US6063631A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Sterilization indicator
Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Co
•
Filing: 1997-05-21
•
Granted: 2000-05-16
•
Expires: 2017-05-21
Abstract
Abstract A sterilization indicator includes a substrate and indicator composition. The indicator composition contains a colorant, such as acid fuchsin, that undergoes a distinct color change if exposed to hydrogen peroxide vapor. The sterilization indicator can be used to monitor a sterilization process involving hydrogen peroxide vapor.
Inventors
- 👤 Ramon T. Ignacio
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 15:06
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61L; A61L2/00; A61L2/16; A61L2/18; A61L2/186; A61L2/02; A61L2/14; A61L2/20; A61L2/208; A61L2/26; A61L2/28; G; G01; G01N; G01N31/00; G01N31/22; G01N31/223; G01N31/226; G01N31/228; A61L2103/00; A61L2103/05; A61L2103/15; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T436/00; Y10T436/20; Y10T436/206664
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
73 words
A method of monitoring a sterilization process including the use of hydrogen peroxide vapor, comprising: exposing an item to be sterilized and an indicator composition containing acid fuchsin to hydrogen peroxide vapor, wherein during said exposure to said hydrogen peroxide vapor, hydrogen peroxide chemically reacts with said acid fuchsin to cause a distinct color change in said indicator composition by said acid fuchsin becoming substantially colorless after chemically reacting with said hydrogen peroxide.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
73 words
A method of monitoring a sterilization process including the use of hydrogen peroxide vapor, comprising: exposing an item to be sterilized and an indicator composition containing acid fuchsin to hydrogen peroxide vapor, wherein during said exposure to said hydrogen peroxide vapor, hydrogen peroxide chemically reacts with said acid fuchsin to cause a distinct color change in said indicator composition by said acid fuchsin becoming substantially colorless after chemically reacting with said hydrogen peroxide.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said indicator composition is carried on a substrate.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 2, wherein said substrate comprises a polyester strip.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said item comprises a medical instrument.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said item and said indicator composition are exposed to hydrogen peroxide vapor for at least 15 minutes.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 5, wherein the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in said hydrogen peroxide vapor is at least 30%.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in said hydrogen peroxide vapor is at least 30%.
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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) | 2003-05-16 | 2003-11-15 | 2004-05-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-05-16 | 2007-11-15 | 2008-05-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-05-16 | 2011-11-15 | 2012-05-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |