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: A sterilizable silicone mat (10) includes a repeating S shaped rib structure (38) on the bottom surface (28) that aligns the mat (10) with steam apertures (20) in a support tray (12) and facilitates maximum steam penetration and optimum water drainage while reducing condensate. The mat body (26) includes a top surface (24) and a bottom surface (28) and a plurality of steam penetration holes or apertures (40). Each steam penetration hole (40) is surrounded by four instrument supporting finger-like structures (30) located on the top surface (24) of the mat (10). The four fingers (30) that surround each steam penetration hole (40) are located at 90 degrees with respect to each other. A plurality of S shaped rib structures (38) are located on the bottom surface (28) of the mat (10). Each S shaped rib (38) separates two adjacent steam holes (46) and includes a nub (42) at the distal ends of each S shaped rib (38) for engaging some of the steam penetration holes (20) in the bottom (18) of the tray (12).