Constituting Treating Chamber Patents (Class 422/299)
  • Patent number: 10875675
    Abstract: There is described a packaging apparatus for forming a plurality of sealed packages from a tube of a web of packaging material which is continuously filled with a pourable product. The packaging apparatus comprises a delimiting element arranged, in use, within the tube and being designed to divide the tube, in use, in a first space and a second space. The packaging apparatus also comprises a pressurizing device for pressurizing the second space by a sterile gas withdrawn from the inner environment of an isolation chamber within which the tube is formed. Furthermore, the delimiting element is also designed to allow, in use, a leakage flow of sterile gas from the second space into the first space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.
    Inventors: Paolo Benedetti, Filippo Ferrarini, Nicola Garuti, Paolo Sanibondi, Yutaka Kaneko
  • Patent number: 8808638
    Abstract: A retort sterilization device includes a water steam generation device for generating water steam and a heating pot, connected to the water steam generation device, for accommodating retort food. The water steam generation device includes a heat exchanger for performing heat exchange between liquid flowing in a liquid path and heating vapor flowing in the vapor path. A top end of the liquid path of the heat exchanger is connected via a water steam supply pipe to a water steam ejection section located in an internal area of the heating pot. The heat exchanger is connected to a liquid container. A bottom end of the liquid path of the heat exchanger is connected to the liquid container via a communicating tube. The liquid container is coupled to the heating pot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignees: Tomoda Selling & Sailing Co., Ltd., Tomoda Fisheries Co., Ltd., Houshou Co., Ltd, Wakisangyou Yugenkaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tomoda, Norio Kadowaki, Hironobu Tomoda, Manabu Moriwaki, Satoru Kadowaki
  • Patent number: 8747771
    Abstract: A pressure vessel and a drum rotatably arranged inside which has an inner space for material that is introduced into the pressure vessel. In various embodiments, a drive mechanism rotates the drum in relation to the pressure vessel. The drive mechanism can include a motor that can be located inside the pressure vessel in an interspace between the drum and the pressure vessel. Some embodiments include a door to close an opening of the pressure vessel and a part of the door can extend into an open end of the drum when the door is closed to keep the material in the drum and out of the interspace. In particular embodiments, a steam supply conduit extends into the drum at the closed end of the pressure vessel. In some embodiments, a helical agitation blade in the drum moves the material away from or toward the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Sanciflex AB
    Inventors: Per-Arne Froderberg, Melvin R. Madeley, Anna-Lena Seedhill
  • Patent number: 8741102
    Abstract: The device for evaporating a treatment liquid comprises a cylindrical enclosure having an outlet orifice opening out into the top end of the enclosure, the enclosure being placed vertically and having a heated inside wall, and liquid nozzles associated with a blow pipe for blowing air under pressure so as to form a jet comprising a mixture of air and of pulverized treatment liquid in a direction that is tangential to the inside wall of the enclosure, each liquid nozzle and the associated blow pipe being arranged so that the jet of mixture is formed in an upper portion of the enclosure and is downwardly inclined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Serac Group
    Inventor: Bertrand Gruson
  • Patent number: 8431085
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating material includes a pressure vessel and an agitation device for agitating the material received in the pressure vessel. The agitation device may include a drum which may be rotatably arranged inside the pressure vessel and which has an inner space for receiving the material that is introduced into the pressure vessel. The agitation device may include one or more agitation blades mounted in the drum so as to act on the material received in the inner space of the drum as the drum rotates in relation to the pressure vessel. A drive mechanism may rotate the drum in relation to the pressure vessel. Waste, such as garbage, may be treated with steam and pressure using the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Sanciflex AB
    Inventors: Per-Arne Fröderberg, Melvin R. Madeley, Anna-Lena Seedhill
  • Patent number: 8404191
    Abstract: Biowaste sterilizers are described. In one implementation an exemplary system has waste transport vessels that can be intermittently heated and pressurized, for example, with steam, and are interconnected to provide multiple sterilization pathways for waste as the waste is transported. Selected sterilization pathways may depend on attributes of the waste. Sterilization factors, such as mechanical shredding, application of steam, application of pressure, maintenance of temperature, separation of liquid, etc., are integrated into the waste transport features of the system, which can be made compact to save space while processing relatively large bulk amounts of materials, such as medical wastes. The system maintains safe isolation of bio-hazardous components in the waste from the external environment. A system controller provides parameters management, smart sterilization cycle control, quality assurance, safety management, diagnostics, and reporting over a network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Globe-Tek LLC
    Inventor: Donald L Sampson
  • Patent number: 8354072
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to corrosion management systems designed to deliver corrosion protection and/or the management of corrosion to a top portion of an enclosure (e.g., storage tanks, cisterns, containers, etc.). In one embodiment, the present invention relates to corrosion management systems designed to deliver corrosion protection and/or the management of corrosion to a top portion, or roof portion, of an enclosure where such a system includes one or more dispensers designed to deliver at least one corrosion inhibitor to a system designed to protect a top portion of an enclosure (e.g., storage tanks, cisterns, containers, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Northern Technologies International Corporation
    Inventors: Efim Ya Lyublinski, Yefim Vaks
  • Patent number: 8323582
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for quantitatively supplying a liquid in a plasma sterilization system. The device includes a quantitative cylinder, a quantitative piston and a quantitative basket. The quantitative cylinder includes a quantitative inlet pipe, which is configured such that the outlet of a liquid container is inserted thereinto, and a liquid in the liquid container is vertically supplied to the quantitative cylinder, and a quantitative outlet pipe, which is configured such that the liquid is vertically drained from the quantitative cylinder. The quantitative piston is configured to rectilinearly reciprocate in the quantitative cylinder, and is provided with a quantitative transfer depression, which is formed in the leading end thereof to a predetermined depth. The quantitative basket is configured to quantitatively receive the liquid according to the rectilinear reciprocation of the quantitative piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Human Meditek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jung Suek Ko
  • Patent number: 8318104
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating waste comprises a gravity drop steam heating tower for heating the waste to the biological kill temperature using pressurized steam, a first feed member for feeding the waste to be sterilized to the gravity drop steam heating tower, and a vaporization system. The vaporization system includes a heating chamber for facilitating vaporization of liquids in the waste, a conveying member for conveying the waste from the lower end portion of the gravity drop steam heating tower into and through the heating chamber, and a vaporization chamber for receiving the waste from the heating chamber and for releasing vapor entrained in the waste into the vaporization chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventors: Robert W. Lewis, Timothy Barrett
  • Patent number: 8282892
    Abstract: Bio-waste sterilizers are described. In one implementation an exemplary system has waste transport vessels that can be intermittently heated and pressurized, for example, with steam, and are interconnected to provide multiple sterilization pathways for waste as the waste is transported. Selected sterilization pathways may depend on attributes of the waste. Sterilization factors, such as mechanical shredding, application of steam, application of pressure, maintenance of temperature, separation of liquid, etc., are integrated into the waste transport features of the system, which can be made compact to save space while processing relatively large bulk amounts of materials, such as medical wastes. The system maintains safe isolation of bio-hazardous components in the waste from the external environment. A system controller provides parameters management, smart sterilization cycle control, quality assurance, safety management, diagnostics, and reporting over a network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Globe-Tek LLC
    Inventor: Donald L. Sampson
  • Patent number: 8221679
    Abstract: A free radical decontamination method and system. The system is comprised of a chamber defining a region, and a generator for generating free radical reach effluent from a free radical electric generator and hydrogen peroxide solution with water. A closed loop circulating system is provided for supplying the mixture of free radicals from the electric generator mixed with the hydrogen peroxide solution in the form of the effluent to the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: Czeslaw Golkowski
  • Patent number: 8114249
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for monitoring an evaporator (2), whereby a liquid is applied onto a heating unit (3) and evaporated and the temperature drop caused by the evaporation heat in the heating unit (3) is detected. In the absence of a predetermined temperature drop, a signal is generated. In this way, the evaporation process can be controlled in a simple manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Rupert Meinzinger, Manfred Ziegler
  • Patent number: 7988930
    Abstract: A portable, lightweight, easy-to-carry, reusable, durable, and environmentally-friendly assembly for sterilizing contaminated equipment using conditions of a chemical sterilant, heat, and humidity generated in situ without requiring external electricity, fuels, or other exogenous energy sources for operation. The carry assembly includes a plastic carry-case or insulated aluminum pressure vessel having an inner chamber for accepting microbiologically contaminated objects, a vessel disposed in the chamber for serving as a reaction chamber and/or boiler, a chemical combination which upon mixing generates at least minimally sufficient conditions of the sterilant, heat, and humidity to effect sterilization of the objects, and outlet valves mounted on the carry-case for controllably venting pressures above ambient air pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Christopher Doona, Maria Curtin, Florence Feeherry, Satish Kandlikar, David Baer, Kenneth Kustin, Irwin A. Taub, Barbara Taub, legal representative, Albert T. McManus
  • Patent number: 7976791
    Abstract: A portable, lightweight, easy-to-carry, reusable, durable, and environmentally-friendly assembly for sterilizing contaminated equipment using conditions of a chemical sterilant, heat, and humidity generated in situ without requiring external electricity, fuels, or other exogenous energy sources for operation. The carry assembly includes a plastic carry-case or insulated aluminum pressure vessel having an inner chamber for accepting microbiologically contaminated objects, a vessel disposed in the chamber for serving as a reaction chamber and/or boiler, a chemical combination which upon mixing generates at least minimally sufficient conditions of the sterilant, heat, and humidity to effect sterilization of the objects, and outlet valves mounted on the carry-case for controllably venting pressures above ambient air pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Christopher Doona, Maria Curtin, Florence Feeherry, Satish Kandlikar, David Baer, Kenneth Kustin, Irwin A. Taub, Barbara Taub, legal representative, Albert T. McManus
  • Patent number: 7951342
    Abstract: A sterilizer (20) is provided having a steam filled sterilizer chamber (24) for sterilizer articles placed within the chamber (24). An electronic air valve (186) is provided to control the venting rate of the steam is vented back to a water reservoir (140) after the articles have been sterilized. The electronic air valve (186) also vents the chamber (24) in a controlled manner during the heat up portion of the sterilization cycle to obtain an optimum saturated steam environment with the chamber (24) for the sterilizing process. The sterilizer (20) has pre-programmed and programmable sterilization cycles. And the drying times of each of these cycles is programmable by a user. The programmable sterilization cycles also provide a programmable vent rate which may be selected by the user to minimize damage to the sterilized articles. A steam condensing coil (200) is associated with the water reservoir (140) to minimize pressure build up within the water reservoir (140).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Midmark Corporation
    Inventors: Gary W. Benning, Michael J. Coyle, Ronald A. Gatchell, Richard L. Jones, Philip Marc Stewart
  • Patent number: 7850904
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to continuously feed an object to be treated to a high-pressure reactor which treats the object to be treated containing 10 mass % or more of water under high pressure, while preventing backflow of a high-pressure atmosphere from the high-pressure reactor. This is embodied by making a configuration such that the object to be treated is fed to the high-pressure reactor connected to a discharge port of a screw feeder which is provided with a feed unit for the object to be treated and the discharge port on one end side and the other end side respectively and forms a high-pressure atmosphere pressurized to, for example, 2 MPa or higher, while air-tightness between the high-pressure atmosphere and the one end side of the screw feeder is maintained by a sealing action of an accumulation compressed on the other end side of the screw feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: The Japan Steel Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuaki Osato, Muneo Omura, Yoshinori Suto, Koji Tamura, Masao Tsurui, Takeshi Yamaguchi, Jin Ogawa, Yoshihiko Iwamoto, Jun Kakizaki
  • Patent number: 7727494
    Abstract: A child care storage having a steam sterilizing apparatus, wherein the steam sterilizing apparatus includes an outer tub defined by walls of a steam sterilizing compartment; a hollow upstanding coupling member installed on the center bottom of the outer tub and having an interlocking hole formed at its top; an inner tub inserted inside the outer tub for accommodating infant accessories therein, the inner tub having a reception hole formed at its bottom center and a latch part formed along the circumference of its bottom center; an evaporation vessel having a flange along its circumference, the flange being coupled to the latch part of the inner tub; a flat-type heater installed under a rear bottom surface of the evaporation vessel; and a supporting plate for placing the flat-type heater thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Young Jae Kim
  • Patent number: 7449330
    Abstract: A bioreactor apparatus for processing waste, comprising a cylindrical pressure vessel having an inlet end and an exit end, an internally rotating main shaft having spaced apart ends, and a plurality of paddles and agitator bars attached to and extending radially from the shaft. At least some of the plurality of paddles and/or agitator bars extend radially outward from the shaft and form a helical spiral pattern when viewed from either of the spaced apart ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Bouldin Corporation
    Inventor: Floyd E. Bouldin
  • Patent number: 7431900
    Abstract: A hydrogen peroxide vapor generation unit (10) receives hydrogen peroxide and water solution at an interface (20) and interconnects with an air dryer (14) by way of nipples (72, 92). In one embodiment, the dryer includes a clamping assembly (42) which is latched (74, 94) with the nipples and which receives a disposable desiccant cartridge (40). In an alternate embodiment, a reusable desiccant cartridge (40?) is connected directly to the nipples (72, 92). When the desiccant cartridge (40?) is saturated, it is removed and placed in a regenerator unit (120). A regenerated cartridge is installed in its place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Steris Inc
    Inventors: Aaron L. Hill, Arthur T. Nagare, Frank E. Dougherty, Stanley M. Voyten
  • Patent number: 7378067
    Abstract: An article 100 and realted methods for reducing a microbial population on an article 168, wherein apparatus 100 includes a chamber in an article-holding basket 164 retains article 168 in an up-right position within the cahbmer an enclosing article 168. A heating system 172 introduces dry heat, moist heat, and, if desired, a combination of moist heat and dry heat into the chamber. A fluid supply system delivers a predetermine amount of fluid to a heating reservoir 174, which is disposed above heating system 172 to provide the moist heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Germ Terminator Corporation
    Inventors: James Song, H. Bart Berens
  • Patent number: 6839982
    Abstract: A combination dryer and atomized medicinal liquid apparatus and shoe or boot drying attachment, wherein the apparatus accommodates the placement of a shoe and/or boot drying attachment on an upper surface thereon. The attachment rests upon the upper surface of the dryer and atomized medicinal apparatus covering the air discharge outlets and channeling the generated air through two vertically disposed tubes. The tubes have a fixed end adjacent the attachment and a free end with an opening for transmitting or transferring the air to a shoe or boot placed thereon. A support ring circumscribes the tubes and supports a shoe(s) or boot(s) placed thereon, thereby promoting efficient drying and/or treatment of the shoe or boot by the apparatus and attachment combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Alford Odell Hoover
  • Patent number: 6800246
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for significantly reducing the biological load on consumer products such as food products, spices, produce, botanicals, cosmetic ingredients, barrels, pallets, crates, birdseed and medical products is disclosed. The method involves applying a continuous stream of saturated steam to a material in a sealed biological burden reduction chamber. The continuous stream of saturated steam is created in said chamber by correlating a desired temperature to pressure based on the use of Saturated Steam Tables. The apparatus includes: (a) a bioburden reduction chamber; (b) a temperature controller; (c) an air injection system; (d) a steam injection system; and (e) an evacuation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Cosmed Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David Howe, Michael Howe, Marek Janasek
  • Publication number: 20040126274
    Abstract: An article 100 and realted methods for reducing a microbial population on an article 168, wherein apparatus 100 includes a chamber in an article-holding basket 164 retains article 168 in an up-right position within the cahbmer an enclosing article 168. A heating system 172 introduces dry heat, moist heat, and, if desired, a combination of moist heat and dry heat into the chamber. A fluid supply system delivers a predetermine amount of fluid to a heating reservoir 174, which is disposed above heating system 172 to provide the moist heat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: James Song, H. Bart Berens
  • Patent number: 6746646
    Abstract: A biosolids treatment system comprising a storage tank for containing a quantity of biosolids sludge, a system of disinfection piping within the storage tank comprised of a segment of inner biosolids piping having a plurality of holes spirally arranged at a desired spacing around its perimeter concentrically arranged with a segment of outer steam piping, delivery pumps for delivering a quantity of biosolids to the storage tank, biosolids pumps for delivering a flow of biosolids from the storage tank to the inner biosolids piping; and steam pumps for delivering a flow of steam to the outer steam piping and thereby injecting a flow of steam from the outer steam piping into the inner biosolids piping for thermally disinfecting the flow of biosolids in the inner biosolids piping. The system includes computerized controls for continuously and simultaneously monitoring and operating the biosolids and steam pump means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Phoenix Resource Recovery, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph A. Winkler
  • Patent number: 6705023
    Abstract: A combination dryer and atomized medicinal liquid apparatus for feet is provided having a housing with two slightly recessed footprints shaped concavities formed wihtin the top. A plurality of air discharge outlets discharge a pressurized stream of warm air in conjunction with an atomized stream of antifungal or other medicinal liquid upward onto the sole area of the user's feet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventor: Alford Odell Hoover
  • Patent number: 6696028
    Abstract: A biological analysis system including at least one receptacle of a biological sample to be analyzed, a part associated with the receptacle incorporating an electronic circuit including a memory and a contactless transmitter, and a biological analysis device including a receiver circuit, a comparator, and means to prevent operation in the absence of positive detection of a sample linked to an analysis, storage or operation to be performed, with positive detection being linked to an identification zone smaller than about 20 cm, wherein the comparator compares data transmitted by an electronic circuit incorporated in the part, with data transmitted by the circuit incorporated in the part pertaining to the analysis, storage or operation to be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Central Labo Europe S.A.R.L.
    Inventor: Nicolas Bara
  • Publication number: 20030124024
    Abstract: A dehydrating and sanitizing device for baby stuff includes a bowl with a heating member received therein and an inclined plate is connected to the heating member so as to guide water to flow in a collection drawer located at a lower edge of the inclined plate. Several sanitizing bulbs are connected to the inside of the bowl. A rack is located in the bowl for the nursing bottles and teats being put thereon and a cover is mounted to an open top of the bowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: Yuan-Fu Chang
  • Publication number: 20030095891
    Abstract: A sterilizing apparatus and method in which a sanitizing device detects pressure of steam rather than temperature. The pressure is related to a desired temperature, but detection of pressure means that temperature sensors do not need to be exposed to the steam. In addition, the steam can be fully saturated, and sterilization can be obtained without the need for a drying cycle. The liquid does not need to be reused in the apparatus, ensuring that biofilm contamination of articles can be substantially reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: William O'Neal
  • Publication number: 20030086848
    Abstract: Ultraviolet radiation is used to disinfect air (105) in a flow tube (110), where the flow tube (110) includes total internal reflecting features (120) on a portion of its external surface and said ultraviolet radiation propagates through a portion of the flow tube via total internal reflection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Saccomanno
  • Publication number: 20030012689
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for testing one or more sterilization indicators (e.g., biological indicators or chemical indicators) or other articles by contacting them under controlled sterilization conditions with a flowing antimicrobial gas containing hydrogen peroxide vapor are disclosed. This invention also provides apparatus and method for testing sterilization processes that use a flowing antimicrobial gas containing hydrogen peroxide vapor under controlled sterilization conditions, or for testing materials for such processes under controlled sterilization conditions, or for testing both such processes and such materials under controlled sterilization conditions. There can be an essentially square-wave contact of the sterilization indicators or other articles with the antimicrobial gas (i.e.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: PHARMACEUTICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Ross A. Caputo, Robert R. Reich, Robert J. Thrash, Jimmy Fisher, Davoud Khorzad, Thomas F. Cullen
  • Publication number: 20030007915
    Abstract: The invention relates to an autoclave for sterilising medical and in particular dental appliances and instruments, with a chamber (13), in which the appliances to be sterilised are located, with a steam generator (5), connected with the chamber (13) and a condensate pipe (34) connecting the chamber (13) with a condenser (19), and a further pipe (39) connecting the condenser (19) with a vacuum pump (20) and finally leading into a tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Daniele Giovanni Ongaro
  • Patent number: 6500386
    Abstract: A method for preserving a component including polymeric material that reduces oxidation degradation after irradiation. The method includes sealing the polymeric material in a container filled with a fluid, preferably a liquid. Monitoring the integrity of the container's seal is enhanced by use of liquid rather than a gas. The method can be used for long term storage of orthopaedic implants which include polymeric material, especially Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: Albert H. Burstein
  • Patent number: 6499495
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for treatment of waste from suction canisters. The waste treatment system includes a canister-cleaning and a reservoir chamber. The canister-cleaning chamber holds the suction canister to be treated. The reservoir chamber is fluidly connected to the canister-cleaning chamber and to a water source. The reservoir chamber adapted to be raised and lowered relative to the canister-cleaning chamber to permit cleaning fluids to flow to and from the canister cleaning-chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Allegiance Corporation
    Inventor: David K. Jeng
  • Patent number: 6495095
    Abstract: A method for treating the liquid phase of contaminated materials that are disinfected or sterilized in a treatment chamber is provided, whereby a defined liquid collector area is provided in the treatment chamber. When the liquid in the collector area reaches a maximum level it is discharged into a collector tank and when the level of liquid in the collector area reaches a minimum level liquid is returned to the treatment chamber. When the liquid in the collector tank reaches a maximum level, liquid therefrom is returned to the treatment chamber in case the maximum level of liquid in the treatment chamber is not reached or said liquid is treated in an additional high-temperature disinfector unit to obtain purified liquid. A device that carries out the method is also provided. Using the method or device provided, contaminated solid materials with a high proportion of liquid can be disinfected or sterilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Helmut Goeldner
  • Publication number: 20020187067
    Abstract: An adjustable accumulator for delivering gases, liquids, or solids from a reservoir comprises an inner tube and a outer tube. One tube fits into the other tube to be sealingly engaged and to create a chamber in the interior. The tubes can move relative to each other to vary the space of the interior chamber. Another embodiment of the adjustable accumulator comprises the outer tube having a drum having a plurality of partitions. The drum partitions separate the drum into drum compartments. The drum partitions fit tightly against the inner tube. The drum compartments are in fluid communication with the interior of the inner tube when the inner tube is positioned such that a bottom edge of the upper tube is aligned with any drum partition that is at a higher level than the drum compartment or is between two drum partitions which form the drum compartment. The adjustable accumulator can be used to deliver vaporizable germicides to a sterilization chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Robert G. Lukasik, Szu-Min Lin
  • Patent number: 6471422
    Abstract: Thermal processing unit sections each with ten tiers and coating processing unit sections each with five tiers are disposed around a first main wafer transfer section and a second main wafer transfer section, and in the thermal processing unit section, the influence of the time required for substrate temperature regulation processing on a drop in throughput can be reduced greatly by transferring the wafer W while the temperature of the wafer W is being regulated by a temperature regulation and transfer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Issei Ueda, Shinichi Hayashi, Naruaki Iida, Yuji Matsuyama, Yoichi Deguchi
  • Patent number: 6458321
    Abstract: A method and system for sterilizing an article is provided that includes use of a low frequency (LF) gas discharge plasma. The method includes placing the article in a vacuum chamber and evacuating the vacuum chamber to a predetermined pressure. Gas or vapor species are introduced into the vacuum chamber, and a low frequency plasma is generated within the vacuum chamber, the low frequency plasma having a frequency of from 0 to approximately 200 kHz. The low frequency plasma is maintained for a time period sufficient to substantially remove gas or vapor species from the article. The sterilization system includes a vacuum chamber coupled to a vacuum pump and a vent, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The sterilization system further includes a first region within the vacuum chamber, the first region including a region between the first and second electrodes, and a second region within the vacuum chamber, the second region being in fluid communication with the first region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Platt, Jr., Mitch Agamohamadi
  • Publication number: 20020119569
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for denaturing DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID and fragments thereof from laboratory equipment. The apparatus includes a chamber which defines an enclosure. The chamber has an opening for gaining access to the enclosure. A closure is provided for selectively closing the opening. The arrangement is such that when the closure is disposed in a first location thereof relative to the enclosure, the enclosure is sealed and when the closure is disposed in a second location thereof relative to the enclosure, access to the enclosure is permitted. A liner is disposed within the enclosure, the liner having an inside surface, the inside surface of the liner being reflective. An emitter is disposed within the liner, the emitter being selectively connected to a source of electrical power. The arrangement is such that in use of the apparatus, when the emitter is connected to the source of power, ultraviolet radiation is emitted from the emitter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventor: John C. Menz
  • Publication number: 20020090332
    Abstract: An apparatus for loading fibers in a fiber suspension with calcium carbonate includes a housing with a fiber source inlet, and inlet chamber and an accept outlet. A stator is carried by the housing. A rotor is positioned in opposing relation with the stator. Each of the rotor and the stator are positioned downstream from the inlet chamber. A reactant gas supply is positioned in fluid communication with the inlet chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventors: Klaus Doelle, Oliver Heise
  • Patent number: 6368556
    Abstract: An apparatus for operative cleaning and preparation of dental handpieces is made as an integrated unit having holding stubs (6) for receiving the handpieces inside a treating chamber (1, 30), which is designed in a pressure resisting manner and with heating means (12, 56) such that it is directly usable for autoclave treatment of the handpieces. Through the holding stubs (6) and in accordance with a control program it is possible to supply warm water and oil to the respective channels in the handpieces. The apparatus may appear as a table unit (32) holding all what is required for a complete cleaning lubrication and sterilization cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Akeda Dental A/S
    Inventor: Per Morgenstjerne
  • Patent number: 6299837
    Abstract: A gassing incubator includes an inner housing bounding a inside space. The inside space communicates to the exterior through an opening. The opening is selectively sealed closed by a movable door. The inner housing includes a floor which is configured to receive and retain water. To disinfect the inside space, water is disposed on the floor and the opening is sealed closed. The inside space is then heated to a disinfecting temperature of about 90° C. The water is also heated so as to produce a relative humidity of greater than about 80% within the inside space. This atmosphere is maintained for a disinfection phase of at least 9 hours. The hot and humid atmosphere of the inside space produces great heat sensitization of cells which might be present. As a result, substantially all of the cells within the inside space are killed during the 9-hour disinfection phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Kendro Laboratory Products GmbH
    Inventors: Elke Paul, Waldemar Pieczarek, Hubert Heeg
  • Patent number: 6217835
    Abstract: A sterilization container for medical instruments includes a receptacle with a bottom wall and an open top, there being a multiplicity of vent openings in the bottom wall. The receptacle has a cover movable between a closed position wherein the cover closes the open top of the receptacle and an open position wherein the cover is positioned to allow access to the interior of the receptacle. A filter sheet is positioned in the receptacle so as to cover the bottom wall and the vent openings therein and the receptacle contains one or more trays for supporting medical instruments above the filter sheet. A perforated highly thermally conductive plate is positioned between the trays and the filter sheet so that when steam enters the container through the vent openings during steam sterilization, it heats the plate to a temperature sufficient to revaporize steam condensate collecting on the plate. The internal structure of the container is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Riley Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward D. Riley, Ansgar Brossard
  • Patent number: 6080435
    Abstract: A method and installation for disinfection or sterilization of food articles or machinery, in which the item of food or machinery to be disinfected or sterilized is electrically grounded, and vapor from water or other liquid substance is generated and directed through an electrostatic potential field of defined shape generated with an electrostatic high voltage, whereby the vapor assumes the shape of the field with an electrostatic potential imposed thereon. The grounded item is exposed to the charged vapor for a predetermined time at a temperature above 50.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventors: Ulrik Rubow, Thure Carnfeldt
  • Patent number: 5894014
    Abstract: A steam sterilization device (10) including a chamber (12) having a slidable sealable door (30). A flexible insulating plastic member (74) covers the sealable door (30). The sterilization device (10) includes a frame (20, 22, 24, 28, 50) supporting the chamber (12). A front wall (60) of molded plastic covers the frame. A stop bracket (46) is secured to a door track (36) at the appropriate location below the door to limit travel. At least one counter weight (42) is secured to the door (30) by a cable (38) and a guide member (44) surrounds the counter weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Steris Corporation
    Inventors: John Christopher Houston, Kenneth John Klobusnik, Susan Mary Napierkowski, Francis John Zelina, David James Zolner
  • Patent number: 5871702
    Abstract: An arrangement for sterilizing objects in which a quantity of liquid and one or more objects to be sterilized are introduced into a pouch formed of flexible sheet material at least partially transparent to microwave radiation whereupon the pouch is sealed to form a gas-tight assembly. The gas-tight assembly is situated in an inner rigid cavity of an enclosure which is at least partially formed of material that is substantially transparent to microwave radiation. The enclosure is irradiated with microwave radiation which passes into the cavity and then into the gas-tight pouch assembly situated therein to vaporize the liquid to produce an atmosphere of hot vapor under pressure in the pouch. The pouch expands under pressure until the sheet material of which it is formed presses against the rigid inner surfaces of the enclosure cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Flexiclave, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry S. Kutner, Daniel A. Latowicki
  • Patent number: 5840248
    Abstract: A moist-heat sterilization apparatus is provided which comprises a boiler shell (3), a chamber (4) inside said boiler shell (3), a heating block (14) external to said chamber (4) and in contact with the boiler shell (3), a feeding circuit (12) to supply the heating block (14) with water, and a conveying circuit (26) extending between the heating block (14) and chamber (4), the heating block (14) comprising canalization members (31) interposed between the feeding (12) and conveying (26) circuits and heating members (30) adapted to create a first steam flow through the canalization members (31). The process consists in admitting a first steam flow into a boiler shell, collecting the condensation water of the first steam flow and heating the boiler shell in such a manner that a second steam flow is produced from the condensed water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: M.O.COM. S.r.L.
    Inventor: Daniele Ongaro
  • Patent number: 5746988
    Abstract: Infectious wastes from hospitals or other sources are sterilized in a chamber which is pivotable between a waste loading orientation, a sterilizing orientation and a waste dumping orientation. The chamber is attached to a framework by first and second pairs of pivot arms which are coupled to the sides of the chamber at spaced apart locations. An actuator swings the first arms upward to bring the chamber to the loading orientation and swings the arms downward to turn the chamber to the dumping orientation. The pivot arm arrangement causes the chamber as a whole to lower as it turns towards the loading orientation and to rise as it turns towards the dumping orientation. This reduces the amount of lifting of materials that is required during loading operations while also providing adequate clearance under the chamber for dumping operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignees: Darlene Hall, Wilburn E. Hall, Vern W. Hall
    Inventor: John L. Hall
  • Patent number: 5637280
    Abstract: A sterilizer including a head and a detachable container sealingly engageable therewith to provide a pressure-resistant chamber. The head has a heating element mounted therein. The head is pivotably mounted to a frame such that the sterilizer may be selectively moved between a horizontal inoperative position and a vertical operative position with the container extending upwardly from the head. The water or sterilizer fluid are brought into contact with the heating element when the sterilizer is moved to the operative position so as to cause the fluid to vaporize and pressurize the chamber resulting in articles positioned in the chamber being sterilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Blixta Griffiths Pty. Limited c/o Econolodge
    Inventors: Vincent J. Nevell, Theresa M. Nevell
  • Patent number: 5626824
    Abstract: An autoclave (1) is provided with an internal table (1) upon which articles to be sterilised can be placed. The autoclave is provided with a mechanism (2, 3, 5) for shaking or vibrating the table, and thereby shaking or vibrating the liquid undergoing sterilization, resulting in a more even temperature distribution within the liquid, thereby reducing the length of time for sterilization and reducing the occurrence of flash evaporation of the culture medium. The shaking or vibration may, for example, be induced by a shaft (2) which passes sealingly through a wall of the autoclave or may be induced by a number of magnets (41) located on a ring (38) around the autoclave which magnetically attract associated magnets (35) on the table within the autoclave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Able Corporation
    Inventors: Yoichi Ishikawa, Shuji Yokoo, Akira Mizoguchi
  • Patent number: 5599586
    Abstract: This invention discloses weatherable elastomeric and thermoplastic composite polymer films incorporating organometallic complexes for protection of exterior surfaces against the growth of dark colored algae. The process involves the surface reaction of water soluble polyvalent metallic salts with surfactants at reduced surface tension in the presence of film forming emulsion polymers. The lipophilic organometallic reaction products thus formed are encapsulated by polymer films with demonstrated exterior weathering durability in roof mastics and architectural coatings. By virtue of their vapor transmission, adhesion and elastic properties, the composite polymer films incorporating compatible algicidal organometallics extend both the life and appearance of exterior substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Inventor: Michael G. Israel