Abstract: An improved seal for a rotary valve for high temperature and high pressure fluids. A removable seal member adapted for disposition between a valve body and a valve member rotatably disposed in the valve body is provided. In one aspect of the invention, the seal member is adapted so that pressure exerted by the valve is sufficient to induce cold flow in the seal member. In another aspect of the invention, the seal member includes a pair of longitudinally disposed slots.

Abstract: A sterilizing cassette system is disclosed. A sealed container (cassette) is provided and configured to receive an article to be sterilized (i.e. a load). A sealing member, such as a plunger, is associated with the cassette at an opening formed in the cassette. An actuating member, such as a motor, is mechanically associated with the sealing member to open and close the sealing member at preselected times during the sterilizing cycle. A control device, such as a microprocessor, is associated with the actuating member to provide signals to the actuator to cause it to actuate the plunger at preselected times in the sterilizing cycle. The actuator is formed integral with the sterilizer so that it can be interchangeably used with multiple load-bearing cassettes. Once the cassette is removed from the sterilizer, it remains in its sealed state until the load is needed, thus mainlining the load in a sterilized condition.

Abstract: A pressure vessel in which the air steam and liquid exhaust systems are combined and wherein all exhaust systems are directed through a water reservoir, using a single control valve and a temperature/pressure sensor in the system.

Abstract: A chemical sterilizer system for sterilizing items by vaporizing a liquid chemical sterilant in a sterilizing chamber. Pre-evacuation of the sterilizer chamber enhances the sterilizing activity. Sterilant is injected into the sterilizer chamber from a prefilled shot chamber. Subsequent to the exposure period, spent sterilant is condensed and fresh air is pumped into the sterilizer chamber from a vacuum pump. An automated valving system uses a minimal number of three-way valves and one or more two-way valves to control the fluid flow functions in the sterilization cycle.

Abstract: A filter system for the exhaust stream of a chemical sterilizer includes a liquid trap filter directly upstream from a canister filter and proximity switch for monitoring the presence or absence of the canister filter.

Abstract: Heat-labile articles are sterilized by subjecting them to pulses of sporicidal vapors and maintaining them for a holding period in contact with such vapors.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved anaesthetic scavenging face mask having a scavenging channel running along the perimeter of the mask. The mask is provided with an anaesthetic gas inlet and a vacuum outlet. The scavenging channel is connected to the vacuum outlet.

Abstract: A process monitoring heat history indicator in the form of a mixture of a first particulate component with a first characteristic color and a second particulate component with a second characteristic color. The first component includes a solvent system which melts at one or more defined temperatures so that when the mixture is heated to a selected temperature, it melts and wets the surface of the second component.

Abstract: A track system for a slidable tray of a dental instrument delivery system includes a stationary slide guide member, a movable slide body member and a floating bearing assembly interposed between these members in coupling arrangement.

Abstract: A dental instrument delivery system of the type in which hand pieces are stored at the front edge of an instrument deck and are connected to utilities by means of flexible tubes with coiled memories is provided with structure to contain and support the weight of the tubing. The hand pieces may be held by removable hangers of heat resistant material so that the hangers may be separately sterilized. The instrument deck may further be provided with a slidably mounted tray adapted for cantilever suspension from either side of the deck.