TECHNOLOGIES FOR SANITIZING MIST HUMIDIFIERS

• US 20170224857A1
• Filed: 04/27/2017
• Published: 08/10/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 07/15/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: SoClean, Inc.
• Original Assignee: SoClean, Inc.
• Inventors: LEYVA, Timothy, OLSZTA, William E.
• Granted Patent: US 10,434,204 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/183 Ozone dissolved in a liquid
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/202 Ozone
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/24 Apparatus using programmed or automatic operation
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2202/121 Sealings, e.g. doors, covers, valves, sluices
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2202/14 Means for controlling sterilisation processes, data processing, presentation and storage means, e.g. sensors, controllers, programs
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2202/24 Medical instruments, e.g. endoscopes, catheters, sharps
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2202/0216 Ozone
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2209/10 Equipment for cleaning
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 6/12 by forming water dispersions in the air

Abstract

Technologies (e.g., devices, systems and methods) for sanitizing mist humidifiers are described. In some embodiments, the technologies include a sanitization gas system and a connector unit. The connector unit is configured to install into an opening in the mist humidifier that is used in operation to release mist for humidification purposes. The connector unit includes an inlet passageway for supplying sanitizing gas (e.g., ozone) into the humidifier, and an exhaust system for removing sanitizing gas from the reservoir.

Claims

1. A system for sanitizing a humidifier with a reservoir, comprising:

a sanitization system comprising a pump and a gas generator, the sanitization system configured to supply a sanitizing gas,

a connector unit configured to removably couple with an opening in the humidifier that is used to release a mist of a liquid when the humidifier is in operation, the connector unit comprising an inlet passageway configured to extend into at least a portion of the opening;

a supply line configured to fluidly couple the gas generator to an interior of the reservoir, wherein the supply line passes through the inlet passageway; and

an exhaust system removably coupled to the connector unit and configured to fluidly couple with a portion of the opening, the exhaust system further configured to remove the sanitizing gas from the reservoir.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the exhaust system further comprises a removable filter.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein a distal end of the supply line is configured to be disposed within a mist chamber of the humidifier.

4. The system of claim 1, further including a check valve coupled to the supply line.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a sensor for sensing sanitization gas in the humidifier.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a display for notifying a user with safe-use instructions.

7. A system for sanitizing a humidifier with a reservoir, comprising:

a connector unit configured to removably and fluidly couple with an opening in the humidifier; and

a self-sealing flexible grommet that is configured to provide a gas tight seal between a surface defining the opening and the connector unit; and

an exhaust system

wherein;

the connector unit comprises an inlet passageway that is configured to extend through a portion of the opening and to fluidly couple to a sanitizing gas generator;

the exhaust system is removably coupled to the connector unit such that it is disposed over at least a portion of the opening when the connector unit is installed, the exhaust system configured to drawn sanitizing gas from the reservoir.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein the exhaust system further comprises a removable filter.

9. The system of claim 8 wherein the removable filter is a removable magnesium oxide filter.

10. The system of claim 7, further including a supply line, wherein at least a portion of the supply line extends through the inlet passageway.

11. The system in accordance with claim 7 further comprising a sensor for sensing sanitization gas in the reservoir.

12. The system in accordance with claim 7 further comprising a display.

13. A system for sanitizing a humidifier with a reservoir comprising:

a sanitization system comprising a pump and a gas generator, the sanitization system configured to supply a sanitizing gas;

a connector unit, the connector unit configured to removably couple with an opening in the humidifier, the connector unit comprising an inlet passageway configured to extend through at least a portion of the opening;

a sealing system configured to provide a gas tight seal between a surface defining the opening and the connector unit;

a supply line comprising a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end fluidly coupled to the sanitizing gas system to receive the sanitizing gas; and

an exhaust system;

wherein;

the supply line is configured to extend through the inlet passageway and through a mist passageway in the humidifier, such that the distal end of the supply line is disposed proximate a bottom tray of the humidifier.

the exhaust system configured to remove the sanitizing gas.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the exhaust system further comprises a removable filter.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the removable filter is a removable magnesium oxide filter.

16. The system of claim 13, further comprising a check valve coupled to the supply line.

17. The system of claim 13, further comprising a sensor for sensing sanitization gas in the water reservoir.

18. The system of claim 13, further comprising a display.

19. A method for sanitizing a humidifier with a reservoir, comprising:

coupling a connector unit to an opening in the humidifier that is used to release a mist of a liquid when the humidifier is in operation, the connector unit comprising an inlet passageway configured to extend through at least a portion of the opening and an exhaust system detachably coupled thereto;

inputting sanitizing gas into the humidifier via supply line extending through the inlet passageway into the humidifier, the supply line comprising a proximal end coupled to a sanitizing gas generator; and

exhausting sanitizing gas from the humidifier.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising installing a sealing system into the opening prior to coupling the connector unit.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the sealing system is a flexible grommet.

22. A connector unit for sanitizing a humidifier, comprising:

a body;

an inlet passageway configured to extend through at least a portion of an opening in the humidifier that is used to supply a mist when the humidifier is in operation, wherein the inlet passageway is configured to receive at least a portion of a supply line;

an exhaust system detachably coupled to the body, the exhaust system configured to be disposed over and an fluid communication with at least a portion of the opening when the connector unit is installed therein; and

a sealing system, the sealing system configured to provide a gas tight seal between a portion of the body and a surface of the opening.

23. The connector unit of claim 22, wherein the exhaust system further comprises a filter.

24. The connector unit of claim 23, wherein the filter is a magnesium oxide filter.

25. The connector unit in accordance with claim 22, wherein the sealing system is a flexible grommet.