US6326340B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cleaning composition and apparatus for removing biofilm and debris from lines and tubing and method therefor
Assignee: Olympus Corp
•
Filing: 1998-09-29
•
Granted: 2001-12-04
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Expires: 2018-09-29
Abstract
Abstract Biofilm and debris can be removed from the interior and exterior surfaces of small bore tubing by passing an aqueous cleaning solution of water, one or more surfactants and preferably a source of hydrogen peroxide, optionally including small inert solid particles, together with a gas under pressure, to create a turbulent flow within the tubing that loosens the biofilm and debris so that they can be flushed from the tubing. When the exterior surfaces of tubing are to be cleaned, the tubing is inserted in a sleeve fitted with an adaptor that provides a pressure-tight seal between the tubing and the sleeve.
Inventors
- 👤 Mohamed Emam Labib
- 👤 Ching-Yue Lai
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 13:52
CPC Classifications
C; C11; C11D; C11D3/00; C11D3/39; C11D3/3947; C11D3/02; C11D3/12; C11D3/14; C11D3/48; C11D1/00; C11D1/02; C11D1/38; C11D1/62; C11D1/66; C11D2111/00; C11D2111/10; C11D2111/14; C11D2111/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
51 words
A turbulent mixed phase aqueous cleaning composition that removes biofilm and debris from the surfaces of tubing comprises a solution of water and one or more surfactants admixed with a flowing gas under pressure, creating droplets and/or froth of the solution which impacts said bioflim and debris, thereby effecting their removal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
51 words
A turbulent mixed phase aqueous cleaning composition that removes biofilm and debris from the surfaces of tubing comprises a solution of water and one or more surfactants admixed with a flowing gas under pressure, creating droplets and/or froth of the solution which impacts said bioflim and debris, thereby effecting their removal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
A composition according to claim 1 wherein said solution additionally includes one or more oxidizing agents.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
A composition according to claim 1 wherein said solution additionally includes solid particles.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
A composition according to claim 1 wherein said surfactant includes one or more cationic surfactants.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
A composition according to claim 3 wherein said particles include soluble particles.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
A composition according to claim 1 wherein said surfactant includes one or more anionic surfactants.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
A composition according to claim 1 wherein said surfactant includes one or more nonionic surfactants.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
10 words
A composition according to claim 1 additionally including a biocide.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
A composition according to claim 1 wherein said surfactant is a quaternary amine.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
A composition according to claim 1 wherein said gas is under pressure of over 25 pounds per square inch.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
A composition according to claim 1 wherein said gas is under pressure of about 30 to 60 pounds per square inch.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
11 words
A composition according to claim 1 wherein said gas is pulsed.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
26 words
A composition according to claim 2 wherein said oxidizing agent is present in amounts of up to 15 percent by weight of said aqueous cleaning solution.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
21 words
A composition according to claim 3 wherein said solid particles have a particle size of from about 10 to 300 microns.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
26 words
A composition according to claim 14 wherein said solid particles are present in amounts of up to 20 percent by weight of said aqueous cleaning solution.
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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) | 2004-12-03 | 2005-06-04 | 2005-12-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-12-03 | 2009-06-04 | 2009-12-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-12-03 | 2013-06-04 | 2013-12-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |