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:
Sep. 07, 1999
Filed:
Apr. 04, 1997
Susan Mary Naperkowski, Erie, PA (US);
Kenneth John Klobusnik, Lake City, PA (US);
Francis John Zelina, Lake City, PA (US);
Steris Corporation, Mentor, OH (US);
Abstract
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).