Determining quantitative degree of ethylene oxide exposure in sterilization processes
Abstract
Abstract A method of quantitatively determining the amount of exposure of an object to ethylene oxide gas. A pre-weighed ethylene oxide-permeable container, which encloses a predetermined amount of catalyst for the reaction of the ethylene oxide gas to form a liquid, is placed adjacent to the object. The object and container are then exposed to ethylene oxide gas for controlled time and at a known humidity and temperature. The container is then reweighed. The weight gain of the container is a quantitative indication of the amount of exposure to ethylene oxide gas. The test system may be calibrated against its effect in known concentrations of ethylene oxide gas, so that the precise amount of exposure to ethylene oxide gas can be determined.
Inventors
- 👤 J. Barry Murtaugh
- 👤 Dean G. Laurin
- 👤 John E. Kling
- 👤 Archie G. Woodworth
Bibliographic Details
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-12-26 | 1987-06-27 | 1987-12-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-12-26 | 1991-06-27 | 1991-12-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-12-26 | 1995-06-27 | 1995-12-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |