Patent ID: 6900421
Filing Date: 2005-05-31
Classification: A61C,A61L,H05B

Abstract:
1. A sterilization apparatus comprising in combination: (a) a sealed first chamber capable of withstanding internal pressure and vacuum and having a sealable opening for introducing and removing articles to be sterilized; (b) at least one tray disposed within said first chamber for holding items to be sterilized; (c) a first microwave radiation generator; (d) a first waveguide for directing microwave radiation generated by said first microwave radiation generator onto the articles to be sterilized; (e) a sprayer for directing droplets of water onto the articles to be sterilized; (f) means for generating steam at greater than one atmosphere of pressure and for introducing the steam into said first chamber; (g) a pump for evacuating said first chamber before the steam is introduced thereto and for removing the steam after the sterilization process is completed; and (h) means for detecting arcing in said first chamber and for shutting down said first microwave radiation generator in response thereto.