This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/758,709 filed on November 12, 2018 and incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a removable sterilization chamber. Moreover, the present invention is of an attachable microplasma sterilization chamber.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Sterilization is carried out routinely in many industries and on diverse items, such as those related to the medical and food industries. Items to be sterilized can be placed on shelves or on trays in the fixed sterilization chamber of a sterilization device.

[0003] Removable cassette type instrument chambers have been described for use with autoclaves. Items to be sterilized are placed in the removable chambers, which are inserted into the autoclave for exposure and sterilization by the sterilization medium provided by the autoclave. The cassette chambers provide the benefit that they can be removed and the sterilized items stored and transported therein. However, autoclaves are not optimal for all items due to the lengthy sterilization cycle time and non-compatibility with heat sensitive materials. [0004] Use of plasma sterilizers provide a quicker method of sterilization and can be used on heat sensitive items. Removable cassettes of sterilant have been described for a hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilizer. The cassette of hydrogen peroxide is inserted into the device for sterilizing items placed in the sterilization chamber of the device. However, plasma sterilizers suffer from disadvantages which include the relatively low amount of sterilizing ions produced and the difficulty to obtain homogeneous plasma density. Plasma sterilizers are problematic for use with irregular shaped items and articles with apertures, where all the surfaces may not be exposed to the plasma.

[0005] Microplasma sterilizers can provide a greater concentration of sterilizing agents than plasma sterilizers and can be used for sterilization of irregular shaped items. However, when an item is placed on a tray or a shelf in a chamber of a microplasma sterilizer, the distance from the generated microplasma and the item on the shelf or tray cannot be controlled. Moreover, when the same sterilizer is use for sterilizing items of different sizes, the shelf or tray may need to be repositioned for each use. A solution of a removable apparatus chamber as used in autoclaves would not solve this problem. A solution of removable cassettes of microplasma, similar to hydrogen peroxide cassettes used in plasma sterilizers would not be effective for providing homogeneous microplasma and all its sterilizing components to all surfaces of an item.

[0006] It would therefore be desirable to have a detachable sterilization chamber configured for use with a microplasma sterilizer. It would further be advantageous to have a detachable sterilization chamber, which is designed for more uniform sterilization of an item by microplasma. It would be desirable to have an attachable sterilization chamber, which includes a microplasma generating system. It would also be beneficial to have such a removable chamber designed and configured for optimal use with a specific item/s to be sterilized. The present invention provides such a system, device and method of use thereof. SUMMARY

[0007] The invention may have several aspects. One aspect is a removable sterilization chamber. The removable sterilization chamber may feature at least one wall surrounding a cavity for accommodating at least one item for sterilization. The removable sterilization chamber may include at least part of at least one microplasma generating system. The removable sterilization chamber may be attachable to a sterilization device and detachable from the sterilization device.

[0008] In various embodiments of the removable sterilization chamber the removable sterilization chamber may be sized and shaped to be attachable by insertion into a slot of the sterilization device. The slot of the sterilization device may correspond to the shape of the chamber. The removable chamber may be attachable to an attachment means extending out from the sterilization device. The at least one microplasma generating system may include at least one array of connected microchannels configured to produce microplasma. At least part of the at least one microplasma generating system may include at least one array of connected microchannels configured to produce microplasma. The microchannels may include spaced apart electrodes configured when a voltage is applied to produce a microplasma from a microplasma generating material introduced in the microchannel. The chamber may include a plurality of the at least one microplasma generating systems. The at least one array may include at least one inlet for microplasma generating material and at least one outlet for the formed microplasma. The at least one array may be a modular array, featuring at least one attachment means for connecting to at least one additional at least one array. The at least one array may be held in a housing. The shape of the housing may be configured in at least part of the shape of the at least one item to be sterilized. The housing may include a gas permeable container. The gas permeable container may include at least one inlet for introducing the microplasma generating material into the microchannels and at least one outlet for providing the microplasma formed in the microchannels to the at least one item. The shape of the at least one array may be at least one of square, rectangular, circular, oval, triangular, multisided, wafer, flat and bulky. The shape of the at least one array may be configured in the shape of the at least one item to be sterilized. The shape of the at least one array may be configured in the shape of at least part of the at least one item to be sterilized. The shape of the at least one microplasma generating system may be at least one of square, rectangular, circular, oval, triangular, multisided, wafer, flat and bulky. The at least one microplasma generating system may be attached to the at least one wall of the sterilization chamber. A plurality of microplasma generation systems may be attached in spaced apart relation on all the internal walls of the sterilization chamber. The at least one microplasma generating system may cover the at least one wall of the sterilization chamber. At least one of the at least one microplasma generating system may be positioned on the exterior surface of the at least one wall of the chamber. The at least one microplasma generating system may be detachable from a surface of the cavity of the sterilization chamber.

[0009] In various embodiments of the removable sterilization chamber the removable sterilization chamber may include a closeable opening, the opening facilitating insertion of the at least one item into the cavity of the chamber. The cavity of the removable sterilization chamber may be shaped according to the at least one item. The cavity may be divided into a plurality of separated sections for separation of a plurality of the at least one item. The sterilization chamber may be configured for attachment to the sterilization device, facilitating electrical connection of the at least one microplasma generating system with a power source of the attached sterilization device for providing the voltage to form the microplasma. The power source may supply power of from about 10W to about 500 W to facilitate microplasma generation. The sterilization chamber may be configured to connect to the sterilization device and electrically connect to the control of the sterilization device for starting and stopping a sterilization cycle. The sterilization chamber may include at least one inlet for providing microplasma generating material from the sterilization device to the at least one microplasma generating system of the removable sterilization chamber. The sterilization chamber may be configured for attachment to the sterilization device to provide communication of the at least one inlet of the sterilization chamber with a supply of microplasma generating material from the sterilization device. The at least one inlet may be a closeable inlet. The at least one microplasma generating material may be at least one of a gas, a vapour, a fluid and a liquid. The sterilization chamber may include at least one distribution system for distributing the microplasma generating material to the at least one microplasma generating system and wherein the at least one distribution system is connected to the at least one microplasma generating system. The at least one distribution system may include at least one channel connected to the at least one inlet. The at least one channel may include a plurality of closeable outlets, a closeable outlet for connecting to at least one inlet of each microplasma generating system of the at least one microplasma generating systems. The sterilization chamber may include at least one of a fan and a pump for facilitating contact of microplasma generated from the at least one microplasma generating system with the at least one item. The sterilization chamber may include at least one inlet for providing at least one additional sterilizing agent to the sterilization chamber.

[0010] In various embodiments of the removable sterilization chamber the chamber may be formed as an openable case. The at least one of the top side and the bottom side of the inside of the openable case may be configured for holding the at least one item. The case may include at least one rack for holding the at least one item, the at least one rack attached to at least one of the top side and the bottom side of the inside of the case.

[0011] In various embodiments of the removable sterilization chamber the chamber is at least one shape of square, rectangular, cubic, round, cylindrical, oval, multisided, flat and bulky. The chamber may be made from a gas impermeable material. The chamber may be configured as a bag. The removable sterilization chamber may be configured for sterilization of at least one item wherein the at least one item is at least one of dental equipment, medical equipment, food equipment and beverage equipment. The at least one item may include a plurality of parts and the chamber cavity may be configured for accommodating at least one item part for sterilization therein, the at least one item part connected to at least one other item part external to the chamber.

[0012] A further aspect is a sterilization device. The sterilization device may include a power source for powering the device. The sterilization device may include a control for activating the device. The sterilization device may include a container for storing a microplasma generating material. The sterilization device may include at least one attachment means for connecting to a removable sterilization chamber. The removable sterilization chamber may include at least one wall surrounding a cavity for accommodating at least one item for sterilization and at least part of at least one microplasma generating system, wherein the at least one microplasma generating system may include at least one array of connected microchannels configured to produce microplasma and wherein the removable sterilization chamber is attachable to a sterilization device and detachable from the sterilization device and wherein the chamber comprises at least one inlet for providing microplasma generating material from the sterilization device to the at least one microplasma generating system of the removable sterilization chamber.

[0013] In various embodiments of the sterilization device an outlet of the container for storing a microplasma generating material may be in connection with an inlet for the microplasma generating material of the attached removable sterilization chamber. The power source may be in electrical connection with the attached removable sterilization chamber to facilitate generation of microplasma. The attachment means may include a slot for receiving the removable sterilization chamber. The at least one slot may include a plurality of slots, each slot of the plurality of slots for receiving a removable sterilization chamber. The at least one slot may correspond to the dimensions and shape of the removable sterilization chamber for receiving the removable sterilization chamber. The slot may be configured, such that the removable sterilization chamber is received and held internally by the sterilization device. The slot may be configured so that at least part of the removable sterilization device is held protruding from the sterilization device. [0014] An additional aspect is a system for sterilization. The system may include a sterilization device and at least one removable sterilization chamber. The sterilization device may include a power source for powering the device, a control for activating the device, a container for storing a microplasma generating material and at least one attachment means for connecting to a removable sterilization chamber. The at least one removable sterilization chamber may include at least one wall surrounding a cavity for accommodating at least one item for sterilization and at least part of at least one microplasma generating system, wherein the at least one microplasma generating system may include at least one array of connected microchannels configured to produce microplasma and wherein the removable sterilization chamber is attachable to a sterilization device and detachable from the sterilization device and wherein the chamber comprises at least one inlet for providing microplasma generating material from the sterilization device to the at least one microplasma generating system of the removable sterilization chamber. The system may further include a microplasma generating material.

[0015] A still further aspect is a method of sterilizing at least one item. The method may include connecting at least one removable sterilization chamber to at least one sterilization device. The method may include generating a microplasma. The method may include exposing the at least one item to the microplasma. The method may further include disconnecting the removable sterilization chamber from the sterilization device and storing the at least one item in the disconnected removable sterilization chamber. Disconnecting may include taking out the removable sterilization chamber from a slot of the sterilization device. The method may further include flushing the removable sterilization chamber to remove microplasma. The at least one removable sterilization chamber may include at least one wall surrounding a cavity for accommodating at least one item for sterilization and at least part of at least one microplasma generating system, wherein the at least one microplasma generating system may include at least one array of connected microchannels configured to produce microplasma and wherein the removable sterilization chamber is attachable to a sterilization device and detachable from the sterilization device and wherein the chamber comprises at least one inlet for providing microplasma generating material from the sterilization device to the at least one microplasma generating system of the removable sterilization chamber. The sterilization device may include a power source for powering the device, a control for activating the device, a container for storing a microplasma generating material and at least one attachment means for connecting to a removable sterilization chamber.

[0016] In various embodiments of the method of sterilizing at least one item the connecting may include inserting the at least one removable sterilization chamber into a slot of the sterilization device so that the inlet of the sterilization chamber is connected to the microplasma generating material and the sterilization chamber is in electrical connection with the sterilization device. The generating a microplasma may include powering the microplasma generating system and distributing the microplasma generating material into the microchannels of the at least one microplasma generation systems of the removable sterilization chamber.

[0017] An aspect is a method of generating microplasma. The method may include providing a sterilization device. The method may include connecting a removable sterilization chamber to the sterilization device. The method may include powering the at least one microplasma generating system of the removable sterilization chamber. The method may include supplying microplasma generating material to the at least one microplasma generating system. The sterilization device may include a power source for powering the device, a control for activating the device, a container for storing a microplasma generating material and at least one attachment means for connecting to a removable sterilization chamber. The removable sterilization chamber may include at least one wall surrounding a cavity for accommodating at least one item for sterilization and at least part of at least one microplasma generating system, wherein the removable sterilization chamber is attachable to a sterilization device and detachable from the sterilization device. The powering may include applying a voltage to the microchannels of the at least one microplasma generating system and the supplying microplasma generating material may include supplying microplasma generating material to the microchannels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The various features of the invention will best be appreciated by simultaneous reference to the description which follows and the accompanying drawings, which are not drawn to scale and in which:

[0019] FIGs la- If show schematic views of exemplary removable sterilization chambers according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 2a shows a schematic view of an open exemplary removable sterilization chamber according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 2b shows a schematic view of an open exemplary removable sterilization chamber with at least one microplasma generating system according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0022] FIGs 3a-3c show schematic views of exemplary microplasma generating units and arrays according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0023] FIGs 4a-4d show schematic views of exemplary microplasma generating systems according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0024] FIGs 5a-5g show schematic views of exemplary microplasma generating systems in exemplary removable sterilization chambers according to aspects of the present invention;

[0025] FIGs 6a-6b show schematic views of exemplary attachment of a microplasma generating system in a removable sterilization chamber according to an aspect of the present invention; [0026] FIGs 7a-7b show schematic views of exemplary attachment of a microplasma generating system to a removable sterilization chamber according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of an exemplary removable sterilization chamber according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0028] FIGs 9a-9c show schematic views of an exemplary removable sterilization chamber and a microplasma generating material distribution system according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 10 shows a schematic view of an exemplary removable sterilization chamber according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0030] FIGs l la-l lj show schematic views of exemplary means to hold an item to be sterilized in a removable sterilization chamber according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0031] FIGs 12a- 12b show schematic views of exemplary removable sterilization chambers with a means for holding at least one item according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 13 shows a schematic view of an exemplary removable sterilization chamber according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 14 shows a schematic view of an exemplary removable sterilization chamber for sterilization of part of a connected device according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0034] FIGs 15a-15i show schematic views of exemplary sterilization devices according to aspects of the present invention;

[0035] FIGs 16a-16d show schematic views of exemplary sterilization devices according to aspects of the present invention; [0036] FIGs 17a- 17c show schematic views of exemplary sterilization devices according to aspects of the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 18 shows a schematic view of an exemplary sterilization device according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0038] FIG. 19 shows a schematic view of an exemplary sterilization device with a waste reservoir according to aspect of the present invention;

[0039] FIG. 20 shows a flow chart of an exemplary method of generating microplasma according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0040] FIG. 21 shows a flow chart of an exemplary method of sterilizing at least one item according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0041] FIG. 22 shows a flow chart of an exemplary method of assembling a removable sterilization chamber according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0042] FIG. 23 shows a flow chart of an exemplary method of sterilizing part of a connected multipart device according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0043] FIG. 24 shows a flow chart of an exemplary method of sterilizing a plurality of items using a plurality of removable sterilization chambers according to an aspect of the present invention; and

[0044] FIG. 25 shows a flow chart of an exemplary method of production of a removable sterilization chamber according to an aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] In one aspect the present invention is of a removable sterilization chamber. The chamber may be a detachable microplasma sterilization chamber. In another aspect the present invention provides a sterilization device. The sterilization device may be for use with a removable sterilization chamber. In a further aspect, the present invention provides a system for sterilization featuring a removable sterilization chamber and a sterilization device. The present invention provides a method of sterilizing at least one item. Furthermore, the present invention provides a method of generating microplasma.

[0046] The device and system of the present invention has many advantages. The invention provides a way of customizing sterilization of an item. It provides a way of storing articles that have been sterilized by microplasma and maintaining the sterilized state of the articles. In addition, the invention provides uniform exposure of an item to formed microplasma. It can provide an item with exposure to more microplasma sterilizing components than placement of items in a regular tray or shelf of a sterilizing device.

[0047] As used herein the term ‘plasma’ may include the product/s resulting from applying a sufficient electric or magnetic field to a plasma or microplasma generating material. The term may include, but is not limited to an ionized gas of negatively charged unbound electrons and positively charged ions. The term may include free radicals. The plasma’s activated species may also include atoms, molecules, metastables and photons. The term may sometimes be used herein to include the term ‘microplasma’. The term may include plasma breakdown products. The products may interact with any surface they contact.

[0048] As used herein the term‘microplasma’ may include the product/s resulting from applying a sufficient electric or magnetic field to a microplasma generating material in a microplasma generating device. The term may include, but is not limited to a plasma of small dimensions. The small dimensions may include from about tens to thousands of micrometers. The term may include microplasma breakdown products. The products may interact with any surface they contact.

[0049] As used herein the term‘plasma breakdown product’ or‘plasma product’ may include any product or species derived from the plasma or resulting from reverting or conversion to different energy states or reaction between species and components of the plasma soup. [0050] As used herein the term ‘microplasma breakdown product’ or ‘microplasma product’ may include any product or species derived from the microplasma or resulting from reverting or conversion to different energy states or reaction between species and components of the microplasma soup.

[0051] As used herein the term‘microplasma generating material’ or‘plasma generating material’ or ‘plasma starting material’ or ‘microplasma starting material’ may include, but is not limited to any suitable material, which can be converted into microplasma and microplasma products using the conditions of the devices and systems of the present invention.

[0052] As used herein the term‘microplasma generating system’ may include, but is not limited to any suitable system which can convert a microplasma generating material into microplasma on application of a suitable electric or magnetic field.

[0053] As used herein the term‘microchannel’ may include, but is not limited to any suitable channel with a diameter of less than about 2mm.

[0054] As used herein the term‘distribution system’ may include, but is not limited to any suitable means for providing a material from a first location to a second location. The term includes providing a material from one part of a system to another part of a system.

[0055] As used herein the term‘sterilization chamber’ may include, but is not limited to a compartment where sterilization may be carried out.

[0056] As used herein the term ‘removable sterilization chamber’ or ‘detachable sterilization chamber’ or ‘attachable sterilization chamber’ may include a sterilization chamber, which can be attached and detached or disconnected such that it can be separate from a system to which it can be attached.

[0057] As used herein the term‘connection’ may include, but is not limited to direct and indirect attachment. [0058] As used herein the term‘inlet’ may include, but is not limited to a means of entry. The term may include any suitable means of entry, such as, but not limited to vents, ducts, pipes, flues and openings.

[0059] As used herein the term‘outlet’ may include, but is not limited to a means of exit.

The term may include an opening or passage configured for letting something out. The term may include vents, pipes, ducts and exits for expelling something.

[0060] As used herein the term‘channel’ may include, but is not limited to a passage or a structure, which provides a passage or pathway for a material, such as a gas, vapor or liquid to flow along. The term may include a channel made from a material resistant to the material it is carrying. The term may include a channel for a separated passage of a material.

[0061] As used herein the term‘sterilization device’ may include, but is not limited to a sterilizer, to which a detachably attachable sterilization chamber can be connected. The sterilizer may provide the detachable sterilization chamber with at least one of sterilization conditions, sterilization promoting conditions, materials, components and other means for facilitating a sterilization process and sterilization of items in the removable sterilization chamber. The sterilizer may provide the detachable sterilization chamber with conditions, materials and any means for promoting microplasma generation by microplasma generating systems of the detachable sterilization chamber.

[0062] As used herein the term ‘sterilization’ may include, but is not limited to elimination, killing, removal or deactivation of biological agents, such as, but not limited to microorganisms, pathogens, bacteria, viruses, fungi, spore forms and prions from a specified region. Sterilization may be performed using a sterilization process and may run for longer than is required to provide a sterility assurance level. The term may include a process providing a sterility assurance level of at least 10 ⁶ . [0063] As used herein the term‘disinfection’ may include, but is not limited to a process to destroy microorganisms on a specified region. The term includes a method, which is less effective than sterilization at killing microorganisms and may not kill all microorganisms on a specified area, such as resistant bacterial spores.

[0064] As used herein the term‘sterilization cycle’ may include, but is not limited to at least one stage of a sterilization procedure. The sterilization cycle may include all the stages of the sterilization procedure or only at least one stage.

[0065] As used herein the terms‘a’ and‘an’ may mean‘one’ or‘more than one’.

[0066] As used herein the terms‘comprising’,‘including’,‘containing’,‘fe aturing’,

‘having’ and any forms of the terms thereof are inclusive and open ended and do not exclude additional, elements or methods steps, which are not recited.

[0067] The principles and operation of a system and device, such as a removable

sterilization chamber and a sterilization system and device employing such a chamber, as well as methods of use thereof according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the figures. The figures show non limiting aspects of the present invention.

[0068] Removable Sterilization Chamber

[0069] The removable sterilization chamber of the present invention may include at least one wall configured to form a chamber cavity for placement of at least one item to be sterilized. The removable sterilization chamber may include at least one microplasma generating system for generating plasma to sterilize the at least one item. These features may be arranged in a plurality of different ways. Figure la shows a schematic view of one exemplary removable sterilization chamber 10 according to an aspect of the present invention. The sterilization chamber 10 may be any suitable shape and dimensions. The chamber 10 may be shaped, but is not limited to at least one of flat, bulky, square, rectangular, cubical, tubular, round, oval, spherical, multisided, cassette shaped and triangular. The chamber 10 may be shaped according to the intended load of the chamber. Figure la shows a square shaped chamber 10. The shape and dimensions of the chamber 10 may be configured for compatibility for suitable attachment to corresponding attachment or accommodating means of a sterilization device. The sterilization chamber 10 may also be configured for detachment from the sterilization device at a suitable time. The sterilization chamber 10 may be made of any suitable material. The material may be impermeable to microplasma generating materials, microplasma and plasma products in order to keep these materials in the sterilization chamber and allow optimal exposure of items placed therein to microplasma and plasma products. Non-limiting examples of suitable materials for the sterilization chamber 10 include stainless steel, polycarbonate, aluminum and other suitable metals and polymers.

[0070] The sterilization chamber 10 may include at least one wall 14. The number of walls 14 may depend on the shape of the chamber 10. The internal surface 16 of the at least one wall 14 surrounds a chamber cavity 12 as shown schematically in Figure la. The sterilization chamber 10 includes an opening 20, which may be closeable with a closing element 21 such as, but not limited to a door. The opening 20 may be any suitable opening for providing access to the chamber cavity 12. Figure lb shows schematically a non-limiting example of an alternative opening 20, which may extend along the longitudinal axis of the chamber 10 so that a top section 22 can either open up to lie in the same longitudinal line as a bottom section 24 as shown schematically in Figure lc, or may be closed so that the first section 22 of the chamber 10 lies on top of the second section 24 of the removable chamber 10 as shown schematically in Figure lb. The chamber 10 may be configured so that the two sections 22, 24 may be completely disconnected from each other and can be attached or may be fixedly connected by at least one point or side 14 as shown in Figure lc. In some embodiments the opening 20 has a suitable locking mechanism 27 including, but not limited to at least one of a spring loaded hinge, a zip, a press stud, a magnet, a link, a hook, a hook and loop means, a buckle and a tab and slot. In some embodiments, the chamber 10 may be closed without a locking mechanism. In the example shown in Figure lb, the two sections 22, 24 may be in a closed configuration, one section 22 resting on the second section 24 without need for a locking mechanism. In the non-limiting example of a removable sterilization chamber 10 shown in Figure Id, the opening 20 is provided by a drawer or tray which can be moved in and out of the chamber cavity 12. The chamber 10 may be configured so that the opening 20 may be fully closed. Alternatively, the chamber 10 may be configured so that the opening 20 may not be fully closed to result in a chamber 10, which is not sealed. A chamber 10, which features a partially open opening when the chamber is in a configuration to be attached to a sterilization device may be used to accommodate part of a multipart item to be sterilized, the partial opening allowing the item to remain connected to a second part of the item, which is not accommodated in the chamber and which may not be for sterilizing.

[0071] The chamber 10 may be rigid. In one embodiment the chamber 10 may be made from a flexible material facilitating a chamber, which is not rigid. Non-limiting examples of a non-rigid chamber 10 include a chamber 10 in the form of a bag as shown schematically in Figure le and a chamber 10 in the form of a cuff or wrap as shown schematically in Figure If. In the non-limiting example of a bag chamber, all of an item to be sterilized or part of an item to be sterilized may be placed in the bag 10. In the non-limiting example of a wrap chamber 10, the item to be sterilized or part of the item to be sterilized may be wrapped with the wrap chamber so that the item or part of the item is enclosed within the wrap 10. The bag chamber and the wrap chamber examples may be closed or tightened by any suitable closing means or tightening means 124, such as, but not limited to a drawstring, loop and hook means, adhesive and zips.

[0072] Figure 2a shows a schematic view of an exemplary removable sterilization chamber 10 in an open configuration according to an aspect of the present invention. Figure 2a shows the non-limiting example of the sterilization chamber of Figure lc when opened. At least one microplasma generation system 28 is attached to at least one surface of the sterilization chamber 10. The at least one microplasma generating system 28 may be attached to an inner surface 16 of the sterilization chamber 10. The at least one microplasma generating system 28 may be attached on a plurality of surfaces of the sterilization chamber 10. In one non limiting example the at least one microplasma generating system 28 may be applied so that it surrounds the cavity 12 of the chamber as shown schematically in Figure 2b.

[0073] The at least one microplasma generating system 28 may include any suitable microplasma generating system 28. In some embodiments, the microplasma generating system 28 may include any suitable chip microplasma generating system. In such embodiments, the semiconductor chip may contain channels with a diameter of less than about a millimeter, which are contained in a network of conductors. The conductors may be connected to a generator for creating an electric field around each microchannel. Non-limiting examples of suitable microplasma generating units and systems 28 for use in the present invention include those described by Prof. Gary Eden, such as, but not limited to those disclosed in WO 2009/140509 and US 20150270110A1.

[0074] The microplasma generating system 28 may include a microplasma generating unit 30. FIG. 3a shows a schematic view of an exemplary microplasma generating unit 30 according to an aspect of the present invention. The microplasma generating unit 30 may feature at least two electrodes 32, 34 arranged about a microchannel 36. Each electrode 32, 34 may be a continuous electrode or may be split into a plurality of spaced apart electrodes. Figure 3a shows a schematic view of the non-limiting example of a plurality of continuous electrodes 32, 34. The electrodes 32, 34 may be made from any suitable material such as, but not limited to copper, silver, gold aluminum, and titanium. The microchannel 36 may be made from any suitable material, such as, but not limited to aluminum oxide and titanium dioxide and polycarbonate. The microplasma generating unit 30 may include an inlet 38 for providing plasma generating material 39 to the microchannel 36. The microplasma generating unit 30 may include an outlet 40 for providing the formed microplasma 42 to the removable sterilizing chamber 10. The electrodes 32, 34 may be dielectrically insulated from each other with a dielectric substance 46. Suitable non-limiting examples of dielectric substances 46 include, but are not limited to metal oxides. The electrodes 32, 34 may include electrical connections for electrical connection to a suitable power source 48. The power source 48 may be connected to or provided by a sterilization device, which provides power to the removable sterilization chamber 10 placed in the sterilization device. The power source 48 may be configured to provide sufficient power to generate microplasma from plasma generating material applied 39 to the microchannels 36. The electrodes 32, 34 may be configured such that when a plasma generating material 39 is introduced in the microchannel 36 and a sufficient voltage of from about 0.3KV to about 3KV is applied, a microplasma is formed. The extent of conversion of the plasma generating material 39 to microplasma 42 may be influenced by the time of the plasma generating material 39 in the microchannel 36, the amount of the material 39, the properties of the material and the power applied. The microplasma generating unit 30 may be configured in any shape and any size. The microplasma generating unit 30 may be constructed very thin like a wafer. In some embodiments the unit 30 may be constructed with a thickness of from about 1 mm to about 30mm. The size of a microplasma generating unit 30 may be from about 10mm by 10mm to about 100mm by 100mm. The microplasma generating unit 30 may include attachment means 50 for modular attachment of a microplasma generating unit 30 to at least one other microplasma generating unit 30. In one embodiment, a plurality of microplasma generating units 30 are formed as a connected array 52 as shown schematically in Figure 3b. The connected array 52 may include an inlet 51 for supplying microplasma generating material 39 to the inlet 38 of each microplasma generating unit. The connected array 52 may include an outlet 53 for supplying the microplasma 42 formed in the microchannels of each microplasma generating unit 30. Arrays of microplasma generating units 52 may be joined in any suitable way to each other, which may include, but is not limited to side by side, stacked and rolled. The microplasma generating system 28 of the present invention may include microplasma generating units 30, or an array 52 or a plurality of arrays of connected microplasma generating units 30. [0075] The microplasma generating system 28 may include a container 54 for holding the array of microplasma generating units 52 as shown schematically in FIG. 3c. The container 54 may function as a housing for the microplasma generating system 28. The container 54 may include at least one inlet 56 and at least one outlet 58, the at least one inlet 56 configured to supply microplasma forming material 39 to the microchannels 36 of each microplasma generating unit 30 in the system 28 and the at least one outlet 58 configured to provide the formed microplasma 42 to the removable sterilization chamber 10 in which it is disposed. The microplasma system container 54 may be of any suitable size and shape. In some embodiments, the microplasma system container 54 may be flexible. The container 54 may be sufficiently flexible to be manipulated and shaped according to the needs of a user.

[0076] Figure 4a shows a schematic view of an exemplary microplasma generating system 28, which features an array of microplasma generating units 52 held in a container 54 in a rectangular shape. Figure 4b shows a schematic view of an exemplary microplasma generating system 28, which features an array of microplasma generating units 52 held in a container 54 in a flat circular shape. Figure 4c shows a schematic view of an exemplary microplasma generating system 28, which features an array of microplasma generating units 52 in a container 54 in a cylindrical shape.

[0077] In one embodiment, a microplasma generating system 28 can be made in the shape of the item 60 to be sterilized and/or with a plurality of microplasma outlets 58 which correspond to the contour and surfaces of the item 60 to be sterilized. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of microplasma generating systems 28 can be made wherein each microplasma generating system of the plurality of the microplasma generating systems 28 is in the shape of part of the contour or surfaces of the item 60 to be sterilized. The plurality of microplasma generating systems may be used in combination and may provide uniform plasma treatment of an item 60 to be sterilized and a solution for sterilization of an item 60 with non-uniform surfaces. [0078] The present invention provides devices and systems in which at least one microplasma generating system 28 is built in or integrally formed in any suitable way with the removable sterilization chamber 10.

[0079] The present invention also provides standalone attachable microplasma generating systems 28 for attachment to a removable sterilization chamber 10. A standalone microplasma generating system 28 may be any microplasma generating system as described herein and may include at least one attachment means 70 for attaching to the removable sterilization chamber. One non-limiting example of a standalone microplasma generating system 28 is shown schematically in Figure 4d.

[0080] The microplasma generating system 28 may be attached to at least one surface 14 of the sterilization chamber 10. The microplasma generating system 28 may be attached so that it is relatively flush with the surface of the sterilizing chamber 10. The microplasma generating system 28 may be attached into a groove or cutout 62 of the side 12 of the removable chamber 10 as shown schematically in Figure 5a, to facilitate a microplasma generating system 28 flush with the wall 12 of the chamber 10. The microplasma generating system 28 may be attached so that it projects out from a surface 14 of the sterilizing chamber 10 as shown schematically in Figure 5b. The microplasma generating system 28 may be fixedly attached to a surface 14 of the sterilizing chamber 10. Figure 5c shows one microplasma generating system 28 attached to the ceiling 14 of the sterilization chamber 10. A plurality of microplasma generating systems 28 may be attached to a surface of the sterilizing chamber 10 as shown schematically in Figure 5d. Figure 5d shows three microplasma generating systems 28 spaced apart on the top side 14 of the sterilization chamber 10. One or a plurality of microplasma generating systems 28 may be attached to a plurality of sides 14 of the sterilization chamber 10 as can be seen in Figure 5e and Figure 5f. The microplasma generating systems 28 may be connected to the removable sterilization chamber 10 in order to facilitate a microplasma generating system 28 which substantially surrounds at least one item 60 to be sterilized in the removable sterilization chamber 10 as shown schematically in Figure 5g. Figure 5g shows two views of a cylindrical removable sterilization chamber with spaced apart microplasma generating systems 28 disposed on the surface of the removable sterilization chamber 10 for surrounding an item 60 to be sterilized. A similar arrangement of surrounding microplasma generating systems 28 may be found in a different shaped chamber 10, such as, but not limited to a square shaped chamber 10.

[0081] The microplasma generating system 28 may be detachably attachable to the removable sterilization chamber 10. Figure 6a and Figure 6b show schematic views of an exemplary attachment means 70 on the microplasma generating system 28 and corresponding attachment means 72 on the surfaces 14 of the removable sterilization chamber 10. Any suitable number of attachment means 70 can be used to attach the microplasma generating system 28 to the removable sterilization chamber. Figure 6a shows a microplasma attachment system with two attachment means 70, but less than or more than two can also be used. Any suitable corresponding attachment means 70, 72 can be used. Non-limiting examples include press studs, clips, sockets, screw attaching means, tabs and slots, ties and links. The non-limiting example shown in Figure 6a and Figure 6b is of a plurality of tabs 70 on the microplasma generating system 28, which correspond and fit into a plurality of slots 72 on the wall 14 of the removable sterilization chamber 10. The removable sterilizing chamber 10 may include one or a plurality of attachment means 72 and a user may connect any number of microplasma generating systems 28 according to need. Such a system facilitates a removable sterilization chamber 10, which can be used to sterilize a variety of different items 60 and can be tailored according to the requirements of each use. In some embodiments, the attachment means 72 on the removable sterilization chamber 10 may also be configured so that when the removable chamber 10 is attached to a sterilization device, the attached microplasma generating system 28 is in electrical connection by suitable electrical connection means with the power source of the sterilizing device and the microplasma generating system is in communication with a supply of microplasma generating material from the sterilization device. The attachment means 72 may be aligned with outlets of a distribution system of the microplasma generating material.

[0082] In an alternative embodiment, the microplasma generating system 28 may be attached to the removable sterilization chamber 10, such that it is disposed on an external wall of the sterilization chamber as shown schematically in Figure 7a. In such an embodiment, the microplasma generating system 28 may be in communication with the interior 12 of the sterilization chamber 10, wherein the item to be sterilized 60 is located, via an outlet 58 of the microplasma generating system 28, which is exposed to the cavity 12 of the removable chamber. In such an embodiment, the microplasma system 28 may be fixedly attached or detachable. A surface on the removable sterilization chamber 10 may include a plurality of attachment means 72 corresponding to attachment means on the microplasma generating system 70 for detachable attachment of the microplasma generating system 28 to the chamber 10 as shown schematically in Figure 7b. Figure 7b shows the non-limiting example of a microplasma generating system 28 with tab attachment means 70 corresponding to slots 72 on the removable sterilization chamber 10.

[0083] As shown schematically in Figure la, the removable sterilization chamber 10 may include at least one inlet 26 for providing a microplasma generating material to the chamber 10. The at least one inlet 26 may be closeable by a closing means 25, such as but not limited to a tap or a valve. Figure 8 shows schematically the inlet 26 of the removable sterilization chamber 10 connectable to the outlet of a reservoir of microplasma generating material 39 of a sterilization device, when the removable sterilization chamber 10 is connected to the sterilization device. The connection of the inlet 26 to the sterilization device outlet of the reservoir of microplasma generating material may be done manually by a user. Alternatively, the connection may be done automatically by the sterilization device after the removable sterilization chamber is suitably placed or connected by any other suitable means to the sterilizer. [0084] The removable sterilizing chamber 10 may include a distribution means 79 featuring channels 80 for flow and distribution of the microplasma generating material 39 to at least one microplasma generating system 28 of the removable sterilization chamber 10 as shown schematically in Figures 9a, 9b and 9c. The microplasma generating material distribution system may be affixed in a suitable way on the walls or surface of the removable sterilization chamber 10. The channels 80 may be positioned in the inside of the sterilization chamber 10 as shown schematically in Figure 9b. In some embodiments, the channels 80 may be positioned on the outside of the removable sterilization chamber 10, with outlets 81 in the channels communicating microplasma generating material 39 into the microplasma generating systems 28 in the removable sterilization chamber 10 as shown schematically in Figure 9c.

[0085] The channels 80 may be any suitable means for a separated pathway for flow of the microplasma generating material in the removable chamber 10. In some embodiments the channels 80 may be tubing or piping. The channels 80 may be furcated for delivery to multiple positions of microplasma generating systems 28 in the removable sterilization chamber 10. As shown schematically in Figure 9a, the channels 80 may be configured so that there is a closeable opening 82 of an outlet 81 of the distribution system 79, such as a tap adjacent to a microplasma generating system 28. In some embodiments, the closeable opening 82 may be adjacent to the attachment means 72 for attaching microplasma generating systems 28 to the removable chamber. This design facilitates facile connection of the microplasma generating system 28 to the removable sterilization chamber and connection to the plasma generating material. A user can control material flow into an attached microplasma generating system 28. The closeable openings 82 may be opened manually or may be electronically controlled by a control of a sterilization device to which the removable chamber is attached. The closeable openings 82 may be configured so that they are attached to an inlet of the microplasma generating system 28. When the closeable opening 82 is open the microplasma generating material can flow into the microplasma generating system 28. The microplasma generating material 39 can flow into the microchannels of the microplasma generating system 28 to generate microplasma 42, which is expelled from the at least one outlet of the microplasma generating system 28. A user can control which openings/outlets 81 of the channels to be open and which to close so that some outlets 81 may be open and some outlets 81 may be closed at the same time as schematically shown in Figure 9a. When the closeable opening 82 of the outlet 81 is closed, microplasma generating material 39 cannot or can no longer enter the microplasma generating system 28 and microplasma 42 is not generated or is no longer generated in this microplasma generating system 28. In a non-limiting example, the removable sterilization chamber 10 may include a fan for distribution of the generated microplasma 42.

[0086] As shown schematically in Figure 10, the removable sterilization chamber 10 may include at least one outlet 90 for expelling waste 94 or any residue of microplasma or microplasma product from the chamber 10. The outlet 90 may be a unidirectional outlet 90 which does not allow flow or any entry of a material through it and into the removable sterilization chamber 10. The unidirectional outlet 90 may include a locking mechanism 96 and may be closed and may be opened manually or automatically to expel waste. This may prevent exposure of a user to any undesirable material, which may have been produced in the removable sterilization chamber 10.

[0087] The removable sterilization chamber 10 may be used to sterilize any suitable item.

The chamber may be used to sterilize one item or a plurality of items at the same time. In some embodiments the removable sterilization chamber 10 is used to sterilize medical and dental items. The at least one item 60 may be placed in the removable chamber 10 so that it can be exposed to formed microplasma for sterilization of the at least one item. The removable sterilization chamber 10 may hold the at least one item 60 in any suitable way. Non-limiting examples of means 100 to hold the at least one item include at least one of the chamber floor 84 (Figure 1 la), a tray, a rack 100 (Figure 1 lb), a shelf 86 (Figure 1 lc), a drawer 100 (Figure l id), a divided compartment 100 (Figure l ie), a rod (Figure I lf) 100 and a clip as shown schematically in Figures 1 la- 1 If. [0088] In an embodiment, wherein the removable sterilization chamber 10 is openable longitudinally into two halves 22, 24, the two halves 22, 24 of the chamber 10 may each provide a means 100 to hold at least one item to be sterilized as shown schematically in Figure 1 lg. The means 100 to hold the at least one item may be made from a gas permeable material in order that the microplasma and products thereof can contact all surfaces including the undersides of the at least one item 60 placed on the holding means 100. The means 100 to hold the at least one item 60 may include dividers 104 for separation of more than one item 60 placed on the holding means 100 as shown schematically in Figure l lh. It is desirable that each of a plurality of items 60 do not touch each other in order for optimal exposure of every surface of an item to microplasma. A plurality of means 100 to hold at least one item 60 may arranged in any suitable way in a removable sterilization chamber 10, such as for example shelves and racks may be arranged on top of each other (Figure l li) or side by side. The means 100 to hold the at least one item 60 may be fixedly attached to the removable chamber 10 or may be detachable from the removable chamber 10 for reattachment to attachment means in the removable chamber 10 configured for attachment of the holding means 100. The means 100 to hold the at least item 60 may include a cover 106 as shown schematically in Figure 1 lj .

[0089] The means 100 to hold the at least one item may be in direct contact with the at least one microplasma generating system 28 as shown schematically in Figure 12a. In some embodiments, the means 100 to hold the at least one item 60 may be positioned in order that it is not in direct contact with the at least one microplasma generating system 28 as shown schematically in Figure 12b. The holding means 100 to hold the at least one item 60 may be configured such that the at least one item 60 is in direct contact with the at least one microplasma generating system 28 or is spaced apart from the at least one microplasma generating system 28.

[0090] The at least one item 60 to be sterilized may be positioned directly on the holding means 100 to hold the at least one item 60. In some embodiments, the at least one item 60 may be positioned indirectly on the holding means 100 to hold the at least one item, such as in at least one gas permeable bag.

[0091] In some embodiments, the removable sterilization chamber 10 may include a plurality of compartments 10a, wherein each sub compartment 10a may be for sterilizing a different item 60, such as shown schematically in Figure 13. Each sub compartment 10a may include a microplasma generating system 28 as described herein, which is connectable with a microplasma generating material 39 and a power source of a sterilization device when the removable sterilization chamber 10 is connected to a sterilization device of the present invention. Each sub compartment 10a may include at least one holding means 100 for holding an item 60 to be sterilized such as described hereinabove. The sub compartments 10a may be fixed. In some embodiments, the sub compartments 10a may be modular and can be built by using dividers 112 in the main sterilization chamber 10 as shown schematically in Figure 13. The dividers 112 may be placed in divider connection points 114 in the sterilization chamber 10. The dividers 112 may include hinges and may be foldable for attachment to the chamber 10, in a way that when not in use they are flush with the surface of the chamber 10. A user may manipulate the hinges to form the sub compartment 10a. A user can use dividers 112 to introduce the number of chambers 10a needed according to use of the sterilization device 10.

[0092] The removable sterilization chamber may have any suitable carrying means 116 for easy transportation of the removable sterilization chamber 10 as shown schematically in Figure Id. Non-limiting examples of carrying means 116 include at least one handle or a strap. The carrying means 116 may be used to carry the removable sterilization chamber 10. The carrying means 116 may be detachable. The carrying means may be attached to the removable sterilization chamber at any suitable position for easy and safe transport of the chamber and contents thereof. In some embodiments, the carrying means 116 may also facilitate insertion of the removable sterilization chamber 10 into a sterilization device. A user may hold the removable sterilization chamber 10 by for example a handle 116 and using the handle a user may guide the removable sterilization chamber 10 into an orifice of a sterilization device of the present invention. The carrying means 116, such as a handle may also be used to open the removable sterilization chamber 10.

[0093] In some embodiments, the removable sterilization chamber 10 may be configured to hold within the chamber at least one part of a multipart device to be sterilized, wherein the at least one part of the multipart device remains attached to at least one other part of the device, which is not to be sterilized and which is not accommodated within the chamber as shown schematically in Figure 14. Non limiting examples of multipart devices and items, wherein only part of the device or item is for bodily contact and for which sterilization is advisable only on the body contacting part, include dental x-ray equipment, medical cameras and gynecological imaging devices wherein the part of the equipment that is for contact with the body may be sterilized before use, but the connected machinery, such as, but not limited to monitors are not intended for sterilization. Figure 14 shows the non-limiting example of a bag type chamber 10. The sterilization chamber 10 includes an opening 20, through which a first part 118 of the item to be sterilized is placed in the chamber 10. After placement of the first part of the item in the chamber, the opening 20 is configured or is adjusted so that it is not fully closed for engaging about the multipart item in such a way that the first part 118 of the multipart item to be sterilized is held in the chamber 10 and the second part 120 of the multipart item which is not to be sterilized remains outside the chamber 10, but is connected by suitable connection means 122 through the opening 20 to the first part 118 of the item in the chamber. The removable sterilization chamber 10 may include a size adjustment means such as a tightening means 124, such as, but not limited to a strap for tightening the opening 20 about the item for maximal containment of the formed microplasma. Any suitable removable attachable microplasma sterilization chamber 10 may be used, which includes an opening 20 which can remain sufficiently open when the removable chamber 10 is attached to a sterilization device and microplasma is generated. Sufficiently open may include an opening 20 sized as an exit thoroughfare for and engaging about suitable connection means 122 connecting a first part 118 of a multipart item to be accommodated in the chamber, to a second part 120 of the multipart item, which is external to the chamber, whilst minimizing loss of generated microplasma through the opening.

[0094] The removable sterilization chamber may include suitable attachment means for attaching the chamber to a suitable sterilization device. Non-limiting examples of attachment means include tabs and slots, brackets, shelves, clasps, studs, links and magnets. In some embodiments, placement of the removable sterilization chamber in a portal of the sterilization device, such as, but not limited to a slot, facilitates automatic connection for providing microplasma generating material to the microplasma generating material inlet of the chamber and for providing electrical connection. In some embodiments, attachment by a user of an outlet of a sterilization device to the inlet for microplasma generating material of the removable chamber provides sufficient attachment of the sterilization chamber to the sterilization device, without need for additional attachment means. The connection of the removable sterilization chamber to the sterilization device is further described hereinbelow.

[0095] The Sterilization Device

[0096] The removable sterilization chamber 10 of the present invention is connectable to a sterilization device 150. The present invention provides a sterilization device 150 for use with at least one removable sterilization chamber 10. The sterilization device 150 may provide the power, the microplasma generating material and the control for formation of microplasma in the removable sterilization chamber 10 and sterilization of the contents of the removable sterilization chamber 10.

[0097] The sterilization device 150 of the present invention may include at least one attachment means 152 for attachment of a removable sterilization chamber 10 to the sterilization device 150. In one embodiment, the at least one attachment means 152 for attachment of a removable sterilization chamber 10 is a slot as shown schematically in Figure 15a. However, the at least one means for attachment 152 may be any suitable means, which can facilitate connection of the removable sterilization chamber 10 to the sterilization device 150. The means for attachment 152 may be any suitable means configured for facilitating electrical connection of the attached removable sterilization chamber 10 to the power supply of the sterilization device 150 and connection of the removable chamber to a microplasma generating material provided by the sterilization device 150. The attachment means 152 may be configured according to the shape and dimensions of a removable sterilization chamber 10. The slot or orifice 152 may be square or rectangular for accommodating a square or rectangular removable sterilization chamber as shown schematically in Figure 15 a. The slot may be rounded for accommodating a cyclindrical removable sterilization chamber 10 as shown schematically in Figure 15b. In one embodiment, the slot 152 may be configured to change shape and/or dimensions in order to accommodate a plurality of different shapes and dimensions of removable sterilization chambers 10. The changing of shape may be done mechanically or electronically and may be automatic or manual.

[0098] The sterilization device 150 may include attachment means 152 for attaching a plurality of removable sterilization chambers 10 as shown schematically in Figure 15c. Each attachment means 152 may be configured for attachment of the same shaped and sized removable sterilization device 10 or may be configured for attachment of different shaped and sized removable sterilization devices 10 as shown schematically in Figure 15d.

[0099] The removable sterilization chamber 10 may be attached so that it is fully accommodated within the sterilization device 150 as shown schematically in Figure 15e or partially accommodated with part of the removable sterilization chamber 10 jutting out from the sterilization device 150 as shown schematically in Figure 15f.

[00100] In an alternative embodiment shown schematically in Figure 15g, the removable sterilization chamber 10 may be attached to at least one attachment means 154 on at least one surface 156 of the sterilization device 150. The removable sterilization chamber 10 may include corresponding attachment means for attaching to the at least one attachment means 154. In some embodiments, the attachment means 154 may include any suitable adaptor or parts for providing electrical connection of the removable sterilization chamber 10 to the sterilization device 150. The attachment means 154 may be disposed at any suitable position of the sterilization device. In one non-limiting example the attachment means may be located about the microplasma generating material outlet of the sterilization device 150. The attachment means 154 may be positioned such that attachment of a removable sterilization chamber 10 by the at least one attachment means 154 to the at least one surface 156 of the sterilization device facilitates electrical connection of the attached removable sterilization chamber 10 to the power supply of the sterilization device 150 and connection to a microplasma generating material of the sterilization device 150.

[00101] In one embodiment, shown schematically in Figure 15h, an attachment means 155 may extend out from the sterilization device 150. The extended attachment means 155 may include piping. The extended attachment means 155 may be attachable to a removable sterilization chamber 10. The attachment means 155 may include an adaptor 122 for facilitating attachment to the inlet 26 of a removable sterilization chamber 10 as shown schematically in Figure 15i. The adaptor 122 may be configured to also provide electrical connection of the removable sterilization chamber 10 to the sterilization device 150. A sterilization device 150 with this type of attachment means 155 may be advantageous for use with a bag type removable chamber 10 and for use for sterilization of only part of a multipart item, while the part 118 of the item for sterilization is connected to another part 120 of the item external to the chamber 10.

[00102] As shown schematically in Figure 16a the sterilizing device 150 may include at least one outlet 158 for providing a microplasma generating material 39 to the microplasma generating means 28 of a removable sterilization chamber 10. A first end 160 of the at least one outlet 158 may be in communication with a store 162 of the microplasma generating material 39. The second end 164 of the at least one outlet 158 may be positioned and configured adjacent to the attachment means 152 to be in communication with the removable sterilization chamber 10, when it is connected to the sterilization device 150. The second end 164 of the outlet 158 may be positioned and sized for attachment to the inlet 26 of a removable sterilization chamber 10 when the removable sterilization chamber 10 is connected to the sterilization device 150 as shown schematically in Figure 16b. The sterilization device 150 may include a plurality of outlets 158 for providing a microplasma generating material 39 to a removable sterilization chamber 10 attached to the sterilization device 150 as shown schematically in Figure 16c. In such an embodiment, each second end 164 of the outlet may be positioned and sized for attachment to each of a plurality of inlets 26 of a removable sterilization chamber 10 when the removable chamber 10 is attached to the sterilization device 150. Additionally, or alternatively, each second end 164 of the plurality of outlets 158 may be positioned and sized for attachment to an inlet 26 of each of a plurality of removable sterilization chambers 10 as shown schematically in Figure 16d. The sterilizing device may include a pump for pumping the microplasma starting material through the outlet and into the microplasma generating means 28 of an attached removable sterilization chamber. Any suitable pump may be used. The sterilization device may include a fan for promoting distribution of the microplasma starting material.

[00103] The microplasma generating material 39 may be any material which can produce microplasma as a result of a sufficient electric or magnetic field and wherein the produced plasma has sterilizing properties. Non-limiting examples of suitable materials include liquids, gases, vapors and air and combinations thereof, such as but not limited to at least one of hydrogen peroxide, oxygen, hydrogen, helium, argon and nitrogen. The suitable material when in suitable microplasma generating conditions may be excited to higher energy states and may produce, plasma ions, atoms, metastables, electrons, photons and free radicals. The release of photons may result from the atoms and molecules relaxing to their normal lower energy states. One non limiting example of suitable microplasma products wherein oxygen is the microplasma generating material 39 may include 0 ₂ ⁺ , O2 , O ₃ (ozone), O, 0 ⁺ , 0 , ionized ozone, metastable excited oxygen and free electrons.

[00104] In some embodiments, the sterilizing device 150 may include a reservoir container 162 for storing the microplasma starting material 39 as shown schematically in Figure 16a. In other embodiments, such as when the material is air, the material may be pumped from the atmosphere without the use of a reservoir container. The microplasma generating material container 162 may be of any suitable size and shape and constructed from a material non-reactive with the stored plasma starting material. The container 162 may be attached to the sterilizing device 150 in any suitable way for providing the microplasma generating means 28 of an attached removable sterilization chamber with the microplasma starting material 39. The sterilizing device 150 may include a plurality of reservoir containers 162, which may be attached to more than one side 156 of the sterilizing device 150. Each reservoir container 162 of a plurality of reservoir containers 162 may include the same plasma starting material 39, a different plasma generating material 39 or a combination of more than one plasma generating materials 39. The reservoir container 162 may include at least one inlet 170 and at least one outlet 172. The inlet 170 may be for introducing plasma starting material 39 into the reservoir 162. The outlet 172 may be for dispensing the plasma starting material 39 to the microplasma generating system 28 of an attached removable sterilization chamber 10.

[00105] In one embodiment, at least one reservoir 162 of a plurality of reservoirs 162 may be for storing a sterilizing material, which is provided to the removable sterilization chamber 10 and is not connected to or generated into plasma via the microplasma generating system 28. The non-plasma sterilizing material may provide a sterilizing effect in addition and/or in combination with the microplasma products. The microplasma products may include a material, which is the same as the separately applied non-plasma sterilizing material. One non limiting example of a suitable non-plasma sterilizing material, which can be introduced directly into the chamber 10 and not via the microplasma generating system 28 is ozone.

[00106] In an embodiment, wherein the reservoir container 162 includes only one plasma generating material 39, the same plasma generating material 39a may be supplied to the at least one or a plurality of microplasma generating devices 28 of attached removable sterilization chambers 10 as shown schematically in Figure 17a. In an embodiment wherein the reservoir container 162 is a plurality of reservoir containers 162 each container 162 storing a different plasma generating material 39, the containers 162 may supply a different plasma generating material 39a, 39b to a plurality of microplasma generating devices 28 of the attached removable sterilization chambers 10, according to which plasma generating material 39 is connected to which microplasma generating device 28 as shown schematically in Figure 17b. In such an embodiment, a combination of different microplasmas may be formed in the removable sterilization chamber 10. In an embodiment, wherein the reservoir container 162 stores a combination of micro plasma generating materials 39a, 39b, the container 162 may supply a combination of micro plasma generating materials 39a, 39b to a single microplasma generating system 28 of an attached removable sterilization chamber 10, resulting in a mixture of different plasmas being formed as shown schematically in Figure 17c.

[00107] The sterilization device 150 may include a control 180 as shown schematically in Figure 18. The control 180 may include a switch 182 to start and stop the sterilization device 150. The control 180 may include power controlling means 184. The control 180 may include a timer 186 for setting the time of the sterilization cycle. The control 180 may include a means for opening and closing inlets and outlets 188 for allowing microplasma generating material to enter a microplasma generating system 28 of a removable sterilization chamber 10. The means for opening and closing inlets and outlets 188 may facilitate independent control on each of a plurality of inlets and outlets. The control 180 may include a screen 190 and a display 192. The control 180 may include different programs of sterilization cycle 194. The control 180 may include a means for inserting and ejecting a removable sterilization chamber 196. The control 180 may include a means for multiple loading 198. The means for multiple loading 198 may provide an option of loading a plurality of removable sterilization chambers 10 at different positions. The control 180 may include a means for configuring the size and shape of the attachment means 200 according to the size and shape of the removable sterilization chamber 10. The control 180 may include a means for purging 202 a connected removable sterilization chamber 10 to wash any residues of microplasma or microplasma products out of the removable sterilization chamber 10. In an embodiment wherein the sterilization device can accommodate a plurality of removable sterilization chambers simultaneously, the control 180 may include a means for controlling the cycle of each sterilization chamber 204. The control 180 may include independent control of each removable sterilization chamber 10.

[00108] The sterilization device may be configured to provide suitable power to the microplasma generating systems 28 of the attached removable sterilization chambers 10 for generating microplasma from the microplasma material. The sterilization device may be connected to a power source and may supply power to the connected removable sterilization chamber 10. Suitable power sources that may provide sufficient power may include at least one of AC, DC, battery, photovoltaic power source, solar power source, RF and microwave. In some embodiments, the power source 48 is a generator. The power source 48 may provide power in the range of from about 10W to about 500 W. The sterilizing device may include a control/s to control the frequency and the voltage.

[00109] In some embodiments, the sterilization device 150 may include a waste reservoir 210. The reservoir 210 may collect any suitable waste from the device 150. The reservoir 210 may be located inside the sterilization device 150 as shown schematically in Figure 19. The reservoir may be attached to an external surface of the device 150 or may be an external reservoir 210, which is connected to the sterilization device 150. The reservoir 210 may collect waste microplasma and breakdown products produced in the removable sterilization chamber 10. A closeable outlet 90 from the removable sterilization chamber 10 as described and shown schematically in Figure 10 may be connected to the waste reservoir 210. The outlet 90 may be unidirectional only allowing materials to be expelled from the removable sterilization chamber 10 and not allowing any material to enter the removable sterilization chamber 10. In some embodiments, the removable sterilization chamber 10 may be washed or purged in any suitable way with for example a sterile gas, such as but not limited to oxygen or air. The purging may wash any remaining microplasma product out of the removable sterilization chamber 10 before the chamber 10 is opened and the sterilized items removed.

[00110] In some embodiments, the sterilization device of the present invention may also include a non-removable sterilization chamber.

[00111] Sterilization System

[00112] The present invention provides a sterilization system featuring a sterilization device 150 as described hereinabove and a removable sterilization chamber 10 as described hereinabove. The at least one removable sterilization chamber 10 is for holding at least part of at least one item 60 to be sterilized. The at least one removable sterilization chamber 10 is configured for attachment to the sterilization device, such as but not limited to by insertion into a slot of the sterilization device 150 of the present invention. Insertion into or other suitable attachment to the sterilization device 150 facilitates electrical connection of the removable chamber 10 to the power 48 of the sterilization device 150 and connection of a supply of microplasma generating material 39 to the removable sterilization chamber 10. On activation of the sterilization device 150, power may be supplied to the connected removable sterilization chamber 10 and microplasma generating material 39 may be supplied via a distribution system 79 in the removable sterilization chamber 10 to the at least one microplasma generating systems 28 of the removable sterilization chamber 10. Microplasma 42 may be formed and the at least one item 60 exposed to the microplasma 42 for sterilization of the at least one item 60. The at least one removable chamber 10 may be removed from the sterilization device 150 and the sterilized at least one item 60 may be stored in the removable sterilization chamber before use.

[00113] The sterilization system may include instructions showing how each part connects to the system and disconnects from the system. A user may connect the parts of the system. In some embodiments, the system is provided to a user with the microplasma generating systems 28 connected to the removable sterilization chambers 10. In other embodiments a user may attach microplasma generating systems 28 to the removable sterilization chamber 10 according to the instructions and/or according to the item 60 to be sterilized using the attachment points and attachment means in the removable chamber 10 and on the microplasma generating systems 28. A user may replace connectable parts of the system.

[00114] Different sizes and shapes of removable sterilization chambers of the system may be provided and designed according to a certain item to be sterilized. The number, size and shape of microplasma generating systems 28 may be calculated for optimal distance to the at least one item 60 in such a tailored removable sterilization chamber 10. The sterilization device 150 of the system may be configured to attach the tailored removable sterilization chambers for sterilization of the contents. In such a way the system may provide optimal microplasma sterilization of an item.

[00115] Method of Generating Microplasma

[00116] The present invention provides a method of generating microplasma.

Figure 20 shows a flow chart of an exemplary method of generating microplasma according to an aspect of the present invention. A sterilization device of the present invention is provided 300. The sterilization device is any suitable sterilization device as described herein, which includes an attachment means for attaching a removable sterilization chamber and connection thereto. The sterilization device is connected to a suitable power source 302. A removable sterilization chamber of the present invention as described herein is attached to the sterilization device 304. In one non-limiting example, the removable chamber is inserted into a slot of the sterilization device. It is inserted such that the removable chamber is in electrical connection with the sterilization device so that the connected power source is in electrical connection with a microplasma generating system of the removable chamber. Insertion of the removable chamber also facilitates the correct configuration for connection of the removable chamber to an outlet of microplasma generating material in the sterilization device. In some embodiments a user may connect the inlet for microplasma generating material of the removable chamber to the outlet for microplasma generating material of the sterilization device. In some embodiments insertion facilitates the correct placement for automated attachment of the microchamber inlet to the sterilization device microplasma generating material outlet. Microplasma generating material is supplied from the sterilization device to the removable sterilization chamber and to at least one microplasma generating system 306 of the removable chamber. The microplasma generating material is any suitable material as described herein. The microplasma generating material may be delivered to the microplasma generating system by direct connection or via a delivery system in the removable chamber. The microplasma generating material may be supplied to the delivery system 308. The delivery system may be any suitable delivery system as described herein. The delivery system may include channels, such as piping and inlets and outlets disposed in connection at one end to a container of the sterilization device holding the microplasma generating material and at a second end connected to the at least one microplasma generating system of the removable chamber. The delivery channels may be in communication with at least one microplasma generating system. In some embodiments the delivery channels are in communication with all the attached microplasma generating systems. Outlets from the delivery channel may be connected to inlets in the microplasma generating systems. The delivery channel outlets are closeable and only the outlets needed may be opened 310. The outlets can be opened manually. In one non-limiting example the outlets can be opened electronically. The microplasma generating material may be pumped from the container in which it is held through the outlet in the container to the delivery channels. The microplasma generating material may be delivered into the delivery channel outlets 312. The microplasma generating material may be delivered through the open delivery channel outlets into the microplasma generating system inlets 314. The microplasma generating material may be delivered through the microplasma generating system inlets and into the microchannels of the microplasma generating system 316 of the removable chamber. A voltage such as a voltage in the range of from about 300V to about 2KV, which is sufficient for forming microplasma is applied to the microchannels and microplasma is generated from the microplasma generating material in the microchannels 318. In some embodiments the flow rate of the microplasma generating material may be controlled to facilitate optimal microplasma generation. The formed microplasma is delivered out of the microplasma generating system via an outlet in the microplasma generating system 320. Microplasma generation may be stopped by several steps or combination of steps 322. The delivery channel outlets may be closed to stop delivery of microplasma generating material into the microplasma generating system and to stop generation of microplasma 324. Alternatively, or in addition, the power supply to the microplasma generating system may be stopped or disconnected from the removable chamber in order to stop generation of microplasma 326. Microplasma generation may also be stopped by removing the removable sterilization chamber from the sterilization device. The microplasma may be used for any suitable purpose. The microplasma as herein described may include a plurality of different substances and active species. Each substance in this microplasma soup may have a different lifetime. Each generated substance may have different properties. Some generated substances may be more effective at sterilizing than other generated substances. At least some of the generated substances may be converted to at least one other substance, which may also have sterilizing properties. The effect of the microplasma generated substances may be synergistic. The microplasma generated substances may facilitate sterilization and disinfection by any suitable mechanism. The microplasma generated substances may facilitate sterilization and disinfection by physical and chemical reaction with the microorganism, such as bacteria. One non limiting use of the generated plasma is for sterilizing at least one item. An alternative non limiting use of the generated plasma is for sterilizing the removable sterilization chamber. The order of the steps described herein is not meant to be limiting and other orders may be possible.

[00117] Method of Sterilization

[00118] The present invention provides a method of sterilizing at least one item.

The item can be any suitable item as described herein. Figure 21 shows a flow chart of an exemplary method of sterilizing at least one item according to an aspect of the present invention. A microplasma sterilizer of the present invention may be provided 330. The microplasma sterilizer may be any sterilization device as described herein for use with a removable sterilization chamber of the present invention. The sterilization device may be connected to a power source 332. A user may place the item to be sterilized on a means to hold the item 334 in a removable chamber. In one example the user may place several items spaced apart in a rack of the removable sterilization chamber. The opening of the chamber may be closed. In one non-limiting example two parts of the opened chamber are folded onto each other. In some embodiments, the opening may be locked with a locking mechanism. A user may select a program for the sterilization cycle. In some embodiments, the user activates the sterilization device, by means such as an on switch 336. The closed removable sterilization chamber is attached to the sterilization device, such as, but not limited to by insertion of the removable chamber into a slot of the sterilization device 338. In some embodiments a user may connect the inlet for microplasma generating material of the removable chamber to the outlet for microplasma generating material of the sterilization device. In some embodiments insertion of the removable chamber facilitates the correct placement for automated attachment of the chamber inlet formicroplasma generating material to the sterilization device microplasma generating material outlet. Activation of the sterilizer promotes flow of a microplasma generating material 340 from the sterilization device into the attached removable chamber and the attached microplasma generating systems. Application of a sufficient voltage to the microplasma generating systems 342, facilitates generation of microplasma as described herein and shown schematically in Figure 20. The generated microplasma may be in sufficient proximity to the at least one item or may be dispersed to contact the surfaces of the at least one item 344. The generated microplasma reacts with microorganisms and kills them or inactivates them resulting in a sterile at least one item 346. The sterilization cycle may be run for any suitable amount of time, which may be less than about fifteen minutes to result in sterilization of the at least one item being sterilized. The sterilization cycle is then stopped after a time interval or when completion of sterilization is detected by suitable detection means 348. In some embodiments, after the sterilization is complete and before removal of the removable sterilization chamber, residual microplasma and products are purged from the sterilization chamber 350. Purging may be done by any suitable means. In one non-limiting example of purging, the chamber is filled or partially filled with a gas by any method, such as but not limited to pumping it in. Any suitable gas or mixture of gases, such as but not limited to oxygen may be used. The gas is pumped into the chamber and is expelled out of the chamber through a unidirectional waste outlet. The waste may be collected in a waste reservoir of the sterilization device, which is in communication with the waste outlet of the removable sterilization chamber. The removable sterilization device may be removed from the sterilization device 352. In some embodiment removal may include detaching the inlet for microplasma generating material of the removable sterilization chamber from the microplasma generating material outlet of the sterilization device. The sterilized at least one items contained in the removable chamber may be kept there until use of the at least one items. The removable chamber may be used repeatedly in the sterilization device. The order of the steps is not meant to be limiting and any suitable order may be used.

[00119] The present invention provides an additional method of sterilizing at least one item, wherein a removable sterilization chamber is assembled. The item can be any suitable item as described herein. Figure 22 shows a flow chart of an exemplary method of assembling a removable sterilization chamber for providing a removable sterilization chamber for sterilizing at least one item according to an aspect of the present invention. A removable sterilization chamber may be provided wherein microplasma sterilization systems are not attached to the removable sterilization chamber 380. Before insertion of the removable chamber into the sterilization device a user may attach the at least one microplasma sterilization system to the removable chamber according to the attachment points and means in the chamber and the intended use of the sterilizer 382. The number of microplasma generating systems and how they are spaced may be calculated by a user according to the item to be sterilized and according to the position of the attachment means in the removable sterilization chamber. In one non-limiting example, such as for an item with non-uniform surfaces a user may attach a plurality of microplasma generating systems to the walls of the removable sterilization chamber such that each microplasma generating system is positioned equidistant from a surface of the item to be sterilized. A user may attach inlets of the microplasma generating systems to the distribution channels of the microplasma generating material 384, which are positioned in the removable sterilization chamber. In some embodiments the attachment points in the removable sterilization chamber for attachment of the microplasma generating system provide attachment to the distribution system of the microplasma generating material without the need for a user to separately connect the microplasma generating system to the distribution system. Formation of the microplasma with the assembled removable sterilization chamber may be done as described in Figure 20 and sterilization of at least one item may be done as described in Figure 21. The microplasma generating systems may be removed from the removable sterilization chamber. In some embodiments, the microplasma generating systems may be reused. In some embodiments, the microplasma generating systems may be disposable. The order of the steps is not meant to be limiting and any suitable order may be used.

[00120] The present invention provides a method of sterilizing a part of a multipart piece of connected equipment whilst connected to another part of the equipment which is not to be sterilized, as shown schematically in Figure 23. The item can be an item as described herein, such as, but not limited to a dental camera connected to a monitor. A microplasma sterilizer of the present invention may be provided 360. The microplasma sterilizer may be any sterilization device as described herein for use with a removable sterilization chamber of the present invention. The sterilization device may be connected to a power source 362. A user may place the part of the item to be sterilized in a removable sterilization chamber 364. The removable sterilization chamber may be a chamber, which is configured to provide an opening for any connection parts connecting one part of an item to a second part of an item external to the removable chamber during the sterilization process. In a non-limiting example of a dental camera, the camera part of the item, which is for use in the mouth of a patient is placed through an opening in the chamber into the removable sterilization chamber. The opening of the chamber may be tightened to minimize loss of generated microplasma and such that the camera is held in the cavity and the connections to the external monitor second part of the camera system are held securely at the opening 366. The sterilization device may be activated 368. The removable sterilization chamber may be attached to the sterilization device 370. Attachment may be done prior to or after insertion of the camera part of the dental apparatus in the chamber. In one non limiting example an extended connection means from the sterilization device is attached to an inlet of the removable sterilization chamber. The attaching may include using an adaptor at the extremity of the extended connection means configured for attachment to the removable chamber microplasma generating material inlet. The extended connection means may be extendable or contractable to a suitable length. A user may extend the extended connection means according to the location of the apparatus of which part is to be sterilized and the location of the sterilization device. The method of sterilization may include steps 372-378 similar to steps 340-352 as previously described for Figure 21. The part of the item, which has been sterilized may be taken out of the removable chamber 379. The taking out may include untightening any tightening means about the opening of the chamber. The taking out may also include detaching the sterilization device connection means from the microplasma generating material inlet of the removable chamber and taking out the part of the connected item which is accommodated in the chamber through the untightened opening.

[00121] The present invention provides a method of sterilizing simultaneously at least one item in each of a plurality of removable chambers as shown schematically in Figure 24. The method is similar to the method shown schematically in Figure 21. A sterilization device of the present invention is provided 390. The sterilization device is connected to a power supply 392. Items to be sterilized are placed in a plurality of removable sterilization chamber 394. The sterilization device is activated 396. More than one removable chamber is loaded into or suitably attached to the sterilization device 398. Loading may be via the same orifice or attachment means of the sterilization device. In some embodiments, each removable sterilization chamber is inserted or attached in any suitable way to a separate orifice or attachment means. After insertion or any suitable attachment of the removable sterilization chambers, the steps of sterilization 400-412 are the same for each removable sterilization chamber as described for Figure 21 in steps 340-352. The order of the steps is not meant to be limiting and any suitable order may be used.

[00122] Method of Production

[00123] The present invention provides a method of production of a removable sterilization chamber. Figure 25 shows a flow chart of an exemplary method of production of a removable sterilization chamber according to an aspect of the present invention. A sterilization chamber is provided 420. An inlet for providing microplasma generating material to the chamber is applied to the chamber 422. One part of the inlet is on the exterior of the removable chamber configured to be connectable to an outlet of a microplasma generating material of a sterilization device and the second part of the inlet is connected to the microplasma generating distribution system in the interior of the removable chamber, so that the inlet provides a path for microplasma generating material from the exterior of the chamber to the interior of the chamber. A means of closing the inlet is applied to the inlet. A microplasma generating material distribution system is applied to the chamber 424. The distribution system may include at least one piping with outlets for connecting to microplasma generating systems as described herein. The distribution system may be connected to the inlet for providing microplasma generating material of the removable sterilization chamber 426. At least one microplasma generating system may be applied to the sterilization chamber, such as to surfaces of the sterilization chamber 428. The microplasma generating material distribution system may be connected to each of the at least one microplasma generating systems, such as to an inlet of the microplasma generating systems 430. In some embodiments, connection means for connecting to a suitable sterilization device may be applied to the removable sterilization chamber 432. The connection means may be configured for attachment to corresponding attachment means on a suitable sterilization device. The connection means may be configured for providing electrical connection of the removable chamber to the sterilization device. The connection means may be configured for providing microplasma generating material from the sterilization device to the removable sterilization chamber or for providing correct placement for connection of the inlet of the removable sterilization chamber to the outlet for microplasma generating material of the sterilization device. In some embodiments, connection means are not applied. The inlet of the removable chamber may be used for connecting the removable chamber to the sterilization device. The order of the steps is not meant to be limiting and any suitable order may be used.

[00124] Reference is made to the following examples, which together with the above descriptions illustrate the invention in a non-limiting fashion.

[00125] Example 1

[00126] A user opens a removable sterilization chamber and places dental drill bits on a tray of the removable sterilization chamber. The walls of the sterilization chamber include spaced apart microplasma sterilization systems attached thereon. The microplasma sterilization systems surround the tray of the chamber. The chamber is closed and is then inserted into a slot of a microplasma sterilization device. Insertion results in electrical contact of the removable sterilization chamber with the sterilization device. In addition, insertion results in attachment of the inlet of the removable sterilization chamber with a source of microplasma generating material of the sterilization device. The microplasma sterilizer is switched on and a voltage is applied to the microchannels, which contain oxygen that is supplied to the microchannels from a reservoir of the sterilization device. The oxygen is converted to microplasma in the removable sterilization chamber and the microplasma is discharged from the microchannels. The drill bits are exposed to the expelled microplasma and microplasma products, which facilitate sterilization of the drill bits. The cycle is run for about ten minutes for completion of the sterilization. The removable sterilization chamber is then ejected from the sterilization device and the sterilized drill bits are stored in the removable sterilization chamber until the drill bits are needed.

[00127] Example 2

[00128] A user places surgical scissors in a first removable sterilization chamber.

A user places drill bits in a second removable sterilization chamber. A user places a spatula in a third removable sterilization chamber. Each removable sterilization chamber is inserted into a separate slot of a plurality of slots of a microplasma sterilization device. Insertion of each removable sterilization chamber results in electrical connection of the removable chamber with the sterilization device and connection to a microplasma generating material of the sterilization device. The sterilization device is turned on and microplasma is generated in the microplasma generating systems of each of the removable sterilization chambers to produce microplasma with which the items placed in the removable sterilization chambers are sterilized. The sterilization cycle is about ten minutes, after which the removable sterilization chambers are removed from the sterilization device. The sterilized items are stored in the chambers until use. [00129] Example 3

[00130] A user sterilizes an item as in Example 1. After the sterilization cycle is completed, the removable sterilization chamber is purged with oxygen and the microplasma and microplasma products are washed out through an outlet of the removable sterilization chamber into a waste reservoir of the sterilization device. The removable sterilization chamber is then removed from the sterilization device.

[00131] One skilled in the art can appreciate from the foregoing description that the broad systems, devices and techniques of the aspects of the present invention can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while the aspects of this invention have been described in connection with particular examples thereof, the true scope of the aspects of the invention should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the specification, and following claims.