Importance

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Abstract

Medical waste products including plastic and non-plastic elements are placed in a metal container which includes a raised insert element for supporting the waste above the bottom of the container. The container and used medical waste products are subjected to dry heat treatment at temperatures below the waste material flash points but of sufficient temperature and for a sufficient time to melt the plastic elements as well as to sterilize the contents. During the heating process the metal, rubber and other non-plastic elements remain on the raised insert; whereas, the molten plastic flows through or over the side of the insert to the bottom of the container. Upon cooling the plastic and non-plastic components of the medical waste products are separated as well as being sterile such that the container can be opened and the contents separately handled for appropriate recycling. The dry heat generator conveniently may be placed in a medical office or the like and is microprocessor controlled to obtain the desired end products. The processor additionally controls an electrical interlock system whereby the heat generator unit may not be opened until an entire heat cycle has been completed, and the waste products have cooled to a safe temperature.

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First Claim