In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to devices and methods for sterilizing objects using HOCl (hypochlorous acid). A variety of objects may be sterilized, including cups, plates, utensils, toys, medical equipment, etc., in various embodiments. In one set of embodiments, chloride ions (Cl.sup.−) in water may be reacted using an electric current to produce HOCl. In some cases, there may be sufficient Cl.sup.− in the water such that another source of CF is not required; for example, the water may be tap water containing some Cl.sup.−. In some cases, the water may be acidified to facilitate the production of HOCl, for example, by introducing CO.sub.2 into the water. The production of HOCl may occur relatively quickly, e.g., within a few minutes. This may allow devices to produce water that can be used to sterilize objects quickly and simply.

A method of automatic dishwashing of dishware, including electrolytically generating a bleaching species, washing the dishware with a composition comprising the bleaching species, and washing the dishware with a composition including an enzyme. The invention also includes an automatic dishwasher including a wash tank, an electrochemical cell, and a first reservoir containing a composition including an enzyme, wherein the electrochemical cell contains a solution including an alkali metal chloride salt, wherein the dishwasher is configured to electrolyze the solution, and to dose the electrolyzed solution into the wash tank before dosing the composition including the enzyme into the wash tank. The invention also includes a kit for use in the method of automatic dishwashing of dishware.

An electro-chemical activation (ECA) system includes an anode chamber, a cathode chamber, and a neutralization chamber. The anode chamber includes an anode configured to convert water having an alkaline-metal chloride into an anodic electrolyte that includes hypochlorous acid. The cathode chamber includes a cathode configured to convert water into a cathodic electrolyte. The neutralization chamber includes a neutralization cathode configured to remove protons from the anodic electrolyte after it leaves the anode chamber. The ECA system is configured to recirculate the anodic electrolyte back through the anode chamber and the neutralization chamber at least one more time to produce a concentrated chlorine solution. The ECA system is further configured to recirculate the cathodic electrolyte back through the cathode chamber at least one additional time to produce a concentrated alkaline solution.

The present invention relates to an electrolysis body suitable for water disinfection for use in a water reservoir having a definite internal volume comprising a) a pair of electrodes made of a conductive material suitable for providing electrolysis, b) means for applying current to the electrodes, c) an insert unit having a first side and a second side opposite each other, wherein the first side faces out of the water reservoir when the insert unit is placed in position in the water reservoir in use for water disinfection and the second side faces into the volume of the water reservoir when placed in position in the water reservoir in use for water disinfection, and d) optionally a filter unit extending from the second side of the insert unit. The present invention also concerns a water reservoir comprising the body, as well as a washing system comprising the water reservoir.

An oxidant production apparatus comprises an electrochemical reactant reservoir, an electrolysis compartment, a porous first electrode and a second electrode. The porous first electrode defines a boundary between the reservoir and the electrolysis compartment and is configured to allow an electrochemical reactant to pass from the reservoir, through the first electrode and into the electrolysis compartment. The second electrode disposed at least substantially in the electrolysis compartment and spaced apart from the first electrode. The apparatus is configured to produce an oxidant in an electrochemical reaction when a voltage is applied across the first and second electrodes and a current is passed through the first and second electrodes and an electrolyte disposed in the electrolysis compartment.

A water-bearing electrical apparatus and a method of operating a water-bearing electrical apparatus having a water absorption element, an electrochemical cell, a dosing device for metering a conductivity transmitter-containing detergent and/or cleaning means into the electrochemical cell. The method includes conducting water into the electrochemical cell, dosing of the conductivity transmitter-containing washing and/or cleaning means into the electrochemical cell or into the water flowing through it, determining a conductance of the fluid in the electrochemical cell following the prior steps, and setting the determined conductance to a predetermined conductance.

A method of automatic dishwashing of dishware, including electrolytically generating a bleaching species, washing the dishware with a composition comprising the bleaching species, and washing the dishware with a composition including an enzyme. The invention also includes an automatic dishwasher including a wash tank, an electrochemical cell, and a first reservoir containing a composition including an enzyme, wherein the electrochemical cell contains a solution including an alkali metal chloride salt, wherein the dishwasher is configured to electrolyze the solution, and to dose the electrolyzed solution into the wash tank before dosing the composition including the enzyme into the wash tank. The invention also includes a kit for use in the method of automatic dishwashing of dishware.

An electro-chemical activation (ECA) system includes an anode chamber, a cathode chamber, and a neutralization chamber. The anode chamber includes an anode configured to convert water having an alkaline-metal chloride into an anodic electrolyte that includes hypochlorous acid. The cathode chamber includes a cathode configured to convert water into a cathodic electrolyte. The neutralization chamber includes a neutralization cathode configured to remove protons from the anodic electrolyte after it leaves the anode chamber. The ECA system is configured to recirculate the anodic electrolyte back through the anode chamber and the neutralization chamber at least one more time to produce a concentrated chlorine solution. The ECA system is further configured to recirculate the cathodic electrolyte back through the cathode chamber at least one additional time to produce a concentrated alkaline solution.

The present invention relates to an electrolysis body suitable for water disinfection for use in a water reservoir having a definite internal volume comprising a) a pair of electrodes made of a conductive material suitable for providing electrolysis, b) means for applying current to the electrodes, c) an insert unit having a first side and a second side opposite each other, wherein the first side faces out of the water reservoir when the insert unit is placed in position in the water reservoir in use for water disinfection and the second side faces into the volume of the water reservoir when placed in position in the water reservoir in use for water disinfection, and d) optionally a filter unit extending from the second side of the insert unit. The present invention also concerns a water reservoir comprising the body, as well as a washing system comprising the water reservoir.

A dishwasher, in which a reservoir provided with an electrolyzer is connected to a water collector via a flow path change valve, and wash water in the reservoir is electrolyzed by the electrolyzer during non-operation of the wash water, to generate sterilizing water and to circulate the sterilizing water into the dishwasher, thereby achieving an enhancement in sterilizability of the dishwasher. A method for controlling a dishwasher makes it possible to suppress propagation of microorganisms left in the dishwasher and to remove organic substances, using a sterilizing agent or high-temperature water. It is also possible to reduce generation of offensive odor caused by decomposition of bacteria, through a reduction in the amount of bacteria in the dishwasher. Since sterilization of the dishwasher is automatically carried out, enhanced user convenience is provided.