The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 03, 1998
Filed:
Jan. 04, 1996
Robert W Childers, New Port Richey, FL (US);
Steven J Edwards, Apex, NC (US);
Donald R Gagne, Placerville, CA (US);
Cory J Palmer, Clayton, NC (US);
American Sterilizer Company, Mentor, OH (US);
Abstract
Hot, saturated water vapor in the form of low-temperature subatmospheric steam is employed to shorten the aeration period after sterilization with a condensable, heat-labile chemical sterilant. The application of steam accelerates the rate of outgassing of sterilant residuals that are absorbed into, or adsorbed or condensed onto chamber or load materials. The method is particularly suitable for removing residuals from polymeric materials and/or materials that are poor heat conductors. Apparatus is provided to supply steam in situations where a utility steam supply is not available.