Chemical apparatus and process disinfecting – deodorizing – preser – Physical type apparatus – Apparatus for treating solid article or material with fluid...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-25
2001-11-20
Warden, Sr., Robert J. (Department: 1744)
Chemical apparatus and process disinfecting, deodorizing, preser
Physical type apparatus
Apparatus for treating solid article or material with fluid...
C070S105000, C070S135000, C109S05900R, C109S074000, C292S047000, C292S049000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06319479
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the door closure arts. It finds particular application in connection with restraining a door across an opening to a steam sterilization chamber, and will be described with particular reference thereto. It should be appreciated, however, that the invention is also applicable to a wide variety of doors which are to be securely fastened to a pressure vessel or which are to be secured on four sides, such as vault doors or ship doors.
Conventionally, steam sterilizers are operated at high internal pressures and temperatures. To maintain these temperatures and pressures, the door of the sterilizer is generally clamped in position across an opening to the sterilization chamber by a closure assembly. Typically, a sterilization chamber door must be sealed to approximately 15 to 20 Kilograms force to prevent the door from leaking. A gasket or other flexible member is sealed between the door and the chamber. The closure assembly inhibits the ingress of air around the seal and also prevents hazards arising from accidental opening of the door during a sterilization cycle.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,756,123 and 4,891,910 disclose examples of closures for sealingly engaging a door across the opening to a sterilization chamber. U.S. Pat. No. 4,891,910 discloses a motorized closure assembly which drives a central locking wheel. A plurality of arms are connected to the locking wheel. The arms move upon rotation of the locking wheel until outer ends of the arms engage a plurality of apertures positioned along the perimeter of the opening to the chamber. Such closure assemblies are often complex, requiring a number of moving parts.
The present invention provides for a new and improved closure assembly for restraining a sterilizer door which overcomes the above-referenced problems and others.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a steam sterilizer apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a pressure chamber with a door frame which defines an opening into the chamber. A door is connected to the door frame and is sized to cover the opening. A plurality of flanges are connected with the door frame, at least one flange being adjacent each of opposite edges of the door. A closure assembly selectively maintains the door in a proximate relationship to the frame. The closure assembly includes first and second plates. The first plate has an uppermost portion which is pivotally connected to the door and an engagement portion which is pivoted into and out of engagement with one of the flanges. The second plate has a lowermost portion which is pivotally connected to the door and an engagement portion which is pivoted into and out of engagement with another of the flanges.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a closure assembly f or selectively maintaining a door in sealing engagement around an opening in a cabinet is provided. Flanges extend from a front face of the cabinet. The assembly includes first and second plates, pivotally connected adjacent first and second sides of the door, respectively. The first and second plates each define two engagement portions for selectively engaging two of the flanges. A coupling member couples the first plate to the second plate for selectively rotating them from a disengaged position, in which the engagement portions are displaced from the flanges, to an engagement position, in which the engagement portions engage the flanges.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present embodiment, a method of selectively restraining a door across an opening is provided. The method includes pivoting first and second plates which each define two engagement portions until the engagement portions engage corresponding flanges. The two plates are pivotally connected to the door.
One advantage of the present invention is that it requires few moving parts.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the closure may be operated with application of minimum operator effort and a minimum of articulation.
Another advantage of the present is that the closure is self-locking in the engaged position.
Still further advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4261189 (1981-04-01), Brumfield, Jr. et al.
patent: 4387740 (1983-06-01), Vanzant
patent: 4607760 (1986-08-01), Roche
patent: 4756123 (1988-07-01), Roche et al.
patent: 4891910 (1990-01-01), Cook et al.
patent: 4999165 (1991-03-01), Calabra et al.
patent: 5148938 (1992-09-01), Morgan, Jr.
patent: 5711450 (1998-01-01), Reneau
patent: 2218179A1 (1989-11-01), None
Chorbaji Monzer R.
Fay Sharpe Fagan Minnich & McKee LLP
Steris Corporation
Warden, Sr. Robert J.
LandOfFree
Closure for a hinged sterilizer door does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Closure for a hinged sterilizer door, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Closure for a hinged sterilizer door will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2617947