Abstract: A sterilization container, insert therefor, and systems are described, wherein at least one of the container or the insert therefor at the contact point between them is constructed of a conductive, non-corrosive material, most preferably stainless steel, while the bulk of the container or insert therefore is constructed of a non-conductive material, most preferably anodized aluminum. The container, insert, and whole systems are suitable for use in gas plasma sterilization procedures, but especially in those procedures that include a hydrogen peroxide gas plasma “express” cycle.

Abstract: A porous metal filter for use in conjunction with a sterilization container where the porous metal filter is fabricated from metal powder or metal pellets having an average particle size of at least greater than 0.2 microns and a thickness of at least about 15 mils (0.015?, about 381 microns) is disclosed. The filter is compatible with all current sterilization environments and all current sterilization procedures.

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 is then placed in an autoclave or other source of pressurized steam. The filter is composed of a material which will allow the pressurized steam to pass through but which is relatively impervious to dust and microorganisms thereby maintaining the sterility of the interior of the container and its contents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container and methods for sterilizing medical instruments with various embodiments including use of an instrument tray and a thermostatically controlled valve. In particular, this invention relates to a sterilization container useful for sterilization with various sterilization techniques including gas, gas plasma and steam. The sterilization container of the present invention permits steam or gas sterilant penetration and prevents microorganisms and dust from entering. The materials used may be made of a suitable metal, including an aluminum alloy, that may be heat treated and/or anodized or coated with a suitable material.

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). 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 is then placed in an autoclave or other source of pressurized steam. Items which require “stat” sterilization can be placed in a basket (80) with a plurality of vent holes (83) which further limits the amount, and therefore the whole mass, of the instruments placed into the container for sterilization and significantly decreases the time required for sterilization. The filter (20) allows the steam to enter the interior of the container and sterilize any items contained therein.

Abstract: A metal 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 surrouning the sealed container allowing gas plasma 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 is then placed in a gas plasma environment. The container is preferably made of aluminum with an anodic coating of 0.5 mils (0.0005 inches) or less with the pan (12) and cover (16) electrically insulated from one another via the coating.

Abstract: A sterilizable bracket (10) for supporting medical instruments (22) includes a resilient body (12) that surrounds and encapsulates a relatively rigid metal skeleton (14) which is attached to a plurality of studs (16) which secure the bracket (10) to a sterilizable tray (18). instruments (22) are received in indentations (24) in the resilient body (12). Each indentation (24) includes a plurality of ribs or fingers (28) which permit sterilizing steam to flow around the instruments (22). The resilient body (12) comprises a silicone material which encapsulates the skeleton backbone (14) which, in turn, gives the bracket (10) strength and flexibility. Threaded studs (16) having a slot (46) at one end and threads (50) at the other are employed to attach the bracket (10) to the sterilizable tray (18). The slot (46) in the head (44) of each of the studs (16) receives the metal skeleton backbone (14).

Abstract: A sterilizable instrument supporting bracket that may be attached to a sterilization tray having spaced perforations. The apparatus includes a resilient body used to support medical instruments. A skeleton structure is located within the resilient body for providing support to the resilient body and includes resilient metal locking devices for attaching the bracket to the tray. The locking devices include two locking numbers having resilient shaft portions that are biased to given position. A head is located to each of the shaft portions with two of the head portions facing in opposite directions. Resilient ribs are attached to the resilient body and are compressed against the tray when the resilient body and related skeleton structure are attached to the tray. The bracket is attached to the tray by squeezing the head portions toward each other and passing them into perforations of the tray and then allowing them to resiliently move outwardly on the shafts to lock the bracket onto the tray.

Abstract: A long bone reamer apparatus is assembled from a plurality of blades that interlink with each other. According to a first embodiment, six long cutting blades are held in position by a plurality of disks, each having six blade receiving slots spaced at 60 degrees with respect to each other. The longitudinal axis of each of the blade receiving slots is slightly offset from the center of the disk so that tabs on opposing blades contact and are welded to each other. According to a second embodiment of the invention, four blades are connected together in a boxlike arrangement having a long rod in the center thereof for support. A first set of the blades includes an interior aperture with a plurality of tabs which engage with a plurality of tab receiving slots in the second set of blades. Both sets of reamers have a head with blade portions arranged to lie along the surface of a semi-circle and, moreover, both embodiments have longitudinal sidewalls having cutting edges, which lie in the plane of a cylinder.

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

Abstract: An acetabular reamer includes a base, a first set of semi-circular blades attached to the base, and a second set of semi-circular blades also contacting the base, and crossing and intersecting with the first set of blades at right angles thereto. The base preferably includes a circular plate having a hexagonal drive hole in the center thereof and a plurality of slots in the periphery thereof for anchoring the blades. Each semi-circular blade includes a first end having a projection thereon, a second end opposite from said first end and also having a projection thereon, a first edge having serrated cutting teeth thereon, a second edge opposite from said first edge, and a first and second side surface. The cutting edge of the first set of blades includes a plurality of outwardly facing slots which mate with and engage a second set of inwardly facing slots in the second edge of said second blades.

Abstract: An acetabular reamer includes a base, a first set of semi-circular blades attached to the base, and a second set of semi-circular blades also contacting said base, and crossing and intersecting with said first set of blades at right angles thereto. The base preferably comprises a circular plate having a hexagonal drive hole in the center thereof and a plurality of slots in the periphery thereof for anchoring the blades. Each semi-circular blade includes a first end having a projection thereon, a second end opposite from said first end and also having a projection thereon, a first edge having serrated cutting teeth thereon, a second edge opposite from said first edge, and a first and second side surface. The cutting edge of the first set of blades includes a plurality of outwardly facing slots which mate with and engage a second set of inwardly facing slots in the second edge of said second blades.

Abstract: A disposable razor including a blade cover and a blade support, said cover making a permanent interlocking connection with the blade support while being movable to and fro relative to the blade support from a storage position to a shaving position having structure for (1) blocking inadvertent movement of the cover out of the storage position and (2) enhancing the integrity of the interlocking connection.

Abstract: A plastic disposable razor having one or more blades with a movable permanently attached sliding cap or cover for exposing and protecting the blade edge selectively.

Abstract: A razor blade assembly is provided including a pair of skin-engaging structural elements, the razor blade being connected to a first one of the skin-engaging elements with the cutting edge forwardly directed. The second skin-engaging element is movably connected to the first and being movable relative to both the blade and the first skin-engaging element between first and second positions. In the first position the blade is exposed for shaving. That is the blade edge extends forwardly of a tangent plane to the front margins of the two skin-engaging elements. In the second position the blade is in a guarded position, that is rearward of the tangent plane. Preferably the first skin-engaging element is a guard bar and the second skin-engaging element is a cap member.

Abstract: A plastic disposable razor having one or more blades with a movable permanently attached sliding cap or cover for exposing and protecting the blade edge selectively.