Sterilization system and method

Abstract

A disinfection apparatus may include a disinfection chamber, an ozone generator configured to generate ozone, and a humidifier configured to generate moisture and configured to be fluidly coupled to the disinfection chamber and the ozone generator, the humidifier configured to facilitate mixing of the generated ozone with the generated moisture.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 458,578, entitled “Disinfection Systems and Methods,” filed on April 11, 2023, U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 458,527, entitled “Disinfection Systems and Methods,” filed on April 11, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 375,992, entitled “Technologies for Sanitizing Medical Devices,” filed on September 16, 2022, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to disinfection systems and methods, and more particularly to disinfection systems and methods using ozone. Background Art

[0004] Devices (e.g., medical devices such as masks, consumer devices, nebulizers, etc.) are exposed to many environments where pathogens (e.g., harmful bacteria and / or viruses) may come into contact with and reside on the devices. Without proper disinfection, reuse of these devices after exposure may result in the spread of pathogens. Therefore, prior to reuse, the devices may be disinfected in order to reduce the risk of transmitting infection to the user.

[0005] An example of a medical device is a mask that may be coupled to one or more hoses (e.g., a continuous positive airway pressure mask and hoses, a respirator mask, and / or any other type of mask). The mask is worn on the user's face, and any hoses connected to the mask may come into direct contact with bodily fluids exhaled from the user's mouth and / or nose. These bodily fluids may include pathogens. Therefore, reusing a mask without proper disinfection may increase the risk of infection.

[0006] In addition, the hose connected to the mask may include one or more gaps formed by spiral ribs extending at least most of the length of the hose, and one or more pathogens may reside in the entire hose. The hose and / or the mask may include one or more areas (e.g., gaps) that are difficult to disinfect. For example, the CPAP hose may include several gaps along the length of about 1.5 meters (m) to about 3m of the CPAP hose, and / or the CPAP mask may have one or more difficult to disinfect locations around the nasal passage. The difficulties associated with disinfecting these areas may lead to the accumulation of one or more pathogens, which may eventually be transmitted to the user. In addition, in some cases, the length of the CPAP hose may increase the difficulty of traversing the entire length of the CPAP hose while achieving the desired disinfection performance, which may also lead to the accumulation of one or more pathogens. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Through the attachment Figure 1 These and other features and advantages will be better understood upon reading the following detailed description, wherein:

[0008] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of an example of a disinfection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0009] Figure 2 A schematic block diagram of an example of a disinfection device with humidity control according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0010] Figure 3 A schematic illustration of a disinfection device with humidity control configured to disinfect one or more components of a continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) machine is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 4 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 3 Schematic example of an operation timeline of a disinfection device.

[0012] Figure 5 A schematic example of an ozone generator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0013] Figure 6 A schematic example of a humidifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0014] Figure 7 A perspective view of a disinfection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0015] Fig. 7A A CPAP hose having a CPAP hose coupled thereto is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 Perspective view of a disinfection device.

[0016] Figure 7B The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig. 7A A cross-sectional perspective view of a disinfection device.

[0017] Figure 8 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown along Figure 7 The line VIII-VIII is intercepted Figure 7 Cross-sectional view of a disinfection device.

[0018] Fig. 9 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown along Figure 7 The line IX-IX is intercepted Figure 7 Cross-sectional view of a disinfection device.

[0019] Fig.9A is an exploded view of an example of an ozone reduction filter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Fig.10 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 7 A perspective view of the base area of ​​a disinfection device.

[0021] Fig.11 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 7 A perspective view of a portion of a humidifier assembly of a disinfection device.

[0022] Fig.11A A perspective view of a reservoir inlet is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Fig. 11B The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig.11A A perspective cross-sectional view of a reservoir inlet.

[0024] Fig. 11C The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig.11A Another cross-sectional perspective view of the reservoir inlet.

[0025] Fig.11D The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig.11A Another cross-sectional perspective view of the reservoir inlet.

[0026] Fig.11E The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig.11A Another cross-sectional perspective view of the reservoir inlet.

[0027] Fig.11F The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig.11A Bottom view of the platform with the reservoir inlet.

[0028] Fig.12The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown along Figure 7 The line XII-XII intercepts Figure 7 Cross-sectional view of a disinfection device.

[0029] Fig. 12A A schematic example of an atomizer with a coating according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0030] Fig. 12B An example of an insert according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, the insert being configured to be coupled to Fig.11 The humidification chamber ozone inlet of the humidifier assembly (or formed by the humidification chamber ozone inlet).

[0031] Fig. 12C The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig. 12B Cross-sectional view of the insert.

[0032] Fig.12D The embodiment according to the present disclosure includes Fig. 12B Example of an insert for the ozone inlet of a humidification chamber.

[0033] Fig.12E An example of a cross section of an atomizer having a concave recessed configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0034] Fig.13 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a humidifier assembly of a disinfection device.

[0035] Fig.14 The embodiment according to the present disclosure generally corresponds to Fig.13 Magnified view of region XIV-XIV.

[0036] Fig.14A A perspective view of an atomizer holder is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Fig. 14B The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig.14A Another perspective view of the atomizer holder.

[0038] Fig.15 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 7 A bottom view of the humidification chamber of the disinfection device and a top view of the liquid reservoir.

[0039] Fig.16 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 7 A perspective view of a core assembly of a disinfection device.

[0040] Fig.17The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown along Fig.16 The line XVII-XVII is intercepted Fig.16 A cross-sectional view of a core assembly.

[0041] Fig.18 The embodiment of the present disclosure is shown coupled to Fig.15 of the reservoir Fig.16 A cross-sectional view of a core assembly.

[0042] Fig.19 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown along Figure 7 The line XIX-XIX is intercepted Figure 7 Cross-sectional view of a disinfection device.

[0043] Fig.19A The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 7 Schematic example of an operation timeline of a disinfection device.

[0044] Fig.19B The use of an embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 7 An example of the efficacy results of an example of a disinfection device, the disinfection device implementing Fig.19A An example of an operational timeline.

[0045] Fig. 20 A schematic example of a disinfection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0046] Fig. 20A The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown. Fig. 20 An example of a piezoelectric atomizer producing an exemplary distribution of atomized droplet sizes.

[0047] Fig.21 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig. 20 Schematic example of an operation timeline of a disinfection device.

[0048] Fig. 22 An example of a flow diagram according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0049] Fig.23 Another example of a flow diagram according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0050] Fig.24 Another example of a flow diagram according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0051] Fig.25 A schematic example of a CPAP device with a disinfection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0052] Fig.26A schematic example of a disinfection device with humidity control and a recirculation loop according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0053] Fig. 27 A schematic example of a CPAP disinfection system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0054] Fig.28 A schematic example of a disinfection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0055] Fig.29 A schematic example of a disinfection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0056] Fig.30 A schematic example of a disinfection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0057] Fig.31 A schematic example of a disinfection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0058] Fig.32 A schematic example of a disinfection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0059] Fig.33 A schematic example of a disinfection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0060] Fig.34 A schematic example of a disinfection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0061] Fig.35 A schematic example of a disinfection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0062] Fig.36 A schematic example of a disinfection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] The present disclosure generally relates to a disinfection device with humidity control and / or disinfection performance control. The disinfection device includes an ozone generator, a humidifier, and a disinfection chamber. The ozone generator is configured to generate ozone so that the generated ozone can be entrained in the air passing through the ozone generator to produce ozonated air. The ozonated air can pass through the humidifier and enter the disinfection chamber. The ozone generator and the humidifier can be selectively enabled and disabled according to an operating curve. In one example, the humidified ozonated air can pass from the humidifier and enter the disinfection device via a medical device (e.g., a continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) hose and / or a mask).

[0064] In some cases, the disinfection device can be configured to disinfect the CPAP hose and the CPAP mask. For example, the disinfection device can be configured to achieve at least a 4-Log reduction against a given one or more pathogens (e.g., viruses, bacteria, and / or any other pathogens) disposed on at least a portion of the CPAP hose and the CPAP mask. 10 In one example, the CPAP hose can have a length in the range of about 1.5 meters (m) to about 3 m, a diameter of about 3.8 centimeters (cm) to about 5 cm, and a connection point at a distal end that is coupled (e.g., removably coupled) to a CPAP mask. When a user wears a CPAP mask, pathogens can be present in greatest amounts at the CPAP mask and / or at an area of ​​the CPAP hose proximate the connection point. Thus, in some cases, the disinfection device can be configured such that the disinfection performance is at least 4-Log at an area of ​​the CPAP hose proximate the connection point, at the CPAP mask (e.g., an interior surface and / or exterior surface of the CPAP mask), and / or for the entire length of the CPAP hose. 10 .

[0065] In some cases, the humidifier can be configured to humidify the disinfection chamber before (or after) generating ozone. In these cases, the ozone may not pass through the humidifier before entering the disinfection chamber. For example, the disinfection device can be configured to undergo a pre-humidification step in which the relative humidity within the disinfection chamber is achieved before generating ozone.

[0066] Adding humidity to the ozonated air can improve the disinfecting properties of the ozonated air. In addition, how the humidity is generated (e.g., using a bubbler system, a piezoelectric atomizer, a sprinkler, a heat source, evaporation, etc.) may affect the disinfecting properties of the ozonated air. Additionally or alternatively, the size of the water droplets entrained in the ozonated air generated by the humidifier may also affect the disinfecting properties of the ozonated air. Furthermore, the flow rate of the ozonated air, the relative humidity of the environment, and / or the time of exposure to the ozonated air may affect the disinfecting properties.

[0067] An exemplary operating curve may include a first period, a second period, and a third period. During the first period, both the ozone generator and the humidifier may be operated continuously. During the second period, the humidifier may be disabled, and the ozone generator may be operated in a pulsed manner (e.g., selectively enabled / disabled) according to a constant (or non-constant) pulse rate. During the third period, both the humidifier and the ozone generator may be disabled.

[0068] In some cases, the disinfection device can achieve at least a 4-Log reduction of at least one pathogen (e.g., bacteria or virus) within the disinfection chamber and / or on objects within the flow path of the ozonated air (e.g., humidified ozonated air) when operated according to an appropriate operating curve. 10 In other words, the disinfection device can be configured to reduce at least 99.99% of at least one pathogen. In other cases, the disinfection device can achieve at least a 6-Log reduction of pathogens on objects within the disinfection chamber and / or within the flow path of the ozonated air (e.g., humidified ozonated air) when operated according to an appropriate operating curve. 10 In other words, the disinfection device can be configured to reduce at least one pathogen by at least 99.9999%. One exemplary method for determining whether the disinfection device has achieved a desired kill rate includes: generating an inoculum having a sufficient amount of one or more pathogens suspended therein to establish a desired reduction of the one or more pathogens, and applying the inoculum to an object to be disinfected (e.g., a CPAP hose and / or a CPAP mask).

[0069] Although the technology described herein can be used with many sterilizing fluids, the present disclosure focuses on the use of ozone as a sterilizing gas. This is because ozone (O3) gas is a relatively powerful disinfectant, but can be safely used in consumer products. Due to its strong oxidizing properties, ozone can effectively kill or otherwise remove a wide range of organic and inorganic pollutants, such as yeast, bacteria, molds, viruses, other pathogens and / or pollutants in contact with it (e.g., by oxidation). Naturally, over time and / or when it oxidizes pollutants, ozone is chemically reduced to oxygen (O2), which is safe for human consumption and release into the environment. Ozone is also relatively easy to generate on site (and therefore does not need to use a storage tank), and leaves little or no chemical residue. For these and other reasons, ozone has been determined to be a safe and effective sterilizing gas for the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the technology described herein is not limited to the use of ozone, and can be used with various sterilizing fluids.

[0070] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of a disinfection device 100 is shown. The disinfection device 100 includes an ozone generator 102, a disinfection chamber 104, at least one pump 106 configured to allow air to enter the ozone generator 102 and enter the disinfection chamber 104, an ozone reduction filter 108 configured to decompose ozone into oxygen, and a controller 110 configured to control the operation of one or more of the ozone generator 102 and / or the pump 106.

[0071] The disinfection chamber 104 may include a disinfection chamber inlet 112, a disinfection chamber outlet 114, and define a volume (e.g., a selectively closable volume) configured to receive at least a portion of an object 116 (e.g., a medical device). The ozone reduction filter 108 may be positioned at the disinfection chamber outlet 114 (e.g., upstream or downstream). The ozone reduction filter 108 may be made of an ozone porous material that is configured to reduce ozone to oxygen. For example, the ozone reduction filter 108 may be a reticulated foam formed of, including, and / or coated with a material that reduces ozone to oxygen. Non-limiting examples of filter materials include activated carbon, magnesium oxide, and / or magnesium dioxide (alone or in combination with activated carbon); however, other materials may be used.

[0072] In operation, the ozone generator 102 is caused to generate ozone, and the pump 106 is configured to flow air along a flow path 118. The flow path 118 passes through the ozone generator 102 into the sterilization chamber 104, and through the sterilization chamber outlet 114. The generated ozone is carried into the sterilization chamber 104 along with the air flow (which may generally be referred to as ozonated air). Once in the sterilization chamber 104, the ozone is used to sterilize objects 116 present within the sterilization chamber 104.

[0073] The ozone generation rate and the flow rate of air through the ozone generator 102 are controlled by the controller 110. For example, the controller 110 can cause the pump 106 and / or the fan 107 to generate the desired air flow rate through the disinfection device 100. In this example, the pump 106 and the fan 107 can be operated at different speeds so that air flows through the disinfection device according to the flow rate. In this example, when the pump 106 generates a different (e.g., greater) flow rate than the fan 107, the disinfection performance can be improved. For example, the pump 106 that generates a greater flow rate than the fan 107 can promote at least 4-Log 10 In some cases, the controller 110 can be configured to control the disinfection device 100 so that pressure and / or vacuum is generated within the disinfection chamber 104. In other words, the controller 110 is configured to control the environment within the disinfection chamber 104 (e.g., the rate at which ozone is delivered to and / or removed from the disinfection chamber 104 can be used to adjust the amount of ozone within the disinfection chamber 104).

[0074] Changing the environmental conditions within the disinfection chamber 104 may affect the effectiveness of disinfecting the objects 116 within the disinfection chamber 104. For example, the amount of moisture (humidity) within the airflow may affect the disinfection effectiveness. In this example, humidified air may improve the disinfection effectiveness, potentially allowing less ozone to be generated to achieve the desired amount of disinfection (e.g., bacterial and / or viral kill rate). For example, generating less ozone may improve the life of the ozone reduction filter 108.

[0075] Figure 2 A schematic block diagram of a disinfection device 200 with humidity control is shown. The disinfection device 200 includes an ozone generator 202, a disinfection chamber 204, a humidifier 206, at least one pump 208 configured to pass air through the ozone generator 202 and the humidifier 206 and into the disinfection chamber 204, an ozone reduction filter 210 configured to decompose ozone into oxygen, and a controller 212 configured to control the operation of one or more of the ozone generator 202, the humidifier 206 and / or the pump 208. In some cases, the disinfection device 200 may also include a fan 209 downstream of the pump 208 and upstream of the ozone reduction filter 210. The controller 212 may also be configured to control the operation of the fan 209. For example, the controller 212 may be configured to operate the fan 209 at a different flow rate than the pump 208 (e.g., slower than the pump).

[0076] The disinfection chamber 204 may include a disinfection chamber inlet 214, a disinfection chamber outlet 216, and define a volume (e.g., a selectively closable volume) configured to receive at least a portion of an object 218 (e.g., a medical device). The ozone reduction filter 210 may be positioned at the disinfection chamber outlet 216 (e.g., upstream or downstream). The ozone reduction filter 210 may be an ozone porous material configured to reduce ozone to oxygen. For example, the ozone reduction filter 210 may be a reticulated foam formed of, including, and / or coated with a material that reduces ozone to oxygen. Non-limiting examples of filter materials include activated carbon, magnesium oxide, and / or magnesium dioxide (alone or in combination with activated carbon); however, other materials may be used.

[0077] In operation, pump 208 is configured to flow air along flow path 220. Flow path 220 extends through ozone generator 202, humidifier 206, disinfection chamber 204 and ozone reduction filter 210. Ozone generator 202 is configured to generate ozone when air passes through ozone generator 202. When ozone generator 202 is generating ozone, the air leaving ozone generator 202 includes ozone entrained therein (which can generally be referred to as ozonated air). Ozonated air enters humidifier 206, wherein humidifier 206 is configured to mix or combine ozonated air with moisture. In some cases, ozone can be entrained in moisture droplets generated by humidifier 206. In some cases, humidifier 206 can be configured to selectively humidify ozonated air. For example, humidifier 206 can be selectively operated so that ozonated air can pass therethrough without humidification. This configuration may allow the controller 212 to regulate the humidity within the sterilization chamber 204 independently of the amount of ozone. Additionally or alternatively, the humidifier 206 may be positioned upstream of the ozone generator 202 such that the humidifier 206 adds humidity to the non-ozonated air.

[0078] In some cases, when the disinfection device 200 includes a fan 209, the fan 209 can be configured to cooperate with the pump 208 to deliver ozonated air to the disinfection chamber 204. The pump 208 can be configured to push the ozonated air into the disinfection chamber 204 (e.g., the pump 208 can be fluidly coupled to the disinfection chamber 204 at a position upstream of the disinfection chamber 204), and the fan 209 can be configured to draw the ozonated air into the disinfection chamber 204 (e.g., the fan 209 can be fluidly coupled to the disinfection chamber at a position downstream of the disinfection chamber 204). For example, the fan 209 can be configured to draw the ozonated air into the disinfection chamber 204 at a first flow rate, and the pump 208 can be configured to push the ozonated air into the disinfection chamber 204 at a second flow rate, the second flow rate being different from the first flow rate. In this example, during a sterilization cycle, the second flow rate may be greater than the first flow rate, and during a purge cycle (e.g., after the sterilization cycle is complete), the first flow rate may be greater than (or equal to) the second flow rate (e.g., in some cases, the second flow rate may be zero) to facilitate purging of ozonated air from the sterilization device 200. In some cases, the sterilization device may be configured such that the sterilization chamber 204 is under pressure and / or under vacuum.

[0079] Figure 3 FIG. 2 shows a schematic example of a disinfection device 300 with humidity control configured to disinfect one or more components of a continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) machine. Figure 2 An example of a disinfection device 200.

[0080] As shown, the disinfection device 300 includes a disinfection chamber 302 and an ozone and humidity generating assembly 304 outside the disinfection chamber 302 (e.g., the ozone and humidity generating assembly 304 can be coupled to the outer surface of the side wall 316 of the disinfection chamber 302). The ozone and humidity generating assembly 304 includes an ozone generator 306, a humidifier 308, and a pump 310, which is configured to push air through the ozone generator 306 and the humidifier 308. The ozone generator 306, the humidifier 308, and the pump 310 are configured to cooperate together (e.g., to generate humidified ozonated air) to form the ozone and humidity generating assembly 304. In some cases, the chamber relative humidity sensor 305 can be configured to measure the relative humidity of the disinfection chamber 302. In these cases, the operation of the humidifier 308 can be controlled based at least in part on the output from the chamber relative humidity sensor 305.

[0081] The ozone and humidity generating assembly 304 is configured to be removably coupled to the CPAP hose 312 at a first end 314, such that the CPAP hose 312 is fluidly coupled to the ozone generator 306, the humidifier 308, and the pump 310. The CPAP hose 312 is configured to fluidly couple the ozone and humidity generating assembly 304 to the disinfection chamber 302. For example, and as shown, the CPAP hose 312 is configured to pass through a sidewall 316 of the disinfection chamber 302. As another example, the CPAP hose 312 can be configured to be removably coupled to a coupling that is fluidly coupled to the disinfection chamber 302. In some cases, a CPAP mask 318 can be disposed within the disinfection chamber 302. For example, the CPAP mask 318 can be coupled to the CPAP hose 312 at a second end 320, the second end 320 being opposite the first end 314. The length of the CPAP hose 312 extending between the first end 314 and the second end 320 can be, for example, in the range of about 1.5 meters (m) to 3 m. As another example, the length of the CPAP hose 312 extending between the first end 314 and the second end 320 can be about 1.8 m. An ozone reduction filter 322 can be disposed at an outlet 324 of the disinfection chamber 302. In some cases, a fan 328 can be provided to draw ozonated air from the disinfection chamber 302 and push the ozonated air through the ozone reduction filter 322.

[0082] The humidifier 308, the pump 310, and / or the ozone generator 306 can be arranged in any configuration relative to the disinfection chamber 302 and / or can be disposed in separate or common housings. For example, one or more of the humidifier 308, the pump 310, and / or the ozone generator 306 can be at least partially arranged below the disinfection chamber 302. Additionally or alternatively, and as another example, one or more of the humidifier 308, the pump 310, and / or the ozone generator 306 can be at least partially arranged along a side of the disinfection chamber 302 and / or separated from the disinfection chamber. In some cases, one or more of the humidifier 308, the pump 310, and / or the ozone generator 306 can be movable relative to the disinfection chamber 302. For example, when the disinfection chamber 302 is in the form of a flexible bag, one or more of the humidifier 308 , pump 310 , and / or ozone generator 306 may be disposed within one or more external housings and configured to be fluidly coupled to the disinfection chamber 302 via the CPAP hose 312 .

[0083] In operation, the controller 326 is configured to selectively control each of the ozone generator 306, the humidifier 308, the pump 310, and / or the fan 328 to control the environment within the disinfection chamber 302. For example, the controller 326 may be configured to selectively push air, ozonated air, or humidified ozonated air through the CPAP hose 312 and into the disinfection chamber 302 to disinfect the CPAP hose 312 and the CPAP mask 318. In this example, when humidity has reached a desired level (e.g., an estimated and / or measured level), the humidifier 308 may be disabled and / or pulsed at a constant or non-constant pulse rate, and / or when ozone has reached a desired level (e.g., an estimated and / or measured level), the ozone generator 306 may be disabled and / or pulsed at a constant or non-constant pulse rate.

[0084] Figure 4 A schematic example of an operational timeline 400 of a disinfection device 300 corresponding to an exemplary disinfection cycle is shown. As shown, a first period (e.g., initialization period) 402 extends between time T0 and time T1, a second (e.g., operation) period 404 extends between time T1 and time T2, and a third (e.g., purge) period 406 extends between time T2 and time T3. Time T3 may be greater than time T2, time T2 may be greater than time T1, and time T1 may be greater than time T0. The first period 402 may generally be referred to as a period of operating the ozone and humidity generating assembly 304 to achieve a desired initial condition (e.g., within a desired humidity and / or ozone range) within the hose 312, the mask 318, and / or the disinfection chamber 302 (the determination of whether the initial condition has been achieved may be estimated and / or measured). The second period 404 may generally be referred to as a period of operating the ozone and humidity generating assembly 304 to maintain a desired condition (e.g., within an estimated and / or measured desired humidity and / or ozone range). The third period 406 may generally be referred to as a period of time during which the ozone and humidity generating assembly 304 is operated to purge ozone from the sterilization chamber 302 such that any residual ozone within the sterilization chamber 302 is removed and / or within acceptable levels.

[0085] In one example, during a first period 402, the ozone generator 306, the humidifier 308, the pump 310, and the fan 328 may operate continuously or intermittently, during a second period 404, the ozone generator 306 may operate continuously or intermittently, the humidifier 308 may be disabled, the pump 310 may operate continuously or intermittently, and the fan 328 may operate continuously or intermittently, and during a third period 406, the ozone generator 306 and the humidifier 308 may be disabled, the pump 310 may operate continuously or intermittently, and the fan 328 may operate continuously or intermittently. In another example, during the first period 402, one or more of the ozone generator 306, the humidifier 308, the pump 310 and / or the fan 328 may be operated continuously or intermittently, during the second period 404, one or more of the ozone generator 306, the humidifier 308, the pump 310 and / or the fan 328 may be disabled, and during the third period 406, the ozone generator 306 and the humidifier 308 may be disabled, the pump 310 may be operated continuously or intermittently, and the fan 328 may be operated continuously or intermittently.

[0086] The lengths of the first time period 402, the second time period 404, and the third time period 406 may be predetermined or based at least in part on sensed conditions (e.g., sensed conditions within the disinfection chamber 302, the CPAP hose 312, and / or the CPAP mask 318) and / or estimated conditions (e.g., estimated conditions within the disinfection chamber 302, the CPAP hose 312, and / or the CPAP mask 318). The introduction of humidity during the first time period 402 may cause one or more pathogens to become more susceptible to being decomposed by ozone.

[0087] Although the terms first, second, and third are used to describe the first time period 402, the second time period 404, and the third time period 406, the terms first, second, and third are not intended to convey a particular order. For example, in some cases, the second time period 404 and / or the third time period 406 may precede the first time period 402. In some cases, one or more additional time periods may occur before or after one or more of the first time period 402, the second time period 404, and / or the third time period 406.

[0088] Figure 5 is a schematic example of an ozone generator 500, which is Figure 2 200. As shown, the ozone generator 500 includes an ozone source 502, an ozone sensor 504, a humidity sensor 506 (e.g., a relative humidity sensor), and in some cases a temperature sensor 507. The ozone source 502, the ozone sensor 504, the humidity sensor 506, and the temperature sensor 507 can be communicatively coupled to the controller 212 ( Figure 2). For example, the controller 212 can be configured to control the operation of the ozone source 502 based at least in part on the output from the ozone sensor 504, the humidity sensor 506, and / or the temperature sensor 507. The ozone sensor 504 can be configured to measure the amount of ozone in the air leaving the ozone sensor 504. The humidity sensor 506 can be configured to measure the relative humidity of the air entering the ozone source 502 (e.g., the relative humidity of the surrounding environment, such as the room in which the ozone generator 500 is located). The temperature sensor 507 can be configured to measure the temperature of the air entering the ozone source 502 (e.g., the temperature of the surrounding environment, such as the room in which the ozone generator 500 is located). In one example, the controller 212 can operate the ozone source 502 at an initial operating level based at least in part on the relative humidity, and measure the output of the ozone source 502 using the ozone sensor 504, wherein the initial operating level corresponds to the estimated amount of ozone to be generated. The measured output of the ozone source 502 can be used to adjust the amount of ozone generated by the ozone source 502 until the desired ozone output is obtained. In some cases, humidity sensor 506 and temperature sensor 507 may be collectively referred to as a humidity / temperature sensor. In these cases, humidity sensor 506 and temperature sensor 507 may be part of the same sensor assembly, or may be separate sensors.

[0089] As shown, in operation, air is directed along an ozone generator flow path 508 (which forms a portion of flow path 220, Figure 2 ) flow. The ozone generator flow path 508 extends through the ozone source 502 and the ozone sensor 504, which is downstream of the ozone source 502. For example, the ozone sensor 504 can be downstream of the ozone source 502 and a humidifier (e.g., Figure 2 humidifier 206) and / or disinfection chamber (e.g., Figure 2 As another example, the ozone sensor 504 may be located between the ozone source 502 and the humidifier (e.g., Figure 2 humidifier 206) downstream and the sterilization chamber (e.g., Figure 2 As another example, the ozone sensor 504 may be located between the ozone source 502 and the humidifier (e.g., Figure 2 humidifier 206) and disposed downstream of the sterilization chamber (e.g., Figure 2 The sterilization chamber 204).

[0090] Figure 6 A schematic example of a humidifier 600 is shown. Figure 2. As shown, the humidifier 206 includes a liquid reservoir 602, a humidification chamber 604, and a humidity generator 606. The humidity generator 606 is configured to push the liquid from the liquid reservoir 602 and disperse the liquid into the humidification chamber 604. For example, the humidity generator 606 may include a liquid collector 608 and a liquid disperser 610 (e.g., an atomizer, such as a piezoelectric atomizer), and the liquid collector 608 is configured to transfer the fluid from the liquid reservoir 602 to the liquid disperser 610. The liquid collector 608 can be an active collector (e.g., including a pump) or a passive collector (e.g., including a core). In some cases, the humidity generator 606 can be configured to generate droplets having a droplet size (e.g., an approximate diameter or maximum size) in the range of about 1.5 microns to about 4.5 microns (e.g., droplets having a droplet size of about 2.5 microns). In some cases, at least a portion of humidity generator 606 (eg, liquid disperser 610 ) can be at a bottom portion 620 of humidification chamber 604 (eg, coupled to bottom wall 622 ).

[0091] The humidity generator 606 may include one or more of an atomizer (e.g., a piezoelectric atomizer, a nozzle atomizer, an electrostatic atomizer, a centrifugal atomizer, and / or any other type of atomizer), a heat source (e.g., a boiler to generate steam), a passive evaporator, an ozone bubbler in a liquid pool, a mister, a sprinkler, a humidity bag, etc. to generate humidity within the humidification chamber 604. In some cases, one or more components of the humidity generator 606 may include a protective (e.g., hydrophobic) coating on at least a portion of the component.

[0092] The humidification chamber 604 includes a humidification chamber ozone inlet 612 through which air (e.g., ozonated air) enters the humidification chamber 604 and a humidification chamber outlet 614 through which air (e.g., humidified ozonated air or ozonated air) exits the humidification chamber 604 (e.g., to enter the CPAP hose 312). The humidification chamber ozone inlet 612 and the humidification chamber outlet 614 are arranged so that the humidifier flow path 616 (which forms part of the flow path 220, Figure 2 ) extends transversely (e.g., perpendicularly) to a discharge axis 618 of the humidity generator 606. In some cases, the air flowing along the humidifier flow path 616 can be turbulent for at least a portion of the humidifier flow path 616 (turbulence can improve mixing of ozone with the atomized liquid). For example, turbulent airflow can exist at the humidification chamber ozone inlet 612 and can transition to laminar flow (e.g., after passing through the humidification chamber outlet 614 and entering the CPAP hose 312). In some cases, the humidifier 600 can generally be described as being configured to promote mixing of ozone with moisture (e.g., moisture within the humidification chamber 604).

[0093] Figure 7 An example of a disinfection device 700 with humidity control is shown, which is configured to disinfect one or more components of a continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) machine. Figure 3 An example of a disinfection device 300.

[0094] As shown, the disinfection device 700 includes a disinfection chamber 702, an ozone generating assembly 704 (schematically shown in dashed lines), and a humidifier assembly 706. The disinfection chamber 702 includes a CPAP hose through-hole 708, a CPAP hose 750 (see FIG. Fig. 7A ) can be inserted through the CPAP hose through-hole so that at least a portion of the CPAP hose 750 is received within the disinfection chamber 702. In other words, the CPAP hose through-hole 708 is configured so that the CPAP hose 750 can pass therethrough. Figure 7B As shown in the figure, the CPAP hose 750 has a first hose end 756 and a second hose end 758, wherein the CPAP hose adapter 752 is disposed at the first hose end 756, and the CPAP mask 754 is disposed at the second hose end 758 (e.g., removably coupled to a connection point at the second hose end 758). Therefore, the CPAP hose 750 can generally be described as being fluidly coupled to the humidifier assembly 706, and the first hose end 756 and the humidifier assembly 706 can generally be described as being fluidly coupled to the disinfection chamber 702 via the CPAP hose 750 and the CPAP mask 754. As also shown, the CPAP hose 750 includes a spiral rib 760 that extends at least a majority of the length of the CPAP hose 750 and forms one or more gaps 762 (e.g., a spiral groove that extends at least a certain length of the spiral rib 760). In addition, the length of the CPAP hose 750 may pose one or more challenges to disinfection performance. Therefore, pathogens may tend to accumulate at one or more gaps 762 and / or accumulate along the length of the CPAP hose 750. The CPAP mask 754 may include one or more features (eg, one or more nasal passages) that are worn by a user, which may also be prone to accumulating one or more pathogens when used.

[0095] The CPAP hose through-port 708 can be at least partially formed within a sidewall 710 of the disinfection chamber 702. In some cases, the CPAP hose through-port 708 can include a through-port open end 712. The through-port open end 712 can be selectively closed by a disinfection chamber cover 714. In these cases, the CPAP hose through-port 708 and the disinfection chamber cover 714 can cooperate to form a seal extending around the CPAP hose 750. The seal can be configured to mitigate and / or prevent ozone from escaping from the disinfection chamber 702 at the CPAP hose through-port 708. In some cases, the CPAP hose through-port 708 can include a first hose sensor 716 (schematically shown in phantom) configured to detect the presence of the CPAP hose 750 within the CPAP hose through-port 708. The first hose sensor 716 can be configured to prevent the generation of ozone when the CPAP hose 750 is not received within the CPAP hose through-port 708.

[0096] The humidifier assembly 706 includes a CPAP hose coupling 718 for removably coupling to a CPAP hose. Thus, the CPAP hose fluidly couples the humidifier assembly 706 to the disinfection chamber 702. The CPAP hose coupling 718 can be configured to detect when a CPAP hose is coupled thereto. For example, the CPAP hose coupling 718 can include a second hose sensor 720 (schematically shown in phantom). The second hose sensor 720 can be configured to detect the presence of a CPAP hose 750 coupled thereto. In some cases, the CPAP hose 750 can be coupled to the CPAP hose coupling 718 using a CPAP hose adapter 752 ( Fig. 7A ), and the second hose sensor 720 can be configured to detect the presence of the CPAP hose 750 and / or the CPAP hose adapter 752. The second hose sensor 720 can be configured to prevent the generation of ozone when the CPAP hose 750 is not coupled thereto.

[0097] The humidifier assembly 706 also includes a reservoir inlet 722. The reservoir inlet 722 is configured to allow a user to selectively refill the liquid in the humidifier assembly 706. The reservoir inlet 722 can be configured as a door, a drawer, and / or any other form of inlet. In some cases, the reservoir inlet 722 can include a liquid level window 724, which is configured to enable a user to observe the amount of liquid in the reservoir.

[0098] Figure 8 Shown along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the disinfection device 700 taken along line VIII-VIII of Fig. 9 Shown along Figure 7FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the disinfection device 700 taken along line IX-IX of FIG. As shown, the ozone generating assembly 704 is disposed in a base region 800 of the disinfection device 700. At least a portion of the base region 800 is disposed below the disinfection chamber 702. For example, a base sidewall 801 defining at least a portion of the disinfection chamber 702 may extend between the disinfection chamber 702 and the ozone generating assembly 704, thereby separating the ozone generating assembly 704 from the disinfection chamber 702.

[0099] As also shown, at least a portion of the humidifier assembly 706 extends within the base region 800 and along at least a portion of the disinfection chamber 702 (e.g., an outer surface of the sidewall 710 of the disinfection chamber 702). For example, the humidifier assembly 706 can include a reservoir 802 and a humidification chamber 804, wherein at least a portion of the reservoir 802 extends within the base region 800, and at least a portion of the humidification chamber 804 extends along the disinfection chamber 702 and above the base region 800.

[0100] The reservoir inlet 722 includes a movable platform 806, a carriage 808 configured to removably receive the reservoir 802, one or more links 810 pivotally coupled to the movable platform 806 and the carriage 808, and an access door 812 including a handle 814 coupled to the movable platform 806. In use, a user applies a force (e.g., a pulling force or a pushing force) on the handle 814 to transition the movable platform 806 from the use position to the refill position. When transitioning between the use position and the refill position, the movable platform 806 can be caused to slide along the insertion axis 816. When the movable platform 806 transitions between the use position and the refill position, the one or more links 810 pivot relative to the movable platform 806 and the carriage 808, so as to cause the carriage 808 (and the reservoir 802) to move along the insertion axis 816 and the coupling axis 818. The insertion axis 816 extends transversely to (e.g., perpendicular to) the coupling axis 818. As shown, the insertion axis 816 extends generally (e.g., within 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, or 5°) parallel to the base 820 of the disinfection device 700. In some cases, the insertion axis 816 can be described as a generally horizontal axis. As shown, the coupling axis 818 extends transverse to (e.g., perpendicular to) the base 820 of the disinfection device 700. In some cases, the coupling axis 818 can be described as a generally vertical axis.

[0101] Also like Figure 8As shown, the flow path 822 extends from the ozone generating assembly 704 via the inlet connector 824 into the humidification chamber 804, out of the humidification chamber 804 via the CPAP hose coupling 718, into the CPAP hose 750 extending through the CPAP hose pass-through 708, and out of the CPAP hose 750 within the disinfection chamber 702 (e.g., and through the CPAP mask 754, see Figure 7B , arranged in the disinfection chamber 702). Fig. 9 As shown, the flow path 822 extends from the disinfection chamber 702, through the disinfection chamber outlet 900, into the ozone reduction filter 902, through the upstream fan 904, and into the surrounding environment. The upstream fan 904 is configured to draw air and / or ozone through the ozone reduction filter 902. In some cases, the ozone reduction filter 902 can include a filter communication system 906 that is configured to be communicatively coupled to the disinfection device 700 (e.g., to provide firmware updates, updated disinfection curves, etc.). In some cases, the filter communication system 906 can be a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag.

[0102] Fig.9A An exploded view of an ozone reducing filter 902 is shown. As shown, the ozone reducing filter 902 includes a housing 920 having an upstream housing portion 922 and a downstream housing portion 924, wherein the upstream housing portion 922 and the downstream housing portion 924 define a filter cavity 926 configured to receive a filter medium 928 configured to reduce ozone. The upstream housing portion 922 includes an ozonated air inlet 930. The ozonated air inlet 930 may include a filter seal 932 ( Fig. 9 As shown, the filter communication system 906 is disposed within the filter cavity 926 at a location between the filter media 928 and the upstream housing portion 922 .

[0103] Fig.10 A perspective view of a base region 800 of a disinfection device 700 is shown. As shown, the base region 800 includes a pump 1000 fluidly coupled to an ozone generating assembly 704. In some cases, a backflow preventer 1001 (e.g., a check valve or a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) filter) can be disposed downstream of the pump 1000 and / or downstream of the ozone generating assembly 704, which can reduce or prevent water (e.g., ozonated water) from flowing into the pump 1000 and / or the ozone generating assembly 704.

[0104] In operation, the pump 1000 is configured to flow air from the surrounding environment through the ozone generation assembly 704 to produce ozonated air. The ambient air has pre-existing conditions (e.g., relative humidity and / or any other pre-existing conditions). The pre-existing conditions of the ambient air can affect the performance of the ozone generation assembly 704. Therefore, in some cases, the disinfection device 700 can include one or more environmental sensors (e.g., relative humidity sensors) to sense one or more environmental conditions (e.g., relative humidity) and adjust the ozone generation assembly 704 based at least in part on at least one of the sensed environmental conditions. The operation of the ozone generation assembly 704 based at least in part on the sensed environmental conditions can promote more efficient and / or consistent operation of the ozone generation assembly 704.

[0105] As shown, the ozone generation assembly 704 includes an ozone source 1002 (schematically shown in dashed lines), a relative humidity sensor 1004 (schematically shown in dashed lines), and an ozone sensor 1006. The relative humidity sensor 1004 is configured to detect the relative humidity of the ambient air. The detected relative humidity is provided to the controller 1008. The controller 1008 is configured to cause the ozone source 1002 to operate according to (multiple) operating parameters based at least in part on the detected relative humidity. (Multiple) operating parameters are configured to cause the ozone source 1002 to generate an estimated amount of ozone. However, the estimated amount of ozone to be generated may be different from the actual amount of ozone generated. The ozone sensor 1006 is configured to detect the actual amount of ozone generated by the ozone source 1002. The detected amount of ozone is provided to the controller 1008. The controller 1008 compares the detected amount of ozone to the estimated amount of ozone and adjusts the operating parameter(s) of the ozone source 1002 if the detected amount of ozone is greater than or less than the estimated amount of ozone or is outside an acceptable range (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% of the estimated amount of ozone). In other words, the output from the relative humidity sensor 1004 is used to set the initial operating parameter(s) of the ozone source 1002, and the ozone sensor 1006 is used to adjust the initial operating parameter(s) to meet an acceptable ozone threshold or range. This configuration can allow the ozone source to reach a desired amount of ozone production (e.g., steady state) more quickly. The desired amount of ozone as detected by the ozone sensor 1006 can be, for example, in the range of about 100 parts per million (ppm) to about 400 ppm. As another example, the desired amount of ozone as detected by the ozone sensor 1006 may be approximately 270 ppm (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% thereof).

[0106] As shown, the reservoir inlet 722 also includes a liquid level sensor 1009 configured to detect the level of liquid within the reservoir 802. When the liquid level drops below a predetermined threshold (e.g., the reservoir 802 is substantially empty or the liquid is insufficient to complete a disinfection cycle), operation of the disinfection device 700 can be prevented. The liquid level sensor 1009 can include one or more arms 1010. The one or more arms 1010 include a raised area 1012 configured to engage (e.g., contact) a portion of the disinfection device 700 (e.g., one or more electrical contacts to form an electrical connection with the controller 1008).

[0107] As also shown, the reservoir inlet 722 can also include at least one wheel 1014 coupled to the carriage 808. The at least one wheel 1014 is configured to engage a corresponding track 1016 extending from the base 820. The engagement between the at least one wheel 1014 and the track 1016 can facilitate movement of the carriage along the coupling axis 818.

[0108] Fig.11 A perspective view of a carriage 808 is shown that causes the reservoir 802 to engage with the humidification chamber 804. As shown, the reservoir 802 includes an openable refilling cover 1100 that is configured to transition between an open position and a closed position. In some cases, the openable refilling cover 1100 can be configured to automatically open when the movable platform 806 transitions from the use position to the refilling position. Additionally or alternatively, the openable refilling cover 1100 can be opened by a user. As also shown, the movable platform 806 includes a track 1102 that includes a slot 1104 that is configured to slidably receive a guide protrusion 1106 ( Figure 8 ).

[0109] Figures 11A-11E Another example of a reservoir inlet 1150 is shown, which is an example of the reservoir inlet 722. The reservoir inlet 1150 includes a carriage 1152, a movable platform 1154, and a plurality of links 1156 pivotally coupled to the carriage 1152 and the platform 1154. The carriage 1152 is configured to receive a reservoir 1158, which is an example of the reservoir 802. As shown, the reservoir 1158 includes a keying protrusion 1160 that is configured to cooperate with a keying receptacle 1162 of the carriage 1152. For example, the keying protrusion 1160 and the keying receptacle 1162 can be configured to cooperate to control the orientation of the reservoir 1158 within the carriage 1152 (e.g., the reservoir 1158 can be received within the carriage 1152 according to a single orientation). In this example, keying protrusion 1160 and keying receptacle 1162 may have corresponding shapes that are asymmetric along at least one axis.

[0110] The carriage 1152 also includes wheels 1164 configured to engage corresponding tracks 1166. As shown, when the carriage 1152 and the platform 1154 move along the insertion axis 1168, the wheels 1164 cooperate with the tracks 1166 to move the carriage 1152 toward or away from the platform 1154 and along the coupling axis 1170. As shown, when the carriage 1152 moves away from the platform 1154, the link angle ε opened in the direction of the tracks 1166 increases to a fully inserted position (e.g., as shown in FIG. Fig.11E ). When in the fully inserted position, the link angle ε can be greater than or equal to 90°. This configuration can facilitate the carriage 1152 and platform 1154 to remain in the fully inserted position. When the link angle ε is less than 90°, the carriage 1152 and platform 1154 can be facilitated to move along the insertion axis 1168 in a direction away from the fully inserted position (e.g., due to the weight of the reservoir 1158).

[0111] As shown, the plurality of links 1156 include a forward link 1156a and a plurality of rearward links 1156b. The forward link 1156a may include a plurality of link arms 1172 connected together by a connecting arm 1174. The connecting arm 1174 may increase the torsional strength of the forward link 1156a, which may improve the alignment of the reservoir 1158 relative to the humidification chamber 804.

[0112] Fig.11F A bottom view of the platform 1154 is shown. As shown, the platform 1154 includes one or more reinforcement structures 1176 extending along the platform 1154. The one or more reinforcement structures 1176 may increase torsional stiffness and / or linear stiffness.

[0113] Fig.12 It is along Figure 7 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the disinfection device 700 taken along line XII-XII of FIG. 1 , which shows the humidifier assembly 706. As shown, the humidifier assembly 706 includes a reservoir 802, a humidification chamber 804, and a humidity generator 1204. The humidity generator 1204 is configured to draw liquid from the reservoir 802 and disperse the liquid (e.g., as atomized droplets) into the humidification chamber 804.

[0114] The humidity generator 1204 may include, for example, a core assembly 1206 configured to cooperate with the atomizer 1208 to transfer liquid from the reservoir 802 to the humidification chamber 804. At least a portion of any ozone entering the humidification chamber 804 may be entrained in at least a portion of the liquid atomized by the atomizer 1208. The core assembly 1206 is configured to draw liquid from the reservoir 802 by capillary action and deliver the liquid to the atomizer 1208. The atomizer 1208 is configured to atomize the delivered liquid into droplets dispersed in the humidification chamber 804. The atomizer 1208 may be a piezoelectric (or ultrasonic) atomizer configured to generate a given amount and size of liquid (e.g., water) droplets. In some cases, the atomizer 1208 may be configured as a reverse piezoelectric atomizer (e.g., the stainless steel plate of the atomizer 1208 is more exposed to the humidification chamber 804 than the piezoelectric ceramic of the atomizer 1208). For example, the atomizer 1208 can be a piezoelectric atomizer having approximately 1,020 (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, or 15%) holes with an aperture size of approximately 3.6 microns (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, or 15%). As another example, the atomizer 1208 can be a piezoelectric atomizer having approximately 1,320 holes with an aperture size of approximately 4.3 microns. As another example, the atomizer 1208 can be a piezoelectric atomizer having approximately 2,640 holes with an aperture size of approximately 2.5 microns. The aperture of the piezoelectric atomizer can affect the droplet size formed, and the number of apertures can affect the amount of droplets dispersed within the humidification chamber 804. In some cases, the aperture can be configured so that the smallest droplet has a size that does not cause Brownian motion. In some cases, the droplet size of the most common droplets can be in the range of, for example, about 1.0 microns to about 3 microns. As another example, the droplet size of the most common droplets can be in the range of about 1.0 microns to about 5 microns. As yet another example, the droplet size of the most common droplets can be in the range of about 1.5 microns to about 4.5 microns. As yet another example, the droplet size of the most common droplets can be about 2.5 microns. The piezoelectric atomizer can be an ultrasonic atomizer operating at about 110 kilohertz (kHz). In some cases, the piezoelectric atomizer 1208 can have an aperture of about 2.5 microns. In some cases, the disinfection device 700 can be configured so that the atomizer 1208 operates according to a self-cleaning cycle. In some cases, the controller 1008 can be configured to determine the state (e.g., function, damage, and / or any other state) of the piezoelectric atomizer 1208 (e.g., by measuring the voltage across the piezoelectric atomizer 1208).

[0115] The atomizer 1208 may also include a recess 1210 configured to engage at least a portion of the core assembly 1206. The recess 1210 may generally be described as a raised recess or a recessed recess (see, e.g., Fig.12EAn atomizer 1280 is shown having a concave depression 1282 engaging a wick 1284, wherein the convex depression protrudes into the humidification chamber 804 (as shown). Fig.12E , the core 1284 can have a substantially planar recessed engagement surface 1286 that is configured to cooperate (e.g., engage) with the concave recess 1282. Compared to the convex recess 1210, a more consistent engagement with the substantially planar recessed engagement surface 1286 can be obtained when the concave recess 1282 is used, which can improve the life of the core assembly 1206. For example, maintaining a substantially continuous force between at least a portion of the core 1284 (e.g., the substantially planar recessed engagement surface 1286) and the atomizer 1280 in a range of about 0.02 Newtons (N) to about 0.5N can improve performance. As another example, a substantially continuous force between at least a portion of the core 1284 (e.g., the substantially planar recessed engagement surface 1286) and the atomizer 1280 in a range of about 0.05N to about 0.25N can improve performance.

[0116] The atomizer 1208 can be configured to operate for a period of at least about six months to at least about five years without malfunctioning within the environment of the disinfection device 700. An example of the atomizer 1208 can include a protective coating applied to one or more surfaces of the atomizer 1208. The protective coating can have a coating thickness in the range of, for example, about 2 microns to about 50 microns. As another example, the protective coating can have a coating thickness in the range of, for example, about 2 microns to about 12 microns. The coating thickness can be determined at least in part based on the properties of the coating and the ability of the coating to withstand the high-frequency movement of the piezoelectric atomizer 1208 (e.g., the mechanical durability of the coating). As the thickness of the protective coating increases, the performance of the atomizer 1208 can begin to deteriorate (e.g., due to the thicker coating resisting the vibration of the atomizer 1208). Exemplary protective coatings can include a polyparaxylene coating (e.g., polyparaxylene N, polyparaxylene C, polyparaxylene D, or polyparaxylene ). Fig. 12A A cross-sectional schematic illustration of a coated atomizer 1209 (which is an example of atomizer 1208) is shown with a protective coating 1211 having a coating thickness 1213 applied to one or more surfaces 1207 (e.g., surfaces facing the humidification chamber) of the coated atomizer 1209. Prior to applying the protective coating 1211, the one or more surfaces 1207 may be prepared (e.g., cleaned) to promote consistent adhesion of the protective coating 1211.

[0117] Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of the atomizer 1208 can be made of one or more durable materials. Examples of durable materials can include stainless steel, silver, tungsten, lead zirconate titanate, silicone, and / or ceramic materials. The durable material and / or protective coating can also be mechanically durable (e.g., to operate for a period of at least about six months to at least about five years without malfunctioning due to material movement when atomizing liquid). The atomizer 1208 can also include a hydrophobic coating (e.g., the protective coating can be hydrophobic) and / or be at least partially made of a hydrophobic material.

[0118] In some cases, when the atomizer 1208 includes a protective coating, the surface of the atomizer 1208 to which the protective coating is applied can be pre-treated to promote adhesion of the protective coating to the atomizer 1208. For an atomizer 1208 having a stainless steel surface to which a protective coating (e.g., polyparaxylene N type) is to be applied, an adhesion promoter can be used. Additionally or alternatively, polymer adhesion, conformal coatings, optical adhesion, sealants, and / or primers can be used to promote adhesion. In some cases, the atomizer 1208 can be configured to be user-replaceable (e.g., as an atomizer module). This configuration can allow the user to replace the atomizer 1208 if the atomizer 1208 has been substantially degraded or mechanically failed.

[0119] The humidification chamber 804 and the atomizer 1208 can be configured to cooperate to generate a desired mixture of atomized fluid and ozonated air to form humidified ozonated air. The resulting humidified ozonated air can be configured to have one or more disinfection properties effective against one or more pathogens (e.g., viruses, gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, and / or any other pathogens).

[0120] The humidification chamber 804 includes a bottom wall 1212, a top wall 1214, and one or more chamber side walls 1216 extending between the top wall 1212 and the bottom wall 1214. The bottom wall 1212 may include a generator opening 1215 through which at least a portion of the humidity generator 1204 extends. For example, the atomizer 1208 may be coupled to the bottom wall 1212 on a chamber-facing side 1217 of the bottom wall 1212, and the wick assembly 1206 may extend through the generator opening 1215 such that at least a portion of the wick assembly 1206 is on each side of the generator opening 1215. Thus, the wick assembly 1206 may generally be described as fluidly coupling the reservoir 802 to the humidification chamber 804.

[0121] The atomizer 1208 can be coupled to the bottom wall 1212 such that the discharge axis 1218 of the atomizer 1208 extends in the direction of the top wall 1214. In other words, the atomizer 1208 faces the top wall 1214 such that the atomized liquid is directed toward the top wall 1214. The top wall 1214 can be configured to define a surface extending transverse to the bottom wall 1212. In other words, at least a portion of the top wall 1214 can be inclined such that at least a portion of the top wall 1214 does not extend parallel to the bottom wall 1212. This configuration can promote condensation (e.g., due to the atomized liquid contacting the top wall 1214) to flow along the top wall 1214 and flow downward along one or more chamber side walls 1216. Promoting the condensation to flow toward the one or more chamber side walls 1216 can prevent liquid from dripping onto the atomizer 1208.

[0122] The inclination angle θ (see also FIG. 1 ) defined between the top wall 1214 and a plane (eg, a horizontal plane) parallel to the bottom wall 1212 is Fig.13 ) may be, for example, in the range of 30° to 60°. As another example, the tilt angle θ may be in the range of 20° to 70°. As yet another example, the tilt angle θ may be about 45°.

[0123] The humidification chamber 804 may also include a humidification chamber ozone inlet 1220 that defines a spray axis 1222 extending from the humidification chamber ozone inlet 1220 and across the humidification chamber 804. The spray axis 1222 extends transversely (e.g., perpendicularly) to the exhaust axis 1218. For example, the spray axis 1222 and the exhaust axis 1218 may intersect at approximately 90°.

[0124] The humidification chamber ozone inlet 1220 can be spaced apart from the nebulizer 1208 by a vertical separation distance 1224 (e.g., as measured from the center point of the humidification chamber ozone inlet 1220) and a horizontal separation distance 1226 (e.g., as measured from the center point of the nebulizer 1208). Adjusting the vertical separation distance 1224 and the horizontal separation distance 1226 so that the nebulizer 1208 is close to the humidification chamber ozone inlet 1220 can promote uniform mixing of the ozonated air and the atomized liquid, which can improve the disinfection performance of the resulting humidified ozonated air. The vertical separation distance 1224 can be, for example, in the range of 9 mm to 19 mm, and the horizontal separation distance 1226 can be, for example, in the range of 20 mm to 80 mm. As another example, the vertical separation distance 1224 can be about 16 mm, and the horizontal separation distance can be about 30 mm. In some cases, a larger humidification chamber 804, a larger nebulizer 1208, and / or two or more nebulizers 1208 may be used.

[0125] The humidification chamber ozone inlet 1220 may include or be coupled to an inlet connector 824. As shown, the inlet connector 824 may be configured to change the flow path 822 ( Figure 8 ) direction. For example, the inlet connector 824 includes a connector inlet 1228 having a connector inlet axis 1230 and a connector outlet 1232 having a connector outlet axis 1234, wherein the connector inlet axis 1230 extends transversely to (e.g., perpendicular to) the connector outlet axis 1234. In some cases, the connector outlet axis 1234 can be colinear with the injection axis 1222. The connector inlet axis 1230 can form a connector angle β with the connector outlet axis 1234. The connector angle β can be configured so that the inlet connector 824 introduces turbulence into the air flowing therethrough (turbulence can promote mixing of ozone with the atomized liquid). The connector angle β can be, for example, in the range of 50° to 120°. As another example, the connector angle β can be about 90°. Fig. 22 One example of a flow diagram for inlet connector 824 is shown. Fig.23 An example of a flow diagram for a linear inlet connector is shown.

[0126] In some cases, turbulence of the air exiting the inlet connector 824 can promote any condensation of the atomized liquid to form within the humidification chamber 804 (e.g., not within the connected CPAP hose 750). For example, turbulence (e.g., resulting vortices) can promote any condensation to occur on the top wall 1214 and / or one or more chamber side walls 1216.

[0127] Fig. 12B An example of an inlet insert 1250 is shown that is configured to be coupled to (or formed in) the inlet connector 824 . Fig. 12C A cross-sectional view of inlet insert 1250 is shown. Fig.12D An example of an inlet connector 824 including an inlet insert 1250 is shown. Fig.24 One example of a flow diagram for inlet insert 1250 is shown.

[0128] The inlet insert 1250 is configured to promote turbulence and / or generation of a fan-shaped dispersion pattern 1251 of the air (which may include ozone) exiting therefrom. The fan-shaped dispersion pattern 1251 may have a pattern width 1253 that generally corresponds to (e.g., is approximately equal to) the emission pattern width 1255 of the atomizer discharge 1257 from the atomizer 1208 (e.g., at the intersection between the dispersion pattern 1251 and the atomizer discharge 1257). This configuration may promote mixing of air with the generated moisture. The shape of the atomizer discharge 1257 of the atomizer 1208 may be generally conical. In these cases, the pattern width 1253 of the dispersion pattern 1251 may generally correspond to the diameter of the atomizer discharge 1257 at the intersection between the dispersion pattern 1251 and the atomizer discharge 1257. In some cases, the inlet connector 824 can be angled so that the spray axis 1222 from the inlet connector 824 extends in a direction away from the atomizer 1208. This configuration can increase the interaction area between the dispersion pattern 1251 and the atomizer discharge 1257. Additionally or alternatively, the humidification chamber 804 ( Figure 8 ) to increase the interaction area between the dispersion pattern 1251 and the atomizer discharge 1257.

[0129] As shown, the inlet insert 1250 defines an insert passage 1252 extending from an insert inlet 1254 to an insert outlet 1256. The insert passage 1252 defines a passage central axis 1258 passing through both the insert inlet 1254 and the insert outlet 1256. The insert passage 1252 has a passage width 1260 that increases from the insert inlet 1254 to a central portion 1262 of the insert passage 1252 and decreases from the central portion 1262 to the insert outlet 1256. The passage width 1260 may be the same at the insert inlet 1254 and at the insert outlet 1256. In this example, the insert passage 1252 may have a shape corresponding to the insert inlet 1254, which is rotated 180° about the passage central axis 1258 while moving linearly along the passage central axis 1258 (e.g., a distance of about 10 mm). In other words, the insert passage 1252 may have a twisted shape that corresponds to the shape of the insert inlet 1254 .

[0130] The insert inlet 1254 and the insert outlet 1256 can have the same size. The insert inlet 1254 can have an insert width 1264 and an insert length 1266, and the insert length 1266 is greater than the insert width 1264. This configuration can result in a fan-shaped dispersion pattern 1251. The area of ​​the insert inlet 1254 can be approximately the same as the area of ​​the inlet connector passage of the inlet connector 824.

[0131] Fig.13 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a humidifier assembly 706 is shown. As shown, the humidification chamber ozone inlet 1220 faces a direction different from the humidification chamber outlet 1300. For example, the humidification chamber ozone inlet 1220 can be arranged in the first side wall 1302, and the humidification chamber outlet 1300 can be arranged in the second side wall 1304. The first side wall 1302 and the second side wall 1304 can be adjacent side walls. As also shown, the humidification chamber ozone inlet 1220 and the humidification chamber outlet 1300 can be vertically spaced apart by an inlet / outlet separation distance 1306 (e.g., as measured between the center point of the humidification chamber ozone inlet 1220 and the humidification chamber outlet 1300). The inlet / outlet separation distance 1306 can be, for example, in the range of 30mm to 100mm. As another example, the inlet / outlet separation distance 1306 can be about 100mm. As also shown, the top wall 1214 forms an inclination angle λ with the second side wall 1304 in the range of, for example, 30° to 60°. As another example, the inclination angle λ may be in the range of 10° to 80°. As yet another example, the inclination angle λ may be about 45°.

[0132] As also shown, the cross-sectional width 1308 of the humidification chamber 804 can decrease in the direction of the humidification chamber outlet 1300. For example, and as shown, at least one side wall (e.g., a second side wall 1304 including the humidification chamber outlet 1300) can include a non-linear cross-section (e.g., including one or more arcuate or angular portions). In some cases, the humidification chamber 804 can have a chamber volume in the range of, for example, 112 milliliters (mL). As another example, the chamber volume can be about 180 mL.

[0133] Fig.14 is roughly equivalent to Fig.13 An enlarged cross-sectional view of region XIV-XIV of Fig.15 804 and a top view of the reservoir 802. As shown, the atomizer 1208 is coupled to the bottom wall 1212 of the humidification chamber 804 using a retainer 1400. The retainer 1400 can be formed of, for example, silicone, plastic, metal, and / or any other suitable material. The retainer 1400 includes: an atomizer opening 1402 (see also Fig. 14B ), the atomizer 1208 can discharge atomized water (e.g., distilled water or demineralized water) through the atomizer opening; and one or more retainer walls 1404, the one or more retainer walls being configured to engage (e.g., couple to) the bottom wall 1212 and / or the spacer 1405 extending from the bottom wall 1212. The one or more retainer walls 1404 may include one or more retainer wall drain ports 1406 (see also Fig.14A, which shows a perspective view of the holder 1400), a drainage path 1408 extends through the one or more holder wall drain ports. The drainage path 1408 extends from the one or more holder wall drain ports 1406 through one or more bottom wall drain ports 1410 defined in the bottom wall 1212 of the humidification chamber 804. The drainage path 1408 extends from the one or more bottom wall drain ports 1410 through one or more reservoir drain ports 1412 defined within the reservoir 802. The drainage path 1408 can extend from the one or more reservoir drain ports 1412 along the core assembly 1206 and into the reservoir 802. In operation, atomized water (which can contain ozone) that condenses on the top wall 1214 (rather than leaving the humidification chamber 804 via the humidification chamber outlet 1300) and flows down along the one or more chamber side walls 1216 can flow along the drainage path 1408 and return to the reservoir 802. In some cases, bottom wall 1212 may include sloped region 1414 that encourages water to flow toward retainer wall drain port 1406 .

[0134] The liquid flowing along the drainage path 1408 can have ozone entrained therein. The entrained ozone can disinfect the humidification chamber 804, the reservoir 802, and / or the wick assembly 1206. This configuration can extend the cleaning interval of the humidifier assembly 706.

[0135] As also shown, the bottom wall 1212 includes a reservoir receptacle 1416 configured to receive at least a portion of the reservoir protrusion 1418. A portion of the wick assembly 1206 extends within the reservoir protrusion 1418 such that a portion of the wick assembly 1206 contacts the atomizer 1208 when the reservoir protrusion 1418 is received within the reservoir receptacle 1416.

[0136] The reservoir protrusion 1418 may include one or more reservoir drain ports 1412 and one or more core supports 1420, which are configured to support (e.g., contact) at least a portion of the core assembly 1206 (e.g., core 1422) extending therein. One or more core supports 1420 may extend within a protrusion cavity 1419 defined by the reservoir protrusion 1418, wherein a portion of the core assembly 1206 extends within the protrusion cavity 1419, and one or more reservoir drain ports 1412 may be defined within the protrusion cavity 1419. When the core 1422 is wetted, the structural rigidity of the core 1422 may be reduced, and one or more core supports 1420 may support the wetted core 1422 in an upright position. In some cases, when the core 1422 is dry, it may not have enough structural rigidity to remain in an upright position and be supported in an upright position by one or more core supports 1420. The core 1422 may be a soft core or a hard core. If the structural integrity of the core 1422 is sufficient to maintain the desired interaction between the core 1422 and the depression of the atomizer 1208, the hard core or soft core 1422 can each be effective. In some cases, for example, the substantially continuous force between at least a portion of the core 1422 and the atomizer 1208 can be in the range of about 0.02N to about 0.5N. As another example, the substantially continuous force between at least a portion of the core 1422 and the atomizer 1208 can be in the range of about 0.05N to about 0.25N. As shown, the drainage path 1408 extends between the core assembly 1206 and the reservoir protrusion 1418.

[0137] In some cases, the bottom region 1424 of the humidification chamber 804 including the bottom wall 1212 can be removed from the top region 1428 of the humidification chamber 804 (e.g., to facilitate cleaning of the humidification chamber 804 and / or replacement of the atomizer 1208). In these cases, the seal 1426 can extend between the bottom region 1424 and the top region 1428 of the humidification chamber 804.

[0138] Fig.16 1 is a perspective view of the core assembly 1206. As shown, the core assembly 1206 includes a core 1422 extending within a cartridge 1600 having a cartridge base 1602 slidably coupled to a cartridge body 1604. A biasing mechanism 1606 (e.g., a spring) extends within the cartridge body 1604 and pushes the cartridge base 1602 into engagement with (e.g., contact with) the core 1422. Pushing the cartridge base 1602 into engagement with the core 1422 is configured to push the core 1422 into engagement with the atomizer 1208 ( Fig.12) engagement, thereby promoting more efficient atomization of the liquid. In some cases, the core 1422 can have a shape that generally corresponds to the surface of the atomizer 1208, and the surface of the atomizer is configured to be contacted by the core 1422, so that consistent contact between the atomizer 1208 and the core 1422 can be maintained.

[0139] The cartridge base 1602 and / or cartridge body 1604 include one or more liquid through-ports 1608 and / or 1610. Liquid through-ports 1608 and 1610 are configured to allow liquid to be transferred from the reservoir 802 ( Figure 8 ) is transferred to core 1422.

[0140] Fig.17 It is along Fig.16 1704 , wherein the core 1422 extends through the barrel open end 1704. In other words, the biasing mechanism 1606 cooperates with the barrel base 1602 to push the core 1422 in a direction extending outward from the barrel open end 1704 (e.g., and with the barrel base 1602 extending therethrough). Fig.12 The cartridge body 1604 may include a locking receptacle 1706 configured to lock the core assembly 1206 with the reservoir 802 ( Figure 8 ) can be removably connected. For example, the locking receptacle 1706 can be configured to engage the core connector 1708 ( Fig.18 ) corresponding protrusions and / or seals. When coupled to the reservoir 802, movement of the cartridge base 1602 within the cartridge body 1604 in the direction of the cartridge open end 1704 is facilitated by the core coupling 1708 of the reservoir 802 and the base flange 1700 (see, e.g. Fig.18 )Restrictions on engagement.

[0141] One or more base core supports 1702 are configured to engage at least a portion of the core 1422. When the core 1422 becomes saturated with liquid, the structural rigidity of the core 1422 may be compromised. One or more base core supports 1702 can be configured to maintain the core in an upright orientation when the core 1422 is saturated with liquid (and / or when dry if the core 1422 rigidity is insufficient to maintain an upright orientation). This configuration can promote more consistent contact between the atomizer 1208 and the core 1422.

[0142] Fig.19 It is along Figure 7 700 . As shown, the disinfection chamber 702 includes a disinfection body 1900 defining a cavity 1902, the cavity including a disinfection container 1904. The disinfection chamber cover 714 is pivotally coupled to the disinfection body 1900 and includes a disinfection chamber seal 1906, which is configured to sealably engage with the disinfection container 1904 when the disinfection chamber cover 714 is in a closed (e.g., operating) position. The disinfection chamber seal 1906 is configured to prevent and / or reduce ozone leakage from the disinfection container 1904. For example, the disinfection chamber seal 1906, the CPAP hose pass-through 708, and the ozone reduction filter 902 can be configured so that the total leakage of ozone from the disinfection device 700 is less than 0.05 ppm as measured 12 centimeters (cm) from the disinfection device 700. In some cases, the upstream fan 904 and / or the pump 1000 ( Fig.10 ) to maintain ozone within the CPAP hose 750, CPAP mask 754, and / or disinfection container 1904 within a predetermined range (e.g., by generating pulses of ozone using the ozone generating assembly 704), and to maintain humidity within the CPAP hose 750, CPAP mask 754, and / or disinfection container 1904 within a predetermined range (e.g., without generating humidity using the humidifier assembly 706). In other words, the upstream fan 904 and / or pump 1000 can be operated so that a desired environment is maintained within the CPAP hose 750, CPAP mask 754, and / or disinfection container 1904.

[0143] In some cases, when the disinfection device 700 is operated, the amount of ozone in the CPAP hose 750, the CPAP mask 754, and / or the disinfection container 1904 can be controlled. For example, the amount of ozone in the disinfection container 1904 can be controlled within a range of about 200 ppm to about 300 ppm. As another example, the amount of ozone can be controlled within a range of about 100 ppm to about 400 ppm. As another example, the amount of ozone can be controlled within a range of about 120 ppm to about 200 ppm. As another example, the amount of ozone can be controlled to about 285 ppm. As another example, the amount of ozone can be controlled to about 160 ppm. In some cases, when the disinfection device 700 is operated, the humidity in the disinfection container 1904 can be controlled. For example, the relative humidity in the disinfection container 1904 can be controlled within a range of 50% to 99.9%. As another example, the relative humidity in the disinfection container 1904 can be controlled within a range of 70% to 90%. As yet another example, the relative humidity within the sterilization container 1904 may be approximately 70%.

[0144] Additionally or alternatively, the speed of the upstream fan 904 and / or the pump 1000 may be controlled in order to control the ozone generation assembly 704 to control the amount of ozone within the CPAP hose 750, the CPAP mask 754, and / or the disinfection container 1904 and / or in order to control the humidifier assembly 706 to control the relative humidity within the CPAP hose 750, the CPAP mask 754, and / or the disinfection container 1904. By controlling the speed of one or more of the upstream fan 904 and / or the pump 1000, the rate at which ozone and / or moisture (e.g., via the CPAP hose 750 and / or the CPAP mask 752) is delivered to and removed from the disinfection container 1904 may be controlled, which controls the amount of ozone and / or moisture within the disinfection container 1904 and the object being disinfected (e.g., the CPAP hose 750 and / or the CPAP mask 752). For example, pump 1000 may be operated to produce a flow rate in the range of approximately 1.1 standard liters per minute (SLPM) to 1.6 SLPM, and upstream fan 904 may be operated ( Fig.10 ) to produce a flow rate in the range of about 0.9 SLPM to about 1.6 SLPM. As another example, the upstream fan 904 can be operated to produce a flow rate of 1.3 SLPM, and the pump 1000 produces a flow rate of 1.3 SLPM. As yet another example, the upstream fan 904 can be operated to produce a flow rate of 1.2 SLPM, and the pump 1000 produces a flow rate of 1.3 SLPM. In some cases, the sterilization device 700 can be configured such that the sterilization container 1904 is under vacuum, under pressure, or alternates between being under vacuum and under pressure. Operating the upstream fan 904 at a lower flow rate than the pump 1000 can improve sterilization performance (e.g., promote at least 4-Log 10 , at least 5-Log 10 or at least 6-Log 10 In some cases, the flow rate can be configured such that for a given amount of entrained ozone, a desired level of disinfection (e.g., at least 4-Log 1000) is achieved against one or more pathogens (e.g., one or more viruses, one or more Gram-positive bacteria, one or more Gram-negative bacteria, and / or any other pathogens). 10 ).

[0145] Fig.19A A schematic illustration of an operation timeline 1920 of the disinfection device 700 is shown, the operation timeline corresponding to an exemplary operation curve (eg, disinfection cycle) and is Figure 4 When the disinfection device 700 is operated according to the operation timeline 1920, the object disinfected by the disinfection device 700 (e.g., the CPAP mask 754 or the CPAP hose 750) can withstand at least 4-Log 10 reduce. Fig.19B An example of efficacy results using an example of a disinfection device 700 implementing an example of an operating schedule 1920 is shown, where the efficacy achieved is greater than 4-Log for the listed pathogens. 10 .

[0146] As shown, the first period 1922 extends between time T0 and time T1, the second period 1924 extends between time T1 and time T2, and the third period 1926 extends between time T2 and time T3, wherein time T3 is greater than time T2, time T2 is greater than time T1, and time T1 is greater than time T0. The cycle time extending from T0 to T3 can be, for example, in the range of about 60 minutes (for example, within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% or 5% thereof) to about 120 minutes. As another example, the cycle time can be about 90 minutes. The first period 1922 can be, for example, in the range of about 4 to about 6 minutes. As another example, the first period 1922 can be about 6 minutes. The second period 1914 can be, for example, in the range of about 60 to about 80 minutes. As another example, the second period 1924 can be about 72 minutes. The third period 1926 can be, for example, in the range of about 8 minutes to about 16 minutes. As another example, the third period 1926 can be about 12 minutes. Pump 1000 may be configured to operate at a pump flow rate and upstream fan 904 may be configured to operate at a fan flow rate that is different from the fan flow rate during at least one of first period 1922 , second period 1924 , and / or third period 1926 .

[0147] During the first period 1922, the ozone generating assembly 704 ( Figure 7 ) generates ozone in a range of, for example, about 220 ppm (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, or 10% thereof) to about 300 ppm, which in some cases may correspond to sterilization chamber 702 ( Figure 7 ) within the CPAP hose 750, the CPAP mask 754, and / or the disinfection chamber 702. As another example, during the first period 1922, the ozone generation assembly 704 can be enabled to generate about 270 ppm of ozone. Depending on the travel time of the ozone from the ozone generation assembly 704 to the disinfection chamber 702, the ozone generation assembly 704 can be configured to generate a sufficient amount of ozone so that the ozone within the CPAP hose 750, the CPAP mask 754, and / or the disinfection chamber 702 is within a range of about 80 ppm to about 150 ppm. Alternatively, in some cases, the ozone generation assembly 704 can be disabled during the first period 1922.

[0148] During the first period 1922, the humidifier assembly 706 ( Figure 7) generates moisture that passes through the CPAP hose 750 and the CPAP mask 754 into the disinfection chamber 702. For example, the humidifier assembly 706 can be configured to generate moisture until the relative humidity (e.g., as measured or estimated) within the CPAP hose 750, the CPAP mask 754, and / or the disinfection chamber 702 is in the range of about 65% (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, or 10% thereof) to about 99%. As another example, the humidifier assembly 706 can be configured to generate moisture until a relative humidity in the range of about 74% to about 90% is achieved within the CPAP hose 750, the CPAP mask 754, and / or the disinfection chamber 702. As yet another example, the humidifier assembly 706 can be configured to generate moisture until a relative humidity in the range of about 55% to about 99% is achieved within the CPAP hose 750, the CPAP mask 754, and / or the disinfection chamber 702. Alternatively, in some cases, humidifier assembly 706 may be disabled during first period 1922 .

[0149] In some cases, during the first period 1922, only one of the ozone generation component 704 or the humidifier component 706 is enabled. For example, during the first period 1922, only the humidifier component 706 may be enabled so that the relative humidity within the disinfection chamber 702 reaches a desired amount before ozone is generated. In some cases, during the first period 1922, the ozone generation component 704 and the humidifier component 706 may be enabled separately. For example, the ozone generation component 704 and the humidifier component 706 may be enabled separately during the first period 1922, but not simultaneously. As another example, the ozone generation component 704 and the humidifier component 706 may both be enabled simultaneously during the first period 1922. The ozone generation component 704 and / or the humidifier component 706 may be enabled throughout the first period 1922.

[0150] During the first period 1922, the pump 1000 ( Fig.10 ) can operate according to the initialization pump flow rate, and the upstream fan 904 can operate according to the initialization fan flow rate. The initialization pump flow rate can be different from (e.g., greater than) the initialization fan flow rate. For example, the ratio of the initialization fan flow rate to the initialization pump flow rate (i.e., the initialization fan flow rate divided by the initialization pump flow rate) can be about 0.9. In some cases, the initialization pump flow rate can be in the range of about 1 SLPM (within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% thereof) to about 1.6 SLPM. In some cases, the initialization fan flow rate can be about 0.1 SLPM to 0.15 SLPM less than the initialization pump flow rate.

[0151] During the second period 1924, the humidifier assembly 706 can be disabled, and the ozone generation assembly 704 can be enabled within at least a portion of the second period 1924. For example, the ozone generation assembly 704 can be cycled between being enabled and disabled (e.g., according to a fixed or variable duty cycle). In this example, the ozone generation assembly 704 can generally be described as being configured to generate ozone pulses at a pulse rate (or duty cycle). When generating ozone pulses, the duty cycle of the ozone generation assembly 704 can be such that the amount of ozone in the disinfection chamber 702 (e.g., as measured or estimated) is in the range of about 80ppm to about 150ppm. An exemplary pulse rate of the ozone generation assembly 704 can be such that the ozone generation assembly 704 is enabled for about 10 seconds and disabled for about 65 seconds. In some cases, the duty cycle can be adjusted based at least in part on the output of an ozone sensor in the disinfection chamber 702, for example. During the second period 1924 , the pump 1000 and / or the upstream fan 904 may, in some circumstances, be enabled when the ozone generating assembly 704 is generating ozone and disabled when the ozone generating assembly 704 is not generating ozone.

[0152] During the second time period 1924, the pump 1000 can be operated according to the operating pump flow rate, and the upstream fan 904 can be operated according to the operating fan flow rate. The operating pump flow rate can be different from (e.g., greater than) the operating fan flow rate. For example, the operating pump flow rate can be greater than the operating fan flow rate. This configuration can promote ozone contact with one or more surfaces of the CPAP mask 754 and / or the CPAP hose 750.

[0153] For example, the ratio of the operating fan flow rate to the operating pump flow rate (i.e., the operating fan flow rate divided by the operating pump flow rate) can be about 0.9. In some cases, the operating pump flow rate can be in the range of about 1 SLPM (within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% thereof) to about 1.6 SLPM. In some cases, the operating fan flow rate can be about 0.1 to 0.15 SLPM less than the operating pump flow rate.

[0154] During the third time period 1926, the humidifier assembly 706 and the ozone generating assembly 704 can be disabled. During the third time period 1926, the upstream fan 904 and / or the pump 1000 can be operated according to the purge fan / pump flow rate. The purge fan flow rate can be greater than about 90% (e.g., about 100%) of the maximum flow rate that can be generated by the upstream fan 904, and / or the purge pump flow rate can be greater than about 90% (e.g., about 100%) of the maximum flow rate that can be generated by the pump 1000. The purge fan flow rate and the purge pump flow rate can be configured to push a large amount of any remaining ozone through the ozone reduction filter 902 ( Fig. 9). In some cases, the purge fan flow rate can be greater than or equal to the purge pump flow rate. In some cases, the purge pump flow rate can be, for example, in the range of about 1 SLPM (within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% thereof) to about 1.6 SLPM, and the purge fan flow rate can be in the range of about 10 SLPM to about 16 SLPM.

[0155] Fig. 20 is a schematic example of a disinfection device 2000, which is Figure 7 The disinfection device 2000 is configured to achieve at least a 4-Log reduction of one or more bacteria on the CPAP mask 2002 and / or on the CPAP hose 2004. 10 (For example, at least 6-Log 10 ), wherein the one or more bacteria may include, but are not limited to, one or more of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus hominis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and / or Enterobacter cloacae. In other words, the disinfection device 2000 is configured to reduce the one or more bacteria in the CPAP mask 2002 and the CPAP hose 2004 by at least 99.9999%.

[0156] As shown, the disinfection device 2000 includes a disinfection chamber 2006, an ozone generator 2008, a humidifier 2010, a pump 2012, an upstream fan 2014, and an ozone reduction filter 2016. The CPAP hose 2004 fluidly couples the pump 2012, the ozone generator 2008, and the humidifier 2010 to the disinfection chamber 2006. As shown, the ozone generator 2008 is downstream of the pump 2012, the humidifier 2010 is downstream of the ozone generator 2008, the CPAP hose 2004 is downstream of the humidifier 2010, the disinfection chamber 2006 is downstream of the CPAP hose 2004, the ozone reduction filter 2016 is downstream of the disinfection chamber 2006, and the upstream fan 2014 is downstream of the ozone reduction filter 2016. In some cases, the CPAP mask 2002 can be coupled to the CPAP hose 2004 and disposed within the disinfection chamber 2006.

[0157] The humidifier 2010, the pump 2012, and the ozone generator 2008 are outside the disinfection chamber 2006. The CPAP mask 2002 and the CPAP hose 2004 fluidly couple the humidifier 2010, the pump 2012, and the ozone generator 2008 to the disinfection chamber 2006. The humidifier 2010, the pump 2012, and / or the ozone generator 2008 can be arranged in any configuration relative to the disinfection chamber 2006. For example, one or more of the humidifier 2010, the pump 2012, and / or the ozone generator 2008 can be at least partially arranged below the disinfection chamber 2006. As another example, one or more of the humidifier 2010, the pump 2012, and / or the ozone generator 2008 can be at least partially arranged along a side of the disinfection chamber 2006 and / or separated from the disinfection chamber. In some cases, one or more of the humidifier 2010 , the pump 2012 , and / or the ozone generator 2008 may be movable relative to the disinfection chamber 2006 .

[0158] The disinfection device 2000 also includes a controller 2018 that is communicatively coupled to one or more of the ozone generator 2008, the humidifier 2010, the pump 2012, and / or the upstream fan 2014. The controller 2018 is configured to operate one or more of the ozone generator 2008, the humidifier 2010, the pump 2012, and / or the upstream fan 2014 according to one or more operating curves (e.g., disinfection cycles) configured to achieve a desired environment (e.g., achieving at least 4-Log 10 or at least 6-Log 10 of lethality).

[0159] The ozone generator 2008 includes a relative humidity sensor 2020 (e.g., positioned at an inlet side of the ozone generator 2008) and an ozone sensor 2022 (e.g., positioned at an outlet side of the ozone generator 2008). For example, the ozone sensor 2022 may be positioned downstream of an ozone source of the ozone generator 2008 and upstream of the humidifier 2010. The controller 2018 is configured to operate the ozone generator 2008 according to an operating curve based at least in part on a detected amount of ozone detected by the ozone sensor 2022 and / or a detected relative humidity detected by the relative humidity sensor 2020. For example, the controller 2018 may operate the ozone generator 2008 to generate an amount of ozone in a range of about 200 ppm to about 300 ppm as detected by the ozone sensor 2022. To achieve the desired amount of ozone more quickly, the controller 2018 may use the detected relative humidity to determine initial operating parameter(s) for the ozone generator 2008 (e.g., the controller 2018 generates an estimated amount of ozone expected to be generated by the ozone generator 2008 for the given operating parameter(s) at the detected relative humidity, and causes the ozone generator 2008 to operate accordingly).

[0160] The humidifier 2010 includes a liquid reservoir 2024, a humidification chamber 2026, and a piezoelectric atomizer 2028 configured to atomize liquid entering the humidification chamber 2026 from the liquid reservoir 2024. The controller 2018 is configured to operate the piezoelectric atomizer 2028 according to an operating curve so as to generate a desired relative humidity. The piezoelectric atomizer 2028 may have about 2,640 (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, or 15%) holes with a pore size of about 2.5 microns (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, or 15%), wherein for each pulse, the theoretical maximum atomization volume of water is about 22.3 picoliters (pL). This configuration of the piezoelectric atomizer 2028 may produce the most common values ​​of atomized water droplet sizes in the range of, for example, about 2.5 microns to about 3 microns. Fig. 20A An exemplary distribution of atomized water droplet sizes produced by an example of a piezoelectric nebulizer 2028 is shown, wherein at the inlet 2029 of the CPAP hose 2004 (at Fig. 20A IN) and the outlet 2031 of the CPAP hose 2004 (e.g., the CPAP mask 2002) (in Fig. 20A2002 and 2004). As shown, droplets having a size in the range of 2 microns to 3 microns are most prevalent and are present in substantially similar quantities at both the inlet 2029 and the outlet 2031. Droplet sizes in the range of 2 microns and 3 microns can mitigate the risk of condensation during a disinfection cycle (e.g., within the disinfection device 2000 and / or within the CPAP mask 2002 and / or the CPAP hose 2004), which can improve disinfection performance. Additionally or alternatively, in some cases, one or more condensation reducers (e.g., mesh screens) can be included to reduce (e.g., prevent) condensation of droplets (e.g., within the disinfection device 2000 and / or within the CPAP mask 2002 and / or the CPAP hose 2004) during a disinfection cycle.

[0161] The piezoelectric atomizer 2028 may be an atomizer with a concave depression, wherein the distal end of the core engaging the atomizer 2028 may be substantially planar, so as to promote consistent contact between the core and the atomizer 2028. When the piezoelectric atomizer 2028 is an atomizer with a convex depression, the distal end of the core engaging the atomizer 2028 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the cavity formed by the convex depression, so as to promote consistent contact between the atomizer 2028 and the core. The core for the atomizer with a concave depression may be harder (or more rigid) than the core for the atomizer with a convex depression, which can improve the life of the core and / or the atomizer.

[0162] Ozone-oxidized air from the ozone generator 2008 is injected into the humidification chamber 2026 in a direction transverse to (e.g., perpendicular to) the discharge direction of the piezoelectric atomizer 2028. The ozonated air may be injected so that the ozonated air has turbulent flow (rather than laminar flow) when entering the humidification chamber 2026.

[0163] Controller 2018 operates pump 2012 and upstream fan 2014 according to an operating curve to obtain a desired environment (e.g., amount of ozone and / or amount of relative humidity) within sterilization chamber 2006. For example, pump 2012 may be operated to produce a flow rate of approximately 1.3 SLPM, and upstream fan 2014 may be operated to produce a flow rate of approximately 1.2 SLPM. In some cases, sterilization chamber 2006 may be under vacuum or under pressure.

[0164] Fig.21 2100 of the disinfection device 2000, which corresponds to an exemplary operation curve (eg, disinfection cycle), and is Figure 4 An example of an operational timeline 400 is shown.

[0165] As shown, the first time period 2102 extends between time T0 and time T1, the second time period 2104 extends between time T1 and time T2, and the third time period 2106 extends between time T2 and time T3, wherein time T3 is greater than time T2, time T2 is greater than time T1, and time T1 is greater than time T0. In other words, the second time period 2104 occurs between the first time period 2102 and the third time period 2106. The entire operation curve can have a duration in the range of, for example, 20 minutes to 120 minutes. As another example, the operation curve can have a duration of about 72 minutes.

[0166] The first period 2102 may generally be referred to as a period of time during which the ozone generator 2008 and / or the humidifier 2010 are operated to achieve desired initial conditions (e.g., desired humidity and / or ozone range) within the sterilization chamber 2006. The second period 2104 may generally be referred to as a period of time during which the ozone generator 2008 and / or the humidifier 2010 are operated to maintain desired conditions (e.g., desired humidity and / or ozone range) within the sterilization chamber 2006. The third period 2106 may generally be referred to as a period of time during which the ozone generator 2008 and / or the humidifier 2010 are operated to purge ozone from the sterilization chamber 2006 such that any residual ozone within the sterilization chamber 2006 is removed and / or within acceptable levels. The conditions within the sterilization chamber 2006 may be measured (e.g., using one or more sensors) and / or estimated.

[0167] During the first period 2102, the ozone generator 2008 generates ozone such that at the end of the first period 2102, there is about 100 ppm to about 200 ppm of ozone in the sterilization chamber 2006, the humidifier 2010 humidifies the environment within the sterilization chamber 2006 to about 70% relative humidity at the end of the first period 2102, the pump 2012 operates to produce a flow rate of about 1.3 SLPM, and the upstream fan 2014 operates to produce a flow rate of about 1.2 SLPM. The first period 2102 can have a duration in the range of, for example, about 1 minute to about 15 minutes. As another example, the first period 2102 can have a duration of about 6 minutes. During the first period 2102, the ozone generator 2008 and the humidifier 2010 can be operated continuously. In some cases, one or more of the ozone generator 2008 and / or the humidifier 2010 can be operated intermittently during the first period 2102. In these cases, the controller 2018 can be configured to determine whether to intermittently operate the ozone generator 2008 and / or the humidifier 2010 based at least in part on one or more sensed conditions within the disinfection chamber 2006, for example.

[0168] During the second period 2104, the ozone generator 2008 is operated intermittently (e.g., pulsed according to a pulse rate), the humidifier 2010 is disabled, and the pump 2012 and the upstream fan 2014 are operated to maintain the desired flow rate through the disinfection chamber 2006. The ozone generator 2008 can be operated intermittently according to a pulse rate with a constant period or a non-constant period. For example, the ozone generator 2008 can be enabled for a period in the range of 3 seconds to 15 seconds and disabled for a period in the range of 30 seconds to 90 seconds, wherein the ozone generator 2008 cycles between being enabled and disabled within the duration of the second period 2104. As another example, the ozone generator 2008 can be enabled for a period of about 10 seconds and disabled for a period of about 65 seconds, wherein the ozone generator cycles between being enabled and disabled within the duration of the second period 2104. The enabled period and disabled period can be constant over the duration of the second period 2104, or at least one enabled period can have a duration different from at least one other enabled period, and / or at least one disabled period can have a duration different from at least one other disabled period. The cycle of the ozone generator 2008 can be configured such that the amount of ozone within the disinfection chamber 2006 is in a range of, for example, about 150 ppm to about 250 ppm. As another example, the cycle of the ozone generator 2008 can be configured such that the amount of ozone within the disinfection chamber 2006 is about 200 ppm.

[0169] During the second period 2104, the pump 2012 operates to produce a flow rate of about 1.3 SLPM, and the upstream fan 2014 operates to produce a flow rate of about 1.2 SLPM. The second period 2104 can have a duration in the range of, for example, about 15 minutes to about 120 minutes. As another example, the second period 2104 can have a duration of about 60 minutes. The flow rates of the pump 2012 and the upstream fan 2014 can be such that the amount of ozone and / or the amount of relative humidity within the sterilization chamber 2006 remain within a predetermined acceptable range. An example of an acceptable range can include ozone in the range of about 100 ppm to about 285 ppm and / or a relative humidity in the range of about 60% to about 99%.

[0170] During the third period 2106, the ozone generator 2008 and the humidifier 2010 are disabled, and one or both of the pump 2012 and / or the upstream fan 2014 are operated to push at least a portion of the remaining ozone within the disinfection chamber 2006 through the ozone reduction filter 2016. For example, the pump 2012 and / or the upstream fan 2014 can be operated until the amount of ozone is at or below a predetermined threshold. During the third period 2106, the pump 2012 is operated to produce a flow rate of about 1.3 SLPM, and the upstream fan 2014 is operated to produce a flow rate of about 1.2 SLPM. The third period 2106 can have a duration in the range of, for example, about 1 minute to about 20 minutes. As another example, the third period 2106 can have a duration of about 12 minutes.

[0171] about Fig.21 The operating curve discussed is given by Fig. 20 When the disinfection device 2000 is executed, the disinfection device 2000 achieves at least 4-Log 10 (For example, at least 6-Log 10 ) kill rate. Through testing, it is determined that the relative humidity (amount and generation method), ozone amount and flow rate of the pump 2012 and the upstream fan 2014 are related to Fig. 20 and 21 The deviations in relative humidity, ozone level and flow rate described can produce a 4-Log 10 The kill rate is small.

[0172] Fig.25 A schematic example of a CPAP device 2500 is shown having a disinfecting device 2502. The disinfecting device 2502 may be integrated with the CPAP device 2500 or separate from the CPAP device 2500. The CPAP device 2500 includes an air pump 2504, a CPAP water reservoir 2506, an ambient air inlet 2508 fluidly coupled to the air pump 2504, an air outlet 2510 fluidly coupled to the air inlet 2508, a CPAP hose 2512 fluidly coupled to the air outlet 2510, and a CPAP mask 2514 fluidly coupled to the CPAP hose 2512.

[0173] The CPAP device 2500 can have an operating mode and a sanitizing mode. In the operating mode, the air pump 2504 pushes air from the environment through the CPAP hose 2512. The CPAP water reservoir 2506 is configured to add humidity to the air flowing through the CPAP device 2500.

[0174] In the disinfection mode, the CPAP device 2500 can enable the disinfection device 2502, thereby causing humidified ozonated air to flow through at least the CPAP hose 2512 and the CPAP mask 2514. In some cases, the humidified ozonated air can be caused to flow through the CPAP water reservoir 2506. The humidified ozonated air can be generated and caused to flow in a manner consistent with any of the examples discussed herein. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, the description of the humidified ozonated air in the disinfection mode is omitted. Fig.25 A detailed discussion of the generation and flow of humidified ozonated air is provided in the context of.

[0175] When the disinfection mode is enabled, the CPAP device 2500 can be configured to be converted into a closed system. For example, the ambient air inlet 2508 can be closed (e.g., sealed) to substantially prevent ozone from escaping from the ambient air inlet, and the CPAP mask 2514 can be disposed within a disinfection chamber 2516. The disinfection chamber 2516 can be coupled to the CPAP device 2500 or separate from the CPAP device 2500. For example, the disinfection chamber 2516 can be a disposable (or reusable) flexible bag that is impermeable to ozone.

[0176] In some cases, any water within the CPAP water reservoir 2506 may be emptied prior to initiating the disinfection mode. For example, the disinfection device 2502 may include a water pump 2518 configured to transfer water from the CPAP water reservoir 2506. In this example, the water pump 2518 may transfer water to the disinfection water reservoir 2520 of the disinfection device 2502 so that the water may be used to humidify the ozonated air during the disinfection mode. In some cases, upon completion of the disinfection mode, the water in the disinfection water reservoir 2520 may be returned to the CPAP water reservoir 2506. Since the ozone may have been entrained within the water while in the disinfection water reservoir 2520, at least a portion of any pathogens in the water may be killed. In some cases, the CPAP water reservoir 2506 may function as the disinfection water reservoir 2520.

[0177] Fig.26 is a schematic illustration of a disinfection device 2600 with humidity control and a recirculation loop. Figure 2 An example of a disinfection device 200.

[0178] The disinfection device 2600 includes an ozone generator 2602, a disinfection chamber 2604, and a humidifier 2606. As shown, a flow path 2608 extends through the ozone generator 2602 through the humidifier 2606 and into the disinfection chamber 2604. The disinfection chamber 2604 may include one or more valves (e.g., a first valve 2610 and / or a second valve 2612). In some cases, one or more valves may be a two-way valve, a three-way valve, a four-way valve, and / or any other valve configuration. For example, and as shown, the first valve 2610 is a two-way valve, and the second valve 2612 is a two-way valve. In this example, the first valve 2610 is configured to selectively fluidly couple the flow path 2608 to the disinfection chamber outlet 2614 (which may include an ozone reduction filter), and the second valve 2612 may selectively fluidly couple the flow path 2608 to the inlet side of the ozone generator 2602 (selectively generating a recirculation loop 2616). The controller 2618 can be configured to selectively actuate the first valve 2610 and the second valve 2612 so that the recirculation loop 2616 can be selectively created during the sterilization cycle. The controller 2618 can further control the fan 2620 so that the ozonated air flows along the flow path 2608.

[0179] Fig. 27 2700, which has a disinfection device 2702, a CPAP machine 2704, a CPAP hose 2706 coupled to the CPAP machine 2704 via a disinfection adapter 2708, and a CPAP mask 2710 coupled to the CPAP hose 2706. Fig.26 An example of a disinfection device 2600.

[0180] The disinfection adapter 2708 is configured to fluidly couple the CPAP hose 2706 and the CPAP mask 2710 to the disinfection device 2702, and to fluidly couple the CPAP hose 2706 and the CPAP mask 2710 to the CPAP machine 2704. Thus, when disinfecting the CPAP hose 2706 and / or the CPAP mask 2710, the user may not have to remove the CPAP hose 2706 from the CPAP machine 2704. In some cases, the disinfection adapter 2708 may include an adapter valve 2711 configured to selectively change the flow path through the disinfection adapter 2708 (e.g., between a user mode and a disinfection mode, in which the CPAP machine 2704 is fluidly coupled to the CPAP hose 2706 through the disinfection adapter 2708, and in which the disinfection device 2702 is fluidly coupled to the CPAP hose 2706 through the disinfection adapter 2708). This configuration may substantially prevent ozone generated by the disinfection device 2702 from entering the CPAP machine 2704. In some cases, the CPAP machine 2704 may be operated during a disinfection cycle to substantially prevent ozone from entering the CPAP machine 2704 .

[0181] The disinfection device 2702 includes an ozone generator 2712, a disinfection chamber 2714 configured to receive at least a portion of a CPAP hose 2706 and / or a CPAP mask 2710, and a humidifier 2716. As shown, a flow path 2718 extends through the ozone generator 2712 through the humidifier 2716 and enters the disinfection chamber 2714 via the CPAP hose 2706 and the CPAP mask 2710. The disinfection chamber 2714 may include one or more valves (e.g., a first valve 2720 and / or a second valve 2722). In some cases, one or more valves may be two-way valves, three-way valves, four-way valves, and / or any other valve configurations. For example, and as shown, the first valve 2720 is a two-way valve, and the second valve 2722 is a two-way valve. In this example, the first valve 2720 is configured to selectively fluidly couple the flow path 2718 to the sterilization chamber outlet 2724 (which may include an ozone reduction filter), and the second valve 2722 may selectively fluidly couple the flow path 2718 to the inlet side of the ozone generator 2712 (selectively creating a recirculation loop 2726). The controller 2728 may be configured to selectively actuate the first valve 2720 and the second valve 2722 so that the recirculation loop 2726 may be selectively created during a sterilization cycle. The controller 2728 may further control the fan 2730 so that ozonated air flows along the flow path 2718.

[0182] Fig.28 A schematic example of a disinfection device 2800 is shown. Figure 2An example of a disinfection device 200.

[0183] The disinfection device 2800 includes an ozone generator 2802, a disinfection chamber 2804, and a humidifier 2806. The disinfection chamber 2804 is configured to receive a CPAP mask 2808 and / or a CPAP hose 2810. For example, the disinfection chamber 2804 may include a mask mount 2812. The mask mount 2812 may be fluidly coupled to the ozone generator 2802 and the humidifier 2806, and configured to be removably coupled to the CPAP mask 2808. As shown, the mask mount 2812 is downstream of the ozone generator 2802 and the humidifier 2806, and upstream of the CPAP hose 2810. Therefore, the ozonated air (e.g., humidified ozonated air) contacts the CPAP mask 2808 before contacting the CPAP hose 2810. This configuration may improve disinfection at the CPAP mask 2808.

[0184] As shown, flow path 2814 extends through ozone generator 2802 through humidifier 2806 and into disinfection chamber 2804 via mask mount 2812, CPAP mask 2808 and CPAP hose 2810. Once in disinfection chamber 2804, the ozonated air may be recirculated or passed through disinfection chamber outlet 2816.

[0185] Fig.29 A schematic example of a disinfection device 2900 is shown. Figure 2 An example of a disinfection device 200.

[0186] The disinfection device 2900 includes an ozone generator 2902, a disinfection chamber 2904, and a humidifier 2906. The disinfection chamber 2904 is configured to receive a CPAP mask 2908. A first hose coupling 2910 and a second hose coupling 2912 are fluidly coupled to the disinfection chamber 2904 so that a CPAP hose 2914 outside the disinfection chamber 2904 can be fluidly coupled to the disinfection chamber 2904. The first hose coupling 2910 and the second hose coupling 2912 can be configured to detect whether the CPAP hose 2914 is coupled thereto, so that when the CPAP hose 2914 is not coupled to both the first hose coupling 2910 and the second hose coupling 2912, the disinfection device 2900 is prevented from performing a disinfection cycle.

[0187] The disinfection chamber 2904 can include a mask mount 2916. The mask mount 2916 can be fluidly coupled to the ozone generator 2902 and the humidifier 2906, and configured to be removably coupled to the CPAP mask 2908. As shown, the mask mount 2916 is downstream of the ozone generator 2902 and the humidifier 2906, and upstream of the CPAP hose 2914. Thus, the ozonated air (e.g., humidified ozonated air) contacts the CPAP mask 2908 before contacting the CPAP hose 2914. This configuration can improve disinfection at the CPAP mask 2908.

[0188] As shown, flow path 2918 extends through ozone generator 2902 through humidifier 2906 and into disinfection chamber 2904 via mask mount 2916 and CPAP mask 2908. Once in disinfection chamber 2904, ozonated air can be pushed through CPAP hose 2914 (e.g., using fan 2920). After passing through CPAP hose 2914, ozonated air can be recirculated or passed through disinfection chamber outlet 2922.

[0189] Fig.30 A schematic example of a disinfection device 3000 is shown. Figure 2 An example of a disinfection device 200.

[0190] The disinfection device 3000 includes an ozone generator 3002, a disinfection chamber 3004, and a humidifier 3006. The disinfection chamber 3004 is configured to receive a CPAP mask 3008. A hose coupling 3010 and a hose pass-through 3012 are fluidly coupled to the disinfection chamber 3004 such that at least a portion of the CPAP hose 3014 is outside the disinfection chamber 2904, and at least a portion of the CPAP hose 3014 is disposed within the disinfection chamber 3004 while being fluidly coupled to the disinfection chamber 3004. The hose coupling 3010 and the hose pass-through 3012 may be configured to detect whether the CPAP hose 3014 is coupled thereto, such that when the CPAP hose 3014 is not coupled to both the hose coupling 3010 and the hose pass-through 3012, the disinfection device 3000 is prevented from performing a disinfection cycle.

[0191] The disinfection chamber 3004 can include a mask mount 3016. The mask mount 3016 can be fluidly coupled to the ozone generator 3002 and the humidifier 3006, and configured to be removably coupled to the CPAP mask 3008. As shown, the mask mount 3016 is downstream of the ozone generator 3002 and the humidifier 3006, and upstream of the CPAP hose 3014. Thus, the ozonated air (e.g., humidified ozonated air) contacts the CPAP mask 3008 before contacting the CPAP hose 3014. This configuration can improve disinfection at the CPAP mask 3008.

[0192] As shown, flow path 3018 extends through ozone generator 3002 through humidifier 3006 and into disinfection chamber 3004 via mask mount 3016, CPAP mask 3008 and CPAP hose 3014. After passing through CPAP hose 3014, the ozonated air may be recirculated or passed through disinfection chamber outlet 3020.

[0193] Fig.31 A schematic example of a disinfection device 3100 is shown. Figure 2 An example of a disinfection device 200.

[0194] The disinfection device 3100 includes an ozone generator 3102, a disinfection chamber 3104, and a humidifier 3106. The humidifier 3106 includes a water chamber 3108 and a bubbler 3110 within the water chamber 3108, the bubbler being configured to bubble ozonated air through the water within the water chamber 3108. Bubbling the ozonated air through the water can add humidity to the ozonated air. The humidified ozonated air can enter the disinfection chamber 3104.

[0195] Fig.32 A schematic example of a disinfection device 3200 is shown. Figure 2 An example of a disinfection device 200.

[0196] The disinfection device 3200 includes an ozone generator 3202, a disinfection chamber 3204, and a humidifier 3206. The humidifier 3206 includes a water chamber 3208, an atomizer nozzle 3210 fluidly coupled to the water chamber 3208, and a humidification chamber 3212. The atomizer nozzle 3210 is configured to discharge atomized water into the humidification chamber 3212 in a direction transverse to (e.g., perpendicular to) the flow of ozonated air entering the humidification chamber 3212 to humidify the ozonated air. The humidified ozonated air can enter the disinfection chamber 3204.

[0197] Fig.33 A schematic example of a disinfection device 3300 is shown. Figure 23300. As shown in the figure, the disinfection device 3300 includes an ozone generator 3302, a disinfection chamber 3304, and a humidifier 3306. At least a portion of the humidifier 3306 is disposed in the disinfection chamber 3304. Therefore, the humidifier 3306 can be configured to discharge humidified air and / or humidified ozonized air directly into the disinfection chamber 3304.

[0198] Fig.34 A schematic example of a disinfection device 3400 is shown. Figure 2 3400. As shown, the disinfection device 3400 includes an ozone generator 3402, a disinfection chamber 3404, and a humidifier 3406. As shown, the humidifier 3406 can be separated from one or more of the disinfection chamber 3404 and / or the ozone generator 3402. This configuration can allow, for example, the humidifier 3406 to move independently of one or more of the disinfection chamber 3404 and / or the ozone generator 3402. In some cases, this configuration can allow the humidifier 3406 to be used as a module of the disinfection device 3400 without a humidifier.

[0199] In some cases, the ozone generator 3402 and the humidifier 3406 can be coupled together and separate from the disinfection chamber 3404. This configuration can allow the ozone generator 3402 and the humidifier 3406 to move independently of the disinfection chamber 3404. In these cases, the disinfection chamber 3404 can be collapsible or compressible (e.g., a flexible bag).

[0200] Fig.35 A schematic example of a disinfection device 3500 is shown. Figure 2 3500 includes an ozone generator 3502, a disinfection chamber 3504, and a humidifier 3506. As shown, the humidifier 3506 includes a plurality of humidity generators 3508 (e.g., a plurality of atomizers and associated cores).

[0201] Fig.36A schematic example of a disinfection device 3600 is shown. As shown, the disinfection device includes a disinfection chamber 3602, a humidifier 3604, and an electrolysis unit 3606. The humidifier 3604 includes a reservoir 3608, a humidification chamber 3610, and a humidity generator 3612 configured to generate humidity in the humidification chamber 3610. The electrolysis unit 3606 is configured to generate hypochlorous acid and discharge the hypochlorous acid into the humidification chamber 3610 to mix with the humidity generated by the humidity generator 3612. For example, the humidity generator 3612 can be configured to discharge atomized water into the humidification chamber 3610, and the electrolysis unit 3606 can be configured to discharge atomized hypochlorous acid into the humidification chamber 3610 so that the atomized water and the atomized hypochlorous acid are mixed. The electrolysis unit 3606 can be upstream or downstream of the humidity generator 3612 and / or the humidification chamber 3610. Mixing of hypochlorous acid and moisture is accomplished in a similar manner as discussed herein with respect to ozone. Thus, in some cases, one or more ozone-based embodiments disclosed herein may use electrolysis cell 3606 in place of (or in addition to) an ozone generator.

[0202] As shown, electrolysis cell 3606 includes an anode 3614 and a cathode 3616 separated by an anode-cathode separation distance 3618. Anode-cathode separation distance 3618 can be, for example, in the range of about 1 millimeter (mm) to about 10 mm. As another example, anode-cathode separation distance 3618 can be in the range of about 2 mm to about 4 mm. The close proximity of anode 3614 to cathode 3616 can promote the generation of hypochlorous acid.

[0203] Electrolysis cell 3606 can generate hypochlorous acid in response to an electric current flowing between anode 3614 and cathode 3616 in the presence of water. In some cases, the use of chlorinated water can improve the generation of hypochlorous acid.

[0204] The mixing of hypochlorous acid and moisture is accomplished in a similar manner as discussed herein with respect to ozone. Thus, in some cases, one or more ozone-based embodiments disclosed herein may use electrolysis cell 3606 in place of (or in addition to) an ozone generator. Thus, ozone and hypochlorous acid may be generally referred to herein as a disinfecting fluid, which may be generated by a disinfecting fluid generator (e.g., an electrolysis cell, such as electrolysis cell 3606, or an ozone generator, such as ozone generator 202). In other words, with respect to, for example, Figure 1-36 The disclosed embodiments utilize at least one sterilizing fluid to achieve a desired level of sterilizing performance.

[0205] The disinfecting fluids described herein can be used as disinfectants for a variety of household or industrial products, including, but not limited to: dental and orthodontic appliances and equipment, surgical tools, ventilators, respirators, sprayers, hospital equipment, rooms, toys, nursery supplies, baby products (e.g., bottles, breast pumps, breast pump equipment, pacifiers), kitchen equipment, fruits and vegetables, sports equipment and clothing, as well as other uses in which the systems and methods described herein can be easily incorporated into disinfection devices and improve the disinfection of objects compared to existing disinfection methods.

[0206] An example of a disinfection device according to the present disclosure may include a disinfection chamber, a disinfection fluid generator (e.g., an ozone generator and / or an electrolysis unit) configured to generate a disinfection fluid, and a humidifier fluidically coupled to the disinfection chamber and the disinfection fluid generator, the humidifier being downstream of the disinfection fluid generator and upstream of the disinfection chamber.

[0207] In some cases, the humidifier may include a piezoelectric atomizer configured to generate droplets having a droplet size in the range of about 1.5 microns to about 4.5 microns. In some cases, the piezoelectric atomizer may be configured to generate droplets having a droplet size of about 2.5 microns. In some cases, the piezoelectric atomizer may include a protective coating. In some cases, the humidifier may include an inlet connector and an outlet downstream of the inlet connector, the inlet connector being configured to introduce turbulence into the air passing therethrough. In some cases, the air may leave the inlet connector along the injection axis, and the humidifier also includes an atomizer having a discharge axis, the discharge axis extending transversely to the injection axis. In some cases, the discharge axis may be substantially perpendicular to the injection axis. In some cases, the humidifier may include a reservoir, a core assembly removably connected to the reservoir, and a piezoelectric atomizer configured to engage the core assembly. In some cases, the humidifier may include a reservoir inlet, the reservoir inlet including a carriage for receiving the reservoir, the carriage being configured to move along an insertion axis and a coupling axis, the coupling axis extending transversely to the insertion axis. In some cases, movement of the carriage along the coupling axis may move the core assembly into and out of engagement with the piezoelectric atomizer. In some cases, the humidifier may include a humidification chamber and an atomizer, the humidification chamber having a bottom wall, a top wall, and one or more side walls extending between the bottom wall and the top wall, wherein the atomizer is coupled to the bottom wall. In some cases, at least a portion of the top wall may be inclined to direct liquid condensed thereon in the direction of at least one of the one or more side walls, such that the liquid flows downward along at least one of the one or more side walls to accumulate on the bottom wall.

[0208] An example of a disinfection device according to the present disclosure may include a disinfection chamber, an ozone generator, and a humidifier fluidly coupled to the disinfection chamber and the ozone generator, the humidifier being downstream of the ozone generator and upstream of the disinfection chamber.

[0209] In some cases, the humidifier may include a piezoelectric atomizer configured to generate droplets having a droplet size in the range of about 1.5 microns to about 4.5 microns. In some cases, the piezoelectric atomizer may be configured to generate droplets having a droplet size of about 2.5 microns. In some cases, the piezoelectric atomizer may include a protective coating. In some cases, the humidifier may include an inlet connector and an outlet downstream of the inlet connector, the inlet connector being configured to introduce turbulence into the air passing therethrough. In some cases, the air may leave the inlet connector along the injection axis, and the humidifier also includes an atomizer having a discharge axis, the discharge axis extending transversely to the injection axis. In some cases, the discharge axis may be substantially perpendicular to the injection axis. In some cases, the humidifier may include a reservoir, a core assembly removably connected to the reservoir, and a piezoelectric atomizer configured to engage the core assembly. In some cases, the humidifier may include a reservoir inlet, the reservoir inlet including a carriage for receiving the reservoir, the carriage being configured to move along an insertion axis and a coupling axis, the coupling axis extending transversely to the insertion axis. In some cases, movement of the carriage along the coupling axis may move the core assembly into and out of engagement with the piezoelectric atomizer. In some cases, the humidifier may include a humidification chamber and an atomizer, the humidification chamber having a bottom wall, a top wall, and one or more side walls extending between the bottom wall and the top wall, wherein the atomizer is coupled to the bottom wall. In some cases, at least a portion of the top wall may be inclined to direct liquid condensed thereon in the direction of at least one of the one or more side walls, such that the liquid flows downward along at least one of the one or more side walls to accumulate on the bottom wall.

[0210] Another example of a disinfection device according to the present disclosure may include a disinfection chamber, an ozone generator, and a humidifier fluidly connected to the disinfection chamber and the ozone generator, the humidifier including a liquid reservoir, a humidification chamber, and a piezoelectric atomizer, the piezoelectric atomizer being configured to discharge atomized droplets into the humidification chamber along a discharge axis.

[0211] In some cases, the piezoelectric atomizer can be configured to generate droplets having a droplet size in the range of about 1.5 microns to about 4.5 microns. In some cases, the piezoelectric atomizer can be configured to generate droplets having a droplet size of about 2.5 microns. In some cases, the piezoelectric atomizer can include a protective coating. In some cases, the humidifier can include an inlet connector and an outlet downstream of the inlet connector, the inlet connector being configured to introduce turbulence into the air passing therethrough. In some cases, the air can leave the inlet connector along an injection axis extending transverse to the discharge axis. In some cases, the discharge axis can be substantially perpendicular to the injection axis. In some cases, the humidifier can include a core assembly that is removably connected to the reservoir and is configured to engage the piezoelectric atomizer. In some cases, the humidifier can include a reservoir inlet, the reservoir inlet including a carriage for receiving the reservoir, the carriage being configured to move along an insertion axis and a coupling axis, the coupling axis extending transverse to the insertion axis. In some cases, movement of the carriage along the coupling axis can move the core assembly into and out of engagement with the piezoelectric atomizer. In some cases, the humidification chamber may include a bottom wall, a top wall, and one or more side walls extending between the bottom wall and the top wall, wherein the piezoelectric atomizer is coupled to the bottom wall. In some cases, at least a portion of the top wall can be tilted to direct liquid condensed thereon in the direction of at least one of the one or more side walls so that the liquid flows downwardly along at least one of the one or more side walls to accumulate on the bottom wall. In some cases, the liquid accumulated on the bottom wall can be returned to the reservoir.

[0212] Another example of a disinfection device according to the present disclosure may include: a disinfection chamber having a disinfection chamber outlet; an ozone reduction filter fluidly coupled to the disinfection chamber outlet; an ozone generator; and a humidifier fluidly coupled to the disinfection chamber and the ozone generator. The humidifier may include: a reservoir; a humidification chamber having an inlet connector configured to introduce turbulence into air passing therethrough and an outlet downstream of the inlet connector; and a piezoelectric atomizer configured to discharge atomized droplets into the humidification chamber along a discharge axis.

[0213] In some cases, the inlet connector may include a connector inlet axis and a connector outlet axis, the connector inlet axis extending transversely to the connector outlet axis. In some cases, the connector inlet axis may be perpendicular to the connector outlet axis. In some cases, the piezoelectric atomizer may include a protective coating. In some cases, the piezoelectric atomizer may be configured to generate droplets having a droplet size in the range of about 1.5 microns to about 4.5 microns.

[0214] Another example of a disinfection device according to the present disclosure may include a disinfection chamber, an ozone generator, and a humidifier fluidly coupled to the disinfection chamber and the ozone generator such that the humidifier is downstream of the ozone generator and upstream of the disinfection chamber, the humidifier including a piezoelectric atomizer.

[0215] In some cases, the piezoelectric atomizer may include a protective coating. In some cases, the protective coating may have a thickness in the range of about 2 microns to about 12 microns. In some cases, the protective coating may be a polyparaxylene coating. In some cases, the protective coating may be hydrophobic. In some cases, the piezoelectric atomizer may include a hydrophobic coating. In some cases, the piezoelectric atomizer may be formed of one or more durable materials. In some cases, the piezoelectric atomizer may include a protective coating. In some cases, the humidifier may include a piezoelectric atomizer configured to generate droplets having a droplet size in the range of about 1.5 microns to about 4.5 microns. In some cases, the piezoelectric atomizer may be configured to generate droplets having a droplet size of about 2.5 microns. In some cases, the piezoelectric atomizer may include a protective coating. In some cases, the humidifier may include an inlet connector and an outlet downstream of the inlet connector, the inlet connector being configured to introduce turbulence into the air passing therethrough. In some cases, the air may leave the inlet connector along a jet axis extending transverse to the discharge axis of the piezoelectric atomizer. In some cases, the discharge axis may be substantially perpendicular to the injection axis. In some cases, the humidifier may include a reservoir, a core assembly removably connected to the reservoir and configured to engage a piezoelectric atomizer. In some cases, the humidifier may include a reservoir inlet, the reservoir inlet including a carriage for receiving the reservoir, the carriage being configured to move along an insertion axis and a coupling axis, the coupling axis extending transversely to the insertion axis. In some cases, movement of the carriage along the coupling axis may move the core assembly to engage and disengage the piezoelectric atomizer. In some cases, the humidifier may include a humidification chamber having a bottom wall, a top wall, and one or more side walls extending between the bottom wall and the top wall, wherein the atomizer is connected to the bottom wall. In some cases, at least a portion of the top wall may be inclined to guide the liquid condensed thereon in the direction of at least one of the one or more side walls, so that the liquid flows downward along at least one of the one or more side walls to accumulate on the bottom wall.

[0216] Another example of a disinfection device according to the present disclosure may include a disinfection chamber, an ozone generator, and a humidifier fluidly connected to the disinfection chamber and the ozone generator, the humidifier including a liquid reservoir, a humidification chamber, and a piezoelectric atomizer, the piezoelectric atomizer being fluidly connected to the liquid reservoir and configured to discharge atomized droplets into the humidification chamber along a discharge axis.

[0217] In some cases, the piezoelectric atomizer may include a protective coating. In some cases, the protective coating may have a thickness in the range of about 2 microns to about 12 microns. In some cases, the protective coating may be a polyparaxylene coating. In some cases, the protective coating may be hydrophobic. In some cases, the piezoelectric atomizer may include a hydrophobic coating. In some cases, the piezoelectric atomizer may be formed of one or more durable materials. In some cases, the piezoelectric atomizer may include a protective coating. In some cases, the piezoelectric atomizer may be configured to generate droplets having a droplet size in the range of about 1.5 microns to about 4.5 microns. In some cases, the piezoelectric atomizer may be configured to generate droplets having a droplet size of about 2.5 microns. In some cases, the piezoelectric atomizer may include a protective coating.

[0218] Another example of a disinfection device according to the present disclosure may include: a disinfection chamber; an ozone generator fluidly connected to the disinfection chamber; a humidifier fluidly connected to the disinfection chamber and the ozone generator, the humidifier being downstream of the ozone generator and upstream of the disinfection chamber; and a controller configured to control the operation of the ozone generator and the humidifier according to a disinfection cycle.

[0219] In some cases, the disinfection cycle may include a first period, a second period, and a third period, wherein during the first period, the controller causes both the ozone generator and the humidifier to operate simultaneously. In some cases, the humidifier may be disabled during the second period. In some cases, during the second period, the controller may selectively enable and disable the ozone generator so that the ozone generator generates ozone pulses. In some cases, the humidifier and the ozone generator may be disabled during the third period. In some cases, in order to generate ozone pulses, the controller may alternate between enabling the ozone generator for about 10 seconds and disabling the ozone generator for about 65 seconds. In some cases, the controller may be configured to cause the ozone generator to generate ozone pulses at a pulse rate, wherein the pulse rate is configured to cause the amount of ozone in the disinfection chamber to be in the range of about 80 parts per million (ppm) to about 150 ppm. In some cases, the first period may be about 6 minutes, the second period may be about 72 minutes, and the third period may be about 12 minutes. In some cases, during the first period, the controller may operate the humidifier so that the relative humidity within the disinfection chamber is in the range of about 65% to about 99%. In some cases, the first period may occur before the second period, and the second period may occur before the third period. In some cases, the second period may be longer than both the third period and the first period. In some cases, the first period may be shorter than the third period.

[0220] Another example of a disinfection device according to the present disclosure may include: a disinfection chamber; an ozone generator, which is fluidly connected to the disinfection chamber; a pump, which is fluidly connected to the ozone generator and upstream of the ozone generator; a fan, which is fluidly connected to the ozone generator and downstream of the ozone generator; a humidifier, which is fluidly connected to the disinfection chamber and the ozone generator, the humidifier is downstream of the ozone generator and upstream of the disinfection chamber; and a controller, which is configured to control the operation of the ozone generator, the humidifier, the pump and the fan according to a disinfection cycle, the disinfection cycle including a first period, a second period and a third period.

[0221] In some cases, the controller may operate the fan at a fan flow rate and the pump at a pump flow rate, the pump flow rate being different from the fan flow rate during at least one of the first period, the second period, and / or the third period. In some cases, the fan flow rate may be less than the pump flow rate during the first period and the second period. In some cases, the ratio of the fan flow rate to the pump flow rate during the first period and the second period may be about 0.9. In some cases, the fan flow rate may be greater than the pump flow rate during the third period. In some cases, the pump flow rate may be in the range of about 1 standard liters per minute (SLPM) to about 1.6 SLPM during the first period and the second period. In some cases, the fan flow rate may be about 0.1 SLPM to about 0.15 SLPM less than the pump flow rate during the first period and the second period. In some cases, during the first period, the controller may operate both the ozone generator and the humidifier simultaneously. In some cases, the humidifier may be disabled during the second period. In some cases, during the second period, the controller may selectively enable and disable the ozone generator so that the ozone generator generates ozone pulses. In some cases, the humidifier and the ozone generator can be disabled during the third period. In some cases, in order to generate ozone pulses, the controller can alternate between enabling the ozone generator for about 10 seconds and disabling the ozone generator for about 65 seconds. In some cases, the controller can be configured to cause the ozone generator to generate ozone pulses at a pulse rate, wherein the pulse rate is configured to make the amount of ozone in the disinfection chamber in the range of about 80 parts per million (ppm) to about 150ppm. In some cases, the first period may be about 6 minutes, the second period may be about 72 minutes, and the third period may be about 12 minutes. In some cases, during the first period, the controller can operate the humidifier so that the relative humidity in the disinfection chamber is in the range of about 65% to about 99%. In some cases, the first period may occur before the second period, and the second period may occur before the third period. In some cases, the second period may be longer than both the third period and the first period. In some cases, the first period may be shorter than the third period.

[0222] Another example of a disinfection device according to the present disclosure may include a disinfection chamber, an ozone generator, and a humidifier fluidly coupled to the disinfection chamber and the ozone generator, the humidifier including a humidification chamber and a liquid reservoir.

[0223] In some cases, the humidification chamber may include a bottom wall, a top wall, and one or more side walls extending between the bottom wall and the top wall. In some cases, at least a portion of the top wall may be tilted to guide the liquid condensed thereon in the direction of at least one of the one or more side walls, so that the liquid flows downward along at least one of the one or more side walls to accumulate on the bottom wall. In some cases, the liquid accumulated on the bottom wall may be returned to the reservoir. In some cases, the humidifier may also include a piezoelectric atomizer, which is connected to the bottom wall and is configured to discharge atomized droplets along a discharge axis extending in the direction of the top wall. In some cases, the piezoelectric atomizer may be configured to generate droplets with a droplet size in the range of about 1.5 microns to about 4.5 microns. In some cases, the piezoelectric atomizer may be configured to generate droplets with a droplet size of about 2.5 microns. In some cases, the piezoelectric atomizer may include a protective coating. In some cases, the humidification chamber may include an inlet connector and an outlet downstream of the inlet connector, the inlet connector being configured to introduce turbulence into the air passing therethrough. In some cases, air can exit the inlet connector along an injection axis, and the humidifier also includes an atomizer having a discharge axis, the discharge axis extending transverse to the injection axis. In some cases, the discharge axis can be substantially perpendicular to the injection axis. In some cases, the humidifier can also include a core assembly removably connected to the reservoir and a piezoelectric atomizer configured to engage the core assembly. In some cases, the humidifier can also include a reservoir inlet, the reservoir inlet including a slide for receiving the reservoir, the slide being configured to move along an insertion axis and a coupling axis, the coupling axis extending transverse to the insertion axis. In some cases, movement of the slide along the coupling axis can move the core assembly into and out of engagement with the piezoelectric atomizer.

[0224] Another example of a disinfection device according to the present disclosure may include: a disinfection chamber; an ozone generator fluidly connected to the disinfection chamber; a humidifier fluidly connected to the disinfection chamber and the ozone generator, the humidifier being downstream of the ozone generator and upstream of the disinfection chamber; and a controller configured to control the operation of the ozone generator and the humidifier, wherein the controller is configured to cause both the ozone generator and the humidifier to operate simultaneously during a first time period, and to cause the ozone generator to operate independently of the humidifier during a second time period.

[0225] In some cases, the second time period may be greater than the first time period. In some cases, the humidifier may include an inlet connector and an outlet downstream of the inlet connector, the inlet connector being configured to introduce turbulence into the air passing therethrough. In some cases, the air may leave the inlet connector along an injection axis, and the humidifier also includes an atomizer having a discharge axis, the discharge axis extending transversely to the injection axis. In some cases, the discharge axis may be substantially perpendicular to the injection axis. In some cases, the humidifier may include a reservoir, a core assembly removably connected to the reservoir, and a piezoelectric atomizer configured to engage the core assembly. In some cases, the humidifier may include a reservoir inlet, the reservoir inlet including a carriage for receiving the reservoir, the carriage being configured to move along an insertion axis and a coupling axis, the coupling axis extending transversely to the insertion axis. In some cases, movement of the carriage along the coupling axis may move the core assembly into and out of engagement with the piezoelectric atomizer. In some cases, the humidifier may further include a humidification chamber having a bottom wall, a top wall, and one or more side walls extending between the bottom wall and the top wall, wherein the atomizer is coupled to the bottom wall. In some cases, the top wall may be inclined to direct liquid condensed thereon in the direction of at least one of the one or more side walls so that the liquid flows downwardly along at least one of the one or more side walls to accumulate on the bottom wall. In some cases, the liquid accumulated on the bottom wall may be returned to the reservoir.

[0226] An example of a disinfection device for cleaning one or more components of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine according to the present disclosure may include: a disinfection chamber; an ozone generator, which is fluidly connected to the disinfection chamber; a humidifier, which is fluidly connected to the ozone generator, and the humidifier is downstream of the ozone generator; a CPAP hose, which fluidly connects the humidifier to the disinfection chamber; and a controller, which is configured to control the operation of the ozone generator and the humidifier.

[0227] In some cases, the controller can be configured to operate both the ozone generator and the humidifier simultaneously in a first time period, and to operate the ozone generator independently of the humidifier in a second time period, the second time period being greater than the first time period. In some cases, the humidifier may include an inlet connector and an outlet downstream of the inlet connector, the inlet connector being configured to introduce turbulence into the air passing therethrough. In some cases, the air may leave the inlet connector along the injection axis, and the humidifier also includes an atomizer having a discharge axis, the discharge axis extending transversely to the injection axis. In some cases, the discharge axis may be substantially perpendicular to the injection axis. In some cases, the humidifier may include a reservoir, a core assembly removably connected to the reservoir, and a piezoelectric atomizer configured to engage the core assembly. In some cases, the humidifier may include a reservoir inlet, the reservoir inlet including a carriage for receiving the reservoir, the carriage being configured to move along the insertion axis and the coupling axis, the coupling axis extending transversely to the insertion axis. In some cases, movement of the carriage along the coupling axis may move the core assembly to engage and disengage the piezoelectric atomizer. In some cases, the humidifier may further include a humidification chamber having a bottom wall, a top wall, and one or more side walls extending between the bottom wall and the top wall, wherein the atomizer is coupled to the bottom wall. In some cases, the top wall may be inclined to direct liquid condensed thereon in the direction of at least one of the one or more side walls so that the liquid flows downwardly along at least one of the one or more side walls to accumulate on the bottom wall. In some cases, the liquid accumulated on the bottom wall may be returned to the reservoir.

[0228] An example of a humidifier for use with a disinfection device according to the present disclosure may include an atomizer, a liquid reservoir, and a humidification chamber, the atomizer being configured to discharge atomized liquid from the liquid reservoir into the humidification chamber, the humidification chamber having a bottom wall, a top wall, and one or more side walls extending between the bottom wall and the top wall, at least a portion of the top wall being inclined to guide liquid condensed thereon in the direction of at least one of the one or more side walls so that the liquid flows downward along at least one of the one or more side walls to accumulate on the bottom wall.

[0229] In some cases, the liquid accumulated on the bottom wall can be returned to the reservoir. In some cases, the atomizer can be connected to the bottom wall of the humidification chamber. In some cases, the atomizer can be configured to discharge atomized droplets along a discharge axis extending in the direction of the top wall. In some cases, the humidification chamber may include an inlet connector and an outlet downstream of the inlet connector, the inlet connector being configured to introduce turbulence into the air passing therethrough. In some cases, the air can leave the inlet connector along the injection axis, and the injection axis extends transversely to the discharge axis. In some cases, the discharge axis can be substantially perpendicular to the injection axis. In some cases, the atomizer can be configured to generate droplets with a droplet size in the range of about 1.5 microns to about 4.5 microns. In some cases, the atomizer can be configured to generate droplets with a droplet size of about 2.5 microns. In some cases, the atomizer can be a piezoelectric atomizer. In some cases, the atomizer can include a protective coating. In some cases, the humidifier may further include a core assembly removably coupled to the reservoir, and the atomizer is a piezoelectric atomizer configured to engage the core assembly. In some cases, the humidifier may further include a reservoir inlet, the reservoir inlet including a carriage for receiving the reservoir, the carriage being configured to move along an insertion axis and a coupling axis, the coupling axis extending transverse to the insertion axis.

[0230] Another example of a disinfection device according to the present disclosure may include a disinfection chamber, an ozone generator configured to generate ozone, and a humidifier configured to generate moisture and configured to be fluidly coupled to the disinfection chamber and the ozone generator, the humidifier being configured to promote mixing of the generated ozone with the generated moisture.

[0231] In some cases, the disinfection chamber can be fluidly coupled to the humidifier via a continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) hose. In some cases, a first hose end of the CPAP hose can be coupled to the humidifier, and a second hose end of the CPAP hose can be coupled to a CPAP mask, and the disinfection chamber is configured to receive the CPAP mask. In some cases, the humidifier may include a reservoir, a humidification chamber, and a humidity generator, the humidity generator being configured to push liquid from the reservoir into the humidification chamber. In some cases, the humidity generator may include a nebulizer. In some cases, the nebulizer may be configured to generate droplets having a droplet size in the range of about 1.5 microns to about 4.5 microns. In some cases, the nebulizer may be configured to generate droplets having a droplet size of about 2.5 microns. In some cases, the ozone generator may be configured to generate an amount of ozone in the range of about 200 parts per million (ppm) to about 300 ppm. In some cases, the humidifier can be downstream of the ozone generator and can include an inlet connector configured to introduce turbulence to the air passing therethrough. In some cases, the mixing of the generated ozone with the generated moisture can cause at least a portion of the generated ozone to be entrained within the moisture droplets generated by the humidifier. In some cases, the pump can be fluidly coupled to the disinfection chamber at a location upstream of the disinfection chamber, and the fan can be fluidly coupled to the disinfection chamber at a location downstream of the disinfection chamber. In some cases, for at least a portion of the disinfection cycle, the fan can be operated at a fan flow rate and the pump can be operated at a pump flow rate, the fan flow rate can be less than the pump flow rate.

[0232] Another example of a disinfection device according to the present disclosure may include: a disinfection chamber configured to receive a continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) mask and at least a portion of a CPAP hose; an ozone generator configured to generate ozone; and a humidifier configured to generate moisture and configured to be fluidly connected to the disinfection chamber and the ozone generator, the humidifier being configured to promote mixing of the generated ozone with the generated moisture.

[0233] In some cases, the disinfection chamber can be fluidly coupled to the humidifier via a CPAP hose. In some cases, a first hose end of the CPAP hose can be coupled to the humidifier, and a second hose end of the CPAP hose can be coupled to the CPAP mask. In some cases, the humidifier can include a reservoir, a humidification chamber, and a humidity generator, the humidity generator being configured to push liquid from the reservoir into the humidification chamber. In some cases, the humidity generator can include an atomizer. In some cases, the atomizer can be configured to generate droplets having a droplet size in the range of about 1.5 microns to about 4.5 microns. In some cases, the atomizer can be configured to generate droplets having a droplet size of about 2.5 microns. In some cases, the ozone generator can be configured to generate an amount of ozone in the range of about 200 parts per million (ppm) to about 300 ppm. In some cases, the humidifier can be downstream of the ozone generator and can include an inlet connector configured to introduce turbulence into the air passing therethrough. In some cases, the mixing of the generated ozone and the generated moisture can cause at least a portion of the generated ozone to be entrained within the moisture droplets generated by the humidifier. In some cases, the pump can be fluidly coupled to the disinfection chamber at a location upstream of the disinfection chamber, and the fan can be fluidly coupled to the disinfection chamber at a location downstream of the disinfection chamber. In some cases, for at least a portion of the disinfection cycle, the fan can be operated at a fan flow rate and the pump can be operated at a pump flow rate, and the fan flow rate can be less than the pump flow rate.

[0234] Another example of a disinfection device according to the present disclosure may include: a disinfection chamber configured to receive a continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) mask, the disinfection chamber including a hose pass-through configured to allow a CPAP hose to pass therethrough; an ozone generator configured to generate ozone; a humidifier configured to generate moisture and configured to be fluidly coupled to the disinfection chamber and the ozone generator, the humidifier configured to promote mixing of the generated ozone with the generated moisture so that at least a portion of the generated ozone is entrained within moisture droplets generated by the humidifier, wherein a first end of the CPAP hose is coupled to the humidifier and a second end of the CPAP hose is coupled to the CPAP mask; a pump fluidly coupled to the disinfection chamber at a position upstream of the disinfection chamber; and a fan fluidly coupled to the disinfection chamber at a position downstream of the disinfection chamber, wherein, for at least a portion of the disinfection cycle, the fan operates at a fan flow rate and the pump operates at a pump flow rate, the fan flow rate being less than the pump flow rate.

[0235] In some cases, the humidifier can include a reservoir, a humidification chamber and a nebulizer. In some cases, the nebulizer can be configured to generate droplets with a droplet size in the range of about 1.5 microns to about 4.5 microns. In some cases, the nebulizer can be configured to generate droplets with a droplet size of about 2.5 microns. In some cases, the ozone generator can be configured to generate an amount of ozone in the range of about 200 parts per million (ppm) to about 300 ppm. In some cases, the humidifier can be downstream of the ozone generator and include an inlet connector configured to introduce turbulence into the air passing therethrough.

[0236] Another example of a disinfection device according to the present disclosure may include a disinfection chamber, an ozone generator, and a humidifier configured to generate moisture and configured to be fluidly coupled to the disinfection chamber and the ozone generator, the humidifier configured to promote mixing of the generated ozone with the generated moisture.

[0237] In some cases, the humidifier may include a humidity generator configured to generate droplets having a droplet size in the range of about 1.5 microns to about 4.5 microns. In some cases, the humidity generator may be configured to generate droplets having a droplet size of about 2.5 microns. In some cases, the humidity generator may include a protective coating. In some cases, the humidifier may include an inlet connector and an outlet downstream of the inlet connector, the inlet connector being configured to introduce turbulence into the air passing therethrough. In some cases, the air may leave the inlet connector along the injection axis, and the humidifier may also include an atomizer having a discharge axis, the discharge axis extending transversely to the injection axis. In some cases, the discharge axis may be substantially perpendicular to the injection axis. In some cases, the humidifier may include a reservoir, a core assembly removably coupled to the reservoir, and a piezoelectric atomizer configured to engage the core assembly. In some cases, the humidifier may include a reservoir inlet, the reservoir inlet including a carriage for receiving the reservoir, the carriage being configured to move along the insertion axis and the coupling axis, the coupling axis extending transversely to the insertion axis. In some cases, movement of the carriage along the coupling axis can move the core assembly into and out of engagement with the piezoelectric atomizer. In some cases, the humidifier can include a humidification chamber and an atomizer, the humidification chamber having a bottom wall, a top wall, and one or more side walls extending between the bottom wall and the top wall, wherein the atomizer is coupled to the bottom wall. In some cases, at least a portion of the top wall can be inclined to direct liquid condensed thereon in the direction of at least one of the one or more side walls so that the liquid flows downwardly along at least one of the one or more side walls to accumulate on the bottom wall.

[0238] Another example of a disinfection device according to the present disclosure may include a disinfection chamber, an ozone generator, and a humidifier, the humidifier being fluidly coupled to the ozone generator and configured to be fluidly coupled to the disinfection chamber via a continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) hose, the humidifier including a reservoir, a humidification chamber, and a humidity generator.

[0239] In some cases, the humidity generator may be configured to generate droplets having a droplet size in the range of about 1.5 microns to about 4.5 microns. In some cases, the humidity generator may be configured to generate droplets having a droplet size of about 2.5 microns. In some cases, the humidity generator may include a protective coating. In some cases, the humidifier may include an inlet connector and an outlet downstream of the inlet connector, the inlet connector being configured to introduce turbulence into the air passing therethrough. In some cases, the air may leave the inlet connector along a jet axis extending transversely to the discharge axis of the humidity generator. In some cases, the discharge axis may be substantially perpendicular to the jet axis. In some cases, the humidifier may also include a core assembly removably coupled to the reservoir. In some cases, the humidifier may include a reservoir inlet, the reservoir inlet including a carriage for receiving the reservoir, the carriage being configured to move along an insertion axis and a coupling axis, the coupling axis extending transversely to the insertion axis. In some cases, the movement of the carriage along the coupling axis may move the core assembly to engage and disengage the liquid disperser of the humidity generator from the liquid disperser of the humidity generator. In some cases, the humidification chamber may include a bottom wall, a top wall, and one or more side walls extending between the bottom wall and the top wall, wherein at least a portion of the humidity generator is coupled to the bottom wall. In some cases, at least a portion of the top wall may be inclined to direct liquid condensed thereon in the direction of at least one of the one or more side walls so that the liquid flows downwardly along at least one of the one or more side walls to accumulate on the bottom wall. In some cases, the liquid accumulated on the bottom wall may be returned to the reservoir.

[0240] Another example of a disinfection device according to the present disclosure may include: a disinfection chamber having a disinfection chamber outlet; an ozone reduction filter fluidly coupled to the disinfection chamber outlet; an ozone generator; and a humidifier fluidly coupled to the disinfection chamber and the ozone generator. The humidifier may include: a liquid reservoir; a humidification chamber having an inlet connector and an outlet downstream of the inlet connector, the inlet connector being configured to introduce turbulence into the air passing therethrough; and a humidity generator configured to discharge droplets into the humidification chamber along a discharge axis.

[0241] In some cases, the inlet connector may include a connector inlet axis and a connector outlet axis, the connector inlet axis extending transverse to the connector outlet axis. In some cases, the connector inlet axis may be perpendicular to the connector outlet axis. In some cases, the humidity generator may include a protective coating. In some cases, the humidity generator may be configured to generate droplets having a droplet size in a range of about 1.5 microns to about 4.5 microns.

[0242] Another example of a disinfection device according to the present disclosure may include a disinfection chamber, an ozone generator, and a humidifier fluidly coupled to the disinfection chamber and the ozone generator, the humidifier including a humidity generator having a protective coating.

[0243] In some cases, the humidity generator may include a piezoelectric atomizer. In some cases, the protective coating may have a thickness in the range of about 2 microns to about 12 microns. In some cases, the protective coating may be a polyparaxylene coating. In some cases, the protective coating may be hydrophobic. In some cases, the humidifier may include a piezoelectric atomizer configured to generate droplets having a droplet size in the range of about 1.5 microns to about 4.5 microns. In some cases, the piezoelectric atomizer may be configured to generate droplets having a droplet size of about 2.5 microns. In some cases, the piezoelectric atomizer may include a protective coating. In some cases, the humidifier may include an inlet connector and an outlet downstream of the inlet connector, the inlet connector being configured to introduce turbulence into the air passing therethrough. In some cases, the air may leave the inlet connector along a jet axis extending transversely to the discharge axis of the humidity generator. In some cases, the discharge axis may be substantially perpendicular to the jet axis. In some cases, the humidifier may include a reservoir, a core assembly removably connected to the reservoir. In some cases, the humidifier may include a reservoir inlet, the reservoir inlet including a carriage for receiving the reservoir, the carriage being configured to move along an insertion axis and a coupling axis, the coupling axis extending transversely to the insertion axis. In some cases, movement of the carriage along the coupling axis may move the core assembly into and out of engagement with a liquid disperser of the humidity generator. In some cases, the humidifier may include a humidification chamber having a bottom wall, a top wall, and one or more side walls extending between the bottom wall and the top wall, and wherein at least a portion of the humidity generator is coupled to the bottom wall. In some cases, at least a portion of the top wall may be inclined to direct liquid condensed thereon in the direction of at least one of the one or more side walls so that the liquid flows downwardly along at least one of the one or more side walls to accumulate on the bottom wall.

[0244] Another example of a disinfection device according to the present disclosure may include a disinfection chamber, an ozone generator, and a humidifier, wherein the humidifier is fluidly connected to the ozone generator and is configured to be fluidly connected to the disinfection chamber via a continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) hose, and the humidifier includes a reservoir, a humidification chamber, and a humidity generator, wherein the humidity generator is fluidly connected to the reservoir and is configured to discharge droplets into the humidification chamber along a discharge axis.

[0245] In some cases, the humidity generator may include a protective coating. In some cases, the protective coating may have a thickness in the range of about 2 microns to about 12 microns. In some cases, the protective coating may be a polyparaxylene coating. In some cases, the protective coating may be hydrophobic. In some cases, the humidity generator may include a piezoelectric atomizer having a protective coating. In some cases, the humidity generator may be configured to generate droplets having a droplet size in the range of about 1.5 microns to about 4.5 microns. In some cases, the humidity generator may be configured to generate droplets having a droplet size of about 2.5 microns. In some cases, the humidity generator may include a piezoelectric atomizer having a protective coating. In some cases, the disinfection chamber may be configured to receive a CPAP mask coupled to a CPAP hose.

[0246] Another example of a disinfection device according to the present disclosure may include: a disinfection chamber; an ozone generator fluidly connected to the disinfection chamber; a humidifier fluidly connected to the disinfection chamber and the ozone generator, the humidifier being upstream of the disinfection chamber; and a controller configured to control the operation of the ozone generator and the humidifier according to a disinfection cycle.

[0247] In some cases, the disinfection cycle may include a first period, a second period, and a third period, wherein during the first period, the controller causes both the ozone generator and the humidifier to operate simultaneously. In some cases, the humidifier may be disabled during the second period. In some cases, during the second period, the controller may selectively enable and disable the ozone generator so that the ozone generator generates ozone pulses. In some cases, the humidifier and the ozone generator may be disabled during the third period. In some cases, in order to generate ozone pulses, the controller may alternate between enabling the ozone generator for about 10 seconds and disabling the ozone generator for about 65 seconds. In some cases, the controller may be configured to cause the ozone generator to generate ozone pulses at a pulse rate, wherein the pulse rate is configured to cause the amount of ozone in the disinfection chamber to be in the range of about 80 parts per million (ppm) to about 150 ppm. In some cases, the first period may be about 6 minutes, the second period may be about 72 minutes, and the third period may be about 12 minutes. In some cases, during the first period, the controller may operate the humidifier so that the relative humidity within the disinfection chamber is in the range of about 65% to about 99%. In some cases, the first period may occur before the second period, and the second period may occur before the third period. In some cases, the second period may be longer than both the third period and the first period. In some cases, the first period may be shorter than the third period.

[0248] Another example of a disinfection device according to the present disclosure may include: a disinfection chamber; an ozone generator, which is fluidly connected to the disinfection chamber; a pump, which is fluidly connected to the ozone generator and upstream of the ozone generator; a fan, which is fluidly connected to the ozone generator and downstream of the ozone generator; a humidifier, which is fluidly connected to the disinfection chamber and the ozone generator, and the humidifier is upstream of the disinfection chamber; and a controller, which is configured to control the operation of the ozone generator, the humidifier, the pump and the fan according to a disinfection cycle, the disinfection cycle including a first time period, a second time period and a third time period.

[0249] In some cases, the controller may cause the fan to operate at a fan flow rate and the pump to operate at a pump flow rate, the pump flow rate being different from the fan flow rate during at least one of the first period, the second period, and / or the third period. In some cases, the fan flow rate may be less than the pump flow rate during the first period and the second period. In some cases, the ratio of the fan flow rate to the pump flow rate during the first period and the second period may be about 0.9. In some cases, the fan flow rate may be greater than or equal to the pump flow rate during the third period. In some cases, the pump flow rate may be in the range of about 1 standard liters per minute (SLPM) to about 1.6 SLPM during the first period and the second period. In some cases, the fan flow rate may be about 0.1 SLPM to about 0.15 SLPM less than the pump flow rate during the first period and the second period. In some cases, during the first period, the controller may cause both the ozone generator and the humidifier to operate simultaneously. In some cases, the humidifier may be disabled during the second period. In some cases, during the second period, the controller may selectively enable and disable the ozone generator so that the ozone generator generates ozone pulses. In some cases, the humidifier and the ozone generator can be disabled during the third period. In some cases, in order to generate ozone pulses, the controller can alternate between enabling the ozone generator for about 10 seconds and disabling the ozone generator for about 65 seconds. In some cases, the controller can be configured to cause the ozone generator to generate ozone pulses at a pulse rate, wherein the pulse rate is configured to make the amount of ozone in the disinfection chamber in the range of about 80 parts per million (ppm) to about 150ppm. In some cases, the first period may be about 6 minutes, the second period may be about 72 minutes, and the third period may be about 12 minutes. In some cases, during the first period, the controller can operate the humidifier so that the relative humidity in the disinfection chamber is in the range of about 65% to about 99%. In some cases, the first period may occur before the second period, and the second period may occur before the third period. In some cases, the second period may be longer than both the third period and the first period. In some cases, the first period may be shorter than the third period.

[0250] Another example of a disinfection device according to the present disclosure may include a disinfection chamber, an ozone generator, and a humidifier, wherein the humidifier is configured to be fluidly connected to the disinfection chamber via a continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) hose and is configured to be fluidly connected to the ozone generator, the humidifier includes a humidification chamber and a reservoir, and the humidifier is configured to promote mixing of generated ozone and generated moisture.

[0251] In some cases, the humidification chamber may include a bottom wall, a top wall, and one or more side walls extending between the bottom wall and the top wall. In some cases, at least a portion of the top wall may be inclined to guide the liquid condensed thereon in the direction of at least one of the one or more side walls, so that the liquid flows downward along at least one of the one or more side walls to accumulate on the bottom wall. In some cases, the liquid accumulated on the bottom wall may be returned to the reservoir. In some cases, the humidifier may also include a liquid disperser, which is coupled to the bottom wall and is configured to discharge droplets along a discharge axis extending in the direction of the top wall. In some cases, the liquid disperser may be configured to generate droplets with a droplet size in the range of about 1.5 microns to about 4.5 microns. In some cases, the liquid disperser may be configured to generate droplets with a droplet size of about 2.5 microns. In some cases, the liquid disperser may include a protective coating. In some cases, the humidification chamber may include an inlet connector and an outlet downstream of the inlet connector, the inlet connector being configured to introduce turbulence into the air passing therethrough. In some cases, air can exit the inlet connector along an injection axis, and the humidifier also includes a liquid disperser having a discharge axis, the discharge axis extending transverse to the injection axis. In some cases, the discharge axis can be substantially perpendicular to the injection axis. In some cases, the humidifier can also include a core assembly removably connected to the reservoir and a liquid disperser configured to engage the core assembly. In some cases, the humidifier can also include a reservoir inlet, the reservoir inlet including a slide for receiving the reservoir, the slide being configured to move along an insertion axis and a coupling axis, the coupling axis extending transverse to the insertion axis. In some cases, movement of the slide along the coupling axis can move the core assembly into and out of engagement with the liquid disperser.

[0252] Another example of a humidifier for use with a disinfection device according to the present disclosure may include a liquid disperser, a liquid reservoir, and a humidification chamber, the liquid disperser being configured to discharge liquid from the liquid reservoir into the humidification chamber, the humidification chamber having a bottom wall, a top wall, and one or more side walls extending between the bottom wall and the top wall, at least a portion of the top wall being inclined to guide liquid condensed thereon in the direction of at least one of the one or more side walls so that the liquid flows downward along at least one of the one or more side walls to accumulate on the bottom wall.

[0253] In some cases, the liquid accumulated on the bottom wall can be returned to the reservoir. In some cases, the liquid disperser can be connected to the bottom wall of the humidification chamber. In some cases, the liquid disperser can be configured to discharge droplets along a discharge axis extending in the direction of the top wall. In some cases, the humidification chamber may include an inlet connector and an outlet downstream of the inlet connector, the inlet connector being configured to introduce turbulence into the air passing therethrough. In some cases, the air can leave the inlet connector along the injection axis, and the injection axis extends transversely to the discharge axis. In some cases, the discharge axis can be substantially perpendicular to the injection axis. In some cases, the liquid disperser can be configured to generate droplets with a droplet size in the range of about 1.5 microns to about 4.5 microns. In some cases, the liquid disperser can be configured to generate droplets with a droplet size of about 2.5 microns. In some cases, the liquid disperser can be a piezoelectric atomizer.

[0254] Although the principles of the present invention have been described herein, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is intended only as an example and not as a limitation on the scope of the present invention. In addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein, other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the present invention. Modifications and substitutions made by those of ordinary skill in the art are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited except in the following claims.

Claims

1. A disinfection device, comprising: Sterilization room; an ozone generator configured to generate ozone; as well as A humidifier is configured to generate moisture and is configured to be fluidly coupled to the disinfection chamber and the ozone generator, the humidifier being configured to promote mixing of the generated ozone with the generated moisture.

2. The disinfection device of claim 1, wherein the disinfection chamber is fluidly coupled to the humidifier via a continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) hose.

3. The disinfection device of claim 2, wherein the first hose end of the CPAP hose is coupled to the humidifier and the second hose end of the CPAP hose is coupled to a CPAP mask, the disinfection chamber being configured to receive the CPAP mask.

4. The disinfection device of claim 1, wherein the humidifier comprises a liquid reservoir, a humidification chamber, and a humidity generator, the humidity generator being configured to push liquid from the liquid reservoir into the humidification chamber.

5. The disinfection device of claim 4, wherein the humidity generator comprises a mist generator.

6. The disinfecting device of claim 5, wherein the atomizer is configured to generate droplets having a droplet size in the range of about 1.5 microns to about 4.5 microns.

7. The disinfecting device of claim 5, wherein the atomizer is configured to generate droplets having a droplet size of approximately 2.5 microns.

8. The disinfection device of claim 1, wherein the ozone generator is configured to generate an amount of ozone in a range of about 200 parts per million (ppm) to about 300 ppm.

9. The disinfecting device of claim 1, wherein the humidifier is downstream of the ozone generator and comprises an inlet connector configured to introduce turbulence to air passing therethrough.

10. A disinfection apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the mixing of the generated ozone and the generated moisture causes at least a portion of the generated ozone to be entrained within moisture droplets generated by the humidifier.

11. The sterilization apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a pump fluidly coupled to the sterilization chamber at a location upstream of the sterilization chamber and a fan fluidly coupled to the sterilization chamber at a location downstream of the sterilization chamber.

12. The disinfection device according to claim 11, wherein: For at least a portion of a sterilization cycle, the fan is operated at a fan flow rate and the pump is operated at a pump flow rate, the fan flow rate being less than the pump flow rate.

13. A disinfection device comprising: a disinfection chamber configured to receive a continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) mask and at least a portion of a CPAP hose; an ozone generator configured to generate ozone; as well as A humidifier is configured to generate moisture and is configured to be fluidly coupled to the disinfection chamber and the ozone generator, the humidifier being configured to promote mixing of the generated ozone with the generated moisture.

14. The disinfection device of claim 13, wherein the disinfection chamber is fluidly coupled to the humidifier via the CPAP hose.

15. The disinfecting device of claim 14, wherein a first hose end of the CPAP hose is coupled to the humidifier and a second hose end of the CPAP hose is coupled to the CPAP mask.

16. The disinfection device of claim 13, wherein the humidifier comprises a liquid reservoir, a humidification chamber, and a humidity generator, the humidity generator being configured to push liquid from the liquid reservoir into the humidification chamber.

17. The disinfection device of claim 16, wherein the humidity generator comprises a nebulizer.

18. The disinfecting device of claim 17, wherein the atomizer is configured to generate droplets having a droplet size in a range of about 1.5 microns to about 4.5 microns.

19. The disinfecting device of claim 17, wherein the atomizer is configured to generate droplets having a droplet size of approximately 2.5 microns.

20. The disinfection device of claim 13, wherein the ozone generator is configured to generate an amount of ozone in a range of about 200 parts per million (ppm) to about 300 ppm.

21. The disinfecting device of claim 13, wherein the humidifier is downstream of the ozone generator and comprises an inlet connector configured to introduce turbulence to air passing therethrough.

22. A disinfection device according to claim 21, wherein the mixing of the generated ozone and the generated moisture causes at least a portion of the generated ozone to be entrained within moisture droplets generated by the humidifier.

23. The sterilization apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a pump fluidly coupled to the sterilization chamber at a location upstream of the sterilization chamber and a fan fluidly coupled to the sterilization chamber at a location downstream of the sterilization chamber.

24. The disinfection device according to claim 23, wherein: For at least a portion of a sterilization cycle, the fan is operated at a fan flow rate and the pump is operated at a pump flow rate, the fan flow rate being less than the pump flow rate.

25. A disinfection device comprising: a disinfection chamber configured to receive a continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) mask, the disinfection chamber including a hose pass-through configured to allow a CPAP hose to pass therethrough; an ozone generator configured to generate ozone; a humidifier configured to generate moisture and configured to be fluidly coupled to the disinfection chamber and the ozone generator, the humidifier configured to facilitate mixing of the generated ozone with the generated moisture such that at least a portion of the generated ozone is entrained within moisture droplets generated by the humidifier, wherein a first end of the CPAP hose is coupled to the humidifier and a second end of the CPAP hose is coupled to the CPAP mask; a pump fluidly coupled to the sterilization chamber at a location upstream of the sterilization chamber; as well as A fan is fluidly coupled to the sterilization chamber at a location downstream of the sterilization chamber, wherein, for at least a portion of a sterilization cycle, the fan operates at a fan flow rate and the pump operates at a pump flow rate, the fan flow rate being less than the pump flow rate.

26. The disinfection device of claim 25, wherein the humidifier comprises a liquid reservoir, a humidification chamber and a nebulizer.

27. The disinfecting device of claim 26, wherein the atomizer is configured to generate droplets having a droplet size in the range of about 1.5 microns to about 4.5 microns.

28. The disinfecting device of claim 26, wherein the atomizer is configured to generate droplets having a droplet size of approximately 2.5 microns.

29. The disinfection device of claim 25, wherein the ozone generator is configured to generate an amount of ozone in a range of about 200 parts per million (ppm) to about 300 ppm.

30. The disinfecting device of claim 25, wherein the humidifier is downstream of the ozone generator and comprises an inlet connector configured to introduce turbulence to air passing therethrough.

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