Patents Assigned to Steris Europe Inc. Suomen Sivuliike
  • Publication number: 20190231913
    Abstract: The invention relates to the sterilization of a load of goods with hydrogen peroxide vapor in a closed space. The method involves a sequence of creating a sub-atmospheric pressure in a sterilization chamber, introduction of vaporized hydrogen peroxide and the use of a gas circulation device within the sterilization chamber, whereby the output of the gas circulation device is controlled according to the pressure in the sterilization chamber. A uniform and consistent distribution of hydrogen peroxide throughout the load is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2019
    Publication date: August 1, 2019
    Applicant: STERIS EUROPE, INC. SUOMEN SIVULIIKE
    Inventors: Arja RULEY, Mauri SALMISUO
  • Patent number: 10293068
    Abstract: The invention relates to the sterilization of a load of goods with hydrogen peroxide vapor in a closed space. The method involves a sequence of creating a sub-atmospheric pressure in a sterilization chamber, introduction of vaporized hydrogen peroxide and the use of a gas circulation device within the sterilization chamber, whereby the output of the gas circulation device is controlled according to the pressure in the sterilization chamber. A uniform and consistent distribution of hydrogen peroxide throughout the load is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: STERIS EUROPE, INC. SUOMEN SIVULIIKE
    Inventors: Arja Ruley, Mauri Salmisuo
  • Patent number: 9629936
    Abstract: Vaporized hydrogen peroxide is used for decontamination of enclosed and sealed areas. It is capable of destroying all forms of microbial life. It is commonly produced from a solution of liquid H2O2 and water, by means of generators specifically designed for the purpose. The present invention provides a combined source for heating steam and vaporized hydrogen peroxide and a method for simultaneously supplying steam and vaporized hydrogen peroxide. A device according to the invention comprises a chamber adapted for receiving water through an inlet and expelling steam through an outlet. A vessel for receiving and vaporizing hydrogen peroxide solution is provided in close contact with the chamber. Heat from the water vapor in the chamber is allowed to supply the required energy for producing hydrogen peroxide vapor in the vessel from an aqueous solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: STERIS EUROPE, INC. SUOMEN SIVULIIKE
    Inventor: Mauri Salmisuo
  • Publication number: 20160235877
    Abstract: The invention relates to the sterilization of a load of goods with hydrogen peroxide vapor in a closed space. The method involves a sequence of creating a sub-atmospheric pressure in a sterilization chamber, introduction of vaporized hydrogen peroxide and the use of a gas circulation device within the sterilization chamber, whereby the output of the gas circulation device is controlled according to the pressure in the sterilization chamber. A uniform and consistent distribution of hydrogen peroxide throughout the load is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: STERIS EUROPE, INC. SUOMEN SIVULIIKE
    Inventors: Arja RULEY, Mauri SALMISUO
  • Publication number: 20150343107
    Abstract: Vaporized hydrogen peroxide is used for decontamination of enclosed and sealed areas. It is capable of destroying all forms of microbial life. It is commonly produced from a solution of liquid H2O2 and water, by means of generators specifically designed for the purpose. The present invention provides a combined source for heating steam and vaporized hydrogen peroxide and a method for simultaneously supplying steam and vaporized hydrogen peroxide. A device according to the invention comprises a chamber adapted for receiving water through an inlet and expelling steam through an outlet. A vessel for receiving and vaporizing hydrogen peroxide solution is provided in close contact with the chamber. Heat from the water vapor in the chamber is allowed to supply the required energy for producing hydrogen peroxide vapor in the vessel from an aqueous solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Applicant: STERIS EUROPE, INC. SUOMEN SIVULIIKE
    Inventor: Mauri SALMISUO
  • Patent number: 9108872
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for the separation of solids from a biowaste slurry before heat treatment, and for heat treatment of the separated solids. The device comprises a chamber with a main inlet port for feeding slurry, and outlet ports. A unit for separating solids is adapted to an outlet port so, that liquid leaving the chamber has passed through the separation unit. A second outlet port is provided directly from the chamber to allow removal, following sterilization, of solids collected in the chamber. The sterilization is secured by temperature monitoring at representative locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: STERIS Europe, Inc. Suomen Sivuliike
    Inventors: Mauri Salmisuo, Juha Mattila, Teppo Nurminen
  • Patent number: 8961874
    Abstract: According to the present invention a method for heat recovery in a device for the sterilization of biological material is provided. The present method eliminates the risk of contaminating the sterilized effluent with unsterilized biological material via the heat recovery system. In a device according to the invention, a heat recovery circuit is provided for transferring heat from the sterilized effluent stream to the biologically hazardous feed stream. Protection against contamination through leaks is obtained by maintaining at all times a pressure difference preventing biologically hazardous material from bypassing the heat treatment and flowing in the direction of the sterilized material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Steris Europe, Inc. Suomen sivuliike
    Inventor: Juha Mattila
  • Publication number: 20140251923
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for the separation of solids from a biowaste slurry before heat treatment, and for heat treatment of the separated solids. The device comprises a chamber with a main inlet port for feeding slurry, and outlet ports. A unit for separating solids is adapted to an outlet port so, that liquid leaving the chamber has passed through the separation unit. A second outlet port is provided directly from the chamber to allow removal, following sterilization, of solids collected in the chamber. The sterilization is secured by temperature monitoring at representative locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: STERIS EUROPE, INC. SUOMEN SIVULIIKE
    Inventors: Mauri Salmisuo, Juha Mattila, Teppo Nurminen
  • Patent number: 8764975
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for the separation of solids from a biowaste slurry before heat treatment, and for heat treatment of the separated solids. The device comprises a chamber with a main inlet port for feeding slurry, and outlet ports. A unit for separating solids is adapted to an outlet port so, that liquid leaving the chamber has passed through the separation unit. A second outlet port is provided directly from the chamber to allow removal, following sterilization, of solids collected in the chamber. The sterilization is secured by temperature monitoring at representative locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Steris Europe, Inc. Suomen Sivuliike
    Inventors: Mauri Salmisuo, Juha Mattila, Teppo Nurminen
  • Patent number: 8747772
    Abstract: The invention relates to the batch treatment of goods with gas, steam or vapor, for example sterilization and drying. The distribution of the medium surrounding the load (8) during all stages of such a process is important. According to the invention, movement of fluids within a batch treatment apparatus is achieved using a fluid ejector device (9), An apparatus for the gas, steam or vapor treatment of objects is provided, said apparatus having inside a closable chamber (1) at least one ejector device (9) of the type having a straight flow path for the secondary stream. Any particular fluid or mixture of different fluids entering the chamber during a treatment process may be introduced via an ejector device (9) in order to distribute the fluid around the load (8), or remove material deposited on the load (8). The invention eliminates the need for shaft seal arrangements involved with fans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Steris Europe, Inc. Suomen Sivuliike
    Inventors: Teppo Nurminen, Ilkka Laitinen
  • Patent number: 8574508
    Abstract: A method for cooling a jacketed autoclave or steam sterilizer by allowing a film of water to flow down as inner wall of the sterilizer's jacket. Condensate from the jacket space is drawn into a water ring pump. The water ring pump draws condensate from the lowest point of the jacket to a water side of the pump, and gas from the jacket to a normal suction inlet of the pump. During the process of cooling the sterilizer, a stream of water and air from the water ring pump is conducted to an upper part of the jacket of the steam sterilizer and is allowed to flow as a film down the inner wall of the jacket. Evaporation of the water is enhanced by lowering the pressure in the jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: STERIS Europe, Inc. Suomen Sivuliike
    Inventors: Mauri Salmisuo, Jani Pettersson
  • Publication number: 20100143218
    Abstract: The invention relates to the batch treatment of goods with gas, steam or vapor, for example sterilization and drying. The distribution of the medium surrounding the load (8) during all stages of such a process is important. According to the invention, movement of fluids within a batch treatment apparatus is achieved using a fluid ejector device (9), An apparatus for the gas, steam or vapor treatment of objects is provided, said apparatus having inside a closable chamber (1) at least one ejector device (9) of the type having a straight flow path for the secondary stream. Any particular fluid or mixture of different fluids entering the chamber during a treatment process may be introduced via an ejector device (9) in order to distribute the fluid around the load (8), or remove material deposited on the load (8). The invention eliminates the need for shaft seal arrangements involved with fans.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: STERIS Europe Inc. Suomen Sivuliike
    Inventors: Teppo Nurminen, Ilkka Laitinen
  • Patent number: 7670456
    Abstract: In a multi-effect falling-film evaporator, purified water for special purposes is produced. In each effect, a steam phase and a water phase is produced from the feed water. The steam phase is used for heating in the subsequent effect, whereby it condenses to product water, and the water phase becomes the feed stream for the subsequent effect. A reject stream is removed from the process to carry off impurities separated from the water. According to the invention, a reject stream is removed from each effect. Preferably, each reject stream is a condensed fraction of the steam generated in the respective effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: STERIS Europe Inc. Suomen Sivuliike
    Inventors: Teppo Nurminen, Mauri Salmisuo
  • Patent number: 7666281
    Abstract: Purified water for special purposes is produced using a falling-film multieffect evaporator. From the feed water, each effect produces a steam phase and a water phase. The steam phase is used for heating in the subsequent evaporating step, whereby the steam phase condenses to product water, and the water phase becomes feed water for the subsequent evaporation step. According to the invention, the product water may be wholly or partly recycled to the initial feed water, allowing process startup and sterilisation of the plant without conducting hot product water to the drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: STERIS Europe Inc. Suomen Sivuliike
    Inventors: Ilkka Olavi Laitinen, Teppo Nurminen, Mauri Salmisuo
  • Patent number: 7211229
    Abstract: Continuous biowaste sterilization process, the operability of which is ensured in such a way that during process startup, extreme conditions possibly coming into question during operation are simulated, i.e. the greatest possible flow rate and the lowest temperature of the feed flow. In the startup stage, a liquid to be sterlized is circulated in the apparatus, until the capacity has been ascertained, whereafter the discharge stream can be conducted to a sewer system. The apparatus according to the invention comprises, in the flow direction of the biowaste-containing liquid, a storage tank, at least one feed pump capable of delivering a constant flow, at least one heating unit, at least one cooling unit, and a circulation circuit for circulating the biowaste-containing liquid through the heating unit, as well as connecting piping and valves. By means of specific piping and valve arrangements it is also ensured that all parts of the apparatus can be sterilized for maintenance purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Steris Europe Inc. Suomen Sivuliike
    Inventors: Riku Hälli, Juha Mattila, Teppo Nurminen, Mauri Salmisuo
  • Patent number: 6830654
    Abstract: In the production of water vapor, particularly in the production of especially clean water vapor, dissolved gases, mainly atmospheric gases, are removed from feed water (2). The feed water is sprayed by a spray nozzle (3) mounted in a hemispherical chamber (1) in a spray pattern which matches an area of an upper end (4) of an arrangement of vertical feed tubes of a falling film evaporator. The dissolved gases are liberated quickly from the sprayed droplets and removed through outlets (5) in the hemispherical chamber. The sprayed droplets collect at the upper ends of the vertical evaporation channels and are distributed evenly thereamong before atmospheric gases can be redissolved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Steris Europe Inc Suomen Sivuliike
    Inventor: Mauri Salmisuo
  • Patent number: 6758970
    Abstract: Ceramic filter elements (1, 15, 26) have a feed surface covered with a ceramic filter membrane (4, 19). As a feed liquid flows over the feed surface, a portion of the liquid passes through the membrane and the filter and is discharged through a discharge surface as a permeate liquid flow. Between the feed and discharge surfaces, the filter element includes an impermeable surface portion (8, 24, 30) which contacts a seal or gasket assembly (17, 29). The seal or gasket assembly includes two seal portions (9, 10) which define a channel (12, 22, 31) in between. The channel connects with a discharge channel (11, 23, 32). In this manner, any liquid leaking between the filter element and another filter element or a housing (21, 27) enters the discharge channel (11, 23, 32). Liquid in the discharge channel indicates a leak in the seal and potential contamination of the permeate liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Steris Europe, Inc. Suomen Sivuliike
    Inventors: Teppo J. Nurminen, Martin J. Still
  • Patent number: 6656327
    Abstract: An evaporation product discharged from a lower end a falling-film evaporator enters a downpipe (7), makes a 180° turn at a bottom of the downpipe, and moves upward through an annular rising channel (9) defined between the downpipe and an intermediate housing (10). As the evaporation product moves along a spiral path (12) defined by the spiral fins, centrifugal forces urges water droplets and impurities to a radial outward periphery where they pass through openings (13) in the intermediate shell as pure steam continues through the spiral path and out a pure steam outlet (21). A cooling jacket (15) chills a peripheral wall of an outer shell (14) adjacent the holes such that the discharged water droplets condense on the outer shell and flow down a reject water return path to a reject water reservoir at the bottom of the outer shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Steris Europe, Inc. Suomen Sivuliike
    Inventor: Mauri J. Salmisuo
  • Patent number: 5238964
    Abstract: A method for the treatment of cerebrovascular contraction in mammals involving administration of a pharmaceutical composition containing as an effective ingredient a p-guanidinobenzoic acid derivative represented by the formula ##STR1## wherein R denotes a group represented by the formula ##STR2## or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Torii & Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruhiko Kikuchi, Hiroji Yanamoto