Disinfecting centrifuge for dental or medical instruments

Abstract

The present disclosure discloses and includes a centrifugal device and method for disinfecting and drying dental or medical instruments by utilizing a disinfectant sprayer mounted on a lid of an evacuated centrifugal rotating chamber, wherein the dental or medical instruments are disposed and dried in a modular adapter that allows pre-sterilization packaging.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 510,300, filed June 26, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a centrifugation apparatus and method for sterilizing and drying dental or medical devices. More specifically, this disclosure discloses and includes an apparatus and method utilizing a disinfectant sprayer mounted on the lid of a vacuum-sealed centrifugal rotating chamber, wherein dental or medical devices are disposed and dried in a modular adapter that allows for pre-sterilization packaging. Background Technology

[0004] The current cleaning procedures for dental instruments are time-consuming and prone to introducing unwanted moisture, increasing the likelihood of inadequate sterilization. The steps for cleaning dental instruments include pre-soaking the instruments, removing residual debris (e.g., ultrasonic cleaning, automated instrument washer, and manual scrubbing), drying the instruments, packaging them in boxed containers or envelopes, and autoclaving. Autoclaving may be ineffective if wet instruments are subjected to autoclaving before drying. When wet instruments enter the autoclaving step, there is no guarantee that the steam from the autoclave will kill bacteria associated with the pre-existing water. Furthermore, the packaging should be sealed before sterilization to prevent exposure when removing the instruments from the autoclave.

[0005] In routine practice, after the cleaning step, dental instruments are laid out on a surface to dry in open air and then manually packaged into box containers or envelopes. This drying and packaging process is suboptimally time-intensive, especially in dental clinics where accelerated sterilization of instruments intended for reuse is required. Furthermore, the lengthy process of drying and manually packaging dental instruments increases the chance of contamination. Even drying processes utilizing centrifuge components (see US 5,368,171) require manual removal and packaging of instruments from the centrifuge basket, making operator contamination and inefficiency significant concerns.

[0006] In similar functions, the sterilization and disinfection of medical devices often involve the same steps as those involved in the cleaning of dental instruments. Therefore, similar issues associated with contamination and time inefficiency limit these process steps. Consequently, there remains a need to streamline the drying and packaging steps in cleaning dental and medical devices and to reduce exposure to pathogens. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In one aspect, this disclosure provides and includes a centrifuge apparatus for sterilizing and drying dental instruments. In another aspect, this disclosure provides and includes a centrifuge apparatus for sterilizing and drying medical instruments.

[0008] In one aspect, the device of this disclosure includes a rotating chamber connected to a motor and a vacuum pump, respectively. In one aspect, the rotating chamber includes a rotor, an adapter configured to be received by a connector, a cover located on top of the rotating chamber, and a sprayer configured to spray disinfectant onto a dental instrument. In one aspect, the adapter is further configured to hold the dental instrument. In one aspect, the rotor includes a connector, and the adapter is configured to be removable from the connector. In one aspect, the rotor includes a connector and a lifting arm, wherein the lifting arm is configured to, upon activation, lift the adapter holding the dental instrument.

[0009] In one aspect, this disclosure provides and includes a method for sterilizing and drying dental instruments. In one aspect, the method includes the steps of: placing a dental instrument inside an adapter configured to connect to a rotor within a rotating cavity; sealing the rotating cavity in an airtight manner to allow for vacuuming; spraying disinfectant from a sprayer located on an inner portion of a cover of the rotating cavity; rotating the rotor; evacuating the rotating cavity; stopping the rotor movement; ventilating the rotating cavity; removing the adapter from the rotor; and removing the sterilized and dried dental instrument from the adapter.

[0010] In one aspect, the device disclosed includes a rotating chamber connected to a motor and a vacuum pump, respectively. In another aspect, the rotating chamber includes a rotor, an adapter configured to be received by a connector, a cover located on top of the rotating chamber, and a sprayer configured to spray disinfectant onto a medical device. In another aspect, the adapter is further configured to hold the medical device. In another aspect, the rotor includes a connector, and the adapter is configured to be removable from the connector. In another aspect, the rotor includes a connector and a lifting arm, wherein the lifting arm is configured to, upon activation, lift the adapter holding the medical device.

[0011] In one aspect, this disclosure provides and includes a method for sterilizing and drying a medical device. In one aspect, the method includes the steps of: placing the medical device inside an adapter configured to connect to a rotor within a rotating cavity; sealing the rotating cavity in an airtight manner to allow for vacuuming; spraying disinfectant from a sprayer located on an inner portion of a cover of the rotating cavity; rotating the rotor; evacuating the rotating cavity; stopping the rotor movement; ventilating the rotating cavity; removing the adapter from the rotor; and removing the sterilized and dried medical device from the adapter. Attached Figure Description

[0012] This disclosure is made public with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1A This is a top view of the apparatus disclosed herein;

[0014] Figure 1B This is a side view of the apparatus disclosed herein;

[0015] Figure 2 This is a side view of the adapter disclosed herein.

[0016] In several views, the corresponding reference numerals indicate the corresponding parts. Detailed Implementation

[0017] This disclosure provides and includes apparatus and methodologies for sterilizing and drying dental instruments during a sterilization process. This disclosure further provides and includes apparatus and methodologies for sterilizing and drying medical devices during a sterilization process.

[0018] This description is not intended to be a detailed list of all different ways in which this disclosure may be implemented or all features that may be added to this disclosure. For example, features shown with respect to one embodiment may be incorporated into other embodiments, and features shown with respect to a particular embodiment may be removed from that embodiment. Therefore, this disclosure contemplates that in some aspects of this disclosure, any features or combinations of features set forth herein may be excluded or omitted. Furthermore, numerous variations and additions to the various aspects suggested herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and such variations and additions do not depart from this disclosure. In other instances, well-known structures, interfaces, and processes have not been shown in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure this disclosure. Nothing in this specification is intended to be construed as denying any part of the full scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the following description is intended to illustrate certain aspects of this disclosure and not to exhaustively specify all permutations, combinations, and variations thereof.

[0019] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terminology used in describing this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular aspects or embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this disclosure.

[0020] All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references cited herein are incorporated in their entirety for the purpose of teaching in relation to the sentences and / or paragraphs in which they are referenced. References to techniques used herein are intended to refer to techniques commonly understood in the art, including variations of those techniques or substitutions for equivalent techniques that would be obvious to a person skilled in the art. In the event of any conflict, this specification (including definitions) shall prevail.

[0021] Unless the context otherwise indicates, it is expressly intended that the various features of this disclosure described herein may be used in any combination. Furthermore, this disclosure is also contemplated that in some aspects of this disclosure, any feature or combination of features set forth herein may be excluded or omitted.

[0022] The methods disclosed herein include and encompass one or more steps or actions for implementing the described methods. Method steps or actions may be interchanged with each other without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is required for proper operation of the embodiments, the order and / or use of specific steps and / or actions may be modified without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein may be used to practice aspects of this disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described herein.

[0023] As used in the specification and appended claims of this disclosure, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well.

[0024] As used herein, “and / or” means and covers any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, as well as the lack of combinations when interpreted in the alternative (“or”) context.

[0025] As used herein, the terms “about” and “approximately” when referring to measurable values ​​such as length, frequency, or duration mean that the variation covers ±20%, ±10%, ±5%, ±1%, ±0.5%, or even ±0.1% of the specified quantity.

[0026] As used herein, phrases such as “between X and Y” and “between approximately X and Y” should be interpreted as including both X and Y. As used herein, phrases such as “between approximately X and Y” mean “between approximately X and approximately Y” and phrases such as “from approximately X to Y” mean “from approximately X to approximately Y”.

[0027] As used herein, the term "method" refers to the manner, means, techniques, and procedures used to accomplish a given task, including but not limited to those manner, means, techniques, and procedures known to or readily developed by practitioners in the fields of chemistry, pharmacology, biology, biochemistry, dentistry, and medicine.

[0028] This disclosure provides and includes an apparatus for drying dental or medical devices, comprising a rotating chamber (1), a motor (7) connected to the rotating chamber, and a vacuum pump (5) connected to the rotating chamber. In one aspect, the rotating chamber (1) includes a rotor (4), an adapter (2) configured to be received by a connector (3), a cover (6) on the top of the rotating chamber (1), and a sprayer (9) configured to spray one or more disinfectants onto the dental or medical device. In one aspect, the sprayer (9) is connected to the cover (6).

[0029] In one aspect, the “outer perimeter” of a rotating cavity is a quantification of the length of the circular outer side of the rotating cavity, which is further defined as the mathematical constant π multiplied by the diameter of the outer edge of the rotating cavity. In another aspect, the diameter used to calculate the perimeter describes the maximum distance from one point on the outer edge of the rotating cavity to another point on the outer edge of the same rotating cavity.

[0030] In one aspect, the rotating cavity (1) has an outer perimeter of about 50 cm to about 200 cm. In another aspect, the rotating cavity has an outer perimeter of about 50 cm to about 190 cm, about 50 cm to about 180 cm, about 50 cm to about 170 cm, about 50 cm to about 160 cm, about 50 cm to about 150 cm, about 50 cm to about 140 cm, about 50 cm to about 130 cm, about 50 cm to about 120 cm, about 50 cm to about 110 cm, about 50 cm to about 100 cm, about 50 cm to about 90 cm, about 50 cm to about 80 cm, about 50 cm to about 70 cm, or about 50 cm to about 60 cm. In one aspect, the rotating cavity has an outer perimeter of about 60 to about 200 cm, about 70 cm to about 200 cm, about 80 cm to about 200 cm, about 90 cm to about 200 cm, about 100 cm to about 200 cm, about 110 cm to about 200 cm, about 120 cm to about 200 cm, about 130 cm to about 200 cm, about 140 cm to about 200 cm, about 150 cm to about 200 cm, about 160 cm to about 200 cm, about 170 cm to about 200 cm, about 180 cm to about 200 cm, or about 190 cm to about 200 cm. In another aspect, the rotating cavity has an outer perimeter of about 60 cm to about 190 cm, about 70 cm to about 180 cm, about 80 cm to about 170 cm, about 90 cm to about 160 cm, about 100 cm to about 150 cm, about 110 cm to about 140 cm, or about 120 cm to about 130 cm. In one aspect, the rotating cavity has an outer circumference of about 80 cm to about 120 cm.

[0031] In one aspect, the “height” of a rotating cavity is a quantification of the length of a cylindrical rotating cavity from the outer base to the outer top, perpendicular to the surface.

[0032] In one aspect, the rotating cavity (1) has a height of about 20 cm to about 100 cm. In one aspect, the rotating cavity has a height of about 20 cm to about 90 cm, about 20 cm to about 80 cm, about 20 cm to about 70 cm, about 20 cm to about 60 cm, about 20 cm to about 50 cm, about 20 cm to about 40 cm, or about 20 cm to about 30 cm. In one aspect, the rotating cavity has a height of about 30 cm to about 100 cm, about 40 cm to about 100 cm, about 50 cm to about 100 cm, about 60 cm to about 100 cm, about 70 cm to about 100 cm, about 80 cm to about 100 cm, or about 90 cm to about 100 cm. In one aspect, the rotating cavity has a height of about 30 cm to about 80 cm. In one aspect, the rotating cavity has a height of about 40 cm to about 60 cm.

[0033] In one aspect, the adapter (2) is further configured to hold a dental or medical device. In one aspect, the adapter (2) is a cylindrical holder having a circular base at one end and an opening at the other end. In one aspect, the adapter (2) is a cubic holder having a square or rectangular base at one end and an opening at the other end.

[0034] In one aspect, the “perimeter” associated with an adapter is a quantification of the length of the outer circular circumference of the top or bottom of the adapter, which is further defined as the mathematical constant π multiplied by the diameter of the outer edge of the adapter. In another aspect, the diameter used to calculate the perimeter describes the maximum distance from one point on the outer edge of the adapter to another point on the outer edge of the same adapter.

[0035] In one aspect, the circular base of the cylindrical adapter (2) has a circumference of about 4 cm to about 20 cm. In one aspect, the circular base of the cylindrical adapter has a circumference of about 6 cm to about 20 cm, about 8 cm to about 20 cm, about 12 cm to about 20 cm, or about 16 cm to about 20 cm. In one aspect, the circular base of the cylindrical adapter has a circumference of about 4 cm to about 16 cm, about 4 cm to about 12 cm, about 4 cm to about 8 cm, or about 4 cm to about 6 cm. In one aspect, the circular base of the cylindrical adapter has a circumference of about 6 cm to about 16 cm or about 6 cm to about 12 cm. In one aspect, the circular base of the cylindrical adapter (2) has a circumference of about 6 cm to about 10 cm.

[0036] In one aspect, the perimeter of the opening of the adapter (2) is greater than the perimeter of the circular base of the adapter (2). In another aspect, the perimeter of the opening of the adapter is greater than the perimeter of the circular base of the adapter, which is quantified by an opening-to-base ratio of 5:1, 4:1, 3:1, 2:1, 1.5:1, or 1.1:1.

[0037] In one aspect, the “perimeter” associated with an adapter is a quantification of the length of the outer side of the square or rectangle at the top or bottom of the adapter, which is further defined as the sum of the lengths of the four outer edges of the adapter.

[0038] In one aspect, the perimeter of the opening of the adapter (2) is greater than the perimeter of the square or rectangular base of the adapter. In another aspect, the perimeter of the opening of the adapter is greater than the perimeter of the square or rectangular base of the adapter, which is quantified by an opening-to-base ratio of 5:1, 4:1, 3:1, 2:1, 1.5:1, or 1.1:1.

[0039] In one aspect, the square base of the rectangular prism adapter (2) has a perimeter of about 4 cm to about 20 cm. In another aspect, the square base of the rectangular prism adapter has a perimeter of about 6 cm to about 20 cm, about 8 cm to about 20 cm, about 12 cm to about 20 cm, or about 16 cm to about 20 cm. In another aspect, the square base of the rectangular prism adapter has a perimeter of about 4 cm to about 16 cm, about 4 cm to about 12 cm, about 4 cm to about 8 cm, or about 4 cm to about 6 cm. In another aspect, the square base of the rectangular prism adapter has a perimeter of about 6 cm to about 16 cm or about 6 cm to about 12 cm. In another aspect, the square base of the rectangular prism adapter (2) has a perimeter of about 6 cm to about 10 cm.

[0040] In one aspect, the rectangular base of the rectangular prism adapter (2) has a perimeter of about 4 cm to about 20 cm. In another aspect, the rectangular base of the rectangular prism adapter has a perimeter of about 6 cm to about 20 cm, about 8 cm to about 20 cm, about 12 cm to about 20 cm, or about 16 cm to about 20 cm. In another aspect, the rectangular base of the rectangular prism adapter has a perimeter of about 4 cm to about 16 cm, about 4 cm to about 12 cm, about 4 cm to about 8 cm, or about 4 cm to about 6 cm. In another aspect, the rectangular base of the rectangular prism adapter has a perimeter of about 6 cm to about 16 cm or about 6 cm to about 12 cm. In another aspect, the rectangular base of the rectangular prism adapter (2) has a perimeter of about 6 cm to about 10 cm.

[0041] In one aspect, the adapter (2) is further configured with a hinged handle (10), a connection guide (11), and a sterilization bag (12) for loading dental instruments. In one aspect, the hinged handle (10) is cylindrical. In one aspect, the sterilization bag (12) holds up to 20 dental instruments. In one aspect, the sterilization bag holds up to 16 dental instruments. In one aspect, the sterilization bag holds up to 12 dental instruments. In one aspect, the sterilization bag holds up to 8 dental instruments. In one aspect, the sterilization bag holds up to 4 dental instruments. In one aspect, the sterilization bag may be an envelope-type packaging bag or a box-type container. In one aspect, the envelope-type packaging bag may be a paper envelope-type packaging bag or a plastic envelope-type packaging bag. In one aspect, the envelope-type packaging bag may be an envelope-type packaging bag configured for use in an autoclave. In one aspect, the rotating cavity further includes one or more adapters (8) configured to be received by the connector (3).

[0042] In one aspect, the adapter (2) is further configured with a hinged handle (10), a connection guide (11), and a sterilization bag (12) for loading medical devices. In one aspect, the hinged handle (10) is cylindrical. In one aspect, the sterilization bag (12) holds up to 20 medical devices. In one aspect, the sterilization bag holds up to 16 medical devices. In one aspect, the sterilization bag holds up to 12 medical devices. In one aspect, the sterilization bag holds up to 8 medical devices. In one aspect, the sterilization bag holds up to 4 medical devices. In one aspect, the sterilization bag may be an envelope-type packaging bag or a box-type container. In one aspect, the envelope-type packaging bag may be a paper envelope-type packaging bag or a plastic envelope-type packaging bag. In one aspect, the envelope-type packaging bag may be an envelope-type packaging bag configured for use in an autoclave. In one aspect, the rotating cavity further includes one or more adapters (8) configured to be received by the connector (3).

[0043] In one aspect, the rotor (4) includes a connector (3), and the adapter (2) is configured to be removable from the connector (3). In another aspect, the rotor (4) includes the connector (3) and a lifting arm, wherein the lifting arm is configured to activate and lift the adapter (2) holding a dental or medical device. In another aspect, the lifting arm is configured to lift the adapter (2) by at least 5 cm.

[0044] In one aspect, the vacuum pump (5) is configured to evacuate the rotating chamber (1) when the cover (6) is closed. In one aspect, the vacuum pump (5) is further configured to evacuate the rotating chamber (1) while the rotor (4) is rotating. In one aspect, the sprayer (9) is configured to spray a disinfectant while the rotor (4) is rotating. In one aspect, the disinfectant is selected from the group consisting of ethanol, detergent solution, chlorine compound and hydrogen peroxide. In one aspect, the disinfectant is a 60% to 100% ethanol solution. In one aspect, the disinfectant is a 70% to 100% ethanol solution. In one aspect, the disinfectant is an 80% to 100% ethanol solution. In one aspect, the disinfectant is a 90% to 100% ethanol solution. In one aspect, the disinfectant is a 60% to 90% ethanol solution. In one aspect, the disinfectant is a 60% to 80% ethanol solution. In one aspect, the disinfectant is a 60% to 70% ethanol solution. In one aspect, the disinfectant is a 70% to 90% ethanol solution. In another aspect, the disinfectant is anhydrous ethanol.

[0045] This disclosure provides and includes a method for sterilizing and drying dental instruments. In one aspect, the method includes the steps of: placing a dental instrument inside an adapter (2) configured to connect to a rotor (4) within a rotating cavity (1); sealing the rotating cavity (1) in an airtight manner to allow for vacuuming; spraying disinfectant from a sprayer (9) located on the inner side of the cover of the rotating cavity (1) at a predetermined spray rate for a first predetermined time period; rotating the rotor (4) at a predetermined rotation speed for a second predetermined time period; evacuating the rotating cavity (1) to a predetermined vacuum pressure via a vacuum pump (5); stopping the rotor (4) movement; ventilating the rotating cavity (1); removing the adapter (2) from the rotor (4); and removing the sterilized and dried dental instrument from the adapter (2). In one aspect, the method further includes lifting the adapter (2) via a lifting arm connected to the rotor (4) before removing the dental instrument from the adapter.

[0046] This disclosure provides and includes a method for sterilizing and drying a medical device. In one aspect, the method includes the steps of: placing the medical device inside an adapter (2) configured to connect to a rotor (4) within a rotating cavity (1); sealing the rotating cavity (1) in an airtight manner to allow for vacuuming; spraying disinfectant from a sprayer (9) located on the inner side of the cover of the rotating cavity (1) at a predetermined spray rate for a first predetermined time period; rotating the rotor (4) at a predetermined rotation speed for a second predetermined time period; evacuating the rotating cavity (1) to a predetermined vacuum pressure via a vacuum pump (5); stopping the rotor (4); ventilating the rotating cavity (1); removing the adapter (2) from the rotor (4); and removing the sterilized and dried medical device from the adapter (2). In one aspect, the method further includes lifting the adapter (2) via a lifting arm connected to the rotor (4) before removing the medical device from the adapter.

[0047] In one aspect, the rotor (4) is configured to rotate at a speed of about 100 to about 10,000 revolutions per minute (RPM). In another aspect, the rotor (4) is configured to rotate at a speed of about 500 to about 10,000 RPM, about 1,000 to about 10,000 RPM, about 2,000 to about 10,000 RPM, about 5,000 to about 10,000 RPM, or about 8,000 to about 10,000 RPM. In yet another aspect, the rotor (4) is configured to rotate at a speed of about 100 to about 8,000 RPM, about 100 to about 5,000 RPM, about 100 to about 2,000 RPM, about 100 to about 1,000 RPM, or about 100 to about 500 RPM. In one aspect, the rotor (4) is configured to rotate at a speed of about 500 to about 8,000 RPM, about 1,000 to about 5,000 RPM or about 2,000 to about 3,000 RPM.

[0048] In one aspect, the first predetermined time period for spraying disinfectant from the sprayer (9) is from about 1 minute to about 60 minutes. In another aspect, the first predetermined time period for spraying disinfectant from the sprayer (9) is from about 1 minute to about 45 minutes, from about 1 minute to about 30 minutes, or from about 1 minute to about 15 minutes. In another aspect, the first predetermined time period for spraying disinfectant from the sprayer (9) is from about 15 minutes to about 60 minutes, from about 30 minutes to about 60 minutes, or from about 45 minutes to about 60 minutes. In another aspect, the first predetermined time period for spraying disinfectant from the sprayer (9) is from about 15 minutes to about 45 minutes, or from about 25 minutes to about 35 minutes. In one aspect, the second predetermined time period for the rotating rotor (4) is from 1 minute to about 60 minutes. In another aspect, the second predetermined time period for the rotating rotor (4) is from about 1 minute to about 45 minutes, from about 1 minute to about 30 minutes, or from about 1 minute to about 15 minutes. In one aspect, the second predetermined time period for the rotating rotor (4) is about 15 minutes to about 60 minutes, about 30 minutes to about 60 minutes, or about 45 minutes to about 60 minutes. In another aspect, the second predetermined time period for the rotating rotor (4) is about 15 minutes to about 45 minutes or about 25 minutes to about 35 minutes. In another aspect, the spraying step is continuous or intermittent.

[0049] In one aspect, the pressure of the rotating chamber evacuated by the vacuum pump is 1 x 10⁻⁶. -4 The pressure is 760 Torr. In one aspect, the pressure of the rotating chamber evacuated by the vacuum pump is 1 x 10⁻⁶. -3 The pressure is 760 Torr. In one aspect, the pressure of the rotating chamber evacuated by the vacuum pump is 1 x 10⁻⁶. -2 The pressure of the rotating chamber evacuated by the vacuum pump ranges from 0.1 Torr to 760 Torr. In one aspect, the pressure of the rotating chamber evacuated by the vacuum pump ranges from 1 Torr to 760 Torr. In one aspect, the pressure of the rotating chamber evacuated by the vacuum pump ranges from 100 Torr to 760 Torr. In one aspect, the pressure of the rotating chamber evacuated by the vacuum pump ranges from 300 Torr to 760 Torr. In one aspect, the pressure of the rotating chamber evacuated by the vacuum pump is 1 x 10⁻⁶ Torr. -4 The pressure is increased to 300 Torr. In one aspect, the pressure of the rotating chamber evacuated by the vacuum pump is 1 x 10⁻⁶. -4 The pressure is increased to 100 Torr. In one aspect, the pressure of the rotating chamber evacuated by the vacuum pump is 1 x 10⁻⁶. -4 The pressure is increased to 1 Tor. In one aspect, the pressure of the rotating chamber evacuated by the vacuum pump is 1 x 10⁻⁶. -4 The pressure is reduced to 0.1 Torr. In one aspect, the pressure of the rotating chamber evacuated by the vacuum pump is 1 x 10⁻⁶. -4 Up to 1 x 10-2 In one aspect, the pressure of the rotating chamber evacuated by the vacuum pump is 1 x 10⁻⁶. -4 Up to 1 x 10 -3 In one aspect, the pressure of the rotating chamber evacuated by the vacuum pump is 1 x 10⁻⁶. -3 The pressure is increased to 100 Torr. In one aspect, the pressure of the rotating chamber evacuated by the vacuum pump is 1 x 10⁻⁶. -2 To 1 to 1 to 1.

[0050] In one aspect, "dental instruments" means instruments commonly used in dental practice. In another aspect, the term "dental instruments" includes, but is not limited to, non-porous metal mouth mirrors, dental probes, dental drills, excavators, ball polishers, forceps, scalers, and dental elevators.

[0051] In one aspect, "medical device" means an instrument customarily used in medical practice. In another aspect, the term "medical device" includes, but is not limited to, non-porous hemostatic forceps, scissors, retractors, probes, hooks, handles, and other sterilizable instruments used in medical practice.

[0052] In one aspect, "disinfectant" includes, but is not limited to, solutions that are solubilized or otherwise in a liquid phase for removing pathogens, mucus, blood, and other organic matter that accumulate during the use of dental or medical devices. In another aspect, the term "disinfectant" includes, but is not limited to, aqueous solutions of ethanol, anhydrous ethanol, detergent solutions, hydrogen peroxide, and chlorine compounds (including chlorine dioxide).

[0053] In one aspect, the term "detergent solution" includes, but is not limited to, solutions containing one or more oxidizing surfactants. In another aspect, "detergent solution" is corrosion-resistant to metal surfaces.

[0054] In one aspect, the term "lifting arm" includes, but is not limited to, hydraulic valve lifters, mechanical lifters, roller lifters, vacuum lifters, and magnetic lifters.

[0055] Various further modifications and improvements to the methods of this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Specifically, the following non-limiting embodiments are envisioned:

[0056] 1. A device for drying dental instruments, comprising:

[0057] Rotating cavity (1), comprising:

[0058] Rotor (4), which includes connector (3);

[0059] An adapter (2) configured to be received by a connector (3), wherein the adapter (2) is further configured to hold a dental instrument;

[0060] The cover (6) on the top of the rotating cavity (1); and

[0061] A sprayer (9) configured to spray disinfectant onto dental instruments.

[0062] The adapter (2) is configured to be removable from the connector (3);

[0063] Motor (7), which is connected to the rotating cavity; and

[0064] A vacuum pump (5) is connected to the rotating chamber.

[0065] 2. The device according to Embodiment 1, wherein the rotating cavity (1) has an outer circumference of 50 cm to 200 cm.

[0066] 3. The device according to Example 2, wherein the outer circumference of the rotating cavity (1) is 80 cm to 120 cm.

[0067] 4. The device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the rotating cavity (1) has a height of 20 cm to 100 cm.

[0068] 5. The device according to embodiment 4, wherein the height of the rotating cavity (1) is 40 cm to 60 cm.

[0069] 6. The device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the rotating cavity (1) further includes one or more adapters (8) configured to be received by the connector (3).

[0070] 7. The device according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the adapter (2) is configured to hold a sterilization bag (12) containing up to twenty dental instruments.

[0071] 8. The apparatus according to Example 7, wherein the sterilization bag (12) is an envelope-type packaging bag or a box-type container.

[0072] 9. The apparatus according to embodiment 7 or 8, wherein the sterilization bag (12) further includes a hinged handle (10) connected via a guide (11).

[0073] 10. The device according to embodiment 9, wherein the hinged handle (10) is cylindrical.

[0074] 11. The device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the adapter (2) is a cylindrical holder having a circular base at one end and an opening at the other end.

[0075] 12. The device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the adapter (2) is a cube holder having a square or rectangular base at one end and an opening at the other end.

[0076] 13. The device according to embodiment 11, wherein the adapter (2) has a circular base with a circumference of 4 cm to 20 cm.

[0077] 14. The device according to embodiment 13, wherein the circumference of the circular base is 6 cm to 10 cm.

[0078] 15. The device according to embodiment 11, wherein the adapter (2) has an opening with a circumference of 4 cm to 20 cm.

[0079] 16. The device according to embodiment 15, wherein the perimeter of the opening is 6 cm to 10 cm.

[0080] 17. The device according to embodiment 15 or 16, wherein the circumference of the opening of the adapter (2) is greater than the circumference of the circular base of the adapter (2).

[0081] 18. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 17, wherein the vacuum pump (5) is configured to evacuate the rotating chamber (1) when the cover (6) is closed.

[0082] 19. The apparatus according to any one of embodiments 1 to 18, wherein the vacuum pump (5) is further configured to evacuate the rotating chamber (1) while the rotor (4) is rotating.

[0083] 20. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 19, wherein the sprayer (9) is configured to spray disinfectant while the rotor (4) is rotating.

[0084] 21. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 20, wherein the disinfectant is selected from the group consisting of ethanol, detergent solution, chlorine compound and hydrogen peroxide.

[0085] 22. The apparatus according to Example 21, wherein the ethanol is a 60% to 100% ethanol solution.

[0086] 23. The apparatus according to Example 22, wherein the ethanol is a 100% ethanol solution.

[0087] 24. The apparatus according to any one of embodiments 1 to 23, wherein the sprayer (9) is connected to the cover (6).

[0088] 25. An apparatus for drying dental instruments, comprising:

[0089] Rotating cavity (1), comprising:

[0090] The rotor (4) includes a connector (3) and a lifting arm;

[0091] An adapter (2) configured to be received by and connected to a lifting arm by a connector (3), wherein the adapter (2) is further configured to hold a dental instrument;

[0092] The cover (6) on the top of the rotating cavity (1); and

[0093] A sprayer (9) configured to spray disinfectant onto dental instruments.

[0094] The lifting arm is configured as an adapter (2) that is activated to lift and hold dental instruments;

[0095] Motor (7), which is connected to the rotating cavity; and

[0096] A vacuum pump (5) is connected to the rotating chamber.

[0097] 26. The device according to embodiment 25, wherein the rotating cavity (1) has an outer circumference of 50 cm to 200 cm.

[0098] 27. The device according to embodiment 26, wherein the outer perimeter of the rotating cavity (1) is 80 cm to 120 cm.

[0099] 28. The device according to any one of embodiments 25 to 27, wherein the rotating cavity (1) has a height of 20 cm to 100 cm.

[0100] 29. The device according to embodiment 28, wherein the height of the rotating cavity (1) is 40 cm to 60 cm.

[0101] 30. The device according to any one of embodiments 25 to 29, wherein the lifting arm is configured as an activation, i.e., lifting adapter (2).

[0102] 31. The device according to any one of embodiments 25 to 30, wherein the lifting arm is configured as a lifting adapter (2) of at least 5 cm.

[0103] 32. The apparatus according to any one of embodiments 25 to 31, wherein the lifting arm is selected from the group consisting of a hydraulic valve lifter, a mechanical lifter, a roller lifter, a vacuum lifter, and a magnetic lifter.

[0104] 33. The device according to any one of embodiments 25 to 32, wherein the rotating cavity (1) further includes one or more adapters (8) configured to be received by the connector (3) and connected to the lifting arm.

[0105] 34. The device according to any one of embodiments 25 to 33, wherein the adapter (2) is configured to hold a sterilization bag (12) containing up to twenty dental instruments.

[0106] 35. The apparatus according to Example 34, wherein the sterilization bag (12) is an envelope-type packaging bag or a box-type container.

[0107] 36. The apparatus according to any one of embodiments 34 to 35, wherein the sterilization bag (12) further includes a hinged handle (10) connected via a guide (11).

[0108] 37. The device according to embodiment 36, wherein the hinged handle (10) is cylindrical.

[0109] 38. The device according to any one of embodiments 25 to 37, wherein the adapter (2) is a cylindrical holder having a circular base at one end and an opening at the other end.

[0110] 39. The device according to any one of embodiments 25 to 37, wherein the adapter (2) is a cube holder having a square or rectangular base at one end and an opening at the other end.

[0111] 40. The device according to embodiment 38, wherein the adapter (2) has a circular base with a circumference of 4 cm to 20 cm.

[0112] 41. The device according to embodiment 40, wherein the circumference of the circular base is 6 cm to 10 cm.

[0113] 42. The device according to embodiment 38, wherein the adapter (2) has an opening with a circumference of 4 cm to 20 cm.

[0114] 43. The device according to embodiment 42, wherein the perimeter of the opening is 6 cm to 10 cm.

[0115] 44. The device according to any one of embodiments 42 to 43, wherein the circumference of the opening of the adapter (2) is greater than the circumference of the circular base of the adapter (2).

[0116] 45. The apparatus according to any one of embodiments 25 to 44, wherein the vacuum pump (5) is configured to evacuate the rotating chamber (1) when the cover (6) is closed.

[0117] 46. ​​The apparatus according to any one of embodiments 25 to 45, wherein the vacuum pump (5) is further configured to evacuate the rotating chamber (1) while the rotor (4) is rotating.

[0118] 47. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 25 to 46, wherein the sprayer (9) is configured to spray disinfectant while the rotor (4) is rotating.

[0119] 48. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 25 to 47, wherein the disinfectant is selected from the group consisting of ethanol, detergent solution, chlorine compound and hydrogen peroxide.

[0120] 49. The apparatus according to Example 48, wherein the ethanol is a 60% to 100% ethanol solution.

[0121] 50. The apparatus according to Example 49, wherein the ethanol is a 100% ethanol solution.

[0122] 51. The apparatus according to any one of embodiments 25 to 50, wherein the sprayer (9) is connected to the cover (6).

[0123] 52. A method for drying dental instruments, comprising:

[0124] Place the dental instrument to be dried inside the adapter (2) of the rotor (4) connected to the rotating cavity (1);

[0125] The rotating cavity (1) is sealed in an airtight manner;

[0126] The disinfectant is sprayed from the sprayer (9) onto the dental instruments for the first predetermined time period;

[0127] Rotate the rotor (4) connected to the adapter at a predetermined speed for a second predetermined time period;

[0128] The rotating chamber (1) is evacuated by vacuum pump (5);

[0129] Stop the rotor (4);

[0130] Ventilate the rotating chamber (1) and release the seal of the rotating chamber;

[0131] Remove adapter (2) from rotor (4); and

[0132] Remove the dental instruments from the adapter.

[0133] 53. The method according to embodiment 52, wherein the rotating cavity (1) has an outer perimeter of 50 cm to 200 cm.

[0134] 54. The method according to Example 53, wherein the outer circumference of the rotating cavity is 80 cm to 120 cm.

[0135] 55. The method according to any one of Examples 52 to 54, wherein the rotating cavity (1) has a height of 20 cm to 100 cm.

[0136] 56. The method according to embodiment 55, wherein the height of the rotating cavity (1) is 40 cm to 60 cm.

[0137] 57. The method according to any one of Examples 52 to 56, further comprising placing the dental instrument into the sterilization bag (12) prior to the placement step.

[0138] 58. The method according to Example 57, wherein the sterilization bag (12) can be an envelope-type packaging bag or a box-type container.

[0139] 59. The method according to any one of Examples 57 to 58, wherein the sterilization bag (12) further includes a hinged handle (10) connected via a guide (11).

[0140] 60. The method according to Example 59, wherein the removal step further includes lifting the hinged handle (10) to lift the sterilization bag (12).

[0141] 61. The method according to any one of embodiments 52 to 60, wherein the adapter (2) is a cylindrical holder having a circular base at one end and an opening at the other end.

[0142] 62. The device according to any one of embodiments 52 to 60, wherein the adapter (2) is a cube holder having a square or rectangular base at one end and an opening at the other end.

[0143] 63. The method according to embodiment 61, wherein the adapter (2) has a circular base with a circumference of 4 cm to 20 cm.

[0144] 64. The method according to embodiment 63, wherein the circumference of the circular base is 6 cm to 10 cm.

[0145] 65. The method according to embodiment 61, wherein the adapter (2) has an opening with a perimeter of 4 cm to 20 cm.

[0146] 66. The method according to Example 65, wherein the perimeter of the opening is 6 cm to 10 cm.

[0147] 67. The method according to any one of embodiments 65 to 66, wherein the perimeter of the opening of the adapter (2) is greater than the perimeter of the circular base of the adapter (2).

[0148] 68. The method according to any one of Examples 52 to 67, wherein the spraying step is continuous or intermittent.

[0149] 69. The method according to any one of Examples 52 to 68, wherein the spraying step is performed before the rotation step.

[0150] 70. The method according to any one of Examples 52 to 69, wherein the first predetermined time period is 1 minute to 60 minutes.

[0151] 71. The method according to any one of embodiments 52 to 70, wherein the first predetermined time period is shorter than the second predetermined time period.

[0152] 72. The method according to any one of Examples 52 to 71, wherein the spraying step and the rotating step occur simultaneously for a portion of a second predetermined time period.

[0153] 73. The method according to any one of Examples 52 to 72, wherein the disinfectant is selected from the group consisting of ethanol, detergent solution, chlorine compound and hydrogen peroxide.

[0154] 74. The method according to Example 73, wherein the ethanol is a 60% to 100% ethanol solution.

[0155] 75. The method according to Example 74, wherein the ethanol is a 100% ethanol solution.

[0156] 76. The method according to any one of Examples 52 to 75, wherein the speed of the rotor (4) is 100 to 10,000 revolutions per minute (RPM).

[0157] 77. The method according to any one of Examples 52 to 76, wherein the second predetermined time period is from 1 minute to 60 minutes.

[0158] 78. A method for drying dental instruments, comprising:

[0159] Place the dental instrument to be dried inside the adapter (2) of the rotor (4) connected to the rotating cavity (1);

[0160] The rotating cavity (1) is sealed in an airtight manner;

[0161] The disinfectant is sprayed from the sprayer (9) onto the dental instruments for the first predetermined time period;

[0162] Rotate the rotor (4) connected to the adapter at a predetermined speed for a second predetermined time period;

[0163] The rotating chamber (1) is evacuated by vacuum pump (5);

[0164] Stop the rotor (4);

[0165] Release the seal of the rotating cavity (1);

[0166] Lifting adapter (2) via a lifting arm connected to rotor (4); and

[0167] Remove the dental instruments from the adapter.

[0168] 79. The method according to embodiment 78, wherein the rotating cavity (1) has an outer perimeter of 50 cm to 200 cm.

[0169] 80. The method according to Example 79, wherein the outer circumference of the rotating cavity is 80 cm to 120 cm.

[0170] 81. The method according to any one of Examples 78 to 80, wherein the rotating cavity (1) has a height of 20 cm to 100 cm.

[0171] 82. The method according to Example 81, wherein the height of the rotating cavity (1) is 40 cm to 60 cm.

[0172] 83. The method according to any one of embodiments 78 to 82, wherein the lifting arm lifting adapter (2) is at least 5 cm.

[0173] 84. The method according to any one of Examples 78 to 83, wherein the lifting arm is selected from the group consisting of a free hydraulic valve lifting device, a mechanical lifting device, a roller lifting device, a vacuum lifting device, and a magnetic lifting device.

[0174] 85. The method according to any one of embodiments 78 to 84, wherein the rotating cavity (1) further includes one or more adapters (8) configured to be received by the connector (3) and connected to the lifting arm.

[0175] 86. The method according to any one of Examples 78 to 85, further comprising placing the dental instrument into the sterilization bag (12) prior to the placement step.

[0176] 87. The method according to Example 86, wherein the sterilization bag (12) can be an envelope-type packaging bag or a box-type container.

[0177] 88. The method according to any one of Examples 86 to 87, wherein the sterilization bag (12) further includes a hinged handle (10) connected via a guide (11).

[0178] 89. The method according to Example 88, wherein the removal step further includes lifting the hinged handle (10) to lift the sterilization bag (12).

[0179] 90. The method according to any one of embodiments 78 to 89, wherein the adapter (2) is a cylindrical holder having a circular base at one end and an opening at the other end.

[0180] 91. The device according to any one of embodiments 78 to 89, wherein the adapter (2) is a cube holder having a square or rectangular base at one end and an opening at the other end.

[0181] 92. The method according to embodiment 90, wherein the adapter (2) has a circular base with a circumference of 4 cm to 20 cm.

[0182] 93. The method according to Example 92, wherein the circumference of the circular base is 6 cm to 10 cm.

[0183] 94. The method according to embodiment 90, wherein the adapter (2) has an opening with a perimeter of 4 cm to 20 cm.

[0184] 95. The method according to Example 94, wherein the perimeter of the opening is 6 cm to 10 cm.

[0185] 96. The method according to any one of embodiments 94 to 95, wherein the perimeter of the opening of the adapter (2) is greater than the perimeter of the circular base of the adapter (2).

[0186] 97. The method according to any one of Examples 78 to 96, wherein the spraying step is continuous or intermittent.

[0187] 98. The method according to any one of Examples 78 to 97, wherein the spraying step is performed before the rotation step.

[0188] 99. The method according to any one of Examples 78 to 98, wherein the first predetermined time period is 1 minute to 60 minutes.

[0189] 100. The method according to any one of embodiments 78 to 99, wherein the first predetermined time period is shorter than the second predetermined time period.

[0190] 101. The method according to any one of Examples 78 to 100, wherein the spraying step and the rotating step occur simultaneously for a portion of a second predetermined time period.

[0191] 102. The method according to any one of Examples 78 to 101, wherein the disinfectant is selected from the group consisting of ethanol, detergent solution, chlorine compound and hydrogen peroxide.

[0192] 103. The method according to Example 102, wherein the ethanol is a 60% to 100% ethanol solution.

[0193] 104. The method according to Example 103, wherein the ethanol is a 100% ethanol solution.

[0194] 105. The method according to any one of Examples 78 to 104, wherein the speed of the rotor (4) is 100 to 10,000 revolutions per minute (RPM).

[0195] 106. The method according to any one of Examples 78 to 105, wherein the second predetermined time period is 1 minute to 60 minutes.

[0196] 107. An apparatus for drying a medical device, comprising:

[0197] Rotating cavity (1), comprising:

[0198] Rotor (4), which includes connector (3);

[0199] An adapter (2) is configured to be received by a connector (3), wherein the adapter (2) is further configured to hold a medical device;

[0200] The cover (6) on the top of the rotating cavity (1); and

[0201] A sprayer (9) configured to spray disinfectant onto a medical device.

[0202] The adapter (2) is configured to be removable from the connector (3);

[0203] Motor (7), which is connected to the rotating cavity; and

[0204] A vacuum pump (5) is connected to the rotating chamber.

[0205] 108. The device according to embodiment 107, wherein the rotating cavity (1) has an outer circumference of 50 cm to 200 cm.

[0206] 109. The apparatus according to embodiment 108, wherein the outer perimeter of the rotating cavity (1) is 80 cm to 120 cm.

[0207] 110. The device according to any one of embodiments 107 to 109, wherein the rotating cavity (1) has a height of 20 cm to 100 cm.

[0208] 111. The device according to embodiment 110, wherein the height of the rotating cavity (1) is 40 cm to 60 cm.

[0209] 112. The device according to any one of embodiments 107 to 111, wherein the rotating cavity (1) further includes one or more adapters (8) configured to be received by the connector (3).

[0210] 113. The device according to any one of embodiments 107 to 112, wherein the adapter (2) is configured to hold a sterilization bag (12) containing up to twenty medical devices.

[0211] 114. The apparatus according to Example 113, wherein the sterilization bag (12) is an envelope-type packaging bag or a box-type container.

[0212] 115. The apparatus according to embodiment 113 or 114, wherein the sterilization bag (12) further includes a hinged handle (10) connected via a guide (11).

[0213] 116. The device according to embodiment 115, wherein the hinged handle (10) is cylindrical.

[0214] 117. The device according to any one of embodiments 107 to 116, wherein the adapter (2) is a cylindrical holder having a circular base at one end and an opening at the other end.

[0215] 118. The device according to any one of embodiments 107 to 116, wherein the adapter (2) is a cube holder having a square or rectangular base at one end and an opening at the other end.

[0216] 119. The device according to embodiment 117, wherein the adapter (2) has a circular base with a circumference of 4 cm to 20 cm.

[0217] 120. The device according to embodiment 119, wherein the circumference of the circular base is 6 cm to 10 cm.

[0218] 121. The device according to embodiment 117, wherein the adapter (2) has an opening with a circumference of 4 cm to 20 cm.

[0219] 122. The device according to embodiment 121, wherein the perimeter of the opening is 6 cm to 10 cm.

[0220] 123. The device according to embodiment 121 or 122, wherein the circumference of the opening of the adapter (2) is greater than the circumference of the circular base of the adapter (2).

[0221] 124. The apparatus according to any one of embodiments 107 to 123, wherein the vacuum pump (5) is configured to evacuate the rotating chamber (1) when the cover (6) is closed.

[0222] 125. The apparatus according to any one of embodiments 107 to 124, wherein the vacuum pump (5) is further configured to evacuate the rotating chamber (1) while the rotor (4) is rotating.

[0223] 126. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 107 to 125, wherein the sprayer (9) is configured to spray disinfectant while the rotor (4) is rotating.

[0224] 127. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 107 to 126, wherein the disinfectant is selected from the group consisting of ethanol, detergent solution, chlorine compound and hydrogen peroxide.

[0225] 128. The apparatus according to Example 127, wherein the ethanol is a 60% to 100% ethanol solution.

[0226] 129. The apparatus according to Example 128, wherein the ethanol is a 100% ethanol solution.

[0227] 130. The apparatus according to any one of embodiments 107 to 129, wherein the sprayer (9) is connected to the cover (6).

[0228] 131. A method for drying a medical device, comprising:

[0229] The medical device to be dried is placed inside the adapter (2) of the rotor (4) connected to the rotating cavity (1);

[0230] The rotating cavity (1) is sealed in an airtight manner;

[0231] The disinfectant is sprayed from the sprayer (9) onto the medical device to reach the first predetermined time period;

[0232] Rotate the rotor (4) connected to the adapter at a predetermined speed for a second predetermined time period;

[0233] The rotating chamber (1) is evacuated by vacuum pump (5);

[0234] Stop the rotor (4);

[0235] Ventilate the rotating chamber (1) and release the seal of the rotating chamber;

[0236] Remove adapter (2) from rotor (4); and

[0237] Remove the medical device from the adapter.

[0238] 132. The method according to Example 131, wherein the rotating cavity (1) has an outer circumference of 50 cm to 200 cm.

[0239] 133. The method according to Example 132, wherein the outer circumference of the rotating cavity is 80 cm to 120 cm.

[0240] 134. The method according to any one of Examples 131 to 54, wherein the rotating cavity (1) has a height of 20 cm to 100 cm.

[0241] 135. The method according to Example 134, wherein the height of the rotating cavity (1) is 40 cm to 60 cm.

[0242] 136. The method according to any one of Examples 131 to 135, further comprising placing the medical device into the sterilization bag (12) prior to the placement step.

[0243] 137. The method according to Example 136, wherein the sterilization bag (12) can be an envelope-type packaging bag or a box-type container.

[0244] 138. The method according to any one of Examples 136 to 137, wherein the sterilization bag (12) further includes a hinged handle (10) connected via a guide (11).

[0245] 139. The method according to Example 138, wherein the removal step further includes lifting the hinged handle (10) to lift the sterilization bag (12).

[0246] 140. The method according to any one of embodiments 131 to 139, wherein the adapter (2) is a cylindrical holder having a circular base at one end and an opening at the other end.

[0247] 141. The device according to any one of embodiments 131 to 139, wherein the adapter (2) is a cubic holder having a square or rectangular base at one end and an opening at the other end.

[0248] 142. The method according to embodiment 140, wherein the adapter (2) has a circular base with a circumference of 4 cm to 20 cm.

[0249] 143. The method according to embodiment 142, wherein the circumference of the circular base is 6 cm to 10 cm.

[0250] 144. The method according to embodiment 140, wherein the adapter (2) has an opening with a perimeter of 4 cm to 20 cm.

[0251] 145. The method according to Example 144, wherein the perimeter of the opening is 6 cm to 10 cm.

[0252] 146. The method according to any one of embodiments 144 to 145, wherein the perimeter of the opening of the adapter (2) is greater than the perimeter of the circular base of the adapter (2).

[0253] 147. The method according to any one of Examples 131 to 146, wherein the spraying step is continuous or intermittent.

[0254] 148. The method according to any one of Examples 131 to 147, wherein the spraying step is performed before the rotation step.

[0255] 149. The method according to any one of Examples 131 to 148, wherein the first predetermined time period is from 1 minute to 60 minutes.

[0256] 150. The method according to any one of Examples 131 to 149, wherein the first predetermined time period is shorter than the second predetermined time period.

[0257] 151. The method according to any one of Examples 131 to 150, wherein the spraying step and the rotating step occur simultaneously for a portion of a second predetermined time period.

[0258] 152. The method according to any one of Examples 131 to 151, wherein the disinfectant is selected from the group consisting of ethanol, detergent solution, chlorine compound and hydrogen peroxide.

[0259] Example

[0260] The following examples are provided to provide a complete disclosure and description of how to make and use the invention to those skilled in the art, and are not intended to limit the scope of what the inventors consider to be their invention, nor to represent or imply that the following experiments are all or only the experiments performed. Those skilled in the art will understand that many variations or modifications can be made to the invention as illustrated in specific aspects without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. Therefore, aspects of the invention should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects.

[0261] Example 1

[0262] according to Figure 1A and Figure 1B A benchtop centrifuge assembly is constructed. The centrifuge includes a rotating chamber (1) connected to a vacuum pump (5) and a motor (7). The rotating chamber (1) includes a rotor (4); eight adapters (2, 8) for housing up to 20 dental instruments in each adapter; and a cover (6) providing an airtight seal and configured with a sprayer (9) for continuously or intermittently introducing 100% ethanol disinfectant onto the dental instruments. The rotating chamber, containing the dental instruments for disinfection and drying, is evacuated to 1 x 10⁻⁶ using the vacuum pump. -2 Apply pressure to the instrument. Use a motor to rotate the rotor to a speed of 1,000 RPM and activate the sprayer to spray the disinfectant onto the dental instrument at a continuous rate of 30 mL / min.

[0263] Example 2

[0264] according to Figure 1A and Figure 1B Construct a benchtop centrifuge unit. According to... Figure 2 Two adapters are optionally filled with 4 to 20 individual, non-porous metal instruments. Adapters not used for instrument placement are filled with balancing material to prevent unbalanced rotation of the centrifuge chamber and unnecessary damage to the centrifuge. A sterilization bag (12), an envelope-style package, is placed at the opening of each instrument-containing adapter. The sterilization bag further includes a hinged handle (10) connected via a guide (11). Each adapter is configured with a lifting mechanism that, upon activation, elevates the sterilized and dried instruments, thereby moving the sterilization bag containing the instruments upwards. The lifting mechanism allows the operator to access the outside of the sterilization bag while preventing the operator from contacting the internal sterilized and dried instruments.

[0265] Example 3

[0266] In the device according to Example 1, 12 dental instruments are inserted into each of eight adapters. The cover (6) with the sprayer (9) is closed to provide an airtight seal, wherein the sprayer is activated to continuously spray 100% ethanol disinfectant for up to 5 minutes. The rotor is accelerated to a maximum and continuous rotational speed of 1,000 RPM for up to 3 minutes and up to 10 minutes. A vacuum is applied by a vacuum pump (5), thereby reducing the pressure in the rotating chamber from atmospheric pressure to 1 x 10⁻⁶. -2 The rotor is decelerated and the residual liquid deposited on the dental instruments is evaporated. After a period of rotation, the rotor is slowed down and the rotating chamber is evacuated to atmospheric pressure. The lifting arm is then activated to raise the sterilization bag to seal the instruments, allowing the operator to remove the sterilized, bagged instruments for further sterilization.

[0267] Example 4

[0268] according to Figure 1A and Figure 1B A benchtop centrifuge assembly is constructed. The centrifuge includes a rotating chamber (1) connected to a vacuum pump (5) and a motor (7). The rotating chamber (1) includes a rotor (4); eight adapters (2, 8) for housing up to 20 medical devices in each adapter; and a cover (6) providing an airtight seal and configured with a sprayer (9) for continuously or intermittently introducing 100% ethanol disinfectant onto the medical devices. The rotating chamber, containing the medical devices for disinfection and drying, is evacuated to 1 x 10⁻⁶ using the vacuum pump. -2 Pressure of the sprayer. Use a motor to rotate the rotor to a speed of 1,000 RPM and activate the sprayer to spray the medical device with disinfectant at a continuous rate of 30 mL / min.

Claims

1. A device for drying dental instruments, comprising: Rotating cavity (1), comprising: Rotor (4), which includes connector (3); An adapter (2) configured to be received by the connector (3), wherein the adapter (2) is further configured to hold the dental instrument; The cover (6) on the top of the rotating cavity (1); and A sprayer (9) configured to spray disinfectant onto the dental instrument. The adapter (2) is configured to be removable from the connector (3); Motor (7), which is connected to the rotating cavity; and A vacuum pump (5) is connected to the rotating chamber.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the rotating cavity (1) has an outer circumference of 50 cm to 200 cm.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the outer circumference of the rotating cavity (1) is 80 cm to 120 cm.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the rotating cavity (1) has a height of 20 cm to 100 cm.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the height of the rotating cavity (1) is 40 cm to 60 cm.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the rotating cavity (1) further comprises one or more adapters (8) configured to be received by the connector (3).

7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the adapter (2) is configured to hold a sterilization bag (12) containing up to twenty of the dental instruments.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the sterilization bag (12) is an envelope-type packaging bag or a box-type container.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the sterilization bag (12) further comprises a hinged handle (10) connected via a guide (11).

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the hinged handle (10) is cylindrical.

11. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the adapter (2) is a cylindrical holder having a circular base at one end and an opening at the other end.

12. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the adapter (2) is a cube holder having a square or rectangular base at one end and an opening at the other end.

13. The device according to claim 11, wherein the adapter (2) has a circular base with a circumference of 4 cm to 20 cm.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the circumference of the circular base is 6 cm to 10 cm.

15. The device according to claim 11, wherein the adapter (2) has an opening with a circumference of 4 cm to 20 cm.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the perimeter of the opening is 6 cm to 10 cm.

17. The device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the circumference of the opening of the adapter (2) is greater than the circumference of the circular base of the adapter (2).

18. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the vacuum pump (5) is configured to evacuate the rotating chamber (1) when the cover (6) is closed.

19. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the vacuum pump (5) is further configured to evacuate the rotating chamber (1) while the rotor (4) is rotating.

20. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the sprayer (9) is configured to spray the disinfectant while the rotor (4) is rotating.

21. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the disinfectant is selected from the group consisting of ethanol, detergent solution, chlorine compound and hydrogen peroxide.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the ethanol is a 60% to 100% ethanol solution.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the ethanol is a 100% ethanol solution.

24. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the sprayer (9) is connected to the cover (6).

25. An apparatus for drying dental instruments, comprising: Rotating cavity (1), comprising: The rotor (4) includes a connector (3) and a lifting arm; An adapter (2) configured to be received by and connected to the lifting arm by the connector (3), wherein the adapter (2) is further configured to hold the dental instrument; The cover (6) on the top of the rotating cavity (1); and A sprayer (9) configured to spray disinfectant onto the dental instrument. The lifting arm is configured to activate, i.e., lift and support the dental instrument, the adapter (2); Motor (7), which is connected to the rotating cavity; and A vacuum pump (5) is connected to the rotating chamber.

26. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the rotating cavity (1) has an outer circumference of 50 cm to 200 cm.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the outer perimeter of the rotating cavity (1) is 80 cm to 120 cm.

28. The apparatus according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the rotating cavity (1) has a height of 20 cm to 100 cm.

29. The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the height of the rotating cavity (1) is 40 cm to 60 cm.

30. The apparatus according to any one of claims 25 to 29, wherein the lifting arm is configured to lift the adapter (2) upon activation.

31. The device according to any one of claims 25 to 30, wherein the lifting arm is configured to lift the adapter (2) by at least 5 cm.

32. The apparatus according to any one of claims 25 to 31, wherein the lifting arm is selected from the group consisting of a hydraulic valve lifter, a mechanical lifter, a roller lifter, a vacuum lifter, and a magnetic lifter.

33. The apparatus according to any one of claims 25 to 32, wherein the rotating cavity (1) further comprises one or more adapters (8) configured to be received by the connector (3) and connected to the lifting arm.

34. The device according to any one of claims 25 to 33, wherein the adapter (2) is configured to hold a sterilization bag (12) containing up to twenty of the dental instruments.

35. The apparatus according to claim 34, wherein the sterilization bag (12) is an envelope-type packaging bag or a box-type container.

36. The apparatus according to any one of claims 34 to 35, wherein the sterilization bag (12) further comprises a hinged handle (10) connected via a guide (11).

37. The device according to claim 36, wherein the hinged handle (10) is cylindrical.

38. The device according to any one of claims 25 to 37, wherein the adapter (2) is a cylindrical holder having a circular base at one end and an opening at the other end.

39. The device according to any one of claims 25 to 37, wherein the adapter (2) is a cube holder having a square or rectangular base at one end and an opening at the other end.

40. The device according to claim 38, wherein the adapter (2) has the circular base with a circumference of 4 cm to 20 cm.

41. The device of claim 40, wherein the circumference of the circular base is 6 cm to 10 cm.

42. The device according to claim 38, wherein the adapter (2) has the opening having a circumference of 4 cm to 20 cm.

43. The device of claim 42, wherein the perimeter of the opening is 6 cm to 10 cm.

44. The device according to any one of claims 42 to 43, wherein the circumference of the opening of the adapter (2) is greater than the circumference of the circular base of the adapter (2).

45. The apparatus according to any one of claims 25 to 44, wherein the vacuum pump (5) is configured to evacuate the rotating chamber (1) when the cover (6) is closed.

46. ​​The apparatus according to any one of claims 25 to 45, wherein the vacuum pump (5) is further configured to evacuate the rotating chamber (1) while the rotor (4) is rotating.

47. The apparatus according to any one of claims 25 to 46, wherein the sprayer (9) is configured to spray the disinfectant while the rotor (4) is rotating.

48. The apparatus according to any one of claims 25 to 47, wherein the disinfectant is selected from the group consisting of ethanol, detergent solution, chlorine compound and hydrogen peroxide.

49. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the ethanol is a 60% to 100% ethanol solution.

50. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the ethanol is a 100% ethanol solution.

51. The apparatus according to any one of claims 25 to 50, wherein the sprayer (9) is connected to the cover (6).

52. A method for drying dental instruments, comprising: The dental instrument to be dried is placed inside the adapter (2) of the rotor (4) connected to the rotating cavity (1); The rotating cavity (1) is sealed in an airtight manner; Disinfectant is sprayed from the sprayer (9) onto the dental instrument for a first predetermined time period; The rotor (4) connected to the adapter rotates at a predetermined speed for a second predetermined time period; The rotating chamber (1) is evacuated by a vacuum pump (5); Stop the rotor (4); Ventilate the rotating cavity (1) and release the seal of the rotating cavity; Remove the adapter (2) from the rotor (4); as well as Remove the dental instrument from the adapter.

53. The method according to claim 52, wherein the rotating cavity (1) has an outer circumference of 50 cm to 200 cm.

54. The method of claim 53, wherein the outer perimeter of the rotating cavity is 80 cm to 120 cm.

55. The method according to any one of claims 52 to 54, wherein the rotating cavity (1) has a height of 20 cm to 100 cm.

56. The method according to claim 55, wherein the height of the rotating cavity (1) is 40 cm to 60 cm.

57. The method according to any one of claims 52 to 56, further comprising placing the dental instrument into the sterilization bag (12) prior to the placement step.

58. The method according to claim 57, wherein the sterilization bag (12) can be an envelope-type packaging bag or a box-type container.

59. The method according to any one of claims 57 to 58, wherein the sterilization bag (12) further comprises a hinged handle (10) connected via a guide (11).

60. The method of claim 59, wherein the removal step further comprises lifting the hinged handle (10) to lift the sterilization bag (12).

61. The method according to any one of claims 52 to 60, wherein the adapter (2) is a cylindrical holder having a circular base at one end and an opening at the other end.

62. The device according to any one of claims 52 to 60, wherein the adapter (2) is a cube holder having a square or rectangular base at one end and an opening at the other end.

63. The method according to claim 61, wherein the adapter (2) has a circular base with a circumference of 4 cm to 20 cm.

64. The method of claim 63, wherein the circumference of the circular base is 6 cm to 10 cm.

65. The method according to claim 61, wherein the adapter (2) has an opening with a perimeter of 4 cm to 20 cm.

66. The method of claim 65, wherein the perimeter of the opening is 6 cm to 10 cm.

67. The method according to any one of claims 65 to 66, wherein the circumference of the opening of the adapter (2) is greater than the circumference of the circular base of the adapter (2).

68. The method according to any one of claims 52 to 67, wherein the spraying step is continuous or intermittent.

69. The method according to any one of claims 52 to 68, wherein the spraying step is performed before the rotation step.

70. The method according to any one of claims 52 to 69, wherein the first predetermined time period is from 1 minute to 60 minutes.

71. The method according to any one of claims 52 to 70, wherein the first predetermined time period is shorter than the second predetermined time period.

72. The method according to any one of claims 52 to 71, wherein the spraying step and the rotating step occur simultaneously for a portion of the second predetermined time period.

73. The method according to any one of claims 52 to 72, wherein the disinfectant is selected from the group consisting of ethanol, detergent solution, chlorine compound and hydrogen peroxide.

74. The method of claim 73, wherein the ethanol is a 60% to 100% ethanol solution.

75. The method of claim 74, wherein the ethanol is a 100% ethanol solution.

76. The method according to any one of claims 52 to 75, wherein the speed of the rotor (4) is 100 to 10,000 revolutions per minute (RPM).

77. The method according to any one of claims 52 to 76, wherein the second predetermined time period is from 1 minute to 60 minutes.

78. A method for drying dental instruments, comprising: The dental instrument to be dried is placed inside the adapter (2) of the rotor (4) connected to the rotating cavity (1); The rotating cavity (1) is sealed in an airtight manner; Disinfectant is sprayed from the sprayer (9) onto the dental instrument for a first predetermined time period; The rotor (4) connected to the adapter rotates at a predetermined speed for a second predetermined time period; The rotating chamber (1) is evacuated by a vacuum pump (5); Stop the rotor (4); Release the seal of the rotating cavity (1); The adapter (2) is lifted via a lifting arm connected to the rotor (4); as well as Remove the dental instrument from the adapter.

79. The method according to claim 78, wherein the rotating cavity (1) has an outer circumference of 50 cm to 200 cm.

80. The method of claim 79, wherein the outer perimeter of the rotating cavity is 80 cm to 120 cm.

81. The method according to any one of claims 78 to 80, wherein the rotating cavity (1) has a height of 20 cm to 100 cm.

82. The method according to claim 81, wherein the height of the rotating cavity (1) is 40 cm to 60 cm.

83. The method according to any one of claims 78 to 82, wherein the lifting arm lifts the adapter (2) by at least 5 cm.

84. The method according to any one of claims 78 to 83, wherein the lifting arm is selected from the group consisting of a hydraulic valve lifter, a mechanical lifter, a roller lifter, a vacuum lifter, and a magnetic lifter.

85. The method according to any one of claims 78 to 84, wherein the rotating cavity (1) further comprises one or more adapters (8) configured to be received by the connector (3) and connected to the lifting arm.

86. The method according to any one of claims 78 to 85, further comprising placing the dental instrument into the sterilization bag (12) prior to the placement step.

87. The method according to claim 86, wherein the sterilization bag (12) can be an envelope-type packaging bag or a box-type container.

88. The method according to any one of claims 86 to 87, wherein the sterilization bag (12) further comprises a hinged handle (10) connected via a guide (11).

89. The method of claim 88, wherein the removal step further comprises lifting the hinged handle (10) to lift the sterilization bag (12).

90. The method according to any one of claims 78 to 89, wherein the adapter (2) is a cylindrical holder having a circular base at one end and an opening at the other end.

91. The device according to any one of claims 78 to 89, wherein the adapter (2) is a cube holder having a square or rectangular base at one end and an opening at the other end.

92. The method according to claim 90, wherein the adapter (2) has a circular base with a circumference of 4 cm to 20 cm.

93. The method of claim 92, wherein the circumference of the circular base is 6 cm to 10 cm.

94. The method of claim 90, wherein the adapter (2) has an opening with a perimeter of 4 cm to 20 cm.

95. The method of claim 94, wherein the perimeter of the opening is 6 cm to 10 cm.

96. The method according to any one of claims 94 to 95, wherein the circumference of the opening of the adapter (2) is greater than the circumference of the circular base of the adapter (2).

97. The method according to any one of claims 78 to 96, wherein the spraying step is continuous or intermittent.

98. The method according to any one of claims 78 to 97, wherein the spraying step is performed before the rotation step.

99. The method according to any one of claims 78 to 98, wherein the first predetermined time period is from 1 minute to 60 minutes.

100. The method according to any one of claims 78 to 99, wherein the first predetermined time period is shorter than the second predetermined time period.

101. The method according to any one of claims 78 to 100, wherein the spraying step and the rotating step occur simultaneously for a portion of the second predetermined time period.

102. The method according to any one of claims 78 to 101, wherein the disinfectant is selected from the group consisting of ethanol, detergent solution, chlorine compound and hydrogen peroxide.

103. The method of claim 102, wherein the ethanol is a 60% to 100% ethanol solution.

104. The method of claim 103, wherein the ethanol is a 100% ethanol solution.

105. The method according to any one of claims 78 to 104, wherein the speed of the rotor (4) is 100 to 10,000 revolutions per minute (RPM).

106. The method according to any one of claims 78 to 105, wherein the second predetermined time period is from 1 minute to 60 minutes.

107. An apparatus for drying a medical device, comprising: Rotating cavity (1), comprising: Rotor (4), which includes connector (3); An adapter (2) configured to be received by the connector (3), wherein the adapter (2) is further configured to hold the medical device; The cover (6) on the top of the rotating cavity (1); and A sprayer (9) configured to spray disinfectant onto the medical device. The adapter (2) is configured to be removable from the connector (3); Motor (7), which is connected to the rotating cavity; and A vacuum pump (5) is connected to the rotating chamber.

108. The apparatus according to claim 107, wherein the rotating cavity (1) has an outer circumference of 50 cm to 200 cm.

109. The apparatus according to claim 108, wherein the outer perimeter of the rotating cavity (1) is 80 cm to 120 cm.

110. The apparatus according to any one of claims 107 to 109, wherein the rotating cavity (1) has a height of 20 cm to 100 cm.

111. The apparatus according to claim 110, wherein the height of the rotating cavity (1) is 40 cm to 60 cm.

112. The device according to any one of claims 107 to 111, wherein the rotating cavity (1) further comprises one or more adapters (8) configured to be received by the connector (3).

113. The device according to any one of claims 107 to 112, wherein the adapter (2) is configured to hold a sterilization bag (12) containing up to twenty of the medical devices.

114. The apparatus according to claim 113, wherein the sterilization bag (12) is an envelope-type packaging bag or a box-type container.

115. The apparatus according to claim 113 or 114, wherein the sterilization bag (12) further comprises a hinged handle (10) connected via a guide (11).

116. The device according to claim 115, wherein the hinged handle (10) is cylindrical.

117. The device according to any one of claims 107 to 116, wherein the adapter (2) is a cylindrical holder having a circular base at one end and an opening at the other end.

118. The device according to any one of claims 107 to 116, wherein the adapter (2) is a cube holder having a square or rectangular base at one end and an opening at the other end.

119. The device according to claim 117, wherein the adapter (2) has a circular base with a circumference of 4 cm to 20 cm.

120. The device of claim 119, wherein the circumference of the circular base is 6 cm to 10 cm.

121. The device according to claim 117, wherein the adapter (2) has an opening with a circumference of 4 cm to 20 cm.

122. The device of claim 121, wherein the perimeter of the opening is 6 cm to 10 cm.

123. The device according to claim 121 or 122, wherein the circumference of the opening of the adapter (2) is greater than the circumference of the circular base of the adapter (2).

124. The apparatus according to any one of claims 107 to 123, wherein the vacuum pump (5) is configured to evacuate the rotating chamber (1) when the cover (6) is closed.

125. The apparatus according to any one of claims 107 to 124, wherein the vacuum pump (5) is further configured to evacuate the rotating chamber (1) while the rotor (4) is rotating.

126. The apparatus according to any one of claims 107 to 125, wherein the sprayer (9) is configured to spray the disinfectant while the rotor (4) is rotating.

127. The apparatus according to any one of claims 107 to 126, wherein the disinfectant is selected from the group consisting of ethanol, detergent solution, chlorine compound and hydrogen peroxide.

128. The apparatus of claim 127, wherein the ethanol is a 60% to 100% ethanol solution.

129. The apparatus of claim 128, wherein the ethanol is a 100% ethanol solution.

130. The apparatus according to any one of claims 107 to 129, wherein the sprayer (9) is connected to the cover (6).

131. A method for drying a medical device, comprising: The medical device to be dried is placed inside the adapter (2) of the rotor (4) connected to the rotating cavity (1); The rotating cavity (1) is sealed in an airtight manner; The disinfectant is sprayed from the sprayer (9) onto the medical device for a first predetermined time period; The rotor (4) connected to the adapter rotates at a predetermined speed for a second predetermined time period; The rotating chamber (1) is evacuated by a vacuum pump (5); Stop the rotor (4); Ventilate the rotating cavity (1) and release the seal of the rotating cavity; Remove the adapter (2) from the rotor (4); as well as Remove the medical device from the adapter.

132. The method according to claim 131, wherein the rotating cavity (1) has an outer circumference of 50 cm to 200 cm.

133. The method of claim 132, wherein the outer circumference of the rotating cavity is 80 cm to 120 cm.

134. The method according to any one of claims 131 to 133, wherein the rotating cavity (1) has a height of 20 cm to 100 cm.

135. The method according to claim 134, wherein the height of the rotating cavity (1) is 40 cm to 60 cm.

136. The method according to any one of claims 131 to 135, further comprising placing the medical device into the sterilization bag (12) prior to the placement step.

137. The method according to claim 136, wherein the sterilization bag (12) can be an envelope-type packaging bag or a box-type container.

138. The method according to any one of claims 136 to 137, wherein the sterilization bag (12) further comprises a hinged handle (10) connected via a guide (11).

139. The method of claim 138, wherein the removal step further comprises lifting the hinged handle (10) to lift the sterilization bag (12).

140. The method according to any one of claims 131 to 139, wherein the adapter (2) is a cylindrical holder having a circular base at one end and an opening at the other end.

141. The device according to any one of claims 131 to 139, wherein the adapter (2) is a cube holder having a square or rectangular base at one end and an opening at the other end.

142. The method of claim 140, wherein the adapter (2) has a circular base with a circumference of 4 cm to 20 cm.

143. The method of claim 142, wherein the circumference of the circular base is 6 cm to 10 cm.

144. The method of claim 140, wherein the adapter (2) has an opening with a circumference of 4 cm to 20 cm.

145. The method of claim 144, wherein the perimeter of the opening is 6 cm to 10 cm.

146. The method according to any one of claims 144 to 145, wherein the circumference of the opening of the adapter (2) is greater than the circumference of the circular base of the adapter (2).

147. The method according to any one of claims 131 to 146, wherein the spraying step is continuous or intermittent.

148. The method according to any one of claims 131 to 147, wherein the spraying step is performed before the rotation step.

149. The method according to any one of claims 131 to 148, wherein the first predetermined time period is from 1 minute to 60 minutes.

150. The method according to any one of claims 131 to 149, wherein the first predetermined time period is shorter than the second predetermined time period.

151. The method according to any one of claims 131 to 150, wherein the spraying step and the rotating step occur simultaneously for a portion of the second predetermined time period.

152. The method according to any one of claims 131 to 151, wherein the disinfectant is selected from the group consisting of ethanol, detergent solution, chlorine compound and hydrogen peroxide.

Images