Abstract: An arrangement for sterilizing objects in which a quantity of liquid and one or more objects to be sterilized are introduced into a pouch formed of flexible sheet material at least partially transparent to microwave radiation whereupon the pouch is sealed to form a gas-tight assembly. The gas-tight assembly is situated in an inner rigid cavity of an enclosure which is at least partially formed of material that is substantially transparent to microwave radiation. The enclosure is irradiated with microwave radiation which passes into the cavity and then into the gas-tight pouch assembly situated therein to vaporize the liquid to produce an atmosphere of hot vapor under pressure in the pouch. The pouch expands under pressure until the sheet material of which it is formed presses against the rigid inner surfaces of the enclosure cavity.

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: Method and apparatus for sterilizing articles including introducing the article and liquid solution into a collapsible pouch formed of vapor-impermeable sheet material, sealing the collapsible pouch to form a gas-tight assembly, and heating the gas-tight assembly to vaporize the liquid solution to produce an atmosphere of hot vapor. The liquid is introduced into the pouch in a quantity sufficient to create an overpressure when vaporized which is indicated by the collapsible pouch expanding to a distended condition. In one embodiment, the liquid solution is vaporized by irradiating the gas-tight assembly with microwave radiation. In other embodiments particularly suited for sterilizing a plurality of metallic articles, the at least one article is surrounded by shielding, which may be separate from or integrated with the pouch, which presents a barrier to the transmission of microwave radiation.

Abstract: Apparatus for disinfecting soft contact lenses includes a vessel at least partially formed of material transparent to microwave electromagnetic radiation, disinfecting solution receivable within the vessel, a device for irradiating the disinfecting solution within the vessel with microwave electromagnetic radiation, and shielding apparatus for defining a radiation shielded interior portion within the vessel receivable of contact lenses and disinfecting solution, and an unshielded interior portion within the vessel which is in fluid communication with the shielded portion.

Abstract: A process for disinfecting soft contact lenses includes introducing disinfecting solution into a vessel that is at least partially formed of material transparent to microwave electromagnetic radiation, and placing the contact lenses into contact with the disinfecting solution within an interior portion of the vessel which is substantially shielded from microwave electromagnetic radiation. The vessel is closed and then subjected to microwave radiation to heat the disinfecting solution with which the lenses are in contact while the lenses themselves are shielded from the radiation. The radiation continues until the lenses are disinfected. Apparatus in accordance with the invention include the vessel, disinfecting solution and in accordance with one embodiment, lens holder apparatus comprising shielding material defining compartments that are receivable of the contact lenses which are in fluid communication with the surrounding interior of the vessel but which provide microwave radiation shielding.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sterilizing articles such as dental handpieces include introducing the article and liquid sterilant solution into a collapsible pouch formed of vapor-impermeable sheet material, sealing the collapsible pouch to form a gas-tight assembly, and heating the gas-tight assembly to vaporize the liquid sterilant solution to produce an atmosphere of hot sterilant vapor. The liquid sterilant is introduced into the pouch in a quantity sufficient to create an overpressure when vaporized which is indicated by the collapsible pouch expanding to a distended condition. In one embodiment, the liquid sterilant solution is vaporized by irradiating the gas-tight assembly with microwave radiation in which case the article is sterilized under the combined effects of chemical vapor and microwave irradiation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sterilizing articles such as dental handpieces include introducing the article and liquid sterilant solution into a collapsible pouch formed of vapor-impermeable sheet material, sealing the collapsible pouch to form a gas-tight assembly, and heating the gas-tight assembly to vaporize the liquid sterilant solution to produce an atmosphere of hot sterilant vapor. The liquid sterilant is introduced into the pouch in a quantity sufficient to create an overpressure when vaporized which is indicated by the collapsible pouch expanding to a distended condition. In one embodiment, the liquid sterilant solution is vaporized by irradiating the gas-tight assembly with microwave radiation in which case the article is sterilized under the combined effects of chemical vapor and microwave irradiation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for rapidly sterilizing material including articles such as dental handpieces include introducing the article and liquid sterilant solution into a collapsible pouch formed of vapor-impermeable sheet material, sealing the collapsible pouch to form a gas-tight assembly, and vaporizing the liquid sterilant solution by heating it to produce an atmosphere of hot sterilant vapor. The liquid sterilant is introduced into the pouch in a quantity sufficient to create an overpressure when vaporized which is indicated by the collapsible pouch expanding to a distended condition. In one embodiment, the liquid sterilant solution is vaporized by irradiating the gas-tight assembly with microwave radiation in which case the material is sterilized under the combined effects of chemical vapor and microwave irradiation.