Patent ID: 6646241
Filing Date: 2003-11-11
Classification: A61C,A61L,H05B

Abstract:
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; and (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.