Automatic sterilizer
US4865814A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 15, 1987 |
| Grant date | Sep 12, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 15, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61L2/06
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A microprocessor controls a heater which generates steam inside the sealed chamber of a sterilizer. During that portion of the sterilizer cycle wherein sterilizing conditions are trying to be attained, the microprocessor monitors both the temperature and pressure levels inside the chamber by controlling the heater and waits until both variables reach predetermined levels before starting a sterilize timer. Once the timer is started, it is stopped if the level of either one of the temperature or pressure variables drops below a predetermined minimum value which, in the preferred embodiment, air their optimum values. While the sterilize timer is timing, the pressure level rather than the temperature level is used by the microprocessor to control the heater. These features allow a more reliable and accurate control of the generation and maintenance of sterilizing conditions inside the chamber, resulting in greater assurance of complete sterilization while minimizing the expenditure of time and energy.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.