Patent Description:
The present invention generally relates to a sanitizing cabinet system.

Various technologies exist for sanitizing articles. For example, some sanitizing devices use direct UV light to sanitize the exposed surface of one or more articles. Other sanitizing devices apply chemical disinfectants or detergents. Still other sanitizing devices utilize electrostatic cleaning to drive sanitizing action. Yet another mode of sanitization can be achieved by directing ozone or ozonated air over the articles to be sanitized Examples are disclosed in : <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

In one aspect, a sanitizing cabinet system comprises the features of claim <NUM>.

Other aspects will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter or by the dependent claims.

The inventors have recognized that existing on-site sanitizing devices are not satisfactory for quickly sanitizing large volumes of articles. That is, existing sanitizing systems suffer from low throughput. Hence, the inventors have developed a new, large-capacity sanitizing cabinet system <NUM> for killing surface-borne pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. The sanitizing cabinet system <NUM> is believed to be particularly well-suited to sanitizing (and deodorizing) articles such as garments, footwear, and personal protective equipment (PPE), like masks, surgical gowns, respirators, surgical hoods, face shields, gloves, and the like.

Referring to <FIG>, the sanitizing cabinet system <NUM> comprises a large-volume enclosure or cabinet <NUM> that is configured to receive articles requiring sanitization (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the cabinet <NUM> is essentially the cabinet of a full-size commercial refrigerator of the type sold by True Manufacturing, Inc. As will be explained in further detail below, the cabinet <NUM> defines a sanitizing compartment <NUM>, and the sanitizing cabinet system <NUM> further comprises ozone distribution passaging <NUM> in open fluid communication with the sanitizing compartment. An ozone generator <NUM> (broadly, a sanitizing fluid generator) is received in the ozone distribution passaging. A sanitizing air mover <NUM> is likewise received in the ozone distribution passaging for moving air from the sanitizing compartment <NUM> across the ozone generator <NUM> to form ozonated air (broadly, sanitizing fluid) and to move the ozonated air into the sanitizing compartment. The illustrated sanitizing cabinet system <NUM> further comprises an ozone conversion device <NUM> configured to be selectively opened to fluid communication with the sanitizing compartment <NUM> and closed from fluid communication with the sanitizing compartment. As explained below, the ozone conversion device <NUM> is configured to neutralize ozone in the sanitizing compartment when opened.

The cabinet <NUM> includes a back wall <NUM> and a pair of opposite side walls <NUM>. A door <NUM> is mounted on the cabinet <NUM> opposite the back wall <NUM> and generally in front of the sanitizing compartment <NUM>. The cabinet <NUM> includes an upper portion <NUM> above the sanitizing compartment <NUM> (broadly, a first portion adjacent to the sanitizing compartment). An upper access panel <NUM> is connected to the cabinet <NUM> generally in front of the upper portion <NUM> and generally above the door <NUM>. The cabinet <NUM> also includes a lower portion <NUM> below the sanitizing compartment (broadly, a second portion adjacent to the sanitizing compartment and spaced apart from the first portion). A lower access panel <NUM> is connected to the cabinet <NUM> generally in front of the lower portion <NUM> and generally below the door. In the illustrated embodiment, part of the ozone distribution passaging <NUM>, the sanitizing fan <NUM>, and the ozone generator <NUM> are located in the upper portion <NUM> of the cabinet <NUM>, and the ozone conversion device <NUM> is located in the lower portion <NUM> of the cabinet. It is contemplated that in other embodiments the locations of the components can be reversed, with ozone generator and sanitizing fan located in a lower cabinet portion generally below the sanitizing compartment and the ozone conversion device located in the upper cabinet portion generally above the sanitizing compartment. Still further, it is contemplated that the cabinet portions in which these components are received can have other adjacent positions with respect to the sanitizing compartment besides generally above and generally below (e.g., a first portion of the cabinet in which an ozone generator and/or sanitizing fan is received might be to one side of the sanitizing compartment and a second portion of the cabinet in which the ozone conversion device is received might be to another side or a spaced apart location along the same side of the sanitizing compartment). The upper access panel <NUM> is hinged and the lower access panel <NUM> is removable to allow access to the respective components in the upper and lower portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, a bottom wall <NUM> of the sanitizing compartment <NUM> forms a dividing wall that separates the sanitizing compartment from the lower portion <NUM> (broadly, ozone conversion portion) of the cabinet <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the ozone conversion device <NUM> is attached to the dividing wall <NUM> and received in the lower portion <NUM>. The dividing wall <NUM> comprises an inlet opening <NUM> and an outlet opening <NUM> spaced apart from the inlet opening. The inlet opening <NUM> and the outlet opening <NUM> provide fluid communication between sanitizing compartment <NUM> and the lower portion <NUM> of the cabinet. More particularly, the inlet opening <NUM> and the outlet opening <NUM> provide fluid communication between the ozone conversion device <NUM> and the sanitizing compartment <NUM> that enables the ozone conversion device <NUM> to neutralize ozone from the ozonated air inside the sanitizing compartment.

In an exemplary embodiment, the interior storage volume of the sanitizing compartment <NUM> is greater than <NUM><NUM> (<NUM> cubic feet). The volume of the illustrated sanitizing compartment <NUM> is approximately <NUM><NUM> (<NUM> cubic feet) , e.g., the sanitizing compartment <NUM> has an internal height, width, and front-to-back depth of greater than <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), and <NUM> (<NUM> inches), respectively. For purposes of measuring the internal dimensions of the sanitizing compartments, space inside the cabinet <NUM> occupied by the ozone distribution passing <NUM> is excluded. It is contemplated that cabinets of the other sizes may be used in one or more embodiments. For example, it is expressly contemplated that, instead of the full-height refrigerator cabinet format of the sanitizing cabinet system <NUM>, the sanitizing cabinet system can utilize an under-counter refrigerator cabinet as the cabinet shell, or other cabinet-type enclosure of suitable size. The exterior of the illustrated cabinet <NUM> can be formed by stainless steel panels and the interior of the cabinet can be formed by aluminum panels. It is also contemplated that other materials can be used without departing from the scope of this invention. But internal materials should be able to withstand the presence of elevated levels of ozone.

In an exemplary embodiment, the sanitizing compartment <NUM> includes integrated shelf supports (not shown). Suitably, wire shelving (broadly, porous shelving; not shown) may be mounted on the shelf supports at vertically spaced locations along the height of the sanitizing compartment. In an embodiment, the shelves are arranged to each support a single layer of a certain type of articles thereupon such that all of the articles in the sanitizing compartment are spaced apart by a sufficient distance to allow substantial air flow along all surfaces of all articles. To ensure proper article spacing, it is contemplated that the shelves may including markings or divider structures that encourage users to position the articles at the desired spacing. In certain embodiments, the sanitizing compartment is equipped with hanging hooks or bars for suspending articles, such as garments, to be sanitized. The hanging hooks or bars may be used in lieu of or in addition to the porous shelving.

The door <NUM> is configured for opening and closing the sanitizing compartment <NUM>. In other words, the door <NUM> is movable relative to the cabinet <NUM> between an open position and a closed position for selectively opening and closing the sanitizing compartment <NUM>. Suitably, the door <NUM>, when open, allows access to the sanitizing compartment <NUM>. When the door <NUM> is closed, in one or more embodiments, it substantially seals the doorway or opening to the cabinet <NUM> so that the sanitizing environment inside the cabinet does to leak out through the interface between the door and the cabinet. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the door <NUM> includes a gasket that extends around a perimeter margin of the door for sealing engagement with a front frame of the cabinet <NUM> when the door is closed. At least the upper access panel <NUM> (and in some embodiments, the lower access panel <NUM> also) likewise seal to the cabinet to prevent fluid leakage.

In the illustrated embodiment, the sanitizing cabinet system <NUM> further comprises an automatic door lock <NUM> (<FIG>) configured for selectively locking and unlocking the door in the closed position. As will be explained in further detail below, the sanitizing cabinet system <NUM> uses the door lock <NUM> to ensure that unpermitted levels of ozone do not escape the cabinet <NUM> to the ambient environment.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the ozone distribution passaging <NUM> comprises an ozone discharge plenum <NUM> and a blower plenum <NUM> (broadly, an air mover plenum). In one or more embodiments, the ozone discharge plenum <NUM> extends heightwise along the back wall <NUM> from an open upper end portion (which opens to the upper portion <NUM> of the cabinet) to an enclosed lower end portion, spaced apart above the dividing wall <NUM>. The ozone discharge plenum <NUM> includes a front plenum wall <NUM> defining a plurality of orifices through which ozonated air can flow forward into the sanitizing compartment <NUM>. In this case, the front plenum wall <NUM> defines part of the back of the sanitizing compartment <NUM>. The front plenum wall <NUM> includes outlet openings at a plurality of vertically spaced apart location so that ozonated air is directed to flow across the articles supported on every shelf in the sanitizing compartment <NUM> (see <FIG>).

In one or more embodiments, the blower plenum <NUM> is located directly below the top wall of the cabinet <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the blower plenum <NUM> is formed by the top wall of the cabinet and a lower plenum wall <NUM>, which generally separates the blower plenum from the sanitizing compartment <NUM>. The lower plenum wall <NUM> divides the upper portion <NUM> of the cabinet <NUM> from the sanitizing compartment <NUM> in the illustrated embodiment. The front end portion of the lower plenum wall <NUM> includes one or more return air inlet openings into which return air from the sanitizing compartment <NUM> can be drawn into the ozone distribution passaging <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the sanitizing fan <NUM> is received in the blower plenum <NUM> for drawing air into the blower plenum through the return air inlet openings. The fan <NUM> is further configured to blow air into the top end portion of the ozone discharge plenum <NUM> so that the air then travels downward along the ozone discharge plenum and is discharged through the ozone outlets at multiple points along the height of the cabinet <NUM> toward the articles received in the sanitizing compartment <NUM>.

The ozone distribution passaging comprises a region connecting the blower plenum <NUM> and the ozone discharge plenum <NUM>. The illustrated ozone generator <NUM> is located in this region, spaced apart rearwardly of the sanitizing fan <NUM>. As can be seen the ozone distribution passaging <NUM> of the cabinet <NUM> is configured to enable the sanitizing fan <NUM> to direct ozonated air across the ozone generator <NUM>, downward along the back wall, and then forward into the sanitizing compartment <NUM>. Return air from the sanitizing compartment <NUM> is drawn upward into the blower plenum <NUM> generally at the front of the cabinet <NUM> and then is directed to flow backward toward the ozone generator <NUM> and the ozone distribution plenum <NUM>.

Suitably, the sanitizing fan <NUM> is a relatively high-powered unit that generates a volumetric flow rate in an inclusive range of from about <NUM><NUM> s-<NUM>(<NUM> ft<NUM>/min) to about <NUM><NUM> s-<NUM>(<NUM> ft<NUM>/min) and/or a flow velocity of from about <NUM> s-<NUM> to about <NUM> s-<NUM> (<NUM> ft/sec to about <NUM> ft/sec). Suitably the fan <NUM> creates a turbulent air flow conditions throughout substantially the entire sanitizing compartment <NUM> of the cabinet <NUM> when the door <NUM> is closed. This enables the fan <NUM> to distribute the ozonated air along substantially the entire exposed surface area of each of the articles received in the cabinet <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the primary mode of sanitization provided by the sanitizing cabinet system <NUM> is ozone or photoplasma sanitization (broadly, application of a sanitizing gas or fluid).

In an exemplary embodiment, the generator <NUM> is a photplasma generator of the type sold by Biozone Scientific of Orlando, Florida. Photplasma is thought to effectively reduce bactieria, viruses, mold, volatile organic compounds, and/or odors. Referring to <FIG>, in principle, the photoplasma generator <NUM> operates by imparting high-energy ultraviolet (UV) light (i.e., electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet wavelength spectrum). Thus, in one or more embodiments, the ozone generator <NUM> comprises a UV light configured to energize components of the air inside the cabinet <NUM> to form high-energy plasma (ozonated air). For example, the UV light forms charged molecules, ozone, and free electrons. The resulting fluid stream has the capacity to kill most pathogens found on the surfaces of articles, including, it is believed, the capacity to kill the coronavirus, COVID-<NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment, the ozone generator <NUM> comprises one or more low-pressure mercury discharge tubes configured to generate UV light at two wavelengths of interest: a first wavelength in an inclusive range of from <NUM> to <NUM> (e.g., a wavelength of about <NUM>) and a second wavelength in an inclusive range of from <NUM> to <NUM> (e.g., a wavelength of about <NUM>). The UV light at the first wavelength is configured to decompose oxygen molecules and synthesize ozone. The UV light at the second wavelength is configured to decompose ozone and produce high energy activated oxygen.

In one or more embodiments, the ozone generator <NUM> has a 'low-ozone configuration. In this disclosure, a generator <NUM> with a low-ozone configuration is configured to generate a fluid containing less than <NUM> ppm ozone, to ensure compliance with regulations promulgated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for regular indoor use of the sanitizing cabinet system <NUM>, or a fluid containing less than <NUM> ppm to ensure compliance with regulations promulgated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for situations in which the sanitizing cabinet system is used for medical devices and thus falls under the purview of FDA. When the ozone generator has a low-ozone configuration, the sanitizing cabinet system can be operated without safety interlocks or the automatic door lock <NUM>. Thus, a sanitizing cabinet system <NUM> comprising a generator <NUM> having a low-ozone configuration may include a simplified control system, which enables the sanitizing cabinet system to be produced at scale quickly and relatively inexpensively. For example, in certain embodiments, refrigerator manufacturers and/or manufacturers of other types of large cabinet devices can adapt existing cabinet inventory for use as sanitizing cabinets very quickly during a pathogenic emergency, such as an epidemic or pandemic. This can help meet rapidly the increasing demand for frequent sanitization of various types of articles and equipment during a pathogenic emergency.

In certain embodiments, the generator <NUM> is configured to generate ozonated air inside the cabinet <NUM> containing a greater amount of ozone-e.g., greater than <NUM> ppm ozone, greater than <NUM> ppm ozone, greater than <NUM> ppm ozone, greater than <NUM> ppm ozone, greater than <NUM> ppm ozone, greater than <NUM> ppm ozone, or greater than <NUM> ppm ozone. A generator <NUM> with this type of high-ozone configuration enables the sanitizing cabinet system <NUM> to execute much shorter sanitizing cycles to achieve the same sanitization effect. However, since emission of ozone in excess of <NUM> ppm is not permitted by the FDA and emission of ozone in excess of <NUM> ppm is not permitted by OSHA, when this type of high-ozone generator <NUM> is used, the sanitizing cabinet system <NUM> preferably includes a safety system for preventing excessive levels of ozone from being emitted directly to the external environment (discussed below).

In the illustrated embodiment of the sanitizing cabinet system <NUM>, the ozone generator <NUM> is placed directly into the ozone distribution passaging <NUM> for generating ozone inside the cabinet <NUM>. More particularly, the illustrated ozone generator <NUM> comprises an unenclosed high powered UV bulb of generally the type described above, along with a corresponding power supply and fixture. The bulb <NUM> is suitably located in the ozone distribution passaging <NUM> downstream of the sanitizing fan <NUM> so that air blown by the fan passes over the bulb before being discharged through the ozone discharge plenum <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>). As explained above, the bulb <NUM> is located generally at the region of the ozone distribution passaging where the blower plenum <NUM> connects to the ozone discharge plenum <NUM> (e.g., adjacent the upper end portion of the ozone discharge plenum and adjacent the rear end portion of the blower plenum). In the illustrated embodiment, the bulb <NUM> comprises a single, straight tube releasably mounted on the cabinet <NUM> via U-shaped clamps <NUM> that are screwed into the back wall <NUM>. As will be explained in further detail below, the bulb <NUM> is a replaceable or expendable part, and the releasable mount provided by the clamps <NUM> enables quick replacement of the bulb when needed.

Suitably, the ozone generating bulb <NUM> is sized and arranged in relation to the ozone distribution passaging <NUM> to affect a substantial portion of the air that the fan <NUM> blows across the bulb. In one or more embodiments, the ozone generating bulb <NUM> comprises a tube having a length and a diameter. Suitably, the bulb <NUM> is mounted on the cabinet <NUM> so that the length of the bulb extends in the widthwise direction of the cabinet. The upper end portion of the ozone discharge plenum <NUM> has a width along the width of the cabinet <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the bulb <NUM> is mounted in the cabinet so that the length of the bulb extends at least <NUM>% of the width of the upper end portion of the ozone discharge plenum <NUM> (e.g., at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%). The upper end portion of the ozone discharge plenum <NUM> also has a front-to-back depth. In one or more embodiments, the diameter of the bulb <NUM> is at least <NUM>% of the front-to-back depth of the upper end portion of the ozone discharge plenum (e.g., at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%).

In summary, the sanitizing cabinet system <NUM> comprises an ozone generating light bulb <NUM> situated inside the cabinet <NUM> in open air fluid communication with a sanitizing compartment <NUM>. In this disclosure, 'open' fluid communication means fluid communication that cannot be closed off by any valve, damper, or other manufactured closure component of the sanitizing cabinet system <NUM>. Further the sanitizing cabinet system <NUM> comprises plenum walls <NUM>, <NUM> that define ozone distribution passaging <NUM> inside the cabinet <NUM>, and in which the ozone generating bulb <NUM> is received. The sanitizing cabinet system <NUM> still further comprises a fan <NUM> that is configured to draw air from the sanitizing compartment <NUM> into ozone distribution passaging <NUM> through a return air inlet at the upper front portion of the sanitizing compartment. The fan <NUM> is configured to move the return air forward through a blower plenum <NUM> and then across the ozone generating bulb <NUM> so that a substantial portion of the air is affected by the bulb. This generates ozone and forms ozonoted air. The fan <NUM> moves the ozonated air downward through the ozone discharge plenum <NUM> and causes the ozonated air to be discharged forward through the outlets in the front plenum wall <NUM> at a plurality of spaced apart locations along the height of the sanitizing compartment <NUM>. Accordingly, it can be seen that the sanitizing cabinet system <NUM> is configured to direct ozonated air along substantially the full height of the sanitizing compartment <NUM> to sanitize articles placed at any location within the sanitizing compartment.

Although not depicted in the drawings above, it is expressly contemplated that the sanitizing cabinet system <NUM> may incorporate one or more secondary sanitizing systems in addition to the primary ozone/photoplasma generator <NUM>. For example, in one or more embodiments, the system <NUM> includes a plurality of sanitizing UV lights (not shown) in the sanitizing compartment <NUM> that are configured to sanitize articles contained therein by direct application of UV light.

In an exemplary embodiment, the sanitizing cabinet system further comprises an ozone sensor <NUM> (broadly, a gas detection sensor) configured to output a signal representative of the amount (e.g., concentration) of ozone inside the cabinet <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the ozone sensor <NUM> is located in the ozone distribution passaging. More particularly, the ozone sensor <NUM> is located in the blower plenum <NUM>, adjacent to the sanitizing fan <NUM>. Any suitable gas sensor capable outputting a signal representative of ozone concentration in the sanitizing compartment <NUM> may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. In one or more embodiments, the ozone sensor <NUM> comprises a SPEC Sensor™ electrochemical gas sensor.

Referring to <FIG>, the illustrated ozone conversion device <NUM> comprises a housing <NUM> defining an interior space and first and second dampers <NUM>, <NUM> received in the housing in the interior space for dividing the interior space of the housing between an upstream chamber <NUM>, an ozone conversion chamber <NUM>, and a downstream chamber <NUM>.

The illustrated housing <NUM> forms a generally rectangular enclosure with an open side (e.g., an open top side). The housing <NUM> has a base portion <NUM> and a perimeter portion <NUM> extending from the base portion to a free edge margin. The perimeter portion <NUM> comprises a first end wall and a second end wall spaced apart along a longitudinal axis LGA and a first side wall and a second side wall spaced apart along a lateral axis LTA. The free edge margin of the perimeter wall <NUM> circumscribes an open side of the housing opposite the base portion <NUM>. In other words, the illustrated housing <NUM> comprises an opening to the interior of the housing that extends longitudinally from the first end wall to the second end wall and laterally from the first side wall to the second side wall.

The first and second dampers <NUM>, <NUM>, are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis LGA between the first end wall and the second end wall of the housing perimeter portion <NUM>. Each damper <NUM>, <NUM> comprises an assembly that extends laterally from the first side wall of the perimeter portion <NUM> to the second side wall. Each damper <NUM>, <NUM> also extends vertically from the base portion <NUM> to an upper end portion adjacent the free edge margin of the perimeter portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the dampers define chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> that are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis LGA of the housing <NUM>.

The first and second dampers <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to be selectively opened and closed. Each damper <NUM>, <NUM> comprises a respective damper plate assembly 62A, 64A including one or more rotatable damper plates and a respective damper actuator 62B, 64B (e.g., electric motor or solenoid) configured to selectively rotate the plates of the damper plate assembly between an open position (not shown) and the closed position shown in the drawings. When the first and second dampers <NUM>, <NUM> are closed, they fluidly separate the ozone conversion chamber <NUM> from the upstream chamber <NUM> and the downstream chamber <NUM>; and when the dampers are open, they provide fluid communication between the three chambers.

In addition to the dampers <NUM>, <NUM>, the illustrated ozone conversion device housing <NUM> receives ozone conversion catalyst <NUM> and an ozone conversion air mover <NUM>. Suitably, the ozone conversion catalyst <NUM> comprises ozone neutralizing catalyst material, such as a catalyst material made of an aluminum compound and/or a manganese compound that is configured to convert an ozone into dioxygen. In the illustrated embodiment, the ozone conversion catalyst <NUM> and the ozone conversion air mover <NUM> are each received in the ozone conversion chamber <NUM>. It is conceivable, however, to place the ozone conversion air mover in one of the other chambers <NUM>, <NUM> instead. The ozone air mover <NUM> comprises a fan enclosure <NUM> and a fan <NUM> in the fan enclosure. The fan enclosure <NUM> extends laterally from the first side wall of the perimeter portion <NUM> to the second side wall. The fan enclosure <NUM> also extends vertically from the base portion <NUM> to an upper end portion adjacent the free edge margin of the perimeter portion <NUM> of the housing. The fan enclosure <NUM> comprises an upstream end defining an inlet opening <NUM> and a downstream end defining an outlet opening <NUM>. The upstream end and the downstream end are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis LGA. The fan <NUM> is configured to draw air into the fan enclosure <NUM> through the inlet opening <NUM> and discharge air out of the fan enclosure through the outlet opening <NUM>. The ozone conversion catalyst <NUM> is supported on the downstream end of the fan enclosure <NUM> such that substantially all of the air discharged out of the fan enclosure through the outlet opening <NUM> must pass through the ozone conversion catalyst. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the ozone conversion catalyst <NUM> is supported in a shroud <NUM> extending longitudinally from the downstream end of the fan enclosure <NUM> and extending circumferentially about the outlet opening <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> is configured to mount on the dividing wall <NUM> of the sanitizing cabinet system <NUM> such that the upstream chamber <NUM> fluidly communicates with the inlet opening <NUM> formed in the dividing wall <NUM> and the downstream chamber <NUM> fluidly communicates with the outlet opening <NUM> formed in the dividing wall. In an exemplary embodiment, a seal or gasket is placed between the free edge margin of the perimeter portion <NUM> of the housing and the dividing wall <NUM>, as well as between the dividing wall and the upper end portions of the first and second dampers <NUM>, <NUM> and the fan enclosure <NUM>, to form a fluid seal of the interface between the ozone conversion device <NUM> and the dividing wall <NUM>. The fluid seal maintains fluid separation between the chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> at the interface between the ozone conversion device <NUM> and the housing. Hence, when the first and second dampers <NUM>, <NUM> are closed, they fluidly separate the ozone conversion chamber <NUM> and the catalyst <NUM> contained therein from the inlet and outlet openings <NUM>, <NUM>, and thereby fluidly isolate the catalyst from the sanitizing compartment <NUM>. But when the dampers <NUM>, <NUM> are open, they provide fluid communication between the inlet and outlet openings <NUM>, <NUM> and the ozone conversion chamber <NUM> so that the ozone conversion fan <NUM> can draw ozonated air from the sanitizing compartment <NUM> through the inlet opening <NUM>, from the inlet opening into the upstream chamber <NUM>, from the upstream chamber across the first damper <NUM> into the ozone conversion chamber and through the inlet opening <NUM> of the fan enclosure, from the inlet opening through the outlet opening <NUM> and further through the catalyst <NUM> contained in the shroud. The catalyst <NUM> neutralizes ozone in the ozonated air as it flows through the catalyst. The fan <NUM> moves the air out of the catalyst <NUM> across the second damper <NUM>, into the downstream chamber <NUM> and then through the outlet opening <NUM> back into the sanitizing compartment.

As discussed above, in certain embodiments, the generator <NUM> is configured to generate sanitizing fluid containing ozone in an amount less than ozone emission standards promulgated by the relevant regulatory body. This permits the sanitizing fluid generated by the generator <NUM> to be emitted directly to atmosphere. A simplified system of this type can be configured to continuously operate the generator <NUM>. A user simply places articles in the sanitizing compartment <NUM> whenever sanitizing is required, and then leaves them to be sanitized by the sanitizing cabinet system <NUM> for the required amount of time.

A generator <NUM> that generates greater amounts of ozone may be desired to reduce the sanitization cycle time. Referring to <FIG>, in this case, the sanitizing cabinet system <NUM> may comprise an automated control system <NUM> that automatically directs sanitizing cycles and prevents the generator <NUM> from releasing excessive amounts of ozone to atmosphere. In the illustrated embodiment, the control system <NUM> comprises a user interface <NUM> (which in the illustrated embodiment comprises a touchscreen display mounted on the upper access panel <NUM> as shown in <FIG>), a controller <NUM>, the ozone sensor <NUM>, the automatic door lock <NUM>, a door switch <NUM> configured to detect when the door is closed, a memory <NUM> for storing historical information about the sanitizing cycles that have been performed by the cabinet system <NUM>, and a temperature sensor <NUM> for detecting an internal temperature of the sanitizing compartment <NUM>. The illustrated controller <NUM> is also operatively connected to the ozone generator <NUM>, the sanitizing fan <NUM>, the ozone conversion fan <NUM>, and the damper actuators 62B, 64B for controlling these components. The illustrated controller <NUM> is further connected to an internet communication interface <NUM>, for example, a wireless interface such as a cellular network or Wi-Fi transceiver. As shown in <FIG>, the transceiver <NUM> enables the controller <NUM> to communicate over the internet with a remote server <NUM> (e.g., a remote monitoring server or a remote asset management server) to enable remote monitoring and/or control of the sanitizing cabinet system <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> can include at least one processor for controlling the operation of the one or more output components based on one or more input components. The processor of the controller <NUM> may include a non-transitory processor-readable medium storing code representing instructions to cause the processor to perform a process. The processor may also access some or all of the code from the memory <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may be, for example, a commercially available microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a combination of ASICs, which are designed to achieve one or more specific functions, or enable one or more specific devices or applications. In certain embodiments, the controller <NUM> may be an analog or digital circuit, or a combination of multiple circuits. The controller <NUM> may also include one or more memory components for storing data in a form retrievable by the controller. The controller <NUM> can store data in or retrieve data from the one or more memory components or the memory <NUM>. Although a single schematic controller element is depicted in <FIG>, it will be understood that various controls of the sanitizing cabinet system <NUM> can be implemented by different pieces of coordinated or independent control hardware. That is, while a single schematic element <NUM> is shown controlling numerous aspects of the system <NUM>, it is to be understood that responsibility for controlling any of these aspects can be distributed among more than one control processor, circuit, or other control hardware.

During use, the controller <NUM> maintains the ozone generator <NUM>, the sanitizing fan <NUM>, and the ozone conversion device <NUM> in off state unless a sanitizing cycle is in process. In this off state, the automatic door lock <NUM> is unlocked so that a user can place articles in need of sanitizing into the sanitizing compartment <NUM> (e.g., on shelves, or suspended from hooks or hanging rods).

<FIG> depict an exemplary process, generally indicated at <NUM>, by which the controller <NUM> can conduct automated sanitizing cycles to sanitize articles at the direction of a user. The process <NUM> broadly includes a cycle initiation routine <NUM> in which the controller <NUM> receives user inputs to the user interface <NUM> that initiate a sanitizing cycle. Upon completion of the initiation routine <NUM>, the controller <NUM> conducts the sanitizing cycle. Each sanitizing cycle comprise a sanitizing stage <NUM> and a conversion stage <NUM>. As explained below, during each sanitizing stage <NUM>, the controller <NUM> is configured to activate the ozone generator <NUM> and the sanitizing fan <NUM>, deactivate the ozone conversion air mover <NUM>, and close the first and second dampers <NUM>, <NUM>; and during each conversion stage <NUM>, the controller <NUM> is configured to deactivate the ozone generator <NUM> and the sanitizing fan <NUM>, activate the ozone conversion air mover <NUM>, and open the first and second dampers <NUM>, <NUM>. And upon completion of the conversion stage <NUM>, the controller <NUM> conducts a sanitizing cycle termination routine <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, during the initiation routine <NUM>, the controller <NUM> receives user inputs made to the user interface <NUM> selecting a sanitizing cycle (step <NUM>), confirming that articles have been loaded into the sanitizing compartment <NUM> (step <NUM>), and confirming that the door <NUM> of the cabinet has been closed (step <NUM>). During this portion of the process, the user opens the door <NUM> to the cabinet <NUM>, places articles in the sanitizing compartment <NUM>, and shuts the door. An exemplary touchscreen display to facilitate user selection of a sanitizing cycle in step <NUM> is depicted in <FIG>, and an exemplary touchscreen display to facilitate user confirmation of article placement (step <NUM>) and door closure (step <NUM>) are shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, the user interacts with the user interface device <NUM> to select a desired cycle type. The controller <NUM> is configured to selectively execute a plurality of (e.g., three) different sanitizing cycles (e.g., a quick cycle, a standard cycle, and a deep clean cycle; a <NUM>-log reduction cycle, a <NUM>-log reduction cycle, or a <NUM>-log reduction cycle; or a <NUM>% sanitization cycle, a <NUM>% sanitization cycle, and a <NUM>% sanitization cycle) at the selection of the user via the user interface <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the memory <NUM> stores 'recipes' or formulas for sanitizing particular items in particular quantities. Instead of selecting from generic sanitizing cycles of different strengths as shown in <FIG>, the user would select the type of items to be sanitized and the quantities and the controller would automatically execute a calibrated sanitizing cycle to perform based on the selection.

Referring again to <FIG>, the controller <NUM> will not allow the sanitizing cycle to begin until the door switch <NUM> registers that the door <NUM> is in the closed position. The controller <NUM> is configured to maintain the ozone generator <NUM> in an off state unless the automatic door lock <NUM> locks the door <NUM> in the closed position. After receiving the door closed signal from the door switch <NUM> (step <NUM>), the controller <NUM> can proceed to the sanitizing stage <NUM> of the sanitizing cycle. It is contemplated that the sanitizing cabinet system <NUM> can also include a redundant, hardwired interlock, independent of the controller <NUM>, which prevents power from being supplied to the generator <NUM> unless the door <NUM> is closed and the lock <NUM> is in the locked position.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, to begin the sanitizing stage, at step <NUM>, the controller <NUM> activates the ozone generator <NUM> and the sanitizing fan <NUM> and directs the user interface <NUM> to display a sanitizing status indicator, e.g., the display screen shown in <FIG>. At step <NUM>, the controller <NUM> starts a sanitizing stage timer. As will be explained in further detail below, the purpose of the sanitizing stage timer is to enable the controller <NUM> to determine when the amount of time elapsed during the sanitizing stage <NUM> exceeds a predetermined maximum sanitizing time threshold indicative that the sanitizing cabinet system may not be sanitizing properly. In certain embodiments the controller can adjust operating levels of the ozone generator <NUM> and/or sanitizing fan <NUM> based on feedback from the ozone sensor <NUM>. But in other cases, the controller <NUM> operates each component at the same operating level for the duration of the selected cycle.

During the cycle, the controller <NUM> monitors the output of the ozone sensor <NUM> (step <NUM>) and the door switch <NUM>. The step <NUM> may broadly be referred to as monitoring the sanitizing cabinet system during the sanitizing cycle. As explained in further detail below, the controller is configured to output one or more alarm indications not represented in <FIG> based on this monitoring if, for example, the controller <NUM> receives a signal from the ozone sensor <NUM> that the level of ozone inside the sanitizing compartment <NUM> exceeds a predetermined maximum ozone threshold, the controller receives a signal from the door switch <NUM> that the door <NUM> has been opened in spite of the lock <NUM> in the midst of a sanitizing cycle, etc..

If no such error is detected, the controller <NUM> typically executes the chosen sanitizing stage to completion. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller <NUM> is configured to determine stage completion by monitoring the amount of ozone exposure in the sanitizing compartment <NUM> and comparing it to a predetermined ozone exposure threshold for the respective cycle type (decision point <NUM>). In one or more embodiments, the controller <NUM> is configured to determine ozone exposure as a function of the ozone concentration with respect to time. The exposure threshold is in units of ozone concentration-time. For example, ozone exposure may be measured as an integral of the ozone concentration signal over time. In a simplified example, for a given cycle, the controller might use a threshold ozone exposure value of <NUM> PPM-minutes. If the ozone sensor <NUM> detects a constant ozone concentration in the sanitizing compartment <NUM> of <NUM> PPM, the controller <NUM> would determine that the desired ozone exposure threshold has been reached after a <NUM>-minute duration. Whereas by contrast, if the ozone sensor <NUM> outputs a signal representative of a constant ozone concentration of <NUM> PPM, the controller <NUM> would not determine that the required ozone exposure has been met until the cycle has reached <NUM> minutes in duration.

Although not shown in <FIG>, during the sanitizing stage <NUM>, the controller <NUM> maintains the dampers <NUM>, <NUM> in the closed positions and keeps the conversion air mover <NUM> off so that the catalyst <NUM> is substantially prevented from interacting with or neutralizing any ozone in the sanitizing compartment during this stage.

In the illustrated embodiment, the controller <NUM> is configured monitor the timer initiated in step <NUM> to determine when the amount of time elapsed during sanitizing stage exceeds a predetermined maximum sanitizing stage time threshold (decision point <NUM>). If the controller <NUM> determines that the amount of time elapsed during the sanitizing stage exceeds the predetermined maximum sanitizing stage time threshold, the controller <NUM> is configured to conduct a sanitize timeout routine <NUM> in response. In the illustrated embodiment, the sanitize timeout routine <NUM> comprises displaying an initial alarm indication on the user interface <NUM> (e.g., a pop-up warning indicating incomplete sanitizing has occurred; step <NUM>). Additionally, at steps <NUM>, the controller deactivates the ozone generator <NUM> and sanitizing fan <NUM>, opens the dampers <NUM>, <NUM>, activates the conversion air mover <NUM>, and displays a purge status on the display. Thus, the illustrated sanitize timeout routine <NUM> comprises using the ozone conversion device <NUM> to neutralize ozone in the sanitizing compartment <NUM>. The controller <NUM> monitors the output from the ozone sensor <NUM> (step <NUM>) to determine, at decision point <NUM>, when ozone concentration in the sanitizing compartment falls below a safe ozone concentration level. Subsequently, in the illustrated embodiment, the controller <NUM> is configured to switch the cabinet from an operating mode to a locked mode, keeping the door lock <NUM> locked until an administrator provides an unlock command to the controller <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the administrator can remotely send the unlock command from the remote server <NUM> to the controller <NUM> via the transceiver <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the administrator enters administrator-level credentials at the user interface <NUM> and then locally issues the unlock command.

The purpose of the sanitize timeout routine <NUM> is to inhibit the sanitizing cabinet system <NUM> from being used when it may not be properly functioning to sanitize as intended. It is contemplated that the sanitizing cabinet system <NUM> may be used in the medical field, e.g., for sanitizing medical supplies or devices. In this context, it is important that the sanitizing cabinet system <NUM> reliably reach the indicated level of sanitizing. A sanitizing stage <NUM> that takes an excessive amount of time is a leading indicator that the cabinet system <NUM> may have an unresolved issue rendering it incapable of reaching the indicated levels of sanitizing. When this occurs, the sanitize timeout routine <NUM> provides a substantial impediment to using the device in its current, potentially ineffective condition.

Referring to <FIG>, after a successful sanitizing stage <NUM> is complete, the controller then proceeds to the ozone conversion stage <NUM>. At step <NUM>, the controller <NUM> deactivates the ozone generator <NUM> and the sanitizing fan <NUM> and opens the dampers <NUM>, <NUM> using the actuators 62B, 64B. In addition, the controller <NUM> turns on the ozone conversion air mover <NUM> and directs the user interface <NUM> to display a purge status indicator, e.g., the display screen shown in <FIG>. Step <NUM> recirculates ozonated air from the sanitizing compartment <NUM> through the catalytic converter <NUM> to quickly neutralize ozone in the cabinet <NUM>. As in the sanitizing stage <NUM>, the controller <NUM> is configured to start a conversion stage timer at the beginning of the conversion stage (step <NUM>).

Throughout the ozone conversion stage, the controller <NUM> monitors the signal from the ozone sensor <NUM> (step <NUM>) to determine, at decision point <NUM>, when the concentration of ozone in the sanitizing compartment <NUM> is less than a predetermined safe ozone concentration threshold, e.g., less than <NUM> ppm or less than <NUM> ppm. In response to determining the concentration of ozone in the sanitizing compartment <NUM> is less than the predetermined safe ozone concentration threshold, the controller <NUM> is configured to output a signal indicating that the sanitizing cycle is complete (termination subroutine <NUM>). For example, the controller <NUM> sends a signal to the door lock <NUM> to unlock the door <NUM>. Additionally, the controller <NUM> can send a signal to the user interface <NUM> to direct the user interface to display an indication of the complete cycle on the display (see <FIG>).

Thus, it can be seen that, during each of the sanitizing stage <NUM> and the ozone conversion stage <NUM>, the controller <NUM> is configured to lock the cabinet <NUM> in a closed configuration, and in response to determining the concentration of ozone in the sanitizing compartment is less than the predetermined safe ozone concentration threshold, the controller is configured to unlock the cabinet to allow the cabinet to be opened. Upon completion of the cycle, the user may remove the articles from the sanitizing compartment 12B. The sanitizing cabinet system <NUM> will then be ready for use in another cycle for sanitizing a new set of articles.

As shown at decision point <NUM> and step <NUM>, the controller <NUM> is configured to determine an amount of time elapsed during each ozone conversion stage <NUM> and to determine when the amount of time elapsed during an ozone conversion stage exceeds a predetermined maximum ozone conversion time threshold. The controller <NUM> is configured to output an excessive ozone conversion time alarm indication (not shown) in response to determining the amount of time elapsed during an ozone conversion stage <NUM> exceeds the predetermined maximum ozone conversion time threshold. However, the excessive ozone conversion time event does not result in locking out the cabinet system <NUM> in the illustrated embodiment.

Although not depicted in <FIG>, during the cycle, the controller <NUM> is configured to monitor other aspects of the sanitizing cabinet system <NUM> and output one or more alarm indications based on said monitoring. For example, in one or more embodiments, the controller <NUM> is configured to display the alarm indications on the display of the user interface <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the controller <NUM> is configured to log alarm indications in the memory <NUM> as they occur.

In an exemplary embodiment, the controller <NUM> is configured to determine based on the signal from the ozone sensor <NUM> when the ozone concentration inside the sanitizing compartment exceeds a predetermined high ozone concentration threshold. In response to determining based on the signal from the ozone sensor <NUM> that the ozone concentration inside the sanitizing compartment <NUM> exceeds the predetermined high ozone concentration threshold, the controller <NUM> is configured to output an high ozone concentration alarm indication (e.g., direct the user interface <NUM> to display an indication such as a pop-up message warning about the high ozone concentration, transmit the indication wirelessly to a user mobile (e.g., via SMS notification), or communicate the indication to the user in any other appropriate way.

In certain embodiments, the controller <NUM> is configured to determine based on the door sensor <NUM> and the signal from the ozone sensor <NUM> that the door <NUM> is open while the ozone concentration in the sanitizing compartment <NUM> exceeds a predetermined safe ozone concentration threshold. In response to determining based on the door sensor <NUM> and the signal from the ozone sensor <NUM> that the door is open while the ozone concentration inside the sanitizing compartment <NUM> exceeds the predetermined maximum safe ozone concentration threshold, the controller <NUM> is configured to output a door open alarm indication (e.g., direct the user interface <NUM> to display an indication such as a pop-up message warning that the door has opened, transmit the indication wirelessly to a user mobile (e.g., via SMS notification), or communicate the indication to the user in any other appropriate way.

In certain embodiments, the controller <NUM> is configured to detect a fault in the ozone sensor <NUM>. For example, the controller can detect that the ozone sensor <NUM> has become disconnected from the controller <NUM> such that the controller is no longer receiving signal from the ozone sensor. In one embodiment, when the controller <NUM> detects the fault in the ozone sensor <NUM>, the controller is configured to output an ozone sensor fault alarm indication (e.g., direct the user interface <NUM> to display an indication such as a pop-up message regarding the sensor fault, transmit the indication wirelessly to a user mobile (e.g., via SMS notification), or communicate the indication to the user in any other appropriate way. In certain embodiments, when an ozone sensor fault alarm occurring during a sanitizing cycle, the controller <NUM> can switch the sanitizing cabinet system <NUM> to the locked mode as described above with respect to the sanitize timeout routine <NUM>.

As can be seen in display screens shown in <FIG>, the illustrated sanitizing cabinet system <NUM> is generally configured to monitor the usage of certain replaceable, expendable components such as one or more of the sanitizing bulb <NUM>, the ozone conversion catalyst <NUM>, and the door lock <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller <NUM> is configured to store in the memory <NUM> an indication of the number of sanitizing cycles conducted with each of the expendable parts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. For each expendable part of interest, the controller <NUM> is configured to determine based on the number stored in memory that the number of sanitizing cycles conducted with the replaceable, expendable part installed in the sanitizing cabinet system exceeds a predetermined replacement threshold number for the respective part. The controller <NUM> is configured to output a corresponding replacement alarm indication (e.g., direct the user interface <NUM> to display an indication such as a pop-up message that part replacement is required, transmit the indication wirelessly to a user mobile (e.g., via SMS notification), or communicate the indication to the user in any other appropriate way. ) in response to determining that the number of sanitizing cycles conducted with the expendable part installed in the sanitizing cabinet system exceeds replacement threshold number. Upon replacement of the part, the controller <NUM> is configured to reset the corresponding cycle count in the memory <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, in the illustrated embodiment, the replacement threshold numbers for each of the sanitizing bulb <NUM>, the ozone conversion catalyst <NUM>, and the door lock <NUM> are user-adjustable, depending on whether the user wants to operate the sanitizing cabinet system in a conservative manner, a standard manner, or a manner that uses each expendable part for as long as reasonably possible before replacement. As shown in <FIG>, in the illustrated embodiment, the user can call up a display screen on the user interface <NUM> that displays a QR code for accessing a website from which the user can order replacements for the expendable parts.

In an exemplary embodiment, the controller <NUM>, via the transceiver <NUM>, is configured to send the cycle count information for the expendable components to the remote server <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> can be configured to automatically transmit the cycle count on a periodic basis and/or upon passing a threshold cycle count that is stored in the memory <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the remote server <NUM> may be configured to remotely and automatically switch the sanitizing cabinet system <NUM> into a locked mode if the number of cycles of use of an expendable component exceeds a maximum threshold number stored in a memory of the remote server. In the locked mode, the cabinet system <NUM> may not be used to conduct sanitizing cycles without an administrator first taking action to unlock the device. In certain embodiments, a manufacturer of the cabinet system, a servicer, or other operator or administrator of the cabinet system may maintain the remote server <NUM> and establish the safe maximum cycle count threshold for each expendable part. The above-described remote locking feature provides the manufacturer, servicer, or operator/administrator a way of ensuring that the cabinet system is never used in a way that is thought to be ineffective.

The controller <NUM> may also be configured to publish various other information to the remote server <NUM>, such as alarm indications, sanitizing stage and/or ozone conversion stage cycle times, ozone concentration information from sanitizing cycles, etc..

In one or more embodiments, the sanitizing cabinet system <NUM> includes a light sensor (not shown) in, or otherwise associated with, the ozone generator <NUM>. The light sensor is configured to detect when the generator bulb <NUM> begins to dim or burn out. When dimming or burn-out is detected, the controller <NUM> transmits an indication that the bulb should be replaced. For example, the indication may be displayed on the display of the user interface <NUM>, transmitted wirelessly to the user (e.g., via SMS notification), or communicated to the user in any other appropriate way. In certain embodiments, the controller <NUM> can also adjust the parameters of its sanitization cycles based on the dimming of the internal bulb. For example, as the bulb dims, the controller <NUM> can increase the duration of each type of sanitization cycle accordingly.

One feature of the illustrated sanitizing cabinet system <NUM> is that it is readily adaptable from existing cabinet platforms that are in wide commercial circulation during times in which there are no extant pathogenic emergencies. For example, the sanitizing cabinet system <NUM> can be readily manufactured from a refrigeration cabinet that would typically be used for a refrigeration device. Such devices are widely sold when restaurants and shops are considered safe by ordinary consumers. But when an epidemic occurs, the perceived safety of these types of establishments may decrease, leading to decreased demand for refrigeration devices. In contrast, epidemics also create sharply increased demand for sanitizing devices. Thus, one aspect of this disclosure pertains to adapting inventory of various types of normal, day-to-day cabinet devices for use as sanitizing cabinets during an epidemic or other event that causes increased demand for sanitizing cabinets.

One embodiment of a process for redirecting cabinet inventory within the scope of this disclosure starts with existing cabinet inventory, either fully assembled cabinets or cabinet components. If the cabinets are not fully assembled, the manufacturer first assembles the cabinets from an existing stock of cabinet parts. If the cabinets are fully assembled, it may be necessary to remove existing system components from the assembled cabinet. After obtaining a cabinet shell, the manufacturer must then configure the cabinet for performing sanitizing operations. If the cabinet inventory is for commercial refrigerator cabinets, air distribution passaging and air distribution fans may already be present in the cabinet. If not, the manufacturer can add suitable air flow passaging and one or more fans to serve as the ozone distribution passaging and sanitizing fan. In the illustrated embodiment, the manufacturer mounts an ozone generator <NUM> on the device, preferably at a position in the air flow passaging so that the sanitizing fan blows or draws (broadly, moves) air across the ozone generator. In certain embodiments, the manufacturer also fluidly connects an ozone conversion device to the cabinet. For example, the ozone conversion device may be mounted to a wall of the cabinet so that the ozone conversion device resides outsize the primary storage compartment which will serve as the sanitizing compartment. In an exemplary embodiment, the manufacture forms a hole (e.g., two holes) in a wall of the storage compartment and mounts the ozone conversion device to the wall outside of the storage compartment and over the hole.

To quickly transition existing cabinet inventory for use as sanitizing cabinet systems, the generator may be configured to generate no more ozone than is permitted by the relevant regulatory agency. This enables the cabinet shells to be put into service as sanitizing cabinets without retrofitting them with complex safety controls. Alternatively, a manufacturer could retrofit cabinet inventory with generators configured to produce greater amounts of ozone, so that the cabinet systems can run faster sanitizing cycles for higher throughput. In that event, the manufacturer may incorporate some or all of the components of the control system <NUM>. At a minimum the manufacturer can equip high-ozone cabinet systems with an automatic door lock and a controller or interlock that is configured to only allow operation the generator when the door lock is in the locked configuration, in order to prevent excessive amounts of ozone from being emitted.

When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles "a", "an", "the" and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the disclosure are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

Claim 1:
A sanitizing cabinet system (<NUM>) comprising:
a cabinet (<NUM>) defining a sanitizing compartment (<NUM>);
ozone distribution passaging (<NUM>) in open fluid communication with the sanitizing compartment (<NUM>);
an ozone generator (<NUM>) in the ozone distribution passaging (<NUM>);
a sanitizing air mover (<NUM>) in the ozone distribution passaging (<NUM>) configured to move air from the sanitizing compartment (<NUM>) across the ozone generator (<NUM>) to form ozonated air and to move the ozonated air into the sanitizing compartment (<NUM>);
an ozone conversion device (<NUM>) configured to be selectively opened and closed, the ozone conversion device (<NUM>) being configured to neutralize ozone in the sanitizing compartment (<NUM>) when opened;
wherein the cabinet (<NUM>) comprises an upper portion (<NUM>) generally above the sanitizing compartment (<NUM>), a lower portion (<NUM>) generally below the sanitizing compartment (<NUM>), and a height extending from the upper portion (<NUM>) to the lower portion (<NUM>);
wherein the ozone distribution passaging (<NUM>) comprises an ozone discharge plenum (<NUM>);
and characterised in that,
the ozone generator (<NUM>) is received in one of the upper portion (<NUM>) and the lower portion (<NUM>) and the ozone conversion device (<NUM>) is received in the other of the upper portion (<NUM>) and the lower portion (<NUM>; and
(i) the cabinet (<NUM>) comprises a front and a back, the ozone discharge plenum (<NUM>) extending heightwise along the back from said one of the upper portion (<NUM>) and the lower portion (<NUM>) in which the ozone generator (<NUM>) is received, the ozone distribution passaging (<NUM>) defining a plurality of ozone outlets spaced apart along the height of the cabinet (<NUM>); and/or
(ii) the ozone distribution passaging (<NUM>) comprises an air mover plenum (<NUM>) in which the sanitizing air mover (<NUM>) is received, the air mover plenum (<NUM>) defining a return air inlet, the air mover plenum (<NUM>) extending along said one of the upper portion (<NUM>) and the lower portion (<NUM>) in which the ozone generator (<NUM>) is received, wherein the ozone discharge plenum (<NUM>) is in fluid communication with the air mover plenum (<NUM>), and wherein the ozone distribution passaging (<NUM>) comprises a region connecting the air mover plenum (<NUM>) and the ozone discharge plenum (<NUM>), the ozone generator (<NUM>) being located in said region.