Article processing apparatus and related method
The present invention relates generally to systems and methods of disinfecting and/or decontaminating articles, and more specifically to a system and method of efficiently disinfecting and/or decontaminating articles such as pieces of mail that may have been exposed to diverse biological and/or chemical contaminants.
1. An article processing apparatus, comprising:
a housing defining an enclosure, wherein the housing includes a layer of amorphous magnesium silicate fiber;
a rotatable drum disposed in the enclosure, the rotatable drum defining a cavity;
a holder configured to hold articles disposed in the cavity;
at least one opening in flow communication with the cavity;
at least one door configured to cover the at least one opening and substantially prevent fluid flow therethrough;
a heating apparatus configured to raise a temperature of the air in the cavity;
a microwave apparatus configured to provide microwave energy to the cavity;
a plurality of ultraviolet light emitting apparatuses configured to provide ultraviolet light to the cavity; and
a chemical applicator configured to dispose a chemical in the cavity.
2. The article processing apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the holder is fixedly connected to the rotatable drum.
3. The article processing apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the holder includes a plurality of portions configured to move relative to each other.
4. The article processing apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the holder is detachable from the rotatable drum.
5. The article processing apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the holder includes a latch.
6. The article processing apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the holder is disposed in a central portion of the cavity.
7. The article processing apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the holder is disposed in a plane substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the rotatable drum.
8. The article processing apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the holder includes perforations.
9. The article processing apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the holder is made of a material configured to allow heat, air, microwave energy, ultraviolet light, and chemicals to flow therethrough.