Anti-microbial gas apparatus and method

Abstract

An apparatus and method administering nitric oxide at very high concentrations to healthy skin, tools, implements, support surfaces, and sterile fields to provide sterilization. The apparatus and method providing sterilization in a dry environment lacking the common undesirable effects of anti-microbial soaps and antiseptics.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States Letters Patent is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus comprising:
 a nitric oxide generator;   a conduit conducting nitric oxide from the nitric oxide generator to an enclosed environment;   the enclosed environment, substantially sealed against uncontrolled incursion of ambient air and comprising a first opening acting as an inlet receiving nitric oxide therethrough and a second opening acting as an exit releasing the nitric oxide therethrough; and   a controller comprising at least one of a limiter and a monitor to control a concentration of nitric oxide in the enclosed environment.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the nitric oxide generator generates substantially pure nitric oxide at negative gage pressure using heat applied to a nitrite and a nitrate compound in the presence of a metallic composition. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , further comprising a surface to be sterilized, placed within the enclosed environment. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the controller exposed the surface to a preselected concentration of nitric oxide for a preselected time to render the surface sterilized of microbes. 
     
     
         5 - 9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . A method comprising:
 providing a surface to be sterilized;   substantially enclosing the surface within a volume at negative gage pressure;   generating a preselected concentration of nitric oxide at negative gage pressure;   introducing the nitric oxide into the volume;   waiting a preselected time for the nitric oxide to sterilize the surface; and   removing the surface from the volume.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein generating further comprises heating a nitrite and a nitrate in the presence of a metal. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the nitric oxide is substantially pure. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the surface is at least one of:
 healthy skin of a user;   compromised skin of a user; and   a tool used by a user.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising providing a controller maintaining the preselected concentration of nitric oxide. 
     
     
         15 . An apparatus comprising:
 a nitric oxide generator wherein substantially pure nitric oxide is generated at negative gage pressure using heat applied to a nitrite and a nitrate compound in the presence of a metallic composition;   a conduit conducting nitric oxide from the nitric oxide generator to an enclosed environment;   the enclosed environment, substantially sealed against uncontrolled incursion of ambient air and comprising a first opening acting as an inlet receiving nitric oxide therethrough and a second opening acting as an exit releasing the nitric oxide therethrough; and   a controller comprising at least one of a limiter and a monitor to control a concentration of nitric oxide in the enclosed environment.   
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15  wherein the enclosed environment further includes a sensor connected to the controller.