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:
Dec. 14, 1999
Filed:
May. 12, 1998
Wolfgang Mueller, Erie, PA (US);
Steris Corporation, Mentor, OH (US);
Abstract
An elliptical steam sterilizer includes an elliptically shaped inner shell (12) and an elliptically shaped outer jacket (14). The inner shell (12) and outer jacket (14) are supported on opposite ends by an end plate (16) and a back head (20). The elliptical shape of the sterilizer distributes the forces caused by pressurization and evacuation of the inner shell (12) in a beneficial manner which eliminates the need for expensive reinforcement of the inner shell and outer jacket (14). The elliptical shape, which is oriented with its major axis (Y) positioned vertically and its minor axis (X) positioned horizontally, provides greater capacity than a cylindrical sterilizer with the same size footprint.