[0001] The present invention relates to the field of sterilization. Specifically, the present
invention relates to an apparatus for non-thermal and non-ionizing radiation based sterilization
for destroying the harmful microorganism like bacteria, fungi or viruses, from objects
specifically clothes and textiles. The present invention further relates to a method for nonthermal radiation based sterilization for destroying the harmful microorganisms like bacteria,
10 fungi or viruses from the objects.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the
present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art
15 or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly
referenced is prior art.
[0003] Disinfecting objects, materials, tissues and even body parts is an essential healthy
practice followed worldwide especially to avoid contamination or infection from disease causing
microorganisms flourishing all around. In circumstances, when disease causing microorganisms
20 like viruses, bacteria, fungi etc. build in large numbers around vulnerable populations of the
elderly, immuno-compromised or the very young, they can wreak havoc and thereby constitute a
health hazard. To combat such dangers, various methods of sterilization and disinfection are
constantly researched and developed. Professionals and scientists continually seek more
effective, less expensive and more environmentally friendly ways to destroy or inactivate
25 unwanted bacteria, molds, fungi and viruses.
[0004] It is commonly recognized that to sterilize an object is to rid the object of essentially all
live microorganisms. To disinfect an object is to rid the object of a percentage of live
microorganisms.
[0005] Common methods to achieve sterilization, and even disinfection, include harsh
30 chemicals, glass bead sterilizers, autoclaves and vaporized hydrogen peroxide. Although
sterilization can be achieved by use of harsh chemicals, irradiation, steam and other methods,
3
certain disadvantages including high cost, large time, high energy requirements, high intensity of
time and labor, harmful radiations on body and harmful chemical environmental effects may
accompany each of these. A constant struggle exists to achieve the highest level of
microorganism eradication, while preserving the viability and characteristics of the underlying
5 object, tissue or matter; using the least amount of energy, and having the least environmental
impact.
[0006] Sterilization of objects like clothes, medical protections including personal protective
equipment, gloves, face masks, bed linens, washcloths, towels etc. forms one of the major areas
of concern in hospitals and nursing homes. Such items come into contact with copious amounts
10 of bodily fluids and are exceedingly difficult and costly to fully disinfect. Current methods to
sterilize hospital linens, such as steam or harsh chemicals, are expensive highly consumptive of
energy and can be destructive to the fibers thus, shortening the lifespan of the linens. During
spread of epidemics like Ebola, Covid-19, sterilization of objects like clothing, is crucial and
mandatory.
15 [0007] There are many different apparatuses available for sterilizing objects, but they all have
the disadvantage that complicated technical facilities are required to operate them. Use of such a
sterilizer in not always possible, especially at home, because of the high costs incurred and these
do not provide options for bulk sterilization.
[0008] The commonly used washing machines for cleaning objects like clothes require a lot of
20 time and availability of water. The chemical detergent takes time to react with the clothes and
hence soaking period is required to sanitize the clothes. The cycle consists of several washes and
rinses, followed by a steam sterilization cycle appropriate for the types of items contained in the
load. Although subjected to a cycle designed to sterilize clean items, items processed in a
washer/decontaminator should not be assumed to be sterile at the end of the process. The reason
25 for this is that items enter the washer/decontaminator with an unknown, but probably very high,
level of microbial contamination, which the sterilization cycle may not be able to completely
destroy.
[0009] Another option is the use of microwave that has capability to non-thermally sterilize the
physical objects. However, the non-thermal process in processing the bulk material poses
30 number of challenges such as non-uniform and uncontrolled polymerization/de-polymerization
processes. The high frequency/ultra-violet/infra-red based sterilizations cause molecular changes
4
in clothes hence results in permanent change in physical appearance and softness. The direct
application of microwave energy results in increase in cloth temperature and some permanent
molecular variations.
[0010] There is, therefore, a need to develop quicker, cost efficient, easily usable,
5 environmentally friendly ways for efficient sterilization which can overcome deficiencies
associated with the known arts and provide non-thermal and uniform sterilization of objects
while preserving the viability and characteristics of the underlying object especially clothes.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
10 [0011] An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for
sterilization of objects, which can overcome deficiencies associated with the known arts.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for
sterilization of objects without heating the objects and efficiently destroying disease causing
microorganisms.
15 [0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for
uniform non-thermal sterilization of objects.
[0014] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method
for sterilization of objects while preserving the viability and characteristics of the underlying
object especially clothes.
20 [0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for
sterilization of objects without the use of water.
[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for
sterilization of objects without the use of allergy causing chemicals.
[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for
25 sterilization of objects that is quick, cost efficient, easily usable, offers bulk sterilization and is
environmentally friendly.
[0018] The other objects and preferred embodiments and advantages of the present invention
will become more apparent from the following description of the present invention when read in
conjunction with the accompanying examples and figures, which are not intended to limit scope
30 of the present invention in any manner.
5
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form
that are further described below in Detailed Description section. This summary is not intended to
identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be
5 used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0020] The present invention relates to the field of sterilization. Specifically, the present
invention relates to an apparatus for non-thermal and non-ionizing radiation based sterilization
for destroying the harmful microorganism like bacteria, fungi or viruses, from objects
specifically clothes and textiles.
10 [0021] In one aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for sterilization of
objects, specifically textiles such as clothes, mask, gloves, personal protective equipment for
health workers usage, towels, washcloths, rags, sheets, bed linen etc.
[0022] In another aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for sterilizing the
objects, wherein the apparatus has a body shell comprising:
15 a) a cavity to hold sterilization equipment;
b) a water vapor pipe attached above part of body shell; and
c) microwave insulator;
characterized in that the cavity comprises two or more magnetron assemblies with mode stirrer
attached on the side walls of the cavity, a spinning wheel configured on the base of cavity along
20 with a motor to rotate the attached parts.
[0023] In yet another aspect, the present invention further relates to a method for nonthermal radiation based sterilization for destroying the harmful microorganisms like bacteria,
fungi or viruses from the objects.
[0024] In another aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for sterilization wherein
25 each magnetron supports specific modes with the differential speed mode stirrer embedded to it.
[0025] In another aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for sterilization of objects
wherein mode stirrer is used to control the different modes of electromagnetic propagation
within the cavities, enabling a particular mode to get excited.
6
[0026] In one aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for sterilization of objects
wherein non-thermal sterilization is achieved by switching magnetrons in fast manner in
synchronization with specified mode of propagation of electromagnetic (EM) radiations.
[0027] In another aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for sterilization of objects
5 wherein the motor spins the spinning wheel, which along with mode stirrer enables the uniform
non-thermal irradiation of objects inside the cavity.
[0028] In another aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for sterilization of objects
wherein microwave insulator is the upper body containing the periodic holes which ensures that
radiations are limited within the cavity.
10 [0029] In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for sterilization of
objects wherein the vapor pipe is used to take out the water quickly out of the objects, to avoid
localized heating of objects.
[0030] In one aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for sterilization of objects
wherein non-thermal microwave sterilization process utilizes the differences between molecular
15 vibrational frequencies of clothes and microorganisms, to destroy the microorganisms like
bacteria, viruses and fungi, without harming the molecules of fabrics and protect the user from
chemical detergent allergies.
[0031] In one aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for sterilization of objects
wherein the application of 800 watts microwave energy at 2.45 GHz for 50 seconds to 4 minutes
20 result in complete sterilization of the objects.
[0032] In another aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for sterilization of objects
wherein fast switching of magnetrons allow discontinuity in microwave sources, thus avoiding
localized radiation of the objects.
[0033] In another aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for sterilization of objects
25 wherein different modes of electromagnetic propagation specific to the microorganism can be
programmed in the software, without the need to change the hardware.
[0034] In another aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for bulk sterilization
of objects wherein objects upto load of 8 litres can be sterilized.
[0035] In another aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for sterilization of objects
30 specifically textiles, wherein the apparatus does not require the use of any chemical detergent,
sanitizer or water.
7
[0036] In another aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for sterilization which is
capable of removing even those microorganisms which might not be completely removed by
thermal sanitization, for example viruses responsible for diseases like Ebola, Covid-19 and the
5 like.
[0037] In another aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for
sterilization of objects that is useful for sterilizing soft tissue clothes like disposable face-mask
which are otherwise difficult to sterilize and have to be discarded after single use.
[0038] In another aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for sterilization wherein
10 the time required for sterilization is in the range of 1-5 minutes, preferable 2 minutes.
[0039] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a non-thermal method for
sterilization by placing the objects to be sterilized in the apparatus wherein the method comprises
the steps of:
a) turning on the knob of apparatus and selecting the type of microorganism to be killed;
15 b) setting the power of magnetron and switching frequency of magnetron to enable nonthermal processing;
c) determining the load in the body shell by using the processor;
d) turning on the specific combinations of the magnetrons based on the load; and
e) Setting the speed of mode stirrer to achieve uniform irradiation of the complete load;
20 characterized in that each magnetron supports specific modes with the differential speed mode
stirrer embedded to it.
[0040] In another aspect, the present invention further relates to a method for non-thermal
radiation based sterilization for destroying the harmful microorganisms like bacteria, fungi or
viruses from the objects.
25 [0041] In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a non-thermal method for
sterilization wherein the method results in sterilization of above 98 percent of micro-organism
including viruses.
[0042] Other aspects of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in
part will be apparent from the description, or may be learnt by the practice of the invention.
30
8
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS THE INVENTION
[0043] The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further
illustrate aspects of the present disclosure. The disclosure may be better understood by reference
to the drawings in combination with the detailed description of the specific embodiments
5 presented herein.
Figure 1: a) Front view of the sterilization apparatus; b) Side view of the sterilization apparatus;
c) Top view of the Sterilization apparatus
Figure 2: a) Sterilization apparatus; b) inner cavity components
10 DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0044] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure. The
embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount
of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the
contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within
15 the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0045] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each
individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be
incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is
inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term
20 provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
[0046] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment”
means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the
embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one
embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not
25 necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures,
or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
[0047] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties
such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain
embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the
30 term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the
written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the
9
desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the
numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits
and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and
parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are
5 approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely
as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may
contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective
testing measurements.
[0048] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning
10 of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the
context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0049] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification which follow, the
word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be
15 construed in an open, inclusive sense that is as “including, but not limited to.”
[0050] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand
method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise
indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were
individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order
20 unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any
and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain
embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a
limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification
should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the
25 invention.
[0051] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein
are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed
individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found
herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons
30 of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the
10
specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written
description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.
[0052] The description that follows, and the embodiments described therein, is provided by
way of illustration of an example, or examples, of particular embodiments of the principles and
5 aspects of the present disclosure. These examples are provided for the purposes of explanation,
and not of limitation, of those principles and of the disclosure.
[0053] It should also be appreciated that the present disclosure can be implemented in
numerous ways, including as a system, a method or a device. In this specification, these
implementations, or any other form that the invention may take, may be referred to as processes.
10 In general, the order of the steps of the disclosed processes may be altered within the scope of
the invention.
[0054] The headings and abstract of the invention provided herein are for convenience only
and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.
[0055] The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive
15 subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive
elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the
disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second
embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to
include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.
20 [0056] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim
is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have
given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0057] The term “magnetron” refers to a microwave energy source that works by
converting high speed rotating particles to high frequency energy. Microwave considers the
25 alternating current (AC) power supply as input. The AC power supply is then boosted for the
voltage. Magnetron produces perpendicular electric and magnetic fields which have high-power
output voltage.
[0058] The present invention relates to the field of sterilization. Specifically, the present
invention relates to an apparatus for non-thermal and non-ionizing radiation based sterilization
30 for destroying the harmful microorganism like bacteria, fungi or viruses, from objects.
11
[0059] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to an apparatus for sterilization of
objects, specifically textiles such as gloves, clothes, mask, personal protective equipment for
health workers usage, towels, washcloths, rags, sheets, bed linen etc.
[0060] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to an apparatus for sterilizing
5 the objects, wherein the apparatus has a body shell (6) comprising:
a) a cavity (1) to hold sterilization equipment;
b) a water vapor pipe (7) attached above part of body shell; and
c) microwave insulator (5);
characterized in that the cavity (1) comprises two or more magnetron assemblies with mode
10 stirrer attached (2) on the side walls of the cavity, a spinning wheel (3) configured on the base of
cavity along with a motor (4) to rotate the attached parts.
[0061] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to an apparatus for sterilization
which is depicted in Figure 1, wherein Figure 1a) illustrates the front view of the sterilization
apparatus wherein outer shell or body of the apparatus (6) and water vapor pipe (7) are visible;
15 Figure 1b) illustrates the side view of the sterilization apparatus and Figure 1c) illustrates the top
view of the Sterilization apparatus.
[0062] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to an apparatus for
sterilization wherein Figure 2 describes the details of sterilization apparatus and components of
its inner cavity. Figure 2a) describes the sterilization apparatus and only body shell (6) is visible
20 as the components are all enclosed in the inner cavity. Figure 2b) illustrates the inner cavity (1)
along with different components, namely magnetron stirrer assembly (2), spinning wheel (3),
motor (4), microwave (5), body shell (6) and water vapor pipe (7). According to an embodiment
of the present invention, the magnetron (2) generates multi-mode 2.45 GHz wave which causes
the molecules of both micro-organisms and clothes to vibrate at high speed. The vibrating
25 molecules may generate heat if the friction between the vibrating molecules exceeds a defined
energy level. The magnetrons are switched in fast manner to achieve the non-thermal processing.
The non-thermal processing results in destroying the micro-organisms selectively as the microorganisms absorb more energy than the clothes and selectively get the molecule resonance
resulting in their death. The multi-source cavity (1) along with mode stirrer (2) enables
30 uniformity of the non-uniform irradiation on the cloth. The magnetron is switched every 10
seconds which enables the non-thermal process. The motor (4) spins the spinning wheel (3),
12
which enables the uniform irradiation of clothes inside the cavity (1). The upper body containing
the periodic holes acts as microwave insulator (5) and enables safety of operations with
radiations limited within the cavity. The radiation can’t come out of the microwave insulator.
The water vapor pipe (7) is used to take out the water quickly out of the clothes before
5 sterilization process. The clothes may appear dry, but it contains some percentage of water,
which needs to be removed as this may otherwise result in localized heating of the clothes.
Hence it is important to get the heated vapors out in time. The spinning wheel (3) further helps in
uniformly processing the clothes. The sterilization apparatus provides 800 watts of microwave
energy at 2.45 GHz for 50 seconds to 4 minutes resulting in complete sterilization of the objects.
10 [0063] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to an apparatus for sterilization
wherein each magnetron supports specific modes with the differential speed mode stirrer (2)
embedded to it.
[0064] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to an apparatus for sterilization of
objects wherein mode stirrer is used to control the different modes of electromagnetic
15 propagation within the cavities, enabling a particular mode to get excited. The mode stirrer
generates random modes yet the two mode stirrers produce different modes hence the number of
modes generated by all the stirrers’ increases. The stirrer stirs the mode in a way that it causes
large number of varying local maxima and minima patterns in the irradiated object.
Cumulatively, the probability of each part of the object getting almost the equal amount of
20 radiation is very high, leading to uniform non-thermal sterilization.
[0065] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to an apparatus for sterilization of
objects wherein non-thermal sterilization is achieved by switching magnetrons in fast manner in
synchronization with specified mode of propagation of electromagnetic (EM) radiations.
[0066] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to an apparatus for sterilization of
25 objects wherein the motor (4) spins the spinning wheel (3), which along with mode stirrer (2)
enables the uniform non-thermal irradiation of objects inside the cavity. Specificity of nonthermal radiations is maintained to textiles only while preserving the viability and characteristics
of the underlying object especially textiles. The uniformity is ensured with the rate of change of
modes of propagation of electric field in the cavity. The changing modes result in varying the
30 maxima and minima. The change of mode allows the shift of maxima position on the object with
13
time. It results in maximizing the probability that each part of the object receives the maxima
within the time of application of microwave energies.
[0067] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to an apparatus for sterilization of
objects wherein microwave insulator (5) is the upper body containing the periodic holes which
5 ensures that radiations are limited within the cavity. The radiation can’t come out of the
microwave insulator and hence the apparatus is safe for common usage.
[0068] In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to an apparatus for sterilization
of objects wherein the water vapor pipe (7) is used to take out the water quickly out of the
objects, to avoid localized heating of objects.
10 [0069] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to an apparatus for sterilization of
objects wherein non-thermal microwave sterilization process utilizes the differences between
molecular vibrational frequencies of clothes and microorganisms, to destroy the microorganisms
like bacteria, viruses and fungi, without harming the molecules of fabrics and protect the user
from chemical detergent allergies.
15 [0070] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to an apparatus for sterilization of
objects wherein the application of 800 watts microwave energy at 2.45 GHz for 50 seconds to 4
minutes result in complete sterilization of the objects. The objects specifically, textiles are not
impacted by 4-minute irradiation if the objects don’t contain any water molecules.
[0071] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to an apparatus for sterilization of
20 objects wherein fast switching of magnetrons allow discontinuity in microwave sources, thus
avoiding localized radiation of the objects. The modes keeps on changing hence different parts of
objects start getting the energy at different time. This is achieved by defining the appropriate
mode of electromagnetics (achieved through mode stirrer) as per the resonance frequency of
each microorganism.
25 [0072] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to an apparatus for sterilization of
objects wherein different modes of electromagnetic propagation specific to the microorganism
can be programmed in the software, without the need to change the hardware. The electric modes
of propagation results in transient electric field with different pattern of local maxima and
minima in given length. The modes of propagation are mentioned as TEm,n,p. The m, n and p
30 define the number of maxima/minima in given length of the cavity in x, y and z direction of coordinate systems.
14
[0073] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to an apparatus for bulk
sterilization of objects wherein objects upto load of 8 litres can be sterilized.
[0074] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to an apparatus for sterilization of
objects specifically textiles, wherein the apparatus does not require the use of any chemical
5 detergent, sanitizer or water. The sterilization apparatus of the present invention helps in
conserving water and is thus very useful in areas where water is scarce or not easily available.
The present invention is thus cheaper to use on regular basis and requires less resources as
compared to thermal process for sterilization.
[0075] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to an apparatus for sterilization
10 which is capable of removing even those microorganisms which might not be completely
removed by thermal sanitization, for example viruses responsible for diseases like Ebola, Covid19 and the like.
[0076] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for
sterilization of objects that is useful for sterilizing soft tissue clothes like disposable face-mask
15 which are otherwise difficult to sterilize and have to be discarded after single use. Using the
current technology, even such items can be sterilized and used multiple times.
[0077] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to an apparatus for sterilization
wherein the time required for sterilization is in the range of 1-5 minutes, preferable 2 minutes.
[0078] In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to an apparatus for sterilization
20 which is user friendly as all technical details are automated.
[0079] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to an apparatus for sterilization
wherein washing of clothes can be optionally also performed. The washing is performed with
minimal water and then dried with microwave heat.
[0080] In another embodiment, the present invention further relates to a method for non25 thermal radiation based sterilization for destroying the harmful microorganisms like bacteria,
fungi or viruses from the objects.
[0081] In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a non-thermal method
for sterilization by placing the objects to be sterilized in the apparatus wherein the method
comprises the steps of:
30 a) turning on the knob of apparatus and selecting the type of microorganism to be
killed;
15
b) setting the power of magnetron and switching frequency of magnetron to enable
non-thermal processing;
c) determining the load in the body shell by using the processor;
d) turning on the specific combinations of the magnetrons based on the load; and
5 e) Setting the speed of mode stirrer to achieve uniform irradiation of the complete
load;
characterized in that each magnetron supports specific modes with the differential speed mode
stirrer embedded to it.
[0082] In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a non-thermal method
10 for sterilization wherein the method results in sterilization of above 98 percent of microorganism including viruses. The different viruses otherwise require separate hardware, but the
method of present invention offers single apparatus which switches different modes of
propagation of wave to kill different type of viruses.
[0083] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the disclosure, other and
15 further embodiments of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope
thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not
limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a
person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with
information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
20
ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0084] The present invention provides an apparatus and method for uniform non-thermal
sterilization of objects.
[0085] The present invention provides an apparatus and method for sterilization of objects
25 without heating the objects and efficiently destroying disease causing microorganisms.
[0086] The present invention provides an apparatus and method for sterilization of objects
while preserving the viability and characteristics of the underlying object especially clothes.
[0087] The present invention provides an apparatus and method for sterilization of objects
without the use of water.
30 [0088] The present invention provides an apparatus and method for sterilization that can be used
to sterilize single use objects like soft tissue-based face masks, for multiple usage.
16
[0089] The present invention provides an apparatus and method for sterilization of objects
without the use of allergy causing chemicals.
[0090] The present invention provides an apparatus and method for sterilization of objects that is
quick, cost efficient, easily usable, capable of bulk sterilization and environmentally friendly.

We Claim:

1. An apparatus for sterilizing the objects, wherein the apparatus has a body shell (6) comprising:
a) a cavity (1) to hold sterilization equipment;
5 b) a water vapor pipe (7) attached above part of body shell; and
c) microwave insulator (5);
characterized in that the cavity (1) comprises two or more magnetron assemblies with
mode stirrer attached (2) on the side walls of the cavity, a spinning wheel (3) configured
on the base of cavity along with a motor (4) to rotate the attached parts.
10 2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein objects are preferable textiles selected from
gloves, clothes, mask, personal protective equipment for health workers usage, towels,
washcloths, rags, sheets, bed linen etc.
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein each magnetron supports specific modes
with the differential speed mode stirrer (2) embedded to it.
15 4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein mode stirrer is used to control the different
modes of electromagnetic propagation within the cavities, enabling a particular mode to
get excited.
5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein non-thermal sterilization is achieved by
switching magnetrons in fast manner in synchronization with specified mode of
20 propagation of electromagnetic (EM) radiations.
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the motor (4) spins the spinning wheel (3),
which along with mode stirrer (2) enables the uniform non-thermal irradiation of objects
inside the cavity.
7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein microwave insulator (5) is the upper body
25 containing the periodic holes which ensures that radiations are limited within the cavity.
8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the water vapor pipe (7) is used to take out
the water quickly out of the objects, to avoid localized heating of objects.
9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein non-thermal microwave sterilization
process utilizes the differences between molecular vibrational frequencies of clothes and
30 microorganisms, to destroy the microorganisms, without harming the molecules of
fabrics.
18
10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the application of 800 watts microwave
energy at 2.45 GHz for 50 seconds to 4 minutes result in complete sterilization of the
objects.
11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein fast switching of magnetrons allow
5 discontinuity in microwave sources, thus avoiding localized radiation of the objects.
12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein different modes of electromagnetic
propagation specific to the microorganism can be programmed in the software, without
the need to change the hardware.
13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, for bulk sterilization of objects wherein objects upto
10 load of 8 litres can be sterilized.
14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, which is capable of removing microorganisms
specifically, viruses selected from Ebola or Covid-19, which might not be completely
removed by thermal sanitization.
15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the time required for sterilization is in the
15 range of 1-5 minutes, preferable 2 minutes.
16. A non-thermal method for sterilization by placing the objects to be sterilized in the
apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method comprises the steps of:
a) turning on the knob of apparatus and selecting the type of microorganism to be
killed;
20 b) setting the power of magnetron and switching frequency of magnetron to enable
non-thermal processing;
c) determining the load in the body shell by using the processor;
d) turning on the specific combinations of the magnetrons based on the load; and
e) Setting the speed of mode stirrer to achieve uniform irradiation of the complete
25 load;
characterized in that each magnetron supports specific modes with the differential speed
mode stirrer embedded to it.
19
17. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the method results in sterilization of above
98 percent of micro-organisms including viruses.