American Sterilizer Company

Steris Inc.

Kenneth J Klobusnik

Francis John Zelina

Robert W Childers

Michael Rabinovich

Thaddeus Joseph Mielnik

Peter J Buczynski

Susan M Napierkowski

James R Rickloff

Mark E Chiffon

Sandeepan Dutta

Jude A Kral

Daniel N Kelsch

John C Houston

James C Hlebovy

Alan J Greszler

Bill R Sanford

Robert M Priest

Anthony B Ruffo

Prantik Guha Biswas

Kimberly R Goray

Susan Mary Naperkowski

David James Zolner

Prantik Guh Biswas

A steam sterilizer having a door movable relative to an opening between a first open position and a second closed position. A plurality of spaced-apart roller assemblies are aligned along edges of the door to align the door relative to the opening as the door moves between the open and closed position. Each of the roller assemblies are comprised of a cylindrical roller having an outer annual recess extending along the periphery thereof. The recess is dimensioned to receive a lateral edge of the door. The roller is mounted on a shaft and is movable against a biasing force axially along the axis of the shaft.

Self-adjusting damper based linear alignment system

A method of sterilizing articles, using a low-vapor-pressure sterilant in a compact sterilizer, including a pre-pulse injection of sterilant to condition a sterilization chamber.

Method of performing sterilization cycle

A device for removing oil mist and odors from an airstream comprising a base having an air inlet in the lower end thereof for receiving an airstream. A first tubular filter has a first end and a second end. The first end is closed, and the second end is mounted on the base wherein the first tubular filter defines an inner chamber that is in communication with the air inlet. A second tubular filter is mounted on the base. The second tubular filter surrounds the first tubular filter and defines an outer chamber therebetween. An opening is formed through the base. The opening connects the outer chamber with the air inlet. A valve element is disposed in the base. The valve element allows flow from the outer chamber to the air inlet when pressure in the outer chamber exceeds pressure in the air inlet.

Compact filter assembly for removing oil mist and odor from an airstream

A method and apparatus for metering a predetermined quantity of liquid decontaminant into a vaporization system. A single vacuum source is used to fill an injector with the predetermined quantity of liquid decontaminant and to also establish a vacuum in a chamber. The chamber is injected with the liquid decontaminant filling the injector. The liquid decontaminant is vaporized in the chamber to produce a vaporized decontaminant.

Method and apparatus for injecting a metered quantity of a liquid into a chamber

A fluid delivery system ( ) for an automated processor (A) includes spray nozzles ( ) for sequentially spraying washing, microbial decontaminant and rinsing solutions over a lumened device (B), such as an endoscope. The fluid delivery system also includes connection ports ( ) for connecting with internal passages ( ) of the device to deliver the washing and microbial decontaminant solutions thereto. A removable rack ( ), specially configured for the particular device, positions the device within a chamber ( ). The spray nozzles are located on rear and side walls ( ) and on a door ( ) of the chamber, such that the device is impinged with spray from all directions. Sets ( ) of the spray nozzles are pulsed in sequence so that the spray jets ( ) do not cancel each other out. Leaking connectors ( ) connect the automated processor connection ports with inlet ports ( ) of the device and allow a portion of the cleaning, decontaminant, and rinsing solutions to leak from each inlet port. A computer control system ( ) controls cleaning, decontamination, rinsing, and drying stages of a cycle, which are all carried out within the chamber, obviating the need for human contact with the device during processing.

Fluid spray system for cleaning and sterilizing medical devices supported on a rack

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).

Integral flash steam generator

A steam sterilizer device having a steam generation system is disclosed. The steam generation system has a fluid connection to a water source (1) to provide water to a venturi apparatus (27) for the selective creation of a vacuum in a sterilization chamber (71). A fluid connection to a particle filter (33) and a reverse osmosis filter (37) is also provided and water passed through the filters is delivered by a metering pump (53) to a steam generating apparatus (59) which in turn supplies steam to a the chamber (71). The chamber (71) is provided with a discharge conduit including a mixing chamber (31) and a split tubing air break (131).

Steam delivery system for a decontamination apparatus

A steam sterilization device (10) including a chamber (12) having a slidable sealable door (30). A flexible insulating plastic member (74) covers the sealable door (30). The sterilization device (10) includes a frame (20, 22, 24, 28, 50) supporting the chamber (12). A front wall (60) of molded plastic covers the frame. A stop bracket (46) is secured to a door track (36) at the appropriate location below the door to limit travel. At least one counter weight (42) is secured to the door (30) by a cable (38) and a guide member (44) surrounds the counter weight.

Steam decontamination apparatus

Blockage in sterilizers due to the solidification of spilled liquid agar downstream from the sterilization chamber is prevented by heating the drain stream exiting the sterilization chamber so that the temperature of the liquid agar stays above 45.degree.-50.degree. C. prior to discharge from the sterilization plumbing system. An improved modular plumbing system for sterilizers is provided, where the piping and valving requirements for a discrete operation performed by the sterilizer are segregated in a single manifold.

Self cleaning drain system and modular plumbing system for a sterilizing

The present invention provides a sterilization process particularly well suited for sterilizing instruments and other devices having long narrow lumens. Apparatus in which the process can be practiced is also provided. The process uses a multicomponent sterilant vapor wherein one component is water. The lumened instruments are fluidly connected to the exhaust manifold of the sterilizer. A deep vacuum is drawn in the sterilization chamber followed by the injection of pulses of the sterilant vapor until a higher, but still subatmospheric pressure level is reached. When the pressure level reaches a predetermined subatmospheric level, a flow-through sterilization phase begins. It includes successive alternating periods of sterilant flow and the discontinuance of such flow. During sterilant flow periods, there are sterilant injection pulses where the sterilant flows through the chamber and the lumened instruments to exhaust. Each such flow period is followed by a hold period. Following the sterilization phase, there are one or more aeration steps to remove sterilant from the chamber.

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Lake City, PA, United States of America

Kenneth J Klobusnik