US1728333A - Peocess of sterilizing - Google Patents

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, Sept. 17, 1929. D, CROW-[HER 1,728,333

PROCESS OF STERILIZING Filed Jan. 17, 1918 fnuevfor: fiaw'a rowffigr.

Patented Sept. 17, 1929 TES TED ST PATENT PROCESS OF STERILIZING Application filed January 17, 1918.

My invention relates to a process of sterilizing organisms. It relates more particularly to a'process of sterilizing material for foods and medicines, suchas flesh, milk,

5 vaccine material, etc.

, I subject the organisms or material which it is desired to sterilize to an inert gas under a high degree of pressure. I may employ any of the inert gases such as nitrogen or hydrogen for this purpose, but I prefer to use carbon dioxide since I have found that this gas is effective for my purpose at a lower pressure than that required for any of the other gases which I may employ. I have found by experiment'that various 0rganisms when subjected to carbon dioxide at a pressure of 800 to 900 lbs. per square inch above atmosphere will become supersaturated. The molecules of the gas being smaller than those of the organisms to be sterilized, will penetrate to the interior of such organisms in the course of time when sufiicient pressure is applied and cause super-saturation. Then by suddenly releasing the pressure the large increase in the volume of the gas inside the organism will burst its structure with complete destruction of all life contained therein. Thorough sterilization is thus accomplished without the application of heat. The accompanying drawing shows a simple form of apparatus which I may employ in carrying out my process.

Referring to the drawing, a receptacle 1 has an opening 2 at one end by which it may be connected with a supply of gas such I as carbon dioxide. The other end of the receptacle is closed except for a small passage 3. A cap 4 contaming a chamber 5 is externally screw threaded u on the receptacle 1 at 6. A closure mem er 7 carried by the cap is adaptedto securely close the passage 3 when the cap is screwed into lace. Leading into the side of the member is an opening 8 which extends to the cmter thereof and then extends outwardly in an axial line through the outer end of this member.

In carrying out my process the material to be sterilized is placed in the receptacle 1 and is subjected to the inert gas introduced Serial No. 212,319.

through the opening 2 under the proper is inert with relation to the material being treated under pressure for a period of time sufficient to cause the organisms in the material to become saturated, and then suddenly releasing the pressure whereby the sudden expansion of the gas within the organisms will disrupt the same.

2. The process of sterilizing which consists in subjecting material to carbon dioxide under pressure for a period of time su flicient to cause the or anisms in the material to become saturate and then suddenly releasing the pressure whereby the sudden expansion of the gas within the organisms will disrupt the same.

. In testimony whereof I hereunto aflix my signature.

' DAVID CROWTHER.

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