초록

A remote sterilization indicator is described. The indicator allows a sterilization cycle to be monitored without the need to visually inspect the indicator.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A remotely detectable steam sterilization process monitor for use with an interrogation mechanism capable of interrogating the monitor by providing a pulsed, excitation magnetic field in an interrogation zone, and capable of detecting an identity signal provided by the mo

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A remotely detectable steam sterilization process monitor for use with an interrogation mechanism capable of interrogating the monitor by providing a pulsed, excitation magnetic field in an interrogation zone, and capable of detecting an identity signal provided by the monitor; the monitor comprising:a strip of magnetostrictive ferromagnetic material adapted to mechanically resonate when interrogated by the interrogation mechanism,a magnetic material capable of magnetically biasing the strip of magnetostrictive ferromagnetic material to arm the magnetostrictive ferromagnetic material to provide an identity signal such that, after the pulse of the excitation magnetic field of the interrogation mechanism ends, the magnetostrictive material resonates within the magnetic bias provided by the magnetic material in a decaying fashion to thereby provide the identity signal to the interrogation mechanism; andclamping means for physically holding the magnetostrictive ferromagnetic material such that the magnetostrictive ferromagnetic material is not allowed to resonate when interrogated by the interrogation mechanism; the clamping means comprising a meltable compound such that, upon exposure of the monitor to predetermined conditions, the meltable compound melts sufficiently to allow the magnetostrictive ferromagnetic material to resonate when interrogated by the interrogation mechanism.