Patent ID: 7250145
Filing Date: 2007-07-31
Classification: A61L,A62D,G01N

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for sterilizing an article, comprising: a framework having opposed upstream and downstream ends; a first water chamber mounted to said upstream end of said framework, said first water chamber configured for holding a first quantity of water and defining a first water level; a conveyor extending through said first water chamber for conveying the article through said first quantity of water beneath said first water level; a first sterilizing chamber mounted to said framework downstream from said first water chamber, said first sterilizing chamber defining an enclosed space and having a first entrance and a first exit above said first water level; wherein said conveyor extends between said first entrance and said first exit for moving the article through said first sterilizing chamber enclosed space along a first conveyance path; a vacuum pump coupled to said first sterilizing chamber for withdrawing air from the article being conveyed along said conveyor, said vacuum pump causing a reduced air pressure within said first sterilizing chamber; a second water chamber mounted to said framework downstream from said first sterilizing chamber, said second water chamber configured to hold a second quantity of water and defining a second water level; wherein said conveyor extends through said second water chamber for conveying the article through said second quantity of water below said second water level; a second sterilizing chamber mounted to said framework downstream from said second water chamber, said second sterilizing chamber defining an enclosed space and having a second entrance and a second exit above said second water level; wherein said conveyor extends between said second entrance and said second exit for moving the article through said second sterilizing chamber along a second conveyance path; and an ozone generator coupled to said second sterilizing chamber for introducing ozone into said second sterilizing chamber as the article is moved therethrough.