US4308229A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Sterilization apparatus and method
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1980-09-04
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Granted: 1981-12-29
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Expires: 2000-09-04
Abstract
Abstract A sterilization apparatus and method according to which articles are sterilized by subjecting them to an ultrasonic/heat activated disinfectant liquid in the presence of heat and ultrasonic vibrations. The preferred disinfectant liquid includes a quaternary ammonium compound and a surfactant at a pH of 12. Treatment according to the invention results in the killing of vegetated bacteria, fungi, viruses and spores.
Inventors
- 👤 J. Kenneth Voit
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 05:19
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61L; A61L2/00; A61L2/02; A61L2/025; A61L2/04; A61L2/16; A61L2/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
57 words
A method of sterilizing an article comprising the concurrent steps of: immersing said article in an ultrasonic/heat activated liquid consisting essentially of a quaternary ammonium compound, a polyethoxyethanol and isopropanol, said liquid having a pH in a range from 8.5 to 14; heating said liquid to a temperature of 60°-80° C.; and propagating ultrasound through said liquid.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
57 words
A method of sterilizing an article comprising the concurrent steps of: immersing said article in an ultrasonic/heat activated liquid consisting essentially of a quaternary ammonium compound, a polyethoxyethanol and isopropanol, said liquid having a pH in a range from 8.5 to 14; heating said liquid to a temperature of 60°-80° C.; and propagating ultrasound through said liquid.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said quaternary ammonium compound comprises benzothonium chloride at a concentration of 1:400; and wherein the concentration of said polyethoxyethanol is 1:400.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of heating said liquid comprises heating said liquid to a predetermined temperature and then maintaining said liquid at said predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 3 wherein said predetermined time period is greater than fifteen minutes.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 3 wherein said step of propagating ultrasound through said liquid comprises propagating said ultrasound responsive to said liquid reaching said predetermined temperature for the duration of said predetermined time.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-12-28 | 1985-06-29 | 1985-12-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-12-28 | 1989-06-29 | 1989-12-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-12-28 | 1993-06-29 | 1993-12-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |