Dense fluid microwave centrifuge
US5368171A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 20, 1992 |
| Grant date | Nov 29, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 20, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01J2219/1215
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An apparatus for cleaning substrates used in critical environments with stringent end-product cleanliness requirements in a single process using microwave-energized and centrifuged dense fluids. One or more dense fluids are mixed with one or more chemical or physical agents and are simultaneously subjected to microwave radiation and centrifugal force to remove deeply recessed contaminants from internal and external surfaces of intricately arranged or formulated substrates such as biomaterials, spent activated carbon, elastomerics, surgical aids, or dental implants. Subsequently, cleaned substrates are simultaneously subjected to microwave radiation and centrifugal force under vacuum to remove residual volatile contaminants. Additionally, the cleaned and sterilized substrates are contacted with chemical or physical agents to provide enhanced cleaning and to provide new and improved substrate properties such as increased electrical insulation, conductivity, or biocompatibility. Finally, substrates which are prepackaged in semi-permeable membranes are cleaned using this apparatus, thus preventing recontamination of the cleaned substrates.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.