Patent Abstract:
A disposal unit can include a substantially air tight chamber, an insertion component, an air tight region of the air tight chamber containing a disposal container, an air holding region, an air extraction unit, an air sanitation component, a container sealant mechanism, and/or combinations thereof. The air holding region can be distinct from the air tight region and the remaining region of the substantially air tight chamber. The air extraction unit can be configured to capture air from the remaining region and place the captured air in the air holding region. Air can be optionally redirected from the air holding region into an airtight disposal container, which is thereafter sealed. The air sanitation component can be configured to sanitize the captured air to a predetermined air quality level. Harmful byproducts of the waste (e.g., toxic vapors) inserted in the disposal unit can be reduced and/or neutralized through sanitation and/or containment.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This continuation-in-part application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/946,283 entitled filed 28 Nov. 2007. The entire contents of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/946,283 are incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to the field waste disposal and, more particularly, to enhancements to a substantially closed system for disposing hazardous material, which can include harmful airborne substances (including vapors). 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    The majority of trash receptacles include a lid, which is able to be opened, permitting waste to be placed inside. An interior bag of the trash receptacle is often able to be “tied” or otherwise manually sealed. Many types of refuse, however, can pose exposure hazards, which current trash disposal technologies fail to address. The hazards can result from airborne substances (which include vapors and air medium) being emitted from waste during the disposal process. 
         [0006]    This can be true, for example, in a medical context, where bed sheets, gowns, linens, drinking cups, and other material are disposed of, each of which can contain traces of blood, sweat, and other body fluids, which can be hazardous to others. For instance, chemotherapy patients are occasionally irradiated, which results in their fluids containing traces of radioactivity to which waste disposal personnel at hospitals are constantly exposed. Additionally, airborne pathogens can be especially problematic for waste disposal employees at hospitals, who have a much higher than normal rate of health problems caused by constant exposure to hazardous material. 
         [0007]    Other contexts where waste disposal practices are currently insufficient and/or dangerous include research lab waste disposal situations, toxic spill situations, generic hazmat situations, biological/chemical attacks in a terrorism/military situation, outbreak and epidemic situations, flooding and other national emergencies where mold, fungus, bacteria, viruses, and other potentially harmful substances are to be expected. 
         [0008]    Public concern over the proper treatment and disposal of chemical waste products has increased over the past several years. This increase is due in part to an increased public awareness of dangerous chemicals being exposed to the environment that can have deleterious effects when improperly disposed of from within hospitals, out-patient clinics, and physicians&#39; offices. Despite this increased awareness within limited contexts, few effective measures are being taken to resolve underlying problems. For example, hospitals currently have established awareness programs designed to teach its personnel to handle potentially harmful materials with care. These programs are designed to appease public pressure, but not to address the fundamental problem that current waste disposal techniques pose a health risk regardless of a level of care taken. What is needed is a new type of waste disposal receptacle, which minimizes (or eliminates) human contact with toxic wastes, which includes protection from airborne vapors. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The disclosure provides enhancements to a disposal unit for safely disposing hazardous materials in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. The disposal unit can be configured to include one or more data measurement devices that can electronically capture waste data and convey the waste data to a central storage location. In another enhancement, the disposal unit can be configured to include one or more air sanitation mechanisms to treat potentially harmful airborne byproducts. One or more automatic sealant mechanism(s) can be used to enhance the disposal unit. Further, the configuration of the insertion tube through which the disposal unit receives waste can be varied utilizing multiple concentric tubes as well as spacers between the tubes. 
         [0010]    The present invention can be implemented in accordance with numerous aspects consistent with the materials presented herein. One aspect of the present invention can include a waste disposal unit. The waste disposal unit can include a substantially air tight chamber, an insertion component for inserting waste into the chamber, an air tight (or substantially air tight) region of the air tight chamber containing a disposal container, an air holding region, an air extraction unit, an air sanitation component, and a container sealant mechanism (e.g., glue, adhesive, heat seal, other sealant). The air holding region can be distinct from the air tight region and the remaining region of the approximately air tight chamber. The air extraction unit can be configured to capture air from the remaining region and place the captured air in the air holding region. The air sanitation component can be configured to sanitize the captured air to a predetermined air quality level. The harmful airborne byproducts of the inserted waste can be reduced and/or neutralized. The container sealant mechanism can be configured to seal the disposal container. 
         [0011]    Another aspect of the present invention can include a system that collects data regarding waste processed by the disposal unit. Such a system can include a disposal unit, a data collection component, and a data server. The disposal unit can include an approximately air tight chamber, an insertion component for inserting waste into the chamber, an air tight region of the approximately air tight chamber containing a disposal container, an air holding region distinct from the air tight region and a remaining region of the approximately air tight chamber, an air extraction unit, a container sealant mechanism, and one or more data measurement devices. The air extraction unit can be configured to capture air from the remaining region and to place the captured air in the air holding region. The container sealant mechanism can be configured to seal the disposal unit (e.g., a bag, container, etc.). The data measurement devices can be configured to determine waste data corresponding to a measurement of a property of the disposal unit and/or the inserted waste. The data collection component can be configured to receive the waste data from the disposal unit. The data server can include a data store and can be configured to receive and centrally store the collected waste data from the data collection component in a standardized format. 
         [0012]    Still another aspect of the present invention can include a method for disposing waste. Disposal can begin with the receipt of waste through an aperture of an insertion component of a disposal unit. The disposal unit can be a substantially closed environment separate from an external operating environment of the disposal unit. The received waste can be placed into an air-tight disposal container. The aperture of the disposal unit can be sealed to isolate the substantially closed environment from the external operating environment. Air from within the substantially closed environment can be captured and placed within a holding unit. One or more handling processes can be executed (in series and/or simultaneous fashion) upon the captured air in the holding unit. The air-tight disposal container containing the received waste can then be sealed. The disposal unit can thereafter be opened to discard the sealed air-tight disposal container. 
         [0013]    It should be noted that various aspects of the invention can be implemented as a program for controlling computing equipment to implement the functions described herein, or as a program for enabling computing equipment to perform processes corresponding to the steps disclosed herein. This program may be provided by storing the program in a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a semiconductor memory or any other recording medium. The program can also be provided as a digitally encoded signal conveyed via a carrier wave. The described program can be a single program or can be implemented as multiple subprograms, each of which interact within a single computing device or interact in a distributed fashion across a network space. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    There are shown in the drawings, embodiments which are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of a waste disposal system that collects waste data regarding hazardous wastes processed by a disposal unit in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of a waste disposal system  200  for safely disposing hazardous material in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram of a specific implementation instance of a disposal unit that emphasizes the incorporation of a container sealant mechanism. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  illustrates a specific implementation instance of an insertion tube for the disposal unit. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0019]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of a waste disposal system  100  that collects waste data  135  regarding the hazardous wastes processed by a disposal unit  105  in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. In system  100 , data measurements devices  110  installed within the disposal unit  105  can automatically collect one or more elements of waste data  135  that can be conveyed over a network  160  to a data server  125  for storage. 
         [0020]    The disposal unit  105  can represent one of the many possible configurations described within U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/946,283, which is to be considered as having been incorporated herein in its entirety. 
         [0021]    For instance, and in one embodiment, the disposal unit  105  can be a disposal unit for a compounding aseptic containment isolator to prevent vapors and other wastes and/or waste byproducts from escaping. In another example, the disposal unit  105  can be coupled to a class II or type 2B biological safety cabinet. The disposal unit  105  is not limited to these configurations, which are provided for illustrative purposes only. 
         [0022]    The disposal unit  105  can be designed to conform to state and/or federal regulation related to waste disposal and handling, especially hazardous wastes. For example, the disposal unit  105  and processes detailed herein can conform to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) or 40 CFR Section 260. Thus, disposal unit  105  can be suited handling wastes falling under any of the four hazardous waste lists established by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. This includes F-lists (non-specific source wastes), K-list (source-specific wastes), P-list, and U-list (discarded commercial chemical products). In one embodiment, special emphasis can be placed on using disposal unit to handle discarded chemical products (currently defined by 40 CFR Section 261.33). Additionally, the disposal unit  105  can handle characteristic wastes that exhibit one or more of the four characteristics (Ignitability, Corrosively, Reactivity, and Toxicity) defined in 40 CFR Part 261, Subpart C. Any of the definitions for hazardous wastes and the requirements for handling of such found in the RCRA are to be considered within scope of the disclosure, and are able to be referenced and applied herein. 
         [0023]    In one embodiment, wastes handled by the disposal unit  105  can include waste pharmaceuticals. Currently there are approximately 31 commercial chemical products listed on RCRA&#39;s P- and U-lists that have pharmaceutical uses. As the P- and U-lists are based on chemical designations, this number does not completely represent the total number of brand name pharmaceuticals that may actually be listed hazardous wastes. For example, the following chemotherapy drugs, CTX, Cytotoxan, Neosar and Procytox, are U058 (cyclophosamide). 
         [0024]    In addition, waste pharmaceuticals may also be hazardous because they exhibit one or more of the four characteristics of hazardous waste: ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity and toxicity. Characteristic pharmaceutical wastes include those that exhibit the ignitability characteristic, such as solutions containing more than 24% alcohol. An example of a pharmaceutical that may exhibit the reactivity characteristic is nitroglycerine. Pharmaceuticals exhibiting the corrosivity characteristic are generally limited to compounding chemicals, including strong acids, such as glacial acetic acid, and strong bases, such as sodium hydroxide. Depending on the concentration in different pharmaceutical preparations, pharmaceuticals may also exhibit the toxicity characteristic because of the use of arsenic (D004), barium (D005), cadmium (D006), chloroform (D022), chromium (D007), lindane (D013), m-cresol (D024), mercury (D009), selenium (D010), and silver (D011). As thousands of over-the-counter or prescription drugs are currently approved for sale in the U.S., it is difficult to provide a precise number of pharmaceuticals that are listed and/or characteristic under RCRA. 
         [0025]    The disposal unit  105  can also be adapted to handle non-hazardous wastes (e.g., waste regulated by 40 CFR Parts 239 through 259). 
         [0026]    Additional federal regulations (not RCRA defined), such as those established by EPS, DOT, and OSHA can define rules, standards, and requirements for handling hazardous and non-hazardous wastes, which disposal unit  105  can conform to, and measurement devices  110  can assist with the compliance monitoring of. 
         [0027]    Various state and county laws can also be utilized when defining hazardous wastes that disposal unit  105  is designed to handle in accordance with applicable regulations. For example, the Florida Administrative Code (FAC) rule chapters 62-730 define and govern hazardous wastes in Florida. Every state (and even some counties and local regulations) establish waste disposal regulations, which the disposal unit  105  and data measurement devices  110  can be adapted to handle (and to automatically monitor and report). 
         [0028]    The reporting agencies  140  used herein can include federal, state, and local reporting agencies as well as corporate defined ones (that may not be subject to a state, federal, or local regulation.). Thus reporting agencies  140  can include, but are not limited to, the EPA, DOT, CBOX, OSHA, and state specific agencies. 
         [0029]    Turning back to  FIG. 1 , the disposal unit  105  has been modified (from the cross referenced case) to contain one or more data measurements devices  110 . The data measurements devices  110  can correspond to a variety of equipment designed to measure one or more relevant properties of the waste being processed by the disposal unit  105 , the byproducts produced by the processing of the waste, and/or the disposal unit  105  itself. The relevant properties of waste captured by the measurement devices  110  can include those defined by federal (e.g., 40 CFR Section 260), state (e.g., FAC rules 62-730), local, or company established regulations. Thus, the disposal unit  105  and associated measurement devices  110  can be used to determine compliance with waste disposal regulation, which can occur automatically and/or with some level of manual activities being required of human agents. 
         [0030]    For example, an electronic scale can be added to the disposal unit  105  to measure the weight of the waste being processed. Examples of other data measurements devices  110  (besides a scale) can include, but are not limited to, an air quality sensor, a manometer, a particle count sensor, a radiation sensor, an air volume sensor, and the like. 
         [0031]    The data measurements devices  110  can communicate their readings with a data collection component  120  of a computing device  115 . The computing device  115  can represent a variety of electronic components (user interfaces, etc.) configured to communicate with the disposal unit  105  and/or data measurements devices  110  and execute the commands of the data collection component  120 . 
         [0032]    In another contemplated embodiment, the computing device  115  can be implemented as an embedded computer that can be integrated within the disposal unit  105 . In such an embodiment, the disposal unit  105  can be modified to include the necessary elements to allow connection to the network  160 . In one embodiment, computing device  115  can be implemented modularly as a detachable component of disposal unit  105 . In one embodiment, disposal unit  105  can be electronically docked to ports of a computing device  115 , which permits peripheral devices (including data measurement device(s)  110 ), sensors, and other electronically coupled components communicate digitally encoded data. In one embodiment, the disposal unit  105  can have a docketing station to perform this electronic coupling. Components of unit  105  can be communicatively linked to device  115  through wired (e.g., peripheral ports, a communication bus, etc) or wireless (e.g., BLUETOOTH, ZIGBE, WIRELESS USB, WIFI, IR, etc.) connections. 
         [0033]    The data collection component  120  can represent a computer program product (e.g., a software/firmware application or module that is stored on a tangible storage device) configured to aggregate the waste data  135  measured by the data measurements devices  110  for a specific lot of waste being processed by the disposal unit  105 . Aggregation of the waste data  135  by the data collection component  120  can also include the execution of additional operations, such as the calculation of related indices or properties, unit of measure conversions, and data formatting. The data collection component  120  can be further configured to perform basic limit checking functions, such as determining if the collected air particles require additional processing for disposal or are unsafe for unprotected handling. 
         [0034]    Once all the waste data  135  is collected, the data collection component  120  can send the waste data  135  to the data server  125  for storage in a data store  130 . The data server  125  and a data store  130  can represent the hardware and/or software components necessary to manage the electronic storage of and access to the waste data  135 . For example, the data server  125  and data store  130  can be existing elements of a hospital&#39;s network  160 , with a specified data section set aside for the waste data  135 . Although expressed as a tangible storage medium connected to device  115  via a network  160 , the disclosure is not so limited. For example, in one embodiment, store  130  can be a tangible storage medium local to device  115 , such as a removal media (e.g., a removable optical media, a flash memory, etc.). 
         [0035]    It should be appreciated that conventional methods for collecting waste data  135  are manual in nature, exposing personnel to harmful conditions when taking the measurements. Further, manual inputting of the information permits transcription errors, lost data, and other such errors that diminish an accuracy of reported information. The automated collection of waste data  135 , as shown in system  100 , can further reduce such exposures as well as increase measurement accuracy. 
         [0036]    In another embodiment, system  100  can be configured to function without the network  160  component. In such an embodiment, the computing device  115  and/or data collection component  120  can be configured to provide the collected waste data  135  to an intermediary device (not shown) that can be physically transported to the data server  125  and/or data store  130 . In such an embodiment, security measurements (such as use of unique identification keys per disposal unit  105 , encryption techniques, metering techniques, and data tracking technologies, etc.) can be utilized to ensure data obtained from component  120  is properly and securely conveyed to server  125 . 
         [0037]    For example, the data collection component  120  can store the waste data  135  on a removable memory storage device, like a universal serial bus (USB) memory stick, which a user  155  can then disconnect from the computing device  115 . The user  155  can then take the USB memory stick to the physical location of the data server  125 , connect the USB memory stick to the data server  125 , and transfer the waste data  135  from the USB memory stick into the data store  130 . 
         [0038]    With the waste data  135  electronically stored in a network-accessible location, the performance of tasks requiring use of the waste data  135  can be improved. Examples of such task can include, but are not limited to, report generation, data analysis, historical trend analysis, inventory management, regulatory compliance, data validation, and the like. 
         [0039]    The additional components shown in system  100  can further illustrate this impact upon task improvement. The data server  125  can be further configured to automatically and electronically report the collected waste data  135  to a designated reporting agency  140 . Such a reporting process can reduce the role of a user  155  from manually collating the waste data  135  to simply verifying the waste data  135 . 
         [0040]    Even if not automatic, a user  155  can utilize a waste management/reporting application  150  running on a client device  145  to efficiently access/process the waste data  135 . The waste management/reporting application  150  can represent a software program configured to communicate with the data server  125  to access the waste data  135 . The waste management/reporting application  150  can further include a variety of data analysis and/or reporting functions to allow the user  155  to perform additional operations upon the waste data  135 . 
         [0041]    For example, a user  155  can use the waste management/reporting application  150  to automatically populate an electronic form to be submitted to a reporting agency  140 . In one embodiment, the reporting can also be submitted via an email message. In other embodiments, reporting can occur via an alternative electronic communication, which can be a unidirectional or bidirectional communication. For example, a cloud based collaboration space can be established for reporting, as can a network space, or a Web based one (e.g., HTTP or HTTPS compatible). Additionally, the data collection component  120 , software executing on the data server  125 , and/or application  150  can convert and format data collected from one or more devices  115 . 
         [0042]    For example, in one embodiment, data collected by component  120  and placed in data store  130  can be gathered and used to automatically populate an EXCEL spreadsheet (or other spreadsheet format). The spreadsheet can have columns dictated at least in part by one or more reporting agencies  140 . For example, columns can include the values shown in pickup instance table  132 , such as building/room, date of pickup, manifest number, a date the manifest was received, the number of days for receipt of the returned manifest form, a Boolean value (e.g., Yes/No) for whether the manifest was received within 45 days, a quantity of waste in pounds, and a set of waste codes for the waste. The EXCEL spreadsheet can be saved, manipulated, and ultimately reported to agency  140  (or data can be pulled from it to populate a form used by a reporting agency  140 ). 
         [0043]    Of course, use of EXCEL is simply one example used to express an ability to adapt the data gathered herein to a set of commonly available software applications. Other software applications can be used in other contemplated embodiments of the invention. For example, a relational database management system (RDBMS) including table  132  (or attributes shown in table  132 ) can be used in another embodiment of the invention. Data of the data store  130  can be synchronized and/or otherwise conveyed to databases of the reporting agency  140 . 
         [0044]    Any number of optional safeguards can be implemented to ensure data accuracy and lack of manipulation occurrences. For example, in one embodiment, a data reporting agency, such as the EPA, can require data be stored in an encrypted and proprietary form, while in data store  130 , which is automatically reported to agency  140 . Use of an encrypted or proprietary form of data can minimize instances of tampering with the raw data. In another example, digital certificates, hidden metadata, and/or measures can be implemented to ensure the data received by the agency  140  is accurate. This represents an improvement over current practices, which are manual in nature and subject to recordation inaccuracies, transcription errors, and intentional manipulations. 
         [0045]    In one embodiment, alerts and reporting functions can be included in system  100  to enhance safety while disposing of hazardous material. For example, one or more data measurement devices  110  can be used to sense leakages of unit  105 . When a leakage is detected, an appropriate maintenance person and other appropriate personnel can be alerted via an automated text message, telephone call, fax, or other messaging technique. Further, on unit  105  alerting (such as through LED display panels, an audible warning, a problem indicating flashing light, etc.) can be implemented to ensure suitable personnel are alerted when actions related to the disposal unit  105  need to be taken. These actions can include alerts for emptying the unit  105  when full, alerts for detection of leakage that releases harmful vapors from unit  105 , and the like. 
         [0046]    Network  160  can include any hardware/software/and firmware necessary to convey data encoded within carrier waves. Data can be contained within analog or digital signals and conveyed though data or voice channels. Network  160  can include local components and data pathways necessary for communications to be exchanged among computing device components and between integrated device components and peripheral devices. Network  160  can also include network equipment, such as routers, data lines, hubs, and intermediary servers which together form a data network, such as the Internet. Network  160  can also include circuit-based communication components and mobile communication components, such as telephony switches, modems, cellular communication towers, and the like. Network  160  can include line based and/or wireless communication pathways. 
         [0047]    As used herein, presented data store  130  can be a physical or virtual storage space configured to store digital information. Data store  130  can be physically implemented within any type of hardware including, but not limited to, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, a digitally encoded plastic memory, a holographic memory, or any other recording medium. Data store  130  can be a stand-alone storage unit as well as a storage unit formed from a plurality of physical devices. Additionally, information can be stored within data store  130  in a variety of manners. For example, information can be stored within a database structure or can be stored within one or more files of a file storage system, where each file may or may not be indexed for information searching purposes. Further, data store  130  can utilize one or more encryption mechanisms to protect stored information from unauthorized access. 
         [0048]      FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of a waste disposal system  200  for safely disposing hazardous material in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. As shown, waste  210  can be placed within a disposal unit  215  through an insertion component  220 . 
         [0049]    The disposal unit  215  can be a substantially closed system, designed to permit complete waste  210  containment. For example, when the waste  210  can include airborne particles, the unit  215  can be a closed, air-tight system designed to prevent an escape of airborne particles. The insertion component  220  can ensure the waste  210  is sealed once placed in unit  215  to prevent external leakages and exposure. Disposal unit  215  can be implemented as any of a variety of different disposal containers  222 , each able to contain waste  210 , which can be sealed by the container sealant mechanism  224  to prevent the waste  210  from escaping once contained. For example, the containers  222  can include bags, hardened plastic baskets, chemo bins, and the like. Waste disposed of in the containers  222  (which is prevented from escaping) can include vapors, radiation, and small particles. 
         [0050]    The container sealant mechanism  224  can represent one or more mechanisms for sealing the disposal container  222 . Contemplated examples of the container sealant mechanism  224  can include, but are not limited to, one or more manual manipulators, an automated vacuum-sealing component, an automated heat-sealing component, use of an adhesive to seal container  222 , and the like. The seal established by the container sealant mechanism  224  can be an air tight one. 
         [0051]    Once the disposal container  222  is sealed, an air extraction unit  228  can remove airborne particles or other potentially dangerous trace elements from the disposal unit  215 . The removed air can be placed within an air container  226 . In one embodiment, the air container  226  can be a separate container from disposal container  222 . In another implementation, the disposal container  222  can be an air tight container that also functions as the air container  226 . In still another implementation, the air container  226  can be a separately sealed container included inside the disposal container  222 . Of course, using the disposal container  222  to contain air can alter an order in which the disposal container  222  is sealed relative to when the disposal unit  215  extracts the air. 
         [0052]    After air collection and the sealing of the disposal container  222 , the air collected in the air container  226  can be treated by an air sanitation component  230 . The air sanitation component  230  can include one or more air treatment mechanisms configured to improve the air quality of the collected air to a predetermined/acceptable level. 
         [0053]    Examples of air treatment mechanisms that can be utilized in the air sanitation component  230  can include, but are not limited to, a heat sterilization mechanism, an incineration mechanism, an ultraviolet (UV) disinfection mechanism, a filtration mechanism, a photo-catalytic sanitation mechanism, an oxidation mechanism, an ionization mechanism, and the like. For example, the air within the air container  226  can be exposed to a UV disinfection wand before passing through an active carbon filter. Any number (0 . . . N) of different sanitation components  230  can be cooperatively utilized. 
         [0054]    Embodiments are contemplated, where air treatment resulting from use of one or more components  230  is sufficient to permit sanitized air to be conveyed from disposal unit  215  to an external environment, as opposed to requiring it be stored in air container  226 . Further, embodiments are contemplated where sensors are used to examine air inside the unit  215 , where different steps are taken based upon sensor results. For example, results can indicate that interior air of unit  215  should be cycled (0. . . N times) through one or more of the sanitation components and then ejected into an exterior environment (by air extraction unit  228 ). Different results can indicate that interior air of unit  215  should be captured in air container  226 , then further sanitation actions (using components  230  and/or cleaning component(s)  234 ) should be taken to additionally cleanse unit  215  of harmful vapors/residue. 
         [0055]    Once the collected air has been sanitized to the predetermined level, an air exhaust element  232  can be used to expel the sanitized air  255  from the disposal unit  215 . The air exhaust element  232  can be configured to optionally expel the sanitized air  255  into the immediate environment of the disposal unit  215 . Alternately, the air exhaust element  232  can be connected to a ventilation system (not shown) external to the disposal unit  215 . 
         [0056]    The disposal unit  215  can optionally include an additional cleansing component  234 , such as a component that sprays a sanitizing liquid into the interior of disposal unit  215  to ensure the disposal unit  215  is free of waste  210 . Disposal unit  215  can also include one or more optional environment sensors  236  designed to detect when the disposal unit  215  is free from harmful waste  210  (which includes vapors). The environment sensor  236  can be linked to a removal component  240  so that the removal component  240  is unable to be opened until the interior environment of the disposal unit  215  is safe. 
         [0057]    An optional safety indicator  238  can provide an indicator as to conditions determined by the one or more environment sensors  236 . For example, the safety indicator  238  can display text concerning radiation levels, airborne pathogen levels, and other important metrics concerning the interior condition of the disposal unit  215 . In another example, the safety indicator  238  can be implemented as a light providing a warning when it is safe/unsafe to open the disposal unit  215 . The removal component  240  can be a component through which the sealed waste  245  and/or removed air/particles  250  are able to be safely removed. 
         [0058]      FIG. 3  shows a schematic diagram of a specific implementation instance  300 ,  350  of a disposal unit  305  that has the incorporation of a container sealant mechanism  320 . Implementation instance  300 ,  350  can be utilized within the context of systems  100  and  200 , and/or the embodiments of the disposal unit  305 ,  345  described within U.S. patent application Ser. No.  11 / 946 , 283 . The disposal unit  305  of implementation instance  300  can be configured to utilize a container sealant mechanism  320  in addition to manipulators  325 . 
         [0059]    It is important to emphasis that in implementation instance  300 , the container sealant mechanism  320  is used to seal the disposal container  315 , not the manipulators  325 . That is, an operator of the disposal unit  305  is not required to seal the disposal container  315  using the manipulators  325  (i.e., the operator need not use the manipulators  325  to apply a twist tie to a plastic bag  315 ). 
         [0060]    The insertion component  310  for receiving waste can be terminally connected to the container sealant mechanism  320 , which can be connected to the disposal container  315 , such as a sealable plastic bag. The manipulators  325  can be used to connect the disposal container  315  to the container sealant mechanism  320  and/or operate the container sealant mechanism  320 . Alternately, the container sealant mechanism  320  can be configured to execute automatically, triggered by the disposal unit  305 . Any number of configurable conditions can trigger the automatic execution of sealant mechanism  320 , such as the weight of the disposal container  315 , an expiration of a maximum time that hazardous material has been left in container  315 , a sensor reading indicating that a previously defined toxicity level has been reached, and other such conditions or combinations thereof 
         [0061]    A variety of container sealant mechanisms  320  can be contemplated for this implementation instance  300 . In one such contemplation, the container sealant mechanism  320  can include the components to vacuum seal the disposal container  315 . In another embodiment, the container sealant mechanism  320  can include parallel heating elements that collapse and melt the opening of the disposal container  315 . In one embodiment, a top potion of container  315  can have a self-sealing strip, which seals the container  315  when pressed to an opposing potion of container  315  by mechanism  320 . In one embodiment, an adhesive can be ejected by mechanism  320 , which seals container  315 . 
         [0062]    It should be noted that the contemplated container sealant mechanisms  320  for implementation instance  300  are discussed in regards to the use of a plastic bag as the disposal container  315 . However, these contemplations can be expanded to accommodate other types of disposal containers  315 . 
         [0063]    Embodiment  350  shows one such example where container  340  is incorporated within the disposal unit  345 . Container  340  can be a standardized container, such as an FDA approved biohazard collection box, a sharps box for needle disposal, and the like. These types of containers are often present in doctor&#39;s offices and hospitals. These standard containers  340  are typically environmentally exposed, which causes air from the containers  340  to disseminate into the local environment. In many instances, this can result in bystanders/patients/doctors/nurses being exposed to harmful vapors, particles, and other substances. In embodiment  350 , an insertion component  310  is attached to the container  340 , which itself is sealed. Air can be extracted from the container, using a pump  330 , where it can be optionally filtered, incinerated, or contained. Unit  345  inhibits outgoing air from container  340  from being disseminated into the local environment (one external to unit  345 ). When container  340  is full, manipulators  325  can be used to seal the container  340  for extraction. Alternatively, container sealant mechanism  320  can be used to seal container  340  for disposal. Container  340  can then be safely removed from unit  345  and handled properly. Components of embodiment  350  are illustrative only, and can include any of the variations of components described herein and/or described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/946,283. It should be appreciated adapting unit  345  to work with existing containers  340  can minimize inventory, implementation cost, established contracts, and can ensure current disposal processes are minimally affected, while nevertheless realizing positive environmental benefits described herein. 
         [0064]      FIG. 4  illustrates a specific implementation instance  400  of an insertion tube  405  for the disposal unit. Implementation instance  400  can be utilized within the context of systems  100  and  200 , implementation instance  300 , and/or the embodiments of the disposal unit described within U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/946,283. 
         [0065]    In implementation instance  400 , the insertion tube  405  can be connected to a connection plate  425  within the interior of the disposal unit. The insertion tube  405  can be comprised of an outer tube  410  and an inner tube  415  that can be separated by spacers  420 . Thus, both the outer tube  410  and inner tube  415  can be adjusted simultaneously by the same movement. 
         [0066]    It should be appreciated that the insertion tube  405  shown in implementation instance  400  can allow for a variety of configurations that can be used to tailor and/or enhance the performance of the disposal unit. The following are examples highlighting these enhancement capabilities. 
         [0067]    The outer tube  410  can be made from a material having qualities that are different and/or specific from the material that the inner tube  415  is made from. Such a configuration can be useful when the disposal unit is required to handle waste containing radioactive byproducts or ferrous metals. For example, an inner tube  415  made of a material that is magnetically inert can better ensure that ferrous metal waste does not aggregate in the insertion tube  405 . 
         [0068]    Additionally, varied configurations of materials comprising the inner tube  415  and the outer tube  410  can expand the range of waste that the disposal unit is able to process. That is, an insertion tube  405  configuration can be switched to a different configuration in order to handle a different type of waste and/or waste byproducts. 
         [0069]    Another advantage of a dual-tube insertion tube  405  can be part longevity. For example, the insertion tube  405  can continue to function despite the presence of a defect (i.e., tear, hole, etc.) in either the inner tube  415  or the outer tube  410 . That is, the outer tube  410  can be thought of as a redundant inner tube  415 , allowing the disposal unit to continue functioning as long as the integrity of both tubes  410  and  415  has not been compromised. 
         [0070]    The spacers  420  separating the inner  415  and outer tubes  410  can also be of various materials, allowing another level of insertion tube  405  customization. For example, the spacers  420  can be of a flexible material to allow for the insertion tube  405  to be moved without stressing the spacers&#39;  420  connection points with the outer tube  410  and/or inner tube  415 . This can be especially useful should the interior chamber of the disposal unit be put under the effect of a vacuum. Additionally, the quantity of spacers  420  used can be varied to handle more or less stress. In one embodiment, inhibitors can be inserted into the inner tube  415  (and/or the outer tube  415 ) to ensure a unidirectional flow of material (e.g., prevent backflow). 
         [0071]    It should be noted that the configurations discussed above and presented in implementation instance  400  focus on the use of two tubes. An embodiment of the present invention is not limited as such, and can be expanded to apply to an insertion tube  405  comprising of more than two tubes. As such, the various layers of tubes can be configured to further act as a filtration mechanism for the disposal unit. 
         [0072]    The present invention may be realized in hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software. The present invention may be realized in a centralized fashion in one computer system or in a distributed fashion where different elements are spread across several interconnected computer systems. Any kind of computer system or other apparatus adapted for carrying out methods described herein is suited. A typical combination of hardware and software may be a general purpose computer system with a computer program that, when being loaded and executed, controls the computer system such that it carries out the methods described herein. 
         [0073]    The present invention also may be embedded in a computer program product, which comprises all the features enabling the implementation of the methods described herein, and which when loaded in a computer system is able to carry out these methods. Computer program in the present context means any expression, in any language, code or notation, of a set of instructions intended to cause a system having an information processing capability to perform a particular function either directly or after either or both of the following: a) conversion to another language, code or notation; b) reproduction in a different material form.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0