IT202100005792A1 - DEVICE FOR SANITIZING VARIOUS OBJECTS AND WASTE - Google Patents

Description

Description of the industrial invention entitled:

?DEVICE FOR SANITATION OF OBJECTS AND WASTE OF VARIOUS KINDS?

The invention refers to a device for sanitizing objects and/or waste of various kinds capable of countering the so-called cross-contamination, i.e. the transfer of pathogenic microorganisms from food to food, from objects to food, from people to food, and vice versa, and consequently from objects to people, from people to people and vice versa.

This problem is more common in places where food is prepared and/or served and where it must then be disposed of, such as restaurants, canteens, domestic kitchens, private homes or condominiums, etc.

Pathogenic microorganisms can survive for long periods on surfaces such as worktops, equipment, utensils, cutting boards, storage containers, waste bins, which if not washed properly become a vehicle for cross-contamination.

Particular attention? to be placed in the collection containers for organic waste and/or waste consisting of packaging and/or food storage containers, for their subsequent disposal, as they are hardly washed or decontaminated, thus becoming? a place of high proliferation of these pathogenic microorganisms, which can then easily transfer to the people who handle the waste collection containers themselves, and then transfer to other objects, food, people.

To avoid the proliferation of these pathogenic microorganisms in the waste and their subsequent transfer, currently only good hygiene standards are used, i.e. one tries to be careful to seal the waste correctly and adequately before placing it in the appropriate collection containers.

UV-C ray sanitizing means are also used, which for? they are effective only for the surfaces reached by the rays themselves, therefore for the parts of the waste or their hidden collection containers they are ineffective.

Furthermore, sanitizing means are used which are suitable for containing and vaporizing liquid sanitizing solutions, such as for example bleach-based or sodium hypochlorite-based liquid solutions.

These liquid sanitizing solutions are thus? vaporized on the surfaces to be sanitized, in addition to the fact that for hidden parts they may not be effective, c?? the problem of protection against inhalation of the vapors they develop and the problem of chemical residues they leave in the environment, which can be harmful to humans.

To sanitize closed environments, ozone generator devices are also used, which is very effective for this purpose only if produced in large quantities, which is harmful to humans.

Consequently, if the ozone produced is not to be harmful to humans, it must be present in too low a concentration to be effective as an environment sanitizer.

After treating a closed environment with an adequate concentration of ozone for its sanitization, it would therefore be necessary to adequately ventilate the environment itself to make it harmless to humans, therefore having to waste a lot of time, moreover,? it is known that the ozone pu? damage at least the plastic materials, therefore it would be necessary to protect objects made of these materials with covers.

The present invention proposes the object of realizing a device for the sanitization of objects and waste of various kinds which is realized with constructive characteristics different from the known state of the art and which solves the relative problems described above, and brings further advantages indicated in the following description.

The device for sanitizing objects and waste of various kinds? made with the construction characteristics essentially described below, by way of non-limiting example only, and with reference to the attached figures in which:

- fig.1 shows a front perspective view of a first example of embodiment of the device for sanitizing objects and waste of various kinds, in its closed position, object of the present invention ;

- fig.2 shows a front perspective view of the device of fig.1 in its open position; - fig.3 shows a view of the device of fig.2, in which objects of various kinds to be sanitized are inserted (not belonging to the invention);

- fig.4 shows a front perspective view of the device of fig.1 without a first portion thereof, in which various kinds of objects to be sanitized are inserted (not belonging to the invention);

- fig.5 shows a front perspective view of the device of fig.1 without a second portion thereof;

- fig.6 shows a front perspective view of a second embodiment of the device for sanitizing objects and waste of various kinds (not belonging to the invention ), in its closed position, object of the present invention ;

- fig.7 shows a front perspective view of the device of fig.6 in its open position; - fig.8 shows a view of the device of fig.7, in which ? inserted an object to be sanitized (not belonging to the invention);

- fig.9 shows a view of the device of fig.7, in which objects of various kinds to be sanitized are inserted (not belonging to the invention);

- fig.10 shows a front perspective view of the device of fig.6 without a first portion thereof, in which ? inserted the object of fig.8 ;

- fig.11 shows a front perspective view of the device of fig.6 without a first portion thereof, in which the objects of fig.9 are inserted;

- fig.12 shows a front perspective view of the device of fig.6 without a second portion thereof, in which ? inserted the object of fig. 8 ;

- fig.13 shows a front perspective view of the device of fig.6 without a second portion thereof, in which the objects of fig.9 are inserted.

The present invention refers to a device 10 for sanitizing objects 13 and/or waste of various kinds suitable for combating the so-called cross-contamination, i.e. the transfer of pathogenic microorganisms from food to food, from objects to food, from people to food , and vice versa, and consequently from objects to people, from people to people and vice versa.

This device 10 comprises at least one piece of furniture 11, which can be opened and closed, provided inside it with at least a first sanitizing means 12, so that inside the piece of furniture 11 itself it is possible to insert and isolate from the outside one or more disinfectants. objects 13 of various kinds to be treated by means of said sanitizing means 12, in order to then be able to remove them.

Said mobile 11 ? consisting of a box-like structure 14, made of metal, defining at least a first internal compartment 15 and having at least one front opening 16 which can be opened and closed by means of a closing means 17.

This closing means 17 ? consisting of a drawer 17, made of metal, able to slide in the sense of depth? of the structure 14 in the internal compartment 15.

Said compartment 15? adapted to house at least the objects 13 and waste of various kinds to be treated, which can be inserted therein by means of the opening 16, while it is in its open position. This box-like structure 14 can be provided at the bottom with support feet 18, preferably of the height-adjustable type, and/or with wheels (not shown), preferably provided with brakes, to facilitate movement and positioning.

Inside the compartment 15 in correspondence with its two lower lateral edges 20, 21 are positioned respective sliding guides 22, 23, preferably of the telescopic type, joined and positioned in the direction of the depth? of compartment 15 itself.

Said drawer 17 ? consisting of a rear portion 24, with a horizontal extension, joined at right angles to a front portion 25, with an upward vertical extension.

This rear portion 24 ? shaped in the shape of a tub, i.e. with a lower level bordered on the perimeter by vertical walls joined together, and is? provided laterally with sliding means 26, such as for example wheels or bearings, furthermore this tub? sized in such a way that said sliding means 26 can be associated with said sliding guides 22, 23, in order to be able to slide horizontally in the direction of the depth? of the compartment 15, in such a way that the front portion 25 can close the opening 16 by abutting against its perimeter 27 or can open it by moving away from it.

In the event that said drawer 17 has a depth? and a weight such as to be able to cause it to overturn when it is in its open position, can? be provided at the bottom with support wheels 19, preferably positioned at the junction point of the rear portion 24 and the front portion 25, and in this case, the box-like structure 14 is provided with a second lower horizontal opening 16?, joined frontally and perpendicular to the first opening 16, which two openings can be closed and sealed respectively by means of the rear portion 24 and the front portion 25 of the drawer 17, in order to be able to carry out the sanitizing treatment in the compartment 15 in an isolated manner from the outside.

The perimetric edge of the rear portion 24 ? sized and positioned to slide superimposed on the perimeter of said second opening 16?, to maintain insulation between the compartment 15 and the outside.

Said perimeter 27 of the opening 16 ? preferably provided with a perimeter step 27? projecting frontally, in such a way that when the front portion 25 abuts against the perimeter 27 itself, the perimeter step 27? is positioned overlapping the edge 25 externally? of the same front portion 25, so that? the contact area between the perimeter 27 and the front portion 25 maintains insulation of the internal compartment 15 and with respect to the external environment.

Furthermore, said front portion 25 ? provided with at least one recessed or external handle 28?, so that it can be operated by an operator, and with at least one locking means 28?, such as a lock that can be operated by means of a key for opening and closing, and cooperating with a relative seat (not shown) obtained on said perimeter 27 of the opening 16, so that? the operator can lock the drawer 17 in the closed position with respect to the box structure 14.

Said rear portion 24 ? provided at the rear with at least one portion 29? made in one piece or in a removable way, in material sensitive to magnetic fields, such as for example a counter magnet, or one that can be attracted by it.

Inside the compartment 15, in its rear lower part? at least one magnetic field generation means 29 is positioned and fixed, capable of interacting with said portion 29?, at least to keep it still in position when the latter is placed near it, or when the drawer 17 is in its closed position .

This means of generating a magnetic field 29 ? preferably consisting of an electromagnet.

For housing the objects 13 and waste of various kinds in the compartment 15, ? possible to position them individually, stacked and/or juxtaposed on the tub of the upper portion 24 of the drawer 17.

Alternatively ? it is possible to position above the rear portion 24 at least one shelf of the self-supporting and removable type (not shown) on which to place objects and waste of various kinds without having to put them in contact with each other.

? it is also possible to equip the ceiling of the compartment 15 with rods or hooks (not shown) to house the objects 13 and waste of various kinds, even in hanging manner.

In particular, the waste can be inserted into rigid or non-rigid containers, such as for example bins or bags, therefore configurable as objects 13 of various kinds, which are subsequently inserted and housed in turn within the compartment 15.

? it is possible for these containers 13 to be closed with a flat cap 13 in a non-sealed manner, so that two containers can be positioned stacked together but that the ozone can enter the containers 13 themselves in order to be able to treat the waste or other objects contained therein .

Inside the compartment 15 or in a compartment 28 adjacent to it and communicating with it,? said sanitizing means 12 is fixed, in particular the latter being positioned at an upper lateral corner of the box-like structure 14.

The two non-limiting examples shown in figs. 1 and 6, with the relative subsequent views in their various positions, point out that the device 10 can have different dimensions while remaining effective in its purpose, both to be able to house objects 13 inside the compartment 15 side by side, as in the example of fig. 1, and not being able to place objects 13 side by side, as in the example of fig.6.

This first sanitizing means 12 ? constituted by an electric generator of ozone, and ? adapted to be operative when the compartment 15 is in its closed position, creating ozone only by means of the air contained inside the compartment 15 itself, without the ozone being dispersed outside the latter.

Therefore, knowing the properties and capacity? of ozone, in particular that of sanitation, i.e. the inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms, but also the oxidation of unwanted metal ions, the oxidation of compounds that cause bad odors, the oxidation of a wide range of organic substances, including humic acids, dyes, hydrocarbons, etc., the reduction of THMs (trihalomethanes) and the microflocculation, inside said compartment 15 of the device 10 ? possible to create a sanitized environment isolated from the outside, therefore allowing the sanitization of the objects 13 and the waste of various kinds contained therein and which does not allow interaction with the environment outside the compartment 15 itself.

In this way ? It is therefore possible to proceed with a safe sanitation using ozone, or a sanitation that is effective, and which for? cannot be harmful to human beings and animals, or objects, present in the environment surrounding the device 10.

The device 10, object of the present invention, is connectable to the electric mains or to a battery for the operation of its various electric and electronic components, in particular said device 10 comprising at least one electronic control and command card (not shown), preferably positioned on the bottom of the structure 14 near the at least one magnetic field generation means 29 and comprising at least one microprocessor, at least one position sensor means and at least one time counting means, such as for example a timer, and being able to comprise at least one wireless connection means with external apparatus.

Said electronic card? configured to perform a specific sanitization cycle with respect to the dimensions of the compartment 15 of the device 10 but can? be otherwise? connected by cables at least to control means (not shown), such as for example push buttons, suitable for setting the microprocessor at each sanitization cycle and display means (not shown), such as for example a display, located frontally and externally on the structure 14 , designed to display at least the set data.

By means of said means of wireless connection, if present, ? It is possible to set the electronic board to control and command remotely using a suitable remote electronic setting device, such as for example a mobile phone equipped with a suitable application program.

Said electronic card? also connected with the position sensor to the magnetic field generation means 29, and with the time counting means to the sanitizing means 12.

With the device 10 powered electrically, said microprocessor of the electronic card ? set in such a way as to determine a pre-established duration of a sanitization cycle, i.e. by setting a certain time to the time counting means, consequently, by closing the drawer 17, the magnetic field generating means 29 attracts to itself? the relative portion 29?, and the position sensor means detects the closed position of the drawer 17 itself, sending the signal to the microprocessor, which previously set, consequently activates the sanitizing means 29 for a time established by means of the time counting means .

If drawer 17 is opened during the sanitization cycle, portion 29? moves away from the magnetic field generator means 29 and consequently the position sensor means sends the signal to the microprocessor that it fails to detect closure of the drawer, in such a way that the previously set microprocessor instantly deactivates the sanitizing means 12, thus avoiding contamination of the external environment by ozone.

The half sanitizer 12 ? set to have a constant ozone emission, in such a way that it is possible to set the duration of the cycle, any pauses and repetitions of the cycle itself, based on the sanitization effectiveness required by the volume and type of material to be sanitized inserted in compartment 15.

In the end, ? It is also possible to insert and fix in the compartment 15 at least a second sanitizing means operating with UV-C rays (not shown), also connected to said time counting means, in such a way as to increase the effectiveness of surface sanitization of the objects 13 and waste of various kinds during the sanitation cycles.

How to ? could notice, the device 10 ? without gaskets in polymeric material, as ? known that they are subject to early deterioration in the presence of ozone, but ? built in such a way, as described above, why? the ozone is not dispersed in the surrounding environment in quantity? harmful to humans and animals.

? at least one laboratory test was also carried out by analyzing the operation of a device 10 with a compartment 15 having a volume of 90 litres, by means of said ozone-producing sanitizing means 12, or to check the ozone concentration obtained inside the compartment 15 itself and the possible dispersion of ozone outside the device 10 itself.

Such a laboratory test ? was carried out using the well-known OSHA ID-214 analysis method, i.e. using a glass fiber filter with binder, for a sampling time of 180 minutes and an aspiration flow of 0.5 l/min, an ambient temperature of 13?C and a humidity? atmospheric by 70%.

To evaluate the entity? than what was detected, yes ? considered appropriate to compare the ozone concentrations with the limit expressed as a weighted average over 8 working hours (TLV-TWA) obtained from the publication ?ACGIH 2020? (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists). It is emphasized that this limit ? applied in case the ?workload? either heavy, moderate or light (? 2 hours).

With the device 10 in its operating state, the concentration of ozone detected inside the compartment 15, in its closed position by the drawer 17, is was 0.410 mg/m<3>, while the concentration detected in the environment external to the device 10 ? was 0.016 mg/m<3>.

For completeness of the test, in addition to the aforementioned surveys, in the same period of the same day, ? Was the ozone concentration far from the device 10 detected, i.e. outside the building in which it was located, which ozone concentration detected? was 0.076 mg/m<3>.

Finally, with the device 10 in its operational state, yes? proceeded to detect the concentration in the environment external to him, opening the drawer 17 every 7 minutes, which ? resulted equal to 0.002 mg/m<3>. In this last analysis? necessary to remember that the device 10 ? set in such a way that when the drawer 17 is opened, it suspends its sanitizing action.

The TLV-TWA legal limit of ozone concentration ? of 0.393 mg/m<3>, ? therefore it can be immediately seen that inside the device 10, in its closed position, there is a higher concentration, therefore very effective for the sanitization of objects and waste of various kinds contained therein, while the concentration outside is always lower than the threshold by law, both with the device 10 in its closed and open position.

We are now going to define the effectiveness of the treatment with ozone by means of the device 10 for the sanctification of objects and refuse of various kinds.

From the scientific bibliography, the tests performed for the inactivation of viruses and bacteria with ozone are always performed in aqueous solutions, where, since? the density? ? very close to 1.00 g/ml, 1 mg/l corresponds to 1 ppm (parts per million).

To have chance? of comparison you will go? to therefore calculate the concentration in ppm of the ozone measured, bearing in mind that the concentration of ozone measured inside the device 10 in its operating state is 0.41 mg/m<3 > and that the molecular weight of the ozone ? M = 48.00 g/mol.

That is to say:

Therefore, inside the closed compartment 15 while the device 10 is active, the concertation of ozone ? of 0.21ppm.

Furthermore, to make a comparison pi? accurate, ? It is necessary to make a further consideration regarding the difference in ozone decay in water and in the air.

? it is necessary to take into account the temperature in which the ozone sanitization is carried out, as this temperature has an important influence on the half-life of the ozone itself, as shown in the following example.

At a temperature of 20°C, the ozone content in the air halves its concentration in about 3 days, while the ozone content in water halves its concentration in about 15 minutes.

Does the ozone content in the air halve its concentration in about 1h30? at a temperature of about 120?C, while the ozone contained in water halves its concentration in about 12 minutes at a temperature of 35?C.

From known scientific literature, it is known that by means of treatments in water with ozone concentrations of about 0.2-0.5 mg/l, with temperatures between about 20?C and 24?C, and treatment times of about 1? 30? at 20?, a reduction of viruses and bacteria of about 99-99.9% is obtained.

For example, for a 99.9% reduction and inactivation of Escherichia coli at a temperature of 24?C? necessary a treatment in water with an ozone concentration of about 0.23-0.26 mg/l for a time of about 1?40?.

For example for a 99.99% reduction and inactivation of legionella pneumophila at a temperature of 24?C ? necessary a treatment in water with an ozone concentration of about 0.32 mg/l for a time of about 20?.

For example, for a 99.7% reduction and inactivation of type 1 polyvirus of the Mahoney strain at a temperature of 24?C? necessary a treatment in water with an ozone concentration of about 0.23-0.26 mg/l for a time of about 1?40?.

For example for a 99% reduction and inactivation of type 1 echo-viruses at a temperature of 20?C? necessary a treatment in water with an ozone concentration of about 0.26 mg/l for a time of about 20?.

For example for an 80% reduction and inactivation of f2 bacteriophages at a temperature of 20?C? necessary a treatment in water with an ozone concentration of about 0.1 mg/l for about 10?.

For example, for a 99.6% reduction and inactivation of candida parapsilosis at a temperature of 24?C? necessary a treatment in water with an ozone concentration of about 0.23-0.26 mg/l for a time of about 1?40?.

For example, for a 99% reduction and inactivation of naegleria gruberi at a temperature of 25?C? treatment in water with an ozone concentration of about 0.3 mg/l for about 4?20? is necessary.

By treating such elements with airborne ozone in a closed container in isolation from the outside, how is it? the present device 10, with a concentration of 0.21 ppm, there is a halving of the ozone concentration which is very limited in time, therefore well beyond the 20 minutes necessary for some treatments in water, where the ozone concentration is already? Yes ? halved, would it be already? sufficient to inactivate known pathogenic organisms.

With the present device 10, by cyclically repeating the production of ozone inside it, the ozone concentration can be maintained almost in the predetermined time.

Furthermore, ? Is it possible to calibrate the ozone generator in such a way that the ozone concentration is much more? high of 0.21 ppm, thus reducing the inactivation times of the pathogenic organisms, always keeping the environment external to the device 10 not harmful to humans, ie with ozone concentrations below the legal limits.

As an alternative to increasing the ozone concentration inside the device 10, ? possible to repeat more? cycles at distances of predetermined times.

Claims (10)

Description of the industrial invention entitled: ?DEVICE FOR SANITIZING VARIOUS OBJECTS AND WASTE? CLAIMS 1. Device (10) for the sanitization of objects (13) and/or waste of various kinds designed to counteract the transfer of pathogenic microorganisms from food to food, from objects to food, from people to food, and vice versa, and consequently from objects to people, from people to people and vice versa, this device (10) comprising at least one piece of furniture (11) consisting of a box-like structure (14) defining at least one internal compartment (15) and having at least one front opening (16) that can be opened and closable by means of a closure means (17) for the insertion and removal inside the compartment (15) itself of one or more? objects (13) and/or waste of various kinds to be treated by at least one first sanitizing means (12), said device (10) being characterized in that said box-like structure (14) ? made of metal, and its opening (16) ? provided with a shaped perimeter (27) with a frontally protruding perimeter step (27?), this closure means (17) being made of metal and consisting of a shaped drawer with a rear portion (24), with horizontal extension, joined orthogonally with a front portion (25), having an upward vertical extension, of which the rear portion (24) being able to slide in the space (15) in the direction of the depth? of the structure (14) and the front portion (25) being adapted to abut against the perimeter (27) of said opening (16), in such a way that the perimeter step (27?) is positioned superimposed externally to the edge (25 ?) of the same front portion (25), to have an insulation of the internal compartment (15) with respect to the external environment, inside the compartment (15) or in a second compartment (28) adjacent to it and communicating with it, said first sanitizing means (12) being fixed laterally, which being constituted by an electric ozone generator, and being able to create ozone inside the compartment (15) only when the latter is in its closed position. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said rear portion (24) is provided at the rear with at least one portion (29?) made of material sensitive to magnetic fields, while inside the compartment (15), in its lower rear part? positioned and fixed at least one magnetic field generation means (29), able to interact with said portion (29?), at least to keep it still in position when the latter is placed near it, or when the drawer (17) ? in its closed position. 3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that this magnetic field generation means (29) is? constituted by an electromagnet, and this portion (29?) ? made in one piece or in a removable manner with respect to the rear portion (24) of the drawer (17), and ? consisting of a counter magnet. 4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that said device (10) comprises at least one electronic control and command card, comprising in turn at least one microprocessor and at least one position sensor means, the latter being associated with said means magnetic field generation device (29) in such a way as to detect the opening and closing position of the drawer (17) and to send the signal to the microprocessor, which ? set to activate the first half sanitizer (29) when ? detected the closed position of the drawer (17) and to deactivate it when ? the opening position of the drawer (17) has been detected. 5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that said electronic control and command card comprises at least one time counting means, such as for example a timer, able to determine the duration of the sanitization cycles by means of said first sanitization means (12). 6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that said electronic control and command card comprises at least one wireless connection means to be set even remotely by means of suitable remote electronic setting devices. 7. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that at least one second sanitizing means operating with UV-C rays is inserted and fixed in the compartment (15) and also connected to said time counting means, and ? designed to increase the effectiveness of surface sanitization of objects (13) and waste of various kinds during sanitization cycles. 8. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said rear portion (24) is shaped in the shape of a tub, i.e. with a lower level bordered on the perimeter by vertical walls joined together, ? provided laterally with sliding means (26), and ? sized in such a way that these sliding means (26) can be associated with sliding guides (22, 23) positioned at the two lower side edges (20, 21) of the compartment (15). 9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the box-like structure (14) is provided with a second horizontal lower opening (16?), joined frontally and perpendicular to the first opening (16), which two openings (16, 16?) being closable and sealable respectively by means of the rear portion (24) and the rear portion ( 25) of the drawer (17), the latter being provided at the bottom with support wheels (19), preferably positioned at the point of union of the rear portion (24) and the front portion (25) in such a way as to prevent it from overturning when it is in its open position, furthermore the perimetric edge of the rear portion (24) being sized and positioned to slide superimposed on the perimeter of said second opening (16?), to maintain insulation between the compartment (15) and the outside . 10. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that for the positioning of the objects (13) ? provided above the rear portion (24) with at least one shelf of the self-supporting and removable type and/or with rods or hooks fixed to the ceiling of the compartment (15).