Abstract: A handle and a method of fabricating a handle, or another article of manufacture, that minimizes or avoids the likelihood of accumulating contamination before, during, or after use. The article includes a core element, for example, a plastic core element, having an outer surface and raised indicia, such as, letters or logos, extending beyond the outer surface; and a light-transferring material completely covering the raised indicia of the core element wherein the raised indicia are visible through the light-transferring material. The complete covering of the indicia avoids separation between the cover and the indicia. The cover material may be a translucent thermoplastic elastomer. Though particularly applicable to the medical device industry, aspects of the invention may be applied to a broad range of industries.

Abstract: A method of encasing a magnet to isolate the magnet from the environment is provided. The method includes introducing a magnet to a housing having at least one passage capable of passing a fluid from the environment to the magnet, introducing a hardenable fluid, for example, a resin, to the passage to obstruct the passage, and solidifying the hardenable fluid in the passage to provide a solid obstruction to the passage to isolate the magnet from environmental fluids. The housing may be provided as two mating housings and the passage may be provided by the mating surfaces between the two housings. An encased magnet is also disclosed. The encased magnet may be used in any environment that may be damaging to the magnet, for example, in surgical or prosthetic applications.

Abstract: A handle and a method of fabricating a handle, or another article of manufacture, that minimizes or avoids the likelihood of accumulating contamination before, during, or after use. The article includes a core element, for example, a plastic core element, having an outer surface and raised indicia, such as, letters or logos, extending beyond the outer surface; and a light-transferring material completely covering the raised indicia of the core element wherein the raised indicia are visible through the light-transferring material. The complete covering of the indicia avoids separation between the cover and the indicia. The cover material may be a translucent thermoplastic elastomer. Though particularly applicable to the medical device industry, aspects of the invention may be applied to a broad range of industries.

Abstract: An instrument tray assembly and support brackets for mounting in an instrument tray assembly, for example, for retaining medical supplies and medical devices, are provided. The brackets engage the instrument tray and are adapted to facilitate installation and removal of the brackets from the tray. The support brackets include a bottom and a plurality of side walls extending from the bottom. The plurality of side walls are adapted to engage a perforation in a planar surface of the instrument tray to secure the support bracket to the instrument tray. The side walls of the brackets include outwardly biased, cantilevered projections positioned to engage a perforation in the instrument tray. The projections releasably engage the tray for installation and removal. Methods of engaging a bracket into an instrument tray are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of encasing a magnet to isolate the magnet from the environment is provided. The method includes introducing a magnet to a housing having at least one passage capable of passing a fluid from the environment to the magnet, introducing a hardenable fluid, for example, a resin, to the passage to obstruct the passage, and solidifying the hardenable fluid in the passage to provide a solid obstruction to the passage to isolate the magnet from environmental fluids. The housing may be provided as two mating housings and the passage may be provided by the mating surfaces between the two housings. An encased magnet is also disclosed. The encased magnet may be used in any environment that may be damaging to the magnet, for example, in surgical or prosthetic applications.

Abstract: A motive power battery casing is blow molded in an oblong configuration of rectangular cross-section. The die is notched so as to create longitudinal ribs of relatively greater thickness of the molding material in a generally cylindrical parison. The casing mold is vented in the bottom at its corners to assure full development of the casing corners. The casing is formed with relatively thin side walls and a relatively thicker collar of the molding material near its top in order to provide sufficient strength for heat sealing at the top.