Multi-configuration spray atomization decontamination system

Abstract

A multi-configuration spray atomization decontamination control system controls hardware designed to clear microorganisms in a substantially enclosed space. The control system utilizes a plurality of application subsystems to provide decontamination power. The control system is designed for local and remote control. The control system can be operated automatically or manually. The control system can be extended to different numbers of sensors and decontamination applicators.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 339,832 filed on May 9, 2022. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates generally to a multi-configuration system for decontaminating items, enclosed spaces, and unenclosed spaces, and more particularly to microbial decontamination of such locations. Background Art

[0003] Microbial substances are widely distributed in our environment. Most microbial substances are not of much concern because they do not harm other living organisms. However, other microbial substances may infect and harm humans or animals. There has long been interest in the removal of microorganisms and the decontamination of objects and spaces from them. Drugs and medical devices are sterilized and packaged in sterile containers. Medical environments such as operating rooms, patient rooms, and examination rooms are decontaminated through various cleaning procedures so that microorganisms of concern cannot be spread from one patient to another.

[0004] Many of the technologies available for controlling microorganisms are valuable in the context of biowarfare and bioterrorism. Additionally, existing decontamination technologies have limited effectiveness in confined environments.

[0005] Addressing the timing, duration, and control of decontamination processes is technically challenging. Control systems often rely heavily on field personnel to monitor and conduct the decontamination process. Additionally, systems for controlling the decontamination process are neither scalable nor modular. Thus, depending on the nature of the decontamination process, the decontamination process often requires redesign of system controls. In view of the foregoing, there is a pressing need for a scalable and modular system that can provide time-sensitive and environmentally sensitive control of the decontamination process even without the presence of field personnel. Summary of the invention

[0006] One aspect of the present application is a multi-configuration system for decontamination, comprising: a general-purpose computer; a sensor package; one or more control boards; one or more applicators; and an operator device; wherein the general-purpose computer is networked to the sensor package via the one or more control boards, wherein the sensor package can detect the presence of microorganisms; and the sensor package is networked to the one or more applicators, wherein the one or more applicators are configured to apply a decontamination process to remove microorganisms; and the operator device is networked to the general-purpose computer via an application programming interface (API) gateway, wherein the operator device displays a network interface to the operator; and the API gateway provides access to the system controller.

[0007] In certain embodiments, the system controller comprises a set of subsystems, and wherein the set of subsystems is linked to the system controller via a bidirectional interface; and the set of subsystems comprises: an alarm subsystem, wherein when the sensor package detects the presence of microorganisms, the alarm subsystem alerts the operator via a display on a network interface; and a device driver subsystem, wherein the device driver subsystem is networked to the sensor package and the applicator via a unidirectional interface.

[0008] In certain embodiments, the system is manually controlled by one or more individuals via an operator device. In certain embodiments, the system is event-driven controlled by a system controller, wherein the system controller receives an alarm that there is a microorganism. In certain embodiments, the system is remotely controlled by one or more individuals via an operator device. In certain embodiments, when instructions are received from the system controller via a device driver subsystem, the applicator starts a decontamination cycle. In certain embodiments, the group of subsystems also includes an event subsystem. In certain embodiments, the group of subsystems also includes a reporting subsystem. In certain embodiments, the group of subsystems also includes a configuration subsystem. In certain embodiments, the group of subsystems also includes a software development kit. In certain embodiments, the sensor package includes one or more control panels that are networked to the sensor and networked to a general-purpose computer. In certain embodiments, the sensor is selected from one or more of the groups including a photoelectric sensor, a voltaic sensor, a weight sensor, a humidity sensor, and a pressure sensor. In certain embodiments, a general-purpose computer includes a single computer control panel.

[0009] One aspect of the present application is a non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium comprising instructions for decontaminating a substantially enclosed space, including a routine of setup instructions for causing a system as described herein to perform the following steps: detecting the presence of microorganisms in the substantially enclosed space, wherein the presence of the microorganisms is sensed by one or more sensors present in the substantially enclosed space; alerting a system controller of the presence of microorganisms in the substantially enclosed space, wherein the system controller is networked to the one or more sensors; notifying an operator device of the presence of microorganisms in the substantially enclosed space, wherein the operator device is networked to the system controller; initiating a decontamination process to eliminate the presence of microorganisms in the substantially enclosed space, wherein the decontamination process is applied by one or more applicators networked to the system controller, and further wherein the one or more applicators are present in the substantially enclosed space; and further wherein the system controller initiates the decontamination process for the one or more applicators following a step of commanding an event subsystem to initiate the decontamination process, wherein the event subsystem is a non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium comprising a set of instructions for causing the one or more applicators to initiate the decontamination process after one or more sensors have detected the presence of specific microorganisms.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the specific microorganism is a pathogen. In certain embodiments, the pathogen is a targeted bioterrorism agent. In certain embodiments, the targeted bioterrorism agent is selected from the group consisting of anthrax (Bacillus anthracis), plague (Yersinia pestis), and tularemia (Francis tularensis). In certain embodiments, the operator device is wirelessly networked to the system controller.

[0011] One aspect of the present application is a method for controlling decontamination of a substantially enclosed space, comprising: detecting the presence of microorganisms in the substantially enclosed space, wherein the presence of the microorganisms is sensed by one or more sensors present in the substantially enclosed space; alerting a system controller of the presence of the microorganisms in the substantially enclosed space, wherein the system controller is networked to the one or more sensors; notifying an operator device of the presence of the microorganisms in the substantially enclosed space, wherein the operator device is networked to the system controller; initiating a decontamination process to eliminate the presence of the microorganisms in the substantially enclosed space, wherein the decontamination process is applied by one or more applicators networked to the system controller, and further wherein the one or more applicators are present in the substantially enclosed space; and further wherein the system controller initiates the decontamination process for the one or more applicators after: (1) a command to initiate the decontamination process from an operator device; or (2) a command to initiate the decontamination process by an event subsystem, wherein the event subsystem is a non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium as described herein.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the man-made structure is an office building. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 Shows the architecture of system components and their relationships.

[0014] Figure 2 The layered architecture of the system is shown.

[0015] Figure 3 Exemplary embodiments of an end user interface and an administrator interface are shown.

[0016] Figure 4 A high-level computer system architecture is shown.

[0017] Figure 5 An application runtime organization diagram is shown.

[0018] Figure 6 A device driver subsystem event state change design is shown.

[0019] Figure 7 A system flow chart is shown.

[0020] While the present disclosure will now be described in detail, and this description will be done in conjunction with illustrative embodiments, the present disclosure is not to be limited by the specific embodiments shown in the drawings and appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The following detailed description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the present invention. For the purpose of explanation, specific naming is set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these specific details are not required to practice the present invention. Certain aspects and exemplary embodiments of the present application will be referred to in detail, and examples are illustrated in the attached structures and drawings. The aspects of the present application will be described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments, including methods, materials and examples, and this description is non-restrictive, and the scope of the present application is intended to cover all equivalents, substitutes and modifications that are generally known or incorporated herein. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present application belongs. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many technologies and materials similar or equivalent to the technologies and materials described herein can be used to practice the aspects and embodiments of the present application. The described aspects and embodiments of the present application are not limited to the described methods and materials.

[0022] definition

[0023] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0024] As used herein, the terms "decontaminating" or "decontamination" means taking action to neutralize or remove pathogens from an area or item.

[0025] As used herein, the term "microorganism" or "pathogen" includes, but is not limited to, bacteria, fungi, yeast, protozoa, viruses or other microorganisms. The term "pathogen" also encompasses targeted bioterror agents.

[0026] As used herein, the term "bacteria" shall mean a member of a large group of unicellular microorganisms that have a cell wall but lack organelles and an organized nucleus. Synonyms for bacteria may include the terms "microorganism," "microbe," "germ," "bacillus," and "prokaryotic organism."Exemplary bacteria include, but are not limited to, Mycobacterium species, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Staphylococcus species, including Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Streptococcus species, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes), Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae), Streptococcus equi, Streptococcus canis, Streptococcus bovis, Streptococcus equi, Streptococcus anginosus (S. anginosus), Streptococcus sanguinis, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus mitis (S. mitis); other pathogenic Streptococcus species, including Enterococcus species, such as Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium; Haemophilus influenzae, Pseudomonas species, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and the like. Pseudomonas mallei and Pseudomonas pseudomallei; Salmonella species, including S. enterocolitica, S. typhimurium, S. enteritidis, S. bongori, and S. choleraesuis; Shigella species, including S. flexneri, S. sonnei, S. dysenteriae, and S. boydii; Brucella species, including B. melitensis, B. suis, B. abortus, and B. pertussis; Neisseria species , including Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae; Escherichia coli, including enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC); Vibrio cholerae, Helicobacter pylori, Geobacillus stearothermophilus, Chlamydia trachomatis, Clostridium difficile, Cryptococcus neoformans, Moraxella species (including Moraxella catarrhalis), Campylobacter species (including Campylobacter jejuni); Corynebacterium species, including Corynebacterium diphtheriae (C. diphtheriae), Corynebacterium ulcerans (C. ulcerans), Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis (C. pseudodiphtheriae ... ticum), C.urealyticum, C.hemolyticum, C.hemolyticum; Listeria monocytogenes, Nocardia asteroides, Bacteroides species, Actinomyces species, Treponema pallidum, Leptospirosa species, Klebsiella pneumoniae; Proteus species, including Proteus vulgaris; Serratia species, Acinetobacter species, Yersinia species, including Yersinia pestis and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis; Francisella tularensis, Enterobacter species, Bacteroides species, Legionella species, Borrelia burgdorferi, etc.As used herein, the term "targeted bioterrorism agent" includes, but is not limited to, anthrax (Bacillus anthracis), plague (Yersinia pestis), and tularemia (Franciscoides tularensis).

[0027] As used herein, the term "virus" may include, but is not limited to, influenza virus, herpes virus, polio virus, norovirus, and retrovirus. Examples of viruses include, but are not limited to, human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2 (HIV-1 and HIV-2), human T-cell lymphotropic virus types I and II (HTLV-I and HTLV-II), hepatitis A virus, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis D virus (HDV), hepatitis E virus (HEV), hepatitis G virus (HGV), parvovirus B19 virus, hepatitis A virus, hepatitis G virus, hepatitis E virus, transfusion transmitted virus (TTV), Epstein-Barr virus, human cytomegalovirus type 1 (HCMV-1), human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7), human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), influenza A virus (including subtypes H1N1 and H5N1), human metapneumovirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus, Hantavirus, and RNA viruses from the family Arenaviridae (e.g., The family includes the following: Lassa fever virus (LFV), Pneumoviridae (e.g., human metapneumovirus), Filoviridae (e.g., Ebola virus (EBOV), Marburg virus (MBGV), and Zika virus); Bunyaviridae (e.g., Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), and Hantavirus); Flaviviridae (West Nile virus (WNV), SARS-CoV-2 and variants, dengue virus (DENV), yellow fever virus (YFV), and SARS-CoV-2 variants). FV), GB virus C (GBV-C; formerly known as hepatitis G virus (HGV)); Rotaviridae (e.g., rotavirus), and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the subject is infected with HIV-1 or HIV-2. As used herein, the term "fungus" shall mean any member of the saprophytic and parasitic, spore-forming, eukaryotic, usually filamentous group of organisms that were formerly classified as plants lacking chlorophyll and include molds, rusts, mildews, smuts, mushrooms, and yeasts.Exemplary fungi include, but are not limited to, Aspergillus species, dermatophytes, Blastomyces dermatitidis, Candida species, including C. albicans and C. krusei; Malassezia furfur, Exophiala werneckii, Trichosporon hota, Trichosporon white, Pseudolium boydii, Mycomadura cinerea, Histoplasma capsulatum, Sporothrix schenckii, Histoplasma capsulatum, Tinea species, including tinea versicolor, tinea pedis, tinea unguium, tinea cruris, tinea capitis, tinea corporis, tinea barbae; Trichophyton species, including Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton interdigitalis, Trichophyton tonsurans, Trichophyton violaceum, Trichophyton yaoundei, Trichophyton schoenleinii, Trichophyton megninii, Trichophyton sudanensis, Trichophyton rubrum ... .soudanense), Trichophyton equina, Trichophyton erinacei and Trichophyton verrucosum; Mycoplasma genitalium; Microsporum species, including M.audouini, M.ferrugineum, M.canis, M.nanum, M.distortum, M.gypseum, M.fulvum, etc.

[0028] As used herein, the term "protozoa" shall mean any member of a diverse group of eukaryotic organisms, which are primarily unicellular, exist alone or aggregate into colonies, are generally non-photosynthetic, and are often further classified into phyla based on their ability and mode of movement (e.g., by pseudopodia, flagella, or cilia). Exemplary protozoa include, but are not limited to, Plasmodium species, including Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, and Plasmodium malariae; Leishmania species, including Leishmania major, Leishmania tropicalis, Leishmania donovani, Leishmania infantum, Leishmania chagasi, Leishmania mexicana, Leishmania panama, Leishmania braziliensis, and Leishmania guianaensis; Cryptosporidium, Isospora belli, Toxoplasma, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Cyclospora species.

[0029] As used herein, the term "article" means any solid object or object that may be susceptible to contamination by pathogens. As used herein, the term "substantially enclosed space" means a room, tent, building, or any man-made structure that is substantially enclosed and may be susceptible to contamination by pathogens. The term "substantially enclosed space" is not limited to man-made structures (e.g., caves or natural tunnels are also substantially enclosed spaces), but the embodiments shown herein may preferably be directed to the decontamination of such structures.

[0030] As used herein, the term "sensor" may refer to any type of sensor suitable for detecting contamination on a device, on a surface, or within a substantially enclosed space. Examples of sensors include, but are not limited to, photoelectric sensors, voltaic sensors, weight sensors, humidity sensors, pressure sensors, or any type of biosensor.

[0031] As used herein, "enclosed space" refers to any chamber, container, or space that can be decontaminated using the system of the present disclosure. Examples of enclosed spaces include, but are not limited to, any chamber used daily in conducting highly controlled research projects / spaces, sanitary rooms (such as gynoprobe cabinets), biosafety cabinets, glove boxes, research hoods, and clinical spaces.

[0032] As used herein, a "computer" may be a general-purpose computer or a special-purpose device constructed to perform one or more specific purposes.

[0033] As used herein, an "applicator" may be any form of device that can perform a decontamination process. In certain embodiments, the applicator applies the decontamination process by spraying atomization to a substantially enclosed space.

[0034] One aspect of the present application relates to a multi-configuration system for decontamination, comprising: one or more sensors, one or more applicators, and a system controller, wherein when the one or more sensors detect the presence of microorganisms, the system controller commands the one or more applicators to initiate a decontamination process.

[0035] One aspect of the present application relates to a multi-configuration system for decontamination, comprising: a general purpose computer; a sensor package; one or more control boards; one or more applicators; and an operator device; wherein the general purpose computer is networked to the sensor package through one or more control boards, wherein the sensor package can detect the presence of microorganisms; and the sensor package is networked to one or more applicators, wherein the applicators can apply a decontamination process to remove microorganisms; and the operator device is networked to the general purpose computer via an application programming interface (API) gateway, wherein the operator device displays a network interface to an operator; and the API gateway provides access to a system controller. In a specific embodiment, the system controller includes a set of subsystems, wherein the set of subsystems is linked to the system controller via a bidirectional interface; and the set of subsystems includes: an alarm subsystem, wherein when the sensor package detects the presence of microorganisms, the alarm subsystem then alerts the operator through a display on the network interface; and a device driver subsystem, wherein the device driver subsystem is networked to the sensor package and the applicator via a unidirectional interface.

[0036] In certain embodiments, the system is manually controlled by one or more individuals via an operator device. In other embodiments, the system is event-driven controlled by a system controller, wherein the system controller receives an alarm that there is a pathogen in the environment. In a specific embodiment, the system is remotely controlled by one or more individuals via an operator device. In other embodiments, when receiving an instruction from the system controller via a device driver subsystem, the applicator starts a decontamination cycle. In a specific embodiment, the group of subsystems also includes an event subsystem. In a specific embodiment, the group of subsystems also includes a reporting subsystem. In a specific embodiment, the group of subsystems also includes a configuration subsystem. In a specific embodiment, the group of subsystems also includes a software development kit. In a specific embodiment, the sensor package includes one or more control boards that are linked to the sensor and are linked to a general-purpose computer. In a specific embodiment, the sensor is selected from one or more of the groups including a photoelectric sensor, a voltaic sensor, a weight sensor, a humidity sensor and a pressure sensor. In a specific embodiment, a general-purpose computer includes a single computer control board.

[0037] Another aspect of the present application relates to a non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium comprising instructions for decontaminating a substantially enclosed space, including a routine of setup instructions for causing a multi-configuration system for decontamination to perform the following steps: detecting the presence of microorganisms in the substantially enclosed space, wherein the presence of the microorganisms is sensed by one or more sensors present in the substantially enclosed space; alerting a system controller of the presence of microorganisms in the substantially enclosed space, wherein the system controller is networked to the one or more sensors; notifying an operator device of the presence of microorganisms in the substantially enclosed space, wherein the operator device is networked to the system controller; initiating a decontamination process to eliminate the presence of microorganisms in the substantially enclosed space, wherein the decontamination process is applied by one or more applicators networked to the system controller, and further wherein the one or more applicators are present in the substantially enclosed space; and further wherein the system controller initiates the decontamination process for the one or more applicators following a step of commanding an event subsystem to initiate the decontamination process, wherein the event subsystem is a non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium comprising a set of instructions for causing one or more applicators to initiate the decontamination process after one or more sensors have detected the presence of specific microorganisms.

[0038] Another aspect of the present application relates to a method for controlling decontamination of a substantially enclosed space, comprising: detecting the presence of microorganisms in the substantially enclosed space, wherein the presence of the microorganisms is sensed by one or more sensors present in the substantially enclosed space; alerting a system controller of the presence of the microorganisms in the substantially enclosed space, wherein the system controller is networked to the one or more sensors; notifying an operator device of the presence of the microorganisms in the substantially enclosed space, wherein the operator device is networked to the system controller; initiating a decontamination process to eliminate the presence of the microorganisms in the substantially enclosed space, wherein the decontamination process is applied by one or more applicators networked to the system controller, and further wherein the one or more applicators are present in the substantially enclosed space; and further wherein the system controller initiates the decontamination process for the one or more applicators after: (1) a command to initiate the decontamination process from an operator device; or (2) a command to initiate the decontamination process by an event subsystem, wherein the event subsystem is a non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium including instructions for decontaminating the substantially enclosed space.

[0039] System Architecture

[0040] One aspect of the present application is a multi-configuration spray atomization decontamination control system. The control system is a multi-component application that controls hardware. The control system utilizes multiple application subsystems to provide capabilities. The control system is designed for local and remote operation and uses a small application runtime controlled by a front-end web experience.

[0041] The control system is designed to run standalone or connected to a network. Control system connectivity is facilitated using IP connectivity via wireless (Wi-Fi / Bluetooth) or wired connections. The IP address can be configured at the operating system level via a browser interface. Control system operations are governed by application runtimes, system controllers, and web service layers. Components of the system may include: mobile and web application frameworks; input / output (I / O) Internet of Things (IoT) boards; user authentication and identity management; high-speed web servers; high-speed Java script web runtimes; node package managers; and general-purpose operating systems (e.g., Linux, etc.).

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, the computer system includes a memory, a processor and optionally an auxiliary storage device. In some embodiments, the computer system includes multiple processors and is configured as multiple, for example, blade servers or other known server configurations. In a specific embodiment, the computer system also includes an input device, a display device and an output device. In some embodiments, the memory includes a RAM or a similar type of memory. In a specific embodiment, the memory stores one or more applications for the processor to execute. In some embodiments, the auxiliary storage device includes a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive, a CD-ROM or a DVD drive, or other types of non-volatile data storage. In a specific embodiment, the processor executes an application stored in the memory or auxiliary storage or received from the Internet or other networks. In some embodiments, the processing of the processor can be implemented in software (such as a software module) for a computer or other machine to execute. These applications preferably include executable instructions for executing the functions and methods described herein. The application preferably provides a GUI, and the user can view the application and interact with it through the GUI. In other embodiments, the system includes remote access to control and / or view the system.

[0043] The control system is a computer-implemented control system that can provide decontamination processes to rooms and other areas using a variety of applicators. Figure 1 An embodiment of the architecture of the system components and their relationships is shown. In this embodiment, the control system utilizes a general purpose computer. The control system is operated by a general purpose computer. General purpose computers do not require specialized hardware and provide maximum flexibility in programming languages, development environments, and software and accessory support. In addition, general purpose computers provide reliable I / O, an easily installable operating environment, and minimal cost.

[0044] The general purpose computer is docked with sensors, event signals and decontamination solution applicators via multiple control panels. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill that the number of applicators is not limited in the system. In one embodiment, the system uses up to 20 applicators. However, other embodiments may use up to five applicators, up to ten applicators, up to fifteen applicators, up to thirty applicators, up to forty applicators, up to fifty applicators, up to one hundred applicators, etc. The number of applicators used ultimately depends on the scale of the required decontamination project, for example, a decontamination system assembled to a large multi-storey office building may have multiple applicators on each floor. The control system herein supports all configurations, and supports individual manual operation, event-driven control and remote control operations. In a preferred embodiment, the applicator uses binary ionization technology to carry out decontamination, which uses high voltage current to ionize hydrogen peroxide to decontaminate the area. Applicators are available as portable units for decontaminating surfaces that use a handheld applicator; ambient units that are transportable devices housed in an enclosure; and fixed units that are centrally mounted and controlled in a substantially enclosed space (e.g., inside an office building or laboratory).

[0045] The general purpose computer is networked to the operator device and the local administrator workstation. The operation of the control system can be controlled using any operator device with a suitable web browser. In certain embodiments, the operator device can be physically integrated with the general purpose computer (2). In other embodiments, the operator device can be remotely linked to the general purpose computer via a wireless network connection. In a specific embodiment, the control system is designed to be remotely operated via its web application. The application software is designed to be extensible by displaying a software development kit (SDK), which can be used to build enhanced applications without the need to redeploy the software. The SDK provides the ability to access the control system using a representational state transfer (RESTful) web service to support remote and customized applications.

[0046] In some embodiments, the local administrator workstation is directly networked to the general-purpose computer via a suitable cable. In other embodiments, the local administrator workstation can be remotely linked to the general-purpose computer. In a specific embodiment, the local administrator workstation may not be included, or in an alternative embodiment, an operator device may be used as a local administrator workstation. The general-purpose computer is also connected to a third-party administrator workstation via an Internet connection, and the third-party administrator workstation can be used by a third party responsible for maintaining the control system and supervising any decontamination operation. In certain embodiments, the third-party administrator workstation is not included, or in an alternative embodiment, the third-party administrator workstation is an operator device. The general-purpose computer is also connected to an inventory server, an analysis server, and an application server via an Internet connection.

[0047] In one embodiment, the control system runs on a single-board general-purpose computer with embedded RAM, I / O, and a chipset. In a specific embodiment, the general-purpose computer consists of a single board that can be easily installed in a container.

[0048] The control system is docked with multiple sensors, switches and event-driven mechanisms. In one embodiment, the computer hardware design combines the control board of the sensor package. The applicator is connected to a general-purpose computer through the sensor package. The sensor package is controlled using a ready-made control board, which has multiple general-purpose I / O ports (GPIO) that can be used for docking with multiple devices. The board is designed to support the Internet of Things (IoT) and easy flash custom software or can be controlled externally. The control board is docked with the control system via USB and controlled using a dedicated serial driver loaded by the operating system. The control board is programmable so that it can be easily configured to support data from flow meters, temperature, humidity, illuminance and most of any conceivable sensors that provide voltage, pulse, frequency, digital or current output. It can also provide digital and analog outputs, and PWM (pulse width modulation) outputs to control various types of actuators (for example, spray is applied to a space or article for decontamination decontamination device) and devices. In order to support the connection with a general-purpose computer, a small application runs on the control board and manages low-level interfaces and any required data standardization. The application makes a series of commands that will be executed by the USB connection of the main system controller available for use. These commands will provide for maintenance testing of sensors and actuators, reading of sensor data, and control of output actuators. Interface printed circuit boards (PCBs) will be added as needed, which simplify the connection between the control board and the control system flow meter and applicator hardware and any additional temperature or humidity sensors.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, the control system runs on an Ubuntu Linux operating system (e.g., open source software). Ubuntu is used for desktops, server hardware, and embedded systems. Ubuntu is not a real-time operating system, but is capable of measuring short time slices and is highly responsive. Ubuntu is strengthened by activating its installed firewall ufw and closing all unnecessary ports.

[0050] In certain embodiments, secure shell (SSH) access is the primary means of directly accessing a computer and is primarily used to install and deploy and upgrade various software components such as operating systems. Certain configuration settings can be set at the operating system level. These settings typically include date and time and management authentication (LDAP). In certain embodiments, automatic time synchronization and send mail configuration are the only two settings that are recommended to be set at the operating system level.

[0051] Data normalization and filtering can also be performed on this module, providing clean sensor data to the system's main controller. The platform can be interfaced to a computer system or board via a standard USB interface. This interface appears to the host controller as a virtual serial port (COM port). The virtual serial port makes it very simple to issue commands between the computer and the underlying hardware at the software level. Commands and responses are transmitted between the computer driver and the hardware as ASCII text. Almost all modern languages ​​and runtimes support the transmission of ASCII text over COM ports.

[0052] End-user implementation process

[0053] Control system software follows a layered architectural approach. Applications, interfaces, and their services are built on supporting components and frameworks that provide abstractions from lower-level functionality. This approach provides the greatest degree of flexibility for deploying updated software and installing new components. This is possible because the abstraction layers allow the implementation of supporting services and subsystems to change without requiring updates between layers unless absolutely necessary.

[0054] Figure 2 An implementation scheme of a layered architecture is shown. The architecture consists of six layers. The first layer, which the user will interface with, contains six subsystems, including alarms, configurations, devices, events, reports, and software development kits. The second layer is the system controller, which is a general-purpose computer. The third layer is the application programming interface (API) gateway, through which the general-purpose computer is networked to other components of the system. The fourth layer is the web application, through which network communications within the system are carried out. The fifth layer is the application runtime, which executes instructions conveyed within the system. The sixth layer is the coding language.

[0055] The system controller provides an abstraction layer between the control system features and functionality and the application. The system controller controls the system. The system controller is designed as a mid-level component that carries memory and accepts commands from internal and external systems. The system controller does maintain the state and the dominant system configuration. The system controller operates in its own process space and executes as a fault-tolerant automatic service. The system controller is configured to be automatically enabled and will automatically start when the computer is turned on. The system controller dominates the startup and shutdown operations of the control system. The system controller interfaces with multiple subsystems to dominate the control system operation. The interface with the subsystem is limited because the system controller cannot directly access the underlying low-level hardware, reporting, configuration or other subsystem implementations. These abstraction layers provide a flexible architecture that enables users to switch hardware or change the implementation of any subsystem without making major (or any) changes to the operation of the system controller or the control system. As described, the system controller itself provides an abstraction for the API gateway and web server components, making it upgradeable or changeable without major rework or changes to other components.

[0056] The web server component serves a web application that serves as a command and control system for the control system.An operator has a username and password and logs into the control system to make configuration settings, start applicator runs and download reports and logs.

[0057] In general, all application specific configuration parameters and access to features will be made available via the web application. This includes the ability to specify event distribution, time and timer based operations, report generation configuration and room / applicator properties and user access. Configuration parameters and layout will be determined in the web application user interface design and style guide document.

[0058] Figure 3An exemplary embodiment of the final user interface and the administrator interface is shown. The interface will accommodate polling and reporting to the main system controller based on interruptions or exceptions. Initially, a login screen will be presented to require the user's credentials to enter the system home page. The option of starting a decontamination cycle will be given. Control and setup options allow adjustment of program configuration, calibration, filling, control and setup parameters. Program configuration allows program selection, room size adjustment, spray cycle settings, RABS and LAF settings, time countdown and H2O2 sensor reading set point. Room description allows artificial description of each room to be decontaminated. Calibration allows dosage verification and fluid flow rate calibration for each applicator. The filling of the applicator allows the option of filling the applicator at high speed or normal speed. Security issues can be enabled or disabled and text can be modified. Manual control of the pump and valve for each applicator is provided. Flow meter control allows flow meter selection at the gear pump or applicator respectively. The system settings enable or disable features and allow date / time adjustment. The parameters of the abort set point can be set to allow tolerance of fault generation. User management allows new users, user level settings and passwords.

[0059] Once the Start Cycle button is pressed, the scenario must be selected to run. If the feature is enabled in the setup, a description and permission questions will need to be selected. Once all permissions have been met, the Start Cycle button will appear. Once started, the Run screen will display all cycle information. The Report screen will display report information about the progress of each cycle after the end of the cycle (whether successful or failed).

[0060] The system will monitor the supply of decontamination solution via the decontamination solution indicator. If the decontamination solution tank requires more fluid, a "Low Tank Level" message will appear in yellow on the Login Screen and the Home Screen. If the decontamination solution shortage is not resolved, a "Tank Not Filled" message will appear in red. To clear the message, the user must select "Pump Control" on the Controls and Settings menu and activate the fluid pump until the "High Level Status" indicator turns green. (The decontamination solution volume shortage should be resolved to prevent a recurrence).

[0061] In some embodiments, the hardware interface commands may include commanding a self-test of all connected sensors to respond with a pass or fail; a calibration process for all sensors; a readback display of the current sensor value for each sensor; setting the sampling rate for each sensor; setting the scaling parameters for each sensor; a self-test of all connected actuators; controlling the calibration process for the actuators; setting the output rate of change of the actuators; powering on the actuators; disconnecting the actuators; setting all parameters to recommended default values; and clearing all settings.

[0062] Computer-implemented process

[0063] One aspect of the present application is a control system, which is a software application that controls hardware. Therefore, the software must be portable, highly responsive, and react to external signals and events. The control system software is constructed to occupy a very small footprint and use a simplified design consisting of an application runtime and multiple systems that support control system features.

[0064] Figure 4 An embodiment of a high-level computer system architecture is shown. The application runtime consists of three main services. An API gateway for standardized access control system control and configuration, a low-level system controller, and a web server that provides remote access to users. Both the API gateway and web server services utilize the system controller to make configuration modifications, calibrate sensors, and control the system. The application runtime uses many services to perform its work. Each service is designed to be fault-tolerant in that it will automatically restart after a failure and is configured to automatically start at boot time.

[0065] The API gateway is used as an application endpoint for all internal and external systems that configure and control the decontamination control system. The API gateway is a running service installed on a computer and accessible via an IP address and port number. Internal applications and systems will reference the API gateway in the same way as external services, with the exception that all internal communications will be connected via the local host. The API gateway can be started and stopped independently, thereby providing the ability to update its software. The API gateway is stateless, which means that it accepts incoming requests and processes the incoming requests without saving any local data. It displays several RESTful services that map to configuration and control functions as outlined by the feature set. The API gateway provides a cost-effective platform that provides the ability to expand the system without a lot of redesign. The main means of communicating with a general-purpose computer is to use its API gateway. The API gateway will display many endpoints for configuration and monitoring and data capture. For any application that needs to deliver data asynchronously from the control system, two-way communication will be facilitated via a network hook.

[0066] Figure 5 An embodiment of the application runtime organization diagram is shown. Users are linked to the system controller and subsystems by the web server through the API gateway. The API gateway also provides network links to web applications and other servers.

[0067] In addition, also in Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the subsystems as alarm, configuration, device, event, report and software development kit are also part of the application database on the general purpose computer.In addition, the subsystem is connected to the sensor pipeline via the driver interface, and the sensor pipeline is linked to the applicator and the sensor kit.

[0068] A subsystem in this context is a collection of lowest-level executable components that directly access hardware features and functionality. Each subsystem is designed for a major grouping of features in the environment.

[0069] In one embodiment, the general subsystem design includes two interfaces per subsystem. One interface provides a high-level abstraction best suited for applications and high-level programs; this interface links the system controller to the subsystem. This interface is bidirectional in nature, meaning that the subsystem accepts and executes functions. The second interface is a low-level unidirectional interface that is specifically used to communicate with the underlying hardware or provide low-level functionality.

[0070] Subsystems are intentionally designed as autonomous components. This provides the ability to make software changes to specific subsystems and patch individual subsystems into the solution without making overall changes to the solution.

[0071] Alarm subsystem

[0072] The alarm subsystem is used to process all outbound messages from the control system.

[0073] Alerts are implemented as messages with a recipient address, a sender address, and a body consisting of UTF-8 text. Alerts can include simple text, email messages to specified recipients or lists, and notifications within application services and other subsystems.

[0074] Email notifications require a specific email address and SMTP configuration. The operator will use the configuration application accessible through a web browser to set the SMTP parameters including the email address and username and password credentials. Emails can be delivered using the built-in Send Mail application or programmatically using Javax or NodeJS libraries.

[0075] Subsystems and internal services take advantage of the alert subsystem by registering themselves as publishers and declaring the message type and delivery mechanism. Internal services can register for alerts by registering themselves as observers for subsystem-specific messages. The common producer / consumer design pattern is used to automatically distribute messages to interested parties.

[0076] External systems that require alerts also utilize the alerting subsystem. They use the same mechanism to register themselves as message recipients, except that external services use the API Gateway's RESTful service interface. External services must provision webhooks that can be called by the alerting subsystem. This means that external services are technically both consumers and producers.

[0077] In certain embodiments, external alert systems including SMS are not supported but may be implemented using RESTful web services or other means.

[0078] The producer / consumer model used in the alarm subsystem is designed in a generic way so that it can be reused in other control system components that require a registration and publishing framework.

[0079] Configuring Subsystems

[0080] The configuration subsystem is a command processor used to store and modify configuration values ​​in the system.

[0081] The configuration subsystem uses an embedded database to store its values. A runtime database that runs in its own thread and process space is avoided. A separate runtime database increases installation and deployment complexity. Most file-based embedded databases can handle gigabytes of data and millions of records, which is well suited for control systems. In addition, an embedded database provides a simpler method for backup and recovery.

[0082] In most cases, configuration parameters will be stored as key-value pairs. In certain cases, configuration parameters can be stored as objects. In some cases, configuration is stored as JSON or XML, and these values ​​will be stored in the same database as BLOB and TEXT values.

[0083] The configuration database maintains application and schema version strings that are used to verify that the control system's application version matches the database version. At application startup, the version strings are checked and compared for equality. Version mismatches can cause unpredictable behavior and software crashes because components attempt to read data values ​​of unrecognized types and formats.

[0084] The configuration subsystem is designed in a functional way. Every system component, service, and subsystem is aware of its configuration. The configuration subsystem provides a simple set of methods with many overrides that accept configuration parameter names and their values. The method overrides accept additional parameters that may include type information and other metadata parameters required to store the parameters correctly.

[0085] Use the reporting subsystem to write configuration changes made in the system into an audit log. The audit log must contain the configuration setting, the operator who made the configuration change, and the date / time stamp of the configuration setting change.

[0086] The control system has the ability to store configuration profiles. A configuration profile represents a set of configuration settings covering the applicator arrangement, the volume of ionized hydrogen peroxide (iHP) to be dispensed, the number of applicators to be activated, and the name of the location where the applicator run is being performed.

[0087] Configuration description files are stored using a browser interface and can be saved and loaded as needed by the system operator. The configuration subsystem provides remote configuration and calibration access via browser access when the unit is connected to the internet (6), and by exposing functionality via an API gateway.

[0088] Device Driver Subsystem

[0089] The device subsystem manages the multiple devices and sensors used by the control system. The device driver subsystem provides operational control and access to the control system's sensor suite and connected applicators.

[0090] Application services and subsystems cannot directly access the underlying hardware that controls the system. The device driver subsystem is designed for single-threaded access and uses a functional command mode of operation. The device driver subsystem abstracts objects that represent hardware devices and the drivers required to control the devices.

[0091] Similar to other subsystems, the driver interface exposes function calls to higher level software components. These functions are named according to the operations they perform on the lower level hardware. This abstraction is implemented using a low level command set that sends serial commands to the control board hardware over the USB interface. The command set is the actual driver used to control and measure applicator operations, monitor sensors, and call readings on RFID readers.

[0092] The command set provides pin / output operations, where the voltage value of a specific PIN on the control board can be read and supplied back to a higher-level calling function. The control system is connected to multiple control boards, which provide general I / O. The control board provides the ability to read input voltages from multiple pins. The device subsystem will provide the ability to assign one or more I / O pins to specific transmission directions and application requirements. For example, Pin0 can be used for flow meter control and measurement, where Pin 16 is used to receive input signals from a SCADA device. The device subsystem will display a variety of functions that assign I / O operations to specific pin numbers on the control board. This provides a higher-level application abstraction that can perform device-specific operations without knowing how to communicate with the underlying hardware. The input read voltage is used to determine the flow meter volume. In one embodiment, the input voltage is read between 0 and 5 volts. The input read voltage is used to read events from a proximity sensor. When a proximity sensor is selected in the sensor suite, these values ​​will be determined.

[0093] The device subsystem manages the communication between the control system software and its underlying hardware resources (applicators, drivers, sensors, etc.) Since the device subsystem handles the instruction sets of multiple discrete sensor devices, this constitutes the device data pipeline.

[0094] Figure 6 The device driver subsystem event state change design is shown. The subsystem management component (device manager) provides the means to add, enable, disable, and remove devices. A device can cover any piece of hardware that can communicate, including an applicator. The device manager supports monitoring multiple devices in the pipeline through the functions it exposes.

[0095] The subsystem uses the capabilities provided by the Alarm and Event subsystem to provide the ability to notify higher level components and services when a sensor or other hardware device (e.g., an applicator) experiences a change in state. The Observer pattern implementation of the Alarm and Event subsystem provides this notification capability.

[0096] Event Subsystem

[0097] The event subsystem supports receiving software and hardware events from multiple sources.

[0098] In a specific embodiment, the event subsystem reuses the registration and publishing design of the alarm subsystem, and adjusts the object model and execution components for the event subsystem. The internal components and external software interfaces reuse mechanisms similar to those designed for the alarm subsystem. The event subsystem handles events that can come from hardware and software, and distributes the events to related subsystems and components to take action.

[0099] Most hardware events originate from the control board hardware, from the applicator code, or from one or more sensors attached to the control board hardware. In addition, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and other external devices can be connected to the control system using one of the available digital or analog pins available on the control board hardware. The system configuration provides the ability to identify which PIN a hardware device is connected to and to read the required voltage requirements from the PIN.

[0100] Hardware event detection will be done using a configurable polling method that will check the values ​​on multiple I / O pins. When a state change occurs, a producer / consumer mechanism will be used to notify any services or components that registered for a specific hardware event change. External services and applications must register a RESTful webhook that the control system can call to receive hardware event notifications.

[0101] The event subsystem is also responsible for responding to any shutdown events. Shutdown events may occur internally, due to unrecoverable faults or errors, operator-initiated shutdowns via the browser or API, or due to hardware events such as an emergency button press or a relay closure. The event subsystem processes shutdown events like all other events. After the event has been processed, the event subsystem distributes the event to the system controller, which is used to terminate the control system gracefully or forcefully.

[0102] The event subsystem provides the ability to optionally send alerts upon specific events. Some use cases may require alerts to be sent at the start and end of an applicator run. The operator can configure the control system via a browser-based configuration panel to send alerts to specific recipients via email when an event is triggered.

[0103] Reporting Subsystem

[0104] The reporting subsystem is the primary controller for serializing the data generated by the control system. In addition, the reporting subsystem is used to generate multiple logs including system and audit logs.

[0105] The reporting subsystem uses an embedded database to store analysis and execution data. The database used to store analysis can be the same database used to store configuration parameters. Additional analysis items can be added as system requirements change. All analysis values ​​will be stored using key-value pairs when appropriate and object storage when necessary. After the applicator run is completed, the analysis data should not be changed and is marked as read-only.

[0106] Applicator operational analysis is readily retrievable and can be used to generate reports. The reporting subsystem provides the ability to export applicator operational analysis in PDF format. PDF reports will be presented so that they are tamper-proof to meet pharmaceutical guidelines. The reporting subsystem exposes access to analytical data via an API gateway. This enables the system to deliver analytical information via the cloud by retrieving data from a control system unit connected to the internet.

[0107] The reporting subsystem exposes functionality for generating multiple logs through the logger. Standardized logging packages are used to generate logs for the entire system (log4j, Winstone, etc.). In a specific embodiment, the control system will write three logs: a system log that tracks system events and notifications for the entire system and an audit log that tracks user-driven events and configuration changes, as well as an execution log that tracks applicator operations and operation analysis. The logs are retrieved via a browser interface and can be downloaded as a text file for later review.

[0108] The logger must write the following to any configured logs:

[0109] ●Date / time of the log message

[0110] Log text

[0111] Subsystem

[0112] ●Log level (debug, error, info, warning)

[0113] Software Development Kit (SDK)

[0114] The SDK (Software Development Kit) provides technically advanced users with the ability to build applications on top of the control system. The SDK is designed for building applications on top of the publicly available services exposed by the control system. The user will decide which services are publicly available and which other services are reserved. The reserved application services are critical to the reliable operation of the control system and may cause unpredictable behavior if modified by the end user. A possible reserved service may be calibration functionality for specific hardware. The user may determine that the end user should not have the ability to calibrate the hardware and that this functionality should be reserved for user support technicians. Access to the SDK will be facilitated by again using the API Gateway platform.

[0115] Security

[0116] Operator security is governed by username and password access to the browser application. The web application uses role-based access control (RBAC) to limit access to protected configuration settings and control specific behaviors in the system. Roles and configuration settings and behaviors will be determined by the user.

[0117] Connection security is achieved by using an SSL certificate that encrypts communications between the web server and the browser. NGINX makes it easy to install SSL certificates, providing the ability to protect browser communications. The SSL certificate must be installed by SSHing into the machine and securely copying the certificate in the NGINX certificate store.

[0118] The API key will govern external access to the API Gateway. An API key is a unique value generated for a software program to communicate with a web resource. Secure access to the control system will be achieved using the API key, and a new API key must be generated for each application that requires programmatic access to the control system.

[0119] The control system web application utilizes the same API gateway interface for communication and control. Since the web application server is a special application that is granted access rights, local security is achieved through API key and local IP address binding. SSL certificates can also be used to protect the communication channel between the web browser and the external application. SSL security will be achieved by using the native capabilities provided by the web server installed on the control system.

[0120] How to use

[0121] One aspect of the present application relates to a method for controlling decontamination of a substantially enclosed space, comprising: detecting the presence of microorganisms in the substantially enclosed space, wherein the presence of the microorganisms is sensed by one or more sensors present in the substantially enclosed space; alerting a system controller of the presence of the microorganisms in the substantially enclosed space, wherein the system controller is networked to the one or more sensors; notifying an operator device of the presence of the microorganisms in the substantially enclosed space, wherein the operator device is networked to the system controller; initiating a decontamination process to eliminate the presence of the microorganisms in the substantially enclosed space, wherein the decontamination process is applied by one or more applicators networked to the system controller, and further wherein the one or more applicators are present in the substantially enclosed space; and further wherein the system controller initiates the decontamination process for the one or more applicators after: (1) a command to initiate the decontamination process from an operator device; or (2) a command to initiate the decontamination process by an event subsystem, wherein the event subsystem is a non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium including instructions for decontaminating the substantially enclosed space.

[0122] In certain embodiments, the control system uses a general purpose computer to implement instructions for repeating a decontamination cycle of a decontamination device, the instructions comprising: sensing the presence of a pathogen in a substantially enclosed space; transmitting the presence of the pathogen to a computer database; identifying the pathogen sensed in the substantially enclosed space using the computer database; selecting a program for a decontamination cycle from the computer database based on the identity of the pathogen; transmitting the selected program to the decontamination device, wherein the decontamination device is networked to automatically follow the program; and executing the decontamination cycle according to the program.

[0123] Some examples of embodiments using the decontamination apparatus, system, or method of the present disclosure include shipping containers. For example, a shipping container may be equipped with a decontamination system that can sense the pathogen load within or on the surface of the container. The exemplary system may transmit information about the pathogen load to parties equipped to receive the data. In some embodiments, the system may print or record the data.

[0124] Other examples of embodiments using the decontamination apparatus, system or method of the present disclosure include imports, exports, travel quarantine areas or checkpoints. In some embodiments, the system includes a passage space or tunnel, a conveyor system, a moving walkway or any other suitable means for moving people or objects through the mist generated by the decontamination system.

[0125] Still other examples of embodiments using the decontamination apparatus, system or method of the present disclosure include vehicles. In some embodiments, the vehicle is a car, truck, bus, train, airplane, or any other form of transportation dedicated to transporting goods or passengers. In other embodiments, the vehicle is an autonomous vehicle.

[0126] Still other examples of embodiments using the decontamination apparatus, systems, or methods of the present disclosure include space travel, space isolation, or structures that do not exist on Earth.

[0127] Some examples of embodiments using the decontamination devices, systems or methods of the present disclosure include food processing / production systems. In some embodiments, the system includes a sensor (such as a photodetector) to activate the device. In some embodiments, the system includes a sensor for detecting pathogen load.

[0128] Still other examples of embodiments using the decontamination apparatus, system, or method disclosed herein include a self-guided robot wirelessly networked with a custom engineering system. For example, a self-guided robot equipped with a decontamination system can move around a space or facility, detecting contamination via a single or multiple sensors of the same or different types in response to a position received from the custom engineering system. A self-guided robot equipped with a decontamination system and networked with a custom engineering system can treat a contaminated surface or space until the bioburden in the target area is reduced.

[0129] Still other examples of embodiments using the decontamination apparatus, systems, or methods of the present disclosure include emergency biocontamination rapid deployment chambers.

[0130] Other examples of embodiments using the decontamination device, system or method of the present disclosure include farms, ranches, livestock facilities or slaughterhouses. As non-limiting examples, the decontamination device or system may be installed in a poultry facility (such as a chicken house) or a dairy collection facility.

[0131] Still other examples of embodiments using the contamination removal apparatus, systems, or methods of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, a gym, studio, training facility, or bathroom.

[0132] Other examples of embodiments using the decontamination apparatus, system or method of the present disclosure include buildings having a decontamination system integrated into the building system so as to decontaminate the entire building or specific areas of the building. In some embodiments, the system is integrated into a new construction. In other embodiments, the system is integrated into the automation or ventilation system of an existing building. In some embodiments, the decontamination system or apparatus of the present disclosure is programmable or automated.

[0133] The present application is further illustrated by the following examples, which should not be construed as limiting.The contents of all references, patents and published patent applications cited throughout this application and the figures and tables are incorporated herein by reference.

[0134] Example

[0135] Example 1

[0136] Computer Hardware

[0137] The following is an example implementation of computer specifications:

[0138]

[0139] Sensor interface

[0140] In an exemplary embodiment, an Arduino MEGA 2560 microcontroller platform is used to interface the control system (1) applicator (3) hardware with a computer having the following specifications:

[0141]

[0142] The SteraMist CES is a fully automated decontamination system that utilizes a facility's existing HVAC system. This involves installing remote SteraMist BIT applicators within designated spaces to achieve maximum results. To accomplish this, wiring will be installed throughout, which will deliver air, solution, and power to each SteraMist BIT applicator. The SteraMist BIT generator and programmable logic control (PLC) will be housed in a centrally located NEMA enclosure.

[0143] This custom engineered system is built for ease of use. Once installed, a service technician will determine the ideal specifications for maximum effectiveness. This will be programmed into the PLC and will interface with the building's HVAC system to achieve room isolation and ventilation. Programming will allow multiple cycles to be retained. When multiple pods fail, programming will also allow cycles to continue and redirect remaining doses to remaining applicators instead of shutting down. The entire system can be developed for multiple rooms and various specifications; and remotely controlled through an HMI interface.

[0144] Once an area has reached its designated disinfection / decontamination standard, the integrated Drager monitoring system tests the air at required intervals until the H2O2 concentration is below 1ppm. The status of the cycle is monitored via a remote indicator and can be integrated into a SCADA monitoring system.

[0145] General Specifications:

[0146] Ceiling Mounted Applicator:

[0147] Mounting box and cover are constructed of 14-gauge stainless steel.

[0148] The mounting box will have bulkhead fittings and glands pre-cut and installed.

[0149] The applicator cover is equipped with a warning buzzer.

[0150] Applicator Clean Dry Air (CDA) is 2 SCFM per applicator at 90-100 psi and is provided by the customer.

[0151] Each applicator box may include three (3) different colored alarm status lights (red / warning, yellow / fill, stay, vent, and green / all clear to enter space and flashing red / fault alarm).

[0152] Standardized SS mounting box for fixed or oscillating configurations. Box dimensions are 11"W x 9"W x 6"D with a 1.5"W lip around the entire box opening.

[0153] Ceiling mounted back boxes will have pre-cut and installed bulkhead fittings and glands to make installation easier.

[0154] The ceiling mounted back box can be installed up to a maximum distance of 100 feet (30m) from the control cabinet, with an overall height variation of no more than 12-15 feet.

[0155] The applicator cover has dimensions measuring 14.5"L x 12.5"W x .875"D and can optionally be equipped with an audible buzzer and colored lights (red, yellow, green standard).

[0156] The optional oscillating applicator function is accomplished via a direct drive stepper motor and is adjustable in oscillation speed and angle via controls on the HMI.

[0157] control Panel:

[0158] Encapsulates fluid systems, air systems and electronic controls.

[0159] The panel consists of a single shell.

[0160] The control cabinet compressed air supply will be supplied by the facility (CDA at 100 psi, 4 SCFM min).

[0161] The HMI screen included in the following depictions and references is a 15", but HMI screen size options also include 7", 9", 12", and 19".

[0162] An emergency stop button is arranged inside the decontamination chamber for emergency termination of any sequence.

[0163] The emergency stop button is depicted in the image below at the bottom of the HMI screen.

[0164] Fluid Pumping and Filling Panels:

[0165] The wall mount enclosure has dimensions measuring 24"H x 24"W x 12"D.

[0166] The pump station can utilize a 55 or 10 gallon drum with a suction tube assembly.

[0167] The spill containment structure allows for the containment of up to 60 gallons of BIT solution during a spill, and the customer can install a local drain and hose at a location of their choice.

[0168] The pumping control signals a low fluid indication to the control panel.

[0169] The station will not have fluid calibration capabilities.

[0170] RFID Capability for BIT Solution Containers

[0171] Available remote pump station capability allows the main control cabinet to be located separately from the BIT solution.

[0172] All applicator fill return lines will be plumbed to return the BIT solution to the drum.

[0173] The BIT solution container will sit on a scale that will accurately measure the solution consumed, aiding in dosing accuracy and tracking the solution used in each spray cycle.

[0174] Customer-programmed HMI has the following capabilities:

[0175] Up to 20 individual user IDs are password protected. IDs can be set and changed via Manage Users.

[0176] Dual "dry contact" I / O for interfacing with HVAC systems and door interlock controls (2 inputs and 2 outputs). Adjustable dwell time settings for HVAC control. Built-in logic for door interlock sequencing and cross contamination prevention.

[0177] Ability to start and stop cycles based on "clock time" as well as manual start / stop.

[0178] PDF reports of each cycle are pushed to a USB stick, network location or emailed directly from the system itself.

[0179] Fault monitoring includes fluid flow, air flow and arc detection.

[0180] The maximum distance the fluid filling slide should extend to the control panel is 328 feet, which is the combined rise and extension length, and the rise should not exceed 20 feet.

[0181] The maximum distance the control panel should extend from the applicator is 98 feet, which combines rise and extension, and the rise shall not exceed 10 feet.

[0182] Drager monitors should be located on the clean side to monitor PPM levels from the HMI with remote sensors mounted into the exhaust duct. If there are separate exhausts for the three zones being sanitized, three monitors will be required, one for each duct. Drager monitors have remote mounted duct sensors (overall depends on HVAC system design)

[0183] Customer provides 120VAC with 20amp circuit breaker at source, final connection will be provided by other party. Company will provide airtight damper.

[0184] Standard System Performance and Installation Specifications

[0185] Practical requirements:

[0186] 120VAC, 15 amp.

[0187] Clean dry air, 2 SCFM @ 90-100 psi (per applicator).

[0188] 25mL / min fluid flow rate.

[0189] 30 psi applicator regulated air.

[0190] 1 / 4" OD polyethylene tubing lines for fluid and air supply connect the control panel and applicator, and the applicator fluid return line connects to the pump cabinet.

[0191] The maximum distance between air and fluid supply lines and the control cabinet should not exceed 100 feet (30m), with a total height change of no more than 12-15 feet. (This includes the combined rise and extension lengths).

[0192] The maximum distance of the fluid return line from the control cabinet should not exceed 100 feet (30m) with a total height change of no more than 12-15 feet. (This includes the combined rise and extension lengths).

[0193] A 3 / 8" OD polyethylene tubing line connects the fluid pump cabinet to the control cabinet (for supplying BIT fluid from gallon drums to the internal control cabinet Aux. reservoir).

[0194] The maximum distance of fluid supply lines from the control cabinet must not exceed 300 feet (92m) with a total height change of no more than 20 feet. (This includes the combined rise and extension lengths).

[0195] The CAT5e cable connecting the baseline (master) control panel to the subsequent slave control panels (for applicators 5+) must not exceed 300 feet.

[0196] Additional "slave" control panels will have the same limitations as mentioned above on air / fluid supply line distances and distance of the fluid supply lines from the pump cabinet.

[0197] Each applicator will have a total of 18 wires (18 gauge, multi-color) placed between the ceiling box and the control cabinet, and 4 of the 18 wires need to be wired in separate individual cores.

[0198] The fluid pumping and filling cabinet will have a total of 7 wires (18 gauge, multi-color) and the RFID reader cable, all of which will be wired between the control cabinet and the pump cabinet.

[0199] injection:

[0200] Start of Customer Initiated Cycle - The system delays the start of the system for HVAC shutdown (manually or by a signal sent from the system).

[0201] The system monitors the amount of solution required in terms of flow rate during injection as well as the total amount delivered (if the system detects a loss of flow to any applicator, the system will malfunction - if more than one applicator is installed in the treatment area, the system can be programmed to shut down the cycle or allow the remaining applicators to continue operating until the correct amount of solution required is delivered).

[0202] The loss of air *CDA* at each applicator and at the air supply inlet was also monitored during the injection cycle.

[0203] The arc at each applicator is also monitored.

[0204] Stay:

[0205] The dwell will begin after the injection cycle (this dwell time is timed and adjustable by the customer).

[0206] During the dwell cycle, the system is in standby mode and the treatment area remains under the control of the system.

[0207] ventilation:

[0208] After the dwell, ventilation will begin. The system will signal the HVAC / exhaust system to start (if equipped).

[0209] The system will monitor the residual solution concentration in the process area exhaust (all doors remain locked until a preset safety level is reached) *if equipped* or the system can be set to release the doors at a preset time.

[0210] The loop is complete:

[0211] After a complete cycle, the system can send the information to the client server for distribution as the client deems necessary (if equipped).

[0212] After a failed cycle, the system can send information to the customer server for distribution as deemed necessary by the customer (if equipped).

[0213] Example 2

[0214] Custom Engineered Systems

[0215] The effectiveness of activated hydroxyl ions for disinfection as used herein depends on the surface area of ​​the droplets applied to the surface; that is, the smaller the droplets, the greater the surface area of ​​activated hydroxyl ions on the total cloud of droplets, and thus the more effective the disinfection method. In fact, soaking the surface for disinfection will weaken the effectiveness of activated hydroxyl ions because once the surface is soaked, the activated ions will not come into contact with the bacteria to disinfect.

[0216] Clean fluid activation to produce activated hydroxyl ions can be carried out by the passage of fluid (for example, arc current, electromagnetic field or photon energy). Fluid can be produced in the form of spray via, for example, atomization, ultrasound, pneumatic spray or mechanical pressure. However, in the method of the present application, a blower is not used to produce spray, because a blower can produce a strong large droplet flow, and the droplet flow can make the surface soaked by fluid, both of which can weaken the effect of any activated hydroxyl ions.

[0217] The method of the present application requires the generation of a very dry mist (aerosol particles of very small diameter as described herein), which carries activated hydroxyl ions through a certain space to the surface for decontamination. The activated hydroxyl ions come into contact with the pathogens and then recombine to form harmless diatomic oxygen and water (the advantage of the method herein is that no chemical residue is left on the disinfected surface). A preferred embodiment of the present application uses a cleaning fluid containing, for example, 0.3% to 9% hydrogen peroxide as a source of active substances to decontaminate articles or substantially enclosed spaces. The preferred aerosol droplets carrying activated hydroxyl ions have a diameter of 0.3-1.0 microns, and most preferably have an average diameter of 0.7 microns. Therefore, any automated system applying this method requires strict parameters to execute.

[0218] Methods and techniques more suitable for decontamination processes are discussed in U.S. Patent No. 10,391,188, which is incorporated herein by reference. Decontamination fluid mist is activated to produce activated decontamination fluid mist. Activation can produce activated substances of decontamination fluid materials in the mist, such as decontamination fluid materials in ionization, plasma or free radical states. At least a portion of the activatable substance is activated, and in some cases, some of the promoting substances (if any) are activated. In order to improve the efficiency of the decontamination process, high-yield activated substances are desired, but all or even most of the activatable substances do not need to reach the activated state. Any operable activator can be used. The activator field or beam can be electrical or photonic. Examples include AC electric field, AC arc, DC electric field, DC arc, electron beam, ion beam, microwave beam, radio frequency beam and ultraviolet beam produced by laser or other sources. The activator excites at least some activatable substances of the decontamination fluid in the decontamination fluid mist to ions, plasma or free radical states, thereby achieving "activation". These activated substances undergo redox reactions with the cell walls of microbial organisms, thereby destroying the cells or at least preventing their proliferation and growth. In the case of preferred hydrogen peroxide, at least some of the H2O2 molecules dissociate to produce hydroxyl (OH-) and monatomic oxygen (O-) ion activated substances. These activated substances remain in a dissociated state for a period of time, typically a few seconds or longer, during which they attack and destroy biological microorganisms. The activator can preferably be tuned with respect to the frequency, waveform, amplitude or other properties of the activation field or beam so that it can be optimized to achieve the maximum reorganization time for the effect on the biological microorganism. In the case of hydrogen peroxide, the dissociated activated substances recombine to form diatomic oxygen and water, i.e. harmless molecules.

[0219] An exemplary decontamination device / system of the present disclosure includes an applicator with a cold plasma arc that decomposes a hydrogen peroxide-based solution into reactive oxygen species, including hydroxyl radicals, which seek out, kill and inactivate pathogens. The activated particles produced by the applicator kill or inactivate a wide range of pathogens and are safe for sensitive equipment. In general, the decontamination device / system of the present disclosure allows an exemplary space measuring 104m2 to be effectively treated in about 75 minutes, including application time, contact time, and ventilation time. The decontamination device / system of the present disclosure is scalable and can be configured to be effective in a space / room / chamber / container of any size or volume. Scalability can be achieved by the size of the device, by manual control of the decontamination fluid, or by programming the gas pressure of the device and the resulting fluid flow rate, which varies with input space / room / chamber / container parameters.

[0220] Conventional decontamination methods are less effective in decontaminating enclosed spaces. The present application discloses that decontamination using a very dry mist containing ionized hydrogen peroxide provides unexpectedly high levels of kill rates against pathogens (which cover bacteria, fungi, protozoa or viruses), such as, for example, Candida auris, in small-scale enclosed spaces, semi-enclosed spaces, and enclosed areas (a small-scale enclosed space is an area of ​​12"x12"x12" or smaller; a semi-enclosed space is an area where a portion of the small-scale enclosed space is open to other areas; and an enclosed area is an area where no portion of the small-scale enclosed space is open to other areas).

[0221] A very dry mist is a mist in which the particles have a particle size diameter in the following ranges: about 0.1-0.2 microns, 0.1-0.3 microns, 0.1-0.4 microns, 0.1-0.5 microns, 0.1-0.6 microns, 0.1-0.7 microns, 0.1-0.8 microns, 0.1-0.9 microns, 0.1-1 microns, 1-1.1 microns, 1-1.2 microns, 1-1.3 microns, 1-1.4 microns, 1-1.5 microns, 1-1.6 microns, 1-1.7 microns, 1-1.8 microns, 1-1.9 microns, 1-2 microns, 0.5-0.6 microns, 0.5-0.7 microns, 0.5-0.8 microns, 0.5-0.9 microns, 0.5-1 micrometer, 0.5-1.1 micrometer, 0.5-1.2 micrometer, 0.5-1.3 micrometer, 0.5-1.4 micrometer, 0.5-1.6 micrometer, 0.5-1.7 micrometer, 0.5-1.8 micrometer, 0.5-1.9 micrometer, 0.5-2 micrometer, 0.5-2.1 micrometer, 0.5-2.2 micrometer, 0.5-2.3 micrometer, 0.5-2.4 micrometer, 0.5-2.5 micrometer, 0.5-2.6 micrometer, 0.5-2.7 micrometer, 0.5-2.8 micrometer, 0.5-2.9 micrometer, 0.5-3 micrometer, 0.5-3.1 micrometer, 0.5-3.2 micrometer, 0.5-3.3 micrometer, 0.5-3.4 micrometer or 0.5-3.5 micrometer. In certain embodiments, the very dry mist has particles having a size in the range of about 0.5-3 microns, preferably an average of 0.7 microns.

[0222] In certain embodiments, the custom engineering system described herein monitors the size of the aerosol droplets produced so that the aerosol droplets carrying the activated hydroxyl ions form a very dry mist as described herein. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of at least 80%, 90%, 95%, 100% of the aerosol droplet population is within the size range of 0.3-1.0 microns. In a specific embodiment, the size of the aerosol droplets is monitored by using laser scanning for the aerosol droplet size. Optical measurements can be performed with a sensor or particle detector arranged in a detection zone after the activation point of the hydroxyl ions on the aerosol droplets. The sensor can be an optical particle counter (OPC), a laser particle counter (LPC) or a condensation particle counter (CPC). OPC or LPC can detect particle sizes greater than 0.1 microns. The custom engineering system is equipped with a computer processor as described herein, which receives data on the size range of aerosol droplets carrying the activated hydroxyl ions. The custom engineering system is programmed to adjust the control parameters that govern the particle size in the very dry mist to maintain the aerosol droplet population size within a desired range.

[0223] The custom engineered system includes a programming clock and provides air pressure control and fluid flow control through the use of one or more potentiometers. The programming clock provides the ability to automate decontamination cycles in small-scale enclosed spaces. A decontamination cycle controlled by a programming clock may, for example, include a cycle of spraying a very dry mist for thirty seconds, stopping the spray for ten seconds, then restarting the spray for another thirty seconds, etc., repeating such cycles for a fixed period of time. The programming clock may be set manually by the user, or remotely controlled by the user or a computer processor wirelessly with a pre-programmed decontamination cycle transmitted to the device for deployment.

[0224] In certain embodiments, the time period during spraying can be 10-1800 seconds, 10-1200 seconds, 10-900 seconds, 10-600 seconds, 10-300 seconds, 10-180 seconds, 10-150 seconds, 10-120 seconds, 10-90 seconds, 10-60 seconds, 10-45 seconds, 10-30 seconds, 30-1800 seconds, 30-1200 seconds, 30-900 seconds, 30-600 seconds, 30- 300 seconds, 30-180 seconds, 30-150 seconds, 30-120 seconds, 30-90 seconds, 30-60 seconds, 30-45 seconds, 60-1800 seconds, 60-1200 seconds, 60-900 seconds, 60-600 seconds, 60-300 seconds, 60-180 seconds, 60-150 seconds, 60-120 seconds, 60-90 seconds, 90-1800 seconds, 90-1200 seconds, 90-900 seconds, 90- 600 seconds, 90-300 seconds, 90-180 seconds, 90-150 seconds, 90-120 seconds, 120-1800 seconds, 120-1200 seconds, 120-900 seconds, 120-600 seconds, 120-300 seconds, 120-180 seconds, 120-150 seconds, 150-1800 seconds, 150-1200 seconds, 150-900 seconds, 150-600 seconds, 150-300 seconds, 15 0-180 seconds, 180-1800 seconds, 180-1200 seconds, 180-900 seconds, 180-600 seconds, 180-300 seconds, 300-1800 seconds, 300-1200 seconds, 300-900 seconds, 300-600 seconds, 600-1800 seconds, 600-1200 seconds, 600-900 seconds, 900-1800 seconds, 900-1200 seconds or 1200-1800 seconds.

[0225] In certain embodiments, the time period between two consecutive sprays can be 1-600 seconds, 1-300 seconds, 1-180 seconds, 1-150 seconds, 1-120 seconds, 1-90 seconds, 1-60 seconds, 1-45 seconds, 1-30 seconds, 1-15 seconds, 10-600 seconds, 10-300 seconds, 10-180 seconds, 10-150 seconds, 10-120 seconds, 10-90 seconds, 10-60 seconds, 10-45 seconds, 10-30 seconds, 30-600 seconds, 30-300 seconds, 30-180 seconds, 30-150 seconds, 30-120 seconds, 30-90 seconds, 30-60 seconds, 30-45 seconds, 60-600 seconds, 60-300 seconds, 60-180 seconds, 60-150 seconds, 60-120 seconds, 60-90 seconds, 90-600 seconds, 90-300 seconds, 90-180 seconds, 90-150 seconds, 90-120 seconds, 120-600 seconds, 120-300 seconds, 120-180 seconds, 120-150 seconds, 150-600 seconds, 150-300 seconds, 150-180 seconds, 180-600 seconds, 180-300 seconds or 300-600 seconds. In one example, the time period between two consecutive sprays is 60 seconds.

[0226] In some cases, the time period during spraying is 90 seconds, and the interval between spraying is 60 seconds. In some embodiments, the spray cycle includes a spray time and a rest time, and the complete decontamination process includes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 spray cycles. (Spray cycle = spray + interval - total number of cycles.)

[0227] In certain embodiments, the custom engineered system will have a computer processor that can calculate the appropriate settings (e.g., flow rate, air pressure, number and length of decontamination cycles) to produce a very dry mist containing ionized hydrogen peroxide that will effectively decontaminate the enclosed space. In such embodiments, the user can manually input the parameters of the small-scale enclosed space into the device, or remotely input the parameters via a wireless connection. The operation of the system can be fully automated, fully remotely controlled, or can be semi-automated (e.g., using a decontamination cycle that is automatically executed according to manually entered parameters).

[0228] A common problem with conventional technology is that excessive air pressure reduction can produce fog particles that are too large to achieve the desired fog / mist profile. At the same time, particularly enclosed spaces often require significant air pressure reduction. Certain embodiments of the present disclosure solve these opposing constraints of decontamination systems. That is, by programming the processor to control the potentiometer based on the input parameters of a small-scale enclosed space, the user can adjust the fluid flow rate synchronously with the air pressure. Therefore, reduce the fluid flow rate, while reducing the air pressure to maintain the fog / mist particle size to a small particle size, while limiting the distance that the spray can reach. In this way, the fog sprayed by the custom engineering system will remain within the boundary of the enclosed space without producing too humid and dense fog. Therefore, the programmable balance between air pressure and fluid flow rate prevents the saturation of the surface opposite to the fog applicator, the accumulation of increased moisture due to condensation, false negative verification results, or the increased ventilation time of the enclosed space.

[0229] In some embodiments, the custom engineering system may include a database listing the characteristics of the room in which the custom engineering system is deployed or may be configured to access the database. In addition or alternatively, the custom engineering system may include a system for collecting and / or generating data about the characteristics of the room in which the custom engineering system is deployed. In such cases, any system known in the art for collecting, generating and / or analyzing the characteristics of the room may be used according to the data to be generated. Examples include space sensors, photo recognition systems and / or dosimeters. In some embodiments, the system is operably coupled to the CPU. Alternatively, the CPU may be configured to access room characteristic data from a database. In either case, the CPU may be configured to retrieve and access data about the characteristics of the room in which the custom engineering system is deployed, and based on the data, determine the operating parameters of the applicator for applying ionized hydrogen peroxide, such as the position of the applicator. In some embodiments, the determined operating parameters may be transmitted via a user interface so that the user of the custom engineering system may be notified to call the operating parameters of the custom engineering system. In other cases, the CPU may be configured to send commands according to the determined operating parameters to a device within the custom engineering system to automatically call the operating parameters, such as the spray direction of the automatic moving applicator.

[0230] In some embodiments, a system may be used to measure the dose of ionized hydrogen peroxide received at an object or location in a room where a custom engineering system is deployed. Specifically, measuring the dose of ionized hydrogen peroxide at an object or location in a room may help determine the operating parameters of an applicator, such as optimizing the arrangement of an applicator. As described above, one of the main factors affecting the effectiveness of ionized hydrogen peroxide to an object is the distance from the object. By operatively coupling the system to a CPU, the CPU may be configured to retrieve measurements from the system, determine the operating parameters of the applicator (such as the position of the applicator) based on the measurements, and pass the determined operating parameters to a user interface and / or send commands according to the determined operating parameters to a device within the custom engineering system to automatically call the operating parameters (such as an applicator). In general, any system known in the art for measuring spray doses may be used for the system.

[0231] The custom engineering system may include a database listing the characteristics of one or more rooms or may be configured to access the database, and / or the device may include a system for collecting and / or generating data about the characteristics of the room. Any system known in the art for generating, collecting and / or analyzing the characteristics of a room may be used. Examples include dosimeters, space sensors, and / or photo recognition systems. In some cases, the device may also include a CPU to retrieve data, determine the position of the applicator based on the data, and communicate the determined position to a user interface and / or send a command based on the determined position to a device within the custom engineering system to automatically move the applicator.

[0232] In certain embodiments, the custom engineering system includes laser diffraction technology to quantify the particle size distribution in the spray. The applicator is installed in the ambient air outside, and the spray is dispersed through a closed nozzle. The spray is formed by ultrasonic waves or similar means generated in the chamber in the custom engineering system, and the spray flows to the outside air through the applicator. In the middle of the nozzle, the spray flows through the area of ​​the projected laser, thereby causing the laser beam to diffract after colliding with the particles. A series of sensors opposite the laser source measure these diffraction patterns, and use Mie theory (Mie theory) (analytic solution of the electromagnetic radiation scattering equation of spherical particles) to interpret it, to quantify the particle size distribution of ionized particles in the spray. Since the method herein relies on the application of very dry mist, the custom engineering system can be programmed to adjust the air valve or other operating parameters to maintain the appropriate low average diameter of the ionized particles as determined by the laser diffraction technology.

[0233] In certain embodiments, if the custom engineering system is ready, the custom engineering system will automatically start and perform tasks, such as cleaning tasks. In certain embodiments, the custom engineering system includes a motion sensor that can detect the presence of humans in the area. The custom engineering system is equipped with a warning mechanism, such as an alarm and / or a flashing flashing light that will sound if humans are detected in the operating area. When humans are present, the custom engineering system will automatically stay away from humans, keep itself quiet, or turn off its power supply to keep the custom engineering system quiet. Therefore, the custom engineering system will act in an intelligent way by interrupting its tasks so that humans will not be affected by the spray. The decontamination custom engineering system monitors the activities of humans in its operating area, and monitors the situation of humans leaving the area in the embodiment, including the time delay before reactivation. When humans have left the area, the custom engineering system will autonomously return to the position where it suspends its tasks and completes the coverage of the room. Therefore, the custom engineering system completes its tasks in the entire space while adapting to the presence of humans in the space.

[0234] Figure 7 An implementation scheme of a custom engineered system is shown in FIG. 1. User initiates the start of a cycle - the system delays the start of the system for HVAC shutdown (manually or by a signal sent from the system). Figure 7 As can be seen in the figure, when the start button is pressed, the ionized hydrogen peroxide (iHP) spray cycle begins (this can be done via the user interface of the networked system described herein). After pressing the start button, the spray cycle delay start timer begins its countdown. This enables any individual in the area to evacuate the area before decontamination begins. It also gives time for individuals to leave before the door is locked, so that the decontaminated area is sealed off. The system may trigger a warning alarm that sounds an alarm to alert individuals in the area targeted for decontamination and / or a verbal warning heard in the decontaminated area, including, for example, a verbal countdown. There may be notification devices (such as lights or buzzers) on the applicators located in the decontaminated area; these notification devices will begin to flash or buzz to alert individuals in the area to leave. An output signal is sent from the custom engineered system to the building HVAC system to alert the HVAC system that the spray has been turned on; however, the ionized hydrogen peroxide spray will not start at this time, but the system will wait for the HVAC system to signal that the air flow in the target area of ​​decontamination has stopped. The delayed start countdown does not end until the custom engineered system receives an input signal from the HVAC system that air flow has stopped. An output signal is also sent from the custom engineered system to the building door lock system; the system waits for a door lock input signal confirming that all doors are locked before ending the delayed start countdown.

[0235] Once the system receives notification that all doors have been sealed and air flow has stopped, the spray cycle begins. The custom engineered system monitors the required amount of solution in terms of flow rate during injection as well as the total amount delivered (if the system detects a loss of flow to any applicator, the system will fail - if more than one applicator is installed in the treatment area, the system can be programmed to shut down the cycle or allow the remaining applicators to continue operating until the correct required amount of solution is delivered).

[0236] The spray cycle ends based on programmed parameters and then the dwell cycle begins. The dwell begins after the inject cycle (this dwell time is timed and adjustable by the customer). During the dwell cycle, the custom engineered system is in standby mode and the treatment area remains under control of the custom engineered system.

[0237] Once the dwell cycle is complete, an output signal is sent from the custom engineered system to the HVAC system to unlock. After the dwell, ventilation begins. The custom engineered system will signal the HVAC / exhaust system to start (if equipped).

[0238] After the HVAC system is unlocked, a ventilation cycle begins where the HVAC system restarts and resumes air flow / ventilation. The ventilation cycle continues to remove ionized hydrogen peroxide decontamination residues (diatomic oxygen and water as described herein) from the room based on a timed or measured parts per million (PPM) air sample (or both). Once the ventilation cycle is complete, an output signal is sent from the custom engineered system to the door lock system to unlock. The system monitors the residual solution concentration in the exhaust of the processing area (all doors remain locked until a preset safety level is reached) or the system can be set to unlock the door at a preset time.

[0239] The system may be equipped with a camera and the ability to view the area to be decontaminated through the camera; the camera view may be evaluated by the user or by an algorithm designed to recognize human or animal activity in the area to be decontaminated, and if the algorithm recognizes such activity, the spray cycle may be faulted until the problem is resolved.

[0240] Air CDA loss at each applicator and at the air supply inlet is also monitored during the injection cycle. Arcing is also monitored at each applicator. Air monitors are placed at appropriate locations to see monitoring of PPM levels. If each area being decontaminated has a separate exhaust and is likely to be operated separately, a separate low-level monitor can be used for each treatment area. The monitor will monitor the peak PPM at the beginning of the ventilation cycle to provide a data set point (providing a range from maximum to minimum PPM levels).

[0241] After the complete cycle, the system can send the information to the user server to distribute according to the necessity of the user. After the failed cycle, the system can send the information to the user server to distribute according to the necessity of the user.

[0242] In certain embodiments, custom engineering systems are used to fog the enclosed rooms in healthcare, industrial, commercial and institutional environments. The usage rate of ionized hydrogen peroxide to achieve the lowest fogging concentration is 0.5 ml / cubic foot of enclosed space (room) volume. The software will calculate the dosage based on the volume entered, and the correct dosage is distributed by the applicator. The application time required to reach the desired concentration will vary according to the room size and the number of applicators. Once the lowest fogging concentration is reached, a minimum residence time of 15 minutes must be maintained before ventilation of the room is started. In certain embodiments, the system will start with these parameters (dose rate / contact time) preset. In certain embodiments, when the system can assess the changing environment (e.g., the presence of large equipment), the system may have the ability to adjust. The room is ventilated until the room reads less than 1 parts per million (PPM) of hydrogen peroxide as measured by a standard air monitor. Once the room is properly ventilated, it is possible to enter the room without personal protective equipment and put it back into use. When time is not a problem, ventilation will occur naturally without mechanical assistance. Ventilation to the building exterior, air scrubbers, and fans can all be used after contact to speed up the ventilation process. Dehumidifiers, fans, or HEPA filters with carbon filters are also effective in removing hydrogen peroxide from the air. Since ionized hydrogen peroxide decomposes into moisture and oxygen, it does not need to be wiped off after treatment and there is no residue.

[0243] Example 3

[0244] Immunity Buildings

[0245] The custom engineering system is fully automated. The system is integrated with the HVAC system of the facility. Once installed, the system can rely on preset parameters or specifications determined by the system user or technical consultant. In certain embodiments, the system includes a programmable logic control packaged in a central location. In certain embodiments, the system is controlled by an algorithm that uses machine learning and preset parameters to determine the control and performance of the decontamination system. The machine learning neural network is trained to identify the differences between the various stages of the spray cycle, ventilation cycle, and environmental response and the input parameters described herein. Then, the neural network acts as an artificial intelligence to control the decontamination system described herein based on the environmental input generated by different sensor signals regarding the presence of pathogens in the building. The user can take over the control of the custom engineering system from the artificial intelligence and operate by manual commands delivered via the user interface, or by reprogramming the preferred preset parameters. Using artificial intelligence to control the installed and fully automated custom engineering system to perform the decontamination cycle as described herein has produced an immune building. The custom engineering system is used as an immune system, which will automatically respond to detected threats by starting the decontamination in a specific contaminated area of ​​the building as described herein. Based on the identification of a specific biohazard, different spray cycles and dwell cycles can be initiated as appropriate to eliminate the identified biohazard. Programming allows the system to retain multiple cycles and evaluate them for deployment. When or if multiple pod devices fail, programming also allows for continued cycling and redirecting the remaining dose to the remaining applicators instead of shutting down. The system can be used in multiple rooms and various sizes; and is remotely controlled through a user interface as described herein.

[0246] In a specific embodiment, the immune building system is used to decontaminate and sterilize a designated area. The immune building must be able to sterilize the total volume of the designated area. The immune building system includes at least one detergent container, a detergent distribution pipeline, a detergent pump, a decontamination spray head (applicator), and a central control system. The number and location of the decontamination spray heads vary with the location requirements. When the operator (which may be an artificial intelligence, or a manual user who optionally takes control) starts the decontamination process, the immune building system begins operation. The system confirms the system status, which includes but is not limited to the available amount of hydrogen peroxide (optional), the expiration date of hydrogen peroxide, and the system's readiness for operation. The system exchanges signals with the networked HVAC system; the HVAC system is commanded to stop, and the immune building system receives confirmation that the stop has been achieved. Injection of a decontamination solution as a spray as described herein is initiated; ionized hydrogen peroxide injection is performed until a defined amount based on cubic volume. The spray is concentrated at the worst location for decontamination; the system monitors and evaluates confirmation of decontamination solution consumption (per spray head). The system allows time for the biohazard to come into contact with the sprayed ionized hydrogen peroxide mist. A signal exchange is then performed to restart the stopped system to perform the decontamination cycle. The system allows time to allow flushing with fresh air until the ionized hydrogen peroxide concentration reaches below 1 PPM. In particular, confirmation of safe concentrations is monitored at the location where the biohazard situation is the worst.

[0247] The Immunity Building System is integrated with the HVAC system so as to be able to exchange signals with the HVAC control system. The system can send stop HVAC and restart HVAC signals. The system will be able to receive confirmation of HVAC system stop or HVAC system restart from the HVAC control system in response to a given signal from the Immunity Building System. The control system should allow integration with optional equipment; the system will be able to send start, monitor and restart signals. The system will be able to receive confirmation of system stop or system restart from the optional equipment fill line control system in response to stop and restart signals. The Immunity Building System is intended to operate fully automatically from the moment the process starts to the moment the process ends (including the generation of process reports). The Immunity Building System is designed to ensure that the sterilized rooms and materials have less than 1 ppm ionized hydrogen peroxide remaining as measured at the end of the cycle.

[0248] The Immunobuilding system enables adjustment of at least the following parameters: ionized hydrogen peroxide injection rate (per nozzle), ionized hydrogen peroxide injection time, ionized hydrogen peroxide set point volume (concentration), ionized hydrogen peroxide contact time, ventilation time and ventilation set point value (concentration) (optional). If the ionized hydrogen peroxide supply is temporarily interrupted during the sterilization cycle, the cycle is aborted and an alarm is triggered. If necessary, the sterilization cycle can be stopped at any time by manual override. A lockable emergency stop button is provided for manual override to stop the ongoing decontamination. Visible indications such as system in operation (yellow), system in alarm (red), system ready (green) can be installed or adjusted according to user needs. All ionized hydrogen peroxide devices each have an operating hour counter and a cycle counter. The system can control the correct flow rate for each individual nozzle. Before a new cycle starts, the system may flush all pipelines into a waste container.

[0249] Changes in setup parameters can be made from a central operator interface. These changes can be made through authorized access profiles. Scheme configuration should be possible through authorized access profiles. The operator is able to notice, check and acknowledge relevant alarms on the operator panel. If a fault occurs between the programmed logic control and the controller, a machine error message will be issued. The system has an interface to the on-site IT network using an Ethernet connection. The system is equipped with an industrial PC to allow the operator interface, data entry, data storage and connection to the programmed logic control and controller. The recorder has the possibility to record, save, archive and retrieve key data of the process cycle. The system will record, generate and publish data, which includes different states of the process and equipment, measurements, alarms and any other relevant information.

[0250] The above description is intended to teach those of ordinary skill in the art how to practice the invention, and is not intended to detail all those obvious modifications and variations of the invention that will become apparent to the skilled person after reading this specification. However, all such obvious modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the claims are intended to cover components and steps in any order that are effective to meet the intended objectives.

Claims

1. A multi-configuration system for decontamination, comprising: General purpose computers; Sensor package; one or more control panels; one or more applicators; as well as Operator device; wherein the general purpose computer is networked to the sensor package via one or more control boards, wherein the sensor package is capable of detecting the presence of microorganisms; and The sensor package is networked to the one or more applicators, wherein the one or more applicators are configured to apply a decontamination process to remove microorganisms; and The operator device is networked to the general purpose computer via an application programming interface (API) gateway, wherein the operator device displays a web interface to the operator; and The API Gateway provides access to the system controller.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the system controller comprises a set of subsystems, and wherein the set of subsystems are linked to the system controller via a bidirectional interface; and The set of subsystems includes: an alarm subsystem, wherein when the sensor package detects the presence of microorganisms, the alarm subsystem alerts the operator through a display on the network interface; as well as A device driver subsystem, wherein the device driver subsystem is networked to the sensor package and the applicator via a unidirectional interface.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is manually controlled by one or more individuals via the operator device.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is event-driven controlled by the system controller, wherein the system controller receives an alert of the presence of microorganisms.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is remotely controlled by one or more individuals via the operator device.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the applicator begins a decontamination cycle when an instruction is received from the system controller via the device driver subsystem.

7. The system of claim 2, wherein the set of subsystems further comprises an event subsystem.

8. The system of claim 2, wherein the set of subsystems further comprises a reporting subsystem.

9. The system of claim 2, wherein the set of subsystems further comprises a configuration subsystem.

10. The system of claim 2, wherein the set of subsystems further comprises a software development kit.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor package includes one or more control boards networked to sensors and to the general purpose computer.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is one or more selected from the group consisting of a photoelectric sensor, a voltaic sensor, a weight sensor, a humidity sensor, and a pressure sensor.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the general purpose computer comprises a single computer control board.

14. A non-transitory tangible computer readable medium comprising instructions for decontaminating a substantially enclosed space, comprising a routine of set instructions for causing the system of claim 1 to perform the following steps: detecting the presence of a microorganism in a substantially enclosed space, wherein said presence of said microorganism is sensed by one or more sensors present within said substantially enclosed space; alerting a system controller of said presence of said microorganism in said substantially enclosed space, wherein said system controller is networked to said one or more sensors; notifying an operator device of said presence of said microorganism in said substantially enclosed space, wherein said operator device is networked to said system controller; initiating a decontamination process to eliminate said presence of said microorganisms in said substantially enclosed space, wherein said decontamination process is applied by one or more applicators networked to said system controller, and further wherein said one or more applicators are present in said substantially enclosed space; and Further wherein the system controller initiates the decontamination process of the one or more applicators after the following steps: commanding the event subsystem to initiate a decontamination process, wherein the event subsystem is a non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium comprising A set of instructions for causing the one or more applicators to initiate the decontamination process after the one or more sensors have detected the presence of specific microorganisms.

15. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 14, wherein the specific microorganism is a pathogen.

16. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 16, wherein the pathogen is a targeted bioterrorism agent.

17. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 17, wherein the targeted bioterrorism agent is selected from the group consisting of anthrax (Bacillus anthracis), plague (Yersinia pestis), and tularemia (Franciscoides tularensis).

18. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 14, wherein the operator device is wirelessly networked to the system controller.

19. A method of controlling the decontamination of a substantially enclosed space, comprising: detecting the presence of a microorganism in a substantially enclosed space, wherein said presence of said microorganism is sensed by one or more sensors present within said substantially enclosed space; alerting a system controller of said presence of said microorganism in said substantially enclosed space, wherein said system controller is networked to said one or more sensors; notifying an operator device of said presence of said microorganism in said substantially enclosed space, wherein said operator device is networked to said system controller; initiating a decontamination process to eliminate said presence of said microorganisms in said substantially enclosed space, wherein said decontamination process is applied by one or more applicators networked to said system controller, and further wherein said one or more applicators are present in said substantially enclosed space; and Further wherein the system controller initiates the decontamination process of the one or more applicators after the following steps: (1) commanding the initiation of a decontamination process from said operator device; or (2) Commanding the decontamination process to be initiated by an event subsystem, wherein the event subsystem is a non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium as described in claim 14.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the man-made structure is an office building.

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