U.S. patent application number 11/682357 was filed with the patent office on 2011-11-24 for apparatus for sterilizing mail and textile articles.
Invention is credited to Jimmie D. Miller.
Application Number | 20110283661 11/682357 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44971275 |
Filed Date | 2011-11-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110283661 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Miller; Jimmie D. |
November 24, 2011 |
APPARATUS FOR STERILIZING MAIL AND TEXTILE ARTICLES
Abstract
An apparatus for sterilizing various articles includes a cabinet
defining a chamber and having a door coupled to the cabinet for
selectively sealing the chamber in an airtight manner. The
apparatus includes a vacuum pump in communication with the chamber
for withdrawing air from the chamber and any respective article
placed therein, e.g. a pillow, the vacuum pump causing a reduced
air pressure within the chamber. The apparatus further includes an
ozone generator in communication with the chamber for introducing
ozone into the chamber and into any respective article placed
therein. Still further, the apparatus includes an ozone filter in
communication with the chamber and having a non-consumable catalyst
for converting the ozone into oxygen.
Inventors: |
Miller; Jimmie D.; (Arkansas
City, KS) |
Family ID: |
44971275 |
Appl. No.: |
11/682357 |
Filed: |
March 6, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/425 ;
250/492.1; 422/186.07 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 9/105 20130101;
A61L 2202/13 20130101; B65B 5/045 20130101; A61L 2/202 20130101;
B65B 55/18 20130101; A61L 2/10 20130101; G07F 17/18 20130101; A61L
2/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
53/425 ;
422/186.07; 250/492.1 |
International
Class: |
B65B 55/02 20060101
B65B055/02; B01J 19/12 20060101 B01J019/12; B01J 19/08 20060101
B01J019/08 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for sterilizing an article, comprising: a chamber;
a door selectively sealing said chamber in an airtight manner; a
vacuum pump in communication with said chamber for withdrawing air
from said chamber and any respective article placed therein, said
vacuum pump causing a reduced air pressure within said chamber; an
ozone generator in communication with said chamber for introducing
ozone into said chamber and into any respective article placed
therein; and an ozone filter in communication with said chamber and
having a non-consumable catalyst for converting said ozone into
oxygen.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a payment device;
and a processor in data communication with said vacuum pump, said
ozone generator, and said payment device to actuate said vacuum
pump and said ozone generator upon utilization of said payment
device.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a scent applier in
communication with said chamber and in data communication with said
processor.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a bagging device in
communication with said chamber and in data communication with said
processor.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a cabinet that
defines said chamber and houses said vacuum pump, said ozone
generator, and said ozone filter.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a shelf coupled to
said cabinet exterior to said chamber.
7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said door is hingedly coupled
to said cabinet.
8. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising: an ultraviolet
lamp in communication with said chamber for sterilizing outer
surfaces of the article; a payment device; and a processor in data
communication with said vacuum pump, said ozone generator, and said
payment device to actuate said vacuum pump and said ozone generator
upon utilization of said payment device.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising: a scent applier in
communication with said chamber and in data communication with said
processor; a bagging device in communication with said chamber and
in data communication with said processor; and a display in data
communication with said processor.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an ultraviolet
lamp in communication with said chamber for sterilizing outer
surfaces of the article.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said non-consumable catalyst
is manganese dioxide.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an oxygen tank
operatively connected to said ozone generator for supplying oxygen
to said ozone generator for ozone production.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said vacuum pump is coupled
to said ozone filter to draw air into said ozone filter.
14. An apparatus for sterilizing an article, comprising: a cabinet
having a chamber; a door coupled to said cabinet for selectively
sealing said chamber in an airtight manner; a vacuum pump in
communication with said chamber for withdrawing air from said
chamber and any respective article placed therein, said vacuum pump
causing a reduced air pressure within said chamber; an ozone
generator in communication with said chamber for introducing ozone
into said chamber and into any respective article placed therein;
and an ozone filter in communication with said chamber and having a
non-consumable catalyst for converting said ozone into oxygen.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a processor in
data communication with said vacuum pump and said ozone generator
to control actuation of said vacuum pump and said ozone
generator.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a display in data
communication with said processor for presenting data.
17. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising at least one of a
payment device, a scent applier, or a bagging device in data
communication with said processor.
18. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising at least one of a
card reader or a cash acceptor, wherein said processor is in data
communication with said at least one of a card reader or a cash
acceptor to actuate said vacuum pump and said ozone generator upon
utilization of said at least one of a card reader or a cash
acceptor.
19. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said cabinet houses said
vacuum pump, said ozone generator, and said ozone filter.
20. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising an ultraviolet
lamp in communication with said chamber for sterilizing outer
surfaces of the article.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser.
No. 10/964,183 entitled Method and Apparatus for Sterilizing Mail
and Textile Articles filed Oct. 13, 2005, which claims the benefit
of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/883,242 entitled Method and
Apparatus for Sterilizing Mail and Textile Articles filed Apr. 27,
2004, which claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No.
10/223,919 filed Aug. 20, 2002 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,737,029)
entitled Method and Apparatus for Sterilizing Mail, which claimed
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. It
would also be desirable to have a device that can sterilize other
articles such as textiles, pillows, etc.
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] Another form of the invention includes a cabinet defining a
chamber and having a door coupled to the cabinet for selectively
sealing the chamber in an airtight manner. The apparatus includes a
vacuum pump in communication with the chamber for withdrawing air
from the chamber and any respective article placed therein, e.g. a
pillow, the vacuum pump causing a reduced air pressure within the
chamber. The apparatus further includes an ozone generator in
communication with the chamber for introducing ozone into the
chamber and into any respective article placed therein. Still
further, the apparatus includes an ozone filter in communication
with the chamber and having a non-consumable catalyst for
converting the ozone into oxygen.
[0008] Therefore, a general object of this invention is to provide
a method and apparatus for sterilizing mail from anthrax or other
pathogenic poisoning.
[0009] 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.
[0010] 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.
[0011] Yet another object of this invention is to provide a method
and apparatus, as aforesaid, which sterilizes mail without
generating excessive heat or pollution.
[0012] 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.
[0013] A still further object of this invention is to provide a
sterilizing apparatus, as aforesaid, having a unique conveyor
system for moving textile articles between multiple water and
sterilizing chambers.
[0014] Another object of this invention is to provide a sterilizing
apparatus, as aforesaid, having a unique conveyor system for moving
textile articles into a single sterilizing chamber bounded by water
chambers for sterilization within an enclosed space.
[0015] Yet another object of this invention is to provide a
sterilizing apparatus, as aforesaid, having a chamber with a door
into which articles to be sterilized may be inserted, sealed, and
sanitized by inserting ozone into a vacuum environment.
[0016] 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
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partially broken away, of a
mail sterilization apparatus according to one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a side view of the mail sterilization apparatus as
in FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a mail sterilization
apparatus, partially broken away, according to another embodiment
of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a side view of the mail sterilization apparatus as
in FIG. 3;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view, partially broken away, of a
sterilization apparatus according to another embodiment of the
present invention;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a side view of the sterilization apparatus as in
FIG. 5;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a sterilization device
according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0024] FIG. 8 is a side view of the sterilization apparatus as in
FIG. 7.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a sterilizing device
according to another embodiment of the invention according to still
another embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a front view of the apparatus as in FIG. 10;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a side view of the apparatus as in FIG. 10;
[0028] FIG. 12 is another perspective view of the apparatus as in
FIG. 10 with the front doors removed;
[0029] FIG. 13 is another perspective view of the apparatus as in
FIG. 12 with the article to be sanitized removed from the chamber;
and
[0030] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the electronic components of
the apparatus as in FIG. 10.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0031] 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.
[0032] 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.
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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).
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] 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.
[0038] 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.
[0039] 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.
[0040] 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.
[0041] 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.
[0042] 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.
[0043] 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.
[0044] 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.
[0045] 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.
[0046] 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.
[0047] 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.
[0048] 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.
[0049] 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.
[0050] 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.
[0051] 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.
[0052] 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.
[0053] 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.
[0054] 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.
[0055] 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.
[0056] 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.
[0057] 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.
[0058] 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.
[0059] A sterilizer apparatus 300 according to still yet another
embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 9 through 14.
The apparatus 300 according to this embodiment includes a
construction substantially similar to the apparatus 70 previously
described except as specifically noted below. As with the previous
embodiments described herein, the apparatus 300 may be used to
sterilize mail, textiles, and/or medical supplies or equipment. It
should be understood that this is certainly not an exhaustive list;
almost anything could potentially be sterilized using an
appropriately sized and configured apparatus 300.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 12, the sterilizer apparatus 300 may
include a single chamber 310, and one or more door 312 (FIG. 9) may
selectively seal an entrance 311 (FIG. 12) to the chamber 310. The
door 312 may be hingedly or slidably operated, for example. Hinges
313 are shown coupled to the door 312 in FIG. 9. The chamber 310
may include a rack 314 for supporting items being cleaned (FIGS. 12
and 13). As shown in FIGS. 9 through 13, a cabinet 305 may define
the single chamber 310. The cabinet 305 may further house a vacuum
pump 320, an ozone generator 322, and an ozone filter 324 that are
respectively in communication with the chamber 310, such as through
input and exit holes 326a, 326b (FIG. 13). It should be
appreciated, however, that the vacuum pump 320, the ozone generator
322, and/or the ozone filter 324 may be separate from the cabinet
305 but in communication with the chamber 310. A door 316 (FIG. 9)
may limit access to the vacuum pump 320, the ozone generator 322,
and/or the ozone filter 324. An ultraviolet light 328 may be
located within or in communication with the chamber 310 (FIG.
13).q
[0061] The sterilizer apparatus 300 may include a processor 330 in
data communication with the vacuum pump 320 and the ozone generator
322 (FIG. 14) for controlling the actuation of the vacuum pump 320
and the ozone generator 322, for example. One or more payment
device 332 may be also be in data communication with the processor
330. As shown in FIG. 9, payment devices 332 such as a card reader
332a and a cash acceptor 332b may be coupled to the cabinet 305.
The processor 330 may be in data communication with a remote
computer 334 (e.g., a hotel computer, a laundromat computer, etc.),
which may allow various charge or payment options, for example. A
start button 336 and/or a display 337 (FIG. 9) may be in data
communication with the processor 330.
[0062] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a shelf 340 may be coupled to
the cabinet 305 to allow a user to place items thereon either
before or after they are cleaned. In addition, though not shown in
the accompanying drawings, a scent applier and/or a bagging device
may be in communication with the chamber 310. The scent applier
and/or the bagging device may be in data communication with the
processor 330, and the processor 330 may be in data communication
with a user input device for allowing the scent applier and/or the
bagging device to be selected by a user as desired.
[0063] In use, the door 312 may be opened to expose the entrance
311 to the chamber 310, and an item 301 (e.g., a pillow, letter,
television remote control, etc.) may be placed inside the chamber
310. If desirable, the item 301 may be placed upon the rack 314
(FIG. 12). The user may close the door 312, forming an airtight
area inside the chamber 310. If the processor 330 is programmed to
require payment, the user may provide payment (e.g., using card
reader 332a or cash acceptor 332b). After payment is received, the
user may press the start button 336 to initiate the cleaning
process as described below. It should be understood that payment
may be required before the door 312 is opened to place the item 301
in the chamber 310, and/or that the cleaning process may start
automatically upon receiving payment (i.e., without use of the
start button 336). Though not shown in detail, the door may be
automatically locked during the cleaning process so that it cannot
be opened until the cleaning process is completed.
[0064] Once the cleaning process begins, the ultraviolet light 328
may be actuated to sterilize the item 301 as generally described
above. The vacuum pump 320 may remove air from the chamber 310
(e.g., through the exit hole 326b), creating a low pressure area
(e.g., a vacuum) inside the chamber 310. If the door 312 includes a
transparent area 312a (a window), the user may watch the cleaning
process through the transparent area 312a. The processor 330 may
cause the display 337 to indicate the steps of the cleaning process
as they occur. Once the vacuum is created in the chamber 310, the
ozone generator 322 may release ozone gas into the chamber 310
(e.g., through the input hole 326a). Introducing ozone in the low
pressure atmosphere may allow the ozone to quickly permeate the
item 301. It should be understood that the sterilizer apparatus 300
may be used without the vacuum pump 320 creating a vacuum in the
chamber 310, but that such a vacuum may substantially speed up the
cleaning process. After the ozone sanitizes the item 301, the
vacuum pump 320 may pull the ozone gas in the chamber 310 through
the ozone filter 324, which may convert the ozone into oxygen and
release it into the atmosphere. After the ozone is removed from the
chamber 310, the door 312 may be opened and the item 301 may be
removed. If the user wants the item 301 to be scented or bagged,
the apparatus 300 may use the scent applier and/or the bagging
device as described above before the door 312 is opened.
[0065] 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.
* * * * *