US20210277593A1 - Systems and processes for treating textiles with an antimicrobial agent - Google Patents
Systems and processes for treating textiles with an antimicrobial agent Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20210277593A1 US20210277593A1 US17/308,554 US202117308554A US2021277593A1 US 20210277593 A1 US20210277593 A1 US 20210277593A1 US 202117308554 A US202117308554 A US 202117308554A US 2021277593 A1 US2021277593 A1 US 2021277593A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- textile
- antimicrobial agent
- textiles
- parameters
- identification information
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000004753 textile Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 398
- 239000004599 antimicrobial Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 171
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 96
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 title description 55
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 16
- 150000001455 metallic ions Chemical class 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 238000011282 treatment Methods 0.000 claims description 85
- 230000000845 anti-microbial effect Effects 0.000 claims description 20
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- SQGYOTSLMSWVJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N silver(1+) nitrate Chemical compound [Ag+].[O-]N(=O)=O SQGYOTSLMSWVJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- NDVLTYZPCACLMA-UHFFFAOYSA-N silver oxide Chemical compound [O-2].[Ag+].[Ag+] NDVLTYZPCACLMA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- 229910001961 silver nitrate Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- ZXSQEZNORDWBGZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1,3-dihydropyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-2-one Chemical compound C1=CN=C2NC(=O)CC2=C1 ZXSQEZNORDWBGZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910021607 Silver chloride Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- FOIXSVOLVBLSDH-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silver ion Chemical compound [Ag+] FOIXSVOLVBLSDH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- CQLFBEKRDQMJLZ-UHFFFAOYSA-M silver acetate Chemical compound [Ag+].CC([O-])=O CQLFBEKRDQMJLZ-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 claims description 2
- 229940071536 silver acetate Drugs 0.000 claims description 2
- LKZMBDSASOBTPN-UHFFFAOYSA-L silver carbonate Substances [Ag].[O-]C([O-])=O LKZMBDSASOBTPN-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910001958 silver carbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- HKZLPVFGJNLROG-UHFFFAOYSA-M silver monochloride Chemical compound [Cl-].[Ag+] HKZLPVFGJNLROG-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910001923 silver oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- YPNVIBVEFVRZPJ-UHFFFAOYSA-L silver sulfate Chemical compound [Ag+].[Ag+].[O-]S([O-])(=O)=O YPNVIBVEFVRZPJ-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910000367 silver sulfate Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- JPVYNHNXODAKFH-UHFFFAOYSA-N Cu2+ Chemical compound [Cu+2] JPVYNHNXODAKFH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 1
- PTFCDOFLOPIGGS-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zinc dication Chemical compound [Zn+2] PTFCDOFLOPIGGS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 1
- 229910001431 copper ion Inorganic materials 0.000 claims 1
- 239000003599 detergent Substances 0.000 abstract description 21
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 57
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 51
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 29
- 239000013505 freshwater Substances 0.000 description 14
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 14
- 238000013500 data storage Methods 0.000 description 13
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 description 12
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 10
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 9
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 8
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 6
- 230000036541 health Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000006386 neutralization reaction Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 5
- -1 linen Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229910052709 silver Inorganic materials 0.000 description 5
- 239000004332 silver Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000000670 limiting effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000000813 microbial effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000032258 transport Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000284 extract Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000000523 sample Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 3
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 2
- BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silver Chemical compound [Ag] BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229920002334 Spandex Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000003513 alkali Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000004458 analytical method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007844 bleaching agent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 210000001124 body fluid Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 238000002845 discoloration Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000005802 health problem Effects 0.000 description 2
- 208000015181 infectious disease Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 238000007726 management method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002689 soil Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004759 spandex Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002351 wastewater Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000009736 wetting Methods 0.000 description 2
- OYPRJOBELJOOCE-UHFFFAOYSA-N Calcium Chemical compound [Ca] OYPRJOBELJOOCE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 208000035473 Communicable disease Diseases 0.000 description 1
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920000742 Cotton Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 206010011409 Cross infection Diseases 0.000 description 1
- FYYHWMGAXLPEAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N Magnesium Chemical compound [Mg] FYYHWMGAXLPEAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920001410 Microfiber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 206010040880 Skin irritation Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 229920002472 Starch Polymers 0.000 description 1
- HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zinc Chemical compound [Zn] HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 150000001450 anions Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000007864 aqueous solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000386 athletic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052791 calcium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011575 calcium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 125000002091 cationic group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000013522 chelant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000034994 death Effects 0.000 description 1
- 231100000517 death Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 238000002242 deionisation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004821 distillation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002708 enhancing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003344 environmental pollutant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002401 inhibitory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002386 leaching Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052749 magnesium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011777 magnesium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003658 microfiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003472 neutralizing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000019645 odor Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000002572 peristaltic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 231100000719 pollutant Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000003134 recirculating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004064 recycling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001223 reverse osmosis Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000036556 skin irritation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 231100000475 skin irritation Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 235000019698 starch Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000008107 starch Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052725 zinc Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011701 zinc Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F34/00—Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F34/14—Arrangements for detecting or measuring specific parameters
- D06F34/18—Condition of the laundry, e.g. nature or weight
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
- A61L2/16—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using chemical substances
- A61L2/18—Liquid substances or solutions comprising solids or dissolved gases
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F35/00—Washing machines, apparatus, or methods not otherwise provided for
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06M—TREATMENT, NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE IN CLASS D06, OF FIBRES, THREADS, YARNS, FABRICS, FEATHERS OR FIBROUS GOODS MADE FROM SUCH MATERIALS
- D06M11/00—Treating fibres, threads, yarns, fabrics or fibrous goods made from such materials, with inorganic substances or complexes thereof; Such treatment combined with mechanical treatment, e.g. mercerising
- D06M11/83—Treating fibres, threads, yarns, fabrics or fibrous goods made from such materials, with inorganic substances or complexes thereof; Such treatment combined with mechanical treatment, e.g. mercerising with metals; with metal-generating compounds, e.g. metal carbonyls; Reduction of metal compounds on textiles
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06M—TREATMENT, NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE IN CLASS D06, OF FIBRES, THREADS, YARNS, FABRICS, FEATHERS OR FIBROUS GOODS MADE FROM SUCH MATERIALS
- D06M16/00—Biochemical treatment of fibres, threads, yarns, fabrics, or fibrous goods made from such materials, e.g. enzymatic
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2103/02—Characteristics of laundry or load
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2105/38—Conditioning or finishing, e.g. control of perfume injection
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2105/42—Detergent or additive supply
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F34/00—Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F34/14—Arrangements for detecting or measuring specific parameters
- D06F34/22—Condition of the washing liquid, e.g. turbidity
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06M—TREATMENT, NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE IN CLASS D06, OF FIBRES, THREADS, YARNS, FABRICS, FEATHERS OR FIBROUS GOODS MADE FROM SUCH MATERIALS
- D06M2200/00—Functionality of the treatment composition and/or properties imparted to the textile material
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D10—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
- D10B—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
- D10B2401/00—Physical properties
- D10B2401/13—Physical properties anti-allergenic or anti-bacterial
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D10—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
- D10B—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
- D10B2501/00—Wearing apparel
- D10B2501/04—Outerwear; Protective garments
Definitions
- the disclosure is directed to systems and methods for treating textiles with an antimicrobial agent.
- Microbial contamination of textiles can contribute to the spread of infectious diseases, including healthcare associated infections, which are among the leading causes of preventable deaths in the United States and are associated with a substantial increase in health care costs each year. In other instances, microbial contaminations can cause unsightly stains and unpleasant odors.
- Textiles having antimicrobial properties can help reduce (or eliminate) microbial contaminations of textiles.
- the textile is treated with an antimicrobial agent during a textile manufacturing process.
- the fibers of the textile are embedded or coated with antimicrobial agent during the manufacturing process.
- the total amount of antimicrobial agent is fixed at the point of conversion of the fibers into a textile and the efficacy declines over time as the antimicrobial agent in the fabric is washed away when laundered and never restored.
- this approach has proven to be unsatisfactory to market participants.
- these products require commercial linen users, such as hospitals and other health care delivery facilities, to make a large upfront capital investment to purchase a new, antimicrobial agent-impregnated, linen inventory and discard existing and otherwise usable inventory. Further, the products may exhibit a soiled off-white discoloration appearance, may be uncomfortable to the touch, and are known to be difficult to launder, dry and press verses traditional linens.
- the disclosure is directed to a method of treating a textile with an antimicrobial agent includes receiving a textile in a washer system.
- the textile includes an identification tag, which uniquely identifies the textile among a plurality of textiles.
- the method also includes detecting, in the washer system, the identification tag.
- the method further includes determining, based on the detected identification tag, one or more parameters for treating the textile with an antimicrobial agent.
- the antimicrobial agent includes a metallic ion.
- the method also includes washing the textile with a detergent, and, after washing the textile with the detergent, treating the textile with the antimicrobial agent based on the one or more parameters.
- FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a system in which a textile may be used according to an example embodiment.
- FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of a reader device and textile according to an example embodiment.
- FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of a reader device and textile according to an example embodiment.
- FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of a washer system in which a textile may be used according to an example embodiment.
- FIG. 5 is a chart illustrating an example model for determining an antimicrobial dosage based on measured water quality according to an example embodiment.
- FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a process for treating textiles with an antimicrobial agent according to an example embodiment.
- FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process for treating textiles with an antimicrobial agent according to an example embodiment.
- FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a process for treating textiles with an antimicrobial agent according to an example embodiment.
- FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a process for treating textiles with an antimicrobial agent according to an example embodiment.
- FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a process for treating textiles with an antimicrobial agent according to an example embodiment.
- FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a process for treating textiles with an antimicrobial agent according to an example embodiment.
- FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a process for treating textiles with an antimicrobial agent according to an example embodiment.
- FIG. 13A is a flowchart of a process for treating textiles with an antimicrobial agent according to an example embodiment.
- FIG. 13B is a flowchart of a process for treating textiles with an antimicrobial agent according to an example embodiment.
- the textile is treated with the antimicrobial agent during one or more laundry cycles in a washer system.
- the amount of antimicrobial agent contained in the textile is based on various factors such as, for example, a number of laundry cycles the textile has undergone, a concentration of the antimicrobial agent in a treatment solution of each laundry cycle, and/or an amount of time the textile is exposed to the treatment solution for each laundry cycle.
- the textile may achieve a level of efficacy that can reduce or eliminate microbial contamination of the textile.
- the amount of antimicrobial agent in a textile is based on various factors, which may change from one laundry cycle to the next for a particular textile, using the same parameters for each laundry cycle of the textile may lead to inefficiencies. For example, if the same concentration of the antimicrobial agent is used to treat the textile for each laundry cycle, the washer system may unnecessarily use excessive amounts of antimicrobial agent for later laundry cycles performed after the textile achieves efficacy (i.e., as a result of an earlier laundry cycle).
- the systems and methods of the present disclosure can reduce (or eliminate) such inefficiencies by configuring one or more parameters for performing a laundry cycle to treat a textile based, at least in part, on tracking data associated with the textile.
- the tracking data associated with the textile can be determined based on one or more reader devices detecting an identification tag coupled to the textile as the textile moves through one or more locations of the system.
- the reader device(s) can include a radio frequency identification (RFID) interrogator that scans an RFID tag of the textile.
- RFID radio frequency identification
- the reader device(s) can include a barcode scanner and the identification tag can include a barcode. More generally, the identification tag provides identification information that uniquely identifies the textile among a plurality of textiles that may be laundered and/or used in the system, and the reader device can detect the identification tag so as to determine the identification information from the identification tag.
- the tracking data associated with the textile can include data representing (i) a number of times the textile was washed with a detergent, (ii) a number of times the textile was treated with the antimicrobial agent, (iii) a concentration of a treatment solution applied to the textile during one or more laundry cycles, (iv) an amount of time that the textile was washed and/or treated during the laundry cycle(s), (v) an amount of time that the textile was agitated during the laundry cycle(s), (vi) a rate of addition of the antimicrobial agent (i.e., a dosing rate) to form the treatment solution for treating the textile with the antimicrobial agent during the laundry cycle(s), and/or (vii) a quality of the water that was used to wash and/or treat the textile during the laundry cycle(s).
- the system can determine additional or alternative types of tracking data in other examples.
- the reader devices can be positioned at one or more locations within a washer system to facilitate determining the tracking data for each laundry cycle of the textile.
- a reader device can be positioned in an intake to the washer system to detect and record each time the textile enters the washer system.
- the system can include reader device(s) at one or more additional zones and/or modules within a washer system to facilitate tracking the progress of the textile through the washer system (e.g., in a wash zone, a neutralization zone, a treatment zone, etc.).
- the one or more reader devices can be located at a plurality of locations within a broader system (e.g., a healthcare system, a hospital system, a hotel system, etc.).
- the reader device(s) can be located in a laundry facility, a clean textile storage area, a textile usage environment, a soiled textile collection area, and/or transport devices.
- the system can track the textile at different points in the usage cycle of the textile. This can facilitate the system providing an inventory tracking system that can be used to achieve efficient handling of textile order fulfillment, maintaining appropriate stock levels of textiles, maintaining and ordering stock of the antimicrobial agent, and/or maintaining and ordering stock of detergent.
- the system can utilize the tracking data to determine an expected amount of antimicrobial agent that is needed to maintain a predetermined level of efficacy within an inventory of textiles for a given period of time.
- the system can additionally or alternatively determine whether a stock of antimicrobial agent currently available to the system is sufficient to meet the expected demand for the antimicrobial agent over that period of time and, if the system determines that the stock is not sufficient, the system can cause additional stock of the antimicrobial agent to be ordered.
- the system can use the tracking data to perform predictive analytics, which improve efficiency of the system. Additionally, such predictive analytics can facilitate reducing the storage space required to store the stock of antimicrobial agent and/or reducing down time of the system due to the system awaiting the delivery of additional stock of antimicrobial agent.
- the system can perform a similar process with respect to the stock of detergent available to the system.
- the system can also configure the parameter(s) for treating the textile based on product data associated with the textile.
- the product data can include data representing (i) a type of textile (e.g., a gown, a bedsheet, a blanket, clothing, a pillow case, etc.), (ii) a material of the textile, and/or (iii) a manufacture date of the textile (i.e., an age of the textile).
- a textile that is expected to come into contact with bodily fluids may benefit from having a greater amount of antimicrobial agent than a textile that is not expected to come into contact with bodily fluids.
- the system can store the product data in association with the unique identification information corresponding to the textile.
- the system can further use the tracking data and/or the product data to determine when the textile has reached the end of its useful life and remove the textile from the system for disposal and/or recycling. For instance, the system can use the tracking data to determine when the textile has been washed and/or treated greater than a threshold number of times and, based on such determination, remove the textile from the system. This may help to avoid discoloration of textiles due to excessive exposure to the antimicrobial agent.
- the tracking data can include patient- and/or medical-related information.
- the reader device can scan the identification tag on the textile and a patient-identification tag (e.g., a barcode and/or RFID tag on a patient identification bracelet). Based on these initial scans, the reader device can signal to the system that the patient began using the textile and the system can record tracking data including a first timestamp. After the patient uses the textile, the textile is retrieved from the patient and the reader device can again scan the identification tag on the textile and the patient-identification tag. Based on these subsequent scans, the reader device can signal the system that the patient stopped using the textile and the system can record tracking data including a second timestamp.
- the system can obtain tracking data indicating the time period during which the patient used the textile.
- the system can access a medical record associated with the patient (e.g., based on information from the scanned patient-identification tag) to determine information relating to medical procedures performed on the patient and/or health conditions of the patient for the time period during which the patient used the textile.
- the system can incorporate this medical procedure information and/or health condition information in the tracking data stored for the textile. In this way, the system can configure the parameter(s) for treating the textile based on the medical procedure and/or the patient health condition that encountered by the textile during use.
- the system can provide information that can help to address healthcare acquired infections in a healthcare system. For instance, if it is determined that a contamination occurred in a specific location of the healthcare system (e.g., a specific operating room), the system can use the stored tracking data to determine information indicating which textiles passed through the location, at what times the textiles passed through the location, and which patients were using the textiles at that time. Personnel can then use this information to investigate the source of the contamination, and/or identify patients that should be checked for potential health problems due to the contamination.
- the tracking information can also be used to determine other locations that the identified textiles passed through after passing through the contaminated location to determine whether the contamination spread to additional locations in the healthcare system that have not yet been identified as having a contamination.
- the system can use the tracking data to determine the textile(s) that the patient used and the times of such use. Personnel can then determine which other patients used those textiles after the identified times so that the personnel can check the identified patients for potential health problems. Additionally, in some implementations, the system can flag the identified textile as requiring more extensive antimicrobial agent treatment and/or cause the textiles to be removed from the system. In these ways, the system can facilitate reducing healthcare acquired infections within the healthcare system.
- the system 10 includes a plurality of areas 14 through which the textiles 12 may pass while in use.
- the areas 14 include a laundry facility 16 , a clean textile storage area 18 , a textile usage environment 20 , and a soiled collection area 22 in FIG. 1 .
- the laundry facility 14 can carry out a laundry process to wash the textiles 12 and/or treat the textiles 12 with an antimicrobial agent.
- Example washer systems for carrying out laundry processes are described below.
- the clean textile storage area 18 can store the textiles 12 until needed for use and, thus, can provide one or more centralized locations for maintaining a portion of an inventory of textiles that is ready for deployment.
- the clean textile storage area 18 can include a plurality of shelves and/or storage containers for storing the textiles 12 according to various criteria such as, for example, type and/or size.
- the textiles 12 are transferred to the textile usage environment 20 .
- the textile usage environment 20 can be a healthcare facility, a hospital, a hotel, and/or an athletic facility.
- the textiles 12 can be used by doctors, nurses, hospital personnel, and/or patients in the textile usage environment 20 . As a result of such usage, the textiles 12 may become soiled.
- the textiles 12 are transferred to the soiled textile collection area 22 .
- the soiled textile collection area 22 can include a laundry shoot and/or linen hampers, which facilitate collecting the soiled textiles 12 in one or more centralized locations.
- the textiles 12 can then be transferred from the soiled textile collection area 22 to the laundry facilityl 4 to repeat the process.
- the laundry facility 14 can be located locally and/or remotely from the clean textile storage area 18 , the textile usage environment 20 , and/or the soiled collection area 22 .
- the areas 14 of the system 10 includes the laundry facility 16 , the clean textile storage area 18 , the textile usage environment 20 , and the soiled collection area 22 in FIG. 1
- the system 10 can include additional or alternative areas 14 in other examples.
- the textile 12 includes an identification tag 24 and the areas 14 each include a reader device 26 A- 26 D.
- the laundry facility 16 includes a first reader device 26 A that can detect the identification tag 24 when the textile 12 is in the laundry facility 16
- the clean textile storage area 18 includes a second reader device 26 B that can detect the identification tag 24 when the textile 12 is in the clean textile storage area 18
- the textile usage environment 20 includes a third reader device 26 C that can detect the identification tag 24 when the textile 12 is in the usage environment 20
- the soiled textile collection area 22 includes a fourth reader device 26 D that can detect the identification tag 24 when the textile 12 is in the soiled collection area 22 .
- the reader devices 26 A- 26 D can include a RFID interrogator and the identification tag 24 can include a RFID tag.
- the reader devices 26 A- 26 D can include a barcode scanner and the identification tag 24 can include a barcode. More generally, the identification tag 24 provides identification information that uniquely identifies the textile 12 among a plurality of textiles that may be laundered and/or used in the system 10 , and the reader devices 26 A- 26 D can detect the identification tag 24 so as to determine the identification information from the identification tag 24 .
- the reader devices 26 A- 26 D are communicatively coupled (e.g., via wireless and/or wired connections over a network 28 ) to a computing device 30 .
- the computing device 30 includes a processor 32 , a data storage unit 34 , and an input/output device 36 .
- the processor 32 may include a general-purpose processor (e.g., a microprocessor) and/or a special-purpose processor (e.g., a digital signal processor (DSP)).
- the data storage unit 34 can have one or more volatile, non-volatile, removable, and/or non-removable storage components, such as magnetic, optical, or flash storage, and/or may be integrated in whole or in part with processor 32 .
- the data storage unit 34 may take the form of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, having stored thereon program instructions (e.g., compiled or non-compiled program logic and/or machine code) that, when executed by processor 32 , cause the system 10 to perform one or more acts and/or functions, such as those described in this disclosure.
- system 10 may be configured to perform one or more acts and/or functions, such as those described in this disclosure.
- Such program instructions may define and/or be part of a discrete software application that can be executed in response to certain inputs being received from a communication interface and/or a user interface, for instance.
- the data storage unit 34 may also store other types of data, such as those types described in this disclosure.
- the corresponding reader device 26 A- 26 D in the area 14 communicates with the identification tag 24 to determine the identification information associated with the textile 12 .
- the reader device 26 A- 26 D transmits the determined identification information to the computing device 30 .
- the processor 32 processes the identification information to determine and/or update tracking data 36 stored in the data storage unit 34 .
- the computing system 30 can utilize a database that specifies for each textile, on a per textile basis, one or more records of associated data items for: (i) the unique identification information corresponding to the identification tag 24 of the textile 12 and (ii) a time and location of the identification tag 24 being detected.
- the tracking data 36 can provide a log indicating the current location of the textile 12 in the system 10 and/or a history of past locations of the textile 12 in the system 10 .
- the tracking data 36 can also include data items for i) a number of times the textile 12 was washed with a detergent, (ii) a number of times the textile 12 was treated with an antimicrobial agent, (iii) a concentration of a treatment solution applied to the textile 12 during one or more laundry cycles, (iv) an amount of time that the textile 12 was washed and/or treated during the laundry cycle(s), (v) an amount of time that the textile 12 was agitated during the laundry cycle(s), (vi) a rate of addition of the antimicrobial agent to form the treatment solution for treating the textile with the antimicrobial agent during the laundry cycle(s), and/or (vii) a quality of the water that was used to wash and/or treat the textile during the laundry cycle(s).
- the data storage unit 34 can store product data 38 for each textile 12 .
- the database can further specify for each textile one or more records of associated data items for the (i) unique identification information corresponding to the identification tag 24 of the textile 12 , (ii) a type of textile (e.g., a gown, a bedsheet, a blanket, clothing, a pillow case, etc.), (iii) a material of the textile, and/or (iv) a manufacture date of the textile (i.e., an age of the textile).
- a type of textile e.g., a gown, a bedsheet, a blanket, clothing, a pillow case, etc.
- a material of the textile e.g., a material of the textile
- manufacture date of the textile i.e., an age of the textile.
- the data storage unit 34 can further store inventory management instructions 40 , which the computing system 30 may use to control the performance of tasks and actions relating to the textile 12 at the different areas 14 of the system 10 .
- the computing system 30 can use the inventory management instructions 40 to cause the textile 12 to be moved from one area 14 to another area 14 in the system 10 , and/or to order additional antimicrobial agent and/or detergent for use at the laundry facility 16 .
- the data storage unit 36 can also store treatment parameters 42 .
- the computing system 30 can provide the treatment parameters 42 to a washer system at the laundry facility 16 to control operation of the washer system during a laundry cycle. For instance, the computing system 30 can determine one or more treatment parameters 42 from among a plurality of possible treatment parameters 42 for a particular laundry cycle of the textile 12 based on an analysis of the tracking data 36 and/or product data 38 stored for the textile 12 . In this way, the computing system 30 can dynamically adjust the parameter(s) 42 used to treat textiles 12 with an antimicrobial agent for each laundry cycle based on specific conditions and/or characteristics of the textiles 12 in the laundry cycle.
- the parameter(s) 42 can include the textile can include data representing (i) a concentration of a treatment solution to be applied to the textile during the laundry cycle, (ii) an amount of time the textile is to be treated, (iii) a rate of addition of the antimicrobial agent to form the treatment solution for treating the textile with the antimicrobial agent during the laundry cycle, (iv) an amount of detergent to be applied to the textile during the laundry cycle, (v) an amount of time the textile is to be washed in one or more modules 120 A- 120 F of the washer system 100 during the laundry cycle, and/or (vi) an amount of time that the textile is to be agitated during the laundry cycle.
- the input/output device 36 includes one more devices configured to receive inputs from and/or provide outputs to a user.
- the input/output device 36 can include a display that is configured to output information to the user.
- the display is a touchscreen configured to output information to the user and receive user input.
- the input/output device 36 can additionally and/or alternatively include one or more buttons, switches, levers, microphones, etc. configured to receive user inputs and/or one or more speakers, indicator lights, etc. configured to present visual/auditory outputs to the user.
- the input/output device 36 is communicatively coupled to the processor 32 for receiving the inputs from the user and/or providing the outputs to the user.
- FIG. 2 depicts the textile 12 with the identification tag 24 configured as a RFID tag 24 A according to an example.
- the RFID tag 24 A is coupled to the textile 12 .
- the RFID tag 24 A can include an integrated circuit (IC) chip 44 that stores the identification information associated with the textile 12 .
- the RFID tag 24 A can further include an antenna (not shown) for communicating with the reader device 26 and/or a protective housing (not shown) for protecting the RFID tag 24 A during use and/or a laundry cycle.
- the protective housing can provide a waterproof, heat resistant, and/or pressure resistant enclosure for housing the IC chip 44 and the antenna. This can facilitate protecting the RFID tag 24 A from the conditions of the washer system.
- the RFID tag 24 A can be a passive RFID tag, a semi-passive RFID tag, and/or an active RFID tag.
- the reader device 26 is a RFID interrogator having an antenna 45 . Using the antenna 45 , the reader device 26 can wirelessly read the unique identification information stored in the IC chip 42 . For example, the reader device 26 can transmit an interrogation signal 46 to the IC chip 42 and responsively receive a radio signal 48 from the RFID tag 24 A that represents the unique identification information.
- the reader device 26 can be in the form of a mobile handheld device and/or a container having a receptacle for receiving multiple textiles 12 .
- FIG. 3 depicts the textile 12 with the identification tag 24 configured as a barcode 24 B according to another example.
- the barcode 24 B can be coded to represent the unique identification information associated with the textile 12 .
- the reader device 26 includes an optical barcode scanner 50 for transmitting and receiving optical signal 52 to read the barcode 24 B and determine the unique identification information from the barcode 24 B.
- the washer system 100 includes a tunnel washer 112 having an intake 114 at a first end and a discharge 116 at a second end.
- the intake 114 receives one or more textiles to be washed and treated.
- the intake 114 can be in the form of a hopper that can receive a batch of textiles into the tunnel washer 112 .
- the discharge 116 facilitates transferring clean, treated textiles from the tunnel washer 112 to a fluid-extraction device 118 .
- the discharge 116 can be in the form of a slide or a chute that transports the washed textiles towards the fluid-extraction device 118 .
- the discharge 116 can include a receptacle for holding the washed textiles until the fluid-extraction device 118 is ready to receive the washed textiles.
- the fluid-extraction device 118 can be, for example, a centrifugal extractor and/or a mechanical press.
- the tunnel washer 112 includes an outer housing 117 , which defines an interior of the tunnel washer 112 .
- the interior of the tunnel washer 112 is segmented by a plurality of modules 120 A- 120 F between the intake 114 and the discharge 116 .
- the modules 120 A- 120 F are formed as a plurality of rotating drums separated from each other by lateral side walls.
- the textiles to be washed and treated sequentially move through the modules 120 A- 120 F in the direction of arrow A, entering the outer housing 117 at the intake 114 and exiting the outer housing 117 at the discharge 116 .
- the modules 120 A- 120 F transfer textiles from one module to the next by a top transfer arrangement and/or a bottom transfer arrangement.
- the drums may have inlets and outlets on opposing sides of the drums so that the textiles may be transferred through the outlet in one drum into the inlet in the next drum.
- each drum can further include a scoop-like member mounted within the drum to facilitate transferring the textiles via the inlets and outlets.
- the scoop-like members can be configured such that oscillating the drums within a limited range of rotation does not transfer the textiles between drums, but instead imparts mechanical action to the textiles to promote the wash and treatment process. However, when the drums are rotated beyond the limited range of rotation, the scoop-like members receive and transport the textiles to the outlets of the drums. In this way, the textiles entering the tunnel washer 112 at the intake 114 are transported through each of the modules 120 A- 120 F in sequence to the discharge 116 .
- modules 120 A- 120 F are described as rotating drums in the above example, it should be understood that the modules 120 A- 120 F can be formed in other ways such as, for example, by an Archimedean screw within the outer housing 117 . Additionally, it should be understood that the modules 120 A- 120 F can have a single-drum construction (i.e., a single drum containing both the fluids and the textiles), a double-drum construction (i.e., each module has a stationary, exterior drum to hold fluids and a rotating, perforated inner drum to move textiles in the fluids), or a combination of single- and double-drum constructions.
- a single-drum construction i.e., a single drum containing both the fluids and the textiles
- a double-drum construction i.e., each module has a stationary, exterior drum to hold fluids and a rotating, perforated inner drum to move textiles in the fluids
- a combination of single- and double-drum constructions i.e., a single drum
- the tunnel washer 112 can include one or more pre-wash modules, one or more main wash modules, one or more rinse modules, one or more neutralization modules, and/or one or more treatment modules according to aspects of the disclosure.
- the pre-wash module(s) define a pre-wash zone of the tunnel washer 112
- the main wash module(s) define a main wash zone
- the rinse module(s) define a rinse zone
- the neutralization module(s) define a neutralization zone
- the treatment module(s) define a treatment zone of the tunnel washer 112 .
- the number of modules utilized to form these zones in the tunnel washer 112 may vary in different example implementations.
- the tunnel washer 112 has a pre-wash zone provided by the intake 114 as described in further detail below.
- the pre-wash zone facilitates initial wetting of the textiles and, optionally, applying heat and wash chemistry early in the process to remove soil from the textiles prior to entering the main wash zone.
- the tunnel washer 112 has a main wash zone formed by a first module 120 A, a second module 120 B, and a third module 120 C.
- the modules 120 A- 120 C of the main wash zone may apply heat, steam, wash agents (e.g., a detergent, alkali, bleach, etc.), and/or mechanical action to facilitate removing soil from the textiles.
- the tunnel washer 112 next includes a rinse zone formed by a fourth module 120 D and a fifth module 120 E.
- the modules 120 D- 120 E of the rinse zone facilitate removing residual wash agents carried over during transfer of the textiles from the main wash zone.
- the tunnel washer 112 lastly includes a treatment zone formed by a sixth module 120 F in which the textiles are treated with the antimicrobial agent.
- the rinse module and treatment module are combined, such that rinsing the textiles and treating the textiles with an antimicrobial agent occurs in the same module or modules.
- the solution used to treat the textiles also performs the functions of a rinse to remove residual wash agents from the textiles.
- the tunnel washer 112 can have more or fewer modules according to alternative aspects of the disclosure. For instance, in some alternative examples, the tunnel washer 112 can have eight to twelve modules. It also should be understood that, in some alternative examples, the pre-wash functions can be provided in one or more pre-wash module(s) instead of the intake 114 . And it should be understood that, in some alternative examples, the tunnel washer 112 can include a neutralization zone, between the rinse zone and the treatment zone, to facilitate neutralizing residual alkali, detergent, and/or bleach carried over during transfer of the textiles from the rinse zone. In some examples, the neutralization zone may be further utilized to apply a softener and/or starch to the textiles.
- the tunnel washer 112 can include one or more drains, water sources, chemical sources, fluid tanks, flow lines, valves, pumps, nozzles, and/or weir plates.
- the washer system 100 includes a fresh water source 122 , a polished water source 124 , and a tempered water source 124 .
- the fresh water source 122 can provide, for example, cold fresh water (e.g., water supplied by a municipality).
- the polished water source 124 can provide water treated by one or more filtration processes such as, for example, a deionization process, a reverse osmosis process, a granulated activated carbon (GAC) filtration process, a distillation process, or a combination thereof.
- the tempered water source 124 can provide water that has been heated, for example, to a temperature between approximately 85 degrees Fahrenheit and approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit (i.e., between approximately 29 degrees Celsius and 43 degrees Celsius).
- a flow line 130 provides fresh water from the fresh water source 122 to the fifth module 120 E
- a flow line 132 provides polished water from the polished water source 124 to the fifth module 120 E
- a flow line 134 provides tempered water from the tempered water source 124 to the fifth module 120 E.
- the flow lines 130 , 132 , 134 are illustrated as separate from one another, one or more of the flow lines 130 , 132 , 134 may be coupled so as to provide a mixture of fresh water, polished water, and/or tempered water to the fifth module 120 E in other examples.
- the amount and/or composition of fluid supplied by the sources 120 , 122 , 124 at a given time may be based on various criteria such as, for example, a measurement of an amount of total dissolved solids (TDS), a hardness, an anions species, etc. by one or more sensors (not shown) in one or more modules 120 A- 120 E.
- TDS total dissolved solids
- the tunnel washer 112 counterflows fluids from the fifth module 120 E towards the intake 114 .
- the textiles continuously encounter cleaner fluids as the textiles are progressed through the tunnel washer 112 from the intake 114 to the discharge 116 .
- the tunnel washer 112 may transfer fluids by direct counterflow (e.g., fluid flowing through or over lateral side walls due to gravity) and/or indirect counterflow (e.g., via external flow lines and pumps between the modules 120 A- 120 E).
- direct counterflow e.g., fluid flowing through or over lateral side walls due to gravity
- indirect counterflow e.g., via external flow lines and pumps between the modules 120 A- 120 E.
- Commercially available examples of indirect counterflow systems are the CBW® Tunnel Washer and the PBW® Tunnel Washer, including PULSEFLOW® technology (Pellerin Milnor Corporation, Kenner, La.).
- direct counterflow is utilized for transferring fluids within the rinse zone and for transferring fluids within the main wash zone
- indirect counterflow is utilized for transferring fluids from the treatment zone or rinse zone to the main wash zone. This arrangement may help to separate the rinse and wash zones.
- the fluid within the fifth module 120 E can counterflow back to the fourth module 120 D via a weir plate (not shown).
- the fluid within the fourth module 120 D can counterflow back to the third module 120 C via a pump (not shown).
- a pump allows the fluid level in the third module 120 C to be higher than the fluid level in the fourth module 120 D, as shown in FIG. 4 .
- the fluid in the third module 120 C then can counterflow back to the second module 120 B and the fluid in the second module 120 B can counterflow back to the first module 120 A via weir plates.
- the first module 120 A may include a weir plate that facilitates transferring excess fluids in the first module 120 A to a drain 154 . It should be understood that other example implementations for counterflowing fluids from the fifth module 120 E to the first module 120 A are possible.
- the washer system 100 also includes an antimicrobial agent source 128 .
- the antimicrobial agent source 128 can include any device suitable for holding and/or supplying an antimicrobial agent to the tunnel washer 112 .
- Example devices and processes for supplying the antimicrobial agent to the tunnel washer 112 are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,641,967, U.S. Patent Appl. Publication No. 2015/0159314, Patent Appl. Publication No. 2015/0159319, Patent Appl. Publication No. 2015/0047718, and U.S. application Ser. No. 13/968,084 filed Aug. 15, 2013, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
- the antimicrobial source 128 may dilute the antimicrobial agent from a first concentration to a second, lower concentration prior to supplying the antimicrobial agent to the tunnel washer 112 .
- the antimicrobial agent can be received in the antimicrobial agent source 128 in the same concentration in which it is supplied to the tunnel washer 128 .
- the antimicrobial agent can include a metallic ion such as, for example, silver ions.
- the antimicrobial agent can include silver nitrate, silver acetate, silver oxide, silver chloride, silver carbonate, silver sulfate, etc.
- silver ions e.g., copper, zinc, etc.
- other antimicrobial agents can be utilized such as, for example, other metallic ions (e.g., copper, zinc, etc.).
- the washer system 100 further includes a flow line 136 for providing an antimicrobial solution (i.e., a treatment solution) from the antimicrobial agent source 128 to the sixth module 120 F.
- the treatment solution may include a concentration of antimicrobial agent.
- a flow meter 137 and a flow control device 139 can be coupled to the flow line 136 to respectively monitor and control the amount of treatment solution (and, thus, the amount of antimicrobial agent) that is provided from the antimicrobial source 128 to the sixth module 120 F.
- the flow control device 139 can include, for example, a peristaltic pump, a diaphragm pump, a solenoid valve, etc.
- the sixth module 120 F may be initially filled with a combination of fresh water and treatment solution from the fresh water source 122 and the antimicrobial agent source 128 , respectively.
- a flow line from the fresh water source 122 to the sixth module 120 F is omitted for clarity of illustration.
- additional fluids may be supplied to the sixth module 120 F via the transfer of textiles from the fifth module 120 E and the antimicrobial agent source 128 .
- the treatment solution from the antimicrobial agent source 128 is added to fresh water or other process water in the treatment module 120 F.
- concentration of the antimicrobial agent i.e., the dosage of antimicrobial agent
- the concentration of the antimicrobial agent applied to textiles in the module 120 F may be expressed in terms of mg of antimicrobial agent per Kg of textile in the module 120 F (i.e., a dry weight concentration) or, alternatively, in terms of parts per million (PPM) in an aqueous solution (i.e., a liquid concentration).
- the treatment solution can be controllably added to the module 120 F to achieve a concentration of approximately 0.5 to approximately 50 mg of antimicrobial agent per 1 Kg of textile in the module 120 F.
- the antimicrobial agent can be applied to textiles at a concentration greater than approximately 8 mg antimicrobial agent per 1 Kg of textile and, in still other examples, a concentration greater than approximately 10 mg antimicrobial agent per 1 Kg of textile.
- the washer system 100 includes a plurality of reader devices 126 A- 126 I at a plurality of locations in the washer system 100 .
- the reader devices 126 A- 126 I include a first reader device 126 A at the intake 114 , a second reader device 126 B at the first module 120 A, a third reader device 126 C at the second module 120 B, a fourth reader device 126 D at the third module 120 C, a fifth reader device 126 E at the fourth module 120 D, a sixth reader device 126 F at the fifth module 120 E, a seventh reader device 126 G at the sixth module 120 F, an eighth reader device 126 H at the discharge 116 , and a ninth reader device 126 I at the extract device 118 .
- the reader devices 126 A- 126 I are communicatively coupled to the computing device 30 .
- the reader devices 126 A- 126 I can detect the identification tag 24 of the textile 12 and responsively transmit signals to the computing device 30 to facilitate tracking the textile 12 as it enters, moves through, and/or exits the washer system 100 .
- the computing device 30 when the computing device 30 receives a signal identifying the textile 12 (e.g., via the identification information), the computing device 30 determines one or more parameters 42 for washing and/or treating the textile 12 in the washer system 100 . For instance, the computing device 30 can use the received identification information to lookup the tracking data 36 and/or the product data 38 stored in the data storage unit 34 for the textile 12 . The computing device 30 can then process the associated tracking data 36 and/or product data 38 to determine the parameter(s) 42 for washing and/or treating the textile 12 .
- the computing device 30 can determine the parameter(s) 42 based on an analysis of a combination of the tracking data 36 and/or product data 38 of all of the textiles 12 in the batch, which are identified by the reader devices 126 A- 126 I.
- the computing device 30 can receive a signal from the reader device 126 A, which includes the unique identification information of the identification tag 24 associated with the textile 12 .
- the computing device 30 can then determine, based on the tracking data 36 and/or the product data 38 associated with the textile 12 , a concentration of the antimicrobial agent to use in a treatment solution for treating the textile 12 .
- the computing device 30 can then transmit a control signal to cause the antimicrobial agent source 128 and/or the flow control device 139 to provide the treatment solution with the determined concentration of the antimicrobial agent to the sixth module 120 F when the textile 12 is present in the sixth module 120 F.
- the computing device 30 can provide control signals to the flow control device 139 to cause the flow control device 139 to increase the antimicrobial agent in the sixth module 120 F so as to achieve the determined dosage of antimicrobial agent.
- the washer system 100 can include a conductivity measurement probe 158 in the sixth module 120 F.
- the conductivity probe 158 can measure a conductivity of the fluid in the sixth module 120 F, which can provide an indication of the amount of antimicrobial agent in the fluid.
- the computing device 30 can be communicatively coupled to the conductivity measurement probe 158 , receive signals indicating the measured conductivity, determine the amount of antimicrobial agent in the sixth module 120 F based on the received signals, and then determine the amount of antimicrobial agent that needs to be added from the antimicrobial agent source 128 to achieve the determined dosage.
- the determined dosage can be a dosage that is expected to achieve a target level of efficacy as a result of the treatment cycle.
- the computing device 30 can determine the rate of addition of the treatment solution to the module (i.e., the dosing rate) based on the tracking data 36 and/or the product data 38 .
- the rate of addition of the treatment solution to the module can be controlled to ensure that the textile in the module is uniformly treated.
- the treatment cycle lasts between about 30 seconds and about 2.5 minutes. Therefore, to achieve a uniform dose of agent throughout the textile load, the addition of the treatment solution to the module may be affected prior to the first 90 seconds of the treatment cycle.
- the computing device 30 can cause the treatment solution to be added to the module at a fixed rate.
- the treatment solution having a concentration of about 2,000 PPM (aq) to about 15,000 PPM (aq), more particularly about 4000-15000 PPM, is added to a treatment module containing about, for example, 600 liters of liquid and 150 Kg of textile at a rate of about 30 ml/minute for about 2.5 minutes.
- the antimicrobial agent can be added to the module at a rate between about 5 ml/min to about 50 ml/min for a period of time between about 15 seconds to about 150 seconds.
- a 600 liter liquid bath having a liquid antimicrobial agent concentration of 2 PPM (aq) is achieved by adding a 1000 ml solution having an agent concentration of 1,200 PPM for 2.5 minute at rate of 400 ml/min. At this concentration, assuming a theoretical 100% yield, the textiles would be infused with 8 mg/kg of antimicrobial agent.
- the computing device 30 can cause the treatment solution to be added to the module at a variable rate, which further improves the uniformity of the antimicrobial agent on the finished textile.
- the antimicrobial agent can be added to the module containing 600 liters of liquid at a rate of about 5 ml/min for about 15 seconds to about 60 seconds followed by a rate of about 20 ml/min for about 15 seconds to about 90 seconds.
- the computing device 30 can determine the concentration utilized for a textile based on product data 38 indicating the type of textile material in the textile as different materials may have different uptake yield rates, which reflects the percent of the antimicrobial agent that becomes associated with the textile during the treatment.
- Table 1 illustrates example yields for example dosages of textiles of different materials.
- the dosage reflects the amount of silver ion per kg of textile in the each batch of a treatment cycle a pilot plant study. Silver nitrate was added in an amount that provides the appropriate ion weight. The volume of batch liquid was approximately 25 liters and the amount of the textile was approximately 0.25 kg. It should be understood that Table 1 reflects exemplary dosage values that can be used for the textile materials shown, and other dosages are contemplated For example, in some implementations, a batch of textiles of a particular material may be dosed at a dosage value that differs by about plus or minus 50% from the dosage value listed in Table 1 for the same material, depending on the desired silver content of the treated textile and/or the target antimicrobial efficacy sought to be achieved. Other example implementations are also possible.
- the volume of the liquid in each batch may not be critical to the antimicrobial update (yield) by the textile.
- industrial applications involve treatment batch sizes of about 500-1000 liters, for example about 600 L, for textile loads of about 150 kg. It has been found that moderate adjustment of the liquid volume of the treatment batch does not substantially affect yield.
- the reader devices 126 A- 126 I are communicatively coupled to the computing device 30 .
- each reader device 126 A- 126 I can transmit a signal to the computing device 30 responsive to the reader device 126 A- 126 I detecting the identification tag 24 .
- the computing device 30 can determine and/or update tracking data for the textile 12 based on the unique identification information. For instance, the computing device 30 can record the time at which the textile was present within the modules 120 A- 120 F.
- the computing device 30 can also record the parameter(s) 42 used to wash and/or treat the textile 12 during that the recorded times of the textile 12 . In this way, the computing device 30 can determine additional information about how the textile 12 was washed and/or treated so that subsequent laundry cycles can be dynamically controlled based on the events of the present laundry cycle (and other past laundry cycles).
- the textiles are transferred to the fluid-extraction device 118 via the discharge 116 .
- the fluid-extraction device 118 extracts fluids from the textiles.
- the extracted fluids may be drained as waste water effluent.
- the extracted fluids may contain excess antimicrobial agent that was not retained within the textiles. If the effluent is not treated, the excess antimicrobial agent may be released into waterways. Above certain concentrations, antimicrobial agents may be a problematic pollutant for many fresh- and salt-water organisms.
- the washer system 100 can address these problems associated with excess antimicrobial agent in the extracted fluids.
- the washer system 100 can collect the extracted fluids from the fluid-extraction device 118 and recirculate the extracted fluids back into the tunnel washer 112 .
- recirculating the extracted fluids mitigates wasted antimicrobial agent and the extent to which waste water effluent needs to be treated to comply with environmental regulations.
- the extracted fluids are collected in a press-water-recovery (PWR) tank 138 .
- the PWR tank 138 can provide at least a portion of the extracted fluid to the fifth module 120 E in the rinse zone via a flow line 140 .
- Providing antimicrobial agent (e.g., silver ions) to a module 120 E preceding the treatment module 120 F may allow the antimicrobial agent to bind or chelate to contaminants or other inhibiting ions in the fluid of module 120 E, thereby facilitating a more accurate treatment of the textiles in the treatment module 120 F. Additionally, providing the antimicrobial agent to the module 120 E may facilitate greater uniformity of antimicrobial agent distribution in the textiles.
- the PWR tank 138 can also provide at least a portion of the extracted fluid to a flush tank 142 via a flow line 144 .
- the flush tank 142 may also receive fresh water from the fresh water source 122 via a flow line 146 .
- the flush tank 142 may then provide a mixture of fresh water and the extracted water (which may contain excess antimicrobial agent) to the intake 114 via a flow line 148 .
- the flush tank 142 can provide fluids to the intake 114 , which allow the intake 114 to function as a pre-wash module when textiles are received in the intake 114 .
- Providing the antimicrobial agent in the intake 114 can facilitate uniformity of antimicrobial agent distribution and more accurate treatment of the textiles in subsequent modules.
- increasing the number of exposures of the textile to the antimicrobial agent can facilitate improving the uniformity of antimicrobial agent distribution in the textile.
- the washer system 100 can include one or more pumps and/or valves (which are not shown for clarity of illustration). Although the extracted fluids may be provided to the intake 114 and/or the fifth module 120 E in the illustrated example, it should be understood that the extracted fluids can be similarly provided to other modules in other examples. For instance, in another example, at least portion of the extracted fluids can be additionally or alternatively provided by the PWR tank 138 to the sixth module 120 F in the treatment zone.
- the washer system 100 can include additional features that help to mitigate problems associated with poor water quality.
- the metallic ions of the antimicrobial agent may attach to a textile via electrostatic dipole interactions or other interactions including mechanical interaction.
- the positive charge from the metallic ions is attracted to the slight-negative dipole on the polymer backbone of textile fibers.
- contaminants present in poor quality water reduce the probability that the antimicrobial metallic ions will affix to bonding sites of the textile. This is, in part, because some metallic ions may affix to cationic contaminants instead of the textile.
- the textiles may need to be treated with greater amounts of antimicrobial agent when water quality is poor as compared to when water quality is good.
- the washer system 100 can include one or more sensors that measure a quality of water in the system 100 and, based on the measured water quality, dynamically control the amount of antimicrobial agent utilized in a treatment cycle.
- a first water quality sensor 150 A is located in the sixth module 120 F and a second water quality sensor 150 B is located along the flow line 130 .
- the water quality sensors 150 A, 150 B can be communicatively coupled to the computing device 30 . In this way, the water quality sensors 150 A, 150 B may measure the quality of water in the sixth module 120 F and the flow line 130 , respectively, and transmit a water-quality signal to the computing device 30 indicating the measured water quality.
- the computing system 30 can thus determine and/or update the tracking data 36 based on the measured water quality in some examples.
- a commercially available example of a water quality sensor is the EXAxt SC450 Conductivity/Resistivity Analyser (Yokogawa North America, Inc., Sugar Land, Tex.).
- the computing device 30 may then process the water-quality signals to determine an amount of antimicrobial agent to be used for a treatment cycles or a plurality of treatment cycles.
- the sensors 150 A, 150 B can measure one or more water quality parameters such as, for instance, a water hardness (e.g., a calcium and/or magnesium concentration), a pH, and/or a total dissolved solids (TDS) concentration.
- the measured water quality parameters may be weighted and combined by the computing device 30 to generate a Relative Water Quality (RWQ) number.
- RWQ Relative Water Quality
- a higher RWQ may indicate a higher hardness, TDS level, and/or pH. It has been discovered that as the RWQ increases, an exponentially higher dosage of antimicrobial agent is required to maintain or achieve an efficacious level of antimicrobial agent in the textiles.
- the computing device 30 can be configured to apply one or more algorithms with the RWQ as an input and an antimicrobial dosage as an output.
- a chart illustrating one example algorithm for determining a dosage of antimicrobial agent (mg antimicrobial agent to Kg textile) based on measured water quality is shown in FIG. 5 . It should be understood that other examples are also possible.
- the system can add polished water to the system prior to the textiles entering the treatment zone. Accordingly prior to the textiles entering the treatment zone, the textiles are subjected to polished water. By the time the textiles enter the treatment zone, water of poor quality associated with the textiles is replaced with polished water, therefore enhancing the effectiveness of the treatment zone.
- the washer system 100 can include more or fewer water quality sensors in other examples.
- the washer system 100 can further include a user interface to facilitate interaction with a user of washer system 100 , if applicable.
- the user interface may include input components such as a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a touch-sensitive panel, a microphone, and/or a camera, and/or output components such as a display device (which, for example, may be combined with a touch-sensitive panel), a sound speaker, and/or a haptic feedback system.
- FIGS. 6-13B example processes are illustrated and described for treating textiles with an antimicrobial agent according to various aspects of the disclosure. It should be understood that, according to alternative aspects of the disclosure, the processes of FIGS. 6-13B can omit steps, include additional steps, and/or modify the order of steps presented above. Additionally, it is contemplated that one or more of the steps presented below can be performed simultaneously. It should also be understood that the example processes of FIGS. 6-13B can correspond to at least some instructions that can be executed by the computing device 30 to perform the below described functions.
- FIG. 6 illustrates an example flowchart for using a washer system, including a tunnel washer (e.g., the washer system 100 ), to treat a textile with an antimicrobial agent according to some aspects of the disclosure.
- a textile is received in the intake 114 .
- the washer system 100 may provide fluid from the flush tank 142 to the intake 114 to perform a pre-wash cycle on the textile.
- the fluid in the intake 114 may facilitate initial wetting of the textile prior to the main wash zone.
- the tunnel washer 112 transports the textile from the intake 114 to the wash zone.
- the textile is washed with a detergent and, optionally, other wash chemicals, steam, and/or heat in each of the modules 120 A- 120 C of the wash zone.
- the detergent can be provided to the wash zone modules 120 A- 120 C from a detergent source 156 as shown in FIG. 4 .
- the wash fluids counterflow from the third module 120 C to the first module 120 A (i.e., in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 4 ), where excess wash fluids are drained via the drain 154 .
- the textile is transferred from the wash zone to the rinse zone.
- the textile is transferred from the third module 120 C to the fourth module 120 D.
- the textile is rinsed in each of rinse zone modules 120 D, 120 E with rinse fluids provided by the fresh water source 122 , the polished water source 124 , and/or the tempered water source 124 .
- the textile may additionally or alternatively be rinsed by fluids provided by the PWR tank 138 .
- the rinse fluids are provided to the last module 120 E of the rinse zone so that the rinse fluids counterflow back to the beginning of the rinse zone at module 120 D. In this way, the textile may be progressively rinsed in cleaner rinse fluids as it moves through the tunnel washer 112 .
- the textile is transferred from the rinse zone to the treatment zone. In doing so, a portion of the rinse fluids may be transferred with the textile into the treatment zone module 120 F.
- the textile is submerged in a treatment solution including the antimicrobial agent.
- the antimicrobial agent source 128 may optionally provide additional antimicrobial agent to the treatment zone module 120 F (if necessary) to achieve a treatment solution having a predetermined dosage of antimicrobial agent.
- the textile is transferred, via the discharge 116 , to the fluid-extraction device 118 .
- the fluid-extraction device 118 extracts excess fluids from the textile.
- the textile may then be transported to other components for drying and/or finishing (e.g., folding).
- the treatment of the textile with antimicrobial agent is described as being performed in a treatment module that is separate from the rinse modules. It should be understood that according to additional or alternative aspects, the treatment functions can be performed in the last rinse module. For example, the treatment may be performed in the last rinse module, which transfers fluids to other modules via counterflow.
- the PWR tank 138 may receive the extracted fluids from the fluid-extraction device 118 .
- the PWR tank 138 may recirculate at least a portion of the extracted fluids back into the tunnel washer 112 .
- the PWR tank 138 may recirculate at least a portion of the extracted fluids back to the fifth module 120 E in the rinse zone (or a combined rinse/treatment zone), and/or at to the flush tank 142 for use in the intake 114 as described above.
- FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process 300 for treating textile with an antimicrobial agent according to another example.
- the process 300 includes receiving a textile in a washer system.
- the textile includes an identification tag, which uniquely identifies the textile among a plurality of textiles.
- the process 300 includes detecting, in the washer system, the identification tag.
- the process 300 includes determining, based on the detected identification tag, one or more parameters for treating the textile with an antimicrobial agent, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises a metallic ion.
- the process 300 includes washing the textile with a detergent. After washing the textile with the detergent at block 316 , the process 300 includes treating the textile with the antimicrobial agent based on the one or more parameters at block 318 .
- FIGS. 8-12 depict additional aspects of the method 300 according to further examples.
- the one or more parameters can provide a dosing rate for treating the textile with the antimicrobial agent
- treating the textile at block 318 can include transferring a treatment solution of the antimicrobial agent to a module of the washer system at the dosing rate provided by the one or more parameters at block 320 .
- the one or more parameters can provide a dosing rate for treating the textile with the antimicrobial agent
- treating the textile at block 318 can include transferring a treatment solution of the antimicrobial agent to a module of the washer system at the dosing rate provided by the one or more parameters at block 322 .
- determining the one or more parameters at block 314 can include determining, in a data storage unit, tracking data corresponding to the identification tag at block 324 .
- the tracking data can be based on one or more prior detections of the identification tag.
- Determining the one or more parameters at block 314 can also include processing the tracking data to determine the one or more parameters at block 326 .
- detecting the identification tag at block 312 can include (i) detecting the identification tag at a first time when the textile enters a treatment zone of the washer system at block 328 , (ii) detecting the identification tag at a second time when the textile exits the treatment zone at block 330 , and (iii) determining tracking data for the textile based on the first time, the second time, and the one more parameters used to treat the textile between the first time and the second time at block 332 .
- the process 300 can further include storing, in a data storage unit, tracking data relating to the one or more parameters used to treat the textile at block 334 .
- FIGS. 13A-13B is a flowchart of a process 400 for treating textile with an antimicrobial agent according to another example.
- the process 400 includes performing a first laundry process at block 410 by performing the steps shown in blocks 410 A- 410 F.
- the process 400 includes receiving a textile in a washer system for the first laundry cycle.
- the textile includes an identification tag, which uniquely identifies the textile among a plurality of textiles.
- the process 400 includes detecting, in the washer system, the identification tag during the first laundry cycle.
- the process 400 includes determining, based on the detected identification tag, one or more first parameters for treating the textile with an antimicrobial agent during the first laundry cycle.
- the antimicrobial agent comprises a metallic ion.
- the process 400 includes washing the textile with a detergent during the first laundry cycle. After washing the textile with the detergent at block 410 D, the process 400 includes treating the textile with the antimicrobial agent based on the one or more first parameters at block 410 E. After treating the textile at block 410 E, the process 400 includes removing the textile from the washer system at block 410 F.
- the process 400 further includes storing, in a data storage unit, tracking data relating to the one or more first parameters used to treat the textile during the first laundry cycle at block 412 .
- the process 400 includes performing a second laundry cycle at block 414 by performing the steps shown in blocks 414 A- 414 E.
- the process 400 includes receiving the textile in a washer system for the second laundry cycle.
- the process 400 includes detecting, in the washer system, the identification tag during the second laundry cycle.
- the process 400 includes determining, based on the detected identification tag and the tracking data stored in the data storage unit, one or more second parameters for treating the textile with an antimicrobial agent.
- the process 400 includes washing the textile with a detergent. After washing the textile with the detergent at block 414 D, the process 400 includes treating the textile with the antimicrobial agent based on the one or more second parameters at block 414 E.
- the washer system 100 which includes a tunnel washer 112 having a plurality of modules 120 A- 120 F.
- these aspects of the disclosure can be extended to systems and processes in the context of residential and/or commercial washer-extraction devices.
- the one or more reader devices can be provided in a washer-extraction device, which may control an amount of antimicrobial agent utilized in a treatment cycle based on tracking data stored for the textile.
Landscapes
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Biochemistry (AREA)
- Microbiology (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)
- Chemical Or Physical Treatment Of Fibers (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/932,192, filed on Jul. 17, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/908,314, filed on Feb. 28, 2018, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/465,571, filed Mar. 1, 2017, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
- The disclosure is directed to systems and methods for treating textiles with an antimicrobial agent.
- Microbial contamination of textiles can contribute to the spread of infectious diseases, including healthcare associated infections, which are among the leading causes of preventable deaths in the United States and are associated with a substantial increase in health care costs each year. In other instances, microbial contaminations can cause unsightly stains and unpleasant odors.
- Textiles having antimicrobial properties can help reduce (or eliminate) microbial contaminations of textiles. In one prior approach to providing a textile having antimicrobial properties, the textile is treated with an antimicrobial agent during a textile manufacturing process. For example, the fibers of the textile are embedded or coated with antimicrobial agent during the manufacturing process. However, the total amount of antimicrobial agent is fixed at the point of conversion of the fibers into a textile and the efficacy declines over time as the antimicrobial agent in the fabric is washed away when laundered and never restored. Moreover, this approach has proven to be unsatisfactory to market participants.
- In addition to the efficacy/performance issues noted above, these products require commercial linen users, such as hospitals and other health care delivery facilities, to make a large upfront capital investment to purchase a new, antimicrobial agent-impregnated, linen inventory and discard existing and otherwise usable inventory. Further, the products may exhibit a soiled off-white discoloration appearance, may be uncomfortable to the touch, and are known to be difficult to launder, dry and press verses traditional linens.
- In one aspect, the disclosure is directed to a method of treating a textile with an antimicrobial agent includes receiving a textile in a washer system. The textile includes an identification tag, which uniquely identifies the textile among a plurality of textiles. The method also includes detecting, in the washer system, the identification tag. The method further includes determining, based on the detected identification tag, one or more parameters for treating the textile with an antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial agent includes a metallic ion. The method also includes washing the textile with a detergent, and, after washing the textile with the detergent, treating the textile with the antimicrobial agent based on the one or more parameters.
-
FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a system in which a textile may be used according to an example embodiment. -
FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of a reader device and textile according to an example embodiment. -
FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of a reader device and textile according to an example embodiment. -
FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of a washer system in which a textile may be used according to an example embodiment. -
FIG. 5 is a chart illustrating an example model for determining an antimicrobial dosage based on measured water quality according to an example embodiment. -
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a process for treating textiles with an antimicrobial agent according to an example embodiment. -
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process for treating textiles with an antimicrobial agent according to an example embodiment. -
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a process for treating textiles with an antimicrobial agent according to an example embodiment. -
FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a process for treating textiles with an antimicrobial agent according to an example embodiment. -
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a process for treating textiles with an antimicrobial agent according to an example embodiment. -
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a process for treating textiles with an antimicrobial agent according to an example embodiment. -
FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a process for treating textiles with an antimicrobial agent according to an example embodiment. -
FIG. 13A is a flowchart of a process for treating textiles with an antimicrobial agent according to an example embodiment. -
FIG. 13B is a flowchart of a process for treating textiles with an antimicrobial agent according to an example embodiment. - While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the Figures and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. It should be understood that other embodiments may include more or less of each element shown in a given Figure. Further, some of the illustrated elements may be combined or omitted. Yet further, an example embodiment may include elements that are not illustrated in the Figures.
- The following description describes various features and functions of the disclosed systems and methods with reference to the accompanying figures. In the Figures, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative systems and methods described herein are not meant to be limiting. It will be readily understood that certain aspects of the disclosed systems and methods can be arranged and combined in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated herein.
- According to aspects of the disclosure, systems and processes are described and illustrated for treating a textile with an antimicrobial agent. The terms fabric, linen, and textile are used interchangeably herein. Aspects of the disclosure may be described in the context of a single textile for ease of description; however, it should be understood that such aspects can be extended to include processes and systems in the context of multiple textiles such as an inventory of textiles having multiple pieces.
- Within examples, the textile is treated with the antimicrobial agent during one or more laundry cycles in a washer system. At any given time, the amount of antimicrobial agent contained in the textile is based on various factors such as, for example, a number of laundry cycles the textile has undergone, a concentration of the antimicrobial agent in a treatment solution of each laundry cycle, and/or an amount of time the textile is exposed to the treatment solution for each laundry cycle. After one or more of the laundry cycles, the textile may achieve a level of efficacy that can reduce or eliminate microbial contamination of the textile.
- Given that the amount of antimicrobial agent in a textile is based on various factors, which may change from one laundry cycle to the next for a particular textile, using the same parameters for each laundry cycle of the textile may lead to inefficiencies. For example, if the same concentration of the antimicrobial agent is used to treat the textile for each laundry cycle, the washer system may unnecessarily use excessive amounts of antimicrobial agent for later laundry cycles performed after the textile achieves efficacy (i.e., as a result of an earlier laundry cycle).
- The systems and methods of the present disclosure can reduce (or eliminate) such inefficiencies by configuring one or more parameters for performing a laundry cycle to treat a textile based, at least in part, on tracking data associated with the textile. The tracking data associated with the textile can be determined based on one or more reader devices detecting an identification tag coupled to the textile as the textile moves through one or more locations of the system. As an example, the reader device(s) can include a radio frequency identification (RFID) interrogator that scans an RFID tag of the textile. As another example, the reader device(s) can include a barcode scanner and the identification tag can include a barcode. More generally, the identification tag provides identification information that uniquely identifies the textile among a plurality of textiles that may be laundered and/or used in the system, and the reader device can detect the identification tag so as to determine the identification information from the identification tag.
- As examples, the tracking data associated with the textile can include data representing (i) a number of times the textile was washed with a detergent, (ii) a number of times the textile was treated with the antimicrobial agent, (iii) a concentration of a treatment solution applied to the textile during one or more laundry cycles, (iv) an amount of time that the textile was washed and/or treated during the laundry cycle(s), (v) an amount of time that the textile was agitated during the laundry cycle(s), (vi) a rate of addition of the antimicrobial agent (i.e., a dosing rate) to form the treatment solution for treating the textile with the antimicrobial agent during the laundry cycle(s), and/or (vii) a quality of the water that was used to wash and/or treat the textile during the laundry cycle(s). The system can determine additional or alternative types of tracking data in other examples.
- Within examples, the reader devices can be positioned at one or more locations within a washer system to facilitate determining the tracking data for each laundry cycle of the textile. For instance, a reader device can be positioned in an intake to the washer system to detect and record each time the textile enters the washer system. In additional or alternative examples, the system can include reader device(s) at one or more additional zones and/or modules within a washer system to facilitate tracking the progress of the textile through the washer system (e.g., in a wash zone, a neutralization zone, a treatment zone, etc.).
- In additional or alternative examples, the one or more reader devices can be located at a plurality of locations within a broader system (e.g., a healthcare system, a hospital system, a hotel system, etc.). For example, the reader device(s) can be located in a laundry facility, a clean textile storage area, a textile usage environment, a soiled textile collection area, and/or transport devices. By detecting the identification tag of the textile at these locations, the system can track the textile at different points in the usage cycle of the textile. This can facilitate the system providing an inventory tracking system that can be used to achieve efficient handling of textile order fulfillment, maintaining appropriate stock levels of textiles, maintaining and ordering stock of the antimicrobial agent, and/or maintaining and ordering stock of detergent.
- In one example, the system can utilize the tracking data to determine an expected amount of antimicrobial agent that is needed to maintain a predetermined level of efficacy within an inventory of textiles for a given period of time. The system can additionally or alternatively determine whether a stock of antimicrobial agent currently available to the system is sufficient to meet the expected demand for the antimicrobial agent over that period of time and, if the system determines that the stock is not sufficient, the system can cause additional stock of the antimicrobial agent to be ordered. In this way, the system can use the tracking data to perform predictive analytics, which improve efficiency of the system. Additionally, such predictive analytics can facilitate reducing the storage space required to store the stock of antimicrobial agent and/or reducing down time of the system due to the system awaiting the delivery of additional stock of antimicrobial agent. In an additional or alternative example, the system can perform a similar process with respect to the stock of detergent available to the system.
- In additional or alternative examples, the system can also configure the parameter(s) for treating the textile based on product data associated with the textile. For example, the product data can include data representing (i) a type of textile (e.g., a gown, a bedsheet, a blanket, clothing, a pillow case, etc.), (ii) a material of the textile, and/or (iii) a manufacture date of the textile (i.e., an age of the textile). Some types of textiles may be used by end-users in contexts that may benefit from a different an amount of antimicrobial agent in the textiles as compared to other types of textiles that are used in other contexts. For example, a textile that is expected to come into contact with bodily fluids may benefit from having a greater amount of antimicrobial agent than a textile that is not expected to come into contact with bodily fluids. In general, the system can store the product data in association with the unique identification information corresponding to the textile.
- In one example, the system can further use the tracking data and/or the product data to determine when the textile has reached the end of its useful life and remove the textile from the system for disposal and/or recycling. For instance, the system can use the tracking data to determine when the textile has been washed and/or treated greater than a threshold number of times and, based on such determination, remove the textile from the system. This may help to avoid discoloration of textiles due to excessive exposure to the antimicrobial agent.
- In additional or alternative examples, the tracking data can include patient- and/or medical-related information. For instance, when a textile is provided to a patient, the reader device can scan the identification tag on the textile and a patient-identification tag (e.g., a barcode and/or RFID tag on a patient identification bracelet). Based on these initial scans, the reader device can signal to the system that the patient began using the textile and the system can record tracking data including a first timestamp. After the patient uses the textile, the textile is retrieved from the patient and the reader device can again scan the identification tag on the textile and the patient-identification tag. Based on these subsequent scans, the reader device can signal the system that the patient stopped using the textile and the system can record tracking data including a second timestamp. Thus, by scanning the identification tag of the textile and the patient-identification tag when the textile is provided to and retrieved from the patient, the system can obtain tracking data indicating the time period during which the patient used the textile.
- In one implementation, the system can access a medical record associated with the patient (e.g., based on information from the scanned patient-identification tag) to determine information relating to medical procedures performed on the patient and/or health conditions of the patient for the time period during which the patient used the textile. The system can incorporate this medical procedure information and/or health condition information in the tracking data stored for the textile. In this way, the system can configure the parameter(s) for treating the textile based on the medical procedure and/or the patient health condition that encountered by the textile during use.
- Additionally, for example, by tracking which patients used a textile and the times of such use, the system can provide information that can help to address healthcare acquired infections in a healthcare system. For instance, if it is determined that a contamination occurred in a specific location of the healthcare system (e.g., a specific operating room), the system can use the stored tracking data to determine information indicating which textiles passed through the location, at what times the textiles passed through the location, and which patients were using the textiles at that time. Personnel can then use this information to investigate the source of the contamination, and/or identify patients that should be checked for potential health problems due to the contamination. The tracking information can also be used to determine other locations that the identified textiles passed through after passing through the contaminated location to determine whether the contamination spread to additional locations in the healthcare system that have not yet been identified as having a contamination.
- Similarly, if a patient is determined to have a health condition caused by a contamination, the system can use the tracking data to determine the textile(s) that the patient used and the times of such use. Personnel can then determine which other patients used those textiles after the identified times so that the personnel can check the identified patients for potential health problems. Additionally, in some implementations, the system can flag the identified textile as requiring more extensive antimicrobial agent treatment and/or cause the textiles to be removed from the system. In these ways, the system can facilitate reducing healthcare acquired infections within the healthcare system.
- Referring now to
FIG. 1 , a simplified block diagram of asystem 10 for treatingtextiles 12 with an antimicrobial agent based on tracking information is illustrated according to an example. As shown inFIG. 1 , thesystem 10 includes a plurality ofareas 14 through which thetextiles 12 may pass while in use. For example, inFIG. 1 , theareas 14 include alaundry facility 16, a cleantextile storage area 18, atextile usage environment 20, and asoiled collection area 22 inFIG. 1 . Thelaundry facility 14 can carry out a laundry process to wash thetextiles 12 and/or treat thetextiles 12 with an antimicrobial agent. Example washer systems for carrying out laundry processes are described below. - After each textile 12 is cleaned, the
textile 12 can be transferred from thelaundry facility 16 to the cleantextile storage area 18. The cleantextile storage area 18 can store thetextiles 12 until needed for use and, thus, can provide one or more centralized locations for maintaining a portion of an inventory of textiles that is ready for deployment. For example, the cleantextile storage area 18 can include a plurality of shelves and/or storage containers for storing thetextiles 12 according to various criteria such as, for example, type and/or size. - When needed for use, the
textiles 12 are transferred to thetextile usage environment 20. As examples, thetextile usage environment 20 can be a healthcare facility, a hospital, a hotel, and/or an athletic facility. For instance, thetextiles 12 can be used by doctors, nurses, hospital personnel, and/or patients in thetextile usage environment 20. As a result of such usage, thetextiles 12 may become soiled. Once soiled, thetextiles 12 are transferred to the soiledtextile collection area 22. For example, the soiledtextile collection area 22 can include a laundry shoot and/or linen hampers, which facilitate collecting the soiledtextiles 12 in one or more centralized locations. - The
textiles 12 can then be transferred from the soiledtextile collection area 22 to the laundry facilityl4 to repeat the process. Within examples, thelaundry facility 14 can be located locally and/or remotely from the cleantextile storage area 18, thetextile usage environment 20, and/or the soiledcollection area 22. Although theareas 14 of thesystem 10 includes thelaundry facility 16, the cleantextile storage area 18, thetextile usage environment 20, and the soiledcollection area 22 inFIG. 1 , thesystem 10 can include additional oralternative areas 14 in other examples. - As also shown in
FIG. 1 , thetextile 12 includes anidentification tag 24 and theareas 14 each include areader device 26A-26D. InFIG. 1 , thelaundry facility 16 includes afirst reader device 26A that can detect theidentification tag 24 when thetextile 12 is in thelaundry facility 16, the cleantextile storage area 18 includes asecond reader device 26B that can detect theidentification tag 24 when thetextile 12 is in the cleantextile storage area 18, thetextile usage environment 20 includes athird reader device 26C that can detect theidentification tag 24 when thetextile 12 is in theusage environment 20, and the soiledtextile collection area 22 includes afourth reader device 26D that can detect theidentification tag 24 when thetextile 12 is in the soiledcollection area 22. - In one example, the
reader devices 26A-26D can include a RFID interrogator and theidentification tag 24 can include a RFID tag. As additional or alternative example, thereader devices 26A-26D can include a barcode scanner and theidentification tag 24 can include a barcode. More generally, theidentification tag 24 provides identification information that uniquely identifies thetextile 12 among a plurality of textiles that may be laundered and/or used in thesystem 10, and thereader devices 26A-26D can detect theidentification tag 24 so as to determine the identification information from theidentification tag 24. - The
reader devices 26A-26D are communicatively coupled (e.g., via wireless and/or wired connections over a network 28) to acomputing device 30. Thecomputing device 30 includes aprocessor 32, adata storage unit 34, and an input/output device 36. - The
processor 32 may include a general-purpose processor (e.g., a microprocessor) and/or a special-purpose processor (e.g., a digital signal processor (DSP)). Thedata storage unit 34 can have one or more volatile, non-volatile, removable, and/or non-removable storage components, such as magnetic, optical, or flash storage, and/or may be integrated in whole or in part withprocessor 32. Further, thedata storage unit 34 may take the form of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, having stored thereon program instructions (e.g., compiled or non-compiled program logic and/or machine code) that, when executed byprocessor 32, cause thesystem 10 to perform one or more acts and/or functions, such as those described in this disclosure. As such,system 10 may be configured to perform one or more acts and/or functions, such as those described in this disclosure. Such program instructions may define and/or be part of a discrete software application that can be executed in response to certain inputs being received from a communication interface and/or a user interface, for instance. Thedata storage unit 34 may also store other types of data, such as those types described in this disclosure. - In general, when the
textile 12 enters, exits, and/or is present in one of theareas 14, the correspondingreader device 26A-26D in thearea 14 communicates with theidentification tag 24 to determine the identification information associated with thetextile 12. Thereader device 26A-26D transmits the determined identification information to thecomputing device 30. Theprocessor 32 processes the identification information to determine and/or update trackingdata 36 stored in thedata storage unit 34. For instance, thecomputing system 30 can utilize a database that specifies for each textile, on a per textile basis, one or more records of associated data items for: (i) the unique identification information corresponding to theidentification tag 24 of thetextile 12 and (ii) a time and location of theidentification tag 24 being detected. In this way, the trackingdata 36 can provide a log indicating the current location of the textile 12 in thesystem 10 and/or a history of past locations of the textile 12 in thesystem 10. - As will be described further below, the tracking
data 36 can also include data items for i) a number of times thetextile 12 was washed with a detergent, (ii) a number of times thetextile 12 was treated with an antimicrobial agent, (iii) a concentration of a treatment solution applied to the textile 12 during one or more laundry cycles, (iv) an amount of time that thetextile 12 was washed and/or treated during the laundry cycle(s), (v) an amount of time that thetextile 12 was agitated during the laundry cycle(s), (vi) a rate of addition of the antimicrobial agent to form the treatment solution for treating the textile with the antimicrobial agent during the laundry cycle(s), and/or (vii) a quality of the water that was used to wash and/or treat the textile during the laundry cycle(s). - As also shown in
FIG. 1 , thedata storage unit 34 can storeproduct data 38 for each textile 12. For instance, the database can further specify for each textile one or more records of associated data items for the (i) unique identification information corresponding to theidentification tag 24 of thetextile 12, (ii) a type of textile (e.g., a gown, a bedsheet, a blanket, clothing, a pillow case, etc.), (iii) a material of the textile, and/or (iv) a manufacture date of the textile (i.e., an age of the textile). - The
data storage unit 34 can further storeinventory management instructions 40, which thecomputing system 30 may use to control the performance of tasks and actions relating to thetextile 12 at thedifferent areas 14 of thesystem 10. For example, thecomputing system 30 can use theinventory management instructions 40 to cause thetextile 12 to be moved from onearea 14 to anotherarea 14 in thesystem 10, and/or to order additional antimicrobial agent and/or detergent for use at thelaundry facility 16. - The
data storage unit 36 can also storetreatment parameters 42. Thecomputing system 30 can provide thetreatment parameters 42 to a washer system at thelaundry facility 16 to control operation of the washer system during a laundry cycle. For instance, thecomputing system 30 can determine one ormore treatment parameters 42 from among a plurality ofpossible treatment parameters 42 for a particular laundry cycle of the textile 12 based on an analysis of the trackingdata 36 and/orproduct data 38 stored for thetextile 12. In this way, thecomputing system 30 can dynamically adjust the parameter(s) 42 used to treattextiles 12 with an antimicrobial agent for each laundry cycle based on specific conditions and/or characteristics of thetextiles 12 in the laundry cycle. - As examples, the parameter(s) 42 can include the textile can include data representing (i) a concentration of a treatment solution to be applied to the textile during the laundry cycle, (ii) an amount of time the textile is to be treated, (iii) a rate of addition of the antimicrobial agent to form the treatment solution for treating the textile with the antimicrobial agent during the laundry cycle, (iv) an amount of detergent to be applied to the textile during the laundry cycle, (v) an amount of time the textile is to be washed in one or
more modules 120A-120F of thewasher system 100 during the laundry cycle, and/or (vi) an amount of time that the textile is to be agitated during the laundry cycle. - The input/
output device 36 includes one more devices configured to receive inputs from and/or provide outputs to a user. For example, the input/output device 36 can include a display that is configured to output information to the user. In one implementation, the display is a touchscreen configured to output information to the user and receive user input. The input/output device 36 can additionally and/or alternatively include one or more buttons, switches, levers, microphones, etc. configured to receive user inputs and/or one or more speakers, indicator lights, etc. configured to present visual/auditory outputs to the user. As described above, the input/output device 36 is communicatively coupled to theprocessor 32 for receiving the inputs from the user and/or providing the outputs to the user. -
FIG. 2 depicts the textile 12 with theidentification tag 24 configured as aRFID tag 24A according to an example. As shown inFIG. 2 , theRFID tag 24A is coupled to thetextile 12. In an example, theRFID tag 24A can include an integrated circuit (IC)chip 44 that stores the identification information associated with thetextile 12. TheRFID tag 24A can further include an antenna (not shown) for communicating with thereader device 26 and/or a protective housing (not shown) for protecting theRFID tag 24A during use and/or a laundry cycle. For instance, the protective housing can provide a waterproof, heat resistant, and/or pressure resistant enclosure for housing theIC chip 44 and the antenna. This can facilitate protecting theRFID tag 24A from the conditions of the washer system. Within examples, theRFID tag 24A can be a passive RFID tag, a semi-passive RFID tag, and/or an active RFID tag. - In
FIG. 2 , thereader device 26 is a RFID interrogator having anantenna 45. Using theantenna 45, thereader device 26 can wirelessly read the unique identification information stored in theIC chip 42. For example, thereader device 26 can transmit aninterrogation signal 46 to theIC chip 42 and responsively receive aradio signal 48 from theRFID tag 24A that represents the unique identification information. Within examples, thereader device 26 can be in the form of a mobile handheld device and/or a container having a receptacle for receivingmultiple textiles 12. -
FIG. 3 depicts the textile 12 with theidentification tag 24 configured as abarcode 24B according to another example. Thebarcode 24B can be coded to represent the unique identification information associated with thetextile 12. As shown inFIG. 3 , thereader device 26 includes anoptical barcode scanner 50 for transmitting and receivingoptical signal 52 to read thebarcode 24B and determine the unique identification information from thebarcode 24B. - Referring now to
FIG. 4 , a simplified block diagram of anexample washer system 100 is illustrated according aspects of the disclosure. As shown inFIG. 4 , thewasher system 100 includes atunnel washer 112 having anintake 114 at a first end and adischarge 116 at a second end. Theintake 114 receives one or more textiles to be washed and treated. In one example, theintake 114 can be in the form of a hopper that can receive a batch of textiles into thetunnel washer 112. Thedischarge 116 facilitates transferring clean, treated textiles from thetunnel washer 112 to a fluid-extraction device 118. In one example, thedischarge 116 can be in the form of a slide or a chute that transports the washed textiles towards the fluid-extraction device 118. In another example, thedischarge 116 can include a receptacle for holding the washed textiles until the fluid-extraction device 118 is ready to receive the washed textiles. The fluid-extraction device 118 can be, for example, a centrifugal extractor and/or a mechanical press. - The
tunnel washer 112 includes anouter housing 117, which defines an interior of thetunnel washer 112. The interior of thetunnel washer 112 is segmented by a plurality ofmodules 120A-120F between theintake 114 and thedischarge 116. In the illustrated example, themodules 120A-120F are formed as a plurality of rotating drums separated from each other by lateral side walls. - During operation, the textiles to be washed and treated sequentially move through the
modules 120A-120F in the direction of arrow A, entering theouter housing 117 at theintake 114 and exiting theouter housing 117 at thedischarge 116. To do so, themodules 120A-120F transfer textiles from one module to the next by a top transfer arrangement and/or a bottom transfer arrangement. For example, the drums may have inlets and outlets on opposing sides of the drums so that the textiles may be transferred through the outlet in one drum into the inlet in the next drum. In some implementations, each drum can further include a scoop-like member mounted within the drum to facilitate transferring the textiles via the inlets and outlets. The scoop-like members can be configured such that oscillating the drums within a limited range of rotation does not transfer the textiles between drums, but instead imparts mechanical action to the textiles to promote the wash and treatment process. However, when the drums are rotated beyond the limited range of rotation, the scoop-like members receive and transport the textiles to the outlets of the drums. In this way, the textiles entering thetunnel washer 112 at theintake 114 are transported through each of themodules 120A-120F in sequence to thedischarge 116. - Although the
modules 120A-120F are described as rotating drums in the above example, it should be understood that themodules 120A-120F can be formed in other ways such as, for example, by an Archimedean screw within theouter housing 117. Additionally, it should be understood that themodules 120A-120F can have a single-drum construction (i.e., a single drum containing both the fluids and the textiles), a double-drum construction (i.e., each module has a stationary, exterior drum to hold fluids and a rotating, perforated inner drum to move textiles in the fluids), or a combination of single- and double-drum constructions. - In practice, the
tunnel washer 112 can include one or more pre-wash modules, one or more main wash modules, one or more rinse modules, one or more neutralization modules, and/or one or more treatment modules according to aspects of the disclosure. The pre-wash module(s) define a pre-wash zone of thetunnel washer 112, the main wash module(s) define a main wash zone, the rinse module(s) define a rinse zone, the neutralization module(s) define a neutralization zone, and the treatment module(s) define a treatment zone of thetunnel washer 112. The number of modules utilized to form these zones in thetunnel washer 112 may vary in different example implementations. - In the illustrated example, the
tunnel washer 112 has a pre-wash zone provided by theintake 114 as described in further detail below. The pre-wash zone facilitates initial wetting of the textiles and, optionally, applying heat and wash chemistry early in the process to remove soil from the textiles prior to entering the main wash zone. Thetunnel washer 112 has a main wash zone formed by afirst module 120A, asecond module 120B, and athird module 120C. Themodules 120A-120C of the main wash zone may apply heat, steam, wash agents (e.g., a detergent, alkali, bleach, etc.), and/or mechanical action to facilitate removing soil from the textiles. Thetunnel washer 112 next includes a rinse zone formed by afourth module 120D and afifth module 120E. Themodules 120D-120E of the rinse zone facilitate removing residual wash agents carried over during transfer of the textiles from the main wash zone. Thetunnel washer 112 lastly includes a treatment zone formed by asixth module 120F in which the textiles are treated with the antimicrobial agent. - By treating the textile with the antimicrobial agent in the
last module 120F before thedischarge 116, greater amounts of antimicrobial agent are retained by the textile upon completion of the laundry cycle. This is, in part, because treating the textile in thelast module 120F mitigates leaching of antimicrobial agent content from the textile, which would otherwise occur if the textile was further washed or rinsed after being treated with the antimicrobial agent. In other embodiments, the rinse module and treatment module are combined, such that rinsing the textiles and treating the textiles with an antimicrobial agent occurs in the same module or modules. Indeed, in some aspects, the solution used to treat the textiles also performs the functions of a rinse to remove residual wash agents from the textiles. - Although the illustrated example has six modules, it should be understood that the
tunnel washer 112 can have more or fewer modules according to alternative aspects of the disclosure. For instance, in some alternative examples, thetunnel washer 112 can have eight to twelve modules. It also should be understood that, in some alternative examples, the pre-wash functions can be provided in one or more pre-wash module(s) instead of theintake 114. And it should be understood that, in some alternative examples, thetunnel washer 112 can include a neutralization zone, between the rinse zone and the treatment zone, to facilitate neutralizing residual alkali, detergent, and/or bleach carried over during transfer of the textiles from the rinse zone. In some examples, the neutralization zone may be further utilized to apply a softener and/or starch to the textiles. - To facilitate adding, removing, and/or transferring water and chemicals in the
modules 120A-120F, thetunnel washer 112 can include one or more drains, water sources, chemical sources, fluid tanks, flow lines, valves, pumps, nozzles, and/or weir plates. In the illustrated example, thewasher system 100 includes afresh water source 122, apolished water source 124, and a temperedwater source 124. Thefresh water source 122 can provide, for example, cold fresh water (e.g., water supplied by a municipality). Thepolished water source 124 can provide water treated by one or more filtration processes such as, for example, a deionization process, a reverse osmosis process, a granulated activated carbon (GAC) filtration process, a distillation process, or a combination thereof. The temperedwater source 124 can provide water that has been heated, for example, to a temperature between approximately 85 degrees Fahrenheit and approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit (i.e., between approximately 29 degrees Celsius and 43 degrees Celsius). - Also, in the illustrated example, a
flow line 130 provides fresh water from thefresh water source 122 to thefifth module 120E, aflow line 132 provides polished water from thepolished water source 124 to thefifth module 120E, and aflow line 134 provides tempered water from the temperedwater source 124 to thefifth module 120E. Although theflow lines flow lines fifth module 120E in other examples. In general, the amount and/or composition of fluid supplied by thesources more modules 120A-120E. - To supply the
modules 120A-120D with fluids, thetunnel washer 112 counterflows fluids from thefifth module 120E towards theintake 114. In this way, the textiles continuously encounter cleaner fluids as the textiles are progressed through thetunnel washer 112 from theintake 114 to thedischarge 116. Depending on the construction of themodules 120A-120E, thetunnel washer 112 may transfer fluids by direct counterflow (e.g., fluid flowing through or over lateral side walls due to gravity) and/or indirect counterflow (e.g., via external flow lines and pumps between themodules 120A-120E). Commercially available examples of indirect counterflow systems are the CBW® Tunnel Washer and the PBW® Tunnel Washer, including PULSEFLOW® technology (Pellerin Milnor Corporation, Kenner, La.). - In the illustrated example, a combination of direct counterflow and indirect counterflow can be employed to achieve example fluid levels shown in
FIG. 4 for eachmodule 120A-120E. In particular, direct counterflow is utilized for transferring fluids within the rinse zone and for transferring fluids within the main wash zone, whereas indirect counterflow is utilized for transferring fluids from the treatment zone or rinse zone to the main wash zone. This arrangement may help to separate the rinse and wash zones. - In one non-limiting implementation of the illustrated example, the fluid within the
fifth module 120E can counterflow back to thefourth module 120D via a weir plate (not shown). The fluid within thefourth module 120D can counterflow back to thethird module 120C via a pump (not shown). Using a pump allows the fluid level in thethird module 120C to be higher than the fluid level in thefourth module 120D, as shown inFIG. 4 . The fluid in thethird module 120C then can counterflow back to thesecond module 120B and the fluid in thesecond module 120B can counterflow back to thefirst module 120A via weir plates. Thefirst module 120A may include a weir plate that facilitates transferring excess fluids in thefirst module 120A to adrain 154. It should be understood that other example implementations for counterflowing fluids from thefifth module 120E to thefirst module 120A are possible. - The
washer system 100 also includes anantimicrobial agent source 128. Theantimicrobial agent source 128 can include any device suitable for holding and/or supplying an antimicrobial agent to thetunnel washer 112. Example devices and processes for supplying the antimicrobial agent to thetunnel washer 112 are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,641,967, U.S. Patent Appl. Publication No. 2015/0159314, Patent Appl. Publication No. 2015/0159319, Patent Appl. Publication No. 2015/0047718, and U.S. application Ser. No. 13/968,084 filed Aug. 15, 2013, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In some of such examples, theantimicrobial source 128 may dilute the antimicrobial agent from a first concentration to a second, lower concentration prior to supplying the antimicrobial agent to thetunnel washer 112. In other examples, the antimicrobial agent can be received in theantimicrobial agent source 128 in the same concentration in which it is supplied to thetunnel washer 128. - In some aspects, the antimicrobial agent can include a metallic ion such as, for example, silver ions. For instance, the antimicrobial agent can include silver nitrate, silver acetate, silver oxide, silver chloride, silver carbonate, silver sulfate, etc. One benefit to using an antimicrobial agent including silver ions is that such antimicrobial agents may cause less skin irritation and may be less detectable by a user than other antimicrobial agents. Nonetheless, it should be understood that other antimicrobial agents can be utilized such as, for example, other metallic ions (e.g., copper, zinc, etc.). The
washer system 100 further includes aflow line 136 for providing an antimicrobial solution (i.e., a treatment solution) from theantimicrobial agent source 128 to thesixth module 120F. The treatment solution may include a concentration of antimicrobial agent. Aflow meter 137 and aflow control device 139 can be coupled to theflow line 136 to respectively monitor and control the amount of treatment solution (and, thus, the amount of antimicrobial agent) that is provided from theantimicrobial source 128 to thesixth module 120F. Theflow control device 139 can include, for example, a peristaltic pump, a diaphragm pump, a solenoid valve, etc. - The
sixth module 120F may be initially filled with a combination of fresh water and treatment solution from thefresh water source 122 and theantimicrobial agent source 128, respectively. A flow line from thefresh water source 122 to thesixth module 120F is omitted for clarity of illustration. After the initial setup, additional fluids may be supplied to thesixth module 120F via the transfer of textiles from thefifth module 120E and theantimicrobial agent source 128. - In one aspect, the treatment solution from the
antimicrobial agent source 128 is added to fresh water or other process water in thetreatment module 120F. The concentration of the antimicrobial agent (i.e., the dosage of antimicrobial agent) applied to textiles in themodule 120F may be expressed in terms of mg of antimicrobial agent per Kg of textile in themodule 120F (i.e., a dry weight concentration) or, alternatively, in terms of parts per million (PPM) in an aqueous solution (i.e., a liquid concentration). In some examples, the treatment solution can be controllably added to themodule 120F to achieve a concentration of approximately 0.5 to approximately 50 mg of antimicrobial agent per 1 Kg of textile in themodule 120F. In other examples, the antimicrobial agent can be applied to textiles at a concentration greater than approximately 8 mg antimicrobial agent per 1 Kg of textile and, in still other examples, a concentration greater than approximately 10 mg antimicrobial agent per 1 Kg of textile. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , thewasher system 100 includes a plurality ofreader devices 126A-126I at a plurality of locations in thewasher system 100. Thereader devices 126A-126I include afirst reader device 126A at theintake 114, asecond reader device 126B at thefirst module 120A, athird reader device 126C at thesecond module 120B, afourth reader device 126D at thethird module 120C, afifth reader device 126E at thefourth module 120D, asixth reader device 126F at thefifth module 120E, aseventh reader device 126G at thesixth module 120F, aneighth reader device 126H at thedischarge 116, and a ninth reader device 126I at theextract device 118. Thereader devices 126A-126I are communicatively coupled to thecomputing device 30. Thereader devices 126A-126I can detect theidentification tag 24 of thetextile 12 and responsively transmit signals to thecomputing device 30 to facilitate tracking the textile 12 as it enters, moves through, and/or exits thewasher system 100. - Within examples, when the
computing device 30 receives a signal identifying the textile 12 (e.g., via the identification information), thecomputing device 30 determines one ormore parameters 42 for washing and/or treating the textile 12 in thewasher system 100. For instance, thecomputing device 30 can use the received identification information to lookup the trackingdata 36 and/or theproduct data 38 stored in thedata storage unit 34 for thetextile 12. Thecomputing device 30 can then process the associated trackingdata 36 and/orproduct data 38 to determine the parameter(s) 42 for washing and/or treating thetextile 12. In examples in whichmultiple textiles 12 are to be washed and/or treated together as a batch, thecomputing device 30 can determine the parameter(s) 42 based on an analysis of a combination of the trackingdata 36 and/orproduct data 38 of all of thetextiles 12 in the batch, which are identified by thereader devices 126A-126I. - As an example, the
computing device 30 can receive a signal from thereader device 126A, which includes the unique identification information of theidentification tag 24 associated with thetextile 12. Thecomputing device 30 can then determine, based on the trackingdata 36 and/or theproduct data 38 associated with thetextile 12, a concentration of the antimicrobial agent to use in a treatment solution for treating thetextile 12. Thecomputing device 30 can then transmit a control signal to cause theantimicrobial agent source 128 and/or theflow control device 139 to provide the treatment solution with the determined concentration of the antimicrobial agent to thesixth module 120F when thetextile 12 is present in thesixth module 120F. For instance, thecomputing device 30 can provide control signals to theflow control device 139 to cause theflow control device 139 to increase the antimicrobial agent in thesixth module 120F so as to achieve the determined dosage of antimicrobial agent. - To determine an amount of antimicrobial agent to add to the
sixth module 120F, thewasher system 100 can include aconductivity measurement probe 158 in thesixth module 120F. Theconductivity probe 158 can measure a conductivity of the fluid in thesixth module 120F, which can provide an indication of the amount of antimicrobial agent in the fluid. Thecomputing device 30 can be communicatively coupled to theconductivity measurement probe 158, receive signals indicating the measured conductivity, determine the amount of antimicrobial agent in thesixth module 120F based on the received signals, and then determine the amount of antimicrobial agent that needs to be added from theantimicrobial agent source 128 to achieve the determined dosage. In one example, the determined dosage can be a dosage that is expected to achieve a target level of efficacy as a result of the treatment cycle. - As an additional or alternative example, the
computing device 30 can determine the rate of addition of the treatment solution to the module (i.e., the dosing rate) based on the trackingdata 36 and/or theproduct data 38. In one implementation, the rate of addition of the treatment solution to the module can be controlled to ensure that the textile in the module is uniformly treated. In some examples, the treatment cycle lasts between about 30 seconds and about 2.5 minutes. Therefore, to achieve a uniform dose of agent throughout the textile load, the addition of the treatment solution to the module may be affected prior to the first 90 seconds of the treatment cycle. - In some aspects, the
computing device 30 can cause the treatment solution to be added to the module at a fixed rate. As one example, the treatment solution having a concentration of about 2,000 PPM (aq) to about 15,000 PPM (aq), more particularly about 4000-15000 PPM, is added to a treatment module containing about, for example, 600 liters of liquid and 150 Kg of textile at a rate of about 30 ml/minute for about 2.5 minutes. In other examples, the antimicrobial agent can be added to the module at a rate between about 5 ml/min to about 50 ml/min for a period of time between about 15 seconds to about 150 seconds. In one particular non limiting example, a 600 liter liquid bath having a liquid antimicrobial agent concentration of 2 PPM (aq) is achieved by adding a 1000 ml solution having an agent concentration of 1,200 PPM for 2.5 minute at rate of 400 ml/min. At this concentration, assuming a theoretical 100% yield, the textiles would be infused with 8 mg/kg of antimicrobial agent. - In other aspects, the
computing device 30 can cause the treatment solution to be added to the module at a variable rate, which further improves the uniformity of the antimicrobial agent on the finished textile. In one example, the antimicrobial agent can be added to the module containing 600 liters of liquid at a rate of about 5 ml/min for about 15 seconds to about 60 seconds followed by a rate of about 20 ml/min for about 15 seconds to about 90 seconds. - As another example, the
computing device 30 can determine the concentration utilized for a textile based onproduct data 38 indicating the type of textile material in the textile as different materials may have different uptake yield rates, which reflects the percent of the antimicrobial agent that becomes associated with the textile during the treatment. Table 1 illustrates example yields for example dosages of textiles of different materials. -
TABLE 1 Silver Content (mg/kg) Dosage Yield Linen Type Batch (mg/kg) 1 2 3 AVG (%) Cotton Lot 1 1 1.1 0.8 1.3 1.1 107 Lot 21 0.7 0.8 0.7 0.7 73 Lot 3 1 0.7 0.7 0.8 0.7 73 Cotton/Poly Lot 1 1.5 1.1 1.0 1.1 1.1 71 Blend Lot 2 1.5 0.9 1.9 2.9 1.9 127 Lot 3 1 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 90 Spandex Lot 1 3.4 1.4 1.6 1.6 1.5 45 Lot 23.4 1.5 1.7 1.6 1.6 47 Lot 3 3.4 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 47 Polyester Lot 1 3.4 nd 0.6 nd 0.6 18 Lot 23.4 0.7 0.8 0.6 0.7 21 Lot 3 3.4 1 0.9 0.9 0.9 27 Lot 4 4 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 23 Nylon Lot 1 35 1.6 1.8 1.5 1.6 5 Spandex Lot 2 35 1.4 1.3 1.4 1.4 4 Blend Lot 3 35 1.2 1.4 1.3 1.3 4 100% Lot 1 35 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 3 Nylon Lot 2 35 0.9 0.8 0.8 0.8 2 Lot 3 35 1 0.9 1.1 1.0 3 100% Lot 1 35 0.7 0.6 0.7 0.7 2 Microfiber Lot 2 35 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.6 2 Lot 3 35 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.8 2 - In Table 1, the dosage reflects the amount of silver ion per kg of textile in the each batch of a treatment cycle a pilot plant study. Silver nitrate was added in an amount that provides the appropriate ion weight. The volume of batch liquid was approximately 25 liters and the amount of the textile was approximately 0.25 kg. It should be understood that Table 1 reflects exemplary dosage values that can be used for the textile materials shown, and other dosages are contemplated For example, in some implementations, a batch of textiles of a particular material may be dosed at a dosage value that differs by about plus or minus 50% from the dosage value listed in Table 1 for the same material, depending on the desired silver content of the treated textile and/or the target antimicrobial efficacy sought to be achieved. Other example implementations are also possible.
- In general, the volume of the liquid in each batch may not be critical to the antimicrobial update (yield) by the textile. Typically, industrial applications involve treatment batch sizes of about 500-1000 liters, for example about 600 L, for textile loads of about 150 kg. It has been found that moderate adjustment of the liquid volume of the treatment batch does not substantially affect yield.
- As noted above, the
reader devices 126A-126I are communicatively coupled to thecomputing device 30. As such, eachreader device 126A-126I can transmit a signal to thecomputing device 30 responsive to thereader device 126A-126I detecting theidentification tag 24. Responsive to thecomputing device 30 receiving the signal, thecomputing device 30 can determine and/or update tracking data for the textile 12 based on the unique identification information. For instance, thecomputing device 30 can record the time at which the textile was present within themodules 120A-120F. Thecomputing device 30 can also record the parameter(s) 42 used to wash and/or treat the textile 12 during that the recorded times of thetextile 12. In this way, thecomputing device 30 can determine additional information about how thetextile 12 was washed and/or treated so that subsequent laundry cycles can be dynamically controlled based on the events of the present laundry cycle (and other past laundry cycles). - As noted above, after the textiles are treated in the
sixth module 120F, the textiles are transferred to the fluid-extraction device 118 via thedischarge 116. The fluid-extraction device 118 extracts fluids from the textiles. In some examples, the extracted fluids may be drained as waste water effluent. One problem with such an approach is that the extracted fluids may contain excess antimicrobial agent that was not retained within the textiles. If the effluent is not treated, the excess antimicrobial agent may be released into waterways. Above certain concentrations, antimicrobial agents may be a problematic pollutant for many fresh- and salt-water organisms. For this reason, many governmental regulations require operators to treat effluent if the concentration of antimicrobial agent is greater than a proscribed limit (e.g., 10 mg per kg). Unfortunately, effluent treatment can be prohibitively expensive for many laundry operators. Additionally, in some instances, draining the extracted fluids may unnecessarily waste substantial amounts of antimicrobial agent, increasing the cost to treat textiles. - According to some aspects of the disclosure, the
washer system 100 can address these problems associated with excess antimicrobial agent in the extracted fluids. In particular, thewasher system 100 can collect the extracted fluids from the fluid-extraction device 118 and recirculate the extracted fluids back into thetunnel washer 112. Advantageously, recirculating the extracted fluids mitigates wasted antimicrobial agent and the extent to which waste water effluent needs to be treated to comply with environmental regulations. - In the illustrated example, the extracted fluids are collected in a press-water-recovery (PWR)
tank 138. As shown inFIG. 4 , thePWR tank 138 can provide at least a portion of the extracted fluid to thefifth module 120E in the rinse zone via aflow line 140. Providing antimicrobial agent (e.g., silver ions) to amodule 120E preceding thetreatment module 120F may allow the antimicrobial agent to bind or chelate to contaminants or other inhibiting ions in the fluid ofmodule 120E, thereby facilitating a more accurate treatment of the textiles in thetreatment module 120F. Additionally, providing the antimicrobial agent to themodule 120E may facilitate greater uniformity of antimicrobial agent distribution in the textiles. - Also, as shown in
FIG. 4 , thePWR tank 138 can also provide at least a portion of the extracted fluid to aflush tank 142 via aflow line 144. Theflush tank 142 may also receive fresh water from thefresh water source 122 via aflow line 146. Theflush tank 142 may then provide a mixture of fresh water and the extracted water (which may contain excess antimicrobial agent) to theintake 114 via aflow line 148. In this way, theflush tank 142 can provide fluids to theintake 114, which allow theintake 114 to function as a pre-wash module when textiles are received in theintake 114. Providing the antimicrobial agent in theintake 114 can facilitate uniformity of antimicrobial agent distribution and more accurate treatment of the textiles in subsequent modules. In general, increasing the number of exposures of the textile to the antimicrobial agent can facilitate improving the uniformity of antimicrobial agent distribution in the textile. - To provide the extracted fluids to the fifth module 150E and/or the
flush tank 142, thewasher system 100 can include one or more pumps and/or valves (which are not shown for clarity of illustration). Although the extracted fluids may be provided to theintake 114 and/or thefifth module 120E in the illustrated example, it should be understood that the extracted fluids can be similarly provided to other modules in other examples. For instance, in another example, at least portion of the extracted fluids can be additionally or alternatively provided by thePWR tank 138 to thesixth module 120F in the treatment zone. - According to additional or alternative aspects of the disclosure, the
washer system 100 can include additional features that help to mitigate problems associated with poor water quality. During the treatment process, the metallic ions of the antimicrobial agent may attach to a textile via electrostatic dipole interactions or other interactions including mechanical interaction. For some fabrics, the positive charge from the metallic ions is attracted to the slight-negative dipole on the polymer backbone of textile fibers. Generally, contaminants present in poor quality water reduce the probability that the antimicrobial metallic ions will affix to bonding sites of the textile. This is, in part, because some metallic ions may affix to cationic contaminants instead of the textile. Thus, to achieve a desired level of antimicrobial agent content in the textiles, the textiles may need to be treated with greater amounts of antimicrobial agent when water quality is poor as compared to when water quality is good. - To address problems associated with poor or changed quality water, the
washer system 100 can include one or more sensors that measure a quality of water in thesystem 100 and, based on the measured water quality, dynamically control the amount of antimicrobial agent utilized in a treatment cycle. For example, in thewasher system 100 shown inFIG. 4 , a firstwater quality sensor 150A is located in thesixth module 120F and a secondwater quality sensor 150B is located along theflow line 130. Thewater quality sensors computing device 30. In this way, thewater quality sensors sixth module 120F and theflow line 130, respectively, and transmit a water-quality signal to thecomputing device 30 indicating the measured water quality. Thecomputing system 30 can thus determine and/or update the trackingdata 36 based on the measured water quality in some examples. A commercially available example of a water quality sensor is the EXAxt SC450 Conductivity/Resistivity Analyser (Yokogawa North America, Inc., Sugar Land, Tex.). Thecomputing device 30 may then process the water-quality signals to determine an amount of antimicrobial agent to be used for a treatment cycles or a plurality of treatment cycles. - In some examples, the
sensors computing device 30 to generate a Relative Water Quality (RWQ) number. In one implementation, a higher RWQ may indicate a higher hardness, TDS level, and/or pH. It has been discovered that as the RWQ increases, an exponentially higher dosage of antimicrobial agent is required to maintain or achieve an efficacious level of antimicrobial agent in the textiles. As such, thecomputing device 30 can be configured to apply one or more algorithms with the RWQ as an input and an antimicrobial dosage as an output. A chart illustrating one example algorithm for determining a dosage of antimicrobial agent (mg antimicrobial agent to Kg textile) based on measured water quality is shown inFIG. 5 . It should be understood that other examples are also possible. - In an alternative aspect to address water quality, the system can add polished water to the system prior to the textiles entering the treatment zone. Accordingly prior to the textiles entering the treatment zone, the textiles are subjected to polished water. By the time the textiles enter the treatment zone, water of poor quality associated with the textiles is replaced with polished water, therefore enhancing the effectiveness of the treatment zone.
- Although illustrated example includes a
water quality sensor 150A in thesixth module 120F and awater quality sensor 150B in theflow line 130, it should be understood that thewasher system 100 can include more or fewer water quality sensors in other examples. - Although not shown in
FIG. 4 for clarity of illustration, thewasher system 100 can further include a user interface to facilitate interaction with a user ofwasher system 100, if applicable. As such, the user interface may include input components such as a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a touch-sensitive panel, a microphone, and/or a camera, and/or output components such as a display device (which, for example, may be combined with a touch-sensitive panel), a sound speaker, and/or a haptic feedback system. - Referring now to
FIGS. 6-13B , example processes are illustrated and described for treating textiles with an antimicrobial agent according to various aspects of the disclosure. It should be understood that, according to alternative aspects of the disclosure, the processes ofFIGS. 6-13B can omit steps, include additional steps, and/or modify the order of steps presented above. Additionally, it is contemplated that one or more of the steps presented below can be performed simultaneously. It should also be understood that the example processes ofFIGS. 6-13B can correspond to at least some instructions that can be executed by thecomputing device 30 to perform the below described functions. - The processes of the present disclosure can also be combined with the process described in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 15/085,539, filed Mar. 30, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
-
FIG. 6 illustrates an example flowchart for using a washer system, including a tunnel washer (e.g., the washer system 100), to treat a textile with an antimicrobial agent according to some aspects of the disclosure. Atblock 202, a textile is received in theintake 114. With the textile in theintake 114, thewasher system 100 may provide fluid from theflush tank 142 to theintake 114 to perform a pre-wash cycle on the textile. During the pre-wash cycle, the fluid in theintake 114 may facilitate initial wetting of the textile prior to the main wash zone. - At
block 204, thetunnel washer 112 transports the textile from theintake 114 to the wash zone. Atblock 206, the textile is washed with a detergent and, optionally, other wash chemicals, steam, and/or heat in each of themodules 120A-120C of the wash zone. The detergent can be provided to thewash zone modules 120A-120C from adetergent source 156 as shown inFIG. 4 . As the textile is progressed through themodules 120A-120C, the wash fluids counterflow from thethird module 120C to thefirst module 120A (i.e., in the direction of arrow B inFIG. 4 ), where excess wash fluids are drained via thedrain 154. - At
block 208, the textile is transferred from the wash zone to the rinse zone. In the example ofFIG. 4 , the textile is transferred from thethird module 120C to thefourth module 120D. Atblock 210, the textile is rinsed in each of rinsezone modules fresh water source 122, thepolished water source 124, and/or the temperedwater source 124. Optionally, the textile may additionally or alternatively be rinsed by fluids provided by thePWR tank 138. In particular, the rinse fluids are provided to thelast module 120E of the rinse zone so that the rinse fluids counterflow back to the beginning of the rinse zone atmodule 120D. In this way, the textile may be progressively rinsed in cleaner rinse fluids as it moves through thetunnel washer 112. - At
block 212, the textile is transferred from the rinse zone to the treatment zone. In doing so, a portion of the rinse fluids may be transferred with the textile into thetreatment zone module 120F. Atblock 214, the textile is submerged in a treatment solution including the antimicrobial agent. Atblock 216, theantimicrobial agent source 128 may optionally provide additional antimicrobial agent to thetreatment zone module 120F (if necessary) to achieve a treatment solution having a predetermined dosage of antimicrobial agent. - At
block 218, the textile is transferred, via thedischarge 116, to the fluid-extraction device 118. Atblock 220, the fluid-extraction device 118 extracts excess fluids from the textile. Atblock 222, the textile may then be transported to other components for drying and/or finishing (e.g., folding). - In the
example washer system 100 described above, the treatment of the textile with antimicrobial agent is described as being performed in a treatment module that is separate from the rinse modules. It should be understood that according to additional or alternative aspects, the treatment functions can be performed in the last rinse module. For example, the treatment may be performed in the last rinse module, which transfers fluids to other modules via counterflow. - At
block 224, thePWR tank 138 may receive the extracted fluids from the fluid-extraction device 118. Atblock 226, thePWR tank 138 may recirculate at least a portion of the extracted fluids back into thetunnel washer 112. For example, thePWR tank 138 may recirculate at least a portion of the extracted fluids back to thefifth module 120E in the rinse zone (or a combined rinse/treatment zone), and/or at to theflush tank 142 for use in theintake 114 as described above. -
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of aprocess 300 for treating textile with an antimicrobial agent according to another example. As shown inFIG. 7 , atblock 310, theprocess 300 includes receiving a textile in a washer system. The textile includes an identification tag, which uniquely identifies the textile among a plurality of textiles. - At
block 312, theprocess 300 includes detecting, in the washer system, the identification tag. Atblock 314, theprocess 300 includes determining, based on the detected identification tag, one or more parameters for treating the textile with an antimicrobial agent, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises a metallic ion. Atblock 316, theprocess 300 includes washing the textile with a detergent. After washing the textile with the detergent atblock 316, theprocess 300 includes treating the textile with the antimicrobial agent based on the one or more parameters atblock 318. -
FIGS. 8-12 depict additional aspects of themethod 300 according to further examples. InFIG. 8 , the one or more parameters can provide a dosing rate for treating the textile with the antimicrobial agent, and treating the textile atblock 318 can include transferring a treatment solution of the antimicrobial agent to a module of the washer system at the dosing rate provided by the one or more parameters atblock 320. - In
FIG. 9 , the one or more parameters can provide a dosing rate for treating the textile with the antimicrobial agent, and treating the textile atblock 318 can include transferring a treatment solution of the antimicrobial agent to a module of the washer system at the dosing rate provided by the one or more parameters atblock 322. - In
FIG. 10 , determining the one or more parameters atblock 314 can include determining, in a data storage unit, tracking data corresponding to the identification tag atblock 324. The tracking data can be based on one or more prior detections of the identification tag. Determining the one or more parameters atblock 314 can also include processing the tracking data to determine the one or more parameters atblock 326. - In
FIG. 11 , detecting the identification tag atblock 312 can include (i) detecting the identification tag at a first time when the textile enters a treatment zone of the washer system atblock 328, (ii) detecting the identification tag at a second time when the textile exits the treatment zone atblock 330, and (iii) determining tracking data for the textile based on the first time, the second time, and the one more parameters used to treat the textile between the first time and the second time atblock 332. - In
FIG. 12 , theprocess 300 can further include storing, in a data storage unit, tracking data relating to the one or more parameters used to treat the textile atblock 334. -
FIGS. 13A-13B is a flowchart of aprocess 400 for treating textile with an antimicrobial agent according to another example. As shown inFIGS. 13A-13B , theprocess 400 includes performing a first laundry process atblock 410 by performing the steps shown inblocks 410A-410F. Atblock 410A, theprocess 400 includes receiving a textile in a washer system for the first laundry cycle. The textile includes an identification tag, which uniquely identifies the textile among a plurality of textiles. Atblock 410B, theprocess 400 includes detecting, in the washer system, the identification tag during the first laundry cycle. Atblock 410C, theprocess 400 includes determining, based on the detected identification tag, one or more first parameters for treating the textile with an antimicrobial agent during the first laundry cycle. The antimicrobial agent comprises a metallic ion. Atblock 410D, theprocess 400 includes washing the textile with a detergent during the first laundry cycle. After washing the textile with the detergent atblock 410D, theprocess 400 includes treating the textile with the antimicrobial agent based on the one or more first parameters atblock 410E. After treating the textile atblock 410E, theprocess 400 includes removing the textile from the washer system atblock 410F. - At
block 412, theprocess 400 further includes storing, in a data storage unit, tracking data relating to the one or more first parameters used to treat the textile during the first laundry cycle atblock 412. As also shown inFIGS. 13A-13B , after the first laundry cycle atblock 410, theprocess 400 includes performing a second laundry cycle atblock 414 by performing the steps shown inblocks 414A-414E. Atblock 414A, theprocess 400 includes receiving the textile in a washer system for the second laundry cycle. Atblock 414B, theprocess 400 includes detecting, in the washer system, the identification tag during the second laundry cycle. Atblock 414C, theprocess 400 includes determining, based on the detected identification tag and the tracking data stored in the data storage unit, one or more second parameters for treating the textile with an antimicrobial agent. Atblock 414D, theprocess 400 includes washing the textile with a detergent. After washing the textile with the detergent atblock 414D, theprocess 400 includes treating the textile with the antimicrobial agent based on the one or more second parameters atblock 414E. - Aspects of the disclosure are described above in the context of the
washer system 100, which includes atunnel washer 112 having a plurality ofmodules 120A-120F. However, these aspects of the disclosure can be extended to systems and processes in the context of residential and/or commercial washer-extraction devices. For example, according to alternative aspects, the one or more reader devices can be provided in a washer-extraction device, which may control an amount of antimicrobial agent utilized in a treatment cycle based on tracking data stored for the textile. - While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
Claims (21)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/308,554 US20210277593A1 (en) | 2017-03-01 | 2021-05-05 | Systems and processes for treating textiles with an antimicrobial agent |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201762465571P | 2017-03-01 | 2017-03-01 | |
US15/908,314 US10760207B2 (en) | 2017-03-01 | 2018-02-28 | Systems and processes for treating textiles with an antimicrobial agent |
US16/932,192 US11053637B2 (en) | 2017-03-01 | 2020-07-17 | Systems and processes for treating textiles with an antimicrobial agent |
US17/308,554 US20210277593A1 (en) | 2017-03-01 | 2021-05-05 | Systems and processes for treating textiles with an antimicrobial agent |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/932,192 Continuation US11053637B2 (en) | 2017-03-01 | 2020-07-17 | Systems and processes for treating textiles with an antimicrobial agent |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20210277593A1 true US20210277593A1 (en) | 2021-09-09 |
Family
ID=63357646
Family Applications (4)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/908,314 Active 2038-08-06 US10760207B2 (en) | 2017-03-01 | 2018-02-28 | Systems and processes for treating textiles with an antimicrobial agent |
US16/490,841 Abandoned US20200123700A1 (en) | 2017-03-01 | 2018-02-28 | Systems and processes for treating textiles with an antimicrobial agent |
US16/932,192 Active US11053637B2 (en) | 2017-03-01 | 2020-07-17 | Systems and processes for treating textiles with an antimicrobial agent |
US17/308,554 Abandoned US20210277593A1 (en) | 2017-03-01 | 2021-05-05 | Systems and processes for treating textiles with an antimicrobial agent |
Family Applications Before (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/908,314 Active 2038-08-06 US10760207B2 (en) | 2017-03-01 | 2018-02-28 | Systems and processes for treating textiles with an antimicrobial agent |
US16/490,841 Abandoned US20200123700A1 (en) | 2017-03-01 | 2018-02-28 | Systems and processes for treating textiles with an antimicrobial agent |
US16/932,192 Active US11053637B2 (en) | 2017-03-01 | 2020-07-17 | Systems and processes for treating textiles with an antimicrobial agent |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (4) | US10760207B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3615092A4 (en) |
CA (1) | CA3092627A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2018160708A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN110904612B (en) * | 2018-09-13 | 2023-04-11 | 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司 | Control method of washing machine |
Family Cites Families (298)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3751885A (en) | 1971-07-08 | 1973-08-14 | C Mcneely | Air scrubber |
US3841116A (en) | 1972-12-08 | 1974-10-15 | Century Niagara Corp | Multiple automatic washer system |
US4098660A (en) | 1973-06-09 | 1978-07-04 | Sachs Systemtechnik Gmbh | Method of purifying water |
DE2442078A1 (en) | 1974-09-03 | 1976-03-18 | Sachs Systemtechnik Gmbh | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR THE DISINICIATION AND DETOXIFICATION OF LIQUIDS BY ANODIC OXYDATION WITH THE ADDITION OF SILVER |
CA1064630A (en) | 1975-04-29 | 1979-10-16 | John J. Doumas | Process and apparatus for treating drinking water |
US4119518A (en) | 1975-07-16 | 1978-10-10 | Jorge Miller | Electrolytic cell for treatment of water |
US4145291A (en) | 1976-09-27 | 1979-03-20 | Foremost-Mckesson, Inc. | Disinfecting means within a water dispenser |
DE3246266A1 (en) | 1982-12-14 | 1984-06-14 | Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin und 8000 München | METHOD / DEVICE FOR DISINFECTING WATER PATHS IN MEDICAL, IN PARTICULAR DENTAL, MEDICAL DEVICES |
US4525253A (en) | 1983-02-15 | 1985-06-25 | Med Products, Inc. | Method and apparatus for purification of water |
GB8316213D0 (en) | 1983-06-14 | 1983-07-20 | Tarnpure Ltd | Water purification apparatus |
JPS60137811A (en) | 1983-12-22 | 1985-07-22 | Toho Rayon Co Ltd | Active carbon fiber for cleaning water |
US4755268A (en) | 1986-05-28 | 1988-07-05 | Yoshiaki Matsuo | Process and apparatus for producing silver-ionic water |
US4710282A (en) | 1986-08-08 | 1987-12-01 | Maryan Chak | Device for siliverizing running water |
US4933870A (en) | 1988-07-14 | 1990-06-12 | Eastman Kodak Company | Digital silver ion concentration controller for the precipitation of silver halide emulsions |
US4995975A (en) | 1988-12-09 | 1991-02-26 | Western Temco, Inc. | Unitary water cooler filter |
US5190659A (en) | 1990-07-06 | 1993-03-02 | International Environmental Systems Inc. | Contamination removal system employing filtration and plural ultraviolet and chemical treatment steps and treatment mode controller |
JPH0560721A (en) | 1991-09-04 | 1993-03-12 | Hitachi Ltd | Ag/ag ion electrode type reference electrode for high-temperature high-pressure water and plant control system using the same |
TW222251B (en) | 1992-04-09 | 1994-04-11 | Takeda Chemical Industries Ltd | |
US5281312A (en) | 1992-07-30 | 1994-01-25 | Woodside Arthur G | Method and apparatus for killing infections bacteria and undesirable microorganisms in large land and water areas |
US5364512A (en) | 1992-10-15 | 1994-11-15 | Pure The Ionizer Inc. | Electrochemical ionization apparatus system for purifying water |
US5765403A (en) | 1993-04-16 | 1998-06-16 | Tri-Mark Metal Corporation | Water treatment method and apparatus |
US5445023A (en) | 1994-04-15 | 1995-08-29 | Reed; Robert R. | Safe, accurate and fast measuring device |
GB2298858A (en) | 1995-03-06 | 1996-09-18 | Unilever Plc | Water treatment |
US5632904A (en) | 1995-04-06 | 1997-05-27 | Mainstream Engineering Corporation | Water disinfection method using metal-ligand complexes |
ZA9610018B (en) | 1995-11-28 | 1997-05-28 | Austech Pty Ltd | Liquid sterilisation apparatus |
US6254894B1 (en) | 1996-04-05 | 2001-07-03 | Zodiac Pool Care, Inc. | Silver self-regulating water purification compositions and methods |
US5782109A (en) | 1996-05-06 | 1998-07-21 | Ecolab Inc. | Dispenser |
US5787537A (en) | 1996-07-19 | 1998-08-04 | Water Recovery Systems, Inc. | Method of washing laundry and recycling wash water |
US5858246A (en) | 1997-01-14 | 1999-01-12 | Fountainhead Technologies, Inc. | Method of water purification with oxides of chlorine |
AUPO502297A0 (en) | 1997-02-10 | 1997-03-06 | Austech Pty Ltd | Liquid purification apparatus |
US5843284A (en) | 1997-05-02 | 1998-12-01 | Paul J. T. Waters | Two-stage oil bypass filter device |
CN1218009A (en) | 1997-11-07 | 1999-06-02 | 中国科学院、水利部成都山地灾害与环境研究所 | Activated water containing silver ions and preparing method therefor |
NO306856B1 (en) | 1998-01-30 | 2000-01-03 | Entrente Holding Sa | Water purification facility |
KR100279108B1 (en) | 1998-02-04 | 2001-01-15 | 박종관 | Method and apparatus for removing underwater microorganisms using metal ions |
RU2130964C1 (en) | 1998-02-10 | 1999-05-27 | Оганесов Владимир Емельянович | Aqueous disinfectant solution |
RU2135417C1 (en) | 1998-03-12 | 1999-08-27 | Оганесов Владимир Емельянович | Plant for water treatment with silver ions |
US6634048B1 (en) | 1998-06-30 | 2003-10-21 | General Electric Company | Automatic temperature control for clothes washer |
AUPP474198A0 (en) | 1998-07-17 | 1998-08-13 | Worldwide Water Technologies Pty Ltd | Portable water treatment apparatus |
BR9915174A (en) | 1998-11-09 | 2001-11-06 | Ira Jay Newman | Ionic silver complex |
DE19853193A1 (en) | 1998-11-18 | 2000-05-25 | Hans Berge | Apparatus for keeping water pure by preventing development of putrefaction bacteria is based on release of bactericidal metal ions from one of two connected metals of positive electrochemical series |
US6128931A (en) | 1999-01-06 | 2000-10-10 | Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. | System and method for laundering clean room garments within a semiconductor fabrication clean room facility |
US6723428B1 (en) | 1999-05-27 | 2004-04-20 | Foss Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Anti-microbial fiber and fibrous products |
AU6084900A (en) | 1999-07-08 | 2001-01-30 | Charles F. Heinig Jr. | Novel materials and methods for water purification |
JP2001025772A (en) | 1999-07-14 | 2001-01-30 | Mitsubishi Rayon Co Ltd | Silver elution module as well as silver elution cartridge and purification system using the same |
JP2001062458A (en) | 1999-08-30 | 2001-03-13 | Gold Syst Kk | Sterilized water production device |
JP2001066090A (en) | 1999-08-30 | 2001-03-16 | Isao Tone | Method and apparatus for suppressing proliferation of microorganism in circulation cooling water |
US7012053B1 (en) | 1999-10-22 | 2006-03-14 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Fabric care composition and method comprising a fabric care polysaccharide and wrinkle control agent |
US6303039B1 (en) | 2000-03-06 | 2001-10-16 | Mainstream Engineering Corporation | Method for treating water over an extended time using tablets and packets |
JP2001276828A (en) | 2000-03-30 | 2001-10-09 | Tomoyoshi Miyazaki | Electrolytically sterilizing method of water and electrolytically sterilizing device therefor |
JP2001340281A (en) | 2000-03-30 | 2001-12-11 | Toto Ltd | Dish washer |
JP2001276484A (en) | 2000-03-30 | 2001-10-09 | Toto Ltd | Washing machine |
EP1296895A2 (en) | 2000-04-04 | 2003-04-02 | Monsoon Water Ltd | Water processing unit |
KR20000037120A (en) | 2000-04-07 | 2000-07-05 | 안정오 | Fertilizer |
CA2408950C (en) | 2000-06-12 | 2006-12-05 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Method and system for optimizing performance of consumer appliances |
KR100353028B1 (en) | 2000-08-07 | 2002-09-16 | 삼성전자 주식회사 | Control method of washing-machine comprising of apparatus to manufacture silver-solution |
KR100411178B1 (en) | 2000-10-09 | 2003-12-18 | 한국화학연구원 | Novel antibacterial agents, and antibacterial and deordorizing solution comprising them |
JP2002113288A (en) | 2000-10-12 | 2002-04-16 | Mitsubishi Rayon Co Ltd | Method and machine for washing |
US6514406B1 (en) | 2000-10-24 | 2003-02-04 | James E. Katehis | Water treatment apparatus |
WO2002036499A2 (en) | 2000-11-01 | 2002-05-10 | Charles Michael Pratt | Treatment of waste water and apparatus therefor |
KR20020074306A (en) | 2001-03-20 | 2002-09-30 | 안정오 | Humidification method using silver solution and its device |
RU2193528C2 (en) | 2000-12-08 | 2002-11-27 | Дагестанский государственный университет | Method of preparing silver water |
US6562243B2 (en) | 2001-04-05 | 2003-05-13 | Jonathan Sherman | Synergistic combination of metal ions with an oxidizing agent and algaecide to reduce both required oxidizing agent and microbial sensitivity to fluctuations in oxidizing agent concentration, particularly for swimming pools |
RU2182128C1 (en) | 2001-07-31 | 2002-05-10 | ООО "Космо-Дизайн интернэшнл" | Method of drinking water producing |
US6508929B1 (en) | 2001-08-21 | 2003-01-21 | Richard M. Mercer | Water treatment apparatus and method |
US6761827B2 (en) | 2001-10-26 | 2004-07-13 | Zodiac Pool Care, Inc. | Method and apparatus for purifying water |
GB2383027B (en) | 2001-12-17 | 2005-10-05 | Ebac Ltd | Bottled liquid dispensers |
GB2385060B (en) | 2002-01-14 | 2005-09-21 | T P Technology Plc | Water purification system |
US20050095158A1 (en) | 2002-02-07 | 2005-05-05 | The Coca-Cola Company | Coffee and tea dispenser with removable pod turret wheel |
US20050188731A1 (en) | 2002-02-13 | 2005-09-01 | Aouad Yousef G. | Systems, dispensers and methods for laundry additives |
DE10217649A1 (en) | 2002-04-19 | 2004-01-08 | Stadelmann, Heinz W., Dr. | Disinfection system, especially for the disinfection of drinking and industrial water as well as the production and use of the disinfection system |
US7210182B2 (en) | 2002-04-22 | 2007-05-01 | General Electric Company | System and method for solvent recovery and purification in a low water or waterless wash |
US6868701B2 (en) | 2002-06-14 | 2005-03-22 | Yong Mi Lee | Washing machine equipped with means for generating microbubbles of air |
JP2004105692A (en) | 2002-07-26 | 2004-04-08 | Sharp Corp | Washer |
JP3957583B2 (en) | 2002-07-29 | 2007-08-15 | シャープ株式会社 | Washing machine |
KR100720365B1 (en) | 2002-08-08 | 2007-05-22 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Washing machine and control method thereof |
US7485259B2 (en) | 2002-10-08 | 2009-02-03 | Eldred Bradley J | Organic compound and metal ion synergistic disinfection and purification system and method of manufacture |
JP2004188174A (en) | 2002-10-17 | 2004-07-08 | Sharp Corp | Antibacterial treatment apparatus |
US6641829B1 (en) | 2002-10-22 | 2003-11-04 | Milliken & Company | Topical application of solid antimicrobials to carpet pile fibers during carpet manufacture |
JP4017504B2 (en) | 2002-11-19 | 2007-12-05 | シャープ株式会社 | Washing machine |
JP3957616B2 (en) | 2002-11-19 | 2007-08-15 | シャープ株式会社 | Ion elution unit and equipment equipped with the same |
JP3957619B2 (en) | 2002-11-22 | 2007-08-15 | シャープ株式会社 | Ion elution unit and equipment equipped with the same |
US6982040B2 (en) | 2003-04-16 | 2006-01-03 | Zodiac Pool Care, Inc. | Method and apparatus for purifying water |
KR100669014B1 (en) | 2003-04-18 | 2007-01-18 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Washing machine and control method thereof |
KR100600591B1 (en) | 2003-04-18 | 2006-07-14 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Washing machine and for controlling method |
US7132378B2 (en) | 2003-04-23 | 2006-11-07 | Milliken & Company | Fabrics having a topically applied silver-based finish with a cross-linked binder system for improved high-temperature wash durability |
KR100478877B1 (en) | 2003-04-30 | 2005-03-25 | 주식회사 대우일렉트로닉스 | Washing tank of washing machine with nano silver |
KR20030044987A (en) | 2003-05-22 | 2003-06-09 | 넵테크놀로지주식회사 | Manufacturing method of liquid laundry detergent with nano-sized silver colloid |
JP2004346024A (en) | 2003-05-23 | 2004-12-09 | Akechi Ceramics Co Ltd | Antimicrobial material for agriculture |
US20040261196A1 (en) | 2003-06-27 | 2004-12-30 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Fabric care compositions for lipophilic fluid systems incorporating an antimicrobial agent |
KR100970553B1 (en) | 2003-07-03 | 2010-07-16 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | pasteurizing washing method by using silver solution |
KR20050004625A (en) | 2003-07-03 | 2005-01-12 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Washing machine for enhancing pasteurization efficiency |
KR20050004616A (en) | 2003-07-03 | 2005-01-12 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Washing machine for sesies washing and washing method thereof |
KR20050004614A (en) | 2003-07-03 | 2005-01-12 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Washing machine with silver melted solution senerator |
KR20050004618A (en) | 2003-07-03 | 2005-01-12 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Ionizing device of silver in washing machine |
KR20050004620A (en) | 2003-07-03 | 2005-01-12 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | washing machine being able to adjust pasteurization level |
KR20050004626A (en) | 2003-07-03 | 2005-01-12 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | silver solution making device in washing machine |
KR20050004623A (en) | 2003-07-03 | 2005-01-12 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Feeding apparatus of silver solution in washing device |
KR20050012369A (en) | 2003-07-25 | 2005-02-02 | 엘지이노텍 주식회사 | Saw package structure |
JP2005087712A (en) | 2003-08-08 | 2005-04-07 | Sharp Corp | Water supply device, water supply method, water spray device with water supply device, and washing machine with water supply device |
US20050037057A1 (en) | 2003-08-14 | 2005-02-17 | Schuette Robert L. | Silver-containing antimicrobial fabric |
US8563447B2 (en) | 2003-08-14 | 2013-10-22 | Milliken & Company | Silver-containing wound care device |
JP2005065746A (en) | 2003-08-27 | 2005-03-17 | Sharp Corp | Washing machine |
JP4111113B2 (en) | 2003-09-25 | 2008-07-02 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Air conditioner |
KR100721836B1 (en) | 2003-12-09 | 2007-05-28 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Washing machine equipped with silver ion feeder |
KR20050056046A (en) | 2003-12-09 | 2005-06-14 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Silver solution feeder and clothes washing machine having the same |
KR100798785B1 (en) | 2003-12-09 | 2008-01-29 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Clothes Washing Machine |
CN1628522B (en) | 2003-12-11 | 2010-09-29 | 前田芳聪 | Ag-bearing particle and process for producing the same |
KR20050065718A (en) | 2003-12-23 | 2005-06-30 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Dishwasher |
KR100526982B1 (en) | 2003-12-30 | 2005-11-09 | 기아자동차주식회사 | Structure for assembling a side window glass for bus |
TWM252268U (en) | 2004-01-07 | 2004-12-11 | Meiko Pet Corp | Structure of small air pump |
CN1236131C (en) | 2004-02-13 | 2006-01-11 | 黄德欢 | Preparation method of antibiotic textile carrying nano silver |
US6982039B1 (en) | 2004-02-19 | 2006-01-03 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army | Method for improving ultraviolet radiation disinfection of water using aqueous silver |
RU2264990C1 (en) | 2004-03-01 | 2005-11-27 | Колпаков Павел Валентинович | Portable device for water purification |
KR100663543B1 (en) | 2004-03-04 | 2007-01-02 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Pop-up type portable terminal |
JP2005261830A (en) | 2004-03-22 | 2005-09-29 | Sanix Inc | Silver ion water generator for washing machine |
US7335613B2 (en) | 2004-04-08 | 2008-02-26 | Rohm And Haas Company | Fiber substrate with antibacterial finish and methods of making and using the same |
US20050224419A1 (en) | 2004-04-13 | 2005-10-13 | Eastman Kodak Company | Use of derivatized nanoparticles to minimize growth of micro-organisms in hot filled drinks |
US20050229327A1 (en) | 2004-04-20 | 2005-10-20 | Casella Victor M | Fabric treatment for stain release |
AU2005248346B2 (en) | 2004-05-17 | 2009-12-10 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Method and system for washing with wash liquor cleanup and recycle |
KR20050112232A (en) | 2004-05-25 | 2005-11-30 | 삼성전자주식회사 | A washer equipping a deodorization means and control method thereof |
JP3763836B2 (en) | 2004-06-25 | 2006-04-05 | シャープ株式会社 | Metal ion elution unit and equipment equipped with the same |
SE528534C2 (en) | 2004-07-02 | 2006-12-12 | Nordaq Water Filter Systems Ab | Purification device, insert and way to purify a liquid |
JP3714945B1 (en) | 2004-07-27 | 2005-11-09 | シャープ株式会社 | Metal ion elution unit and electrical equipment equipped with the same |
KR20060049297A (en) | 2004-08-04 | 2006-05-18 | (주) 덴토존 | Method and apparatus for supplying water in dental water tank |
GB0417477D0 (en) | 2004-08-05 | 2004-09-08 | Tencel Ltd | Anti-microbial fibres |
US9253986B2 (en) | 2004-08-26 | 2016-02-09 | King Technology, Inc. | Wash product comprising a disinfectant mixture of silver ions and non-disinfectant hydantoin |
KR20040085107A (en) | 2004-09-03 | 2004-10-07 | 양원동 | Nano silver contain water dispenser water tank |
EP1796470A4 (en) | 2004-09-07 | 2011-01-19 | Bacstop Corp Pty Ltd | Method, material and system for controlled release of anti-microbial agents |
MD2940G2 (en) | 2004-09-15 | 2006-06-30 | Государственный Университет Молд0 | Process and device for potable water purification in household conditions |
CN2725278Y (en) | 2004-09-23 | 2005-09-14 | 深圳市神牛节能技术有限公司 | Copper/silver ion sterilization device of intelligent water circulation system |
GB0422773D0 (en) | 2004-10-14 | 2004-11-17 | Paston Tanya Y | Water disinfection apparatus and method |
JP3761892B1 (en) | 2004-10-19 | 2006-03-29 | シャープ株式会社 | Method for imparting antistatic property to fiber structure and fiber structure provided with antistatic property by the method |
JP4690694B2 (en) | 2004-10-27 | 2011-06-01 | 日立工機株式会社 | air compressor |
CA2585939C (en) | 2004-11-03 | 2013-06-04 | K2 Concepts, Inc. | Anti-microbial compositions and methods of making and using the same |
JP3862721B2 (en) | 2004-11-18 | 2006-12-27 | シャープ株式会社 | Dryer |
US7481081B2 (en) | 2004-11-23 | 2009-01-27 | Unilever Home & Personal Care Usa Division Of Conopco, Inc. | Automatic stand-alone dispensing device for laundry care composition |
WO2006060778A2 (en) | 2004-12-03 | 2006-06-08 | Solutions Benefiting Life Institute Ltd. | Bacteria deactivation method and apparatus |
US20060127457A1 (en) | 2004-12-10 | 2006-06-15 | Gilbert Buchalter | Fabrics impregnated with antimicrobial agents |
CN101389221B (en) | 2005-01-05 | 2012-06-13 | 罗伯特·霍拉迪 | Silver/water, silver gels and silver-based compositions, method for fabricating and using the same |
CN2780804Y (en) | 2005-01-13 | 2006-05-17 | 苏州三星电子有限公司 | Generator of silver ion foamed water |
EP1719443A1 (en) | 2005-05-04 | 2006-11-08 | Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. | Domestic appliance |
DE102005020889A1 (en) | 2005-05-04 | 2006-11-09 | Fritz Blanke Gmbh & Co.Kg | Antimicrobial finishing of textiles, particularly fabrics, by treatment first with bath containing silver particles and then with bath containing aqueous binder |
CH698955B1 (en) | 2005-05-18 | 2009-12-15 | Deso Star Gmbh | System for disinfecting air in ventilation channel of air conditioning system, has galvanic electrolyte in which silver ion containing aqueous solution is formed, and tank to which disinfectant is delivered by suction pump |
WO2006129982A1 (en) | 2005-06-03 | 2006-12-07 | Young Chul Choi | Washing machine having silver colloidal solution generating apparatus using silver-foam |
JP4024257B2 (en) | 2005-06-06 | 2007-12-19 | シャープ株式会社 | Washing machine |
US20070045176A1 (en) | 2005-08-23 | 2007-03-01 | Noble Fiber Technologies, Llc | Antimicrobial filter with metallic threads |
US20070044820A1 (en) | 2005-08-30 | 2007-03-01 | Johnsondiversey, Inc. | Automatically configurable chemical dispensing system for cleaning equipment |
KR20070028012A (en) | 2005-08-30 | 2007-03-12 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Silver solution feeder for washing machine |
JP5017819B2 (en) | 2005-08-31 | 2012-09-05 | マックス株式会社 | Hot water system |
US8394420B2 (en) | 2005-11-03 | 2013-03-12 | K2 Concepts, Inc. | Substrates comprising anti-microbial compositions and methods of making and using the same |
EP1785518A1 (en) | 2005-11-15 | 2007-05-16 | Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. | Household clothes washing machine with bactericidal treatment capability |
US7374693B1 (en) | 2005-11-25 | 2008-05-20 | Routberg Rutberg Alexander F | Water decontamination apparatus and method |
US7807661B2 (en) | 2005-12-08 | 2010-10-05 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Silver ion releasing articles and methods of manufacture |
JP4661583B2 (en) | 2005-12-22 | 2011-03-30 | 東レ株式会社 | Water purifier and water purification method |
US20070163097A1 (en) | 2005-12-30 | 2007-07-19 | Metcalfe Ld | Low absorbency pad system for a fabric treatment appliance |
JP4020949B1 (en) | 2006-01-31 | 2007-12-12 | シャープ株式会社 | Washing machine |
KR100736819B1 (en) | 2006-02-07 | 2007-07-09 | 전남대학교산학협력단 | Silver-ionized plant extraction liquid and use thereof |
BG109437A (en) | 2006-02-09 | 2007-08-31 | " ДЖИ Ем Фарма" ЕООД | Method and device for treatment of textile material in water medium |
JP4476274B2 (en) | 2006-02-14 | 2010-06-09 | シャープ株式会社 | Washing machine |
US7384564B2 (en) | 2006-02-16 | 2008-06-10 | Labisi Bo | Electrolytic cell and process for removal of bromide ions and disinfection of source waters using silver cathode and/or dimensionally stable anode (DSA): a process for the reduction of disinfectant/disinfection byproducts in drinking water |
US7871518B2 (en) | 2006-03-27 | 2011-01-18 | Dbg Group Investments, Llc | Apparatus for treating wash water supplied |
US20070243781A1 (en) | 2006-04-12 | 2007-10-18 | Ming-Tzu Chou | Antimicrobial cloth |
US8361505B1 (en) | 2006-06-28 | 2013-01-29 | Perry Stephen C | Method and apparatus for producing a stable sub-colloidal nano-phase silver metal hydrosol |
JP4086882B2 (en) | 2006-07-26 | 2008-05-14 | シャープ株式会社 | Washing machine |
US20080023385A1 (en) | 2006-07-27 | 2008-01-31 | Baker Jr John Frank | Antimicrobial multicomponent filtration medium |
US7807199B2 (en) | 2006-08-30 | 2010-10-05 | Allen Thomas K | Antimicrobial composition |
US20080085326A1 (en) | 2006-10-04 | 2008-04-10 | Hai Xiong Ruan | Antimicrobial material compositions enriched with different active oxygen species |
JP2008095266A (en) | 2006-10-12 | 2008-04-24 | Hodai Lee | Conjugate fiber filter using nano material, production equipment of conjugate fiber filter using nano material and production method of conjugate fiber filter using nano material |
DE102007034215A1 (en) | 2006-11-07 | 2008-05-21 | BÜHRE, Werner | Reduction of germ concentration and the smell formation of clothes and usage of detergent, anti-lime agent and softener in the washing machine using a device, comprises inoculating clothes with silver ions during the washing operation |
JP4984840B2 (en) | 2006-11-14 | 2012-07-25 | パナソニック株式会社 | Washing machine |
TW200902790A (en) | 2006-11-14 | 2009-01-16 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Washing machine and washing method |
KR100818561B1 (en) | 2006-11-27 | 2008-04-01 | (주)플라즈마텍 | Method for eliminating process by-pruducts in the piping and apparatus for porforming the method |
CN200984347Y (en) | 2006-11-27 | 2007-12-05 | 李地超 | Nanometer argentum air purifier |
US7819127B1 (en) | 2006-11-27 | 2010-10-26 | Bissell Homecare, Inc. | Surface cleaning apparatus with ionized liquid supply |
DE102006056977B3 (en) | 2006-11-30 | 2008-05-08 | Smart Fiber Ag | Use of an antimicrobial textile composite as a holder to cause a bacteriostatic effect on the objects and materials to be cleaned in the interior of a washing machine or dishwasher, where the holder comprises fibers with cellulose matrix |
US8131263B2 (en) | 2006-12-06 | 2012-03-06 | Microsoft Corporation | Backup media with wireless identifications tags |
UA22673U (en) | 2006-12-11 | 2007-04-25 | Kremenchuk State Polytechnic U | Device for water treatment with silver ions |
WO2008075992A1 (en) | 2006-12-21 | 2008-06-26 | Gheorghe Silion | Apparatus for continuous flux producing of silver ion water |
JP4728263B2 (en) | 2007-01-31 | 2011-07-20 | リンナイ株式会社 | Bathroom cleaning equipment |
KR20080075694A (en) | 2007-02-13 | 2008-08-19 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Control method of washing-machine |
JP4867723B2 (en) | 2007-03-09 | 2012-02-01 | パナソニック株式会社 | Washing machine |
DE102007012972B4 (en) | 2007-03-14 | 2010-09-02 | Smart Fiber Ag | Device for the biocidal treatment of laundry |
KR101192001B1 (en) | 2007-04-06 | 2012-10-18 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Washing machine |
JP4989291B2 (en) | 2007-04-26 | 2012-08-01 | オリンパスメディカルシステムズ株式会社 | Endoscope cleaning disinfection device |
JP4364256B2 (en) | 2007-05-10 | 2009-11-11 | 株式会社東芝 | Clothes washing machine |
US9132296B2 (en) | 2007-05-17 | 2015-09-15 | Ag Essence | Antimicrobial solution and methods of making and using the same |
CN201056507Y (en) | 2007-05-31 | 2008-05-07 | 王道根 | Silver ion generator matched with macrotype ion water production equipment |
US20080302713A1 (en) | 2007-06-05 | 2008-12-11 | Gilbert Patrick | Antimicrobial filter cartridge |
KR20090001293A (en) | 2007-06-29 | 2009-01-08 | 한국전자통신연구원 | Apparatus and method for managing policy of policy-based management framework |
JP4386107B2 (en) | 2007-07-10 | 2009-12-16 | パナソニック株式会社 | Washing machine |
JP2009039320A (en) | 2007-08-09 | 2009-02-26 | Panasonic Corp | Washing machine |
CN101411958A (en) | 2007-10-15 | 2009-04-22 | 曲奕 | Antibiotic filter screen for water discharge |
KR100843313B1 (en) | 2007-11-13 | 2008-07-03 | 주식회사 동양일렉트로닉스 | Circulation type water purifier |
JP2009139008A (en) | 2007-12-06 | 2009-06-25 | Sharp Corp | Humidifier |
US8002898B2 (en) | 2007-12-19 | 2011-08-23 | Diversey, Inc. | Material delivery systems and methods |
US8007904B2 (en) | 2008-01-11 | 2011-08-30 | Fiber Innovation Technology, Inc. | Metal-coated fiber |
EP2247704A1 (en) | 2008-01-31 | 2010-11-10 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Method for refreshing fabric articles |
US20110180423A1 (en) | 2008-02-11 | 2011-07-28 | Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation | Methods for removing contaminants from aqueous solutions using photoelectrocatalytic oxidization |
KR100956620B1 (en) | 2008-02-21 | 2010-05-11 | 아이씨씨웰 (주) | Humidifier having silver-nano electrolysis device |
US20090218266A1 (en) | 2008-03-03 | 2009-09-03 | Reyad Sawafta | Water treatment and methods of use |
KR100955618B1 (en) | 2008-03-28 | 2010-05-03 | 최문식 | Manufacturing apparatus of automatic gold-silver nano ion water |
RU2373156C1 (en) | 2008-04-04 | 2009-11-20 | Закрытое акционерное общество "Водолей-М" | Water purification device |
US20090259157A1 (en) | 2008-04-14 | 2009-10-15 | Tom Thomas | Method for imparting antimicrobial characteristics to hydrophilic fabrics |
US20090260162A1 (en) | 2008-04-18 | 2009-10-22 | Pellerin Milnor Corporation | Continuous batch tunnel washer and method |
RU2381182C2 (en) | 2008-04-21 | 2010-02-10 | Государственное образовательное учреждение высшего профессионального образования "Воронежский государственный университет" | Method for disinfection of drinking water |
CN201254480Y (en) | 2008-07-04 | 2009-06-10 | 王建东 | Magnetic force silver ion water activator |
US20100047321A1 (en) | 2008-08-20 | 2010-02-25 | Sandford David W | Silver antimicrobial composition and use |
US20100050872A1 (en) | 2008-08-29 | 2010-03-04 | Kwangyeol Lee | Filter and methods of making and using the same |
CN101670123A (en) | 2008-09-12 | 2010-03-17 | 上海市长宁区少年科技指导站 | Method for purifying and removing bacteria by using silver ions |
TW201013008A (en) | 2008-09-24 | 2010-04-01 | Matsushita Electric Tw Co Ltd | Laundry machine having antibacterial silver ions water |
WO2010045502A2 (en) | 2008-10-15 | 2010-04-22 | O'brien Paul W | Protable drinking water purification device |
DE102008053607A1 (en) | 2008-10-20 | 2010-04-22 | Südzucker AG Mannheim/Ochsenfurt | Solubilizing agent for metal ions |
CN101731269B (en) | 2008-11-07 | 2012-06-27 | 上海多佳水处理科技有限公司 | Silver/manganese composition with high valent state and application thereof |
US20100116689A1 (en) | 2008-11-07 | 2010-05-13 | Tom Greene | Systems and Methods for Controlling Ion Deposition |
DE102008058544A1 (en) | 2008-11-21 | 2010-05-27 | Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa | Silver-containing washing, cleaning, aftertreatment or washing aid |
US20100140185A1 (en) | 2008-12-05 | 2010-06-10 | John Hill | Wastewater treatment |
JP2010136738A (en) | 2008-12-09 | 2010-06-24 | Panasonic Corp | Washing machine |
JP4849120B2 (en) | 2008-12-09 | 2012-01-11 | パナソニック株式会社 | Washing machine |
US20100183739A1 (en) | 2009-01-21 | 2010-07-22 | Karel Newman | Treatment and prevention of systemic bacterial infections in plants using antimicrobial metal compositions |
US20100193449A1 (en) | 2009-02-02 | 2010-08-05 | Jian-Ku Shang | Materials and methods for removing arsenic from water |
JP5359371B2 (en) | 2009-02-26 | 2013-12-04 | 栗田工業株式会社 | Water supply treatment device, operation method thereof and humidification device |
DE102009001686A1 (en) | 2009-03-20 | 2010-09-23 | Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa | Washing aid with antibacterial effect |
DE102009001688A1 (en) | 2009-03-20 | 2010-09-23 | Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa | Aldehyde-containing washing, cleaning, aftertreatment or washing aid with antibacterial effect |
CN102421295B (en) | 2009-05-15 | 2015-01-28 | 东亚合成株式会社 | Silver-based inorganic antibacterial agent and method for producing same |
CN101926363B (en) | 2009-06-23 | 2013-01-30 | 上海六立纳米材料科技有限公司 | Method for preparing liquid antibacterial agent containing complex silver |
CN101967025A (en) | 2009-07-27 | 2011-02-09 | 北京华腾恒业空调有限公司 | Silver ion water treatment system |
ES2393252T3 (en) | 2009-08-03 | 2012-12-19 | Dsm Ip Assets B.V. | Antimicrobial material for water sterilization comprising a polyamide vehicle and elemental silver nanoparticles |
US8118912B2 (en) | 2009-09-05 | 2012-02-21 | Felix Rodriguez | Low power atmospheric water generator |
EP2302122A1 (en) * | 2009-09-24 | 2011-03-30 | BSH Electrodomésticos España, S.A. | Washing machine and method for operating a washing machine |
US9187351B2 (en) | 2009-10-27 | 2015-11-17 | King Technology Inc. | Water treatment |
KR20110047702A (en) | 2009-10-30 | 2011-05-09 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Electrolytic disinfection system and method of operation thereof for purifying water |
WO2012077122A2 (en) | 2009-11-03 | 2012-06-14 | Tata Chemicals Ltd. | A purification medium |
WO2011067748A1 (en) | 2009-12-01 | 2011-06-09 | Aqua-Nu Filtration Systems Limited | Apparatus and a method for filtering liquid |
KR20110062719A (en) | 2009-12-04 | 2011-06-10 | 웅진코웨이주식회사 | Method for preparing anti-bacrerial activated carbon filter having a controlled elution property of silver anti-bacterial agent |
US8685257B2 (en) | 2009-12-10 | 2014-04-01 | Hamilton Sundstrand Space Systems International, Inc. | Long-term storage of potable water in metallic vessels |
SI2513370T1 (en) | 2009-12-16 | 2014-09-30 | Szegedi Szefo Zrt. | Method for producing antibacterial fabrics |
KR20110075870A (en) | 2009-12-29 | 2011-07-06 | 케이와이케이김영귀환원수(주) | Photocatalytic filter sterilized water caps |
DE102010005509B4 (en) | 2010-01-23 | 2011-11-10 | Inoex Gmbh | Process for the preparation of peroxide-crosslinked polyethylene pipes in an extrusion line |
TW201127948A (en) | 2010-02-12 | 2011-08-16 | Li-Chu Linwang | Antiseptic liquid laundry detergent having nano silver |
CN201738163U (en) | 2010-03-04 | 2011-02-09 | 周劲松 | Garment steamer with silver ion sterilization function |
AR080385A1 (en) | 2010-03-09 | 2012-04-04 | Polymers Crc Ltd | PROCEDURE FOR THE PREPARATION OF AN ANTIMICROBIAL ARTICLE |
JP5447652B2 (en) | 2010-03-15 | 2014-03-19 | 東亞合成株式会社 | Antibacterial agent for water treatment, method for producing antibacterial agent for water treatment, and water treatment method |
WO2011126395A1 (en) | 2010-04-05 | 2011-10-13 | Oganesov Vladimir Emelianovich | Aqueous disinfecting solution |
WO2011139835A2 (en) | 2010-04-28 | 2011-11-10 | Global Material Technologies, Inc. | Water treatment device and method of use |
JP5904717B2 (en) | 2010-05-10 | 2016-04-20 | エア・ウォーター株式会社 | Drinking water server |
US8678201B2 (en) | 2010-06-04 | 2014-03-25 | Goodrich Corporation | Aircraft potable water system |
CN201902711U (en) | 2010-06-11 | 2011-07-20 | 德标管业(上海)有限公司 | Water pipe having antibacterial and germicidal functions |
CN101864670B (en) | 2010-06-23 | 2011-08-31 | 东华大学 | Method for preparing nano silver-containing anti-bacterial fabric by immersion process |
CN101863581A (en) | 2010-06-25 | 2010-10-20 | 铁岭市光明仪器仪表厂 | Device for physically treating industrial circulating water |
CN201737797U (en) | 2010-06-25 | 2011-02-09 | 铁岭市光明仪器仪表厂 | Industrial circulating water physical process treatment device |
KR101166450B1 (en) | 2010-06-28 | 2012-07-19 | 구경본 | Nano silver water generating apparatus |
US8460395B2 (en) | 2010-08-02 | 2013-06-11 | Marc S. Smulowitz | Environmentally sensitive multi-use apparatus for administering and dispensing laundry additives |
WO2012025943A1 (en) | 2010-08-27 | 2012-03-01 | Tata Consultancy Services Limited | Method for purifying water by contacting water with a porous rice husk ash and clay mixture and apparatus therefor |
WO2012031067A2 (en) | 2010-09-03 | 2012-03-08 | Procleanse Llc | Water filtration device and method of using the same |
US9045353B2 (en) | 2010-09-04 | 2015-06-02 | Hydros Bottle, Llc | Filtering water bottle |
EA022845B1 (en) | 2010-09-08 | 2016-03-31 | Юнилевер Нв | Process for making an antimicrobial membrane |
GB201015277D0 (en) | 2010-09-14 | 2010-10-27 | Xeros Ltd | Novel cleaning method |
CN101991870B (en) | 2010-09-22 | 2013-10-30 | 蒋明 | Silver ion generator for washing machine |
CN201791121U (en) | 2010-09-22 | 2011-04-13 | 蒋明 | Silver ion generator for washing machine |
CN202121806U (en) | 2010-10-14 | 2012-01-18 | 阿里斯顿热能产品(中国)有限公司 | Apparatus comprising metal surface |
US20120091070A1 (en) | 2010-10-17 | 2012-04-19 | Bernard Sjauta | Multi-Stage Water Treatment and Enrichment Method and Apparatus |
WO2012059992A1 (en) | 2010-11-04 | 2012-05-10 | エバタ株式会社 | Structure for water supply and drainage facility |
CN201873556U (en) | 2010-11-19 | 2011-06-22 | 王道根 | Ionized water production device capable of sterilizing by silver ion generator |
WO2012077721A1 (en) | 2010-12-08 | 2012-06-14 | Nakamura Kenji | Antimicrobial water treatment agent |
GB201100476D0 (en) | 2011-01-12 | 2011-02-23 | Young Ronald A | Bucket |
PT2663530E (en) | 2011-01-14 | 2015-03-26 | Wet Trust | Water purification |
JP2012161728A (en) | 2011-02-04 | 2012-08-30 | Toru Kitagawa | Fluidized bed type antibacterial device |
BR112013020196B1 (en) | 2011-02-09 | 2020-08-04 | Höganäs Ab (Publ) | FILTRATION MEDIA AND METHOD TO REDUCE CONTAMINANTS CONTENT IN FLUIDS, AND USE OF FILTRATION MEDIA |
US8641967B2 (en) | 2011-02-23 | 2014-02-04 | Applied Silver, Inc. | Anti-microbial device |
AU2012241522B2 (en) | 2011-03-25 | 2017-06-08 | Indian Institute Of Technology | Sustained silver release composition for water purification |
WO2012142025A1 (en) | 2011-04-10 | 2012-10-18 | Nanoholdings, Llc | Water purification unit |
CN202036069U (en) | 2011-04-22 | 2011-11-16 | 比亚迪股份有限公司 | Fruit and vegetable cleaning machine |
CN102330844A (en) | 2011-05-01 | 2012-01-25 | 张圣坤 | Silver ion water tap |
CN202023990U (en) | 2011-05-01 | 2011-11-02 | 张圣坤 | Silver ion water tap |
CN202021117U (en) | 2011-05-01 | 2011-11-02 | 张圣坤 | Silver ion water spray bottle |
AU2012251424B2 (en) | 2011-05-02 | 2016-05-26 | Indian Institute Of Technology | Single container gravity-fed storage water purifier |
US20140131288A1 (en) | 2011-05-17 | 2014-05-15 | Frank GU | Superparamagnetic photocatalytic microparticles |
US20130022686A1 (en) | 2011-07-22 | 2013-01-24 | Hydropure Technologies, Inc. | Combinations of liquid filtration media and methods for enhanced filtration of selected water contaminants |
CN202430491U (en) | 2011-11-03 | 2012-09-12 | 徐永红 | Environment-friendly sterilization washing machine |
CN202410344U (en) | 2011-11-29 | 2012-09-05 | 张明山 | Filter capable of realizing high-efficiency filtering and obtaining high-quality drinking water |
CN102535114A (en) | 2011-12-20 | 2012-07-04 | 张月婵 | Water inlet pipe of silver ion washing machine |
CN202390678U (en) | 2011-12-20 | 2012-08-22 | 张月婵 | Water inlet tube of silver ion washing machine |
CN202386643U (en) | 2011-12-23 | 2012-08-22 | 张月婵 | Silver-ion sterilizing mop |
CN104245781B (en) | 2012-02-20 | 2018-09-21 | 巴斯夫欧洲公司 | The antimicrobial acivity of biocide is improved with polymer |
US20130327419A1 (en) | 2012-02-22 | 2013-12-12 | Applied Silver, Inc. | Antimicrobial device |
DE102012210051A1 (en) | 2012-06-14 | 2013-12-19 | Christian Lauke | Microbicidal storage |
WO2014090276A1 (en) | 2012-12-10 | 2014-06-19 | Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ) | Connecting clothes and washing machine |
KR101430906B1 (en) | 2013-02-15 | 2014-08-14 | 아더비젼 주식회사 | Method and apparatus for generating soap using colloidal silver |
JP2014176448A (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2014-09-25 | Panasonic Corp | Washing machine |
US20140259443A1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2014-09-18 | Whirlpool Corporation | Methods and compositions for treating laundry items |
DE102013006200A1 (en) * | 2013-04-11 | 2014-10-16 | Herbert Kannegiesser Gmbh | Process for wet treatment, preferably washing, of laundry items |
PL224478B1 (en) | 2013-06-03 | 2016-12-30 | Eko Styl Spółka Z Ograniczoną Odpowiedzialnością | Method for dressing fabrics in the process of washing |
US20160106109A1 (en) | 2013-07-02 | 2016-04-21 | Koa Glass Co., Ltd. | Antibacterial glass |
US9364798B2 (en) | 2013-08-15 | 2016-06-14 | Applied Silver, Inc. | Antimicrobial batch dilution system |
US10640403B2 (en) | 2013-08-15 | 2020-05-05 | Applied Silver, Inc. | Antimicrobial batch dilution system |
US10000881B2 (en) | 2013-12-06 | 2018-06-19 | Applied Silver, Inc. | Method for antimicrobial fabric application |
US20170050870A1 (en) * | 2015-08-21 | 2017-02-23 | Applied Silver, Inc. | Systems And Processes For Treating Textiles With An Antimicrobial Agent |
ES2918509T3 (en) * | 2016-05-12 | 2022-07-18 | Applied Silver Inc | Articles and methods for dispensing metal ions in laundry systems |
-
2018
- 2018-02-28 US US15/908,314 patent/US10760207B2/en active Active
- 2018-02-28 US US16/490,841 patent/US20200123700A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2018-02-28 CA CA3092627A patent/CA3092627A1/en active Pending
- 2018-02-28 WO PCT/US2018/020245 patent/WO2018160708A1/en unknown
- 2018-02-28 EP EP18761722.0A patent/EP3615092A4/en active Pending
-
2020
- 2020-07-17 US US16/932,192 patent/US11053637B2/en active Active
-
2021
- 2021-05-05 US US17/308,554 patent/US20210277593A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20200123700A1 (en) | 2020-04-23 |
US20200347543A1 (en) | 2020-11-05 |
US10760207B2 (en) | 2020-09-01 |
WO2018160708A1 (en) | 2018-09-07 |
CA3092627A1 (en) | 2018-09-07 |
US20180251936A1 (en) | 2018-09-06 |
EP3615092A1 (en) | 2020-03-04 |
EP3615092A4 (en) | 2021-03-10 |
US11053637B2 (en) | 2021-07-06 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20220195351A1 (en) | Systems And Processes For Treating Textiles With An Antimicrobial Agent | |
US11794216B2 (en) | Verification of cleaning processes with electronically readable coded coupon | |
US20210277593A1 (en) | Systems and processes for treating textiles with an antimicrobial agent | |
EP2155896A1 (en) | Method of testing for atp load in commercial laundry and for data tracking the results | |
CN103476982A (en) | Method for identifying and displaying a level of hygiene of laundry and/or of the laundry treatment appliance in a laundry treatment appliance, and a laundry treatment appliance suitable for said method | |
CN103827383A (en) | Method for softening laundry in a washing machine, using fabric softener, and washing machine suitable therefor | |
CN113876988A (en) | Method and device for sterilizing clothes and air conditioning equipment | |
JP2021186349A (en) | Hand washing device, circulation method of hand washing device, management method of hand washing device, circulation program of hand washing device, and management program of hand washing device | |
WO2012026821A1 (en) | Method and device for industrial washing of textile | |
CN106630303A (en) | Laboratory intelligent wastewater treatment device | |
US11739460B2 (en) | System and technique for extracting particulate-containing liquid samples without filtration | |
CN114108237A (en) | Control method for healthy washing and washing equipment | |
EP3623517A1 (en) | Washing machine and device providing a method for operating a washing machine | |
CN112391794A (en) | Intelligent washing machine control method and system | |
JP2005137573A (en) | Sterilization equipment | |
CN106400381A (en) | Method and device for releasing laundry consumables | |
US11401648B2 (en) | Water use optimization in a device utilizing water for a cleaning procedure | |
CN108004717A (en) | A kind of control method for washing machine and washing machine with treatment function | |
JP2023036099A (en) | Program, computer system, and information processing method | |
JP2017093799A (en) | Continuous laundry device with hydrogen peroxide decomposition unit | |
JP2023019842A (en) | Hand washing device, method and program | |
DE102019132351A1 (en) | Method of using consumable containers | |
CN114775222A (en) | Feeding control method of additive feeding device and additive feeding device | |
Thiry | Writ in Water | |
JP2002086083A (en) | Cleaning method |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: APPLIED SILVER, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:HUTT POLLARD, ELIZABETH ANN;MORHAM, SEAN;BROWN, DAVID E.;SIGNING DATES FROM 20180226 TO 20180228;REEL/FRAME:056240/0307 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |