WO1993012821A1

WO1993012821A1 - Gas plasma container apparatus and method

Info

Publication number: WO1993012821A1
Application number: PCT/US1992/011144
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fazal A. Fazlin
Original assignee: Advanced Plasma Systems, Inc.
Priority date: 1991-12-20
Filing date: 1992-12-21
Publication date: 1993-07-08
Also published as: AU3333993A

Abstract

A plasma gas container for sterilizing objects placed therein, comprising a body (10) having an opened end (12) and a non-porous closure (12) for sealingly closing the opened end such that non-porous container body (10) is completely sealed. Quick-disconnect fittings (26, 28, 36, 38 and 41) are provided for removably connecting a power source (24) to the power and ground electrodes (18 and 20) of the container, for removably connecting a vacuum supply (40) to the container for evacuating the container, and for removably connecting a gas supply (34) to the container for injecting gas into the container. The quick-disconnect fittings (26, 28, 36, 38 and 41) advantageously allow the container to be quickly connected to the power source (24), vacuum supply (40) and gas supply (34). The container is then pumped down to create a vacuum therein. Gas is injected and the power electrode (18) is energized to create gas plasma in the container to sterilize the objects placed therein. When the sterilization is complete, the container may then be quickly disconnected and stored in its evacuated condition until such time as the sterilized objects are needed, thereby preserving the sterility of the objects during storage.

Description

DESCRIPTION GAS PLASMA CONTAINER APPARATUS AND METHOD TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to plasma gas chambers. More particularly, this invention relates to plasma gas chambers which excite a gas to an ionized state for sterilizing or otherwise treating infectious and hazardous objects, such as for sterilizing medical instruments and hazardous waste. BACKGROUND ART

"Plasma" has been defined as matter in an "elevated" state. The physical properties of the plasma state are somewhat similar to those in the gaseous state. The flow patterns and characteristics become extremely aggressive in the plasma state, where the gases are essentially in a nascent form. Plasma or these "active species" are created in an electric field between a pair of radio frequency (RF) electrodes, and are then directed toward the target surface. Conventional plasma gas chambers include a cylindrical or rectilinear chamber with a front-loading door and either a barrel or planer electrode configuration. The objects to be exposed to the plasma gas for treatment, are inserted between the power and ground electrodes either vertically or horizontally. The gases are introduced into the chamber to flow between the electrode pair to be excited to an ionized state by the electrical field created between the electrodes. The objects are enveloped by the plasma gas and are process 2d according to the desired methods.

Presently it is known that plasma may be employed to sterilize infectious objects. More particularly, presently it is known that plasma is effective in reducing living organisms and viruses on medical instruments, thereby sterilizing such instruments. U.S.

SUBSTITUTESHEET Patents 4,321,232, 3,948,601, 4,348,357, 4,207,286,

4.976.920, 4,943,417, 4,931,261, 4,917,586, 4,909,995, 4,898,715, 4,818,488, 4,801,427, 4,348,357, 4,265,747,

3.955.921, 3,851,436, and 4,976,920 illustrate various plasma gas chambers designed specifically for sterilizing medical instruments according to a variety of sterilization methods. It is also presently known that similar sterilization principles may be employed to sterilize infectious waste, such as infectious medical waste.

Typically, sterilization chambers take up significant space, particularly in view of their associated gas cylinders, RF generators and vacuum pumps. Thus, sterilization chambers are often installed in specially designed rooms in the hospital or other medical facility, or in a separate facility specifically designed for such purposes.

As a result, the infectious medical instruments and hazardous waste must be transported to that location for sterilization/decontamination. As can be readily appreciated, infectious/hazardous spills may occur during such transport. Furthermore, in regard to chambers utilized to sterilize medical instruments, it can be readily appreciated that after or concurrently with sterilization, the instruments must be suitably packaged so as to prevent subsequent contamination until such time as the instruments are to be used.

Hence, there presently exists a need for plasma gas chambers that minimize infectious/hazardous spills, and otherwise facilitate more convenient sterilization of objects. Additionally, there also exists a need for maintaining the sterility of sterilized instruments in a closed chamber or package until such time as the instruments are used. Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide an apparatus which overcomes the aforementioned inadequacies of the prior art devices and provides an improvement which is a significant contribution to the advancement of the plasma gas chamber art employed for sterilizing or otherwise treating infectious and other hazardous waste.

Another object of this invention is to provide a plasma gas chamber or container for treating objects placed therein comprising a chamber or container having an opened end, with a lid or other closure sealingly positioned about the opened end, power and ground electrodes positioned within the chamber or container defining a space into which the objects are to be placed, means for removably connecting the electrodes to a power source, means for removably connecting a vacuum source to the chamber or container for evacuating the chamber or container, and means for removably connecting a gas supply to the chamber or container for injecting gas into the chamber or container. Another object of this invention is to provide a plasma gas chamber or container as described above, which further includes means for venting the chamber or container.

Another object of this invention is to provide a plasma gas chamber or container as described above, which further includes handle means for convenient carrying of the chamber or container.

Another object of this invention is to provide a plasma gas chamber as described above, which further includes wheel means for convenient transport of the chamber.

Another object of this invention is to provide a plasma gas chamber as described above, which further includes tray means removably positioned within the chamber. Another object of this invention is to provide a plasma gas chamber as described above, which further includes auger means for mixing objects positioned within the space. Another object of this invention is to provide a plasma gas chamber as described above, which further includes auger means for grinding and mixing objects positioned within the space.

Another object of this invention is to provide a plasma gas chamber as described above, wherein the auger is removable.

Another object of this invention is to provide a plasma gas container for treating objects placed therein, comprising in combination a container body having an opened end and having a first portion and a second portion of a wall, the container body defining a space for placing the objects therein, at least the first portion of the wall of the container body being composed of an electrically non-conductive material, means for sealingly closing the opened end, power and ground electrodes, means for positioning the power electrode and the ground contiguous to the first and second portions of the wall of the container body, means for removably connecting the electrodes to a power source, means for removably connecting a vacuum source to the container body for evacuating the container body, and means for removably connecting a gas supply to the container body for injecting gas into the container body.

Another object of this invention is to provide a plasma gas container as described above, wherein the first portion and the second portion of the wall are positioned opposite to one another such that the object being treated is positioned therebetween.

Another object of this invention is to provide a plasma gas container as described above, wherein the material comprises a semirigid or flexible material.

Another object of this invention is to provide a plasma gas container as described above, wherein the flexible material is shaped in the form of a bag with the opened end positioned along one edge thereof and wherein the closing means comprises a seal formed about the opened end along the length thereof.

Another object of this invention is to provide a plasma gas container as described above, wherein the means for positioning the power electrode contiguous to the first portion of the wall of the container body comprises means for laminating, printing, molding in- situ, silk-screening, depositing or sputtering the power electrode to the material. Another object of this invention is to provide a plasma gas container as described above, wherein the electrodes comprise a grid configuration, a planar configuration, an interlaced configuration, or a parallel configuration. Another object of this invention is to provide a plasma gas treating method, comprising the steps of inserting the object into a space defined by a container body having an opened end and having a first portion and a second portion of a wall, at least the first portion of the wall of the container body being composed of an electrically non-conductive material, the container body further having power and ground electrodes, means for positioning the power and ground electrodes contiguous to the first and second portions of the wall of the container body, sealingly closing the opened end, removably connecting the electrodes to a power source, removably connecting a vacuum source to the container body for evacuating the container body, removably connecting a gas supply to the container body for injecting gas into the container body, and operating the vacuum source, gas supply and power source to create gas plasma in the container body.

The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of the invention. These objects should be construed to be merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of the intended invention. Many other beneficial results can be obtained by applying the disclosed invention in a different manner or modifying the invention within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other objects and a fuller understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the summary of the invention and the detailed description of the preferred embodiment in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

For the purpose of summarizing this invention, this invention comprises a portable plasma gas chamber for use in connection with sterilizing medical and other hazardous waste. More particularly, one embodiment of this invention comprises a plasma gas chamber having an opened end. A door was sealingly positioned about the opened end of the chamber. A suitable latching mechanism was provided for rigidly securing the lid about the opened end of the chamber to form an airtight seal therewith.

In another embodiment specially designed for sterilizing medical instruments, a pair of electrodes is positioned at opposing sides within a portable plasma gas chamber. A suitable tray or rack is provided between the electrodes, allowing the instruments to be treated to be placed thereon. As is customary in the industry, the electrodes are suitably connected to electrical ground and to a radio frequency (RF) generator allowing one electrode to function as a ground electrode and another electrode to function as a power electrode to create an electric field therebetween to excite the gas to an ionized state. The electrodes may comprise paired electrodes such as disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,623,441 issued November 18, 1986 and entitled "Paired Electrodes for Plasma Chambers", the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. Alternatively or additionally, the electrodes may comprise a water cooled electrode such as the one disclosed by me in my application filed December 20, 1991 entitled "Water Cooled Electrode", Serial Number 07/811,699.

However, in this embodiment of this invention, a quick-disconnect electrical fitting is provided through the wall of the plasma chamber allowing a separate RF generator to be electrically connected to the ground electrode and to the power electrode. Also positioned through the wall of the plasma chamber, are quick- disconnect fittings for evacuation and venting of the chamber allowing a vacuum pump to be quickly connected to the chamber to create a vacuum therein and, when desired, to vent the chamber to return it to atmospheric pressure allowing its lid to be opened. Further, a suitable

fitting is provided through the wall of the chamber allowing the inlet and exhausting of plasma- reactive gases into the chamber which may be then excited to the plasma state between the electrodes thereby sterilizing/decontaminating the materials placed between the electrodes.

As noted above, it is contemplated that this embodiment of the plasma chamber is designed so as to be "portable" and in this regard, may include wheels and/or carrying handle. It is further contemplated that in a hospital or other medical environment, the plasma chamber could be filled with cleaned, but non-sterile, medical instruments to be used during a surgical procedure. quickly, connected with the various quick-disconnect fittings to the RF generator, vacuum source, and gas source, and then operated to create plasma within the chamber to sterilize the instruments. Then, once the instruments are sterilized, the chamber, remaining under vacuum, could then be carried or transported to the operating room where the surgical procedure is taking place. Once in the operating room, the chamber could then be vented to atmospheric pressure and its lid opened, thereby allowing the medical instruments to be removed for use by the surgeon. After surgery, the instruments could be cleaned by washing, and then placed in the chamber and sterilized. Once sterilized, the chamber containing the instruments, still under vacuum, could be stored until needed. When needed, the chamber could be easily carried to the operating room and, as noted above, then vented to atmospheric, allowing the instruments to be removed.

In another embodiment of the original invention specifically designed for the medical waste industry, the plasma chamber is designed to be "portable" with suitable quick-disconnect fittings in a manner similar to the medical instrument sterilization embodiment. However, in this medical waste embodiment, the chamber is configured to essentially function as a "trash can" allowing contaminated waste to be placed therein. When full, the lid of the chamber is closed and sealed. The chamber is then easily transported to the room containing the vacuum source, gas source, and RF generator and connected thereto via the quick-disconnect fittings. This equipment is then operated so as to create plasma within the chamber to sterilize the contaminated waste therein. A rotary auger operatively positioned within the chamber functions to mix and grind the waste to assure that all of the waste is exposed to the plasma and fully sterilized. Once sterilized, the contaminated waste, now infectious-free, can then be removed from the chamber and disposed of as is customary with ordinary trash.

An important feature of both embodiments of this invention is that many of the portable chambers can be simultaneously placed in use since the same RF generator, gas source and vacuum source, which are expensive and bulky, are employed. For example, a multitude of the portable chambers, each containing specific surgical instruments, can be presterilized and stored for later use. After each use, the instruments can be cleaned and reinstalled into the chamber. Sequentially, or in groups, the chamber(s) can then be connected to the RF generator, gas source and vacuum source for resterilization.

Similarly, a multitude of medical waste chambers can be employed, and sequentially, or in groups, connected to the RF generator, gas source and vacuum source for sterilization and subsequent emptying. The present invention also comprises a plasma container composed of a non-electrically conductive material and having the power and ground electrodes laminated, printed, screen-printed, molded in-situ, or otherwise positioned contiguous to the walls of the plasma container. The RF generator is then connected to the electrodes by means of the quick-disconnect fittings as noted in the original embodiment. An evacuation valve and gas inlet valve are provided through the wall of the container allowing quick-connection and disconnection of the vacuum pump and gas supply thereto for evacuation of the container and the introduction of the reactive gases.

The incorporation of the electrodes into the walls of the container permits the container to be formed or shaped into many configurations. For example, in one embodiment of this present invention, the container material may be composed of a semirigid plastic shaped in the form of a rectangular container (similar to conventional chambers), with a closure such as a cap, allowing the objects to be placed therein to be plasma treated. In another embodiment, the container material may be composed of a flexible material and folded and seamed to form a bag having an opened end. The objects to be treated are then placed in the bag container and the opened end sealed, such as by heat sealing. In both of these embodiments, the vacuum pump and gas supply are connected, along with the RF generator, and operated in a conventional manner so as to create plasma in the container for treating the objects. In both embodiments, the treated objects may be stored under vacuum in the containers until needed, thereby preserving their sterility.

When needed, in the case of the semirigid container, its cap may be quickly and easily removed to gain access to the treated objects. In the case of the bag container, when the objects are needed, the bag may simply be cut or torn to gain access to the treated objects therein.

It should be appreciated that the unique concept of incorporating the electrodes into the non-conductive wall of the container allows the container to be economically manufactured. Indeed, this economical manufacturing of the containers renders the containers disposable or, at least semidisposable. Thus, it is noted that the containers are particularly adaptable for use in the medical industry to sterilize medical instruments. Specifically, the instruments may be placed in the container, the container's opening capped or sealed, and plasma created therein to sterilize the instruments. The container may then be kept in tact, preserving the instruments' sterility, and stored until the instruments are needed in the operating room.

It should also be appreciated these containers of this invention may be manufactured in relatively small sizes for treating a single object or a few objects. For example, the bag container may contain scalpels, gauze, sutures, needed for a simple surgical procedure. In this manner, the size and relative cost of the RF generator, vacuum pump are proportionally reduced, thereby encouraging wide use in doctor's offices. Furthermore, this economy allows plasma containers to be used in entirely new markets that previously could not afford conventional plasma chambers. For example, homeowners could economically purchase plasma containers of this invention, and the associated RF generator, vacuum pump, and gas supply, to treat fruit and other food products with plasma so as to decontaminate insecticides and other contaminates on the surface of the piece of fruit.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent and important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood so that the present contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of the portable plasma gas chamber of the original invention specifically designed for sterilizing medical instruments;

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view of another embodiment of the portable plasma gas chamber of the original invention specifically designed for sterilizing waste;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the plasma container of the invention composed of a semi-rigid material and having a cap positioned about its opened end;

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 3 along lines 4-4 illustrating the power and ground electrodes molded in situ in the walls of the container;

Fig. 5 is a top view of the plasma container of the invention formed in the shape of a bag having an opened end and having the power in ground electrodes laminated to opposing sides of the bag container;

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 5 along lines 6-6 illustrating the lamination of the electrodes to the walls of the bag container;

Fig. 7 is a bottom plan view of the bag container of the invention;

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 7 along lines 8-8; and

Figs. 9A-9C are plan views showing various embodiments of the power and ground electrodes. Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring to Fig. 1, in one embodiment, the portable plasma gas chamber 10 of my invention is specially designed for sterilizing medical instruments and the like. More particularly, the portable chamber 10 of the invention comprises a generally rectangular configuration having an opened end 12. Lid 12 is the positioned about the opened end of the chamber 10 by means of hinge 14. A suitable latching mechanism, generally indicated by numeral 16, is provided for securing the lid 12 in its sealed position about the opened end of the chamber 10.

At least one power electrode 18 and at least one ground electrode 20 are positioned within the chamber 10. Preferably, as shown in Fig. 1, the power and ground electrodes 18 and 20 are paired. Also preferably, at least two of the paired power and ground electrodes 18 and 20 are provided at opposing sides of the chamber 10 so as to define a space 22 therebetween. As more particularly described in my prior patents referenced above, the paired arrangement of the electrodes 18 and 20 function to create a primary electric field between the power and ground 18 and 20 electrodes of the pair and to create a secondary electrical field within the space 22 between the two pairs of electrodes 18 and 20.

A suitable power source, such as a radio frequency (RF) generator is provided for supplying power to the electrodes 18 and 20 so as to generate the primary and secondary electrical fields. The connection of the RF generator 24 to the electrodes is accomplished by means of power and ground quick disconnect fittings 26 and 28 which allow the electrical conductors to sealingly and insulatively extend from the RF generator 24 through the wall of the chamber 10 to the power and ground electrodes 18 and 20.

Gas distribution manifolds 30 and 32 are provided at opposing sides of the chamber 10 and are positioned between the pair of electrodes 18 and 20 and the wall of the chamber 10 so that gas from a gas source 34 may be injected into the paired electrodes 18 and 20 whereupon the gas is excited to an ionized state by the primary electrical field. Notably, the paired gas distribution manifolds 30 and 32 may be cyclically operated with one manifold 30 functioning to inject the gas while the other manifold 32 functioning to exhaust the gas in such manner that the gas/plasma is drawn from the injecting manifold 30 to the exhaust manifold 32. Cyclical operation therefore assures that the plasma will be flowed back and forth within opening 22. Similar to the electrodes and 18 and 20, quick-disconnect fittings 36 and 38 are provided allowing quick connection and disconnection of the gas lines to the manifolds 30 and 32.

A vacuum source, generally indicated by numeral 40, connected by quick-disconnect fitting 41, is provided for evacuating the chamber 10 to the desired pressure. A vent 42 is provided for venting the evacuated chamber 10 to atmospheric pressure so as to allow the door 12 to be opened.

A removable tray 44 supported by brackets 46 is positioned within the chamber 10 within the space 22 in which the secondary electrical field is created. A handle 46 is provided to allow easy carrying of the chamber 10. Additionally or alternatively, chamber 10 may be provided with wheels 48 for easy transport. Referring now to Fig. 2, the infectious waste embodiment of the portable gas chamber of the invention is similar in construction to the sterilization embodiment discussed above. However, in this waste sterilization embodiment, the chamber preferably comprises a cylindrical configuration with cylindrical power and ground electrodes 18 and 20 and arcuate gas manifolds 30 and 32. The chamber is oriented vertically as opposed to horizontally, with handle 46 being connected to the lid 12 and the wheels 48 being connected to the bottom of the chamber 10. Similar to the sterilization embodiment, this waste embodiment of the portable chamber 10 comprises suitable quick-disconnect fittings 26 and 28 allowing the RF generator 24 to be connected to the paired power and ground electrodes 18 and 20, quick-disconnect fittings 36 and 38 allowing the gas supply 34 to be connected to the gas manifolds 30 and 32, and quick-disconnect fitting 41 for connecting the vacuum for the chamber 10.

However, unlike the sterilization embodiment, the waste embodiment of Fig. 2 includes a rotatable auger 50 which is rotatably journalled through the bottom 52 of the chamber 10 so as to extend upwardly within the space 22. Preferably the paddles 54 are dimensioned so as to stay closely against the power electrode 18 in such manner that the waste placed within the spacing 22 is both mixed and ground as the auger 50 rotates.

The shaft 56 of the auger 50 extends through the bottom 52 of the chamber 10 and is fitted with gear 58. Further, the bottom 52 is constructed so as to be removable from the remainder of the chamber 10 such as by a suitable clasp 60.

During use, the chamber 10 functions essentially as a "trash can". When full, lid 12 is closed and securely latched. The chamber 10 is then transported to the room containing the gas supply 34, RF generator 24 and vacuum pump 40. The chamber is lifted within a cradle, generally represented by numeral 62, and a geared motor 64 is positioned into geared engagement with gear 58 of the auger 50. All of the equipment is connected to the chamber 10 by the quick-disconnect fittings 26 & 28, 36 & 38 and 41. The chamber 10 is evacuated and plasma is then created within the chamber. Motor 64 is operated so as to rotate the auger 50 to grind and mix the waste within the space 22, thereby assuring that all of the waste is sterilized. After sterilization, latch 60 is released allowing the bottom wall 52, together with auger 50 to be removed from the chamber 10 at which time the sterile waste is emptied from the chamber 10 into a suitable chute 66 to a conventional waste storage bin (not shown) .

Figs. 3 through 8 illustrate other embodiments of the plasma container of my invention. More particularly, referring specifically to Fig. 3, in one embodiment of my invention, the plasma container 100 is manufactured from a semi-rigid material such as a plastic in the form of a rectangular container, the term "semi-rigid" referring to sufficient rigidity for the container 100 to retain a shape. A closure, such as a screw cap 102, engages the threaded neck 104 molded to or integrally with the top of the container 100. A gas inlet valve 106 is molded to or integral with the top of the container 100 allowing a gas supply 108 to be quickly connected thereto by means of a quick disconnect fitting 110 or the like. Similarly, a vacuum valve 112 which is molded to or integral with the top of the gas container 100 allowing a vacuum source 114 to be quickly connected thereto by means of a quick disconnect fitting 116.

As shown in Figure 4 in combination with Figure 3, a power electrode 118 and a ground electrode 120 are formed in situ with the front 122 and rear 124 walls of the container 100 to be contiguous therewith. A conventional RF generator 126 is removably connected to the power and ground electrodes 118 and 120 by means of quick disconnect means 128 and 130 which protrude from the surface of the front and rear walls 122 and 124.

It is noted that at least the portion of the wall in which the power electrode 118 is positioned, such as the front wall 122 of the container 100, must be composed of an electrically non-conductive material so that the power electrode 118 is not shorted to the ground electrode 120. However, most preferably, the container 100 is entirely composed of an electrically non-conductive material such as a semi-rigid plastic.

During use, the container 100 is evacuated via vacuum pump 114 and then gases are produced via gas supply 108. Electrical energy is supplied via RF generator 126 to the electrodes 118 and 120 to thereby create plasma within the container 100, thereby treating the objects (not shown) . Once the objects are treated, the vacuum source 114, gas supply 108, and the RF generator 126 are disconnected. The container 100 may remain in tact until the treated objects are ready for use. When the objects are to be used, cap 102 may be quickly removed allowing the objects to be removed. Another embodiment of my invention is illustrated in Figures 5-8. In this embodiment, plasma container 150 is also composed of an electrically non-conductive material such as a highly flexible plastic film. As shown, a power electrode 152 and a ground electrode 154 are laminated, printed, silk-screened, vapor deposited or sputtered, or otherwise made contiguous to the top wall 156 and the bottom wall 158 of the bag container 150. It is also noted that the bag container 150 may be manufactured by utilizing high speed automation equipment by simply applying a continuous supply of the grid electrode 152 and 154 to one surface of a continuous sheet of plastic, and then bi-folding the plastic at its middle, and then heat sealing and trimming its edges 160 (see Fig. 8). In this manner, highly economical manufacture of the bag container 150 may be accomplished. An RF generator 162 is removably clamped to the power and ground electrodes 152 and 154 to form an electrical connection therewith. The objects to be treated are then placed through the opened end 162 of the bag container 150. A gas inlet 164 and a vacuum inlet 166, respectively connected to a gas source 168 and a vacuum pump 170, are inserted into the opened end 162 of the bag container 150. As shown in Figure 6, clamp/seal bars 172 clamp across the entire opened end 162 to form an airtight seal thereacross. Vacuum can be drawn within the bag container 150 via inlet 166 by vacuum pump 170 and gases introduced via inlet 164 from the gas supply 168. RF generator 160 can then be operated to create plasma within the bag container 150, thereby treating objects previously placed therein. After the objects are fully treated as desired, clamp/seal bars 172 may then be heated so as to form a permanent seal across the entire opened end 162 of the bag container 150, with inlets 164 and 160 being sealed in place. An airtight bag enclosure 150 is therefore created which can be easily stored or transported for subsequent use. During subsequent use, the bag container 150 may simply be cut or torn open, allowing the objects to be removed therefrom. The cut or torn bag container 150 may then be discarded. The electrodes 118 & 120 and 152 & 154 are illustrated as having a grid configuration. However, as shown in Fig. 9, the electrodes may comprise many other configurations such as an interlaced configuration (Fig. 9A) , planar configuration (Fig. 9B) or a parallel configuration (Fig. 9C) , without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

The present disclosure includes that contained in the appended claims, as well as that of the foregoing description. Although this invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Now that the invention has been described, WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

Claims

1. A plasma gas container for treating objects placed therein, comprising in combination: a container body having an opened end and having a first portion and a second portion of a wall, said container body defining a space for placing the objects therein, at least said first portion of said wall of said container body being composed of an electrically non-conductive material; means for sealingly closing said opened end; power and ground electrodes: means for positioning said power electrode relative to said first portion of said wall of said container body; means for positioning said ground electrode relative to said second portion of said wall of said container body; means for removably connecting said electrodes to a power source; means for removably connecting a vacuum source to said container body for evacuating said container body; and means for removably connecting a gas supply to said container body for injecting gas into said container body.

2. The container as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said first portion and said second portion of said wall are positioned opposite to one another such that the object being treated is positioned therebetween.

3. The container as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said material comprises a semirigid material.

4. The container as set forth in Claim 3, wherein said closing means comprises a cap affixed about said opened end.

5. The container as set forth in Claim 4, wherein said cap comprises a threaded cap which threadably engages a threaded neck of said opened end.

6. The container as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said material comprises a flexible material.

7. The container as set forth in Claim 6, wherein said closing means comprises a cap affixed about said opened end.

8. The container as set forth in Claim 7, wherein said cap comprises a threaded cap which threadably engages a threaded neck of said opened end.

9. The container as set forth in Claim 6, wherein said flexible material is shaped in the form of a bag with said opened end positioned along one edge thereof.

10. The container as set forth in Claim 9, wherein said closing means comprises a seal formed about said opened end along the length thereof.

11. The container as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said means for positioning said power electrode contiguous to said first portion of said wall of said container body comprises means for laminating said power electrode to said material.

12. The container as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said means for positioning said power electrode contiguous to said first portion of said wall of said container body comprises means for molding said power electrode in situ in said material.

13. The container as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said means for positioning said power electrode contiguous to said first portion of said wall of said container body comprises means for printing said power electrode to said material.

14. The container as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said means for positioning said power electrode contiguous to said first portion of said wall of said container body comprises means for silk-screening said power electrode to said material.

15. The container as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said means for positioning said power electrode contiguous to said first portion of said wall of said container body comprises means for depositing said power electrode to said material.

16. The container as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said means for positioning said power electrode contiguous to said first portion of said wall of said container body comprises means for sputtering said power electrode to said material.

17. The container as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said electrodes comprise a planar configuration.

18. The container as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said electrodes comprise an interlaced configuration.

19. The container as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said electrodes comprise a parallel configuration.

20. A treating method, comprising the steps of: inserting the object into a space defined by a container body having an opened end and having a first portion and a second portion of a wall, at least said first portion of said wall of said container body being composed of an electrically non-conductive material, said container body further having power and ground electrodes, means for positioning said power electrode contiguous to said first portion of said wall of said container body, means for positioning said ground electrode contiguous to said second portion of said wall of said container body; sealingly closing said opened end; removably connecting said electrodes to a power source; removably connecting a vacuum source to said container body for evacuating said container body; removably connecting a gas supply to said container body for injecting gas into said container body; and operating the vacuum source, gas supply and power source to create gas plasma in the container body.

21. A plasma gas chamber for treating objects placed therein, comprising in combination: a chamber having an opened end; a lid sealingly positioned about said opened end of said chamber; power and ground electrodes positioned within said chamber defining a space into which the objects are to be placed; means for removably connecting said electrodes to a power source; means for removably connecting a vacuum source to said chamber for evacuating said chamber; and means for removably connecting a gas supply to said chamber for injecting gas into said chamber.

22. The chamber as set forth in Claim 21, further including means for venting said chamber.

23. The chamber as set forth in Claim 22, further including handle means for convenient carrying of said chamber.

24. The chamber as set forth in Claim 22, further including wheel means for convenient transport of said chamber.

25. The chamber as set forth in Claim 21, further including tray means removably positioned within said chamber.

26. The chamber as set forth in Claim 21, further including auger means for mixing objects positioned within said space.

27. The chamber as set forth in Claim 21, further including auger means for grinding and mixing objects positioned within said space. 28. The chamber as set forth in Claim 26, wherein said auger is removable.

29. The chamber as set forth in Claim 27, wherein said auger is removable.

AMENDED CLAIMS

[received by the International Bureau on 20 April 1993 (20.04.93); new claims 30-38 added (3 pages⁾]

28. The chamber as set forth in Claim 26, wherein said auger is removable.

29. The chamber as set forth in Claim 27, wherein said auger is removable.

30. A plasma gas container for sterilizing objects placed therein, comprising in combination: a non-porous container body having an opened end and having a first portion and a second portion of a wall, said container body defining a space for placing the objects therein, at least said first portion of said wall of said container body being composed of an electrically non-conductive material; non-porous means for sealingly closing said opened end such that said non-porous container body is completely sealed; power and ground electrodes: means for positioning said power electrode relative to said first portion of said wall of said container body; means for positioning said ground electrode relative to said second portion of said wall of said container body; quick-disconnect fitting means for removably connecting said power and ground electrodes to a power source; quick-disconnect fitting means for removably connecting a vacuum source to said container body for evacuating said container body; and quick-disconnect fitting means for removably connecting a gas supply to said container body for injecting gas into said container body.

31. The container as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said first portion and said second portion of said wall are positioned opposite to one another such that the object being sterilized is positioned therebetween.

32. The container as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said electrically non-conductive material comprises a semirigid material.

33. The container as set forth in Claim 3, wherein said sealingly closing means comprises a cap affixed about said opened end.

34. The container as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said electrically non-conductive material comprises a flexible material.

35. The container as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said power and ground electrodes comprise a planar configuration.

36. The container as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said power and ground electrodes comprise an interlaced configuration.

37. The container as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said power and ground electrodes comprise a parallel configuration.

38. A sterilizing method, comprising the steps of: inserting the object into a space defined by a non-porous container body having an opened end and having a first portion and a second portion of a wall, said container body further having power and ground electrodes, means for positioning said power electrode relative to said first portion of said wall of said container body, means for positioning said ground electrode relative to said_, second portion of said wall of said container body; sealingly closing said opened end such that said non-porous container body is completely sealed; removably connecting said power and ground electrodes to a power source by means of a quick- disconnecting fitting ; removably connecting a vacuum source to said container body for evacuating said container body by means of a quick-disconnect fitting; removably connecting a gas supply to said container body for injecting gas into said container body by means of a quick-disconnect fitting; operating the vacuum source, gas supply and power source to create vacuum and gas plasma in the container body to sterilize the objects in the container body; disconnecting the power source from the quick- disconnect fittings of said power and ground electrodes, and disconnecting the vacuum source and the gas supply from the quick disconnect fittings the container body while maintaining the vacuum in the container body; and storing the container body until such time as the sterilized objects in the container body are to be used whereupon the container body is opened and the sterilized objects are removed from the container body and immediately used.