Patent Description:
Electrical generation of plasmas and reactive gases involves a process in which the potential difference between two electrode terminals exceeds the dielectric strength of the gases between the two terminals, thereby causing electrons to arc between the terminals. The interactions between the arc (coronal discharge) and dielectric gas excite the molecules comprising the dielectric gas to a higher energy state creating highly reactive products.

In addition to coronal generation, other methods of generating similarly reactive plasmas are known in the art. Highly reactive plasmas are effective for destroying organic matter through oxidation. Because of this phenomenon, reactive plasmas or gases, such as, for example, ozone, have long been used to sterilize items and eliminate odors caused by a range of sources, from smoke to microbes. <NPL>" reported that <NUM> seconds of physical cold atmospheric surface microdischarge (SMD) plasma operating in ambient air was very effective against different types of vegetative cells and led to a reduction of <NUM><NUM> to <NUM><NUM> CFU (colony-forming units).

Standard plasma sterilization devices are often ineffective and have safety issues due to the toxicity of certain plasmas. According to the EPA, breathing ozone can trigger a variety of health problems including chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, and congestion. It can also worsen bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma.

Because plasmas are generally unstable, ordinary plasma sanitization devices produce plasmas in amounts far in excess of the amount that would be required to react with the actual quantity of contaminants present on the items being sterilized. This over-production of plasma leads to inefficiencies on both the front-end plasma generation process and the back-end plasma removal process. Many devices known in the art can move or blow excessive amounts of plasma across items to be sterilized or generate an excessive amount of plasma into which items are immersed. Blowing and emersion-type sterilization devices can be inefficient and can take a long time to accomplish the sterilization task.

Still other devices utilize ozone dissolved in liquids such as water, which can flow around the items to be sterilized. Not only does this method have the same efficiency challenges, it also creates a wide range of issues with regard to dealing with the liquid itself, e.g., unnecessary weight, spills, corrosion, leaks, etc. Furthermore, many items, such as leather shoes and purses would be damaged by exposure to the liquid.

Some devices have used a vacuum to assist in the cleaning process; however, the vacuum chamber in such devices is typically rigid and not conformable or moldable to the item being cleaned. In other words, the items are not physically squeezed by a wall or walls of the chamber, making the device less efficient at removing the unwanted air residing in small openings or the pores of the items. The use of rigid walls in the vacuum chamber can also require a greater volume of plasma to refill the chamber as the negative pressure is reversed.

Other devices employ a flexible chamber to direct the flow of plasma onto articles, such as mail or parcel items in order to reduce the biological load on the articles. Typically, this method applies a continuous stream of "oxygen-containing" gas across the mail. Although such devices can limit the amount of other gases in the container, they can be inefficient and often blow ozone or other plasmas only over the surface of articles. The plasmas or other gases are not mechanically infused into the interior, the small spaces, or pores of items. Furthermore, with these devices, the gases pass through the plasma generator one time. Thus, the active "oxygen- containing" molecules entering the container must be generated on the first pass through the generator.

<CIT> discloses a method and apparatus for sanitizing a device, comprising a) providing a container possessing two or more openings, and a flexible, gas-impermeable pouch that surrounds the container; b) placing the device into the container; c) applying a reduced pressure to the container and pouch; and d) generating a flow of a sanitizing solution through the lumen to sanitize the inner surface of the device.

<CIT> discloses a steriliser including: a supply source for a sterilizing agent; a first sterilization chamber and a second sterilization chamber each adapted to be filled with the sterilizing agent while placing an object therein so as to subject the object to a sterilization treatment; a first pipe line connecting the supply source and each of the first sterilization chamber and the second sterilization chamber; a second pipe line connecting the first sterilization chamber and the second sterilization chamber; and a supply mechanism adapted to allow a residual part of the sterilizing agent used for the sterilization treatment in the first sterilization chamber to be introduced into the second sterilization chamber via the second pipe line.

<CIT> discloses an NO2 gas generating system for sterilisation including a circulating path configured by connecting a chamber, a plasma generator, and a circulating means, wherein NO2 is generated by circulating a gas mixture including nitrogen and oxygen in the circulating path.

<CIT> discloses a plasma/ultraviolet ray compound sterilizer including: an ultraviolet germicidal lamp provided on an upper surface wall and a lower surface wall inside the storage chamber so as to irradiate the object to be processed with ultraviolet rays; a low temperature plasma ion generator installed inside the control box; a duct provided through the intermediate wall in order to introduce plasma ions generated in the low temperature plasma ion generator to the storage chamber; a blower provided on the wall surface of the intermediate wall in order to circulate a sterilization gas, introduced into the storage chamber, inside the storage chamber; and a control part for controlling the apparatus/device.

<CIT> discloses a device with a pouch having a pouch wall with an inner side and an outer side, the pouch wall defining an interior of the pouch. A plurality of electrodes embedded in the pouch wall with at least one electrode partially exposed within the interior of the pouch. The plurality of electrodes generate plasma within the interior of the pouch in response to application of an voltage to the plurality of electrodes.

<CIT> discloses a process to effect sterilization which includes the steps of flowing the liquid through a confined path in a hydraulic pressure gradient at substantially constant pressure sustained throughout the confined path, intimately mixing a mixture of gaseous ozone in an oxygen containing carrier gas with said liquid by a substantially instantaneous injection of said ozone and carrier gas mixture into the liquid under a high momentum exchange mixing condition in the path.

<CIT> discloses a method involving introducing a sterilant into a sealed space. The sterilizing agent is reacted with an object to be processed in the sealed space to sterilize the object to be processed, and the sterilant remaining in the sealed space after the sterilization is put into the sealed space.

In accordance with the subject invention, the problem of generating a minimal amount of highly reactive plasma necessary to sterilize an object is addressed by reducing the amount of space and ambient air around and within the item. In this way, the plasma generated by the devices of the subject invention is directed at the object to be sterilized rather than non-target areas.

A first example provides a plasma treatment device comprising: a treatment chamber for receiving an item to be treated, the chamber comprising at least one conformable wall for forming a volume in which to receive the item; a pump operably connected to the treatment chamber, configured to remove ambient air in the treatment chamber , thereby creating a vacuum that causes the conformable wall to collapse and at least partially conform to the item, so as to reduce the volume of the treatment chamber to a working volume of ambient air, and wherein the ambient air not retained in the working volume of air is excess ambient air; at least one effluent chamber, operably connected to the pump, configured to receive and sequester the working volume of ambient air from the treatment chamber and from which the working volume of ambient air is returned to the treatment chamber by the pump during each of multiple treatment cycles; and a plasma generator configured so that the working volume of ambient air in the at least one effluent chamber passes the plasma generator as it is moved into the treatment chamber by the pump during each of the multiple treatment cycles, whereby at least a portion of the working volume of ambient air returned to the treatment chamber during each treatment cycle is converted to plasma prior to entering the treatment chamber, such that the plasma concentration of the working volume of ambient air increases during each treatment cycle, wherein the plasma generator is optionally positioned between the pump and the treatment chamber, wherein the pump is configured to remove the excess ambient air from the treatment chamber by having it pumped to the ambient environment or another effluent chamber, operably connected to the pump, is configured to receive and sequester the excess air.

Another example utilizes a housing with a treatment chamber therein in which a negative pressure can be formed and maintained around an item to be sterilized. By removing the excess ambient air in the treatment chamber to create the negative pressure, the amount of plasmas required to sterilize the item is reduced. The process of removing the excess ambient air from the chamber can also facilitate the dispersion of the plasma throughout and around the item within the treatment chamber. The housing can include a top <NUM> and a base <NUM> to which the top can be attached. The base can also function as a storage area for components of the plasma treatment device. For example, a pump, valves, tubing, effluent chambers, and other components can be stored in the base. This is not a requirement of the subject invention and the components can be kept in other parts of the plasma treatment device or even apart from the plasma treatment device.

Certain examples employ a treatment chamber having at least one conformable wall. The conformable wall can be of a material that can be deformed, collapsed, molded, or otherwise formed around or close to the item, so as to reduce the amount of space or volume in the treatment chamber. This ability of the conformable wall to substantially conform or mold to an item to be treated and reduce the amount of non-target space around the item, can further reduce the overall amount of plasmas required. The conformable wall can also deform more pliable items, which can further facilitate the dispersion of the plasma around and throughout the spaces and pores in the item.

Other examples utilize a treatment chamber in the form of a pliable or flexible bag into which items can be placed and the bag sealed. With this example, the entire bag can conform to the shape of the item when a negative pressure is achieved within the bag.

Yet another example can have at least one effluent chamber. The removal of excess air from the treatment chamber by either pumping it to the ambient environment or sequestering it in an effluent chamber can collapse the treatment chamber, so that it substantially conforms to the shape of items in the treatment chamber. Consequently, the working volume is reduced, thereby also reducing the volume of air that has to be removed during treatment cycles. In such examples, during treatment cycles, the air in the working volume is passed back and forth between the treatment chamber and a secondary effluent chamber (through the plasma generator). This reduction of volume allows for less time spent pumping the air, and increased concentrations of plasma being used to treat the items.

Furthermore, one example contemplates the use of at least one filtering mechanism to remove any excess plasma in order to protect users from potentially harmful exposure.

In order that a more precise understanding of the above recited invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments and examples thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. The drawings presented herein may not be drawn to scale and any reference to dimensions in the drawings or the following description is specific to the embodiments disclosed. In the accompanying drawings:.

The subject invention pertains to devices and methods for sterilization of items. More specifically, the subject invention provides embodiments of a plasma treatment chamber capable of sterilizing items placed therein. In specific embodiments, the treatment chamber is capable of being at least partially conformed to the shape of the item, so as to reduce the volume of plasma necessary to sterilize the item.

The subject invention is particularly useful for sterilizing and, in particular, controlling or eliminating odors on household or personal items, in particular, porous items or items of irregular shape, in which standard aeration or sterilization procedures may be less effective.

The terms "plasma" and "plasmas" as used with regard to the subject invention are merely for literary convenience. The terms refer to the highly reactive ions, atoms, and molecules-regardless of physical state-generated by an electric current or a coronal discharge.

The term "air" and "gas" are used interchangeably herein to describe the fluid mixtures moving throughout the device during operation.

The present invention is more particularly described in the following examples that are intended to be illustrative only since numerous modifications and variations therein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. As used in the specification and in the claims, the singular for "a," "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Reference will be made to the attached Figures on which the same reference numerals are used throughout to indicate the same or similar components. With reference to the attached Figures, which show certain embodiments of the subject invention and other examples, it can be seen that certain embodiments of a plasma treatment device <NUM> of the subject invention include a housing <NUM> that contains a treatment chamber <NUM> having the ability to be variable in size, as determined by the amount of negative pressure obtained in the treatment chamber that deforms the bag or configuration of a conformable wall <NUM>, which can form the treatment chamber. There can further be at least one effluent chamber <NUM>. Further, there can be at least one primary effluent chamber <NUM> and/or at least one secondary effluent chamber <NUM>. Other embodiments utilize a conformable bag into which an item can be placed for treatment. A conformable bag can, but is not required to be, within a housing <NUM>.

In one embodiment, a plasma generator <NUM> is employed for the purpose of forming plasma that can be pumped into the treatment chamber to sterilize and/or clean the item. Alternatively, an aerosolizing mechanism can be employed with, or in place of, the plasma generator, to effect sterilization and/or cleaning of the item. Each of these general components can have one or more sub-components, which will be discussed in detail below.

The description herein does not discuss or specifically describe the various controlling mechanisms known in the art that can be used to operate or direct the devices or components of the subject invention. Neither is the electrical wiring of the present invention discussed in detail. However, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand how the various components described herein could be attached, for example, to each other to a power supply, and the various types of controllers or operating mechanisms can be configured with the device in a manner enabling one to achieve the benefits of the subject invention. In the simplest iteration, a controller can be an actuator mechanism that moves or alters a component, such as a valve, on the plasma treatment device to effect a change in, or to advance, the treatment procedure. A controller can be operably connected to any of a variety of sensors <NUM> that are capable of detecting a condition and consequently the operation of the controller. Variations in types of controllers and in the attachment of the components of the subject invention that provide the same functionality, in substantially the way as described herein, with substantially the same desired results, will be evident to the skilled person.

In one embodiment, the plasma treatment device <NUM> includes a plasma generator <NUM>, a treatment chamber <NUM>, and mechanism for transferring air between the plasma generator and the treatment chamber. The plasma generator can include, but is not limited to coronal, electrolytic, or ultraviolet plasma generation. Certain embodiments include flow style generators to facilitate use with air pumps <NUM> used with a plasma treatment device <NUM> of the subject invention. The various products formed by the plasma generator used in the treatment processes of the present invention may be in a gaseous or plasma state. Alternative embodiments employ aerosolized disinfectants, either in addition to, or instead of, plasma to treat items in the treatment chamber. For the purposes of this application, treatment refers to reactions with organic matter, either living or non-living, including the killing of microbes. Treatment can include the reduction or elimination of the odors associated with such organic matter.

In one embodiment, the treatment chamber <NUM> has at least one conformable wall <NUM> that changes shape to at least partially surround or conform to the shape of the item(s) being treated. The conformable wall can be sealed to the rigid plate <NUM> using a gasket <NUM>, an example of which is shown in <FIG>. Materials that can be used for a conformable wall include, but are not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, EPDM, fluorinated hydrocarbon (such as PTFE), PEEK, or any combination thereof, or any other materials sufficiently impervious to gases, so as to retain adequate pressure differentials, and sufficiently tolerant to exposure to the various plasmas and chemical products that can be generated during the sterilization process of the subject invention.

Because the treatment chamber <NUM>, by use of a conformable wall <NUM>, can adjust to conform to the shape of an item being treated therein, the volume of air in the treatment chamber that must be moved during the treatment cycle(s) can also be reduced to make the device faster and more efficient. The conformability of the treatment chamber also allows the plasma treatment device <NUM> to squeeze or compress the items therein when sufficient negative pressure is created in the treatment chamber. This squeezing or compressing can enhance the removal of contaminants from, and the penetration of the plasma into, voids in the items. If embodiments of the subject invention utilize an aerosolized disinfectant, the negative pressure can also improve the distribution and penetration of the disinfectant into and around the material of the item. This enables the plasma generation device <NUM> to achieve faster, deeper treatment of porous items.

In one embodiment, the treatment chamber <NUM> can be formed upon closing the housing <NUM> of the plasma treatment device <NUM>, such that when a top <NUM> of the housing is closed over and operably attached to a base <NUM>. A rigid plate <NUM> can be sealed against a conformable sheet <NUM>, with the item to be treated therebetween, such as shown, for example, in <FIG>, in Step <NUM>. With this embodiment, one or more of the operating mechanisms of the device <NUM>, such as, for example, a pump, valve, tubing, wiring, and/or other components can be stored or kept within the base <NUM>. Alternatively, the various components can be kept in other parts of the housing or even apart from the housing.

In other embodiments, the treatment chamber is comprised of a conformable bag <NUM>, which has at least one conformable wall <NUM>, such as illustrated, by way of example, in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. A conformable bag can be operably connected to a pump <NUM> and any other components necessary to form a negative pressure therein and inject the desired treatment material, such as plasma or a disinfectant. In one embodiment, the conformable bag is connected to a base in which a pump and other components are stored, an example of which, is shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. The formation of the negative pressure within the conformable bag can cause the at least one conformable wall to collapse towards the item, so that it conforms, at least partially, to the shape of the item.

The conformable bag can use any of a variety of sealing devices <NUM> and techniques known in the art. In one embodiment, the bag can utilize a reusable seal that allows the bag to be opened and closed for repeated use. For example, a slide seal or zipper seal, such as those commonly used on household storage bags, can be used, or a separate component can be attachable to the bag to affect a sufficient seal. The bag could also be sealed by folding and pinching, or any other ways that are capable of creating air-tight seals.

In one embodiment, the bag can be permanently sealed, so that an item placed therein is completely isolated from the ambient environment. With this embodiment, the conformable bag <NUM> can be disposable, such that after the item is cleaned and/or sterilized, the bag can be removed from the pump <NUM> and any other components of the plasma treatment device. A new or replacement bag can then be attached to the plasma treatment device to effect treatment of another item.

Alternatively, the bag can be reusable, having a seal <NUM> that allows the bag to be repeatedly opened and closed for receiving and isolating items therein. With this embodiment, the conformable bag can be permanently attached to the pump and other components. Alternatively, the bag can be removed and replaced on the plasma treatment device. To protect the conformable material of the conformable wall or the conformable bag, embodiments can include a puncture resistant lining disposed inside the treatment chamber between the conformable material and the item being treated. A person with skill in the art will be able to determine any of a variety of materials and seals that can be employed for the treatment chamber and seal embodiments of the subject invention.

The transfer of ambient air between the treatment chamber and the plasma generator may include the use of a vacuum pump <NUM> and air tight tubing connecting the treatment chamber <NUM>, the plasma generator <NUM>, and the vacuum pump. Pumps suitable for use in the present invention include, but are not limited to, oscillating piston, piston type, diaphragm, oscillating plunger, oscillating diaphragm, peristaltic, positive displacement, centrifugal, screw, blower, and rotary vane style pump.

One embodiment of a plasma treatment device has valve mechanisms <NUM> for directing air flow between the various components of the device. The types of valves suitable for the current invention include both flow reversing and selection valves. The flow reversing valve(s) that can be used include, but are not limited to, <NUM>/<NUM>, <NUM>/<NUM>, <NUM>/<NUM>, or <NUM>/<NUM> valves. Multiple solenoid valves can also be arranged to allow reversing of the air flow direction in the system. The air flow reversing valve can be eliminated if a pumping mechanism is used, which allows the reversing of flow. Selection valve(s) can be any valve that allows a common inlet port to select multiple outlet ports. It should be appreciated that the air flowing between the components could travel through tubes or manifolds connected directly to one or several components.

Although pumping to and from the ambient environment <NUM> is possible (as shown in <FIG>), certain embodiments of the present invention include one or more effluent chambers <NUM> connected (with respect to air flow) to the treatment chamber <NUM>. These effluent chambers can help contain the plasma and odors until such time that they can be mitigated, as well as allowing much more efficient treatment of the items. In one embodiment, the effluent chambers <NUM> are formed of a rigid material, such that they do not change, or can minimally change, shape as air is taken in. In an alternative embodiment, the effluent chambers are formed of a flexible or conformable material that allows for expansion and contraction as air is pumped into or out of the effluent chamber. While reference is made herein to primary and secondary effluent chambers, such references, as used herein, and unless otherwise specifically stated, are intended only to identify the presence of an effluent chamber for a particular purpose, for which there can be at least one. Thus, reference to "first" does not imply that there must be two or more. Furthermore, reference to a secondary effluent chamber does not imply that there has to be a first one. These references are not intended to confer any order in time, structural orientation, or sidedness (e.g., left or right, top or bottom) with respect to a particular feature.

One embodiment includes two effluent chambers <NUM>, a primary effluent chamber <NUM> and a secondary effluent chamber <NUM>. Each effluent chamber can be connected (with respect to airflow) to the treatment chamber <NUM>, as shown, for example, in <FIG> and <FIG>. In this embodiment, ambient air from the treatment chamber <NUM> can be pumped into the primary effluent chamber <NUM> until certain process conditions are met. Such a process condition can be, for example, a pre-determined time limit for pumping air or when a sensor <NUM>, such as, for example, a pressure sensor <NUM> indicates that a predetermined pressure has been reached in the treatment chamber <NUM>. Air remaining in the treatment chamber after the first process condition is met can be pumped into a second effluent chamber <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the controller can switch the device from one stage to another (for example from the primary to the secondary vacuum cycle) based upon there being achieved a specific "absolute" pressure (as measured against atmosphere) inside the treatment chamber, as measured by one or more sensors <NUM>. In this embodiment, the pressure will be measured within the treatment chamber during the primary vacuum cycle. To determine when the treatment chamber wall has substantially conformed to the item(s), the primary vacuum cycle can continue until the pressure within the treatment chamber reaches a pre-determined pressure. This predetermined pressure level can depend, in part, on the rigidity of the conformable wall of the treatment chamber. For example, a thicker or more rigid conformable wall material can result in a lower pressure being required to conform the material to the item. One of ordinary skill in the art could determine the appropriate pressure for conforming a chamber made with a particular material by applying a vacuum to the chamber and measuring the pressure as the conformable wall collapses and conforms to an item within the chamber. For determining the end of the primary vacuum cycle (the point at which the conformable material of the treatment chamber has substantially conformed to the item within the chamber without substantially squeezing or otherwise deforming the item), the pressure sensor can determine that the pressure within the treatment chamber is slightly more negative than the pressure required to deform the conformable wall material. In one embodiment, the negative pressure level sufficient to indicate that the conformable wall <NUM> has substantially conformed to the item <NUM> could be from between approximately <NUM> kPa (<NUM> PSIV) to approximately -<NUM> kPa (-<NUM> PSIV). In a more particular embodiment, the negative pressure level sufficient to indicate that the conformable wall has substantially conformed to the item can be from between approximately -<NUM> kPa (-<NUM> PSIV) to approximately -<NUM> kPa (-<NUM> PSIV).

In specific embodiments, once the sensor <NUM> has determined, such as via pressure measurement, that the treatment chamber is substantially conformed to the item <NUM>, a secondary vacuum cycle begins. The secondary vacuum cycle can squeeze the item by increasing the vacuum within the treatment chamber <NUM>, thereby forcing the conformable wall to press against the items. In this embodiment, the secondary vacuum cycle will continue until at least one of three things occurs: <NUM>) the pressure within the chamber reaches a predetermined value; <NUM>) the pressure reaches the maximum vacuum achievable with the vacuum pump; or <NUM>) the ΔP/Δt (discussed below) stabilizes or begins to stabilize.

In one embodiment, the sensor <NUM> operably connected to a controller will determine the end of the primary or secondary vacuum cycles based on the rate of change in pressure (ΔP/Δt) measured in the treatment chamber. This method is less affected by changes in the conformable material in the treatment chamber, and more affected by the physical deformation characteristics of the item being treated. For instance, when treating a rigid item <NUM> (e.g., a lacrosse helmet) the ΔP/Δt at the end of the primary vacuum cycle will be much greater than when treating a softer or more pliable item of a similar size (e.g., a throw pillow). In one embodiment, the plasma treatment device <NUM> has different setting options based upon the type of items treated that would account for different ΔP/Δt value parameters being used to trigger the treatment sequences. For instance, a setting for soft items can use smaller ΔP/Δt values than a setting for hard items. During the primary vacuum cycle, when the excess air is being removed from the treatment chamber, the pressure inside the treatment chamber can decrease at a fairly constant rate until the chamber conforms to the item. Once the conformable wall <NUM> is prevented from easily collapsing (e.g., because it is contacting the item), the ΔP/Δt can rapidly increase. Thus, measuring the pressure, and calculating the ΔP/Δt, allows the controller to predict when the treatment chamber wall has substantially conformed to the item, at which time the device can initiate the secondary vacuum cycle.

In a further embodiment, the ΔP/Δt value can be used to determine the end of the secondary vacuum cycle. Once the one or more pumps begin to reach their maximum vacuum capacity, the ΔP/Δt value will begin to stabilize, and the controller can then switch the device to the next stage. Again, finding the appropriate ΔP/Δt value for indicating the end of the primary vacuum cycle can be determined empirically by measuring the ΔP/Δt while observing when the conformable wall of the treatment chamber has substantially conformed to the item, but has not substantially deformed the item. The ΔP/Δt value used to indicate the end of the secondary vacuum cycle can be determined by the stabilization of ΔP/Δt value as the pumps approach their maximum vacuum or the deformation of the items stops.

Certain embodiments of the plasma treatment device <NUM> measure the rate of change in load (the change in current (I) over the change in time (t): ΔI/Δt) on the pump. Essentially, the same events would trigger higher ΔI/Δt values (e.g., conforming to the items and reaching maximum vacuum) as those that trigger the ΔP/Δt values, and the measurements would be used analogously.

Once a pre-determined pressure level has been reached in the treatment chamber, any of a variety of controllers can be used to operate a valve mechanism <NUM> that discontinues removal of ambient air from the primary effluent chamber <NUM> and begins to remove the remaining air from the treatment chamber so that it enters the secondary effluent chamber <NUM> rather than the primary effluent chamber <NUM>, and a pump <NUM>, operatively connected to the valve mechanism <NUM> would vacuum down the treatment chamber to a more negative pressure, thus, collapsing the conformable wall <NUM> of the treatment chamber <NUM> even further and squeezing or compressing the item as much as possible. <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> illustrate non-limiting examples of plasma treatment devices <NUM> having a primary effluent chamber <NUM> and a secondary effluent chamber <NUM>. In <FIG>, the primary effluent chamber is formed by the housing <NUM> and the secondary effluent chamber <NUM> is therewithin.

One embodiment of the device includes a vacuum reservoir system <NUM> to decrease treatment time. The vacuum reservoir system can include a vacuum reservoir <NUM> capable of withstanding a sufficient negative pressure, a high flow valve <NUM>, capable of withstanding negative pressure and operably connected to the vacuum reservoir, and a vacuum pump that is also operably connected to the vacuum reservoir. In one embodiment, the vacuum reservoir system is operably connected to the treatment chamber, such that when the high flow valve is open, ambient air may pass from the treatment chamber into the vacuum reservoir.

In a further embodiment, when the device is powered on, and the high flow valve is closed, the vacuum pump can pull negative pressure on the vacuum reservoir to create a negative pressure chamber.

An item to be treated can initially be placed and sealed within the treatment chamber, so that the high flow valve can be opened and allow air to flow quickly from the treatment chamber to the vacuum reservoir as the pressure differential between the two chambers reaches equilibrium. Once pressure equilibrium between the treatment chamber and vacuum reservoir is reached, the high flow valve can be closed and the vacuum pump activated to again pull a negative pressure on the vacuum reservoir. If more air must be removed to reach the above-mentioned pressure parameter(s) indicating the end of the primary vacuum cycle, the primary vacuum cycle will continue until such parameter are met.

This technique of utilizing a negative pressure vacuum reservoir system allows a very rapid removal of air from a given chamber without requiring a high-flow pump. Instead, a pump can be used to slowly build up a negative vacuum "reservoir" during idle stages in the treatment process, and the high flow valve can be used to hold the negative pressure until needed.

In one embodiment, the vacuum reservoir is a rigid container disposed within the same compartment as the other components of the device. In one embodiment, the vacuum reservoir is a rigid cylindrical chamber. In another embodiment, the vacuum reservoir is a rigid container contoured to fill the voids around the other components in the storage compartment and further assist in holding them in place.

In a further embodiment, the volume of ambient air transported to and from the secondary effluent chamber <NUM> is passed through a plasma generator <NUM>, as it is pumped between the secondary effluent chamber and the treatment chamber. This arrangement has several benefits including: <NUM>) Safety - limiting volume of gas that can be converted to plasma helps prevent the device from generating potentially hazardous amounts of plasma; and <NUM>) Efficiency - a smaller volume of air to pump between the treatment chamber and the secondary effluent chamber shortens cycle time and can result in a higher concentration of plasma being used to treat the item (especially when that small volume makes multiple passes through the generator as it moves between the chambers). This invention further contemplates using filtering mechanisms to allow the ambient environment <NUM> to substitute for the primary effluent chamber <NUM>, the secondary treatment chamber <NUM>, or both.

Once the plasma has been pumped into the treatment chamber, it can surround and penetrate into the fibers, openings, pores, spaces, and contact surfaces on the item <NUM>. The reactivity of the plasma ions can effectively and quickly begin to react with any biological or other organic material in the treatment chamber and/or on the item. To facilitate this contact, there can be a pause period <NUM> during the treatment cycles in which the plasma formed during that treatment cycle is allowed to remain in the treatment chamber for a pre-determined time. <FIG> illustrates an example of how a pause period can be incorporated into a treatment cycle. The length of a pause period can depend upon several factors that include, for example, the type of plasma being used, the size or configuration of the item, the amount of organic or biological material on the item, and other factors.

In one embodiment, the primary effluent chamber <NUM> is a rigid enclosure sealed against the outer surface of the conformable sheet <NUM> that forms the treatment chamber <NUM>. With this embodiment, the primary effluent chamber can be formed by the top <NUM> of the housing fitting onto the base <NUM> and can contain both the secondary effluent chamber <NUM> and the treatment chamber <NUM> (when the device is closed), an example of which is shown in <FIG>. In another embodiment, the primary effluent chamber <NUM> has at least one conformable side, or be a conformable bag. Likewise, in certain embodiments, the secondary effluent chamber may be rigid, or have at least one conformable side.

Certain embodiments of the present invention include more than one apparatus for transferring air. For example, certain embodiments can include a first pump <NUM> to rapidly remove the excess air from the treatment chamber into the primary effluent chamber or the ambient environment <NUM>, and a second pump <NUM>, with sufficient power to create or increase the negative pressure within the treatment chamber, so as to move air from the treatment chamber to the secondary effluent chamber and to squeeze the item.

It is also possible to use multiple vacuum pumps in series or parallel, including at least one embodiment in which two or more pumps can switch between parallel and series configurations. A parallel configuration allows the device to move a larger volume of air in a given amount of time, while the series configuration increases the negative pressure that can be pulled in the treatment chamber. <FIG> illustrate non-limiting examples of these pump configurations.

In order to monitor the pressure differentials among the various airways or chambers, which can, for example, indicate when to have the controller re-configure the valves from directing air to the primary effluent chamber <NUM> to directing air to the secondary effluent chamber <NUM>, certain embodiments of the present invention also include one or more sensors <NUM>. In one embodiment, a sensor <NUM> is a pressure sensors <NUM> capable of detecting and/or reacting to the pressure within the treatment chamber <NUM> and triggering any of a variety of known controlling mechanisms to initiate certain events. In another embodiment, pressure sensors <NUM> that respond to pressures elsewhere in the system can be used to trigger those same or other events. <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate examples that utilize pressure sensors <NUM>. Pressure sensors and other types of sensors are known in the art for numerous purposes and device. One of ordinary skill in the art would be able to determine an appropriate sensor, either a pressure sensor, or otherwise, for use within any of the chambers described herein or one that can be connected to the gas lines that are connected to the chambers in which pressure is being measured. It is also possible, to use one more gas flow meters in certain embodiments rather than pressure sensors <NUM>.

Another embodiment of the subject invention can include a filtering mechanism <NUM> to remove unpleasant odors emanating from the items <NUM> themselves, and can react with excess plasma. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate non-limiting examples that include a filter <NUM>. In one embodiment, the filtering mechanism would be disposed (with respect to air flow) between the treatment chamber <NUM> and, depending upon the embodiment, either the primary effluent chamber <NUM>, the secondary effluent chamber <NUM>, or the ambient environment <NUM>. Because some plasmas are considered harmful to humans, the filtering mechanism can provide another safety measure to embodiments of the subject invention. The filtering mechanism <NUM> can include a catalyst (such as Manganese Dioxide) that catalyzes the electrically generated plasmas to form more stable products, or the filtering mechanism <NUM> may be a consumable filter comprised of a reactant material (such as carbon or oxidizable metals, such as, for example, iron) which will react with the electrically generated plasmas to form more stable products. A filtering mechanism <NUM> can also have a combination of catalyst and consumable filter. An embodiment of the filtering mechanism <NUM> using a consumable filter can be a replaceable cartridge.

One example in <FIG> utilizes at least one odor filtering mechanism <NUM> to remove odors from the air exiting the treatment chamber <NUM> during the primary vacuum cycle and at least one other plasma filtering mechanism <NUM> to remove excess plasmas from the ambient air after the treatment cycles are completed. For additional safety, certain embodiments include a detection mechanism to determine the level of plasma removal from the treatment chamber prior to unlocking the treatment chamber after a treatment cycle.

A further embodiment includes a scent cartridge <NUM> operably connected (with respect to air flow) to the treatment chamber, one example of which is shown in <FIG> and in <FIG>. In this embodiment, after the programmed number of treatment cycles is completed, air can be passed actively (such as, for example, pumped or forcibly passed) or passively (such as, for example, by releasing a valve holding negative pressure in the treatment chamber, allowing intake of ambient environment air) through the scent cartridge <NUM> into the treatment chamber <NUM> to impart an odor to the items being treated. In such embodiments, the scent cartridge <NUM> may be disposed (with reference to the air pathways) either in series or in parallel with the plasma generator. In another embodiment, a scent cartridge <NUM> may be disposed (with respect to the air pathways) either in series or parallel with an air pump <NUM>. A scent cartridge <NUM> may also be disposed in series with a valve and operably attached to the treatment chamber <NUM>. In such embodiments, the valve may be disposed on the treatment chamber <NUM> side of the scent cartridge <NUM> or on the side of the scent cartridge <NUM> that is opposite the treatment chamber <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the present invention further utilizes the scent cartridge with the filtering mechanism. In a specific embodiment, the scent cartridge is combined with the filtering mechanism.

Other devices and techniques can be combined with the embodiments of the subject invention to increase the effective reduction in living microbes on an item. One embodiment, includes a UV light source <NUM> positioned to emit UV light onto the items in the treatment chamber. UV light devices have been used to kill microbes in hospital rooms and other settings. The embodiments of the current invention utilizing a UV light source can have an increased anti-microbial effect. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate non-limiting examples of how a UV light source can be incorporated with embodiments of the subject invention.

Certain items can have areas, spaces, or structures thereon that may require additional or more direct application of the air containing the treatment material, such as the plasma or disinfectant, to achieve the desired effect of killing microbes and removing odors. An additional feature of the embodiments of the subject invention can be the ability to direct the treatment air in a way that maximizes the treatment of certain items. One embodiment of the subject invention has a plurality of ports <NUM> leading into the treatment chamber, one example of which is shown in <FIG>. <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> illustrate a conformable bag. Not only can these ports be disposed in particular patterns to adjust flow of treatment air into and out of the treatment chamber, but they also allow for particular arrangements of gas directing components <NUM>, such as hoses, funnels, or diffuser to be attached to the ports to enhance treatment of certain articles. For example, to treat the interior of boxing gloves, it may be desirable to have the treatment gases passed directly into, and out of, the interior of the gloves.

One embodiment includes a gas directing component in the form of a flexible tube attached to at least one of the ports, an example of which is shown in <FIG> the end of the tube being insertable into the interior of the item, such as a glove, to direct gasses into and out of the interior of the item during treatment cycles. Alternatively, it may be desirable to have a more general diffusion of the gasses into and out of the treatment chamber - for example, when treating a towel. In another embodiment a plurality of ports <NUM> in the walls of the treatment chamber, such as, for example, in the rigid plate <NUM> can be used. In still another embodiment, a diffusion attachment can be attached over one or more of the ports, such as shown, for example in <FIG>.

A plasma treatment device <NUM> of the subject invention is not limited to treating a specific size item <NUM>. The size of any item that can be treated is limited only by the dimensions and/or volume of the treatment chamber <NUM>. In one embodiment, a plasma treatment device can be hand-portable and suitable for household use. For example, a plasma treatment device of the subject invention that can useful for treating a household item or clothing can have a treatment chamber sized to fit into a portable housing <NUM>. In another embodiment, a portable treatment device can be permanently located, or is at least not hand-portable, and have a treatment chamber sized to contain larger items or have industrial or commercial use. In one embodiment, a treatment chamber has a volume between approximately <NUM> and approximately <NUM> liters. In a more specific embodiment, a treatment chamber has a volume between approximately <NUM> and <NUM> liters.

The devices of the subject invention can be used to treat items by employing a repeatable process that includes a vacuum stage and a refill stage. One example of the process is shown in <FIG>. During the vacuum stage of the process, shown for example in <FIG>, negative pressure is pulled on a treatment chamber <NUM> having a conformable wall <NUM>, such that the conformable wall collapses onto the item and can further squeeze or compress the item being treated, for the purpose of removing as much ambient air as possible from the treatment chamber. During the refill stage of the process, seen in <FIG>, the negative pressure is reversed or released within the treatment chamber until a point of neutral or positive pressure is obtained. One vacuum stage followed by one refill stage constitutes one treatment cycle. In a particular embodiment, the vacuum stage and the refill stage are repeated multiple times to perform multiple treatment cycles.

In a further embodiment, there is a final cycle that occurs after the multiple treatment cycles. In the final cycle, air is passed into the treatment chamber until the pressure within the treatment chamber returns to at, or approximately, neutral pressure, at which time the item can be removed from the treatment chamber, which is shown in <FIG>. In a particular embodiment, during a final cycle, air is passed through a scent cartridge prior to entering the treatment chamber, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, thus imparting a scent to the item being treated.

Specific embodiments of the method utilize plasma to treat items within the treatment chamber. In such embodiments, the air entering the treatment chamber during the refill stage passes through a plasma generator <NUM> prior to entering the treatment chamber <NUM>. Because the plasma is highly reactive, it can attack organic matter in the items. Destruction or inactivation of organic matter on the items can have an odor neutralizing, a deodorizing, or anti-microbial effect.

In an alternative embodiment, aerosolized disinfectants in addition to, or instead of, plasma can be used to treat the items. Examples of such aerosolized disinfectants include, but are not limited to, hydrogen peroxide and alcohols. One embodiment of the device incorporates an aerosolizing mechanism <NUM> to apply aerosolized disinfectants to the items <NUM> when ambient air is moved back into the treatment chamber <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a non-limiting example of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the disinfectant can be utilized during each treatment cycle or during the last refill cycle. In certain embodiments, the aerosolizing mechanism includes a fluid reservoir <NUM> to hold the disinfectant and a nozzle <NUM> for aerosolizing the fluid disinfectant so that it passes into the ambient air pathway. Examples of an aerosolizing nozzle that can be used with the embodiments of the subject invention include, but are not limited to, Venturi style or jet orifice nozzles or any other nozzle known in the art that can create sufficiently small droplets of liquid from a reservoir so that they can be carried to the treatment chamber by the ambient air flow. In a further embodiment, the aerosolizing mechanism would preferably be connected to the ambient air pathway leading into the treatment chamber, and the aerosolizing mechanism can be activated while ambient air is being passed into the treatment chamber, such that the aerosolized disinfectant is infused into the treatment chamber as it refills. In an alternative embodiment, the aerosolizing mechanism is used to disperse a scented fluid instead of or in addition to the disinfectant fluid.

The vacuum stage of the process can include a primary and a secondary vacuum cycle. In embodiments including a secondary vacuum cycle, the primary vacuum cycle first removes the ambient air from the treatment chamber <NUM>, causing the conformable wall <NUM> of the treatment chamber to begin conforming to the item and creating a reduced working volume of air within the treatment chamber. The removal of ambient air during a primary vacuum cycle does not have to, but can, create a negative pressure within the treatment chamber. This step in the process can be followed by the secondary vacuum cycle that can pull at least a minimal negative pressure on the treatment chamber and moves all or most of the remaining, reduced working volume of ambient air. The secondary vacuum cycle can remove the remaining ambient air, either directly or through a plasma generator, into an effluent chamber. Then, during the refill stage, the air from that effluent chamber is passed back through the plasma generator and into the treatment chamber. Subsequent treatment cycles move the reduced volume of air back and forth (through the plasma generator) between the effluent chamber and the treatment chamber. Reducing the working volume reduces the amount of time required to pump the air back and forth, and increases the efficiency of the treatment (as explained above).

As discussed above, certain embodiments of the plasma treatment device utilize a sealable <NUM> conformable bag <NUM>, having at least one conformable wall <NUM>, as the treatment chamber <NUM>. A conformable bag can utilize any of the methods and components described herein for the embodiments using a conformable wall <NUM> sealed against a rigid plate <NUM>. In embodiments using the conformable bag as a treatment chamber, sealed inlet and outlet ports can be created to allow air to flow in and out during the cycling. The ports may also include attachments for gas directing components. In such embodiments the treatment chamber may be either enclosed in a housing <NUM> or, in alternative embodiments, the treatment chamber is not enclosed within a housing. An example of when it would be beneficial not to have the treatment chamber enclosed would be when using the device to treat very large items (e.g., a mattress). In such embodiments, the item to be treated would be placed into the conformable bag, and the opening of the bag would be sealed closed.

The methods of treating an item using a plasma treatment device <NUM> of the subject invention can be initiated when the item is placed into the treatment chamber <NUM> and the treatment chamber <NUM> is closed. A primary vacuum cycle can then begin. In one embodiment, during the primary vacuum cycle, air is removed from the treatment chamber <NUM> and passed either directly or through a filtering mechanism <NUM> into the ambient environment <NUM>. The primary vacuum cycle can continue until the controller is activated, when one or more process conditions are met (for examples, when a time limit is reached or when a pressure sensor <NUM> indicates that a predetermined pressure has been reached in the treatment chamber <NUM>). Then, the controller can activate the plasma generator <NUM> and a refill cycle can be initiated, wherein air is transferred (either actively - using the air pump <NUM> to drive the air, or passively - merely opening a valve to allow the relative pressures to equilibrate) from the ambient environment <NUM> through the activated plasma generating electrode <NUM>, which generates plasmas. The active or passive transfer of the air that passes the plasmas into the treatment chamber <NUM> can continue until the sensor <NUM> determines that one or more process conditions are met, as described above, and activates a controller <NUM>. In one embodiment, the controller initiates a treatment pause for a predetermined amount of time while the plasmas are in the treatment chamber for sterilizing the items. After the treatment pause, the controller can be activated to begin the primary vacuum cycle again and the air is once more pumped from the treatment chamber <NUM>, through a filtration mechanism, and into the ambient environment <NUM> until the sensor determines that one or more process conditions are met.

In a further embodiment, the controller can initiate additional treatment cycles (depending on the programmed regime) in which the controller activates the plasma generator <NUM> and switches the flow of air so that it flows from the ambient environment <NUM> through the plasma generator <NUM> and the plasmas pass into the treatment chamber <NUM>. After the last treatment cycle, the controller can initiate a final vacuum cycle in which the air from the treatment chamber <NUM> is pumped back, either directly or through a filtering mechanism <NUM>, into the ambient environment <NUM>. After completing the programed number of treatment cycles and the final vacuum cycle, the controller can initiate a final flow cycle in which air from the ambient environment <NUM> is passed (actively or passively) into the treatment chamber <NUM> until a sensor determines that certain process conditions are met (for example, a time limit, or when a pressure sensor <NUM> indicates that a predetermined pressure has been reached in the treatment chamber <NUM>). In certain embodiments, the final flow cycle passes air from the ambient environment <NUM> directly into the treatment chamber <NUM> or, in other embodiments, through a scent cartridge <NUM> to make the items fragrant. Once the sensor determines that the entire treatment regime has completed, the items may be removed from the treatment chamber <NUM>.

In one embodiment, during the primary vacuum cycle, air is removed from the treatment chamber <NUM> and passed directly, through a filtering mechanism <NUM>, or through an activated plasma generator <NUM>, into a primary effluent chamber <NUM>. In such embodiments, the primary vacuum cycle continues until a sensor <NUM> operably connected to the controller determines that certain process conditions are met (for example, a time limit, or when a pressure sensor <NUM> indicates that a predetermined pressure has been reached in the treatment chamber <NUM>)indicating the end of the primary vacuum cycle.

In embodiments in which the plasma generator has not been activated at the outset of the primary vacuum cycle, once the primary vacuum cycle ends, the controller can activate the plasma generator <NUM> and air can then be passed (either actively or passively) from the primary effluent chamber <NUM> through the activated plasma generating electrode which generates plasmas that are then passed into the treatment chamber <NUM> until the sensor determines and activates the controller when certain process conditions are met (for example, a time limit, or when a pressure sensor <NUM> indicates that a predetermined pressure has been reached in the treatment chamber <NUM>).

If the plasma generator <NUM> is activated at the outset of the primary vacuum cycle, the generator <NUM> can remain activated after the primary vacuum cycle ends and the air is passed from the primary effluent chamber <NUM> through the generator <NUM> and then into the treatment chamber <NUM>. The controller can then initiate a treatment pause for a predetermined amount of time allowing time while the plasmas are sterilizing the items. After the treatment pause, the controller begins the primary vacuum cycle again and the air is once more pumped from the treatment chamber <NUM> through a filtration mechanism and into the primary effluent chamber <NUM>.

In an alternative embodiment, the air is pumped directly from the treatment chamber <NUM> to the primary effluent chamber <NUM> without passing through a filtration mechanism, until the sensor <NUM> determines that certain process conditions are met (for example, a time limit, or when a pressure sensor <NUM> indicates that a predetermined pressure has been reached in the treatment chamber <NUM>) and activates the controller.

In one embodiment, the controller initiates additional treatment cycles (the number depending on the programmed regime) in which the controller activates the plasma generator <NUM> and switches the flow of air so that it flows from the primary effluent chamber <NUM> through the plasma generator <NUM> and the plasmas pass into the treatment chamber <NUM>. After the last treatment cycle, the controller initiates a final vacuum cycle in which the air from the treatment chamber <NUM> is pumped back into the primary effluent chamber <NUM>. After completing the programed number of these treatment cycles and the final vacuum cycle, the controller initiates a final flow cycle in which air from the primary effluent chamber <NUM> is passed (actively or passively) into the treatment chamber <NUM> until the controller is activated by a sensor that determines that the desired process conditions are met. In one embodiment, the final flow cycle passes air from the primary effluent chamber <NUM> directly into the treatment chamber <NUM> or, in another embodiment, through a scent cartridge <NUM> to impart a scent to the item <NUM>. Once the entire treatment regime has completed, the items may be removed from the treatment chamber <NUM>.

In one embodiment, when the controller initiates the primary vacuum cycle, air is removed from the treatment chamber <NUM> and passed either directly or through a filtering mechanism <NUM> into a primary effluent chamber <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the primary vacuum cycle continues until the controller is activated by a sensor that determines that process conditions are met, such as described above. The controller can initiate a secondary vacuum cycle in which the air from the treatment chamber <NUM> is pumped into a secondary effluent chamber <NUM> - the secondary effluent chamber <NUM> may also be conformable to allow it to expand or contract. When the process conditions are met, such as, when the pressure sensor <NUM> indicates that a predetermined pressure has been reached in the treatment chamber <NUM>, for example, there is, a lower pressure than the pressure inside the treatment chamber <NUM> that triggered the termination of the primary vacuum cycle, the controller can activate the plasma generator <NUM> and switch the flow of air so that it flows from the secondary effluent chamber <NUM> through the plasma generator <NUM> and the plasmas pass into the treatment chamber <NUM>. One example of this method is shown in <FIG>.

In a further embodiment, the controller can initiate a treatment pause for a predetermined amount of time while the plasmas are sterilizing the items. The controller begins the secondary vacuum cycle again and the air is once more pumped from the treatment chamber <NUM>, either through a filtration mechanism, through the plasma generator, or directly, into the secondary effluent chamber <NUM> until it has been determined that certain process conditions are met. Next, the controller may initiate additional treatment cycles (the number depending on the programmed regime) in which the controller activates the plasma generator <NUM> and switches the flow of air so that it flows from the secondary effluent chamber <NUM> through the plasma generator <NUM> and the plasmas pass into the treatment chamber <NUM>. Among the several benefits achieved by this method is the smaller volume of air that has to be passed back and forth between secondary effluent chamber and the treatment chamber, which enables the device to treat the items more efficiently. This method can also require less time to complete each treatment cycle. Also, in embodiments in which the air is passed through the plasma generator on its way back and forth from the treatment chamber and the secondary effluent chamber, the amount of air that is converted to plasma will increase, thus increasing the concentration of plasma used to treat the items.

In at least one embodiment, when the controller initiates the primary vacuum cycle, the air from the treatment chamber <NUM> is pumped to the ambient environment <NUM> (either directly or through a filtering mechanism <NUM>). In at least one embodiment, the primary vacuum cycle continues until the controller determines that certain process conditions are met. Next, the controller initiates a secondary vacuum cycle in which the valves are switched to allow air to be pumped from the treatment chamber <NUM> into a secondary effluent chamber <NUM>. In one embodiment, the secondary effluent chamber <NUM> is conformable to allow it to expand or contract. When the sensor determines that certain process conditions are met, the controller can activates the plasma generator <NUM> and switches the flow of air so that it flows from the secondary effluent chamber <NUM> through the plasma generator <NUM> and the plasmas pass into the treatment chamber <NUM>. The controller then initiates a treatment pause for a predetermined amount of time while the plasmas are sterilizing the items. After the treatment pause, the controller begins the secondary vacuum cycle again and air is once more pumped from the treatment chamber <NUM>, either through a filtration mechanism or directly into, the secondary effluent chamber <NUM>, again, until the sensor determines that certain process conditions are met. The controller can initiate additional treatment cycles (depending on the programmed regime) in which the controller activates the plasma generator <NUM> and switches the flow of air so that it flows from the secondary effluent chamber <NUM> through the plasma generator <NUM> and the plasmas pass into the treatment chamber <NUM>.

After the last treatment pause, the controller may initiate a final flow cycle in which the air from the treatment chamber <NUM> is pumped through a filter mechanism into the ambient environment <NUM> until the controller determines that certain process conditions are met. The valves are switched to pump air from the ambient environment <NUM>, directly or through a scent cartridge <NUM>, into the treatment chamber <NUM> until the controller determines that certain process conditions are met. Once the controller determines that the entire treatment regime has completed, the items may be removed from the treatment chamber <NUM>.

The examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art.

Claim 1:
A plasma treatment device (<NUM>) comprising:
a treatment chamber (<NUM>) for receiving an item (<NUM>) to be treated, the chamber comprising at least one conformable wall (<NUM>) for forming a volume in which to receive the item (<NUM>);
a pump (<NUM>) operably connected to the treatment chamber (<NUM>), configured to remove ambient air in the treatment chamber (<NUM>), thereby creating a vacuum that causes the conformable wall (<NUM>) to collapse and at least partially conform to the item (<NUM>), so as to reduce the volume of the treatment chamber (<NUM>) to a working volume of ambient air, and wherein the ambient air not retained in the working volume of air is excess ambient air;
at least one effluent chamber (<NUM>,<NUM>), operably connected to the pump (<NUM>), configured to receive and sequester the working volume of ambient air from the treatment chamber (<NUM>) and from which the working volume of ambient air is returned to the treatment chamber (<NUM>) by the pump (<NUM>) during each of multiple treatment cycles; and
a plasma generator (<NUM>) configured so that the working volume of ambient air in the at least one effluent chamber (<NUM>,<NUM>) passes the plasma generator (<NUM>) as it is moved into the treatment chamber (<NUM>) by the pump (<NUM>) during each of the multiple treatment cycles, whereby at least a portion of the working volume of ambient air returned to the treatment chamber (<NUM>) during each treatment cycle is converted to plasma prior to entering the treatment chamber (<NUM>), such that the plasma concentration of the working volume of ambient air increases during each treatment cycle, wherein the plasma generator (<NUM>) is optionally positioned between the pump (<NUM>) and the treatment chamber (<NUM>),
wherein the pump (<NUM>) is configured to remove the excess ambient air from the treatment chamber (<NUM>) by having it pumped to the ambient environment (<NUM>) or another effluent chamber (<NUM>,<NUM>), operably connected to the pump (<NUM>), is configured to receive and sequester the excess air.