transported therealong.
[0048] The sterilizing chamber 210 defines an entrance 212 and exit
214. The conveyor assembly 246 causes the conveyor belt 252 to
extend and move through the water chambers 256, 260 and sterilizing
chamber 210 such that an article 202 to be sterilized may be moved
therethrough. In the manner described previously, a vacuum pump 216
is coupled to the sterilizing chamber 210 for removing air
therefrom and from the article 202 and causing a reduced air
pressure. Withdrawn air is passed through an ozone filter 218
having a non-consumable catalyst 219 such as manganese dioxide
prior to being exhausted into the surrounding atmosphere. An
ultraviolet lamp 220 may also be mounted in the sterilizing chamber
210 for sterilizing outer surfaces of the article 202.
[0049] An ozone generator 222 is also coupled to the sterilizing
chamber 210 for introducing ozone gas into the chamber 210 after
operation of the vacuum pump 216. The pressure difference causes
the ozone to penetrate the article 202 for sterilizing any
microorganisms therein. An oxygen tank 224 is mounted atop the
sterilizing chamber 210 and is operatively coupled to the ozone
generator 222, oxygen being utilized to produce ozone. Following
ozone sterilization, another operation of the vacuum pump 216 may
evacuate the sterilizing chamber 210 of ozone before the article
202 is moved through the exit 214 and into the second water chamber
260.
[0050] In the same manner as was described relative to the
embodiment of the apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first
256 and second 260 water chambers each include upper walls 258,
262, respectively, which cooperate with respective walls of the
sterilizing chamber 210 and the water levels of respective water
chambers to establish a closed air space in the sterilizing chamber
210. Each upper wall includes upstream and downstream portions
having a construction substantially similar to that described
previously.
[0051] It is understood that while certain forms of this invention
have been illustrated and described, it is not limited thereto
except insofar as such limitations are included in the following
claims and allowable functional equivalents thereof.
* * * * *