Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for sonicating an article such that the liquid used as the sonication medium cannot recontaminate the article. A sonication medium in the form of a film of liquid is streamed over the article. A probe of a sonic horn is positioned in sonic energy transfer relationship to the sonication medium next to the article. Sound waves transmitted through the sonication medium dislodge particles from the article and into the sonication medium. The sonication medium carrying dislodged particles is drained away after passing the probe of the sonic horn. A subsequent sterilization means can be used to further clean the article. The article can be a web of packaging material used subsequent to sterilization for forming into individual containers for the aseptic packaging of foodstuffs or the like.

Abstract: The heating element includes a flexible graphite fiber-loaded impregnated paper saturated with a binder to ensure and maintain intimate electrical contact between the graphite fibers. In one form, two segments of the graphite fiber-loaded paper are coupled in series through a common bus bar and are electrically coupled to an SCR control circuit using a thermistor as a temperature responsive device. The graphite fiber-loaded paper with thermistor and electrical leads are encapsulated between cover sheets to provide an extremely thin highly flexible drapable therapeutic heating pad. Another form of heating pad includes providing the graphite fiber-loaded paper in the form of strips bonded to a plastic substrate. Electrical leads are attached and the substrate is enclosed by a cover sheet to provide a highly flexible heating pad. Two discrete methods of forming the latter heating pad are disclosed including silk screening and die pressing operations.

Abstract: A disposable suture cutter formed as a resilient member from a single piece of molded material having two opposed free ends to be held between the fingers and thumb. One free end is shaped for insertion in cutting position under a suture without any lateral motion. A suture-retaining groove is positioned on the insertable free end for holding the suture transverse the free end. A cutting blade is attached to the other free end of the resilient member for movement transversely and downwardly relative to the axis of the suture held in the suture-retaining groove. A guide groove is provided on the insertable free end so as to prevent lateral motion of the cutting blade as it is moved across the suture. When operated, the suture cutter slices the suture held in the groove without additional motion of the free insertable end.

Abstract: A disposable forceps of a single piece of molded, resilient material is provided for surgical use. The forceps include a pair of arms substantially parallel to each other, integrally joined together at one end, and with the arms biased to an open position. At the other end of the arms are jaw members having teeth which precisely match and align together when the arms are urged to a closed position. Intermediate the ends of each arm is an integral alignment and spacing means projecting from the inner wall which interface and engage each other to allow movement of the arms in only one planar direction laterally to the open and closed positions and to limit the distance between the arms when the arms are biased to an open position, thereby ensuring proper alignment and matching of the jaw teeth.