US4337223A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Sterilizing apparatus incorporating recirculation of chamber atmosphere
Assignee: Ben Venue Laboratories Inc
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Filing: 1981-02-13
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Granted: 1982-06-29
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Expires: 2001-02-13
Abstract
Abstract Method and apparatus for sterilizing medical devices and the like. The apparatus comprises means for the recirculation of a sterilant gas and a diluting gas through narrow passages in the medical device in sufficient quantity and for sufficient time to sterilize bacteriologically, and then to aerate, exposed passage surfaces. The method comprises the circulation of a sterilant gas through a contaminated device bacteriologically to sterilize exposed surfaces, and thereafter to remove the sterilant gas by purging with sterile air or other inert gas.
Inventors
- 👤 Saul Kaye
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 00:29
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/12; A61B1/121; A61B1/125; A61L; A61L2/00; A61L2/16; A61L2/20; A61L2/206
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
106 words
In apparatus for sterilization of a medical instrument having passages therein comprising a sterilizing chamber and temperature-control means therefor, the improvement which comprises means for disposing a sterilant gas within said sterilizing chamber, means for circulating said sterilant gas within said sterilizing chamber, means for recirculating said sterilant gas through a medical instrument having passages therein and positioned totally within said sterilizing chamber, means for circulating a desorbing gas through said passages in said medical instrument, and pressure-control means for said sterilizing chamber, wherein said means for recirculating said sterilant gas through said passages in said medical instrument consists of a valve and a recirculating pump.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
106 words
In apparatus for sterilization of a medical instrument having passages therein comprising a sterilizing chamber and temperature-control means therefor, the improvement which comprises means for disposing a sterilant gas within said sterilizing chamber, means for circulating said sterilant gas within said sterilizing chamber, means for recirculating said sterilant gas through a medical instrument having passages therein and positioned totally within said sterilizing chamber, means for circulating a desorbing gas through said passages in said medical instrument, and pressure-control means for said sterilizing chamber, wherein said means for recirculating said sterilant gas through said passages in said medical instrument consists of a valve and a recirculating pump.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sterilizing chamber is gas-tight.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for disposing said sterilant gas within said sterilizing chamber comprises seal-piercing means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for disposing said sterilant gas within said sterilizing chamber comprises means of piercing a seal of a container of ethylene oxide.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for disposing said gas within said sterilizing chamber comprises means for sequentially piercing a seal of a container of ethylene oxide and a seal of a container of water.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the sterilant gas disposing means comprises means for disposing a sterilant gas consisting of an effective ratio of ethylene oxide and water vapor within said sterilizing chamber.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said pressure-control means comprises a valve for admitting air into said sterilizing chamber.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising means for sterilizing said air prior to its admission into said sterilizing chamber.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1985-06-28 | 1985-12-28 | 1986-06-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-06-28 | 1989-12-28 | 1990-06-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-06-28 | 1993-12-28 | 1994-06-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |