Plasma sterilizer and method
US5413760A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 18, 1992 |
| Grant date | May 9, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 18, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S422/906
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A plasma sterilizer and method employ essentially uncharged, highly reactive free radicals, atoms and excited molecules of a gas mixture to sterilize articles. The gas mixture includes oxidizing and/or reducing agents and is ionized into a plasma having ionization products that include highly destructive components in the form of charged particles and ultra-violet radiation. A plasma distribution device blocks the ultra-violet radiation and facilitates the recombination of the charged particles such that essentially uncharged, highly reactive free radicals, atoms and excited molecules of the gas mixture are delivered to the articles.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.