Abstract: A sterilizable flexible pouch package includes a non-woven barrier web, a perforated plastic intermediate web, and an imperforate plastic upper web. Line heat seals bonding the webs from a cavity into which a sterilizing fluid may enter after passing through the barrier and intermediate webs. The line heat seal bonding the upper and intermediate webs is of the delamination failure type. An access opening is provided for insertion of an object to be sterilized into the cavity after which the access opening is sealed, enclosing the object in the cavity. After sterilizing, the package is opened by peeling apart the upper web from the intermediate web which causes a delamination failure of the line heat seal. Preferred materials enable steam sterilization at temperature of 270° F.

Abstract: A sterilizable flexible pouch package includes a non-woven barrier web, a perforated plastic intermediate web, and an imperforate plastic upper web. Line heat seals bonding the webs from a cavity into which a sterilizing fluid may enter after passing through the barrier and intermediate webs. The line heat seal bonding the upper and intermediate webs is of the delamination failure type. An access opening is provided for insertion of an object to be sterilized into the cavity after which the access opening is sealed, enclosing the object in the cavity. After sterilizing, the package is opened by peeling apart the upper web from the intermediate web which causes a delamination failure of the line heat seal. Preferred materials enable steam sterilization at temperature of 270° F.

Abstract: A high temperature steam-sterilizable flexible pouch package includes a non-woven barrier web, a perforated plastic intermediate web, and an imperforate plastic upper web. Line heat seals bonding the webs form a cavity into which high temperature sterilizing steam may enter after passing through the barrier and intermediate webs. The line heat seal bonding the upper and intermediate webs is of the delamination failure type. An access opening is provided for insertion of an object to be sterilized into the cavity after which the access opening is sealed, enclosing the object in the cavity. After high temperature steam sterilizing, the package is opened by peeling apart the upper web from the intermediate web which causes a delamination failure of the line heat seal. Preferred materials enable vacuum cycle steam sterilization at a temperature of at least 270° F.

Abstract: A sterilizable flexible pouch package includes a non-woven barrier web, a perforated plastic intermediate web, and an imperforate plastic upper web. Line heat seals bonding the webs from a cavity into which a sterilizing steam may enter after passing through the barrier and intermediate webs. The line heat seal bonding the upper and intermediate webs is of the delamination failure type. An access opening is provided for insertion of an object to be sterilized into the cavity after which the access opening is sealed, enclosing the object in the cavity. After sterilizing, the package is opened by peeling apart the upper web from the intermediate web which causes a delamination failure of the line heat seal. Preferred materials enable steam sterilization at temperature of 270.degree. F.

Abstract: A high temperature steam-sterilizable flexible pouch package includes a non-woven barrier web, a perforated plastic intermediate web, and an imperforate plastic upper web. Line heat seals bonding the webs form a cavity into which high temperature sterilizing steam may enter after passing through the barrier and intermediate webs. The line heat seal bonding the upper and intermediate webs is of the delamination failure type. An access opening is provided for insertion of an object to be sterilized into the cavity after which the access opening is sealed, enclosing the object in the cavity. After high temperature steam sterilizing, the package is opened by peeling apart the upper web from the intermediate web which causes a delamination failure of the line heat seal. Preferred materials enable vacuum cycle steam sterilization at a temperature of at least 270.degree. F.

Abstract: A bearing and brake support assembly includes a drive shaft and a bearing assembly. The bearing assembly has an inner race and an outer race. The inner race is secured around the drive shaft. The bearing and brake support assembly further includes a one-piece housing having a central passage extending therethrough. The outer race of the bearing assembly is secured to the one-piece housing at a location within the central passage. The bearing and brake support assembly further includes a yoke secured to the drive shaft. The bearing and brake support assembly moreover includes a brake drum secured to the yoke. The bearing and brake support assembly also includes a brake shoe assembly secured to the one-piece housing. The brake shoe assembly cooperates with the brake drum so as to selectively prevent rotation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A high temperature steam-sterilizable flexible pouch package includes a non-woven barrier web, a perforated plastic intermediate web, and an imperforate plastic upper web. Line heat seals bonding the webs form a cavity into which high temperature sterilizing steam may enter after passing through the barrier and intermediate webs. The line heat seal bonding the upper and intermediate webs is of the delamination failure type. An access opening is provided for insertion of an object to be sterilized into the cavity after which the access opening is sealed, enclosing the object in the cavity. After high temperature steam sterilizing, the package is opened by peeling apart the upper web from the intermediate web which causes a delamination failure of the line heat seal. Preferred materials enable vacuum cycle steam sterilization at a temperature of at least 270.degree. F.

Abstract: A sterilizable flexible pouch package includes a non-woven barrier web, a perforated plastic intermediate web, and an imperforate plastic upper web. Line heat seals bonding the webs from a cavity into which sterilizing steam may enter after passing through the barrier and intermediate webs. The line heat seal bonding the upper and intermediate webs is of the delamination failure type. An access opening is provided for insertion of an object to be sterilized into the cavity after which the access opening is sealed, enclosing the object in the cavity. After sterilizing, the package is opened by peeling apart the upper web from the intermediate web which causes a delamination failure of the line heat seal. Preferred materials enable steam sterilization at temperature of 270.degree. F.

Abstract: A steam sterilizable pouch is disclosed. The pouch includes a non-woven steam-permeable bottom web. A multi-layer intermediate web is bonded to the bottom web. The multi-layer web is substantially steam impermeable, except for a perforated steam-permeable region. The intermediate web includes top and bottom layers. A steam-impermeable top web is bonded by a first line heat seal to the top layer of the intermediate web. A cavity having a heat sealable access opening is located between the top web and the top layer. At least a portion of the first line heat seal is peelable after steam sterilization of the pouch at 270.degree. F., the peel strength being from 3/4 to 5 pounds per inch. The bonding of the intermediate web to the bottom web is by a second line heat seal that is located peripherally outside of the perforated steam permeable region of the intermediate web.

Abstract: A mailer for sharp medical waste is comprised of a three-part system. A first part comprises a primary container for receiving the sharps and is puncture resistant and leak-proof. A second part comprises a secondary containment system in which the primary container is received and which prevents breakage of the primary container and also provides a water-tight seal. The third part comprises an outer shipping container which is constructed of a high-strength material and is similar in size and dimension to the secondary containment system, such that the latter fits securely therein. An absorbent material within the secondary containment system is capable of absorbing three times the liquid allowed within the primary container.

Abstract: A system for the disposal of medical waste comprises a sharps container (12) and a nonsharps container (14). The sharps container (12) is interconnected to the nonsharps container (14) for convenience. The sharps container (12) has an open end (18) with a semitortuous path therethrough which helps retain sharps within the sharps container (12). The nonsharps container (14) may also include an attachment holder (16 or 17) which is engaged thereon. A header (20) is positioned in an open end (22) of the nonsharps container (14). Medical nonsharps are disposed of by depositing them within the nonsharps container (14) through the header (20).

Abstract: The present invention is principally directed to an apparatus for unsheathing, resheathing and handling needles. The preferred embodiment includes an elongated housing having an opening at one end that communicates with an internal chamber. Sheath retaining members are disposed substantially adjacent to the opening and can be employed for selective retaining engagement of a sheath that is inserted into the opening. The sheath retaining members may include a deflectable spring member. A gripping portion may be provided in connection with the housing. Appropriate use of the apparatus obviates the need for manual grasping of a needle sheath and provides additional advantages.