Method and apparatus for disinfecting and/or deodorizing an article

An apparatus for disinfecting and/or deodorizing an article comprising:

• a cabinet defining a compartment configured to receive the article;
• a regenerative dryer positioned with respect to the compartment and configured to dehydrate air flowing into the compartment;
• an ozone generator in communication with the dryer and positioned with respect to the compartment, the ozone generator being configured to selectively generate ozone, the generated ozone being introduced into the compartment;
• an ozone conversion device positioned with respect to the compartment and configured to selectively convert ozone to oxygen, the ozone conversion device including a fan and a housing for housing at least one of a heater and a catalyst, wherein in a first airflow mode, the heater is de-energized and the fan circulates generated ozone through the compartment, the ozone airflow bypassing the catalyst, wherein in a second airflow mode, the heater is energized and the fan directs the heated ozone airflow to the catalyst for converting ozone back to oxygen to be at least partially circulated directly into the compartment;
• a controller configured to selectively activate the dryer, ozone generator and ozone conversion device;
• and
• wherein the regenerative dryer further includes an exhaust port for releasing moisture captured by a dehydrating agent, and further comprising a valve mechanism including a piston and solenoid for displacing the piston between a first position and a second position,
• wherein the solenoid is a coil which is wound at least partially around the piston, wherein energization of the coil moves the piston from the first position to the second position, wherein the heat generated from energization of the coil increases temperature of the dehydrating agent releasing the moisture captured therein through the exhaust port,
• wherein in the first position, the piston is spaced from the air outlet to allow dehydrated air to flow from the dryer to the ozone generator, the piston closing the exhaust port,
• wherein in the second position, the piston is spaced from the exhaust port to allow for exhausting of vaporized moisture from the dehydrating agent, the piston closing the air outlet.

An apparatus for disinfecting and/or deodorizing an article comprising:

• a cabinet defining a compartment configured to receive the article;
• a regenerative dryer positioned with respect to the compartment and configured to dehydrate air flowing into the compartment;
• an ozone generator in communication with the dryer and positioned with respect to the compartment, the ozone generator being configured to selectively generate ozone, the generated ozone being introduced into the compartment;
• an ozone conversion device positioned with respect to the compartment and configured to selectively convert ozone to oxygen, the ozone conversion device including a reversible fan and a housing for housing at least one of a heater and a catalyst, the ozone conversion device further includes a first check valve and a second check valve,
• wherein in the first air mode, the heater is de-energized and the fan circulates generated ozone through the compartment, the ozone airflow bypassing the catalyst, the first check valve is in an open condition and the second check valve is in a closed condition and the fan directs the ozone in a first direction,
• wherein in the second air mode, the heater is energized and the fan directs the heated ozone airflow to the catalyst for converting ozone back to oxygen, the first check valve is in a closed condition and the second check valve is in an open condition and the fan directs the ozone in a second, reverse direction;
• and
• a controller configured to selectively activate the dryer, ozone generator and ozone conversion device.