Patent ID: 6228330
Filing Date: 2001-05-08
Classification: A61L,Y10S

Abstract:
An apparatus for decontaminating or sterilizing articles which comprises in combination:(a) a gas-tight chamber;(b) a first conducting cylindrical electrode disposed within said chamber and having a first axis;(c) a radiofrequency power supply in electrical contact with said first electrode for providing radiofrequency energy thereto;(d) a second conducting cylindrical electrode disposed within said first electrode having a second axis collinear with the first axis and capable of receiving the article to be decontaminated or sterilized within the interior thereof, whereby an annular region is formed between said first electrode and said second electrode, said second electrode being maintained at ground potential and further having holes formed through the cylindrical surface thereof; and(e) means for introducing gases into said chamber such that the introduced gas flows directly into the annular region and exits this region through the holes in said second electrode, whereby a uniform radiofrequency electrical discharge is caused to occur in the gas flowing through the annular region as a result of the radiofrequency energy having been applied to said first electrode, the excited products therefrom also exiting the annular region through the holes in said second electrode into the intenor thereof and impinging on the article to be decontaminated or sterilized.