×

Drain system for a sterilization apparatus

  • US 10,639,385 B2
  • Filed: 06/19/2018
  • Issued: 05/05/2020
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/18/2012
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A sterilization apparatus for sterilization of objects, the sterilization apparatus comprising:

  • a chamber for holding the objects to be sterilized, the chamber including a sterilization medium inlet for receiving sterilization medium, and a sterilization medium outlet for sterilization medium leaving the chamber;

    a vacuum system for evacuating the chamber;

    a drain system positioned for controlling discharge of sterilization medium from the chamber, the drain system comprising;

    a drain inlet fluidically connected to the sterilization medium outlet of the chamber;

    a drain outlet fluidically connected to the vacuum system;

    a first conduit fluidically connecting the drain inlet and the drain outlet; and

    a valve arranged along the first conduit and being adapted for controlling a flow of sterilization medium through the first conduit;

    a heat exchanger configured to reduce a temperature of the sterilization medium, when present, after the sterilization medium has passed through the valve; and

    a temperature sensor, the temperature sensor being configured to measure a temperature of a flow of coolant when present, the flow of coolant being positioned to cool the sterilization medium via the heat exchanger;

    wherein the flow of coolant in the sterilization apparatus has a separate fluidic path from the sterilization medium; and

    a control unit connected to the drain system and configured to control the drain system;

    wherein the control unit is configured to control, based on the temperature of the flow of coolant received from the temperature sensor, the valve of the drain system to control the discharge of sterilization medium from the chamber, including by restricting discharge of fluid from the chamber in response to the temperature of the flow of coolant.

View all claims
  • 0 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×