Abstract: A container for the sterilization of articles disposed therein, including surgical instruments, having a base unit and a matching cover unit. A locking mechanism, including a C-shaped tab, is pivotally and removably attached to each end of the base unit so that each tab can pivot between an open and a locked position. Each tab includes a first locking ridge located on an upper portion of the tab. The cover unit includes a second locking ridge located at each end of the cover unit for interfitting with the first locking ridge of the corresponding tab when the tab is in the locked position.

Abstract: A modular sterilization tray system for medical instruments comprises a rigid, substantially rectangular case having a pair of opposite side walls, a pair of opposite end walls and a bottom wall. A plurality of vertical columns of vertically spaced apart uniform size holes are formed in the case side walls and end walls. Also, one or more substantially rectilinear instrument trays are provided for placement in the case, the length and width dimensions of each of the trays being directly related to the spacing of the columns of holes in the case side and end walls such that one or more trays may be positioned within the case so as to be bracketed by selected columns of holes. The system also includes fixtures for positioning in selected holes of the bracketing columns of holes for fixing the position of one or more trays at a selected elevation in the case and fixation brackets for variously shaped instruments placed in the trays.

Abstract: A modular sterilization tray system for medical instruments comprises a rigid, substantially rectangular case having a pair of opposite side walls, a pair of opposite end walls and a bottom wall. A plurality of vertical columns of vertically spaced apart uniform size holes are formed in the case side walls and end walls. Also, one or more substantially rectilinear instrument trays are provided for placement in the case, the length and width dimensions of each of the trays being directly related to the spacing of the columns of holes in the case side and end walls such that one or more trays may be positioned within the case so as to be bracketed by selected columns of holes. The system also includes fixtures for positioning in selected holes of the bracketing columns of holes for fixing the position of one or more trays at a selected elevation in the case.

Abstract: A pressure responsive valve assembly for a sterilization container having a valve opening comprises a valve closure member for closing the opening and a fluid tight plenum chamber including a rigid wall and an opposite movable wall connected to the valve closure member for movement along a common axis therewith. A spring biases the movable wall and valve closure member away from the rigid wall of the plenum chamber. The movable wall has an area comparable to that of the valve closure member and the plenum chamber has a relatively small length-to-diameter ratio so that when the valve closure member is moved to open or close the valve, the resulting movement of the chamber movable wall changes the volume of the plenum chamber by less than 20%.

Abstract: A sterilization container is provided with relatively large top and bottom apertures to allow hot steam to rapidly pervade the interior of the container through the top while flushing cool air out the bottom. The apertures are provided with pressure actuated valves with large cross sections to minimize impedance to gas flow when the valves are open. The pressure-sensitive elements of the valves are set such that the valves close to seal the apertures when the external pressure is at atmospheric, and rapidly open fully when the pressure begins to rise in the autoclave as steam is admitted at the start of a sterilization cycle. When the external pressure is returned to atmospheric at the end of the cycle, the pressure-actuated valves close to provide a sealed container for removal from the autoclave.