Back to results
US 5,949,958 AGranted
Integral flash steam generator
AssigneeSTERIS Inc.
InventorsSusan Mary Naperkowski, Kenneth John Klobusnik, Francis John Zelina
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Loading patent…
Loading patent…
AssigneeSTERIS Inc.
InventorsSusan Mary Naperkowski, Kenneth John Klobusnik, Francis John Zelina
Estimating the term…
The present invention is a flash steam generator (10) to be used as an integral component of a steam sterilizer (30). The generator comprises a metal block (11) having a first bore (12) drilled lengthwise through the metal block (11). Surrounding the first bore (12) are a plurality of additional heater bores (14) in which heating elements (15) are inserted. The generator is integral to the sterilizer piping (31, 34) and control systems. In a preferred form, the first bore (12) provides a non-linear flow path. For example, a packing material such as monel wool (41) or a spiral dowel (45) can provide such a tortuous flow path. Alternatively, the block (11) may be provided with a plurality of fluid containing bores (51, 57, 67, 73, 81) interconnected by manifolds (59, 69, 75, 83).
A flash steam generator integral with a piping system of a sterilizer comprising;
A sterilization device for the decontamination of equipment, said device including a sterilization chamber pressurizable to at least 20 psi and a steam generating apparatus, said steam generating apparatus comprised of an elongated metallic block including at least two bores containing heating elements and a first passage in which water is converted into steam, said first passage extending from a first end to a second end of said metallic block, a second passage extending from the second end of the metallic block to the first end, an arcuate connector connecting the first and second passages at the second end of the block, the second passage being larger in diameter than the first passage, and said heating elements disposed adjacent said passages.
A process for the flash steam generation of steam to a piping system of a steam sterilizer comprising:
A sterilization device for the decontamination of equipment, said device including a sterilization chamber pressurizable to at least 20 psi and a steam generating apparatus, said steam generating apparatus comprised of an elongated metallic block capable of withstanding at least 20 psi and including at least two bores containing heating elements and a plurality of passages through the block in which water is converted into steam, each of said passages extending between a first end and a second end of said metallic block, conduits connecting the passages in series, each of the passages having a progressively larger cross-section in a direction of fluid flow than the preceding passage.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.