An energized assembly to enhance efficacy of a treatment agent in a local environment. The assembly includes an emanator or holder element to hold treatment agent, and a flameless energizing source to energize the treatment agent and thereby, place the treatment agent into an enhanced operational state. Preferred embodiments operate for a period of time of between about 4 and 8 hours, and can then be discarded. Typically, a housing associates the treatment agent and the energizing source. Embodiments may sometimes include one or more of: a gas-tight boundary element, a thermal transfer element, a trigger mechanism, a safety mechanism, a termination mechanism, a time-delay mechanism, solidized treatment agent to avoid spills, and a sequestering arrangement to avoid premature combination of reactants.
An apparatus including a heat source coupled with a container of volatile substance to enhance broadcast of the volatile substance in vapor phase from an emanator element into a local gas environment. A heat source non-exclusively includes any combustible arrangement to produce a flame. Volatile substance may be associated with the emanator element in liquid or a non-spillable solid or solidified phase. Heat may be directed toward the volatile substance using any of convection, radiation, and conduction. A chimney may focus a convective draft to increase draft air speed, and/or orient the draft in a desired (e.g., non-vertical) direction. A mechanism may permit adjustment in spacing between volatile substance and the flame. A seal may resist undesired discharge of volatile substance (in liquid and/or vapor phase), prior to use.
A01M 29/12 - Scaring or repelling devices, e.g. bird-scaring apparatus using odoriferous substances, e.g. aromas, pheromones or chemical agents
B05B 1/24 - Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means incorporating means for heating the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. electrically
An energized assembly to disseminate a treatment agent in vapor phase to a local environment. The assembly includes an emanator element to hold treatment agent, and a flameless energizing source to facilitate volatization of the treatment agent. Preferred embodiments operate for a period of time of between about 4 and 8 hours, and can then be discarded. Typically, a housing associates the treatment agent and the energizing source. Embodiments may sometimes include one or more of: a gas-tight boundary element, a thermal transfer element, a trigger mechanism, a safety mechanism, a termination mechanism, a time-delay mechanism, solidized treatment agent to avoid spills, and a sequestering arrangement.
An energized assembly to disseminate a treatment agent in vapor phase to a local environment. The assembly includes an emanator element to hold treatment agent, and a flameless energizing source to facilitate volatization of the treatment agent. Preferred embodiments operate for a period of time of between about 4 and 8 hours, and can then be discarded. Typically, a housing associates the treatment agent and the energizing source. Embodiments may sometimes include one or more of: a gas-tight boundary element, a thermal transfer element, a trigger mechanism, a safety mechanism, a termination mechanism, a time-delay mechanism, solidized treatment agent to avoid spills, and a sequestering arrangement.
2/g. The container may be structured in various ways to dispose the high surface area material in the vicinity of a local environment to cause a beneficial effect on that environment. The container may include a moisture permeable wall. The high surface area material may adsorb moisture, and contain and/or emit or off-gas one or more active agent. An exemplary beneficial container may be used for one or more of the following: to control moisture; regulate temperature (e.g., provide either heating or cooling from ambient); promote tissue healing in a human by application of a medicine or treatment agent in vapor phase; destroy microbes and/or bacteria; and destroy or sequester a ripening agent associated with a foodstuff.
B65D 81/38 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation
B65D 85/34 - Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure for fruit, e.g. apples, oranges or tomatoes
An automatic dispensing device for volatile fluid operable to apply one or more agent to a local environment for more than 14 days. A dispensing device may nonexclusively operate by evaporation of volatile fluid from a carrier material that is somehow infused with the volatile fluid; gravity-induced drip from a bulk supply of volatile fluid through a small orifice onto an emanator; osmotic transfer of volatile fluid through the emanator from a bulk supply; gas-pump drive of volatile fluid to the emanator at controlled pressure or volume; or diffusion of volatile fluid through a wall of a container of bulk volatile fluid; and combinations thereof.
B01J 20/28 - Solid sorbent compositions or filter aid compositionsSorbents for chromatographyProcesses for preparing, regenerating or reactivating thereof characterised by their form or physical properties
A61L 9/012 - Deodorant compositions characterised by being in a special form, e.g. gels, emulsions
An automatic dispensing device for volatile fluid operable to apply one or more agent to a local environment for more than 14 days. Preferred devices dispense a first agent for air freshening, and may optionally dispense a second agent, such as a drain cleaner. A workable drain cleaner is structured to permit a slow release of drain cleaning agent. A dispensing device may nonexclusively operate by evaporation of volatile fluid from a carrier material that is infused with the volatile fluid; gravity-induced drip from a bulk supply of volatile fluid through a small orifice onto an emanator; osmotic transfer of volatile fluid from a bulk supply; gas-pump drive of volatile fluid at controlled pressure; or diffusion of volatile fluid through a wall of a container of bulk volatile fluid; and combinations thereof.
A61L 9/05 - Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone using substances evaporated in the air without heating specially adapted to be released by contact with a liquid, e.g. for toilets
An automatic dispensing device for volatile fluid operable to apply one or more agent to a local environment for more than 14 days. Preferred devices dispense a first agent for air freshening, and may optionally dispense a second agent, such as a drain cleaner. A workable drain cleaner is structured to permit a slow release of drain cleaning agent. A dispensing device may nonexclusively operate by evaporation of volatile fluid from a polymer or rubber-like carrier material that is infused with the volatile fluid; gravity-induced drip from a bulk supply of volatile fluid through a small orifice onto an emanator; osmotic transfer of volatile fluid from a bulk supply; gas-pump drive of volatile fluid at controlled pressure; or diffusion of volatile fluid through a wall of a container of bulk volatile fluid; and combinations thereof.
A61L 9/04 - Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone using substances evaporated in the air without heating
A61L 9/05 - Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone using substances evaporated in the air without heating specially adapted to be released by contact with a liquid, e.g. for toilets
A wipe that can be used deodorize, disinfect, and/or sterilize an object. A wipe manipulator may be used with a wipe to create, energize, or enhance one or more treatment agent in a wipe to improve its efficacy. Desirably, a wipe manipulator is flexible to accommodate to curved surfaces. A wipe includes a flexible membrane or cloth-like element that may apply, distribute, and/or remove a treatment agent to, over, or from a surface of the object. An enhanced treatment agent, such as peracetic acid, may be applied to the surface subsequent to being formed in the wipe as a result of installation of the wipe onto a manipulator, or otherwise activating the wipe. A wipe manipulator may include one or more rechargeable reservoir to contain and apply a synergistic treatment agent to the wipe to create the enhanced treatment agent.
An orientation independent delivery device including a replaceable cartridge that may be installed on a foundation. A cartridge includes a gas chamber, a delivery chamber, a gas cell, and a delivery aperture. The gas chamber includes a gas-side rigid portion and a gas-side flexible barrier. The gas-side flexible barrier is sealed to the gas-side rigid portion. The delivery chamber includes a delivery-side rigid portion and a delivery-side flexible barrier. The delivery-side flexible barrier is sealed to the delivery-side rigid portion and is oriented adjacent to the gas-side flexible barrier. The gas cell is coupled to the gas-side rigid portion of the gas chamber. The gas cell increases a gas pressure within the gas chamber to expand the gas-side flexible barrier. Expansion of the gas-side flexible barrier applies a compressive force to the delivery-side flexible barrier allowing a delivery material to escape from the delivery chamber.
A treatment chamber 102 in which an object may be disinfected, deodorized, and/or sterilized. A source 172 of Hydroxyl radicals is arranged to introduce treatment agents, including Hydroxyl radicals, into the chamber 102. Operable sources 172 include nebulizer, Fenton generator, and Hydrogen Peroxide in the presence of nanoparticle catalyst and UV light. Ozone may be applied as an additional treatment agent. A tablet dispenser 128 may optionally be included to introduce additional chemical treatment agents into the chamber 102. The entire treatment device 100A-O may be sized for placement and use at the point-of-use of an object to be sterilized, such as in a hospital to sterilize an endoscope component.
An orientation independent delivery device. The delivery device includes a gas chamber, a delivery chamber, a gas cell, and a delivery aperture. The gas chamber includes a gas-side rigid portion and a gas-side flexible barrier. The gas-side flexible barrier is sealed to the gas-side rigid portion. The delivery chamber includes a delivery-side rigid portion and a delivery-side flexible barrier. The delivery-side flexible barrier is sealed to the delivery-side rigid portion and is oriented adjacent to the gas-side flexible barrier. The gas cell is coupled to the gas-side rigid portion of the gas chamber. The gas cell increases a gas pressure within the gas chamber to expand the gas-side flexible barrier. Expansion of the gas-side flexible barrier applies a compressive force to the delivery-side flexible barrier allowing a delivery material to escape from the delivery chamber.
A61M 5/145 - Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps using pressurised reservoirs, e.g. by means of pistons
B05B 11/00 - Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
A61M 5/20 - Automatic syringes, e.g. with automatically actuated piston rod, with automatic needle injection, filling automatically
B05B 11/04 - Deformable containers producing the flow, e.g. squeeze bottles
C25B 9/06 - Cells comprising dimensionally-stable non-movable electrodes; Assemblies of constructional parts thereof
C25B 1/04 - Hydrogen or oxygen by electrolysis of water
A61M 5/148 - Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps using pressurised reservoirs, e.g. by means of pistons flexible
A61M 5/155 - Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps using pressurised reservoirs, e.g. by means of pistons pressurised by gas
B05B 9/047 - Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquid or other fluent material without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material with pressurised or compressible containerSpraying apparatus for discharge of liquid or other fluent material without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material with pump supply being effected by follower in container, e.g. membrane or floating piston
B05B 11/02 - Membranes or pistons acting on the contents inside the container, e.g. follower pistons
C25B 1/12 - Electrolytic production of inorganic compounds or non-metals of hydrogen or oxygen by electrolysis of water in pressure cells
C25B 5/00 - Electrogenerative processes, i.e. processes for producing compounds in which electricity is generated simultaneously
C25B 9/00 - Cells or assemblies of cellsConstructional parts of cellsAssemblies of constructional parts, e.g. electrode-diaphragm assembliesProcess-related cell features
A disposable, single-use wipe that can be used deodorize, disinfect, and/or sterilize an object. A wipe includes a flexible membrane or cloth-like element that may apply, distribute, and/or remove a treatment agent to, over, or from a surface of the object. A treatment agent, such as micron-, or nano-sized particles of a disinfectant or sterilant chemical, Ozone, negative ions, Hydroxyl radicals, or alcohol, etc., may be applied to the surface by the wipe or another applicator. An additional treatment agent (e.g., Triclosan, Chlorine dioxide, Hydroxyl radicals, etc.), may be associated with a wipe to enhance biocidal activity. The wipe may be used alone, in combination with a holder, or in combination with an applicator of energized treatment agent. An applicator and/or a holder may be used to energize one or more treatment agent to improve its efficacy.
An automatic dispensing device for volatile fluid operable to apply one or more agent to a local environment for more than 14 days. Preferred devices dispense a first agent for air freshening, and may optionally dispense a second agent, such as a drain cleaner. A workable drain cleaner is structured to permit a slow release of drain cleaning agent. A dispensing device may nonexclusively operate by evaporation of volatile fluid from a polymer or rubber-like carrier material that is infused with the volatile fluid; gravity-induced drip from a bulk supply of volatile fluid through a small orifice onto an emanator; osmotic transfer of volatile fluid from a bulk supply; gas-pump drive of volatile fluid at controlled pressure; or diffusion of volatile fluid through a wall of a container of bulk volatile fluid; and combinations thereof.
A61L 9/04 - Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone using substances evaporated in the air without heating
A61L 9/05 - Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone using substances evaporated in the air without heating specially adapted to be released by contact with a liquid, e.g. for toilets
An automatic air freshener that operates for a period of time in excess of about 14 days, and that may optionally include a drain cleaner, mosquito repellant, or other beneficial fluid. Certain embodiments are adapted for disposal in a urinal, although a variety of other applications are contemplated. An air freshener may operate by: emanation of scent from a rubber or rubber-like material that carries a dispersed scented oil; gravity-induced drip from a bulk supply of scented fluid through a small orifice; osmotic transfer of scented fluid from a bulk supply; or gas-pump drive of scented fluid at controlled pressure. When present, the drain cleaner typically is carried by a container structured to permit a slow drip of drain cleaning fluid from a bulk fluid supply.
A61L 9/04 - Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone using substances evaporated in the air without heating
An automatic dispensing device (100, 120, 140, 170,180, 190, etc.) for volatile fluid operable to apply one or more agent to a local environment for more than 14 days. Preferred devices dispense a first agent for air freshening, and may optionally dispense a second agent, such as a drain cleaner. When present, the drain cleaner typically is carried by a container structured to permit a slow release of drain cleaning fluid from a bulk fluid supply. A dispensing device may nonexclusively operate by evaporation of volatile fluid from a polymer or rubber-like carrier material that is infused with the volatile fluid; gravity-induced drip from a bulk supply of volatile fluid through a small orifice onto an emanator; osmotic transfer of volatile fluid from a bulk supply; gas -pump drive of volatile fluid at controlled pressure; or diffusion of volatile fluid through a wall of a container of bulk volatile fluid; and combinations thereof.
Delivery devices 100 for controlled discharge of a volatile fluid 118 at a relatively constant rate over a sustained period of time. Volatile fluid 118 may be dispensed in liquid or vapor phase. Rate of fluid discharge from a storage container 103 is controlled by a restriction element 124. Fluid 118 may be urged toward discharge by gravity, wicking, capillary activity, diffusion, pressure internal to the container, evaporation, and/or other fluid transmission through the restriction element 124.
A61L 9/02 - Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone using substances evaporated in the air by heating or combustion
A01M 1/20 - Poisoning, narcotising, or burning insects
A61L 9/04 - Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone using substances evaporated in the air without heating
A wipe for anti-microbial disinfecting includes a flexible substrate and an anti-microbial ion source integrated on the substrate. The flexible substrate is made entirely or in part of woven fiber cloth, non-woven fiber cloth, woven synthetic cloth, non-woven synthetic cloth, or natural fiber cloth. The anti-microbial ion source is configured to dissolve in an aqueous solution to form an anti-microbial solution. The flexible substrate is configured to absorb the anti-microbial solution for use in cleaning.
A disposable, single-use wipe (100) that can be used deodorize, disinfect, and/or sterilize an object. The wipe typically creates and applies one or more treatment agent at the time and location of use on the object. A wipe (100) includes a flexible membrane or cloth-like element (106) that typically carries at least one element of a chemically reactive couple. A wipe (100) may be activated in various ways to produce a treatment agent, such as Hydroxyl radicals or alcohol, and subsequently used to physically spread the treatment agent onto the object. One or more additional treatment agent (e.g., Triclosan, Chlorine dioxide, Hydroxyl radicals, etc.), may be included in association with a wipe (100) to enhance biocidal activity. The wipe (100) may be used alone, or in combination with a holder (120). A holder (120) may operate to activate a wipe (100), and/or apply one or more treatment agent onto the object.
A01N 25/34 - Shaped forms, e.g. sheets, not provided for in any other group of this main group
A01N 25/02 - Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators, characterised by their forms, or by their non-active ingredients or by their methods of applicationSubstances for reducing the noxious effect of the active ingredients to organisms other than pests containing liquids as carriers, diluents or solvents
A01N 25/08 - Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators, characterised by their forms, or by their non-active ingredients or by their methods of applicationSubstances for reducing the noxious effect of the active ingredients to organisms other than pests containing solids as carriers or diluents
20.
DEVICES FOR DISINFECTION, DEODORIZATION, AND/OR STERILIZATION OF OBJECTS
A treatment chamber (102) in which an object may be disinfected, deodorized, and/or sterilized. A source (172) of Hydroxyl radicals is arranged to introduce treatment agents, including Hydroxyl radicals, into the chamber (102). Operable sources (172) include nebulizer, Fenton generator, and Hydrogen Peroxide in the presence of nanoparticle catalyst and UV light. Ozone may be applied as an additional treatment agent. A tablet dispenser (128) may optionally be included to introduce additional chemical treatment agents into the chamber (102). The entire treatment device 100A-O may be sized for placement and use at the point-of-use of an object to be sterilized, such as in a hospital to sterilize an endoscope component.
A61L 9/04 - Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone using substances evaporated in the air without heating
An apparatus for cleaning and/or disinfecting surfaces and objects includes a spray bottle that is refillable with an aqueous solution, the spray bottle including a nozzle and a container. The apparatus further includes a conduit in communication with the nozzle and an interior of the container, an actuator for pumping the aqueous solution from the interior of the container to outside the spray bottle through the nozzle, an ultraviolet light source in communication with the conduit configured to at least partially radiate the aqueous solution in the conduit, a power source in communication with the ultraviolet light source, and an actuator in electrical communication with the power source, the actuator configured to provide power to the ultraviolet light source upon actuation of the actuator.
A volatile substance delivery system includes a volatile substance container to contain a volatile substance, an outlet to deliver a volume of the volatile substance from the volatile substance container to an ambient environment, and a manual screw pump to increase pressure within the volatile substance container and promote the delivery of the volatile substance from the volatile substance container.
A wipe for anti-microbial disinfecting includes a flexible substrate and an anti-microbial ion source integrated on the substrate. The flexible substrate is made entirely or in part of woven fiber cloth, non-woven fiber cloth, woven synthetic cloth, non-woven synthetic cloth, or natural fiber cloth. The anti-microbial ion source is configured to dissolve in an aqueous solution to form an anti-microbial solution. The flexible substrate is configured to absorb the anti-microbial solution for use in cleaning.
A trans-tympanic antioxidant delivery apparatus. Generally, the apparatus includes a source of antioxidant. A delivery mechanism in fluid communication with the source is configured to deliver the antioxidant to a patient's ear canal. A regulator for regulating at least one of an antioxidant delivery pressure, an antioxidant delivery rate, an antioxidant delivery duration, an antioxidant delivery temperature, and an antioxidant delivery concentration. The apparatus includes a monitor for monitoring at least one of a blood-oxygen saturation level, a concentration of exhaled gas, an oxygen consumption, a blood pressure, a pulse, and a patient's cognitive interaction. A controller is in operable communication with at least one of the delivery mechanism, the regulator and the monitor and controls at least one of a delivery pressure, a delivery rate, a delivery duration, a delivery temperature, and a delivery concentration.
A61F 11/00 - Methods or devices for treatment of the ears or hearing sense Non-electric hearing aidsMethods or devices for enabling ear patients to achieve auditory perception through physiological senses other than hearing senseProtective devices for the ears, carried on the body or in the hand
A61M 37/00 - Other apparatus for introducing media into the bodyPercutany, i.e. introducing medicines into the body by diffusion through the skin
25.
Gas cell driven orientation independent delivery device
An orientation independent delivery device. The delivery device includes a gas chamber, a delivery chamber, a gas cell, and a delivery aperture. The gas chamber includes a gas-side rigid portion and a gas-side flexible barrier. The gas-side flexible barrier is sealed to the gas-side rigid portion. The delivery chamber includes a delivery-side rigid portion and a delivery-side flexible barrier. The delivery-side flexible barrier is sealed to the delivery-side rigid portion and is oriented adjacent to the gas-side flexible barrier. The gas cell is coupled to the gas-side rigid portion of the gas chamber. The gas cell increases a gas pressure within the gas chamber to expand the gas-side flexible barrier. Expansion of the gas-side flexible barrier applies a compressive force to the delivery-side flexible barrier allowing a delivery material to escape from the delivery chamber.
A61M 5/145 - Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps using pressurised reservoirs, e.g. by means of pistons
B65D 83/00 - Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
A61M 5/148 - Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps using pressurised reservoirs, e.g. by means of pistons flexible
A61M 5/155 - Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps using pressurised reservoirs, e.g. by means of pistons pressurised by gas
B05B 9/047 - Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquid or other fluent material without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material with pressurised or compressible containerSpraying apparatus for discharge of liquid or other fluent material without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material with pump supply being effected by follower in container, e.g. membrane or floating piston
B05B 11/00 - Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
B05B 11/02 - Membranes or pistons acting on the contents inside the container, e.g. follower pistons
B05B 11/04 - Deformable containers producing the flow, e.g. squeeze bottles
An orientation independent delivery device (100). The delivery device (100) includes a gas chamber, a delivery chamber, a gas cell (110), and a delivery aperture (112). The gas chamber includes a gas-side rigid portion (102) and a gas-side flexible barrier (104). The gas-side flexible barrier (104) is sealed to the gas-side rigid portion (102). The delivery chamber includes a delivery-side rigid portion (106) and a delivery-side flexible barrier (108). The delivery-side flexible barrier (108) is sealed to the delivery-side rigid portion (106) and is oriented adjacent to the gas-side flexible barrier (104). The gas cell (110) is coupled to the gas-side rigid portion (102) of the gas chamber. The gas cell (110) increases a gas pressure within the gas chamber to expand the gas-side flexible barrier (104). Expansion of the gas-side flexible barrier (104) applies a compressive force to the delivery-side flexible barrier (108) allowing a delivery material to escape from the delivery chamber.
A system facilitates creating a controlled hydrogen rich environment around a patient. The system includes an enclosure, at least one opening, and a hydrogen source. The enclosure forms an internal space to at least partially enclose a body part of the patient. The opening is defined within the enclosure to allow a portion of the body part of the patient to extend out of the internal space of the enclosure. The opening is further configured to form a seal around the body part that extends out of the internal space of the enclosure. The hydrogen source delivers hydrogen gas into the internal space of the enclosure.
An apparatus for cleaning and/or disinfecting surfaces and objects is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, such an apparatus includes a spray bottle (100) that is refillable with water. A dispenser (102) is integrated into the spray bottle (100) to dispense a soluble material (104) into the water to produce a solution (106). The soluble material (104) includes at least one of a cleaning agent and a disinfecting agent. The soluble material (104) is provided in a quantity sufficient to last several refills of the spray bottle (100).
B05B 9/04 - Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquid or other fluent material without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material with pressurised or compressible containerSpraying apparatus for discharge of liquid or other fluent material without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material with pump
B05B 11/02 - Membranes or pistons acting on the contents inside the container, e.g. follower pistons
A delivery apparatus (100) includes a volatile agent source (104), a controller, and an emanator material (106). The volatile agent source (104) stores a volume of a volatile agent such as a fragrance. The volatile agent source (104) includes an outlet (136) for delivery of the volatile agent from the volatile agent source (104). The controller controls a delivery rate of the volatile agent from the volatile agent source (104). The emanator material (106) is disposed at approximately the outlet (106) of the volatile agent source (104). The emanator material (106) absorbs at least a portion of the volatile agent and maintains the volatile agent until the volatile agent evaporates into an ambient environment.
An apparatus for cleaning and/or disinfecting a surface or object is disclosed. In one embodiment, such an apparatus includes a container (100) that is refillable with water. A sparingly soluble solid (102) is provided in the container (100) and is positioned to contact the water. The sparingly soluble solid (102) slightly dissolves in the water to form a dilute solution (104) that acts as a cleaning and/or disinfecting solution (104). The sparingly soluble solid (102) is provided in a quantity sufficient to last several refills of the container (100).
B05B 11/02 - Membranes or pistons acting on the contents inside the container, e.g. follower pistons
B05B 9/04 - Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquid or other fluent material without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material with pressurised or compressible containerSpraying apparatus for discharge of liquid or other fluent material without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material with pump
A negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) system creates and maintains a sub-atmospheric pressure within a sealed wound environment for the purpose of healing wounds. The NPWT system includes a wound interface material (118), a housing (102), an osmotic membrane (116), and an evacuation port (120). The wound interface material (118) contacts a wound region and absorbs exudate from the wound region. The housing (102) defines a cavity (108) in an interior space of the housing (102). The osmotic membrane (116) is coupled to the wound interface material (118) to transfer a fluid of the exudate from the wound interface material (118) to the cavity (108) of the housing (102). The evacuation port (120) is also coupled to the wound interface material (118) to facilitate passage of a gas out of the wound interface material (118) to create a negative pressure at the wound region.
A61M 1/00 - Suction or pumping devices for medical purposesDevices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquidsDrainage systems
32.
Device for delivery of volatile liquids to gaseous environment utilizing a gas generating cell
A delivery apparatus includes a volatile agent source, a controller, and an emanator material. The volatile agent source stores a volume of a volatile agent such as a fragrance. The volatile agent source includes an outlet for delivery of the volatile agent from the volatile agent source. The controller controls a delivery rate of the volatile agent from the volatile agent source. The emanator material is disposed at approximately the outlet of the volatile agent source. The emanator material absorbs at least a portion of the volatile agent and maintains the volatile agent until the volatile agent evaporates into an ambient environment.
A dermal delivery apparatus includes a pad (3) having a surface to interface with an outer layer of skin. The dermal delivery apparatus also includes a micro structure (1) coupled to the pad (3) and configured to penetrate and deliver an agent beneath the outer layer of skin. The dermal delivery device also includes a base (4) at least partially surrounding the micro structure. The base (4) is coupled to the pad (3) and protrudes away from the surface of the pad (3) to apply surface tension to the skin.
An apparatus (100) for controllably releasing a substance is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, such an apparatus (100) includes a chamber (102) to store a non-gaseous fluid (110). An outlet (104) communicates with a bottom of the chamber (102) to dispense the non-gaseous fluid (110). An inlet (106) communicates with a top of the chamber (102) to enable gas to flow into the chamber (102). To regulate the flow of non-gaseous fluid (110) through the outlet (104), a regulator element (108) is coupled to the inlet (106) to regulate the flow of gas into the chamber (102). In certain embodiments, to provide more consistent release rates, the chamber (102) includes a short wide portion situated above a relatively long narrow portion. Such a configuration generates more consistent head pressure and thus more consistent release rates for the non-gaseous fluid (110). A corresponding method is also disclosed herein.
B05B 1/24 - Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means incorporating means for heating the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. electrically
B05B 1/30 - Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to control volume of flow, e.g. with adjustable passages
B05B 12/00 - Arrangements for controlling deliveryArrangements for controlling the spray area
A mechanical oscillator (100) in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes first and second electrodes (102a, 102b) and an electrolyte (104) for conducting ions between the first and second electrodes (102a, 102b). A power source (106), such as a voltage or current source, may be provided to create an alternating current between the first and second electrodes (102a, 102b). This alternating current will cause ions to travel back and forth between the first and second electrodes (102a, 102b) through the electrolyte (104). The movement of ions will cause the first and second electrodes (102a, 102b) to physically expand and contract as the electrodes (102a, 102b) gain and lose mass, thereby creating desired oscillations or vibrations.
H02N 11/00 - Generators or motors not provided for elsewhereAlleged perpetua mobilia obtained by electric or magnetic means
H02N 3/00 - Generators in which thermal or kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy by ionisation of a fluid and removal of the charge therefrom
36.
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR STERILIZING AND DEODORIZING
An apparatus for sterilizing and/or deodorizing objects is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, such an apparatus includes an ozone source (102) to provide ozone, and a hydrogen peroxide source (104) to provide hydrogen peroxide. A mixing element (106) intermixes the ozone and hydrogen peroxide to produce a mixture comprising oxidizing radicals. An applicator (116) applies the mixture to an object before the oxidizing radicals decompose. The oxidizing radicals in the mixture work to oxidize organic substances, thereby interrupting the life cycle of living organisms and/or destroying or neutralizing odors. In selected embodiments, the applicator (116) disperses the mixture into a closed environment, such as a substantially sealed room or enclosure, to sterilize and/or deodorize objects contained therein. A corresponding method is also disclosed herein.
A61L 2/16 - Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lensesAccessories therefor using chemical substances
A device and method for atomizing a liquid for delivery to a target zone are presented. The liquid atomization device (100) may include a liquid reservoir (102) to contain a liquid, and a liquid pathway to receive at least a portion of the liquid from the liquid reservoir (102). The liquid pathway may include one end (110) communicating with the liquid reservoir (102), and another end communicating with a target zone. Two electrodes (116a, 116b) may be placed in the liquid pathway (104) to accommodate the liquid there between. An AC power source (126) may be connected to each of the electrodes (116a, 116b) to generate an alternating current through the liquid, thereby atomizing at least a portion of the liquid for delivery to the target zone.
An apparatus (1) for delivering a beneficial agent (2) is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including a water collection chamber. A water-transporting membrane (5) is provided to communicate with the water collection chamber (8). An extraction chamber receives water (9) through the water-transporting membrane (5), expanding the extraction chamber. A dispensing chamber, containing a beneficial agent (2), is configured to contract upon expanding the extraction chamber. This causes the dispensing chamber to expel the beneficial agent (2) through a subterranean delivery channel, such as a rigid hollow spike. In certain embodiments, a rate adjustment mechanism (6a, 6b) may control the rate that water (9) is received through the water-transporting membrane (5), thereby controlling the rate the beneficial agent (2) is expelled. The water-transporting membrane (5) has features that repel osmagent from passing through to the water collection chamber (8). The apparatus (1) features steady rate performance without refreshing the water chamber (8) and low temperature sensitivity.
B01D 61/00 - Processes of separation using semi-permeable membranes, e.g. dialysis, osmosis or ultrafiltrationApparatus, accessories or auxiliary operations specially adapted therefor
B01D 63/00 - Apparatus in general for separation processes using semi-permeable membranes
An (10) apparatus and method for applying a beneficial agent (14b) to the skin is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including first and second chemical reactants (14a), each being compatible with the skin. The first and second chemical reactants (14a) react with one another to generate a (14b) beneficial agent (14b) and enhance the permeability of the skin (e.g., by generating heat). The beneficial agent (14b) may then be applied to the skin while the permeability of the skin is enhanced. In selected embodiments, the first chemical reactant (14a) includes one or more metals, or alloys thereof, that are compatible (i.e., not harmful) with the skin. Similarly, in selected embodiments, the second chemical reactant (14a) may include water. In certain embodiments, the beneficial agent generated by the first and second chemical reactants (14a) includes an antioxidant such as hydrogen.
An apparatus for delivering a beneficial agent to a subterranean location is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including a water collection chamber (20) having a substantially open end (30). A water-transporting membrane (26) is provided to communicate with the water collection chamber (20). An extraction chamber (22) receives water through the water-transporting membrane (26), expanding the extraction chamber (22). A dispensing chamber (24), containing a beneficial agent such as fertilizer, is configured to contract upon expanding the extraction chamber (22). This causes the dispensing chamber (24) to expel the beneficial agent through a subterranean delivery channel (38), such as a rigid hollow spike (38). In certain embodiments, a rate adjustment mechanism may control the rate that water is received through the water-transporting membrane (26), thereby controlling the rate the beneficial agent is expelled from the subterranean delivery channel (38).
An apparatus and method for facilitating transdermal oxygen delivery is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including a supply source coupled to a delivery device. The supply source may provide a supply of oxygen that may be delivered transdermally through the skin of a patient via the delivery device (400). In selected embodiments, the delivery device (400) may include a barrier layer (406) to substantially retain the oxygen over a localized area of skin (412), and a gas-permeable contact layer (402) to deliver the oxygen to the localized area. Finally, a transport enhancement element (128) may increase the oxygen permeability of the localized area.
An on-demand fluid dispenser (30) to dispense fluid (63) in response to gas generation by a gas cell (48). The on-demand fluid dispenser (30) includes an expandable gas chamber (51), a fluid chamber (57), and an on-demand gas cell (48). The expandable gas chamber (51) includes a moveable plunger forming a wall of the expandable gas chamber. The moveable plunger also forms a wall (54) of the fluid chamber (57). The on-demand gas cell (48) is configured to generate the gas on demand. The on-demand gas cell (48) is also configured to direct the gas to the expandable gas chamber (51) to expand the expandable gas chamber (51). Expansion of the expandable gas chamber (51) moves the moveable plunger (54) to reduce a volume of the fluid chamber (57) and to dispense an amount of fluid (63) from the fluid chamber (57).
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