The present invention relates to a device for generating a dielectric barrier discharge for treatment of an object (1) to be activated with non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma, comprising a dielectric working chamber (2) which has a wall (3) of a dielectric material and which encloses a working space (4), wherein a metallization (6) is applied to an outer side (5) of the wall (3) facing away from the working space (4), wherein the working space (4) is an open volume, and a high-voltage source (9) which is configured to apply a high voltage to the metallization (6) or to the object (1) to be activated when the object (1) to be activated is in the working space (4). According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a method of treatment of an object (1) to be activated with a non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma.

An electrotechnical core for generating a cold atmospheric pressure or low-pressure plasma for the treatment of human, animal, or technical surfaces. The core has a side facing the surface and a side facing away from the surface and comprises the following layers, starting from the side facing the surface: a first insulation layer, a first electrode structure with a first contact between the first electrode structure and a power supply unit, a second insulation layer to galvanically isolate the first electrode structure and a second electrode structure from one another, wherein the second electrode structure is driven during operation by a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma, a third insulation layer to galvanically isolate the second electrode structure from a third electrode structure, wherein the third electrode structure grounds the third electrode structure during operation.

An electrotechnical core for generating a cold atmospheric pressure or low-pressure plasma for the treatment of human, animal, or technical surfaces. The core has a side facing the surface and a side facing away from the surface and comprises the following layers, starting from the side facing the surface: a first insulation layer, a first electrode structure with a first contact between the first electrode structure and a power supply unit, a second insulation layer to galvanically isolate the first electrode structure and a second electrode structure from one another, wherein the second electrode structure is driven during operation by a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma, a third insulation layer to galvanically isolate the second electrode structure from a third electrode structure, wherein the third electrode structure grounds the third electrode structure during operation.

Some embodiments are directed to a generator and separator assembly for generating ions via atmospheric pressure, low temperature plasma and separating the generated ions. The generator and separator assembly include a plasma generator for generating the generating atmospheric pressure, low temperature plasma that is configured to eject positively and negatively ions. A separator is disposed to receive the positively and negatively ions ejected from the plasma generator, and includes a first separator electrode; a second separator electrode spaced from the first separator electrode; and a separator power supply that supplies electric power in the form of at least one of different voltages and different polarities to the first and second electrodes ranging from 0 kV and 10 kV, such that the received positively charged ions are redirected in one direction and the received negatively charged ions are redirected to another direction different from the one direction.

Some embodiments are directed to a generator and separator assembly for generating ions via atmospheric pressure, low temperature plasma and separating the generated ions. The generator and separator assembly include a plasma generator for generating the generating atmospheric pressure, low temperature plasma that is configured to eject positively and negatively ions. A separator is disposed to receive the positively and negatively ions ejected from the plasma generator, and includes a first separator electrode; a second separator electrode spaced from the first separator electrode; and a separator power supply that supplies electric power in the form of at least one of different voltages and different polarities to the first and second electrodes ranging from 0 kV and 10 kV, such that the received positively charged ions are redirected in one direction and the received negatively charged ions are redirected to another direction different from the one direction.

The use of plasma to clean or sterilize items can be particularly advantageous for items that cannot be readily washed or cleaned by standard methods. The toxicity and complications generating sufficient plasma makes it hard to use for such purposes. The subject invention addresses the problem by generating a minimal amount of highly reactive plasma to sterilize an item. This is achieved by reducing the amount of space and ambient air around and within the item. In this way, the plasma generated fills only the required volume of the item to be cleaned and the plasm is directed at the object, not directed at or released into non-target areas.

The use of plasma to clean or sterilize items can be particularly advantageous for items that cannot be readily washed or cleaned by standard methods. The toxicity and complications generating sufficient plasma makes it hard to use for such purposes. The subject invention addresses the problem by generating a minimal amount of highly reactive plasma to sterilize an item. This is achieved by reducing the amount of space and ambient air around and within the item. In this way, the plasma generated fills only the required volume of the item to be cleaned and the plasm is directed at the object, not directed at or released into non-target areas.

Sterilizing device for a toilet that includes an ozone generator and an impelling device fluidically connected to the ozone generator that allows discharging the ozone generated into the flush water of the toilet. A controller controls generating the ozone and discharging the ozone into the flush water. A sensor detects the presence or the actuation of a user, the sensor being communicated with the controller. The controller controls the ozone generator depending on a signal received from the sensor. The sterilizing device also includes an ion plasma generator for discharging ion plasma directly into the air adjacent the toilet. The ion plasma generator being controlled by the controller.

A method of sterilizing an article such as a flexible endoscope is performed in a sterilization chamber. A vacuum is applied in the sterilization chamber while the article is contained in the sterilization chamber. A sterilant is then introduced into the sterilization chamber. The pressure within the sterilization chamber is incrementally increased to provide a step-wise transition from a high vacuum state to atmospheric pressure. The article is thereby sterilized.

A method of sterilizing an article such as a flexible endoscope is performed in a sterilization chamber. A vacuum is applied in the sterilization chamber while the article is contained in the sterilization chamber. A sterilant is then introduced into the sterilization chamber. The pressure within the sterilization chamber is incrementally increased to provide a step-wise transition from a high vacuum state to atmospheric pressure. The article is thereby sterilized.