Abstract: The invention relates to a maintenance apparatus (1) for medical or dental handpieces (17), having a housing (2), which encloses a free maintenance chamber (4) which is accessible by means of a door (5), having a plurality of connection parts (16a, 16b) in the maintenance chamber (4) each for receiving the rearward end of a handpiece (17), having a supply line (18) for a maintenance medium, which branches with supply line branches (18a) to the connection parts (16a, 16b), which branches open out each at a mouth opening (16a1, 16b1) at the associated connection part (16a, 16b), which stands in connection with a drive channel of the connected handpiece (17), having a supply system for supplying the maintenance medium to the connection parts (16a, 16b) and having a control device (51) for control of the supply system, whereby a sensor (S2a to S2d) is associated with each connection part (16a, 16b, 16c), which sensor is activated by means of the handpiece (17) connected with the associated connection part and emi

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 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: The invention comprises a sterilization case having a body having a bottom and first, second, third and fourth sidewalls upstanding from the bottom defining an interior cavity, the sidewalls having edges defining a cavity top opening; the edges of the first and second sidewalls have flanges protruding away from the interior of the cavity; a lid sized to cover the top opening and close the cavity, the lid having first an second edges corresponding to the first and second sidewalls of the body, the first and second edges having grooved members for slidably engaging the flanges, the lid being slidably movable between a closed position wherein the lid fully covers the top opening and is secured to the body by engagement of the grooved members with the flanges, and an open position ad wherein the grooved members are disengageable from the flanges and the lid is removable from the body. Methods for using the sterilization case are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sealed system for handling, manipulating and formulating materials in an isolated environment which includes an isolation system for performing operations on the materials, an accessory for receiving, performing a procedure, and providing items, and a sealing device interconnecting the isolation system and the accessory. The isolation system has an interior at least partially defined by a plurality of walls and a transfer port positioned on one of the walls for transferring items into and out of the isolation system. The accessory is selectively coupled to the transfer port and has an interior accessed by an opening. The sealing device includes a trough of predetermined configuration and a blade of corresponding configuration. The trough has a sealing substance disposed therein, and the blade and the trough each surround one of the transfer port and the opening. The blade is sealingly mounted to a mounting member which is sealingly mounted to the accessory to seal the interior of the accessory.

Abstract: A tooth and gum cleaning tool for cleaning teeth and gums. The tooth and gum cleaning tool includes an elongate handle portion having first and second ends. A sponge portion is coupled to said first end of said handle portion. The sponge portion has an engaging face and a back face opposite the engaging face. The engaging face has a plurality of uniformly spaced ridges extending from it. Also disclosed is a sterilization device for sterilizing the tooth cleaning tool. The sterilization device comprises a housing that has an open top, a closed bottom, and an interior. A sterilizing pad is disposed in the interior of the housing and is porous and has a sterilizing fluid absorbed therein. A lid portion closes the open top of the housing. The sponge portion of the tooth cleaning tool is positionable on the sterilizing pad to permit absorption of the sterilizing fluid by the sponge portion from the sterilizing pad.

Abstract: A method for cleaning and sterilizing a medical device comprises the steps of: a) placing the device into a container, b) cleaning the device with a cleaning solution, c) rinsing the device with rinse solution, d) treating the device with a liquid sterilant, e) vaporizing the liquid sterilant in the container thereby simultaneously sterilizing and drying the device, and providing a sterile, dry product without further rinsing. The method further comprises retaining a predetermined amount of the liquid sterilant in the container prior to step e). Step e) can be conducted under a diffusion restricted environment, or by reducing pressure to a first predetermined pressure followed by further reducing the first pressure to a predetermined second pressure, or at controlled pump down rate.

Abstract: A sterilization system using a sterilization process monitoring device which is capable of indicating the efficacy of the sterilization process in an enclosed sterilization container while still maintaining the sealed state of the sterilization container. The process monitoring device comprises at least one biological indicator and/or at least one chemical indicator. Upon completion of the sterilization cycle, the process monitoring device can be advantageously removed from the system to determine chemical and/or biological efficacy of the sterilization process. The removal of the biological and/or chemical indicators does not disturb the sterilized state of the articles inside the sterilization container.

Abstract: A sterilization container has an improved elastomeric instrument holder. The instrument holder comprises a panel of elastomer having a projection depending downwardly therefrom and received within an perforation through a perforated surface within the container to hold the panel thereto. An aperture through the panel is adapted for receiving and holding an instrument to be sterilized. An inner surface of the aperture is adapted to have a reduced area of contact with an instrument received within the aperture. For example, the surface may comprise chamfers which meet to form a sharp ridge which contacts the instrument. The contact surface may also be textured to reduce the area of contact with the instrument. Alternatively, the surface may be formed of a material which is sufficiently permeable to a sterilizing gas so as to allow the area of the instrument in contact with the surface to receive a sufficient amount of sterilizing gas to become sterilized.

Abstract: A method for cleaning and sterilizing a medical device having a lumen with at least two open ends comprises the steps of: a) providing a container having at least one enclosure separated from the container by an interface, b) placing the device into the container and enclosure across the interface in such a way that one end of the lumen of the device is located in the container and the other end in the enclosure, c) generating a flow of a cleaning solution through the lumen to clean the inner surface of the lumen, d) generating a flow of rinse solution through the lumen to rinse the inner surface of the lumen, e) treating the device with a liquid sterilant, f) vaporizing the liquid sterilant in the container or enclosure thereby simultaneously sterilizing and drying the device, and providing a sterile, dry product without further rinsing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sterilizing devices having contact areas with an antimicrobial fluid such as hydrogen peroxide. If the device is a lumen, the lumen is held in an adaptor which is connected with a vessel containing the antimicrobial fluid. The lumen, adaptor, and vessel containing the antimicrobial fluid are placed in a sterilization chamber. When the sterilization chamber is evacuated, the antimicrobial fluid in the vessel volatilizes, thereby sterilizing the interior of the lumen. The adaptor has one or more features which improve the sterilization of the areas of contact between the adaptor and the lumen. 1. The surface of the adaptor which is in contact with the lumen can be textured or uneven so as to reduce surface contact and enhance bidirectional diffusion of the sterilant. 2. The adaptor can be made of a material which has minimal chemical and physical interaction with the sterilant. 3.

Abstract: A toothbrush sterilization unit for sterilizing the bristle-head of at least one toothbrush with a disinfectant. The toothbrush sterilization unit includes a housing having an interior compartment. The interior compartment includes a plurality of docking stations for holding in place a plurality of toothbrushes. The housing includes a pumping system assembly for dispensing a disinfectant on the bristle-heads of the toothbrushes during a dispensing cycle. The housing also includes a rotary fan and a heating member for drying the disinfectant on the bristle-heads of the plurality of toothbrushes during a drying cycle.

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 therealong 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: In order to completely sterilize all of the surfaces of a medical instrument on which biofilms are apt to form, the device is immersed in a container containing an antibiotic solution in a manner wherein all of the contaminated surfaces are forced into intimate contact with the antibiotic solution. A first current is applied to a first electrode disposed at one end of the container to establish a first current flow about the exterior of the instrument between the first electrode and a second distal electrode which is either proximate or in direct contact with an end portion of the device. A second current is passed between a third electrode which is either in electrical contact with a part of the instrument that is not immersed in the antibiotic solution, or immersed in the solution has been forced into the interior of the device, and the second electrode via a second current path which extends through the interior of the instrument.

Abstract: A shoe sanitizer and method for sanitizing shoes are disclosed. The shoe sanitizer includes a platform having a raised central portion and two lowered side portions which are on opposite sides of and adjacent to the central portion. The central portion and the two side portions have respective reservoirs with open upper ends. Absorbent pads are placed in each of the reservoirs. A sanitizing solution is placed in the reservoir of the central portion and saturates the respective absorbent pad. The absorbent pads located in the reservoirs of the side portions of the platform are dry. A person sanitizes the bottom of a pair of shoes he is wearing by first placing a lower portion of one shoe in the reservoir of the central portion and wetting the bottom of the shoe with the sanitizing solution. Then, the shoe is removed from the sanitizing solution and placed into the one of the reservoirs of the two side portions which corresponds to the foot on which the shoe being treated is worn.

Abstract: A station for soaking intracavity probes is disclosed. The station includes a housing that either rests on a generally horizontal surface or mounts to a generally vertical surface, and at least two containers that are replaceably positioned in the housing and contain a disinfectant and a rinsing agent.

Abstract: A disposal system for the convenient and hygienic disposal of sanitary napkins detoxifies, sanitizes and deodorizes the sanitary napkins and prevents viewing of the unsightly disposed waste. The disposal system includes a secure rugged box-like container assembly having an opening at the top and a cover that fits over the opening. The cover has an access opening at the top and a lid pivotably securable to the cover, the lid formed in the shape of a wedge-shaped scoop, pivotal within the opening in the cover between a fully closed position that substantially seals the container to reduce evaporation and a fully opened position that permits waste material to be deposited into the container, prevents viewing of the contents of the container and controls any splashing. The disposal system includes a government-approved germicidal solution within the container, the solution including a blend of organic quaternary ammonium compound, isopropyl alcohol and fragrance.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing and disinfecting surgical instruments is disclosed wherein the apparatus includes a cleansing chamber for containing the instrument while proximate at least two nozzles for directing fluids onto the instrument. The nozzles and the instrument are simultaneously oscillated by separate rotary drives.

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 toothbrush case is a unitary receptacle having a bristle chamber and a handle chamber separated by a fluid seal. The case opens for insertion and removal of the toothbrush and closes to form a sealed container where the brushes and handle are stored in separate, fluid-impervious, sanitizing environments. The case has ports with uni-directional flow valves through which sterilizing agents in the form of aerosol spray or fluid may be selectively admitted into the brush compartment or the handle compartment. Upon application of the sterilizing agent, the toothbrush is sterilized and maintained in a sterile environment until the case is opened for use.

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: In a wet processing system included in a semiconductor device production line, a wafer carrier has bars formed with grooves for receiving the edge portions of wafers, and a pair of support plates each having a width smaller than the diameter of the wafers. The carrier reduces a volume required of a processing bath and promotes the smooth flow of aqueous solutions. Hence, the system reduces the consumption of chemicals and pure water as well as the cleaning time and other processing times.

Abstract: A cabinet storage unit for maintaining electrical clippers and other tools used in the cutting and styling of hair is provided. The cabinet interior defines an air plenum which directs a stream of air across the front face of the cabinet. The cabinet front face defines a plurality of hangers which hold a variety of electric clippers and other hair styling accessories. The cabinet provides a power source and a retractable electric cord to facilitate the use of the clippers along a variable length of an electrical cord. A disinfectant is provided to the air stream and is used to disinfect the tools when the tools are in a storage position. The cabinet is optionally mounted on a wheeled cart to facilitate placement of the cart to and from adjacent barber work stations.

Abstract: The flat case comprises a case body (1) comprising at least one wall (2) defining a disinfecting chamber (10) open at one end and intended to take a lens (50) to be disinfected, at least one removable cap (20) intended to be fixed on the open end of the chamber, at least one catalytic element secured to the cap (20) capable of being immersed in the disinfecting solution (10) and comprising a catalyst support and a catalyst (34) and at least one protective element (30) secured to the cap (20) having an end wall (32) provided with passages (33) for the disinfecting solution, forming a barrier between the lens (50) and the catalytic element, and at the same time holding the lens securely.The invention has application to the disinfecting of contact lenses.

Abstract: A system for providing fluid to a device comprises an interface separating a first space from a second space. The interface has at least one opening for receiving the device. The opening has a contact surface which contacts the device forming a contact area. Means for enhancing penetration of the fluid to the contact area is coupled to the opening. This system significantly reduces or total eliminates the occlusion area on the surface of the device.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning, disinfecting and storing contact lens in an all-in-one unit is provided. The system employs preservative-free saline solution, a disposable bacteriological filter and a pump to provide a portable and lightweight system. The cleaning and disinfecting steps are completed in a few minutes, after which the system automatically shuts off. The cleaned and disinfected lenses can be stored in the unit overnight without the need for the user to handle the lenses after the system shuts off.

Abstract: A storage container for autoclaving and storage of a medical instrument cassette includes a tray portion and a lid assembly which are securely closed together by means of a pair of spring-biased end latches. The lid assembly includes a lid gasket which is compressed by an outer lip of the tray portion and further includes a pair of low profile filter assemblies. Each filter assembly includes a retainer plate with an assembled edge seal, a paper filter, and a cover plate. The stack of these components creates a low profile design whose overall thickness in a direction normal to the surface of the lid is less than 3/8 of an inch. The cover plate is easily attached and removed for replacing the paper filter by means of keyhole-shaped apertures in the cover plate and lock studs assembled to the lid assembly which fit within the keyhole-shaped apertures. The two latch assemblies provide a visual indication as to whether the lid assembly is securely sealed onto the tray portion or is open.

Abstract: An electronic device (1), for example a test pack for use in determining the efficacy of a sterilization cycle in a sterilizer, is provided with a protective framework (10) comprising two impact-absorbing ring-like members (11, 12) located on opposed sides of the device and three impact-absorbing arms (13) spaced apart from the device and extending at equi-spaced locations between the ring-like members.

Abstract: A system for reprocessing and sterilizing a previously used endoscope having at least one lumen is disclosed. The reprocessing system includes a reaction chamber into which individual chemical components of a sterilant are transferred by pneumatic force. The system includes a central processor which controls the asynchronous reprocessing and sterilization of at least two endoscopes. A novel sterilant is also disclosed. Also disclosed is a combination of the sterilization device and the sterilant and methods of using the same.

Abstract: An apparatus for the sterilization of a medical device includes a multi-chambered compartment having at least a first and a second rigid chamber therein. Each of the first and second chambers is adapted to independently serve as a sterilization chamber and can be operated independently. The apparatus also has a removable interface between the first and second chamber. The interface can have an opening for receiving a lumen device in such a way that the first and second chamber is put in fluid communication through the lumen. A source of sterilant is also included in the apparatus. This source is adapted to provide the sterilant in the first and/or second chamber. Containers sealed with gas-permeable, but microorganism-impermeable membrane can be used in the apparatus so that the sterility of the devices in the container is kept after the completion of a sterilization cycle.

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 sterilizable passageway for a sterilizable enclosure which includes an enclosure having an outer wall, which has a passageway therethrough. A collar lines a periphery of the passageway, the collar having a sealing surface and a heated surface. A heater is positioned to deliver heat to the heated surface of the collar to selectively heat the collar for sterilization. A selectively positionable door is moveable between an operating position wherein it is spaced away from the passageway to permit the passage of articles into or out of the enclosure and a sterilizing position wherein it substantially seals the passageway. This door optimally includes a gasket positioned to contact the sealing surface of the collar when the door is in its sterilizing position.

Abstract: A sterilization mat has a mesh-like backing with opposite faces composed of intersecting stringers defining relatively large openings in the backing. The stringers have rounded or inclined surfaces at one face of the backing and a multiplicity of resilient pins or fingers project from those surfaces for supporting and fixating medical instruments. Preferably, rounded or inclined surfaces are also provided at the underside of the backing. During sterilization, the mat minimizes the accumulation of condensed moisture on and under the mat and promotes efficient sterilization of the instruments on the mat.

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: The invention relates to a rinsing device for trocar sleeves. A rinsing and accommodating tube for a trocar sleeve integrated into a basket system may be pivoted from a horizontal rinsing position into a vertical equipping and removal position by way of a pivoting part which is pivotably mounted on a base. All disassemblable individual parts of the trocar sleeve are mounted in a basket system with point contact free of areas shaded to rinsing and may after assembly of the individual parts remain in the basket for sterilization.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a head portion of a medical stethoscope. The head portion of the stethoscope includes a diaphragm capable of transducing medical sounds when positioned during use in juxtaposition relative to a patient. The cleaning apparatus of the present invention includes a housing defining an interior cleaning chamber and having an opening communicating between an exterior of the housing and the cleaning chamber. The opening in the housing permits the head portion of the stethoscope to be inserted into the cleaning chamber. An apparatus is arranged in the cleaning chamber for disinfecting the head portion of the stethoscope inserted through the opening.

Abstract: A method for cleaning/sterilizing a medical device with a lumen comprises the steps of: a) providing a container having one enclosure and one openable and closeable interface separating the container and the enclosure, b) placing the device on a tray, c) placing the tray into the container and enclosure so that one end of the device and a portion of the tray are located in the container and the other end of the device and another portion of the tray are located in the enclosure, d) creating a pressure difference between the two ends, e) cleaning the device with a cleaning solution, f) rinsing the device with rinse solution, g) treating the device with a chemical germicide. An apparatus for cleaning/sterilizing a device with a lumen comprises a container having at least two separated close compartments. An openable and closeable interface separates the container into the compartments.

Abstract: A method for cleaning/sterilizing a device having a lumen with at least two open ends comprises the steps of: a) providing a container having at least one enclosure and at least one interface separating the enclosure from the container, the interface having at least one opening thereon, b) placing the device across the opening with one open end in the container and another open end in the enclosure, c) generating a flow of a cleaning solution through the lumen to clean the inner surface of the lumen, d) generating a flow of rinse solution through the lumen to rinse the inner surface of the lumen, e) treating the device with a chemical germicide, and f) adjusting the opening in any of steps c) to e) to reduce the areas on surface of the device occluded by contacting with the opening. An apparatus for cleaning/sterilizing a lumen device comprises a container having a fluid port for flowing and draining a fluid in and out the container.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for holding and cleaning non-permeable contact lenses which includes the application of an electromagnetic field about the contact lenses which are held in a cavity containing a conductive solution and an adsorbent membrane to capture the contaminants being removed from the lenses. Proteins, lipoproteins and other contaminants adhere to the surface of non-permeable lenses. An adsorbent is positioned between the lens and an electric current source so that current flows from the current source through the adsorbent and over the surface of the contact lens so that contaminants on the lens are loosened and migrate to the adsorbent to which they adhere, thus permitting effective removal from the solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for disinfecting and storing a contact lens comprising a container, a lens holding means for supporting a contact lens, a cap for sealably covering the open end of the container and a gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable membrane fixed to the internal surface of the appliance and positioned to cover all apertures in the appliance to allow oxygen to escape from the device but preventing liquid from escaping from the device when an oxidative disinfectant is used in the appliance.

Abstract: An adapter for a sterilization cassette type apparatus in the form of a cassette is mounted in the cassette clamping members and is constructed as a fluid distributor with a plurality of funnel-shaped receiving openings each having a cylindrical outer wall for receiving of medical or dental instruments to be cleaned and/or sterilized.

Abstract: A disinfection system and method for contact lenses that ensures that a disinfection liquid maintains its strength until the moment it is used. The system includes a lens case specially adapted to receive a prepackaged disposable container of disinfection liquid, the opening of which is provided with a tear-off seal to be removed immediately before use. The disposable container contains an amount of disinfection liquid suitable for one disinfection procedure for a set of contact lenses. The use of the disposable container system obviates bacterial growth in the container of the lens case.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low-cost and practical method for cleaning objects such as wheelchairs on a continuous basis. In one embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention is a mobile, self-contained system in which objects are cleaned and sanitized as they travel in a U-shaped path within a wash chamber. As the objects enter the first side of the wash chamber, suitably located water jets spray the objects with a mixture of detergent and water to remove associated foreign materials until shortly after the objects make a U-turn. At this point, the objects are first sprayed with a mixture containing a rinse agent and water, then with a spray containing disinfectant and water. The objects are thereafter dried by suitable drying means such as a high velocity air curtain system. The continuous washing system of the present invention preferably has a self-contained water heater to pre-heat the water prior to its being sprayed onto the objects.

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 method for hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilization of medical devices and similar instruments having long narrow lumens or diffusion restricted areas includes the step of pretreating the article to be sterilized with a dilute solution of hydrogen peroxide prior to exposure to a vacuum or a vacuum followed by plasma. The method is such that, upon vaporization of the solution caused by the vacuum, the hydrogen peroxide remains in contact with the article for a time sufficient to achieve sterilization.

Abstract: A toy washing and disinfecting device for washing and disinfecting a variety of toys, particularly at locations such as doctors waiting rooms and child care facilities where large numbers of children can come in contact with the toys. To increase the likelihood of use, the toy washing and disinfector device functions automatically in the manner of a dishwasher.

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: A lens case for disinfecting, cleaning, or storing contact lenses is described that provides a sealing and venting system for allowing the release of gas while avoiding liquid leakage. The venting means allows venting of gas when internal pressure increases, while maintaining a seal that is substantially gas and liquid-impermeable at other times. The lens case includes a cap securable to a container barrel and a mating cap. The venting of gas occurs via a tortuous-path mechanism resulting from appropriate surface roughness being produced on at least one of a pair of mating surfaces forming a seal between the cap and the container. In a preferred embodiment, a relatively roughened surface is produced on a cap flange that is in the shape of a circular lip downwardly extending from the inner surface of the cap. The mating surface of the cap flange sealingly presses against the rim portion of the container.

Abstract: A flash sterilization container (10) comprises a pan (12) forming the bottom of the container holding a tray (14), with a cover (16) forming the top of the container, and a filter element (20). The filter (20) covers an opening in the cover (16) so that the inside of the container (10) formed when the cover is removably sealed to the pan (12) can communicate with the atmosphere surrounding the sealed container allowing steam to enter and exit the container passing through the filter (20). Items to be sterilized are placed on the tray (14) and the cover (16) is attached and sealed to the pan (12). The sealed container in then placed in an autoclave or other source of pressurized steam. The filter (20) allows the steam to enter the interior of the container and sterilize any items contained therein. After sterilization, the container (10) is removed from the autoclave and any remaining steam escapes from the interior of the container through the filter (20).

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.