Method for sterilization of objects

• US 5,364,590 A
• Filed: 05/07/1993
• Issued: 11/15/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 05/07/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: American Sterilizer Company (Steris Corporation)
• Original Assignee: American Sterilizer Company (Steris Corporation)
• Inventors: Hillebrenner, H. William
• Primary Examiner(s): Jones, W. Gary
• Assistant Examiner(s): EDWARDS, LAURA ESTELLE
• Application Number:
  US08/057,755
• Time in Patent Office: 557 Days
• Field of Search: 422/25, 422/28, 422/109
• US Class Current: 422/28
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/20 Gaseous substances, e.g. vapours
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/24 Apparatus using programmed or automatic operation
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/26 Accessories or devices or components used for biocidal treatment

Abstract

A method of remote temperature sensing for a gas heated chamber utilizing temperature sensors is disclosed, wherein at least a first temperature sensing device is coupled to an enclosed environment of a cabinet containing a sterilization cassette and at least a second temperature sensing device is coupled to a gas exit conduit from the cassette so as to avoid condensation on the internal walls of the cassette or on the object contained therein.

Claims

1. A method of preventing condensation from occurring in a sterilization cassette, prior to, during and after sterilization, the method comprising the steps of:

a) heating an internal atmosphere of a cabinet via an external source to a first predetermined temperature, said temperature being indicated by a first temperature sensing device extended within said cabinet;

b) inserting a sterilization cassette into said cabinet;

c) coupling an inlet gas line to said sterilization cassette'"'"'s interior;

d) coupling an exit gas line to the cassette and to an exterior surface of said cabinet, said exit gas line having a second temperature sensing device coupled thereto for indicating the temperature of any gas in said exit gas line;

e) heating said sterilization cassette'"'"'s interior to a second predetermined temperature as indicated by the second temperature sensing device, such that sterilization of the cassette interior and object contained therein will be effective without the sterilant or moisture forming condensation;

f) introducing said sterilant in vapor phase via said inlet gas line into the cassette to effectuate sterilization; and

g) monitoring said first and said second temperature sensing devices to insure that the predetermined temperatures are maintained so that condensation is avoided.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second predetermined temperatures are both at or above the condensation temperature for vapor sterilant used.