Method and apparatus for sterilizing small objects
US6461568B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 21, 1999 |
| Grant date | Oct 8, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 21, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61L2/10
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for sterilizing small objects. A small object is inserted into a chamber formed in the sterilizer. A portion of the small object mates with a lockout device to disable the lockout device. After the lockout device is disabled, the sterilizer produces at least one flash of high intensity ultraviolet light produced by an ultraviolet light source. The ultraviolet light flash kills microorganisms on the surface of the small object. The chamber of the sterilizer may be lined with a reflective coating to disperse the ultraviolet light around the chamber so that most, if not all, of the small object within the sterilizer is exposed to the ultraviolet light.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.