American Sterilizer Company

Steris Inc.

Peter J Buczynski

Michael A Bacik

Michael A Centanni

Aaron L Hill

Iain McVey

Joseph T Sestak

Francis John Zelina

Kenneth J Klobusnik

Timothy W Meilander

Richard A Weiss

Jeffrey Charles Robertson

Thaddeus Joseph Mielnik

Gerald E McDonnell

Shadruz Daraie

David A Karle

Teppo J Nurminen

Paul A Wiget

Mark E Chiffon

Francis J Zelina, Jr

James M Szumigala

David F McCall

Prantik Guha Biswas

Kimberly R Goray

Joseph B Ott

James M Huber

Paul W Wiget

Iain F Mcvey

Jeffrey C Robertson

Prantik Guh Biswas

This invention relates to a process for reducing the temperature of an effluent stream flowing out of a sterilization chamber. The process involves the use of a mixing tank and heat exchangers which provide for cooling the effluent to a temperature required by local drain or sewer requirements (e.g., below about 60&#xb0; C.) while saving on the amount of cooling water needed to cool the effluent.

Process for reducing the temperature of an effluent stream flowing out of a sterilization chamber

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 sterilizer for sterilizing instruments and devices disposed therein. The sterilizer includes a vessel that has an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall defines a sterilization chamber. The outer wall is spaced from the inner wall to define a cavity surrounding the sterilization chamber. A heating element for vaporizing a fluid is disposed in a lower portion of the cavity. A fluid circuit is fluidly connected to the vessel to convey fluid to the cavity, to convey steam from the cavity to the sterilization chamber and to exhaust steam from the sterilization chamber. The fluid circuit includes a conduit that fluidly connects the sterilization chamber to the cavity. A valve is disposed in the conduit for controlling the flow of steam from the cavity to the sterilization chamber. A boiler pump is provided for conveying fluid to the cavity of the vessel.

Steam sterilizer

A sterilizer having a cassette for holding metal instruments or medical devices. The cassette includes a metallic container that defines a sterilization chamber. The container has at least one outer surface. A plurality of spaced-apart, elongated rails extend along the at least one outer surface of the container. Each of the rails includes a free, longitudinal edge wherein the edges of the rails lie in a first plane. An insulating shell encases the metallic container and the plurality of rails. An outer surface of the insulating shell lies in the first plane. A receiving unit includes a housing having an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface engages the edges of the rails and the outer surface of the insulating shell when the cassette is disposed within the inner housing. A plurality of spaced-apart elongated ribs extends along the outer surface of the housing.

The present invention provides a device for activating a self-contained biological indicator. The biological indicator includes a casing, an ampule having a growth-promoting medium disposed therein and microorganisms. The ampule and microorganisms are disposed within the casing. The device is comprised of a first lever arm having a cavity formed therein. The cavity is dimensioned to receive a biological indicator. A second lever arm has a protrusion extending from a surface thereof and is moveable relative to the first lever arm to deform a casing of the biological indicator thereby fracturing an ampule in the casing and exposing microorganisms in the casing to a growth-promoting medium in the ampule of the biological indicator.

Method for activating a self-contained biological indicator

The present invention provides a sterilizer having a housing defining a sterilization chamber. An opening in the housing communicates with the chamber. A surface surrounds the opening, and a door is movable between one of an open position allowing access to the chamber through the opening and a closed position covering the opening. A seal element is associated with the surface for forming a fluid-tight seal between the door and the surface when the door is in the closed position. An operating system is provided for applying pressure to one side of the seal from a first source external to the operating system to force the seal into engagement with the door. Sensing means are provided for monitoring the pressure applied to the seal from the first pressure source. A second source of pressure is provided in the operating system and is connectable to the seal. Valve means connect the pressure source to the steam system if the sensing means detects a pressure below a set pressure sufficient to sustain a seal between the door and the surface.

Door seal system for steam sterilizer

Device for activating a self-contained biological indicator

The disclosed invention relates to a portable decontamination unit. The invention also relates to a decontamination process. The decontamination unit may be ruggedized for use in hostile environments such as those that may be anticipated for military applications.

Transportable decontamination unit and decontamination process

The disclosed invention relates to a bidirectional shelf assembly which may be used in a single door or double door cabinet. The cabinet may comprise the decontamination chamber of a decontamination unit. The cabinet may comprise a sterilizer and/or washer.

Shelf assembly

A decontamination system for decontaminating an enclosure defining a chamber or region. The decontamination system includes an air bypass for introducing atmospheric air into the decontamination system and bypassing air to the atmosphere in response to system operating conditions. The air bypass allows increased airflow through the decontamination system during certain operating modes of the decontamination system (i.e., dehumidification and aeration phases), thereby reducing the amount of time needed to dehumidify and aerate the enclosure. The air bypass also facilitates the use of a high capacity dryer in the decontamination system.

Decontamination system with air bypass

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 flash vapor generator () provides a constant flow of vaporized hydrogen peroxide for rapidly sterilizing a large decontamination tunnel () with a high container throughput. The vaporizer includes a heated block which defines an interior bore or bores. The conditions within the decontamination tunnel are carefully monitored to avoid condensation of the vapor while maintaining the vapor as close as possible to the saturation limit.

Growing community of inventors

Girard, PA, United States of America

Peter J Buczynski