Filtered gas plasma sterilization container with improved circulation
OwnerMarcia A. Frieze, Allan S. Frieze +1inventors
InventorsMarcia A. Frieze, Allan S. Frieze, Ron Amster
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Abstract
The invention relates to a container and methods for sterilizing medical instruments with various embodiments including use of an instrument tray and a thermostatically controlled valve. In particular, this invention relates to a sterilization container useful for sterilization with various sterilization techniques including gas, gas plasma and steam. The sterilization container of the present invention permits steam or gas sterilant penetration and prevents microorganisms and dust from entering. The materials used may be made of a suitable metal, including an aluminum alloy, that may be heat treated and/or anodized or coated with a suitable material.
Claims199
A sterilization container comprising:
- a lid having a first set of vent holes;
- a filter means adjacent to said first set of vent holes;
- and
- a bottom attachable to said lid, wherein said bottom comprises side walls, a base, and one or more sets of vent holes located in said base of said bottom;
- wherein said sterilization container is adapted to provide passage for a sterilizing medium throughout the interior of said sterilization container.
A sterilization container comprising:
- a lid having a first set of vent holes;
- a filter means adjacent to said first set of vent holes;
- and
- a bottom attachable to said lid, wherein said bottom comprises side walls, a base, and at least a second and third set of vent holes located in said base of said bottom;
- wherein said sterilization container is adapted to provide passage for a sterilizing medium throughout the interior of said sterilization container, wherein said sterilization container is made from an aluminum alloy.
A sterilization container comprising:
- a lid having a first set of vent holes;
- a filter means adjacent to said first set of vent holes;
- a bottom attachable to said lid, wherein said bottom comprises side walls, a base, and at least a second and third set of vent holes located in said base of said bottom;
- and
- an instrument tray;
- wherein said sterilization container is adapted to provide passage for a sterilizing medium throughout the interior of said sterilization container.
A sterilization container comprising:
- a lid having a first set of vent holes;
- a filter means adjacent to said first set of vent holes;
- a thermostatic valve assembly in fluid connection with said lid and said interior of said sterilization container;
- a bottom attachable to said lid, wherein said bottom comprises side walls, a base, and at least a second and third set of vent holes located in said base of said bottom;
- and
- an instrument tray;
- wherein said sterilization container is adapted to provide passage for a sterilizing medium throughout the interior of said sterilization container and wherein said container is made from an aluminum alloy.
A sterilization container comprising:
- a lid having a first set of vent holes;
- a filter means adjacent to said first set of vent holes;
- a thermostatic valve assembly in fluid connection with said lid and said interior of said sterilization container;
- a bottom attachable to said lid, wherein said bottom comprises side walls, a base, and at one or more sets of vent holes located in said base of said bottom;
- and
- an instrument tray;
- wherein said sterilization container is adapted to provide passage for a sterilizing medium throughout the interior of said sterilization container and wherein said container is made from an aluminum alloy.
A method for sterilizing items comprising the steps of:
- a) placing the items to be sterilized in a container apparatus, said container apparatus comprising:
- a lid having a first set of vent holes;
- a filter means adjacent to said first set of vent holes;
- and
- a bottom attachable to said lid, wherein said bottom comprises side walls,
- a base, and one or more sets of vent holes located in said base of said bottom;
- wherein said sterilization container is adapted to provide passage for a sterilizing medium throughout the interior of said sterilization container.
- b) passing a sterilizing medium through said first set of vent holes, around the inside of said container and out of said container;
- and
- c) removing said sterilization container from an autoclave.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.