Abstract: A door locking mechanism for a sterilizer that minimizes the occurrence of jamming during operation, and that can be manually actuated if necessary. The door locking mechanism abuts the door of the sterilizer, and comprises a hingedly connected locking arm to permit the locking arm to move between a locked position and an unlocked position. A sensor arm arranged adjacent to the locking arm detects pressure from from an extendible portion of the door as it engages the locking mechanism. The sensor arm causes the actuation of a motor that permits the locking arm to move from the unlocked position to the locked position, in which the locking arm engages and retains the extendible portion to secure the closure of the door.

Abstract: A container for washing, sterilization, transportation and sterile storage of articles for sterilization is provided. The container includes a sleeve and a frame adapted to receive articles for sterilization. The container includes at least one filtered opening to permit communication between the sterilization apparatus and the sterilization chamber for the communication of steam and air. In a first configuration, a front and rear wall of the frame engage the sleeve to create a sterilization chamber. The container may be stacked and stored in any orientation. In a second configuration, the frame rests or nests on top of the sleeve to permit access to and use of the sterilized articles. The container, may include one or a plurality of openings for communication between a sterilization apparatus and the sterilization chamber and one or more filters adjacent to the pluralities of openings.

Abstract: A fluid cooler, fluid cooler core and method of condensing gas is disclosed. The fluid cooler includes a container for a liquid transfer medium. The container includes first and second hot fluid inlets, first and second cooled liquid outlets, a cooling liquid inlet, and a cooling liquid outlet. A first conduit extends within the container and fluidly couples the first hot fluid inlet to the first cooled liquid outlet. A second conduit extends within the container and fluidly couples the second hot fluid inlet to the second cooled liquid outlet. A third conduit extends within the container and fluidly couples the cooling liquid inlet to the cooling liquid outlet. The first, second, and third conduits are positioned to be at least partially submerged in the liquid transfer medium when the container contains the liquid transfer medium.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for drying instruments using superheated steam is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a chamber for receiving the instruments, a distribution means for distributing superheated steam within the chamber and an exhaust means for purging vaporized moisture from the chamber. The chamber has at least one inlet port which is connected to the distribution means. The method comprises sterilizing the instruments using saturated steam generated by the steam generation means and drying the instruments using superheated steam generated by the steam generation means to vaporize moisture within the chamber and purging the vaporized moisture from the chamber using the exhaust means.

Abstract: A sterilizer for medical instruments is compact and designed to be placed on a table top. The sterilizer provides includes a cavity for receiving a cassette holding the instruments to be sterilized. A stream circuit provides steam to the cassette for sterilization, and the time required for sterilization is reduced by withdrawing air from the cassette by application of a vacuum. The cavity is evacuated at the same time as the cassette to prevent application of high stresses to the cassette during the vacuum-assisted withdrawal of air. The time for sterilization is further reduced by use of dual heat exchangers to reduce the volume removed from the cassette.

Abstract: A steam on demand generator uses a stainless steel cup and cap arrangement and hollow cone spray nozzle. The nozzle directs a cone of water onto a wall of the cup. A heating device and a thermocouple are brazed to the cup, with the thermocouple positioned on a part of the wall to enhance control of the operation and steam generation.

Abstract: A novel method for cleaning dental and medical instruments is disclosed, in which a cleaning solution including a low-residue corrosion inhibitor is used not only in a wash stage of the cleaning cycle, but also in at least one subsequent rinse cycle, to optimize both cleaning and rust prevention. A novel cleaning solution particularly suited to this method has a neutral to alkaline pH and comprises in aqueous solution a low-foaming surfactant and a corrosion inhibitor selected from the group of C4-C16 alkyl pyrrolidones and C1-C18 alkylamines.