Abstract: A sterilization tray system which comprises an outer box-like case having holes in the case bottom wall through which steam or other sterilant may circulate through the case. Pairs of brackets are affixed vertically to opposite the case side and/or end walls. A plurality of spaced holes is provided in each bracket. The holes serve as anchoring points for shelf brackets or fixtures for supporting trays at selected positions in the case.

Abstract: Multiple plastic trays are covered with pivotable lids. Each tray is divided into distinct compartments into which infant and toddler toothbrushes, teething rings, pacifiers, or other such personal hygiene products may be placed. The lid is punctured by an array of air holes, which allow moisture to escape from the covered tray, while at the same time protecting the tray contents from contamination. The covered trays are received within an open front rack in a vertically spaced arrangement. Air cavities defined between stacked trays permit natural air flow over the trays, and the removal of moisture from the tray contents. A fan may be attached to the rear of the rack to blow air over the lids and to draw the moist air from within the compartments through the lid air holes.

Abstract: A sterilization system for dental and orthodontic tools is provided with a transport rack dimensionally sized to hold a plurality interchangeable cassettes. The interchangeable cassettes are designed and intended to hold kits of dental or orthodontic tools and are provided with top opening, double-hinged covers which lay flat on the surface when opened and used at a dental workstation.

Abstract: A sterilization system for dental and orthodontic tools is provided with a transport rack dimensionally sized to hold a plurality interchangeable cassettes. The interchangeable cassettes are designed and intended to hold kits of dental or orthodontic tools and are provided with top opening, double-hinged covers which lay flat on the surface when opened and used at a dental workstation.

Abstract: A washing vessel capable of housing an endoscope is formed in an apparatus body. A washing solution containing a detergent is spurted against the endoscope arranged within the washing vessel for washing the endoscope. Also, an oxide-based disinfecting-sterilizing solution is supplied into the washing vessel for disinfecting-sterilizing the endoscope after the washing step together with the washing vessel.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing an article in a sterilization unit, the method including placing the article within a foam plastic instrument pouch having a closed cell construction, and positioning the closed cell foam plastic instrument pouch containing the article within the sterilization unit. The sterilization unit is then operated such that the article within the instrument pouch is sterilized, whereby the instrument pouch containing the article is removed from the sterilization unit. An instrument pouch for containing and protecting an article during sterilization is also provided. The pouch includes a foam plastic backing sheet for lining a base of a tray, the base having a multiplicity of holes, and a foam plastic pocket secured to the backing sheet such that at least a portion of an article can be received between the pocket and the backing sheet.

Abstract: Opposite sides of an article are irradiated to sterilize the article. The cumulative irradiation should be above a first value, and below a second value greater than the first value, at all of the positions in the article to provide the article with desired radiation benefits. Any amount of cumulative radiation between the first and second values is considered as optimal values. For a first range of article thicknesses, the cumulative radiation in the article is at the optimal values. For article thicknesses in a second range greater than in the first range, the cumulative radiation at positions in the article is greater than the optimal values. For article thicknesses in a third range greater than the second range, the cumulative radiation at the different positions in the article is at the optimal values. For the thicknesses in the second range, a member disposed in the radiation path weakens the radiation passing to the article, thereby reducing the cumulative radiation to an optimal value.

Abstract: A toilet plunger sanitizing and storage container system that includes an innocuous looking, cylinder-shaped, fluid impermeable, main toilet plunger container sealable with a container sealing lid. The system also including a toilet plunger lifter assembly and a quantity of disinfectant solution carried in the lifter assembly. The lifter assembly being sealable along with a plunger assembly within the innocuous looking, cylinder-shaped, fluid impermeable, main toilet plunger container.

Abstract: An instrument bracket, primarily for holding medical instrumentation, having a clip part which is mountable to a plate and a holder part. The plate may form a part of a sterilization tray or similar container. The clip part is of an inverted U-shaped configuration having spaced upwardly projecting legs. The clip part fits about the holder part which is flexible and shape retaining and which includes a recess to accommodate the instrumentation. The clip part compresses and retains the holder part and is secured to the plate.

Abstract: A salt grid for supporting salt above a portion of a concentrated brine solution in a brine tank for use in a water softening system. The grid comprises first and second platforms disposed at first and second elevational levels with respect to the vertical wall of the brine tank. The fluid level in the brine tank can be adjusted to be higher than the lower platform of the salt grid but lower than the upper platform of the salt grid. In this manner, salt dissolves only above the lower platform part of the grid and consequently, the dirt included in the salt only passes through the lower platform of the grid. The brine well which transports brine solution from the brine tank to the resin tank is located away from the localized area in which the dirt collects at the bottom of the brine tank.

Abstract: An endoscope cleaning and disinfecting unit has an inlet arranged on its disinfectant solution tank through which a concentrated disinfectant solution is injected into the disinfectant solution tank. A diluting solution supply supplies a diluting solution for diluting the concentrated solution to the disinfectant solution tank and a plurality of level sensors detect the quantity of the disinfectant solution held in the disinfectant solution tank in stages. A control section controls the diluting solution supply based on the information detected by the level sensors to dilute the concentrated solution injected into the disinfectant solution tank through the inlet to a predetermined concentration.

Abstract: A sterilization container for sterilizing, storing and transporting instruments is formed of a liquid crystal polymer, such as a wholly aromatic polyester. The container is strong yet has thin walls so that condensation is minimized. Suitable polymers include wholly aromatic polyesters such as: polybenzoate-naphthalate; polybenzoate-terephthalate-bisphenol-isophthalate; polybenzoate-terephthalate-ethylene glycol; and polynaphthalate-amino terephthalate.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing an instrument having an exterior surface at substantially room temperature includes a chamber having an interior compartment for receiving and housing the instrument. The interior compartment is maintained at a predetermined compartment temperature while the instrument is being sterilized. The chamber is releasably engagable with a portion of the instrument to support the instrument within the interior compartment. A fluid injection mechanism is in fluid communication with the chamber for supplying fluid to the chamber and for maintaining the fluid at a predetermined fluid temperature while the instrument is being sterilized. The chamber includes at least one fluid outlet for directing a flow of fluid onto the exterior surface of the instrument. The chamber further includes at least another fluid outlet to direct the flow of fluid onto the portion of the instrument engaged by the chamber.

Abstract: An instrument holder for securing an instrument in a chamber of a sterilizer. The instrument has an external surface and a proximal end. The sterilizer has a source of fluid. The instrument holder comprises a housing, an instrument coupler and an instrument retaining assembly. The housing has a base with a bore therethrough. The instrument coupler is for engaging the proximal end of the instrument and is movable within the bore. The instrument retention assembly is connected to the base and comprises a first grip and a second grip for alternately securing the instrument to the base.

Abstract: A sterilization system for dental and orthodontic tools is provided with a transport rack dimensionally sized to hold a plurality interchangeable cassettes. The interchangeable cassettes are designed and intended to hold kits of dental or orthodontic tools and are provided with top opening, double-hinged covers which lay flat on the surface when opened and used at a dental workstation.

Abstract: A surgical tray comprises a frame made of a synthetic plastic material having a metal plate insert floatably mounted in the frame and forming the tray bottom or floor.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing a hollow endoscope having a conduit is disclosed. An end of the endoscope conduit is connected to a sealed vessel such that the endoscope conduit is in fluid communication with the sealed vessel. The endoscope is placed in a sterilization chamber and the chamber sealed. The sterilization chamber is run through sterilization cycles in which the pressure within the chamber is varied. During the pressure variation within the sterilizing chamber, sterilizing gas is drawn from the sterilizing chamber via the endoscope conduit into the vessel. During the pressure variation the inner surface of the endoscope is subjected to sterilizing conditions in addition to the outer surface of the endoscope. In a preferred embodiment the sterilizing conditions are provided for by ozone gas in the presence of a humid atmosphere of at least 95% water saturation. The sterilization process is operatively simple and reduces the chance of human errors caused by false interpretation and handling.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for disinfecting an endoscope with a disinfecting solution, and that minimizes the surface area and air exposure of the disinfecting solution. In architecture, the endoscope disinfecting apparatus includes a disinfecting basin, an endoscope body section, an insertion tube section and a basin lid. The disinfecting basin is for disinfecting the air/water and light tube of the endoscope. The endoscope body section is for disinfecting a body and eye piece of the endoscope, and is connected to the disinfecting basin. The insertion tube section is connected to the endoscope body section and is for disinfecting a insertion tube of the endoscope. A basin lid connects to the disinfecting basin and provides a watertight seal over the disinfecting basin.

Abstract: A home-style decoctor endowed with steamy boiling function includes a main body equipped with a heater; a heating vessel; a support plate for allowing a to-be-boiled object to be placed above the surface of the water stored in the heating vessel; a water supply for supplying water for boiling into the heating vessel so that the to-be-object is immersed; a steam collector for gathering stream produced when the to-be-boiled object is decocted with water; a condenser for condensing the steam collected into the steam collector; and a stream/condensed water guide for leading the steam present in the heating vessel to the steam collector and the condensed water placed in the steam collector to the heating vessel. With such construction, undried or white ginseng can become red ginseng extract by producing such useful components as several kinds of phenolic compounds and maltol, anti-oxidants, and ginsenosides Rg and Rh through steam-boiling, drying and re-boiling.

Abstract: A microscope slide stainer includes a waste bin with an open top, and supporting notches arranged on the top edges of opposite sides. A slide supporting rack is supported in a horizontal position across the top of the bin in the supporting notches. The rack includes a pair of rails extending along a horizontal base. Brackets arranged on top of the rails define a plurality of spaced-apart slide holding positions. A hot plate is positioned between the rails and spaced above the horizontal base. A control box is attached to the hot plate for temperature control. Pins extending from opposite sides of the hot plate ride in direction-changing slots in the rails to enable the hot plate to be moved between a raised position engaged against the bottom of the slides, and a lowered position disengaged from the slides. Grooves are arranged on top surface of the hot plate to prevent the wet slides from sticking to it. A cover is removably positioned over the rack to define a heating and humidity chamber.

Abstract: A UV air cleaning and disinfecting system has an enclosed chassis with an inlet/outlet surface panel on one planar side thereof, and the chassis is mounted in the space behind a drop ceiling with its surface panel coplanar with the ceiling surface and facing into the room space. The surface panel has a pair of inlet vent arrays on opposite longitudinal sides of the surface panel from each other, and a pair of outlet vent arrays on opposite latitudinal sides of the surface panel from each other. Arranged in the chassis are an air blower unit and an array of UV lamps. The positioning of the inlet and outlet vent arrays establish four mutually circulating air streams in a four-leaf-clover pattern in the room space, which obtains a high-efficiency throughput of air handled by the system. The UV lamp array is arranged longitudinally across the chassis between the inlet ventsat a lower elevational position ofthe chassis.

Abstract: The Antibacterial Toothbrush Spray invention represents a newly designed toothbrush sanitizer. It will be composed of a plastic container designed to house several toothbrushes, covered by a dome-shaped lid with an incorporated pump. From an internal reservoir, spray disinfectant is pumped onto the surface of the toothbrushes through aligned spray holes. This product will provide users with a convenient and easy-to-use method of sanitizing their toothbrushes, thus killing germs and helping to prevent the spread of germs and illness.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing a medical device includes an ozone generator; and a tubular shaped reflecting screen. The screen has two ends, in which the screen is connected at a first end to a source of oxygen containing gas and at a second end to a sterilizing tip. The medical device to be sterilized is connected to the sterilizing tip. Methods of using the device include joining a source of oxygen containing gas to an inlet; attaching a medical device to be sterilized to the sterilizing tip; energizing the ozone generator with electric power to generate an electric corona; and passing an oxygen containing gas through the electric corona so as to generate ozone, thereby sterilizing the medical device.

Abstract: The connection, assembly, or fill of two or more pre-sterilized components having at least one terminal end each for attachment to another component, and an apparatus for performing such a connection, while maintaining the sterility of the components is disclosed. The resulting connection is made permanent by bonding the contacting components together using either a solvent bonding technique, a radio frequency sealer, a heat sealer, or any other suitable process. The connection is preferably made within an active sterile field. Using a low-voltage electron beam instrument, such as the MIN-EB™, a suitable sterile field sphere can be created. The terminal ends of the multiple components remain within the sterile field sphere until the possibility of contamination within the sealed components is significantly reduced to industry acceptable standards.

Abstract: An endoscope container for high-pressure steam sterilization in accordance with the present invention consists mainly of a tray, a lid member, and a positioning member. The tray serves as a housing and has a plurality of pores. The lid member blocks the opening of the tray and has a plurality of pores. The positioning member is formed in one of the tray and lid member, and restricts bending of a predetermined portion of an insertion member having a soft part so that the bend radius of the predetermined portion thereof will be larger than the bend radius of the other portion thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for significantly increasing the solubility and dispersibility of consumer products such as food products, botanicals, cosmetic ingredients and medical products is disclosed. The method involves applying a continuous stream of oxygen-containing, i.e., OX gas to a material in a sealed chamber. The continuous stream of OX gas is prepared in an OX generation cell, which contains a means for generating the OX gas at a pressure less than 20 lbs/in2 using, for example, one or more of the following: corona discharge, high frequency electrical discharge, ultraviolet light, x-ray, radioactive isotope and electric beam. The apparatus contains: (a) a chamber; (b) a vacuum pump coupled to the chamber; (c) an OX generation cell, wherein the OX generation cell contains an OX generator capable of generating OX at a pressure less than 20 lbs/in2.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system (26) for an automated processor (A) delivers washing, microbial decontaminant, and rinse fluids to spray nozzles (102, 104, 106, 108, 110) in a chamber (12) for sequentially spraying the fluids over a lumened device (B), such as an endoscope. Sets of nozzles are operated in sequence to avoid the spray jets canceling each other out. The endoscope is supported on a rack (21) which is agitated by an activation system (330). This ensures ever changing points of contact between the device and the rack so that all external surfaces are contacted by the spray. A computer control system (80) controls cleaning, decontamination, rinsing, and drying stages of a cycle, and agitation of the rack at appropriate times, which are all carried out within the chamber, obviating the need for human contact with the device during processing.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing, filling and sealing containers has a sterilization chamber, a cooling chamber, and a filling and sealing chamber, through which the containers are conveyed by means of an endless conveyor device. For presterilizing the chambers before the apparatus is put into operation, these chambers are acted upon by a gaseous sterilizing agent flowing through them, which is fed through an inlet or an outlet for the containers. In order that regions less affected by the flowing sterilizing agent as it flows, because they are in the lee, will also be disinfected well, the flow direction of the sterilizing agent is changed multiple times. A blower with a reversible flow direction is used for this purpose.

Abstract: A medical instrument sterilization system includes a sterilization tray having a bottom wall and an array of ventilation/mounting holes in the bottom wall. The ventilation/mounting holes are arranged evenly spaced at least in part in the bottom wall. Preferably the ventilation/mounting holes comprise a central portion and one or more lobes. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the ventilation/mounting holes comprise a plurality of like cruciform-shaped holes. Completing the invention are one or more rigid brackets having posts arranged to project through the ventilation/mounting holes for anchoring at selected positions on the tray.

Abstract: A method and a machine for preparing and filling containers with a product, for which method and machine the containers are grouped in rows at right angles to the transporting direction with the container openings facing upwardly and aligned at a distance from one another. The containers are swiveled, row by row, into an at least approximately vertical position with the container openings facing downwardly and rinsed jointly on the inside with a cleansing agent. The rinsed containers are dried on the inside in a first drying station and, after passing through the first drying station, are charged into a sterile environment. After a row of containers has entered the sterile environment, the containers are sterilized on the inside by means of a sterilizing agent and, in a second drying station, residues of sterilizing agent are expelled from the sterilized containers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for deacidifying cellulose based materials, especially books, magazines, and other bound or folded cellulose materials having a spine. The method includes contacting the materials with a treating medium and producing relative movement at a predetermined velocity between the materials and the treating medium in a direction generally parallel to the spine of the materials and, preferably simultaneously, directing the treating medium by means of a spray toward the materials in a direction generally perpendicular to the spine of the material for a period of time effective for the treating medium to contact substantially all of the material. Following treatment, any excess treating medium is removed from the material and directing any such removed treating medium to a holding tank for reuse later. The movement in a parallel direction is achieved by reciprocating the materials through a tank filled with treating medium.

Abstract: A sterilization container having off-set vents in the lid and floor where the floor vents are disposed in slopping areas of the floor that are above a fluid collection area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging and bactericidal treatment device for contact lenses (L), said device being characterized in that it comprises: firstly a housing (1) provided with at least one cavity (10) receiving a support element (11) which has bactericidal action and whose outside face (11a) has curvature matching the curvature of the contact lenses (L); and secondly, at least one lid (2) designed to cover said cavity (10) and whose inside face is provided with at least one socket (20) which is suitable for being engaged in guided manner into said cavity (10), and which receives a wedge element (21) having bactericidal action and whose outside face (21a) has curvature complementary to the curvature of the support element (11) so that it protects and/or decontaminates a contact lens (L) by holding it stationary in said cavity (10) between said support element (11) and said wedge element (21).

Abstract: A method of and system for sterilizing the internal surfaces of one or more elongate relatively narrow passages of interest contained in a device of interest, said passages having end openings and being susceptible of sustaining flow there along by inducing a positive flow of sterilizing gas through each passage of interest in a selected direction. Gas flow through a device of interest is caused by a passive two-chamber device which generates a transient pressure gradient between the ends of the lumens of the device in response to externally imposed variations of pressure. Sterilant gas is provided from outside the two chamber systems.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for sterilizing a lumen device. A lumen and a container having an interface on a wall of the container are enclosed in a chamber. The lumen is placed across the interface so that one end of the lumen is in the container and the other end is in the chamber. Germicide is introduced into the chamber, and a pressure difference is created between the two ends of the lumen, so that the germicide flows through the lumen. The lumen may alternatively be placed across an interface which separates the chamber into two areas. Germicide is introduced into the chamber, and a pressure difference is created between the two areas of the chamber, causing the germicide to flow through the lumen.

Abstract: A slide staining system has a slide holder assembly comprising a plurality of slide holders 3 each holding a slide 2. The holders are mounted rotatably with respect to each other and can rotate between a first position where all holders are aligned and a second position where each slide holder is offset by a predetermined angle from an adjacent slide holder.

Abstract: The cartridge holder comprises a lower jaw with a drain connector and an upper jaw with a supply connector. A cartridge may be placed between both jaws, the nipples of the cartridge being connected with the connectors. For flushing or disinfecting, the upper jaw is lowered to the lower jaw. An intermediate jaw, previously swivelled to the side, is automatically aligned with the lower jaw so that it interconnects the connectors of the outer jaws. The connectors of the outer jaws are alike. The intermediate jaw is provided with connection elements fitting into the connectors. Thus, it acts as an adapter.

Abstract: A system and a method for sterilizing a lumen device involve a container in a chamber and a source of germicide. The container has an interface separating the container into two compartments and a communication port which provides fluid communication between the container and the chamber. The lumen device extends across the interface, and the two compartments are in fluid communication with each other through the lumen device. The lumen device is sterilized when the germicide flows from compartment to compartment through the lumen device.

Abstract: A gassing incubator includes an inner housing bounding a inside space. The inside space communicates to the exterior through an opening. The opening is selectively sealed closed by a movable door. The inner housing includes a floor which is configured to receive and retain water. To disinfect the inside space, water is disposed on the floor and the opening is sealed closed. The inside space is then heated to a disinfecting temperature of about 90° C. The water is also heated so as to produce a relative humidity of greater than about 80% within the inside space. This atmosphere is maintained for a disinfection phase of at least 9 hours. The hot and humid atmosphere of the inside space produces great heat sensitization of cells which might be present. As a result, substantially all of the cells within the inside space are killed during the 9-hour disinfection phase.

Abstract: A device for use in the cleaning of an endoscope having a body with a first end, a second end and a longitudinal passageway extending therebetween, a seal affixed to the body between the first and second ends, and a transverse passageway formed in the body between the second end and the seal. The transverse passageway communicates with the longitudinal passageway. The body has a central body portion of greater diameter than a remainder of the body. The seal is positioned between the central body portion and the transverse passageway. The first end is adapted for connection to a suction line. The body has a section with a diameter adapted to be received within an air/water cavity of the endoscope. A seal is affixed around the section so as to have a diameter suitable for sealing engagement with the valve cavity. A sealing shoulder is formed on the body between the transverse passageway and the second end so as to restrict air flow between the air/water inlet line to the air/water nozzle line.

Abstract: A separator device to separate a plurality of articles in a sterilization chamber has a proximal end, a distal end, and a body portion therebetween. The body portion has a thickness with a plurality of openings therein through which a sterilizing medium circulates. The body portion is interposed between and maintains separation between layers of articles located within the sterilization chamber. The separation maintained between the layers facilitates circulation of the sterilizing medium between the layers and to each of the plurality of articles being sterilized.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with so-called sterile tunnels or tubes on aseptically operating packing machines. During operation, sterile air und during the pre-sterilizing phase, sterilizing fluid can flow through the telescopic tubular sealants provided on sterile tunnels or tubes of this type for the passage of mounting linkages of working elements disposed in the sterile chamber of the tunnel. To safely strike and destroy, during the pre-sterilization of the sterile tunnel, all germs contained in the labyrinth-type telescopic tubular sealant, discharge openings are provided in the upper part of the telescopic tubular sealant.

Abstract: A sterilization container for sterilizing, storing and transporting instruments is provided with a base portion having a plurality of drainage wells. The drainage wells comprise a downwardly sloping surface terminating in a drainage aperture. Upper portions of the sloping surfaces support a flexible instrument holding mat within the container. Sterilization containers are formed of thermoplastic liquid crystal polymer, such as a wholly aromatic polyester. A latch mechanism comprises a latch member rotatably supported upon torsion bars within a recessed portion of the container which presents no sharp surfaces to the user.

Abstract: A transfer valve assembly (10) for use as a feed valve or a discharge valve includes a series of open-faced pockets (46) biased by leaf springs (48) off of a central hub (44) and an arcuate saddle piece (22) mounted at an opening (14) of a sterilizer vessel (12) for transferring containers from an infeed conveyor (34) onto an interior reel (18). The engagement of open-faced pockets (46) with saddle (22) creates a seal to prevent the escape of steam, but gaps are provided between pockets (46) which allow for a controlled escape of steam in a manner that allows the pressure within the sterilizer vessel to be maintained at a slightly elevated level.

Abstract: A device for sterilization of instruments, particularly dental instruments, in an autoclave provided with an instrument holder. The autoclave has an inlet and an outlet for different fluids, such as cleaning and rinsing liquids, and sterilization and maintenance media. The autoclave incorporates several gas-tight closable chambers each of which is equipped with at least one instrument holder. Each chamber and instrument holder is provided with an individually adjustable and controllable inlet and outlet for the fluids and media. Each chamber, as a result of the autoclaving process, defines a sterile package in the form of a closed storage vessel for at least one treatment instrument. The chambers are connected to a central unit for choosing a sterilization program, depending upon the exposure of the instrument outside the autoclave, as well as preparing and controlling the fluids and media.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting pipette tips is provided which comprises a vacuum manifold and one or more air conduits. The vacuum manifold internally defines a vacuum chamber, and has a wall which defines one or more apertures. The vacuum manifold is adapted for use in conjunction with a vacuum source. An air conduit is fixed to each of the one or more apertures defined by the wall of the vacuum manifold. Each air conduit defines an air channel, and is sized such that it can be inserted through a proximal opening defined by the head of one of the pipette tips without contacting the inner surface of the head of the pipette tip. The air channel of each air conduit is larger than a distal opening defined by the body of the pipette tip, such that when each air conduit is inserted through the proximal opening of one of the pipette tips and a vacuum source is used in conjunction with the vacuum manifold to create a vacuum in the vacuum chamber, the pipette tips are held in engagement with the vacuum manifold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus maintains a level of sterilization during medical procedures operative upon a bacteriologically contaminated workpiece. A bacteriologically impermeable sheath is placed around the workpiece for maintaining bacteriological separation between the workpiece and medical equipment activating the medical procedure. In the preferred embodiment, the sheath lines a beaker in which dental implants, the workpieces, are placed when being cleaned using ultrasound. The sheath is cost effective enough to be disposed of after each use.

Abstract: A trayliner for cushioning an article contained in a tray during a sterilization process, the tray including a base having a multiplicity of holes. The trayliner has a multiplicity of holes arranged such that at least a portion of the holes of the trayliner will be generally aligned with at least a portion of the holes of the base of the tray when the trayliner is positioned on the base of the tray. A method of sterilizing an article is also provided and includes positioning a closed cell polyethylene foam plastic trayliner having a multiplicity of holes into a tray, and positioning the article onto the trayliner. The tray containing the trayliner and the article is placed in a sterilization unit, and the sterilization unit is operated. According to one aspect, a base of the tray includes a multiplicity of holes.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an instrument count stand for supporting scissors or scissor-like instruments having a pair of blades and a pair of handles. The stand includes a base having a plurality of slots for receiving portions of the instruments. A pair of side walls extending from the base support a roller. A handle is attached to the roller for moving the roller from a first position disengaged from the handles of the instruments to a second position which contacts the handles of the instruments and spreads the handles and accordingly the blade-like members of the instruments.

Abstract: An apparatus for the catalytic decomposition of H2O2 in an aqueous solution which is a contact lens care agent, wherein the catalyst is formed by a shaped body which is roughened by sand blasting and which is coated by a platinum layer 1 which is produced by sputtering.