Including Rack, Support Or Handling Means Patents (Class 422/300)
  • Patent number: 8505782
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing sanitizer fluid. The apparatus includes a handle having a trigger lever and a spray nozzle; a check valve coupled to the spray nozzle; a pump assembly fluidly coupled to the check valve; and a reservoir cartridge fluidly coupled to the pump assembly, where manipulation of the handle and the trigger lever causes the pump assembly to supply sanitizer fluid from the cartridge, through the check valve, and to the nozzle. A method of selectively dispensing sanitizer fluid includes selectively manipulating a handle to manipulate a door latch or manipulating a handle and a trigger lever to manipulate a door latch and dispense sanitizing fluid through a spray nozzle proximate the trigger lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Altitude Medical Inc.
    Inventors: Virginia Gardiner, Jacob McKnight, Adam Tavin, George W. Heropoulos, Alexander R. Oshmyansky, Dan Nicolau
  • Patent number: 8506195
    Abstract: The sanitized brush, with skin powder, is retained in a sanitization system. The neck brush handle has a powder chamber, a bristle face with outwardly extending bristles and a powder input port. A portion of the powder chamber wall is flexible and a movable actuator depresses the flex-wall, compresses the size of the chamber and forces powder from an exit port on the bristle face. The sanitization system includes a brush stand holding the brush above a UV lamp. A sensor determines when the brush is on the stand and a timer is triggered ON controlling the lamp and counts down OFF. Additional features include: a base supporting the stand above the UV lamp; a rechargeable battery; an on-hook brush sensor (mechanical or optical); and a removable cover with a transparent segment to visually confirm lamp ON condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Ricky Diaz
  • Patent number: 8501109
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a disinfection system, arrangement comprising at least two sequentially arranged disinfection systems and containers comprising various chambers usable for the disinfection system. In particular, the present invention relates to a disinfection system comprising at least one chamber adapted for containing at least one first chamber adapted to contain disinfectant and at least one second chamber adapted to contain at least one swab and/or sponge, said at least one swab and/or sponge and additional separated space for taking up the disinfectant. The system is designed such that a predetermined amount of disinfectant is brought into contact with the at least one swab and/or one sponge immediately before use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Georg-August-Universtaet Goettingen
    Inventors: Abdolhamid Huschmand Nia, Reinhold Wegener
  • Publication number: 20130164189
    Abstract: A sterilization cap carried on a needle support end of a syringe. The cap includes a main body having first and second ends, the first end being connectable to the needle support end, as well as being connectable onto the needle support end alone of a primary or IV extension line. A sponge secured within a sponge cavity within the second end is saturated with a sterilizing liquid. A removable cover attached to the second sealingly encloses the sponge until the syringe is used. The second end is sized, when the cover is removed, to fit over a clave tip of a clave extension or IV tubing a distance sufficient to compress the sponge to sterilize the clave tip with sterilizing liquid expressed from the sponge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventor: Gordon Hadden
  • Publication number: 20130136669
    Abstract: The invention relates to an appliance for disinfecting the hands of a user, said appliance including: a disinfection chamber (1), at least one opening (10) through which the user inserts his or her hands (M) in the disinfection chamber; separators (4) placed in the disinfection chamber (1) such that the fingers are separated when the user inserts his or her hands in said chamber, characterised in that the disinfection chamber (1) is provided with a device for spraying a disinfectant product in said chamber and a device for blowing air into said chamber, said two devices operating at the same time, and in that the spraying device consists of injectors (11a, 11b, 12a, 12b) suitable for scattering a disinfectant product into the blown air stream, the scattering of the disinfectant product being carried out in a spatial sector defined by a vertical plane and an inclined plane of 1° to 90°, preferably 45° to 90°, relative to the axis of said air stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventors: Bernard Feldain, Claude Ferrand
  • Patent number: 8435445
    Abstract: A mobile device for transporting, tracking and processing medical instruments. The device comprises a cart including at least one receptacle for receiving an instrument container having instruments stored therein. The cart also includes plumbing for circulating processing fluids through the instrument container and a communications system for communicating tracking data associated with the instrument container and the cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventor: Jude A. Kral
  • Patent number: 8435460
    Abstract: A sterilized connection apparatus 4 includes a sealing unit 9 which forms a decontamination space S1 between an isolator 2 provided with a first cover body 11 and an incubator 3 provided with a second cover body 21, a decontamination medium supplying unit 10 which supplies a decontamination medium to the decontamination space S1 via a supply pipe line 41, and a discharge pipe line 43 which discharges the decontamination medium of the decontamination space S1. Since the decontamination space is formed as a circular decontamination space of a small capacity surrounding the cover bodies, decontamination can be efficiently performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Shibuya Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yusuke Hirosawa, Soma Watanabe
  • 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: 8408423
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing sanitizer fluid from a door handle. The apparatus includes a handle having a nozzle, an actuator fluidly coupled to the nozzle, and a cartridge of sanitizer fluid fluidly coupled to the actuator. Manipulation of the handle causes the actuator to dispense sanitizer fluid from the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Altitude Medical Inc
    Inventors: Jacob McKnight, Virginia Gardiner, Alexander R. Oshmyansky
  • Publication number: 20130078153
    Abstract: A system for decontaminating an enclosure that defines a region. The system includes a decontamination unit for generating a vaporized sterilant. The decontamination unit includes a housing that defines a chamber therein. An inlet and an outlet of the housing fluidly communicate with the chamber. A bulkhead assembly connects the decontamination unit to the enclosure. The bulkhead assembly includes a barrier assembly for sealing an opening of the enclosure. The membrane traverses the opening of the enclosure. A first port and a second port allow the carrier gas to flow through the membrane. A frame assembly seals the barrier assembly into the opening of the enclosure. An outlet conduit defines a flow path for conveying the carrier gas from the decontamination unit to the region of the enclosure. A return conduit defines a flow path for conveying the carrier gas from the enclosure to the decontamination unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: AMERICAN STERILIZER COMPANY
    Inventor: American Sterilizer Company
  • Patent number: 8403583
    Abstract: An assembly structured to clean the head portion of a stethoscope comprising a housing including a path of travel along which the head portion passes during cleaning. A supply of cleaning fluid associated with a dispenser assembly is cooperatively disposed relative to an activating assembly. The activating assembly is operated in moveable engagement with the head portion, and activates the dispenser assembly when engaged by the head portion as it passes along the path of travel. The dispenser assembly delivers the cleaning fluid to an applicator assembly which distributes the cleaning fluid to the head portion and facilitates the cleaning thereof and removal of excess cleaning fluid there from. At least one disinfectant agent is dispersed within or comprises a portion of the housing and is formulated to be destructively effective against pathogenic bacteria, such as in the spore form, which is generally not affected by the cleaning fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Seedlings Life Science Ventures, LLC.
    Inventors: Michael Perlman, James M. Sellers, Keith Rubin, Mathew Cardinali, Michael R. Cole, Sidney Perlman
  • 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: 8398932
    Abstract: A culture apparatus which is capable of shortening sterilization time includes a gas concentration measuring sensor, pipes connected to a gas concentration measuring device and every corner of a cultivating chamber, and a sterilizing gas generator that supplies sterilizing gas into a cultivating chamber and atomizes a sterilizer solution (oxygenated water) by means of an ultrasonic vibrator. The culture apparatus further includes an ultraviolet lamp that irradiates gas in the cultivating chamber, a freely opening/closing door, a door-locking device, and a controller for controlling the locking device to prevent the door from being opened from start of the sterilization process to end of the decomposition process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroki Busujima
  • Publication number: 20130064734
    Abstract: A grommet device and method of using a grommet device is provided. The grommet device includes a substantially circular base structure. A substantially circular top structure is connected to the substantially circular base structure with a substantially cylindrical middle portion, wherein an aperture having an interior space is positioned interior of the substantially cylindrical middle portion. A flexible top surface is connected to the substantially circular top structure, wherein the flexible top surface is substantially planar. At least one enlargeable slit is formed within the flexible top surface and through an entire thickness of the flexible top surface, wherein an unobstructed path is positioned from a location proximate to an exterior side of the flexible top surface, through the at least one enlargeable slit, and into the interior space of the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: SYMMETRY MEDICAL MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventor: Kraig Herman Allen
  • Publication number: 20130064733
    Abstract: A medical tool kit is provided for packaging, storing, and transporting medical instruments and tools of various types. The medical tool kit is capable of providing continuing sterilization to the medical instruments and tools kept inside the medical tool kit after the tool case is opened during its normal use in a medical procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: LG&P, LLC
    Inventors: Robert GERSTNER, R. Christopher Kidd, Jeffrey D. Gerstner
  • Patent number: 8394334
    Abstract: A device for further processing a fluid material, particularly a care device for medical or dental tool holders, the material being stored in a tank under pressure, the device having a coupling fixture having an adapter forming a screw connection to the tank under pressure, the adapter of the coupling fixture being pivotally supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Kaltenbach & Voigt GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Dieter Wiek, Uwe Mohn
  • Patent number: 8372359
    Abstract: A vial retainer system for an automated processing apparatus. The vial retainer system includes a track mounted to the processing apparatus, a rack adapted to slide in a longitudinal direction on the track, and a vial retainer positioned over the rack. The rack is movable in a distal direction to install the rack on the processing apparatus, and in a proximal direction, opposite the distal direction, to remove the rack from the processing apparatus. The rack is adapted to hold one or more vials in an upright orientation. The vial retainer has one or more a sloped surfaces inclined such that a distal end of each sloped surface is closer to the track than a proximal end of each sloped surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignees: Qiagen Gaithersburg, Inc.
    Inventors: Bert Jungheim, Andrew Leonard
  • Patent number: 8372207
    Abstract: A one handed hand washer/scrubber is provided enclosed in a self contained, counter placeable housing having an entry orifice at one side for insertion of a user's hand. A sensor monitors the entry orifice for detection of a user's hand accessing a washing cavity within the housing. Two scrubbing web assemblies are housed within the washing cavity, each having a proximal stepper motor placed near the entry orifice, opposite a second stepper motor spaced distally therefrom. Each stepper motor attaches to and supports a sanitizer, disinfectant, soap or cleanser soaked web draped between, and are used to dispense a new section of web for each subsequent use and to reciprocate a working section of web front to back (or back and forth) during use. A series of foam rollers align the rear of the working section of web. The rollers are spring urged to allow for intimate contact of the web against the variable contours of a users hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Julie Shields
  • Patent number: 8372341
    Abstract: Assay device processing apparatus includes a rotatably mounted assay device vessel support; and a drive for rotating the support. The support is rotatable about a substantially horizontal first axis so that, upon rotation, an assay device vessel attached to the support can be inverted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Randox Laboratories Ltd.
    Inventors: Aiden John Walsh, Stephen Peter Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 8354071
    Abstract: A sterilizing device is described, for sterilizing items through steam sterilization. The device has a base and a cover that couple to form an enclosed space, with an item mount provided within the enclosed space. A portion of water is provided in the base portion, which can be converted to steam in a microwave to sterilize any items placed on the mount. The device further employs several downward-facing valves to provide for the release of steam and the draining of excess or heated water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Handy Baby Products Limited
    Inventor: Martina Maria Delaney
  • 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: 8349271
    Abstract: A container system for medical instruments comprising a molded plastic reticulated tray composed of a continuous rib that forms a tray rim and a plurality of intersecting ribs defining large openings therebetween. The intersecting ribs are dished and have opposite ends connected to the continuous ribs at spaced apart locations therealong. The plurality of intersecting ribs also have rounded surfaces so that a washing or cleaning fluid directed at the plurality of intersecting ribs from the outside, upon flowing through said openings will follow and intimately contact those rounded surfaces so that those surfaces are cleaned thoroughly. A preferred embodiment of the system also includes a reticulated cover releasably connected to the tray and various brackets for fixating instruments in the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Symmetry Medical Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward D. Riley
  • Patent number: 8349270
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating containers, including a transport device which transports the containers along a specified transport path, the transport device including a plurality of holding elements for holding the containers, with the holding elements being transported along the specified transport path. The apparatus includes a cleaning device for sterilizing the holding elements at least in sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Frank Winzinger, Philipp Albers
  • Patent number: 8349272
    Abstract: An apparatus for decontaminating articles comprised of: a decontamination chamber; a conveyor for conveying articles to be decontaminated along a first path through the decontamination chamber; a vaporizing unit connected to the decontamination chamber, the vaporizing unit disposed above the decontamination chamber; a blower for conveying a carrier gas through the vaporizing unit and through the decontamination chamber; heating means for heating the carrier gas flowing through the vaporizing unit; a source of liquid hydrogen peroxide fluidly connected to the vaporizing unit; and an injection device for injecting liquid hydrogen peroxide into the vaporizing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventor: Aaron L. Hill
  • Patent number: 8343435
    Abstract: A method which enhances a disinfection process by obtaining an additive effect from energy and byproducts of the decomposition process. Also disclosed are contact lens disinfecting systems, wherein the systems are configured to create the desirable elevated pressure, oxygen saturation and sustained peroxide concentration conditions within a contact lens holding and reaction chamber, in order to enhance disinfection by additive effect. The systems are configured to provide that an elevated pressure is maintained in the reaction chamber before venting occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Atrion Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Rowland W. Kanner
  • Patent number: 8343434
    Abstract: Solutions for limiting the undesirable spread of pathogens by indirect contact are provided. The solutions involve event-controlled self-sterilization of contact surfaces on articles or fixtures. A self-sterilizing contact surface structure allows chemical sterilizing agents to controllably flow in response to a contact event, from within the article to exude upon a portion of the contact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8337776
    Abstract: A system and method to safely dispose of hazardous liquid waste includes a glove box for conducting a test with a hazardous liquid material therein, the glove box having a drainage line connected to a waste tank for directing the hazardous liquid waste from the glove box to the waste tank. A waste disposal line and an air vent line are connected between the waste tank and a waste container. Double-valved connectors are positioned in the waste disposal line and in the air vent line allowing the liquid waste and air to flow between the waste tank and a waste container when the double-valved connectors are coupled together. When the double-valved connectors are uncoupled, both the waste tank and the waste container are completely sealed to the surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Terrence G. D'Onofrio, George Noya, Luis Enrique Faure
  • Patent number: 8334521
    Abstract: The invention concerns a medical instrument disinfecting system (1) comprising a disinfecting chamber (4) adapted to implement a cycle for disinfecting the instruments. The invention is characterized in that each instrument (1) comprises identification data (5) and in that the chamber (4) is associated with means (6) for acquiring the identification data of the or each instrument (1) when it is introduced into or withdrawn from the chamber (4) at the start and at the end of a disinfecting cycle, with means (7, 8) for acquiring characterization data of the disinfecting cycle and with means (9, 10, 11, 12, 13) for associating the identification data of the or each instrument and the characterization data of the disinfecting cycle to generate traceability data of the disinfection of the or each instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Germitec
    Inventor: Clement Deshays
  • Patent number: 8333931
    Abstract: A method which enhances a disinfection process by obtaining an additive effect from energy and byproducts of the decomposition process. Also disclosed are contact lens disinfecting systems, wherein the systems are configured to create the desirable elevated pressure, oxygen saturation and sustained peroxide concentration conditions within a contact lens holding and reaction chamber, in order to enhance disinfection by additive effect. The systems are configured to provide that an elevated pressure is maintained in the reaction chamber before venting occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Atrion Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Rowland W. Kanner
  • Patent number: 8329079
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for continuous production of a partially polymerized composition according to the invention comprise those that facilitate continuously providing polymerizable composition comprising one or more monomers to an angled plane at an elevated position thereon; irradiating the polymerizable composition to form the partially polymerized composition; and continuously removing the partially polymerized composition from the angled plane at a lower position thereon, wherein the angle of the angled plane facilitates free flow of polymerizing composition from the elevated position to the lower position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: entrochem, inc.
    Inventors: James E. McGuire, Jr., Andrew C. Strange, Daniel E. Lamone
  • Patent number: 8329113
    Abstract: A method which enhances a disinfection process by obtaining an additive effect from energy and byproducts of the decomposition process. Also disclosed are contact lens disinfecting systems, wherein the systems are configured to create the desirable elevated pressure, oxygen saturation and sustained peroxide concentration conditions within a contact lens holding and reaction chamber, in order to enhance disinfection by additive effect. The systems are configured to provide that an elevated pressure is maintained in the reaction chamber before venting occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Atrion Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Rowland W. Kanner
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120301369
    Abstract: A conditioning device for disinfecting, sterilizing and/or maintaining medical, especially dental, instruments comprises a distributor unit for supplying cleaning or maintenance media to the instruments, said distributor unit having respective inlets for every medium, said inlet being connected to a support for an instrument via a valve. Every valve comprises a sealing element which can be brought into a valve-opening position by means of the actuating element of the distributor unit which can be selectively positioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: Kaltenbach & Voigt GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Heckenberger, Hans-Dieter Wiek
  • 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: 8313708
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating objects with a treatment gas comprises a treatment chamber, a chamber input through which objects enter the treatment chamber, and a chamber output (which may be the same as the chamber input) through which the objects leave the treatment chamber. The treatment chamber encloses the treatment gas, which can be steam. The chamber output and/or the chamber input include an intermediate medium, such as a liquid, through which the objects pass. The intermediate medium prevents escape of the treatment gas from the treatment chamber and the ingress of external gases into the treatment chamber, while facilitating input of the objects to the chamber, and output of the objects from the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: The Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventor: Paul N. Walker
  • Patent number: 8303915
    Abstract: A platen for contacting a liquid to a surface of a substantially flat substrate is disclosed. The platen includes a liquid application station and a stripping element at an end of the liquid application station, wherein the stripping element includes an intersecting gap and an air barrier. Also disclosed are an apparatus including the platen and a method of using the platen to contact a substrate with a liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian H. Kram, Vincent R. Rizzo, Ryan Reeser, David Chafin
  • Patent number: 8298498
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of loading reagent in a specimen handling device is disclosed, where the apparatus includes a deck with a plurality of positions defined thereon and each of the positions visually marked by a distinct one of a first set of icons. Each of a plurality of trays is removably securable to a selected one of the positions on the deck and includes the distinct one of the first set of icons visually marking the selected one of the positions. Reagent receptacles on each of the plurality of trays are visually marked by a distinct one of a second set of icons, and a kit is provided with a plurality of containers with selected reagents therein, each of the containers being visually marked by the distinct one of the second set of icons visually marking the receptacle into which that reagent is to be poured. The fluids including specimen samples and reagents are moved between tubes during processing without directly passing over tubes which the reagents could contaminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Scott Safar, Stephen Herchenbach
  • Publication number: 20120265244
    Abstract: A pacifier assembly has a pacifier having a shield with a convex surface and a concave surface. The pacifier has a back portion extending from the convex surface; and a teat extending from the concave surface. The convex surface has a plurality of undulations and a plurality of apertures extending through the shield. The pacifier assembly further includes a case. A pacifier assembly provides for a pacifier having a shield with a convex surface and a concave surface, a back portion extending from the convex surface and a teat extending from the concave surface. The pacifier assembly further provides for a case having a base and a cover. The base includes at least two compartments. One of the at least two compartments includes chamber for receiving fluid and the other of the at least two compartments is sized to receive the pacifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: VINCENT VALDERRAMA, Diana Sierra
  • Patent number: 8287816
    Abstract: A mobile device for transporting, tracking and processing medical instruments. The device comprises a cart including at least one receptacle for receiving an instrument container having instruments stored therein. The cart also includes plumbing for circulating processing fluids through the instrument container and a communications system for communicating tracking data associated with the instrument container and the cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventor: Jude A. Kral
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120251386
    Abstract: There is described a method for sterilizing a device. The method includes: masking a portion of the device from a sterilization protocol using a mask; sterilizing a portion of the device using a first sterilization protocol; and sterilizing a portion of the device using a second sterilization protocol; where the mask shields the masked portion of the device from at least one of the sterilization protocols or attenuates the effect of at least one of the sterilization protocols in the masked portion. There is also described a system for sterilizing a device. The system includes a first sterilant; a second sterilant; and a mask for shielding a portion of the device from at least one of the sterilants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: ATS AUTOMATION TOOLING SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Gerald R. WOOTTON, Catherine THACKER
  • Patent number: 8277748
    Abstract: A container for enabling fluid flow therethrough for cleaning or sterilizing of the contents, comprises a tray (10) and lid (20) and having respective bases (11, 21) and side walls (17, 27). The bases (11, 21) have perforations (12, 22) defined by elliptically shaped perforation walls (13, 23) with their major axes vertical to allow easy flow of the cleaning fluid through the container and minimum contact points with the contents or other containers. The internal corners (30) of the perforations (12, 22) in horizontal sections are smoothly curved to minimize debris or deposits collecting and resisting removal. A method of cleaning or sterilizing using the container is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Douglas Bean (Australia) Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Douglas Colin Bean
  • Publication number: 20120241537
    Abstract: A disinfecting spray module that can either be retrofit to an existing housekeeping cart or integrated into the housekeeping cart. The disinfecting spray module includes a storage container for receiving a disinfectant or cleaner. An electric pump withdraws the disinfectant and supplies the pump through a spray hose. The spray hose includes a handle having a nozzle to direct the disinfectant onto the surface to be cleaned. The disinfecting spray module can include an internal power supply or be connected to a source of electricity within the room being disinfected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: PURETECH SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Mark C. Schwei, Brad C. Schwei
  • Patent number: 8272508
    Abstract: A sterilization container having surgical implement/implant holders with flexible edges. Each holder is in the form of a pair of brackets which are positioned tightly on either side of a flexible wall for cooperatively forming a composite holder with an upwardly opening recess. The flexible wall of each holder extends beyond edges of its respective pair of brackets for forming the flexible edges which are used to support the surgical implements/implants. Outwardly turned feet on the bottom of each of the pair of brackets are placed through holes on a base wall of the sterilization container for securing each holder to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: ContainMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd E. Bettenhausen, Cary A. Bettenhausen
  • Patent number: 8268257
    Abstract: Described is a process and an arrangement for the treatment of objects, in particular for sterilization, comprising at least one chamber for the joint take-up of at least two objects to be treated. A closing element is arranged to the opening of the chamber, which closing element is arranged in a moveable way in the arrangement for the purposes of opening and closing the opening. The chamber can be closed by means of the closing element in a vacuum-tight way, whereby no relative movement takes place between the closing element and the chamber in the closed state. It is provided that the minimum of two objects to be treated are inserted one after the other, and that the closing of the opening by means of the minimum one closing element takes place essentially on a continuous basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: PTM Packaging Tools Machinery Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert Frost
  • Publication number: 20120230867
    Abstract: The present invention relates to sanitization devices and methods. More particularly, the invention relates to devices and methods that significantly reduce or eliminate germs, bacteria and/or other microorganisms from objects such as bags, purses, footwear or other objects, as well as bare feet, hands, paws, hooves or other anatomical surfaces, which come into contact with them. The device and method uses germicidal radiation which exposes only the areas of the object that come into applied contact with the device. A top platform of the devices may be in a tilted position when not in uses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: RJG Associates, LLC
    Inventor: James KERR
  • Patent number: 8263015
    Abstract: The aseptic packaging installation comprises a bench under a ceiling, a line of machines mounted on the bench in a packaging zone subjected to a sterile laminar flow traveling vertically from the ceiling at a rate adapted to establish a first pressure in the packaging zone that is higher than a surrounding pressure, an intervention zone adjacent to the packaging zone, and subjected to a one-way flow of clean air travelling vertically from the ceiling of the intervention zone at a rate that is adapted to establish a second pressure in the intervention zone that is lower than the first pressure but higher than the surrounding pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Serac Group
    Inventor: Delphine Raynaud
  • Patent number: 8263016
    Abstract: A method which enhances a disinfection process by obtaining an additive effect from energy and byproducts of the decomposition process. Also disclosed are contact lens disinfecting systems, wherein the systems are configured to create the desirable elevated pressure, oxygen saturation and sustained peroxide concentration conditions within a contact lens holding and reaction chamber, in order to enhance disinfection by additive effect. The systems are configured to provide that an elevated pressure is maintained in the reaction chamber before venting occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Atrion Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Rowland W. Kanner
  • Patent number: 8252233
    Abstract: A sample-processing system that improves total system processing efficiency, and reduces a sample-processing time, by establishing a functionally independent relationship between a rack conveyance block with rack supply, conveyance, and recovery functions, and a processing block with sample preprocessing, analysis, and other functions. A buffer unit with random accessibility to multiple racks standing by for processing is combined with each of multiple processing units to form a pair, and the system is constructed to load and unload racks into and from the buffer unit through the rack conveyance block so that one unprocessed rack is loaded into the buffer unit and then upon completion of process steps up to automatic retesting, unloaded from the buffer unit. Functional dependence between any processing unit and a conveyance unit is thus eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Hitoshi Tokieda, Yoshimitsu Takagi, Takeshi Shibuya, Masashi Akutsu
  • Patent number: 8246919
    Abstract: A rack for a plurality of capped tubes, including a frame having a longitudinally extending bottom base member having a row of spaced open top recesses adapted to receive the capped tubes. Vertical supports at the ends of the row of recesses fix a cover member above the base member. The cover member has openings therethrough smaller than the capped tubes. A wall is along one longitudinal side between the base member and the cover member, with the other longitudinal side between the base member and the cover member being open. Support fingers extend horizontally from the wall toward the open longitudinal side and are vertically aligned between the recesses to secure capped tubes in a generally vertical direction in a longitudinally extending vertical plane. The base member and cover member are vertically spaced a distance sufficient to permit tipped capped tubes to be moved into the frame with the tipped tubes then dropped into the recesses and tipped back to an upright vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Stephen L. Herchenbach, E. Kim Pavlovic