US5498526A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Bacillus circulans based biological indicator for gaseous sterilants
Assignee: DePuy Orthopaedics Inc
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Filing: 1993-08-25
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Granted: 1996-03-12
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Expires: 2013-08-25
Abstract
Abstract Biological indicators are provided for use in validating and routinely monitoring oxidizing gas sterilizations. The biological indicators are based on Bacillus circulans spores that are enclosed in packages with sufficient permeability to admit a sterilizing amount of vapor while being substantially bacteria impermeable.
Inventors
- 👤 Ross A. Caputo
- 👤 Phillip A. Martens
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 15:32
CPC Classifications
C; C12; C12Q; C12Q1/00; C12Q1/02; C12Q1/22; G; G01; G01N; G01N31/00; G01N31/22; G01N31/226; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S435/00; Y10S435/8215; Y10S435/822; Y10S435/832; Y10S435/835
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
84 words
A method for monitoring a sterilizing process, comprising: disposing a biological indicator in a sterilizing chamber, the biological indicator including a selected number of viable Bacillus circulans spores inoculated onto a carrier; exposing the biological indicator to at least one sterilant being in gaseous form; removing the biological indicator from the sterilizing chamber; analyzing or having the carrier analyzed for spore growth wherein the analysis is by incubating the carrier spores under spore growth conditions; and determining a number of surviving spores, if any.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
84 words
A method for monitoring a sterilizing process, comprising: disposing a biological indicator in a sterilizing chamber, the biological indicator including a selected number of viable Bacillus circulans spores inoculated onto a carrier; exposing the biological indicator to at least one sterilant being in gaseous form; removing the biological indicator from the sterilizing chamber; analyzing or having the carrier analyzed for spore growth wherein the analysis is by incubating the carrier spores under spore growth conditions; and determining a number of surviving spores, if any.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method as in claim 1 wherein the at least one sterilant in gaseous form comprises an oxidizing gas.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method as in claim 1 wherein the at least one sterilant in gaseous form comprises peracetic acid vapor, hydrogen peroxide vapor or a mixture of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide vapors, and another sterilant that includes a plasma generated from oxygen or a gas mixture of oxygen and one or more of argon, helium, nitrogen, and hydrogen.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method as in claim 1 wherein the sterilizing chamber is evacuated before the exposing step.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of in claim 4 wherein the evacuation is to a reduced pressure of from about 0.1 to about 10 torr.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method as in claim 1 wherein the at least one sterilant comprises peracetic acid vapor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method as in claim 1 wherein the at least one sterilant comprises hydrogen peroxide vapor.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method as in claim 1 wherein the at least one sterilant comprises a mixture of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide vapors.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method as in claim 1 wherein the at least one sterilant comprises a plasma generated from oxygen or a gas mixture of oxygen and one or more of argon, helium, nitrogen, and hydrogen.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method as in claim 1 wherein the exposing step further comprises further exposing to a second sterilant after exposure to the at least one sterilant.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method as in claim 10 wherein the at least one sterilant comprises peracetic acid vapor, hydrogen peroxide vapor, or a mixture of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide vapors.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method as in claim 10 wherein the second sterilant comprises a plasma generated from oxygen or a gas mixture of oxygen and one or more of argon, helium, nitrogen, and hydrogen.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method as in claim 1 wherein the at least one sterilant comprises an antimicrobial vapor and another sterilant derived from a plasma.
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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) | 1999-03-12 | 1999-09-11 | 2000-03-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-03-12 | 2003-09-11 | 2004-03-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-03-12 | 2007-09-11 | 2008-03-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |