Low temperature plasma sterilising system and method
US6707254B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 19, 2002 |
| Grant date | Mar 16, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 19, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61L2/14
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system and a method for sterilizing objects, in particular medical instruments and accessories, using gas plasma, also called ionized gas. The gases used to form the plasma do not require to exhibit an intrinsic sterilizing activity. The sterilizing properties result from the passage through an electric field generating the plasma, an electric field which is provided by microwaves, a gas stream including oxygen in molecular form (O2) or as a gas element, and atomic or molecular species capable of emitting UV radiation once they have been energized. The system and method provide the advantage of making it possible to treat heat-sensitive and thermolabile objects at temperatures less than 50° C. using gases presenting no risks for the operator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.