Combination Method for Cleaning, Decontamination, Disinfection and Sterilization of Objects

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent discloses a method and device for cleaning, decontaminating, disinfecting, and sterilizing objects using a unique combination of plasma-processed gas (PPG) and liquids. The process involves generating a sterilizing gas and/or sterilizing liquid by treating a liquid (such as water) with plasma-processed gas. Objects are first contacted with the sterilizing liquid for cleaning and antimicrobial action, then with a treatment gas (either the PPG or sterilizing gas) for further disinfection and drying, all performed in a coordinated, efficient, and potentially single-device operation.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Sterilization of medical equipment (e.g., endoscopes, surgical instruments)
• Decontamination and preservation of food products (e.g., salads, meats, ready-to-eat meals)
• Sanitization of packaging materials for pharmaceuticals and food
• Disinfection of complex machinery with narrow gaps or lumens
• Sterilization of temperature-sensitive (thermo-labile) goods such as pharmaceuticals, biological samples, or foods
• On-demand sterilization in hospitals, laboratories, and food processing plants
• Industrial cleaning processes where both thorough cleaning and rapid, safe sterilization are required

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables rapid and effective cleaning and sterilization in one integrated workflow
• Reduces the use of hazardous chemicals, utilizing air, water, and electricity to create sterilizing agents
• Safer for heat-sensitive items due to adjustable processing temperatures and no need for high heat
• Minimizes risk of recontamination by ensuring effective drying and reducing residual moisture
• Potential for on-site, on-demand production of sterilizing agents – no need to store or transport toxic substances
• Can treat complex-shaped objects, including those with narrow gaps or internal cavities, more effectively than traditional methods
• Decreases treatment times, reduces costs, and allows for scalable production suitable for both small and industrial applications
• Gentle on materials, lowering the chance of material damage or degradation compared to traditional sterilization processes

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a process of treating objects, particularly of cleaning and decontaminating or disinfecting or sterilizing objects. A plasma processed gas (PPG) is provided, and by contacting this plasma processed gas (PPG) with a liquid, a sterilizing gas and a sterilizing liquid are generated. The objects to be treated are contacted with the sterilizing liquid in a first treatment step and with a treatment gas in a second treatment step, wherein the treatment gas can be the sterilizing gas or the plasma processed gas (PPG). The invention further relates to a device for the cleaning and decontamination or disinfection or sterilization of objects.