Drain system for a sterilization apparatus
First Claim
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.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A sterilization apparatus for sterilization of objects. The apparatus includes a chamber for receiving the objects including a sterilization medium inlet and outlet; an inlet flow control device for controlling a supply of a sterilization medium to the chamber; a drain system for controllable discharge of fluid from the chamber; and a control unit configured to control the inlet flow control device and drain system. The drain system includes: a drain inlet connected to the sterilization medium outlet; a drain outlet connected to a vacuum system for evacuating the chamber; a first conduit connecting the drain inlet and outlet; and a proportional valve, arranged along the first conduit, controllable by the control unit to partly restrict fluid flow through the first conduit according. Drain valves may be controlled in response to the temperature of a flow of coolant, the coolant being used for cooling fluid via a heat exchanger.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A sterilization apparatus for sterilization of objects, the sterilization apparatus comprising:
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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 Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of controllably releasing and cooling heated sterilization medium from a sterilization apparatus, the method comprising:
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releasing sterilization medium from a sterilization chamber of the sterilization apparatus by at least partially opening a valve fluidically linked to the sterilization chamber, wherein the sterilization medium has been heated; cooling said sterilization medium after it is released from the sterilization chamber using a heat exchanger, said cooling comprising flowing a coolant through the heat exchanger, wherein the coolant and the sterilization medium flow through separate fluidic paths; monitoring a temperature of the coolant, the coolant being unmixed with the sterilization medium; and in response to detecting that the temperature of the coolant is approaching a predetermined maximum limit, a controller at least partially closing the valve to reduce a flow of the sterilization medium through the valve. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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18. An arrangement for controllably releasing heated sterilization medium from a sterilization chamber of a sterilization apparatus, the arrangement comprising:
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a vacuum system for evacuating the sterilization chamber of the sterilization apparatus, when said sterilization apparatus is present; a drain system configured for receiving and controlling discharge of sterilization medium from the sterilization apparatus, when sterilization medium is present, the drain system comprising; a drain inlet configured for receiving sterilization medium from the sterilization apparatus, when present; 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 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 separate fluidic paths are provided for the flow of coolant and for the sterilization medium leaving the sterilization apparatus; 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 sterilization chamber, including by restricting discharge of sterilization medium from the sterilization chamber in response to the temperature of the flow of coolant. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification