Container for containing a metal object while being subjected to microwave radiation

• US 5,811,769 A
• Filed: 02/02/1996
• Issued: 09/22/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 10/07/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Quiclave LLC
• Original Assignee: Quiclave LLC
• Inventors: Schiffmann, Robert Frank, Held, Jeffery Scott
• Primary Examiner(s): Leung, Philip H.
• Application Number:
  US08/595,743
• Time in Patent Office: 963 Days
• Field of Search: 219/730, 219/759, 219/736, 219/725, 219/734, 219/735, 219/762, 219/729, 99/DIG. 14, 422/21
• US Class Current: 219/762
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/12 Microwaves
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/26 Accessories or devices or components used for biocidal treatment
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 6/6408 Supports or covers specially adapted for use in microwave heating apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 6/6494 for cooking

Abstract

A method of sterilizing an object having the steps of providing a container with an exterior surface that has a microwave interactive layer and defines an interior space having an initial temperature. An object is then placed within the interior space of the container. Next, the microwave interactive layer is exposed to a first amount of microwaves so that the layer produces heat which raises the temperature within the interior space to a predetermined sterilization temperature. The predetermined sterilization temperature is then maintained within the interior space for an amount of time sufficient to sterilize the object.

Claims

1. A container for containing a metal object while being subjected to microwave radiation, said container comprising:

a first surface comprising an exterior surface, an inner surface and an optically transparent material;

a second surface comprising an exterior surface and an inner surface facing said inner surface of said first surface, said second surface attached to said first surface, wherein both of said inner surfaces define a closed volume of space into which said metal object is placed; and

wherein said optically transparent material allows said metal object to be viewed exteriorly of said container and said first surface and said second surface prevent substantially all microwaves impinging on said container from entering said volume of space.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein said optically transparent material comprises polyester.

3. The container of claim 2, wherein said optically transparent material further comprises aluminum coated on said polyester.

4. The container of claim 2, wherein said optically transparent material further comprises steel coated on said polyester.

5. The container of claim 2, where said optically transparent material is capable of withstanding temperatures of at least 400°

F.

6. The container of claim 2, wherein said optically transparent material comprises a structure that prevents microwaves impinging on said optically transparent material from causing said metal object to arc.

7. The container of claim 1, wherein said optically transparent material comprises clear transparent plastic.

8. The container of claim 7, wherein said optically transparent material further comprises aluminum coated on said plastic.

9. The container of claim 7, wherein said optically transparent material further comprises steel coated on said plastic.

10. The container of claim 7, where said optically transparent material is capable of withstanding temperatures of at least 400°

F.

11. The container of claim 7, wherein said optically transparent material comprises a structure that prevents microwaves impinging on said optically transparent material from causing said metal object to arc.

12. The container of claim 1, said first surface comprises a microwave interactive layer that absorbs microwave radiation impinging on said exterior surface of said first surface and converts said absorbed microwave radiation to radiant energy.

13. The container of claim 12, wherein said microwave interactive layer comprises a susceptor material.

14. The container of claim 12, where said optically transparent material is capable of withstanding temperatures of at least 400°

F.

15. The container of claim 12, wherein said optically transparent material comprises a structure that prevents microwaves impinging on said optically transparent material from causing said metal object to arc.

16. The container of claim 1, said second surface comprises a microwave interactive layer that absorbs microwave radiation impinging on said exterior surface of said first surface and converts said absorbed microwave radiation to radiant energy.

17. The container of claim 16, wherein said microwave interactive layer comprises a susceptor material.

18. The container of claim 1, where said optically transparent material is capable of withstanding temperatures of at least 400°

F.

19. The container of claim 1, wherein said optically transparent material comprises a structure that prevents microwaves impinging on said optically transparent material from causing said metal object to arc.

20. A container for containing a metal object while being subjected to microwave radiation, said container comprising:

a first surface comprising an exterior surface, an inner surface and an optically transparent material;

a second surface comprising an exterior surface and an inner surface facing said inner surface of said first surface, said second surface attached to said first surface, wherein both of said inner surfaces define a closed volume of space into which said metal object is placed; and

wherein said first surface comprises a structure that prevents microwaves impinging on said first surface from causing said metal object to arc.

21. The container of claim 20, where said optically transparent material is capable of withstanding temperatures of at least 400°

F.

22. The container of claim 20, wherein said optically transparent material comprises polyester.

23. The container of claim 22, where said optically transparent material is capable of withstanding temperatures of at least 400°

F.

24. The container of claim 22, wherein said optically transparent material further comprises aluminum coated on said polyester.

25. The container of claim 22, wherein said optically transparent material further comprises steel coated on said polyester.

26. The container of claim 20, wherein said optically transparent material comprises clear transparent plastic.

27. The container of claim 26, where said optically transparent material is capable of withstanding temperatures of at least 400°

F.

28. The container of claim 26, wherein said optically transparent material further comprises aluminum coated on said plastic.

29. The container of claim 26, wherein said optically transparent material further comprises steel coated on said plastic.

30. The container of claim 20, said first surface comprises a microwave interactive layer that absorbs microwave radiation impinging on said exterior surface of said first surface and converts said absorbed microwave radiation to radiant energy.

31. The container of claim 30, where said optically transparent material is capable of withstanding temperatures of at least 400°

F.

32. The container of claim 30, wherein said microwave interactive layer comprises a susceptor material.

33. The container of claim 20, said second surface comprises a microwave interactive layer that absorbs microwave radiation impinging on said exterior surface of said first surface and converts said absorbed microwave radiation to radiant energy.

34. The container of claim 33, wherein said microwave interactive layer comprises a susceptor material.