Abstract: An autoclave (1) for sterilizing at least one generally hollow article having openings at remote ends thereof, such as a dental drill handpiece (21), includes an article carrier (17) and at least one adaptor (20) for passing dry saturated steam through the article to sterilize the interior thereof.

Abstract: A cassette for the acceptance of medical instruments, and preferably dental instruments, to enable a hygienic treatment of the instruments when the cassette is placed into a chamber of an apparatus that is capable of being closed pressure-tight. The cassette contains at least one adapter for holding at least one instrument. The adapter will have line channels for the delivery of treatment agents to the interior of the instrument and the adapter can contain a control valve that will close the line channels given an adapter not occupied with an instrument.

Abstract: This invention relates to a spray type retort sterilizer which preforms various types of high-pressure sterilization. Sterilization is achieved through the use of non-atomized hot water droplets. The sterilized comprises a retort that is capable of receiving multiple trays of materials, a pressurized air intake system for introducing pressurized air into the retort, an exhaust system and multiple spray units capable of spraying liquid such that at least one spray unit is disposed adjacent to each tray of material. The invention is further defined to include a heat exchanger and a pump for removing the liquid from the retort, passing it through the heat exchanger and delivering the liquid to the spray units. The invention is further defined to include spray units that are rotatable.

Abstract: Infectious medical materials are rendered harmless by heating heterogeneous medical materials having wet and dry portions with a radio-frequency electric field. The medical materials are exposed to the radio-frequency electric field in order to heat the medical materials to inactivate microorganisms thereon. The medical materials are then irradiated with gamma radiation to inactivate microorganisms remaining viable thereon after application of the radio-frequency electric field.

Abstract: A fluid tight waste materials receptacle is located within a housing which has an upper access opening through which infectious wastes from medical clinics or the like may be deposited in the receptacle. A lower access opening enables entry and withdrawal of a sterilized waste receiver which may, for example, be a wheeled cart. The receptacle has an open end and a closed end and is pivotable between a first orientation at which the open end is coincident with the upper access opening in order to receive wastes and a second orientation at which the open end is turned downward to discharge wastes into the receiver. A closure pivoted to the housing seats in and seals the open end of the receptacle when it is at the first orientation. The receptacle is periodically evacuated and steam is admitted to sterilize the contents prior to discharge into the receiver.

Abstract: Apparatus for washing, rinsing, sterilizing and drying delicate components such as plugs for pharmaceutical use, or the like, formed by an autoclave chamber containing a substantially cylindrical rotating drum or basket with two helical members extending along the axis of the cylindrical basket, connecting an inlet opening with an outlet opening and projecting inside the basket, each being provided with a rounded internal edge and terminating in chutes emerging inside the outlet opening, the helical members thus formed enabling the plugs to be mixed when the basket rotates in one direction and to be unloaded from the basket when the latter rotates in the opposite direction, the rotating basket also being provided with a circumferential toothed rim which engages a gear wheel actuated by drive means to impart a rotary movement to the same and having inside at least one pipe arranged parallel to the axis of the cylinder and provided with spray nozzles directed toward the plugs present inside the basket to allow

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sterilizing articles including introducing the article and liquid solution into a collapsible pouch formed of vapor-impermeable sheet material, sealing the collapsible pouch to form a gas-tight assembly, and heating the gas-tight assembly to vaporize the liquid solution to produce an atmosphere of hot vapor. The liquid is introduced into the pouch in a quantity sufficient to create an overpressure when vaporized which is indicated by the collapsible pouch expanding to a distended condition. In one embodiment, the liquid solution is vaporized by irradiating the gas-tight assembly with microwave radiation. In other embodiments particularly suited for sterilizing a plurality of metallic articles, the at least one article is surrounded by shielding, which may be separate from or integrated with the pouch, which presents a barrier to the transmission of microwave radiation.

Abstract: Apparatus for disinfecting soft contact lenses includes a vessel at least partially formed of material transparent to microwave electromagnetic radiation, disinfecting solution receivable within the vessel, a device for irradiating the disinfecting solution within the vessel with microwave electromagnetic radiation, and shielding apparatus for defining a radiation shielded interior portion within the vessel receivable of contact lenses and disinfecting solution, and an unshielded interior portion within the vessel which is in fluid communication with the shielded portion.

Abstract: A method for deodorization of cork accomplished by applying steam volatilization to remove substances originating offensive odor in the cork is disclosed. The method has a first step of putting the cork into a container, a second step of supplying steam generated in a steam generator to the container, and a third step of discharging the steam along with the substance originating the offensive odor from the container. An apparatus for deodorization of cork by this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical waste disposal system includes an assembly for superheating a quantity of untreated medical waste which is partially saturated with water to an internal temperature of at least 275 degrees Fahrenheit for at least thirty minutes. After such superheating the vessel is rotated to cool the same to under 100 degrees Fahrenheit after which the contents are deposited into a matrix of grinding elements having surfaces of different grinding dimensions and capabilities such that the output thereof is unrecognizable as medical waste. Such output is then deposited into a microwave assembly to further disinfect and decontaminate the medical waste. After such treatment the output of the system may be treated in the same fashion as conventional household refuse.

Abstract: A process, system and pressure chamber for the automated sterilization of articles, particularly medical or dental instruments is disclosed, which is simple to use and economically efficient by comparison with conventional autoclaves and steam sterilizing system. Steam is generated by the pulsed injection of a controlled quantity of water into a heated boiler whenever it runs dry. The boiler is coupled in a closed-loop system to a relatively small pressure chamber in the form of a cassette that is readily inserted and removed from a holder comprising means for connecting the chamber to a steam inlet conduit and a venting conduit, the latter being closed off during pressurization of the chamber. By automated monitoring of the boiler and chamber temperatures, conditions in the chamber are measured and the boiler and valves in the system controlled to effect a sterilization cycle.

Abstract: A microprocessor-controlled, self-contained steam sterilizer is disclosed. Once the steam exposure phase is complete in the sterilizer, the microprocessor is programmed to operate the vaporizing heater in a low-power duty cycle to utilize the vaporizing heater as a drying heater in a lower power operating mode to effect a drying phase.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing objects comprising a tubular container part which is removably arranged on an electric supply and control unit. The container part has a chamber-defining inner wall which is also an electrical resistance heating element. Accordingly, the container part may be made with low heat capacity and a correspondingly short heat-up period.

Abstract: A container for use in a microwave apparatus, in particular for heating, drying, disinfecting and/or sterilizing of materials, objects, liquids or the like, includes a lid securely attachable via a pressure lock to the container and including connections for allowing attachment of various valves, pumps etc. to monitor and influence conditions in the container. The connections are self-sealing plug connector pipes which are engageable with a complementary coupler piece of the microwave apparatus. The microwave apparatus includes an injector unit by which water or other liquid is introduced into the material to be treated, with the amount of injected water being dependent on the water content of the material. The injector unit includes a nozzle head which projects into the treatment chamber of the microwave apparatus and incorporates sensors for determining physical and/or chemical parameters.

Abstract: In a sterilizing container with a perforated zone which can be covered over in relation to the interior of the container by a filter designed so that it can be displaced and covered over, in order to improve the protection of the filter, on the one hand, and the sealing-off of a bypass under different operating conditions, on the other hand, it is proposed that force elements be used for displacing a covering disc of the filter and the filter itself which change the displacement forces acting on the covering disc and on the filter, respectively, as a function of the temperature.

Abstract: A heated conveyor for disinfecting contaminated, size-reduced hospital refuse comprises a scraping conveyor with two endless link chains (1,2) to which drives (6) are fastened. The scraping conveyor is arranged in a housing with electricially heated floor and walls which is closed with the exception of an upper inlet opening (17), an outlet opening (19) and an air vent (18). In the disinfection process implemented by this conveyor compressed saturated steam is injected into the housing through steam nozzles.

Abstract: There is disclosed an autoclave system incorporating a sterilization chamber and a reservoir. The reservoir is coupled to the sterilization chamber by means of a selectively operated valve. A microcontroller in conjunction with timing means computes a time necessary to place a predetermined amount of water into the sterilization chamber to assure that a proper sterilization cycle will be implemented. The apparatus determines the amount of time required to operate the valve based on the water level in the reservoir. The system is initilized with a full reservoir of water and bases all successive computations for valve operation from this point. Thus the valve is operated according to a given time duration, which time duration is computed according to the number of sterilization cycles previously performed by the autoclave system.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing and processing waste materials at hospitals or the like includes a housing having an access opening in a sidewall for receiving wastes and a discharge opening at the base of an end wall. Non-hazardous wastes are stored in a compartment adjacent the discharge opening. A compactor ram is periodically traveled across the compartment and into the discharge opening to transfer wastes to an adjacent receiver of the type that can be transported to a disposal site. Infectious wastes are stored in a separate sealable receptacle from which air is periodically evacuated and replaced with steam to sterilize the contents. Motors then swivel the receptacle away from the housing access passage and tilt the receptacle to dump the sterilized contents into the non-hazardous storage compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus for vaporizing a multicomponent liquid consists of a vaporization chamber into which liquid is injected through a nozzle with sufficient velocity to ensure multiple impingements with the heated surfaces of the chamber so that vaporization is substantially complete. The apparatus may have a plurality of injection nozzles, each responsive to a valve. The valves are sequentially operated by a control circuit to provide a substantially continuous stream of liquid to the vaporization chamber.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sterilizing articles such as dental handpieces include introducing the article and liquid sterilant solution into a collapsible pouch formed of vapor-impermeable sheet material, sealing the collapsible pouch to form a gas-tight assembly, and heating the gas-tight assembly to vaporize the liquid sterilant solution to produce an atmosphere of hot sterilant vapor. The liquid sterilant is introduced into the pouch in a quantity sufficient to create an overpressure when vaporized which is indicated by the collapsible pouch expanding to a distended condition. In one embodiment, the liquid sterilant solution is vaporized by irradiating the gas-tight assembly with microwave radiation in which case the article is sterilized under the combined effects of chemical vapor and microwave irradiation.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric having high performance aqueous fluid retention and wiping characteristics and a method of producing such fabric. The fabric comprises a reinforcing web of self-bonded continuous filament synthetic fibers having at least one surface with spaced clusters of synthetic staple fibers and short natural fibers generally surrounded by void areas having a concentration of synthetic staple fibers and short natural fibers which is lower than such concentration in the clusters. The desired pattern of clusters may be obtained by hydroentanglement using a coarse apertured forming surface.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for rapidly sterilizing material including articles such as dental handpieces include introducing the article and liquid sterilant solution into a collapsible pouch formed of vapor-impermeable sheet material, sealing the collapsible pouch to form a gas-tight assembly, and vaporizing the liquid sterilant solution by heating it to produce an atmosphere of hot sterilant vapor. The liquid sterilant is introduced into the pouch in a quantity sufficient to create an overpressure when vaporized which is indicated by the collapsible pouch expanding to a distended condition. In one embodiment, the liquid sterilant solution is vaporized by irradiating the gas-tight assembly with microwave radiation in which case the material is sterilized under the combined effects of chemical vapor and microwave irradiation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sterilizing articles such as dental handpieces include introducing the article and liquid sterilant solution into a collapsible pouch formed of vapor-impermeable sheet material, sealing the collapsible pouch to form a gas-tight assembly, and heating the gas-tight assembly to vaporize the liquid sterilant solution to produce an atmosphere of hot sterilant vapor. The liquid sterilant is introduced into the pouch in a quantity sufficient to create an overpressure when vaporized which is indicated by the collapsible pouch expanding to a distended condition. In one embodiment, the liquid sterilant solution is vaporized by irradiating the gas-tight assembly with microwave radiation in which case the article is sterilized under the combined effects of chemical vapor and microwave irradiation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sterilizing system for sterilizing containers. In accordance with the invention, an external actuating element is provided in an autoclave chamber structure to hold special closure elements and/or the container lid in an open position and to bring them into a closed position before the autoclave is opened.

Abstract: An autoclave useful for pressure digestion of samples for chemical analysis, consisting of a closeable vessel containing the sample, which during operation sustains elevated temperatures and pressures. The autoclave has a PTFE (Teflon) beaker and lid, in direct contact with each other thus forming a tight seal with an excess-pressure release mechanism. The assembled vessel is held in a device that presses the sealing surfaces of the beaker and lid together, through pressure on a metallic lid support disc. The sealing surfaces of the beaker and lid are free-standing, which permits a direct release of excess-pressure and necessitates an extended clamping device for the lid support disc, which is fixed at a single point.

Abstract: For sterilizing a tight enclosure (10) equipped with a ventilation and filtration circuit (14), said enclosure is isolated and the internal relative humidity level is lowered by means of an assembly (50) incorporating a drying cartridge (54). The sterilizing agent (46) is then introduced through a closed circuit (30) until a relative humidity level close to the dew point is obtained. The sterilizing agent is kept in the enclosure for a given contact time, before scavenging said agent by means of the ventilation and filtration circuit (14).

Abstract: A pipette canister formed from a thermoplastic material. The canister withstands dry heat above 160.degree. C. reduces breakage of glass pipettes stored within, and the material is free from metal oxide residues.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus and method for spraying the hands of a person is provided. The apparatus includes a housing having a plurality of walls forming a chamber for the hands and having an opening for inserting the hands into the chamber. The apparatus has an L-shaped actuating member having a pivot supported by a wall. The L-shaped member has a horizontal leg supported by the pivot, a disc portion disposed in the chamber for contact by the hands, and has a vertical leg with a tip bearing portion disposed outside the housing. The apparatus also has a resilient cantilever beam having a first portion with a cavity which receives a cap portion of an aerosol container, and having a second portion which is fixedly connected to a wall of the housing. The resilient cantilever beam has a passageway from the cavity to an orifice inside the chamber for spraying a substance. from the container, while containing the disc portion in the chamber.

Abstract: The resolution device for semiconductor films according to the present invention comprises a sealed container, a storage container installed in the sealed container for storing hydrofluoric acid to generate hydrogen fluoride gas, a semiconductor film supporter installed in the sealed container, and a receptacle of resolved solution installed at the bottom of the sealed container for receiving the resolved solution of the semiconductor films. The semiconductor films held by the film supporter are resolved by hydrogen fluoride gas which is generated from the storage container of hydrofluoric acid and has a low impurity content. The resolved solution is collected in the receptacle for resolved solution, and is supplied directly to the flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

Abstract: The present invention is a sterilizing apparatus for continuously sterilizing foods, medicines, chemicals, etc. in the manufacture of those products. A hot water storage vessel and a cooling water storage vessel are mounted within a pressure tank, and such products passes through the hot water storage vessel while being carried by chain and are thereby sterilized. The hot water storage vessel is covered with an outer frame assembly and a heat insulating material is inserted therebetween to minimize heat loss. Further, the bearings for supporting the rotating shaft of sprockets which guide the movement of the chain are attached not to the hot water storage vessel but to the outer frame assembly to prevent the bearings from being changed in position or distorted by heat, thereby assuring a smooth rotation of the sprockets.

Abstract: A combination unsaturated chemical vapor sterilization system and a steam sterilization system utilizing the same sterilizing chamber. It includes a pressure chamber in communication with a source of sterilizing chemicals and water, transport means to selectively deliver sterilizing chemicals or water into the chamber, a heating element to heat the interior of the chamber, and a microprocessor control panel operably associated with the heating element and transport means to control the sterilant composition, the temperature and the pressure within the chamber at any given time in accordance with a preselected setting.

Abstract: The sterilization of open-topped containers is accomplished by vaporizing a sterilizing agent in the vicinity of the container. The vaporization is preferably achieved by spraying the sterilizing agent on to a heating element positioned either in or immediately above the open top of the container.

Abstract: A fiber aggregate is composed of a multiplicity of substantially spherically intermingled fibres at a needle-processing density. The fiber aggregate has a diameter of at least 3 mm, and the fibers have a length of at least 15 mm, and are free from being felted and intertwined with any other fiber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for canning food products in a non-metallic jar, utilizing a metallic or non-metallic jar lid and a non-metallic enclosure enveloping the jar and lid and which is placed within a microwave oven for heating with a pressure control check valve for limiting the maximum pressure within the enclosure during heating and preventing entry of air during subsequent cooling of the enclosure and food product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for canning food products in a non-metallic jar, utilizing a metallic or non-metallic jar lid and a non-metallic enclosure enveloping the jar and lid and which is placed within a microwave oven for heating with a pressure control check valve for limiting the maximum pressure within the enclosure during heating and preventing entry of air during subsequent cooling of the enclosure and food product.

Abstract: A device which enables a rapid sterilization of one or more medical and dental objects characterized by a first chamber for containing the objects to be sterilized, a second chamber connected to the first chamber and having a smaller volume than the first chamber for receiving a liquid reaction fluid and positioning the fluid in an area of high energy density from a source of radiation such as infrared radiation or microwave radiation so that the object is vaporized and the vaporized gases of the reaction agent flow into the first chamber to sterilize the objects.

Abstract: A long sheet material to be sterilized is passed through an atmosphere of H.sub.2 O.sub.2 mist of low concentration and of droplet particle size of approximately 10 microns at room temperature for approximately one second and is then irradiated for approximately one second with ultraviolet-ray lamps positioned to irradiate opposite surfaces of the sheet material each at a distance of approximately 20 mm therefrom, whereby the material is thoroughly sterilized as a result of the synergistic effect produced by the combination of these two sterilization steps.

Abstract: A system for selectively collecting washed articles with a washing device and conveyor to convey the articles therethrough, first and second detectors for detecting fabric faults and improperly washed articles, respectively, a device to roll the articles, a control device for controlling the washing treatment and a distributing device in response to signals generated by the detectors.

Abstract: An energy-time conserving low cost home pressure cooking system for canning, sterilizing and cooking food and the like, comprising method and apparatus, the illustrated apparatus comprising a pressure cooker having a short lower body or vessel and an elongated upper lid, sealed and releasably secured together when assembled at a relatively low elevation by fasteners locked and sealed (at a single annular seal site) and unlocked and unsealed at said low elevation merely by relative rotation of the body and the lid, a vented platform disposed a short distance above a small amount of water in a shallow reservoir in a lower compartment of the body of the pressure cooker, thus accommodating rapid generation of steam, when heated, which passes through the platform vents, accumulates at the top of the upper compartment and enlarges downwardly, with the air being efficiently exhausted substantially exclusive of steam, through an air escape-steam trap valved port in the side of the body of the pressure cooker just abo

Abstract: A method of sterilization of material in an autoclave, at which method pre-vacuum is created during a certain period of time in the autoclave chamber, during the following period of time steam supply and sterilization of the material take place, and during the period of time following thereafter after-vacuum is created. During the entire procedure of said lastmentioned period of time (c) heat is supplied from an extra heat source (5), whereby the temperature at the beginning of the lastmentioned period of time is maintained substantially constant during said entire period (c).

Abstract: A sterilizer utilizes fluorocarbon liquid as the sterilizing medium. The fluorocarbon liquid is retained in the bottom of a sterilizer chamber. Instruments are placed within the chamber above the liquid level. The chamber is sealed and a heater causes the liquid within the chamber to vaporize. The fluorocarbon vapor is more dense than the air within the chamber and is not miscible with that air. Consequently, as the fluorocarbon vaporizes, the air within the chamber is displaced through a vent in the top of the chamber. A minor amount of fluorocarbon vapor is also displaced as all air is purged from the chamber. The discharged fluorocarbon vapor is recondensed through an expansion valve and collected for recycling. The chamber is sealed upon purging of all the air and is maintained in a pressurized state for a period of time. Subsequently the heater is turned off and the chamber is cooled by a fan.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterilizing highly infectious material. The sterilizer incorporates an inner chamber having no drain line and having a reservoir created by low dams at the bottom of the inner chamber at each end for collecting condensate during the sterilizing cycle. The chamber has a steam jacket. Water for sterilizing can be introduced into the chamber at the time the chamber is loaded.

Abstract: Automatic sterilizer apparatus having an enclosed sterilizing chamber and a heater for vaporizing water placed in the chamber. An air exhaust valve is connected at the chamber and comprises a valve housing, a heat-expanding valve body of smaller cross-section than the housing, and a valve seat the position of which can be adjusted, these parts constituting an air/steam shut-off valve.

Abstract: An improved electric steam vaporizer having a container defining a liquid reservoir and a removable cover for the container. Two parallel electrodes depend into the liquid reservoir from a cap attached to the cover. The electrodes are attached to the cap by inserting into electrode-receiving openings formed in the cap, welding the conductor ends on a line cord to tabs which project through the cap, bending the tab to mechanically lock the electrodes to the cap and in one embodiment potting the tabs and line cord conductor ends with a sealing material. An electrode housing attached to the cap surrounds the electrodes to define an inner-boiling chamber, an outer water-filled insulating chamber, and a small volume annular surge chamber which surrounds the lower end of the boiling chamber.