With Positive Pressure Or Vacuum Patents (Class 422/33)
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Publication number: 20020119075Abstract: A method for sterilizing a device, includes the following steps: contacting the device with liquid sterilant outside or inside a sterilization chamber at a first pressure, placing the device in the chamber before or after the contacting step, and decreasing the pressure of the chamber to a second pressure below the vapor pressure of the liquid sterilant. At least the decrease in pressure below about the vapor pressure of the liquid sterilant occurs at a pumpdown rate of less than 0.8 liters per second, calculated based on the time required to evacuate the chamber from atmospheric pressure to 20 torr when the chamber is empty and dry.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2001Publication date: August 29, 2002Inventors: Paul Jacobs, Suz-Min Lin, Jenn-Hann Wang
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Patent number: 6440364Abstract: A method of sterilizing absorbable sutures using a sterilant gas such as ethylene oxide gas. The method utilizes a first degassing step, and a second degassing step at elevated temperatures to remove residual sterilant gas, diluent gas, by-products and moisture.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 1999Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Luis E. Vera, Robert J. Cerwin, LeRoy Hugo Anderson, Vincent Foerst, John J. Karl, Lesley F. Traver, James Richard McDivitt, Jimmy Dalton Webber
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Patent number: 6436343Abstract: A method for the cold sterilization of a tunnel-type oven (1) for the hot sterilization of bottles, having an input chamber (3), a hot sterilization chamber (4), a cooling chamber (5) and a conveyor (6). The method consists of a sequence of operating phases which have to be carried out periodically when the oven is empty. The method includes airtightly closing the input (31) and output (51) openings of the oven (1), suppyling a pre-defined amount of cold sterilization fluid mixed with air, until all the inner surfaces of the oven (1) are reached by the fluid, opening a recycling duct (37); stopping the supply of cold sterilization fluid, and supplying the oven (1) with humidity and temperature controlled air.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1999Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Libra Pharmaceutical TechnologiesInventor: Claudio Bechini
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Patent number: 6423266Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and an apparatus for cleaning or sterilizing a device having a lumen. The method comprises the steps of: a) providing a container having at least one interface separating the container into two or more compartments; b) placing the device across the interface with one open end of the device in one of the compartments and another open end in another compartment; and c) adjusting the interface to at least partially seal around the device, and generating a flow of a cleaning solution, rinse solution, or chemical germicide through the lumen to clean or sterilize the inner surface of the device.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1998Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Alfredo M. Choperena, Szu-Min Lin, Paul Jacobs
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Publication number: 20020085950Abstract: The sterilization method disclosed includes the steps ofType: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2001Publication date: July 4, 2002Inventors: Simon Robitaille, Mario Simard, Stephane Fournier, Sylvie Dufresue, Richard Turcot
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Publication number: 20020083970Abstract: The present invention provides a fumigation tent which includes a frame suspended from a structure by support cables, the frame having an underside; a tarp adapted to be mounted to the top side of the frame, the tarp hanging from the frame defining a tent having a top and side curtains having a lower periphery that defines a bottom perimeter; a sealing arrangement for connecting and sealing the top of the tarp to the frame; a first plurality of cables for raising and lowering the side curtains and being connected to the side curtains and to means for raising and lowering the first plurality of cables; a second plurality of cables for raising and lowering the frame and being connected to the frame and to means for raising and lowering the second plurality of cables.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2000Publication date: July 4, 2002Applicant: Western Industries, Inc.Inventor: Chris Langhart
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Publication number: 20020085949Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanized fumigation tent with a composite closing structure. The composite closing structure is connected to the bottom perimeter of side curtains for sealing the bottom perimeter of the side curtains. The composite closing structure has at least a first component and second component. The first component is a structural support component and has sufficient rigidity to flex no greater than 6 inches over a 10 foot length with a fulcrum weight of 100 pounds. The second component is a sealing component and is formed of flexible material. Further, the sealing component may be a flexible base mounted along the bottom perimeter for receiving, holding and releasing water from an external water supply. When the sealing component holds water, it will seal the tent to a floor. In a preferred embodiment, the structural support component is formed of a triangular cross-sectional shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2001Publication date: July 4, 2002Applicant: Western Industries, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth P. Glynn, Christopher D. Langhart
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Patent number: 6408682Abstract: In automated reprocessing system (B), a leak detection system (10) evaluates the integrity of an endoscope (A), having an internal passage (66). The leak detection system includes an interior chamber (42) which is connected to the internal passage by quick connects (18, 20). A source of compressed air (22) pressurizes the chamber and internal passage to a suitable test pressure. A pressure sensor (50) and a temperature sensor (54) detect the pressure and temperature within the chamber and hence in the endoscope passage. Pressure and temperature measurements made over time are used to determine changes in the gas volume, indicative of whether leaks are present in the endoscope. If the endoscope is determined to be free of leaks, the endoscope is washed and microbially decontaminated in the reprocessing system.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2001Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Assignee: Steris Inc.Inventor: Alan J. Greszler
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Publication number: 20020076347Abstract: This invention is related to methods for inactivating micro-organisms using high pressure processing. A method is described for inactivating micro-organisms in a product using high pressure processing comprising the steps of packing said product in a flexible container, heating said product to a pre-pressurized temperature, subjecting said product to a pressure at a pressurized temperature for a time period; and reducing the pressure after said time period. The method of the present invention could further comprise an additional step of subjecting said product to a predetermined amount of oxygen for a time interval. The methods of the present invention may be applied preferably to food, cosmetic or pharmaceutical products.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2001Publication date: June 20, 2002Inventor: Andreas Maerz
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Patent number: 6403027Abstract: A method for fumigation perishables within an existing refrigerated cargo container that does not require the refrigerated cargo container to be tented. The method uses the inherent characteristics of the cargo container to form the fumigation chamber environment. The method insures that the cargo container is fit for fumigation purposes, more specifically, that the refrigerated cargo container does not allow the escape of fumigant beyond the reasonable level allowed by the agency monitoring the fumigation process.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Inventors: Alexander Elias Napoles, Alexander Alfred Napoles
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Publication number: 20020068012Abstract: A sterilization system and method applies low frequency power to a plasma within a vacuum chamber to remove gas or vapor species from an article. The sterilization system includes a switching module adapted to pulsate the low frequency power applied to the plasma and a low frequency power feedback control system for controllably adjusting the low frequency power applied to the plasma. A power monitor is adapted to produce a first signal indicative of the low frequency power applied to the plasma within the vacuum chamber. A power control module is adapted to produce a second signal in response to the first signal from the power monitor, and a power controller is adapted to adjust, in response to the second signal, the low frequency power applied to the plasma to maintain a substantially stable average low frequency power applied to the plasma while the article is being processed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2001Publication date: June 6, 2002Inventors: Robert C. Platt, Mitch Agamohamadi, Alfredo M. Choperena, Anthony Lemus
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Publication number: 20020064479Abstract: A washing vessel capable of housing an endoscope is formed in an apparatus body. A washing solution containing a detergent is spurted against the endoscope arranged within the washing vessel for washing the endoscope. Also, an oxide-based disinfecting-sterilizing solution is supplied into the washing vessel for disinfecting-sterilizing the endoscope after the washing step together with the washing vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 1999Publication date: May 30, 2002Inventors: NOBUYUKI NAKANISHI, DAISAKU NEGORO, NAOYA TAYA, HITOSHI HASEGAWA, EIRI SUZUKI, HISASHI KUROSHIMA
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Patent number: 6391258Abstract: A pressure vessel, such as a bench top sterilizer, including a pressurizable chamber housing having an interior for receiving items to be sterilized. The chamber housing includes an access opening and the sterilizer or pressure vessel includes a door with hinge structure facilitating door movement between an opened condition, a latch condition and a latched and sealed condition. A seal is connected with at least one of the chamber housing and the door and is disposed in sealing engagement around the access opening when the door is in the latched and sealed condition. After latch structure on the door is initially actuated by a user, a motorized drive mechanism with a rotatable output connects with the latch structure such that rotation of the output moves the door from the initially latched condition to the latched and sealed condition.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1999Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: Barnstead/Thermolyne CorporationInventors: Steven C. Peake, Jason A. Harms
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Publication number: 20020054826Abstract: In a process for sterilizing objects, the surfaces of the objects are dampened by condensating a steam compound of water and hydrogen peroxide. The steam compound reaches hereby the objects to be sterilized without any additional transport gas flow. Subsequent drying occurs by means of evacuation at a pressure below the boiling points of water and hydrogen peroxide.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2001Publication date: May 9, 2002Inventors: Robert Frost, Peter Awakowicz
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Publication number: 20020051730Abstract: Medical devices, and in particular implantable medical devices, may be coated to minimize or substantially eliminate a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. The medical devices may be coated with any number of biocompatible materials. Therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may be mixed with the biocompatible materials and affixed to at least a portion of the medical device. These therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may also further reduce a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. Various materials and coating methodologies may be utilized to maintain the drugs, agents or compounds on the medical device until delivered and positioned. An efficient and effective sterilization process is also set forth.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2001Publication date: May 2, 2002Inventors: Stanko Bodnar, Gerard H. Llanos, Mark B. Roller, Angelo Scopelianos
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Patent number: 6379613Abstract: The invention concerns a water steam sterilizer, a so-called autoclave which consists of a steam generator (5), a chamber (13), a condenser (19) and a vacuum pump (20), whereby a pipe (9) connects the steam generator (5) with the chamber (13) and a pipe (35) connects the chamber (13) with the steam generator (5), whereby a valve (16) is provided in a pipe (34) between the chamber (13) and the condenser (19). The autoclav according to the invention is characterised in that valves (10, 17) are provided in the pipe (9) and the pipe (35) respectively. The invention further relates to a method for steam-sterilizing a load in a chamber.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1999Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Inventor: Christian Stempf
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Patent number: 6379614Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing an instrument having an exterior surface at substantially room temperature includes a chamber having an interior compartment for receiving and housing the instrument. The interior compartment is maintained at a predetermined compartment temperature while the instrument is being sterilized. The chamber is releasably engagable with a portion of the instrument to support the instrument within the interior compartment. A fluid injection mechanism is in fluid communication with the chamber for supplying fluid to the chamber and for maintaining the fluid at a predetermined fluid temperature while the instrument is being sterilized. The chamber includes at least one fluid outlet for directing a flow of fluid onto the exterior surface of the instrument. The chamber further includes at least another fluid outlet to direct the flow of fluid onto the portion of the instrument engaged by the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1999Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: Sermed Industries Inc.Inventors: Roberto M. Sergio, Winfield Wood, Jr., Peter O. Sildve
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Publication number: 20020044883Abstract: A method for determining and sterilizing a load in a sterilization chamber. A small amount of sterilant is introduced into the sterilization chamber and the concentration of sterilant is measured. The load of equipment to be sterilized is determined from the concentration of sterilant, and more sterilant is added, if necessary, based on the load. The process is repeated, if necessary, until the load is sterilized. The sterilant is preferably hydrogen peroxide, and the concentration of hydrogen peroxide is preferably determined by a spectrophotometric method in the infrared or ultraviolet regions. By monitoring the sterilant concentration and adding more as needed, the equipment in the chamber can be sterilized efficiently without exposing it to high concentrations of sterilant which could damage the equipment or leave too much residual on the equipment.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2001Publication date: April 18, 2002Inventors: Paul T. Jacobs, Szu-Min Lin, Jenn-Hann Wang
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Publication number: 20020044888Abstract: There is provided a pulsatile flow pressure system for treating tissue, such as, for example, bone tissue. This system generally includes one, and preferably two, pressure chambers configured to receive the natural ends of intact bone. Alternate positive and negative pressures are enacted on the bone ends to force fluid into the bone and substantially out through an exterior surface thereof. Alternatively, both ends of an intact bone can be positioned in separate pressure chambers and simultaneous positive or negative pressures applied to the bone ends to force fluid through the bone tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2001Publication date: April 18, 2002Inventors: John W. Morris, Lawrence A. Shimp, Nelson L. Scarborough, James L. Russell
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Publication number: 20020044886Abstract: A pollution control system having a blower located in a reduced temperature zone is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises: an injection grid, a vaporizer, and a blower. The injection grid injects ammonia vapor into a flue gas stream. The ammonia vapor is created as the vaporizer vaporizes aqueous ammonia into a carrier medium. Advantageously, the vaporization of the aqueous ammonia reduces the temperature of the carrier medium. A blower moves the carrier medium flow through the vaporizer and into the injection grid. The blower is located downstream of the vaporizer and upstream of the injection grid. This location permits the blower to operate in an environment with a substantially reduced temperature relative to the prior art. This advantageously increases the reliability of the blower and reduces installation and maintenance costs.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2001Publication date: April 18, 2002Inventor: William Larco
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Patent number: 6365102Abstract: A method of enhanced sterilization with improved material compatibility. The following enhancements have been made. First, repeated venting, evacuation, and plasma treatments can be performed in the pre-plasma stage. Second, a lower power level can be used in the post-plasma stage than in the pre-plasma stage. Third, after the post-plasma stage, the chamber can be held at atmospheric pressure or sub-atmospheric pressure for a period of time after venting, before re-evacuating the chamber, rather than evacuating after the chamber is vented to atmospheric pressure or sub-atmospheric pressure. Any of the three enhancements may be used separately, and it is not necessary to practice all three enhancements to obtain at least some of the benefits of enhanced sterilization with improved material compatibility.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1999Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Su-Syin S. Wu, Nancy S. Chu, Abraham Merhazion
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Patent number: 6365103Abstract: A method of sterilizing a hollow endoscope having a conduit is disclosed. An end of the endoscope conduit is connected to a sealed vessel such that the endoscope conduit is in fluid communication with the sealed vessel. The endoscope is placed in a sterilization chamber and the chamber sealed. The sterilization chamber is run through sterilization cycles in which the pressure within the chamber is varied. During the pressure variation within the sterilizing chamber, sterilizing gas is drawn from the sterilizing chamber via the endoscope conduit into the vessel. During the pressure variation the inner surface of the endoscope is subjected to sterilizing conditions in addition to the outer surface of the endoscope. In a preferred embodiment the sterilizing conditions are provided for by ozone gas in the presence of a humid atmosphere of at least 95% water saturation. The sterilization process is operatively simple and reduces the chance of human errors caused by false interpretation and handling.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2000Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: Technologies of Sterilization with Ozone TSO3 Inc.Inventor: Stephane Fournier
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Publication number: 20020037236Abstract: A method of sterilizing an instrument having an exterior and a proximal end in a chamber of a sterilizing apparatus, the method including the following steps: washing the instrument with a rinse fluid; removing bio-burden from the instrument with a bio-burden removing fluid; stabilizing a sterilization temperature at which sterilization of the instrument occurs; sterilizing the instrument; a first rinsing of the instrument with the rinse fluid; and a first drying of the instrument. The sterilizing step includes: applying to the instrument a first application of a sterilizing fluid at a first predetermined flow rate and applying to the instrument a second application of the sterilizing fluid at a second predetermined flow rate. The first application includes a first predetermined sequence of pulses of the sterilizing fluid and a driving fluid. The second application includes a plurality of pulses of the sterilizing fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2001Publication date: March 28, 2002Applicant: SERMED INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Roberto M. Sergio, Winfield Wood
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Patent number: 6337048Abstract: A method and apparatus for significantly increasing the solubility and dispersibility of consumer products such as food products, botanicals, cosmetic ingredients and medical products is disclosed. The method involves applying a continuous stream of oxygen-containing, i.e., OX gas to a material in a sealed chamber. The continuous stream of OX gas is prepared in an OX generation cell, which contains a means for generating the OX gas at a pressure less than 20 lbs/in2 using, for example, one or more of the following: corona discharge, high frequency electrical discharge, ultraviolet light, x-ray, radioactive isotope and electric beam. The apparatus contains: (a) a chamber; (b) a vacuum pump coupled to the chamber; (c) an OX generation cell, wherein the OX generation cell contains an OX generator capable of generating OX at a pressure less than 20 lbs/in2.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2000Date of Patent: January 8, 2002Assignee: Cosmed Group, Inc.Inventors: Gary B. Carman, Stephen K. Wirtz
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Patent number: 6334979Abstract: A gaseous blend of Ox and a method for significantly reducing the biological load on consumer products such as food products, botanicals and cosmetic ingredients is disclosed. The gaseous blend of Ox consists at least in part of O3. The method involves applying a continuous stream of oxygen-containing, i. e., Ox, gas to a material at a predetermined temperature, pressure and relative humidity. The continuous stream of Ox gas is prepared in an Ox generation cell, which contains a means for generating the Ox gas at a pressure less than 20 lbs/in2 using, for example, one or more of the following: corona discharge, high frequency electrical discharge, ultraviolet light, x-ray, radioactive isotope and electric beam.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2000Date of Patent: January 1, 2002Assignee: Cosmed Group, Inc.Inventors: Gary B. Carman, Stephen K. Wirtz
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Publication number: 20010053402Abstract: A method for preparing a sterilized liquid cooking sauce comprises the steps of: (a) mixing ingredients for liquid cooking sauces to form a liquid cooking sauce; (b) transferring the resulting sauce to a tubular sterilization means; (c) heating the sauce in the tubular sterilization means to thus sterilize the sauce; (d) establishing a back pressure within the sterilization means; and (e) packaging the sterilized sauce in containers; wherein the steps (c) to (e) are carried out while maintaining asceptic conditions and the pressure difference between the inlet and the outlet of the sterilization step is equal to 10 kg/cm2 or less. The method permits the preparation of a high quality sterilized liquid cooking sauce which shows small or no reduction of its viscosity and does not cause any color change.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 1999Publication date: December 20, 2001Inventors: MAHITO ORII, TAKAO KOBAYASHI, ATSUSHI KOTANI
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Publication number: 20010053333Abstract: A liquid flash-dry aerosol disinfectant composition comprising a flash vaporization component and an effective amount of an antimicrobial agent, said flash vaporization component being able, once the flash-dry disinfectant composition is sprayed in aerosol form onto a surface, to flash vaporize so as to leave an essentially dry surface having antimicrobial agent deposited thereon.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2001Publication date: December 20, 2001Inventors: Pierre Messier, Stephane Bourget, Jean-Pierre St-Louis, Joe Tanelli
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Patent number: 6331272Abstract: Microorganisms are destroyed and enzymes can be inactivated in liquids, such as juices for example, by continuously flowing the liquid and continuously flowing pressurized dense CO2 along flow paths which are separated by membrane having minute pores at which the flows contact each other in a nondispersive manner. Pressures in the two flow paths are equalized and the dense CO2 flow is continuously recirculated without depressurization. Contact between the flows can be maximized by using a plurality of parallel hollow fiber porous membranes with one of the flows being directed into the hollow fibers and the other of the flows being directed along exterior surfaces of the fibers. The process does not adversely affect properties of the liquid, such as taste, aroma and nutritional content, as heating of the liquid to a high temperature is unnecessary.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 1999Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Porocrit, L.L.C.Inventor: Marc Sims
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Patent number: 6325972Abstract: A method for sterilizing a device, includes the following steps: contacting the device with liquid sterilant outside or inside a sterilization chamber at a first pressure, placing the device in the chamber before or after the contacting step, and decreasing the pressure of the chamber to a second pressure below the vapor pressure of the liquid sterilant. At least the decrease in pressure below about the vapor pressure of the liquid sterilant occurs at a pumpdown rate of less than 0.8 liters per second, calculated based on the time required to evacuate the chamber from atmospheric pressure to 20 torr when the chamber is empty and dry.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1998Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Paul Jacobs, Suz-Min Lin, Jenn-Hann Wang
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Patent number: 6319480Abstract: A sterilized article is within the interior of a diffusion-restricted container. The container substantially prevents entry of microorganisms into the interior thereof. The container has at least one entry/exit port which permits entry/exit of gas and/or vapor into/out of the interior, but prevents entry of microorganisms into the interior.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2000Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Tralance O. Addy, Paul Taylor Jacobs, Szu-Min Lin, Jon Morrell Jacobs
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Patent number: 6312645Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for sanitizing a device, such as an endoscope, having a lumen. The method comprises a) providing a container possessing two or more openings, and a flexible, gas-impermeable pouch that surrounds the container; b) placing the device into the container; c) applying a reduced pressure to the container and pouch, thereby causing the pouch to collapse around the container and form at least one interface separating the container into two or more compartments, which interface is formed under reduced pressure by the adherence of the pouch onto itself and around part of a surface of the device, through openings in the container, such that one end of the device is located in one of the compartments and the other end is in another compartment; and d) generating a flow of a sanitizing solution through the lumen to sanitize the inner surface of the device.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1998Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Szu-Min Lin, Paul Jacobs, Alfredo M. Choperena
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Patent number: 6312646Abstract: A method of and system for sterilizing the internal surfaces of one or more elongate relatively narrow passages of interest contained in a device of interest, said passages having end openings and being susceptible of sustaining flow there along by inducing a positive flow of sterilizing gas through each passage of interest in a selected direction. Gas flow through a device of interest is caused by a passive two-chamber device which generates a transient pressure gradient between the ends of the lumens of the device in response to externally imposed variations of pressure. Sterilant gas is provided from outside the two chamber systems.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2000Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Assignee: Enviromedical Systems, Inc.Inventor: Nicholas Kowanko
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Publication number: 20010036422Abstract: A method and an apparatus for sterilizing a lumen device. A lumen and a container having an interface on a wall of the container are enclosed in a chamber. The lumen is placed across the interface so that one end of the lumen is in the container and the other end is in the chamber. Germicide is introduced into the chamber, and a pressure difference is created between the two ends of the lumen, so that the germicide flows through the lumen. The lumen may alternatively be placed across an interface which separates the chamber into two areas. Germicide is introduced into the chamber, and a pressure difference is created between the two areas of the chamber, causing the germicide to flow through the lumen.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2001Publication date: November 1, 2001Inventors: Szu-Min Lin, Paul Taylor Jacobs
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Publication number: 20010033807Abstract: A system and a method for sterilizing a lumen device involve a container in a chamber and a source of germicide. The container has an interface separating the container into two compartments and a communication port which provides fluid communication between the container and the chamber. The lumen device extends across the interface, and the two compartments are in fluid communication with each other through the lumen device. The lumen device is sterilized when the germicide flows from compartment to compartment through the lumen device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2001Publication date: October 25, 2001Inventors: Szu-Min Lin, Paul Taylor Jacobs
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Patent number: 6284193Abstract: A method and apparatus for significantly reducing the biological load on consumer products such as food products, botanicals, cosmetic ingredients and medical products is disclosed. The method involves applying a continuous stream of oxygen-containing, i.e., Ox, gas to a material in a sealed biological burden reduction chamber.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1998Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Inventors: Gary B. Carman, Stephen K. Wirtz
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Publication number: 20010016176Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing or disinfecting a device has a chamber, a source of sterilant or disinfectant and ports for admitting and exhausting the sterilant or disinfectant but lacks a source of sterile rinse. A related method similarly lacks the step of rinsing with a sterile solvent yet leaves the device essentially free of the sterilant or disinfectant. Preferably the sterilant or disinfectant is removed from the device by vaporizing it and drawing it out of the chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2000Publication date: August 23, 2001Inventors: Szu-Min Lin, Paul Taylor Jacobs
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Patent number: 6277328Abstract: Methods of aseptically transporting a bulk quantity of a sterile product such as an edible food product comprise sterilizing a transporting container by flooding the container with a chemical sterilant, pressurizing the sterilized container with a positive pressure inert gas atmosphere, and aseptically supplying a bulk quantity of the sterile product to the sterilized container. The pressurized container supplied with the sterile product is sealed to substantially maintain the positive pressure during transport of the container, and the container with the sterile product therein is then transported to a remote location. A transporting container for use in the present methods comprises an insulated transportable storage tank provided with a sealable atmospheric vent on an upper portion thereof, an inert gas valve provided with a microbial filter, and an aseptic inlet/outlet valve for supplying a sterile product therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2000Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Assignee: Enerfab, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey B. Raasch, Charles E. Smith
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Patent number: 6260560Abstract: For the purpose of cleaning and/or disinfecting endoscopes having a plurality of channels, each channel is connected to a feedline, which is provided with a shut-off valve, for a cleaning and/or disinfecting agent, and each channel is flushed with a cleaning and/or disinfecting agent. If necessary, before flushing the channels, separating means are arranged in the endoscope in order to separate channels from one another, in such a manner that during flushing only single channels are present in the endoscope. Each single channel is connected to a feedline for a cleaning and/or disinfecting agent and is flushed separately. The single channels which merge in the endoscope into a common channel part are flushed one after the other. Advantageously, if single channels of mutually different passage width are flushed simultaneously, an additional flow restriction is arranged in at least the feedline connected to the channel with the greater passage width.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1998Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Inventor: Johannes Antonius Walta
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Patent number: 6231908Abstract: In a method of preserving a food product by applying high pressure, the food product (1) is forced through a treatment system (2) having an entrance (3) and an exit (4) while a pressure difference of at least 10 MPa is substantially maintained between the entrance and the exit. The product (1) is subjected to a varying electric and/or magnetic field. A treatment system with a plurality of treatment chambers is used, wherein the treatment chambers are electrically connected to reduce impedance variations of the treatment system during the preserving of the food product. For the food product flow the treatment chambers are series connected.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1999Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Assignee: Lipton, Division of Conopco, Inc.Inventors: Hubertus Leonardus Lelieveld, Alexandru Volanschi
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Patent number: 6228324Abstract: The sterilizing method according to the present invention is a method of sterilizing a medical product by a hydrogen peroxide gas while keeping the packaged condition. In such a sterilizing method, a packaging container (1) capable of allowing the hydrogen peroxide gas to penetrate therethrough is used, and after completion of the sterilizing treatment, the packaging container (1) is subjected to degassing treatment while heating, thereby removing the hydrogen peroxide gas from the inside thereof. As a result, it is possible to conduct the treatment efficiently and surely prevent the hydrogen peroxide gas from remaining in the packaging container. In addition, the injection packs (P) according to the present invention comprises the packaging container (1) and a medicine-filled injector (4) enclosed in the packaging container.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1998Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Assignee: Seikagaku CorporationInventors: Mitsuru Hasegawa, Shuichi Maeda, Tokushi Mitomi, Takeshi Kanaguchi
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Patent number: 6224828Abstract: A method for sterilizing the interior and the exterior of a lumen device in a multi-chambered compartment with an interface with an adjustable opening in the interface. The lumen is placed partly in the first chamber and partly in the second chamber across the interface, sterilant is introduced into the multi-chambered compartment, and a flow is created between the two chambers through the lumen. The adjustable interface may be equipped with expandable material, compressible material, or inflatable material. Hydrogen peroxide or peracetic acid are suitable sterilants.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Szu-Min Lin, Paul Taylor Jacobs
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Patent number: 6220441Abstract: An apparatus and method for preserving the color, texture and visual effect of sports related items enclosed within transparent material for purposes of ornamental display. In the preferred embodiment, the sports related item is preserved by vacuum sealing or freeze-drying and encased in transparent resin. The preserved sports item may be displayed alone or in combination with photographs, descriptions, other memorabilia and the like.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Inventor: Dominick R. Cook
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Publication number: 20010000227Abstract: A method of and system for sterilizing the internal surfaces of one or more elongate relatively narrow passages of interest contained in a device of interest, said passages having end openings and being susceptible of sustaining flow there along by inducing a positive flow of sterilizing gas through each passage of interest in a selected direction. Gas flow through a device of interest is caused by a passive two-chamber device which generates a transient pressure gradient between the ends of the lumens of the device in response to externally imposed variations of pressure. Sterilant gas is provided from outside the two chamber systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2000Publication date: April 12, 2001Inventor: Nicholas Kowanko
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Patent number: 6203756Abstract: A method for cleaning and sterilizing a medical device comprises the steps of: a) placing the device into a container, b) cleaning the device with a cleaning solution, c) rinsing the device with rinse solution, d) treating the device with a liquid sterilant, e) vaporizing the liquid sterilant in the container thereby simultaneously sterilizing and drying the device, and providing a sterile, dry product without further rinsing. The method further comprises retaining a predetermined amount of the liquid sterilant in the container prior to step e). Step e) can be conducted under a diffusion restricted environment, or by reducing pressure to a first predetermined pressure followed by further reducing the first pressure to a predetermined second pressure, or at controlled pump down rate.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1997Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Medical, Inc.Inventors: Szu-Min Lin, Paul Taylor Jacobs
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Patent number: 6187266Abstract: A method for cleaning and sterilizing a medical device having a lumen with at least two open ends comprises the steps of: a) providing a container having at least one enclosure separated from the container by an interface, b) placing the device into the container and enclosure across the interface in such a way that one end of the lumen of the device is located in the container and the other end in the enclosure, c) generating a flow of a cleaning solution through the lumen to clean the inner surface of the lumen, d) generating a flow of rinse solution through the lumen to rinse the inner surface of the lumen, e) treating the device with a liquid sterilant, f) vaporizing the liquid sterilant in the container or enclosure thereby simultaneously sterilizing and drying the device, and providing a sterile, dry product without further rinsing.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1997Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Medical, Inc.Inventors: Szu-Min Lin, Paul Taylor Jacobs
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Patent number: 6177048Abstract: A method is described for sterilizing a fiber based container that contains a food product without damaging the container. The method involves placing the filled container in an autoclave, and supplying steam into the closed autoclave to raised the temperature to a sterilization temperature and at a pressure above atmospheric. The temperature required for sterilizing the food product is greater than the critical temperature for the container. The cooling phase involves introducing cooling air into the autoclave to reduce the temperature below the critical temperature without introducing moisture, and then supplying cool water to lower the temperature of the container rapidly. The use of this method provides effective sterilization in a reduced cycle time.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1999Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.Inventor: Jan Lagerstedt
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Patent number: 6177115Abstract: This invention pertains to methods for achieving the commercial sterilization of foods having a pH greater than or equal to 4.5 involving concomitant treatment of the food to two or more cycles of high heat, high pressure, with a brief pause between cycles. The pressurization schedule relies on the additional instantaneous, uniform.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2000Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Inventor: Richard S. Meyer
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Patent number: 6174502Abstract: A sterilized article is within the interior of a diffusion-restricted container. The container substantially prevents entry of microorganisms into the interior thereof. The container has at least one communication port which permits entry of gas and/or vapor into the interior, but prevents entry of microorganisms into the interior.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1998Date of Patent: January 16, 2001Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Tralance O. Addy, Paul Taylor Jacobs, Szu-Min Lin, Jon Morrell Jacobs
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Patent number: 6171551Abstract: An electrolysis unit (10) has an ion selective barrier (20) for separating an anodic chamber (12) from a cathodic chamber (14). An electrolyte within the unit includes a precursor, such as potassium acetate, or acetic acid. A positive potential is applied to an anode (16) within the anodic chamber, resulting in the generation of a variety of shorter and longer lived oxidizing species, such as peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and ozone. In one preferred embodiment, a solution containing the oxidizing species is transported to a site where articles, such as medical instruments, are to be decontaminated. The oxidizing species are generated as needed, avoiding the need to store hazardous decontaminants.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Steris CorporationInventors: Paul S. Malchesky, Chung-Chiun Liu, Tom L. Merk
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Patent number: 6162395Abstract: A method of and system for sterilizing the internal surfaces of one or more elongate relatively narrow passages of interest contained in a device of interest, said passages having end openings and being susceptible of sustaining flow therealong by inducing a positive flow of sterilizing gas through each passage of interest in a selected direction. Gas flow through a device of interest is caused by a passive two-chamber device which generates a transient pressure gradient between the ends of the lumens of the device in response to externally imposed variations of pressure. Sterilant gas is provided from outside the two chamber systems.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1998Date of Patent: December 19, 2000Assignee: Enviromedical Systems, Inc.Inventor: Nicholas Kowanko