Sterilization container filter system

• US 20040232151A1
• Filed: 06/18/2004
• Published: 11/25/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 07/18/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Witold Bauer
• Original Assignee: Witold Bauer
• Inventors: Bauer, Witold
• Application Number:
  US10/872,234
• Publication Number:
  US 20040232151A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 220/371
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/022 Filtration
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/07 Steam
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/26 Accessories or devices or components used for biocidal treatment
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2202/122 Chambers for sterilisation
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2202/24 Medical instruments, e.g. endoscopes, catheters, sharps
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/50 Special application

Abstract

The invention described herein relates to a filter system for sterilization containers which secures a gas permeable filter onto a vented portion of the container. The filter system of the invention includes a locking mechanism that is comfortable and easy to use, and that requires a simple sliding movement of the users hand to lock and unlock the filter system components in place. The invention further includes a filter system structured such that the openings of the filter system plates permit transport of air across the filter while at the same time the openings are arranged to reduce or prevent undesirable physical perforation of the filter. By virtue of its structure, the need for particular rotational positioning of filter components in relation to one another is significantly reduced. The filter system of the invention also reduces or eliminates the need for perimeter gaskets. The invention is useful in a variety of medical applications wherein sterilization of medical devices and instruments is associated with a surgical treatment or procedure.

Claims

1. (canceled)

2. (canceled)

3. (canceled)

4. (canceled)

5. (canceled)

6. (canceled)

7. (canceled)

8. (canceled)

9. A locking mechanism for a sterilization container filter system having a vented portion, said locking mechanism comprising:

a first filter retention plate;

a locking plate having an elongate opening and attached to the upper surface of said first filter retention plate, and adapted for linear sliding movement in a direction substantially parallel to the surface of said plate;

wherein said locking plate is adapted to cooperate with a central pin extending outward from a vented portion of the sterilization container; and

wherein linear sliding movement of said locking plate increases the vertical compressive force between the filter system components.

10. (canceled)