Abstract: Disposable receptacles for storing articles in sterile condition and having breather means integral with the walls thereof, as well as apparatus and methods for making such receptacles and the materials therefor, are disclosed. The receptacles are fabricated of a laminate comprising a layer of breathable barrier material such as paper and a layer of thermoplastic, polymeric material such as polyethylene. The breather means may be made by heat sealing the thermoplastic layers of a pair of laminated sheets together at small, selected areas and then separating the sheets causing localized delamination of the layers and the formation of ruptured, blister-like projections in the thermoplastic layers at the heat seal positions.

Abstract: Disposable receptacles for storing articles in sterile condition and having breather means integral with the walls thereof, as well as apparatus and methods for making such receptacles and the materials therefor, are disclosed. The receptacles are fabricated of a laminate comprising a layer of breathable barrier material such as paper and a layer of thermoplastic, polymeric material such as polyethylene.The breather means may be made by heat sealing the thermoplastic layers of a pair of laminated sheets together at small, selected areas and then separating the sheets causing localized delamination of the layers and the formation of ruptured, blister-like projections in the thermoplastic layers at the heat seal positions.

Abstract: A roller electrode is disclosed which comprises a tubular outer casing of dielectric material, a shaft and an electrically conductive composition filling the annular cavity defined by the casing and shaft. The composition, which is in intimate contact with the casing and shaft, may comprise a cementitious matrix, such as casting plaster, in which conductive particles of carbon or the like are bound.

Abstract: Disposable receptacles for storing articles in sterile condition and having small breathers integral with the walls thereof, as well as apparatus and methods for making such receptacles and the materials therefor, are disclosed. The receptacles are fabricated of a pre-laminated material comprising a layer of breathable barrier material such as paper and a layer of thermoplastic, polymeric material such as polyethylene.The breathers may be made by heat sealing the thermoplastic layers of a pair of laminated sheets together at small, selected areas and then separating the sheets causing localized delamination of the layers and the formation of ruptured, blister-like projections in the thermoplastic layers at the heat seal positions.

Abstract: A receptacle for medical articles or the like is disclosed and includes confronting walls of impermeable, polymeric films portions of which sandwich a membrane impermeable to bacteria and other microorganisms but comparatively highly permeable to sterilizing vapor. The membrane is bonded to the receptacle walls so as to define with the walls a tortuous path aiding in the prevention of entry of contaminating microorganisms. The entire membrane is interposed between the walls so that virtually all surfaces of the membrane are protected against contamination. Various wall-to-membrane sealing configurations are disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible bag formed from at least one plastic sheet folded to form a tube and provide overlapping, longitudinally-extending margins, is disclosed. The overlapping margins are joined by a series of longitudinally-spaced bonds, typically heat seals. A membrane permeable to sterilizing vapor and which may comprise a strip of paper having high wet strength is bonded to the tube and overlies the portion of the tube including the overlapping margins. The longitudinally-spaced heat seals preferably secure the overlapping margins to the membrane as well. The various heat seal patterns for joining the overlapping margins and membrane, as well as particular embodiments of the bag for retaining liquid and dry contents, are also disclosed. The sealing arrangement of the invention provides a bag capable of holding, even under autoclaving conditions, bulky, heavy materials which would otherwise rupture the paper strip or the seals joining the strip to the plastic tube.

Abstract: A container is disclosed including a relatively rigid tray sealed by a removable cover comprising a pair of plastic, bacteria-impermeable panels defining a generally linear passage for the introduction of sterilizing vapor for sterilizing the contents of the container after sealing thereof. The passage is sealed by a membrane, such as a paper strip, bonded to the panels about the passage. The paper strip is impermeable to bacteria but highly permeable to the sterilizing vapor.The passage may be defined by overlapping margins of the plastic panels. Covers employing panels with overlapping margins may include discrete spaced-apart heat seals joining the margins along the length of their overlap to increase the strength of the cover and insure its removal in one piece. By making the panels of transparent plastic sheet material and using a paper strip having a small surface area relative to the overall surface area of the cover, the contents may be readily identified visually through the panels.

Abstract: High integrity transverse closure seals are made in thermoplastic, tubular bag stock by the application of a first, low temperature seal to one face of the bag stock followed by the application of a second, low temperature seal to the other face, in substantial registration with the first seal, to finalize the closure seal.One of the seals is wider than the other and the narrower seal is positioned within the confines of the wider seal.