US4681738A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for sterilizing objects
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1986-02-04
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Granted: 1987-07-21
•
Expires: 2006-02-04
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for sterilizing objects, particularly hands, is disclosed in which an object is immersed in an agitated bed of small, porous particles charged with a liquid disinfectant. The agitated particles strike the object and release a microscopic amount of disinfectant onto the surface of the object, thereby killing contaminating microorganisms on the object.
Inventors
- 👤 Sidney Low
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 07:00
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61L; A61L2/00; A61L2/16; A61L2/18; A61L2103/00; A61L2103/05
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
58 words
A method of sterilizing an object comprising immersing the object in an agitated bed of porous particles impregnated with a liquid disinfectant such that the particles strike a surface of the object immersed therein and release a micro-thin film of the liquid disinfectant onto the surface of the object, thereby killing pathogens on said surface of the object.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
58 words
A method of sterilizing an object comprising immersing the object in an agitated bed of porous particles impregnated with a liquid disinfectant such that the particles strike a surface of the object immersed therein and release a micro-thin film of the liquid disinfectant onto the surface of the object, thereby killing pathogens on said surface of the object.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said object is a human hand.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said porous particles are spherical beads of silica gel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said porous particles are in random motion within said agitated bed.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said object is immersed in said agitated bed for at least about 10 seconds.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said agitated bed is agitated by vibrational and fluidizing forces.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-07-20 | 1991-01-19 | 1991-07-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-07-20 | 1995-01-19 | 1995-07-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-07-20 | 1999-01-19 | 1999-07-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |