JP2020501854A - Systems, cabinets and methods for disinfecting objects - Google Patents

Abstract

A method is provided that includes positioning a disinfecting device near a cabinet, the disinfecting device having a base supporting a germicidal source, the base operable to the germicidal source to operate the germicidal source. And components connected to it. The method further includes: inserting the sterilization source into the cabinet such that at least a portion of the base is retained outside the cabinet and operably connected to the sterilization source. Further, the method includes: placing one or more items in the cabinet; wherein the source of sterilization and the one or more items are in the cabinet, and the base of the disinfection device is external to the cabinet. Closing the cabinet; and thereafter activating the disinfecting source such that the disinfecting source releases the disinfectant into the cabinet. Also provided are systems and cabinets used to implement the methods described above. [Selection diagram] FIG.

Description

This application claims priority to US Patent Application No. 15 / 673,033, filed August 9, 2017, and US Patent Application No. 15/363, filed November 29, 2016. Claim priority to 917.

  The present invention relates generally to disinfecting objects, and more particularly, to systems, cabinets and methods for disinfecting objects.

  The following description and examples are not to be construed as prior art by their inclusion in this section.

  Generally, disinfection systems are designed to expose one or more surfaces and / or objects to a disinfectant to inactivate or kill microorganisms present on one or more surfaces and / or objects. You. Applications of the sterilization system include, but are not limited to, sterilization, object disinfection, and room / area decontamination. Examples of area / room decontamination systems are used in agriculture-related activities, such as those used in hospital rooms to disinfect objects in the room and those used for domestic animals and / or livestock. Is what is done. Examples of sterilization systems are those used to sterilize surgical instruments, food or pharmaceutical packaging. The challenge in many applications is to access the entire surface of the object to ensure complete disinfection of the object. In particular, some disinfection systems can only effectively treat surfaces facing the disinfection system, and surfaces not facing the system may not be sufficiently disinfected.

  Furthermore, the surface of an object in contact with the surface of another object, for example, the surface of an object in contact with the surface of a table, or the surfaces of multiple overlapping objects, is hidden from exposure. , Such surfaces are not disinfected. Objects that are particularly easy to contact with other objects are relatively small and easy to carry. Furthermore, such objects are often handled by humans, which tend to cause the surface to carry pathogenic bacteria. Some sterilization systems include a tray for positioning the object so that access to the surface of the object can be manipulated. However, such trays must be disinfected to ensure that the objects must be carefully positioned to avoid overlapping, and to ensure that the surfaces originally placed in contact with the trays are disinfected. It is laborious and time consuming in that the object has to be turned over during the process.

  A further challenge in many environments where mobile equipment is used, such as in hospitals or agricultural work, is to disinfect the mobile equipment in a sufficient and consistent manner. For example, hospitals frequently use mobile equipment, such as wheelchairs, mobile workstations, and vital signs monitors, which make them extremely susceptible to contamination by infectious microorganisms. Further, since such equipment is typically used in many locations within a hospital, it is difficult to track its use, its need for disinfection, and / or its reliable disinfection according to a set schedule. possible. In addition, such equipment faces the same challenges as those described above when disinfected in a sterilization system that can only effectively treat the surfaces facing the sterilization system.

  Accordingly, it would be advantageous to develop a device and process that can assist in disinfecting an object, and in particular, accessing the entire surface of the object during the disinfection process, while minimizing the associated effort and interruption of the disinfection process.

  Systems, cabinets and methods for disinfecting objects are provided. The following description of various embodiments of the systems, cabinets and methods should not be construed as limiting the subject matter of the appended claims.

  One embodiment of a system for disinfecting an object includes a disinfecting device and a cabinet. The disinfecting device includes a base, the base supporting a sterilization source extending outwardly from the base. The base includes a component operably connected to the germicidal source for operating the germicidal source, and an air moving device configured to draw air from an external atmosphere of the base. The disinfection device is configured to direct air from the air transfer device to the sterilization source. The cabinet includes a port and one or more vents extending between the interior of the cabinet and the exterior of the cabinet. The port has an outer perimeter surrounding a portion of the disinfecting device, such that the air moving device draws air from the outside atmosphere of the cabinet during operation of the disinfecting device, and the drawn air and the sterilizing source. The released germicide is injected into the cabinet.

  One embodiment of a method for disinfecting one or more items includes positioning a disinfecting device near a cabinet, the disinfecting device having a base supporting a source of sterilization, wherein the base comprises the base A component is operably connected to the sterilization source for operating the sterilization source. The method further includes inserting the germicidal source into the cabinet such that at least a portion of the base is retained outside the cabinet and operably connected to the germicidal source. Further, the method includes: placing one or more items in the cabinet; wherein the source of sterilization and the one or more items are in the cabinet, and the base of the disinfection device is outside the cabinet. Closing the cabinet; and then activating the disinfecting device such that the germicidal source releases germicide into the cabinet.

  Certain embodiments of the cabinet include a first port having a dimensionally adjustable outer perimeter, the outer perimeter configured to conform to an outer perimeter of an item partially inserted into the first port, whereby , Sealing the first port against the article to be inserted. The cabinet further includes a second port having a door and one or more vents extending between the interior of the cabinet and the exterior of the cabinet.

  Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary flowchart of a method for disinfecting one or more objects in a cabinet. FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an exemplary shelf having ridges for suspending objects. FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an exemplary cabinet for disinfecting one or more objects. FIG. 4 shows a schematic top view of another exemplary cabinet for disinfecting one or more objects. 5 to 7 show schematic top views of different exemplary cabinets having partitionable chambers for disinfection of one or more objects. FIG. 8 shows an exemplary flowchart of a method for disinfecting one or more objects in a cabinet having a partitionable chamber. FIG. 9 shows a top view of an exemplary basket designed to hold a stethoscope. FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the exemplary basket shown in FIG. 9 along axis AA. FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of another exemplary cabinet for disinfecting one or more objects having a disinfecting device and a wheelchair located near the cabinet. FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a system for disinfecting one or more objects. FIG. 13 shows an exemplary flowchart of another method for disinfecting one or more objects in a cabinet. FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of another exemplary cabinet for disinfecting one or more objects.

  While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example and will now be described in detail. However, the drawings and detailed description to the drawings are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed herein, but to the contrary, the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. It is to be understood that all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope are intended to be covered.

  Improves the versatility of multiple disinfecting devices that operate independently, allowing most, if not the entire exterior, to be disinfected at the same time and determining whether an object is considered suitable for a particular disinfection system A device and method are provided that provide a method for doing so. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, placing one or more objects into a cabinet: placing a disinfecting device into the cabinet; connecting the cabinet with the disinfecting device and the one inside the cabinet. Closing with said object; and remotely activating said disinfecting device to disperse the disinfectant in said closed cabinet. FIG. 8 also provides a method for disinfecting objects in a partitionable cabinet. There is also provided a cabinet specifically configured to implement the process as illustrated in FIGS. Further, there is provided a support structure configured to ensure that an object disposed thereon is suitable for a particular disinfection system, an example of which is shown in FIGS. Other examples of systems, cabinets, and methods for disinfecting objects are provided in FIGS. 11-14, whereby at least a portion of the base supporting the germicidal source is retained outside the cabinet. The sterilization source can be inserted into the cabinet.

The objects contemplated for use in the methods, cabinets and support structures provided herein may include any configuration (ie, shape, size, weight, material, structure, etc.), and in particular, the objects described above. It may depend on the cabinet in which the object is to be disinfected, or on the configuration of the support structure on which the object is disposed for the disinfection process. In some cases, relatively small and portable objects may be suitable for some of the cabinets described herein. In particular, some of the cabinets described herein include support structures such as trays, shelves and / or baskets for holding objects during a disinfection cycle. In this case, the object occupying approximately 1.0ft less than ^3, the object occupying approximately 0.5ft less than ³ in some cases, may be particularly applicable to such a process. In other cases, the cabinet described herein further object of large, especially objects occupying approximately 1.0 ft ^3, or greater than 5.0 ft ³ for disinfecting an object occupying a super things volume It may be configured as follows. In any case, the methods, cabinets and support structures described herein may optionally be used in hospitals. In such embodiments, objects envisioned for use in the methods, cabinets and support structures provided herein may include medical supplies, including medical equipment and consumables, that remain within a hospital. Non-medical supplies, including, but not limited to, pens, paper, brochures, television remote controls, may also be contemplated for use in the methods, cabinets and support structures provided herein. In any case, multiple objects of the same or different configurations may be envisaged for a given disinfection process.

As mentioned above, FIG. 1 outlines a method for disinfecting one or more objects in a cabinet. As shown, block 10 includes placing one or more objects into a cabinet. In some cases, placing one or more objects in the cabinet may include placing one or more objects on the cabinet floor. Additionally or alternatively, placing one or more objects into the cabinet may include bringing one or more objects into the cabinet. Either embodiment may be particularly suitable for placing relatively large objects in the cabinet, such as objects occupying more than approximately 1.0 ft ³ . Examples of relatively large objects include, but are not limited to, medical equipment, wheeled bed tables, drip poles, and carts. Examples of systems and cabinets having suitable configurations for placing one or more objects on the cabinet floor and / or for bringing objects into the cabinet are shown in FIGS. These are illustrated and are described in more detail below.

  In some additional or alternative cases, placing one or more objects in the cabinet of FIG. 1 may include, as described in block 22, one of the one or more objects. Placing one or more on one or more shelves disposed in the cabinet; placing one or more of the one or more objects on one or more trays disposed in the cabinet Placing may include placing one or more of the one or more objects into one or more baskets disposed in the cabinet. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the step of placing one or more objects into the cabinet may include, as described in blocks 24, 25, respectively: Placing on one or more trays, one or more shelves, and / or in one or more baskets; and placing one or more trays, one or more shelves, and / or one or more baskets in the cabinet May include the step of inserting. In any case, one or more shelves, one or more baskets, and / or one or more trays may be located anywhere in the cabinet. In some embodiments, one or more shelves, one or more baskets, and / or one or more trays may be attached to a side wall of the cabinet and / or one or more doors of the cabinet, and / or May extend from one or more doors of the cabinet and / or cabinet. Additionally or alternatively, one or more baskets and / or one or more trays may be disposed on the cabinet floor and / or on shelves within the cabinet.

  In any case, the shelf, one or more baskets and / or one or more trays envisioned for the methods, cabinets and support structures provided herein are permeable to germicidal light. And / or portions with through holes. In some embodiments, the size of the through-holes in the shelf, one or more baskets, and / or one or more trays may be large relative to the framing surrounding the through-holes (ie, the through-holes are (It may occupy more space than the frame surrounding the through-hole, as is commonly found in a polymer frame having a similar configuration to a rack or wire rack.) In some cases, part or all of the framework surrounding the through-hole may be made of a material that is permeable to germicidal light. In some embodiments, the shelf, one or more baskets, and / or one or more trays, regardless of whether the shelf, one or more baskets, and / or one or more trays have through holes. May be made of one or more materials that are transparent to germicidal light. An example of a material that is permeable to germicidal light is quartz, but other materials are also contemplated.

  In some cases, the shelf, one or more baskets, and / or one or more trays may include one or more suspension ridges for placing objects thereon, Allows the object to be suspended above an attached shelf, basket or tray. The one or more suspension ridges allow a greater surface area of one or more objects to be exposed to the disinfectant ejected from the disinfecting device disposed within the cabinet, and therefore, during the disinfection process. The effectiveness of sterilization of one or more objects can be improved. In some cases, one or more suspension ridges may be exposed to germicidal light, particularly for embodiments where the disinfecting device to be used in a cabinet with shelves, baskets or trays has a germicidal light source. It may include a permeable material. In some of such embodiments, other portions of the shelf, basket, or tray with one or more suspension ridges may not be permeable to germicidal light or have no through holes. May be. In particular, in some cases, only a portion of a shelf, basket, or tray made of a material that is permeable to germicidal light may be one or more suspension ridges. However, in other cases, other parts of the shelf, basket or tray with one or more suspension ridges may include a material that is permeable to germicidal light or may be provided with through holes. In some alternative embodiments, one or more suspension ridges may not be permeable to germicidal light.

  An exemplary shelf 34 having various ridges is shown in FIG. In particular, FIG. 2 shows a shelf 34 with a wire rack having suspension ridges 35, 36, 37 mounted on a bar or rack. As shown, the suspension ridge 35 is conical, which may be advantageous to minimize the amount of contact with an object placed thereon. An alternative shape of the suspension ridge may be spherical, as shown by ridge 36 in FIG. A plurality of other shapes are also envisioned, such as, but not limited to, quadrangular pyramids and triangular pyramids. Another type of suspension ridge configuration that can be envisaged for shelves, one or more baskets and / or one or more trays for the cabinets and methods described herein has a substantially flat top surface. May be a suspension ridge for receiving an object by this upper surface. For example, a circular wafer, as indicated by the suspension ridge 37 of FIG. 2, or any other shape of wafer may be used. Alternatively, square or triangular blocks or inverted cones or triangular pyramids may be used. In any of the above cases, in some embodiments, the substantially flat upper surface of the suspension ridge may be roughened to assist in holding an object thereon. However, in other cases, the substantially flat upper surface of the suspension ridge may be smooth.

  In some cases, one or more ridges, regardless of their shape, may have a height of at least about 2 cm. In other embodiments, one or more suspension ridges may have a height of less than approximately 2 cm. In some cases, all suspension ridges on shelves, baskets and / or trays may have the same height. Such a configuration can help stabilize an object that spans two or more of the suspension ridges for support. In other embodiments, the height of some or all of the suspension ridges on shelves, baskets, and / or trays may be different. Further, in some cases, the shelves, baskets and / or trays may have suspension ridges of the same configuration (ie, the same shape and / or size). In other embodiments, the size and / or shape of some or all suspension ridges on shelves, baskets, and / or trays may be different.

  In any case, in some embodiments, the one or more suspension ridges move such that they cannot be easily removed from the shelf, basket, and / or tray, or along the shelf, basket, and / or tray. It may be secured to shelves, baskets and / or trays so that it does not. In still other cases, the one or more suspension ridges may not be moved along the shelf, basket and / or tray to which they are attached, but may be manually removed from the shelf, basket and / or tray. May be mounted where possible. This allows one or more suspension ridges to be adjusted for different objects and / or different disinfection cycles. In other embodiments, one or more suspension ridges may be configured to move (eg, slide) along the shelf, basket, and / or tray to which they are attached. In any case, the suspension ridge may include any mounting or mounting means for connecting to shelves, baskets and / or trays. In some embodiments, the suspension ridge may include one or more lower members configured to attach to a particular surface configuration. For example, if the suspension ridge is attached to a wire rack, the suspension ridge may include one or more lower members that are collectively configured in size to securely match the bar of the wire rack. . Although FIG. 2 shows a suspension ridge mounted on a bar of a wire rack, the use of the ridge is not necessarily so limited. In particular, the suspension ridge may be attached to any surface of any configuration of shelves, baskets and / or trays.

  In any case, in some embodiments, the upper portion of one or more suspension ridges may include a different material than its mounting / installation means. For example, in some cases, the upper portion of the suspension ridge may include a material that is permeable to germicidal light, such as, for example, quartz, such that it is disposed over the suspension ridge during a disinfection cycle. A larger surface area of the provided object can be exposed to germicidal light. However, the means for attaching / locating the ridges may include different materials, and in certain embodiments, may include materials that are not permeable to germicidal light. The material mismatch between the upper portion of the suspension ridge and the means of attachment / installation is such that the material used for the upper portion of the suspension ridge is less than the material of the shelf, one or more baskets, or one or more trays. This may be particularly true for embodiments that do not contribute to the connection. Alternatively, the upper part of the one or more suspension ridges and the means for their attachment / placement may be made of one or more of the same materials, in particular in the form of a single composite material.

  As used herein, the term "cabinet" refers to an article for enclosing and holding one or more items, which is for receiving one or more items and A door for closing the cabinet, and wherein the article is moved or moved completely by disassembling at least a portion of the cabinet skeleton and reconstructing the cabinet from the disassembled skeleton in a different location; Can be done. The term refers to areas of the building that are primarily surrounded by fixed structures of the building, such as drywall or concrete, where these structures are not disassembled and cannot be easily reused to form the walls It is different in that. In particular, as used herein, the term "cabinet" is composed of materials commonly used to define interior space within a building, such as, but not limited to, drywall or concrete. It does not refer to a room, hallway, bathroom or closet in a building that has fixed side walls. In contrast, the term encompasses reconfigurable and / or movable articles. For example, the term includes, but is not limited to, wall-mounted articles, such as boxes without a back surface, utilizing the walls of the chamber to form a seal for the cabinet. In particular, wall-mounted cabinets can be moved or moved completely by disassembling the cabinet and reconstructing the cabinet at different locations from the disassembled skeleton. Further, as used herein, the term "cabinet" includes reconfigurable or movable articles that utilize a floor and / or ceiling to form a seal for the cabinet. Accordingly, an article that does not include a floor and / or ceiling, but forms a seal with the floor or ceiling of a building, if such article is so arranged, is considered herein to be a cabinet. I can do it.

  As shown at block 12, the method outlined in FIG. 1 further includes placing the disinfecting device in a cabinet. The bidirectional arrow lines between blocks 10 and 12 indicate that one process may be performed before the other, or that they may be performed substantially simultaneously. In any case, the method continues to block 14 for closing the cabinet and further to block 16 for remotely activating the disinfecting device and dispersing the disinfectant in the closed cabinet. In particular, a user interface located remotely from the disinfection device and wirelessly connected to the disinfection device to initiate operation of the disinfection device can be activated by a user outside the cabinet.

  In some cases, the disinfection device may be configured to operate independently of the cabinet. In other words, the disinfection device placed in the cabinet may be configured to be operationally independent of the cabinet. More specifically, the disinfection device envisioned herein may be a self-contained device having a unique power supply and / or a power cord for accessing the unique power supply. Thus, it is not necessary to connect the functional features of the disinfection device to the cabinet in order to operate the disinfection device. Such a configuration of the disinfecting device does not necessarily specify that the disinfecting device is operationally independent of the cabinet during the disinfection cycle, but merely that the disinfecting device has such a configuration. is there. For example, as described in further detail below, the cabinets described herein may, in some embodiments, include an outlet disposed along an inner surface for receiving a power plug, and further, A power cord may be included that is coupled to the outlet and extends outwardly from an outer surface of the cabinet. Such an arrangement may be useful for powering a disinfection device via a cabinet. In particular, the power plug of the disinfecting device may be plugged into the outlet of the cabinet, and the power cord of the cabinet may be plugged into the outlet connected to the main power supply of the building. In this way, there is no need to route the power cord of the disinfection device outside the cabinet. However, in other embodiments, the disinfecting device is connected to the building mains by routing the power cord of the disinfecting device to the outside of the cabinet, for example, underneath the cabinet sidewall or through a hole along the cabinet sidewall. It may be connected directly to an outlet connected to the power supply.

  In any case, the method outlined in FIG. 1 includes terminating the operation of the disinfection device, as shown at block 20, followed by one or more of the one or more objects and / or disinfection. Removing the device. In some embodiments, operation of the disinfecting device may be terminated when a signal is received from a remote user interface of the device. In this way, the end timing can be selected by the individual. In other cases, the operation of the disinfecting device may be for a predetermined amount of time (this may be a preset time by an individual who has set up a particular disinfection cycle in the cabinet, or a disinfection performed in the cabinet. (This may be a preset default time for the cycle). In yet another embodiment, the operation of the disinfecting device automatically terminates after a predetermined amount of disinfectant is detected in the cabinet, as shown in block 30 of FIG. 1 and described in more detail below. You may let me. Generally, the disinfecting device may include program instructions for terminating its operation based on any one or more of these termination criteria. In some cases, the disinfection device further includes a program instruction for terminating its operation upon detecting movement of a door comprising the cabinet, as shown in block 32 of FIG. 1 and described in more detail below. May be included.

  The disinfection device envisioned herein can be any device configured to produce a dispersible disinfectant. In particular, the disinfecting device envisioned herein may be any device or apparatus configured to produce a germicide in the form of a liquid, vapor, gas, plasma or germicidal light. In some cases, the disinfection device may be configured to produce more than one type of disinfectant. As used herein, the term "germicide" refers to the action of inactivating or killing microorganisms, especially disease-borne and / or disease-producing microorganisms (known as pathogens). Agent. As used herein, the term "kill" means causing death of an organism. In contrast, as used herein, the term "deactivate" means making an organism unable to reproduce without killing it. Thus, as used herein, a bactericide configured to inactivate a microorganism refers to an agent that prevents the growth of the microorganism, but leaves the microorganism alive. Further, as used herein, the term "disinfection device" refers to a collection of one or more components used to generate and disperse a disinfectant. In some embodiments, the disinfecting device is adapted to achieve dispersal of the disinfectant from the one or more producing components in addition to the one or more components used to produce the disinfectant. May be included. In any case, the disinfecting device described herein may include any number of sterilization sources depending on the design specifications of the disinfecting device.

  In some cases, the germicidal source of the disinfection devices described herein is configured to produce a liquid, vapor, gas or plasma germicide that is molecularly configured to inactivate and / or kill microorganisms. May do it. As used herein, the phrase "molecularly configured" refers to the composition of the elements of a substance (i.e., comprising the substance) to confer the function stated after this phrase. Number and type of atoms). In some embodiments, the functionality of the liquid, vapor, gas, or plasma germicide that inactivates and / or kills microorganisms may be due to the elements that make up the germicide, thus Such fungicides can be described as "molecularly configured to inactivate and / or kill microorganisms." This is in contrast to liquid, vapor, gas or plasma germicides, which are rendered inert and / or killing by the method of use. For example, boiling water and steam are often effective sterilants, depending on the temperature used rather than their molecular composition. An example of a gas disinfectant that inactivates or kills microorganisms depending on its use is extremely hot air. Furthermore, the bactericidal effect of some plasma germicides is mainly due to the presence and activity of the charged particles, not the molecular composition of the charged particles constituting the plasma.

  An example of a gas disinfectant that is molecularly configured to kill microorganisms is ozone. Examples of plasma germicides that are molecularly configured to inactivate or kill microorganisms are those that utilize or produce reactive oxygen species. Examples of liquid and steam germicides that are molecularly configured to inactivate or kill microorganisms include, but are not limited to, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, chlorine, alcohol, quaternary ammonium compounds or ozone. Liquid and vapor disinfectants with primary disinfectants are included. In any of these cases, the liquid and steam germicides may be aqueous or non-aqueous. It should be noted that sterilization sources configured to produce liquids, vapors, gases or plasma germicides that are molecularly configured to inactivate or kill microorganisms have been discussed in detail above, but some implementations have been discussed. In form, the disinfecting device envisioned herein may be a liquid, vapor, gas or plasma sterilizer that imparts a passivating or killing functionality depending on its use, for example, by boiling water, steam or heated air. A germicidal source configured to produce the agent. In any case, examples of disinfecting devices that can be configured to disperse liquid, vapor, gas or plasma disinfectants include liquid sprays, atomizers, plasma torches, and mist generation systems, including wet and dry mist systems. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to these. As used herein, the term "mist" refers to a suspension of microscopic globules in a gas. For use herein, germicidal mist is classified as a liquid germicide.

  As mentioned above, the germicidal source of the disinfecting device described herein may, in some embodiments, be a source configured to generate germicidal light. The term "germicidal light" refers to a light source designed to produce and emit light capable of inactivating or killing microorganisms, especially disease-borne and / or disease-producing microorganisms (known as pathogens). Point. The range of light known to be bactericidal is about 200 nm to about 320 nm, especially 220 nm and 260 nm to 265 nm ultraviolet light, and about 400 nm to about 470 nm, especially 405 nm visible blue-violet light (high intensity narrow spectrum ( high-intensity narrow-spectrum (HINS), also known as light). In some embodiments, the germicidal light source may produce a non-bactericidal light range, such as, but not limited to, visible light of greater than about 500 nm, and such ability may render the light source germicidal. Calling will be hindered. Further, in some cases, a light source or lamp may be characterized by the type of light it produces, but such characterization does not necessarily limit the light source or lamp to produce only that type of light. For example, an ultraviolet lamp is a lamp that generates ultraviolet light, but may generate light of other wavelengths. In any case, the germicidal light source envisioned for the disinfecting devices described herein may be of any size and shape, depending on the design specifications of the disinfecting device. The terms "germicidal light source" and "germicidal lamp" are used interchangeably herein and are one or more that are used to generate and disperse germicidal light. Refers to a set of components.

  Examples of germicidal light sources that can be configured to generate ultraviolet light and / or HINS light include discharge lamps, light emitting diode (LED) solid state devices, and excimer lasers. HINS lamps are generally composed of multiple LEDs. A discharge lamp, as used herein, refers to a lamp that utilizes internal discharge between electrodes in a gas to generate light. The term also encompasses gas discharge lamps, which produce light by sending a discharge through an ionic gas (ie, a plasma). The term also encompasses surface discharge lamps, which generate light by sending a discharge along the surface of a dielectric substrate in the presence of a gas and generating a plasma along the surface of the substrate. Accordingly, possible discharge lamps for the germicidal sources described herein include gas discharge lamps and surface discharge lamps. Discharge lamps can be further characterized by the type of one or more gases used and the pressure at which the lamp operates. Possible discharge lamps for the germicidal sources described herein may include low pressure, medium pressure and high intensity discharge lamps. Further, the one or more gases used may include helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, water vapor, carbon dioxide, mercury vapor, sodium vapor and any combination thereof. In some embodiments, various additives and / or other materials may be included in the one or more gases. In any case, discharge lamps envisioned for the germicidal sources described herein may include those that produce continuous light and those that produce light of short duration, the latter being a flashlight or flashlight. Sometimes called a lamp. Flash bulbs or lamps used to provide repetitive pulses of light are sometimes referred to as pulsed light sources.

  A gas discharge lamp commonly used to generate continuous light is a mercury vapor lamp, which can be envisioned for some of the disinfection devices described herein. Mercury vapor lamps emit light with a peak intensity of 253.7 mm, which is believed to have particular application in germicidal disinfection and is therefore commonly cited in ultraviolet germicidal radiation (UVGI). A commonly used flash lamp envisioned for the disinfecting devices described herein is a xenon flash bulb. In contrast to mercury vapor lamps, xenon flash bulbs produce a broad spectrum of light from ultraviolet to infrared, and thus, ultraviolet light over the entire spectrum known as bactericidal (i.e., about 200 nm to about 320 nm). I will provide a. In addition, xenon flash bulbs can provide relatively sufficient intensity in the spectrum known to have optimal bactericidal properties (i.e., about 260 to about 265 nm). In addition, xenon flash bulbs generate very large amounts of heat, which can also serve to inactivate and kill microorganisms.

  Although these are not currently readily available on the market, surface discharge lamps may be envisioned for some of the disinfection devices described herein, as described above. Like xenon flash bulbs, surface discharge lamps produce ultraviolet light throughout the spectrum known as germicidal (i.e., about 200 nm to about 320 nm). However, in contrast, surface discharge lamps operate at higher energy levels for pulses, and thus operate with better UV efficiency and provide longer life, compared to xenon lamps. It should be noted that the above description and comparison of mercury vapor lamps, xenon flash lamps and surface discharge lamps does not limit the disinfection devices described herein to include such lamps. Rather, the foregoing description and comparisons have been provided merely to provide factors that can be considered by those skilled in the art when selecting a germicidal light source for the disinfection devices described herein.

  As mentioned above, in some cases, the germicidal light source may be an excimer laser, and thus the germicidal light used to sterilize objects in the cabinet may be a narrow band light beam. In such a case, the disinfection device comprising the laser may be configured to move the laser so that a plurality or all locations in the cabinet are disinfected. Alternatively, the disinfecting device may be configured to spatially distribute the germicidal light into the room atmosphere so that at least a plurality of portions of the object near the disinfecting device can be disinfected simultaneously. The disinfecting device can be of any shape, size or configuration that can achieve such purpose.

  In some cases, it may be advantageous to utilize a room disinfection device with respect to the methods and cabinets described herein. More specifically, the methods and cabinets described herein may optionally utilize a disinfection device having a configuration that facilitates disinfection of the chamber. As used herein, the term “room disinfection device” is used to inactivate, destroy, or prevent the growth of disease-borne microorganisms in the area. Refers to a device configured to disinfect a space suitable for occupation by a person. As used herein, the phrase "a space which is suitable for human occupancy" means that an adult of average size can at least eat, sleep, work, rest, Refers to space that can be comfortably occupied over a period of time for participating in an activity or completing a task. In some cases, a suitable space for human occupancy may be demarcated and include doors for entering and exiting the room. In other cases, a suitable space for a person to occupy may be an area with unclear boundaries. Examples of spaces suitable for human occupancy include single patient rooms, multi-person patient rooms, bathrooms, walk-in closets, hallways, bedrooms, offices, operating rooms, patient consulting rooms, waiting rooms and / or Or a rest area, as well as a nurse station, but is not limited thereto. Some disinfection devices used in the systems and methods described herein may be configured for room disinfection, but the systems and methods are not necessarily so limited. Accordingly, the disinfecting devices used in the systems and methods described herein do not necessarily include all or any of the features described below in connection with room disinfecting devices.

  Generally, room disinfection devices include configurations that maximize the number of surfaces and objects to be sterilized in a room by spatially dispersing an effective amount of a disinfectant in the atmosphere of the room in which the device is located. . The device can be of any shape, size or configuration that can achieve such purpose. An exemplary configuration of a room disinfection device that is particularly envisioned with respect to the disinfection devices discussed herein is that a sterilization source is disposed within the device to distribute the disinfectant approximately 360 ° around the source. It is to do. In such a case, the room disinfection device may not have enough components to block the disinfectant at approximately 360 ° around the device, so that disinfectant from the disinfecting source may substantially disturb the device. surround. Another configuration of the chamber disinfection device is automated to move about the entire chamber or area while the germicidal source is injecting the germicide into the atmosphere of the chamber or area. For example, some room disinfection devices include motorized wheels and a method for avoiding obstacles according to a predetermined route and / or within a room or area while the sterilization source is emitting one or more sterilants. And processor-executable program instructions for activating the motorized wheel in response to the sensor. It should be noted that although the room disinfection device may include such a configuration, it is assumed that such transfer features are not used in conjunction with the methods and cabinets disclosed herein.

  Another general feature of a room disinfection device that may optionally be included in the disinfection devices envisioned for the methods described herein is that the area is about 2 feet to about 4 feet from the floor of the room in which the equipment is located. In that it is configured to orient germicidal light. In particular, an area between about 2 feet and about 4 feet from the floor of the room is viewed as a "high touch" area of the room because objects that are frequently used are generally located in such areas. Be considered. Examples of configurations that provide such light orientation are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 706,926, filed December 6, 2012, and U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 708,208, filed December 7, 2012. No. PCT / US2014 / 059698, filed Oct. 8, 2014, all of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein. Incorporated in the specification. Other features unique to room disinfection devices are also disclosed in these documents. For example, other features of the room disinfection device include wheels and / or handles to achieve portability with respect to the device. Further, many room disinfection devices include an arrangement for remotely activating the device so that an individual does not need to be in the room to initiate operation of the device.

Another feature of a chamber disinfection device that may be included in the disinfection devices envisioned for the methods described herein is that the surface disinfection device may be located on a surface in a room or area that is more than one meter, or even more than two or three meters from the sterilization source. It includes an arrangement for dispersing an effective amount of the fungicide so that at least a 2 log reduction in bacterial contamination can be achieved. The configuration used to produce such an effect generally depends on the configuration of the germicidal source, particularly the size of the germicidal source, the strength and / or frequency of dispersing the germicide, and the orientation of the germicidal source within the device. You. In general, the sterilization sources envisioned herein may, in some embodiments, be of any shape, size, orientation or configuration, and may be more than 1 meter, or even more than 2 or 3 meters from the device. It may be operated with parameters to achieve the desired reduction in bacterial contamination on surfaces within a room or area. An example of an orientation of the germicidal source that can help achieve such an effect is to vertically orient the germicidal source (eg, a germicidal source) to assist in dispersing the germicide over a relatively long distance within a chamber or area. Are oriented such that their lengths are substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the support structure). Further, a power flux of at least 1.0 W / m ² may be used to achieve at least a 2 log reduction in bacterial contamination on surfaces in a room or area that is more than 1 meter from the sterilization source.

  In some cases, the chamber disinfection device utilizes a configuration of other components within the device (ie, other than the configuration of the sterilization source) to provide a chamber that is more than one meter, or even more than two or three meters from the sterilization source. Or it may assist in achieving the desired reduction in bacterial contamination on surfaces within the area. For example, the chamber disinfection device may include, in some embodiments, an actuator coupled to the sterilization source, and the sterilization source disinfects the atmosphere of the room or area to assist in dispersing the sterilant within the chamber or area. Processor-executable program instructions for activating the actuator to move the germicidal source while injecting the agent. More specifically, the germicidal source may be moved vertically, horizontally and / or diagonally by an actuator while the germicidal source is injecting the germicide into the atmosphere of the room or area. In some embodiments, such a configuration may be included in a disinfection device envisioned for the methods described herein and activated during a disinfection cycle in a cabinet. In particular, moving the germicidal source within the cabinet can assist in dispersing the germicide between different support structures within the cabinet.

  Another component often included in a room disinfection device that may be included in the disinfection devices envisioned for the methods described herein is a movement detection sensor and / or a room / area occupancy sensor, such as a motion sensor, It is a heat sensor, a Doppler sensor, or a light recognition sensor. In particular, to prevent harmful exposure of the individual to the germicide during disinfection of the room or area, the disinfecting device envisaged herein may be used to move and / or move within the area / room where the device is located. Or, it may include a program instruction to inhibit or terminate the activation of the power supply circuit to the sterilization source when the occupancy is detected. In some cases, in order to use such a disinfection device in a cabinet (discussed in further detail below) in which objects disposed therein move during the disinfection process, the disinfection device is included in the device. A switch for starting and stopping the movement detection or the occupancy sensor may be included.

  In other embodiments, one or more movement detection or occupancy sensors of the disinfecting device and associated program instructions may be used when the disinfecting device is placed in a cabinet to disinfect an object. . In particular, the method disclosed herein involves placing the room disinfection device in the cabinet such that a movement sensor included in the room disinfection device is aligned with the cabinet door, as described in block 28 of FIG. A positioning step may be included. Thus, if the door to the cabinet opens during operation of the disinfecting device, the power supply to the disinfecting device is terminated, as described in block 32 of FIG. In some of such embodiments, the cabinet may not have one or more mechanisms for moving objects therein. In other cases, the detection range of the movement sensor may be limited to the vicinity of the cabinet door, so that the object can be moved within the cabinet without detection of the sensor. . Alternatively, the cabinet described herein may have a switch to activate and deactivate one or more mechanisms used to move an object disposed therein, and thus an active movement sensor Can be used in conjunction with a disinfecting device having

  In yet another embodiment, the cabinet disclosed herein is for ensuring that one or more doors of the cabinet are closed when a disinfecting device therein is injecting a disinfectant. May include alternative safety mechanisms / systems (ie, safety mechanisms / systems that do not include the use of movement or occupancy sensors included in the disinfection device). For example, a cabinet may include a latch sensor on the door, which sends a signal to terminate operation of the disinfection device when the door latch is open. Alternatively, the cabinet may include a lock on the door and a germicidal sensor configured to prevent the lock from deactivating when a predetermined amount of germicide is sensed in the cabinet. Other safety mechanisms / systems are also envisioned to ensure that one or more doors of the cabinet are closed when the disinfecting device injects the disinfectant.

In any case, a cabinet is provided that is specially configured to simultaneously disinfect most, if not all, surfaces of one or more objects disposed therein. As detailed above, the cabinet includes shelves, one or more baskets and / or one or more trays, at least some of which are permeable to germicidal light and / or It has a through hole. Further, as described above, shelves, one or more baskets and / or one or more trays may be arranged along the side walls of the cabinet, one or more doors, ceiling or floor. In addition to such support structures (ie, shelves, one or more baskets, and / or one or more trays), the cabinet includes voids of a size sufficient to accommodate the disinfecting device. Generally, the disinfection devices are of various sizes, and thus the size of the air gap can vary depending on the cabinet design. Some of the disinfection device, in particular the chamber disinfection device is relatively because a large unit (i.e. 10 ft ³ or more), the gap may be large enough to accommodate such devices in some cases. In any case, the cabinet shelves, one or more baskets, and / or one or more trays are adjacent to and possibly bypass the void. In some embodiments, the void may be located in the center of the cabinet, but in other embodiments, the void may not be located in the center of the cabinet. In any case, the portion of the support structure facing the void may be permeable to germicidal light and / or may be provided with a through-hole, whereby the support structure is placed on top of the support structure. The exposed object can be exposed to a disinfectant injected from a disinfection device that occupies the void. In some embodiments, the cabinet and / or the one or more support structures comprise automated means for moving one or more objects disposed on or in the one or more support structures; For example, a vibrator or the like may be included. For example, the cabinet may include a vibrating wire rack.

An example of a cabinet having some of the features described above is shown in FIG. In particular, FIG. 3 shows a cabinet 40 having an internal void 42 of at least 10 ft ³ and a tray 44, shelf 46 and basket 48 adjacent to the internal void, wherein at least the internal void of the tray, shelf and basket. The part facing the is transparent to germicidal light and / or comprises a through-hole. Cabinet 40 further includes door 43. In some cases, cabinet 40 accesses one or more of trays 44, shelves 46 and / or baskets 48 as an additional or alternative means for loading one or more objects into the cabinet. For example, one or more loading ports with doors that can be closed along the outer sidewall of cabinet 40 may be included. An exemplary loading port 45 is shown in FIG. As described above, the internal cavity 42 is of a size sufficient to accommodate the disinfecting device 50.

  In some embodiments, the cabinet envisioned herein may have an alignment marker and / or an alignment system, such that the disinfecting device is located within the cavity of the cabinet as shown in block 26 of FIG. In place. In some cases, the alignment marker and / or alignment system is such that the disinfecting source of the disinfecting device is at a specified distance from the support structure on which the object is located in the cabinet. In particular, some types of germicidal sources generate a large amount of heat, which poses the risk that items that are too close to the source will become too hot, melt or ignite after the disinfection process. An exemplary range of distance on which the alignment marker and / or alignment system may be based to separate the disinfecting device from the support structure may be approximately 3 inches to approximately 12 inches, depending on the sterilization source of the disinfecting device. , Shorter and longer distances may be preferred.

  Various other configurations are also possible for the cabinet. For example, in some cases, the cabinet may have no floor or may include a floor with tapered edges, so that in each case the disinfecting device can be easily loaded into the cabinet. In the latter of such embodiments, the cabinet may include a door extending to near the tapered edge. In either case, the cabinet may include a single door for loading objects and disinfection devices into the cabinet. In other embodiments, the cabinet may include multiple doors. For example, the cabinet may include a first door primarily for loading the disinfecting device into the cabinet and a second door primarily for loading objects into the cabinet. In other cases, a cabinet with multiple doors may not have a loading destination for the multiple doors. In some embodiments, the cabinet may include doors on opposite sides of the cabinet.

  In any case, the cabinet envisioned herein may, in some embodiments, include an outlet along its interior for receiving a power plug of the disinfecting device. The outlet can be connected to a power cord extending from an outer surface of the cabinet, such that the disinfecting device can be connected to a main power source of the building when the disinfecting device is disposed in the cabinet. Alternatively, the cabinet may include an opening through which the power cord of the disinfecting device can be routed through this opening to an outlet along the wall of the room in which the cabinet is located. In still other cases, the cabinet does not include these aids, especially if the cabinet is specially designed to house a particular disinfection device powered by its own battery. Good.

  In some embodiments, the cabinet provided herein may be a free-standing unit. In other cases, the cabinet can be mounted on a wall. In either case, the cabinet may extend to the floor of the room in which the cabinet is located, but may not in other embodiments. In some embodiments, sealing the side walls and doors of the cabinet can prevent the disinfectant generated by the disinfecting device in the cabinet from leaking out of the cabinet. In other cases, the cabinet may not be sealed. In some embodiments, the cabinet may include a highly reflective material along one or more of the interior surfaces, including the side walls, ceiling and / or floor of the cabinet, where applicable. In some cases, the highly reflective material may have high reflectivity for ultraviolet light and / or visible blue-violet light. In particular, at least a portion of the cabinet has a reflectance of greater than 50% for ultraviolet light and / or visible blue-violet light, or more specifically, at least a portion of the cabinet has a reflectance of at least 85% for ultraviolet light and / or visible blue-violet light. It may be advantageous to include a material that exhibits a reflectance of greater than 10%. Examples of reflective materials that can be employed include metallized nylon, Teflon, aluminum, reflective paint, biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (boPET) (eg, Mylar), and W.I. L. GORE® DRP® Diffuse Reflector Material available from Gore & Associates, Inc., but is not limited thereto. In addition to or instead of being highly reflective, the cabinet may include various other material properties along its inner surface, such as, but not limited to, antimicrobial properties.

  In some cases, the cabinets described herein may be referred to in FIG. 3 for cooling the interior of the cabinet and / or for dispersing liquid or gas disinfectants generated by disinfection devices disposed within the cabinet. It may include one or more fans, such as that shown at numeral 49. The one or more fans may be located inside the cabinet and / or may be located in a side wall, floor or ceiling of the cabinet. In embodiments where the cabinet includes one or more fans disposed in its wall, these fans can be configured to move air into and out of the cabinet. In some cases, the cabinet comprises an ozone reduction device, such as that shown at 51 in FIG. 3, disposed within the cabinet wall, floor or ceiling, extending from inside the cabinet to outside the cabinet. May include. In particular, ozone can sometimes be produced as a by-product from the use of a germicidal light source, especially if the lamp produces ultraviolet light at wavelengths less than approximately 240 nm. This is because the spectrum of such UV light separates the oxygen atoms of the oxygen molecules and initiates the ozone generation process. Ozone is known to be detrimental to health and air quality, and thus the emission of ozone by devices is regulated. Examples of ozone reduction devices that can be included in the cabinets described herein include, but are not limited to, a carbon filter or a device that produces a free radical catalyst that converts ozone to diatomic oxygen.

  In some embodiments, the cabinets described herein may include one or more of the cabinets, such as those indicated by reference numeral 41 in FIG. 3, for detecting the amount of disinfectant dispersed within the cabinet. A germicide dose sensor may be included. In some cases, one or more disinfectant dose sensors may be configured to affect the operation of a disinfection device disposed within the cabinet. In particular, the cabinet and / or disinfection device may receive a signal from one or more disinfectant dose sensors indicating that a predetermined dose of disinfectant has been detected in the cabinet, as shown in block 30 of FIG. Storage medium containing processor-executable program instructions for turning off the disinfection device. In further or alternative embodiments, the cabinets described herein may include a humidity and / or temperature control system, such as that shown at reference numeral 47 in FIG. In particular, the cabinets described herein may include dehumidifiers and / or cooling devices to control humidity and temperature inside the cabinet. In particular, by controlling the humidity and / or temperature of the environment, the germicidal efficacy of the germicidal source may be improved, and this control can be used to optimize the disinfection cycle time.

  In some cases, the cabinet includes a system for identifying the objects contained in the cabinet to ensure that the objects contained in the cabinet are suitable for a particular disinfection system. Good. In some embodiments, the system for identifying an object may include a scanning system, such as a barcode reader or RF receiver, which identifies the object in a cabinet with an identification tag attached. Used for Additionally or alternatively, the system for identifying an object may include a weight sensor on one or more of the cabinet support structures. In particular, a weight sensor may be used to determine whether the weight of an object located on or within the support structure is within an appropriate range with respect to that identified by the scanning system of the cabinet. Additionally or alternatively, the support structure of the cabinet may be designed to receive a particular object (or a particular type of object, such as a type of medical device, etc.) and use a weight sensor to support the structure. It may be ascertained whether the weight of the object placed in the body or on the support structure is within an appropriate range for the object for which the support structure is designated. In some of such cases, the support structure has a similar peripheral contour to the object for which the support structure is designated, as described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. May have side walls. In other embodiments, the support structure may not have a well-defined shape, but may nonetheless be specified for a particular object or object type for identification purposes. . In any case, the cabinets described herein include systems for ensuring that objects on the support structure of the cabinet are not in contact with each other, such as, but not limited to, a machine vision system. Is fine.

  In some embodiments, a cabinet provided herein may include a user interface. The user interface may be used to set parameters of the disinfection process and / or communicate the status of various systems included in the cabinet, including, but not limited to, process parameters and / or status related to any of the above features. May be used for: Generally, the user interface issues voice commands (i.e., sends signals to broadcast the voice commands with the speakers) for setting disinfection process parameters and / or communicating the status of various systems contained in the cabinet. And / or display visual commands (i.e., have a screen and program instructions for displaying textual or pictorial information on the screen). It should be noted that the aforementioned features of the chamber 40 described with reference to FIG. 3, namely shelves, one or more baskets, one or more trays, user interfaces, identification systems, weight sensors, disinfectant dose sensors, humidity and / or Or, the temperature controller, ozone filter, fan, and charging port are optional and not mutually exclusive.

  As shown in FIG. 3 and described above, the configuration of the cabinet 40 has an air gap 42 substantially at the center of the cabinet 40, and the tray 44, the shelf 46 and the basket 48 are specified as being disposed around the air gap 42. Is done. However, the cabinets described herein are not necessarily so limited. In particular, the cabinet envisioned herein may have an off-center void area to accommodate the disinfecting device. FIG. 4 shows a cabinet 60 having an off-center disinfecting device 54 in a cabinet 62, particularly a portion 62 of the cabinet opposite a portion 64 in which one or more objects 56 are located. 1 shows a schematic top view of FIG. In general, one or more objects 56 may include one or more objects of any configuration (ie, shape, size, weight, material, structure, etc.). In some cases, one or more objects 56 may be located on one or more trays, shelves, and / or one or more baskets disposed in portion 64. In some of such cases, the one or more trays, shelves and / or one or more baskets may be as described above with respect to one or more trays, shelves and / or baskets of cabinet 40 of FIG. , 64 along the inside surface. Additionally or alternatively, one or more trays, shelves, and / or one or more baskets may be supported by freestanding racks disposed in portion 64 of cabinet 60. In some cases, a free-standing rack may include wheels or some other displacement mechanism to achieve mobility and portability of the rack. In such an embodiment, one or more objects 56 may be inserted into the rack before entering the portion 64 of the cabinet 60. In other cases, the rack may not include a displacement mechanism, and in some embodiments, the rack may be secured within cabinet 60.

In an alternative embodiment, one or more objects 56 may be placed on the floor of cabinet 60 or the floor on which the cabinet is disposed. In such a case, one or more objects 56 need not be located on a particular support structure within cabinet 60. In some of such embodiments, one or more of the one or more objects 56 is a wheel or some other object to achieve mobility and portability of the one or more objects. A displacement mechanism may be included. Alternatively, one or more of the one or more objects 56 may not include a displacement mechanism. In any case, to accommodate the rack or free-standing object within portion 64, portion 64 may include sufficient void space to receive the rack or free-standing object. The void space is approximately 1.0 ft ^3, greater than about 5.0 ft ³ greater, and in some cases may be approximately 10.0Ft ³ greater, also contemplated smaller void space.

As described above with reference to FIG. 3, some of the cabinets disclosed herein may have approximately 10.0 ft ³ to accommodate a disinfection device configured for disinfection of a room as a whole. It may include extra void space. In some embodiments, portion 62 may include such void space. However, in other cases, the disinfecting device 54 need not be so large, and thus the portion 62 may be smaller than 10.0 ft ³ . Generally, the disinfecting device 54 may include any device configured to produce a dispersible disinfectant. The disinfecting device 54 may be configured to be independent of operation from the cabinet 60 and / or may be configured for disinfecting a room, although the disinfecting device 54 is not so limited. In particular, in some embodiments, the disinfecting device 54 may rely on the cabinet 60 for operation, and in particular, power for operating the device is drawn through the cabinet. Additionally or alternatively, disinfection device 54 does not necessarily include all or any of the features described above in connection with the room disinfection device.

  As shown in FIG. 4, cabinet 60 may include a door 66 to allow access to portions 62,64. Such a configuration can facilitate loading of one or more objects 56 and disinfection device 54 into the cabinet. However, in an alternative embodiment, cabinet 60 may include a single door. Additionally or alternatively, the cabinet 60 may include, along its outer surface, a closable loading port that, if the cabinet 60 includes a support structure, aligns with the support structure within the portion 64. Have been. In any case, one or more doors and / or one or more charging ports may be located along any part of the cabinet, and the location of the one or more doors and one or more ports may be different. As shown in FIG. 4, it is not limited to the opposite ends of the cabinet. Further, one or more doors and one or more loading ports of the cabinet may be hinged doors, sliding doors, or telescoping doors, and are therefore limited to the hinged door shown in FIG. Shall not be performed.

  Although portion 62 of cabinet 60 is shown without one or more objects therein, use of the cabinet is not so limited. In particular, one or more objects may be placed in portion 62 as long as one or more objects do not interfere with the disposition of disinfecting device 54. FIG. 5 shows a cabinet 70 having a support structure 76 (ie, one or more trays, shelves and / or baskets) disposed adjacent to the disinfecting device 54 in a portion 72 of the cabinet. Cabinet 70 further includes a portion 74 having one or more objects 56 therein, similar to the description for one or more objects 56 in portion 64 of cabinet 60 of FIG. In some cases, it may be advantageous to continuously load one or more objects into portions 72, 74 of cabinet 70 to improve efficiency. In such an embodiment, one or more objects contained in portion 72 may be ejected from disinfection device 54 while one or more objects 56 are provided in portion 72 by separating portion 74 from portion 72. Can be disinfected by disinfectants. Accordingly, cabinet 70 includes a movable partition 78 for separating portions 72 and 74 of cabinet 70.

  Generally, the movable divider 78 is configured to block the transmission of the disinfectant generated by the disinfecting device 54. In embodiments where the disinfectant is a liquid, gas, mist or plasma, any impermeable material such as glass, plastic, metal or wood may be used for the partition 78. In some of such cases, at least the side of the partition 78 facing the disinfecting device 54 may include a material that is resistant to chemical attack. In other cases, particularly where the disinfectant produced by the disinfecting device 54 is a disinfecting light, at least the side of the partition 78 facing the disinfecting device 54 may include a material that attenuates the disinfecting light. In some embodiments, in addition to having a partition 78, the cabinet 70 may include a sensor 79 for detecting when the partition 78 is in a position separating the portions 72 and 74 of the cabinet.

  A cabinet having two or more partitions is shown in FIGS. In particular, FIG. 6 illustrates a cabinet 80 having a movable partition 83 that separates portions 84 and 86 from portion 82, respectively, and a sensor 89 for detecting when partition 83 is positioned to separate portions 84 and 86, respectively. Is shown. FIG. 7 further shows a cabinet 90 having a movable partition 93 that separates portions 94, 96, 97, 98 from portion 92, respectively. FIG. 7 further shows a cabinet 90 having a sensor 99 for detecting when the partition 93 is at a position separating the portions 94, 96, 97, 98, respectively, from the portion 92. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, respectively, portions 82, 92 contain the disinfecting device 54, and each portion 84, 86, 94, 96, 97, 98 contains one or more objects 56. Further, each cabinet 80, 90 includes a door 66 for accessing portions 84, 86, 94, 96, 97, 98, respectively. In some cases, cabinet 80 and / or cabinet 90 may include additional doors for loading disinfecting device 54. The partition 83 is different from the partition 78 of the cabinet 70 and the partition 93 of the cabinet 90 in that the partition 83 can expand and contract in the cabinet. However, the variations of the partitions are not specific to the configuration of the cabinet 80, and the partitions 78, 93 are not specific to the cabinets 70, 90. Any type of movable partition, including, but not limited to, those shown in FIGS. 5-7 and those that move vertically from or through the ceiling of the cabinet or from the floor of the cabinet, It may be employed in the cabinet described in the specification. Further, the portions 84, 86, 94, 96, 97, 98 are not necessarily the same size in the cabinet.

  A method of disinfecting an object in a cabinet having a partitionable part or chamber, as shown and described above with reference to FIGS. In particular, FIG. 8 includes a block 100 for placing one or more objects into a second portion of a cabinet, wherein the second portion has a disinfection device disposed therein, or at least accommodates the disinfection device. Adjacent to a first portion of the cabinet configured. In the latter of such embodiments, the disinfecting device may be located in the first portion of the cabinet during or after placing one or more objects in the second portion of the cabinet. In any case, the method continues with closing at least the first and second portions of the cabinet, as shown in block 102. In a following block 104, the disinfection device is remotely activated to disperse the disinfectant within at least the first and second portions of the cabinet.

  At some point before, during, or after any of the processes shown in blocks 100, 102, 104, a third portion of the cabinet is replaced with a fungicide block, such as those described above with reference to FIGS. The divider is used to separate from the first portion of the cabinet (i.e., the portion of the cabinet designated to house the disinfecting device). After such separation, one or more objects are placed in a third portion of the cabinet, as shown in block 108 of FIG. With the disinfectant block divider, the process of block 108 can optionally be performed while the disinfecting device is producing and injecting the disinfectant into the first and second portions of the cabinet. Such a method can be performed for other chambers of the cabinet as well, thereby simultaneously loading one or more objects into the cabinet and one or more objects in the cabinet between different chambers. Can be continuously performed. Further, portions of the cabinet may be separated after disinfecting the objects therein, such that the objects may be removed from the cabinet during disinfection of objects in another portion of the cabinet. .

  In addition to the above ideas to ensure that objects located in the cabinet are considered suitable for a particular disinfection system, objects located above / inside are suitable for a particular disinfection system. A support structure is provided that is configured to verify that there is. In particular, a support structure is provided that includes a sidewall shaped to mimic the peripheral contour of a particular object, such as a medical device. The sidewall may be a sidewall at the base of the support structure, or may extend upward from the base of the support structure. In some embodiments, the peripheral space and base region space of the support structure may be slightly larger than the object that the support structure is configured to receive. This allows an object to be inserted into the support structure when the side wall of the support structure extends upward from the base. In other embodiments, the region of the periphery and base of the support structure may be substantially the same as, or smaller than, the object that the support structure is configured to receive. In such a case, the object may be suspended above the base of the support structure if the side wall of the support structure extends upward from the base.

  In either case, by configuring the sidewalls to match the peripheral contour of a particular object, it is possible to visually indicate that the object is considered suitable for the particular disinfection system provided by the support structure. Can be confirmed. In some cases, the support structure may further include, along its base and / or sidewalls, electronically verifying that a peripheral contour of an object placed on the support structure matches the shape of the specially shaped sidewall. A contour sensor for confirmation may be included. In any case, the support structure may include a shelf, basket, or tray. 9 and 10 show examples of a support structure having such characteristics. In particular, FIGS. 9 and 10 show a basket 110 having a base 118 with a side wall 116 that extends upwardly from the base and is shaped to conform to the peripheral contour of the stethoscope 114. In some cases, the base and / or sidewalls may include a material that is permeable to germicidal light, and / or one or more through-holes for transmitting germicide.

  In some cases, the support structure may be used to determine whether the weight of an object placed on the support structure is within a suitable range designed to receive the support structure. It may include a weight sensor such as the weight sensor 112 shown in FIGS. Additionally or alternatively, the support structure may include a scannable identification tag that matches a scan identification system of the cabinet in which the support structure is to be disposed. In any of such cases, the support structure may optionally convey information (eg, by visual display and / or voice commands) to the user of the support structure regarding the status of such various features. Means may be included. In some of such embodiments, a support structure is executable by the processor to activate the information carrying means upon receipt of one or more signals from the various features. Storage medium containing various program instructions. For example, the support structure may include a processor for activating the information carrying means when the weight sensor detects a force exceeding a predetermined threshold value and / or when the plurality of contour sensors detect contact with the object. May include executable program instructions.

  As mentioned above, other examples of systems, cabinets and methods for disinfecting objects are provided in FIGS. It is configured so that the sterilization source can be inserted into the cabinet while being held. In particular, FIG. 11 shows a cabinet 120 having an external structure 122, a port 124, a door 126, and a vent 128. As shown in FIG. 11, the external structure 122 is configured such that the void space 130 is disposed below the port 124. The void space 130 is dimensioned to receive and house at least a portion of the base of the disinfection device, and in some cases the entire base or the entire disinfection device. As further shown in FIG. 11, in some embodiments, the port 124 may extend outside the cabinet 12 through the outer surface of the outer structure 172. However, in other cases, the port 124 may be inserted into or flush with the outer structure 172.

  As described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, the sterilization source of the disinfecting device is inserted into port 124 when the disinfecting device is positioned in void space 130. Port 124 and / or portion 123 of outer structure 122 above void space 130 may be configured to be movable to allow insertion of a sterilization source. For example, portion 123 of outer structure 122 may include a flexible material, such as a cloth or any non-fibrous flexible material. This allows the portion of the outer structure 122 above the void space 130 and the port attached thereto to be moved upward when the disinfecting device is placed in the void space 130, and then the sterilization source It can be moved downward around. In some embodiments, further portions of the outer structure 122, or the entire outer structure 122, may be made of one or more flexible materials. In such cases, cabinet 120 may include a frame to support one or more flexible materials. The frame may be external or internal to the flexible material.

  In further or alternative embodiments, the portion 123 of the outer structure 122 above the void space 130 and the port 124 include, but are not limited to, particularly the outer structure 122 and / or the port 124. , Can be configured to open along a surface in the direction in which the disinfection device will be received. For example, the front, side and / or back portions of the outer structure 122 above the void space 130 and / or the front, side and / or back portions of the port 124 may be adjacent to the outer structure 122 and / or port 124. A zipper or another type of fastener system (eg, but not limited to, Velcro, snaps and magnets) may be included to open and close the flaps. In other cases, the front, side and / or back portions of the ports 124 and / or portions of the outer structure 122 above the void space 130 may have doors, especially if they are made of a rigid material. May be included. In any case, the disinfecting device received in the void space 130 by a closable opening provided in the front, side and / or back part of the port 124 and / or the part 123 of the external structure 122. The source can be inserted into cabinet 120 and surrounded by port 124 and portion 123 of external structure 122.

  In general, the size of the void space 130 may vary depending on the design specifications of the cabinet 120. In some cases, the size of void space 130 may be specifically designed for the dimensional characteristics of the particular disinfection device used with cabinet 120. In other embodiments, the size of the void space 130 may not be specific to a particular disinfection device. In any case, auxiliary equipment, such as shelves, may be added to the void space 130 to accommodate a disinfecting device that is not tall enough to allow a sterilization source to be inserted into the cabinet via port 124. More specifically, shelves are placed on the floor of void space 130 so that a relatively small disinfection device can be used with the cabinet to disinfect one or more objects in the cabinet, or It can be attached to the wall of the external structure 122 in the void space 130. Although the external structures 122 are shown as having support beams at the outer corners of the void space 130, they may be omitted from the cabinet 120 if support beams are not required for structural support. . Thereby, restrictions on the width of the disinfecting device that can be received in the void space 130 can be reduced. Although the cabinets described herein are not so limited, in some embodiments, the cabinet 120 may be used for disinfecting objects therein, for disinfecting rooms / areas. It may be used with a configured disinfection device. In such a case, the typical and exemplary ranges of width, depth and height dimensions for void space 130 may each be from about 2 feet to about 4 feet, although smaller or larger dimensions are also contemplated. .

  As shown in FIG. 11, the external structure 122 can be configured such that the floor of the void space 130 is substantially the same height as the floor of the room in which the cabinet is disposed. In particular, the outer structure 122 can be configured such that the floor of the void space 130 becomes the floor of the room or includes flooring of the cabinet 120 that is substantially flush with the floor of the room. In any case, such a configuration allows the disinfection device having wheels to achieve its mobility within the void space 130 as generally associated with, but not limited to, a room / region disinfection device. Acceptance can be made easier. In still other cases, the floor of the void space 130 may be located above the floor of the room in which the cabinet is located. For example, in some embodiments, the floor of the void space 130 may be less than one inch or more than one inch above the floor of the room in which the cabinet is located. In such cases, in some embodiments, the floor of the void space 130 may include a tapered edge so that a disinfecting device with wheels can be easily loaded into the space. In still other cases, the floor of the void space 130 may be located several inches or more above the floor of the room in which the cabinet is located. In such an embodiment, in some cases, the floor of the void space 130 may include a ramp so that a disinfection device with wheels can be more easily loaded into the space. In still other embodiments, the floor of void space 130 may not include ramps or tapered edges.

  In any case, the cabinets described herein are not limited to use with a disinfecting device having wheels, and thus, in some embodiments, the floor of the void space 130 is the floor in which the cabinet is located. At least one foot above the floor. In some cases, the cabinet may have a void space with a floor located about 2.5 to about 3.5 feet above the floor of the room in which the cabinet is located. Such an arrangement may be ergonomically advantageous in embodiments where a disinfecting device that can be easily transported by hand is used with the cabinet for disinfecting objects in the cabinet. In particular, having a void space with a floor in the height range as described above can prevent a person from having to buckle to position the device in the void space.

  As mentioned above, the outer structure 122 may be used in embodiments where the ports 124 are located along the surface of the outer structure 122, particularly parallel to the floor on which the cabinet 120 is located. It is configured to be disposed below. However, the cabinet disclosed herein is not limited to such port 124 locations. Alternatively, in contrast, the ports 124 may be located along a surface of the outer structure 122 that is perpendicular to the floor on which the cabinet 120 is located. One example of such a cabinet is shown in FIG. 14 and will be described in more detail below. In still other embodiments, the ports 124 may be located along the surface of the outer structure 122 at an angle between 0 ° and 90 ° with the floor on which the cabinet 120 is located. In any of these cases, depending on the configuration of the disinfecting device, and more particularly, on how far the disinfecting device extends the sterilization source beyond the boundaries of its base, the cabinet 120 will It is not necessary to have a void space (e.g., void space 130) for accommodating the base portion.

  Regardless of the position of the port 124 along the outer structure 122 of the cabinet 120, the port 124 may have an outer perimeter surrounding a portion of an item partially inserted into the port. In general, the port 124 may be annular, meaning that the port 124 is a structure surrounding or forming an opening. The inner and / or outer edges of port 124 may be circular, but the term "annular" as used herein is not limited to having a circular outer or inner edge. In contrast, port 124 may have inner and outer edges of any shape. In some cases, the outer circumference of port 124 may be dimensionally adjustable, as indicated by the arrow-shaped line on port 124 in FIG. Thereby, the width of the outer periphery of the port 124 can be increased so that an article of a specific size can be easily inserted through the port. Examples of materials or items that can be employed around the perimeter of port 124 to provide adjustable dimensions include, but are not limited to, elastic rings, adjustable width clamps, and Velcro straps. In some further or alternative embodiments, the perimeter of port 124 can be configured to contact a portion of an inserted item having a width within a certain range. For example, port 124 may include an adjustable perimeter that can be adjusted to decrease to a width within a certain range. Additionally or alternatively, the perimeter of port 124 may include fasteners, such as, but not limited to, snaps, magnets, and hooks or loops for attaching to a portion of an item partially inserted into port 124. . In some cases, a disinfection device partially inserted into port 124 may have a matching fastener around its designated portion to engage the fastener along the perimeter of port 124. .

  In some embodiments, the outer perimeter of port 124 may be configured to match the outer perimeter of an item partially inserted into port 124, such that the outer perimeter causes the port to move relative to the item. Substantially sealed. As used herein, the term "substantially seal" joins a plurality of items to a sufficient degree such that there is only negligible transmission of fluid therethrough. Refers to For example, in embodiments where the port 124 is substantially sealed to a portion of the disinfection device where the sterilization source is inserted into the cabinet 120, the term "substantially sealed" in such a context. Means that less than 1% of the disinfectant produced by the disinfection source in the cabinet is transmitted through the interface between the port and the disinfection device. Regardless of how the perimeter of the port 124 is configured to surround the item, the dimensions and materials used to construct the port 124 will be employed by the design specifications of the cabinet 120, and more specifically, by the cabinet 120. It may vary depending on the dimensions of one or more disinfection devices. An exemplary range of widths in which the port 124 can be configured to accommodate items is from about 6 inches to about 18 inches, although smaller and larger dimensions, and wider and narrower ranges are also contemplated.

  In addition to the port 124, the cabinet 120 includes another port for loading items into the interior space 132 of the cabinet. As shown in FIG. 11, the loading port includes a door 126. Although the door 126 is shown as a retractable roll door, the door is not necessarily so limited. Instead, the door 126 is, in particular, a sliding door, an accordion door, a hinged door, or a flap door (which can be fastened to a side edge of the cabinet 120 when loading an item into the interior space 132). Good. If the cabinet 120 is to be used in a small or narrow space, such as an entrance, to minimize the area occupied by the door when the door is opened, the cabinet 120 may be used to access the interior space 132. It may be advantageous to include a retractable door, an accordion-type door, or a flap door. In any case, cabinet 120 may include a single door for access to interior space 132, or may include multiple doors, as shown in FIG. In any embodiment, one or more doors may be disposed along any side of cabinet 120 (ie, front, side, or rear).

  As shown in FIG. 11, the floor of the internal space 132 may be approximately the same height as the floor of the room in which the cabinet is located, and the door 126 may extend to the floor of the cabinet 120. In embodiments where cabinet 120 does not include a floor, door 126 may extend to the floor of the room in which the cabinet is located. In any case, the door 126 may, in some embodiments, extend to a height of 5 feet or more. With such a configuration, it is possible to easily load an article into the internal space 132. In particular, by extending the door 126 to the floor of the cabinet 120 or the floor of the room, it is possible to facilitate loading of an article having wheels or an article carried into the internal space 132 by hand. Further, extending the door 126 to a height of 5 feet or more generally allows a person to at least partially enter the interior space 132 and place items within the interior space 132. In still other cases, cabinet 120 may have a floor disposed above the floor of the room in which the cabinet is disposed. In such a case, the floor of the cabinet 120 may, in some embodiments, include tapered edges or ramps to facilitate loading of the wheeled item into the interior space 132. .

In each case, the relatively large items (i.e., approximately 1 inch) are obtained by extending the door to a height of 5 feet or more and to or near the floor of the cabinet or room in which the cabinet is located. Items occupying more than .0 ft ³ , or occupying approximately more than 5.0 ft ³ , (the width of the door 126 and the depth of the cabinet 120 are appropriately sized to accommodate these items) (As long as it is present). Exemplary dimensional ranges for the width of the door 216 and the depth of the cabinet 120 to accommodate relatively large items may each be between about 2 feet and about 5 feet. Accordingly, the area of the interior space 132 can be greater than 20 ft ³ , or even greater than 30 ft ³ . If the cabinet 120 is to be used in a small or narrow space, such as an entrance, for example, the depth of the cabinet 120 should be about 2 feet to about 5 feet, and the overall length of the cabinet 120 should be about 6 feet to about 8 feet. It may be advantageous to limit so that In any case, examples of relatively large items commonly used in hospitals and that may be well suited for disinfection in cabinet 120 include, but are not limited to, wheelchairs, mobile workstations, vital Sign monitors, wheeled bed tables, intravenous poles, carts, islets, ultrasound, and ventilators.

Cabinet 120 is shown in FIG. 1 and described above, particularly with respect to disinfection of relatively large items, but while maintaining at least a portion of the base supporting the sterilization source outside the cabinet, the source of sterilization is coupled to the cabinet. To enable insertion, the features of cabinet 120 described above (i.e., ports 124 and void space 130) are relatively small objects (i.e., objects occupying less than approximately 1.0 ft < ³ >, and in some cases, It can also be employed in cabinets specially constructed for disinfecting objects occupying less than 0.5 ft ³ ). Thus, in some of such embodiments, the interior space of the cabinet may be significantly smaller than that described with respect to cabinet 120 of FIG. Further, the door 126 need not extend to the floor of the room in which the cabinet is located, or need to extend to a height of 5 feet or more. In some embodiments, the cabinet 120 can be used to simultaneously disinfect multiple items, including any combination of multiple large items and / or multiple small items, as space in the interior space 132 allows. .

  In any case, cabinet 120 may include a vent to discharge heat out of the cabinet. As shown in FIG. 11, vents 128 may, in some embodiments, be disposed along an upper portion of cabinet 120, particularly along the ceiling and / or upper side walls of the cabinet. This is because hot air rises. However, in some cases, the cabinet 120 may additionally or alternatively be mounted on the lower side wall of the cabinet and / or if the cabinet floor is raised above the floor of the room in which the cabinet is located. Along the floor, may include vents. Further, cabinet 120 may include any number of vents, including a single vent or any multiple vents. Further, the cabinet 120 need not include vents grouped into three clusters as shown in FIG. Therefore, the position, the number, and the relative arrangement of the ventilation holes in the cabinet 120 are not limited to the illustration of the ventilation holes in FIG. In either case, the vent may generally include a filter to prevent the disinfectant generated in cabinet 120 from exiting the vent to the outside atmosphere of the cabinet.

  As noted above, the cabinets described herein may, where appropriate, have high reflectivity along one or more of their inner surfaces (including the side walls, ceiling and / or floor of the cabinet). It may include a variety of features, including materials. Accordingly, cabinet 120 may include a highly reflective material along one or more of its inner surfaces, including the cabinet's side walls, ceiling and / or floor. In some cases, the highly reflective material may have high reflectivity for ultraviolet light and / or visible blue-violet light. In addition to or instead of being highly reflective, cabinet 120 may include a variety of other features as outlined above with respect to the cabinets described herein. For example, cabinet 120 may include any number and any combination of shelves, baskets, and / or trays mounted on its side walls and / or ceiling. Other features described above that the cabinet 120 may include include door sensors, motion or occupancy sensors, alignment markers, power outputs, power cords, user interfaces, fans, ozone filters, disinfectant dose sensors (eg, see in FIG. 11). 134), a humidity and / or temperature control system, an object identification sensor, and a movable partition. The description of such features has been described above with respect to cabinet 120 and will not be repeated for brevity. Further, cabinet 120 may be a free-standing unit or a wall-mounted unit. Further, the cabinet 120 may be a structure that cannot be easily moved in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the cabinet 120 may be configured to have flexibility, such as, but not limited to, being easily foldable and / or having wheels along its bottom.

  As described above, the void space 130 and the internal space 132 are sized to accommodate a portion of the disinfection device and the item to be disinfected, respectively. Examples of disinfecting devices and items to be disinfected that can be used with the cabinet 120 are shown in FIG. Is shown. As shown in FIG. 11, the wheelchair 138 may be an item to be disinfected in the cabinet 120. However, other items, including larger or smaller items, are also contemplated. FIG. 11 further shows a disinfection device 140 having a sterilization source 142 extending outwardly from the base 144. Disinfection source 142 may include any of the disinfection sources described above with respect to the disinfecting devices disclosed herein. The description of such a germicidal source has been described above with respect to germicidal source 142 and will not be repeated for brevity.

  In addition, since the sterilization source 142 and the base 144 may be of any shape or size, the sterilization source 142 and the base 144 are not limited to the disinfection device illustrated in FIG. 11. Further, in some cases, the disinfectant source 142 may include a casing around the disinfectant source configured to release the disinfectant, and thus, in some embodiments, the disinfectant and the surrounding disinfectant source. Both casings may be inserted into ports 124 of cabinet 120. For example, in embodiments where the germicidal source 142 includes a germicidal light source, the germicidal source may optionally include a transparent barrier around the light source. This transparent barrier may serve to protect the light source from damage and / or to provide a space where cooling fluid can be transported.

  In addition to supporting the sterilization source 142, the base 144 of the disinfection device 140 draws air from the base atmosphere into the base 144, with components 148 operatively connected to the sterilization source to operate the sterilization source. And an air moving device 146. Component 148 may include any mechanism and program instructions for facilitating the generation and distribution of the germicide from germicidal source 142. The number and type of components included in the base 144 generally depends on the germicide that the germicide source is configured to produce, and on the design specifications of the germicidal source for dispersing the germicide from the germicidal source. As an example, if the germicidal source is a pulsed discharge lamp, component 148 may include one or more energy storage elements, a trigger voltage circuit, and a pulse duration circuit. Regardless of the type of sterilization source used and its specifications, component 148 will generally include a power circuit, a user interface, and optionally a battery. If one or more operations of the sterilization source 142 are operated by a computer, the component 148 may further include a processor and program instructions for performing the computer operated tasks.

  As described above, the air moving device 146 serves to draw air from the atmosphere of the base 144. Generally, the disinfecting device 140 includes one or more air inlets so that the air transfer device 146 can easily access and draw air from the base 144 atmosphere. The air inlet may be along the side walls, top and / or bottom of the external storage unit at base 144. Additionally or alternatively, the external storage unit of the base 144 may not surround the bottom of the base 144 extending between the wheels 149, which may serve as an air inlet. In any case, air transfer device 146 may include any device configured to flow air, including but not limited to a fan, pump, or turbine. In addition to having an air inlet along the base 144 for the air transfer device 146 to access, the disinfection device 140 is configured to deliver air drawn from the air transfer device to the sterilization source 142. As a configuration of the disinfecting apparatus 140 for realizing this function, an air moving device 146 is provided at the base of the sterilization source 142 so as to discharge the drawn air upward. In other cases, the disinfection device may include a duct between the air transfer device 146 and the base of the sterilization source 142.

  In addition to the air moving device 146 and the components 148, the base 144 may include additional components for operation of the disinfection device 140. Exemplary features include, but are not limited to, an alignment marker, an object moving mechanism, a power cord, one or more batteries, a user interface, an ozone filter, and a disinfectant dose sensor. The description of such features has been described above with respect to the disinfecting device 50 of FIG. 3 and will not be repeated with respect to the disinfecting device 140 for brevity. In some cases, disinfection device 140 may be a room disinfection device, and thus may include one or more features commonly associated with such devices. Exemplary features include, but are not limited to, automatic movement of the disinfection device 140, automatic movement of the sterilization source 142 relative to the base 144, wheels and / or handles for achieving device portability, disinfection. Configurations for remote activation of the device, motion or occupancy sensors, as well as door sensors.

Additional exemplary features include disposing within the disinfection device 140 to disperse the disinfectant approximately 360 ° around the source and / or in an area approximately 2-4 feet from the floor of the room. Sterilized source 142 is used. Additionally or alternatively, the disinfection device 140 may include an effective amount to achieve at least a 2 log reduction in microbial contamination at surfaces within a room or area that is more than 1 meter, or more than 2 or 3 meters from the sterilization source. An arrangement for dispersing the germicide may be included. For example, the disinfection device 140 may be configured to inject a disinfectant from the disinfection source 142 with a power flux of at least about 1.0 W / m ² . The above description of features has been described above in relation to features generally associated with room disinfection devices and will not be repeated with respect to the disinfection device 140 for brevity.

  A method for disinfecting one or more items in a cabinet configured to allow a sterilization source to be inserted into the cabinet while retaining at least a portion of a base supporting the sterilization source outside the cabinet is illustrated in FIG. FIG. FIG. 12 shows a system 150 obtained by performing such a method using the cabinet 120, the disinfecting device 140, and the wheelchair 138 of FIG. As described in blocks 160, 162 of FIG. 13, a method for disinfecting one or more items in a cabinet includes: positioning a disinfecting device near the cabinet; and wherein at least a portion of the base comprises the The method may include inserting a sterilization source of the disinfection device into the cabinet so as to be retained outside the cabinet and operatively connected to the sterilization source. The result of such an operation performed using the cabinet 120 and the disinfecting device 140 is shown in FIG. 12, together with the base 144 of the disinfecting device 140 and the sterilization source 142 disposed in the void space 130. Sterilization source 142 is shown in dashed lines to indicate that it is inside cabinet 120. In FIG. 12, a port 124 is shown around the base of the sterilization source 142 at the top of the base 144, but alternatively, the port 124 may be , May be disposed around a portion of the base 144.

  Optionally, block 160 of positioning the disinfecting device near the cabinet and block 162 of inserting the sterilizing source of the disinfecting device into the cabinet move the disinfecting device to the proper position relative to the cabinet. May be included. In other cases, block 160 of positioning the disinfecting device near the cabinet and block 162 of inserting the sterilizing source of the disinfecting device into the cabinet can be accomplished by transporting the disinfecting device to a cabinet. May be arranged at an appropriate position with respect to. In any case, block 162 of inserting the sterilization source of the disinfecting device into the cabinet may, in some embodiments, include closing the cabinet around the disinfecting device, and may also include some implementations. In an embodiment, the method may include sealing the cabinet around the disinfecting device. As discussed above, the disinfection devices contemplated for the systems and methods disclosed herein may be configured to operate in some cases independent of the cabinet. However, in other embodiments, the disinfection device may need to be connected to a power source through the cabinet for operation. In any case, the methods disclosed herein for disinfecting one or more items in a cabinet, including the method outlined in FIG. 13, in some embodiments disinfect through a cabinet. Connecting the device to a power source may be included. Such a process may generally be performed at any time when the disinfecting device is in a position suitable for connection, such as before, during, or after inserting the sterilizing source of the disinfecting device into the cabinet.

  As further shown in FIG. 13, blocks 164, 166, a method for disinfecting one or more objects in a cabinet includes: placing one or more items into the cabinet; and closing the cabinet. Good. The result of such an operation performed using the cabinet 120 and the wheelchair 138 is shown in FIG. 12, where the wheelchair 138 is disposed within the interior space 132 of the cabinet 120 and the door 126 is closed. Wheelchair 138 is shown in dashed lines to indicate that it is behind closed door 126. The bidirectional arrow lines between blocks 162 and 164 indicate that any of these processes may be performed before the other, or that they may be performed substantially simultaneously. A two-way arrow between block 164 and the space above block 160 may indicate that one or more items may be placed in the cabinet prior to positioning the disinfection device near the cabinet, or that This indicates that the operations may be performed substantially simultaneously. In any case, the process of block 166 of closing the cabinet can be performed by closing the door of the loading port after the process of block 164 of placing one or more items into the cabinet. . Further, the process of block 166 includes closing a port configured to receive the sterilization source after inserting the sterilization source into the port.

  After the step of closing the cabinet with the sterilization source and one or more items disposed in the cabinet and the base of the disinfection device outside the cabinet, the method outlined in FIG. And starting the disinfecting device to disperse the disinfectant in the closed cabinet, as indicated by. The process of initiating operation of the disinfecting device can be performed at the user interface of the disinfecting device, at the user interface of the cabinet, or via a remote user interface (ie, a user interface remote from the disinfecting device and the cabinet). In any case, although not shown in FIG. 13, the method outlined herein comprises terminating the operation of the device; and thereafter, any of the items loaded into the device. Removing one or more and / or removing a sterilization source from the cabinet. The termination process may include any of the operations described with respect to blocks 20, 30, 32 of FIG. The description of such operation has been described above, as described with respect to FIG. 1, and will not be repeated with respect to the method outlined in FIG. 13 for brevity.

  The steps outlined in block 168 of FIG. 13 with respect to the system 150 of FIG. 12, specifically, the sterilization source 142 is disposed inside the cabinet 120 and at least a portion of the base 144 is outside the cabinet 120. The result of performing the step of activating the operation of the disinfecting apparatus 140 is shown in FIG. 12, where the sterilizing source has injected the sterilizing agent 158 into the interior of the cabinet 120. Dispersion of the germicide 158 may generally depend on the configuration of the germicidal source 142, but if the germicidal source 142 is a germicidal light source, reflective material along the side walls, ceiling and / or floor of the interior of the cabinet 120 may be used within the cabinet. Can help disperse the germicidal light. As shown in FIG. 12, the operation of the disinfecting device 140 can also cause the air transfer device 146 to draw air 154 from the atmosphere outside the base 144, such that exhaust 156 is exhausted from the cabinet 120 through the vent 128. Is done. The configuration of the cabinet 120 and the disinfecting device 140 and the benefits of implementing the method outlined in FIG. 13 using the cabinet 120 and the disinfecting device 140 are such that the heat generated in the cabinet during the disinfection cycle is reduced by the cabinet. Can be removed from the cabinet without the use of an additional air circulation system. In particular, the system, cabinet and method shown in FIGS. 11-14 and described with reference to FIGS. 11-14 draw relatively cool air from the outside atmosphere of the cabinet through the base of the disinfection device. Can be.

  An alternative cabinet that can be used for the method disclosed herein, and particularly for use in the method outlined in FIG. 13, is shown in FIG. In particular, FIG. 14 shows a cabinet 160 having a configuration different from that of the cabinet 120 of FIG. 11, namely, the position of the port for receiving the sterilizing source of the disinfecting device, the position of the vent, and the configuration of the void space. All other possible features of cabinet 160 may be the same as described with respect to cabinet 120 of FIG. Descriptions of possible features of cabinet 160 have been made with reference to cabinet 120 and will not be repeated here for brevity. As shown in FIG. 14, cabinet 160 may include ports 174 disposed along sidewalls of outer structure 172. Such an arrangement of ports 174 allows the sterilization source to face the base of the disinfection device or extend laterally from the base of the disinfection device (i.e., to extend the sterilization source upward from the upper surface of the base of the disinfection device). Without being present), it may be advantageous to receive the sterilization source of the disinfection device. Port 174 may include an adjustable perimeter, as indicated by the arrow lines along the perimeter of port 174, such that by expanding the perimeter of the port, the sterilization source of the disinfection device, and possibly the sterilization source, may be removed. Items of a particular size, such as a surrounding casing, can be easily inserted through the port. As shown in FIG. 14, port 174 may be substantially flush with the outer surface of outer structure 172 in some embodiments. However, in other cases, the port 174 may be plugged into the outer structure 172 or extend outward from the outer structure 172. Regarding the port 124 of the cabinet 120 shown in FIG. 11, a plugged or flush port is also conceivable.

  Cabinet 160 further includes a void space 176 below port 174. Void space 176 houses a portion of the base of the disinfection device that supports a sterilization source that will be inserted into port 174, particularly if the sterilization source does not extend beyond the base supporting the sterilization source. It is configured to The depth of fit of the void space 176 with the side of the outer structure 172 comprising the port 174 can generally vary, and in some cases, is configured to be used with the cabinet 160 for disinfection of one or more items therein. May depend on the dimensional characteristics of the disinfection device used. However, in some cases, cabinet 160 may not have void space 176 below port 174. In other words, instead of the configuration described above, the portion of the outer structure 172 with the port 174 may extend downward to the bottom of the cabinet, so that there is no fit within the cabinet 160 below the port 174. Such a configuration may be advantageous in embodiments where a disinfection device having a sterilization source that extends beyond the base supporting the sterilization source is used with the cabinet to disinfect one or more items in the cabinet. .

  Although the port 174 is shown on the upper portion of the end of the outer structure 172, the location of the port 174 is not necessarily so limited. In particular, instead of the configuration described above, the ports 174 may be located along the front-facing or rear-facing sides of the cabinet 160, or even along the edges of the cabinet 160 adjacent the door 126. , May be arranged. Additionally or alternatively, ports 174 may optionally be located along the bottom of outer structure 172. In some embodiments, it may be advantageous to locate portion 174 (and port 124 of cabinet 120 in FIG. 11) at least 12 inches above the floor of the space in which the cabinet is located. In particular, the cabinets 160, 120 are configured for use with a disinfection device having a sterilization source extending outwardly from a base supporting the sterilization source, wherein the base of the portable disinfection device, particularly the portable room disinfection device, is generally at least It has a base height of one foot. Thus, by placing the ports 174, 124 along the cabinets 160, 120 at least 12 inches above the floor of the space in which the cabinets are located, the cabinets used and the portable disinfection device, especially the portable room, The compatibility with the disinfection device can be improved.

  The cabinets 120 and 160 shown in FIGS. 11 and 14, respectively, show ports 124 and 174 at one end of the cabinet, but the arrangement of the ports 124 and 174 is not necessarily limited in this way. In particular, cabinets 120, 160 may be configured to have ports 124, 174 located near, and in some cases substantially near, the midpoint along the length of the cabinet. In such cases, the cabinets 120 and / or 160 modified as described above may include multiple areas for loading and disinfecting items and / or as shown in FIGS. Similar to the description of the cabinet, it may include a movable partition that divides a plurality of areas of the cabinet.

  As used herein, the term "storage medium" refers to any electronic medium configured to hold one or more sets of program instructions, including but not limited to Is a read-only memory, a random access memory, a magnetic or optical disk, or a magnetic tape. As used herein, the term "program instruction" refers to a command in software that is configured to perform a particular function. Program instructions may be implemented in any of a variety of ways, including, inter alia, procedural-based techniques, component-based techniques, and / or object-oriented techniques. The program instructions may be transmitted over or over a carrier medium such as a wire, cable or wireless transmission link.

  Those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure will appreciate that the present invention is believed to provide support structures, systems, cabinets and methods for disinfecting objects. Further modifications and alternative embodiments of the various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the present specification. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is intended to teach those skilled in the art how to practice the invention. It is to be understood that the forms of the invention shown and described herein are to be construed as the presently preferred embodiments. Elements and materials illustrated and described herein may be substituted, parts and processes may be reversed, and certain features of the invention may be utilized independently, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art after having enjoyed the benefits of the description. Changes may be made in the elements described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. As used herein, the term "approximately" refers to a variation of up to ± 5% of the stated number.

Claims (25)

A system for disinfecting an object, the system comprising:
The disinfection device:
A germicidal source; and a base supporting the germicidal source, wherein the germicidal source extends outwardly from the base, the base comprising:
A component operably connected to the sterilization source for operating the sterilization source; and an air moving device configured to draw air from an external atmosphere of the base, wherein the disinfection device includes the air moving device. A disinfection device comprising: a base comprising: an air transfer device configured to deliver the air from a device to the sterilization source;
Cabinet:
A port, wherein the outer perimeter of the port surrounds a portion of the disinfecting device so that the air moving device draws air from the outside atmosphere of the cabinet when the disinfecting device is operating. One or more ports extending between the interior of the cabinet and the exterior of the cabinet, wherein the air and the germicide released from the germicidal source are injected into the cabinet. A cabinet having a vent. The sterilization source and the base of the disinfection device are respectively disposed inside and outside the cabinet on opposite sides of the port,
The system of claim 1, wherein an outer periphery of the port contacts the disinfection device.   The system of claim 1, wherein the disinfecting device operates independently of the cabinet. The system of claim 1, wherein the disinfecting device is configured to eject a germicide from the germicidal source at a power flux of at least about 1.0 W / m ² .   The system of claim 1, wherein the germicidal source is a germicidal light source.   The system of claim 1, wherein the germicidal source is a source of germicidal plasma, germicidal vapor, germicidal liquid, and / or germicidal gas.   The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more vents are disposed along an upper portion of the cabinet. A method for disinfecting one or more items, the method comprising:
Positioning a disinfecting device near a cabinet, the disinfecting device comprising:
A germicidal source; and a base supporting the germicidal source, the base comprising components operably connected to the germicidal source to operate the germicidal source;
Inserting the sterilization source into the cabinet such that at least a portion of the base is retained outside the cabinet and operably connected to the sterilization source;
Placing one or more items into the cabinet;
Closing the cabinet with the germicidal source and the one or more items in the cabinet and the base of the disinfection device outside the cabinet; Activating the disinfecting source to release effluent into the cabinet.   9. The method of claim 8, wherein positioning the disinfecting device near the cabinet includes transporting the disinfecting device near the cabinet.   9. The method of claim 8, wherein placing the one or more items into the cabinet comprises bringing at least one of the one or more items into the cabinet.   9. The method of claim 8, wherein inserting the sterilization source into the cabinet includes sealing the cabinet around the disinfection device.   9. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of placing the one or more items into the cabinet is performed subsequent to the step of inserting the sterilization source into the cabinet.   9. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of placing the one or more items into the cabinet is performed prior to the step of inserting the germicidal source into the cabinet. A cabinet, wherein the cabinet is:
A first port having a perimeter adjustable in size, said perimeter configured to coincide with a perimeter of an article partially inserted into said first port, whereby said first port A first port sealing against the article to be inserted;
A cabinet comprising: a second port having a door; and one or more vents extending between the interior of the cabinet and the exterior of the cabinet.   15. The cabinet of claim 14, wherein at least a majority of the interior side walls of the cabinet include a material that exhibits a reflectivity of at least greater than 85% for ultraviolet light.   15. The cabinet of claim 14, wherein at least a majority of the interior ceiling of the cabinet includes a material that exhibits a reflectivity of at least greater than 85% for ultraviolet light.   15. The cabinet of claim 14, wherein at least a majority of the interior flooring of the cabinet includes a material that exhibits a reflectance of at least greater than 85% for ultraviolet light.   15. The cabinet according to claim 14, wherein the first port is arranged along a wall of the cabinet parallel to a floor of a space in which the cabinet is arranged.   15. The cabinet of claim 14, wherein the first port is disposed along a wall of the cabinet that is perpendicular to the floor of the space in which the cabinet is disposed.   15. The cabinet of claim 14, wherein the first port is located at least 12 inches above the floor of the space in which the cabinet is located.   15. The cabinet of claim 14, wherein the one or more vents are disposed along an upper portion of the cabinet. The cabinet is disposed on a floor in a space suitable for occupation by a person,
15. The cabinet of claim 14, wherein the door extends to the floor of the cabinet or the floor of the space.   The cabinet of claim 14, wherein the cabinet is foldable. The cabinet, which can be accessed by the second port comprises an internal void of at least 20ft ^3, cabinet according to claim 14.   The cabinet of claim 14, further comprising a disinfectant dose sensor inside the cabinet.

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