Abstract: The present invention features a process and apparatus for fabricating ceramic substrates. The apparatus comprises an extruder of the ram or screw type for forcing the ceramic materials through a die to form a log. After leaving the extrusion die, the log enters a conveyor apparatus. The log is conveyed over, and supported upon, a gaseous fluid (air) bearing surface of the conveyor apparatus, until it reaches a dryer carrier. The conveyor apparatus features a support surface for carrying the ceramic materials. The support surface has a plurality of apertures through which the gaseous fluid (air) is directed for supporting the moving log. About the support surface is disposed a mantle for confining the gaseous fluid (air) about the rapidly drying ceramic log. The gaseous fluid (air) is maintained at a relative humidity of approximately between 85 to 97%, and preferably within an approximate range of between 90 and 95%.

Abstract: A medical instrument sterilization container 90 has a housing 12, a removable tray 16 adapted for holding medical instruments and a removable lid 92. Lid 92 has no apertures or other inlets and is sealingly affixed to the housing 12 so that pressure induced positive drainage occurs providing for significantly improved drying.

Abstract: There is disclosed an invention for effecting sterilization in a plasma of low molecular weight aliphatic alcohol, preferably methanol at pressure levels of from 10 mTorr to 10 Torr at RF energy levels to establish and maintain a plasma for a time sufficient to achieve substantial total microbicidal effectiveness.

Abstract: A carrier for holding irregularly shaped containers for movement through a hydrostatic sterilizer. The carrier adapts irregularly shaped containers for movement through a sterilizer which can also process contents of cylindrical food cans. A plurality of openings in the carrier allows fluid and steam to surround the containers for uniform processing of the contents of the containers.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for use in the sterilization of contact lenses or the like, wherein lenses are disposed within a sterilizing solution contained within a reaction vessel, which sterilizing solution is capable of being decomposed through contact with a catalytic agent. The apparatus comprises a reaction vessel capable of containing a sterilizing solution and comprising a container portion, a cover and structure for supporting an article in contact with sterilizing solution in the container. Further structure is provided for mounting a catalytic agent on the supporting structure such that the catalytic agent is removable for replacement by a user as the catalytic agent becomes exhausted in use.

Abstract: A medical instruments sterilization container (10) includes a housing (12) and a removable lid (14). A removable tray (16) is adapted to hold various medical instruments to be sterilized. The container is formed of a polymer of relatively low thermal conductivity, with a material having a relatively high thermal conductivity being added thereto in order to substantially increase the overall thermal conductivity of the container to absorb radiant heat and rapidly conduct that heat throughout the container to reduce condensate within the container.

Abstract: A cassette for dental instruments includes a tray having bottom and a plurality of walls extending to a particular plane, the walls defining first and second generally opposing slots. A lid having a generally planar configuration is adapted to mount on the tray with its outer surface disposed in the particular plane. A fixed tab on the lid is adapted to register with the first slot, while a moveable tab on the lid is slidable between a retracted position and an extended position wherein the moveable tab registers with the second slot.

Abstract: An apparatus for disinfecting contact lenses by use of microwave energy is disclosed wherein a disinfecting fluid is stored in a first chamber and transferred to a second compartment when exposed to microwave energy. The second compartment holds the lenses to be disinfected and is shielded by a microwave deflecting substance.

Abstract: A support rack for ring handled surgical instruments for use at the incision site in the operating room. The rack comprises an expandable two sectioned interconnected base which allows one half to slide over the other, supports at each end at the top, and a corrugated upper surface. The rack is intended to replace the rolled towel in the sterile field and is useful for keeping the instruments upright and in order, easy to pick up and pass to the surgeon, and for facilitating the before and after count.

Abstract: A test tube holder and tray assembly designed for use with a dri-bath incubator. The test tube holder comprises a top shelf which comprises a rigid top plate and a sheet of flexible material secured to the rigid plate having a second plurality of openings which are aligned with the openings in the top plate. The openings in the elastomeric material are slightly smaller than the test tubes such that when test tubes are placed therethrough a frictional engagement is provided so as to maintain the test tubes in the desired position. A bottom shelf is spaced from the top shelf and secured thereto. A tray is provided for holding the test tube holder and allows pre-positioning of test tubes therein so that the test tube holder and test tubes placed therein can be used directly with a dri-bath incubator.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing objects to be sterilized is disclosed, in which an object to be sterilized such as a hand piece is preliminarily brought into a wetted state, and then accommodated and air-tightly closed up within a sterilizing chamber communicated with an oxygen cylinder, oxygen fed from the oxygen cylinder is introduced into an ozonizer to produce ozonized oxygen gas having an ozone concentration of at least 10000 ppm, preferably 15000 ppm or higher, then the ozonized oxygen as is made to pass through the sterilizing chamber after it has been heated up to perfectly replace air within the sterilizing chamber by the ozonized oxygen gas, also moisture adhered to the objects to be sterilized is partly evaporated, subsequently the communication between the sterilizing chamber and the oxygen source is interrupted, the ozonized oxygen gas is circulated through the sterilizing chamber and the ozonizer while it is heated up at the inlet of the sterilizing chamber to thereby enhance the ozone concentration up

Abstract: A mat, sized to fit a sterilization tray, having an uppr surface and a lower surface, with a plurality of mat apertures therein in a predetermined pattern. The upper surface has upwardly projecting fingers for supporting surgical instruments above the upper surface, and the lower surface having downwardly projecting feet for supporting the lower surface of the mat above the tray. The tray bottom has a plurality of apertures in a predetermined pattern which are vertically aligned with the mat apertures such that drainage of condensation from the tray is facilitated.

Abstract: A liquid sterilizing system (A) defines a basin (10) in which a container (B) is removably disposed. The liquid sterilizing system selectively pumps sterile rinse liquids from a supply (24) and liquid sterilant solutions from a supply (70) into the basin filling the basin and the container. The container includes a lower shell having a bottom wall (34) that defines an aperture (32) for receiving sterilant and sterile rinse liquids. A nozzle plate (44) is mounted close to but spaced from the shell bottom wall to define a tortuous liquid distribution path (40) between the inlet aperture and nozzle plate apertures (90). A barrier (96) divides the liquid receiving portion and a drain portion of the liquid distribution path between the shell bottom surface and the nozzle plate. A cover (80) has a downward depending peripheral wall (82) which is offset from the shell peripheral wall (86) by the spacers (88) to define a tortuous vent path (48) therethrough.

Abstract: The specification discloses a medical instruments sterilization container (10) which includes a housing (12) and a removable lid (14). A removable tray (16) is adapted to hold various medical instruments to be sterilized. The container is formed of a polymer of relatively low thermal conductivity, with a material having a relatively high thermal conductivity being added thereto in order to substantially increase the overall thermal conductivity of the container to absorb radiant heat and rapidly conduct that heat throughout the container to reduce condensate within the container.

Abstract: A contact lens disinfection unit constituted by a container, a cap detachably mounted on the container, and a lens and catalyst block holder mounted on and depending from the cap and extending into the container when the cap is mounted on the container. The holder engages a pair of contact lens for holding the contact lenses with the surfaces thereof exposed to the space around the holder, and has structure for holding catalyst block on the holder in a position for circulation of a disinfectant solution, from the space around the holder over the catalyst block. The catalyst block can be detachably held so that it can be replaced when the catalyst is depleted.

Abstract: A batch sterilization system is disclosed for first loading containers to be sterilized into cars, transferring the loaded cars into one of a plurality of retorts arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns, sterilizing the containers while in the retorts and discharging the containers from the cars, discharging the cars from the retort, unloading the cars and thereafter repeating the cycle. The system includes a plurality of single or double door retorts in horizontal and vertical rows thereby minimizing floor spaced. Different horizontally and vertically spaced retorts may process products requiring different sterilization times in the retorts. A programmable computer is preferably used for performing the several functions of the sterilization system and for keeping track of the location of the containers during and after processing.

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: A rotatable partition is provided to establish a sealing relationship between each pair of successive processes in a germ-free filling/packaging system or between a said processes and the outer air and a hollow cylinder containing therein this rotatable partition is provided with an inlet through which germ-free gas flows in and an outlet through which germ-free gas flows out. Floor(s) of a germicide mist fixing station and/or a germicide removing station, and/or conveyor arms is (are) provided heater elements.

Abstract: A pressurizable container has a removable cover. The removable cover has locking elements to maintain the cover sealed to the container when the container is pressurized. The locking device is a piston received in a cylinder, and the cylinder communicates with the interior of the container. When the container is pressurized, the pressure fluid forces the piston and its associated locking bolt into a position such that the bolt passes through a wall of the container and a wall of the removable cover, locking the cover to the container. It is also possible to draw a vacuum on the container when the container is used as a sterilizing device.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric having high performance aqueous fluid retention and wiping characteristics and a method of producing such fabric. The fabric comprises a reinforcing web of self-bonded continuous filament synthetic fibers having at least one surface with spaced clusters of synthetic staple fibers and short natural fibers generally surrounded by void areas having a concentration of synthetic staple fibers and short natural fibers which is lower than such concentration in the clusters. The desired pattern of clusters may be obtained by hydroentanglement using a coarse apertured forming surface.

Abstract: An appliance for containing and venting fluid, typically for disinfecting contact lenses, includes a container body which has an access opening and a removable closure for the opening. A gasket is seated to form a normally liquid-tight seal between the container body and the closure, and the gasket means has a composition which is sufficiently resilient to at least partially deflect and unseat from the container body upon exertion against the gasket of elevated gas pressure developed within the container, for example, during a disinfection process. The pressurized gas can then be vented past the unseated gasket which forms a vent passageway between the closure and the container body, after which venting the gasket redeflects to reseat and seal against the container body to prevent any subsequent leakage of fluid from the container body.

Abstract: A lens support structure for holding a pair of contact lenses in a lens storage container includes a support frame having an integral stem portion and surface support means for the respective lenses. The support structure also includes a pair of lens holding members pivotably mounted on the support frame in which each holder member includes a basket-like cover portion which overlies the surface support means in the pivotably closed portion for enclosure of a respective lens therebetween.

Abstract: A sterilizing tray for holding objects while they are being sterilized in a sterilizing solution. At least one end of the sterilizing tray is equipped with a top pivoting end door whose latch can be released by tipping the end of the sterilizing tray against the work surface. Once the latch is released, the weight of sterilized objects in the tipped sterilizing tray pushes the end door open, thereby depositing the sterilized objects neatly on the work surface without their ever having been touched by the user.

Abstract: A cassette for dental instruments includes two substantially identical trays with each tray having a hinge to permit removable assembly of the tray to the other tray to form the cassette or enclosure. Each tray has apertures or holes wherethrough liquid cleansing agents can be sprayed into and can be drained out of the tray. Ribs are removably mounted into the trays and are held in spaced substantially parallel positions therein. At least one of the ribs has a clamping device for holding dental instruments in positions substantially transverse to the ribs. An intermediate locking plate is removably mounted into each tray above the ribs to further secure the dental instruments in their clamped positions in the tray. The two trays when assembled together as a cassette are readily washed, autoclaved, stored and transported together, while each tray can contain a separate set of dental instruments.

Abstract: Apparatus for sterilizing contact lenses wherein the lenses are moved in a circular orbit within a microwave oven through variations of energy levels in the microwave field in the oven, with the orbit of movement being spaced from the floor of the oven.

Abstract: The invention describes an apparatus for the sterile packaging of flowable substances, comprising a conveyer belt (4), from one end of which open packages (5) can be passed by an intermediate conveyer means (21-23) through a sterilizing chamber (7) and to a second conveyer belt (13) disposed in a sterile chamber (15) enclosed in a housing (14), filling means (17) and sealing means (18) being disposed in this sterile chamber (15) while an outlet sluice (24) is disposed in a wall of the housing. In order to simplify and so further improve such an apparatus that a more effective sterilization process is achieved, it is according to the invention envisaged to construct the sterilizing chamber (15) as an inlet sluice (8).

Abstract: An autoclave useful for pressure digestion of samples for chemical analysis, consisting of a closeable vessel containing the sample, which during operation sustains elevated temperatures and pressures. The autoclave has a PTFE (Teflon) beaker and lid, in direct contact with each other thus forming a tight seal with an excess-pressure release mechanism. The assembled vessel is held in a device that presses the sealing surfaces of the beaker and lid together, through pressure on a metallic lid support disc. The sealing surfaces of the beaker and lid are free-standing, which permits a direct release of excess-pressure and necessitates an extended clamping device for the lid support disc, which is fixed at a single point.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for the insertion of carrier elements with comb-like titer strips into a microtiter plate and to provide a convenient holder for washing the titer strips. The apparatus provides a container and a changing insert with guide lamellas and space rods for holding the carrier elements.

Abstract: A holding fixture for medical use, serving to support and fix articles, such as medical instruments, that are to be sterilized, and intended for mounting on a support panel, composed substantially of two parts: a retaining post, provided at least in part with profiling, that is to be locked into place on the support panel, and a bracket that can be slipped onto this retaining post, the mounting aperture of the bracket being such that it is lockable by positive engagement with the retaining post. By this principle, the most varied kinds of holding fixtures, adapted individually to the position and shape of each instrument, can be devised with a minimum number of different components. These brackets can easily be locked in place and released again by exerting pressure and tension upon corresponding regions of the brackets, making them extremely simple to use.

Abstract: For vial samples of milk collected along a route of dairy farms, a sample vials tray is provided of foldable mode that can be readily accommodated within the limited-volume ice chest of the route agent's truck. At the agent's milk processing plant, the same tray, and with the sample vials undisturbed therein, can be employed in the non-folded and latched condition required for automated laboratory analysis of milk samples contained in the tray-housed vials. A multi-prongs type holder holds each vial in a secure condition during the vehicular journey from dairy farm to milk processing plant. The foldable tray utilizes a special hinge that is relegated to a non-obtrusive location that does not interfere with the tray's usage in concert with automated laboratory analytical equipment.

Abstract: The present application is directed to medical sterilizer device with an improved latch mechanism and method and, more particularly, to a new and improved sterilization device in the form of a sterilizer case of medical applications relative to the use of instrument sterilization and storage. The case of the invention provides an effective storage container and method for sterilizing medical instruments and/or equipment by fluid (gas or steam) techniques.

Abstract: A recirculating high velocity hot air sterilization device includes a housing having a chamber therein. A corrugated, perforated jet curtain plate is disposed within the chamber and partially defines an air supply plenum positioned outwardly of the chamber, the plenum having an electric heating element operatively positioned therein. Spaced apart from the jet curtain plate within the chamber is a nonperforated deflector plate which extends parallel to the jet curtain plate and may be of a flat or corrugated configuration. A blower is connected to the housing and creates therein a recirculating flow of heated air which sequentially flows into the air supply plenum across the heating element, outwardly in a forward direction through the perforations in the jet curtain plate and into the housing chamber, back into the blower, and then into the air supply plenum.

Abstract: A surgical instrument rack for storing and supporting pivoted surgical instruments is defined by an open frame-type structure. The instruments are retained to the rack by a lock bar which also functions to maintain a pivotal frame in a position forcing the instruments to an open condition for cleaning and sterilization. Separator clips separate the instruments into groupings. A removable retainer clip snaps over the instruments and is adapted to display indicia referencing instruments in each grouping to facilitate return of the instruments to the rack after usage.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing containers comprises a closed sterilized chamber having a container inlet and a container outlet, an antiseptic vessel and a rinse vessel arranged within the sterilized chamber, and a group of container transport devices for transporting each container within the sterilized chamber from the inlet to the outlet by way of the vessels.

Abstract: A container for a number of sealed packages for individual contact lenses. The individual lenses are packed in a sealed container in water and must be steam sterilized. Each individual package is stacked in the container of this invention during sterilization and drains are provided in the container for excess water resulting from the sterilization process. When sterilization is completed the container may be closed and sealed. The container has tamper resistant and tamper evident features.

Abstract: A sterilization container system for sterilizing surgical instruments, having a lid secured to a base by latches. The latches are automatically disengaged when the latches' release arms are raised to form handles by which the lid can be easily and securely manipulated; while the latches are automatically engaged when the latches' release arms are lowered, sealing the lid to the base. The base is provided with an outer safety wall, which is lower than and which extends around the base's inner wall, in order to help protect the top of the base's inner wall from inadvertent contamination when the lid is removed. Disposable paper filters are sealed over the vents inside the lid and base by cooperating filter paper sealing flanges provided in the filter papers' retainers, lid and base, in order to maintain the sterility of the contents of the sterilization container system after sterilization.

Abstract: A container for holding dental or medical implements within the sterilization chamber of a clinical sterilizer includes a bottom tray and a cover element which cooperatively effect a Morton-type closure. The cover element is adapted to permit viewing of the sterilized contents of the container without disturbing the closure. The cover element may be a transparent flexible sheet held against the sidewall of the bottom tray by a clamp, with the sidewall, cover and clamp together effecting the Morton-type closure.

Abstract: A container comprising a top cover for placement on a base support. The top cover may be placed in a first position on the base support to allow steam or gas to enter within the container and a second position for providing a seal between the cover and base support.

Abstract: An autoclave tray for sterilization of surgical components and equipment includes slotted, polysulfone holders each having a base portion, a body portion and a connecting portion wherein the connecting portion is narrower than both the base portion and the body portion, the body portion being designed to receive and hold at least one surgical component, a tray arranged with oblong slots for receiving and holding one or more synthetic holders wherein the oblong slots include a narrow channel portion and an enlarged keyhole portion. The holders may be positioned in the oblong slots by passing the leading edge of the base portion through the enlarged keyhole portion of the slot and sliding the connecting portion along and within the narrow channel portion. The tray further includes a plurality of steam holes disposed about the surface of the tray.

Abstract: An elongated housing having its interior divided into a top and a bottom compartment by a perforate dividing wall can be used as a device to sterilize toothbrushes. When it is used for this purpose the top compartment is filled with water and the brush end of a toothbrush and a sterilizing composition are both introduced into the top compartment on the dividing wall as the water is allowed to drain into the bottom compartment past the brush end of the toothbrush.

Abstract: A dishwasher nipple rack for holding baby bottle nipples has a base on which the bottom of the nipples rests. The base has enough openings under each nipple so that water can enter and clean the nipples. Nipple hold-down members are spaced above the base and contact the upper portion of the nipple to limit the freedom of movement of the nipples. In one embodiment, the hold-down members are parallel arms. One end of the hold-down members pivot on one end of the base and the other end of the hold-down members locks to the other side of the base.

Abstract: A device for disinfecting medical instruments such as endoscopes and accessories comprises a tub containing disinfectant fluid into which may be dipped a perforated basket with endoscopes and accessories placed therein, which may after the disinfecting action be lifted out of the disinfectant fluid, and after longitudinal displacement relative to the tub may be supported by means of lateral projections for the draining off of residual disinfectant fluid.

Abstract: A medical instruments sterilization container (10) includes a housing (12) and a removable dome-shaped lid (14) having a filtered inlet port (18) disposed therethrough for permitting the passage of gas or steam into housing (12). A removable tray (16) is adapted to be disposed within housing (12) to hold various instruments to be sterilized and includes apertures (24) formed on the bottom of the tray for permitting condensate to drain therefrom. The bottom surface of housing (12) is sloped to two locations centered on opposite sides thereof and includes filtered outlet ports (40, 42) positioned at the two locations to permit discharged air and condensate to exit housing (12). Pedestals (30) are secured on the bottom surface of housing (12) to facilitate stacking of a plurality of sterilization containers.

Abstract: A medical instruments sterilization container (10) includes a housing (12) and a removable lid (14). A removable tray (16) is adapted to hold various medical instruments to be sterilized. The container is formed of a polymer of relatively low thermal conductivity, with a material having a relatively high thermal conductivity being added thereto in order to substantially increase the overall thermal conductivity of the container to absorb radiant heat and rapidly conduct that heat throughout the container to reduce condensate within the container.

Abstract: Apparatus for safe handling of biologically infectious waste materials comprises providing paper or plastic bags to receive infectious waste material, an open collection cart for receiving said bags, an enclosed transport cart for receiving, enclosing, and transporting the collection cart, placing the collection cart inside the transport cart, depositing the plastic bags into the collection cart while disposed within the transport cart, transferring the collection cart and bags of infectious waste into a sterilizing chamber, sterilizing the infectious waste material by steam heat, exposing fluids produced during the sterilization process to steam heat for a time sufficient to sterilize the same by allowing the fluids to slowly drain from said bags to a fluid receiver at the bottom of the collection cart and then to a second fluid receiver at the bottom of the sterilizing chamber and into a conventional drainage system, transferring the collection cart to a dumping and compacting apparatus, dumping and compact

Abstract: The invention is for an instrument container and the method of its use. Instruments for sterilization are placed on a tray spaced above a floor of the container, and the container has a gated exhaust port in a wall and adjacent the floor. In use, the open top container with open exhaust port is placed in a pressure vessel and having an outlet, steam is caused to gravitate down through the instruments to exit through its open exhaust port and thence through the vessel's outlet. When the steam vessel is opened, the gate is closed and latched over the container's exhaust port and a top cover is installed so that the sterilized instruments maybe transported through non-sterile environments without danger of contamination.

Abstract: Openings are provided in the walls of a sterilization container, particularly one for surgical instruments, to allow for the introduction of a sterilant gas, and a filter element is provided internally of these openings. To prevent external objects from entering the openings in the surface and penetrating the filter element, a relatively stiff perforate sheet, preferably formed of metal, is placed between the surface of the container and the filter element, the perforations in the sheet being offset from the openings in the container wall.

Abstract: A device for sterilizing holders containing products with the aid of heated fluid in a device receiving the holders, whereby the holders are continuously passed through an elongate passage across the device and the fluid is introduced while pressure into the passage at a feeding point located between the ends of the elongate passage and is allowed to escape near the two ends of the passage while causing the pressure of the fluid during its flow to progressively decrease from the feeding point to the ends of the passage.

Abstract: A container lid (12) is held open by a support plate (18) carrying a chamber (20) which expands at a predetermined point in a sterilizing cycle to react against the lid, moving the plate outwardly to permit the lid to drop onto the container base. A resilient gasket (16) prevents fluid flow into the container after the lid is fallen, but permits fluid flow outwardly past the gasket when interior pressure exceeds exterior pressure. When the container is to be opened, a relief valve (60) relieves the vacuum within the container and filters air entering the container at that time.

Abstract: A decontamination apparatus comprising a decontamination chamber for holding and treating articles to be decontaminated, a lid arranged to provide access to the chamber for installing articles to be decontaminated and for removal therefrom, an ancilliary chamber containing decontamination fluid supply and control means for the decontamination chamber, the decontamination chamber comprising at least two regions so as to provide one relatively deep region wherein elongate articles such as elongate flexible breathing tubes can be suspended, and a second relatively shallow region wherein smaller articles such as breathing masks can be held or suspended, at least a lower portion of the deep region being defined by a trough into which decontaminating fluid can drain from the decontamination chamber, the decontamination chamber further including support devices for holding articles to be decontaminated, spray devices arranged in both decontamination regions for spraying decontamination fluid into or over articles ar