Chamber, system, and method for treating medical waste

Abstract

The present invention relates to a waste treatment chamber (100) configured to operate in any one of an input mode, a processing mode, and an export mode, and further configured to provide an environment within the treatment chamber (100) for disinfecting particles of medical waste using ozone in the processing mode, the treatment chamber including an inlet (110) configured to receive particles of medical waste in the input mode, and configured to provide a hermetic seal between an environment inside the treatment chamber (100) and an environment outside the treatment chamber (100) in the processing mode and the export mode, and an inlet (110) configured to remove particles of medical waste from the treatment chamber (100) in the export mode, and configured to provide a hermetic seal between an environment inside the treatment chamber (100) and an environment outside the treatment chamber (100) in the input mode and the processing mode. the treatment chamber (100) comprises an outlet (120) configured to provide a hermetic seal between an internal environment and an external environment of the treatment chamber (100); a particle transport device (130) configured to agitate particles of medical waste in an input mode and a treatment mode, and further configured to move particles of medical waste to the outlet (120) for removal in an output mode; and one or more sensors (S1, S2) configured to measure characteristics of the sealed environment within the treatment chamber (100), the treatment chamber further being fluidly coupled to or comprising a generator (G) configured to generate ozone and maintain a target concentration level of ozone in the environment within the treatment chamber (100).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Technical Field The present invention relates to waste treatment, particularly the treatment of harmful medical waste using ozone.

Background Art

[0002] Background Dangerous medical waste, such as infected hospital waste, in conventional systems is typically transported from a hospital to an incinerator by a dedicated transport vehicle or alternatively directly disposed of in a landfill. There are also various conventional on-site facilities for directly disposing of hazardous waste at the hospital site to avoid the transport of medical waste from the hospital in an infected state.

[0003] Such on-site facilities typically operate by heating the hazardous waste in an autoclave or by heating the waste using ultrasound. Such processes are energy-intensive with high operating costs and can contribute to odors and CO2 emissions. Alternatively, treatment can be performed using ozone. Ozone treatment has lower operating costs and lower energy requirements and does not cause as much odor and CO2 emissions. Over the past decade, technologies have become available in which hazardous waste is exposed to high-concentration ozone for a short period, e.g., 15 minutes, in repeated small batches of waste. After treatment, the materials are transported to containers for later transport. In some of these technologies, the hazardous waste is also pretreated for volume reduction, e.g., by tearing the materials into small pieces with a powerful shredder.

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 7,550,111 shows a conventional system for ozone treatment.

[0005] However, this conventional solution can pose a risk to the staff handling medical waste because high levels of ozone are harmful to humans in the event of environmental leaks or accidental violations, for example, when used to disinfect batches of medical waste. A further drawback is that only relatively small batches of waste can be processed each time, and the procedure needs to be restarted several times to process medical waste. If the medical waste is only exposed to ozone for a short period, there is also a risk that some of the medical waste will not be exposed to sufficient ozone and will therefore remain in an infectious state after ozone treatment.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for improved chambers, systems, and methods for treating medical waste. In particular, a solution that enables the disposal and disinfection of medical waste, such as infectious materials, on-site within individual hospitals without the need for waste to be transported from the hospital in an infectious state. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] Object of the Invention The goal of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a solution that mitigates or solves the above-mentioned drawbacks and problems.

[0008] Summary of the Invention The above and further goals are achieved by the subject matter described herein. Further advantageous embodiments of the present invention are further defined herein. MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the object of the present invention is to be configured to operate in any one of a loading mode, a processing mode, and an unloading mode, and in the processing mode, further configured to provide an environment for disinfecting particles of medical waste using ozone, which is achieved by a waste treatment chamber, the treatment chamber being configured to receive particles of medical waste in the loading mode, and in the processing mode and the unloading mode, an inlet configured to provide a hermetic seal between the internal environment and the external environment of the treatment chamber, and in the unloading mode, configured to remove particles of medical waste from the treatment chamber, and in the loading mode and the processing mode, an outlet configured to provide a hermetic seal between the internal environment and the external environment of the treatment chamber, and in the loading mode and the processing mode, a particle conveying device configured to stir the particles of medical waste, and in the unloading mode, further configured to move the particles of medical waste to the outlet for removal, a generator configured to generate ozone and configured to maintain a target concentration level of ozone in the environment within the treatment chamber, and one or more sensors configured to measure the characteristics of the environment within the treatment chamber.

[0010] At least one advantage of the present invention according to the first aspect is that a better workflow can be achieved because waste can be continuously supplied to the treatment chamber. A further advantage is that a relatively low concentration of ozone is used, so the risk to personnel involved in the management of medical waste can be reduced. A further advantage is that lower requirements for power distribution, electrical capacitance, and lower energy consumption are achieved. The treated materials can be safely stored in the hospital for several days without refrigeration for further transportation at an appropriate time. There is also an option to check the sterilization level of the entire batch, which is not possible with today's technical solutions.

[0011] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the object of the present invention is achieved by a waste treatment system configured to disinfect particles of medical waste using ozone, the system comprising a waste treatment chamber according to the first aspect, and a control unit configured to control the treatment chamber to operate in any one of a loading mode, a treatment mode, and an unloading mode, wherein the control unit operating in the treatment mode is configured to control the generator using an input received from at least one of one or more sensors, the input indicating a measured ozone concentration level within the treatment chamber.

[0012] According to a third aspect of the present invention, the object of the present invention is achieved by a method executed by a control unit of a waste treatment chamber according to the first aspect, the waste treatment chamber being configured to operate in any one of a loading mode, a treatment mode, and an unloading mode, the method comprising, in the loading mode, opening an inlet to receive particles of medical waste, closing an outlet to provide a sealed seal between the internal environment and the external environment of the treatment chamber in the loading mode, operating in the loading mode by agitating the received particles of medical waste, in the treatment mode, closing the inlet to provide a sealed seal between the internal environment and the external environment of the treatment chamber, agitating the received particles of medical waste in the treatment mode, generating ozone and maintaining a target concentration level of ozone in the internal environment of the treatment chamber in the treatment mode to operate in the treatment mode, and operating in the unloading mode by opening the outlet to remove particles of medical waste from the treatment chamber.

[0013] The advantages of the second and third aspects are at least the same as those of the first aspect. Further uses and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]

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[0015] A more complete understanding of the embodiments of the present invention will be provided to those skilled in the art with the realization of additional advantages by considering the following detailed description of one or more embodiments. It should be understood that like reference numerals are used to identify like elements shown in one or more of the figures.

[0016] DETAILED DESCRIPTION As used herein and in the corresponding claims, "or" should be understood as the mathematical OR that includes "and" and "or", and should not be understood as XOR (exclusive OR). The indefinite article "a" in the present disclosure and the claims should not be limited to "one", but can also be understood as "one or more", that is, plural.

[0017] In the present disclosure, the term "treatment chamber" refers to a receptacle configured to hold medical waste within an environment. The treatment chamber may be implemented in any suitable manner, for example, as a cylindrical tank or as a room / space. The treatment chamber may be made of a suitable ozone-resistant / compatible material such as concrete, stainless steel, butyl, Chemraz, cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), ethylene-propylene, fluorosilicone, glass or polycarbonate.

[0018] In the present disclosure, the term "loading mode" refers to a configuration of the treatment chamber such that particles of medical waste can be received through an inlet.

[0019] In the present disclosure, the term "treatment mode" refers to the configuration of a treatment chamber in which particles of medical waste are continuously agitated or tumbled and exposed to ozone at a target ozone concentration level.

[0020] In the present disclosure, the term "removal mode" refers to the configuration of a treatment chamber in which particles of treated medical waste are moved to an outlet and removed from the treatment chamber through the outlet.

[0021] In the present disclosure, the term "ozone generator" or "generator configured to generate ozone" refers to an instrument or device capable of converting oxygen into ozone. Examples of ozone generators are ultraviolet rays such as 185 nm UV light, such as germicidal lamps available from LightTech LightSources, available at https: / / www.light-sources.com / blog / 185nm-uv-lamp-for-ozone-disinfection / . Further examples of generators can be found at https: / / www.ozonetech.com / products / ozone-generators / ict-series. A further example is an ozone generator operating on the principle of corona discharge.

[0022] Brief Summary of the Disclosure As described in the Background section, the treatment of hazardous or infectious waste is cumbersome, costly, and can pose a risk to the staff handling the medical waste.

[0023] Some conventional systems apply a high concentration level of ozone to relatively small batches of medical waste. The ozone is consumed as the waste is processed, and the concentration level of ozone decreases over time, with the risk that not all particles are fully exposed due to particle compression and aggregation. Another drawback of such a solution is that such a high concentration level of ozone is harmful to humans in the event of, for example, environmental leakage or accidental violation of the environment used to disinfect batches of medical waste. A further drawback is that only relatively small batches of waste can be processed each time, and the procedure needs to be restarted several times to process the medical waste. That is, the process requires the attention of the user and cannot be left to run autonomously overnight.

[0024] The present disclosure improves the treatment of medical waste by providing a processing chamber configured to operate in any one of an inlet mode, a processing mode, and an outlet mode. To disinfect the particles of medical waste using ozone, a constant and relatively low concentration level of ozone is maintained within the environment contained in the processing chamber. Further, the particles of medical waste are agitated or tumbled to ensure that all particles are exposed to the ozone. Thus, the risk that not all particles are fully exposed to the ozone due to particle compression and aggregation / coagulation is eliminated.

[0025] The daily generation of medical waste with large variations in moisture content, bacterial content, virus content, other pathogens, and material composition is emptied at an irregular rate and can be shredded into particles. A relatively large whole batch can be added over time in the processing chamber and exposed to relatively low concentrations of ozone compared to existing equipment over a relatively long period, such as one hour or several hours, if necessary. During this process, all particles are separated by mechanical agitation so that all particles are exposed to the target ozone concentration level. This is achieved by providing an ozone generator that replaces the ozone consumed by the process. Further, a particle conveying device is provided for the dual purposes of agitating the particles of medical waste in the processing mode and transporting the particles of medical waste in the discharging mode.

[0026] There is a relationship between ozone concentration and exposure time to achieve a desired level of disinfection. The present disclosure sets the ozone concentration level, finds the required exposure time, or conversely sets the time (e.g., 1 to 10 hours) and finds which ozone concentration level is required for all particles to be disinfected.

[0027] Furthermore, the processing chamber can be provided with a controllable gas inlet configured to provide fresh air and / or oxygen that can be used to generate ozone, and / or ozone generated by a generator disposed outside the processing chamber, to the processing chamber. The controllable gas inlet can include a separate inlet for air and / or a separate inlet for oxygen and / or a separate inlet for ozone. Additionally or alternatively, the controllable gas inlet can include a composite gas inlet configured to provide any combination of air and / or oxygen and / or ozone.

[0028] Furthermore, the processing chamber can be provided with a controllable gas outlet configured to release gas from the environment within the processing chamber, for example, by generating a negative pressure compared to the air pressure outside the processing chamber, thus reducing the risk of ozone leaking from the processing chamber.

[0029] Details of the Disclosure Further details of the present disclosure are provided by the drawings and the following sections.

[0030] FIG. 1 shows a waste treatment chamber 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The waste treatment chamber 100 is configured to operate in one of an inlet mode, a treatment mode, and an outlet mode.

[0031] The treatment chamber 100 includes an inlet 110, an outlet 120, and a particle conveyor 130. The inlet 110 is configured to move between an open position where particles of medical waste can flow into the treatment chamber 100 and a closed position where an airtight or sealed seal is formed between the interior and exterior of the treatment chamber 100. The outlet 120 is configured to move between an open position where particles of medical waste can flow out of the treatment chamber 100 and a closed position where an airtight or sealed seal is formed between the internal environment and the external environment of the treatment chamber (100), i.e., between the interior and exterior of the treatment chamber 100.

[0032] In the inlet mode, the treatment chamber is configured to receive particles of medical waste through the inlet 110. In other words, in the inlet mode, the treatment chamber is configured such that the inlet 110 is in the open position, in which case particles of medical waste can flow into the treatment chamber 100.

[0033] In the treatment mode, the treatment chamber is configured such that particles of medical waste are continuously agitated or tumbled by the particle conveyor 130 and exposed to ozone at a target ozone concentration level. In other words, in the treatment mode, the treatment chamber is configured such that the inlet 110 is in a closed position that effectively forms an airtight or sealed seal. The treatment chamber is further configured with an actuating / rotating conveyor 130 configured to agitate the particles of medical waste within the treatment chamber 100.

[0034] In the removal mode, the processing chamber is configured such that the particles of the processed medical waste are moved by the particle transport device 130 to the outlet 120 and removed from the processing chamber through the outlet. In other words, in the removal mode, the processing chamber is configured such that the inlet 110 is in the closed position, in which case the particles of the medical waste can flow out of the processing chamber 100. The processing chamber is further configured with an actuating / rotating transport device 130 configured to move the particles of the medical waste to the outlet 120 for removal from the processing chamber 100.

[0035] The processing chamber 100 typically includes a receptacle or container 101 configured to hold the medical waste within the environment during the processing mode to disinfect the particles of the medical waste using ozone.

[0036] In one embodiment, the receptacle or container 101 is configured to hold the medical waste in a sealed or airtight environment.

[0037] The processing chamber 100 may have an elongated shape with a longitudinal axis. The processing chamber may be implemented in any suitable manner, for example as a cylindrical tank or as a rectangular room / space, and may be made of, for example, metal or concrete. Any other suitable material can be used.

[0038] In the loading mode, the processing chamber 100 is configured to receive the particles of the medical waste and includes an inlet 110 configured to provide a sealed seal between the internal environment and the external environment of the processing chamber (100) during the processing mode.

[0039] The inlet 110 can be located at any suitable position on the processing chamber 100, for example, in the upper half of the processing chamber 100 as shown in FIG. 1 or in the lower half of the processing chamber 100 as shown in FIG. 4.

[0040] The advantage of arranging the inlet 110 at the upper half of the processing chamber 100 is that gravity supplies the processed medical waste particles to the inlet 110 of the waste treatment chamber 100, and no separate feeder device is required to supply the processed medical waste particles to the inlet 110 of the waste treatment chamber 100.

[0041] The advantage of arranging the inlet 110 at the lower half of the processing chamber 100 is that the overall height of the waste treatment system including the waste treatment chamber can be reduced.

[0042] The processing chamber 100 further includes an outlet 120 configured to extract medical waste particles from the processing chamber 100 in the unloading mode and to provide a sealed seal between the internal environment and the external environment of the processing chamber 100 in the loading mode and the processing mode.

[0043] The processing chamber 100 further includes a particle conveying device 130 configured to stir the medical waste particles in the loading mode and the processing mode and further configured to move the medical waste particles to the outlet 120 for removal in the unloading mode.

[0044] In one embodiment, the conveying device 130 is provided with a shaft 610 having a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated processing chamber 100 and paddles 620 extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The paddles 620 can be attached to the paddle shaft 630, attached at a fixed angle, or controlled to any target angle, as shown in FIGS. 6A - 6B. In one example, the paddle may have a flat double-tail shape and be oriented such that the angle between the normal of its flat surface and the longitudinal axis of the elongated processing chamber 100 is 90 degrees in the processing mode. In a further example, the paddle may have a flat double-tail shape and be oriented such that the angle between the normal of its flat surface and the longitudinal axis of the elongated processing chamber 100 is 45 degrees (in the direction towards the outlet) in the unloading mode. In this way, the medical waste particles are stirred in the unloading mode and move towards the outlet in the unloading mode.

[0045] The processing chamber 100 further comprises, or is fluidly coupled to, a generator G configured to generate ozone and maintain a target concentration level of ozone in the environment within the processing chamber 100. The generator G may be disposed inside the processing chamber 100, or may be disposed outside the processing chamber 100 and fluidly coupled to the inside of the processing chamber 100, and thus, the generated ozone may be transferred to the environment inside the processing chamber 100.

[0046] In one embodiment, the generator G is removably attached to the processing chamber (100). In one embodiment, the processing chamber 100 further comprises one or more sensors S1, S2 configured to measure characteristics of the environment inside the processing chamber 100. In one embodiment, the one or more sensors S1, S2 comprise at least one ozone sensor configured to measure the ozone concentration level in the environment within the processing chamber 100. Any suitable number of sensors can be used.

[0047] In one embodiment, the one or more sensors S1, S2 comprise at least one temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the environment within the processing chamber 100. In this embodiment, the processing chamber can further comprise a controllable air conditioning unit (not shown) configured to maintain a target temperature of the environment within the processing chamber 100. Exemplary intervals of the target temperature are from 10 to 30 degrees Celsius.

[0048] In one embodiment, the one or more sensors S1, S2 comprise at least one humidity sensor configured to measure the humidity of the environment within the processing chamber 100. In this embodiment, the processing chamber 100 can further comprise a controllable humidifier configured to maintain a target humidity of the environment within the processing chamber 100. Exemplary intervals of the target humidity are from 30 to 100% humidity.

[0049] In one embodiment, the processing chamber 100 further includes an inspection window. The inspection window may be disposed in the upper half of the processing chamber 100 in some embodiments. The upper half / upper portion of the chamber 100 may be defined by the direction of gravity and a horizontal plane including the longitudinal axis of the processing chamber 100 and orthogonal to the direction of gravity. This plane divides the processing chamber 100 into an upper half that is farthest from the center of gravity of the earth and a lower half that is relatively closer to the center of gravity of the earth.

[0050] In one embodiment, the processing chamber 100 further includes a controllable gas inlet configured to provide fresh air and / or oxygen and / or ozone to the processing chamber 100. The controllable gas inlet can include a separate inlet for air and / or a separate inlet for oxygen and / or a separate inlet for ozone. Additionally or alternatively, the controllable gas inlet can include a composite gas inlet configured to provide any combination of air and / or oxygen and / or ozone. Additionally or alternatively, the processing chamber 100 further includes a controllable gas outlet configured to discharge gas from the environment within the processing chamber 100 and / or generate a negative pressure compared to the atmosphere outside the processing chamber 100.

[0051] Figure 2 shows a waste treatment system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The waste treatment system is configured to disinfect particles of medical waste using ozone. The system includes a waste treatment chamber 100 as described in connection with FIG. 1. The system optionally includes a shredder assembly 400 configured to receive medical waste, process them into particles of medical waste, and supply the particles of medical waste to the inlet 110 of the waste treatment chamber 100. The system further includes a control unit CU configured to control the waste treatment chamber 100 to operate in any one of a loading mode, a processing mode, and an unloading mode, and the control unit CU operating in the processing mode is configured to control the generator G using an input received from at least one of one or more sensors S2, S2. The input can indicate, for example, the measured ozone concentration level of the environment within the waste treatment chamber 100 and / or the measured temperature of the environment within the treatment chamber and / or the measured humidity of the environment within the treatment chamber.

[0052] In one embodiment, the system further includes shredders 420, 720, 1020 configured to receive medical waste, process them into particles of medical waste, and supply the particles of medical waste to the inlet 110 of the waste treatment chamber 100.

[0053] In one embodiment, one or more sensors S2, S2 of the waste treatment chamber 100 include at least one temperature sensor (not shown), the system further includes a controllable air conditioning unit CCU, and the control unit CU operating in the processing mode is configured to control the controllable air conditioning unit using an input received from the temperature sensor to maintain a target temperature of the environment within the waste treatment chamber 100. The target temperature may be stored in the memory of the control unit CU and / or received from an input made by a user of the system and / or received by a node, such as a node in the form of a smartphone, via a communication network.

[0054] In one embodiment, one or more sensors S2, S2 of the processing chamber 100 comprise at least one humidity sensor (not shown), the system further comprises a controllable humidifier CH, and a control unit CU operating in a processing mode is configured to control the controllable humidifier using the input received from the humidity sensor to maintain a target humidity of the environment within the processing chamber 100. The target humidity may be stored in the memory of the control unit CU and / or received from an input made by a user of the system and / or received via a communication network by a node, for example in the form of a smartphone.

[0055] In one embodiment, the transport device 130 is provided with a drive unit 140 configured to rotate the shaft of the transport device 130 clockwise or counterclockwise about the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The drive unit 140 is communicatively coupled to the control unit CU, controls the rotation of the shaft in response to a control signal received from the control unit CU, and is configured to provide the control unit CU with the state of the drive unit 140 and / or the transport device 130, such as the number of revolutions per minute and the direction of rotation. The drive unit 140 may be implemented, for example, as a servo motor.

[0056] In one embodiment, the control unit CU is further configured to be communicatively coupled to / through a communication network, transmit the state of the system to one or more nodes via the communication network, and / or receive commands from one or more nodes via the communication network. Examples of states are whether the process is running, the measured temperature, humidity, or the measured ozone concentration level. Examples of commands are commands to start or stop the process.

[0057] In some implementations of the system, the overall height of the room in which the system is located is limited. In one embodiment, the inlet 110 is disposed in the lower half of the processing chamber 100. An example of this embodiment is further described in connection with FIGS. 4 and 7.

[0058] The system can include additional sensors outside of the processing chamber 100 that can detect any ozone leakage and signal an alert to the user of the system.

[0059] FIG. 3 shows a method according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The method is executed by a control unit CU of a system comprising a waste treatment chamber 100 as described in connection with FIG. 1. The waste treatment chamber 100 is configured to operate in any one of an inlet mode, a treatment mode, and an outlet mode, and the method includes the following: Step 310: Operate by controlling the system as follows in the inlet mode: In the inlet mode, open or control the opening of the inlet 110 to receive particles of medical waste, and in the inlet mode, close or control the closing of the outlet 120 to provide a sealed seal between the internal environment and the external environment of the processing chamber (100), and optionally, agitate or control the agitation of the received particles of medical waste. The inlet can be opened or controlled to open by the control unit CU sending a control signal to an actuator that operates on and is mechanically connected to the inlet 110, for example, a servo motor that moves a hatch covering the inlet 110 via a suitable mechanism. The outlet 120 can be closed or controlled to close by the control unit CU sending a control signal to an actuator that operates on and is mechanically connected to the outlet, for example, a servo motor that moves a hatch covering the outlet via a suitable mechanism. The particles can be agitated or controlled to agitate by the control unit CU sending a control signal to an actuator that operates on and is mechanically connected to the particle transport device 130, for example, a servo motor 140 that rotates the shaft of the particle transport device 130.

[0060] Step 320: Operate by controlling the system as follows in the treatment mode: Close, or control the closing of, the inlet 110 to provide a hermetic seal between the internal environment and the external environment of the processing chamber 100, stir the received medical waste particles, generate ozone, and maintain the target concentration level of ozone in the internal environment of the processing chamber 100 for a set time, for example, between 1 and 10 hours.

[0061] The inlet 110 can be closed, or controlled to close, by the control unit CU sending a control signal to an actuator that operates on and is mechanically connected to the inlet 110, for example, a servo motor that moves a hatch covering the outlet via a suitable mechanism. The particles can be stirred, or controlled to be stirred, by the control unit CU sending a control signal to an actuator that operates on and is mechanically connected to the particle transport device 130, for example, a servo motor 140 that rotates the shaft of the particle transport device 130. The ozone can be generated and maintained, or controlled to be generated and maintained, at the target concentration level of ozone by receiving control signals from one or more sensors S1, S2 indicating the measured ozone concentration level in the environment within the processing chamber 100. Further, the measured and received concentration levels are compared, for example, with a target concentration level retrieved from the memory of the control unit CU. Further, a control signal indicating the desired generation of ozone, resulting in the target level of ozone being achieved, is sent to the generator G. In one example, if the comparison indicates that the measured ozone concentration level is below the target concentration level, a control signal indicating a relatively high ozone generation rate is sent to the generator G. In a further example, if the comparison indicates that the measured ozone concentration level is above the target concentration level, a control signal indicating a relatively low ozone generation rate is sent to the generator G.

[0062] Step 330: Operates by controlling the system as follows in the discharge mode: Open, or control the opening of, the aperture of the outlet 120 to remove the medical waste particles from the processing chamber 100, stir, or control the stirring of, the medical waste particles, and move them towards the outlet 120.

[0063] Outlet 120 can be controlled to open or be opened by the control unit CU sending a control signal to an actuator that operates on and is mechanically connected to outlet 120, such as a servo motor that moves a hatch covering outlet 120 via a suitable mechanism. Particles can be controlled to be agitated and moved, or agitated and moved towards outlet 120, by the control unit CU sending a control signal to an actuator that operates on and is mechanically connected to particle conveyor 130, such as servo motor 140 that rotates the shaft of particle conveyor 130. The paddles may be mounted on the paddle shaft as shown in FIGS. 6A - 6B and may be controlled to be oriented such that the angle between the normal to its flat surface and the longitudinal axis of the elongated processing chamber 100 is, for example, 45 degrees in the discharge mode (in the direction towards the outlet). In this way, the particles of medical waste are agitated and moved towards the outlet.

[0064] In one embodiment, generating ozone to maintain a target concentration level of ozone, or controlling the generation of ozone to maintain a target concentration level of ozone, is performed using the measured ozone concentration level.

[0065] In one example, the measured ozone concentration level indicates a level below the target level and the rate of ozone generation is increased by generator G. In a further example, the measured ozone concentration level indicates a level above the target level and the rate of ozone generation is decreased by generator G. In other words, the measured ozone concentration level is used by generator G to maintain a constant ozone concentration level.

[0066] The system can include additional sensors outside processing chamber 100 that can detect any ozone leakage and signal an alarm to the user of the system.

[0067] In one embodiment, one or more sensors S1, S2 comprise at least one temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the environment within the processing chamber 100, the system further comprises a controllable air conditioning unit configured to maintain a target temperature of the environment within the processing chamber 100, and the method further comprises using the measured temperature to maintain the target temperature.

[0068] Maintaining the target temperature using the measured temperature may be performed by the CU by receiving a control signal from one or more of the sensors S1, S2, the signal indicating the measured temperature of the environment within the processing chamber 100. Further, the measured temperature is compared by the CU to a target temperature retrieved, for example, from the memory of the control unit CU. Further, a control signal indicating the desired air conditioning resulting in the target temperature being achieved is transmitted to the air conditioning unit CCU. In one example, if the comparison indicates that the measured temperature is below the target temperature, a control signal indicating heat generation is transmitted to the air conditioning unit CCU. In a further example, if the comparison indicates that the measured temperature exceeds the target temperature level, a control signal indicating cooling is transmitted to the air conditioning unit CCU.

[0069] In one embodiment, one or more sensors S1, S2 comprise at least one humidity sensor configured to measure the humidity of the environment within the processing chamber 100, the system further comprises a controllable humidifier configured to maintain a target humidity of the environment within the processing chamber 100, and the method further comprises using the measured humidity to maintain the target humidity.

[0070] Maintaining a target humidity using the measured humidity may be performed by receiving a control signal from one or more sensors S1, S2, the signal indicating the measured humidity of the environment within the processing chamber 100. Further, the measured humidity is compared, for example, with a target humidity retrieved from the memory of the control unit CU. Further, a control signal indicating the desired humidity control, which results in the target humidity being achieved, is transmitted to the humidity control unit. In one example, if the comparison indicates that the measured humidity is below the target humidity, a control signal indicating to generate humidity is transmitted to the air conditioning unit CCU. In a further example, if the comparison indicates that the measured temperature is above the target temperature level, a control signal indicating to reduce humidity is transmitted to the air conditioning unit CCU.

[0071] In one embodiment, prior to starting operation in the discharge mode, the method further includes opening a controllable gas inlet configured to provide fresh air to the processing chamber 100 and / or opening a controllable gas outlet configured to discharge gas from the environment within the processing chamber 100. The controllable gas inlet can be opened by the control unit CU transmitting a control signal to an actuator operating on the controllable gas inlet and mechanically connected thereto, for example, a servo motor that moves a valve via a suitable mechanism. The controllable gas outlet can be opened by the control unit CU transmitting a control signal to an actuator operating on the controllable gas outlet and mechanically connected thereto, for example, a servo motor that moves a valve via a suitable mechanism.

[0072] FIG. 4 shows a system with reduced height according to one or more embodiments. In an embodiment, the system includes a shredder 420 configured to receive medical waste, process the particles of the medical waste, and supply the particles of the medical waste to the inlet 110 of the waste treatment chamber 100. The overall height of the system can be up to 3.5 meters. Thus, it may be desirable to find a configuration with a lower required ceiling height.

[0073] In this configuration, the inlet 110 is disposed at the lower half of the processing chamber 100, for example, at the bottom of the processing chamber 100. The shredder assembly 400 is coupled to the inlet 110 of the processing chamber 100. The shredder assembly 400 includes a hopper 410 and a shredder / shredder unit 420.

[0074] In one embodiment, the shredder assembly 400 further includes one or more feeder units, such as a first feeder piston or a first conveying screw 430 and / or a second feeder piston or a second conveying screw 440.

[0075] Optionally, the shredder assembly 400 further includes a first inspection window 450 and / or a second inspection window 460.

[0076] The hopper 410 is configured to receive the entire medical waste. In one example, the first feeder unit, such as the first feeder piston or the first conveying screw 430, is configured to supply the entire received medical waste to the shredder unit 420. Additionally or alternatively, a second feeder unit, such as the second feeder piston or the second conveying screw 440, is configured to supply particles of medical waste to the inlet 110 of the coupled waste treatment chamber 100.

[0077] In a further example, the first feeder piston 430 is configured to supply the entire received medical waste to the shredder unit 420. The shredder unit 420 is configured to process the entire medical waste into particles of medical waste. The second feeder piston 440 is configured to supply particles of medical waste to the inlet 110 of the coupled waste treatment chamber 100.

[0078] Optionally, the shredder assembly 400 is provided with a first inspection window 450 that can inspect the shredded particles of medical waste immediately after the shredder unit 420. Optionally, the shredder assembly 400 is further provided with a second inspection window 460 that can inspect the shredded particles of medical waste supplied to the inlet 110.

[0079] In one embodiment, the first feeder piston 430 and / or the second feeder piston 440 are inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so that fluid can escape through the drain holes.

[0080] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the first and second feeder units 430, 440 are inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, but the first and second feeder units 430, 440 may be at the same height as the horizontal plane and / or may be inclined in the opposite direction to that shown in FIG. 4.

[0081] In one embodiment, the first feeder piston 430 is controlled by the control unit CU to move relatively slower than the force by which the second feeder piston 440 is moved by the control unit CU, with a force that continuously adapts to a specific dynamic resistance taken from the CU.

[0082] Figures 5A - 5D show the movement between the positions of the second feeder piston 440. In one embodiment, the second feeder piston 440 is arranged to move between a maximum retracted position MR shown in FIG. 5A, a feeding retracted position FR shown in FIG. 5B, a feeding forward position FF shown in FIG. 5C, and a maximum forward position MF shown in FIG. 5D.

[0083] When the processing chamber is operating in the loading mode, the second feeder piston 440 is controlled by the control unit CU to move between the feeding retracted position FR and the feeding forward position FF.

[0084] When the processing chamber is operating in the processing mode, the second feeder piston 440 is controlled by the control unit CU to move to the maximum forward position MF, thereby sealing the inlet 110. In other words, a hermetic seal is created between the atmospheres inside and outside the processing chamber 100.

[0085] When the processing chamber is operating in the unloading mode, the second feeder piston 440 is controlled by the control unit CU to move to the maximum retracted position MR, whereby the inspection windows 450 and 460 can be opened, the entire shredder assembly unit 400 can be rinsed and cleaned, and the fluid confined within the second feeder piston housing can be drained through the drain 510.

[0086] FIG. 6A shows a side view of a transport device 130 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the transport device 130 is provided with a shaft or drive shaft 610 having a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated processing chamber 100, and paddles 620 extending in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. Each of the paddles 620 can be attached to a paddle shaft 630. The shaft or drive shaft 610 can be rotated about its longitudinal axis by a drive unit 140 such as a servo motor.

[0087] FIG. 6B shows a top view of a transport device 130 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As can be seen from FIG. 6B, the paddle 620 is formed in a V shape. The paddle 620 is formed by one leg of a V shape perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft or drive shaft 610 and a second leg at an angle, for example, an angle of 30 to 60 degrees, with respect to the one leg.

[0088] This has the effect that when the shaft or drive shaft 610 rotates in one direction as indicated by the upward arrow in FIG. 6B, the particles of medical waste are agitated in the processing mode. When the shaft or drive shaft 610 rotates in the opposite direction as indicated by the downward arrow in FIG. 6B, the particles of medical waste are conveyed, for example, in the unloading mode.

[0089] It is understood that any suitable number of paddles 620 and / or paddle shafts 630 may be provided on the shaft or drive shaft 610 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0090] FIG. 7 shows a shredder assembly 700 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0091] The shredder assembly 700 is coupled to the inlet 110 of the processing chamber 100 and is configured to receive medical waste, process the particles of medical waste, and supply the processed particles of medical waste to the inlet 110 of the waste treatment chamber 100. The shredder assembly 400 includes a hopper 710 and a shredder unit 720 configured to receive medical waste and process the particles of medical waste, similar to that shown in FIG. 4. In one embodiment, the shredder assembly 700 further includes at least one feeder unit 730 for supplying the processed particles of medical waste to the inlet 110 of the waste treatment chamber 100. The feeder unit 730 may be, for example, a screw conveyor or a piston as shown in FIG. 4. The feeder unit 730 may be provided with a low-friction coating such as a polymer coating to enable the particles of medical waste to move more easily into the processing chamber 100.

[0092] In this configuration, the inlet 110 is disposed in the lower half of the processing chamber 100, for example, at the bottom of the processing chamber 100. Optionally, the shredder assembly 700 further includes a first inspection window 750.

[0093] The inlet 110 can be disposed at any suitable location on the processing chamber 100, for example, in the upper half of the processing chamber 100 as shown in FIG. 1 or in the lower half of the processing chamber 100 as shown in FIG. 4.

[0094] The advantage of disposing the inlet 110 in the upper half of the processing chamber 100 is that gravity feeds the processed medical waste particles to the inlet 110 of the waste treatment chamber 100, and no separate feeder device is required to supply the processed medical waste particles to the inlet 110 of the waste treatment chamber 100.

[0095] The advantage of disposing the inlet 110 in the lower half of the processing chamber 100 is that the overall height of the waste treatment system including the waste treatment chamber can be reduced.

[0096] The hopper 710 is configured to receive the entire medical waste. The shredder unit 720 is configured to process the entire medical waste into particles of medical waste. The feeder unit 730 is configured to supply the particles of medical waste to the inlet 110 of the combined waste treatment chamber 100.

[0097] Optionally, the shredder assembly 700 is provided with a lid 770 that provides a sealed seal between the interior of the hopper and the ambient atmosphere. The hopper 710, the shredder 720, the feeder unit 730, and the lid 770 then form a sealed seal enclosure. In this embodiment, the method of FIG. 3 can further include operating in a treatment mode by controlling the system to open or control the opening of the inlet 110 so that the target concentration level of ozone in the environment within the processing chamber 100 can enter the shredder assembly 700. This sterilizes the interior of the shredder assembly 700 and / or removes unwanted odors.

[0098] Optionally, the shredder assembly 700 is provided with a first inspection window 750 that can inspect the shredded particles of medical waste immediately after the shredder unit 720.

[0099] In one embodiment, the feeder unit 730 is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane, such as the floor shown as a thick black line, to allow the fluid to flow in a desired direction.

[0100] In one embodiment, the shredder unit 720 and / or the feeder unit 730 are controlled by a control unit CU.

[0101] FIG. 8 shows an exhaust assembly 800 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The exhaust assembly 800 is coupled to the outlet 120 of the processing chamber 100, which removes the processed / treated medical waste particles from the processing chamber 100 and is typically configured to move the removed medical waste particles to a storage container 850 to remove the medical waste particles from a location in the waste treatment chamber 100.

[0102] The exhaust assembly 800 typically includes a pressure tank 820 configured to maintain a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure, i.e., a vacuum. The exhaust assembly 800 further includes coupling means / unit 810 configured to couple and / or sealably couple the outlet 120 of the processing chamber 100 to the pressure tank 820 to allow the flow of particles from the processing chamber 100 to the pressure tank 820. The coupling means / unit 810 can include a conduit member such as a pipe or tube. By providing a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure, this allows the exhaust assembly 800 to suction the medical waste particles from the processing chamber 100, thereby removing the processed / treated medical waste particles from the processing chamber 100.

[0103] The discharge assembly 800 further includes a through unit 830 configured to move the removed medical waste particles from the pressure tank 820 to the storage container 850 while forming a seal with respect to the pressure tank 820 to maintain a vacuum within the pressure tank 820. Details of the through unit 830 are further provided in connection with FIG. 9.

[0104] The pressure tank 820 and the through unit 830 are typically arranged together as an assembly. The pressure tank 820 and the through unit 830 may advantageously be arranged on top of the storage container 850. When the medical waste particles move from the tank, gravity causes the medical waste particles to fall into the container.

[0105] The discharge assembly 800 may optionally further include a drain 840 configured to discharge fluid from the coupling means / unit 810. The drain 840 may optionally be provided with a valve that can be arranged in an open or closed position to maintain a vacuum within the coupling means / unit 810 and the pressure tank 820.

[0106] FIG. 9A is a side view of a discharge assembly 800 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. A second coupling means / unit 910 is provided in the discharge assembly 800 to create a vacuum within the pressure tank used by the coupling means / unit 810 to extract particles from the processing chamber 100. The second coupling means / unit 910 can comprise a conduit member such as a tube or pipe, for example. The second coupling means / unit 910 creates a vacuum or a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure by removing the gas contained in the pressure tank 820.

[0107] FIG. 9B is a front view of the discharge assembly 800 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the through unit 830 is formed as a tube having a gate member in the shape of a rotating door, and an airtight seal is provided. The gate member rotates within the tube about the central axis of the tube. Since the tube is provided with at least a first opening facing the pressure tank 820 and a second opening facing the storage container 850, as the gate member rotates, the particles of the removed medical waste fall into the through unit 830 through the first opening and fall into the storage container 850 through the second opening.

[0108] FIG. 10A shows a shredder assembly 1000 before a waste treatment system operates in an input mode according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The shredder assembly 1000 corresponds to the shredder assemblies 400, 700 shown in FIGS. 4 and 7 respectively, and the features described below can be similarly applied to the shredder assemblies 400, 700. The shredder assembly 1000 includes a shredder 1020 configured to receive medical waste and process it into particles of medical waste. The shredder 1020 may include a drive unit or may be coupled to an external drive unit 1021 via a transmission device such as a shaft, chain and sprocket or pulley and belt. The shredder assembly 1000 further includes a hopper 1010 configured to receive the entire medical waste. The hopper 1010 is coupled to the shredder 1020, thereby enabling the entire medical waste to reach / carry into the shredder 1020 for processing into particles of medical waste. The hopper 1010 may be directly coupled to move the waste according to gravity or may be coupled via a feeder unit as described above. In one embodiment, the hopper 1010 is provided with a hatch / cover 1014 shown in the open position in FIG. 10A. The hopper 1010 is configured to receive medical waste when the hatch / cover 1014 is in the open position. The hopper 1010 can optionally include one or more exhaust devices 1012, 1013 configured to ventilate gas from the interior of the hopper 1010. The hopper 1010 may further include a cleaning unit 1011, for example, a nozzle coupled to water under pressure, as needed. The cleaning unit 1011 is configured to spray a cleaning liquid such as water with or without a detergent into the interior of the hopper 1010 and / or the shredder unit 1020.

[0109] Figure 10B shows the shredder assembly 1000 before or during operation of the waste treatment system in the loading mode according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The shredder assembly 1000 corresponds to the shredder assemblies 400, 700 shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, respectively, and the features described below can be similarly applied to the shredder assemblies 400, 700. The shredder assembly 1000 can have the same features as those described in connection with FIG. 10A. In FIG. 10B, the hatch / cover 1014 is in the closed position. Preferably, the cleaning unit 1011 is configured to spray a cleaning liquid into the hopper 1010 and / or the interior of the shredder unit 1020 only when the hatch / cover 1014 is in the closed position.

[0110] FIG. 11 shows an example of the case where the shredder assembly 1000 receives all medical waste before the waste treatment system operates in the loading mode according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0111] The bin actuator unit 1130 may be configured to empty the bin / container containing all medical waste into the hopper 1010 when the hatch / cover 1014 is in the open position.

[0112] Finally, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but is also related to and incorporates all embodiments within the scope of the appended independent claims.

Claims

1. A waste treatment chamber (100) configured to operate in any one of an input mode, a processing mode, and an output mode, and further configured to provide an environment for disinfecting particles of medical waste using ozone in the processing mode, wherein the processing chamber comprises: an inlet (110) configured to receive the particles of medical waste in the input mode and configured to provide a sealed seal between the environment inside the processing chamber (100) and the external environment in the processing mode and the output mode; an outlet (120) configured to remove the particles of medical waste from the processing chamber (100) in the output mode and configured to provide a sealed seal between the environment inside the processing chamber (100) and the external environment in the input mode and the processing mode; a particle conveying device (130) configured to stir the particles of medical waste in the input mode and the processing mode and further configured to move the particles of medical waste to the outlet (120) for removal in the output mode; one or more sensors (S1, S2) configured to measure characteristics of the environment within the processing chamber (100); comprising; the processing chamber (100) is further fluidly coupled to, or comprises, a generator (G) configured to generate ozone and maintain a target concentration level of ozone in the environment within the processing chamber (100); the particle conveying device (130) comprises a shaft having a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the processing chamber (100) and paddles extending in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, the waste treatment chamber (100).

2. The waste treatment chamber according to claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors (S1, S2) comprise at least one ozone sensor configured to measure an ozone concentration level of the environment within the processing chamber (100).

3. The waste treatment chamber according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the generator (G) is removably attached to the processing chamber (100).

4. The waste treatment chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the one or more sensors (S1, S2) comprise at least one temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the environment within the treatment chamber (100).

5. The waste treatment chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the one or more sensors (S1, S2) comprise at least one humidity sensor configured to measure the humidity of the environment within the treatment chamber (100).

6. The waste treatment chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a controllable air conditioning unit configured to maintain a target temperature of the environment within the treatment chamber (100).

7. The waste treatment chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a controllable humidifier configured to maintain a target humidity of the environment within the treatment chamber (100).

8. The waste treatment chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the treatment chamber (100) comprises an inspection window disposed in the upper half of the treatment chamber (100).

9. The treatment chamber is a controllable gas inlet configured to provide fresh air to the treatment chamber (100), and a controllable gas outlet configured to discharge gas from the environment within the treatment chamber (100) The waste treatment chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising.

10. A waste treatment system configured to disinfect particles of medical waste using ozone, the system comprising the waste treatment chamber (100) according to claim 1, a control unit (CU) configured to control the treatment chamber (100) to operate in any one of a loading mode, a treatment mode, and an unloading mode, wherein the control unit (CU) operating in the treatment mode is configured to control the generator (G) using an input received from at least one of the one or more sensors (S1, S2), the input indicating a measured ozone concentration level within the treatment chamber (100), A waste treatment system comprising.

11. The one or more sensors (S1, S2) comprise at least one temperature sensor, the system further comprises a controllable air conditioning unit, and the control unit (CU) operating in the processing mode is configured to control the controllable air conditioning unit using the input received from the temperature sensor to maintain a target temperature of the environment within the processing chamber (100). The waste treatment system according to claim 10.

12. The one or more sensors (S1, S2) comprise at least one humidity sensor, the system further comprises a controllable humidifier, and the control unit (CU) operating in the processing mode is configured to control the controllable humidifier using the input received from the humidity sensor to maintain a target humidity of the environment within the processing chamber (100). The waste treatment system according to claim 10 or 11.

13. The control unit (CU) is communicatively coupled to a communication network and is further configured to transmit the state of the system to one or more nodes via the communication network and / or receive commands from the one or more nodes via the communication network. The waste treatment system according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

14. The inlet (110) is disposed in the lower half of the processing chamber (100). The waste treatment system according to any one of claims 10 to 13.

15. The waste treatment system according to any one of claims 10 to 14 further comprises a shredder assembly (700) fluidly coupled to the inlet (110) of the processing chamber (100), which is configured to receive medical waste, process it into particles of medical waste, and supply the processed particles of medical waste to the inlet (110) of the waste treatment chamber (100).

16. The waste treatment system according to any one of claims 10 to 15 further comprises a discharge assembly (800) fluidly coupled to the outlet (120) of the processing chamber (100), which is configured to remove particles of the processed / treated medical waste from the processing chamber (100) and move the removed particles of medical waste to a storage container (850).

17. A method executed by a control unit (CU) of a system comprising a waste treatment chamber (100) according to claim 1, wherein the waste treatment chamber (100) is configured to operate in any one of a loading mode, a treatment mode, and an unloading mode, the method comprising: In the loading mode, opening an inlet (110) to receive particles of the medical waste; In the loading mode, closing an outlet (120) to provide a sealed seal between the internal environment and the external environment of the treatment chamber (100); In the loading mode, agitating the received particles of medical waste; Operating in the loading mode by; In the treatment mode, closing the inlet (110) to provide a sealed seal between the internal environment and the external environment of the treatment chamber (100); In the treatment mode, agitating the received particles of medical waste; In the treatment mode, generating ozone and maintaining a target concentration level of ozone in the environment within the treatment chamber (100); Operating in the treatment mode by; In the unloading mode, opening the outlet (120) to remove particles of the medical waste from the treatment chamber (100); Operating in the unloading mode by; A method comprising.

18. The one or more sensors (S1, S2) comprise at least one ozone sensor configured to measure an ozone concentration level in the environment within the treatment chamber (100), and generating the ozone and maintaining a target concentration level of ozone is performed using the measured ozone concentration level. The method according to claim 17.

19. The one or more sensors (S1, S2) comprise at least one temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the environment within the treatment chamber (100), and the system further comprises a controllable air conditioning unit configured to maintain a target temperature of the environment within the treatment chamber (100). The method according to claim 17 or 18, further comprising maintaining the target temperature using the measured temperature.

20. The one or more sensors (S1, S2) comprise at least one humidity sensor configured to measure the humidity of the environment within the processing chamber (100), and the system further comprises a controllable humidifier configured to maintain a target humidity of the environment within the processing chamber (100), and the method further comprises using the measured humidity to maintain the target humidity, the method according to any of claims 17 to 19.

21. Operating in the unloading mode comprises opening a controllable gas inlet configured to provide fresh air to the processing chamber (100) and opening a controllable gas outlet configured to discharge gas from the environment within the processing chamber (100), the method according to any of claims 17 to 20.

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