Portable plasma sanitizing device

Abstract

A portable plasma sanitizing device with convertible geometrical structure for disinfecting and / or sterilizing an object. The portable plasma sanitizing device may comprise a segmented housing. The segmented housing may comprise a core part, a first foldable part, a second foldable part, a third foldable part, and a fourth foldable part. The portable plasma sanitizing device may adapt to a flat configuration and a folded configuration. In flat configuration, the first, second, third, and fourth foldable parts may arrange laterally with respect to one another along a longitudinal axis of the core part. The folded configuration may achieve by folding the first and third foldable parts in perpendicular with the core part, and folding second and fourth foldable parts in perpendicular with the first and third parts, respectively.

Description

[0001] PORTABLE PLASMA SANITIZING DEVICE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003]

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an exemplary non-thermal plasma technology / device for disinfecting and / or sterilizing an object and application thereof, and more particularly to an exemplary portable plasma sanitizing device.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005]

[0002] Along with the development of human society, control of environmental pollution as a vital issue for public health and economy, is essential. Hence, the use of effective sterilization and disinfection techniques has been extensively studied. In general, different approaches of traditional physical and chemical sterilization and disinfection treatments are known along with advanced techniques to control the microorganism in the environment, result in decreasing the occurrence of infectious diseases.

[0006]

[0003] Gas plasma as an ionized gas have been widely used for the inactivation of microorganisms and is a suitable alternative of conventional sterilization / disinfection techniques with more ecological and economic benefits. The inactivation of microbial pathogens such as bacteria, fungi and viruses as well as the degradation of toxins show the vast potential of plasma technology in disinfection / disinfection.

[0007]

[0004] Plasma may be produced in laboratories by various methods, when the high voltage applied between two electrodes to ionize the gas. Various high voltage electrical stimulation sources may be used to stimulate the plasma. Several types of gases like nitrogen, oxygen, helium, argon, and air may be used to produce plasma by using various methods. Therefore, considering the wide applications of plasma in disinfecting or sterilizing either surfaces or three-dimensional (3D) objects or hands, the development of devices based on this technology has been considered. There is need to develop a plasma device that may be applicable for different objects.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009]

[0005] This summary is intended to provide an overview of the subject matter of one or more exemplary embodiments, and is not intended to identify essential elements or key elements of the subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to determine the scope of the claimed implementations. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. The proper scope of one or more exemplary embodiments may be ascertained from the claims set forth below in view of the detailed description below and the drawings.

[0010]

[0006] One or more exemplary embodiments describe an exemplary portable plasma sanitizing device with convertible geometrical structure for disinfecting and / or sterilizing an object. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary portable plasma sanitizing device may comprise an exemplary segmented housing. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary segmented housing may comprise an exemplary core part, an exemplary first foldable part, an exemplary second foldable part, an exemplary third foldable part, and an exemplary fourth foldable part. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary core part may comprise an exemplary array of plasma forming units may arrange laterally with respect to one other. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary plasma gas outlet of each respective plasma forming unit of an exemplary array of plasma forming units may face toward an inner surface of an exemplary core part. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary first foldable part may foldably attach to an exemplary first end of an exemplary core part, an exemplary first foldable part may comprise at least an exemplary first plasma forming unit. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary plasma gas outlet of the at least an exemplary first plasma forming unit may face toward an inner surface of an exemplary first foldable parts. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary second foldable part may foldably attach to an exemplary first foldable part, an exemplary second foldable part may comprise at least an exemplary second plasma forming unit. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary plasma gas outlet of the at least an exemplary second plasma forming unit may face toward an inner surface of an exemplary second foldable part. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary third foldable part may foldably attach to an exemplary second end of an exemplary core part, an exemplary third foldable part may comprise at least an exemplary third plasma forming unit. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary plasma gas outlet of the at least an exemplary third plasma forming unit may face toward an inner surface of an exemplary third foldable part. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary fourth foldable part may foldably attach to an exemplary third foldable part, an exemplary fourth foldable part may comprise at least an exemplary fourth plasma forming unit. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary plasma gas outlet of the at least an exemplary fourth plasma forming unit may face toward an inner surface of an exemplary fourth foldable part.

[0007] In one or more exemplary embodiments, an exemplary portable plasma sanitizing device may adapt to an exemplary flat configuration and an exemplary folded configuration. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary flat configuration, in which an exemplary first, second, third, and fourth foldable parts may arrange laterally with respect to one another along a longitudinal axis of an exemplary core part. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary folded configuration may achieve by folding an exemplary first and third foldable parts in perpendicular with an exemplary core part such that the inner surface of an exemplary first foldable part and the inner surface of an exemplary third foldable part may face toward one another; and an exemplary folded configuration may achieve by folding an exemplary second and fourth foldable parts in perpendicular with an exemplary first and third parts, respectively, such that the inner surfaces of an exemplary second and fourth foldable parts may face toward the inner surface of an exemplary core part.

[0011]

[0008] This Summary may introduce a number of concepts in a simplified format; the concepts are further disclosed within the “Detailed Description” section. This Summary is not intended to configure essential / key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0012] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013]

[0009] The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present disclosure, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in which an exemplary embodiment will now be illustrated by way of example. It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure. Exemplary embodiments will now be described by way of example in association with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic front view of an exemplary portable plasma sanitizing device, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0014]

[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic bottom view of an exemplary portable plasma sanitizing device, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015]

[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates a 3 -dimensional (3D) view of an exemplary portable plasma sanitizing device in an exemplary flat configuration, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016]

[0013] FIG.4 illustrates a schematic front sectional view of internal structure of an exemplary portable plasma sanitizing device, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017]

[0014] FIG.5 illustrates a schematic top view of internal structure of an exemplary portable plasma sanitizing device, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018]

[0015] FIG.6 illustrates a schematic bottom view of internal structure of an exemplary portable plasma sanitizing device, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019]

[0016] FIG.7 illustrates a front 3-dimensional (3D) view of internal structure of an exemplary portable plasma sanitizing device in an exemplary flat configuration, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG.8 illustrates a back 3-dimensional (3D) view of internal structure of an exemplary portable plasma sanitizing device in an exemplary flat configuration, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020]

[0018] FIG.9 illustrates a 3-dimensional (3D) view of an exemplary portable plasma sanitizing device in an exemplary folded configuration, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021]

[0019] FIG.10 illustrates a 3-dimensional (3D) view of an exemplary portable plasma sanitizing device in an exemplary folded configuration with flexible hose in details, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022]

[0020] FIG.ll illustrates a schematic front view of an exemplary portable plasma sanitizing device in an exemplary folded configuration, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023]

[0021] FIG.12 illustrates a front 3-dimensional (3D) view of internal structure of an exemplary portable plasma sanitizing device in an exemplary folded configuration, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0024]

[0022] FIG.13 illustrates a back 3-dimensional (3D) view of internal structure of an exemplary portable plasma sanitizing device in an exemplary folded configuration, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026]

[0023] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth by way of examples to provide a thorough understanding of the relevant teachings related to the exemplary embodiments. However, it should be apparent that the present teachings may be practiced without such details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components, and / or circuitry have been described at a relatively high-level, without detail, in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the present teachings.

[0027]

[0024] The following detailed description is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the methods and devices disclosed in one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. For purposes of explanation, specific nomenclature is set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not required to practice the disclosed exemplary embodiments. Descriptions of specific exemplary embodiments are provided only as representative examples. Various modifications to the exemplary implementations will be plain to one skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations and applications without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the implementations shown, but is to be accorded the widest possible scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

[0028]

[0025] Disclosed herein is an exemplary portable plasma sanitizing device with convertible geometrical structure for disinfecting and / or sterilizing an object. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary portable plasma sanitizing device may applicable for disinfecting and / or sterilizing an object, using gas plasma as an ionized gas. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary portable plasma sanitizing device may applicable for disinfecting and / or sterilizing based on production of plasma at atmospheric pressure. However, during the last 20 years, several studies, including patents and scientific articles, have been conducted describing the microbicidal properties of plasma. Parallel to the diverse applications of cold plasma at atmospheric pressure in various fields, its known effect on a wide range of microorganisms has improved the efficiency of disinfection and sterilization methods using plasma technology. “Microorganism” may refer to a microscopic living organism, include yeast, bacteria, algae, fungi, protozoa, virus, spores, and any combination thereof. Disinfecting and / or sterilizing different objects, including surfaces, human hands or any 3-dimensional (3D) object, need to have different devices according to the characteristic of an object. To solve the mentioned problem, an exemplary portable plasma sanitizing device with a convertible geometric structure, adapting in two flat configuration and folded configuration, has provided the possibility of disinfection and / or sterilization of different types of objects. In this way, having one device, while saving the cost of preparing several different devices, it may be used for disinfection or sterilization of different types of objects.

[0029]

[0026] Referring to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic front view of an exemplary portable plasma sanitizing device 100, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic bottom view of an exemplary portable plasma sanitizing device 100, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates a 3-dimensional (3D) view of an exemplary portable plasma sanitizing device 100 in an exemplary flat configuration 200, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030]

[0027] In further detail with respect to FIGs. 1-3, an exemplary portable plasma sanitizing device 100 may comprise segmented housing 102. In an exemplary embodiment, segmented housing 102 may comprise core part 104, first foldable part 106, second foldable part 108, third foldable part 110, and fourth foldable part 112 arranged laterally with respect to one other. In an exemplary embodiment, plasma gas outlet 114 of each respective part of core part 104, first foldable part 106, second foldable part 108, third foldable part 110 and fourth foldable part 112 may face toward an inner surface 116 of segmented housing 102. In an exemplary embodiment, core part 104, first foldable part 106, second foldable part 108, third foldable part 110 and fourth foldable part 112 may foldably attached to adjacent part via a hinge(s) 118. In an exemplary embodiment, hinge(s) 118 may dispose on inner surface 116 of segmented housing 102. In an exemplary embodiment, handle 120 may be disposed on outer surface 122 of core part 104 opposite to the plasma gas outlets 114. In an exemplary embodiment, portable plasma sanitizing device 100 may be of a suitable size that it may be held, carried and handled by a single user using handle(s) 120. In an exemplary embodiment, handle(s) 120 may comprise one or more ergonomic sensors 124 on an outer surface thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, proximity detector 126 to detect an object may be configured on inner surface 116 of segmented housing 102, so an exemplary portable plasma sanitizing device 100 may be activated only as needed. In an exemplary embodiment, air inlet 128 may be configured on segmented housing 102 for air intake.

[0031]

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary portable plasma sanitizing device 100 may adapt to flat configuration 200. In further detail with respect to FIG. 3, an exemplary flat configuration 200 of portable plasma sanitizing device 100 may be configured, in which the first, second, third, and fourth foldable parts 106,108,110 and 112, may be arranged laterally with respect to one another along a longitudinal axis of core part 104. In an exemplary embodiment, flat configuration 200 may be configured, in which first foldable part 106 may be foldably attached to a first end 202 of core part 104. In an exemplary embodiment, flat configuration 200 may be configure, in which second foldable part 108 may be foldably attached to first foldable part 106. In an exemplary embodiment, flat configuration 200 may be configured, in which third foldable part 110 may be foldably attached to a second end 204 of core part 104. In an exemplary embodiment, flat configuration 200 may be configured, in which fourth foldable part 112 may be foldably attached to third foldable part 110. In an exemplary embodiment, in flat configuration 200 of portable plasma sanitizing device 100, an operator may held and carried the device using handle(s) 120, and may move it over a surface for disinfecting and / or sterilizing the surface.

[0032]

[0029] Referring to the figures, FIG.4 illustrates a schematic front sectional view of internal structure of an exemplary portable plasma sanitizing device 100, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG.5 illustrates a schematic top view of internal structure of an exemplary portable plasma sanitizing device 100, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG.6 illustrates a schematic bottom view of internal structure of an exemplary portable plasma sanitizing device 100, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG.7 illustrates a front 3-dimensional (3D) view of internal structure of an exemplary portable plasma sanitizing device 100 in an exemplary flat configuration 200, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG.8 illustrates a back 3 -dimensional (3D) view of internal structure of an exemplary portable plasma sanitizing device 100 in an exemplary flat configuration 200, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033]

[0030] In further detail with respect to FIGs. 4-8, an exemplary portable plasma sanitizing device 100 may comprise a gas supply system including compressor 302 and gas reserve tank 304. In an exemplary embodiment, gas manifold including gas input conduit 306, gas carrier tube 308, and plurality of gas output conduits 310. In an exemplary embodiment, portable plasma sanitizing device 100 may comprise plurality of plasma forming units 312 and power supply 314. In an exemplary embodiment, power supply 314 may electrically connect to plasma forming units 312, and may provide a high voltage high frequency power to plasma forming units 312, through cable 316. A ballast resistor 318, may be coupled on cable 316 in series with each plasma forming units 312. In an exemplary embodiment, ballast resistors 318 balancing the voltage distribution between plurality of gas output conduits 310, and ensuring that all points will fire and produce arrays of plasma beams. “High voltage high frequency power” may refer to a voltage in the range from few thousand volts to several kilovolts and a frequency in the range from several thousand hertz to several megahertz. “Plasma forming unit” may refer to a gas transmission conduit configured to deliver a flow of gas adjacent to the electrodes, wherein at least one of the electrodes is arranged annularly around the gas transmission conduit and at least one of the electrodes is positioned within the gas transmission conduit. “Coupled” may refer to directly connected to or indirectly connected with through one or more intermediate components. Such intermediate components may include both hardware and software based components. In one or more exemplary embodiments, pressure sensor(s) 320 may be configured to measure the gas pressure within gas carrier tube 308 and plurality of gas output conduits 310.

[0034]

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, air may be the desired gas for plasma production, may be supplied from the atmospheric air. In an exemplary embodiment, compressor 302, may intake the air via air inlet 128 and may compress and store the air in gas reserve tank

[0035] 304. To control gas consumption, a need-based control system such as proximity detector 126 may be used to activate portable plasma sanitizing device 100 when needed. Upon detection of an object including a surface, human hand(s) or any 3D object, proximity detector 126, may generate an electrical signal that may be supplied to controller (not shown) that may initiate gas flow via the gas supply system and may supply of power via power supply 314. In an exemplary embodiment, proximity detector 126 may be hardwired to initiate the gas flow and to supply of power.

[0036]

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, gas may be supplied by gas reserve tank 304, and may introduce into gas input conduit 306, may flow through gas carrier tube 308, and may exit through plurality of gas output conduits 310. In an exemplary embodiment, pressure sensor(s) 320 may control gas pressure and may regulate the gas flow rate. In an exemplary embodiment, gas carrier tube 308 may be selected from the group consisting of deformable tube, elastically flexible tube, for easy bending and preventing gas carrier tube breakage and gas leakage. In an exemplary embodiment, gas may be selected from the group consisting of air, oxygen, argon, helium, and nitrogen to produce plasma. In an exemplary embodiment, portable plasma sanitizing device 100 may use air to produce plasma.

[0037]

[0033] Parallel to gas flow initiation, power supply 314, may supply plurality of plasma forming units 312. In an exemplary embodiment, each plasma forming unit 312 may be located within respective gas output conduit 310. By applying high voltage high frequency power, plasma beam may be formed and emitted at output of each of the plasma gas outlets 114. In an exemplary embodiment, plasma forming units 312 may be selected from the group consisting of a wire electrode, a high voltage electrode, and a piezoelectric element.

[0038]

[0034] Referring to the FIGs. 1-8, in an exemplary embodiment, core part 104, may comprise an array of plasma forming units 312 arranged laterally with respect to one other, wherein plasma gas outlet 114 of each respective plasma forming unit 312 of array of plasma forming units 312 may face toward an inner surface 116 of core part 104. In an exemplary embodiment, first foldable part 106 may be foldably attached to a first end 202 of core part 104, first foldable part 106 may comprise at least one first plasma forming unit 312, wherein plasma gas outlet 114 of at least one first plasma forming unit 312 may face toward an inner surface 116 of first foldable part 106. In an exemplary embodiment, second foldable part 108 may be foldably attached to first foldable part 106, second foldable part 108 may comprise at least one second plasma forming unit 312, wherein plasma gas outlet 114 of at least one second plasma forming unit 312 may face toward an inner surface 116 of second foldable part 108. In an exemplary embodiment, third foldable part 110 may be foldably attached to a second end 204 of core part 104, third foldable part 110 may comprise at least one third plasma forming unit 312, wherein plasma gas outlet 114 of at least one third plasma forming unit 312 may face toward an inner surface 116 of third foldable part 110. In an exemplary embodiment, fourth foldable part 112 may be foldably attached to third foldable part 110, fourth foldable part 112 may comprise at least one fourth plasma forming unit 312, wherein plasma gas outlet 114 of at least one fourth plasma forming unit 312 may face toward an inner surface 116 of fourth foldable part 112.

[0039]

[0035] Referring again to the FIGs. 1-8, in an exemplary embodiment, to control the operation of portable plasma sanitizing device 100 in portable mode, upon detection of operator's hand, ergonomic sensors 124 may generate an electrical signal that may supply to controller (not shown) that may initiate the gas flow via the gas supply system and may supply of power via power supply 314. In an exemplary embodiment, ergonomic sensors

[0040] 124 may be hardwired to initiate the gas flow and supply of power.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary portable plasma sanitizing device

[0041] 100 may adapt to folded configuration 500. Referring to the figures, FIG.9 illustrates a 3- dimensional (3D) view of an exemplary portable plasma sanitizing device 100 in an exemplary folded configuration 500, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG.10 illustrates a 3-dimensional (3D) view of an exemplary portable plasma sanitizing device 100 in an exemplary folded configuration 500 with flexible hose in details, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG.ll illustrates a schematic front view of an exemplary portable plasma sanitizing device 100 in an exemplary folded configuration 500, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0042]

[0037] In further detail with respect to FIGs. 9-11, an exemplary folded configuration 500, may use an articulating mechanism, in which each part of segmented housing 102, may be foldably attached to adjacent part via hinge 118, wherein hinge(s) 118 may dispose on inner surface 116 of segmented housing 102. Hinge(s) 118 may dispose to allow to fold first and third foldable parts 106 and 110 in perpendicular respect to core part 104. In an exemplary embodiment, hinge 118 may dispose to allow to fold second and fourth foldable parts 108 and 112 in perpendicular respect to first and third parts 106 and 110, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, articulating mechanism may be selected from the group consisting of a hinge, a foldable joint or the like.

[0043]

[0038] Specifically, referring to FIG.9, to achieve folded configuration 500, first and third foldable parts 106 and 110 may fold in perpendicular with core part 104 such that the inner surface 116 of first foldable part 106 and the inner surface 116 of third foldable part

[0044] 110 may face toward one another; and to achieve folded configuration 500, second and fourth foldable parts 108 and 112 may fold in perpendicular with first and third parts 106 and 110, respectively, such that the inner surfaces 116 of second and fourth foldable parts 108 and 112 may face toward the inner surface 116 of core part 104.

[0045]

[0039] In further detail with respect to FIG. 10, in an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary folded configuration 500 of portable plasma sanitizing device 100, may comprise one or more flexible hose to protect gas carrier tube 308 and cable 316. Flexible hoses are hose-related parts that are resistant to bending, twisting, and vibration and may be extended or retracted between the adjacent parts. In an exemplary embodiment, flexible hose may comprise first flexible hose 502, second flexible hose 504, third flexible hose 506, and fourth flexible hose 508. In an exemplary embodiment, first flexible hose 502 may be coupled to inner edge of first edge 202 of core part 104 and to inner edge of second edge 510 of first foldable part 106. In an exemplary embodiment, second flexible hose 504 may be coupled to inner edge of first edge 512 of first foldable part 106 and to inner edge of second edge 514 of second foldable part 108. In an exemplary embodiment, third flexible hose 506 may be coupled to inner edge of second edge 204 of core part 104 and to inner edge of first edge 516 of third foldable part 110. In an exemplary embodiment, fourth flexible hose 508 may be coupled to inner edge of second edge 518 of third foldable part 110 and to inner edge of first edge 520 of fourth foldable part 112. In one or more exemplary embodiments, flexible hose may be extended between the adjacent parts in folded configuration 500, to protect gas carrier tube 308 and cable 316, while in flat configuration 200, flexible hose may be retracted between the adjacent parts. In an exemplary embodiment, flexible hose is not shown in figures consistent with flat configuration 200 of portable plasma sanitizing device 100.

[0040] Specifically, referring to FIG. 11, in an exemplary folded configuration 500, first and third foldable parts 106 and 110, may be folded via hinge 118 in perpendicular with core part 104, while plasma gas outlet 114 of first foldable part 106 and plasma gas outlet 114 of third foldable part 110, may face toward one another. In an exemplary folded configuration 500, second and fourth foldable parts 108 and 112, may be folded via hinge 118 in perpendicular with first and third parts 106 and 110 , respectively, while plasma gas outlet 114 of second and fourth foldable parts 108 and 112, may face toward plasma gas outlet(s) 114 of core part 104.

[0046]

[0041] With further reference to FIGs. 9-11, in an exemplary folded configuration 500, upon entering and detecting an object, proximity detector 126 may generate an electrical signal to initiate gas flow and to provide power in order produce plasma for sterilizing and / or disinfecting an object, including human hand(s) or any three-dimensional (3D) object.

[0047]

[0042] Referring to the figures, FIG.12 illustrates a front 3-dimensional (3D) view of internal structure of an exemplary portable plasma sanitizing device 100 in an exemplary folded configuration 500, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG.13 illustrates a back 3-dimensional (3D) view of internal structure of an exemplary portable plasma sanitizing device 100 in an exemplary folded configuration 500, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0048]

[0043] In further detail with respect to FIGs. 12-13, in an exemplary embodiment, Cable 316 and gas carrier tube 308, may be bended consistent with folded configuration

[0049] 500 of portable plasma sanitizing device 100. In an exemplary embodiment, Cable 316 may be selected from the group consisting of flexible cable with sufficient elasticity. In an exemplary embodiment, gas carrier tube 308 may be selected from the group consisting of deformable tube, and elastically flexible tube, for easy bending and preventing gas tube breakage and gas leakage.

[0050]

[0044] In one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a user control panel (not shown) may be configured to provide manual control of the device's operation.

[0051]

[0045] The electrical power and the gas flow rate are two independent controllable variables result in wide range of cold plasma effects. Using high electrical power and low gas flow rate, an intense burning beam results, which is useful in medical applications in removing tumors, for example. On the other hand, a gentle sterilizing beam results produced by low electrical power and high gas flow rate, which is effective on a wide range of microorganisms, including human pathogens. Considering the determining variables in the practical effects of plasma, the portable plasma sanitizing device 100 designed for two different working modes, using high electrical power and low gas flow rate or low electrical power and high gas flow rate, to produce plasma. This ability allow to different application of the portable plasma sanitizing device 100 for disinfecting and / or sterilizing of different objects.

[0052]

[0046] While the foregoing has described what are considered to be the best mode and / or other examples, it is understood that various modifications may be made therein and that the subject matter disclosed herein may be implemented in various forms and examples, and that the teachings may be applied in numerous applications, only some of which have been described herein. It is intended by the following claims to claim any and all applications, modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of the present teachings.

[0053]

[0047] Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications that are set forth in this specification, including in the claims that follow, are approximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain. In a further aspect of the present disclosure, the portable plasma sanitizing device 100 may be variable in size and / or shape. It is also conceivable, the housing itself may be varied in its dimensions wherein depending on the set size also a correspondingly different number of plasma forming units may be provided.

[0054]

[0048] The scope of protection is limited solely by the claims that now follow. That scope is intended and should be interpreted to be as broad as is consistent with the ordinary meaning of the language that is used in the claims when interpreted in light of this specification and the prosecution history that follows and to encompass all structural and functional equivalents. Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirement of Sections 101, 102, or 103 of the Patent Act, nor should they be interpreted in such a way. Any unintended embracement of such subject matter is hereby disclaimed.

[0055]

[0049] Except as stated immediately above, nothing that has been stated or illustrated is intended or should be interpreted to cause a dedication of any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or equivalent to the public, regardless of whether it is or is not recited in the claims.

[0050] It will be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions with respect to their corresponding respective areas of inquiry and study except where specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein. Relational terms such as first and second and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. An element proceeded by “a” or “an” does not, without further constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

[0056]

[0051] Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications that are set forth in this specification, are approximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain.

[0057]

[0052] It will be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions with respect to their corresponding respective areas of inquiry and study, except where specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein. Relational terms such as “first” and “second” and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.

[0058]

[0053] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it may be seen that various features are grouped together in various implementations. This is for purposes of streamlining the disclosure, and is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed implementations require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed implementation. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

[0059]

[0054] While various implementations have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more implementations and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the implementations. Although many possible combinations of features are shown in the accompanying figures and discussed in this detailed description, many other combinations of the disclosed features are possible. Any feature of any implementation may be used in combination with or substituted for any other feature or element in any other implementation unless specifically restricted. Therefore, it will be understood that any of the features shown and / or discussed in the present disclosure may be implemented together in any suitable combination. Accordingly, the implementations are not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:1- A portable plasma sanitizing device with convertible geometrical structure for disinfecting and / or sterilizing an object, the portable plasma sanitizing device comprising: a segmented housing comprising: a core part comprising an array of plasma forming units arranged laterally with respect to one other, wherein a plasma gas outlet of each respective plasma forming unit of the array of plasma forming units faces toward an inner surface of the core part; a first foldable part foldably attached to a first end of the core part, the first foldable part comprising at least one first plasma forming unit, wherein a plasma gas outlet of the at least one first plasma forming unit faces toward an inner surface of the first foldable parts ; a second foldable part foldably attached to the first foldable part, the second foldable part comprising at least one second plasma forming unit, wherein a plasma gas outlet of the at least one second plasma forming unit faces toward an inner surface of the second foldable part; a third foldable part foldably attached to a second end of the core part, the third foldable part comprising at least one third plasma forming unit, wherein a plasma gas outlet of the at least one third plasma forming unit faces toward an inner surface of the third foldable part; a fourth foldable part foldably attached to the third foldable part, the fourth foldable part comprising at least one fourth plasma forming unit, wherein a plasma gas outlet of theat least one fourth plasma forming unit faces toward an inner surface of the fourth foldable part; wherein the portable plasma sanitizing device capable of adapting: a flat configuration, in which the first, second, third, and fourth foldable parts are arranged laterally with respect to one another along a longitudinal axis of the core part;, a folded configuration, achievable by : folding the first and third foldable parts in perpendicular with the core part such that the inner surface of the first foldable part and the inner surface of the third foldable part face toward one another; and folding second and fourth foldable parts in perpendicular with the first and third parts, respectively, such that the inner surfaces of the second and fourth foldable parts face toward the inner surface of the core part.2-The portable plasma sanitizing device of claim 1 , wherein the first foldable part and the core part are foldably attached to one another via a hinge.3- The portable plasma sanitizing device of claim 1, wherein the first and second foldable parts are foldably attached to one another via a hinge.4-The portable plasma sanitizing device of claim 1, wherein the third foldable part and the core part are foldably attached to one another via a hinge.5-The portable plasma sanitizing device of claim 1, wherein the third and fourth foldable parts are foldably attached to one another via a hinge.6- The portable plasma sanitizing device of claim 1, further comprising a flexible hose comprising: a first flexible hose to be coupled to an inner edge of a first edge of the core part and to an inner edge of a second edge of the first foldable part; a second flexible hose to be coupled to an inner edge of a first edge of the first foldable part and to an inner edge of a second edge of the second foldable part; a third flexible hose to be coupled to an inner edge of a second edge of the core part and to an inner edge of a first edge of the third foldable part; and a fourth flexible hose to be coupled to an inner edge of a second edge of the third foldable part and to an inner edge of a first edge of the fourth foldable part.7- The portable plasma sanitizing device of claim 1, further comprising a gas manifold including a gas input conduit, a plurality of gas output conduits, and at least one gas carrier tube, wherein the gas manifold is configured to receive a gas into the gas input conduit and passes the gas through the plurality of gas output conduits toward the plurality of plasma forming units.8- The portable plasma sanitizing device as in claim 7, wherein gas is selected from the group consisting of air, oxygen, argon, helium, and nitrogen.9- The portable plasma sanitizing device as in claim 7, wherein gas carrier tube is selected from the group consisting of deformable tube, elastically flexible tube.10- The portable plasma sanitizing device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of plasma forming units, wherein each plasma forming unit of the plurality of plasma forming units is located within a respective gas output conduit of the plurality of gas output conduits.11- The portable plasma sanitizing device of claim 1, further comprising a power supply, the power supply configured to provide a high voltage output at a high frequency to the plurality of plasma forming units, wherein a plasma beam is formed at an output of each of the plurality of gas output conduits when gas is introduced into the gas input conduit.12- The portable plasma sanitizing device of claim 1, further comprising a gas supply system, the gas supply system comprising: a compressor; and a gas reserve tank.13- The portable plasma sanitizing device of claim 1, further comprising a sensor system, the sensor system comprising: at least one proximity detector; at least one ergonomic sensor; and at least one pressure sensor.14- The portable plasma sanitizing device as in claim 10, wherein the plasma forming units are selected from the group consisting of a wire electrode, a high voltage electrode, and a piezoelectric element.15- The portable plasma sanitizing device of claim 1, further comprising at least one handle disposed on an outer surface of the core part opposite to the plasma gas outlet.16- The portable plasma sanitizing device of claim 15, wherein the at least one handle comprises one or more ergonomic sensors on an outer surface thereof.

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