Abstract: A method of performing a surgical procedure includes providing an instrument supporting tray having a plurality of surgical instruments positioned thereon adjacent to a plurality of instrument-identifying indicia disposed in predetermined relative positions. In performing the surgical procedure, the surgical instruments will be employed generally in the sequence in which they are positioned on the tray. The surgical instruments are identified by at least one of (a) graphics corresponding generally to the shape of the particular surgical instrument, (b) recesses conforming generally to the shape of the surgical instrument and (c) words and/or numbers providing identification thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the instrument-identifying indicia will be provided with different instruments in different sequences, depending upon the specific surgical procedure.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the interim sanitary storage of medical sharps and subsequent inurnment of them to a condition acceptable in commercial landfills. A receptacle contains dry calcium hypochlorite to sanitize sharps that are placed in the reception. It has a removable closure cap to admit the sharps. A supply container contains cementitious material to which water is added, and then poured into the receptacle to envelop the sharps. A permanent lock is applied to the receptacle cap to prevent further access or escape of the sharps which are encapsulated in the resulting cementitious urn.

Abstract: A container for sterilization of medical devices. A container of modular construction is described comprising separable sides, separable corner pieces, and a separable bottom panel. Two opposing sides are of a modular length, and thus by substituting sides of a different length the interior volume of the container may be changed. The container also includes a removeable lid with latching mechanisms on opposing ends. The lid and latching mechanisms are generally flush with the exterior surface of the container.

Abstract: A storage container for holding and disinfecting invasive medical instruments, such as hypodermic needles and scalpels. The storage container is elongated and in a tubular configuration, having a closed lower end and an open upper end. The storage container is made of puncture resistant, gas autoclavable material. A plastic twist off lid is attached to the open upper end and including a string connected between the lid and container to attach the lid to the container. A port hole of entry connected thereto near the open upper end, said port hole of entry comprising a second container section of smaller cross section than the cross section of the storage container and connected thereto in sealed fashion to allow entry of solution or chemicals to the container without opening the lid on the container upper end. The storage container having a mouth rim to block and prevent a back splash of airborne microorganism from the container.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved system and method for carrying and securing the lid of a container, such as a surgical sterilization tray. A tray is provided with rotating wire bail handles and at least two studs. The cover for the tray has a keyway and cutout which can be engaged with the studs when the lid is placed onto the case. Inadvertent disengagement of the keyway or cutout from the studs is prevented by the interaction of the handles with the lid. The lid is provided with slots and end panels which become mechanically associated with the handles when the handles are rotated to any of a variety of lid-securing positions. The association of the handles with the lid prevents any relative sliding motion of the lid and case which would allow disengagement of the keyway or cutout and the studs, until the handles are rotated to any of a variety of non-lid-securing positions. The system combines the handle and lid-securing functions in a very low part-count design with very few moving parts.

Abstract: A tray having a pair of stamped instrument racks includes a pair of side walls which taper transversely and longitudinally toward each other at their opposite ends. The tapered ends form wedge-like extensions which lead into a pair of rounded end walls. The tapered ends and rounded end walls form a chisel shaped profile which facilitates insertion of the tray into an autoclave bag. A spring-actuated retainer is operable with one hand to secure or release a plurality of instruments held in the racks.

Abstract: A system especially well suited for punches and dies employed in pharmaceutical tableting procedures is described. Punch trays, nesting one on top of another, have support rails which provide nesting segments for securing the punches. The punch trays include side rails which position the punch away from the inside surface of the side walls to allow for thorough cleaning and run off. The die cavity includes a nesting rail which pitches the die at a slight angle to facilitate cleaner fluid run off. A substantial portion of the surface area of the punches and dies remain fully exposed, making for simplified inspection and cleaning procedures. The trays are secured together by front and back snap-on side cover handles.

Abstract: A sterilization tray for supporting medical instrumentation during the sterilization process. The tray includes a base having a perforated bottom wall to allow the passage of sterilization steam into the tray. A removable floor is fitted into the base and supported spacedly above the base bottom wall. The floor also includes perforations to allow for the passage of sterilization steam into the tray and above the instrumentation therein. One or more instrument holders are supported by the floor, extending upwardly from the floor in a direction opposite the location of the base bottom wall. The instrument holders can be removed from the floor with the floor being removed from the base, reversed in orientation and fitted into the base in its spaced relationship from the base bottom wall. The instrument holders are then repositioned upon the floor, extending upwardly from the opposite side of the floor.

Abstract: A receptacle for liquid medical wastes including an open top vessel having a bottom, an integral upstanding wall (or multiple side walls in one embodiment) defining an upper flanged rim, a lid adapted to cover the open top of the vessel in sealing engagement with the flanged rim, a recess defined preferably centrally of the lid and including an opening through the lid which is disposed centrally of the recess, a closure flap anchored at one of its ends to the top surface of the lid at a spaced apart location relative to the recess and being adhesively attachable to the top surface of the lid and in covering relationship to the recess, and means for releasably anchoring the receptacle during its use in a theater of medical operation. The receptacle is formed from incineratable material, such as recycled plastic materials. In one embodiment, the vessel contains liquid absorptive material(s).

Abstract: A container system is disclosed which effects sterilization of devices and objects by electric field and sterilizing media in substantially less time than that required by other sterilizing methods. The container system produces a totally enclosed and secure container.

Abstract: A sterilization container for medical instruments includes a receptacle with a bottom wall and an open top, there being a multiplicity of vent openings in the bottom wall. The receptacle has a cover movable between a closed position wherein the cover closes the open top of the receptacle and an open position wherein the cover is positioned to allow access to the interior of the receptacle. A filter sheet is positioned in the receptacle so as to cover the bottom wall and the vent openings therein and the receptacle contains one or more trays for supporting medical instruments above the filter sheet. A perforated highly thermally conductive plate is positioned between the trays and the filter sheet so that when steam enters the container through the vent openings during steam sterilization, it heats the plate to a temperature sufficient to revaporize steam condensate collecting on the plate. The internal structure of the container is also disclosed.

Abstract: A disposal container for retention of medical waste and the like. The container includes a container body with a separate lid appropriately affixed to the container body. An access aperture is provided in the lid, and the closure assembly is provided to overlie the access aperture in order to provide various degrees of opening or closure of the container. The closure assembly includes a rotary closure which is positionable in a series of positions to control access to the interior of the disposal container.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a medical procedure kit for performing an angiographic or other medical procedure. The kit comprises a housing having a central compartment and two side compartments that can be filled with supplies and folded over the central compartment to form a sealed kit for shipment and storage. A shelf is supported in the central compartment and includes a number of wells for holding various medical instruments and supplies needed for the particular procedure and also has a sloped surface leading toward a drain hole for draining waste fluids from the shelf and into the central compartment. When a procedure is complete, the used equipment is placed into the housing and the housing is closed, sealed in a plastic bag, and discarded.

Abstract: A tray for housing medical devices such as instruments or implants. The tray includes a base having a plurality of pocket-like compartments to accommodate the devices. Individual inner lids are pivotally connected to the base and are each adapted to overlie a compartment in the base. The lids may be individually secured over the compartments or, alternatively, the top of the tray when secured over the base would overlie the lids so as to prevent their opening.

Abstract: A new protective holder for hair cutting accessories for protecting blades and guards of hair clippers. The inventive device includes a panel having a generally rectangular configuration. The panel has opposed long side edges and opposed short end edges. The panel includes an upper section and a lower section. The upper section and the lower section each have a plurality of pockets formed thereon. The pockets each have a slotted opening for receiving hair cutting accessories within the pockets. The opposed short end edges each have fasteners disposed inwardly thereof for engagement together when the panel is disposed in a folded orientation.

Abstract: A package having a container having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a sidewall defining a cavity, with the container having an inner locking tab in the cavity defining a recess in the outer surface of the container, and with a stiffening material being placed in the recess to add strength to the locking tab.

Abstract: Apparatus for sterilizing specula is described. The apparatus comprises a bath suitable for containing disinfectant solution; a plurality speculum supporting means located within the bath; a rotatable plate located above the speculum supporting means, the rotatable plate having an aperture disposed in such a manner that on rotation of the plate, the aperture may be moved from a position above a first speculum supporting means to a position above a second speculum supporting means; and means for rotating the rotatable plate in one direction only.

Abstract: A box like container has a length dimension larger then its width dimension so as to provide an interior space capable of storing hypodermic syringes which are placed into the container, where there is insufficient space for the syringes to reverse their orientations in the container once they are placed therein. The container provides a syringe entrance having opposing flexible members so as to accept a syringe that is forcefully pushed through it and into he container, but which will not allow a syringe to back out of the container.

Abstract: A tooling utility system especially well suited for punches and dies employed in pharmaceutical tableting procedures is described. Punch trays, nesting one on top of another, have support rails with oppositely positioned arcuate cut-outs which provide nesting segments for securing the punches during transport and storage. Dies, placed within a cavity including a die support, are similarly secured in position. A substantial portion of the surface area of the punches and dies remain fully exposed, making for simplified inspection and cleaning procedures, including placing the vertically nesting trays directly into a sonic cleaner. The trays themselves form the outer structure of the tool system, secured together by hinged side covers or front and back snap on side covers. A unique tongue and groove interlocking arrangement is described which is disposed upon the top and bottom surfaces of the trays.

Abstract: A needle removal apparatus, comprises a support member having an elongated track formed therein, a carriage mounted in the track and moveable back and forth on the track, a coupling device mounted on the carriage and adapted for receiving and coupling to a needle hub, a drive for rotating the coupling device and unthreading the needle from the syringe collar upon movement with the guide along the track, and biasing means for normally biasing the carriage to one end of the track.

Abstract: A medical waste disposal system for contaminated products to be disposed having a hollow, disposal container and a housing enclosure which is engageable with and covers the container. The housing enclosure has an opening and a tumbler which is pivotally mounted to prevent access to the interior of the housing enclosure when a contaminated product is being deposited into the interior of the disposal container. In one embodiment, upon dropping waste into the opening of the housing enclosure, the tumbler rotates to simultaneously close the upper opening in the housing enclosure and open a lower opening which allows the waste to drop into the disposal container. After the waste has dropped, the tumbler, which is weighted, returns to its original position. When the disposal container reaches full capacity, the tumbler is blocked by the medical waste in the disposal container thereby preventing rotation to the open position.

Abstract: A sharps disposal unit for use by paramedics and the like in the field that includes a container made of puncture resistant plastic or cloth and having an accordian like pleated side wall that stacks when compressed giving the container a very low profile before the container is stretched out for use. The container optionally slides into a holder that mounts to the side of a paramedic tool box for convient storage and location.

Abstract: The handle has a blade mounting portion with a raised boss forming a slot. The blade has a boss receiving recess with a portion defined by an edge. The cartridge removeably retains the blade. It has an opening into which the blade mounting portion of the handle can be inserted. A normally arcuate spring is mounted in cantilever fashion within the enclosure. The tip of the blade abuts a stop surface proximate the unattached end of the spring. In its arcuate state, the spring retains the blade in a position where the edge of the blade can enter the slot in the handle. As the blade is moved by insertion of the handle, against the urging of the spring, the spring straightens allowing the blade to assume a position where the boss can be fully seated within the recess, mounting the blade on the handle. The blade is then removed from the cartridge by withdrawing the handle. After use, the blade is reinserted into the cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved latch and hinge for an integrally molded box, preferably a sharps box. The combination of the latch and hinge provides a surprisingly secure, simple and inexpensive integrally molded box.

Abstract: An autoclavable instrument cassette for receiving and storing medical and dental instruments and equipment includes a separable tray and lid combination. The tray and lid are each configured with a plurality of sterilant apertures in order to facilitate the autoclaving of whatever instruments and equipment may be stored inside. The tray is configured with a plurality of separate compartments which are defined by various dividers. A lift-out rack is included and arranged for retaining a plurality of instruments. The lid is arranged with a finger mat in order to cooperate with the lift-out rack for securing the instruments in position. The lid also includes a plurality of retainers which are moveable and designed to accommodate a variety of instruments which can be retained in the lid. The tray and lid are secured together by a latch pin assembly which is secured to the tray and includes a latch pin which extends through an opening in the lid.

Abstract: A sharps disposal container comprising a container including a cover having an opening formed therein for receiving sharps. An emitter and detector are mounted on the container with the emitter being oriented for projecting a beam toward the container. Reflectors are positioned in the container for receiving the beam from the emitter, projecting the beam across the container and from side to side at a predetermined level and for projecting the beam to the detector. An indicator or alarm is connected to the detector for providing an indication when the level of sharps in the container is sufficient to interrupt the beam. The indicator may include a counter for counting the number of sharps placed in the container.

Abstract: A sterilization tray container system includes an apertured rack in which surgical tools are located. A resiliently deformable retention mat having a plurality of apertures formed in a predetermined array pattern underlying, at least in part, the array pattern in the tray, is provided below the rack. The apertures in the resiliently deformable retention mat extend entirely therethrough, and are sized and configured so as to releasably grip the surgical tools intended to be placed therein. The resiliently deformable retention mat is positioned below the rack, and is attached to the rack by a mechanical support, or fixedly held in position between the rack and the container bottom.

Abstract: An instrument cassette includes a first container portion having a first plate which defines a first substantially planar interior surface, wherein the first planar interior surface defines an interior surface line L.sub.1. The instrument cassette also includes a second container portion having a second plate which defines a second substantially planar interior surface, wherein (i) the second planar interior surface defines an interior surface line L.sub.2, and (ii) the second container portion is positioned relative to the first container portion so that an interior space is defined therebetween. The instrument cassette further includes a positioning member formed in the first plate, wherein (i) the positioning member includes a first positioning segment which extends immediately outwardly from the first planar interior surface in a direction away from the interior surface line L.sub.

Abstract: A multipurpose container, particularly for threaded wires for bone surgery operations, comprising: a substantially rectangular base (2), a central body (3), which is removably secured to the said base (2) by securing means (16), suitable for containing a plurality of threaded wire (6), which is shorter in height than the said wires, so that the ends (7) thereof project above in order that they may be selected by an operator, a lid (4) secured to the said body (3), capable of covering the projecting ends (7) of the wires when the lid (4) is placed in the closed position, in which the said body (3) is subdivided into a plurality of separate spaces (9), which are accessible from the upper part (3') of the said body (3), each of which is capable of containing a plurality of threaded wires (6) of the same size and having threaded parts (8) of identical length and diameter.

Abstract: A tray for dispensing and receiving surgical equipment having a series of holders attached to a tray fitted with needle caps, needles, syringes, scalpel covers, scalpel, and other such components. The system uses a bar with a locking mechanism which would allow the bar and other components to move from a plane horizontal to the base of the tray to a position raised above the walls of tray and in a staggered formation. The holding mechanism also allows for bathing the instruments in an antiseptic solution. The sharp components may be removed from rest of the tray in a covered condition for separate disposal. The bar is interspersed with a sponge like material for absorbing fluids, to cushion the return of medical devices and for holding components. The holders may be designed to guide the sharp component into its respective holder. Color or shape coding may be used to assist the return of a device to its specified holder (e.g. scalpels to the scalpel holder, needles on syringe to needle holders.

Abstract: The present invention preferably comprises a method and several apparatus embodiments for needle unlocking and disengagement by a single straight-through insertion of the needle to the needle hub, twist unlocking and push through and pull back disengagement. In addition, it is preferable to adapt the relatively small "footprint" of the needle unlocking and disengagement device for placement at the end of a splash and aerosol protective cylinder whereby the external cylindrical body surface of the syringe or vacuum tube adapter lies relatively close to the inside wall of the protective cylinder upon insertion of the syringe or vacuum tube adapter for needle unlocking and disengagement.

Abstract: A system and method for handling contaminated operating room surgical instruments includes a rectangular porous strainer which is sufficiently large to fully contain a variety of surgical tools and instruments and a waterproof rectangular basin, sized to receive the strainer. The basin is adapted to fit stably onto a conventional surgical ring stand either alone, or with a separate adapter. The system replaces conventional round surgical basins which are not capable of safely containing the larger or longer surgical instruments typical of many modern surgical procedures. Utilizing the system eliminates the current practice of manually transferring contaminated instruments from the round surgical basins into larger soaking trays for transportation to the decontamination area.

Abstract: A syringe holder and dosage tracking device comprised of a base member having at least one, and preferably, a plurality of cavities imparted therein. Time indicia are placed near the cavities to designate an interval of time for which a syringe dosage should be administered. Medication-filled syringes are placed in the cavities and administered according to an interval of time being reached. This device may also incorporate a needle severing device to reduce the risk of injury from contaminated needles, following use. The needle severing device is in communication with a storage means, wherein severed needles and syringe bodies can be stored following use, and prior to disposal.

Abstract: A surgical tray retains surgical instruments adjacent an operating area or surgical field. The surgical tray comprises a base portion, and outer wall, a compartment for retaining surgical instruments defined by the base portion and at least a portion of the outer wall, and a plurality of clips spaced apart along the outer surface of the outer wall for securing the surgical tray to a surgical drape adjacent the operating area. The compartment includes a plurality of dividing walls having grooves for separating and retaining surgical instruments to enable members of an operating team to quickly and easily grasp surgical instruments in the surgical tray.

Abstract: An instrument rack for the sterilization and storage of surgical instruments within autoclave devices includes a bumper plate made from durable CECLON plastic, which is attached to the underside of the rack's top panel, to prevent the delicate sharp ends of surgical instruments from hitting the top of a metal rack when the rack is turned upside down. Therefore the edges of the instruments stay sharper longer and the instruments require less frequent repairs and sharpening. A "tent-like" or angled plate is attached to the rack's bottom panel, is constructed integral with the bottom panel, to prevent instruments from tilting outward or falling out of the rack when the "gate," which otherwise holds the instruments in place, is open. The angle of the tent or panel forces instruments to tilt toward the inside of the rack.

Abstract: A sterilization tray assembly for sterilizing, transporting and storing surgical instruments, having top and bottom mating enclosures. The mating enclosures each have a plurality of ports for permitting ingress and egress of gaseous sterilant. Resiliently deformable members are fitted in the top and bottom enclosures for clamping surgical instruments therebetween.

Abstract: A countertop decontamination unit (A) has a decontamination chamber (10) for receiving a tray or module (C) which contains items to be sterilized, disinfected, or otherwise microbially decontaminated. The tray or walls of the decontamination chamber itself provide fluid outlets from which an anti-microbial solution is conveyed through tubing (76) to fittings (78). A pump (20) recirculates the anti-microbial fluid. The fittings include a porous sleeve (80, 92) which is received in firm frictional connection with an annular surface of a bore, nipple, or coupler mechanism of the item (86) to be sterilized. The porous sleeve is preferably elastomeric when used for frictional interconnections, but may be rigid when used with threaded or other standardized connectors. The porous sleeve has a porosity of 3 microns or more, sufficient that the anti-microbial fluid penetrates through the porous portion and contacts the immediately contiguous and abutting annular surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging and shipping biological fluid samples collected in vials is disclosed. The apparatus includes an absorbent body for supporting a plurality of vials, a packaging container for surrounding and protecting the absorbent body when at least one of the vials is received and supported therein, a shipping container for surrounding and protecting at least one of the packaging containers and a shipping carton for surrounding and protecting the shipping container during shipment from a facility where the biological samples are collected to a facility for analyzing the biological samples. The apparatus in accordance with the invention is particularly useful in clinical drug trials, phases 1 to 4. The apparatus is designed to be used with robotic analyzers which automatically locate and remove the vials from the absorbent body in a predefined order in accordance with an index associated with the top surface of the body.

Abstract: A medical instrument fixation system for a sterilization tray having a bottom wall and an array of ventilation holes in the bottom wall, the holes being arranged in columns and rows with a selected spacing between the columns and rows includes a plurality of elongated rails. Each rail has a bottom surface, a top surface and a plurality of projections extending from the bottom surface and spaced apart along each rail a distance equal to, or an intregal multiple of, the selected spacing, the projections being sized to plug into the holes so that the rail extends along a column or row of holes. The system also includes a plurality of posts, each post having opposite ends and means for keying one end of each post to a different one of the rails so that so that each post can slide along the corresponding rail to a selected position thereon. A method of fixating the instruments in the tray using special retention devices is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a sterilization container which is preferably intended for hospital waste and is formed by a bin (1) having a filler opening, which is delimited by the upper edge of the side wall (5) of the bin and is opposite the base (4) thereof, and a lid (2) for covering the filler opening. The bin (1), and possibly also the lid (2), consists of a tough plastics material which is permeable to microwaves and is still resistant to elongation above the boiling point of water. A pressure-tight sealing arrangement (20), disposed between the bin (1) and the lid (2), and a closure arrangement (3, 29), for securing the lid (2) on the bin (1) against the effect of internal pressure in the bin (1), ensure that the contaminated waste collected in this waste-collection container can be sterilized when the container has been hermetically closed and the waste has been moistened by microwave radiation and then disposed of in the sterile state.

Abstract: A surgical tray for transport of a sharp surgical instrument is formed as a shallow, rectangular tray portion with an integral handle extending therefrom. The tray is made as a molded body of relatively lightweight material, such as plastic, and its dimensions are such that the tray portion is adapted to receive a single sharp surgical instrument. The tray portion has a rounded rim at its top end and the handle merges with the rim. The bottom of the tray portion can be formed with ribs to prevent slippage. The upper surface of the bottom of the tray portion can be formed with ribs to facilitate engagement and removal of the sharp instrument. The end of the handle can be flared to prevent slippage of the handle from the hand of the user.

Abstract: A preparation tray for use in a medical procedure involving a solution and one or more swab implements for applying the solution to a patient. The preparation tray, which may be held in the hand or supported on a surface, may be formed as a removable component of a surgical kit. The preparation tray includes a relatively planar sheet having a pair of opposed sides and various embossments for retaining medical implements such as swabs and solution utilized in the medical procedure. A digit opening may be provided on an opposed side of the sheet to accommodate a user's fingers as the tray is held in the hand. The tray further includes a pressing surface formed between two opposed sides of the sheet that communicates with a basin embossment that holds a quantity of the solution. A user may compress the swab implement against the pressing surface to remove excess solution absorbed by the swab, which is returned to the basin embossment.

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).

Abstract: The tray is designed to hold medical and dental instruments in firm and parallel alignment during transport and sterilization and to be opened for ready withdrawal or placing of such instruments. It includes a main part in the form of a rectangular bottom surrounded by upstanding rims along both side edges and along its rear edge of which the rear rim is higher than the side rims and forms a channel-shaped pocket configured to cover the heads of the instruments. Two serrated strips are firmly attached to the bottom in parallel spaced-apart alignment with the serrations serving to support and hold the instruments in position. A trough-shaped front cover is pivotally attached to the side rims and can be swung from a top position covering the front ends of the instruments into a position underneath the bottom serving to raise the front of the tray into rearwardly inclined position.

Abstract: An instrument cassette includes a wall having a first hole defined therein. The instrument cassette further includes a holder having a channel and a second hole defined therein. The instrument cassette also includes an instrument support positioned within the channel of the holder. The instrument support has a blocking notch defined therein. The instrument cassette includes a screw which extends through the first hole and the second hole. The instrument cassette further includes a nut positioned within the blocking notch and secured to the screw.

Abstract: A system for storing and sterilizing orthopedic devices in a series of cases that may be attached together to provide a custom type container for a particular end user. The containers have modular compartments for housing the orthopedic devices. The containers may be shipped with the orthopedic devices in a sterilized environment as well as be resterilized in an autoclave for future use. A method of use and inventory control is also disclosed wherein a container using a generic marking system is used on the lid for the container. An inventory control sheet is used to record the part number and manufacturing lot number of the components housed in the compartments. The sheet corresponds to the generic marking system. A more accurate accounting of the inventory is achieved.

Abstract: A container for enabling fluid flow therethrough for cleaning or sterilizing of the contents, comprises a tray (10) and lid (20) and having respective bases (11, 21) and side walls (17, 27). The bases (11, 21) have perforations (12, 22) defined by elliptically shaped perforation walls (13, 23) with their major axes vertical to allow easy flow of the cleaning fluid through the container and minimum contact points with the contents or other containers.

Abstract: A package for endoscopic surgical instruments includes a retainer member fabricated from a single sheet of flexible material. The retainer includes an arcuate portion forming a ridge extending laterally across the retainer. Apertures in the sloped sides of the arcuate portion are aligned for reception of the endoscopic portion of the surgical instrument, thereby securely holding the instrument. Distal and proximal upper flap portions fold over and interlock with each other to form the top of the retainer.

Abstract: A bracket for fixating medical instruments or other articles includes a base member with a plurality of spaced-apart fingers extending up from the base member. A recess is formed in a side wall of at least one finger, which recess faces the adjacent finger. Also, a sheath engages around each finger which sheath has a flexible, resilient side wall which overlies any recess in that finger and defines therewith a void. When an article is wedged into the space between the one and the adjacent finger, it will snap into a stable position opposite the void so that the article is resiliently engaged and fixated by the overlying sheath wall.

Abstract: A novel manufacturing technique for strengthening integrally molded handles on a membranous or thin-film article against tearing, by integrally molding the peripheries of the handles and adjacent rim regions of the article in a mold which provides a three-dimensional curvilinear pre-bias against the stress-pattern engendered by lifting of masses carried by the article.