Technologies for sanitizing mist humidifiers

Technologies (e.g., devices, systems and methods) for sanitizing mist humidifiers are described. In some embodiments, the technologies include a sanitization gas system and a connector unit. The connector unit is configured to install into an opening in the mist humidifier that is used in operation to release mist for humidification purposes. The connector unit includes an inlet passageway for supplying sanitizing gas (e.g., ozone) into the humidifier, and an exhaust system for removing sanitizing gas from the reservoir.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Field

The present disclosure generally relates to technologies for sanitizing a mist humidifier and, in particular, the reservoir of a mist humidifier. Aspects of the present disclosure therefore relate to devices and systems for sanitizing a mist humidifier and, in particular, the reservoir thereof. Methods of sanitizing a mist humidifier are also disclosed.

Background

Many humidifiers have a reservoir that includes one or more mist channels that are connected to one or more mist release openings. For example, cool and warm mist humidifiers may include such a reservoir. In such instances the reservoir is generally configured to release a mist of a liquid contained therein from the mist release opening(s). Similarly, other types of reservoirs may include mist release openings.

Liquid reservoirs such as those used in a mist humidifiers may become fouled with bacteria, mold and other contaminants. In particular, many mist humidifiers have issues with mold and bacterial growth on various parts of the reservoir, such as but not limited to the bottom tray, sidewalls, and mist passageways. Mold, bacteria, and other contaminants may also build up within water in the reservoir of a mist humidifier, particularly when the water has been stagnant for an extended period. Periodic cleaning and/or sterilization of such reservoirs may therefore be desired to help ensure that the humidifier is sanitary and safe for use.

With the foregoing in mind, many liquid reservoirs for mist humidifiers are infrequently cleaned and/or sanitized by users. Additionally, many commonly recommended methods for cleaning mist humidifiers can be messy, time consuming, and inconvenient. For example, the user guide of some mist humidifiers may recommend cleaning the reservoir and/or other components of the machine using a cleaning solution that is a mixture of water and vinegar. Such methods can be inconvenient, as they often require the user to prepare the cleaning solution themselves. A cleaning solution of water and vinegar may also not effectively kill some types of water born mold and/or bacteria, and therefore may inadequately sanitize the reservoir of a mist humidifier.

Other commonly recommended methods of cleaning a mist humidifier include manual washing, scrubbing, and drying of the reservoir. Such methods are often time consuming and considered to be undesirable to consumers. Moreover because many parts of a reservoir for a mist humidifier are difficult to reach, they are also difficult to clean using traditional methods such as manual washing and scrubbing.

Accordingly the inventors have identified that there is a continued interest in the development of novel devices, systems, and methods for sanitizing all or a portion of a mist humidifier, including but not limited to the water reservoir thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As explained in the background, various methods are known for cleaning humidifiers, (and in particular mist humidifiers). Such methods, however, can be inconvenient, messy, time-consuming, etc., and therefore may be rarely performed by consumers. They methods may also result in inadequate sanitization of a mist humidifier, and in particular the reservoir thereof and any water therein. The inventors have therefore identified that there is a need in the art for technologies (e.g., devices, systems and methods) that enable convenient, easy and effective sanitization of a mist humidifier and, in particular, the reservoir of a mist humidifier and any water therein.

With the foregoing in mind, aspects of the present disclosure relate to devices, systems and methods that utilize a sanitizing gas to sanitize all or a portion of a mist humidifier, such as but not limited to a reservoir thereof. As will be described in detail later, the devices, systems and methods of the present disclosure are particularly useful for sanitizing the bottom tray, mist channel and the reservoir of a mist humidifier. The technologies described herein are not limited to such applications, however, and can be utilized to sanitize a type of reservoir, such as those that may be used in soda fountains, animal watering machines, for bottle sanitization and the like.

Although the technologies described herein can be used with many sanitizing gases, the present disclosure focuses on the use of ozone as a sanitizing gas. This is because ozone (O3) gas is an effective sanitizer, yet is relatively safe for consumer use. Indeed because of its strong oxidizing properties, ozone can effectively kill or otherwise remove a wide range of organic and inorganic contaminants such as yeasts, bacteria, molds, viruses, other pathogens, and/or pollutants with which it comes into contact, e.g., via oxidation. Yet naturally over time and/or as it oxidizes contaminants, ozone may be chemically reduced to oxygen (O2), which is safe for human consumption and for release into the environment. Ozone is also relatively easy to generate on site (and thus does not require the use of a storage tank), and leaves little or no chemical residue. For those and other reasons, ozone has been identified as a safe and effective sanitizing gas for use in the present disclosure. It should be understood, however, that the technologies described herein are not limited to the use of ozone, and may be employed with a wide variety of sanitizing gases.

Also for the sake of illustration, the present disclosure focuses on embodiments in which the technologies described herein are employed to sanitize a bottom tray and/or a water reservoir of a mist humidifier. It should be understood that such examples are for the sake of illustration only, and that the technologies described herein may be used to sanitize a wide variety of reservoirs that may be used in applications other than a humidifier.

As used herein, the term “mist humidifier” refers to any of a wide variety of devices or machines that may be utilized to disperse a mist of a liquid into the air proximate the mist humidifier.

As used herein, the term “fluidly coupled” means that two or more components are connected to one another such that a gas may be conveyed between them. In contrast, the term “coupled” when used alone means that two or more components are connected to one another chemically (e.g., via an adhesive), mechanically (e.g., via fasteners, mechanical interference, etc.), or by other means.

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to systems for sanitizing a mist humidifier and, in particular a bottom tray and/or a reservoir of a mist humidifier. As will be described further below, the systems described herein generally include a gas supply system, a connector unit, and an exhaust system. The connector unit is configured to be installed within an opening in a portion of a humidifier, such as but not limited to the top of a mist chamber, to an opening in a cover, or to an opening in a sidewall, cover, or bottom thereof. The connector unit includes an inlet passageway for the introduction of a sanitizing gas into the reservoir, and an outlet passageway for the removal of sanitizing gas from the reservoir.

The connector unit is configured such that when it is so installed, it spans across the opening in the humidifier. In addition, the connector unit is configured to control the flow of gases into and out of the reservoir. For example, in some embodiments the connector unit may be configured to control the introduction of gas (e.g., sanitizing gas) into the reservoir, and to control the release of gas (e.g., sanitizing gas) from the reservoir. In embodiments, the connector unit includes a flexible grommet that is configured to fit within the opening in the reservoir and to connect with the inner radial surface of the opening. In embodiments, the grommet may form a liquid and/or gas tight seal between the connector unit and the inner surface of the opening.

The gas supply system of the sanitization systems described herein is generally configured to generate a sanitizing gas, such as but not limited to ozone. A proximal end of a distribution line may be coupled to the gas supply system, such that sanitizing gas generated by the gas supply system can be received therein. In embodiments, the supply line may extend through an inlet passageway in the connector unit, such that the distal end of the supply line is disposed within the reservoir (and optionally below a surface of any liquid in the reservoir). Alternatively, the supply line may be a first supply line having a proximal end coupled to the gas supply system, and a distal end fluidly coupled to the proximal end of the inlet passageway, e.g., via an inlet connector. In such instances a second supply line may have a proximal end fluidly coupled to a distal end of the inlet passageway, and a distal end disposed within the reservoir (and optionally below a surface of any liquid therein).

In operation, the gas supply system may generate a sanitizing gas. The sanitizing gas may be conveyed into the distribution line(s), through the inlet passageway of the connector unit (directly or via a distribution line) and into a portion of the humidifier, such as the reservoir, bottom tray, and/or mist chamber thereof. The locations to which the sanitizing gas is conveyed in the humidifier depend on the humidifier, the location of the opening in the humidifier, and/or placement of the distal end of the (e.g., second) distribution line.

The exhaust system may be separate from or integral with the connector unit. In embodiments, the exhaust system is integral with the connector unit. For example, the exhaust system may be included within the connector unit, such that it covers a portion of an opening into the humidifier, such as an opening in the humidifier reservoir. In any case, the exhaust system may include a filter that is configured to remove or convert excess sanitizing gas into another composition prior to its release into the environment. For example, a sanitizing gas (e.g., ozone) may be introduced into a reservoir of a humidifier through an inlet passageway of a connector unit, as previously described. The sanitizing gas may sanitize the interior of the reservoir and any liquid therein, as well as other components that may be fluidly coupled to the reservoir (e.g., a mist chamber). Excess sanitizing gas within the reservoir (or other components of the humidifier) may rise or be drawn into the exhaust system (e.g., via a pump), where it may contact a filter therein. The filter may absorb the excess sanitizing gas or convert it into a composition that is safe for human inhalation and/or release into the environment. For example when the sanitizing gas is ozone, the filter in the exhaust system may absorb the ozone and/or convert it to oxygen.

FIGS. 1 and 1Aare block diagrams illustrating the flow of sanitizing gas between a humidifier sanitization system consistent with the present disclosure and a reservoir of a humidifier. As shown, the humidifier sanitization system100includes a sanitizing gas system101and a connector unit103. The sanitizing gas system101is fluidly coupled to the connector unit103such that it can provide a gas inflow (gas in) to the connector unit103. The connector unit103is fluidly coupled to the reservoir105of the humidifier via an opening114, and includes an inlet passageway115. In embodiments, a flexible grommet extends radially around the opening in the reservoir, and is configured to form a liquid and/or gas tight seal between the connector unit103and a surface of the opening. In the embodiment ofFIG. 1A, the opening114in the reservoir may be fluidly coupled to a mist channel111of the humidifier, as further described below.

The reservoir105may or may not include a liquid (e.g., water). For the sake of illustration, the reservoir105is shown inFIGS. 1 and 1Awithout liquid. The sanitizing gas system101is configured to generate a sanitizing gas (e.g., ozone), and to supply an inflow of the sanitizing gas (gas in) to the connector unit103. The inflow of sanitizing gas passes through the connector unit103, into the reservoir105. In embodiments where water or another liquid is contained in the reservoir105, the connector unit and/or a distribution line) may be configured to deliver the sanitizing gas below a surface of such liquid.

The sanitizing gas supplied by the gas inflow may sanitize the interior of the reservoir, including any liquid in the reservoir, the bottom and sidewalls of the reservoir, the air108in the reservoir etc, as well as portions of the reservoir105that are below the level of the liquid107, including the bottom tray109of the humidifier. When liquid is included in the reservoir, the sanitizing gas may be introduced into the liquid. A portion of the sanitizing gas so introduced may sanitize the liquid. In addition, a portion of the sanitizing gas supplied by the gas inflow may evolve from the liquid into the air108within the reservoir105and/or air108″ within a mist channel111as shown inFIG. 1A. In either case the sanitizing gas may sanitizing the air108,108″.

Excess sanitizing gas within the humidifier105may be converted to another composition and/or be removed from the interior of the humidifier105including the reservoir105and the mist chamber111via an exhaust system included in the connector unit103. More specifically, excess sanitizing gas may be conveyed via the air108in the reservoir and/or the air108″ in the mist channel111to an outlet passageway into the connector unit103. In embodiments, a pump (included in the connector unit103or separate therefrom) may be used to draw excess sanitizing gas into the outlet passageway. A filter may be disposed within the outlet passageway. When used, the filter may be configured to absorb the sanitizing gas and/or to convert the sanitizing gas to another composition that is safe for discharge into the environment. Non-limiting examples of suitable filters that may be used for such a purpose include magnesium oxide filters and activated carbon filters.

FIGS. 2 and 2Aare block diagrams depicting two examples of a humidifier sanitization system200consistent with the present disclosure, and which for the sake of example are illustrated as installed within a reservoir205that does (FIG. 2A) or does not (FIG. 2) include a mist channel. As shown, the humidifier sanitization system includes a sanitizing gas system201that is fluidly coupled to a connector unit203. In these embodiments, the sanitizing gas system201includes a pump202and a gas generator206. The pump202(e.g., an air pump) is configured to generate a flow of air and the gas generator206is configured to generate a sanitizing gas210, such as but not limited to ozone.

The connector unit203includes an inlet passageway215that occupies a portion of the opening214. And outlet passageway is formed by another portion of the opening, and is fluidly coupled to an exhaust system225. The exhaust system225includes a filter219for absorbing and/or converting sanitizing gas to another composition. The inlet passageway215is configured to allow a supply line213to pass there through, such that a distal end of the supply line213is disposed within reservoir205, such as within a liquid207that is within the reservoir (FIG. 2) or a bottom tray (FIG. 2A). Consistent with the prior description, the connector unit203is generally configured to be installed in or around an opening214of the humidification device, which may be located in a wall, bottom, top, cover or cover extension of the humidification device200.

For the sake of illustration, the opening214inFIGS. 2 and 2Ais depicted as being part of an outlet port of humidifier, which may be in fluid communication with a reservoir205or a mist channel211, as shown inFIGS. 2 and 2A, respectively. In those embodiments when the connector unit203is installed it may span across the opening214, as shown in bothFIGS. 2 and 2A.

The humidifier sanitization system may further include a sealing system220. In general, the sealing system220may function to provide or facilitate the formation of a gas-tight seal between the connector unit203and the opening214. In embodiments, the sealing system220may include a self-sealing grommet, a press-fit seal, a clip-seal, or another suitable device that is configured to couple around the opening214or around an opening extension (e.g., tube, lid, etc.). Of course such examples are not limiting, and any suitable sealing system may be used provided it can provide or form a gas tight seal between the opening214and the connector unit203.

InFIGS. 2 and 2Athe supply line213passes through the inlet passageway215in the connector unit203, such that a distal end thereof is disposed within the interior of the humidification device200. The distal end of the supply line213may be immersed below any liquid207in the reservoir205(as shown inFIG. 2) or immersed below the surface of any liquid207in the bottom tray209(as shown inFIG. 2A). In such embodiments the sanitizing gas210may be released below the surfaced of the liquid207in the reservoir (FIG. 2) or the bottom tray209(FIG. 2A).

As shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 2Athe humidifier may further include a mist connector211, a bottom tray209and liquid207(e.g. water) in the bottom tray209. Valve extensions241on the bottom tray209may reach valves in the reservoir205, so as to facilitate the release droplets of liquid into a liquid compartment242below the mist channel211. In such instances the line213is configured to extend down the mist channel211into the compartment242, and into any liquid207therein.

As discussed above an exhaust system225is integral with or removably coupled to the connector unit203. In some embodiments, the exhaust system225is disposed within or above a portion of the opening214. In any case, the exhaust system225is fluidly coupled to the opening214. Sanitizing gas drawn from the humidifier via the opening214may come into contact with a filter contained in the exhaust system225and/or disposed within an open portion of the opening214. As discussed previously, the filter is configured to absorb the sanitizing gas or convert it to another composition.

As further shown inFIGS. 2 and 2A, an optional check valve231may be provided on a distal portion of supply line213. When used, the optional check valve231is generally configured to prevent a backflow of liquid207into the supply line213. An optional sensor233may also be provided to sense a presence and/or concentration of sanitizing gas (e.g. ozone gas) within the interior of humidifier200and/or within connector unit203. In some embodiments the sensor233(when used) may be configured to provide a signal to a user interface, wherein the signal causes the user interface to indicate whether or not a safe level of the sanitizing gas is present in the humidifier200, and/or to indicate when a mist humidifier including the reservoir205is safe to use.

FIG. 3is a top view of one example of a connector unit consistent with the present disclosure. As shown, the connector unit303includes an inlet passageway315for the passage of a supply line313therethrough. An exhaust system325and an optional sealing system320are integral with or coupled to the connector unit303. The function of the exhaust system is the same as exhaust systems125,225, and therefore is not described again. The connector unit303once installed connects to an opening in the humidifier300such that the inlet passageway315and the exhaust system322are fluidly connected with a mist passageway or opening in a humidifier.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to methods for sanitizing a humidifier with a reservoir. In that regard reference is made toFIG. 4, which is a flow chart of example operations of one example of a reservoir sanitization method consistent with the present disclosure. As shown, the method400begins at block401. The method may then advance to optional block403, pursuant to which reservoir sanitization system with the present disclosure may be installed, for example to an opening in the humidifier above the reservoir or above the mist chamber.

Following the operations of block403or if block403is omitted (e.g. where a reservoir sanitization system is already installed in a reservoir), the method may proceed to block405. Pursuant to block405a sanitizing gas may be provided into a humidifier via a supply line e.g., as described above. Operations pursuant to block405may include, for example, generating a sanitizing gas with a gas generator, causing the sanitizing gas to flow into a supply line and into a reservoir or through a mist chamber, as previously described. At least a portion of the sanitizing gas so provided may sanitize the interior of the reservoir, including any liquid (e.g., water therein).

The method may then advance to block407, pursuant to which excess sanitizing gas may be removed from the interior of the humidifier. Consistent with the foregoing description, operations pursuant to block407may include drawing sanitizing gas from the interior of the reservoir into an exhaust system. The operations pursuant to block407may also include conveying the sanitizing gas to a filter, as discussed above.

Following the operations of block407the method may proceed to block409, pursuant to which a decision may be made as to whether the method is to continue. The outcome of the decision block409may be contingent on a sensor signal provided, e.g., by an optional sensor or on some other criteria. In any case if the method is to continue it may loop back to block405, but if not, the method may proceed to block411and end.

The following examples pertain to additional non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure.

EXAMPLES

According to this example there is provided a system for sanitizing a humidifier with a reservoir, including: a sanitization system including a pump and a gas generator, the sanitization system configured to supply a sanitizing gas, a connector unit configured to removably couple with an opening in the humidifier that is used to release a mist of a liquid when the humidifier is in operation, the connector unit including an inlet passageway configured to extend into at least a portion of the opening; a supply line configured to fluidly couple the gas generator to an interior of the reservoir, wherein the supply line passes through the inlet passageway; and an exhaust system removably coupled to the connector unit and configured to fluidly couple with a portion of the opening, the exhaust system further configured to remove the sanitizing gas from the reservoir.

This example includes any or all of the features of example 1, wherein the exhaust system further includes a removable filter.

This example includes any or all of the features of example 1, wherein a distal end of the supply line is configured to be disposed within a mist chamber of the humidifier.

This example includes any or all of the features of 1, and further includes a check valve coupled to the supply line.

This example includes any or all of the features of 1, and further includes a sensor for sensing sanitization gas in the humidifier.

This example includes any or all of the features of example 1, and further includes a display for notifying a user with safe-use instructions.

According to this example there is provided a system for sanitizing a humidifier with a reservoir, including: a connector unit configured to removably and fluidly couple with an opening in the humidifier; and a self-sealing flexible grommet that is configured to provide a gas tight seal between a surface defining the opening and the connector unit; and an exhaust system wherein: the connector unit includes an inlet passageway that is configured to extend through a portion of the opening and to fluidly couple to a sanitizing gas generator; the exhaust system is removably coupled to the connector unit such that it is disposed over at least a portion of the opening when the connector unit is installed, the exhaust system configured to drawn sanitizing gas from the reservoir.

This example includes any or all of the features of example 7 wherein the exhaust system further includes a removable filter.

This example includes any or all of the features of example 8 wherein the removable filter is a removable magnesium oxide filter.

This example includes any or all of the features of example 7, and further includes a supply line, wherein at least a portion of the supply line extends through the inlet passageway.

This example includes any or all of the features of example 7 and further includes a sensor for sensing sanitization gas in the reservoir.

This example includes any or all of the features of example 7 and further includes a display.

According to this example there is provided a system for sanitizing a humidifier with a reservoir including: a sanitization system including a pump and a gas generator, the sanitization system configured to supply a sanitizing gas; a connector unit, the connector unit configured to removably couple with an opening in the humidifier, the connector unit including an inlet passageway configured to extend through at least a portion of the opening; a sealing system configured to provide a gas tight seal between a surface defining the opening and the connector unit; a supply line including a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end fluidly coupled to the sanitizing gas system to receive the sanitizing gas; and an exhaust system; wherein: the supply line is configured to extend through the inlet passageway and through a mist passageway in the humidifier, such that the distal end of the supply line is disposed proximate a bottom tray of the humidifier; and the exhaust system configured to remove the sanitizing gas.

This example includes any or all of the features of example 13, wherein the exhaust system further includes a removable filter.

This example includes any or all of the features of example 14, wherein the removable filter is a removable magnesium oxide filter.

This example includes any or all of the features of example 13, and further includes a check valve coupled to the supply line.

This example includes any or all of the features of example 13, and further includes a sensor for sensing sanitization gas in the water reservoir.

This example includes any or all of the features of example 13, and further includes a display.

According to this example there is provided a method for sanitizing a humidifier with a reservoir, including: coupling a connector unit to an opening in the humidifier that is used to release a mist of a liquid when the humidifier is in operation, the connector unit including an inlet passageway configured to extend through at least a portion of the opening and an exhaust system detachably coupled thereto; inputting sanitizing gas into the humidifier via supply line extending through the inlet passageway into the humidifier, the supply line including a proximal end coupled to a sanitizing gas generator; and exhausting sanitizing gas from the humidifier.

This example includes any or all of the features of example 19, and further includes installing a sealing system into the opening prior to coupling the connector unit.

This example includes any or all of the features of example 20, wherein the sealing system is a flexible grommet.

According to this example there is provided a connector unit for sanitizing a humidifier, including: a body; an inlet passageway configured to extend through at least a portion of an opening in the humidifier that is used to supply a mist when the humidifier is in operation, wherein the inlet passageway is configured to receive at least a portion of a supply line; an exhaust system detachably coupled to the body, the exhaust system configured to be disposed over and an fluid communication with at least a portion of the opening when the connector unit is installed therein; and a sealing system, the sealing system configured to provide a gas tight seal between a portion of the body and a surface of the opening.

This example includes any or all of the features of example 22, wherein the exhaust system further includes a filter.

This example includes any or all of the features of example 23, wherein the filter is a magnesium oxide filter.

This example includes any or all of the features of example 22, wherein the sealing system is a flexible grommet.