Abstract: An extrusion apparatus is taught that employs a die adapter that is partially submerged in a heat transfer bath on a horizontal plane such that there is no air gap between the die extrusion aperture and the heat transfer bath. A porous dam is positioned between the die and the heat transfer bath. A heat insulating plate is positioned between the porous dam and the die to prevent the heat transfer medium from flowing onto the die. The heat insulating plate also prevents excessive cooling of the die tip thereby allowing the necessary precise thermal control over the extrudate skin formation to prevent melt fracture and form a low density extrudate with a smooth solid skin and inner foamed core.

Abstract: A sterilization tray container system includes an apertured rack in which surgical tools are located. A resiliently deformable retention mat having a plurality of apertures formed in a predetermined array pattern underlying, at least in part, the array pattern in the tray, is provided below the rack. The apertures in the resiliently deformable retention mat extend entirely therethrough, and are sized and configured so as to releasably grip the surgical tools intended to be placed therein. The resiliently deformable retention mat is positioned below the rack, and is attached to the rack by a mechanical support, or fixedly held in position between the rack and the container bottom.