Abstract: A rack and “U-shaped” stringers for use in stringing of ring-handled medical instruments in preparation for at least one of an assembly operation, an assembly count operation, a storage procedure, a decontamination operation, a sterilization process, and/or a disinfection operation, involving such instruments.

Abstract: A composition and method of treatment for handling potential prion contamination of surfaces is disclosed.

Abstract: A composition and method of treatment for handling potential prion contamination of surfaces is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of assessing the efficiency of a cleaning operation and assessing likely residual contamination on substrates after a cleaning operation.

Abstract: A method of assessing the efficiency of a cleaning operation and assessing likely residual contamination on substrates after a cleaning operation.

Abstract: A composition and method of treatment for handling potential prion contamination of surfaces is disclosed.

Abstract: A sterilization container, insert therefor, and systems are described, wherein at least one of the container or the insert therefor at the contact point between them is constructed of a conductive, non-corrosive material, most preferably stainless steel, while the bulk of the container or insert therefore is constructed of a non-conductive material, most preferably anodized aluminum. The container, insert, and whole systems are suitable for use in gas plasma sterilization procedures, but especially in those procedures that include a hydrogen peroxide gas plasma “express” cycle.

Abstract: A porous metal filter for use in conjunction with a sterilization container where the porous metal filter is fabricated from metal powder or metal pellets having an average particle size of at least greater than 0.2 microns and a thickness of at least about 15 mils (0.015?, about 381 microns) is disclosed. The filter is compatible with all current sterilization environments and all current sterilization procedures.

Abstract: A sterilization container system for sterilizing objects therein comprising (a) an outer case having a bottom and four outer case side walls, said outer case bottom and said outer case four side walls defining an outer case interior; (b) an outer case lid; (c) a liner; (d) an inner tray having an inner tray bottom and four inner tray side walls, said inner tray bottom and four inner tray side walls defining an inner tray interior; and (e) optionally, an inner tray lid; wherein in use, said inner tray carries one or more objects for sterilization in said inner tray interior, said inner tray optionally having said inner tray lid thereon and wrapped within said liner to form a wrapped inner tray, and said wrapped inner tray located in said outer case interior, with said outer case lid closing said interior of said outer case.

Abstract: A system utilizing a concentrated cleaner and/or disinfectant and optionally concentrated lubricant or combinations thereof or concentrated multifunctional products within these classes; packaged in container sizes that are generally not greater than about 5 gallons each so as to permit greater flexibility in storage locations, especially at the area of use. In certain embodiments, the system further comprises an external empty bottle detection and alarm system. In certain embodiment, the system will also include a flow failure detection unit. In most preferred embodiments, both the “empty bottle” sensor and the “flow failure” are used, and preferably each has an independent ability to “lock up” the entire system to prevent further use of the system until the problem is corrected. In other embodiments a sediment avoidance feature is utilized, which is embodied either in the bottle design, in angling of mounting the bottle in a mounting bracket, or both.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container for sterilizing medical instruments and, in particular, to a sterilization container useful for flash sterilization that includes a thermostatically controlled valve that permits maximum steam or gas sterilant penetration and prevents microorganisms and dust from entering. The thermostatic valve also allows storage of sterilized contents and reduces moisture within the sterilization container.

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 is then placed in an autoclave or other source of pressurized steam. The filter is composed of a material which will allow the pressurized steam to pass through but which is relatively impervious to dust and microorganisms thereby maintaining the sterility of the interior of the container and its contents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container and methods for sterilizing medical instruments with various embodiments including use of an instrument tray and a thermostatically controlled valve. In particular, this invention relates to a sterilization container useful for sterilization with various sterilization techniques including gas, gas plasma and steam. The sterilization container of the present invention permits steam or gas sterilant penetration and prevents microorganisms and dust from entering. The materials used may be made of a suitable metal, including an aluminum alloy, that may be heat treated and/or anodized or coated with a suitable material.

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). 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 is then placed in an autoclave or other source of pressurized steam. Items which require “stat” sterilization can be placed in a basket (80) with a plurality of vent holes (83) which further limits the amount, and therefore the whole mass, of the instruments placed into the container for sterilization and significantly decreases the time required for sterilization. The filter (20) allows the steam to enter the interior of the container and sterilize any items contained therein.

Abstract: A metal 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 surrouning the sealed container allowing gas plasma 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 is then placed in a gas plasma environment. The container is preferably made of aluminum with an anodic coating of 0.5 mils (0.0005 inches) or less with the pan (12) and cover (16) electrically insulated from one another via the coating.

Abstract: A sterilizable bracket (10) for supporting medical instruments (22) includes a resilient body (12) that surrounds and encapsulates a relatively rigid metal skeleton (14) which is attached to a plurality of studs (16) which secure the bracket (10) to a sterilizable tray (18). instruments (22) are received in indentations (24) in the resilient body (12). Each indentation (24) includes a plurality of ribs or fingers (28) which permit sterilizing steam to flow around the instruments (22). The resilient body (12) comprises a silicone material which encapsulates the skeleton backbone (14) which, in turn, gives the bracket (10) strength and flexibility. Threaded studs (16) having a slot (46) at one end and threads (50) at the other are employed to attach the bracket (10) to the sterilizable tray (18). The slot (46) in the head (44) of each of the studs (16) receives the metal skeleton backbone (14).

Abstract: A sterilizable instrument supporting bracket that may be attached to a sterilization tray having spaced perforations. The apparatus includes a resilient body used to support medical instruments. A skeleton structure is located within the resilient body for providing support to the resilient body and includes resilient metal locking devices for attaching the bracket to the tray. The locking devices include two locking numbers having resilient shaft portions that are biased to given position. A head is located to each of the shaft portions with two of the head portions facing in opposite directions. Resilient ribs are attached to the resilient body and are compressed against the tray when the resilient body and related skeleton structure are attached to the tray. The bracket is attached to the tray by squeezing the head portions toward each other and passing them into perforations of the tray and then allowing them to resiliently move outwardly on the shafts to lock the bracket onto the tray.