Sterilization, disinfection, sanitization, decontamination, and therapeutic devices, systems, and methods

Abstract

A sterilization, disinfection, sanitization, or decontamination system having a chamber defining a region, and a generator for creating a free radical effluent with reactive oxygen, nitrogen, and other species and/or a vaporizer. A closed loop circulating system without a free-radical destroyer is provided for supplying the mixture of free radicals from the generator mixed with the hydrogen peroxide solution in the form of the effluent to the chamber. The system is used in sterilizing, disinfecting, sanitizing, or decontaminating items in the chamber or room and, with a wound chamber, in treating wounds on a body. The wound chamber may be designed to maintain separation from wounds being treated. Various embodiments can control moisture to reduce or avoid unwanted condensation. Some embodiments can be incorporated into an appliance having a closed space, such as a washing machine. Some embodiments may include a residual coating device that deposits a bactericidal coating on sterilized items.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A system for reducing bioburden, comprising:
 a disinfectant generator comprising:
 an ozone generator, 
 a cartridge comprising a reservoir of disinfectant media; 
 a vaporizer unit fluidly connected with the cartridge, wherein the vaporizer unit is configured to generate a vapor of the disinfectant media, 
 a gas distribution unit configured to generate an effluent capable of reducing the bioburden of at least one item, and 
 a first chamber configured to mix the ozone and the disinfectant media; 
 a second chamber for containing the at least one item, wherein the second chamber is configured to form a sealed and enclosed area which can receive the at least one item, and wherein the second chamber comprises a single inlet for receiving the effluent from the disinfectant generator; and 
 at least one conduit fluidly connecting the disinfectant generator and the second chamber, wherein the at least one conduit is configured to convey the disinfecting effluent from the disinfectant generator to the second chamber; 
 wherein the system is configured to operate at a temperature between 60 to about 80 degrees Fahrenheit to reduce the bioburden of the at least one item; 
 wherein the system is configured to reduce bioburden on the at least one item to be treated in a cycle time of between 120 seconds to 10 minutes; 
 wherein the ozone and the disinfectant media are configured to mix in the first chamber before entering the second chamber. 
   
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the system is configured for disinfection of the at least one item. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the system is configured for sanitization of the at least one item. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the system is configured for treatment of a plurality of items, each of the plurality of items having an internal lumen. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein said disinfectant media comprises a liquid and the vaporizer comprises an evaporator and a wicking material that is configured to absorb mist. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the second chamber further comprises an additional conduit that fluidically connects an interior of the second chamber with an exterior environment and the additional conduit comprises one or more of a filter, a free radical destroyer and a blower. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the second chamber is configured to store the at least one item until a subsequent use of the at least one item. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the second unit is rigid. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the reservoir of disinfectant media comprises a liquid or solid source of hydrogen peroxide. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the reservoir of disinfectant media is removable. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the system operates at a pressure not significantly different from an ambient environmental pressure. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the system is configured to operate at a pressure between 600 mm Hg and 800 mm Hg and at a temperature ranging from 15 degrees Celsius to 50 degrees Celsius. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the maintained relative humidity enables the system to achieve disinfection of electronic devices. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the system further comprises at least one desiccant depot configured to assist in maintaining the humidity. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the disinfectant generator generates an effluent capable of disinfection and said disinfection is achieved in a cycle time of between 120 seconds to 10 minutes. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the system further comprises a HEPA configured to flush the second unit. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the system further comprises an activated carbon filter configured to ensure only clean air leaves the system.