Abstract: A receptacle for handling contaminated waste for sterilization and subsequent disposal which is a pore forming sterilization bag made from a thermoplastic resin which has been embedded with either soluble materials or melt materials which respond to the temperature and moisture of steam sterilization to form pores in the bag, thus permitting the entrance of sterilant and the exit of air for sterilization of the waste. The melt materials are low molecular weight polymers such as carbowaxes. The soluble materials can be either organic or inorganic materials such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl pyrrolidone and various inorganic salts, such as sodium chloride.

Abstract: A valve permits articles disposed within a sterilizer container to be exposed to an entire sterilization cycle, yet seals the sterilizer container upon completion of the cycle. The valve includes a housing which defines a passage through which fluid can flow between the interior and exterior of the sterilizer container. A sealing member seals the passage after a predetermined number of high and low pressure stages of a sterilization cycle has been completed. A cam member is reciprocated as the high and low pressure stages of the sterilization cycle are performed, each reciprocation causing the sealing member to move one step closer toward sealing the sterilizer container. Apparatus is provided to permit the valve to be reset for further use of the container.