Francis Xavier Murray

US Patent:

44977735, Feb 5, 1985

Filed:

Sep 6, 1983

Appl. No.:

6/529494

Inventors:

Christopher J. Kuelzow - Little Silver NJ
Edward M. Kackos - Belmar NJ
Francis J. Murray - Belmar NJ

Assignee:

Vernitron Corporation - Lake Success NY

International Classification:

A61L 200

US Classification:

422 26

Abstract:

A process and apparatus for improving a steam sterilization cycle by shortening the time of the drying stage of the cycle. Sterilized articles in a sterilization chamber surrounded by a steam jacket chamber, are enveloped in water vapor which is quickly cooled and condensed by draining steam from the jacket. In addition, a heat exchanger comprising pipe coils mounted within the sterilization chamber completely below the articles to be sterilized with a cold coolant circulated therethrough may be used to further cool and condense the water vapor in the sterilization chamber, from which water and water vapor are quickly drawn off by an applied vacuum. The process involves the simultaneous steps of: withdrawing steam from the steam jacket to cool the walls of the sterilizing chamber; removing water and water vapor by vacuum from the sterilizing chamber; and circulating cold coolant in the heat exchanger.