WO2025006481A1

WO2025006481A1 - Disinfecting centrifuge for dental or medical instruments

Info

Publication number: WO2025006481A1
Application number: PCT/US2024/035437
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mayada KHATER; Timothy KHATER; Keenan KHATER; Kareem KHATER; Dalia KHATER
Original assignee: Bern Inc
Current assignee: Bern Inc
Priority date: 2023-06-26
Filing date: 2024-06-25
Publication date: 2025-01-02
Anticipated expiration: 2025-12-26

Abstract

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

Description

DISINFECTING CENTRIFUGE FOR DENTAL OR MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/510,300, filed June 26, 2023, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a centrifugal apparatus and method for disinfecting and drying dental or medical instruments. More particularly, the present disclosure discloses, and includes, an apparatus and method that utilizes a disinfectant sprayer mounted on a lid of an evacuated centrifugal spinner chamber, wherein dental or medical instruments are deposited and dried in a modular adapter that allows for pre-sterilization packaging.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Cleaning procedures of dental instruments are currently time-consuming and prone to undesired moisture, thus increasing the likelihood of inadequate sterilization. The steps of cleaning dental instruments comprises pre-soaking dental instruments, cleaning debris remaining on the instruments (e.g. ultrasonic cleaning, automated instrument washers, and manual scrubbing), drying the instruments, packaging them with cassettes or envelopes, and autoclaving the instruments. Autoclaving can be ineffective for sterilization if wet instruments are run prior to drying. In instances where wet instruments enter the autoclaving step, there is no guarantee that the steam from the autoclave would kill bacteria associated with the pre-existing water. Moreover, the package should be sealed before sterilization to prevent exposure when the instruments are removed from the sterilizer.

[0004] In common practice, after the cleaning step, dental instruments are laid on a surface to be dried in open air, and subsequently packaged into cassettes or envelopes manually. The drying and packaging process is sub-optimally time intensive, particularly in dental practices that require the expedited sterilization of instruments for reuse. Moreover, the long process of drying and manually packaging dental instruments increases the chance of contamination. Even drying processes that utilize a centrifuge component (See U.S.

5,368,171) require the manual removal and packaging of instruments from a centrifugal basket, leaving the possibility of operator contamination and inefficiency notable concerns. [0005] In a similar capacity, the disinfection and sterilization of medical instruments commonly involves the same steps as involved in the cleaning of dental instruments. These process steps, consequently, are limited by parallel issues related to contamination and time inefficiency. Therefore, there remains a need to streamline the drying and packaging steps in cleaning dental and medical instruments, and decrease the exposure to pathogens.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides for, and includes, a centrifugal apparatus for the disinfection and drying of dental instruments. In an aspect, the present disclosure provides for, and includes, a centrifugal apparatus for the disinfection and drying of medical instruments.

[0007] In an aspect, an apparatus of the present disclosure comprises a spinner chamber separately connected to a motor and a vacuum pump. In an aspect, a spinner chamber comprises a rotor, an adapter configured to be received by a connector, a lid positioned on top of the spinner chamber, and a sprayer configured to spray a disinfectant onto the dental instruments. In an aspect, an adapter is further configured to hold the dental instruments. In an aspect, a rotor comprises a connector, and an adapter is configured to be removable from the connector. In an aspect, a rotor comprises a connector and a lifting arm, wherein the lifting arm is configured to lift an adapter holding the dental instruments upon activation.

[0008] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides for, and includes, a method for disinfecting and drying of dental instruments. In an aspect, a method comprises the steps of placing the dental instruments inside an adapter configured to attach to a rotor within a spinner chamber, sealing the spinner chamber in an airtight manner to enable evacuation, spraying a disinfectant from a sprayer positioned on the internal section of a lid of the spinner chamber, rotating the rotor, evacuating the spinner chamber, ceasing rotor movement, venting the spinner chamber, detaching the adapter from the rotor, and removing the disinfected and dried dental instruments from the adapter.

[0009] In an aspect, an apparatus of the present disclosure comprises a spinner chamber separately connected to a motor and a vacuum pump. In an aspect, a spinner chamber comprises a rotor, an adapter configured to be received by a connector, a lid positioned on top of the spinner chamber, and a sprayer configured to spray a disinfectant onto the medical instruments. In an aspect, an adapter is further configured to hold the medical instruments. In an aspect, a rotor comprises a connector, and an adapter is configured to be removable from the connector. In an aspect, a rotor comprises a connector and a lifting arm, wherein the lifting arm is configured to lift an adapter holding the medical instruments upon activation. [0010] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides for, and includes, a method for disinfecting and drying of medical instruments. In an aspect, a method comprises the steps of placing the medical instruments inside an adapter configured to attach to a rotor within a spinner chamber, sealing the spinner chamber in an airtight manner to enable evacuation, spraying a disinfectant from a sprayer positioned on the internal section of a lid of the spinner chamber, rotating the rotor, evacuating the spinner chamber, ceasing rotor movement, venting the spinner chamber, detaching the adapter from the rotor, and removing the disinfected and dried medical instruments from the adapter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The present disclosure is disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0012] Fig. 1A is an overhead view of an apparatus of the present disclosure;

[0013] Fig. IB is a side view of an apparatus of the present disclosure;

[0014] Fig. 2 is a side view of an adapter of the present disclosure.

[0015] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The present disclosure provides for, and includes, devices and methodology for disinfecting and drying dental instruments in the sterilization process. The present disclosure further provides for, and includes, devices and methodology for disinfecting and drying medical instruments in the sterilization process.

[0017] This description is not intended to be a detailed catalog of all the different ways in which the disclosure may be implemented, or all the features that may be added to the instant disclosure. For example, features illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be incorporated into other embodiments, and features illustrated with respect to a particular embodiment may be deleted from that embodiment. Thus, the disclosure contemplates that, in some aspects of the disclosure, any feature or combination of features set forth herein may be excluded or omitted. In addition, numerous variations and additions to the various aspects suggested herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the instant disclosure, which do not depart from the instant disclosure. In other instances, well known structures, interfaces, and processes have not been shown in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present disclosure. It is intended that no part of this specification be construed to effect a disavowal of any part of the full scope of the present disclosure. Hence, the following descriptions are intended to illustrate some particular aspects of the disclosure, and not to exhaustively specify all permutations, combinations, and variations thereof.

[0018] 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 belongs. The terminology used in the description of the disclosure herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects or embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure.

[0019] All publications, patent applications, patents and other references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entireties for the teachings relevant to the sentence and/or paragraph in which the reference is presented. References to techniques employed herein are intended to refer to the techniques as commonly understood in the art, including variations on those techniques or substitutions of equivalent techniques that would be apparent to one of skill in the art. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control.

[0020] Unless the context indicates otherwise, it is specifically intended that the various features of the disclosure described herein may be used in any combination. Moreover, the present disclosure also contemplates that in some aspects of the disclosure, any feature or combination of features set forth herein may be excluded or omitted.

[0021] The methods disclosed herein include and comprise one or more steps or actions for achieving the described method. The method steps or actions may be interchanged with one another without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is required for proper operation of the embodiment, the order and/or use of specific steps and/or actions may be modified without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may also be used to practice the aspects of present disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described herein.

[0022] As used in the description of the disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. [0023] As used herein, “and/or” refers to and encompasses 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”).

[0024] The terms “about” and “approximately” as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as a length, a frequency, or a duration and the like, is meant to encompass variations of ± 20%, ± 10%, ± 5%, ± 1%, ± 0.5%, or even ± 0.1% of the specified amount.

[0025] As used herein, phrases such as “between X and Y” and “between about X and Y” should be interpreted to include X and Y. As used herein, phrases such as “between about X and Y” mean “between about X and about Y” and phrases such as “from about X to Y” mean “from about X to about Y.”

[0026] As used herein the term "method" refers to manners, means, techniques, and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques, and procedures either known to or readily developed from known manners, means, techniques, and procedures by practitioners of the chemical, pharmacological, biological, biochemical, dental, and medical arts.

[0027] The present disclosure provides for, and includes, an apparatus for drying dental or medical instruments comprising a spinner chamber (1), a motor (7) connected to the spinner chamber, and a vacuum pump (5) connected to the spinner chamber. In an aspect, a spinner chamber (1) comprises a rotor (4), an adapter (2) configured to be received by a connector (3), a lid (6) on top of the spinner chamber (1), and a sprayer (9) configured to spray one or more disinfectant onto the dental or medical instruments. In an aspect, a sprayer (9) is attached to a lid (6).

[0028] In an aspect, “outer circumference” of a spinner chamber is a measurement of the length of the circular exterior of the spinner chamber, further defined as the mathematical constant pi multiplied by the diameter of the exterior edge of the spinner chamber. In an aspect, the diameter used to calculate the circumference describes the greatest distance from one point of the exterior edge of a spinner chamber to another point of the exterior edge of the same spinner chamber.

[0029] In an aspect, a spinner chamber (1) has an outer circumference of from about 50 centimeters (cm) to about 200 cm. In an aspect, a spinner chamber has an outer circumference of from about 50 cm to about 190 cm, from about 50 cm to about 180 cm, from about 50 cm to about 170 cm, from about 50 cm to about 160 cm, from about 50 cm to about 150 cm, from about 50 cm to about 140 cm, from about 50 cm to about 130 cm, from about 50 cm to about 120 cm, from about 50 cm to about 110 cm, from about 50 cm to about 100 cm , from about 50 cm to about 90 cm, from about 50 cm to about 80 cm, from about 50 cm to about 70 cm, or from about 50 cm to about 60 cm. In an aspect, a spinner chamber has an outer circumference of about 60 to about 200 cm, from about 70 cm to about 200 cm, from about 80 cm to about 200 cm, from about 90 cm to about 200 cm, from about 100 cm to about 200 cm, from about 110 cm to about 200 cm, from about 120 cm to about 200 cm, from about 130 cm to about 200 cm, from about 140 cm to about 200 cm, from about 150 cm to about 200 cm, from about 160 cm to about 200 cm, from about 170 cm to about 200 cm, from about 180 cm to about 200 cm, or from about 190 cm to 200 cm. In an aspect, a spinner chamber has an outer circumference of about 60 cm to about 190 cm, from about 70 cm to about 180 cm, from about 80 cm to about 170 cm, from about 90 cm to about 160 cm, from about 100 cm to about 150 cm, from about 110 cm to about 140 cm, or from about 120 cm to about 130 cm. In an aspect, a spinner chamber has an outer circumference of about 80 cm to about 120 cm.

[0030] In an aspect, “height” of a spinner chamber is a measurement of length from the exterior base to the exterior top of a cylindrical spinner chamber, normal to a surface.

[0031] In an aspect, a spinner chamber (1) has a height of about 20 cm to about 100 cm. In an aspect, a spinner chamber has a height of about 20 cm to about 90 cm, of about 20 cm to about 80 cm, of about 20 cm to about 70 cm, of about 20 cm to about 60 cm, of about 20 cm to about 50 cm, of about 20 cm to about 40 cm, or of about 20 cm to about 30 cm. In an aspect, a spinner chamber has a height of about 30 cm to about 100 cm, of about 40 cm to about 100 cm, of about 50 cm to about 100 cm, of about 60 cm to about 100 cm, of about 70 cm to about 100 cm, of about 80 cm to about 100 cm, or of about 90 cm to about 100 cm. In an aspect, a spinner chamber has a height of about 30 cm to about 80 cm. In an aspect, a spinner chamber has a height of about 40 cm to about 60 cm.

[0032] In an aspect, an adapter (2) is further configured to hold dental or medical instruments. In an aspect, an adapter (2) is a cylinder-shaped holder with a circular base on one end and an opening on the other end. In an aspect, an adapter (2) is a cubic holder with a square or rectangular base on one end and an opening on the other end.

[0033] In an aspect, “circumference” in relation to an adapter is a measurement of the length of the circular exterior of the top or bottom of the adapter, further defined as the mathematical constant pi multiplied by the diameter of the exterior edge of the adapter. In an aspect, the diameter used to calculate circumference describes the greatest distance from one point of the exterior edge of an adapter to another point of the exterior edge of the same adapter.

[0034] In an aspect, a circular base of a cylinder-shaped adapter (2) has a circumference of about 4 cm to about 20 cm. In an aspect, a circular base of a cylinder-shaped adapter has a circumference of about 6 cm to about 20 cm, of about 8 cm to about 20 cm, of about 12 cm to about 20 cm, or of about 16 cm to about 20 cm. In an aspect, a circular base of a cylindershaped adapter has a circumference of about 4 cm to about 16 cm, of about 4 cm to about 12 cm, of about 4 cm to about 8 cm, or of about 4 cm to about 6 cm. In an aspect, a circular base of a cylinder-shaped adapter has a circumference of about 6 cm to about 16 cm, or of about 6 cm to about 12 cm. In an aspect, a circular base of a cylinder-shaped adapter (2) has a circumference of about 6 cm to about 10 cm.

[0035] In an aspect, the circumference of the opening of an adapter (2) is larger than the circumference of the circular base of the adapter (2). In an aspect, the circumference of the opening of an adapter is larger than the circumference of the circular base of an adapter, measured by an opening-to-base ratio of 5: 1, by an opening-to-base ratio of 4: 1, by an opening-to-base ratio of 3 : 1, by an opening-to-base ratio of 2: 1, by an opening-to-base ratio of 1.5: 1, or by an opening-to-base ratio of 1.1 : 1.

[0036] In an aspect, “perimeter” in relation to an adapter is a measurement of the length of the square or rectangular exterior of the top or bottom of the adapter, further defined as the sum of the length of the four exterior edges of the adapter.

[0037] In an aspect, the perimeter of the opening of an adapter (2) is larger than the perimeter of the square or rectangular base of the adapter. In an aspect, the perimeter of the opening of an adapter is larger than the perimeter of the square or rectangular base of the adapter, measured by an opening-to-base ratio of 5: 1, by an opening-to-base ratio of 4: 1, by an opening-to-base ratio of 3 : 1, by an opening-to-base ratio of 2: 1, by an opening-to-base ratio of 1.5: 1, or by an opening-to-base ratio of 1.1 : 1.

[0038] In an aspect, a square base of a rectangular prism-shaped adapter (2) has a perimeter of about 4 cm to about 20 cm. In an aspect, a square base of a rectangular prismshaped adapter has a perimeter of about 6 cm to about 20 cm, of about 8 cm to about 20 cm, of about 12 cm to about 20 cm, or of about 16 cm to about 20 cm. In an aspect, a square base of a rectangular prism-shaped adapter has a perimeter of about 4 cm to about 16 cm, of about 4 cm to about 12 cm, of about 4 cm to about 8 cm, or of about 4 cm to about 6 cm. In an aspect, a square base of a rectangular prism-shaped adapter has a perimeter of about 6 cm to about 16 cm, or of about 6 cm to about 12 cm. In an aspect, a square base of a rectangular prism-shaped adapter (2) has a perimeter of about 6 cm to about 10 cm.

[0039] In an aspect, a rectangular base of a rectangular prism-shaped adapter (2) has a perimeter of about 4 cm to about 20 cm. In an aspect, a rectangular base of a rectangular prism-shaped adapter has a perimeter of about 6 cm to about 20 cm, of about 8 cm to about 20 cm, of about 12 cm to about 20 cm, or of about 16 cm to about 20 cm. In an aspect, a rectangular base of a rectangular prism-shaped adapter has a perimeter of about 4 cm to about 16 cm, of about 4 cm to about 12 cm, of about 4 cm to about 8 cm, or of about 4 cm to about 6 cm. In an aspect, a rectangular base of a rectangular prism-shaped adapter has a perimeter of about 6 cm to about 16 cm, or of about 6 cm to about 12 cm. In an aspect, a rectangular base of a rectangular prism-shaped adapter (2) has a perimeter of about 6 cm to about 10 cm. [0040] In an aspect, an adapter (2) is further configured with a hinged handle (10), a connecting guide (11), and a sterilization pouch (12) for the loading of dental instruments. In an aspect, a hinged handle (10) is cylinder shaped. In an aspect, a sterilization pouch (12) holds up to 20 dental instruments. In an aspect, a sterilization pouch holds up to 16 dental instruments. In an aspect, a sterilization pouch holds up to 12 dental instruments. In an aspect, a sterilization pouch holds up to 8 dental instruments. In an aspect, a sterilization pouch holds up to 4 dental instruments. In an aspect, a sterilization pouch can be an envelope or a cassette. In an aspect, an envelope can be a paper envelope or a plastic envelope. In an aspect, an envelope can be an envelope configured for use in an autoclave. In an aspect, a spinner chamber further comprises one or more adapters (8) configured to be received by a connector (3).

[0041] In an aspect, an adapter (2) is further configured with a hinged handle (10), a connecting guide (11), and a sterilization pouch (12) for the loading of medical instruments. In an aspect, a hinge handled (10) is cylinder shaped. In an aspect, a sterilization pouch (12) holds up to 20 medical instruments. In an aspect, a sterilization pouch holds up to 16 medical instruments. In an aspect, a sterilization pouch holds up to 12 medical instruments. In an aspect, a sterilization pouch holds up to 8 medical instruments. In an aspect, a sterilization pouch holds up to 4 medical instruments. In an aspect, a sterilization pouch can be an envelope or a cassette. In an aspect, an envelope can be a paper envelope or a plastic envelope. In an aspect, an envelope can be an envelope configured for use in an autoclave. In an aspect, a spinner chamber further comprises one or more adapters (8) configured to be received by a connector (3). [0042] In an aspect, a rotor (4) comprises a connector (3), and an adapter (2) is configured to be removable from the connector (3). In an aspect, a rotor (4) comprises a connector (3) and a lifting arm, wherein the lifting arm is configured to lift an adapter (2) holding dental or medical instruments upon activation. In an aspect, a lifting arm is configured to lift an adapter (2) for at least 5 cm.

[0043] In an aspect, a vacuum pump (5) is configured to evacuate a spinner chamber (1) with a lid (6) closed. In an aspect, a vacuum pump (5) is further configured to evacuate a spinner chamber (1) while a rotor (4) spins. In an aspect, a sprayer (9) is configured to spray a disinfectant while a rotor (4) spins. In an aspect, a disinfectant is selected from the group consisting of ethanol, detergent solution, chlorine compounds, and hydrogen peroxide. In an aspect, a disinfectant is a 60% to 100% ethanol solution. In an aspect, a disinfectant is a 70% to 100% ethanol solution. In an aspect, a disinfectant is a 80% to 100% ethanol solution. In an aspect, a disinfectant is a 90% to 100% ethanol solution. In an aspect, a disinfectant is a 60% to 90% ethanol solution. In an aspect, a disinfectant is a 60% to 80% ethanol solution. In an aspect, a disinfectant is a 60% to 70% ethanol solution. In an aspect, a disinfectant is a 70% to 90% ethanol solution. In an aspect, a disinfectant is anhydrous ethanol.

[0044] The present disclosure provides for, and includes, a method for disinfecting and drying of dental instruments. In an aspect, a method comprises the steps of placing the dental instruments inside an adapter (2) configured to attach to a rotor (4) within a spinner chamber (1), sealing the spinner chamber (1) in an airtight manner to enable evacuation, spraying a disinfectant from a sprayer (9) positioned on internal section of a lid of the spinner chamber (1) for a first predetermined period of time at a predetermined spray rate, rotating the rotor (4) for a second predetermined period of time at a predetermined rotational speed, evacuating the spinner chamber (1) via a vacuum pump (5) to a predetermined vacuum pressure, ceasing rotor (4) movement, venting the spinner chamber (1), detaching the adapter (2) from the rotor (4), and removing the disinfected and dried dental instruments from the adapter (2). In an aspect, the method further comprises lifting an adapter (2) via a lifting arm attached to a rotor (4) prior removal of the dental instruments from the adapter.

[0045] The present disclosure provides for, and includes, a method for disinfecting and drying of medical instruments. In an aspect, a method comprises the steps of placing the medical instruments inside an adapter (2) configured to attach to a rotor (4) within a spinner chamber (1), sealing the spinner chamber (1) in an airtight manner to enable evacuation, spraying a disinfectant from a sprayer (9) positioned on internal section of a lid of the spinner chamber (1) for a first predetermined period of time at a predetermined spray rate, rotating the rotor (4) for a second predetermined period of time at a predetermined rotational speed, evacuating the spinner chamber (1) via a vacuum pump (5) to a predetermined vacuum pressure, ceasing rotor (4) movement, venting the spinner chamber (1), detaching the adapter (2) from the rotor (4), and removing the disinfected and dried medical instruments from the adapter (2). In an aspect, the method further comprises lifting an adapter (2) via a lifting arm attached to a rotor (4) prior removal of the medical instruments from the adapter.

[0046] In an aspect, a rotor (4) is configured to rotate at a speed of from about 100 to about 10,000 revolutions per minute (RPM). In an aspect, a rotor (4) is configured to rotate at a speed of from about 500 to about 10,000 RPM, from about 1,000 to about 10,000 RPM, from about 2,000 to about 10,000 RPM, from about 5,000 to about 10,000 RPM, or from about 8,000 to about 10,000 RPM. In an aspect, a rotor (4) is configured to rotate at a speed of from about 100 to about 8,000 RPM, from about 100 to about 5,000 RPM, from about 100 to about 2,000 RPM, from about 100 to about 1,000 RPM, or from about 100 to about 500 RPM. In an aspect, a rotor (4) is configured to rotate at a speed of from about 500 to about 8,000 RPM, from about 1000 to about 5,000 RPM, or from about 2,000 to about 3,000 RPM. [0047] In an aspect, a first predetermined time period in regard to spraying a disinfectant from a sprayer (9) is from about 1 minute to about 60 minutes. In an aspect, a first predetermined time period in regard to spraying a disinfectant from a 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 an aspect, a first predetermined time period in regard to spraying a disinfectant from a sprayer (9) is from about 15 minute to about 60 minutes, from about 30 minute to about 60 minutes, or from about 45 minute to about 60 minutes. In an aspect, a first predetermined time period in regard to spraying a disinfectant from a sprayer (9) is from about 15 minute to about 45 minutes, or from about 25 minute to about 35 minutes. In an aspect, a second predetermined time period in regard to rotating a rotor (4) is from 1 minute to 60 minutes. In an aspect, a second predetermined time period in regard to rotating a 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 an aspect, a second predetermined time period in regard to rotating a rotor (4) is from about 15 minute to about 60 minutes, from about 30 minute to about 60 minutes, or from about 45 minute to about 60 minutes. In an aspect, a second predetermined time period in regard to rotating a rotor (4) is from about 15 minute to about 45 minutes, or from about 25 minute to about 35 minutes. In an aspect, a spraying step is continuous or intermittent. [0048] In an aspect, the pressure of an evacuated spinner chamber via a vacuum pump is 1 x 10'⁴ torr to 760 torr. In an aspect, the pressure of an evacuated spinner chamber via a vacuum pump is 1 x 10'³ torr to 760 torr. In an aspect, the pressure of an evacuated spinner chamber via a vacuum pump is 1 x 10'² torr to 760 torr. In an aspect, the pressure of an evacuated spinner chamber via a vacuum pump is 0.1 torr to 760 torr. In an aspect, the pressure of an evacuated spinner chamber via a vacuum pump is 1 torr to 760 torr. In an aspect, the pressure of an evacuated spinner chamber via a vacuum pump is 100 torr to 760 torr. In an aspect, the pressure of an evacuated spinner chamber via a vacuum pump is 300 torr to 760 torr. In an aspect, the pressure of an evacuated spinner chamber via a vacuum pump is 1 x 10'⁴ torr to 300 torr. In an aspect, the pressure of an evacuated spinner chamber via a vacuum pump is 1 x 10'⁴ torr to 100 torr. In an aspect, the pressure of an evacuated spinner chamber via a vacuum pump is 1 x 10'⁴ torr to 1 torr. In an aspect, the pressure of an evacuated spinner chamber via a vacuum pump is 1 x 10'⁴ torr to 0.1 torr. In an aspect, the pressure of an evacuated spinner chamber via a vacuum pump is 1 x 10'⁴ torr to 1 x 10'² torr. In an aspect, the pressure of an evacuated spinner chamber via a vacuum pump is 1 x 10'⁴ torr to 1 x 10'³ torr. In an aspect, the pressure of an evacuated spinner chamber via a vacuum pump is 1 x 10'³ torr to 100 torr. In an aspect, the pressure of an evacuated spinner chamber via a vacuum pump is 1 x 10'² torr to 1 torr.

[0049] In an aspect, “dental instruments” refers to instruments conventionally used in the practice of dentistry. In an aspect, the term “dental instruments” includes but is not limited to non-porous metallic dental mirrors, dental probes, dental drills, spoon excavators, ball burnishers, forceps, scalars, and elevators.

[0050] In an aspect, “medical instruments” refers to instruments conventionally used in the practice of medicine. In an aspect, the term “medical instruments” includes but is not limited to non-porous hemostats, scissors, retractors, probes, hooks, handles and other sterilizable instruments used in the practice of medicine.

[0051] In an aspect, “disinfectant” includes but is not limited to solubilized or otherwise liquid phase solutions for the removal of pathogens, mucus, blood, and other organic matter collected during the employment of dental or medical instruments. In an aspect, the term “disinfectant” includes but is not limited to aqueous ethanol solutions, anhydrous ethanol, detergent solutions, hydrogen peroxide, and chlorine compounds, including chlorine dioxide. [0052] In an aspect, the term “detergent solution” includes but is not limited to solutions comprising one or more oxidizing surfactants. In an aspect, “detergent solutions” are anticorrosive to metallic surfaces. [0053] In an aspect, the term “lifting arm” includes but is not limited to a hydraulic valve lifter, a mechanical lifter, a roller lifter, a vacuum lifter, and a magnetic lifter.

[0054] A variety of further modifications and improvements in and to the methods of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The following non-limiting embodiments are specifically envisioned:

1. An apparatus for drying dental instruments comprising: a spinner chamber (1) comprising: a rotor (4) comprising a connector (3); an adapter (2) configured to be received by the connector (3), wherein the adapter (2) is further configured to hold the dental instruments; a lid (6) on top of the spinner chamber (1); and a sprayer (9) configured to spray a disinfectant onto the dental instruments, wherein the adapter (2) is configured to be removable from the connector (3); a motor (7) connected to the spinner chamber; and a vacuum pump (5) connected to the spinner chamber.

2. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the spinner chamber (1) has an outer circumference of 50 centimeters (cm) to 200 cm.

3. The apparatus of embodiment 2, wherein the outer circumference of the spinner chamber (1) is from 80 cm to 120 cm.

4. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the spinner chamber (1) has a height of 20 cm to 100 cm.

5. The apparatus of embodiment 4, wherein the height of the spinner chamber (1) is from 40 cm to 60 cm.

6. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the spinner chamber (1) further comprises one or more adapters (8) configured to be received by the connector (3).

7. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the adapter (2) is configured to hold a sterilization pouch (12) containing up to twenty pieces of the dental instruments.

8. The apparatus of embodiment 7, wherein the sterilization pouch (12) is an envelope or a cassette.

9. The apparatus of embodiment 7 or 8, wherein the sterilization pouch (12) further comprises a hinged handle (10) connected via a guide (11).

10. The apparatus of embodiment 9, wherein the hinged handle (10) is cylinder-shaped. 11. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the adapter (2) is a cylinder-shaped holder with a circular base on one end and an opening on the other end.

12. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the adapter (2) is a cubic holder with a square or rectangular base on one end and an opening on the other end.

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

14. The apparatus of embodiment 13, wherein the circumference of the circular base is from 6 cm to 10 cm.

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

16. The apparatus of embodiment 15, wherein the circumference of the opening is from 6 cm to 10 cm.

17. The apparatus of embodiment 15 or 16, wherein the circumference of the opening of the adapter (2) is larger than the circumference of the circular base of the adapter (2).

18. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 1 to 17, wherein the vacuum pump (5) is configured to evacuate the spinner chamber (1) with the lid (6) closed.

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

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

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

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

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

24. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 1 to 23, wherein the sprayer (9) is attached to the lid (6).

25. An apparatus for drying dental instruments comprising: a spinner chamber (1) comprising: a rotor (4) comprising a connector (3) and a lifting arm; an adapter (2) configured to be received by the connector (3) and attached to the lifting arm, wherein the adapter (2) is further configured to hold the dental instruments; a lid (6) on top of the spinner chamber (1); and a sprayer (9) configured to spray a disinfectant onto the dental instruments, wherein the lifting arm is configured to lift the adapter (2) holding the dental instruments upon activation; a motor (7) connected to the spinner chamber; and a vacuum pump (5) connected to the spinner chamber.

26. The apparatus of embodiment 25, wherein the spinner chamber (1) has an outer circumference of 50 centimeters (cm) to 200 cm.

27. The apparatus of embodiment 26, wherein the outer circumference of the spinner chamber (1) is from 80 cm to 120 cm.

28. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 25 to 27, wherein the spinner chamber (1) has a height of 20 cm to 100 cm.

29. The apparatus of embodiment 28, wherein the height of the spinner chamber (1) is from 40 cm to 60 cm.

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

31. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 25 to 30, wherein the lifting arm is configured to lift the adapter (2) for at least 5 cm.

32. The apparatus of 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.

33. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 25 to 32, wherein the spinner chamber (1) further comprises one or more adapters (8) configured to be received by the connector (3) and attached to the lifting arm.

34. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 25 to 33, wherein the adapter (2) is configured to hold a sterilization pouch (12) containing up to twenty pieces of the dental instruments.

35. The apparatus of embodiment 34, wherein the sterilization pouch (12) is an envelope or a cassette.

36. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 34 to 35, wherein the sterilization pouch (12) further comprises a hinged handle (10) connected via a guide (11). 37. The apparatus of embodiment 36, wherein the hinged handle (10) is cylinder-shaped.

38. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 25 to 37, wherein the adapter (2) is a cylinder-shaped holder with a circular base on one end and an opening on the other end.

39. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 25 to 37, wherein the adapter (2) is a cubic holder with a square or rectangular base on one end and an opening on the other end.

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

41. The apparatus of embodiment 40, wherein the circumference of the circular base is from 6 cm to 10 cm.

42. The apparatus of embodiment 38, wherein the adapter (2) has the opening with a circumference of 4 cm to 20 cm.

43. The apparatus of embodiment 42, wherein the circumference of the opening is from 6 cm to 10 cm.

44. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 42 to 43, wherein the circumference of the opening of the adapter (2) is larger than the circumference of the circular base of the adapter (2).

45. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 25 to 44, wherein the vacuum pump (5) is configured to evacuate the spinner chamber (1) with the lid (6) closed.

46. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 25 to 45, wherein the vacuum pump (5) is further configured to evacuate the spinner chamber (1) while the rotor (4) spins.

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

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

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

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

51. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 25 to 50, wherein the sprayer (9) is attached to the lid (6).

52. A method of drying dental instruments comprising: placing the dental instruments to be dried inside an adapter (2) attached to a rotor (4) in a spinner chamber (1); sealing the spinner chamber (1) in an airtight manner; spraying a disinfectant from a sprayer (9) onto the dental instruments for a first predetermined time period; rotating the rotor (4) attached to the adapter at a predetermined speed for a second predetermined time period; evacuating the spinner chamber (1) via a vacuum pump (5); stopping the rotor (4); venting and unsealing the spinner chamber (1); detaching the adapter (2) from the rotor (4); and removing the dental instruments from the adapter.

53. The method of embodiment 52, wherein the spinner chamber (1) has an outer circumference of 50 centimeters (cm) to 200 cm.

54. The method of embodiment 53, wherein the outer circumference of the spinner chamber is from 80 cm to 120 cm.

55. The method of any one of embodiments 52 to 54, wherein the spinner chamber (1) has a height of 20 cm to 100 cm.

56. The method of embodiment 55, wherein the height of the spinner chamber (1) is from 40 cm to 60 cm.

57. The method of any one of embodiments 52 to 56 further comprising depositing the dental instruments into a sterilization pouch (12) before the placing step.

58. The method of embodiment 57, wherein the sterilization pouch (12) can be an envelope or a cassette.

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

60. The method of embodiment 59, wherein the removing step further comprises lifting the hinged handle (10) to lift the sterilization pouch (12).

61. The method of any one of embodiments 52 to 60, wherein the adapter (2) is a cylinder-shaped holder with a circular base on one end and an opening on the other end.

62. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 52 to 60, wherein the adapter (2) is a cubic holder with a square or rectangular base on one end and an opening on the other end.

63. The method of embodiment 61, wherein the adapter (2) has a circular base with a circumference of 4 cm to 20 cm. 64. The method of embodiment 63, wherein the circumference of the circular base is from 6 cm to 10 cm.

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

66. The method of embodiment 65, wherein the circumference of the opening is from 6 cm to 10 cm.

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

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

69. The method of any one of embodiments 52 to 68, wherein the spraying step is performed before the rotating step.

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

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

72. The method of any one of embodiments 52 to 71, wherein the spraying step occurs concurrently as the rotating step for a portion of the second predetermined time period.

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

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

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

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

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

78. A method of drying dental instruments comprising: placing the dental instruments to be dried inside an adapter (2) attached to a rotor

(4) in a spinner chamber (1); sealing the spinner chamber (1) in an airtight manner; spraying a disinfectant from a sprayer (9) onto the dental instruments for a first predetermined time period; rotating the rotor (4) attached to the adapter at a predetermined speed for a second predetermined time period; evacuating the spinner chamber (1) via a vacuum pump (5); stopping the rotor (4); unsealing the spinner chamber (1); lifting the adapter (2) via a lifting arm attached to the rotor (4); and removing the dental instruments from the adapter.

79. The method of embodiment 78, wherein the spinner chamber (1) has an outer circumference of 50 centimeters (cm) to 200 cm.

80. The method of embodiment 79, wherein the outer circumference of the spinner chamber is from 80 cm to 120 cm.

81. The method of any one of embodiments 78 to 80, wherein the spinner chamber (1) has a height of 20 cm to 100 cm.

82. The method of embodiment 81, wherein the height of the spinner chamber (1) is from 40 cm to 60 cm.

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

84. The method of any one of embodiments 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 of any one of embodiments 78 to 84, wherein the spinner chamber (1) further comprises one or more adapters (8) configured to be received by the connector (3) and attached to the lifting arm.

86. The method of any one of embodiments 78 to 85 further comprising depositing the dental instruments into a sterilization pouch (12) before the placing step.

87. The method of embodiment 86, wherein the sterilization pouch (12) can be an envelope or a cassette.

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

89. The method of embodiment 88, wherein the removing step further comprises lifting the hinged handle (10) to lift the sterilization pouch (12). 90. The method of any one of embodiments 78 to 89, wherein the adapter (2) is a cylinder-shaped holder with a circular base on one end and an opening on the other end.

91. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 78 to 89, wherein the adapter (2) is a cubic holder with a square or rectangular base on one end and an opening on the other end.

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

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

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

95. The method of embodiment 94, wherein the circumference of the opening is from 6 cm to 10 cm.

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

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

98. The method of any one of embodiments 78 to 97, wherein the spraying step is performed before the rotating step.

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

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

101. The method of any one of embodiments 78 to 100, wherein the spraying step occurs concurrently as the rotating step for a portion of the second predetermined time period.

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

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

104. The method of embodiment 103, wherein the ethanol is 100% ethanol solution. 105. The method of any one of embodiments 78 to 104, wherein the speed of the rotor (4) is 100 to 10,000 revolutions per minute (RPM).

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

107. An apparatus for drying medical instruments comprising: a spinner chamber (1) comprising: a rotor (4) comprising a connector (3); an adapter (2) configured to be received by the connector (3), wherein the adapter (2) is further configured to hold the medical instruments; a lid (6) on top of the spinner chamber (1); and a sprayer (9) configured to spray a disinfectant onto the medical instruments, wherein the adapter (2) is configured to be removable from the connector (3); a motor (7) connected to the spinner chamber; and a vacuum pump (5) connected to the spinner chamber.

108. The apparatus of embodiment 107, wherein the spinner chamber (1) has an outer circumference of 50 centimeters (cm) to 200 cm.

109. The apparatus of embodiment 108, wherein the outer circumference of the spinner chamber (1) is from 80 cm to 120 cm.

110. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 107 to 109, wherein the spinner chamber (1) has a height of 20 cm to 100 cm.

111. The apparatus of embodiment 110, wherein the height of the spinner chamber (1) is from 40 cm to 60 cm.

112. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 107 to 111, wherein the spinner chamber (1) further comprises one or more adapters (8) configured to be received by the connector (3).

113. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 107 to 112, wherein the adapter (2) is configured to hold a sterilization pouch (12) containing up to twenty pieces of the medical instruments.

114. The apparatus of embodiment 113, wherein the sterilization pouch (12) is an envelope or a cassette.

115. The apparatus of embodiments 113 or 114, wherein the sterilization pouch (12) further comprises a hinged handle (10) connected via a guide (11).

116. The apparatus of embodiment 115, wherein the hinged handle (10) is cylindershaped. 117. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 107 to 116, wherein the adapter (2) is a cylinder-shaped holder with a circular base on one end and an opening on the other end.

118. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 107 to 116, wherein the adapter (2) is a cubic holder with a square or rectangular base on one end and an opening on the other end.

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

120. The apparatus of embodiment 119, wherein the circumference of the circular base is from 6 cm to 10 cm.

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

122. The apparatus of embodiment 121, wherein the circumference of the opening is from 6 cm to 10 cm.

123. The apparatus of embodiment 121 or 122, wherein the circumference of the opening of the adapter (2) is larger than the circumference of the circular base of the adapter (2).

124. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 107 to 123, wherein the vacuum pump (5) is configured to evacuate the spinner chamber (1) with the lid (6) closed.

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

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

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

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

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

130. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 107 to 129, wherein the sprayer (9) is attached to the lid (6).

131. A method of drying medical instruments comprising: placing the medical instruments to be dried inside an adapter (2) attached to a rotor (4) in a spinner chamber (1); sealing the spinner chamber (1) in an airtight manner; spraying a disinfectant from a sprayer (9) onto the medical instruments for a first predetermined time period; rotating the rotor (4) attached to the adapter at a predetermined speed for a second predetermined time period; evacuating the spinner chamber (1) via a vacuum pump (5); stopping the rotor (4); venting and unsealing the spinner chamber (1); detaching the adapter (2) from the rotor (4); and removing the medical instruments from the adapter.

132. The method of embodiment 131, wherein the spinner chamber (1) has an outer circumference of 50 centimeters (cm) to 200 cm.

133. The method of embodiment 132, wherein the outer circumference of the spinner chamber is from 80 cm to 120 cm.

134. The method of any one of embodiments 131 to 54, wherein the spinner chamber (1) has a height of 20 cm to 100 cm.

135. The method of embodiment 134, wherein the height of the spinner chamber (1) is from 40 cm to 60 cm.

136. The method of any one of embodiments 131 to 135 further comprising depositing the medical instruments into a sterilization pouch (12) before the placing step.

137. The method of embodiment 136, wherein the sterilization pouch (12) can be an envelope or a cassette.

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

139. The method of embodiment 138, wherein the removing step further comprises lifting the hinged handle (10) to lift the sterilization pouch (12).

140. The method of any one of embodiments 131 to 139, wherein the adapter (2) is a cylinder-shaped holder with a circular base on one end and an opening on the other end. 141. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 131 to 139, wherein the adapter (2) is a cubic holder with a square or rectangular base on one end and an opening on the other end.

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

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

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

145. The method of embodiment 144, wherein the circumference of the opening is from 6 cm to 10 cm.

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

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

148. The method of any one of embodiments 131 to 147, wherein the spraying step is performed before the rotating step.

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

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

151. The method of any one of embodiments 131 to 150, wherein the spraying step occurs concurrently as the rotating step for a portion of the second predetermined time period.

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

[0056] The following examples are put forth so as to provide those of ordinary skill in the art with a complete disclosure and description of how to make and use the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of what the inventors regard as their invention, nor are they intended to represent or imply that the experiments below are all of or the only experiments performed. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific aspects without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present aspects are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

EXAMPLE 1

[0057] A tabletop centrifuge apparatus is constructed according to Figure 1 A and Figure IB. The centrifuge comprises a spinner chamber (1) in connection to a vacuum pump (5) and a motor (7). The spinner chamber (1) is comprised of a rotor (4), eight adapters (2, 8) for the deposition of up to 20 dental instruments in each adapter, and a lid (6) that provides an airtight seal, configured with a sprayer (9) that introduces a 100% ethanol disinfectant, either continuously or intermittently onto dental instruments. A vacuum pump is employed to evacuate a spinner chamber to a pressure of 1 x 10'² torr, loaded with dental instruments for disinfection and drying. A motor is utilized to rotate a rotor to a speed of 1,000 RPM and activate a sprayer to spray dental instruments with disinfectant at a continuous rate of 30 mL/min.

EXAMPLE 2

[0058] A tabletop centrifuge apparatus is constructed according to Figure 1 A and Figure IB. Two adapters are optionally filled with 4 to 20 individual nonporous, metallic instruments, according to Figure 2. Adapters that are not utilized for the deposition of instruments are filled with a counterbalance material to prevent unbalanced rotation of a spinning chamber and undue damage to a centrifuge. A sterilization pouch (12), which is an envelope, is placed over to open end of each adapter containing instruments. A sterilization pouch further comprises a hinged handle (10) connected via a guide (11). Each adapter is configured with a lift mechanism which, when activated, elevated the sterilized and dried instruments, displacing a sterilization pouch up with instruments inside. The lift mechanism allows an operator to handle the outside of a sterilization pouch, while prohibiting operator contact with the disinfected and dried instruments within. EXAMPLE 3

[0059] In the apparatus according to Example 1, 12 dental instruments are inserted into each of eight adapters. A lid (6) configured with a sprayer (9) is closed, providing an airtight seal, wherein the sprayer is activated to continuously spray a 100% ethanol disinfectant for 5 minutes. A rotor is accelerated for a period of 3 minutes to a maximum and sustained rotational speed of 1,000 RPM for 10 minutes. A vacuum is applied by a vacuum pump (5), decreasing the pressure of a spinner chamber from atmosphere to IxlO'² torr, and facilitating the evaporation of residual liquid deposited on the dental instruments. After the period of rotation, the rotor is decelerated and the spinner chamber is evacuated to atmospheric pressure. A lift arm is then activated to raise the sterilization pouch to encapsulate the instruments, enabling an operator to remove the disinfected, pouch-encompassed instruments for further sterilization.

EXAMPLE 4

[0060] A tabletop centrifuge apparatus is constructed according to Figure 1 A and Figure IB. The centrifuge comprises a spinner chamber (1) in connection to a vacuum pump (5) and a motor (7). The spinner chamber (1) is comprised of a rotor (4), eight adapters (2, 8) for the deposition of up to 20 medical instruments in each adapter, and a lid (6) that provides an airtight seal, configured with a sprayer (9) that introduces a 100% ethanol disinfectant, either continuously or intermittently onto medical instruments. A vacuum pump is employed to evacuate a spinner chamber to a pressure of 1 x 10'² torr, loaded with medical instruments for disinfection and drying. A motor is utilized to rotate a rotor to a speed of 1,000 RPM and activate a sprayer to spray medical instruments with disinfectant at a continuous rate of 30 mL/min.

Claims

CLAIMS:

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the spinner chamber (1) has an outer circumference of 50 centimeters (cm) to 200 cm.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the outer circumference of the spinner chamber (1) is from 80 cm to 120 cm.

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

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the height of the spinner chamber (1) is from 40 cm to 60 cm.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the spinner chamber (1) further comprises one or more adapters (8) configured to be received by the connector (3).

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

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the sterilization pouch (12) is an envelope or a cassette.

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

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the hinged handle (10) is cylinder-shaped.

11. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the adapter (2) is a cylindershaped holder with a circular base on one end and an opening on the other end.

12. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the adapter (2) is a cubic holder with a square or rectangular base on one end and an opening on the other end.

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

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

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

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the circumference of the opening is from 6 cm to 10 cm.

17. The apparatus of claim 15 or 16, wherein the circumference of the opening of the adapter (2) is larger than the circumference of the circular base of the adapter (2).

18. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the vacuum pump (5) is configured to evacuate the spinner chamber (1) with the lid (6) closed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the spinner chamber (1) has an outer circumference of 50 centimeters (cm) to 200 cm.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the outer circumference of the spinner chamber (1) is from 80 cm to 120 cm.

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

29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the height of the spinner chamber (1) is from 40 cm to 60 cm.

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

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

32. The apparatus of 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 of any one of claims 25 to 32, wherein the spinner chamber (1) further comprises one or more adapters (8) configured to be received by the connector (3) and attached to the lifting arm.

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

35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the sterilization pouch (12) is an envelope or a cassette.

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

37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the hinged handle (10) is cylinder-shaped.

38. The apparatus of any one of claims 25 to 37, wherein the adapter (2) is a cylindershaped holder with a circular base on one end and an opening on the other end.

39. The apparatus of any one of claims 25 to 37, wherein the adapter (2) is a cubic holder with a square or rectangular base on one end and an opening on the other end.

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

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

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

43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the circumference of the opening is from 6 cm to 10 cm.

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

45. The apparatus of any one of claims 25 to 44, wherein the vacuum pump (5) is configured to evacuate the spinner chamber (1) with the lid (6) closed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

52. A method of drying dental instruments comprising: placing the dental instruments to be dried inside an adapter (2) attached to a rotor

(4) in a spinner chamber (1); sealing the spinner chamber (1) in an airtight manner; spraying a disinfectant from a sprayer (9) onto the dental instruments for a first predetermined time period; rotating the rotor (4) attached to the adapter at a predetermined speed for a second predetermined time period; evacuating the spinner chamber (1) via a vacuum pump (5); stopping the rotor (4); venting and unsealing the spinner chamber (1); detaching the adapter (2) from the rotor (4); and removing the dental instruments from the adapter.

53. The method of claim 52, wherein the spinner chamber (1) has an outer circumference of 50 centimeters (cm) to 200 cm.

54. The method of claim 53, wherein the outer circumference of the spinner chamber is from 80 cm to 120 cm.

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

56. The method of claim 55, wherein the height of the spinner chamber (1) is from 40 cm to 60 cm.

57. The method of any one of claims 52 to 56 further comprising depositing the dental instruments into a sterilization pouch (12) before the placing step.

58. The method of claim 57, wherein the sterilization pouch (12) can be an envelope or a cassette.

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

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

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

62. The apparatus of any one of claims 52 to 60, wherein the adapter (2) is a cubic holder with a square or rectangular base on one end and an opening on the other end.

63. The method of 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 from 6 cm to 10 cm.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

72. The method of any one of claims 52 to 71, wherein the spraying step occurs concurrently as the rotating step for a portion of the second predetermined time period.

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

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

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

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

78. A method of drying dental instruments comprising: placing the dental instruments to be dried inside an adapter (2) attached to a rotor (4) in a spinner chamber (1); sealing the spinner chamber (1) in an airtight manner; spraying a disinfectant from a sprayer (9) onto the dental instruments for a first predetermined time period; rotating the rotor (4) attached to the adapter at a predetermined speed for a second predetermined time period; evacuating the spinner chamber (1) via a vacuum pump (5); stopping the rotor (4); unsealing the spinner chamber (1); lifting the adapter (2) via a lifting arm attached to the rotor (4); and removing the dental instruments from the adapter.

79. The method of claim 78, wherein the spinner chamber (1) has an outer circumference of 50 centimeters (cm) to 200 cm.

80. The method of claim 79, wherein the outer circumference of the spinner chamber is from 80 cm to 120 cm.

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

82. The method of claim 81, wherein the height of the spinner chamber (1) is from 40 cm to 60 cm.

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

84. The method of 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 of any one of claims 78 to 84, wherein the spinner chamber (1) further comprises one or more adapters (8) configured to be received by the connector (3) and attached to the lifting arm.

86. The method of any one of claims 78 to 85 further comprising depositing the dental instruments into a sterilization pouch (12) before the placing step.

87. The method of claim 86, wherein the sterilization pouch (12) can be an envelope or a cassette.

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

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

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

91. The apparatus of any one of claims 78 to 89, wherein the adapter (2) is a cubic holder with a square or rectangular base on one end and an opening on the other end.

92. The method of 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 from 6 cm to 10 cm.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

101. The method of any one of claims 78 to 100, wherein the spraying step occurs concurrently as the rotating step for a portion of the second predetermined time period.

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

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

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

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

108. The apparatus of claim 107, wherein the spinner chamber (1) has an outer circumference of 50 centimeters (cm) to 200 cm.

109. The apparatus of claim 108, wherein the outer circumference of the spinner chamber (1) is from 80 cm to 120 cm.

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

111. The apparatus of claim 110, wherein the height of the spinner chamber (1) is from 40 cm to 60 cm.

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

113. The apparatus of any one of claims 107 to 112, wherein the adapter (2) is configured to hold a sterilization pouch (12) containing up to twenty pieces of the medical instruments.

114. The apparatus of claim 113, wherein the sterilization pouch (12) is an envelope or a cassette.

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

116. The apparatus of claim 115, wherein the hinged handle (10) is cylindershaped.

117. The apparatus of any one of claims 107 to 116, wherein the adapter (2) is a cylinder-shaped holder with a circular base on one end and an opening on the other end.

118. The apparatus of any one of claims 107 to 116, wherein the adapter (2) is a cubic holder with a square or rectangular base on one end and an opening on the other end.

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

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

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

122. The apparatus of claim 121, wherein the circumference of the opening is from 6 cm to 10 cm.

123. The apparatus of claim 121 or 122, wherein the circumference of the opening of the adapter (2) is larger than the circumference of the circular base of the adapter (2).

124. The apparatus of any one of claims 107 to 123, wherein the vacuum pump (5) is configured to evacuate the spinner chamber (1) with the lid (6) closed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

132. The method of claim 131, wherein the spinner chamber (1) has an outer circumference of 50 centimeters (cm) to 200 cm.

133. The method of claim 132, wherein the outer circumference of the spinner chamber is from 80 cm to 120 cm.

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

135. The method of claim 134, wherein the height of the spinner chamber (1) is from 40 cm to 60 cm.

136. The method of any one of claims 131 to 135 further comprising depositing the medical instruments into a sterilization pouch (12) before the placing step.

137. The method of claim 136, wherein the sterilization pouch (12) can be an envelope or a cassette.

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

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

140. The method of any one of claims 131 to 139, wherein the adapter (2) is a cylinder-shaped holder with a circular base on one end and an opening on the other end.

141. The apparatus of any one of claims 131 to 139, wherein the adapter (2) is a cubic holder with a square or rectangular base on one end and an opening on 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 from 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 circumference of the opening is from 6 cm to 10 cm.

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

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

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

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

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

151. The method of any one of claims 131 to 150, wherein the spraying step occurs concurrently as the rotating step for a portion of the second predetermined time period.

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