US4943414A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for vapor sterilizaton of articles having lumens
Assignee: Ethicon Inc
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Filing: 1987-07-30
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Granted: 1990-07-24
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Expires: 2007-07-30
Abstract
Abstract A method and device for enhancing the vapor sterilization of the lumen of medical instruments and like articles under reduced pressure. A vessel containing a small amount of a vaporizable liquid sterilant solution is attached to the lumen. The sterilant vaporizes and flows directly into the lumen of the article as the pressure is reduced for the sterilization cycle.
Inventors
- 👤 Paul T. Jacobs
- 👤 Ronald F. Berry
- 👤 Toby A. Soto
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 14:08
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/12; A61B1/121; A61L; A61L2/00; A61L2/16; A61L2/20; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S220/00; Y10S220/07
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
89 words
In a method for vapor sterilization of an article having a narrow lumen therein which comprises disposing the article within a chamber, evacuating the chamber, and introducing a first supply of antimicrobial vapor into said chamber to contact and sterilize said article, the improvement comprising connecting a vessel containing a second supply of antimicrobial solution to the lumen of said article prior to disposing the article in the chamber whereby antimicrobial vapor derived from said second supply of antimicrobial solution is introduced directly into said lumen of said article.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
89 words
In a method for vapor sterilization of an article having a narrow lumen therein which comprises disposing the article within a chamber, evacuating the chamber, and introducing a first supply of antimicrobial vapor into said chamber to contact and sterilize said article, the improvement comprising connecting a vessel containing a second supply of antimicrobial solution to the lumen of said article prior to disposing the article in the chamber whereby antimicrobial vapor derived from said second supply of antimicrobial solution is introduced directly into said lumen of said article.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said antimicrobial is hydrogen peroxide.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said antimicrobial solution is a 20 to 50 percent by weight aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said vessel is connected to the lumen of said article by means of an expandable flexible sheath.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said article and said vessel containing the second supply of antimicrobial solution attached thereto is packaged in an air permeable, bacterial barrier material prior to being disposed in the chamber.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 5 wherein said article is a medical instrument.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 6 wherein said medical instrument is an endoscope.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 5 wherein said article is tubing.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said chamber is evacuated to a pressure of less than about 50 torr.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said chamber is maintained at a pressure of less than 20 torr while said antimicrobial vapor is in contact with said article.
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) | 1993-07-23 | 1994-01-22 | 1994-07-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-07-23 | 1998-01-22 | 1998-07-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-07-23 | 2002-01-22 | 2002-07-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |