Apparatus and Related Compositions and Methods for Surface Purification

Abstract

Apparatuses are provided for applying an indicator composition and optionally a disinfectant composition to an article, which article is dispensed through the apparatus. The apparatus includes a housing that at least partially surrounds an interior volume and has a wall that defines a dispensing aperture extending through the wall; a reservoir having at least one chamber sized to contain the indicator composition; and an application mechanism positioned within the housing relative to the dispensing aperture. The reservoir optionally has a second chamber sized to contain the disinfectant composition. The application mechanism is configured to be in fluid communication with the reservoir to apply a quantity of the indicator composition and the optional disinfectant composition from the reservoir to an article dispensed through the dispensing aperture. Related compositions, articles, and methods are provided.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese patent application with the application number 201780058383.X, the filing date of July 25, 2017, and the invention title of "Device and Related Compositions and Methods for Surface Purification". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention generally relates to devices, compositions, and methods for visualizing disinfectants and monitoring the efficacy of disinfectants. Background Art

[0003] A recent report published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that skin and clothing contamination occurs in 60% of cases during glove and gown removal (ME Tomas, et al. (2015). Contamination of Health Care Personnel During Removal of Personal Protective Equipment. JAMA Intern Med. 175(12):1904 - 10). When using educational interventions and visual feedback, the study found that the contamination rate dropped to 18.9%. However, providing appropriate personal protective equipment removal training is not always feasible, especially in resource - limited settings or during pandemics, and many commonly used disinfectants do not provide visual feedback. Therefore, improved methods and technologies are needed to visually ensure proper disinfection to reduce the contamination rate.

[0004] Commercially available products such as Glo Germ TM have demonstrated the importance of visualizing disinfection. For example, Glo Germ TM has been used in the Mount Sinai Health System to ensure complete surface disinfection (The Wall Street Journal. (2015, Nov. 2)). However, Glo Germ TM requires the use of ultraviolet light for visualization, which may not be readily available on - site and requires a power source. In addition, it is necessary to use Glo Germ TM before each disinfection and carry or install an ultraviolet light source, and this requirement may be cumbersome and infeasible for inspecting all disinfected surfaces in a fast - paced hospital environment.

[0005] Further research has also shown that improving compliance with disinfection protocols, including waiting sufficient contact time for the disinfectant to inactivate pathogens, can reduce the incidence of hospital-acquired infections by more than 80% (R Orenstein, et al. (2011). Infect Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 32(11):1137-9). This strongly suggests an urgent need for a method to improve compliance with contact time to reduce infection rates in hospitals and for consumer use.

[0006] The inclusion of colorants in aqueous bleaching solutions has been previously described. Due to the strong tendency of bleaching solutions to oxidize dyes, many methods for incorporating colorants that are stable in the bleach have been disclosed. Nayar's U.S 4,623,476 teaches a method and composition for stably suspending pigments in an aqueous hypochlorite bleaching solution using a bleach-stable pigment (ultramarine blue), optical brighteners, and surfactants. Grande's U.S. 6,503,877 teaches a liquid-colored thickened bleaching composition that includes ultramarine blue as a colorant and a thickening surfactant that helps provide stable color and viscosity after long-term storage. Foxlee's U.S. 4,474,677 describes copper phthalocyanine halide pigments for forming blue or green aqueous bleaching solutions. These and similar patents address the problem of rapid bleaching of dyes by strong oxidants by providing more color-stable compositions that retain their color even after long-term contact with the oxidant.

[0007] Oxidizable dyes in cleaning formulations have been described. Kitko's U.S. 4,308,625 discloses the combined use of bleach-sensitive dyes with hypochlorite cleaners. Kitko describes a toilet cleaner in which an oxidizable dye and a bleaching solution are dispensed after flushing, such that subsequent color fading indicates bleaching action. Orlowski's U.S. 6,447,757 discloses the inclusion of FD&C Blue 1 pigment as a component of a bleach-based tooth whitening mixture. Decolorization of the dye enables the patient to monitor the occurrence and completion of tooth bleaching activity.

[0008] Ciolino's U.S. 4,822,854 describes the use of acidifying agents such as oxalic acid to prevent impurities in a diol ether-based disinfectant from reacting with and decolorizing dyes in the pH range of 2 to 6.5. The aim is to prevent unwanted impurities in the disinfectant from reacting with the dyes.

[0009] Casey's U.S. 5,110,492 discloses a combination of a cleaning composition and a fugitive pH dye, which must be sealed in an airtight container. Operating under a similar method, Vinson's U.S. 2014 / 0057987 discloses a composition of a disinfectant having a pH indicator dye and an alkaline substance. The pH dye initially exhibits a color after spraying, but quickly fades to colorless after exposure to the sprayed surface and air.

[0010] Pre-wetted disinfection articles have been previously described. McClendon's U.S. 4,998,984 describes a pre-packaged single-use disposable wipe or paper towel saturated with a disinfecting solution. Lister's U.S. 5,087,450 describes a virucidal wipe that includes a gauze pad impregnated with a 10% sodium hypochlorite solution and a hand-held flexible non-porous plastic barrier firmly attached thereto to protect the user from virus contamination and sodium hypochlorite.

[0011] Farrugia's U.S. 8,772,184 relates to a disinfecting wipe made of a fabric coated with a reversible color-changing ink formulation. The wipe is impregnated with a quaternary ammonium cleaner, and the wiping material undergoes a color change after the cleaner is depleted.

[0012] Sabnis's U.S. 2006 / 0222675 describes a disinfecting composition containing an acid-base indicator and a method for placing a thin layer of disinfectant. The acid-base indicator is described as disappearing or changing color upon use.

[0013] Chong's U.S. 6,554,156 describes a perforated resealable dispensing cap that allows individual wipes to be dispensed from a roll, which is used to prepare the next wipe for dispensing, while also allowing the cap to be sealed to close the container.

[0014] Azelton's U.S. 2015 / 0305579 describes a wipe dispenser for dispensing interconnected wipes. An exemplary wipe dispenser is described as including a container body and a removable lid that forms an internal area in which a plurality of interconnected wipes can be disposed.

[0015] Katsigras's U.S. 2005 / 0025668 A1 describes a disinfection article, a sealable housing system for the disinfection article, and a disinfection composition for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that contains a hypohalite component and a surfactant, and the disinfection composition has improved stability and extended efficacy for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces having residues of such as food, dirt, microorganisms, and many other common contaminants.

[0016] For example, a spray device for dispensing a liquid is described in WO 2006 / 101730, which describes a battery-powered spray pump including a piston pump, wherein the axis of the pump is arranged at an angle relative to the spray discharge and the fluid inlet. For example, a valve with actuator assistance for a spray device is described in WO 2009 / 085175 and U.S. 8,602,386. For example, a reservoir for use with a cleaning device is described in U.S. 6,386,392. Related technologies are also described, such as a safety valve for an inverted liquid-filled can described in U.S. 5,842,504, a non-leaking non-venting liquid-filled can quick-disconnect system described in U.S. 5,842,682, a consumer safety device for connecting a reservoir to a dispensing appliance described in U.S. 6,321,941, a reclosable device for connecting a reservoir to a dispensing appliance described in U.S. 6,971,589, and an integrated ventilation and fluid delivery device described in U.S. 6,206,058, U.S. 6,491,069, and U.S. 6,612,344.

[0017] There is still a need for new compositions and methods to ensure thorough and effective disinfection of surfaces. The present invention meets this need by providing an article for facilitating and effectively applying an indicator solution to a dry or pre-wetted towel or wipe with a disinfectant solution. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In the drawings,

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a device configured to apply an indicator solution to a disinfection article;

[0020] Figure 2A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a device configured to apply an indicator solution to a disinfection article;

[0021] Figure 2B is a perspective view of an embodiment of a device configured to apply an indicator solution to a disinfection article;

[0022] Figure 2C is a perspective view of an embodiment of a device configured to apply an indicator solution to a disinfection article;

[0023] Figure 3A is a schematic view of an embodiment of a device including a direct contact applicator in a first configuration;

[0024] Figure 3B is Figure 3A a device, wherein the applicator is in a second configuration;

[0025] Figure 4AIs a perspective view of an embodiment of the device, the device comprising a direct contact applicator located on a tank for disinfecting articles;

[0026] Figure 4B Is Figure 4A A top plan view of the device, showing the exposed dispensing holes;

[0027] Figure 4C Is Figure 4A A top plan view of the device, showing the covered dispensing holes;

[0028] Figure 4D Is Figure 4A A perspective view of the device, showing the interior of the device housing;

[0029] Figure 4E Is Figure 4A An exploded partial perspective view of the device;

[0030] Figure 4F Is Figure 4A A side view of the device, showing the housing in the hinged position;

[0031] Figure 4G Is Figure 4A A perspective view of the device;

[0032] Figure 4H Is Figure 4G A partial exploded view of the device, with the cartridge removed from the housing;

[0033] Figure 4I Is Figure 4A A perspective view of the device, where the housing is transparent;

[0034] Figure 4J Is Figure 4A An exploded view of the device;

[0035] Figures 4K to 4M Is a cross-sectional view of the device of Figure 4;

[0036] Figure 4N Is Figure 4A A schematic view of the device;

[0037] Figures 5A to 5B Is Figure 4A Multiple views of the dispensing holes in the cap of the device;

[0038] Figures 6A to 6B Is Figure 4A A perspective view of the cartridge of the device;

[0039] Figures 7A to 7C Is Figure 4A Multiple views of the pneumatic faucet of the device;

[0040] Figures 8A to 8B Respectively are Figure 4A Perspective and cross-sectional views of the pumping element of the device of

[0041] Figure 9 Is through Figure 4A Schematic diagram of the fluid flow of the device of

[0042] Figure 10 Is Figure 4A Perspective view of a pair of applicators of the device of

[0043] Figure 11A Schematic diagram of an embodiment of the device including a non-contact applicator in a first configuration;

[0044] Figure 11B Is Figure 11A The device of , where the applicator is in a second configuration;

[0045] Figure 12A Perspective view of an embodiment of the device including a non-contact applicator located on a tank of a disinfected article;

[0046] Figure 12B Is Figure 12A Perspective view of the device of ;

[0047] Figure 12C Is Figure 12A Side cross-sectional view of the device of ;

[0048] Figure 12D Is Figure 12A Side cross-sectional view of the device of , which shows the path of the disinfected article through the interior;

[0049] Figure 12E Is including an alternative actuator Figure 12A Side cross-sectional view of the device of ;

[0050] Figure 12F Is Figure 12A Partial perspective view of the device of ;

[0051] Figure 12G Is Figure 12A Partial perspective view of the device of ; and

[0052] Figure 12H Is Figure 12A Schematic diagram of the device of .

[0053] Generally speaking, these figures are not of absolute scale or comparable scale, but are intended to be illustrative. Moreover, for the purpose of clarity of illustration, the relative positions of features and elements may be modified. Summary of the Invention

[0054] The present disclosure relates to devices, compositions, and methods for surface disinfection and purification. The present disclosure provides a device for facilitating and effectively applying an indicator composition to a solid absorbent substrate such as a cloth, towel, or wipe, which solid absorbent substrate may be referred to herein as a "disinfection article". In an embodiment, the disinfection article is pre-wetted with a disinfectant composition. In an embodiment, the disinfectant composition is applied to the disinfection article together with the indicator composition by the device described herein. The present disclosure also provides exemplary formulations of the indicator composition, which indicator composition is suitable for imparting an instantaneous color to the disinfection article such that when the disinfectant is applied to a surface, for example by applying a towel or wipe to the surface, the disinfectant can be clearly seen, thereby providing a visual indication of surface coverage. The indicator composition is also suitable for fading to colorless within a predetermined period of time after its application to the surface, thereby providing a visual indication of the contact time of the disinfectant with the surface, which is beneficial for ensuring adequate purification of the surface. Exemplary disinfectant compositions compatible with the indicator compositions described herein include aqueous solutions of common disinfectants such as sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, sodium dichloroisocyanurate, hydrogen peroxide, chlorine dioxide, peracetic acid, quaternary ammonium chlorides, and alcohols (such as ethanol and isopropyl alcohol). The devices, compositions, and methods described herein are applicable to hospital and field environments as well as consumer use.

[0055] In one aspect, a device for applying an indicator composition and optionally a disinfectant composition to an article is described, the article being dispensed through the device. The device includes a housing that at least partially surrounds an internal volume and has a wall that defines a dispensing aperture extending through the wall. The device includes a reservoir having at least one chamber sized to contain the indicator composition. The reservoir optionally has a second chamber sized to contain the disinfectant composition. The device includes an application mechanism positioned within the housing relative to the dispensing aperture. The application mechanism is configured to be in fluid communication with the reservoir to apply an amount of the indicator composition and an amount of the optional disinfectant composition from the reservoir to the article dispensed through the dispensing aperture. In an embodiment, the amount of the indicator composition applied to the disinfection article is in the range of 0.0001 - 0.1 ml per square centimeter (cm 2 ) of the disinfection article, preferably 0.0015 - 0.023 ml / cm 2 of the disinfection article. In an embodiment, the amount of the optional disinfectant composition applied to the disinfection article is in the range of 0.01 - 0.1 ml / cm 2 of the disinfection article, preferably 0.02 - 0.035 ml / cm 2 of the disinfection article.

[0056] The lower end region of the outer shell can be sized to fit with a can containing an article. The lower end region can be an opening through which the article is pulled from the can into the interior volume of the outer shell. The device can include one or more connection features on the lower end region of the outer shell. The one or more connection features can be configured to removably couple the device with the can containing the article. When the device is removably coupled with the can, the interior of the can can be in fluid communication with the interior volume of the outer shell through the opening. The device can form a removable lid for the can. The wall of the outer shell through which the dispensing hole extends can form the upper surface or a side surface of the device. The dispensing hole can have the following shapes: rectangular, cross-shaped, x-shaped, petal-shaped, or serrated. The application mechanism can include a transfer element and at least one applicator. The transfer element can transfer the amount of the indicator composition from the reservoir to the at least one applicator. The transfer element can create a pressure differential relative to the interior of the reservoir to transfer the amount. The transfer element can create the pressure differential by applying negative pressure or by applying positive pressure. The transfer element can include a manually actuated or power-driven pumping mechanism.

[0057] The device can further include at least one actuator. The actuator can simultaneously activate the transfer element and the at least one applicator. The device can further include an automatic dispensing mechanism having an electric motor and a plurality of gear rollers. The plurality of gear rollers can be configured to capture the article and guide the article through the interior volume of the outer shell to the dispensing hole. The actuator can activate the electric motor. The device can further include a removable cover located above the dispensing hole. The actuator can open the cover, exposing the dispensing hole. The device can further include one or more grippers configured to engage the article during dispensing, thereby allowing the article to be easily removed from the device. The actuator can activate the one or more grippers. The actuator can simultaneously activate one or more of the transfer element, the at least one applicator, the electric motor, the cover, and the grippers. The device can include one or more actuators that activate one or more of the transfer element, the at least one applicator, the electric motor, the cover, and / or the grippers.

[0058] The delivery element may comprise a pumping element that is manually actuated upon actuation of the actuator to create a pressure differential relative to the interior of the reservoir. The delivery element may comprise a pumping element that is driven by an electric motor upon actuation of the actuator to create a pressure differential relative to the interior of the reservoir. The electric motor may be driven by a battery coupled to the reservoir or the box containing the reservoir. The pumping element may be a positive displacement pump, a reciprocating pump, a rotary pump, a piston pump, a diaphragm pump, a peristaltic pump, a dynamic pump, a centrifugal pump, or a hydraulic pump. The at least one applicator may be configured to apply the amount of indicator composition to the article by direct contact with the article. The at least one applicator may include a roller, a brush, or a ball bearing device. The at least one applicator may include a roller surrounding an inner shaft through which a conduit extends to one or more outlets. The roller may comprise a material having wicking and delivery properties. The roller may comprise one or more of materials based on melamine, polyester, polyurethane, polyimide, polyethylene, vinyl, and polyolefin. The roller may comprise ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) foam rubber. The roller may have a hydrophilic coating. The roller may have an inner core of absorbent material surrounded by a material having a higher coefficient of friction than the coefficient of friction of the article.

[0059] The at least one applicator may be configured to apply the amount of indicator composition to the article without the need for direct contact with the article. The at least one applicator may include a sprayer. The sprayer may include an outlet and a spray deflector located opposite the outlet. The spray deflector may comprise a surface shaped to redirect the amount of indicator composition leaving the outlet onto the surface of the article dispensed through the dispensing holes. The surface of the spray deflector may redirect the indicator composition at an angle relative to the axis of spray discharge from the outlet, the angle being between 30 degrees and 150 degrees, preferably between 45 degrees and 90 degrees. The redirected indicator composition may drip down along the curve of the surface onto the upper surface of the article.

[0060] The application mechanism may apply the amount of indicator composition to the article either on one side or on both sides. The reservoir may be refillable. The reservoir may be contained within a box removably coupled to the housing. The reservoir may be pre-filled (and / or refillable) with the indicator composition or an optional disinfectant composition.

[0061] The indicator composition can be a solution that includes (i) a water-soluble pigment and one or more of a surfactant, an alkaline builder, and a rheology modifier; (ii) a water-soluble pigment and an oxidizing agent or a reducing agent, and optionally a catalyst; or (iii) a pH-dependent pigment and an alkaline builder. The indicator composition can contain a water-soluble pigment, which is preferably FD&C Blue 1 or Acid Green 50 in an amount of preferably 0.1 wt% - 5 wt%, and optionally 0.05% - 5% w / w of SXS, preferably about 0.75% w / w of SXS. SXS can be present alone, or in combination with 0.1% - 3% w / w of SDS, preferably about 0.3% w / w of SDS, or in combination with 0.05% - 5% w / w of lambda-carrageenan, preferably about 0.4% w / w of lambda-carrageenan. The fading time of the indicator composition after being applied to a surface via a disinfected article can be about 2 - 5 minutes. The indicator composition can contain a pigment selected from thymolphthalein, methylene blue, and 3,3-bis-(4-hydroxy-3-ethylphenyl)-1-(3H)-isobenzofuranone in an ethanol or isopropanol solution. The indicator composition can contain a pigment and a catalyst in combination with peracetic acid or hydrogen peroxide, and the catalyst is selected from cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (HTAB), ferrous sulfate, copper(II) sulfate, or a collapsed superstructure of copper(II) sulfide. The pigment can be methylene blue, malachite green, indigo carmine, Acid Green 25, Acid Green 50, FD&C Blue 1, pinacyanol chloride, rhodamine B, alpha-naphthol orange, azo violet, or thymolphthalein.

[0062] In a related aspect, an article containing an indicator composition in aqueous solution form is described. The article can include a cartridge that contains a reservoir and is removably coupled to the housing of the device. The reservoir can be a single chamber that houses the indicator composition or can be divided into two separate chambers, each of which houses a different composition that forms the indicator composition when they are mixed together, or each houses a different composition selected from an indicator composition and a disinfectant composition.

[0063] The indicator composition can be an aqueous solution, which contains FD&C Blue 1 or Acid Green 50 in an amount of 0.1 wt% - 5 wt%, and optionally 0.05% - 5% w / w SXS, preferably about 0.75% w / w SXS. SXS can exist alone, or in combination with 0.1% - 3% w / w SDS, preferably about 0.3% w / w SDS, or in combination with 0.05% - 5% w / w lambda-carrageenan, preferably about 0.4% w / w lambda-carrageenan. The fading time of the indicator solution after being applied to the surface via a disinfected article can be about 2 - 5 minutes. The indicator composition can contain about 0.1% - 10% w / w, preferably about 0.5% w / w thymolphthalein in a solution of 70% ethanol or 63% isopropyl alcohol, and provides a fading time of about 5 - 30 seconds or 15 - 60 seconds respectively. The indicator composition can contain about 0.1% - 20% w / w or preferably about 0.5% w / w 3,3-bis-(4-hydroxy-3-ethylphenyl)-1-(3H)-isobenzofuranone in a solution of 70% ethanol or 63% isopropyl alcohol, and provides a fading time of about 0.5 - 5 minutes. The indicator composition can contain about 0.25% - 1% w / w or preferably about 0.5% w / w methylene blue and about 10% - 33% or preferably about 27% sodium sulfite, with the balance being deionized water, and this composition provides a fading time of about 15 - 120 seconds.

[0064] In one aspect, the reservoir is divided into two separate chambers, and the first of the two separate chambers of the reservoir can accommodate Solution A, and the second of the two separate chambers can accommodate Solution B, which forms the indicator composition when Solution A and Solution B are mixed together. Solution A can contain a pigment and an optional catalyst, and Solution B can contain a decolorizing agent selected from oxidants and reductants. Solution A can contain 0.1% - 3% w / w methylene blue in deionized water, and Solution B can contain one or more of ascorbic acid, sodium sulfite, sodium carbonate, sodium perchlorate, and sodium hydroxide. Solution A can contain 0.5% - 2.5% w / w malachite green, and Solution B can contain 0.5% - 2.5% w / w of an alkaline builder. Solution A can contain 0.1% - 5% w / w of a pigment selected from indigo carmine, Acid Green 50, methylene blue, Acid Green 25, FD&C Blue 1, and pinacyanol chloride; an optional catalyst such as ferrous sulfate, HTAB, copper(II) sulfate, or copper(II) sulfide collapsed superstructure; and an optional surfactant such as sodium dodecyl sulfate; and Solution B can contain 35% hydrogen peroxide or an aqueous solution of peracetic acid. Solution A can contain 0.1% - 5% w / w rhodamine B, alpha-naphthol orange, or azo violet in deionized water, and Solution B can contain silver bismuth oxide or sodium sulfite. Detailed Description

[0065] The present disclosure provides devices, indicator compositions, and methods for visualizing the decontamination and / or disinfection of surfaces using them. The indicator compositions described herein are generally in the form of solutions or gels and contain at least one water-soluble oxidizable pigment and one or more optional ingredients, as described in more detail below. The present disclosure also provides articles containing the indicator compositions as described herein, which are suitable for the devices described herein. The article is suitable for the devices described herein, removable therefrom, and contains a reservoir as described below. In embodiments, the present disclosure provides a removable device adapted to replace an existing cap or cover of a container housing a plurality of disinfected articles. The disinfected articles may be in the form of a woven or non-woven fabric or sponge optionally saturated with a disinfection composition. In embodiments, the plurality of disinfected articles within the container form a continuous sheet with partial tears or perforations to facilitate separation into smaller sheets, such as in the form of a perforated cloth, towel, or wipe.

[0066] Devices are described herein that are configured to apply an indicator composition as described herein to an article optionally pre-saturated with a disinfectant composition, the article including, for example, articles such as disposable wipes or paper towels.

[0067] In certain embodiments, caps are provided for replacing existing caps on cans of disinfected articles (e.g., Clorox Healthcare Bleach Germicidal Wipes and PDI Sani-Cloth Bleach Wipes). Embodiments of these caps include adjustable caps that can be configured to fit over containers of variable size. In certain embodiments, caps are provided that are configured to or include a mechanism that imparts color to the disinfected article when the disinfected article (i.e., paper towel or disposable wipe) is dispensed from the can. Preferably, the colorant is applied uniformly to the disinfected articles when they are dispensed. Any suitable method or component that allows the application of the colorant to the disinfected article can be used.

[0068] The devices described herein can apply an indicator composition when the disinfected article is dispensed from its can. For example, a pre-saturated disinfected wipe can be encapsulated within a can that allows the wipe to be dispensed from the can, such as through a piercing mechanism through a cap region. The devices described herein can be coupled to the can such that when the pre-saturated disinfected wipe is dispensed from its can, the device applies the indicator composition to the wipe. Alternatively, in embodiments where the wipe is not pre-saturated with a disinfectant or where an additional disinfectant or a different disinfectant needs to be applied to the wipe together with the indicator composition, the device is configured to apply the disinfectant and the indicator composition to the disinfected article.

[0069] Figure 1FIG. 0 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a device configured to apply an indicator composition, either alone or in combination with a disinfectant composition, to a disinfected article as the disinfected article is dispensed from its canister. Device 10 may include a housing 12 having a dispensing aperture 16, a reservoir 14, and an application mechanism 18 configured to be in fluid communication with reservoir 14. Each component will be described in more detail below. Housing 12 may at least partially surround an interior volume 25 and have a wall defining dispensing aperture 16 that extends through the wall of housing 12. The location of dispensing aperture 16 may vary. For example, dispensing aperture 16 may extend through the upper surface 19 or side surface 21 of housing 12 near the upper end region 17 of housing 12.

[0070] The lower end region 23 of housing 12 may define an internal bore or opening 15 such that when housing 12 is coupled to a region of canister C of disinfected article A, such as the upper end of canister C, article A may be drawn into the interior 25 of housing 12 through opening 15. When device 10 is coupled to canister C of disinfected article A, the interior of canister C may be in communication with or placed in communication with the interior 25 of housing 12 through opening 15. The disinfected article A stored inside canister C may enter the interior 25 of housing 12 through opening 15 from the lower end region 23 and be supplied to dispensing aperture 16 in the upper end region 17. Dispensing aperture 16 need not be located in upper end region 17 and may also be located near the lower end region 23 of the housing (see Figure 2C ).

[0071] The lower end region 23 of housing 12 may include one or more connection features 26 configured to removably or detachably couple device 10 to canister C of disinfected article A. Connection features 26 may include threads corresponding to the threads of canister C, snap-fit connections, fittings, fasteners, or coupling features sized to fit a region of canister C. In some embodiments, device 10 is configured to connect to canister C such that device 10 serves as a cap on the open end of canister C. Device 10 may be used to replace an existing cap on canister C. Thus, connection features 26 may be designed according to the size standards of container closures. Connection features 26 may also be adjustable such that it can fit different sized canisters. In other embodiments, device 10 is configured to connect to canister C that has already been closed with a cap having a dispensing aperture. In this embodiment, device 10 may serve as an auxiliary attachment to the already closed canister C. Device 10 need not be removable from canister C and may be a disposable device fixed to canister C of disinfected article A.

[0072] Still referring to Figure 1, the reservoir 14 can have at least one reservoir chamber sized to contain a quantity of the indicator composition. The device can include more than one reservoir 14 or a single reservoir 14 divided into two or more separate chambers sized to accommodate volumes of different compositions. In embodiments where the device includes at least two reservoirs 14 or a single reservoir 14 divided into at least two separate chambers, the different compositions can include, for example, two solutions that, when applied to the sterilized article by actuation of the device, form the indicator composition in situ on the sterilized article. Examples of such two-part indicator compositions are described in more detail below. In other embodiments, the different compositions contained in two or more reservoirs 14 or in a single reservoir 14 divided into at least two separate chambers can include an indicator composition and a disinfectant composition that are applied to the sterilized article simultaneously by actuation of the device. The disinfectant composition is preferably a solution containing an appropriate amount of disinfectant material, such as an aqueous or non-aqueous solution including, but not limited to, sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, sodium dichloroisocyanurate, hydrogen peroxide, chlorine dioxide, peracetic acid, quaternary ammonium chlorides, and alcohols (such as ethanol and isopropanol). In an embodiment, the amount of the disinfectant composition applied to the sterilized article is in the range of 0.01 - 0.1 ml / cm² (cm 2 ) of the sterilized article, preferably 0.02 - 0.035 ml / cm 2 of the sterilized article. Thus, in cases where the reservoir is referred to herein as a single reservoir, it should be understood that the reservoir can be configured to accommodate more than a single composition. When the indicator is referred to herein as a composition, solution, fluid, or liquid, it should be understood that different indicator formulations are contemplated herein. The indicator composition can be formulated as a liquid solution, gel, powder, or other formulation. Preferably, the indicator composition is formulated as a liquid or gel. The reservoir 14 can be at least partially located within the housing 12. The reservoir 14 can be refilled and / or removed from the housing 12. In some embodiments, the reservoir 14 can be contained within a cartridge 13 having a housing configured to removably couple to a region of the housing 12 (see Figure 2A ), which will be described in more detail below.

[0073] The reservoir 14 and the application mechanism 18 can be arranged to work together to apply a quantity of disinfectant composition and / or indicator composition stored within the reservoir 14 to the disinfection article A as the disinfection article A is dispensed from its canister C through the dispensing aperture 16 of the device 10. The dispensing aperture 16 can be configured to allow a single or multiple articles A to be dispensed therethrough. The dispensing aperture 16 can be a slit having a rectangular, cross-shaped, x-shaped, petal-shaped or serrated shape. The shape of the dispensing aperture 16 can vary depending on whether the device 10 is configured for manual or automatic dispensing, which will be described in more detail below. The size and shape of the dispensing aperture 16 can be selected to assist in separating the articles A from one another. The disinfection articles A can be packaged such that they are stacked in an interlocking and folded manner, or arranged such that each sheet is connected to one another and separated by perforations. Depending on the overall configuration of the dispensing aperture 16, a plurality of flaps can be formed which are configured to compress the article A as the article A extends through the dispensing aperture 16. This can provide more or less volume of the indicator composition being applied to the article A, or more or less volume of the disinfectant composition remaining impregnated on the article A when the article A is dispensed through the device 10. The greater the space between the flaps of the dispensing aperture 16, the greater the volume of the indicator composition and disinfectant composition retained on the article A, and vice versa. The device 10 can optionally include a dispensing mechanism 30 which is configured to arrange the article A in a manner that promotes uniform application of the indicator composition to the article A as the article A is fed towards the dispensing aperture 16 through the interior 25 of the housing 12. The device 10 can optionally include a mechanism that helps to separate the sheets of the article A from one another. For example, a clamping mechanism can be included which pivots towards the article A as the article A extends through the interior of the device 10 to capture the sheets of the article A and allow for easier separation. In some embodiments, the article A is manually dispensed through the device 10, such as by a user pulling the article A through the dispensing aperture 16 (e.g., through the top surface 19 as shown in Figure 2A or the side surface 21 as shown in Figure 2C ). In some embodiments, the article A is dispensed through the device 10 by the dispensing mechanism 30, which is an automatic feeding system including a drive motor ( Figure 12E ). The dispensing mechanism 30 will be described in more detail below. Regardless of the mechanism for dispensing the article A through the device 10, the dispensed article A has the indicator composition applied thereto.

[0074] Still referring to Figure 1, the application mechanism 18 of the device 10 may include a transfer element 27 and at least one applicator 29. The transfer element 27 is configured to transfer an amount of the indicator composition from the reservoir 14 to the applicator 29, which in turn is configured to apply the amount of the indicator composition to the disinfected article A dispensed through the dispensing orifice 16 of the device 10. Thus, the transfer element 27 drives the amount of the indicator composition in the direction towards the applicator 29. The transfer element 27 may create a pressure difference between the interior of the reservoir 14 storing the indicator composition and the area outside the reservoir 14. The amount of the indicator composition may be pushed towards the applicator 29 due to the generation of positive pressure within the reservoir 14, while creating the pressure difference by the transfer element 27. The amount of the indicator composition may be pulled towards the applicator 29 due to the generation of negative pressure outside the reservoir 14, while creating the pressure difference by the transfer element 27. In some embodiments, the transfer element 27 creates positive pressure within the reservoir 14 by pressing on an area of the reservoir 14 or the fluid within the reservoir 14 and displacing volume from the reservoir 14 through an outlet. The transfer element 27 may contract the chamber volume of the reservoir 14, thereby applying pressure to a certain volume of the indicator composition from the reservoir 14. The transfer element 27 may also expand the chamber volume outside the reservoir 14, thereby causing a certain volume of the indicator composition from the reservoir 14 to flow into the expanded chamber. The transfer element 27 creates a pressure difference through a pumping action, which is a manual pumping action or a pumping action generated by an electric or battery-driven motor. In some embodiments, a battery may be coupled to the reservoir 14 to drive the motor to generate the pumping action. In the case of a manually generated pumping action, the transfer element 27 may include a trigger, a button, or other actuator 31 that directly creates a pressure difference relative to the interior of the reservoir chamber 14 when pressed or squeezed or otherwise manually actuated. In the case of an electric pumping action, the transfer element 27 may include a motor drive mechanism to create a pressure difference relative to the interior of the reservoir chamber 14 when actuated (such as by a trigger, a button, or other actuator 31). The transfer element 27 may also use gravity to transfer an amount of the indicator composition to the applicator 29 and need not include a pumping action.

[0075] As described above, the applicator 29 is configured to apply the amount of the indicator composition transferred by the transfer element 27 to the disinfected article A dispensed through the device 10. The configuration of at least one applicator 29 of the application mechanism 18 may vary. In some embodiments, the applicator 29 applies the indicator composition to the disinfected article A by bringing the disinfected article A into direct contact with, for example, one or more rollers, brushes, ball bearing devices, or other contact elements known in the art. Figures 3A to 3B and Figures 4A to 4NEmbodiments of a device comprising a direct contact applicator are shown. In other embodiments, the applicator 29 applies the indicator composition to the disinfected article A, and the applicator 29 does not directly contact the disinfected article A, such as a sprayer, a dropper, an atomizer or other indirect application mechanisms. Figures 11A to 11B and Figures 12A to 12H Embodiments of a device comprising a non-contact applicator are shown. Each embodiment will be described in more detail below. As described above, in certain embodiments, the device may comprise at least two reservoirs 14 or a single reservoir 14 divided into at least two separate chambers that contain volumes of different compositions, which may include, for example: two solutions that in-situ form an indicator composition on the disinfected article when applied by actuation of the device; or an indicator composition and a disinfectant composition that are simultaneously applied to the disinfected article by actuation of the device. According to these embodiments, the applicator 29 may be configured to apply a quantity of at least two different compositions to the disinfected article. For example, the direct contact applicator may be in the form of at least two rollers, brushes, ball bearing devices or other contact elements known in the art, such that each contact element is adapted to deliver a quantity of a different composition to the disinfected article. Preferably, the applicator 29 is in the form of two rollers. Similarly, the non-contact applicator may comprise at least two sprayers, droppers, atomizers or other indirect application mechanisms configured to apply a quantity of at least two different compositions to the disinfected article.

[0076] Certain features described in the context of separate embodiments and implementations in this specification can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented separately in multiple embodiments or in any suitable sub-combinations. Additionally, although features may be described as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, in some cases, one or more features from the claimed combination can be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination can be directed to a sub-combination or a variant of the sub-combination.

[0077] Direct contact applicator

[0078] Figures 3A to 3BAn embodiment of an apparatus having a direct contact applicator is shown. The can dispenser may include a separate reservoir containing the indicator composition, and the sterilizing article is pulled through the separate reservoir for dispensing, thereby soaking the sterilizing article with the indicator composition. In one embodiment, a roller or brush containing the indicator composition applies an amount of the indicator composition to the sterilizing article as the sterilizing article is dispensed through the cap. The roller preferably dispenses the sterilizing article in the form of a flat sheet to uniformly impart the indicator composition onto the sterilizing article. Another example is a ball bearing device inside the cap that continuously applies the indicator composition to the sterilizing article as the sterilizing article is dispensed. Figures 3A to 3B An example of such a ball bearing device cap is shown. In this embodiment, the device is a ball bearing device cap 100, which includes a cap 104 that is attached to a housing containing a sterilizing article 102 that is pulled through a cap opening 106. The cap 104 includes a groove 108 that allows the shaft 110 to pivot. The shaft 110 is connected to a reservoir 114 and is held within a sleeve 112. The sleeve 112 is attached to the cap 104 to stabilize the device. A ball bearing 116 is attached to the end of the reservoir 114. Figure 3A The ball bearing device cap 100 in a first configuration is shown, and Figure 3B the ball bearing device cap 100 in a second configuration is shown. Figure 3B The ball bearing device cap 100 in [description] shows the device when the shaft 110 is pivoted and the ball bearing 116 is held against the sterilizing article 102. As the sterilizing article 102 is pulled through the cap opening 106, the ball bearing 116 rolls the indicator composition onto the sterilizing article, thereby coloring it. After a preselected time period after application to the surface, the color will fade. Another example includes a device or component where the pulling action of dispensing the sterilizing article triggers the ejection of the indicator composition from a separate reservoir onto the sterilizing article (see, for example, Figures 11A to 11B ). Yet another example is a device or component where the pulling action triggers the release of the indicator composition from a separate reservoir into a chamber containing the sterilizing article to soak it with the coloring agent. Another device or component is a stamp or sponge treated with the indicator composition that contacts the sterilizing article as the sterilizing article is dispensed, thereby imparting color onto the sterilizing article.

[0079] Figures 4A to 4N Related embodiments of an apparatus having a direct contact applicator are shown. As with other embodiments described herein, the apparatus 400 may include a housing 412 having a dispensing aperture 416, a reservoir 414, and an application mechanism 418, each of which will be described in more detail below.

[0080] The housing 412 can include an interior volume 425 and can define a dispensing aperture 416 that extends through the wall of the housing 412. In some embodiments, the dispensing aperture 416 can extend through the upper surface 419 of the housing 412 (see Figure 4D ), but it should be understood that the dispensing aperture 416 can extend through the side surface 421. The lower end region 423 of the housing 412 can define an interior bore or opening 415 ( Figure 4E ). When the housing 412 is coupled to a region of the canister C of the sanitizing article A, the article A stored within the interior of the canister C can be drawn into the interior 425 of the housing 412 through the opening 415. The sanitizing article A can be supplied through the interior 425 to the dispensing aperture 416 in the upper end region 417 of the housing 412.

[0081] The dispensing aperture 416 can be configured to allow a single or multiple articles A to be dispensed therethrough. The dispensing aperture 416 can be a slit having a rectangular, cross-shaped, x-shaped, petal-shaped, or serrated shape. The size and shape of the dispensing aperture 416 can vary depending on whether the device 400 is configured for manual or automatic dispensing. For example, the device 400 can include a dispensing mechanism 430 that is an automatic dispensing mechanism or manual. The dispensing aperture 416 for the automatic dispensing mechanism 430 can be a rectangular dispensing aperture 416, while the configuration for manual dispensing can include a serrated dispensing aperture 416. The size and shape of the dispensing aperture 416 can be selected to help separate the articles A from one another. The sanitizing articles A can be packaged such that they are stacked in an interlocked and folded manner, or arranged such that each sheet is connected to one another and separated by perforations. Depending on the overall configuration of the dispensing aperture 416, multiple fins can be formed that are configured to compress the article A as the article A extends through the dispensing aperture 416. This can provide more or less volume of the indicator composition being applied to the article A, or more or less volume of the disinfectant composition remaining impregnated on the article A when the article A is dispensed. The greater the space between the fins of the dispensing aperture 416, the greater the volume of the indicator composition retained on the article A, and vice versa.

[0082] In some embodiments, the dispensing aperture 416 extends through a cap 485 that is movably coupled to the upper surface 419 of the housing 412 (see Figure 4B , Figure 4C , Figure 4D and Figures 5A to 5B)。The upper surface 419 of the housing 412 may define an opening 487 that is covered by a cap 485. The cap 485 may be coupled to the upper surface 419 of the housing 412 by a hinge 489 such that the cap 485 can be opened to expose the interior 425 of the housing 412 through the opening 487. The cap 485 may also include a locking element 490 having a latch 492 that can be switched between a locked configuration (holding the cap 485 in a closed position over the opening 487) and an unlocked configuration (opening the cap 485 via the hinge to expose the interior 425 through the opening 487). Opening the cap 485 may facilitate, for example, screwing a first disinfection article A into the device 400. The cap 485 may also include a cover 494 over the dispensing aperture 416 to prevent inadvertent drying of the disinfection article in the canister C of the disinfection article A. The cover 494 may be hinge-connected such that the cover 494 can be opened manually or mechanically. For example, the cover 494 may include a spring-loaded hinge that opens when an actuator is pushed. In some embodiments, the actuator 431 may simultaneously release the cover 494, activate the delivery element 427 to pump the indicator fluid to the applicator 429, and activate the applicator 429 to apply the delivered indicator composition to the article A. The actuator 431 may also simultaneously activate any grippers, clamping elements such that the indicator-saturated article A is released and ready for use. When the actuator 431 is released, the cover 494 may also automatically close (and the grippers automatically release) to prevent the article A within the canister C from drying out. Combining the various mechanisms into a single actuation simplifies the use of the device 400 such that it can be used with one hand. However, it should be understood that the various components may also include their own actuators and / or be configured for manual use.

[0083] The device 400 may be configured to connect to the canister C such that the device 400 serves as a cap on the end of the canister C. The device 400 may be used to replace an existing cap on the canister C. Referring again to Figure 4A , the lower end region 423 of the housing 412 may include one or more connection features 426 that are configured to removably or detachably couple the device 400 to the canister C. The connection features 426 may include threads corresponding to the threads of the canister C, snap connections, fittings, fasteners, or coupling features sized to fit an area of the canister C. The connection features 426 may include a bottom ring 433 sized to surround and engage the upper edge of the canister C of the disinfection article A (see Figure 4F ). The bottom ring 433 may include one or more grooves, threads, snap features, or other coupling features that allow the device 400 to be attached to the canister C. In some embodiments, the bottom ring 433 is a universal coupler that allows it to be attached to canisters C of various sizes. Still referring to Figure 4F, the bottom ring 433 can be coupled to an upper plate 436 fixed to the lower end region 423 of the housing 412 via a hinge element 435. The upper plate 436 defines an internal opening 415 through which the article A extends into the interior 425 of the device 400. A release button 445 may be included, which, when actuated, releases a latch 446 that engages the bottom ring 433. Actuation of the release button 445 causes the latch 446 to move, thereby releasing the engagement between the lower end region 423 of the housing 412 and the bottom ring 433. This allows the housing 412 to open and hinge relative to the bottom ring 433 when the device 400 is coupled to the can C. This enables the upper end of the can C to be exposed through the hole 415 without removing the entire device 400 from the can C. Hinging the device 400 to the open position in this way may be helpful when the user needs assistance loading the first article A into the device 400, which will be described in more detail below.

[0084] As described above, the device 400 also includes a reservoir 414 having at least one reservoir chamber sized to contain a quantity of the indicator composition. The reservoir 414 may be at least partially located within the housing 412. The reservoir 414 may be refilled and / or removed from the housing 412. As Figures 4G to 4H well as Figures 6A to 6B best shown, the reservoir 414 may be contained within a cartridge 413 configured to removably couple to a region of the housing 412. In some embodiments, the housing 412 may include a receptacle region such as a slot 437 sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the cartridge 413. The cartridge 413 may slide with the slot 437 from the top surface 419 of the housing 412 such that the coupling features 439 of the cartridge 413 engage corresponding coupling features 441 within the slot 437 of the housing 412. Engagement between the coupling features 439, 441 may result in the interior of the reservoir 414 being in fluid communication with at least a portion of the application mechanism 418. In some embodiments, the coupling features 439 of the cartridge 413 include a diaphragm or other penetrable barrier, and the coupling features 441 within the slot 437 of the housing include a spike or other element configured to penetrate the diaphragm. The slot 437 may also include one or more alignment features 450 configured to engage corresponding surface features 451 on the cartridge 413. Engagement between the alignment features 450 and the surface features 451 provides a tactile feel so that the user can be aware that the cartridge 413 is properly seated within the slot 437 (see Figures 6A to 6B ). It should be understood that the cartridge 413 may engage the housing 412 in various ways and is not limited to sliding. For example, the cartridge 413 may snap onto the outer wall of the housing 412, may be screwed relative to the housing 412, or may drop into a fully enclosed passageway into the interior 425 of the housing 412.

[0085] Still referring toFigures 4G to 4H , the reservoir 414 of the cartridge 413 can be pre-filled with the indicator composition before use. The cartridge 413 can be a disposable element for single use or can be refilled after being emptied. The cartridge 413 can be filled in various ways. For example, the cartridge 413 can be filled through the septum of the coupling feature 439. The volume of the reservoir 414 contained within the cartridge 413 can vary, but generally this volume is sufficient to accommodate the number of articles A provided by a single can C. The cartridge 413 can include a fill line or other metering system visible from the outside of the device 400, so that the user can easily determine the remaining volume of the indicator composition in the reservoir 414 of the cartridge 413. In some embodiments, the side wall 421 of the outer housing 412 can have a cutout 448 or other feature that can expose the outer wall of the cartridge 414 through the cutout 448 from the outside of the outer housing 412 when the cartridge 413 is positioned within the slot 437. The cartridge 413 can include a lip 443 near the top that helps to pull the cartridge 413 out of the slot 437. The shape of the cartridge 413 can vary, but generally the shape of the cartridge 413 is designed to conform to the overall shape of the outer housing 412 when engaged with the slot 437. The cartridge 413 can include mechanical interlock features such that the device 400 can only be used with a specific cartridge 413 keyed to connect to the device 400. The cartridge 413 can include an encoder strip, such as a barcode, QR code, RFID chip, or other feature that allows the cartridge 413 to be scanned and read by a reader device. The reader device can be a separate device or a part of the device 400. The encoder strip can also be used by the user to evaluate information about the cartridge 413 and its contents, as is known in the art.

[0086] The cartridge 413 can also include more than a single reservoir 414. For example, the cartridge 413 can include multiple reservoir chambers within a single cartridge 413. The different reservoir chambers can be formed by one or more septa or inner walls extending within the cartridge 413 that divide the interior into separate reservoir chambers configured to contain different compositions or multiple components of a single composition. Then the different compositions in the different chambers can be dispensed simultaneously. As described above, the different compositions can include a disinfectant composition and an indicator composition (the indicator composition can be in the form of a single part or combined to form two parts of the indicator).

[0087] The reservoir 414 and the application mechanism 418 are arranged to work in concert to apply a quantity of disinfectant composition and / or indicator composition stored within the reservoir 414 to the disinfected article as the disinfected article A is dispensed from its cartridge C through the dispensing aperture 416 of the device 400. As with other embodiments described herein, the article A can be dispensed manually from the device 400, such as by a user pulling the article A through the dispensing aperture 416 in the top surface 419. The article A can also be dispensed through the device 400 by an automatic supply system that includes a drive motor. The application mechanism 418 of the device 400 can include a delivery element 427 and at least one applicator 429. The delivery element 427 is configured to deliver a quantity of disinfectant composition and / or indicator composition from the reservoir 414 to the applicator 429, which in turn is configured to apply the quantity of disinfectant composition and / or indicator composition to the disinfected article A dispensed through the dispensing aperture 416 of the device 400. The delivery element 427 drives the quantity of disinfectant composition and / or indicator composition in a direction toward the applicator 429. The delivery element 427 can create a pressure differential between the interior of the reservoir 414 (where the disinfectant composition and / or indicator composition is stored) and a region external to the reservoir 414. The quantity of disinfectant composition and / or indicator composition can be pushed toward the applicator 429 due to the creation of a positive pressure within the reservoir 414, while the pressure differential is created by the delivery element 427. The quantity of disinfectant composition and / or indicator composition can be pulled toward the applicator 429 due to the creation of a negative pressure external to the reservoir 414, while the pressure differential is created by the delivery element 427. The delivery element 427 can create the pressure differential through a pumping action, which can be a manual pumping action or a pumping action generated by an electric or battery-powered motor. In some embodiments, a battery can be coupled to the cartridge 413 and / or the reservoir 414 contained within the cartridge 413 to drive the motor to create the pumping action. In the case of a manually generated pumping action, the delivery element 427 can include a trigger, button, or other actuator 431 that directly creates a pressure differential relative to the interior of the reservoir chamber 414 when pressed, squeezed, or otherwise manually actuated. In some embodiments, the delivery element 427 can include a pumping element 463 that is driven by motor power to create a pressure differential relative to the interior of the reservoir chamber 414 when a trigger, button, or other actuator 431 is actuated, which will be described in more detail below.

[0088] Actuator 431 can engage the delivery element 427 with the applicator 429 such that a disinfectant composition and / or an indicator composition can be applied to the disinfected article A dispensed by the device 400. The configuration of at least one applicator 429 of the application mechanism 418 can vary. The applicator 429 can apply the disinfectant composition and / or the indicator composition to the disinfected article A by direct contact with the disinfected article A. In this embodiment, the applicator 429 can be one or more rollers, brushes, ball bearings, or other direct contact elements known in the art.

[0089] As described above, the slot 437 (in which the cartridge 413 is received by the housing 412) can contain coupling features 441 configured to penetrate the lower end region of the cartridge 413. As Figures 7A to 7C best shown, the coupling feature 441 can be a pneumatic faucet 455 having an end configured to penetrate the coupling feature 439 of the cartridge 413. The faucet 455 can contain at least one opening 457 into a lumen 459 extending through the faucet 455 such that when the faucet 455 is inserted through a septum of the coupling feature 439 on the cartridge 413, the interior of the reservoir 414 is in fluid communication with the lumen 459 of the faucet 455 through at least one opening 457. The lumen 459 of the faucet 455 is configured to be in fluid communication with a conduit 461 leading to the applicator 429. A pumping element 463 can be activated to push the indicator solution from the reservoir 414 towards the applicator 429 through the conduit 461, as will be described in more detail below. The faucet 455 can also contain a vent 456 or other features to allow pressure equalization within the reservoir 414 as the fluid is displaced by the pumping element 463.

[0090] The configuration of the pumping element 463 can vary. The pumping element 463 can be a positive displacement, reciprocating, rotary, piston, diaphragm, peristaltic, powered, centrifugal, hydraulic, valved gravity feed, or other pump type. The pumping element 463 can push fluid from the reservoir 414 by positive or negative pressure. The pumping element 463 can contain a metering valve that allows gravity feed of the indicator solution to the applicator 429. Figure 8A and Figure 8B An embodiment of the pumping element 463 is shown that can displace fluid from the reservoir 414 to the applicator 429. The pumping element 463 can contain a diaphragm 465, an internal chamber 466, an inlet conduit 464 leading towards the internal chamber 466, and an outlet conduit 467 leading from the internal chamber 466. The pumping element 463 can contain a check valve 462a upstream of the internal chamber 466 within the inlet conduit 464 and a check valve 462b downstream of the internal chamber 466 within the outlet conduit 467 (see Figure 9)。The check valves 462a, 462b ensure unidirectional fluid flow from the reservoir 414 to the applicator 429. The configuration of the valves 462a, 462b can vary. In some embodiments, the valves 462a, 462b are check valves. The cartridge 413 can be coupled to the device 400 such that the lumen 459 of the faucet 455 is in fluid communication with the interior of the reservoir 414 via the opening 457. When the diaphragm 465 of the pumping element 463 is displaced inwardly, a pressure differential is created that draws fluid from the reservoir 414 into the lumen 459 via the opening 457. The fluid is directed through the check valve 462a into the inlet conduit 464 and then to the internal chamber 466 of the pumping element 463. The fluid passes from the internal chamber 466 through the outlet conduit 467, is ejected through the check valve 462b into the conduit 461, and then to one or more applicators 429. The applicator 429 can include at least one outlet 468 through which the displaced amount of the disinfectant composition and / or indicator composition from the reservoir 414 is released.

[0091] The device 400 can include a pair of applicators 429 (see Figure 10)。This pair of applicators 429 allows for the two-sided application of a disinfectant composition and / or an indicator composition to article A. Each applicator 429 can include a roller 475 near the upper end and a hinge element 480 located at the lower end. The hinge element 480 allows the applicator 429 to move, as will be described in more detail below. In some embodiments, the hinge element 480 can be a shoulder bolt and includes a pair of knuckles configured to receive a pin. The roller 475 can rotate around an inner shaft 476 through which a conduit 467 extends and leads to one or more outlets 468 formed in the wall of the inner shaft 476. When the disinfectant composition and / or the indicator composition is directed through the conduit 467 and flows out of the outlets 468, the material of the roller 475 is saturated with the disinfectant composition and / or the indicator composition. The material of the roller 475 can vary. Generally, the material has wicking and transfer properties and is relatively durable. The material can be relatively durable even in an oxidative or reductive environment, such as in the presence of bleach. The material can have a relatively high coefficient of friction with article A. The material of the roller 475 can include sponge rubber, woven fabric, a sponge formed from one or more of materials based on melamine, polyester, polyurethane, polyimide, polyethylene, vinyl, and polyolefin. The material of the roller 475 can include Essentra PT X-6981C, Essentra Cloth, CAPUCELL, and Magic Sponge. The material of the roller 475 can include ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) sponge rubber and various other foams, such as polyimide foam, polyethylene foam, ethylene foam, fluororubber foam, silicone foam, ionomer foam, natural gum foam, ECH foam, and neoprene. The material of the roller 475 can include cellulose sponge, polyester-wrapped fiber. The material of the roller 475 can include a coating to improve its transfer and wicking properties, such as a hydrophilic coating. In some embodiments, the material of the roller 475 is EPDM with a hydrophilic coating. In some embodiments, the roller 475 can be a two-piece roller, where an inner core of a highly absorbent material (such as foam) is wrapped with a thin cloth-like material that can transfer fluid well while being durable and has a higher coefficient of friction than article A.

[0092] As described above, the actuator 431 can simultaneously activate or move the applicator 429 and activate the transfer element 427 to pump fluid to the applicator 429. The mechanism by which the actuator 431 engages the transfer element 427 and the applicator 429 can vary. In some embodiments and as Figures 4K to 4MAs shown, the actuator 431 can have an external portion 470 (which extends outside the interior 425 of the housing 412, such as through the upper surface 419 of the housing 412) and an internal portion 472 (which is present within the interior 425 of the housing 412). The actuator 431 can be biased in the upward position. After being pressed by the user to the downward position and released, the actuator 431 returns to its initial upward position. The internal portion 472 of the actuator 431 can be adjacent to a slider 474, which engages an applicator 429 and a pumping element 463. When the actuator 431 is pressed by the user, the actuator is pushed against the upper surface of the slider 474 or otherwise moves the slider 474. The slider 474 can be coupled to the applicator 429 such that the actuator 431, the slider 474, and the applicator 429 move in unison with each other. The slider 474 also actuates the pumping element 463 as it moves. This arrangement moves the rollers 475 together and pumps fluid to the applicator 429 with a single press of the actuator 431. It should be understood that the actuation of the applicator 429 and / or the delivery element 427 need not be mechanical and can include circuitry to actuate the various components of the device 400.

[0093] In some embodiments, the slider 474 has a pin 473 that is configured to be inserted through and slide within an elongate slot 477 of the applicator 429 (see Figures 4K to 4M) As described above, each applicator 429 may include drums 475 at its upper and lower ends movably coupled to the plate 436 by hinge elements 480. The pair of applicators 429 may be coupled to the plate 436 on opposite sides of the internal opening 415 through which the disinfection article A extends into the interior 425 of the housing 412. The applicator 429 is movably coupled to the plate 436 via its hinge element 480. Depending on whether the actuator 431 is pressed, the drums 475 may move towards and away from each other in a rocking motion. The actuator 431 and the applicator 429 are biased to a first position in which the actuator 431 is pushed upward, and the drums 475 are tilted outwardly and separated from each other by a distance. When the actuator 431 is pressed, the inner portion 472 of the actuator 431 is pushed downward against the slider 474, which in turn moves downward. As the slider 474 is pushed downward, the pin 473 slides within the slot 477 of the applicator 429. This causes the applicator 429 to swing from a first position in which the drums 475 are tilted outwardly away from each other to a second position in which the drums 475 swing towards each other above the opening 415. As described above, the disinfection article A extends from its canister C through the opening 415 into the interior 425 of the device 400. The drums 475 swing to the second position so as to contact the article A therebetween to transfer or impregnate the indicator solution onto the disinfection article A as the article A travels past the drums 475. The actuator 431 is pressed when the article A is passed through the interior 425 and out through the dispensing aperture 416. A single article A or multiple articles A may travel through a single actuation of the actuator 431. As described elsewhere herein, the article A may travel manually (such as by a pulling action) or may travel through a power supply system, which will be described elsewhere herein. In addition to causing the drums 475 to swing towards each other, the movement of the actuator 431 and thus the movement of the slider 474 may also initiate the pumping action of the delivery element 427 to saturate the drums 475 with the indicator solution stored in the reservoir 414. As described above, the delivery element 427 may include a pumping element 463. In some embodiments, the pumping element 463 is a diaphragm pump located below the slider 474. When the slider 474 moves downward and pushes the drums 475 towards each other, the lower side of the slider 474 is simultaneously pushed against the diaphragm 465 (or otherwise initiates the pumping element 463 if it is another type of pumping element 463). This creates a pressure differential that causes fluid to shift from the reservoir 414 towards the drums 475 of the applicator 429 into the conduit 461 as the drums swing towards each other to grasp the disinfection article A therebetween.

[0094] As described above, when a user needs help loading the first article A into the device 400, it may be helpful to hinge at least a portion of the device 400 to an open position. For example, by unlocking the release button 445 to at least expose the area of the interior 425, the leading disinfection article A in the can C can be loaded into or engaged with the device 400. When unlocking the release button 445, the upper portion 417 of the outer housing 412 can be opened by rotating about the hinge element 435, thereby exposing the opening 415 in the plate 436. The leading article A of the interconnected sheets in the can C can be pulled into the interior 425 of the outer housing 412 through the opening 415. Then the leading article A is screwed through the interior 425 such that the article A approaches the applicator 429 of the application mechanism 418 (such as a roller or a sprayer in the case of a non-contact applicator). Screwing the leading article A through the opening 415 can help limit the angle at which the article A is positioned between the applicators 429 (such as between the rollers 475 of the applicator 429). The leading article A can be screwed upward between a pair of applicators 429 without direct contact with the roller 475. Then the leading edge of the leading article A is inserted through the dispensing hole 416. The locking element 490 can help screw the first or leading article A into the cap 485. After the leading article A is loaded, the locking element 490 does not have to be used again until all of the disinfection articles A in the can C are exhausted and a new leading article A is to be loaded.

[0095] Non-contact applicator

[0096] As described above, the devices described herein can include an applicator configured to apply the amount of indicator solution conveyed by the conveyance element to the disinfection articles dispensed by the device. The configuration of the applicator can vary depending on whether the applicator directly contacts the article or avoids contact with the article. The above description is of an applicator that applies the indicator solution to the disinfection articles by directly contacting the article, such as with a roller, brush, ball bearing, or other direct contact device. In related embodiments, the applicator can apply the indicator solution to the disinfection articles without the applicator directly contacting the article, such as with a spray head described in more detail below.

[0097] Figures 11A to 11B Examples of related devices that trigger the ejection of a colorant (i.e., indicator solution) during the dispensing of disinfection articles are shown. In one embodiment, the trigger spray device 200 includes a cap 204 that is attached to an outer housing containing a disinfection article 202 that is pulled through the cap opening 206. When the disinfection article 202 is not being pulled, a flap 208 connected to the cap opening 206 via a hinge 210 remains in a flat intermediate position. The hinge 210 additionally connects the flap 208 to a rod 212. Figure 11A The trigger spray device 200 is shown in a first configuration, and Figure 11BShows the trigger spray device 200 in a second configuration. Figure 11B The trigger spray device 200 in Figure 11B shows the device when the wipe is pulled through the lid opening 206. The flap 208 is pulled upward, thereby switching the lever 212 and pushing the switch 214. Then the pressurized air tank 216 is activated, additives are drawn from the reservoir 220 and the disinfected article 202 is sprayed with a colorant. The reservoir 220 is stabilized to the lid 204 via the stabilizer 222. In some embodiments, the lid provides the ability to switch between an active and an inactive configuration. Such a lid includes devices or components (e.g., an opening, a switch, a button) to select whether the disinfected article should be colored or remain unenhanced. Figures 11A to 11B Shows an example where a manual switch can turn the coloring mechanism on or off. In some embodiments, the lid can provide two openings, one of which dispenses a colored wipe and the other of which dispenses an unenhanced disinfected article.

[0098] In some embodiments, the device can include an exterior and a detachable attachment for the lid of the disinfected article. Without limiting the shape or size of the attachment, when the device is pulled through the dispenser, the device can impart color to the disinfected article. Preferably, when the disinfected article is dispensed, the colorant is applied uniformly to the disinfected articles. Any kind of mechanism or method for applying the colorant to the disinfected article can be used. Examples of exterior attachments include a cone located on top of the dispensing orifice, a housing on top of the encapsulated container, and an attachment that clamps the lid of the container.

[0099] Figures 12A to 12H Shows a related embodiment of a device having a non-contact applicator or an applicator configured to apply an amount of indicator solution to an article without directly contacting the article. As with other embodiments described herein, the device 500 can include a housing 512 having a dispensing orifice 516, a reservoir 514, and an application mechanism 518, each of which will be described in more detail below.

[0100] The housing 512 can include an interior volume 525 and can define a dispensing orifice 516 that extends through the wall of the housing 512. The dispensing orifice 516 can extend through the upper surface 519 or the side surface 521 of the housing 512. In Figures 11A to 11B the illustrated embodiment, the dispensing orifice is shown in the upper surface of the housing. In Figures 12A to 12H the illustrated embodiment, the dispensing orifice 516 is shown in the side surface 521 of the housing 512. The lower end region 523 of the housing 512 can define an internal bore or opening 515. When the housing 512 is coupled to a region of the can C of the disinfected article A, the article A stored inside the can C can be drawn into the interior 525 of the housing 512 through the opening 515. The disinfected article A can be supplied to the dispensing orifice 516 of the housing 512 through the interior 525.

[0101] The dispensing aperture 516 can be configured to allow a single or multiple articles A to be dispensed therethrough. The dispensing aperture 516 can be a slit having a rectangular, cross-shaped, x-shaped, petal-shaped, or serrated shape. The size and shape of the dispensing aperture 516 can vary depending on whether the device 500 is configured for manual or automatic dispensing. For example, the device 500 can include a dispensing mechanism 530, which can be an automatic dispensing mechanism or manual. The dispensing aperture 516 for an automatic dispensing mechanism 530 can generally be a rectangular dispensing aperture 516, while a manual dispensing configuration can include a serrated dispensing aperture 516, but it should be understood that other shapes can be used.

[0102] In some embodiments, the dispensing aperture 516 can include a cover 594 positioned above the dispensing aperture 516 to prevent inadvertent drying of the disinfected article within the canister C of the article A and within the device 500 (see Figure 12E ). The cover 594 can be hinge-connected such that the cover 594 can be opened manually or mechanically. For example, the cover 594 can include a spring-loaded hinge that opens when an actuator is pushed. The actuator 531 can simultaneously release the cover 594, activate the transport element 527 to pump the indicator fluid to the applicator 529, and activate the applicator 529 to apply the transported indicator solution to the article A. The actuator 531 can also simultaneously activate any grippers, clamping elements 532 such that the indicator-saturated article A is released and ready for use. When the actuator 531 is released, the cover 594 can also automatically close (and the grippers automatically release) to prevent the article A within the canister C from drying out. Combining the various mechanisms into a single activation simplifies the use of the device 500 such that it can be used with one hand. However, it should be understood that the various components can also include their own actuators and / or be configured for manual use.

[0103] The device 500 can be configured to connect to the canister C such that the device 500 serves as a cap on the end of the canister C. The device 500 can be used to replace an existing cap on the canister C. Referring again to Figures 12A to 12H , the lower end region 523 of the housing 512 can include one or more connection features 526 that are configured to detachably couple the device 500 to the canister C. The size of the connection features 526 can be designed as described above with respect to Figure 4F to surround and engage the upper edge of the canister C of the disinfected article A, where the connection features 526 include a bottom ring having one or more grooves, threads, snap features, or other coupling features that allow the device 500 to be attached to the canister C. Still referring to Figures 12A to 12H, the housing 512 may include a lower end region 523 and an upper end region 517. The upper end region 517 may be coupled to the lower end region 523 of the housing 512 by a hinge element 535. The lower end region 523 may include a plate 536 that defines an internal opening 515 through which the article A extends into the interior 525 of the device 500. A release button may be included that, when actuated, releases the engagement of the lower end region 523 and the upper end region 517 such that the device 500 can be opened to access the interior 525. The housing 512 can be opened to access the interior 525 even when the device 500 is coupled to the can C. This allows the upper end of the can C to be exposed without removing the entire device 500 from the can C. It may be helpful to hinge the device 500 to the open position in this way when the user needs assistance loading the first article A into the device 500.

[0104] As described above, the device 500 also includes a reservoir 514 having at least one reservoir chamber sized to contain a quantity of the indicator composition. The reservoir 514 may also include a plurality of separate chambers to accommodate the various separate compositions described above. The reservoir 514 may be at least partially located within the housing 512. The reservoir 514 may be refilled and / or removed from the housing 512. As Figure 12A Best shown, the reservoir 514 may be included within a cartridge 513 configured to removably couple to a region of the housing 512. The housing 512 may include a receiver region such as a slot sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the cartridge 513. The cartridge 513 may be slid or screwed from the surface of the housing 512 into the slot such that the coupling features of the cartridge 513 engage corresponding coupling features within the slot of the housing 512. The engagement between these coupling features may result in the interior of the reservoir 514 being in fluid communication with the delivery element 527. In some embodiments, the coupling features of the cartridge 513 are a diaphragm or other penetrable barrier and the coupling features within the slot of the housing 512 are a spike or other element configured to penetrate the diaphragm, which will be described in more detail below. The slot may also include one or more alignment features configured to engage corresponding surface features on the cartridge 513. The engagement between the alignment features and the surface features provides a sense of snap, so that the user can be aware that the cartridge 513 is properly seated within the slot. The engagement between the housing 512 and the cartridge 513 may vary as described elsewhere herein.

[0105] Still referring to Figure 12A, the reservoir 514 of the cartridge 513 can be pre-filled with the indicator composition before use. The cartridge 513 can be a disposable element for single use, or can be refilled after being emptied. The cartridge 513 can be filled in various ways. For example, the cartridge 513 can be filled through a septum or other features configured to penetrate or open for filling. The volume of the reservoir 514 contained within the cartridge 513 can vary, but generally this volume is sufficient to accommodate the number of articles A provided by a single can C. The cartridge 513 can include a fill line or other metering system 511 visible from the outside of the device 500 when the cartridge 513 is engaged with the housing 512, so that the user can easily determine the remaining volume of the indicator solution in the reservoir 514 of the cartridge 513.

[0106] The reservoir 514 and the application mechanism 518 are arranged to work together to apply a quantity of the indicator composition stored within the reservoir 514 to the disinfected article A when the disinfected article A is dispensed from its can C through the dispensing aperture 516 of the device 500. Also as described with respect to other embodiments, the application mechanism 518 can include a transfer element 527 and at least one applicator 529. The transfer element 527 is configured to transfer a quantity of the indicator composition from the reservoir 514 to the applicator 529, which in turn is configured to apply the quantity of the indicator composition to the disinfected article A dispensed through the device 500. The transfer element 527 drives the quantity of the indicator composition in a direction towards the applicator 529. The transfer element 527 can create a pressure differential between the interior of the reservoir 514 storing the indicator composition and an area outside the reservoir 514. The quantity of the indicator composition can be pushed towards the applicator 529 due to the generation of positive pressure within the reservoir 514, while the pressure differential is created by the transfer element 527. The quantity of the indicator solution can be pulled towards the applicator 529 due to the generation of negative pressure outside the reservoir 514, while the pressure differential is created by the transfer element 527. The transfer element 527 can create the pressure differential through a pumping action, which can be a manual pumping action or a pumping action generated by an electric or battery-powered motor. In some embodiments, a battery can be coupled to the cartridge 513 and / or the reservoir 514 contained within the cartridge 513 to drive the motor to generate the pumping action. In the case of a manually generated pumping action, the transfer element 527 can include a trigger, button, or other actuator 531 that directly creates a pressure differential relative to the interior of the reservoir chamber 514 when pressed, squeezed, or otherwise manually actuated. In some embodiments, the transfer element 527 can include a pumping element (not shown) that is electrically driven by a motor to create a pressure differential relative to the interior of the reservoir chamber 514 when a trigger, button, or other actuator 531 is actuated, which will be described in more detail below.

[0107] Actuator 531 can engage the delivery element 527 with the applicator 529 such that the indicator composition can be applied to the disinfected article A dispensed by the device 500. The configuration of at least one applicator 529 of the application mechanism 518 can vary. The applicator 529 can apply the indicator composition to the disinfected article A without direct contact with the disinfected article A. In this embodiment, one or more applicators 529 can include a sprayer or other non-contact configuration that will also be described in more detail below. The delivery element 527 and the applicator 529 work together with each other and with the reservoir 514 to control the flow of the indicator composition from the reservoir 514 to the article A.

[0108] One or more applicators 529 of the device 500 can allow for single-sided or double-sided application of the indicator composition to the article A. The applicator 529 can include a conduit 561 having at least one outlet 568 through which the amount of the indicator composition displaced from the reservoir 514 is released via the applicator 529. The applicator 529 can include any of a variety of sprayers, including the liquid sprayers described in U.S. 8,602,386, WO 2006 / 101730, and WO 2009 / 085175, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0109] The applicator 529 may be arranged relative to the dispensing aperture 516 such that the spray from the outlet 568 can be directed to the disinfection article dispensed through the dispensing aperture 516. In some embodiments, the applicator 529 includes a spray deflector 569 located opposite the outlet 568. The spray deflector 569 may include a surface shaped to redirect the indicator composition of the spray exiting from the outlet 568 onto the surface of the disinfection article A dispensed or supplied through the dispensing aperture 516. In some embodiments, the spray deflector 569 is arranged above the disinfection article A such that the spray deflector 569 redirects the spray indicator composition downward onto the upper surface of the article A. The surface of the spray deflector may redirect the spray indicator solution straight onto the disinfection article A or at an angle, such as by including the spray deflector 569, onto the disinfection article. The spray deflector 569 may allow the indicator composition to be evenly distributed onto the article A. The spray deflector 569 may redirect the spray indicator at any of a variety of angles such that it drips downward onto the article A. In some embodiments, the redirection angle is between 45 degrees and 90 degrees relative to the spray discharge axis from the outlet 568. In other embodiments, the redirection angle is less than 45 degrees relative to the spray discharge axis from the outlet 568 or greater than 90 degrees relative to the spray discharge axis. The spray deflector 569 may have a curved surface configured to receive the indicator composition from the outlet 568 against the upper region of the curved surface such that the indicator composition drips or cascades downward along the curved surface onto the article A to achieve a more uniform distribution than could potentially be achieved by spraying directly onto the formulation A. This can be achieved by direct injection onto the article A. In other embodiments, the outlet 568 may be coupled to a diffuser to achieve a more uniform distribution with or without the spray deflector 568. The upper surface of the article A and the applicator 529 may be generally parallel to each other and horizontally positioned relative to the plate 536 of the device 500. The overflow container 564 may be positioned below the disinfection article A and sized to collect the excess indicator composition not impregnated into the article A.

[0110] As described above, the trough (in which the cartridge 513 is received by the housing 512) may include coupling features configured to penetrate the lower end region of the cartridge 513. The coupling features may include a pneumatic faucet having a tip configured to penetrate the coupling features of the cartridge 513, as referenced above Figures 4A to 4NThe faucet can include at least one opening that enters and extends through the inner cavity of the faucet such that when the faucet is inserted through the diaphragm of the coupling feature on the cartridge 513, the interior of the reservoir 514 is in fluid communication with the inner cavity of the faucet through the at least one opening. The inner cavity of the faucet is configured to be in fluid communication with a conduit 561 leading to the applicator 529. The delivery element 527 can include a pumping element that is configured to push the indicator solution from the reservoir 514 through the conduit 561 towards the outlet 568 of the applicator 529 due to the generation of a pressure differential relative to the reservoir 514. The pumping element can push the fluid from the reservoir 514 by positive and / or negative pressure. The faucet can also include a vent or other feature to allow pressure equilibrium within the reservoir 514 when the fluid is displaced through the pumping element. The configuration of the pumping element can vary. The pumping element can be a positive displacement, reciprocating, rotary, piston, diaphragm, peristaltic, power, centrifugal or other pump type. The pumping element can include a metering valve that allows the gravity feed of the indicator solution to the applicator 529. The pumping element can include a manual spraying mechanism that pumps the indicator solution from the reservoir 514 to the applicator 529 by the user pressing the actuator 531, similar to a manual spray bottle mechanism. For example, the user pushing the actuator 531 (such as a rod or other manual mechanism) can mechanically trigger the sprayer applicator 529, which pumps / sprays the indicator solution from the reservoir 514 onto the disinfected article A. Additional pushing of the actuator 531 results in the delivery and application of an additional amount of the indicator solution when pulled from the upper surface 519 or the side surface 521.

[0111] As described above, the device 500 can have a dispensing mechanism 530 configured for the user to manually pull the disinfected article through the dispensing aperture 516, and / or a dispensing mechanism 530 that includes an automatic supply system having a power-driven electric motor 534 and a plurality of gear drums 538. The gear drums 538 are configured to capture the disinfected article A and guide it through the interior 525 of the device 500 to the dispensing aperture 516. As Figure 12D shown, the disinfected article A can extend from its canister C through the opening 515 into the interior 525 of the device 500. At least a first gear drum 538 of the automatic dispensing mechanism 530 can contact the article A and guide it towards one or more additional gear drums 538 to the dispensing aperture 515.

[0112] The application mechanism 518 of the device 500 may also include a drive motor, such as a battery-driven motor sprayer system. The drive motor 534 for the dispensing mechanism 530 and the motor for the application mechanism 518 may be driven by the controller 595. Any device described herein may include the controller 595. The controller 595 may include at least one processor, a memory, and connection circuitry or other data conduits known in the art for performing certain tasks and providing system logic. A power storage unit, which may be in the form of a rechargeable battery, may also be provided within the housing 512, may be included within the cartridge 513, or otherwise coupled to the device. These motors and batteries of the device may be operably coupled to the controller 595.

[0113] Regardless of whether the article A travels using the manual dispensing mechanism 530 or the automatic or drive dispensing mechanism 530, the device 500 may include one or more grippers 532. The grippers 532 allow the user to more easily tear the article A after dispensing. The grippers 532 may be composed of a gripper lifting arm 533 and gripper blades 537. The gripper lifting arm 533 may be spring-loaded and actuated by an actuator 531. Pressing the actuator 531 may release the gripper lifting arm 533 from engagement with the article A, such that the article is no longer clamped between the gripper lifting arm 533 and the gripper blades 537. Once the spraying cycle is complete, the gripper blades 537 may hold the article A, thereby preventing the user from inadvertently pulling multiple articles A through the dispensing holes 516.

[0114] The actuator 531 may simultaneously activate the application mechanism 518, the dispensing mechanism 530, and the grippers 532. After the user presses the actuator 531, the article A may be caused to travel out of the dispensing holes 516 (e.g., manually pulled or by a drive gear roller 538) as the indicator solution is sprayed onto the article A. When the actuator 531 is released, the gripper lifting arms of the grippers 532 are released to return to their starting position of engagement with the article A to allow easy tearing of the article A from the remaining sheet.

[0115] Actuator 531 can activate application mechanism 518 (including delivery element 527) to pump fluid to applicator 529 and, if applicable, simultaneously activate dispensing mechanism 530. The mechanism by which actuator 531 activates application mechanism 518 and dispensing mechanism 530 can vary. The spraying rate of applicator 529 can be associated with the supply rate of dispensing mechanism 530 such that device 500 provides a consistent spray volume to article A. Delivery element 527 can also include one or more valves, such as a piston pump with a check valve that allows for a consistent spray volume. Thus, device 500 can be a battery-powered motorized sprayer that allows for control of the amount of indicator composition applied to each disinfected article A being dispensed. Pressing actuator 531 activates applicator 529 of application mechanism 529 as well as delivery element 527 such that spraying of the indicator composition is initiated. Pressing actuator 531 also releases gripper 532. This allows article A to be pulled horizontally (or automatically advanced by motor 534) through dispensing aperture 516 to be coated with the indicator composition. When actuator 531 is released, gripper lift arm 533 travels downward toward article A to clamp article A against gripper blade 537 such that the leading article A extending beyond dispensing aperture 516 can be torn off or fully released. Thus, device 500 can be fully automated with the pressing of a button without any manual pulling of a wipe. Activation of device 500 also does not need to include mechanical actuation and can include circuitry to activate any of the various components of device 500. Actuator 531 does not have to be a mechanical actuator or button physically pressed by a user. For example, actuator 531 (and any actuator described herein) can be a motion sensor such that when a hand waves over the sensor, actuator 531 is electronically actuated in a "non-touch" manner. Device 500 can additionally include one or more locks to prevent inadvertent dispensing and / or application. For example, when article A is not removed from device 500, the system can include an activation lock to prevent over-saturation of applicator 529 and / or disinfected article A due to over-pumping.

[0116] When a user needs assistance loading the leading or first article A into device 500, it may be helpful to hinge housing 512 of device 500 to an open position. For example, the upper end region 517 of housing 512 can be coupled to the lower end region 523 of housing 12 by hinge element 535 (see Figure 12C)。The upper end region 517 can be opened via a hinge, and the leading disinfection article A in can C can be loaded into or engaged with the device 500. When the unlocking release button is actuated, for example, the upper portion 517 of the housing 512 can be opened by rotating about the hinge element 535, thereby exposing the opening 515 in the plate 536. The leading article A of the interconnected sheets in can C can be pulled into the interior 525 of the housing 512 through the opening 515. The leading article A is then screwed through the interior 525 such that article A is brought close to the applicator 529 of the applying mechanism 518 by screwing article A through a plurality of guide rollers 538 so that article A is horizontally positioned below the flow deflector 569 such that the deflector directs the solution onto article A (see Figure 12D )。The leading edge of the leading article A is then inserted through the dispensing hole 516.

[0117] Indicator Compositions and Methods for Surface Disinfection

[0118] The indicator compositions described herein are suitable for imparting color to a disinfectant solution that is visible after it has been applied to a surface for a predetermined period of time, such as 5 to 120 seconds or 2 - 5 minutes or 5 - 10 minutes or 10 - 30 minutes. Compositions are provided that are optimized for the color duration after application to meet the requirements of the user. For example, a user disinfecting a large surface area may require a longer color duration to avoid already treated areas while ensuring complete coverage of the entire area. In another example, the color duration may be selected to correspond to the contact time required to inactivate pathogens, e.g., a 0.5% sodium hypochlorite solution requires 3 minutes to kill Clostridium difficile.

[0119] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of disinfecting a surface by applying a solution of a disinfectant and an indicator composition via a disinfection article as described herein and waiting for a period of time until the color of the solution fades to transparency. In an embodiment, the surface can be a porous or non - porous surface. In an embodiment, the surface can be concrete, steel, wood, ceramic, polypropylene, plastic, glass, metal, granite, etc. In an embodiment, the surface can be a fabric. In an embodiment, the surface can be skin.

[0120] The indicator compositions described herein are formulated to provide a defined post-application color duration, which is also referred to herein as the "fade time," meaning the time required for a colored indicator solution to fade to colorless after application to a surface. Depending on the nature of the disinfectant solution, its concentration, and the desired color duration after application to the surface, various combinations of ingredients are used to "adjust" the color duration of the composition. For example, an alkaline builder present alone or in combination with a surfactant will increase the pH of the solution, thus slowing the oxidation of the pigment and therefore slowing its decolorization. In an embodiment, the alkaline builder is present in an amount sufficient to increase the pH of the solution to a range between about pH 9 and about pH 14. For certain disinfectants, such as sodium hypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite, the role of adding an alkaline builder as a dye stabilizer is to shift the equilibrium of the active chemical species towards the less reactive species. For example, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) in an aqueous solution contains different chlorine species with different reactivities. HOCl predominates at acidic pH and is approximately 1000 times more reactive than the other species, OCl - , and OCl - predominates at alkaline pH. By incorporating an alkaline builder into a colored disinfectant such as sodium hypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite, the ratio of OCl - to HOCl will increase, resulting in a lower reactivity towards the dye in the solution. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that when an indicator composition as described herein is applied to a surface and exposed to air, acidic carbon dioxide in the air will neutralize the alkalinity of the indicator composition, thus initiating the decolorization of the dye.

[0121] In an embodiment, other additives such as rheology modifiers (also referred to as thickeners) can be included in the indicator composition to modulate the fade reaction, for example, by slowing the acidification after exposure to atmospheric carbon dioxide and thus slowing the decolorization of the dye.

[0122] Generally, the available range of oxidizable pigments and any optional additional ingredients such as surfactants, alkaline builders, etc. will vary depending on the strength of the oxidizing solution and the desired fade time after applying the solution to the surface. Illustrative embodiments of how the compositions described herein are applicable to different disinfectants to provide different color persistence times in the bulk solution and different fade times after application to the surface are described in the embodiments and examples below. Generally, for the same disinfectant with different strengths, the same composition as described below can be used, but more or less of the composition is added to the disinfectant solution, depending on whether it is more or less diluted than the illustrative embodiments provided herein.

[0123] As discussed in more detail in the following sections, the present disclosure provides indicator compositions of dye types suitable for combination with disinfectant types to provide a colored disinfectant solution that disappears within a predetermined period of time after being applied to a surface via a disinfected article. For example, in an embodiment where the indicator is applied to a disinfected article saturated with sodium hypochlorite, the indicator is a single aqueous solution of a dye, and one or more additional components such as an alkaline builder, a hydrotrope, a rheology modifier, or a surfactant are used to adjust the fading time. In these compositions, the dye reacts directly with the sodium hypochlorite and begins to fade. Other ingredients are used to adjust the fading rate, thereby shortening or lengthening the fading time of a particular composition.

[0124] In other embodiments, for example, in an embodiment where the indicator is applied to a disinfected article saturated with a quaternary ammonium / alcohol disinfectant, the present disclosure provides two separate solutions A and B that are mixed when applied to the disinfected article just prior to use. Quaternary ammonium compounds and alcohols are not strong oxidants such as sodium hypochlorite, and thus for these compositions, a separate reagent such as an oxidant or a reductant is introduced to decolorize the pigment. In an exemplary embodiment, solution A contains the pigment and an optional catalyst such as HTAB, ferrous sulfate, copper(II) sulfate, or copper(II) sulfide collapsed superstructure, and solution B contains the decolorizing agent. When the solutions are combined to form the indicator, the decolorization of the pigment is initiated. Exemplary oxidants used as decolorizing agents include peracetic acid, sodium perchlorate, hydrogen peroxide, and silver bismuth oxide; and exemplary reductants include ascorbic acid and sodium sulfite.

[0125] In yet another embodiment, the indicator is a pH-dependent pigment such as thymolphthalein that begins to fade on its own when exposed to an acidic environment such as a wiped surface or atmospheric carbon dioxide. According to this embodiment, an alkaline builder can be used to adjust the fading rate. For example, in an embodiment, the indicator composition comprises an aqueous solution of 1%-8% w / w thymolphthalein and 0.5%-4% w / w alkaline builder (such as sodium hydroxide). According to these embodiments, the fading time of the indicator solution is about 5-15 minutes after the indicator solution is applied to a surface via a disinfected article saturated with 0.55% sodium hypochlorite, 0.65% sodium hypochlorite, 0.3% quaternary ammonium / 21% alcohol, 0.5% quaternary ammonium / 55% alcohol, or 70% alcohol. The amount of the indicator composition applied to the disinfected article is about 0.0015 ml / cm 2 . See, for example, Example 1.

[0126] Additional exemplary embodiments of the indicator compositions are provided in the following sections.

[0127] Indicator Compositions for Hypochlorite - Based Disinfectants

[0128] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides an indicator solution comprising a water-soluble pigment and optionally one or more of a surfactant, an alkaline builder, and a rheology modifier, which is suitable for coloring a disinfected article pre-soaked with a disinfectant solution of 0.2%-1% sodium hypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite. In an embodiment, the disinfectant solution is 0.4%-0.7% sodium hypochlorite or 0.525%, 0.55%, or 0.63% sodium hypochlorite. In an embodiment, the disinfectant solution is 0.55% or 0.65% sodium hypochlorite.

[0129] In an embodiment, the indicator is suitable for application to a disinfected article saturated with a 0.2%-1% sodium hypochlorite solution, and the indicator further comprises one or more surfactants and optionally an alkaline builder or a rheology modifier or both. In an embodiment, the pigment is FD&C Blue 1.

[0130] In an embodiment, the water-soluble pigment is selected from FD&C Blue 1, Acid Green 50, Acid Green 25, Patent Blue V, FD&C Yellow 6, Fast Green FCF, Indigo Carmine, Acid Blue 80, Remazol Brilliant Blue R, Coomassie Brilliant Blue, Crystal Violet Lactone, thymolphthalein, Bromothymol Blue, Methylene Blue, FD&C Red 2, and mixtures thereof. In an embodiment, the pigment is FD&C Blue 1 in an amount of 0.1 wt%-5 wt%. In an embodiment, the amount of FD&C Blue 1 present in the indicator solution is 0.25 wt%, 0.5 wt%, 0.75 wt%, 1 wt%, 1.25 wt%, 1.5 wt%, 1.75 wt%, 2 wt%, or 2.5 wt%. In an embodiment, the pigment is Acid Green 50 in an amount of 0.1 wt%-5 wt%. In an embodiment, the amount of Acid Green 50 present in the indicator solution is 0.25 wt%, 0.5 wt%, 0.75 wt%, 1 wt%, 1.25 wt%, 1.5 wt%, 1.75 wt%, 2 wt%, or 2.5 wt%.

[0131] In an embodiment, the surfactant is selected from one or more of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), sodium xylene sulfonate (SXS), sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), sodium myristyl ether sulfate (SMS), sodium cholate, alkynediols (e.g., Surfynol TM 104S), alkyl diphenyl ether disulfonates (e.g., DOWFAX TM 2A1), or sodium toluene sulfonate (STS). In an embodiment, the surfactant is selected from SXS and SDS and mixtures thereof. In an embodiment, the amount of the surfactant or mixture of surfactants present in the indicator solution is 0.05 wt% - 5 wt% or 0.1 wt% - 3 wt% or 0.15 wt% - 8 wt%. In an embodiment, the amount of the surfactant or mixture of surfactants present in the indicator solution is 0.5 wt% - 2 wt%.

[0132] In an embodiment, the alkaline builder is selected from sodium hydroxide (NaOH), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH) 2 ), potassium hydroxide (KOH), lithium hydroxide (LiOH), and mixtures thereof. In an embodiment, the indicator solution does not contain an alkaline builder.

[0133] In an embodiment, the rheology modifier is selected from sodium alginate, glycerol, guar gum, carob bean, dextran, cellulose, carrageenan (λ, ι, κ), sodium carbonate, calcined silica, alkaline swellable emulsions, hydrophobically modified alkaline swellable emulsions, hydrophobically modified polyurethanes, sodium polyacrylate, and mixtures thereof. In an embodiment, the rheology modifier is λ-carrageenan. In an embodiment, the amount of the rheology modifier present in the indicator solution is 0.05 wt% - 5 wt% or 0.2 wt% - 0.4 wt%. In an embodiment, the amount of the rheology modifier present in the indicator solution is 0.2 wt%, 0.3 wt%, 0.4 wt%, or 0.5 wt%. In an embodiment, the indicator solution does not contain a rheology modifier.

[0134] In an embodiment, the composition optionally further comprises one or more of a catalyst and a fragrance. In an embodiment, the catalyst is a catalyst that generates reactive oxygen species, and is selected from sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, sodium nitrite, and titanium dioxide. In an embodiment, based on the total weight of the composition, the total amount of the catalyst in the composition (if present) is 3-40% w / w, preferably 3-10% w / w. In an embodiment, the ratio of the catalyst to the water-soluble pigment in the composition is 0.50:1 to 5:1. In an embodiment, the fragrance is selected from citric acid, benzoic acid, and acetic acid. In an embodiment, based on the total weight of the composition, the total amount of the fragrance in the composition (if present) is 2%-30% w / w, preferably 2%-10% w / w. In an embodiment, the ratio of the fragrance to the water-soluble pigment in the composition is 0.25:1 to 20:1, preferably 0.5:1 to 4:1.

[0135] In an embodiment, the indicator composition comprises 0.1%-5% w / w FD&C Blue 1, preferably about 1.5% w / w FD&C Blue 1, and optionally 0.05%-5% w / w SXS, preferably about 0.75% w / w SXS, wherein SXS is present alone or in combination with 0.1%-3% w / w SDS, preferably about 0.3% w / w SDS, or in combination with 0.05%-5% w / w lambda-carrageenan, preferably about 0.4% w / w lambda-carrageenan. In one embodiment, the indicator solution comprises 1.2%-2% FD&C Blue 1 in deionized water and no additional additives. According to any of these embodiments, the fading time of the indicator solution after being applied to a surface via a disinfected article is about 2-5 minutes. The amount of the indicator composition applied to the disinfected article is about 0.0015 ml / cm 2 . See, for example, Example 7, Example 8.

[0136] In an embodiment, the indicator composition comprises 0.75%-1.5% w / w FD&C Blue 1 and an aqueous solution of a surfactant selected from 0.25%-0.5% w / w SXS, 0.25%-0.75% w / w SDS, and combinations of SXS and SDS, wherein the total amount of the surfactant ranges from about 0.6%-0.8% w / w. According to these embodiments, the fading time of the indicator solution after being applied to a surface via a disinfected article is about 2-3 minutes. The amount of the indicator composition applied to the disinfected article is about 0.0015 ml / cm 2 . See, for example, Example 2.

[0137] In an embodiment, the indicator composition comprises an aqueous solution of 0.75%-1.5% w / w FD&C Blue 1, 0.5%-1% w / w alkaline builder (such as sodium hydroxide), and optionally 0.25%-0.75% w / w SDS as a surfactant. According to these embodiments, the fading time of the indicator solution after being applied to the surface via a disinfected article is about 3-4 minutes. The amount of the indicator composition applied to the disinfected article is about 0.0015 ml / cm 2 See, for example, Example 3.

[0138] In an embodiment, the indicator composition comprises an aqueous solution of 0.75%-1.5% w / w FD&C Blue 1, 0.5%-1% w / w alkaline builder (such as lithium hydroxide), and optionally 0.25%-0.75% w / w SDS as a surfactant. According to these embodiments, the fading time of the indicator solution after being applied to the surface via a disinfected article is about 3-4 minutes. The amount of the indicator composition applied to the disinfected article is about 0.0015 ml / cm 2 See, for example, Example 4.

[0139] In an embodiment, the indicator composition comprises an aqueous solution of 0.5%-2.5% w / w Acid Green 50 and a surfactant selected from 0.25%-0.5% w / w SXS, 0.25%-0.75% w / w SDS, and a combination of SXS and SDS, wherein the total amount of the surfactant ranges from about 0.6%-0.8% w / w. According to these embodiments, the fading time of the indicator solution after being applied to the surface via a disinfected article is about 1-3 minutes. The amount of the indicator composition applied to the disinfected article is about 0.0015 ml / cm 2 See, for example, Example 5.

[0140] In an embodiment, the indicator composition comprises an aqueous solution of 0.5%-2.5% w / w FD&C Blue 1, 0.25%-1% w / w surfactant (such as SDS), and optionally 0.2%-5% w / w lambda carrageenan. According to these embodiments, the fading time of the indicator solution after being applied to the surface via a disinfected article is about 1-5 minutes. The amount of the indicator composition applied to the disinfected article is about 0.0015 ml / cm 2 See, for example, Example 6.

[0141] Indicator Compositions for Alcohol - Based Disinfectants

[0142] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides an indicator solution comprising a water-soluble pigment and optionally one or more of a surfactant, an alkaline builder, and a rheology modifier, the indicator solution being suitable for coloring a disinfected article pre-soaked with an alcohol-based disinfectant solution (such as an ethanol-based disinfectant solution or an isopropanol-based disinfectant solution). In an embodiment, the disinfectant solution is 70% ethanol or 63% isopropanol.

[0143] In another embodiment, the indicator is suitable for application to a disinfected article saturated with an alcohol (such as 70% ethanol or 63% isopropanol), and the pigment is selected from thymolphthalein, methylene blue, and 3,3-bis-(4-hydroxy-3-ethylphenyl)-1-(3H)-isobenzofuranone. According to these embodiments, the indicator may also optionally comprise a reducing agent, such as sodium sulfite or ascorbic acid.

[0144] In an embodiment, the indicator composition comprises about 0.1%-10% w / w, preferably about 0.5% w / w thymolphthalein in a solution of 70% ethanol or 63% isopropanol, and provides a fade time of about 5-30 seconds or 15-60 seconds, respectively.

[0145] In an embodiment, the indicator composition comprises about 0.1%-10% w / w, preferably about 0.16% w / w thymolphthalein in a solution of 1.5M NaOH and 70% ethanol or 63% isopropanol, wherein the ratio of NaOH to alcohol is about 70:30, and the composition provides a fade time of about 15-60 seconds.

[0146] In an embodiment, the indicator composition comprises about 0.1%-20% w / w or preferably about 0.5% w / w 3,3-bis-(4-hydroxy-3-ethylphenyl)-1-(3H)-isobenzofuranone in a solution of 70% ethanol or 63% isopropanol, and the composition provides a fade time of about 0.5-5 minutes.

[0147] In an embodiment, the indicator composition comprises about 0.25%-1% w / w or preferably about 0.5% w / w methylene blue and about 10%-33% or preferably about 27% sodium sulfite, the balance being deionized water, and the composition provides a fade time of about 15-120 seconds, and wherein the composition is suitable for application to human skin. Indicator Compositions for Quaternary Ammonium / Alcohol - Based Disinfectants

[0148] In an embodiment, the indicator is suitable for application to a disinfected article saturated with a quaternary ammonium compound of 0.2%-1% and 5%-75% alcohol. In an embodiment, the disinfected article is saturated with a quaternary ammonium compound of 0.3% and 21% alcohol or a quaternary ammonium compound of 0.5% and 55% alcohol.

[0149] In an embodiment, the indicator composition is an aqueous solution comprising a water-soluble pigment and one or more of a catalyst, peracetic acid, and hydrogen peroxide. In an embodiment, the pigment may be selected from methylene blue, malachite green, indigo carmine, Acid Green 25, Acid Green 50, FD&C Blue 1, pinacyanol chloride, rhodamine B, α-naphthol orange, azo violet, and thymolphthalein. Preferably, the catalyst is a catalyst that generates reactive oxygen species, such as cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (HTAB), ferrous sulfate, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, sodium nitrite, copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate, copper(II) sulfide collapsed superstructure, iron(III) nitrate nonahydrate, copper(II) sulfide, and ferrous(II) sulfate.

[0150] In an embodiment, the indicator solution is an aqueous solution comprising a water-soluble pigment and one or more of an alkaline builder (such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH)), a reducing agent (such as ascorbic acid or sodium sulfite), a pH regulator, and an oxidizing agent (such as sodium persulfate or silver bismuth oxide).

[0151] In one embodiment, the indicator composition comprises about 0.5% - 5% w / w or preferably about 1% w / w thymolphthalein in a solution of 70% ethanol and 1% - 5% w / w alkaline builder (such as NaOH).

[0152] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides an article suitable for use with the devices described herein, the article comprising an indicator composition in two separate solution forms that form an indicator when mixed. In an embodiment, the article comprises a reservoir as described herein having two chambers for containing two separate solutions A and B. In an embodiment, the separate solutions A and B are each applied to separate members of a pair of applicators of the devices described herein. In an embodiment, each member of the pair is a roller or a spray device. When the device is actuated, the two solutions are combined to trigger the applicator elements to apply each of solutions A and B to the disinfected article such that the disinfected article contains a mixture of A and B. Typically, an amount of each of solutions A and B is applied to the disinfected article such that each square centimeter of the disinfected article receives about 0.011 ml of each of A and B. For example, about 3 milliliters of each solution is applied to a disinfected article that is 6 × 6.75 inches (15.24 × 17.15 cm or about 261.4 cm 2 )).

[0153] Exemplary embodiments of solutions A and B that can be combined to form the indicator composition described herein are provided in the following table. In each formulation, the remaining weight percentage of the composition is provided by deionized water, ethanol, and / or a similar solvent.

[0154] In an embodiment, Solution A comprises 0.25%-1% w / w methylene blue in water, and Solution B comprises one or more of ascorbic acid, sodium sulfite, sodium carbonate, sodium perchlorate, and sodium hydroxide, as provided in Table 1. Further embodiments are shown in Examples 10 to 14.

[0155] In an embodiment, Solution A comprises 0.1%-5% w / w malachite green in water, and Solution B comprises 1%-5% w / w of an alkaline builder such as sodium hydroxide. Further embodiments are shown in Example 9.

[0156] In an embodiment, Solution A comprises 0.1%-5% w / w of a pigment selected from indigo carmine, Acid Green 50, Acid Green 25, FD&C Blue 1, and pinacyanol chloride; an optional catalyst such as ferrous sulfate and HTAB; and an optional surfactant such as sodium dodecyl sulfate; and Solution B is a 35% aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide or peracetic acid.

[0157] In an embodiment, Solution A comprises 0.1%-5% w / w rhodamine B, α-naphthol orange, or azo violet in water, and Solution B comprises silver bismuth oxide or sodium sulfite.

[0158] Table 1 : Exemplary formulations of quaternary ammonium / alcohol-based disinfectants

[0159]

[0160]

[0161]

[0162]

[0163] Examples

[0164] The following non-limiting examples are provided to further illustrate embodiments of the invention disclosed herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the techniques disclosed in the following examples represent methods that have been found to work well in the practice of the invention and thus can be considered to constitute examples of its practice. However, based on the present disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand that many changes can be made to the specific embodiments disclosed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and still obtain the same or similar results.

[0165] Example 1

[0166] A liquid composition consisting of:

[0167]

[0168] When compositions A, B, C, D, and E are directly applied to wipes impregnated with 0.55% sodium hypochlorite, 0.65% sodium hypochlorite, 0.3% quaternary ammonium / 21% alcohol, 0.5% quaternary ammonium / 55% alcohol, or 70% alcohol, the blue marks left after wiping the surface fade gradually within 10, 12, 6, 15, and 6 minutes, respectively.

[0169] Example 2

[0170] A liquid composition consisting of:

[0171]

[0172]

[0173] When compositions A, B, C, D, and E are directly applied to wipes impregnated with 0.55% or 0.65% sodium hypochlorite, the blue marks left after wiping the surface fade gradually within 2, 3, 2, 3, and 3 minutes, respectively.

[0174] Example 3

[0175] A liquid composition consisting of:

[0176]

[0177] When compositions A, B, C, D, and E are directly applied to wipes impregnated with 0.55% or 0.65% sodium hypochlorite, the blue marks left after wiping the surface fade gradually within 3, 3, 3, 4, and 4 minutes, respectively.

[0178] Example 4

[0179] A liquid composition consisting of:

[0180]

[0181] When compositions A, B, C, D, and E are directly applied to wipes impregnated with 0.55% sodium hypochlorite, the blue marks left after wiping the surface fade gradually within 3, 3, 3, 4, and 4 minutes, respectively.

[0182] Example 5

[0183] A liquid composition consisting of:

[0184]

[0185] When compositions A, B, C, D, and E are directly applied to wipes impregnated with 0.55% or 0.65% sodium hypochlorite, the blue marks left after wiping the surface fade gradually within 1, 2, 1, 2, and 3 minutes, respectively.

[0186] Example 6

[0187] A liquid composition, which consists of the following:

[0188]

[0189] When compositions A, B, C, D and E are directly applied to a wipe impregnated with 0.55% or 0.65% sodium hypochlorite, the blue marks left after wiping the surface fade gradually within 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 minutes respectively.

[0190] Example 7

[0191] A liquid composition, which consists of the following:

[0192]

[0193]

[0194] When compositions A, B, C, D and E are directly applied to a wipe impregnated with 0.55% or 0.65% sodium hypochlorite, the blue marks left after wiping the surface fade gradually within 2, 3, 4, 3 and 2 minutes respectively.

[0195] Example 8

[0196] A liquid composition, which consists of the following:

[0197]

[0198] When compositions A, B, C, D and E are directly applied to a wipe impregnated with 0.55% or 0.65% sodium hypochlorite, the blue marks left after wiping the surface fade gradually within 2, 3, 3, 4 and 5 minutes respectively.

[0199] Example 9

[0200] A liquid composition, solution A, which consists of the following:

[0201]

[0202] A liquid composition, solution B, which consists of the following:

[0203]

[0204] When the compositions A, B, C, D and E from solution A are combined with the compositions A, B, C, D and E from solution B respectively and directly applied to a wipe impregnated with 0.3% quaternary ammonium / 21% alcohol, 0.5% quaternary ammonium / 55% alcohol or 70% alcohol, the green marks left after wiping the surface fade gradually within 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 minutes respectively.

[0205] Example 10

[0206] Liquid composition, Solution A, which consists of the following:

[0207]

[0208] Liquid composition, Solution B, which consists of the following:

[0209]

[0210] When Composition A, B, C, D, and E from Solution A are combined with Composition A, B, C, D, and E from Solution B respectively and directly applied to wipes impregnated with 0.3% quaternary ammonium / 21% alcohol, 0.5% quaternary ammonium / 55% alcohol, or 70% alcohol, the blue marks left after wiping the surface fade gradually within 4, 4, 6, 10, and 20 minutes respectively.

[0211] Example 11

[0212] Liquid composition, Solution A, which consists of the following:

[0213]

[0214] Liquid composition, Solution B, which consists of the following:

[0215]

[0216] When Composition A, B, C, D, and E from Solution A are combined with Composition A, B, C, D, and E from Solution B respectively and directly applied to wipes impregnated with 0.3% quaternary ammonium / 21% alcohol, 0.5% quaternary ammonium / 55% alcohol, or 70% alcohol, the blue marks left after wiping the surface fade gradually within 5, 5, 5, 7, and 2 minutes respectively.

[0217] Example 12

[0218] Liquid composition, Solution A, which consists of the following:

[0219]

[0220] Liquid composition, Solution B, which consists of the following:

[0221]

[0222] When Composition A, B, C, D, and E from Solution A are combined with Composition A, B, C, D, and E from Solution B respectively and directly applied to wipes impregnated with 0.55% or 0.65% sodium hypochlorite, the blue marks left after wiping the surface fade gradually within 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 minutes respectively.

[0223] Example 13

[0224] A liquid composition, Solution A, which consists of:

[0225]

[0226] A liquid composition, Solution B, which consists of:

[0227]

[0228]

[0229] When compositions A, B, C, D, and E from Solution A are combined with compositions A, B, C, D, and E from Solution B, respectively, and directly applied to wipes impregnated with 0.3% quaternary ammonium / 21% alcohol, 0.5% quaternary ammonium / 55% alcohol, or 70% alcohol, the blue marks left after wiping the surface fade gradually within 5, 5, 5, 7, and 2 minutes, respectively.

[0230] Example 14

[0231] A liquid composition, Solution A, which consists of:

[0232]

[0233] A liquid composition, Solution B, which consists of:

[0234]

[0235] When compositions A, B, C, D, and E from Solution A are combined with compositions A, B, C, D, and E from Solution B, respectively, and directly applied to wipes impregnated with 0.3% quaternary ammonium / 21% alcohol, 0.5% quaternary ammonium / 55% alcohol, or 70% alcohol, the blue marks left after wiping the surface fade gradually within 4, 3, 1, 3, and 5 minutes, respectively.

[0236] Example 15

[0237] A series of tests were conducted to evaluate the performance of different materials of the roller elements for certain embodiments of the devices described herein. The results are shown in the table below.

[0238] Performance of various materials as roller elements

[0239]

[0240] Incorporated by reference

[0241] Other documents such as patents, patent applications, patent publications, periodicals, books, papers, web page content have been referenced and cited in this disclosure. For all purposes, all such documents are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety into this text.

[0242] equivalent

[0243] The representative embodiments are intended to assist in illustrating the invention and are not intended nor should they be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. In fact, various modifications of the invention and many other embodiments thereof will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the entire content hereof, including the examples and the references to scientific and patent literature included herein. These examples contain important additional information, illustrations and guidance which can be applied to the practice of the invention in its various embodiments and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An article comprising an indicator composition in aqueous solution form, wherein the article comprises a cartridge, the cartridge containing a reservoir removably connected to a housing of a device for applying the indicator composition, the device comprising: The housing, which at least partially surrounds an internal volume and has (i) an outer wall that defines a dispensing aperture extending through the outer wall, the outer wall forming an upper surface or a side surface of the device, and (ii) a lower end region sized to couple the lower end region to a canister containing a plurality of articles, the lower end region containing an opening through which at least one of the plurality of articles is drawn from the canister into a dispensing mechanism located within the internal volume of the housing, and one or more connection features configured to removably couple the lower end region to the canister; The reservoir having at least one chamber sized to contain the indicator composition ； and An application mechanism positioned within the housing relative to the dispensing aperture, the application mechanism being configured to be in fluid communication with the reservoir to apply an amount of the indicator composition from the reservoir to an article dispensed through the dispensing aperture, At least one actuator; The dispensing mechanism, which includes a motor; and A controller coupled to the motor of the dispensing mechanism; wherein the application mechanism includes a delivery element and at least one applicator; and wherein the at least one applicator includes a nebulizer; wherein the delivery element includes a pumping element powered by an electric motor upon actuation of the actuator to create a pressure differential relative to the interior of the reservoir; wherein the reservoir contained in the cartridge is a single chamber containing the indicator composition or is divided into separate chambers, the separate chambers each containing (i) different compositions that form the indicator composition when mixed together, or (ii) different compositions selected from the indicator composition and a disinfectant composition.

2. The article according to claim 1, wherein the indicator composition is an aqueous solution comprising an amount of 0.1 wt% - 5 wt% of FD&C Blue 1 or Acid Green 50, and optionally 0.05% - 5% w / w of SXS, wherein the SXS is present alone or in combination with 0.1% - 3% w / w SDS, or in combination with 0.05% - 5% w / w lambda-carrageenan, and wherein the fading time of the indicator solution after application to a surface via a disinfected article is 2 - 5 minutes.

3. The article according to claim 1, wherein the indicator composition comprises 0.1% - 10% w / w thymolphthalein in a 70% ethanol solution and provides a fading time of 5 - 30 seconds; or the indicator composition comprises 0.1% - 10% w / w thymolphthalein in a solution of 63% isopropanol and provides a fading time of 15 - 60 seconds.

4. The article of claim 1, wherein the indicator composition comprises 0.1%-20% w / w 3,3-bis-(4-hydroxy-3-ethylphenyl)-1-(3H)-isobenzofuranone in a solution of 70% ethanol or 63% isopropanol, and the composition provides a fade time of 0.5-5 minutes.

5. The article of claim 1, wherein the indicator composition comprises 0.25%-1% w / w methylene blue and 10%-33% sodium sulfite, the remainder being deionized water, and the composition provides a fade time of 15-120 seconds.

6. The article of claim 1, wherein the reservoir is divided and a first of the two separate chambers contains a solution A and a second of the two separate chambers contains a solution B that when mixed together forms the indicator composition, wherein solution A comprises a pigment and optionally a catalyst and solution B comprises a decolorizing agent selected from an oxidizing agent and a reducing agent.

7. The article of claim 6, wherein solution A comprises 0.1%-3% w / w methylene blue in deionized water and solution B comprises one or more of ascorbic acid, sodium sulfite, sodium carbonate, sodium perchlorate, and sodium hydroxide.

8. The article of claim 6, wherein solution A comprises 0.5%-2.5% w / w malachite green and solution B comprises 0.5%-2.5% w / w alkaline builder.

9. The article of claim 6, wherein solution A comprises 0.1%-5% w / w of a pigment selected from indigo carmine, acid green 50, methylene blue, acid green 25, FD&C blue 1, and pinacolcyanol chloride, an optional catalyst, and an optional surfactant; and solution B is a 35% aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide or peracetic acid.

10. The article of claim 9, wherein the optional catalyst is selected from ferrous sulfate, HTAB, copper (II) sulfate, or copper (II) sulfide collapsed superstructure.

11. The article of claim 9, wherein the optional surfactant is sodium lauryl sulfate.

12. The article of claim 6, wherein solution A comprises 0.1%-5% w / w Rhodamine B, alpha naphthol orange, or azo violet in deionized water, and solution B comprises bismuth silver oxide or sodium sulfite.

13. The article of claim 1, wherein the electric motor is driven by a battery coupled to the reservoir.

14. The article of claim 1, wherein the at least one applicator is configured to apply the amount of the indicator composition to the article without directly contacting the article.

15. The article of claim 1, wherein the at least one applicator comprises a sprayer comprising an outlet and a spray diverter located opposite the outlet.

16. The article of claim 1, wherein the applying mechanism applies the amount of the indicator composition to the article on one or both sides.

17. The article of claim 1, wherein the actuator actuates the electric motor.

18. The article according to claim 1, wherein the article further comprises one or more grippers configured to engage the article during dispensing, thereby allowing the article to be easily removed from the device.

19. The article according to claim 18, wherein the actuator actuates the one or more grippers.

20. The article according to claim 18, wherein the actuator simultaneously actuates one or more of the conveying element, the at least one applicator, the electric motor, the cover, and the grippers.

21. The article according to claim 2, wherein the aqueous solution comprises 0.75% w / w of SXS.

22. The article according to claim 2, wherein the SXS is present in combination with 0.3% w / w of SDS.

23. The article according to claim 2, wherein the SXS is present in combination with 0.4% w / w of lambda-carrageenan.

24. The article according to claim 3, wherein the indicator composition comprises 0.5% w / w of thymolphthalein.

25. The article according to claim 4, wherein the indicator composition comprises 0.5% w / w of 3,3-bis-(4-hydroxy-3-ethylphenyl)-1-(3H)-isobenzofuranone.

26. The article according to claim 5, wherein the indicator composition comprises 0.5% w / w of methylene blue and 27% of sodium sulfite.

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