Sterilization Method and System for Diverse Industries
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept applies the core technology of sterilizing aseptic filler chambers to various industries, including medical instruments, laboratory workspaces, agricultural equipment, water treatment equipment, and food processing facilities, providing a versatile solution for ensuring sterility in diverse environments.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a method for sterilizing the interior of an aseptic filler chamber before filling containers with food, drinks, or other contents. However, this technology has broader applications beyond the food and beverage industry. The new inventive concept addresses the need for effective sterilization methods in other industries where contamination poses significant risks to public health, safety, and product quality.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a sterilizing chamber and a transfer device for transferring objects or equipment into the chamber. The sterilizing chamber is sterilized by a sterilizer containing hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, or aseptic water before operation. The system can be adapted to various industries by modifying the transfer device, sterilizing chamber, and sterilizer composition to suit specific requirements. For instance, in medical instrument sterilization, the transfer device may be designed to handle delicate instruments, while in agricultural equipment sterilization, the sterilizing chamber may be enlarged to accommodate larger equipment.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept introduces novel applications of the original patent's core technology, expanding its scope to diverse industries. The inventive step lies in the recognition of the potential for this technology to address sterilization needs beyond the food and beverage industry and the development of adapted systems for these new applications.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include using different sterilizer compositions, modifying the transfer device to accommodate various object sizes and shapes, or integrating the sterilizing chamber with existing equipment in the target industry. Variations may also involve adjusting the sterilization process parameters, such as temperature, pressure, or duration, to optimize performance for specific applications.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including medical instrument manufacturing, laboratory equipment suppliers, agricultural equipment manufacturers, water treatment facilities, and food processing companies. The market for sterilization solutions is substantial, driven by the need to ensure public health, safety, and product quality in these industries.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61L2/208 |
| A | A61 | A61L2/06 |
| A | A61 | A61L2/18 |
| A | A61 | A61L2202/15 |
| A | A61 | A61L2202/23 |
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,690 |
|---|---|
| Title | Method for sterilizing interior of aseptic filler chamber |
| Assignee(s) | NIPPON TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE CORPORATION |