US3708263A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for continuous sterilization at low temperature
Assignee: Wave Energy Systems Inc
•
Filing: 1971-01-15
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Granted: 1973-01-02
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Expires: 1991-01-15
Abstract
Abstract An automatic method and apparatus to continuously surface sterilize at temperatures below 75* C any objects, parts or components made of metal or heat sensitive materials. Said method consists of treating materials first in a synergistically active chemical solution in an ultrasonic tank, then of rinsing in a second ultrasonic tank. The final step consists of drying the processed material in a sterile atmosphere. The three different processing steps take place in a matter of minutes inside a laminar flow positive pressure clean or white room. The apparatus continuously delivers sterile parts or instruments ready for packaging and sealing. Sterilized parts or instruments are not physically or chemically affected by the process and do not contain dissolved corrosive or toxic compounds.
Inventors
- 👤 R Boucher
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 16:10
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61L; A61L2/00; A61L2/16; A61L2/18; A61L2/02; A61L2/025
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
98 words
A continuous process of synergistically destroying all surface micro-organisms including pathogens, viruses and spores on metal or heat sensitive materials such as plastic or the like, comprising contacting the material to be treated with a chemical solution comprising an aqueous solution of from 0.05 to 5 percent by volume glutaraldehyde and from 1 part per million to 2 percent by volume dimethylsulfoxide and ultrasonic waves simultaneously at temperatures below 75* C, subsequently treating the material with a rinsing solution and ultrasonic waves simultaneously at temperatures below 75* C and finally drying the material at temperatures below 75* C.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
70 words
The process of claim 2, wherein the material to be treated is first submerged in said chemical solution while said material to be treated and said chemical solution is being treated with ultrasonic waves, subsequently said material to be treated is submerged in a rinsing solution while said material to be treated and said rinsing solution is being treated with ultrasonic waves and finally drying said material to be treated.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
The process of claim 2, wherein the rinsing solution is sterile water.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The process of claim 2, wherein all the steps take place in a sterile atmosphere.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The process of claim 2, wherein the chemical solution has a pH of between 2 to 8.5.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The process of claim 2, wherein the chemical solution contains a buffer to adjust the pH from between 7 and 8.5.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
The process of claim 2, wherein the chemical solution is submitted to a high intensity ultrasonic field whose normal frequency is from between 8 kHz and 900 kHz.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
The process of claim 2, wherein the chemical solution is submitted to an ultrasonic field having an intensity of at least 10 watts per liter.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The process of claim 2, wherein the material is treated in the chemical solution at a temperature of between 15* and 70* C.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
The process of claim 2, wherein the rinsing solution is submitted to a high intensity ultrasonic field whose normal frequency is from between 8 kHz and 300 kHz.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The process of claim 2, wherein the intensity of the ultrasonic field on the rinsing solution is greater than 10 watts per liter.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
The process of claim 2, wherein the temperature of the rinsing solution is between 45* and 70* C.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
The process of claim 2, wherein the material to be treated is dried at a temperature at between 70* and 75* C.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
35 words
The process of claim 2, wherein the material is treated with the chemical solution and ultrasonic waves, the rinsing solution and ultrasonic waves and the drying operation for from 2 to 30 minutes each, respectively.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
The process of claim 2, wherein the material being treated is exposed to ultraviolet light while being dried.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
22 words
The process of claim 2, wherein the rinsing solution also contains up to 0.1 percent by volume of a surface active agent.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
16 words
The process of claim 17, wherein the surface active agent is a cationic surface active agent.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
16 words
The process of claim 18, wherein the cationic surface active agent is a quaternary ammonium salt.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-01-02 | 1976-07-03 | 1977-01-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-01-02 | 1980-07-03 | 1981-01-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-01-02 | 1984-07-03 | 1985-01-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |