Patent Description:
Sanitising after touching potentially contaminated surfaces concerns many people. Current government advice is to wash hands and contact surfaces frequently using soap or use greater than <NUM>% alcohol sanitizing products to reduce transmission of bacterial and viral pathogens. To be effective when washing with soap and water government advice recommends a minimum of <NUM> seconds is spent washing hands and that up to a <NUM>-step process is used to ensure that all surfaces of the hands are sanitised.

After washing a user needs to dry themselves. Conventional cotton towelling is not sterile after the first use, disposable paper towels are expensive, non-recyclable and require constant attention to ensure stocks are maintained and used towels are disposed of. Similarly, alcohol sanitizer is both expensive and requires monitoring to ensure stocks are maintained. Standard air driers are available as a noncontact solution; however, they provide no further sanitizing action.

Conventional air sanitizing units employ filters and ultraviolet light and ultraviolet photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) to sanitise air that is circulated. Short wavelength ultraviolet light (UV-C) penetrates micro-organisms such as virus and bacteria to kill or deactivate them through disrupting their nuclear material leaving them unable to perform their intended function. Ultraviolet photocatalytic oxidation creates hydroxyl radicals that can be circulated in the ambient air that also act to sanitise and super oxide ions that cause small particles to clump into clusters and remove them from the air.

The Radic8 Viruskiller air purifier and the Sterillo™ Hand Dryer use UV-C and PCO to sterilise ambient air and surrounding surfaces however neither are capable of sanitising a user in a convenient time period. American Dryer's ExtremeAir™ CPC utilises as cold plasma generator claimed to produce hydroxyl ions that are expelled in the direction of a user at a claimed <NUM> mph, therefore it is questionable how effective ions at such a low concentration and high velocity are at sanitizing a user's hands.

In addition to the above, it is known to provide hand driers with a sanitising arrangement, but such tend not to provide an effective low maintenance sanitiser capable of sanitising a user or for both a user and the ambient surroundings. Document <CIT> discloses a sanitiser having a plasma generator.

Therefore, aspects and/or embodiments seek to provide sanitised and sanitising air and plasma for sanitizing a user and the ambient surroundings of the sanitiser. Further embodiments may also provide air for drying the user's hands.

According to the invention, a sanitiser as defined in claim <NUM> is proposed.

In an embodiment, the reservoir can provide storage in which plasma can be accumulated to allow sufficient plasma to be directed to the user to effectively sanitise the user in an acceptable amount of time to the user.

Optionally, the plasma generator is contained within the reservoir to directly fill the reservoir with plasma when required. There may be a first outlet towards an upper portion of the sanitiser. The outlet positioned for directing plasma generally outwardly and downwardly from the sanitiser.

In some embodiments, the first outlet towards the upper portion configured to direct plasma outwardly and downwardly can provide the advantage of the plasma being distributed around the environment in which the sanitiser is located. Thereby providing a sanitising effect on the air and surfaces in said environment. In an alternative embodiment the sanitiser may include a drier. This provides the dual benefit of drying a user after washing and consuming the time required to build up sufficient plasma in the reservoir to sanitise the user. The drier may be a jet drier for creating a jet of air and may further include an outlet for directing said air towards a user. The second outlet of the reservoir may be positioned proximal to the drier outlet for directing plasma towards the user.

In an alternative embodiment the drier may include a heater for heating air and an outlet for directing said heated air to towards a user. Wherein, the second outlet of the reservoir may be positioned proximal to the drier outlet for directing plasma towards the user.

In a further embodiment the second outlet from the reservoir may surround the drier outlet. Thereby providing no perceptible shift in the supply direction of the fluid provided to the user.

In an alternative embodiment the second outlet may include an outlet plenum comprising a plenum inlet and a plenum outlet. The plenum outlet may be offset from the inlet to slow the velocity and control the direction of plasma directed to the user. Thereby, providing increased contact between the user and the plasma provided by the machine and enhancing the sanitising effect.

In a preferred embodiment the controller may be operable in a first mode to cause the operation of the one or more fluid movers such as to cause the flow of plasma out of the first outlet alone. Therefore, advantageously sanitising the ambient surroundings of the sanitiser.

In a further embodiment the controller may be operable in a second mode to prevent operation of the one or more fluid movers such as to store plasma in said reservoir. Allowing a high quantity of dense plasma to be generated by the plasma generator to accumulate in the reservoir in preparation for sanitising a user in the manner described in the third or fourth modes below.

In a further embodiment the controller may be operable in a third mode to cause the operation of the one or more fluid movers such as to cause the flow of plasma out of the second outlet alone.

In a further embodiment the controller may be operable in a fourth mode to cause the operation of the one or more fluid movers such as to cause the flow of plasma out of both the first and second outlets simultaneously.

In an embodiment the controller may be operably connected to the presence sensor and to the one or more fluid movers for ceasing the operation thereof and, thereby, preventing flow of plasma from said reservoir for a period of time upon the detection of a user. Therefore, allowing a contact free operation by the user and reducing the chance of transmission of pathogens by touch.

In an alternative embodiment the controller may be operably connected to the hand drier for detecting the operation thereof. The controller may be operably connected to the presence sensor and to the one or more fluid movers for allowing the flow of plasma from said reservoir out of said second outlet and towards the user upon cessation of the flow of air from the hand drier.

In a further embodiment the controller may be operable upon receipt of a signal from the presence sensor to operate the one or more fluid movers to cause plasma to be directed out of said first outlet when no user is detected.

In an alternative embodiment the controller may be operable upon receipt of a signal from the presence sensor to operate the one or more fluid movers to cause plasma to be directed out of said first outlet when a user is detected.

In a further embodiment the one or more air movers may comprise one or more fans. A first fan of said one or more fans may be at the first outlet to the reservoir. A second fan of said one or more fans may be at the second of said outlets to the reservoir. Alternatively, the one or more fluid movers from the reservoir may comprise a single bi-directional fan.

In a further embodiment said one or more inlets to the reservoir may comprise one or other of the first and second outlets. Therefore, requiring fewer components and a simpler fluid flow through the sanitiser.

In an alternative embodiment the sanitiser may further include a timer that may be connected to the controller for causing the operation of the one or more fluid movers after the cessation of flow from the hand drier.

In a further embodiment the sanitiser may include a display for informing the user when the sanitising process is complete. The display may include a plurality of LEDs for indicating the time remaining until the sanitising process is complete. It is important that the full reservoir of plasma is directed at the user for the maximum sanitising effect. The display will clearly indicate to the user the relative time remaining until sanitising is complete to ensure the user remains for the full process.

In a further embodiment the sanitiser may include a gas sensor for detecting the concentration of a particular gas. The controller may be operably connected to the gas sensor. The controller may include a comparator for comparing a gas concentration threshold for the particular gas with the concentration of the particular gas detected by the gas sensor. The controller may be operable to activate or deactivate the plasma generator when the concentration of the particular gas is at or passes the gas concentration threshold. The controller may be operable to deactivate the plasma generator if the concentration of the particular gas is at or above the gas concentration threshold. The particular gas may be ozone.

The gas sensor allows the dryer to respond to the changing concentration of gasses in the air. In particular it is advantageous to control the concentration of ozone that can result from the super oxide ions created by the plasma generator.

In an embodiment the sanitiser may be for sanitising the hands of a user.

In an embodiment the drier may be a hand drier for drying the hands of a user.

Aspects of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings having like-reference numerals, in which:.

Referring to <FIG>, a first embodiment will now be described. From <FIG> it can be appreciated that the sanitiser <NUM> may include a reservoir <NUM>, connected to a plasma generator <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>) for generating plasma <NUM>. One or more inlets <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>) may be connected to the plasma generator <NUM>. The reservoir <NUM> may have a first outlet <NUM> that may include a first duct 34A and a second outlet <NUM> that may include a second duct 36A, all are preferably fluidly connected to one or more inlets <NUM> for providing a passage for fluid from the one or more inlets <NUM> to outlets <NUM>,<NUM>. The outlet <NUM> has a first end 34B connected to the reservoir <NUM> and a second end 34C open to the environment surrounding or outside the sanitiser <NUM>. The two ends 34B, 34C may be connected by the duct 34A. The outlet <NUM> has a first end 36B connected to the reservoir <NUM> and a second end 36C open to the air surrounding or outside the sanitiser <NUM>. The two ends 36B, 36C may be connected by the duct 36A.

The reservoir <NUM> maybe sealed apart from the one or more inlets <NUM> and outlets <NUM>,<NUM> for collecting and storing plasma <NUM> generated by the plasma generator <NUM>. In a preferred arrangement the plasma <NUM> generated by the plasma generator <NUM> is in the form of a gaseous plasma <NUM>. The fluid entering the one or more inlets <NUM> is air that is provided to the plasma generator <NUM> from which the plasma generator <NUM> generates plasma <NUM>. For the purposes of this document plasma <NUM> is the fluid provided to and supplied by the outlets <NUM>, <NUM> that may include a mixture of plasma <NUM> generated by the plasma generator <NUM> and air.

The first outlet <NUM> of the reservoir <NUM> may further include a divergent outlet <NUM> for providing plasma <NUM> from the reservoir <NUM> to the external casing <NUM> and the ambient surroundings for sanitising the external casing <NUM>, the air and ambient surroundings. The ambient surroundings may be the area local to the sanitiser <NUM> or the room in which the sanitiser <NUM> is located including the air and surfaces in the area. The second outlet <NUM> of the reservoir <NUM> may include the duct 36A connecting the first end 36B and the second end 36C for providing and directing plasma to a user to sanitise the user.

The first outlet <NUM> may be situated in a first portion <NUM> of the sanitiser <NUM> and the second outlet <NUM> may be situated in a second portion of the sanitiser <NUM>. In <FIG> it can be seen that the first outlet <NUM> may include a divergent outlet <NUM> that may be located towards the upper portion 14A of the sanitiser <NUM>. In a preferred arrangement the divergent outlet <NUM> directs plasma <NUM> outwardly and downwardly for sanitising the external casing and/or surroundings. It will be appreciated that whilst in <FIG> the divergent outlet <NUM> of the first outlet <NUM> is paced towards the upper portion 14A of the sanitiser <NUM> the divergent outlet <NUM> can be placed at a lower portion 16B of the sanitiser or another point suitable for providing plasma <NUM> to the ambient surroundings. Similarly, the second outlet <NUM> is situated in the second portion <NUM> of the sanitiser <NUM>. Whist in <FIG> the outlet <NUM> is in the lower portion 16A of the sanitiser <NUM> and specifically the base of the sanitiser <NUM>, it will be appreciated the outlet <NUM> can be located in any location suitable for providing plasma <NUM> to the user for sanitising the user. The sanitiser <NUM> may supply plasma to the user for sanitising a user's hands.

The embodiment of <FIG> may include an optional drier <NUM> that may include a fan <NUM> and a motor <NUM> for supplying air to an outlet <NUM> for directing air to a user. The drier <NUM> shown in <FIG> is a jet drier <NUM> that provides ambient temperature air at high velocity for drying the user. However, it will be understood that any other form of drier <NUM> including a hot air drier <NUM> further including a heater <NUM> may be used. The outlet of the drier <NUM> may be positioned proximal, next to or adjacent the second outlet <NUM> of the sanitiser <NUM> such that the user does not need to move, or must move only a very short distance, to receive the air from the drier <NUM> or the plasma <NUM> from the sanitiser <NUM>. The second outlet <NUM> may surround the outlet of the drier <NUM> or visa-versa for directing plasma towards a user. Surrounding the outlet may be a coaxial arrangement, or a plurality of outlets <NUM>, <NUM> surrounding a central outlet <NUM>, <NUM>. For Example the second outlet <NUM> may include two outlets either side of the drier outlet <NUM>. The outlets <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to direct fluid in a convergent path in order to reduce the perceived difference between drying air and plasma <NUM> delivery or to better surround the user's hands with fluid for sanitising or drying. The drier <NUM> may be a hand drier <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a similar embodiment of the sanitiser <NUM> of <FIG> with the external cover <NUM> removed and the reservoir <NUM> removed. Removing the reservoir <NUM> exposes the plasma generator <NUM>, the one or more inlets <NUM> and one or more fluid movers <NUM>, <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG> the plasma generator <NUM> may be contained within the reservoir <NUM>, however may be remote from the reservoir <NUM>.

The plasma generator <NUM> may include an Ultraviolet light (UV) source <NUM> and photo-catalytic plates <NUM>. The UV has a dual effect. UV light, specifically short wavelength ultraviolet light known as UV-C kills or deactivates pathogens directly exposed to the UV light by destroying or disrupting their genetic material, therefore, sanitising the fluid that passes through the reservoir that is directly exposed to the UV light. The plasma generator <NUM> also generates plasma <NUM>. The photo-catalytic plates <NUM> may include the material Titanium Dioxide, that when exposed to UV light cause water molecules in the air to oxidise to form Hydroxyl radicals and super oxide ions in the air. The Hydroxyl radicals have anti-bacterial and anti-viral effects by damaging the molecular structure of the pathogens. The super oxide ions cause small particles such as viruses to clump together and form clusters. Thus, removing them from the atmosphere. The advantage of the hydroxyl radicals and the super oxide ions are that they are effective outside of the sanitiser <NUM> in which they are created and permeate the ambient surroundings or room in which the sanitiser <NUM> is located and therefore sanitise the air and surfaces and the item or user that are external to the sanitiser <NUM>. The purpose of the reservoir <NUM> is to create a mixture of air and plasma <NUM> with a high concentration of plasma <NUM>, comprised of hydroxyl radicals and super oxide ions, to provide an improved sanitising effect for the user or item outside of the sanitiser <NUM>.

The sanitiser <NUM> may include one or more fluid movers <NUM>, <NUM> for moving and directing fluid through the sanitiser <NUM>. <FIG> shows an embodiment with <NUM> fluid movers <NUM>, <NUM>. The first outlet <NUM> may include the first fluid mover <NUM> for supplying plasma <NUM> to the first outlet <NUM>. The second outlet <NUM> may include the second air mover <NUM> for supplying plasma <NUM> to the second outlet <NUM>.

The embodiment of <FIG> may also include a separate one or more inlets <NUM> connected to the plasma generator <NUM>. Note a separate inlet <NUM> is not included in the embodiment of <FIG>. In the embodiment of <FIG> when the first fluid mover <NUM> is supplying plasma <NUM> from the reservoir <NUM> to the outlet <NUM> air enters the outlet <NUM> and outlet <NUM> performs the function of the one or more inlets <NUM> and when the second fluid mover <NUM> is supplying plasma <NUM> to the outlet <NUM> air enters outlet <NUM> and outlet <NUM> preforms the function of the one or more inlets <NUM>.

Whilst it will be appreciated that the plasma generator <NUM> in the preferred embodiment of <FIG> is contained within the reservoir <NUM> the plasma generator <NUM> may be contained within the inlet <NUM> or another position for generating plasma <NUM> to be stored in the reservoir <NUM> and outputs <NUM> and <NUM>.

In the embodiments shown there are two fluid movers <NUM>, <NUM>. However, in an alternative embodiment one or more fluid movers <NUM>, <NUM> may be included. A first fluid mover <NUM> may be located at the first outlet <NUM> of the reservoir <NUM> for causing flow of plasma <NUM> out of the first outlet <NUM>. A second fluid mover <NUM> may be located at the second outlet <NUM> of the reservoir <NUM> for causing the flow of plasma <NUM> out of the second outlet <NUM>. An alternative embodiment is envisaged wherein there is only one fluid mover <NUM>, <NUM> for example only the first fluid mover <NUM> or the second fluid mover <NUM> for supplying plasma <NUM> to both the first outlet <NUM> and the second outlet <NUM>. In such an embodiment the fluid mover <NUM>, <NUM> may be a bi-directional fluid mover 40C. The one or more fluid movers <NUM>, <NUM> may include one or more fans 40A, 42A and one or more motors 40B, 42B for causing flow of air and/or plasma into or from outlets <NUM>, <NUM> or one or more inlets <NUM>. The fluid movers <NUM>, <NUM> may each include a director 40D, 42D for obturating or partially obturating the outlets <NUM>, <NUM> or the inlet <NUM> to prevent or impede flow of plasma from said outlets <NUM>, <NUM> or the inlet <NUM>.

In a preferred embodiment the first fluid mover <NUM> for supplying plasma <NUM> to the first outlet <NUM> supplies a low volume flow that may be suitably matched to the speed of plasma generation by the plasma generator <NUM> and the second fluid mover <NUM> may supply a higher volume of stored plasma <NUM> from the reservoir <NUM> to the second outlet <NUM>. Therefore, the first fluid mover <NUM> may be smaller than the second fluid mover <NUM>.

A controller <NUM> comprising a timer <NUM>, a presence sensor <NUM> and a gas sensor <NUM> are also visible in <FIG> and <FIG>. The timer <NUM> may also be separate from the controller <NUM>. The timer <NUM>, the sensor <NUM>, the one or more air movers <NUM>, <NUM> and the drier <NUM> if present are all communicatively and/or operatively connected to the controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may be operably connected to the one or more fluid movers <NUM>, <NUM> for causing the flow of plasma <NUM> from the reservoir <NUM> to one or both of the outlets <NUM> and <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may be operably connected to the one or more air movers <NUM>, <NUM> to prevent or not actively cause the flow of plasma <NUM> from the reservoir <NUM> and/or the outlets <NUM>, <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may be operably connected to the one or more air movers <NUM>, <NUM> to prevent the flow of plasma <NUM> from the reservoir <NUM> by preventing operation of the one or more air movers <NUM>, <NUM> or by causing the air movers <NUM>, <NUM> to obturate or partially obturate both or either of the outlets <NUM> and <NUM>. The controller <NUM>, in response to a signal received from the presence sensor <NUM> indicating the present of the user may activate the timer <NUM> and cause any one or any combination of the above actions of the one or more air movers <NUM>, <NUM> in response to one or more of a signal from the presence sensor <NUM> and information from the timer <NUM>. The gas sensor <NUM> may be a gas concentration sensor <NUM>. The gas sensor <NUM> may detect a particular gas or particular gases and send a signal to the controller <NUM> indicating the presence or concentration of that gas or gases to the controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may include a gas concentration threshold for each particular gas and a comparator <NUM> for comparing the concentration of the particular gases with the threshold gas concentration and indicating to the controller <NUM> if the concentration of the particular gas exceeds the gas concentration threshold. The comparator <NUM> may also indicate to the controller <NUM> if the concentration is at or passes the threshold and in response the controller may control the plasma generator <NUM>. Controlling the plasma generator <NUM> can include activating or deactivating the plasma generator <NUM>. Whilst it is stated above that the controller <NUM> includes the concentration threshold and the comparator <NUM>, their relative location is immaterial. For example, the comparator <NUM> and the threshold may be included in the gas sensor <NUM>. In response to the presence of the particular gas the controller <NUM> may deactivate the plasma generator <NUM>; alternatively, if the comparator <NUM> sends a signal to the controller <NUM> indicating that the concentration of the particular gas has reached or exceeded the gas concentration threshold the controller <NUM> may deactivate the plasma generator. Once the particular gas is no longer detected, or the concentration of the gas falls below the threshold, the sensor <NUM> or the comparator <NUM> may signal the fact to the controller <NUM> and the controller <NUM> may activate the plasma generator <NUM>. In short, the sanitiser <NUM> may include closed loop control of the concentration of the particular gas. The gas sensor <NUM> may be located on the exterior of the sanitiser <NUM> for monitoring the ambient air surrounding the sanitiser <NUM> or it may be located on the inlet <NUM> of the sanitiser <NUM>.

The particular gas may be Ozone which can be produced as a result of the super oxide ions released by the sanitizer. Therefore, turning the plasma generator <NUM> on and off can regulate the concentration of Ozone gas.

<FIG> shows an alternative embodiment of the sanitizer <NUM> tilted back to display the second portion <NUM> that in this embodiment is the lower portion 16A. The embodiment of <FIG> is similar to the embodiment of <FIG> with the addition that the second outlet <NUM> includes an outlet plenum <NUM>. The outlet plenum is a chamber for controlling the velocity of the plasma <NUM>, supplied by the one or more fluid movers <NUM>, <NUM> and directing it to the user. The outlet plenum <NUM> has an inlet 37A, a body 37B and an outlet 37C. The outlet 37C may be offset from the inlet 37A. The outlet 37C may be laterally offset from the inlet 37A and/or of greater area than the inlet 37A to reduce the output velocity of the plasma <NUM>, deliver plasma <NUM> over a greater area and/or introduce turbulent flow in order to improve the distribution over the user to enhance the sanitising effect. In such an arrangement the drier outlet <NUM> may be positioned in front of the second outlet <NUM> or visa-versa.

<FIG> shows the sanitiser <NUM> fully assembled in a preferred embodiment including an external casing <NUM> comprising an upper portion 14A, a lower portion 16A, and a display <NUM> for indicating to the user the proportion of time remaining until the sanitising process is complete, the time remaining and/or that sanitising is complete. The display <NUM> may be operably connected to one or more of the controller <NUM> and/or the timer <NUM>. The display <NUM> may include a plurality of LEDs <NUM>, wherein the proportion of time remaining until sanitising is complete is indicated by illuminated LEDs <NUM>. Said LEDs <NUM> extinguishing in sequence as the time remaining diminishes. Alternatively, the display <NUM> may include a numerical count down. When a drier <NUM> is fitted the display <NUM> may include the time the drier <NUM> is active when displaying the time remaining.

<FIG> also shows the divergent outlet <NUM> of the first outlet <NUM> emerging in the upper portion 14A of the external case <NUM> however it will be understood that in alternative embodiments the first outlet may emerge towards the lower portion 16A or any other location suitable for providing plasma to the ambient surroundings for sanitising said ambient surroundings. In this case the divergent outlet <NUM> has <NUM> apertures 38A but any number of apertures 38A is possible. In the embodiment of <FIG> the second outlet <NUM> emerges from the lower portion 16A of the external case <NUM> for supplying plasma <NUM> to a user, in particular from the base of the sanitiser <NUM>. In other embodiments the second outlet <NUM> may emerge from any position suitable for sanitising the user.

<FIG> shows modes of operation of the sanitiser <NUM>.

In a first mode the controller <NUM> may operate the one or more fluid movers <NUM>, <NUM> to cause the flow of plasma out of the first outlet <NUM> alone for sanitising the ambient surroundings of the sanitiser <NUM>. In a preferred embodiment the controller <NUM> activates the first fluid mover <NUM> to cause the flow of plasma out of the first outlet <NUM> alone. In the first mode air flows into the intake <NUM> and plasma <NUM> generated by the plasma generator <NUM> flows out of the first outlet <NUM>. In a preferred embodiment the air flows into the intake <NUM> comprising the second outlet <NUM>.

In a second mode the controller <NUM> may prevent operation of the one or more fluid movers <NUM>, <NUM> thereby ceasing movement of fluid through the reservoir <NUM> and storing the plasma <NUM> generated by the plasma generator <NUM> in the reservoir <NUM>. Alternatively, the controller <NUM> may cause the fluid movers <NUM>, <NUM> to obturate the outlets <NUM>, <NUM>. If present, in the second mode, the drier <NUM> may be activated by the controller <NUM> for drying the user. When in the second mode the reservoir <NUM> of the sanitiser <NUM> stores the plasma <NUM> generated by the plasma generator <NUM>. In the second mode plasma <NUM> is built up within the reservoir <NUM>, to provide a high concentration of plasma <NUM> in the air and plasma mixture to provide an improved sanitising effect when the plasma <NUM> is directed at a user or item to be sanitised in the air outside of the sanitiser <NUM>.

In a third mode the controller <NUM> activates the one or more fluid movers <NUM>, <NUM> to cause the flow of plasma <NUM> out of the second outlet <NUM> alone, for sanitising the user after deactivating the dryer <NUM> if its operation is detected. In a preferred embodiment the controller <NUM> activates the second fluid mover <NUM> to cause the flow of plasma out of the second outlet <NUM>. In the third mode air flows in the inlet <NUM> and plasma flows out of the second outlet <NUM>. In an embodiment the air flows in the inlet <NUM> comprising the first outlet <NUM>.

In a fourth mode the controller <NUM> may activate the one or more fluid movers <NUM>, <NUM> to cause the flow of plasma <NUM> out of the first outlet <NUM> and the second outlet <NUM> simultaneously. In the fourth mode air flows in the intake <NUM> and plasma flows out of the first and second outlets <NUM>, <NUM>.

In a fifth mode the controller <NUM> may activate the one or more fluid movers <NUM>, <NUM> to cause the flow of plasma out of the second outlet <NUM> for sanitising the user and activate the drier <NUM> concurrently.

The modes of operation can occur in any order under the control of the controller <NUM>. In a preferred embodiment the controller <NUM>, on receiving a signal from the presence sensor <NUM>, indicating the presence of a user has been detected, may cause the first mode, the second mode and the third mode or the second mode and third mode to occur in sequence or only the second mode for a period of time. The first mode may be a default or standby mode for sanitising the room or ambient surroundings of the sanitiser <NUM> to which the controller <NUM> returns the sanitiser <NUM> after being in other modes when no user is detected by the presence sensor <NUM>. On receipt of a signal from the presence sensor <NUM> indicating presence of a user the controller <NUM> may cause the sanitiser <NUM> to move to the second mode to store plasma in preparation for sanitising the user and may further activate the timer <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may cause the sanitizer <NUM> to move to the third mode once sufficient time has elapsed and/or sufficient plasma is stored in the reservoir <NUM> to sanitise the user. The controller <NUM> in communication with the timer <NUM> may, after a predefined period, cause the sanitiser to move from the second mode to the third mode to sanitise the user using the plasma from the reservoir <NUM> accumulated during the second mode.

In an embodiment including a drier <NUM> the controller will activate the drier during the second mode so that the user may be dried or dry themselves whist waiting for the reservoir to accumulate sufficient plasma for the sanitiser <NUM> to sanitise the user in the third mode.

<FIG> shows a schematic of the connections between the controller <NUM> which may include the comparator <NUM> and the presence sensor <NUM>, the gas sensor <NUM> if fitted, the timer <NUM>, the display <NUM>, the air movers <NUM>, <NUM> and the drier <NUM>.

There may be a connection <NUM> between the controller <NUM> and the one or more fluid movers <NUM>, <NUM>, that may be an electrical connection <NUM> for powering the one or more fluid movers <NUM>, <NUM> or it may be a signal connection <NUM> for passing signals from the controller <NUM> to the one or more fluid movers <NUM>, <NUM> for activating and deactivating the fluid movers <NUM>, <NUM>. The signal connection <NUM> may also control the speed of the fluid movers <NUM>, <NUM> or cause the fluid movers <NUM>, <NUM> to obturate the one or more outlets <NUM>, <NUM> or one or more inlets <NUM>. The signal connection <NUM> may also pass information on the status of the one or more fluid movers <NUM>, <NUM> to the controller <NUM>.

There may be a connection <NUM> between the controller <NUM> and the drier <NUM> that may be an electrical connection for powering the drier <NUM> or may be a signal connection <NUM> for controlling the drier or receiving signals at the controller <NUM> from the drier <NUM> regarding the status of the drier <NUM>.

There may be a connection <NUM> between the controller <NUM> and the presence sensor <NUM>. The connection <NUM> may be a signal connection <NUM> for providing the controller <NUM> with a signal indicating the presence of a user.

There may be a connection 57a between the controller <NUM> including the comparator <NUM> and the gas sensor <NUM>. The connection 57a may be a signal connection <NUM> for providing the controller <NUM> with a signal indicating the presence or concentration of a particular gas.

There may be a connection <NUM> between the timer <NUM> and the controller <NUM> that is a signal connection <NUM> for providing signals from the controller <NUM> to the timer <NUM>. For example, to start the timer if the controller <NUM> receives a signal presence sensor <NUM> indicating the presence of a user. The signal connection <NUM> may also provide timing signals from the timer <NUM> to the controller <NUM>.

There may be a connection <NUM> between the controller <NUM> and the display <NUM>. The connection <NUM> may be a signal connection <NUM> for providing timing or status information to the display <NUM>. Alternatively, or in addition there may be a connection <NUM> direction between the timer and the display <NUM> that may also be a signal connection <NUM> for passing timing information from the timer <NUM> to the display <NUM>.

By default, the sanitiser <NUM> may be in the first mode described above to sanitise the ambient surroundings of the sanitiser <NUM>. On sensing the presence of a user, the presence sensor <NUM> senses a signal to the controller <NUM>. The presence sensor <NUM> may sense the user entering the room or the presence of the user at the sanitiser <NUM> or the presence of the user, in particular the hands of a user, in front of the second outlet <NUM>. On receipt of the signal from the presence sensor <NUM> indicating the presence of the user the controller <NUM> may activate the timer <NUM> and cause the sanitiser <NUM> to operate in the second mode in order to store plasma <NUM> in preparation for sanitising the user. Thus, at the end of the period in the second mode a high concentration of plasma <NUM> is available to sanitize the user. If included the drier <NUM> may be activated during the second mode for drying the user.

The drier may be for drying the user's hands. After a period of time has elapsed, this may be a pre-defined period of time, that may be sufficient for the aforementioned actions of the second mode to be completed the controller <NUM> may on receipt of a signal from the timer <NUM> or from an input from the user move to the third mode. In the third mode the plasma <NUM> stored in the reservoir <NUM> during the period in the second mode is directed to the user via outlet <NUM> in order to sanitise the user. Once sanitising is complete the display <NUM> in response to a signal from the controller <NUM> and/or the timer <NUM> will indicate to the user that the sanitising process is complete and the controller <NUM> will return the sanitiser to the first mode.

The controller <NUM> may include a processor and a memory and the functions of the controller <NUM> and/or the timer <NUM> can by implemented using software and/or hardware.

Any system feature, as described herein may also be provided as a method feature, and vice versa. As used herein, means plus function features may be expressed alternatively in terms of their corresponding structure.

Claim 1:
A sanitiser (<NUM>) having an external casing (<NUM>), a first portion (<NUM>) and a second portion (<NUM>):
a) a plasma generator (<NUM>), for generating a plasma (<NUM>);
b) a reservoir (<NUM>), for storing gaseous plasma (<NUM>) generated by the plasma generator (<NUM>) prior to use and having one or more inlets (<NUM>) connected to the plasma generator (<NUM>) and the reservoir (<NUM>) further including a first and a second outlet (<NUM>, <NUM>) connected to an environment outside the sanitiser (<NUM>) for discharging plasma (<NUM>) from the reservoir (<NUM>),
c) one or more fluid movers (<NUM>, <NUM>), for causing movement of the gaseous plasma (<NUM>),
d) a controller (<NUM>), for controlling the one or more fluid movers (<NUM>, <NUM>) such as to cause storing of plasma (<NUM>) and the flow of gaseous plasma (<NUM>) from the reservoir (<NUM>) out of one or other or both of said outlets (<NUM>, <NUM>).