# US 2019/0314535 A1 · Sterilization, disinfection, sanitization, decontamination, and therapeutic devices, systems, and methods

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- Number: US 2019/0314535 A1
- Document ID: US20190314535A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 16/309,064
- Filed: 2017-06-15
- Published: 2019-10-17
- Earliest claimed: 2016-06-17
- Assignees: Sterifre Medical, Inc.
- Applicants: Sterifre Medical Inc.
- Inventors: Czeslaw Golkowski; Rick Shea; Jon Greene; Mark Golkowski; Anya Golkowski; Tom Steffie
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20190314535A1

## CPC

- A61L 2/14: Plasma, i.e. ionised gases
- A61L 2/20: Gaseous substances, e.g. vapours
- A61L 2/208: Hydrogen peroxide
- A61L 2/24: Apparatus using programmed or automatic operation
- A61P 31/04: Antibacterial agents
- A61L 2/087: Particle radiation, e.g. electron-beam, alpha or beta radiation
- A61L 2/26: Accessories
- A61L 2103/05: Living organisms or biological materials
- A61L 2103/15: Laboratory, medical or dentistry appliances, e.g. catheters or sharps
- A61L 2202/11: Apparatus for generating biocidal substances, e.g. vaporisers, UV lamps
- A61L 2202/122: Chambers for sterilisation
- A61L 2202/13: Biocide decomposition means, e.g. catalysts, sorbents
- A61L 2202/14: Means for controlling sterilisation processes, data processing, presentation and storage means, e.g. sensors, controllers, programs
- A61L: METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES (preservation of bodies or disinfecting characterised by the agents employed A01N; preserving, e.g. sterilising, food or foodstuffs A23; preparations for medical, dental or toiletry purposes A61K)
- A61P: SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS

## 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.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A system for high-level disinfection of at least one item, comprising:
a first unit comprising a disinfectant generator, wherein the disinfectant generator comprises:
a free radical generator, wherein the free radical generator generates one or more of ozone, superoxide, singlet oxygen, peroxide, hydroxyl radicals, nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide, nitrous oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and peroxynitrite;
a reservoir of disinfectant media in fluid communication with a vaporizer unit, wherein the vaporizer unit is configured to generate a vapor of said disinfectant media;
a gas distribution unit, wherein the gas distribution unit is in fluidic communication with the free radical generator and the reservoir of disinfectant media, and wherein the gas distribution unit conveys a gas from at least one outlet of the gas distribution unit to an inlet of the free radical generator and to the reservoir of disinfectant media or the vaporizer unit,
wherein the disinfectant generator is configured to generate a disinfecting effluent capable of destruction of vegetative microorganisms, mycobacterium, small or nonlipid viruses, medium or lipid viruses, fungal spores, and bacterial spores on the at least one item;
a second unit comprising a chamber for containing an item or items to be disinfected and configured for at least temporarily fluidic communication with the first unit, wherein the chamber comprises:
a first portion and a second portion configured to reversibly and interact with one another to form a sealed and enclosed area,
an insert configured to be placed within the sealed and enclosed area, the insert configured to contain the at least one item to be disinfected, at least one seal configured to allow entry of the disinfecting effluent into the sealed and enclosed area,
wherein the at least one seal is configured to maintain the sealed and enclosed area as sealed upon cessation of the temporarily fluidic communication with the first unit;
at least one conduit in fluidic communication with the first unit and the second unit, wherein the conduit is configured to convey the disinfecting effluent from the first unit to the second unit; and
a controller unit, wherein the controller unit is configured to control the activation of the first unit and the conveyance of the disinfecting effluent from the first unit to the second unit.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the disinfectant generator comprises a vaporizer that is configured to generate a vapor or mist of said disinfectant media.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The system of claim 2, wherein the vaporizer comprises a wicking material disposed within the disinfectant media and positioned to have at least a portion of the gas distributed by the gas distribution unit across or through the wicking material.

### Claim 4 (depends on 2)

The system of claim 2, wherein the vaporizer comprises a bubbler configuration wherein at least a portion of the gas from the gas distribution unit it bubbled into the disinfectant media to generate said vapor.

### Claim 5 (depends on 2)

The system of claim 2, wherein the disinfectant media comprises a liquid and the vaporizer comprises a float sensor configured to regulate the level of the disinfectant media.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the gas distribution unit comprises at a first and a second conduit, wherein the first conduit is in fluid communication with the free radical generator and wherein the second conduit is in fluid communication with the vaporizer unit.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one conduit exiting the free radical generator and at least one conduit exiting the vaporizer unit, wherein the conduit from the free radical generator and the conduit from the vaporizer unit enter the second unit comprising the chamber.

### Claim 8 (depends on 6)

The system of claim 6, wherein the conduit from the free radical generator and the conduit from the vaporizer unit are integrated into a single conduit that enters the second unit comprising the chamber.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the second unit comprising the chamber further comprises at least one conduit exiting the chamber, wherein the at least one conduit is fluidically connected with the disinfectant generator.

### Claim 10 (depends on 9)

The system of claim 9, wherein the at least one conduit fluidically connected with the disinfectant generator recycles disinfectant effluent from the chamber back to the disinfectant generator.

### Claim 11 (depends on 9)

The system of claim 9, wherein the chamber further comprises an additional conduit that fluidically connects an interior of the chamber with an exterior environment.

### Claim 12 (depends on 11)

The system of claim 11, wherein the additional conduit comprises one or more of a filter, a free radical destroyer and a blower.

### Claim 13 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the second unit comprises an inlet and an outlet configured to receive into the chamber and allow to exit the chamber the disinfectant effluent generated by the disinfectant generator.

### Claim 14 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the system is configured to operate in an open-loop mode, wherein the system is configured to allow atmospheric gas to enter the chamber.

### Claim 15 (depends on 14)

The system of claim 14, wherein the system is configured to operate in a closed-loop mode following the open-loop mode, wherein the closed loop mode restricts gas flow into and out of the chamber to gas comprising the disinfectant effluent generated by the disinfectant generator.

### Claim 16 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the first part and the second part of the second unit are at least partially joined with one another.

### Claim 17 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the insert of the second unit is configured to receive and contain the at least one item based at least in part on a dimension or shape of the at least one item.

### Claim 18 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one item to be disinfected comprises an internal lumen and the second unit and the insert are configured to convey disinfectant effluent through the internal lumen.

### Claim 19 (depends on 18)

The system of claim 18, wherein the second unit is configured to convey disinfectant effluent around an exterior surface of the at least one item.

### Claim 20 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the second unit is configured to allow disinfection of a plurality of items, each of the plurality of items comprising an internal lumen.

### Claim 21 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the second unit is configured to store the at least one item until a subsequent use of the at least one item.

### Claim 22 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the second unit is configured to stack or nest with at least one additional second unit.

### Claim 23 (depends on 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)

A system according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the second unit is substantially rigid.

### Claim 24 (depends on 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)

A system according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the second unit is flexible.

### Claim 25 (depends on 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)

A system according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the insert is configured to contain a plurality of items of particular shapes and sizes, and wherein the insert is configured with a specific receiving area for each of said plurality of items.

### Claim 26 (depends on 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)

A system according to any one of claims 1 to 25, further comprising an additional conduit fluidically communicating with an exterior environment and an interior of the chamber.

### Claim 27 (depends on 26)

The system of claim 26, wherein the additional conduit further comprises one or more of a valve to control gas flow from the environment to the interior of the chamber, a filter, and a heater element.

### Claim 28 (depends on 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)

A system according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the free radical generator is a cold plasma generator that generates ozone.

### Claim 29 (depends on 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)

A system according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the reservoir of disinfectant media comprises a liquid or solid source of hydrogen peroxide.

### Claim 30 (depends on 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)

A system according to any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the system operates at a pressure not significantly different from an ambient environmental pressure.

### Claim 31 (depends on 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)

A system according to any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the system operates at a pressure between about 600 mm Hg and 800 mm Hg.

### Claim 32 (depends on 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)

A system according to any one of claims 1 to 31, wherein the system operates at a temperature ranging from about 15 degrees Celsius to about 50 degrees Celsius.

### Claim 33 (depends on 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)

A system according to any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the system operates at a humidity within an interior of the chamber of between about 20% and 90% relative humidity.

### Claim 34 (depends on 33)

The system of claim 33, wherein the maintained relative humidity enables the system to achieve high-level disinfection of electronic devices.

### Claim 35 (depends on 33)

The system of claim 33, wherein the system further comprises at least one desiccant depot configured to assist in maintaining the humidity.

### Claim 36 (depends on 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35)

A system according to any one of claims 1 to 35, wherein the high-level disinfection is achieved in a cycle time of between about 120 seconds to about 10 minutes.

### Claim 37 (depends on 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36)

A method for disinfecting at least one item, comprising:
placing the at least one item in the insert of a system according to any one of claims 1 to 36 and activating the system to expose the at least one item to the disinfectant effluent for an amount of time sufficient to achieve high-level disinfection of the at least one item.

### Claim 38

A method for disinfecting at least one item, comprising:
placing the at least one item an insert configured to contain the at least one item;
placing the insert in a chamber that forms a sealed and enclosed area around in the insert and the at least one item;
activating a disinfectant generator, wherein the disinfectant generator comprises:
a free radical generator;
a reservoir of disinfectant media in fluid communication with a vaporizer unit,
wherein the disinfectant generator is configured to generate a disinfecting effluent capable of destruction of vegetative microorganisms, mycobacterium, small or nonlipid viruses, medium or lipid viruses, fungal spores, and bacterial spores on the at least one item, and
wherein activation of the disinfectant generator causes disinfecting effluent to enter the chamber and disinfect the at least one item.

### Claim 39 (depends on 38)

The method of claim 38, wherein activation of the system also activates a gas distribution unit that conveys the disinfecting effluent to move from the disinfectant generator to the chamber.

### Claim 40 (depends on 38, 39)

The method of claim 38 or 39, wherein activation of the system first results in the system operating in an open-loop mode where the chamber is open to receive atmospheric gases followed by a closed-loop mode where the chamber is open to receive only disinfecting effluent.

### Claim 41 (depends on 40)

The method of claim 40, wherein the open-loop mode is configured to heat and dry the chamber and the at least one item within the chamber.

### Claim 42 (depends on 40)

The method of claim 40, wherein the open-loop mode is configured to dry the chamber by heat and/or dry air and the at least one item within the chamber.

### Claim 43 (depends on 38, 39, 40, 41, 42)

A method according to any one of claims 38 to 42, wherein the disinfecting effluent comprises vaporized hydrogen peroxide and free radicals.

### Claim 44 (depends on 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43)

A method according to any one of claims 38 to 43, wherein an interior of the chamber does not experience a pressure significantly different from an ambient environmental pressure.

### Claim 45 (depends on 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44)

A method according to any one of claims 38 to 44, wherein an interior of the chamber is heated or cooled to a temperature ranging from about 15 degrees Celsius to about 50 degrees Celsius.

### Claim 46 (depends on 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45)

A method according to any one of claims 38 to 45, wherein an interior of the chamber is maintained at a humidity of between about 20% and 50% relative humidity.

### Claim 47 (depends on 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46)

A method according to any one of claims 38 to 46, wherein the high-level disinfection is achieved in a cycle time of between about 120 seconds to about 10 minutes.

### Claim 48

A system for treating at least one item, comprising:
a first unit comprising a disinfectant generator, wherein the disinfectant generator comprises:
a free radical generator, wherein the free radical generator generates free radicals;
a vaporizer unit in fluidic communication with a reservoir of disinfectant media, wherein the vaporizer unit is configured to generate a vapor of said disinfectant media;
a gas distribution unit, wherein a gas from at least one outlet of the gas distribution unit to an inlet of the free radical generator and to the reservoir of disinfectant media or the vaporizer unit,
wherein the disinfectant generator is configured to generate an effluent capable low-level disinfection, high-level disinfection or sanitization of the at least one item;
a second unit comprising:
a chamber for containing an item or items to be treated, wherein the chamber is configured to form a sealed and enclosed area which can receive the at least one item, and
at least one conduit in fluidic communication with the first unit and the second unit, wherein the conduit is configured to convey the disinfecting effluent from the first unit to the second unit.

### Claim 49 (depends on 48)

The system of claim 48, wherein the system is configured for high-level disinfection of the at least one item.

### Claim 50 (depends on 48)

The system of claim 48, wherein the system is configured for sanitization of the at least one item.

### Claim 51 (depends on 48, 49, 50)

A system according to any one of claims 48 to 50, wherein the system is configured for treatment of a plurality of items, each of the plurality of items having an internal lumen.

### Claim 52 (depends on 48, 49, 50, 51)

A system according to any one of claims 48 to 51, wherein the system further comprises an insert configured to be placed within the sealed and enclosed area, the insert configured to contain the at least one item to be treated.

### Claim 53 (depends on 48, 49, 50)

A system according to any one of claims 48 to 50, wherein the system is configured for treatment of a wound.

### Claim 54 (depends on 53)

The system of claim 53, wherein the chamber is flexible and configured to enclose the wound.

### Claim 55

A sterilization, disinfection, sanitization, or decontamination system comprising:
a sterilant source that generates sterilant;
a chamber configured to contain an item to be sterilized, disinfected, sanitized, or decontaminated and to receive the sterilant from the sterilant source;
a flow generator configured to circulate the sterilant from the sterilant source to the chamber in a closed-loop such that the sterilant sterilizes, disinfects, sanitizes, or decontaminates the item in the chamber; and
a residual coating source that generates a bactericidal coating,
wherein the flow generator is configured to circulate the bactericidal from the residual coating source to the chamber in a closed-loop such that the bactericidal coating is deposited on the item in the chamber.

### Claim 56 (depends on 55)

The system of claim 55, wherein the bactericidal coating comprises silver.

### Claim 57 (depends on 55)

The system of claim 55, wherein the bactericidal coating comprises copper.

### Claim 58 (depends on 55)

The system of claim 55, wherein the bactericidal coating comprises a sacrificial layer.

### Claim 59 (depends on 55, 56, 57, 58)

A system of any one of the claims 55 to 58, wherein the system is configured to deposit the bactericidal coating on the item in the chamber after the flow generator circulates the sterilant.

### Claim 60 (depends on 55, 56, 57, 58, 59)

A system of any one of the claims 55 to 59, wherein the sterilant source comprises a plasma generator configured to generate free radicals and wherein the sterilant comprises the free radicals.

### Claim 61 (depends on 55)

The system of claim 55, wherein the sterilant source is within the chamber.

### Claim 62 (depends on 55)

The system of claim 55, wherein the sterilant source is outside the chamber.

### Claim 63 (depends on 55, 56, 57, 58, 59)

A system of any one of the claims 55 to 59, wherein the sterilant source comprises an evaporator configured to receive hydrogen peroxide and generate hydrogen peroxide vapor and wherein the sterilant comprises the hydrogen peroxide vapor.

### Claim 64 (depends on 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63)

A system of any one of the claims 55 to 63, wherein the system is configured to deliver sterilant to a wound on a subject, wherein the wound is at least partially surrounded by a drape or patch that creates a dead space between the drape or patch and the wound, wherein the sterilant flows through the dead space.

### Claim 65 (depends on 64)

The system of claim 64, wherein the sterilant is delivered at a negative pressure.

### Claim 66 (depends on 64, 65)

The system of claim 64 or 65, wherein the sterilant comprises reactive oxygen and/or nitrogen species (RONS) and vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP).

### Claim 67

A sterilization, disinfection, sanitization, or decontamination system comprising:
an evaporator configured to receive a level of liquid agent at a first location, generate a vapor from the liquid agent, and release the vapor at a second location;
a chamber configured to contain an item to be sterilized, disinfected, sanitized, or decontaminated and to receive the vapor from the evaporator; and
a flow generator configured to circulate the vapor from the chamber to the evaporator in a closed-loop such that the vapor sterilizes, disinfects, sanitizes, or decontaminates the item in the chamber,
wherein the evaporator comprises a wicking material disposed between the first location and the second location, the wicking material configured to absorb and encourage evaporation of the liquid agent, and
wherein based at least in part on the level of the liquid agent, the evaporator is configured to achieve a condensation level at or below a threshold level at the second location.

### Claim 68 (depends on 67)

The system of claim 67, wherein the threshold level is at or below a saturation level of the vapor such that there is substantially no condensation at the second location.

### Claim 69 (depends on 67)

The system of claim 67, wherein the relative humidity is monitored and actively controlled during the sterilization cycle.

### Claim 70 (depends on 67, 68)

The system of claim 67 or 68, further comprising a measuring device configured to measure the level of liquid agent, wherein based at least in part on the measured level, the evaporator is configured to adjust the level of liquid agent at the first location.

### Claim 71 (depends on 70)

The system of claim 70, wherein the measuring device is a switch float.

### Claim 72 (depends on 67, 68, 69, 70, 71)

A system according to any one of claims 67 to 71, wherein the evaporator further comprises a vibration element configured to create a mist of the liquid agent at or near the first location.

### Claim 73 (depends on 72)

The system of claim 72, wherein the vibration element comprises a piezoelectric vibration element.

### Claim 74 (depends on 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73)

A system according to any one of claims 67 to 73, wherein the evaporator is configured to generate the vapor at or near ambient temperature.

### Claim 75 (depends on 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74)

A system according to any one of claims 67 to 74, wherein the evaporator further comprises a drain operable to drain the liquid agent from the evaporator.

### Claim 76 (depends on 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75)

A system according to any one of claims 67 to 75, further comprising a plasma generator configured to generate free radicals to be mixed with the vapor to sterilize, disinfect, sanitize, or decontaminate the item.

### Claim 77

A sterilization, disinfection, sanitization, or decontamination system comprising:
a vapor generator configured to generate vapor;
a chamber configured to contain an item to be sterilized, disinfected, sanitized, or decontaminated and to receive the vapor from the vapor generator;
a flow generator configured to circulate the vapor from the chamber to the vapor generator in a closed-loop such that the vapor sterilizes, disinfects, sanitizes, or decontaminates the item in the chamber;
an air input coupled with the chamber and configured to allow dry air into the chamber;
an exhaust coupled with the chamber and configured to remove existing air from the chamber;
a sensor disposed in the chamber and configured to sense a level of at least one of humidity, pressure, and temperature within the chamber; and
a controller in data communication with the sensor and configured to receive the sensed level from the sensor, and
wherein based at least in part on a difference between the sensed level within the chamber and external the chamber, the controller is configured transmit instructions either to the exhaust to remove at least a portion of the existing air from the chamber or to the air input to allow dry air into the chamber such that a condensation level in the chamber is at or below a threshold level.

### Claim 78 (depends on 77)

The system of claim 77, wherein the threshold level is such that there is substantially no condensation in the chamber.

### Claim 79 (depends on 77, 78)

A system according to any one of claim 77 or 78, wherein after the exhaust removes at least a portion of the existing air from the chamber, the air input in response allows dry air into the chamber.

### Claim 80 (depends on 77, 78, 79)

A system according to any one of claims 77 to 79, wherein after the air input allows dry air into the chamber, the exhaust in response removes at least a portion of the existing air from the chamber.

### Claim 81 (depends on 77, 80)

A system according to any one of claim 77 or 80, further comprising a door sensor configured to sense whether a door to the chamber is open, wherein the controller is further configured to execute instructions in order to, in response to determining with the door sensor that the door is open, transmit instructions to the vapor generator to shut down and to the exhaust to remove the existing air from the chamber.

### Claim 82 (depends on 77, 81)

A system according to any one of claim 77 or 81, wherein the vapor generator comprises an evaporator or a plasma generator.

### Claim 83

A sterilization, disinfection, sanitization, or decontamination system, comprising:
an effluent generator configured to generate effluent, wherein the effluent generator comprises a plasma generator;
a chamber configured to contain an item to be sterilized, disinfected, sanitized, or decontaminated, the chamber comprising an input configured to receive the effluent from the effluent generator;
a flow generator configured to circulate the effluent from the chamber to the effluent generator in a closed-loop;
a dryer disposed in a path of the closed-loop between the flow generator and the plasma generator;
a sensor disposed in the chamber and configured to sense a level of at least one of humidity, pressure, and temperature within the chamber; and
a controller in data communication with the sensor and configured to receive the sensed level from the sensor, and
wherein based at least in part on a difference between the sensed level within the chamber and external the chamber, the controller is configured transmit instructions to the dryer to dry at least a portion of the effluent entering the plasma generator such that a condensation level at the input of the chamber is at or below a threshold level.

### Claim 84 (depends on 83)

The system of claim 83, wherein the threshold level is such that there is substantially no condensation in the chamber.

### Claim 85 (depends on 83, 84)

A system according to any one of claim 83 or 84, wherein the path of the closed-loop between the flow generator and the plasma generator comprises a first branch and a second branch, wherein the dryer is disposed in the first branch and comprises a dry valve such that when the dry valve is opened, at least a portion of the effluent enters the dryer.

### Claim 86 (depends on 85)

The system of claim 85, further comprising a plasma valve in the second branch such that when the plasma valve is closed, the plasma valve blocks the effluent from entering the plasma generator through the second branch.

### Claim 87 (depends on 83, 84, 85, 86)

A system according to any one of claims 83 to 86, wherein the effluent generator comprises an evaporator.

### Claim 88

A chamber for sterilizing, disinfecting, sanitizing, or decontaminating one or more wounds on a patient, the chamber comprising:
an intake port configured to receive gaseous effluent from a effluent generator;
an exhaust configured to return the gaseous effluent in the chamber to the effluent generator;
an inflatable structure configured to be inflated by the gaseous effluent such that the inflatable structure does not come into contact with the one or more wounds on the patient and such that the gaseous effluent can circulate within the inflatable structure; and
a sealing device that substantially seals the inflatable structure to the patient and thereby substantially containing the gaseous effluent within the inflatable structure.

### Claim 89 (depends on 88)

The chamber of claim 88, further comprising an access port that enables a user to access the one or more wounds while the chamber is fitted to the patient.

### Claim 90 (depends on 88, 89)

A chamber according to one of claim 88 or 89, wherein the sealing device comprises a cuff and wherein the inflatable structure is configured to fit over at least a portion of the patient's arm or leg.

### Claim 91 (depends on 90)

The chamber of claim 90, wherein the cuff comprises latex.

### Claim 92

A sterilization, disinfection, sanitization, or decontamination system for an appliance having a chamber with a closed space, the system comprising:
an effluent generator configured to generate effluent, wherein the effluent generator comprises at least one of: an evaporator and a plasma generator;
a flow generator configured to circulate the effluent in a closed loop between the chamber and the effluent generator; and
a Free Radical Destroyer (FRD) to remove free radicals from the effluent before it is discharged into the environment or into the room at the end of the cycle.

### Claim 93 (depends on 92)

The system of claim 92, wherein the plasma generator comprises an ozone generator.

### Claim 94 (depends on 92, 93)

A system according to one of claim 92 or 93, wherein the evaporator comprises a hydrogen peroxide evaporator.

### Claim 95 (depends on 92, 93, 94, 95)

A system according to any one of claims 92 to 95, wherein the appliance is a washing machine.

### Claim 96 (depends on 95)

The system of claim 95, wherein the system is used for room sterilization and wherein the system further comprises an effluent generator configured to generate effluent of varied humidity.

### Claim 97 (depends on 96)

The system of claim 96, wherein the effluent generator is placed in the room.

### Claim 98 (depends on 96)

The system of claim 96, wherein the effluent generator is placed outside of the room and delivers the circulating sterilant to the room through input and output conduit.