WO2021203192A1

WO2021203192A1 - Implement for disinfecting facemasks and method of use thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2021203192A1
Application number: PCT/CA2021/050455
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vincent TREMBLAY-MEUNIER; Jean-Christophe FORTIN HOUDE
Original assignee: Meunier Technologies Inc.
Priority date: 2020-04-06
Filing date: 2021-04-06
Publication date: 2021-10-14

Abstract

A facemask-disinfecting-implement adapted for receiving a facemask and for disinfecting the facemask; it has a bulb containing a UV-light-emitting gas that emits the UV-light when exposed to microwaves; one of an enclosure that is configured to receive the bulb as well as the mask such that the mask can be positioned over the bulb for improved disinfection, wherein the enclosure is at least partially composed of a material that reflects UV radiation and allows microwaves to pass through; and wherein said wall of said bulb has a dome shape for increasing an exposure between the wall of said bulb and an inner surface of said facemask.

Description

IMPLEMENT FOR DISINFECTING FACEMASKS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[001] the present application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/005,810, filed on April 6, 2020, and U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/037,675, filed on June 11, 2020, both incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

[002] The present disclosure relates to disinfection, and more particularly to disinfecting facemasks used to prevent or reduce spread of respiratory disease.

Background

[003] In an epidemic or pandemic situation where facemasks play a key role in controlling the spread a disease, the availability of those facemasks is crucial. When used, facemasks may become compromised with microorganisms (e.g. bacteria and/or viral particles) that could infect its user when used again, or in a context were facemasks usage should be optimised for economic or humanitarian purposes.

[004] Therefore, when supplies of facemasks are limited, the need for a simple method to extend their useful life (e.g. through disinfection without affecting the integrity of the mask) is sought.

[005] It would be advantageous for such a method of disinfecting facemasks to be readily available to larger infrastructures such as hospitals and institutions, and also be easily deployable to the general public.

Summary

[006] The present disclosure relates to a device and method for disinfecting facemasks using UV radiation generated by a gas-fdled bulb excited by microwaves.

[007] Facemasks may include (without being limited to) N95 mask, N100 mask, surgical masks, facemask filtration cartridges, reusable masks, etc.

[008] The present method includes using a single or a series of bulbs containing a specific gas that, when subjected to microwaves, emits short wavelength UV radiation (e.g. UV-C) in order to get a certain band of UV radiation (e.g. 254 nm) affecting the exposed microorganisms on the facemask, destroying nucleic acids, disrupting the DNA of the microorganisms, leaving the microorganisms unable to perform vital functions. A domestic microwave (also referred to herein as a microwave oven) can be used to generate the microwaves required.

[009] Using a domestic microwave allows this method to be extremely simple and cost effective to deploy because the method includes a device that is readily available in most households, is relatively inexpensive to acquire, and no dedicated electrical power source is needed. Using an existing domestic microwave also allows this process to be cost-effective when compared, e.g., to a conventional UV chamber, therefore making the process available to the public at-large.

[0010] The method may allow the user to utilize its domestic microwave as an interface protecting the surrounding people from UV radiation exposure. As such, the microwave offers a cost-effective solution to prevent the propagation of UV radiation when compared to conventional UV chambers requiring a custom-fabricated enclosure surrounding the UV radiation source and the exposed item.

[0011] This method allows for disinfection of facemasks within an extremely short period of time when compared to other alternatives, without affecting the integrity of the structures (i.e. physical properties) of the facemask.

[0012] Depending on its operating conditions, the device may be performing decontamination, disinfection or a disinfection of the facemasks.

[0013] The combination of the heat generated locally by the microwaves and the UV radiation further enhances the microorganism-disinfecting-treatment of the facemask.

[0014] Ozone may or may not be generated by the UV radiation during the disinfection/disinfection process.

[0015] When generated ozone is present, the ozone may enhance the microorganism disinfection process on the facemask. Depending on the generated UV wavelength, ozone may be produced from the oxygen present inside the microwave or the enclosure, e g. 100 nm to 240 nm, and more particularly 185 nm.

[0016] UV radiation has been proven effective in eliminating microorganisms (such as bacteria and viruses) or rendering them inactive. A key variable in this process is the intensity of the radiation with which microorganisms are exposed. The proximity of the desired exposed surface from the source of radiation and its intensity therefore play a key role in having an efficient process, whereby avoiding dead zones. The shape of the bulb may be defined by the shape of the mask in order to maximize exposure of the walls of the mask through the UV radiation originating from the bulb. As such, the bulb may have a dome-like shape for receiving the facemask and for following the curved shape of the mask. A significant portion of the facemask may be in direct contact with the wall of the bulb. It will be understood that contact between the facemask and the bulb is not necessary, wherein contact may result in the bulb damaging the facemask as a result o the heat produced by the bulb. The shape of bulb is such as to maximize radiation exposure resulting from the bulb to the mask.

[0017] In one example, the facemask is kept in place directly by the bulb, or by its support, allowing the desired surface of the mask to be treated, positioned at a minimal distance from the emitting source.

[0018] It has been shown that the present method allows for eliminating or rendering inactive 99% of the microorganisms, including viruses, in the facemask within, in some examples, 2 minutes using domestic microwaves.

[0019] A first broad aspect is a facemask-disinfecting-implement adapted for receiving a facemask and for disinfecting the facemask. The implement includes a bulb containing a UY- radiation-emitting gas that emits the UV radiation when exposed to microwaves and a wall containing the UV-radiation-emitting gas; and a support configured to receive and secure the bulb, wherein a shape of the wall of the bulb is adapted for allowing the facemask to be positioned over the bulb, and wherein the facemask rests on at least one of an upper surface of the support and the wall of the bulb.

[0020] In some embodiments, the wall of the bulb may have a dome shape for increasing improving radiation of the facemask.

[0021] In some embodiments, the UV-radiation-emitting gas may emit UV radiation at least at a wavelength of 254 nm.

[0022] In some embodiments, the bulb further may include a metallic wire configured to heat the UV-radiation-emitting-gas.

[0023] In some embodiments, the metallic wire may be made from tungsten.

[0024] In some embodiments, the support may include one or more fasteners for receiving straps of the facemask.

[0025] In some embodiments, dimensions of the bulb and dimensions of the support may be adapted for allowing edges of the facemask to rest on the upper surface of the support.

[0026] In some embodiments, the upper surface of the support may have a disk shape. [0027] In some embodiments, the wall of the bulb may be made from a quartz-based material.

[0028] In some embodiments, the bulbs may be filled with mercury in a liquid phase and argon in a gaseous phase. The gas filled bulbs may then be in some instances filled with liquid phase elements.

[0029] In some embodiments, the facemask-disinfecting-implement may include an enclosure for covering the support, the bulb and the facemask, the enclosure at least partially composed of a material that reflects UV radiation and allows microwaves to pass through.

[0030] In some embodiments, the material may be polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0031] In some embodiments, the enclosure may include apertures for allowing heat to dissipate out of the enclosure.

[0032] In some embodiments, the facemask-disinfecting-implement may include an additional bulb comprising UV-radiation-emitting gas that emits the UV radiation when exposed to microwaves; and a wall containing the UV-radiation-emitting gas.

[0033] In some embodiments, the additional bulb may be joined to an upper inside surface of the enclosure.

[0034] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the wall of the bulb may be coated with a reflective coating for reflecting UV-rays produced by the bulb.

[0035] Another broad aspect is a method of disinfecting a facemask. The method includes positioning a facemask on the facemask-disinfecting-implement as described herein; positioning the facemask-disinfecting-implement in a microwave oven; emitting microwaves using the microwave oven, the microwave oven having received the facemask-disinfecting-implement with the facemask, such that the microwaves cause the bulb of the facemask-disinfecting- implement to emit UV radiation; and removing, following the emission, the facemask from the microwave.

[0036] In some embodiments, the emitting may be conducted for a period of at least one minute.

[0037] Another broad aspect is a mask that has been disinfected using the method as described herein.

[0038] The implement may be used to disinfect face mask filtration cartridges that may or may not have been intended to be reused. [0039] Implement performance validation may be performed by measuring UVC radiation throughout the disinfection cycle (using for example UVC dosimeter) or using a biological indication (such a Geobacillus Spore strip). Both indicators may be supported by a dedicated support on the enclosure.

[0040] Another broad aspect is a mask-disinfecting-system comprising the facemask- disinfecting-implement as described herein; and a microwave.

[0041] A chemical (such as hydrogen peroxide) or water may be added before, during or after the disinfection process to further enhance the disinfection/disinfection performance of the device. The chemical or water may be sprayed, dripped on the facemasks or the facemasks may partially or fully dipped in the chemical or water. The chemical or water may also be added indirectly by being introduced inside the device in for example a dedicated containment.

[0042] In some embodiments, the system may include an additional bulb containing a UV- radiation-emitting gas that emits the UV radiation when exposed to microwaves and a wall containing the UV-radiation-emitting gas.

[0043] In some embodiments, the support may be adapted for receiving and securing the additional bulb.

[0044] The enclosure is designed to allow for an optimized containment of the generated gas (e.g. ozone) to maintain high concentrations of same therein for the facemask to be treated.

[0045] The added chemical may generate an oxidizer (e.g. ozone) to further enhance the disinfection process when needed.

[0046] Another broad aspect is a facemask-disinfecting-implement adapted to receive a facemask for disinfecting the facemask, including a bulb comprising, UV-radiation-emitting gas that emits the UV radiation when exposed to microwaves; and a wall containing the UV- radiation-emitting gas; and one of: an enclosure that is configured to receive the bulb as well as the mask such that the mask can be positioned over the bulb for improved disinfection, wherein the enclosure is at least partially composed of a material that allows microwaves to pass through; and wherein the wall of the bulb has a dome shape for increasing an exposure between the wall of the bulb and an inner surface of the facemask.

[0047] In some embodiments, wherein the implement may include the enclosure that is configured to receive the bulb as well as the mask such that the mask can be positioned over the bulb for improved disinfection, wherein the enclosure may be at least partially composed of a material that reflects UV radiation and allows microwaves to pass through.

[0048] In some embodiments, the enclosure may include a bottom portion including an outer wall defining sides of the enclosure and a support, the support defining the base of the enclosure; and a cover to be positioned over the bottom portion for covering an inner space for receiving the support with the bulb, wherein the inner space is accessible by removing the cover.

[0049] In some embodiments, the support and the outer wall of the bottom portion may be separable.

[0050] In some embodiments, wherein geometry of the bulb and geometry of the support may be adapted for allowing edges of the facemask to rest on an upper surface of the support. [0051] In some embodiments, the upper surface of the support may have a disk shape.

[0052] In some embodiments, wherein the cover may reduce an escape of ozone gas that accumulates in the inner space, wherein the cover may include one or more apertures for: allowing heat to escape; and to monitor functioning of the bulb during treatment.

[0053] In some embodiments, wherein the material may be polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0054] In some embodiments, the enclosure may include a reflective surface for reflecting the UV radiation to improve disinfection of the facemask.

[0055] In some embodiments, wherein UV-radiati on-emitting gas may include UV radiation at least at a wavelength of 254 nm.

[0056] In some embodiments, the bulb may include a metallic wire configured to heat the UV-radiation-emitting-gas.

[0057] In some embodiments, the metallic wire may be made from tungsten.

[0058] In some embodiments, the support may include one or more fasteners for receiving straps of the facemask.

[0059] In some embodiments, the fasteners may be adapted to be positioned at a height over the bulb in order to suspend the facemask over the bulb by the straps of the facemask.

[0060] In some embodiments, wherein the wall of the bulb may be made from a quartz-based material.

[0061] In some embodiments, the implement may include an additional bulb including UV- radiation-emitting gas that emits the UV radiation when exposed to microwaves; and a wall containing the UV-radiation-emitting gas.

[0062] In some embodiments, wherein the additional bulb may be joined to a side of the cover of the enclosure that faces the facemask when the facemask may be positioned in the inner space defined by the enclosure.

[0063] In some embodiments, the additional bulb may have a donut shape.

[0064] In some embodiments, wherein the wall of the bulb nay have a dome shape for increasing an exposure between the wall of the bulb and an inner surface of the facemask.

[0065] Another broad aspect is a method of disinfecting a facemask including adding a facemask to the facemask-disinfecting-implement as defined herein; positioning the facemask- disinfecting-implement in a microwave oven; emitting microwaves using the microwave oven, the microwave oven having received the facemask-disinfecting-implement with the facemask, such that the microwaves cause the bulb of the facemask-disinfecting-implement to emit UV radiation; and removing, following the emission, the facemask from the microwave.

[0066] In some embodiments, the emitting may be conducted for a period of at least 30 seconds.

[0067] In some embodiments, wherein the method may include adding a disinfecting agent to one or more surfaces of the facemask prior to the emitting.

[0068] In some embodiments, the disinfecting agent may be hydrogen peroxide.

[0069] Another broad aspect is a mask that has been disinfected using the method as described herein.

[0070] Another broad aspect is a mask-disinfecting-system including the facemask- disinfecting-implement as defined herein; and a microwave.

[0071] In some embodiments, the system may include a further bulb comprising a UV- radiation-emitting gas that emits the UV radiation when exposed to microwaves; and a wall containing the UV-radiation-emitting gas.

[0072] In some embodiments, the support may be adapted for receiving and securing the additional bulb.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0073] The invention will be better understood by way of the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0074] Figure 1 is a drawing of a cross-sectional view of an exemplary microwave with an exemplary facemask-disinfecting-implement having received an exemplary facemask;

[0075] Figure 2 is a drawing of a cross-sectional view of an exemplary facemask- disinfecting-implement having received an exemplary facemask;

[0076] Figure 3 is a drawing of a cross-sectional view of an exemplary facemask- disinfecting-implement with a bulb having an exemplary alternate form, having received an exemplary facemask;

[0077] Figure 4 is a drawing of a front view of an exemplary facemask-disinfecting- implement that is to receive an exemplary facemask;

[0078] Figure 5 is a drawing of a cross-sectional view of an exemplary microwave with an exemplary facemask-disinfecting-implement having received an exemplary facemask; and [0079] Figure 6 is a drawing of a front view of an exemplary microwave with an exemplary facemask-disinfecting-implement having received an exemplary facemask;

[0080] Figure 7 is a drawing of a cross-sectional view of an exemplary facemask- disinfecting-implement with an exemplary enclosure having received an exemplary facemask; [0081] Figure 8 is a drawing of a cross-sectional view of an exemplary facemask- disinfecting-implement with an exemplary enclosure having received an exemplary facemask, where the facemask is suspended by the straps; and

[0082] Figure 9 is a drawing of a cross-sectional view of an exemplary facemask- disinfecting-implement with an exemplary enclosure having received an exemplary facemask with an exemplary performance validation indicator.

Detailed Description [0083] EXEMPLARY FACEMASK-DISINFECTING-IMPLEMENT:

[0084] Reference is now made to Figures 1-6, illustrating an exemplary facemask- disinfecting-implement comprising an exemplary bulb [1] containing the gas [4] responsible for the UV radiation, and the bulb support [2] that can be part of an enclosure as defined herein (forming the base of the enclosure). The facemask-disinfecting-implement is shown to be installed in an exemplary microwave [6] In the present disclosure, a facemask may also be referred to by the term “mask”.

[0085] The facemask-disinfecting-implement includes a support [2] and a bulb [1] The support [2] may include one or more feet (as shown in Figure 6), an aperture for receiving and securing the bulb [1], one or more fasteners [11] The support [2] may include an upper surface from which the fastened bulb [1] extends upwardly, where the upper surface of the support [2] may be shaped to surround the bulb [1], where the dimensions of the upper surface may be sufficient to receive the outer edges of a facemask [5], the facemask [5] resting on the wall of the bulb [1] and the upper surface of the support [2] For instance, the upper surface of the support [2] may have a disk-like or elliptical shape.

[0086] In order for the bulb [1] material to efficiently allow for the passage of the emitted UV radiation by the gas [4], the material of the wall of the bulb [1] may be quartz-based. Other materials can be used for different applications. In some examples, the wall of the bulb may be made from at least two materials (e.g. the base of the wall of the bulb may be made from a material that reflect UV radiation and the rest of the wall of the bulb may be made from a material allowing the transmission of UV rays).

[0087] In the exemplary facemask-disinfecting-implement, the bulb [1] may be secured by the support [2] by being inserted in an aperture of the support [2] dimensioned to receive the bulb [1] (e.g. the base of the bulb). In some examples, a shoulder on the bulb [1] allows the bulb [1] to be secured vertically to the support [2] The support [2] can maintain the bulb [1] in place and/or the support [2] can serve as a support for the mask [5] and/or to attach the mask [12] straps on the hooks [11] of the support [2] In some examples, the shape of the bulb [1] may be sufficient to support the mask.

[0088] The gas [4] emits UV radiation when subject to microwaves. In some embodiments, the gas [4] found in the bulb [1] may be selected to emit UV radiation with a wavelength optimised at around 254 nm. In some examples, the gas [4] contained in the bulb [1] may be mercury vapor, generating the desired UV radiation with a wavelength of at or around 254 nm for an efficient treatment within approximately 1 minute. It will be understood that other gases may be used to emit radiation with different wavelengths.

[0089] The bulb [1] may include a metallic wire [3] that may be used to heat the gas [4] in order to prevent the gas [4] contained in the bulb [1] from being in a liquid phase. The metallic wire [3] may be configured to preheat the liquefied gas [4] to allow it to be in a constant gaseous phase. In some examples, the metallic wire [3] may be tungsten.

[0090] The bulb [1] may be fabricated in various shapes such as [1] and [15] The shape of the wall of the bulb [1] is such that it minimizes the distance between the radiation source [4] and the facemask [5] For instance, the wall of the bulb [1] may have a dome shape (e.g. elliptical- dome shape), following the shape of a regular facemask.

[0091] The facemask-disinfecting-implement may be accompanied by one or more additional bulbs [7] or [8] for positioning inside the microwave to expose or better expose certain surfaces of the facemask [5] to UV radiation. Depending on the mask’s opacity, the second bulb may be either added next to the top of the mask, positioned on the inside sidewall the microwave, and/or include a circular shape to surround the mask at the periphery of the facemask-disinfecting-implement. The support [2] of the facemask-disinfecting-implement can also be designed in order to hold the two bulbs and hold the mask closely in between both reactors.

[0092] As shown in the example of Figure 7, a first bulb [1] may be emitting radiation such that it interacts with the interior surface of the face mask [5] and a second bulb [15] may be emitting radiation that interacts with the exterior surface of the face mask [5] (e.g. positioned above the support for the mask). As shown in Figure 7, the bulb [15] may have a donut shape in order to increase the exposure to radiation of the exterior surface of the mask [5] However, it will be understood that the shape of the bulb [15] may differ from that of a donut without departing from the present teachings, provided that bulb [15] has a shape such that the emitted radiation interacts with the outer surface of the mask [5]

[0093] The bulb [1] may or may not include electrodes.

[0094] In some examples, the base of the bulb [1] may be made from plastic to, e.g., not interfere with the functioning of the microwave.

[0095] In some examples, the wall of bulb [1] may be shaped to have an upper and lower portion creating a cavity or pocket into which the facemask [5] may be inserted, in order to provide UV-radiation of the outer and inner surfaces of the facemask.

[0096] In some examples, the bulb [1] may be integrated to the support [2], such that the bulb [1] may not be removed from the support [2] In other examples, the bulb [1] may be removably secured to the support.

[0097] In some examples, the facemask-disinfecting-implement may include one or more fasteners (e.g. hooks [11]) for receiving the straps of the facemask that are to loop around the ears of its user (as shown in Figure 8). The fasteners may be used to facilitate the positioning of the facemask on the facemask-disinfecting-implement, and/or ensure that the straps do not interfere with the disinfecting of the facemask by undesirably sandwiching in-between the facemask [5] and the wall of the bulb [1], thereby deleteriously affecting the disinfection process. The fasteners [11] may be joined or integrated to the enclosure [16] [17], or may be configured to be fastened to the inner walls of the microwave (e.g. through the use of suction cups or an adhesive), where the facemask may be suspended by attaching its straps to the inner walls of the microwave through the fasteners [11]

[0098] The enclosure may have different shapes and dimensions. In some examples, the enclosure may have a prism shape, a cylindrical shape, a frustoconical shape, cube shape, etc. [0099] In some examples, the inner compartment of the microwave [6] (e.g. microwave oven), that receives the facemask-disinfecting-implement and facemask may at least be partially lined with a reflective surface for reflecting the UV-radiation, thereby increasing the intensity of the UV-radiation.

[00100] It will be understood that the microwave oven may be a conventional microwave with or without a turntable.

[00101] As illustrated in Figure 7, in order to optimize the usage of the available emitted radiation produced by the bulbs (e.g. [1] & [15]), reflective material may be used to reflect, redirect and/or focus the radiation power on the surfaces of the face mask [5]

[00102] For example, there may be provided a reflective enclosure ([16] and [17]) that is shaped and dimensioned to cover the support [2] and bulb [1] and a mask [5] placed on the bulb [1] and/or support [2] The reflective enclosure ([16] and [17]) may receive a UV-ray producing bulb [15], the enclosure [16] and [17] further reflecting the UV-rays produced by the bulb [15] onto the external surface of the mask.

[00103] In some examples, the enclosure [16] and [17] may have a prism-like shape, a dome like shape, etc., with an opening at a base to receive the support.

[00104] The enclosure may be constructed as a singular part or a plurality ([16] and [17]) of parts as shown in Figure 7 (e.g. outer wall [16] and cover [17]). The enclosure also may be constructed of multiple different materials, including, for example, a support material that would serve the purpose of receiving and supporting a lining of reflective material. In some embodiments, cover [17] may include one or apertures to allow for the release heat during the treatment process and/or to monitor the functioning of the one or more bulbs during the treatment process. Similarly, in some embodiments, the support [2] may include one or apertures to allow for the release heat during the treatment process and/or to monitor the functioning of the one or more bulbs during the treatment process.

[00105] The material of at least part of the enclosure [16] and [17] is chosen based on its ability to reflect UV radiation and transmit microwaves therethrough. An exemplary material may be Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[00106] Reflective material may also be used to cover the bulb and face mask support [2] or as the material of construction of the bulb and face mask support [2] to focus the emitted radiation onto either the internal surface of the face mask [5] or the external surface of the face mask [5] In some embodiments, the bulb and face mask support [2] may be composed of a plurality of materials, such as a non reflective material and a reflective material (e.g. parts are reflective and other parts are not reflective).

[00107] The enclosure ([2], [16] and [17]) may be supported and/or secured in place directly on the bulb and face mask support [2] or self supported. As such, in some examples, the enclosure parts [16] and [17] may be joined or joinable to the support [2], where the perimeter of the support [2] may contact the outer edges defining the opening of the enclosure [16] and [17] [00108] The second bulb [15] may or may not be supported by the enclosure using attachments [18] (e g. rings). As such, it will be understood that in some examples, the bulb [15] may be a separate component from the enclosure [16] and [17], where the bulb [15] can still be placed in the enclosure [16] and [17] such that enclosure [16] and [17] can still reflect the UV rays produced by the bulb [15]

[00109] The enclosure parts [16] and [17] may be supported by any internal surface of the microwave such as the walls and/or the top or bottom surface. A reflective lining material may also be applied and supported directly on the microwave’s internal surfaces.

[00110] Since heat is generated during the decontamination process, apertures may be located on the enclosure parts [16] and [17] and on the bulb and face mask support [2] to allow for better evacuation of the heat.

[00111] In some embodiments, the base of wall of the bulb [1] may be covered with a coating [20] for reflecting the UV-rays, in order to concentrate the generated UV-rays that come into contact with the internal surface of the mask [5]

[00112] The coating [20] may be on the inner and/or outer surface of the wall of the bulb [1] [00113] Similarly, in examples where the facemask-disinfecting-implement includes an additional bulb [15], a portion of the wall of the bulb [15] that faces away from the mask [5] may be coated with a coating [21] for reflecting the UV-rays, in order to concentrate the generated UV-rays that come into contact with the external surface of the mask [5] [00114] The coating [21] may be on the inner and/or outer surface of the wall of the bulb [15] [00115] The coating [20] and/or coating [21] may be composed at least in part with Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[00116] AN EXEMPLARY METHOD OF USING THE FACEMASK-DISINFECTING- IMPLEMENT TO DISINFECTE A FACEMASK:

[00117] An exemplary method of using a facemask-disinfecting-implement, such as the facemask-disinfecting-implement shown in Figures 1-6, is described. It will be understood that the method may use another facemask-disinfecting-implement in accordance with the present teachings without departing from the present teachings.

[00118] The facemask [5] is placed on the facemask-disinfecting-implement including the bulb [1] and its support [2]

[00119] The facemask [5] to be treated may have been used and/or may be contaminated. The mask can be either maintained in place by resting on the bulb [1], on the support [2] and/or on an external support and or with the straps [12] being hooked to the support [2] hooks [11] The facemask is positioned such that its inner surface comes into contact with at least a portion of the bulb [1] (e.g. wall of the bulb [1]).

[00120] As shown in Figure 9, an dedicated support [30] may be present to hold a performance validation indicator [31] ] (such as UVC dosimeter or Geobacillus Spore strip) to validate e.g. the generated UVC energy (J/cm² ) during a validation cycle, whereby allowing a user to confirm that the implement is operating properly. In some examples, prior to placing the mask [5] on the facemask-disinfecting-implement or during the decontamination method, liquid (such as for example: water, alcohol such as isopropyl alcohol, or peroxide) may be sprayed, or dropped on the mask [5] The face mask [5] can also be dipped into the liquid.

[00121] In some examples, the support [2] and bulb [1] of mask-disinfecting-implement, having received the mask, may be covered by an enclosure [16] and [17] (with, in some examples, the support [2] forming the base of the enclosure, or resting on a base of the enclosure) of the mask-disinfecting-implement. If the enclosure is composed of multiple parts (e.g. wall [16] and cover [17]), the multiple parts may be assembled to result in the assembled enclosure (i.e. the enclosure may have separable parts that can be assembled or disassembled for treatment and after treatment, respectively). The enclosure [16] and [17] may be fastened to the support [2], where the support [2] may form the base of the enclosure and be part of the enclosure.

[00122] The facemask-disinfecting-implement, having received the mask, may be placed in a microwave [6] Other bulbs, as explained herein, may also be placed in the microwave [6] It will be understood that the facemask-disinfecting-implement may first be placed in the microwave [6], the facemask then positioned on the facemask-disinfecting-implement.

[00123] A domestic microwave or any microwave generating system comprising of an enclosure may be used.

[00124] The microwave is started for a predetermined length of time (e.g. anywhere from 20 seconds to 2 minutes or more depending on the level of disinfection that is sought; the presence or absence of a disinfecting agent; a power level of the microwave).

[00125] The mask [5] is then removed from the microwave [6] and from the facemask- disinfecting-implement.

[00126] The facemask [5] is now ready to be reused.

[00127] EXEMPLARY STUDY:

[00128] The following exemplary study was conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the device of the present disclosure in neutralizing microorganisms that may reside on a facemask. As the exemplary study is but illustrative, it should not limit the scope of the present disclosure, only added for illustrative and representative purposes. It will be understood that other exemplary studies may be used to further illustrate and represent the present disclosure without departing from the present teachings.

[00129] Study Protocol:

[00130] Testing was performed using an implement comprising two bulbs (one exposing directly the inner surface of the mask and one exposing directly the outer surface of the mask) and a UV reflective enclosure and support, as shown in Figure 7.

[00131] The testing protocol was as follows. Virus, bacteria and spores (in three separate testing groups) were loaded on predetermined sites on (and within) Moldex™ 1500 N95 series respirators. Prior to loading into the microwave as detailed herein, a certain amount of chemical (e. g. hydrogen peroxide) was sprayed on and within the respirator in one instance.

[00132] The respirators were inserted into the implement and rested on the support [2] The cover [17] was then placed on top of the outer wall [16] closing the enclosure as shown in Figure 7. [00133] The implement, including the mask, was then introduced into a 1KW microwave.

[00134] The microwave was operated at its highest intensity mode for 60 seconds.

[00135] The implement was then removed from the microwave and the respirator removed from the implement. [00136] Results:

[00137] Following treatment, the loaded sites were analysed to count the remaining active viruses, bacteria or spores (in three separate testing groups) to obtain the log reduction in CFUs show in Table 1.

Table 1: Test results showing a diminishing in microorganism count following the treatment of the exemplary study.

[00138] Discussion:

[00139] As shown in Table 1, the treatment conducted in the study resulted in an important decrease in the present of all active microorganisms found on the facemask. As shown, there was a significant reduction of the bioburden on the facemask through the treatment, and this reduction was even greater when the treatment was supplemented with hydrogen peroxide. For instance, in the case of Coronavirus: 229E, the reduction was greater than 7.9 log reduction CFUs.

[00140] Furthermore, results show that even after 20 disinfection cycles, the respirators maintained their N95 ( IOSH) filtration, breathability and fit capabilities. Filtration higher than 95% pressure drop and lower than 245 Pa.

[00141] Although the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that modifications may be resorted to as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and variations are to be considered within the purview and scope of the present invention.

[00142] Representative, non-limiting examples of the present invention were described above in detail with reference to the attached drawing. This detailed description is merely intended to teach a person of skill in the art further details for practicing preferred aspects of the present teachings and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, each of the additional features and teachings disclosed above and below may be utilized separately or in conjunction with other features and teachings. [00143] Moreover, combinations of features and steps disclosed in the above detailed description, as well as in the experimental examples, may not be necessary to practice the invention in the broadest sense, and are instead taught merely to particularly describe representative examples of the invention. Furthermore, various features of the above-described representative examples, as well as the various independent and dependent claims below, may be combined in ways that are not specifically and explicitly enumerated in order to provide additional useful embodiments of the present teachings.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A facemask-disinfecting-implement adapted to receive a facemask for disinfecting the facemask comprising: a bulb comprising:

UV-radiation-emitting gas that emits the UV radiation when exposed to microwaves; and a wall containing the UV-radiation-emitting gas; and one of: an enclosure that is configured to receive the bulb as well as the mask such that the mask can be positioned over the bulb for improved disinfection, wherein the enclosure is at least partially composed of a material that allows microwaves to pass through; and wherein the wall of the bulb has a dome shape for increasing an exposure between the wall of the bulb and an inner surface of the facemask.

2. The facemask-disinfecting-implement as defined in claim 1, further comprising the enclosure that is configured to receive the bulb as well as the mask such that the mask can be positioned over the bulb for improved disinfection, wherein the enclosure is at least partially composed of a material that reflects UV radiation and allows microwaves to pass through.

3. The facemask-disinfecting-implement as defined in claim 2, the enclosure comprising: a bottom portion including an outer wall defining sides of the enclosure and a support, the support defining the base of the enclosure; and a cover to be positioned over the bottom portion for covering an inner space for receiving the support with the bulb, wherein the inner space is accessible by removing the cover.

4. The implement as defined in claim 3, wherein the support and the outer wall of the bottom portion are separable.

5. The facemask-disinfecting-implement as defined in claim 3 or claim 4, wherein geometry of the bulb and geometry of the support are adapted for allowing edges of the facemask to rest on an upper surface of the support.

6. The facemask-disinfecting-implement as defined in claim 5, wherein the upper surface of the support has a disk shape.

7. The facemask-disinfecting-implement as defined in any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the cover reduces an escape of ozone gas that accumulates in the inner space, the cover further comprising one or more apertures for: allowing heat to escape; and to monitor functioning of the bulb during treatment.

8. The facemask-disinfecting-implement as defined in any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the material is polytetrafluoroethylene.

9. The implement as defined in any one of claims 2 to 8, the enclosure comprising a reflective surface for reflecting the UV radiation to improve disinfection of the facemask.

10. The facemask-disinfecting-implement as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein UV-radiation-emitting gas emits UV radiation at least at a wavelength of 254 nm.

11. The facemask-disinfecting-implement as defined in any one of claims 1 to 10, the bulb further comprising a metallic wire configured to heat the UV-radiation-emitting-gas.

12. The facemask-disinfecting-implement as defined in claim 11, wherein the metallic wire is made from tungsten.

13. The facemask-disinfecting-implement as defined in any one of claims 1 to 12, the support further comprising one or more fasteners for receiving straps of the facemask.

14. The facemask-disinfecting-implement as defined in claim 13, wherein the fasteners are adapted to be positioned at a height over the bulb in order to suspend the facemask over the bulb by the straps of the facemask.

15. The facemask-disinfecting-implement as defined in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the wall of the bulb is made from a quartz-based material.

16. The facemask-disinfecting-implement as defined in any one of claims 3 to 15, further comprising an additional bulb comprising:

UV-radiation-emitting gas that emits the UV radiation when exposed to microwaves; and a wall containing the UV-radiation-emitting gas.

17. The facemask-disinfecting-implement as defined in claim 16, wherein the additional bulb is joined to a side of the cover of the enclosure that faces the facemask when the facemask is positioned in the inner space defined by the enclosure.

18. The facemask-disinfecting-implement as defined in claim 17, wherein the additional bulb has a donut shape.

19. The facemask-disinfecting-implement as defined in any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the wall of the bulb has a dome shape for increasing an exposure between the wall of the bulb and an inner surface of the facemask.

20. A method of disinfecting a facemask comprising: adding a facemask to the facemask-disinfecting-implement as defined in any one of claims 2 to 19; positioning the facemask-disinfecting-implement in a microwave oven; emitting microwaves using the microwave oven, the microwave oven having received the facemask-disinfecting-implement with the facemask, such that the microwaves cause the bulb of the facemask-disinfecting-implementto emit UV radiation; and removing, following the emission, the facemask from the microwave.

21. The method as defined in claim 20, wherein the emitting is conducted for a period of at least 30 seconds.

22. The method as defined in claim 20 or claim 21, further comprising adding a disinfecting agent to one or more surfaces of the facemask prior to the emitting.

23. The method as defined in claim 22, wherein the disinfecting agent is hydrogen peroxide.

24. A mask that has been disinfected using the method as described in any one of claims 20 to 23.

25. A mask-disinfecting-system comprising: the facemask-disinfecting-implement as defined in any one of claims 1 to 19; and a microwave.

26. The system as defined in claim 25, further comprising a further bulb comprising: a UV-radiation-emitting gas that emits the UV radiation when exposed to microwaves; and a wall containing the UV-radiation-emitting gas.

27. The system as defined in claim 26, wherein the support is adapted for receiving and securing the additional bulb.