Method and apparatus for sterilizing and charging batteries

• US 4,641,076 A
• Filed: 01/23/1985
• Issued: 02/03/1987
• Est. Priority Date: 01/23/1985
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Linvatec Corporation (Jefferies Financial Group, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Hall Surgical DIV of Zimmer Incorporated
• Inventors: Linden, Harry A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Wong, Peter S.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Simpson, Mark D.
• Application Number:
  US06/693,881
• Time in Patent Office: 741 Days
• Field of Search: 320/2, 128/419 PS, 422/6, 422/25
• US Class Current: 320/113
• 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: B25H 3/006 Storage means specially adapted for one specific hand apparatus, e.g. an electric drill
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/42 Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells H01M10/60 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0042 characterised by the mechanical construction
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 Energy storage using batteries

Abstract

A method and apparatus for providing sterile, charged batteries for use in a sterile field. The method includes the steps of placing at least one battery in a sterilization container, sterilizing the battery within the container, charging the battery while maintaining it in a sterile state within the container, and transferring the sterile, charged battery in a sterile state to the sterile field. The container is adapted to permit the entrance of a sterilant and to prevent the entrance of contaminants. The container may include an integral battery charger adapted to withstand exposure to the environment of a sterilization process. Alternatively, the container may include a connector for releasably electrically connecting the battery housed within the container to a distinct, external battery charger.

Claims

1. A method of providing sterile, charged batteries for use in a sterile field comprising the steps of:

placing at least one battery in a sterilization container;

sterilizing said battery within said container;

charging said battery to a desired voltage while maintaining said battery in a sterile state within said container; and

transferring said sterile, charged battery in a sterile state to the sterile field, said container being permeable to sterilant but impermeable to contaminants and being adapted to provide electrical communication between a battery charger and said battery.

2. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein said battery is charged by electrically connecting said container to an external battery charger.

3. Apparatus for providing at least one sterile, charged battery for use in a sterile field comprising:

a container adapted to permit the entrance of a sterilant and to prevent the entrance of contaminants, said container being adapted to house said battery during sterilization and storage, and said container having means for charging said battery therein while maintaining said battery in a sterile state.

4. Apparatus as recited in claim 3 wherein said charging means is a battery charger integrally connected to said container and adapted to withstand exposure to the environment during sterilization.

5. Apparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein said battery charger is hermetically sealed.

6. Apparatus as recited in claim 3 wherein said charging means is a connector for releasably electrically connecting said battery housed within said container to a battery charger distinct from and external to said container.

7. An assembly for providing sterile, charged batteries for use in a sterile field comprising:

a container, at least one battery and a battery charger;

said container being adapted to permit the entrance of a sterilant and to prevent the entrance of contaminants and said container being adapted to so house said at least one battery that said battery is sterilized within said container when said container is exposed to a sterilization process and said battery is maintained in a sterile state when stored in said container subsequent to the exposure to said sterilization process; and

said container having means to electrically connect said battery to said battery charger for charging said battery within said container while maintaining said battery in said sterile state.

8. An assembly as recited in claim 7 wherein said battery charger is integrally connected to said container and is sealed to withstand exposure to the environment present during said sterilization process.

9. An assembly as recited in claim 7 wherein said container includes a connector for releasably electrically connecting said battery housed within said container to said battery charger, said battery charger being distinct from said container and being adapted to releasably engage said connector on the exterior of said container.

10. An assembly as recited in claim 7 wherein said container is further adapted to house a tool during said sterilization process to maintain said tool in a sterile state for use in said sterile field.