Abstract: A sterilization indicator having a compound that is of the heating type when put into contact with atoms of oxygen O and/or nitrogen N; and a thermochromic dye, in thermal contact with the compound.

Abstract: The invention provides a sterilization indicator (17), characterized in that it comprises: a compound (21) that is of the heating type when put into contact with atoms of oxygen O and/or nitrogen N; and a thermochromic dye (19), in thermal contact with the compound (21).

Abstract: A device for producing a gas plasma by ionisation of a gas using a microwave source of determined nominal power (Pn), includes a magnetron 7 receiving its electric energy from a supply circuit. The device is characterized in that the power (Pd) delivered by the supply circuit to the magnetron 7 is no more than one quarter of the nominal power (Pn) of the magnetron 7.

Abstract: A device used for the sterilization of objects (19), in particular medical or surgical instruments, is of the type that can create a gaseous plasma from a gas flow which is subjected to an electric field. The resulting post-discharge flow is brought into contact with the surface of the objects to be treated. The device is characterized in that the gas flow includes exclusively nitrogen. Moreover, the device include a device for heating the aforementioned objects, which can heat the objects to a temperature of at least 60° C. during treatment. A method of using the device is also described.

Abstract: The invention provides a sterilization indicator (17), characterized in that it comprises: a compound (21) that is of the heating type when put into contact with atoms of oxygen O and/or nitrogen N; and a thermochromic dye (19), in thermal contact with the compound (21).

Abstract: A device for producing a gas plasma by ionisation of a gas using a microwave source of determined nominal power (Pn), includes a magnetron 7 receiving its electric energy from a supply circuit. The device is characterized in that the power (Pd) delivered by the supply circuit to the magnetron 7 is no more than one quarter of the nominal power (Pn) of the magnetron 7.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing objects (19), in particular medical or surgical instruments, includes subjecting a gas stream circulating in a chamber wherein an industrial vacuum is created to the action of an electric field so as to create a gaseous plasma whereof the post-discharge stream which is derived therefrom is admitted into a sterilizing chamber where it is contacted with the surface of the objects to be treated. The device is characterized in that the gas stream consists of a mixture of nitrogen, and of an amount of hydrogen less than 5%. It includes elements for heating the objects capable of bringing the latter, during treatment, to a temperature not less than 60° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device which is used for the sterilisation of objects (19), in particular medical or surgical instruments. The inventive device is of the type that can create a gaseous plasma from a gas flow which is subjected to an electric field. According to the invention, the resulting post-discharge flow is brought into contact with the surface of the objects to be treated. The device is characterized in that the gas flow comprises exclusively nitrogen. Moreover, the device comprise means for heating the aforementioned objects, which can heat said objects to a temperature of at least 60° C. during treatment. The invention also relates to a method of using the device.

Abstract: An oleopneumatic shock absorbing device including a hydraulic fluid-filled cylinder (1) combined with a movable assembly moved by outside forces for circulating the hydraulic fluid. The movable assembly consists of a hollow mobile piston (3) on the end of a push rod (2) with an internal longitudinal space (13) forming a reservoir for the hydraulic fluid. When the piston (3) and the push rod (2) are moved, the fluid flows through a variable flow-rate transfer channel (11) providing variable, e.g. gradual shock absorption throughout both the outward stroke and the return stroke.