Abstract: A pouch for sterilized materials is formed from two webs positioned face-to-face attached around portions of their edges by heat fusion, thereby forming a pouch having an interior cavity and a mouth being an unsealed portion of the webs along a top edge. An interior boundary line along the inside of the seal area has a wavy configuration which includes a series of inward-facing peaks and valleys. Thus, when the cross-seal is applied to close the pouch, the overlap of the seal areas along the interior boundary is along a wavy line and therefore microbial contamination is inhibited by this tortuous path. A similar tortuous path for preventing microbial contamination is provided in the type of the pouch having a breather panel by cutting a wavy configuration into the side edge of the breather panel web before it is spliced and fused to the other pouch webs.

Abstract: A method of preparing a sterilized nonwoven web, which method includes providing a nonwoven web; coating the nonwoven web with from about 0.005 to about 3 percent by weight, based on the weight of the web, of an antistatic agent; and exposing the coated nonwoven web to an oxidizing gas plasma. The antistatic agent is adapted to be free of a malodor after exposure of the coated nonwoven web to the oxidizing gas plasma. The antistatic agent may be further adapted to provide a sterilized nonwoven web having a hydrohead value as measured by Method 5514 of Federal Test Method Standard No. 191A which is at least 50 percent of the hydrohead value of the coated nonwoven web before exposure to the oxidizing gas plasma. The antistatic agent also may be adapted to provide a sterilized nonwoven web having a surface resistivity in ohms which is lower than the surface resistivity in ohms of the coated nonwoven web before exposure of the coated nonwoven web to the oxidizing gas plasma.

Abstract: A substantially flexible, shape-sustaining article having an appearance simulating paper made by forming a flexible, laminated material having a paper-like texture or appearance into a substantially flexible article for receiving an object. The substantially flexible article includes a base having a lower end, an open upper end with an object opening extending therethrough and a decorative border extending outwardly from the open upper end of the base. The lower end of the base of the article may be closed and may also contain a gusset.

Abstract: There is provided an improved sterilization wrap and a method for using the improved sterilization wrap to sterilize an article. The wrap is made of a first and second sheets of sterilization material. Each sheet has first, second, third and fourth edges. Each sheet includes a central portion. The first edge of the first sheet is in register with and bonded to the first edge of the second sheet; the second edge of the first sheet is in register with and bonded to the second edge of the second sheet; the third edge of the first sheet is in register with and bonded to the third edge of the second sheet; and the fourth edge of the first sheet is in register with and bonded to the fourth edge of the second sheet. The central portions of the first and second sheets are substantially not bonded together. Thus, two layers of sterilization material is provided for an article to be sterilized.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a single step sterilization wrapping material suitable for use, as an example, in wrapping surgical instruments and supplies for sterilization, transportation and storage. The material includes separate inner and outer wraps which, unlike previous wraps, are joined to one another. Common wrapping techniques involve wrapping items to be sterilized with two separate sheets of wrap. The present invention provides separate wraps which can be specially engineered to deliver specific properties for each sheet and then joined to one another so as to permit wrapping and opening in a neat single step process which increases efficiency and saves time and money. In special situations the outer wrap can be engineered with increased strength, the inner wrap with increased barrier properties and the inner and outer wraps can be made visually distinct from one another so that improper wrapping or opening is not a problem.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for stabilizing bicarbonate-based solutions for peritoneal dialysis or hemofiltration. The bicarbonate-based solutions of the present invention are formulated and stored in at least two parts—an alkaline bicarbonate concentrate and an acidic concentrate. The alkaline bicarbonate concentrate is adjusted to have a pH of about 8.6 to 10.0. The acidic concentrate is adjusted to have a stable, acidic pH ranging from about 1.0 to 3.0. Upon mixing, although some variation in the pH of the mixed bicarbonate solution exists, the inventors have discovered that with the appropriate selection of the parameters of the concentrates, the pH of the mixed solution is always within an acceptable physiological range.

Abstract: A package for a sterilizable item is provided. The package includes a tubular member having an open end and a closed end. A reinforcing panel encompassing the closed end is secured to the tubular member proximate the closed end such that the reinforcing panel includes an open end. A cuff portion is attached to the tubular member proximate the open end of the tubular member. The cuff portion includes a first edge secured to the tubular member and a second edge in spaced relation from the first edge, wherein in the cuff portion extends from the open end of the tubular member and substantially overlaps the open end of said reinforcing panel. A portion of the inside surface of the tubular member is thus exposed and defines the width of the cuff portion. In the preferred embodiment, the cuff portion is integral with the tubular member.

Abstract: A package for a sterilizable item is provided. The package includes a tubular member having an open end and a closed end. A reinforcing panel encompassing the closed end is secured to the tubular member proximate the closed end such that the reinforcing panel includes an open end. A cuff portion is attached to the tubular member proximate the open end of the tubular member. The cuff portion includes a first edge secured to the tubular member and a second edge in spaced relation from the first edge, wherein in the cuff portion extends from the open end of the tubular member and substantially overlaps the open end of said reinforcing panel. A portion of the inside surface of the tubular member is thus exposed and defines the width of the cuff portion. In the preferred embodiment, the cuff portion is integral with the tubular member.

Abstract: A pouch-type container for sterilized materials comprises two webs positioned face-to-face attached around portions of their edges by heat fusion, thereby forming a pouch having an interior cavity and a mouth being an unsealed portion of the webs along a top edge. An interior boundary line along the inside of the seal area has a wavy configuration which includes a series of inward-facing peaks and valleys. Thus, when the cross-seal is applied to close the pouch, the overlap of the seal areas along the interior boundary is along a wavy line and therefore microbial contamination is inhibited by this tortuous path. A similar tortuous path for preventing microbial contamination is provided in the type of the pouch having a breather panel by cutting a wavy configuration into the side edge of the breather panel web before it is spliced and fused to the other pouch webs.

Abstract: A web of serially positioned pre-opened sterile bags adapted for implementation with an automatic bagging machine is presented. The web of bags is defined by a polyester sheet selectively bonded to a paper backing sheet, with the bags being separable from each other by perforations. The webs of bags conducive for implementation with automated packaging equipment are devised by slitting columns of bags from an existing matrix and separating the bags within the columns from each other by means of perforations.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a single step sterilization wrapping material suitable for use, as an example, in wrapping surgical instruments and supplies for sterilization, transportation and storage. The material includes separate inner and outer wraps which, unlike previous wraps, are joined to one another. Common wrapping techniques involve wrapping items to be sterilized with two separate sheets of wrap. The present invention provides separate wraps which can be specially engineered to deliver specific properties for each sheet and then joined to one another so as to permit wrapping and opening in a neat single step process which increases efficiency and saves time and money. In special situations the outer wrap can be engineered with increased strength, the inner wrap with increased barrier properties and the inner and outer wraps can be made visually distinct from one another so that improper wrapping or opening is not a problem.

Abstract: There is provided an improved two-ply sterilization wrap and a method for using the improved sterilization wrap to sterilize an article. The wrap is made of a single sheet of sterilization material. The sheet is folded forming at least one fold. The folded sheet forms first and second overlapping panels and two layers of sterilization material. Preferably, the panels are bonded to each other. The folded single sheet provides two layers of sterilization material covering the article to be sterilized.

Abstract: A method and package for storing a pressurized container which is filled with a drug formulation at a predetermined pressure. The drug formulation includes a mixture of a drug and a propellant. The package which encloses the pressurized container substantially prevents ingression of water vapor and particulate matter into the package while permitting egression of the propellant which may leak from the pressurized container.

Abstract: A bag construction for use to distribute flowable material includes first and second panel sections oriented juxtaposed to one another. In one end of the bag construction, a gusset with distribution apertures are provided. This permits distribution of a flowable material in the interior of the bag construction. At another end of the bag construction, a stand-up, solid, unperforated gusset is provided. This gusset permits the bag construction to stand in an upright position, for display and storage purposes. Methods of preparing and using such arrangements are described.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a medical package is provided which includes a housing, and a catheter product. The housing defines an enclosure which is sealed against ingress of contaminants. The housing has at least a first part and a second part which is movable relative to the first part to open the enclosure. At least one of the parts has a plurality of pores through which a sterilization fluid can enter the enclosure, but which substantially prevent entry of contaminants into the enclosure. The catheter product includes a body, and a vascular access member. The vascular access member has a first end and a second, vascular entry end. The first end is secured to the body and the second end is located distant from the body. The catheter product is located entirely within the enclosure. The catheter product is secured in position to the housing. The catheter product is removed from the housing after the second part is moved relative to the first part to open the enclosure.

Abstract: A method and package for storing a pressurized container which is filled with a drug formulation at a predetermined pressure. The drug formulation includes a mixture of a drug and a propellant. The package which encloses the pressurized container substantially prevents ingression of water vapor and particulate matter into the package while permitting egression of the propellant which may leak from the pressurized container.

Abstract: A method and package for storing a pressurized container which is filled with a drug formulation at a predetermined pressure. The drug formulation includes a mixture of a drug and a propellant. The package which encloses the pressurized container substantially prevents ingression of water vapor and particulate matter into the package while permitting egression of the propellant which may leak from the pressurized container.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a medical package is provided which includes a housing, and a catheter product. The housing defines an enclosure which is sealed against ingress of contaminants. The housing has at least a first part and a second part which is movable relative to the first part to open the enclosure. At least one of the parts has a plurality of pores through which a sterilization fluid can enter the enclosure, but which substantially prevent entry of contaminants into the enclosure. The catheter product includes a body, and a vascular access member. The vascular access member has a first end and a second, vascular entry end. The first end is secured to the body and the second end is located distant from the body. The catheter product is located entirely within the enclosure. The catheter product is secured in position to the housing. The catheter product is removed from the housing after the second part is moved relative to the first part to open the enclosure.

Abstract: A surgical instrument storage pack is provided to accommodate standard or videoscopic surgical instruments. The instrument pack is removably mounted adjacent a surgeon's or surgical assistant's abdominal or chest area and incorporates pockets that are adapted to securely and removably receive surgical instruments of different shapes and sizes. The pack may be mounted by a belt with straps or other mounting mechanism to encircle or embrace the surgeon's abdomen or chest. Alternatively the pack may be mounted by other affixing elements such as adhesive strips that directly affix the pack to the abdominal or chest region of a surgical garment. In this manner, the pack is secured at a frontal abdominal or chest position of the surgeon to provide ready access to instruments placed within the pouch and to secure the pack and instruments reliably within a sterile operating field.

Abstract: A method that allows for dry storage of bioprosthetic devices comprising a tissue component is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing a device comprising a chemically cross-linked animal tissue component; treating the tissue component with an aqueous solution comprising a biocompatible, water soluble, organic molecule comprising a plurality of carbon atoms and a plurality of hydroxyl groups for a time sufficient to allow equilibration between the fluids in the interstices of the tissue component and the aqueous solution; and then sterilizing the treated tissue component using a sterilizing gas or ionizing radiation. The present invention also relates to an implantable tissue component that can be stored dry. The tissue component is chemically-fixed and comprises within the interstices thereof a dimensional stabilizer selected from the group consisting of a polyhydric alcohol and derivatives thereof, a water soluble carbohydrate, and a water soluble gum.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for a seal for a sterilizable bag. This seal is made between a first polymeric sheet material (5) and a second polymeric sheet material (3). The first sheet material (5) should be sufficiently porous so as to allow or permit gas or steam sterilization but substantially impervious to bacteria. The second sheet material (3) includes an outer heat sealable layer. The seal (4) is fabricated from a first thermal surface weld (15) between the heat sealable layer of the second sheet material (3) and the first sheet material (5), and a second thermal melt weld (12) between at least the heat sealable layer of the second sheet material (3) and the first sheet material (5). The thermal melt weld (12) may be narrower than the first weld (11) and lying within the boundaries of the first weld (11). Furthermore, seal (4) may be sufficiently flat in order to allow a cross-heat seal using conventional equipment.

Abstract: A sterilizable flexible pouch package includes a non-woven barrier web, a perforated plastic intermediate web, and an imperforate plastic upper web. Line heat seals bonding the webs from a cavity into which a sterilizing fluid may enter after passing through the barrier and intermediate webs. The line heat seal bonding the upper and intermediate webs is of the delamination failure type. An access opening is provided for insertion of an object to be sterilized into the cavity after which the access opening is sealed, enclosing the object in the cavity. After sterilizing, the package is opened by peeling apart the upper web from the intermediate web which causes a delamination failure of the line heat seal. Preferred materials enable steam sterilization at temperature of 270° F.

Abstract: A tooth and gum cleaning tool for cleaning teeth and gums. The tooth and gum cleaning tool includes an elongate handle portion having first and second ends. A sponge portion is coupled to said first end of said handle portion. The sponge portion has an engaging face and a back face opposite the engaging face. The engaging face has a plurality of uniformly spaced ridges extending from it. Also disclosed is a sterilization device for sterilizing the tooth cleaning tool. The sterilization device comprises a housing that has an open top, a closed bottom, and an interior. A sterilizing pad is disposed in the interior of the housing and is porous and has a sterilizing fluid absorbed therein. A lid portion closes the open top of the housing. The sponge portion of the tooth cleaning tool is positionable on the sterilizing pad to permit absorption of the sterilizing fluid by the sponge portion from the sterilizing pad.

Abstract: Disclosed are bulk lyophilization containers including aseptic closure portions or heat flux equalization portions that promote improved bulk lyophilization. Also disclosed are methods of using the bulk lyophilization containers and improved lyophilization stoppers.

Abstract: A sterilization container has an improved elastomeric instrument holder. The instrument holder comprises a panel of elastomer having a projection depending downwardly therefrom and received within an perforation through a perforated surface within the container to hold the panel thereto. An aperture through the panel is adapted for receiving and holding an instrument to be sterilized. An inner surface of the aperture is adapted to have a reduced area of contact with an instrument received within the aperture. For example, the surface may comprise chamfers which meet to form a sharp ridge which contacts the instrument. The contact surface may also be textured to reduce the area of contact with the instrument. Alternatively, the surface may be formed of a material which is sufficiently permeable to a sterilizing gas so as to allow the area of the instrument in contact with the surface to receive a sufficient amount of sterilizing gas to become sterilized.

Abstract: A high temperature steam-sterilizable flexible pouch package includes a non-woven barrier web, a perforated plastic intermediate web, and an imperforate plastic upper web. Line heat seals bonding the webs form a cavity into which high temperature sterilizing steam may enter after passing through the barrier and intermediate webs. The line heat seal bonding the upper and intermediate webs is of the delamination failure type. An access opening is provided for insertion of an object to be sterilized into the cavity after which the access opening is sealed, enclosing the object in the cavity. After high temperature steam sterilizing, the package is opened by peeling apart the upper web from the intermediate web which causes a delamination failure of the line heat seal. Preferred materials enable vacuum cycle steam sterilization at a temperature of at least 270° F.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a medical package is provided which includes a housing, and a catheter product. The housing defines an enclosure which is sealed against ingress of contaminants. The housing has at least a first part and a second part which is movable relative to the first part to open the enclosure. At least one of the parts has a plurality of pores through which a sterilization fluid can enter the enclosure, but which substantially prevent entry of contaminants into the enclosure. The catheter product includes a body, and a vascular access member. The vascular access member has a first end and a second, vascular entry end. The first end is secured to the body and the second end is located distant from the body. The catheter product is located entirely within the enclosure. The catheter product is secured in position to the housing. The catheter product is removed from the housing after the second part is moved relative to the first part to open the enclosure.

Abstract: A method and package for storing a pressurized container which is filled with a drug formulation at a predetermined pressure. The drug formulation includes a mixture of a drug and a propellant. The package which encloses the pressurized container substantially prevents ingression of water vapor and particulate matter into the package while permitting egression of the propellant which may leak from the pressurized container.

Abstract: A packaged skin product is provided which includes at least one regular or irregular polygonal shaped patch for adhesive application to the skin. An outer carton formed of a series of walls functions as a receptacle for storing the patches. A front wall of the outer carton includes a window of a size and shape identical to one of the patches. A plurality of these patches adhere to a single backing sheet which is enclosed within a sealed laminated pouch. The window serves to inform a potential customer as to the size and visual nature of the enclosed patches.

Abstract: A method of performing a surgical procedure includes providing an instrument supporting tray having a plurality of surgical instruments positioned thereon adjacent to a plurality of instrument-identifying indicia disposed in predetermined relative positions. In performing the surgical procedure, the surgical instruments will be employed generally in the sequence in which they are positioned on the tray. The surgical instruments are identified by at least one of (a) graphics corresponding generally to the shape of the particular surgical instrument, (b) recesses conforming generally to the shape of the surgical instrument and (c) words and/or numbers providing identification thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the instrument-identifying indicia will be provided with different instruments in different sequences, depending upon the specific surgical procedure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a single step sterilization wrapping material suitable for use, as an example, in wrapping surgical instruments and supplies for sterilization, transportation and storage. The material includes separate inner and outer wraps which, unlike previous wraps, are joined to one another. Common wrapping techniques involve wrapping items to be sterilized with two separate sheets of wrap. The present invention provides separate wraps which can be specially engineered to deliver specific properties for each sheet and then joined to one another so as to permit wrapping and opening in a neat single step process which increases efficiency and saves time and money. In special situations the outer wrap can be engineered with increased strength, the inner wrap with increased barrier properties and the inner and outer wraps can be made visually distinct from one another so that improper wrapping or opening, is not a problem.

Abstract: A method and package for storing a pressurized container which is filled with a drug formulation at a predetermined pressure. The drug formulation includes a mixture of a drug and a propellant. The package which encloses the pressurized container substantially prevents ingression of water vapor and particulate matter into the package while permitting egression of the propellant which may leak from the pressurized container.

Abstract: A sterilizable flexible pouch package includes a non-woven barrier web, a perforated plastic intermediate web, and an imperforate plastic upper web. Line heat seals bonding the webs from a cavity into which a sterilizing steam may enter after passing through the barrier and intermediate webs. The line heat seal bonding the upper and intermediate webs is of the delamination failure type. An access opening is provided for insertion of an object to be sterilized into the cavity after which the access opening is sealed, enclosing the object in the cavity. After sterilizing, the package is opened by peeling apart the upper web from the intermediate web which causes a delamination failure of the line heat seal. Preferred materials enable steam sterilization at temperature of 270.degree. F.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved system and method for carrying and securing the lid of a container, such as a surgical sterilization tray. A tray is provided with rotating wire bail handles and at least two studs. The cover for the tray has a keyway and cutout which can be engaged with the studs when the lid is placed onto the case. Inadvertent disengagement of the keyway or cutout from the studs is prevented by the interaction of the handles with the lid. The lid is provided with slots and end panels which become mechanically associated with the handles when the handles are rotated to any of a variety of lid-securing positions. The association of the handles with the lid prevents any relative sliding motion of the lid and case which would allow disengagement of the keyway or cutout and the studs, until the handles are rotated to any of a variety of non-lid-securing positions. The system combines the handle and lid-securing functions in a very low part-count design with very few moving parts.

Abstract: A reinforced container having a header or tear strip, the header comprising an affixed tape having an adhesive and a polymeric backing, the backing positioned to face the container, such that upon heat sealing, the polymeric film-to-header weld seal is stronger than the header-to-container seal ordinarily achieved.

Abstract: A catheter package (10; 110; 210) comprising a catheter (1; 101; 201) positioned within an inner container (2; 102; 202) permeable to a sterilizing agent, for example an ethylene oxide gas. An outer container (3; 103; 203) which prevents access of moisture to the interior thereof encloses the inner container and catheter assembly. Two or more catheters may be stored in individual inner containers within the outer container.

Abstract: A reusable test pack suitable for monitoring a steam sterilization process which includes an outer sealable pouch which is permeable to steam. A removable insert is contained within said pouch, and contains a chamber for holding a sterilization indicator device. A sterilization indicator device is contained within the chamber and a data card is contained within the pouch, and positioned to cover the indicator device.

Abstract: A sterilization container for medical instruments includes a receptacle with a bottom wall and an open top, there being a multiplicity of vent openings in the bottom wall. The receptacle has a cover movable between a closed position wherein the cover closes the open top of the receptacle and an open position wherein the cover is positioned to allow access to the interior of the receptacle. A filter sheet is positioned in the receptacle so as to cover the bottom wall and the vent openings therein and the receptacle contains one or more trays for supporting medical instruments above the filter sheet. A perforated highly thermally conductive plate is positioned between the trays and the filter sheet so that when steam enters the container through the vent openings during steam sterilization, it heats the plate to a temperature sufficient to revaporize steam condensate collecting on the plate. The internal structure of the container is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tray for housing medical devices such as instruments or implants. The tray includes a base having a plurality of pocket-like compartments to accommodate the devices. Individual inner lids are pivotally connected to the base and are each adapted to overlie a compartment in the base. The lids may be individually secured over the compartments or, alternatively, the top of the tray when secured over the base would overlie the lids so as to prevent their opening.

Abstract: A sterilization assembly for sterilizing an instrument case which is loaded with medical and/or dental instruments includes three primary components which are similarly arranged with flange surfaces and part-circular bosses which define bolt clearance holes. These three components include a base configured with receiving pockets for retaining a liquid sterilant, a collar and a lid which includes a pressure-relief valve. Positioned between the base and the collar is a first elastomeric gasket. Positioned between the lid and the collar is a second elastomeric gasket. By the use of bolts and threaded inserts, the lid and base are securely clamped together, sandwiching therebetween the collar and the two gaskets. This securely joined combination defines a hollow interior which receives therein at least one instrument case. By heating the liquid sterilant to a sufficiently high temperature, a sterilant vapor is created. As the vapor pressure builds, the instruments in the instrument case are sterilized.

Abstract: The invention provides a sealed package system for housing at least two medical electrode devices and for enabling the periodic testing thereof, comprising a thin, generally flat flexible envelope constructed and arranged to form an interior cavity for enclosing a conductive gel contact surface of each of the electrode devices. A conductive liner is disposed between conductive gel contact surface of each of the electrode devices.

Abstract: A flash sterilization container (10) comprises a pan (12) forming the bottom of the container holding a tray (14), with a cover (16) forming the top of the container, and a filter element (20). The filter (20) covers an opening in the cover (16) so that the inside of the container (10) formed when the cover is removably sealed to the pan (12) can communicate with the atmosphere surrounding the sealed container allowing steam to enter and exit the container passing through the filter (20). Items to be sterilized are placed on the tray (14) and the cover (16) is attached and sealed to the pan (12). The sealed container in then placed in an autoclave or other source of pressurized steam. The filter (20) allows the steam to enter the interior of the container and sterilize any items contained therein. After sterilization, the container (10) is removed from the autoclave and any remaining steam escapes from the interior of the container through the filter (20).

Abstract: An implant assembly and methods for loading implant devices which avoids the accidental deposition of transplanted material or other contaminates on the exterior of the device during transportation, storage, and handling are disclosed. The implant assembly of the invention may be used with a large variety of implant devices for implanting a variety of materials such as cells, tissue or other materials into a host. The implant assembly includes an implant device having an elongated port and a first chamber for holding material for implantation and a container with a second chamber for holding the implant device. The container functions to maintain the sterility and protect the physical integrity of the implant device during loading, storage, cryopreservation and transportation and is removed immediately prior to implantation of the device. The container may optionally include liquid media for cellular growth, maintenance, cryostorage, or transportation purposes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a single step sterilization wrapping material suitable for use, as an example, in wrapping surgical instruments and supplies for sterilization, transportation and storage. The material includes separate inner and outer wraps which, unlike previous wraps, are joined to one another. Common wrapping techniques involve wrapping items to be sterilized with two separate sheets of wrap. The present invention provides separate wraps which can be specially engineered to deliver specific properties for each sheet and then joined to one another so as to permit wrapping and opening in a neat single step process which increases efficiency and saves time and money. In special situations the outer wrap can be engineered with increased strength, the inner wrap with increased barrier properties and the inner and outer wraps can be made visually distinct from one another so that improper wrapping or opening is not a problem.

Abstract: A sterilizable pouch package for medical objects or the like, comprising, a first layer of material, a second layer of film on said first layer, a third layer of film on said second layer, the layers being sealed together in a peripheral seal to form a space between the second and third layers for an object, the seal between the first layer and the second and third layers being releasable by tensile separation of the first layer from the second and third layers, and the second layer having a breakable perforation line at the space whereby the second layer can be broken at the perforation line to expose a portion of the object for direct presentation of the object from one person to another person.

Abstract: Device for insecticidal treatment including a transparent plastic container in the form of a dish whose open face has a flat flange; a plastic sheet impervious to liquids and permeable to the vapors of essential oils at ambient temperature, this sheet being attached to the flat flange of the transparent container and adhering to this transparent container so as not to be capable of being grasped manually, and/or detached manually from the flat flange by pulling manually; a protective cover sheet (or film) made of adhesive plastic, also arranged on the face of the transparent container which is provided with flat flanges, this sheet adhering to the above permeable sheet by adhesive bonding and being capable of being grasped manually and/or being detached from the flat flange by pulling manually; and an insecticidal and/or insect repellent composition, this composition being liquid or capable of evaporating completely at ambient temperature and having an insecticidal and/or insect repellent activity in the vapo

Abstract: A high temperature steam-sterilizable flexible pouch package includes a non-woven barrier web, a perforated plastic intermediate web, and an imperforate plastic upper web. Line heat seals bonding the webs form a cavity into which high temperature sterilizing steam may enter after passing through the barrier and intermediate webs. The line heat seal bonding the upper and intermediate webs is of the delamination failure type. An access opening is provided for insertion of an object to be sterilized into the cavity after which the access opening is sealed, enclosing the object in the cavity. After high temperature steam sterilizing, the package is opened by peeling apart the upper web from the intermediate web which causes a delamination failure of the line heat seal. Preferred materials enable vacuum cycle steam sterilization at a temperature of at least 270.degree. F.

Abstract: A breathable packaging material used for packaging items, such as floral groupings, flower pots, fresh produce, food, medical supplies/equipment, pharmaceutical products, and the like, thereby forming a breathable package for containing said items. The breathable packaging material comprises a sheet of material having controlled atmosphere characteristics, and having a desiccant and/or an antimicrobial agent. Methods for using breathable packaging material.

Abstract: A package for containing food products has at least two compartments having different atmospheric conditions. Each of the compartments may be sealed by a membrane having different permeability. The membranes may be sealed to a peripheral flange extending around each of the compartments. The peripheral flange is designed to facilitate severing in place on the tray of a membrane from a continuous web of material.

Abstract: A sterilization tray is constructed primarily of a single stamped metal part which forms the bottom wall and at least two opposite side walls of the tray. The side walls of the tray are joined by end closures which form the end walls of the tray. In one tray embodiment, the end closures are plastic end walls which are hooked to the ends of the side walls. In a second embodiment, the end closures are formed by a bottom wall extension of the metal part which are folded up to form the tray end walls and plastic corner pieces which are hooked to the adjacent ends of the side and end walls. The tray is highly thermally conductive yet relatively inexpensive to make in quantity.