MOBILE STERILIZATION APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR USING THE SAME

• US 20150314026A1
• Filed: 03/10/2015
• Published: 11/05/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 03/10/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Progressive Sterilization, LLC
• Original Assignee: PMBS LLC
• Inventors: Webb, Alexis, Mauzerall, Michele, Keenan, Maryellen
• Granted Patent: US 9,808,545 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 57/20 consisting of tongues, pins or similar projecting means coacting with openings A47B57/08, A47B57/16 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 81/00 Cabinets or racks specially adapted for other particular purposes, e.g. for storing guns or skis
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 91/04 Elastic supports
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 91/16 Self-levelling legs
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2050/105 Cabinets
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 50/00 Containers, covers, furniture or holders specially adapted for surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments, e.g. sterile covers drapes specially adapted for instruments A61B46/10
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 50/13 Trolleys, e.g. carts
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 50/22 Racks
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 50/33 Trays
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 50/34 Baskets
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/00 Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor for contact lenses A61L12/00; atomisers for disinfecting agents A61M; sterilisation of packages or package contents in association with packaging B65B55/00; treatment of water, waste water, sewage or sludge C02F; disinfecting paper D21H21/36; disinfecting devices for water closets E03D; articles having provision for disinfection, see the relevant subclasses for these articles, e.g. H04R1/12
• 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 2202/16 Mobile applications, e.g. portable devices, trailers, devices mounted on vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2202/24 Medical instruments, e.g. endoscopes, catheters, sharps
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/00 Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air body deodorants A61Q15/00; purifying air by respirators A62B, A62D9/00; separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours B01D45/00 - B01D51/00, B03C3/00; chemical or biological purification of waste gases B01D53/34; production of ozone C01B13/10; air-conditioning systems incorporating sterilisation F24F3/16, F24F8/20
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 46/0005 Mounting of filtering elements within casings, housings or frames B01D46/2422 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 46/0086 Filter condition indicators
• CPC Class Codes: B60B 33/00 Castors in general; Anti-clogging castorscastors for large containers B65D90/18
• CPC Class Codes: B62B 3/00 : Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor convertible from one-axled to two-axled vehicle B62B1/002
• CPC Class Codes: B62B 3/02 : involving parts being adjustable, collapsible, attachable, detachable or convertible
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49828 : Progressively advancing of work assembly station or assembled portion of work

Abstract

A mobile sterilization system comprising: a sterilization cabinet, the sterilization cabinet comprising: a bottom panel, a top panel, two side panels, a back panel and a door configured so as to define an interior chamber; a plurality of casters or wheels mounted to the bottom panel, each of the plurality of casters or wheels being mounted to the bottom panel by a caster or wheel bracket, wherein the caster or wheel bracket comprises a lateral projection; perforations formed in at least one of the bottom panel, top panel and two side panels; and at least one filter configured to cover the perforations; and a transfer cart, the transfer cart comprising: an upper platform for receiving a sterilization cabinet, the upper platform comprising a pair of transfer cart tracks extending longitudinally along the upper platform, wherein each of the transfer cart tracks comprises a lateral projection; and a lower support structure for supporting the upper platform and for receiving wheels; wherein the sterilization cabinet is received on the transfer cart such that the lateral projections of the caster or wheel brackets engage the lateral projections of the transfer cart tracks, whereby to prevent side-to-side and up-and-down movement of the sterilization cabinet relative to the transfer cart.

Claims

1. A mobile sterilization system comprising:

a sterilization cabinet, the sterilization cabinet comprising;

a bottom panel, a top panel, two side panels, a back panel and a door configured so as to define an interior chamber;

a plurality of casters or wheels mounted to the bottom panel, each of the plurality of casters or wheels being mounted to the bottom panel by a caster or wheel bracket, wherein the caster or wheel bracket comprises a lateral projection;

perforations formed in at least one of the bottom panel, top panel and two side panels; and

at least one filter configured to cover the perforations; and

a transfer cart, the transfer cart comprising;

an upper platform for receiving a sterilization cabinet, the upper platform comprising a pair of transfer cart tracks extending longitudinally along the upper platform, wherein each of the transfer cart tracks comprises a lateral projection; and

a lower support structure for supporting the upper platform and for receiving wheels;

wherein the sterilization cabinet is received on the transfer cart such that the lateral projections of the caster or wheel brackets engage the lateral projections of the transfer cart tracks, whereby to prevent side-to-side and up-and-down movement of the sterilization cabinet relative to the transfer cart.

2. A mobile sterilization system according to claim 1 wherein the door of the sterilization cabinet is mounted to at least one side panel of the cabinet so as to allow the door to open 180 degrees.

3. A mobile sterilization system according to claim 1 wherein the door of the sterilization cabinet is mounted to at least one side panel of the sterilization cabinet so as to allow the door to open 270 degrees.

4. A mobile sterilization system according to claim 3 further comprising apparatus so as to allow the door to be releasably secured in an open position.

5. A mobile sterilization system according to claim 1 wherein the door may be opened by sliding the door up or down along tracks formed in the sterilization cabinet.

6. A mobile sterilization system according to claim 1 wherein the door comprises at least one bi-fold door.

7. A mobile sterilization system according to claim 1 wherein the sterilization cabinet comprises at least one drain formed in the bottom panel of the sterilization cabinet.

8. A mobile sterilization system according to claim 7 wherein the at least one drain is configured to open and close as a function of at least one from the group consisting of temperature, pressure and time.

9. A mobile sterilization system according to claim 7 wherein the at least one drain comprises a grate and a screen, and wherein a filter is captured between the grate and the screen.

10. A mobile sterilization system according to claim 1 wherein the sterilization cabinet comprises at least two individual compartments within the interior chamber, and further wherein each individual compartment comprises perforations formed in a wall of the individual compartment and a filter configured to cover the perforations.

11. A mobile sterilization system according to claim 10 wherein each of the individual compartments comprises its own door.

12. A mobile sterilization system according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the sterilization bottom panel, top panel, two side panels, back panel and cabinet door comprise a see-through material.

13. A mobile sterilization system according to claim 1 wherein the sterilization cabinet comprises a status indicator which provides information about the status of the sterilization cabinet or the contents of the sterilization cabinet.

14. A mobile sterilization system according to claim 1 wherein the lower support structure of the transfer cart comprises a lower platform which is separated from the upper platform by vertical risers.

15. A mobile sterilization system according to claim 14 wherein the wheels are mounted to the lower platform.

16. A mobile sterilization system according to claim 15 wherein the wheels comprise shock absorbing springs.

17. A mobile sterilization system according to claim 14 wherein the vertical risers are formed in a telescoping configuration and resilient springs are disposed around or inside of the telescoping vertical risers.

18. A mobile sterilization system according to claim 1 wherein the lower support structure comprises a scissor lift system such that said upper platform may be raised or lowered with respect to a floor.

19. A mobile sterilization system according to claim 18 wherein the wheels are mounted to the scissor lift system.

20. A mobile sterilization system according to claim 18 wherein the scissor lift system comprises an upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end is connected to the upper platform of the transfer cart and the lower end is connected to a lower platform, and further wherein the wheels are mounted to the lower platform.

21. A mobile sterilization system according to claim 15 comprising a dead man'"'"'s control whereby the wheels are prevented from moving unless the dead man'"'"'s control is actuated.

22. A mobile sterilization system according to claim 15 comprising a power assist mechanism whereby the wheels are driven by a power source so as to assist a user in moving the mobile sterilization system.

23. A mobile sterilization system according to claim 1 wherein the transfer cart comprises a male component formed at one end of the transfer cart and a female component formed at an opposite end of the transfer cart so that the transfer cart may be linked to a second transfer cart.

24. A mobile sterilization system according to claim 23 wherein the male component and the female component are configured to fold away when not in use.

25. A mobile sterilization system according to claim 1 further comprising a locating feature.

26. A mobile sterilization system according to claim 1 wherein the system is provided with an electronic control system.

27. Apparatus for holding equipment to be sterilized and/or for storing sterilized equipment, the apparatus comprising:

a bottom panel, a top panel, two side panels, a back panel and a door configured so as to define an interior chamber;

a plurality of casters or wheels mounted to the bottom panel;

a plurality of perforations formed in at least one of the bottom panel, top panel, two side panels and back panel;

at least one filter configured to cover said plurality of perforations; and

a drain formed in said bottom panel.

28. Apparatus according to claim 27 wherein the bottom panel is sloped towards the drain.

29. Apparatus according to claim 27 wherein the drain is configured to open and close as a function of at least one from the group consisting of temperature, pressure and time.

30. Apparatus according to claim 27 wherein the drain comprises a filter.

31. Apparatus according to claim 30 wherein a grate is disposed over the drain, wherein the filter is disposed over the grate, and further wherein the filter is held in place by a perforated door.

32. Apparatus for holding equipment to be sterilized and/or for storing sterilized equipment, the apparatus comprising:

a bottom panel, a top panel, two side panels, a back panel and a door configured so as to define an interior chamber;

a plurality of casters or wheels mounted to the bottom panel;

a plurality of perforations formed in at least one of the bottom panel, top panel, two side panels and back panel; and

at least one filter configured to cover said plurality of perforations;

wherein at least one of the bottom panel, top panel, two side panels, back panel and door comprise a see-through material.

33. Apparatus for holding equipment to be sterilized and/or for storing sterilized equipment, the apparatus comprising:

a bottom panel, a top panel, two side panels, a back panel and a door configured so as to define an interior chamber;

a plurality of casters or wheels mounted to the bottom panel;

a plurality of perforations formed in at least one of the bottom panel, top panel, two side panels and back panel;

at least one filter configured to cover the plurality of perforations; and

at least one filter port for receiving the filter, wherein the filter port comprises a pair of rails positioned along a periphery of the plurality of perforations, the rails being sized and disposed so as to slidably receive the filter and position the filter over the perforation.

34. Apparatus according to claim 33 wherein the filter is held in the filter port by a locking bar.

35. Apparatus for holding equipment to be sterilized and/or for storing sterilized equipment, the apparatus comprising:

a bottom panel, a top panel, two side panels, a back panel and a door configured so as to define an interior chamber;

a plurality of casters or wheels mounted to the bottom panel;

a plurality of perforations formed in at least one of the bottom panel, top panel, two side panels and back panel;

a filter configured to cover the plurality of perforations; and

a perforated filter plate for securing the filter over the plurality of perforations.

36. Apparatus according to claim 35 wherein the plurality of perforations collectively form at least one circular portal, and the perforated filter plate comprises a circular perforated filter plate for attaching a filter to the circular portal.

37. A method of manufacturing an apparatus for holding equipment to be sterilized and/or for storing sterilized equipment, the method comprising:

providing a bottom panel, a top panel, a left side panel, a right side panel, a back panel and a door;

securing the bottom panel, the top panel, the left side panel, the right side panel and the back panel together with a seal therebetween so as to form a rectangular chamber having an opening for receiving the equipment to be sterilized; and

mounting a door to at least one of the bottom panel, top panel, right side panel and left side panel so as to close off the chamber.

38. A method according to claim 37 wherein the method further comprises providing a rectangular internal frame, wherein the bottom panel, top panel, left side panel, right side panel and back panel are secured together by securing the bottom panel, top panel, left side panel, right side panel, left side panel and back panel to the rectangular internal frame.

39. Apparatus for holding equipment to be sterilized and/or for storing sterilized equipment, the apparatus comprising:

a bottom panel, a top panel, two side panels, a back panel and a door configured so as to define an interior chamber;

a plurality of casters or wheels mounted to the bottom panel;

a plurality of perforations formed in at least one of the bottom panel, top panel, side panels and back panel;

a filter configured to cover the plurality of perforations; and

a temperature indicator for indicating the temperature of the interior chamber.

40. Apparatus for holding equipment to be sterilized and/or for storing sterilized equipment, the apparatus comprising:

a bottom panel, a top panel, two side panels, a back panel and a door configured so as to define an interior chamber;

a plurality of casters or wheels mounted to the bottom panel;

a plurality of perforations formed in at least one of the bottom panel, top panel, side panels and back panel;

a filter configured to cover the plurality of perforations;

wherein the interior chamber comprises at least two individual compartments within the interior chamber, and further wherein each individual compartment comprises perforations formed in a wall of the individual compartment and a filter configured to cover the perforations; and

at least two doors, each door being configured to selectively close off one of the individual compartments.

41. A method for sterilizing medical instruments, the method comprising:

providing a mobile sterilization system comprising;

a sterilization cabinet, the sterilization cabinet comprising;

a cabinet bottom, a cabinet top, cabinet side walls, a cabinet back wall and a door configured so as to define an interior chamber;

perforations formed in at least one of the cabinet bottom, cabinet top and cabinet side walls; and

at least one filter configured to cover said perforations; and

a transfer cart, the transfer cart comprising;

an upper platform for receiving a sterilization cabinet; and

a lower support structure for supporting the upper platform and for receiving wheels;

wherein the sterilization cabinet is received on the transfer cart;

positioning the medical instruments to be sterilized in the sterilization cabinet; and

sterilizing the medical instruments.

42. A mobile sterilization system comprising:

a sterilization cabinet, the sterilization cabinet comprising;

a bottom panel, a top panel, two side panels, a back panel and a door configured so as to define an interior chamber;

a plurality of casters or wheels mounted to the bottom panel;

perforations formed in at least one of the bottom panel, top panel and two side panels; and

at least one filter configured to cover the perforations; and

a transfer cart, the transfer cart comprising;

an upper platform for receiving a sterilization cabinet, the upper platform comprising a pair of railings adjustably mounted to the upper platform, and further comprising adapters for releasably securing the transfer cart to a support structure; and

a lower platform for supporting the upper platform and for receiving wheels;

wherein, when the pair of railings are secured to the support structure using the adapters, the sterilization cabinet may be transferred from the transfer cart to the support structure.

43. A mobile sterilization system according to claim 42 wherein the support structure comprises an autoclave.

44. A mobile sterilization system according to claim 42 wherein the support structure comprises a docking station.

45. Apparatus for transporting a container along a surface, the apparatus comprising:

an upper platform for receiving the container, wherein the upper platform comprises a locking mechanism for releasably securing the container to the upper platform; and

a support structure for supporting the upper platform, the support structure comprising wheels for moving the support structure along the surface;

wherein the support structure is configured to raise and lower the upper platform relative to the surface.

46. A filter cartridge for use in a sterilization cabinet, the filter cartridge comprising:

a frame; and

at least one filter held by the frame;

wherein at least a portion of the filter cartridge is configured to change color to indicate a status of the filter cartridge.

47. Apparatus comprising:

a docking station for receiving a sterilization cabinet, the docking station comprising;

a frame;

a first platform mounted to the frame for receiving a sterilization cabinet;

a second platform mounted to the frame for receiving additional items to be sterilized; and

a plurality of casters or wheels mounted to the frame for permitting the docking station to be moved along a surface;

wherein the docking station is sterilizable; and

wherein the docking station comprises a locking feature for locking a transfer cart carrying a sterilization cabinet to the frame while the sterilization cabinet is moved from the transfer cart to the docking station.

48. Apparatus according to claim 47 further comprising:

a sterilization cabinet, the sterilization cabinet comprising;

a bottom panel, a top panel, two side panels, a back panel and a door configured so as to define an interior chamber;

a plurality of casters or wheels mounted to the bottom panel;

perforations formed in at least one of the bottom panel, top panel and two side panels; and

at least one filter configured to cover the perforations.