GB1569555A

GB1569555A - Sterilising apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB1569555A
Application number: GB2595878A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1978-05-31
Filing date: 1978-05-31
Publication date: 1980-06-18

Description

(54) IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO STERILISING APPARATUS (71) I, JOHN VICTOR GEORGE GROVES, a British Subject, of Kimberley, 1, The Drive, Craigweil, Bognor Regis, West Sussex, do hereby declare the invention, for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: This invention relates to sterilising apparatus and particularly to sterilising apparatus for sterilising implements such as knives, steels, secateurs, and eviscerating forks used in the meat and poultry industries.

An object of the invention is to provide sterilising apparatus in which heat transfer from heated fluid within the steriliser to the outside casing is minimal.

Another object of the invention is to provide sterilising apparatus constructed such as to allow the implements to be completely immersed in the heated fluid.

According to the invention there is provided sterilising apparatus comprising a metal cylinder having a double outer wall with insulation material located therebetween to reduce in use, heat transfer between heated fluid within the cylinder and the outermost wall of the cylinder to a mini mum, the cylinder having a retractable car rier for implements to be sterilised arranged such that in use, the implements are completely immersible in and in contact with the heated fluid within the cylinder.

The term cylinder is defined as as solid generated by a straight line moving always parallel to itself and describing any fixed curve (not necessarily a circle) (Oxford English Dictionary).

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sterilising apparatus comprises a cylinder open at one end and closed to a domed configuration at the other, the cylinder being of stainless steel and having a double wall with heat insulation material such as polyurethane foam material located therebetween to minimise the transfer of heat from heated fluid e.g. water within the cylinder to the outermost wall of the cylinder. A central tube extends throughout the length of the cylinder and is provided with diametrically opposed lugs arranged to locate in four complementary shaped slots arranged at 90" intervals around a central aperture of a circular plate located within the cylinder, the plate having slots therein to accommodate the implements to be sterilised.A U-shaped handle member is attached to, the plate and rotation of the circular plate around the central tube brings the lugs on the tube into register with one or other pair of the complementary-shaped slots in the central plate. One diametrically-opposed pair of slots extend completely through the central plate whilst the other pair extend only partially through the plate. Thus, when the lugs of the central tube register with the pair of slots in the central plate which extend completely through the plate it is possible to retract the plate and handle within the cylinder so as to completely immerse the implements located in the slots in the plate in the heated water in the interior of the cylinder thus obtaining complete sterilisation of the implements.When the lugs on the cetnral tube are in register with the diametrically-opposed slots in the central plate which extend only partially through the thickness of the plate, it is not possible to retract the plate and handle and the handle thus extends beyond the open-end of the cylinder for loading the implements into the slots in the central plate.

The invention will now be described by way of example only with particular reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is an underneath plan view of the sterilising apparatus of the present invention; Figure 2 is a side elevational view thereof; Figure 3 is a view similar to that of Figure 1 with the casing partially broken away to reveal the interior of the cylinder; and Figure 4 is an end view of the steriliser shown in Figure 3.

Referring to Figure 1, the sterilising apparatus comprises a stainless steel cylinder 1 closed at one end 2 to form a domed configuration for ease of cleaning and open at the end 3 remote from the dome 2. As shown in Figure 3, the cylinder has an inner wall 4 and an outer wall 5 having heat insulat ing material 6 such as polyurethane foam material located between walls 4 and 5 to reduce the transfer of heat from the interior of the cylinder to the exterior wall of the cylinder to a minimum.

A central tube 7 extends centrally throughout the length of the cylinder 1 and projects beyond the domed end 2 to form a drain outlet 8 for a purpose hereinafter described.

The end of the tube 7 remote from the drain outlet 8 is provided with diametricallyopposed V-shaped- slots as shown at 9 in Figure 1 to form a weir for a purpose hereinafter described. The central tube 7 is removable for cleaning purposes.

A carrier plate 10 is located on the central tube 7 and is provided with a plurality of slots 11 in which the implements to be sterilised are located. The carrier plate 10 is preferably formed of polypropylene and is formed with two pairs of slots (not shown) spaced at 90" intervals around the central aperture and arranged to cooperate with a pair of complementary-shaped, diametricallyopposed lugs 12 projecting from the central tube 7. One diametrically-opposed pair of the slots formed in the carrier plate extend completely through the plate whilst the other diametrically-opposed pair extend only partially through the carrier plate 10.A Ushaped carrier handle 13 is secured to the carrier plate and rotation of the handle 13 and plate 10 in relation to the central tube 7 to bring the lugs 12 into register with the pair of diametrically-opposed slots in the carrier plate 10 extending completely through the plate, will allow the carrier plate 10 to slide axially along the central tube 7 thereby permitting retraction of the carrier plate 10 and handle 13 within the cylinder 1. Thus, any implements carried by the carrier plate 10 can be completely immersed within the heated water within the cylinder.

The cylinder 1 is provided with a thermostatically-controlled electric heating element 14 of bifurcated construction and of preferably 2KW, the thermostat preferably being set to a temperature of 86"C. The heating element projects from a heater body 15 ex tending normally from the outermost wall of the cylinder 1, and the element 14 is pre ferably spaced about 14# ' fro from the wall of the cylinder 1.

The heater body 15 is double-skinned as shown with heat insulating material there- between to prevent the transfer of heat to the outermost skin.

The thermostat consisting of a bimetallic element (not shown) is located within a cylindrical heater cover 16 which is fixed to the heater body 15 by means of a pair of spaced, threaded posts extending from the heater body and passing through corresponding holes formed in the heater cover 16. Over each post is located a fibre washer 17 and the heater cover is secured in position by a pair of domed nuts 18 threadedly engaging the ends of the respective threaded posts. A channel-section silicone sealing ring 19 is located intermediate the heater body 15 and the heater cover 16. A cable outlet 20 is formed in the heater cover 16 and consists of a male threaded spigot in engagement with a female threaded nut with a rubber grommet located therebetween for sealing purposes.

A bracket 21 is welded or otherwise secured to the outermost wall of the cylinder 1 to allow the cylinder to be mounted on a vertical planar surface with the cylinder in the vertical upright position.

An inlet pipe 22 is provided adjacent the domed end of the cylinder 1 and is formed with an elbow of preferably 5" diameter connected by a pipe of smaller diameter to a 15 mm gate valve (not shown). On one side of the valve, a Nylon disc acts as a restricting washer. The drain outlet 8 is provided with a male threaded portion engaging in a female threaded flange portion of the central tube and a silicon washer 23 is located between the male and female portions to form a liquid-tight seal.

In use, water is supplied through the inlet pipe 22 and is heated by the heating element 14 in the base of the cylinder. The carrier plate 10 and handle 13 are in the retracted position for sterilisation with the implements located in the slots 11 in the carrier plate 10. The water, heated by the element 14 thus completely covers the implements and when the level of the water reaches the Vshaped slots 9 in the central tube 7, the water flows over the weir and along the inside of the central tube and out through the drain outlet 8.

To empty the cylinder, the carrier plate and attached handle are removed from the cylinder and the central tube 7 unscrewed from the drain outlet 8 connection allowing the water to flow out through the drain outlet 8 at the domed base of the steriliser cylinder.

It will be appreciated that the invention has been described by way of example only and is susceptible to modification and is not to be deemed limited to the particular constructional features described and shown in the accompanying drawings. For instance although the tube 7 has been shown as located centrally within the cylinder, the tube may be offset and the hole in the carrier plate eccentrically located to allow large implements such as an automatic eviscerating gun to be completely immersed in the heated water within the cylinder.

WHAT I CLAIM IS: 1. Sterilising apparatus comprising a metal cylinder having a double outer wall

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. ing material 6 such as polyurethane foam material located between walls 4 and 5 to reduce the transfer of heat from the interior of the cylinder to the exterior wall of the cylinder to a minimum. A central tube 7 extends centrally throughout the length of the cylinder 1 and projects beyond the domed end 2 to form a drain outlet 8 for a purpose hereinafter described. The end of the tube 7 remote from the drain outlet 8 is provided with diametricallyopposed V-shaped- slots as shown at 9 in Figure 1 to form a weir for a purpose hereinafter described. The central tube 7 is removable for cleaning purposes. A carrier plate 10 is located on the central tube 7 and is provided with a plurality of slots 11 in which the implements to be sterilised are located. The carrier plate 10 is preferably formed of polypropylene and is formed with two pairs of slots (not shown) spaced at 90" intervals around the central aperture and arranged to cooperate with a pair of complementary-shaped, diametricallyopposed lugs 12 projecting from the central tube 7. One diametrically-opposed pair of the slots formed in the carrier plate extend completely through the plate whilst the other diametrically-opposed pair extend only partially through the carrier plate 10.A Ushaped carrier handle 13 is secured to the carrier plate and rotation of the handle 13 and plate 10 in relation to the central tube 7 to bring the lugs 12 into register with the pair of diametrically-opposed slots in the carrier plate 10 extending completely through the plate, will allow the carrier plate 10 to slide axially along the central tube 7 thereby permitting retraction of the carrier plate 10 and handle 13 within the cylinder 1. Thus, any implements carried by the carrier plate 10 can be completely immersed within the heated water within the cylinder. The cylinder 1 is provided with a thermostatically-controlled electric heating element 14 of bifurcated construction and of preferably 2KW, the thermostat preferably being set to a temperature of 86"C. The heating element projects from a heater body 15 ex tending normally from the outermost wall of the cylinder 1, and the element 14 is pre ferably spaced about 14# ' fro from the wall of the cylinder 1. The heater body 15 is double-skinned as shown with heat insulating material there- between to prevent the transfer of heat to the outermost skin. The thermostat consisting of a bimetallic element (not shown) is located within a cylindrical heater cover 16 which is fixed to the heater body 15 by means of a pair of spaced, threaded posts extending from the heater body and passing through corresponding holes formed in the heater cover 16. Over each post is located a fibre washer 17 and the heater cover is secured in position by a pair of domed nuts 18 threadedly engaging the ends of the respective threaded posts. A channel-section silicone sealing ring 19 is located intermediate the heater body 15 and the heater cover 16. A cable outlet 20 is formed in the heater cover 16 and consists of a male threaded spigot in engagement with a female threaded nut with a rubber grommet located therebetween for sealing purposes. A bracket 21 is welded or otherwise secured to the outermost wall of the cylinder 1 to allow the cylinder to be mounted on a vertical planar surface with the cylinder in the vertical upright position. An inlet pipe 22 is provided adjacent the domed end of the cylinder 1 and is formed with an elbow of preferably 5" diameter connected by a pipe of smaller diameter to a 15 mm gate valve (not shown). On one side of the valve, a Nylon disc acts as a restricting washer. The drain outlet 8 is provided with a male threaded portion engaging in a female threaded flange portion of the central tube and a silicon washer 23 is located between the male and female portions to form a liquid-tight seal. In use, water is supplied through the inlet pipe 22 and is heated by the heating element 14 in the base of the cylinder. The carrier plate 10 and handle 13 are in the retracted position for sterilisation with the implements located in the slots 11 in the carrier plate 10. The water, heated by the element 14 thus completely covers the implements and when the level of the water reaches the Vshaped slots 9 in the central tube 7, the water flows over the weir and along the inside of the central tube and out through the drain outlet 8. To empty the cylinder, the carrier plate and attached handle are removed from the cylinder and the central tube 7 unscrewed from the drain outlet 8 connection allowing the water to flow out through the drain outlet 8 at the domed base of the steriliser cylinder. It will be appreciated that the invention has been described by way of example only and is susceptible to modification and is not to be deemed limited to the particular constructional features described and shown in the accompanying drawings. For instance although the tube 7 has been shown as located centrally within the cylinder, the tube may be offset and the hole in the carrier plate eccentrically located to allow large implements such as an automatic eviscerating gun to be completely immersed in the heated water within the cylinder. WHAT I CLAIM IS:

1. Sterilising apparatus comprising a metal cylinder having a double outer wall

with insulation material located therebetween to reduce in use, heat transfer between heated fluid within the cylinder and the outermost wall of the cylinder to a mini mum, the cylinder having a retractable carrier for implements to be sterilised arranged such that in use, the implements are completely immersible in and in contact with the heated fluid within the cylinder.

2. Sterilising apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the metal cylinder is of stainless steel.

3. Sterilising apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the base of the cylinder is of domed construction to facilitate cleaning of the interior of the cylinder.

4. Sterilising apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the cylinder is provided with a removable tube extending throughout the length of the cylinder, the end of the tube adjacent the base of the cylinder being removably connected to a drain outlet and the end of the tube remote from the base being slotted to provide a weir, the arrangement being such that water supplied to the cylinder through inlet means adjacent the base of the cylinder is heated by heating means in close proximity to the water inlet and flows over the weir when the water level reaches the slots in the tube and flows out through the tube and drain outlet.

5. Sterilising apparatus as claimed in Claim 4 wherein a carrier plate is located on the tube and is provided with two pairs of diametrically-opposed slots spaced at 90" intervals around a central aperture and arranged to cooperate with a pair of diametrically-opposed complementary-shaped projections formed on the tube, one pair of slots extending completely through the plate such that registration of said one pair of slots with said pair of projections on the tube allows the plate to be wholly retracted within the cylinder, and the second pair of slots extending only partially through the plate such that registration of said second pair of slots with said pair of projections on the tube inhibits retraction of the plate within the cylinder

6. Sterilising apparatus as claimed in Claim 5 wherein the carrier plate is provided with a plurality of radial slots to accomodate implements to be sterilised.

7. Sterilising apparatus as claimed in Claim 6 wherein the carrier plate has a handle secured thereto.

8. Sterilising apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described and as shown in the accompanying drawings.