System for elctrolyzing fluids for use as antimicrobial agents

• US 6,007,686 A
• Filed: 04/16/1996
• Issued: 12/28/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 08/26/1994
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Reoxcyn Discoveries Group
• Original Assignee: Medical Discoveries, Inc. (Global Clean Energy Holdings Inc.)
• Inventors: Welch, William D., Robinson, Daniel L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Valentine, Donald R.
• Application Number:
  US08/633,231
• Time in Patent Office: 1,351 Days
• Field of Search: 204/228, 204/271, 204/242, 204/272, 204/237, 204/275, 205/701
• US Class Current: 204/230.2
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 19/002 Cleaning devices specially adapted for dental instruments disinfecting A61L2/00; cleaning in general B08B
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/0011 using physical methods
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/035 Electrolysis
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/18 Liquid substances or solutions comprising solids or dissolved gases
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 31/04 Antibacterial agents
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 1/46104 Devices therefor; Their operating or servicing
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 1/4672 by electrooxydation
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 1/4674 with halogen or compound of halogens, e.g. chlorine, bromine
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 1/78 with ozone C02F1/4672 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2001/46133 characterised by the material
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2001/46138 Electrodes comprising a substrate and a coating
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2001/46142 Catalytic coating
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2001/46152 characterised by the shape or form electrodes in particulate form or with conductive or non-conductive particles between them C02F1/46114
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2103/026 Treating water for medical or cosmetic purposes
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2201/4612 Controlling or monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2201/46185 Recycling the cathodic or anodic feed
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2301/024 Turbulent
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2303/04 Disinfection

Abstract

An apparatus for electrolyzing fluids is disclosed. The resulting electrolyzed fluids are particularly suited for treating physiological materials such as whole blood, plasma, or cell isolates in order to reduce the effect of harmful microorganisms. A container holds the fluid and a power supply provides a source of electrical current to an anode and a cathode positioned within the container. The anode and cathode each comprise a cylindrical shape. The cathode is positioned concentrically in relation to the anode. The spacing between the cathode and the anode is not greater than a preferred amount. Moreover, the voltage potential between the cathode and the anode is not greater than a preferred amount. Also described is a system for disinfecting and/or sterilizing health care instruments. The instruments are bathed in the electrolyzed saline solution. If the instrument includes internal conduits the system of the present invention also preferably flows the electrolyzed saline solution through such conduits also to provide both cleaning and sterilization. The electrolyzed saline solution is recirculated from the electrodes to the instrument being sterilized. Embodiments of the invention are particularly suited to sterilizing dental drill handpieces without damage to the handpieces.

Claims

1. A system for sterilizing health care equipment comprising:

means for electrolyzing a saline solution to produce an electrolyzed saline solution, the means for electrolyzing comprising;

first electrode means, the first electrode means comprising a first anode comprising a cylindrical shape;

second electrode means, the second electrode means comprising a first cathode comprising a substantially cylindrical shape and positioned concentrically in relation to the anode; and

power supply means for providing a source of electrical current, the power supply means conveying electrical current to the first electrode and the second electrode;

means for holding the electrolyzed saline solution;

means for holding the equipment; and

means for the flowing the electrolyzed saline solution over the equipment such that any microbes present with the equipment are killed.

2. A system for sterilizing health care equipment as defined in claim 1 wherein the first electrode comprises a cylindrical shape having first side and a second side and a passageway extending from the first side to the second side.

3. A system for sterilizing health care equipment as defined in claim 1 wherein the means for holding the electrolyzed saline solution comprises a holding tray.

4. A system for sterilizing health care equipment as defined in claim 1 wherein the means for holding the equipment comprises means for holding dental drill handpieces.

5. A system for sterilizing health care equipment as defined in claim 1 wherein the means for holding the equipment comprises a length flexible tubing.

6. A system for sterilizing health care equipment as defined in claim 1 wherein the means for the flowing the electrolyzed saline solution over the equipment comprises a pump.

7. A system for sterilizing health care equipment as defined in claim 1 wherein the means for the flowing the electrolyzed saline solution over the equipment comprises means for recirculating the electrolyzed saline solution from the means for electrolyzing saline solution to the means for holding the equipment.

8. A system for sterilizing health care equipment as defined in claim 1 wherein the means for electrolyzing a saline solution maintains the electrolyzed saline solution at a temperature of less than 100 degrees Celsius, when the electrolyzed saline solution is present in the means for the flowing the electrolyzed saline solution over the equipment.

9. A system for sterilizing medical and dental instruments at a temperature substantially less than 100 degrees Celsius, the system comprising:

a housing;

means for holding saline solution within the housing;

first electrode means contained within the housing the first electrode means comprising a first anode comprising a cylindrical shape;

second electrode means contained within the housing, wherein the second electrode comprises a first cathode comprising a substantially cylindrical shape and positioned concentrically in relation to the anode;

power supply means for providing a source of electrical current, the power supply means conveying electrical current to the first electrode and the second electrode so electrolyze the saline solution to produce an electrolyzed saline solution;

means for holding the instrument; and

pump means for circulating the electrolyzed saline solution through the means for holding saline solution such that electrolyzed saline solution is circulated from the first and second electrodes to the means for holding the instrument and the electrolyzed saline solution flows over the instrument such that any microbes present with the instrument are killed.

10. A system for sterilizing medical and dental instruments as defined in claim 9 wherein the means for holding the instrument comprises means for holding a dental drill handpiece.

11. A system for sterilizing medical and dental instruments as defined in claim 9 further comprising means for removably covering the means for holding the instrument.

12. A system for sterilizing medical and dental instruments as defined in claim 9 wherein the power supply means includes means for adjustably limiting the voltage to a value not greater than about forty volts.

13. A system for sterilizing medical and dental instruments as defined in claim 9 wherein the spacing between the first electrode and the second electrode is not greater than about one-half inch.

14. A system for sterilizing medical and dental instruments as defined in claim 9 wherein the second electrode comprises a first side and a second side and a fluid flow passageway between the first side and the second side.

15. A system for sterilizing medical and dental instruments as defined in claim 9 wherein the power supply comprises means for adjusting the direct current voltage output from the power supply.

16. A system for sterilizing dental instruments having at least one conduit provided therein, the system comprising:

a housing fabricated from an electrically insulative material;

a container within the housing for holding saline solution within the housing;

a first electrode positioned within the container, the first electrode being substantially cylindrical;

a second electrode positioned within the container, the second electrode being substantially cylindrical and positioned substantially concentrically with the first electrode;

power supply means for providing a source of electrical current, the power supply means conveying electrical current to the first electrode and the second electrode so as to electrolyze the saline solution to produce an electrolyzed saline solution;

means for holding the dental instrument; and

pump means for circulating the electrolyzed saline solution from the container such that electrolyzed saline solution is circulated in contact with the first and second electrodes to the means for holding the instrument and back to the container and such that the electrolyzed saline solution flows over and through at least one conduit in the dental instrument such that any microbes present with the instrument are killed.

17. A system for sterilizing health care equipment comprising:

means for electrolyzing a saline solution to produce an electrolyzed saline solution;

means for holding the electrolyzed saline solution;

means for holding the equipment, the means for holding the equipment comprising a length flexible tubing; and

means for the flowing the electrolyzed saline solution over the equipment such that any microbes present with the equipment are killed.

18. A system for sterilizing health care equipment as defined in claim 17 wherein the means for electrolyzing saline solution comprises:

first electrode means;

second electrode means; and

power supply means for providing a source of electrical current, the power supply means conveying electrical current to the first electrode and the second electrode.

19. A system for sterilizing health care equipment as defined in claim 18 wherein the first electrode comprises:

a first anode comprising a cylindrical shape; and

wherein the second electrode comprises;

a first cathode comprising a substantially cylindrical shape and positioned concentrically in relation to the anode.

20. A system for sterilizing health care equipment as defined in claim 18 wherein the first electrode comprises a cylindrical shape having first side and a second side and a passageway extending from the first side to the second side.

21. A system for sterilizing health care equipment as defined in claim 17 wherein the means for holding the electrolyzed saline solution comprises a holding tray.

22. A system for sterilizing health care equipment as defined in claim 17 wherein the means for holding the equipment comprises means for holding dental drill handpieces.

23. A system for sterilizing health care equipment as defined in claim 17 wherein the means for the flowing the electrolyzed saline solution over the equipment comprises a pump.

24. A system for sterilizing health care equipment as defined in claim 17 wherein the means for the flowing the electrolyzed saline solution over the equipment comprises means for recirculating the electrolyzed saline solution from the means for electrolyzing saline solution to the means for holding the equipment.

25. A system for sterilizing health care equipment as defined in claim 17 wherein the means for electrolyzing a saline solution maintains the electrolyzed saline solution at a temperature of less than 100 degrees Celsius when the electrolyzed saline solution contacts the health care equipment.

26. A system for sterilizing health care equipment comprising:

means for electrolyzing a saline solution to produce an electrolyzed saline solution;

means for holding the electrolyzed saline solution;

means for holding the equipment; and

means for the flowing the electrolyzed saline solution, the electrolyzed saline solution having a temperature of less than 100 degrees Celsius, over the equipment such that any microbes present with the equipment are killed.

27. A system for sterilizing health care equipment as defined in claim 26 wherein the means for electrolyzing saline solution comprises:

first electrode means;

second electrode means; and

power supply means for providing a source of electrical current, the power supply means conveying electrical current to the first electrode and the second electrode.

28. A system for sterilizing health care equipment as defined in claim 27 wherein the first electrode comprises:

a first anode comprising a cylindrical shape; and

wherein the second electrode comprises;

a first cathode comprising a substantially cylindrical shape and positioned concentrically in relation to the anode.

29. A system for sterilizing health care equipment as defined in claim 27 wherein the first electrode comprises a cylindrical shape having first side and a second side and a passageway extending from the first side to the second side.

30. A system for sterilizing health care equipment as defined in claim 26 wherein the means for holding the electrolyzed saline solution comprises a holding tray.

31. A system for sterilizing health care equipment as defined in claim 26 wherein the means for holding the equipment comprises means for holding dental drill handpieces.

32. A system for sterilizing health care equipment as defined in claim 26 wherein the means for the flowing the electrolyzed saline solution over the equipment comprises means for recirculating the electrolyzed saline solution from the means for electrolyzing saline solution to the means for holding the equipment.

33. A system for sterilizing health care equipment as defined in claim 26 wherein the means for holding the equipment comprises a length flexible tubing.

34. A system for sterilizing medical and dental instruments at a temperature substantially less than 100 degrees Celsius, the system comprising:

a housing;

means for holding saline solution within the housing;

first electrode means contained within the housing;

second electrode means contained within the housing;

power supply means for providing a source of electrical current, the power supply means conveying electrical current to the first electrode and the second electrode so electrolyze the saline solution to produce an electrolyzed saline solution;

means for holding the instrument, the means for holding the instrument comprising means for holding a dental drill handpiece; and

pump means for circulating the electrolyzed saline solution through the means for holding saline solution such that electrolyzed saline solution is circulated from the first and second electrodes to the means for holding the instrument and the electrolyzed saline solution flows over the instrument such that any microbes present with the instrument are killed.

35. A system for sterilizing medical and dental instruments as defined in claim 34 wherein the first electrode comprises:

a first anode comprising a cylindrical shape; and

wherein the second electrode comprises;

a first cathode comprising a substantially cylindrical shape and positioned concentrically in relation to the anode.

36. A system for sterilizing medical and dental instruments as defined in claim 34 further comprising means for removably covering the means for holding the instrument.

37. A system for sterilizing medical and dental instruments as defined in claim 34 wherein the power supply means includes means for adjustably limiting the voltage to a value not greater than about forty volts.

38. A system for sterilizing medical and dental instruments as defined in claim 34 wherein the spacing between the first electrode and the second electrode is not greater than about one-half inch.

39. A system for sterilizing medical and dental instruments as defined in claim 34 wherein the second electrode comprises a first side and a second side and a fluid flow passageway between the first side and the second side.

40. A system for sterilizing medical and dental instruments as defined in claim 34 wherein the power supply comprises means for adjusting the direct current voltage output from the power supply.

41. A system for sterilizing medical and dental instruments at a temperature substantially less than 100 degrees Celsius, the system comprising:

a housing;

means for holding saline solution within the housing;

first electrode means contained within the housing;

second electrode means contained within the housing;

power supply means for providing a source of electrical current, the power supply means conveying electrical current to the first electrode and the second electrode so electrolyze the saline solution to produce an electrolyzed saline solution;

means for holding the instrument;

means for removably covering the means for holding the instrument; and

pump means for circulating the electrolyzed saline solution through the means for holding saline solution such that electrolyzed saline solution is circulated from the first and second electrodes to the means for holding the instrument and the electrolyzed saline solution flows over the instrument such that any microbes present with the instrument are killed.

42. A system for sterilizing medical and dental instruments as defined in claim 41 wherein the first electrode comprises:

a first anode comprising a cylindrical shape; and

wherein the second electrode comprises;

a first cathode comprising a substantially cylindrical shape and positioned concentrically in relation to the anode.

43. A system for sterilizing medical and dental instruments as defined in claim 41 wherein the means for holding the instrument comprises means for holding a dental drill handpiece.

44. A system for sterilizing medical and dental instruments as defined in claim 41 further comprising means for removably covering the means for holding the instrument.

45. A system for sterilizing medical and dental instruments as defined in claim 41 wherein the power supply means includes means for adjustably limiting the voltage to a value not greater than about forty volts.

46. A system for sterilizing medical and dental instruments as defined in claim 41 wherein the spacing between the first electrode and the second electrode is not greater than about one-half inch.

47. A system for sterilizing medical and dental instruments as defined in claim 41 wherein the second electrode comprises a first side and a second side and a fluid flow passageway between the first side and the second side.

48. A system for sterilizing medical and dental instruments as defined in claim 41 wherein the power supply comprises means for adjusting the direct current voltage output from the power supply.