초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for sterilization in which items to be sterilized are placed in an impervious sealable package and the sterilization process is carried out within the package. The apparatus (10) includes a cabinet (18) in which a package (P) preferably with a carrier (11) located within, can

A method and apparatus for sterilization in which items to be sterilized are placed in an impervious sealable package and the sterilization process is carried out within the package. The apparatus (10) includes a cabinet (18) in which a package (P) preferably with a carrier (11) located within, can be positioned. A snorkel (17) is inserted into the package (P) and via connector (23) vacuum, pressure and sterilant can be applied to the interior of the package (P). A sealing arrangement (14b, 22b) can seal the package closed after the sterilization process has been completed.

대표청구항 ▼

1. Steam sterilization system including: i. an impervious sealable package surrounding a carrier containing item(s) to be sterilized; andii. a steam sterilization apparatus including: a. an enclosure to locate and retain a snorkel engageable in an open mouth of the package;b. a snorkel clamping unit

1. Steam sterilization system including: i. an impervious sealable package surrounding a carrier containing item(s) to be sterilized; andii. a steam sterilization apparatus including: a. an enclosure to locate and retain a snorkel engageable in an open mouth of the package;b. a snorkel clamping unit to seal the open mouth of the package about the snorkel,c. a sterilisation unit to selectively apply a vacuum and steam sterilant to the interior of the package to carry out a sterilization process therein; andd. a package sealing unit to seal the open mouth of the package at the conclusion of the sterilization process. 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the enclosure is a housing into which the sealable package can be located for the sterilization process to take place, said snorkel opening into the housing. 3. The system of claim 2 wherein the housing is in part formed by a drawer with which the sealable package is engageable, the drawer positionable in a cabinet to assume a closed position and thereby form with the cabinet the housing within which the sealable package is located. 4. The system of claim 3 further including a heating plate which forms the base of the drawer when the drawer is in the closed position. 5. The system apparatus of claim 3 wherein the heating plate is an electronically heated steam generator. 6. The system of claim 3 further including at least one pressure surface contactable with the sealable package to restrain the sealable package during a sterilization process. 7. The system of claim 6 further including a connector for connecting vacuum and sterilant supply to the snorkel when the snorkel sealing unit has sealed the mouth of the packaging on the snorkel. 8. The system of claim 3 wherein the snorkel sealing unit includes a clamp mechanism and a sealing mechanism. 9. The system of claim 3 further including an interlock mechanism to lock the drawer in the closed position. 10. The system of claim 1 wherein the sealable package is non-porous, able to withstand temperatures in excess of 134 deg Celsius and pressure up to 2 bar, be resistant to puncturing or tearing and able to withstand sub-atmospheric pressure for a prolonged period. 11. The system combination of claim 1 wherein the carrier is in the form of a case or tray with perforations. 12. The system of claim 11 wherein the carrier includes a lid. 13. The system of claim 11 wherein the carrier is made from a plastics or metal material.