Debris compressing autoclave
US4552720A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 6, 1984 |
| Grant date | Nov 12, 1985 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 6, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S241/606
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An autoclave for sterilizing used medical equipment and compacting same for disposal comprising a sealable receptacle lined with a thermoplastic liner wherein the liner forms an interior region for receiving used medical equipment. The sealable receptacle is provided with a hydraulic ram for compressing and crushing the equipment contained in a thermoplastic wrap. Thus the medical discards are compressed into portable capsules which then may be discarded in landfills. The hydraulic ram includes controls for automatic cycling of the compression and ejection strokes and the autoclave itself is provided with a steam inlet means through which steam is injected into the liner both to soften the liner and to sterilize the debris before compression. The ram actuation may be coupled to a recorder which records the sterilization temperatures and may include interlocks and clock limits to preclude injury to the operator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.