Plasma gas mixture for sterilizer and method
US5472664A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 21, 1994 |
| Grant date | Dec 5, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 21, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH05H1/46
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method for plasma sterilization comprises exposing an article to be sterilized to a neutral active species of a plasma generated from a premixed gas mixture comprising oxygen, hydrogen, and a noble gas. The exposure of the article to the plasma is carried out at reduced pressures and a chamber temperature of less than 63.degree. C. for a time period sufficient to effect sterilization. The apparatus for plasma sterilization of articles comprises a plasma generator, a sterilizing chamber, and a source of pressurized gas mixture in fluid communication with the plasma generator. The source of pressurized gas mixture has a noble gas and a substantially nonflammable mixture of hydrogen and oxygen, which is preferably between about 2.0 to 2.4 (v/v) percent hydrogen and between 2.6 to 3.0 (v/v) percent oxygen.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.