NZ621148B2 - Sterilant system - Google Patents
Sterilant system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ621148B2 NZ621148B2 NZ621148A NZ62114812A NZ621148B2 NZ 621148 B2 NZ621148 B2 NZ 621148B2 NZ 621148 A NZ621148 A NZ 621148A NZ 62114812 A NZ62114812 A NZ 62114812A NZ 621148 B2 NZ621148 B2 NZ 621148B2
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- container
- dispensing tube
- reagent
- pump
- pump head
- Prior art date
Links
- 239000003153 chemical reaction reagent Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 30
- 230000002572 peristaltic Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 23
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 18
- 230000001954 sterilising Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 239000000969 carrier Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 27
- LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N ethanol Chemical compound CCO LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 7
- 210000000088 Lip Anatomy 0.000 claims description 5
- 150000001298 alcohols Chemical class 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000000875 corresponding Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000314 lubricant Substances 0.000 description 6
- OSVXSBDYLRYLIG-UHFFFAOYSA-N Chlorine dioxide Chemical group O=Cl=O OSVXSBDYLRYLIG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 4
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 235000019398 chlorine dioxide Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- QBWCMBCROVPCKQ-UHFFFAOYSA-M chlorite Chemical compound [O-]Cl=O QBWCMBCROVPCKQ-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 3
- 229910001919 chlorite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 229910052619 chlorite group Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000011065 in-situ storage Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000004155 Chlorine dioxide Substances 0.000 description 2
- WQYVRQLZKVEZGA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Hypochlorite Chemical compound Cl[O-] WQYVRQLZKVEZGA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- XTEGARKTQYYJKE-UHFFFAOYSA-M chlorate Chemical compound [O-]Cl(=O)=O XTEGARKTQYYJKE-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 2
- 239000000499 gel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920002545 silicone oil Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 241001527806 Iti Species 0.000 description 1
- 210000001503 Joints Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 241001465754 Metazoa Species 0.000 description 1
- UKLNMMHNWFDKNT-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium chlorite Chemical compound [Na+].[O-]Cl=O UKLNMMHNWFDKNT-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 229940035295 Ting Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 150000007513 acids Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000844 anti-bacterial Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002421 anti-septic Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011260 aqueous acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007864 aqueous solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 1
- VEXZGXHMUGYJMC-UHFFFAOYSA-M chloride anion Chemical compound [Cl-] VEXZGXHMUGYJMC-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001704 evaporation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- KFZMGEQAYNKOFK-UHFFFAOYSA-N iso-propanol Chemical compound CC(C)O KFZMGEQAYNKOFK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 125000000621 oxo-lambda(3)-chloranyloxy group Chemical group *OCl=O 0.000 description 1
- 150000002978 peroxides Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000915 polyvinyl chloride Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000036633 rest Effects 0.000 description 1
- -1 sodium chlorite Chemical compound 0.000 description 1
- 229960002218 sodium chlorite Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- 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
-
- 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
- A61L2/22—Phase substances, e.g. smokes, aerosols or sprayed or atomised substances
-
- 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
- A61L2202/00—Aspects relating to methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects
- A61L2202/10—Apparatus features
- A61L2202/15—Biocide distribution means, e.g. nozzles, pumps, manifolds, fans, baffles, sprayers
-
- 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
- A61L2202/00—Aspects relating to methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects
- A61L2202/10—Apparatus features
- A61L2202/16—Mobile applications, e.g. portable devices, trailers, devices mounted on vehicles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
- B05B11/0005—Components or details
- B05B11/0008—Sealing or attachment arrangements between sprayer and container
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
- B05B11/0005—Components or details
- B05B11/0037—Containers
- B05B11/0054—Cartridges, i.e. containers specially designed for easy attachment to or easy removal from the rest of the sprayer
-
- B05B11/303—
-
- B05B11/3032—
-
- B05B11/3081—
-
- B05B11/3084—
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B7/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas
- B05B7/02—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge
- B05B7/04—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge with arrangements for mixing liquids or other fluent materials before discharge
- B05B7/0408—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge with arrangements for mixing liquids or other fluent materials before discharge with arrangements for mixing two or more liquids
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B7/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas
- B05B7/02—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge
- B05B7/08—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge with separate outlet orifices, e.g. to form parallel jets, i.e. the axis of the jets being parallel, to form intersecting jets, i.e. the axis of the jets converging but not necessarily intersecting at a point
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B9/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour
- B05B9/03—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material
- B05B9/04—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material with pressurised or compressible container; with pump
- B05B9/0403—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material with pressurised or compressible container; with pump with pumps for liquids or other fluent material
- B05B9/042—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material with pressurised or compressible container; with pump with pumps for liquids or other fluent material with peristaltic pumps
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B9/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour
- B05B9/03—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material
- B05B9/04—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material with pressurised or compressible container; with pump
- B05B9/0403—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material with pressurised or compressible container; with pump with pumps for liquids or other fluent material
- B05B9/0426—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material with pressurised or compressible container; with pump with pumps for liquids or other fluent material with a pump attached to the spray gun or discharge device
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B9/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour
- B05B9/03—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material
- B05B9/04—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material with pressurised or compressible container; with pump
- B05B9/08—Apparatus to be carried on or by a person, e.g. of knapsack type
- B05B9/085—Apparatus to be carried on or by a person, e.g. of knapsack type with a liquid pump
- B05B9/0872—Apparatus to be carried on or by a person, e.g. of knapsack type with a liquid pump the pump being a peristaltic pump
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/32—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging two or more different materials which must be maintained separate prior to use in admixture
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B43/00—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members
- F04B43/12—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members having peristaltic action
- F04B43/1253—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members having peristaltic action by using two or more rollers as squeezing elements, the rollers moving on an arc of a circle during squeezing
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B43/00—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members
- F04B43/12—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members having peristaltic action
- F04B43/1253—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members having peristaltic action by using two or more rollers as squeezing elements, the rollers moving on an arc of a circle during squeezing
- F04B43/1292—Pumps specially adapted for several tubular flexible members
Abstract
multi-part sterilant system (12) which has a first part (4) with a first reagent in a carrier medium in a first container (6) and a second part (8) with a second reagent in a carrier medium in a second container (10). The first reagent and the second reagent will react to provide a sterilising composition when the first part (4) is mixed with the second part (8). The system has a pump head (2) with a peristaltic pump member (22). The first container (6) has a first-part dispensing tube (16) extending from its interior and disposed through the pump head (2). The second container (10) has a second-part dispensing tube (18) extending from its interior and disposed through the pump head (2). The peristaltic pump member (22) when actuated acts on both the first-part dispensing tube (16) and the second-part dispensing tube (18) so as simultaneously to pump substantially equal volumes of the first part (4) and the second part (8). position when the first part (4) is mixed with the second part (8). The system has a pump head (2) with a peristaltic pump member (22). The first container (6) has a first-part dispensing tube (16) extending from its interior and disposed through the pump head (2). The second container (10) has a second-part dispensing tube (18) extending from its interior and disposed through the pump head (2). The peristaltic pump member (22) when actuated acts on both the first-part dispensing tube (16) and the second-part dispensing tube (18) so as simultaneously to pump substantially equal volumes of the first part (4) and the second part (8).
Description
W0 2013/030597
_ 1 _
STERILANT SYSTEM
OUND
a. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a sterilant system and method for sterilising
surfaces.
b. Related Art
Two-part sterilising solutions are used in applications where the active sterilising
ingredient is unstable over time. The solution is therefore prepared in situ shortly
before it is to be used. A particularly important sterilising agent is chlorine dioxide
(0'02), which may be formed from mixtures of s reagents including: chlorite
and acid; chlorate, peroxide and acid; and chlorite, hypochlorite, and a suitable
buffer. Chlorine dioxide has excellent sterilising and bactericidal properties, and
oral ion in man and animals has been shown to be relatively safe.
describes a two part sterilant system having two reagents, each
of which is put up in an aqueous medium in its own container. The aqueous media
contain a foam promoter, and actuation of a single trigger dispenses each part as
a foam. Mixing of the foams allows the reagents to react together to form a
ant such as CIOz in situ.
The effectiveness of two-part sterilant systems in conventional trigger sprayers
can be reduced if the spray action does not result in the delivery of an identical
volume of each reagent medium, resulting in an excess of one reagent in the
mixture. Delivery of different s is particularly likely to result when the
dispensed media are of ent ities.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Aspects of the invention are specified in the independent . Preferred
features are ied in the dependent claims.
2012/052154
The invention allows plural volumes of fluid to be evenly pumped as equal
volumes from two or more sources irrespective of differences in viscosity.
r advantage of the invention over conventional multi-component fluid
pumps is that it ensures clean delivery of each fluid. Prior art sterilant apparatuses
typically have pistons and require use of silicone oil or a similar lubricant. Such
lubricants can contaminate the fluids being pumped. In the present invention,
silicone and other lubricants are not required, and the fluids being pumped are
isolated from contact with the pump member.
W0 30597
_ 3 _
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE GS
The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with
reference to the ing drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a cutaway view of a pump apparatus of the sterilant system of
Figure 6;
Figures 2 and 3 show, respectively, the trigger and the peristaltic pump
member of the assembly of Figure 4;
Figure 4 is a view of the assembled trigger and peristaltic pump member of
the apparatus of Figure 1;
Figures 5a-5c show partial side views of the apparatus of Figure 1;
Figures 6 and 7 illustrate a multi-part sterilant system in accordance with an
aspect of the invention;
Figure 8 shows a multi-part sterilant system in accordance with another
embodiment of the invention;
Figure 9 shows a multi-part sterilant system in accordance with a further
ment of the invention;
Figures 10 and 11 show, respectively, a pump head and a container
g of a multi-part sterilant system in accordance with a further
embodiment of the invention;
Figure 12 shows a refill comprising collapsible containers suitable for
insertion into the container g of Figure 11;
Figure 13 shows a collar portion of a refill, for securing collapsible
W0 2013/030597
_ 4 _
containers together, according to a further embodiment of the invention;
Figure 14 shows a collapsible container suitable for engaging with the collar
portion of Figure 13; and
Figures 15-17 rate other embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to Figure 1, a pump apparatus 2 includes a pump head 20, a peristaltic
pump member 22, and a plurality of dispensing tubes 16,18 disposed through the
pump head 20. In this embodiment, the peristaltic pump member 22 is a rotor
which is rotatably housed within the pump head 20; however, it will be understood
that other types of altic pump member 22 could be used, for example a
translational pump member. In this example, two sing tubes 16,18 are
provided side by side, for simultaneously dispensing two s or gels. Three or
more dispensing tubes could be used in alternative embodiments, for
simultaneously dispensing a ponding number of fluids.
When actuated, the altic pump member 22 acts simultaneously on each of
the dispensing tubes 16,18, in this embodiment via one or more ers 14. Two
impellers 14a,14b are illustrated. Rotation of the pump member 22 causes at least
one of the impellers 14 to act on each of the dispensing tubes 16,18 so as
simultaneously to pump a fluid through each dispensing tube.
Each dispensing tube 16,18 is squeezed by the impeller 14 against an inner
surface of the pump head 20, and as the pump member 22 turns, the impeller 14
drives fluid ahead of it through the dispensing tubes. Because the volume
squeezed out by the impeller 14 is independent of the viscosity of the fluid within a
sing tube, a substantially equal volume of fluid is pumped through each
dispensing tube 16,18 regardless of viscosity. The dispensing tubes 16,18 are
elastomeric at least in the region where the impeller 14 acts upon them, to ensure
that the tubes return to their original cross-sectional shape when not acted upon
WO 30597
_ 5 _
by an impeller. In a preferred embodiment, each dispensing tube 16, 18 is
elastomeric along its entire length. In this embodiment, each dispensing tube 16,
18 is of a unitary construction.
In the present example, the pump head 20 is provided with a nozzle housing 34.
The dispensing tubes 16,18 ate at a nozzle 36, secured in the nozzle
housing 34 through which fluids from both tubes are dispensed. The fluids may
mix substantially at the point of exit from the nozzle 36 or some distance . In
other embodiments, each dispensing tube terminates in a separate nozzle outlet
so that mixing of fluids does not occur until after the fluids have been dispensed by
the pump apparatus.
The exemplified pump apparatus 2 includes a -operated trigger 24 which is
pivotally mounted to the pump head 20 and provided with a return spring 32 which
urges the trigger 24 to an extended position. A user pulls the trigger 24 to actuate
the peristaltic pump member 22 as will be described below.
Referring now to Figure 2, the exemplified peristaltic pump member 22 comprises
two opposed drive wheels 40 which are connected together by the impellers 14.
The outer face of each drive wheel 40 is provided with ratchet es 30 which
are upstanding from nt transitional flat surfaces 42. Each transitional flat
surface 42 slopes evenly between an outer edge of one ratchet surface and an
inner edge of an adjacent ratchet surface. In this embodiment the r 24
(Figure 3) is generally symmetric about a vertical axis, having a front n 46
and a pair of opposed side arms 44. Each side arm 44 is provided with an
inwardly-directed pawl 28 for engagement with a ratchet surface 30 of the pump
member 22 when the pump member 22 is housed within the pump head 20
between the arms 44 of the trigger 24 (Figure 4).
Figures 5a-5c show stages of operation of the pump apparatus. Starting from a
fully extended position, a user squeezes the trigger 24 which pivots about a pin 26.
Each pawl 28 moves over a sloping transitional surface 42 until it abuts a ratchet
surface 30 (Figure 5a). r squeezing of the trigger causes each pawl 28 to
W0 2013/030597
_ 6 _
push against a ratchet surface 30 and drive the pump member anticlockwise as
viewed. This turning first brings one of the impellers 14a simultaneously into
contact with both dispensing tubes 16,18, and then causes the impeller 14a to
begin pumping substantially equal volumes of fluid from each dispensing tube
(Figure 5b). After the r has been fully pulled and released by the user, the
return spring 32 brings the trigger back to its fully extended position, causing each
pawl 28 to disengage from a ratchet surface 30 and pass back over the sloping
tional surface 42 (Figure So) until it drops over an adjacent ratchet surface
. During the trigger’s return, the pump member 22 does not move and pumping
stops. A further ion of the trigger repeats the pumping process. In this
embodiment, each drive wheel 40 has five ratchet surfaces 30. In other
embodiments, the number of ratchet surfaces may be selected to permit reliable
pumping of smaller volumes of fluids; for example by allowing a user ally to
pull the trigger only half way towards the pump housing before releasing it. In other
embodiments the number of ratchet surfaces 30 may be ed to provide
desired increments/doses or multiples of up to 20-30.
Referring now to Figures 6 and 7, a red ment of the ion
provides a two-part ant system 12 which incorporates the previously-
bed peristaltic pump apparatus. The sterilant system 12 comprises a first
part 4 and a second part 8. The first part 4 is in a first container 6 and comprises a
first reagent in a carrier medium. The second part 8 is in a second container 10
and comprises a second t in a carrier medium. The first reagent and the
second reagent react when the first and second parts are mixed, to provide a
sterilising composition. Those skilled in the art of sterilant formulations will
understand that the first and second reagents may be selected from a variety of
substances. In a preferred embodiment the reagents react to produce CIOz. The
first part may, for example, comprise an aqueous solution of a chlorite such as
sodium chlorite, and the second part may se an aqueous acid or mixture of
acids.
The sterilant system 12 has a pump head 20 with a peristaltic pump member 22.
The first 6 and second 10 containers in this embodiment are housed in a container
_ 7 _
housing 38 which is secured to the pump head 20 by means of a securing feature
48 on the pump head which engages with an internal surface of the container
housing 38. In one embodiment, the securing feature is a locking it, and
once the container housing is engaged, it is not removable; the ant system 12
is disposable and will be discarded once the contents have been discharged. In
alternative embodiments, the container housing 38 and the ners 6, 10 can
be exchanged to permit refilling of the contents.
The first ner 6 has a first-part dispensing tube 16 extending from its interior
and disposed through the pump head 20. The second container 10 has a second-
part dispensing tube 18 extending from its or and disposed through the pump
head 20. When the peristaltic pump member 22 is actuated by a user operating
the trigger 24, the pump member 22 acts simultaneously on both the first-part
dispensing tube 16 and the second-part dispensing tube 18, as described with
reference to Figures 1-5, so as simultaneously to pump substantially equal
volumes of the first part 4 and the second part 8 as a spray 50 of liquid, gel or
foam.
In this ment, the first-part dispensing tube 16 and the second-part
dispensing tube 18 are ted together at their free ends to a nozzle 36
through which is pumped a mixture of the first part 4 and the second part 8 when
the pump member 22 is actuated. In the embodiment of Figure 8, each dispensing
tube 16,18 has its own nozzle 36a,36b so that the first part and the second part
are pumped as separate sprays or jets of fluid which will be mixed in situ, for
example by a user rubbing his hands together when the system is a hand sanitizer
or hand cleaner, or with a cloth or wipe when the system is used to sterilize a
surface, for example a surface in a hospital or other clinical environment.
It will be appreciated that, within practical limits, any number of dispensing tubes
may be employed for aneously dispensing a plurality of fluids. The ion
allows a y of different reagents and/or ingredients or additives to be
combined at or shortly before the point of delivery. Thus, components which
individually have desirable properties but which may be unstable when stored in
solution together may be employed in the multi-part system. A practical limit of up
to about 10 dispensing tubes and associated containers is envisaged; for example
4-6 tubes, or for particularly complex systems, 7-9 tubes.
Referring now to Figure 9, an embodiment of a multi-part sterilant system 12 is
rated. This system is similar to the system of Figures 6-8, but includes a third
part 52 in a third container 54, with a third dispensing tube 56. Equal volumes of
each part 4,8,52 are simultaneously dispensed when the trigger 24 is squeezed,
via respective nozzles 36a,b,c. The first part and the second part may include
reagents which react when mixed to provide an oxidising sterilant composition, for
example ClO2, and the third part may include additional components which may
not be stable to long term exposure to either or both of the reagents. In this
example, the third part comprises an alcohol, notably isopropanol, which provides
additional antiseptic functionality. Other alcohols, or mixtures of alcohols, may be
used.
To se the proportion of alcohol, or other desired component, in the
dispensed mixture, it will be appreciated that additional sing tubes may be
used. For example, a fourth dispensing tube may be used, and both the third and
fourth dispensing tubes may be used to dispense l, providing up to 50%
alcohol in the final mixture without alcohol being present in the first part or the
second part. A fifth dispensing tube s up to 60% alcohol to be dispensed,
and use of 10 tubes permits up to 80% alcohol to be dispensed. When a plurality
of dispensing tubes are used to dispense the same component, for example
l, this component may optionally be provided in fewer containers than the
number of dispensing tubes for the component. For example, a single container
may be used, in which two or more sing tubes are disposed. For efficiency,
the volume of such a container is preferably increased in tion to the number
of associated dispensing tubes so that each container is emptied after the same
number of operations of the trigger.
Each container 6,10, 54 may be provided with a vent tube to connect the top of the
container’s or to here to allow pressure equalisation within the
W0 2013/030597
_ 9 _
container during the pumping process. The vent tubes may be provided with a
non-return valve to ensure that air can enter but fluid cannot exit through the vent
tubes. Alternatively, each container may be collapsible so that as fluid is pumped
out, the internal volume of the ner contracts. The containers may be
collapsible by being formed from a flexible material such as a thin plastics
material, or by virtue of being provided with flexible joints or folds, for example
s-fashion.
We have found that the size of the pump head needed may be reduced by using a
plurality of first-part dispensing tubes 16 and second-part dispensing tubes 18. By
using a plurality of dispensing tubes (for example, two or three) for each part, each
tube may be of narrower al and external dimensions for delivery of the same
volume as is achievable using a single tube of larger dimensions for each part.
The narrower tubes can conform to a smaller radius than wider tubes, which
allows the radius of the peristaltic pump member 22 and pump head 20 to be
correspondingly reduced, making it easier to hold and e. Each type of the
plurality of dispensing tube may be housed in a single container; alternatively a
ity of first containers 6 and/or second containers 10 may be provided. An
ment which uses two first-part dispensing tubes 16a,16b and two second-
part dispensing tubes 18a,18b is illustrated in Figure 15.
Figures 10 to 12 show an example of a multi-part sterilant system including
sible containers. The pump head 20 is as bed previously and includes
three dispensing tubes 16, 18, 56 extending from a base portion 58 of the pump
head 20.
The container housing 38 is sized to receive a refill component 60 as described
below and includes an opening 62 at a top of the housing 38. The container
housing 38 is preferably made from a substantially rigid material, gh the
container housing 38 may be at least partially deformable, at least to permit
engagement of the housing 38 with the pump head 20.
Figure 12 shows an embodiment of a refill component 60 including a chassis or
_ 10 _
collar portion 64 and three collapsible containers 66, 68, 70. The collapsible
ners 66, 68, 70 perform substantially the same function as the containers 6,
, 54 previously described and, in particular, each container 66, 68, 70 includes a
reagent or part of the multi-part ant system. Each of the containers 66, 68, 70
is preferably made from a thin wall of a plastics material such as nyl chloride
(PVC).
An opening (not shown) in an upper region of each of the ners 66, 68, 70 is
in fluid communication with an aperture 72 in the collar portion 64. Preferably, the
collar portion 64 includes the same number of apertures 72 as the number of
containers 66, 68, 70. The apertures 72 are d such that when the openings
in the containers 66, 68, 70 are aligned with the apertures 72, the containers 66,
68, 70 are held in a suitable arrangement beneath the collar 64. In this way, the
collar portion 64 secures the containers in such a way that the dispensing tubes
16, 18, 56 may be inserted into the containers 66, 68, 70 through the apertures 72
in the collar 64, ting cross-contamination of the dispensing tubes 16, 18, 56
when replacing the refill 60.
The sterilant system is assembled by lowering the containers 66, 68, 70 into the
container housing 38 and inserting the dispensing tubes 16, 18, 56 into the
containers 66, 68, 70 h the apertures 72 in the collar 64. The collar portion
64 engages with one or both of the base portion 58 of the pump head 20 and the
opening 62 of the ner housing 38, such that the containers 66, 68, 70 are
substantially suspended within the housing 38.
As liquid is drawn from the containers 66, 68, 70, through actuation of the trigger
24 and pump member 22, the containers 66, 68, 70 collapse. This provides a
system that minimises or prevents the evaporation of liquid and the release of
odours from the containers 66, 68, 70, which is particular desirable in the case of
more volatile reagents that may be used in the sterilant system.
It is envisaged that the pump head 20 and container housing 38 will be ,
and the refill component 60 ed as described above. It is, therefore,
_ 11 _
able to supply the refill 60 with a seal 74 covering the apertures 72 in the
collar 64. The seal 74 would then be removed during ly of the sterilant
system. Preferably the refill component 60 is ed in a vely rigid box or
container 76, such as a ard box, to prevent deformation of the collapsible
containers 66, 68, 70.
Figures 13 and 14 show a collar portion 78 and collapsible container 80 according
to a further embodiment of the invention.
The collar portion 78 (Figure 13) is sized to engage with one or both of the base
portion 58 of the pump head 20 and the opening 62 of the container housing 38,
and the collar 78 includes three slots 82, each slot 82 extending inwards from an
edge of the collar 78. The slots 82 are sized to receive a neck portion 84 of a
collapsible container 80. The collapsible container 80 (Figure 14) is substantially
the same as the collapsible containers 66, 68, 70 previously described. The
container 80 includes a neck portion 84 extending from an upper region of the
container 80, the neck portion 84 having a lip 86 around a top edge furthest from a
body 88 of the container.
The neck portion 84 and lip 86 of the container 80 are sized to be received within a
slot 82 in the collar 78. When the neck portion 84 is fully engaged in the collar 78,
the lip 86 rests against a surface of the collar 78, ng the container 80 to be
suspended from the collar 78.
To seal the container 80 during transport and storage, a bung 88 may be inserted
into the top of the neck portion 84. This bung 88 can then be removed during
ly of the sterilant system to allow a dispensing tube 16 to be inserted into
the container 80.
Referring now to Figure 16, a foot-operated embodiment of the invention is
illustrated. This permits the weight of the pump mechanism, including reagents
and containers 6,10 to be supported on the ground, ng a user to carry only
the pump head 20. In this ment, the peristaltic pump member 22 is
operated by the action of a user’s foot on a d 65 which is return-biased by a
spring 67. A spring-loaded catch 69 on the end of the foot pad pushes the pump
ratchet to turn the pump member. The containers 6,8 are removable and
replaceable, and are connected to tubes in the peristaltic pump member 22 by a
connector 71 on the containers and a corresponding connector 73 on the pump
member. The pump head 20 receives pumped fluids via a supply hose 59. In this
embodiment, the supply hose 59 is detachable from the footpad and connectable
via a hose plug 61 and hose socket 63. The hose 59 may be detached for
replacement or cleaning of the pump head 20.
In the embodiment of Figure 17, an alternative hand-operated trigger lever 75 is
used to drive the peristaltic pump head 22.
The invention allows plural volumes of reagents to be evenly pumped as equal
volumes from two or more s irrespective of differences in viscosity, to form
a sterilising composition.
Another advantage of the invention over conventional component fluid
pumps is that it ensures clean delivery of each reagent fluid. Prior art sterilant
apparatuses typically have pistons and require use of silicone oil or a r
lubricant. Such lubricants can contaminate the fluids being pumped. In the present
invention, ne and other lubricants are not required, and the fluids being
pumped are isolated from contact with the pump member.
Although the invention has been described with particular nce to a
disposable sterilant system, it will be understood that it is not limited to this
embodiment. Instead of a finger-operated trigger, the peristaltic pump member
may be actuated by a motorised trigger. The trigger may be manually operated by
a user, or may be operated automatically in response to a proximity sensor
detecting when an object is brought sufficiently close to the nozzle or nozzles.
Such embodiments may include a counter-top dispenser, an tic unted
dispenser, and a personal (body-mounted) dispenser.
_ 13 _
It is iated that n features of the invention, which are, for clarity,
described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in
combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention
which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also
be provided separately, or in any suitable combination.
Claims (14)
1. A multi-part sterilant system comprising: a first part sing a first reagent in a carrier medium in a first container; 5 a second part sing a second reagent in a r medium in a second container; wherein the first reagent and the second reagent will react to provide a sterilising composition when the first part is mixed with the second part; a pump head having a peristaltic pump member; 10 the first container having a first-part dispensing tube extending from its or and disposed through the pump head; the second container having a second-part dispensing tube extending from its interior and disposed through the pump head; wherein the peristaltic pump member when actuated acts on both the first- 15 part dispensing tube and the second-part dispensing tube so as simultaneously to pump substantially equal volumes of the first part and the second part.
2. A system according to claim 1, further comprising a pawl and a ratchet member for driving the peristaltic pump member, the ratchet member provided 20 with a plurality of ratchet surfaces which are engageable by the pawl.
3. A system according to claim 2, wherein the peristaltic pump member is ed with 4-30 ratchet surfaces, preferably 4-20 ratchet surfaces. 25
4. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the system is incorporated in one of a counter top ser, an automatic wall-mounted dispenser, a foot-operated ser, a hand-operated dispenser, and a personal, body-mounted, dispenser. 30
5. A system ing to any preceding claim, which has from two to 10 dispensing tubes.
6. A system according to any preceding claim, further comprising: a third part comprising a fluid in a third container; the third container having a third dispensing tube extending from its interior and disposed through the pump head; wherein the peristaltic pump member when actuated acts on the part 5 dispensing tube, the second-part dispensing tube and the third dispensing tube so as simultaneously to pump substantially equal volumes of the first part, the second part and the third part.
7. A system according to claim 6, wherein the first reagent and the second 10 reagent will react when mixed to produce an oxidising sterilant composition, and wherein the third part ses an alcohol or mixture of alcohols.
8. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the first container and the second ner are collapsible.
9. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein at least two first-part dispensing tubes and at least two second-part dispensing tubes are provided for dispensing, respectively, the first part and the second part. 20
10. A system according to any ing claim, wherein the first reagent and the second reagent react to produce ne dioxide when the first part is mixed with the second part.
11. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the first container and 25 the second container are permanently secured to the pump head so that they are not refillable.
12. A system according to any of claims 1-10, wherein each container is provided in a housing which is releasably secured to the pump head.
13. A system according to claim 12, wherein each container is sible and is d to a collar member, the collar member having, for each container, an opening which is d with an opening of the container to receive a corresponding dispensing tube when the pump head is attached to the housing.
14. A system according to claim 13, wherein the open end of each container has a neck portion and a lip, and wherein each g in the collar member is 5 dimensioned to support the lip of a container and has a slot portion which extends to an edge of the collar member for slidably receiving the neck portion of a container. $19. 1 0000000
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NZ705093A NZ705093B2 (en) | 2011-09-02 | 2012-09-03 | Sterilant System with Multi-Department Dispenser |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB1115194.1A GB2494623B (en) | 2011-09-02 | 2011-09-02 | Pump apparatus |
GB1115194.1 | 2011-09-02 | ||
PCT/GB2012/052154 WO2013030597A2 (en) | 2011-09-02 | 2012-09-03 | Sterilant system |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ621148A NZ621148A (en) | 2015-03-27 |
NZ621148B2 true NZ621148B2 (en) | 2015-06-30 |
Family
ID=
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