Abstract: A sterilization method is provided which includes the steps of measuring the pressure within a sterilization chamber injecting a sterilant vapor into a flow of carrier gas, introducing the sterilant vapor and carrier gas into and through a sterilization chamber, and adjusting the rate of sterilant vapor injection to reach a pre-determined percentage of saturation limit for the sterilant vapor in the chamber, immediately following the introduction of sterilant vapor and carrier gas into the chamber, in response to the measured pressure. The predetermined saturation limit is selected to optimize the rate of sterilization, while avoiding substantial condensation of the sterilant.

Abstract: A metal autoclave cassette for dental instruments and appliances includes a pair of identical tray halves which are free of any outwardly extending flanges and which are provided with rounded corners and corner edges. Each tray half includes a retaining frame which is riveted in place and which includes a plurality of aligned recesses in the opposite ends. The recesses are used for the receipt of the elongate dental instrument's and a hold down mechanism clamps the instruments into position yet is easily moved out of position to provide access to the dental instruments.

Abstract: A sterilization case 1 having one or more brackets 10 which are designed to enhance the steam sterilization of a medical apparatus 30 being held in the bracket 10. The bracket 10 is designed to provide cutout areas 51 to create a gap or gaps 52 between the surface of the apparatus 30 being held and the recess in the bracket 10, and yet still securely grip and hold the apparatus 30 in the bracket. The invention is adaptable to a wide variety of different shaped apparatus 30.

Abstract: An autoclave 10 has a first vessel 12 in which objects are heated, and a second vessel 14 in which the objects are cooled down. A container 24 containing the objects is introduced via a preheating chamber 30 into a chamber 20, and thence into the cavity 16 of the vessel 12. Similarly, at the downstream end of the second vessel 14, a container is removed from a cavity 18 via a chamber 22. Transfer of containers is effected in a manner similar to operation of a lock to limit loss of pressure. When a container is thus removed and a fresh container is loaded, containers in the cavity 16 are advanced upwardly and containers in the cavity 18 are advanced downwardly. A container at the top of the cavity 16 is laterally displaced to the top of the cavity 18, via a chamber 19. The autoclave is thus operated continuously, stepwise. Pressures and temperatures are monitored via an interface 32 and a computer 34.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for managing retort over-pressure during pressure cooling. The invention allows the specification of an initial cooling temperature and a final cooling temperature and a final cooling pressure. Using these values the invention provides a pressure ramping to manage retort over-pressure.

Abstract: A fluid tight waste materials receptacle is located within a housing which has an upper access opening through which infectious wastes from medical clinics or the like may be deposited in the receptacle. A lower access opening enables entry and withdrawal of a sterilized waste receiver which may, for example, be a wheeled cart. The receptacle has an open end and a closed end and is pivotable between a first orientation at which the open end is coincident with the upper access opening in order to receive wastes and a second orientation at which the open end is turned downward to discharge wastes into the receiver. A closure pivoted to the housing seats in and seals the open end of the receptacle when it is at the first orientation. The receptacle is periodically evacuated and steam is admitted to sterilize the contents prior to discharge into the receiver.

Abstract: In a method for aseptically drawing off food and drink into plastic containers, the container sheet is plasticized for molding the containers and subsequently molded in a sterile environment, after which the container recesses are filled and closed off by means of a lid sheet. For this method and before the filling process, the container sheet is acted upon in a longitudinal segment by means of steam for sterilization purposes and is cooled on its side opposite to the steam-impingement area. Before it is supplied to the container sheet, the lid sheet is sterilized. After they are sterilized and until they are combined, the lid sheet and the container sheet are kept in germ-free surroundings. In order to be sterilized on both sides, the container sheet is acted upon reciprocally in the flat state before it is molded, with steam in two consecutive treatment processes in, in each case, the same length segment, and, at the same time, cooled.

Abstract: A sterilization process for moisture sensitive products employing a closed system and moving unsealed products to be sterilized through a sterilizer, degassing chamber and a storage and package sealing chamber while maintaining the products in a dry pathogen free atmosphere.

Abstract: A dental instrument sterilization cassette securely retains dental instruments on a cover and tray of a perforated housing. Within the cover and tray, the dental instruments are received on open cradled supports. A holddown device with a resilient covering is placed over the cradled instruments, and held in place by anchors attached to the cover and tray. The cradled supports and the resilient holddown device provide secure retention for a range of instrument sizes when the cassette is in either an opened or closed position. A cassette latching mechanism with a recessed latch actuator on the cassette cover provides positive latching of the instrument cassette.

Abstract: A cleansing/sterilizing apparatus which is a transportable apparatus and method for inside-outside and sterilization of various complex reusable medical/dental instruments, including but not limited to laparoscopic instruments and dental handpieces. The apparatus avoids the use of heat, pressure, severe agitation, or corrosive chemicals which might damage delicate equipment. The apparatus preserves each processed instrument hermetically sealed in a sterile dry environment within a detachable/portable capsule until its next use.

Abstract: An autoclave tray for the sterilization of medical and/or dental instruments, equipment and appliances includes an autoclave tray which is configured with a uniform row and column pattern of crossed-slot sterilant apertures each of which have a geometric center, the pattern being generally uniform in its overall spacing between such geometric centers. Selectively installed in selected ones of the sterilant apertures are instrument holders which begin as extruded lengths of material which are then cut to the desired length and shaped with appropriate relief for the receipt of the items to be autoclaved. The holders are loaded into selected sterilant apertures by pressing an enlarged base portion of the holders into and through the sterilant apertures. By the use of the crossed-slot apertures the holders can be arranged either vertically or horizontally in a top plan orientation or may actually be used at right angles to each other allowing items to be autoclaved to be installed diagonally.

Abstract: Apparatus for washing, rinsing, sterilizing and drying delicate components such as plugs for pharmaceutical use, or the like, formed by an autoclave chamber containing a substantially cylindrical rotating drum or basket with two helical members extending along the axis of the cylindrical basket, connecting an inlet opening with an outlet opening and projecting inside the basket, each being provided with a rounded internal edge and terminating in chutes emerging inside the outlet opening, the helical members thus formed enabling the plugs to be mixed when the basket rotates in one direction and to be unloaded from the basket when the latter rotates in the opposite direction, the rotating basket also being provided with a circumferential toothed rim which engages a gear wheel actuated by drive means to impart a rotary movement to the same and having inside at least one pipe arranged parallel to the axis of the cylinder and provided with spray nozzles directed toward the plugs present inside the basket to allow

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for supporting objects inside a rotating drum, particularly in a sterilizer. The drum disposed in the enclosure rotates about the axis XX'. The supporting apparatus includes pressure plates, the displacements of which are controlled by pairs of levers disposed in the lateral parts of the drum, on either side of the stacks of objects. The levers pivot about pins under the action of controlling apparatus which may be actuators.

Abstract: A sterilization and storage cassette formed of heat-resistant plastic and having two identical tray halves. In one embodiment, at least one tray half includes a rotatable retaining member for retaining dental instruments within the tray. In a second embodiment, a clamping member is inserted in one tray and at least one and preferably a plurality of instrument supports is inserted into the other tray. When the trays are closed together, the clamping member presses down upon and retains dental instruments placed on the supports. The trays are detachably connected through a hinge mechanism. Each tray has separate, distinct hinge members on one of its sides, and a set of separate, distinct latch members on another of its sides.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of sterilizing contaminated material by exposure to steam inside of substantially cylindrical, vertically oriented autoclave vessel. Contaminated material is shredded and bulk loaded from above autoclave vessel, directly into cylindrical wire mesh basket inside of vessel. Basket capacity exceeds 80% of volume of vessel. Path of thermal conductivity through contaminated material is reduced by inner sleeve along axis of basket. After completion of sterilization, top of autoclave vessel is opened, and basket containing sterilized material is removed by hoist positioned above the vessel.

Abstract: A sterilization container for an arrangement for sterilizing medical instruments, implants and the like with steam is disclosed. The arrangement has a steam generator fed by a dispensing pump and has a control device for the sterilizing process. The sterilization container is arranged in such a way that it can be pushed into a holding device in a working connection with the steam generator. The walls of the sterilization container, which is closed on all sides during the sterilizing process so as to be tight against pressure, are formed at least in part by portions of the holding device.

Abstract: A plastic autoclave enclosure for retaining and storing medical instruments and apparata which must be autoclaved includes a molded tray, a molded lid and a pair of oppositely disposed slide latches which are used to secure the molded lid to the molded tray. The molded tray has an outwardly extending flange and disposed therein a pair of spaced-apart keyhole slots. The slide latches are attached to opposite ends of the molded lid and include a protruding pin portion from each latch which has an enlarged head and this enlarged head is received by the corresponding keyhole slot. The base of the molded tray is configured with two spaced-apart ribs and the molded lid has a pair of spaced-apart ribs which define the top surface into three generally rectangular areas. The spacing and length dimension of the tray ribs is such that the base of the tray may be stacked onto the top of the lid thereby allowing a plurality of autoclave enclosures to be stacked one on top of the other.

Abstract: A multiple compartment box for use in sterilizing and segregating small parts, such as orthodontic bands. The box is shaped as a cassette and is divided into a plurality of small compartments by a plurality of dividers, which include at least one intersecting divider mutually perpendicular to the other dividers. The entire cassette including dividers and lid is preferably made of a material which is resistant to repeated sterilization processing, such as, a metal. Each compartment is identified with respect to an orthodontic band associated with a particular jaw, quadrant and tooth of a patient's mouth to assist is segregating and differentiating the band. The dividers have substantially flat edges which closely abut the inner adjoining surfaces of the sidewalls, endwalls, base and lid to prevent passage of bands identified for one compartment to another compartment. The box incorporates a sliding lid which can be opened or closed without interfering with the divider edges or the contents of the compartments.

Abstract: An sterilization tray and mat used in combination for the sterilization of surgical instruments. The tray includes raised ribs protruding from the tray floor for supporting a sterilization mat above the tray floor and a plurality of holes for permitting the ingress and egress of sterilants and for permitting drainage of condensation. The mat includes a plurality of raised parallel ribs with rows of projections extending from and between each rib for supporting the instruments.

Abstract: A steriliser apparatus includes a chamber in which an article or material to be sterilised is placed and a sterilising gas or vapour is then introduced into the chamber to contact and sterilise the article or material. The free sterilant gas or vapour in the chamber is removed and the article or material subjected to a desorbing step during which the concentration of sterilising gas or vapour in the chamber is measured by a sampling device in which a sample of chamber atmosphere is exposed to microwave radiation and the absorption spectrum monitored to determine the concentration of sterilising gas or vapour present in the chamber.

Abstract: A microbial decontamination unit (A) has a door (B) which is hingedly mounted (90) to the housing. When the door is opened, the operator has access to a decontamination chamber (22), a mixing chamber (10) for receiving an anti-microbial solution concentrate, and other anti-microbial solution circulation paths (18). A mechanical locking mechanism (D) selectively locks the door member against a gasket (92) to assure that the anti-microbial solution does not leak between the door and the housing. The latch mechanism includes a hook member (54) that defines a circular bearing surface (52) that is rotatably received on a circular cam member (50). The circular cam member (50) is eccentrically mounted on a shaft (40). Rotation of the shaft and cam member moves a latch engaging surface (56) of the hook member into and out of engagement with a latch member (58) along an axis of travel (76).

Abstract: A bio-hazardous waste compactor is described which provides a negative air pressure and venting system while allowing for the filtration of the air and control of sound. The compactor contains a sealed chamber which includes a sump area in the bottom of the chamber for fluid control. Waste is weighed so that the operator knows when to remove the waste. Ultraviolet light is provided to prevent the growth of vegetative pathogenic organisms. Finally, a disposable bag to be used in connection with such a bio-hazardous waste compactor is described which has an inner porous layer, an intermediate, biocide-containing, super-absorbent polymer layer and an outer non-porous layer.

Abstract: A method of decontaminating or sterilizing chamber systems including freeze dryers at low temperature and pressure levels by utilizing vaporized sterilant, preferably hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid and mixtures thereof is disclosed.

Abstract: An instrument tray assembly including a tray and an optional cover for the storage, transport and sterilization of medical instruments is disclosed. Each tray and cover is perforated to permit the flow of sterilizing medium therethrough, and each is comprised of materials which will withstand soaking and steam or gas autoclaving. Interchangeably disposed along the surfaces of the tray and cover are a plurality of support members, each including variously dimensioned notched receptacles for receiving medical instruments. Each tray may also include a set of handles which may be extended at a variety of angles, thereby avoiding contact and possible contamination between gloved hands and instruments, depending upon the orientation of each handle. Alternative embodiments for resilient instrument support members are disclosed. One embodiment includes resilient projections which are insertable directly into the perforations on the trays and covers. An alternative embodiment further includes a rigid extrusion.

Abstract: In a sterilizing container for medical and surgical instruments comprising a box with a bottom part and a cover for sealing the bottom part in a germ-tight manner, the side walls of the bottom part of the box have openings covered on the outside with germ-tight but sterilization gas permeable filter layers which are held in position by retaining plates mounted on the side walls, the cover of the box being locked to the bottom part by a locking structure formed at one end of the box at which the cover and bottom part includes retaining structures receiving a safety tag which covers the locking structure when the cover is closed in such a way that the safety tag is firmly positioned in front of the locking structure and the locking structure is only accessible by destroying the safety tag.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for sterilizing biological waste. The waste material is introduced into a shredder mechanism to chop the material into particles of reduced size, which are transmitted into a preheating chamber. Steam is introduced into the chamber to preheat the particles to at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit. A selected amount of the preheated particles are continuously transmitted into a sterilization chamber and steam is introduced into the sterilization chamber to heat the preheated particles to at least 248 degrees Fahrenheit for a sufficient duration such that the particles are sterilized.

Abstract: A device for sterilizing products packed in cylindrical containers, includes an elongate, essentially cylindrical housing and an essentially cylindrical rotor located therein which can be driven via a central shaft. The circumferential wall of the housing is provided on the inside with a helically running, raised rib. The rotor is designed as a cage having a plurality of rings placed behind each other, the center line of which coincides with the axis of the rotor, and a plurality of raised ribs fastened to the circumference of the rings parallel to the axis of the rotor. The outer edge of the ribs on the rotor is located near the inner edge of the helically running rib on the inner wall of the housing so that spaces are formed between the ribs for receiving the cylindrical containers. Within the rotor between neighboring rings bracing elements in the form of pipes are provided to reinforce the rotor.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for managing retort over-pressure during pressure cooling. The invention allows the specification of an initial cooling temperature and a final cooling temperature and a final cooling pressure. Using these values the invention provides a pressure ramping to manage retort over-pressure.

Abstract: A cassette for the sterilization and storage of dental or medical instruments includes a lower tray and an upper cover hingeably joined together for pivotal movement between an open position and a closed position. Both the tray and the cover have instrument positioning racks mounted therein to position the instruments in side-by-side relation within the tray and the cover. The cover is provided with an instrument retainer for simultaneously retaining the instruments in the positioning racks in the tray and the cover when the cassette is in the closed position. The instrument retainer includes an instrument retaining bar pivotally mounted at one end thereof within the cover and releasably fastened at the other end thereof to the cover. A resilient retaining member is mounted on the retaining bar and transversely pressingly contacts the instruments to retain them in the positioning racks.

Abstract: An autoclavable cassette for the receipt and storage of dental and surgical instruments includes a metal tray portion including a base, four sides and two outwardly extending flanges and a metal lid portion which covers the open tray portion and assembles to the outwardly extending latches by means of a cooperating latch and pin combination. The metal cassette tray is configured with a variety of slots, apertures and pins which are used to receive customizing components so that the dentist or surgeon can, by his own selection of specific component options create his own customized cassette. Some of the customizing options include a generally rectangular rack which sets in and can be lifted out of the tray and which includes a series of aligned receiving channels for the receipt of dental or surgical instruments. Another customizing option includes a finger mat which fits within the tray with a snap-in/snap-out feature, providing greater versatility.

Abstract: A medical instrument sterilization container (10) is provided which includes a port (18). A removable filter (32) is received within port (18) to enable sterilization of instruments placed within container (10). A removable plug (48) replaces filter (32) to enable container (10) to be used to transport instruments without leaking of fluids therefrom.

Abstract: A method of disinfecting a contact lens is disclosed and comprises placing the contact lens to be disinfected into a liquid electrolyte containing chlorine dioxide precursor, e.g., stabilized chlorine dioxide, and forming a disinfecting amount of chlorine dioxide in the liquid electrolyte by passing an electric current through the liquid electrolyte.

Abstract: A multiple compartment box for use in sterilizing and segregating small parts, such as orthodontic bands. The box is shaped as a cassette and is divided into a plurality of small compartments by a plurality of dividers, which include at least one intersecting divider mutually perpendicular to the other dividers. The entire cassette including dividers and lid is preferably made of a material which is resistant to repeated sterilization processing, such as, a metal. Each compartment is identified with respect to an orthodontic band associated with a particular jaw, quadrant and tooth of a patient's mouth to assist is segregating and differentiating the band. The dividers have substantially flat edges which closely abut the inner adjoining surfaces of the sidewalls, endwalls, base and lid to prevent passage of bands identified for one compartment to another compartment. The box incorporates a sliding lid which can be opened or closed without interfering with the divider edges or the contents of the compartments.

Abstract: Apparatus for sterilizing objects with a gaseous ethylene oxide held in a sealed ampule of the type including a breakable section, includes a cartridge for holding the sealed ampule in a substantially immovable manner, the cartridge including a first chamber for containing the ampule, a second chamber for holding an absorbent cotton material to hold the liquid sterilant upon breaking open of the ampule, the first and second chambers being in communication with each other, a transverse bore extending into the first chamber and outlet openings in the second chamber; a push-button slidably movable in the transverse bore for breaking open the ampule upon depression of the push-button in the transverse bore, wherein, upon breaking open the ampule, the gaseous sterilant escapes from the ampule through the outlet openings into sterilizing contact with the objects; a releasable guard for preventing slidable movement of the push-button in the transverse bore to prevent breaking of the ampule; and a liner bag for holdi

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for generating superoxides and other free radicals for cleaning and sterilizing contact lenses tonometers and other poorly oxidizing objects in an electrolytic solution which may optionally include an antiseptic such as hydrogen peroxide enzymes and soaps and for neutralizing the above agents by using electrolysis to decompose the peroxide and to generate free radicals that neutralize the enzymes and soaps and sterilize. The apparatus includes a timer for controlling the process and indicating when sterilization and neutralization are taking place and when they have been completed.

Abstract: A sterilization and storage cassette formed of heat-resistant plastic and having two identical tray halves. In one embodiment, at least one tray half includes a rotatable retaining member for retaining dental instruments within the tray. In a second embodiment, a clamping member is inserted in one tray and at least one and preferably a plurality of instrument supports is inserted into the other tray. When the trays are closed together, the clamping member presses down upon and retains dental instruments placed on the supports. The trays are detachably connected through a hinge mechanism. Each tray has separate, distinct hinge members on one of its sides, and a set of separate, distinct latch members on another of its sides.

Abstract: A cleaning and disinfecting apparatus for medical equipment and instruments is provided. The apparatus includes at least one feed line constructed so as to be coupled for the supply of cleansing liquid and at least one outlet line for the discharge of spent cleansing liquid. A transportation and cleaning vessel is further provided which receives the articles to be cleaned and is adapted to be placed in and taken out of the apparatus. The vessel has at least one inlet and at least one outlet, the inlet being adapted to be connected to the feed line and the outlet being adapted for coupling to the discharge line. The inlets and outlets can be closed by non-return flaps on valves which are in closed position when inoperative and are opened by pressurized fluid.

Abstract: A method of decontaminating or sterilizing chamber systems including freeze dryers at low temperature and pressure levels by utilizing vaporized sterilant, preferably hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid and mixtures thereof is disclosed.

Abstract: A sterilizable instrument cassette for use in storage and sterilization of medical and dental instruments includes two individual storage trays with base plates carrying silicone instrument-locating rails, and rotatable clamping members provided with silicone compression rails. The two trays may be separated or assembled and latched together, while the rotatable clamping member may be latched in its closed position. Multiple functions are performed by unitary structures simply and economically formed from single sheets of metal by stamping and bending.

Abstract: A plastic autoclave enclosure for retaining and storing medical instruments and apparata which must be autoclaved includes a molded tray, a molded lid and a pair of oppositely disposed slide latches which are used to secure the molded lid to the molded tray. The molded tray has an outwardly extending flange and disposed therein a pair of spaced-apart keyhole slots. The slide latches are attached to opposite ends of the molded lid and include a protruding pin portion from each latch which has an enlarged head and this enlarged head is received by the corresponding keyhole slot. The base of the molded tray is configured with two spaced-apart ribs and the molded lid has a pair of spaced-apart ribs which define the top surface into three generally rectangular areas. The spacing and length dimension of the tray ribs is such that the base of the tray may be stacked onto the top of the lid thereby allowing a plurality of autoclave enclosures to be stacked one on top of the other.

Abstract: An autoclavable cassette for the receipt and storage of dental and surgical instruments includes a metal tray portion including a base, four sides and two outwardly extending flanges and a metal lid portion which covers the open tray portion and assembles to the outwardly extending latches by means of a cooperating latch and pin combination. The metal cassette tray is configured with a variety of slots, apertures and pins which are used to receive customizing components so that the dentist or surgeon can, by his own selection of specific component options create his own customized cassette. Some of the customizing options include a generally rectangular rack which sets in and can be lifted out of the tray and which includes a series of aligned receiving channels for the receipt of dental or surgical instruments. Another customizing option includes a finger mat which fits within the tray with a snap-in/snap-out feature, providing greater versatility.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the commercial sterilization of thin-walled, high-profile plastic containers, which are hermetically sealed with an easy-peel aluminum foil/plastic-coated lid stock material. The apparatus is a rack of molds, each mold having a recessed groove to support the lip of the plastic container and a mold lid having a rigid portion covering the lid and a resilient portion inside the rigid portion to permit the lid of the plastic container to expand in a controlled manner during sterilization. The rigid portion of the mold lid can be angled to fit the contour of the expanded container lid.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning and sterilizing objects, such as pharmaceutical caps, plugs and the like includes an autoclave chamber and a cleaning device having a cleaning drum mounted for a free rotation on a frame. The frame runs on rollers and can be moved in and out of the autoclave chamber. The cleaning drum has a hollow shaft provided within the drum with spray nozzles and mounted axially in line with a hollow drive shaft passing through one sidewall of the autoclave chamber free to turn and sealed. The drum shaft and the drive shaft may be coupled together by a coupling device. The frame may be released from the drum introduced into the autoclave chamber so that it is not located during the cleaning process in the autoclave chamber and thus will not constitute an additional source of contamination.

Abstract: An instrument (28) or other item to be sterilized is supported on a hanger (26) in a decontamination chamber (10). A container such as a sleeve (92), is supported at adjacent ends between supporting rings (90) such that the container surrounds and is displaced from the instrument. A pump (40) recirculates a sterilant or other antimicrobial solution that collects in a lower drain (48) and a reservoir (50) through spray nozzles (70, 96) and connectors (44) which are connected to interior passages of the instrument. In this manner, the internal passages of the instrument are sterilized by the flowing liquid and exterior surfaces are sterilized by sterilant solution mist which condenses on and coats the exterior surface. After the instrument is sterilized, a sterile rinse is sprayed on the instrument and interior of the container. The container and instrument are removed as a unit and the container is closed at its ends to prevent the instrument from becoming microbially contaminated from the ambient air.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for sterilizing bio-active infectious waste matter bya) placing infectious waste in a degradable container, and positioning the container in a pressure vessel; andb) injecting steam into the vessel to wet the container and the infectious waste; andc) subjecting the wet container and infectious waste matter to sufficient microwave radiation to sterilize the waste; andd) heating the sterilized waste matter and container until they are dry; ande) granulating the waste and container to produce small unrecognizable fragment particles.

Abstract: The body portion (A) of a small portable sterilizer has a face panel (46) against which a door (B) is selectively closed. The face panel defines an access opening for a sterilization chamber (10) which receives a cassette (C), an access opening for an anti-microbial concentrate chamber (20) which receives a powdered or other sterilant concentrate, and an outlet opening (50) from a microbe filter which filters microbes from incoming rinse water. The face plate and the door define fluid flow channels (48, 52) therebetween for selectively directing sterilant solutions and rinse solutions among the anti-microbial concentrate chamber, the sterilization chamber, and the microbial filter. The cassette is configured to assure that it is inserted into the sterilization chamber with a unique orientation such that its fluid inlet apertures (114) and outlet apertures (124) are at preselected locations.

Abstract: A sterilizable instrument cassette for use in storage and sterilization of medical and dental instruments includes two individual storage trays with base plates carrying silicone instrument-locating rails, and rotatable clamping members provided with silicone compression rails. The two trays may be separated or assembled and latched together, while the rotatable clamping member may be latched in its closed position. Multiple functions are performed by unitary structures simply and economically formed from single sheets of metal by stamping and bending.

Abstract: A sterilizer assembly for sterilizing infant accessories such as baby bottles, nipples, nipple hoods and collars simultaneously, especially in microwave ovens. Preferably, the assembly is formed from heat resistant, nonmetallic, microwavable materials and includes a base defining a receptacle for receiving water to be heated to form steam. A rack is received on the base over the water and preferably includes a plurality of upstanding supports removably mounted over steam passage apertures in the rack. A dome-like hood encloses the rack, supports, and any items to be sterilized. A vent member on the hood may be rotated to uncover an aperture and release steam from the assembly before removing the hood and after heating to avoid burn injuries. Each support will suspend a baby bottle or, alternately, will suspend a nipple hood, mount a nipple and locate a bottle collar all in position for effective steam contact and water drainage.

Abstract: The device comprises an external fixed hollow casing (20) provided with a concave surface (21) of revolution about a central axis A and with two apertures (22') and (22") for passage of the objects, each aperture communicating with a respective environment; within the casing (20) there is provided a structure (10) rotatable about the axis A and in sealed engagement with the concave surface (21); the structure (10) comprises at least one blind chamber (11) for containing the objects; the structure (10) rotates to carry the objects which it receives from one aperture (22') to the other aperture (22"); in whatever angular position the structure (10) lies, it closes communication between the two apertures (22') and (22"); the device is applicable in particular to sterilization or pasteurization plants and represents an improvement to known device, and in particular achieves very high productivity.

Abstract: Sterilizing apparatus and method of sterilizing and/or desorbing gas from articles, in which a fluid-tight chamber 10 has an access opening and a closure therefor. A fluidtight seal 13 is provided for the closure. An injector unit 25 introduces a sterilizing gas or vapor into the chamber. Apparatus 23, 29 extracts the gas or vapor when required, and radiation generators 32-34 generate or radiate high frequency electromagnetic radiation in or into the chamber 10. A radiation trap or seal 9 limits or prevents unwanted escape of or discharge of the radiated energy.