Sterilization apparatus

US8203124B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• HAND HELD PRODUCTS, INC. · US

Inventors

• William H. Havens · Syracuse, US
• Robert J. Hennick · Auburn, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 27, 2007
• Grant date: Jun 19, 2012
• Expiry date: Mar 21, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61L2/10
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Embodiments of a sterilization apparatus and methods of using a sterilization system are disclosed in the present application. The sterilization apparatus can take the form of a sterilization chamber comprising a top wall, a bottom wall, end walls and side walls which define the interior of the chamber. Throughout the interior of the chamber, multiple ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UVLEDs) irradiate energy at wavelengths for destroying pathogenic substances and achieving an efficient level of sterilization. A UV transparent plate located within the interior of the chamber can support one or more target devices, and can be proportionally sized to accommodate placement of a target device for the simultaneous and uniform distribution of UV sterilizing energy to the surfaces of a target. The sterilization chamber can provide the necessary decontamination and sterilization measures to effectively eliminate any residual biological contaminants on the exposed or hard-to-reach crevices or features of a medical device. Furthermore, one or more interior surfaces of the chamber may comprise a UV reflective material for distributing UV radiation upon substantially all surfaces of a target.