Abstract: A method of operating an expandable chamber formed with a valve opening in a wall of the chamber, which permits the surrounding environment, such as high temperature steam, to enter the chamber is used. A temperature responsive delay valve closes the chamber to capture a quantity of the steam in an autoclave sterilizing cycle. The closing of the valve is delayed until the high temperature steam has been applied for a predetermined time. A later reduction in pressure surrounding the chamber causes the chamber to expand, which provides an indication that an adequate sterilizing cycle has been provided. The expansion force may also be used to permit a container to close at the end of a sterilizing cycle.

Abstract: A container lid (12) is held open by a support plate (18) carrying a chamber (20) which expands at a predetermined point in a sterilizing cycle to react against the lid, moving the plate outwardly to permit the lid to drop onto the container base. A resilient gasket (16) prevents fluid flow into the container after the lid is fallen, but permits fluid flow outwardly past the gasket when interior pressure exceeds exterior pressure. When the container is to be opened, a relief valve (60) relieves the vacuum within the container and filters air entering the container at that time.

Abstract: A container lid (12) is held open by a support plate (18) carrying a chamber (20) which expands at a predetermined point in a sterilizing cycle to react against the lid, moving the plate outwardly to permit the lid to drop onto the container base. A resilient gasket (16) prevents fluid flow into the container after the lid is fallen, but permits fluid flow outwardly past the gasket when interior pressure exceeds exterior pressure. When the container is to be opened, a relief valve (60) relieves the vacuum within the container and filters air entering the container at that time.

Abstract: A container lid is released at a desired point in a sterilizing cycle with the actuating movement being provided by an expandable chamber having a quantity of sterilizing environment captured during the sterilizing cycle.

Abstract: A container lid is released at a desired point in a sterilizing cycle with the actuating movement being provided by an expandable chamber having a quantity of sterilizing environment captured during the sterilizing cycle.

Abstract: A container lid (12) is held open by a support plate (18) carrying a chamber (20) which expands at a predetermined point in a sterilizing cycle to react against the lid, moving the plate outwardly to permit the lid to drop onto the container base. A resilient gasket (16) prevents fluid flow into the container after the lid is fallen, but permits fluid flow outwardly past the gasket when interior pressure exceeds exterior pressure. When the container is to be opened, a relief valve (60) relieves the vacuum within the container and filters air entering the container at that time.

Abstract: A sealed container provides with a plug valve which employs a heat responsive band having one end attached to the side of the plug which is on the outer side of the plug when the plug is positioned in the container wall. The other end of the band extends around the edge of the plug holding the edge away from a valve opening in the wall of the container. This inner end of the band is connected through a wire to a fusable pin centrally positioned on the inner side of the plug. At the desired time, the fuse melts releasing the wire and the ban shrinks or retracks, releasing the edge of the valve member allowing it to seal against the container wall.

Abstract: A container is provided with a valve opening at its bottom wall to permit steam to circulate into the container and to permit any condensation to drain from the container while the valve is open. The valve is closed by an expandable chamber in response to the pressure drop at the end of a sterilizing cycle. A valve controlling the flow of steam into the expandable chamber closes when subjected to the high temperature steam, thus capturing steam within the chamber. This steam expands when the pressure drops to close the valve in the container. The container lid and gasket permit steam to be withdrawn from the container but prevent air flow into the container. A vacuum created in the container at the end of the sterilizing cycle holds the container lid in place and holds the valve closed.

Abstract: A container lid is released at a desired point in a sterilizing cycle with the actuating movement being provided by an expandable chamber having a quantity of sterilizing environment captured during the sterilizing cycle.

Abstract: A sealed container provided with a valve opening and a resilient valve member self-biased into closing position. The valve is manually openable by a lever which is held in the open position by a rigid fuse-like element which melts after being subjected to sterilizing temperatures long enough to sterilize the container and its contents. The valve then closes sealing the container. The valve and a gasket between the container lid and base will permit leakage out of the box to permit the withdrawal of steam from the container when a vacuum is applied to the container exterior but will prevent reverse flow so that a vacuum is maintained within the container once one is created. The vacuum may be released by opening the valve, which simultaneously cocks it for the next sterilizing operation.An alternate approach includes a disposable, resilient valve member which plugs into a hole in the wall of the container and covers a valve orifice into the container.

Abstract: A storage container for maintaining the sterilized condition of instruments or other articles. The container has a receiving tray and a lid with a unique sealing element that not only provides an excellent seal but also enhances the seating of the lid on the tray portion. Means are placed adjacent the interface of the lid with the tray for holding the lid above the tray during the sterilization process and for releasing the lid to seat in sealing engagement with the tray after the sterilization process. Mounted within the container is a combination relief and release valve to respectively control the amount of vacuum within the container and to release the vacuum in order to allow access to the interior of the container to remove the instruments or articles therein.