Patent ID: 8696997
Filing Date: 2014-04-15
Classification: A61L,H03F,H05H

Abstract:
1. Sterilisation apparatus comprising an applicator having a hydroxyl radical generating region and an outlet for directing generated hydroxyl radicals out of the hydroxyl radical generating region towards a region to be sterilised; an enclosure for confining the hydroxyl radicals in the region to be sterilised; a power generator connected to deliver microwave or RF energy into the hydroxyl radical generating region; and a mist generator connected to deliver water mist into the hydroxyl radical generating region, wherein the applicator comprises a coaxial assembly connected to the power generator for receiving the microwave or RF energy, the coaxial assembly having: an outer conductor, an inner conductor surrounded by and separated from the outer conductor, the inner conductor comprising a hollow portion having a nozzle located at the distal end of the inner conductor, and a feed pipe connected to a water source for supplying water to the hollow portion for delivery as water mist through the nozzle to the hydroxyl radical generating region, and wherein the inner conductor tapers at its distal end and is configured to create a high impedance at the hydroxyl radical generating region and to concentrate the received microwave or RF energy into an electric field in the hydroxyl radical generating region when water mist and the microwave or RF energy are delivered thereto thereby to create an ionisation discharge for generating hydroxyl radicals for delivery out of the applicator.