Patent · US Expired

Sterilizer with elliptical pressure vessel

US6001305A · kind A · utility

8Cited by
10References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMay 12, 1998
Grant dateDec 14, 1999
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 12, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB01J3/04
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An elliptical steam sterilizer includes an elliptically shaped inner shell (12) and an elliptically shaped outer jacket (14). The inner shell (12) and outer jacket (14) are supported on opposite ends by an end plate (16) and a back head (20). The elliptical shape of the sterilizer distributes the forces caused by pressurization and evacuation of the inner shell (12) in a beneficial manner which eliminates the need for expensive reinforcement of the inner shell and outer jacket (14). The elliptical shape, which is oriented with its major axis (Y) positioned vertically and its minor axis (X) positioned horizontally, provides greater capacity than a cylindrical sterilizer with the same size footprint.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.