Method and apparatus for disinfecting and/or self-sterilizing a stethoscope using plasma energy
US9056148B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 27, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jun 16, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 30, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61L2202/24
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for disinfecting and/or self-sterilizing at least a portion of the surface of a stethoscope is provided. Methods and devices are provided by which a device or apparatus can generate a sterilizing plasma such that a stethoscope, or portion of a stethoscope, can be placed within or near the device or apparatus so that the plasma disinfects and/or sterilizes and/or decontaminates at least a portion of the stethoscope. A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing a self-disinfecting and/or self-sterilizing and/or self-decontaminating stethoscope and stethoscope disinfecting and/or sterilization apparatus for disinfecting and/or sterilizing, respectively, all or at least a portion of a stethoscope.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.