Hydroxyl radical producing plasma sterilisation apparatus
AssigneeMicrooncology Limited
InventorChristopher Paul Hancock
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Sterilisation apparatus arranged controllably to generate and emit hydroxyl radicals. The apparatus includes an applicator which receives RF or microwave energy, gas and water mist in a hydroxyl radical generating region. The impedance at the hydroxyl radical generating region is controlled to be high to promote creation of an ionisation discharge which in turn generates hydroxyl radicals when water mist is present. The applicator may be a coaxial assembly or waveguide. A dynamic tuning mechanism e.g. integrated in the applicator may control the impedance at the hydroxyl radical generating region. The mist and/or gas and/or energy delivery means may be integrated with each other.
Claims27
1-26. (canceled)
Sterilisation apparatus comprising
- an applicator having a hydroxyl radical generating region and an outlet for directing generated hydroxyl radicals out of the hydroxyl radical generating region towards a region to be sterilised;
- an enclosure for confining the hydroxyl radicals in the region to be sterilised;
- a power generator connected to deliver microwave or RF energy into the hydroxyl radical generating region;
- and
- a mist generator connected to deliver water mist into the hydroxyl radical generating region,
- wherein the apparatus is configured to create a high impedance at the hydroxyl radical generating region when water mist and energy are delivered thereto thereby to create an ionisation discharge for generating hydroxyl radicals for delivery out of the applicator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.