Abstract: A steam condensate tempering system for a steam sterilizer uses a fast temperature sensor to measure the temperature of combined water and steam condensate from a sterilizer, and a controller for controlling the flow of cool water to mix with the steam condensate in response to the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor.

Abstract: An adapter for a sterilization cassette type apparatus in the form of a cassette is mounted in the cassette clamping members and is constructed as a fluid distributor with a plurality of funnel-shaped receiving openings each having a cylindrical outer wall for receiving of medical or dental instruments to be cleaned and/or sterilized.

Abstract: A toy washing and disinfecting device for washing and disinfecting a variety of toys, particularly at locations such as doctors waiting rooms and child care facilities where large numbers of children can come in contact with the toys. To increase the likelihood of use, the toy washing and disinfector device functions automatically in the manner of a dishwasher.

Abstract: A lens case for disinfecting, cleaning, or storing contact lenses is described that provides a sealing and venting system for allowing the release of gas while avoiding liquid leakage. The venting means allows venting of gas when internal pressure increases, while maintaining a seal that is substantially gas and liquid-impermeable at other times. The lens case includes a cap securable to a container barrel and a mating cap. The venting of gas occurs via a tortuous-path mechanism resulting from appropriate surface roughness being produced on at least one of a pair of mating surfaces forming a seal between the cap and the container. In a preferred embodiment, a relatively roughened surface is produced on a cap flange that is in the shape of a circular lip downwardly extending from the inner surface of the cap. The mating surface of the cap flange sealingly presses against the rim portion of the container.

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: A device for the sterilization of a dental, medical or similar instrument comprising a chamber (4), preferably frusto-conical in shape or downward tapering, with two walls (1, 2) separated by a hollow space, subdivided along axis into smaller spaces (3', 3", 3'", 3""), connected to the interior of the chamber by rings of holes (5', 5", 5'", 5"") with downward pointing jets, and passing at a distance (e) from the axis (K) of the chamber (4). These jets sterilize the entire internal and external surface area of the instrument along it length. The pressure upstream of the holes (5', 5", 5'", 5""), their diameter and direction, ensures that the lower and more contaminated part of the instrument is more thoroughly treated.

Abstract: In a device for lifting, pivoting and rotating the cover (5) of a vacuum container (14) of a crystal drawing apparatus, the device being equipped with a bolt (26) held by a stationary part (15) of the apparatus and extending vertically upward, a sleeve (24) being provided with projections (34,34'), which are permanently attached to it and which extend horizontally from it, the device also being provided with a pair of bolts (34,34'), and with a sleeve component (28), which is pivoted on the bolts (36,36'), whereby parallel to the sleeve component (28) a screw bolt (37) is sustained in the housing (35). A hand lever (21) is fixed on the screw bolt (37), which is connected with a screw nut (38), which supports itself on the rotary sleeve (24), where the sleeve component (28) surrounds a journal (27), which is permanently connected to the device part or to the cover (5).

Abstract: A semi-continuous process for high-pressure sterilization of a liquid or solid product, in which the sterilization of successive volumes of the product is performed by compressing the product at high pressure in a variable treatment chamber of generally tubular shape and of circular cross-section.

Abstract: An appliance which is entirely, or includes components, formed of a thermoplastics material, e.g., conventional nylon-bristle toothbrushes, may be sterilized by first bringing water contained in a reservoir of an uncovered sterilization tray to, or near, its boiling point by initial exposure to microwave energy. Thereafter, the appliance is placed in the sterilization tray in proximity to the microwave-preheated water. The sterilization tray may then be covered and subjected to an additional (shorter) cycle of microwave energy. During this subsequent microwave cycle, the water in the reservoir boils so that steam fills the covered container and is pressurized to less then about 10 psig (e.g., due to the fluid-tight seal formed by the container's cover). The steam and the microwave energy are sufficient to sterilize the toothbrush bristles.

Abstract: A decontamination device (10) including a chamber (14) for receiving articles (28 and 30) to be decontaminated by at least one of washing, disinfecting and sterilizing. The decontamination device also includes a shelving assembly (22) for suspending the articles (28 and 30) in the chamber. The shelving assembly (22) is constructed of a first body (26) suspended above the floor of the chamber (14) having a major surface (56) facing the top of the chamber (14). At least two side walls (58 and 60) extend generally upward from the major surface (56). A second body (24) having a major surface (46) facing the floor of the chamber (14) and at least two side walls (48 and 50) is stacked on the first body (26), wherein the two side walls (48 and 50) of the second body (24) mate with the two side walls (58 and 60) of the first body (26), supporting the second body (24).

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.

Abstract: A device for cleaning, disinfecting, and/or drying an endoscope consists of a basin supported on a base. The basin forms a channel that defines a teardrop shape. The device includes a lid that sealingly engages the basin. During operation, the endoscope to be cleaned is completely immersed in cleaning solution in the basin. The basin includes injectors arranged so as to create a rotating flow of cleaning liquid and sterile rinsing water or recycled drying air within the channel. The vessel also includes injection nozzles that attach to various inlets of the endoscope to inject products at specified pressures and to continuously test the tightness of the seal.

Abstract: A pressure vessel (12) has a chamber (10) closed by a door (14). Steam, from a steam source (38) is selectively supplied to the interior of the pressure vessel to sterilize received items. The pressure vessel has an electric heater (24) for a steam passage or jacket (50) extending circumferentially therearound to heat the pressure vessel wall above the saturation temperature to prevent condensation within the pressure vessel. A vacuum jacket (20) surrounds the pressure vessel and the heater to provide an annular vacuum insulation region. A vacuum pump (30) is operated, as necessary, to maintain the vacuum between the vacuum jacket and the pressure vessel and is utilized when appropriate to draw a vacuum within the pressure vessel (12).

Abstract: A pressure flow system and method for its use are provided for contacting the interior of a fluid permeable, e.g., porous, workpiece. The system includes a fluid pressure chamber having an inlet port and an opening formed in one of the chamber walls. An adjustable seal capable of providing a fluid-tight seal about the exterior of a workpiece having a non-uniform surface is positioned within the opening. Fluid under pressure is supplied to the pressure chamber to force fluid to flow through the internal matrix of the workpiece. In a preferred embodiment, the workpiece is a bone or a section thereof, and the fluid is forced to flow from the endosteal portion of bone to the periosteal portion of bone through the vasculature and porous structure of the bone to remove blood, bone marrow and/or other non-bone constituent(s) from the bone.

Abstract: An instrument rack for the sterilization and storage of surgical instruments within autoclave devices includes a bumper plate made from durable CECLON plastic, which is attached to the underside of the rack's top panel, to prevent the delicate sharp ends of surgical instruments from hitting the top of a metal rack when the rack is turned upside down. Therefore the edges of the instruments stay sharper longer and the instruments require less frequent repairs and sharpening. A "tent-like" or angled plate is attached to the rack's bottom panel, is constructed integral with the bottom panel, to prevent instruments from tilting outward or falling out of the rack when the "gate," which otherwise holds the instruments in place, is open. The angle of the tent or panel forces instruments to tilt toward the inside of the rack.

Abstract: A sterilization tray assembly for sterilizing, transporting and storing surgical instruments, having top and bottom mating enclosures. The mating enclosures each have a plurality of ports for permitting ingress and egress of gaseous sterilant. Resiliently deformable members are fitted in the top and bottom enclosures for clamping surgical instruments therebetween.

Abstract: A portion of the endoscope that has been withdrawn from the human body is inserted into the tubular body of the device and pressurized water, a liquid detergent, a liquid disinfectant and air are sequentially forced through a water injecting pipe, an inlet pipe and injection pipes that communicate with the tubular body, whereby not only the outer surface of the endoscope but also the inner ducts through it are cleaned, disinfected and dried in a convenient and safe manner.

Abstract: A container for medical instruments or instrument parts constructed from wire formed parts. The container has a lower part and a lid with a handle for use in removing the lid from the lower part. Supports are removable and adjustably positioned within and define open topped receptacles for retaining the instruments within the lower part, the instruments are fixed in their position by braces when the container is closed. The lid in its closed position is connected to the lower part on one side by a positive locking mechanism, and on its opposite side by a latching mechanism. After releasing the latching mechanism the positive locking mechanism can be released by raising or tilting the lid. The handle is made from wire-formed parts and is positioned in the upper plane of the lid.

Abstract: A medical instrument fixation system for a sterilization tray having a bottom wall and an array of ventilation holes in the bottom wall, the holes being arranged in columns and rows with a selected spacing between the columns and rows includes a plurality of elongated rails. Each rail has a bottom surface, a top surface and a plurality of projections extending from the bottom surface and spaced apart along each rail a distance equal to, or an intregal multiple of, the selected spacing, the projections being sized to plug into the holes so that the rail extends along a column or row of holes. The system also includes a plurality of posts, each post having opposite ends and means for keying one end of each post to a different one of the rails so that so that each post can slide along the corresponding rail to a selected position thereon. A method of fixating the instruments in the tray using special retention devices is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for uniformly contacting an article with a treatment solution. Preferred embodiments are methods of uniformly tinting of contact lenses or uniformly surface modifying contact lenses. The method involves suspending the lens in the treatment solution by application of fluid flow, preferably sinusoidal or pulsed, in a direction opposite the stagnant force (i.e., sum of buoyancy and gravity forces) on the article. The fluid flow prevents the lens from contacting the container structure for periods sufficient to cause non-uniform treatment conditions, while continuously mixing the treatment solution to maintain uniform concentrations throughout.

Abstract: A transfer port system between two sterile environments having docked and undocked positions which is made up of two door frames connected to the environments and two doors connected to the two door frames. When the sterile environments are in the docked position the door frames of the two doors are juxtaposed and in close physical contact with one another and when the two sterile environments are in the undocked position the two door frames are spaced apart from one another and the two doors seal the sterile environments. The two door frames and the doors have a potentially non-sterile peripheral juncture located at the juncture between the doors and door frames when the doors are in a closed position sealing the sterile environments when the sterile environments are in their docked position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary drum structure for a sterilizer. The structure includes: four beams (30, 32, 34, 36) disposed parallel to said axis and defining a rectangular parallelepiped volume; a plurality of spacer elements (52, 54, 56) disposed in the four faces defining said parallelepiped volume and forming triangulated structures; a second end part (60) fixed to second ends of the beams to define an inlet opening (64) into said drum; and a circular running path (62).

Abstract: A sterilizable silicone mat (10) includes a repeating S shaped rib structure (38) on the bottom surface (28) that aligns the mat (10) with steam apertures (20) in a support tray (12) and facilitates maximum steam penetration and optimum water drainage while reducing condensate. The mat body (26) includes a top surface (24) and a bottom surface (28) and a plurality of steam penetration holes or apertures (40). Each steam penetration hole (40) is surrounded by four instrument supporting finger-like structures (30) located on the top surface (24) of the mat (10). The four fingers (30) that surround each steam penetration hole (40) are located at 90 degrees with respect to each other. A plurality of S shaped rib structures (38) are located on the bottom surface (28) of the mat (10). Each S shaped rib (38) separates two adjacent steam holes (46) and includes a nub (42) at the distal ends of each S shaped rib (38) for engaging some of the steam penetration holes (20) in the bottom (18) of the tray (12).

Abstract: An autoclave having end walls sturdily attached to one another by rods and a mobile, cylindrical lateral wall. When the lateral wall is moved into an operable position over the end walls, thereby sealing a working chamber defined between the end walls and when steam is introduced into the working chamber, each end wall will counteract pressure acting on its opposing counterpart. The autoclave need not be reinforced to hold the walls together. The rods connecting the end walls are hollow, and have ports disposed within the working chamber, so that steam may be introduced into the working chamber through these rods. Air from within the working chamber may also be vented by the rods. The lateral wall is vertically oriented and moved. A retaining wall traps condensate, which would otherwise escape when the lateral wall is lifted. An optional powered apparatus lifts and lowers the lateral wall into positions respectively exposing and sealing the working chamber.

Abstract: An instrument cassette includes a wall having a first hole defined therein. The instrument cassette further includes a holder having a channel and a second hole defined therein. The instrument cassette also includes an instrument support positioned within the channel of the holder. The instrument support has a blocking notch defined therein. The instrument cassette includes a screw which extends through the first hole and the second hole. The instrument cassette further includes a nut positioned within the blocking notch and secured to the screw.

Abstract: A countertop decontamination unit (A) has a decontamination chamber (10) which contains items to be sterilized, disinfected, or otherwise microbially decontaminated. A catheter (60) has an initial curve shape (62A). However, the catheter (60) is straightened in use and returns to a shape (62B). During a decontamination cycle, one or more porous clips (64) are disposed into frictional contact with the catheter. The clip (64) holds the catheter in the initial or undersized shape (62A) during the decontamination process. In the decontamination process, the decontamination fluid is heated at least to a temperature that resets the shape memory of the catheter (e.g., 40.degree.-60.degree. C.). The clip (64) has a sufficient porosity that microbial decontamination fluid penetrates through the clip to wet portions of the item surface in frictional contact with the clip assuring total microbial decontamination of the catheter.

Abstract: An improved apparatus which can be used for cleaning and/or sterilizing tubular items. A container is partitioned into two chambers with the item to be cleaned and/or sterilized is positioned to extend through the partition such that one opening lies in one chamber and another opening lies in the other chamber. A flexible membrane is positioned to affect each chamber. By deforming the flexible membrane, inward and outward, a flow between the chambers is created. This flow must pass through the hollow item. Mechanical pressure from the flow cleanses the interior of the tubular item and if a sterilant is used as the medium, then the interior portion of the hollow item is also sterilized.

Abstract: A method for cleaning medical instruments including dental instruments having internal channels and internal moving parts comprises cleaning the external surface and internal channels and parts by a jet of cold water followed by a jet of preheated water, then intensely after-cleaning and disinfecting followed by lubricating the moving parts, then sterilizing and drying and cooling.

Abstract: A container for enabling fluid flow therethrough for cleaning or sterilizing of the contents, comprises a tray (10) and lid (20) and having respective bases (11, 21) and side walls (17, 27). The bases (11, 21) have perforations (12, 22) defined by elliptically shaped perforation walls (13, 23) with their major axes vertical to allow easy flow of the cleaning fluid through the container and minimum contact points with the contents or other containers.

Abstract: A method and device for the simultaneous production of chemical compounds in an array which is capable of providing a very broad range of reaction environments including reaction temperatures of -40.degree. C. to 150.degree. C., reflux condensation, and a selective gas environment. The invention also allows the addition of several reagents during the course of the production process. The device is comprised of a number of different block sections which are fastened together to provide the required reaction environment.

Abstract: An improved apparatus which can be used for cleaning and/or sterilizing tubular items. A container is partitioned into two chambers with the item to be cleaned and/or sterilized is positioned to extend through the partition such that one opening lies in one chamber and another opening lies in the other chamber. Pressure is applied to one chamber forcing the liquid to surge into the second chamber. The surging affect is facilitated through the use of either a flexible membrane in the second chamber, or the use of dual pistons which are one hundred eighty degrees out of synchronization such that one chamber is being pressurized while the second chamber is be de-pressurized.

Abstract: The invention provides a rotary processor, which uses magnetic fields to increase the heating or cooling of containers. The invention provides the magnetic fields along the sides of the rotary processor before or after the containers are rotated under the force of friction due to gravity. The magnetic field increase the number of transition phases of rotation, by creating a force of friction caused by the magnets which will rotate the containers and then removing the magnetic fields so that the containers stop rotating.

Abstract: The invention uses a lost motion clamping system to provide variable height clamping from the top of a one or more stacks. The variable height clamp is then locked in place. A second clamping means then provides additional clamping from the bottom of the stacks.

Abstract: A bracket for fixating medical instruments or other articles includes a base member with a plurality of spaced-apart fingers extending up from the base member. A recess is formed in a side wall of at least one finger, which recess faces the adjacent finger. Also, a sheath engages around each finger which sheath has a flexible, resilient side wall which overlies any recess in that finger and defines therewith a void. When an article is wedged into the space between the one and the adjacent finger, it will snap into a stable position opposite the void so that the article is resiliently engaged and fixated by the overlying sheath wall.

Abstract: The invention uses a lost motion clamping system to provide variable height clamping from the top of a one or more stacks. The variable height clamp is then locked in place. A second clamping means then provides additional clamping from the bottom of the stacks.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sterilization tray assembly for sterilizing medical instruments. The sterilization tray preferably includes a base tray and a cover. Also, a secondary tray may be mounted within the base tray. These components ideally include ventilation apertures to allow steam or vapor to pass through the sterilization tray assembly to effect sterilization of medical instruments stored therein. The components of the sterilization tray assembly preferably are made of a mineral filled polypropylene and most preferably is a homopolymer which is filled with calcium carbonate, 40% by weight. This material exhibits good heat deflection characteristics at high temperature while being relative inert to absorption of H.sub.2 O.sub.2 vapor.

Abstract: An autoclave (1) is provided with an internal table (1) upon which articles to be sterilised can be placed. The autoclave is provided with a mechanism (2, 3, 5) for shaking or vibrating the table, and thereby shaking or vibrating the liquid undergoing sterilization, resulting in a more even temperature distribution within the liquid, thereby reducing the length of time for sterilization and reducing the occurrence of flash evaporation of the culture medium. The shaking or vibration may, for example, be induced by a shaft (2) which passes sealingly through a wall of the autoclave or may be induced by a number of magnets (41) located on a ring (38) around the autoclave which magnetically attract associated magnets (35) on the table within the autoclave.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the sterilization of refuse, in particular hospital refuse, is described, according to which plastic containers filled with the refuse are first introduced into a lock chamber in which a preparatory conveyor belt is arranged and thereafter the entire charge of the lock chamber is transferred to a sterilization chamber in which a main conveyor belt is arranged. The sterilization chamber is then hermetically sealed and injection needles are stuck into the respective containers to inject water and/or disinfectant into the interior of the respective plastic containers. The refuse is then treated with microwave energy and subsequently the charge in the sterilization chamber discharged via the discharge opening. With the method and the apparatus according to the invention it is always ensured that the refuse in the interior of the plastic containers is impregnated in adequate manner with water or a disinfectant, this being done before or during the microwave irradiation.

Abstract: A container for the sterilization of articles disposed therein, including surgical instruments, having a base unit and a matching cover unit. A locking mechanism, including a C-shaped tab, is pivotally and removably attached to each end of the base unit so that each tab can pivot between an open and a locked position. Each tab includes a first locking ridge located on an upper portion of the tab. The cover unit includes a second locking ridge located at each end of the cover unit for interfitting with the first locking ridge of the corresponding tab when the tab is in the locked position.

Abstract: A process, system and pressure chamber for the automated sterilization of articles, particularly medical or dental instruments is disclosed, which is simple to use and economically efficient by comparison with conventional autoclaves and steam sterilizing system. Steam is generated by the pulsed injection of a controlled quantity of water into a heated boiler whenever it runs dry. The boiler is coupled in a closed-loop system to a relatively small pressure chamber in the form of a cassette that is readily inserted and removed from a holder comprising means for connecting the chamber to a steam inlet conduit and a venting conduit, the latter being closed off during pressurization of the chamber. By automated monitoring of the boiler and chamber temperatures, conditions in the chamber are measured and the boiler and valves in the system controlled to effect a sterilization cycle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning medical instruments including dental instruments having internal channels and internal moving parts comprises cleaning the external surface and internal channels and parts by a jet of cold water followed by a jet of preheated water, then intensely after-cleaning and disinfecting followed by lubricating the moving parts, then sterilizing and drying and cooling.

Abstract: A flexible tube is sterilized and ready for coupling to sterile tubing in a sterile environment by steam sterilization in a closed environment in which steam pressure both inside and outside the flexible tube is the same. For this purpose, the flexible tube is coupled to a transfer cup which has door means sealingly attached at its mouth creating a chamber, which is openable when the coupling is to take place. An outlet from the transfer cup chamber thus defined allows sterilizing steam entering said chamber from the flexible tube with the door means in closed disposition to leave the transfer cup therethrough and flow around the exterior of the flexible tube at the same pressure as the steam within the tube. Once the flexible tube and transfer cup are sterilized, the flexible tube is coupled to the sterile tubing by admission of said tubing to the transfer cup chamber through the door means.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens disinfection apparatus, including a container and a mating cap, she apparatus having an improved seal and vent means for venting gas generated within the apparatus. The vent means is an integral part of the disinfection apparatus which allows venting of gas when internal pressure increases, while maintaining a seal which is substantially gas and liquid-impermeable at other times. The seal is defined by the interference mating of a flexible periphery on a container with a rigid mating rim on a cap. The apparatus is particularly useful in the disinfection of contact lenses with hydrogen peroxide in which the excess peroxide is decomposed into water and oxygen.

Abstract: An autoclave (1) for sterilizing at least one generally hollow article having openings at remote ends thereof, such as a dental drill handpiece (21), includes an article carrier (17) and at least one adaptor (20) for passing dry saturated steam through the article to sterilize the interior thereof.

Abstract: A system for sterilizing an object including a hollow cassette for containing the object, a sealable opening in the cassette for ingress and egress of the object, a seal for forming a fluid-tight seal around the opening, input and output ports in the cassette for receiving and exhausting a sterilizing fluid and a sealing check valve in the input and output ports for providing a fluid-tight seal when no connections are made to the input and output ports such that when the object is sterilized within the cassette, the cassette will maintain a sterilized atmosphere for the object until the cassette is opened to allow use of the object.

Abstract: A microbial decontamination system includes a lower housing portion (10) which receives a removable tray (12). The tray (12) defines a cassette receiving basin, a pair of anti-microbial fluid outlets (28, 64) and a drain (50). A pump (54) and associated plumbing circulates the anti-microbial fluid from the drain through the pair of outlets. A cassette (B) has a lower portion (FIGS. 8-10) which is configured to match the tray's basin and an upper portion (FIGS. 5-7) which is received on the lower cassette portion in an airborne microbe blocking relationship. The cassette bottom portion has an inlet (32) which receives the anti-microbial fluid and a baffle plate (44) adjacent the inlet having a plurality of apertures (96) for distributing the anti-microbial fluid within the cassette. The cassette defines a second inlet (66) which is interconnected with the tray second outlet also for receiving the anti-microbial fluid. The second inlet receives a removable distribution port assembly (68).

Abstract: A surgical tool container system for the organization, sterilization, storage and presentation of a group of surgical instruments for selection and retrieval by a medical practitioner during a surgical procedure. The container system includes an outer case having separable base and lid portions with a tool-holding tray removably inserted within the base portion of the case. The tray is provided with a plurality of holes formed therethrough and wherein a respective plurality of elastomeric grommets are fixed to the tray. Each grommet includes an axially extending bore wherein the shank of a surgical tool may be inserted and frictionally engaged in a generally upright orientation with respect to the tray.

Abstract: A sterilization unit for dental handpieces and other instruments, and which finds utility in the sterilization of any surgical instrument, or the like, which breaks the skin or comes into contact with body fluids, and which are too delicate or have sharp edges which could become damaged in conventional present day autoclaves. The sterilization unit of the present invention combines heat, steam pressure and time in a precisely controlled manner so that the handpieces, or other surgical instruments are not damaged during the sterilization procedure. This is achieved by providing a total cycle time including cooling to a patient-ready condition of less than 20 minutes. A unique control system places the sterilizing chamber at a temperature which creates steam and pressure in a time frame that sterilizes the handpiece without damage to the turbine.

Abstract: A case for use in disinfecting soft contact lenses including a pair of lens-receiving compartments formed by a first pair of substantially dome-shaped members mounted on a first cover member and a second pair of substantially dome-shaped members mounted on a second cover member. The dome-shaped members shield the interior of the lens-receiving compartments from microwave radiation when the case is used in a heat disinfecting process in which microwave radiation is utilized. The dome-shaped members of the first and second pairs are adapted to be brought into contiguous relationship to thereby form the pair of compartments.

Abstract: In order to facilitate the detection of any unauthorized opening of a sterilization container for surgical instruments or the like having a lower section, a cover sealingly placeable thereon, a locking member securing the cover in position on the lower section and pivotable between a closed position and an open position, and a card-like securing element which can be secured in position on the container and moves into the path of travel of the locking member near to the closed position of the locking member, it is suggested that the part of the securing element moving into the path of travel of the locking member be elastically bendable out of the plane of the securing element and move into the path of travel of the locking member only to such a depth that it slides back behind the locking member when the locking member is pivoted into the open position and during closing of the locking member is taken along with it and is covered by the locking member in the closed position thereof.