Attachable container sterilization system

Abstract

A sterilization system employs an attachable/detachable container to which is connected a source of sterilant for sterilizing items within the container. When disconnected from the source of sterilant the container is sealed from microbial ingress.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A sterilization system comprising: 
 a sealed sterilization container for containing items to be sterilized, the container having an inlet port and an outlet port;    a source of sterilizing fluid connectable to the inlet port and to the outlet port; and    wherein the inlet port and the outlet port comprise a passive microorganism impermeable closure wherein the container is sealed from microorganism ingress while disconnected from the source to maintain sterility of the items therein.    
     
     
         2 . A sterilization system according to  claim 1  wherein the passive closure mechanism comprises a covering of a vapor permeable, microorganism impermeable material.  
     
     
         3 . A sterilization system according to  claim 1  wherein the passive closure mechanism comprises a valve biased into a closed position.  
     
     
         4 . A sterilization system according to  claim 1  wherein the sterilizing fluid is a chemical vapor.  
     
     
         5 . A sterilization system according to  claim 4  wherein the sterilizing fluid is hydrogen peroxide vapor.  
     
     
         6 . A sterilization system according to  claim 1  and further comprising a pressure differential between the inlet and outlet ports to create a flow of the sterilizing fluid through the container.  
     
     
         7 . A sterilization system according to  claim 6  and further comprising a fan for inducing a pressure differential between the inlet and outlet ports.  
     
     
         8 . A sterilization system according to  claim 1  and further comprising one or more baffles to lengthen a flow path between the inlet port and the exit port.  
     
     
         9 . A method of sterilizing items comprising the steps of: 
 placing the items into a sealed sterilization container;    connecting a source of sterilizing fluid to the container;    flowing sterilizing fluid into the container to sterilize the items;    disconnecting the container from the source of sterilizing fluid; and sealing the container from microorganism ingress whereby to maintain sterility of the items therein.    
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 9  wherein the step of sealing the container comprises having a port thereon, which is connectable to the source of sterilizing fluid, sealed with a microorganism impermeable, vapor permeable material.  
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 10  wherein the step of sealing the container comprises automatically closing a valve prior to disconnecting the container from the source of sterilizing fluid, the valve closing a port on the container which is connectable to the source of sterilizing fluid.  
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 9  wherein the sterilizing fluid is a chemical vapor.  
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 12  wherein the sterilizing fluid is hydrogen peroxide vapor.  
     
     
         14 . A method according to  claim 9  wherein the container has a second port and comprising the step of flowing the sterilizing fluid from the port to the second port through the container.  
     
     
         15 . A method according to  claim 14  and comprising the step of creating a continuous flow from the source of sterilizing fluid into the container through the port, out of the container through the second port and back to the source.  
     
     
         16 . A method according to  claim 15  and further comprising the step of inducing the flow with a fan within the source.