A method for sterilizing and storing articles wherein a bag for containing articles to be sterilized is automatically sealed by means responsive to a sterilizing environment applied to the bag. One or more actuators are releasably attached to the bag to automatically close one or more valves at the appropriate point in a sterilizing cycle to result in a vacuumized sterile package.

A container is disclosed with a valve opening at its bottom wall to permit steam to circulate into the container and to permit any condensation to drain from the container while the valve is open. The valve is closed by an expandable chamber in response to the pressure drop at the end of a sterilizing cycle. A valve controlling the flow of steam into the expandable chamber closes when subjected to the high temperature steam, thus capturing steam within the chamber. This steam expands when the pr...

A sterilizing container having a lid with an outer flange which cooperates with the upper edge of a base and a resilient member for sealing the container. The lid contains a mechanism for automatically moving the lid into sealing engagement with the base. Located on both the outer flange of the lid and the upper edge of the base are locking means which interact to place the lid in a sealing engagement with the base when the lid is moved by the moving mechanism on the lid. The container is design...

A bag for containing articles to be sterilized is automatically sealed by means responsive to a sterilizing environment applied to the bag. One or more actuators are releasably attached to the bag to automatically close one or more valves at the appropriate point in a sterilizing cycle to result in a vacuumized sterile package.

A device for protecting body portions which are exposed to large amounts of the radiation from the sun. The device is molded into the shape of the body portion from a material which is form-retaining, tear-resistant, soft, flexible and lightweight. An adhesive is provided on the inner surfaces of the device. The device is ventilated by through-pores or by the manner in which the adhesive is distributed on the inner surfaces.

A container is provided with a valve opening at its bottom wall to permit steam to circulate into the container and to permit any condensation to drain from the container while the valve is open. The valve is closed by an expandable chamber in response to the pressure drop at the end of a sterilizing cycle. A valve controlling the flow of steam into the expandable chamber closes when subjected to the high temperature steam, thus capturing steam within the chamber. This steam expands when the pre...

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

A storage container for maintaining the sterilized condition of instruments or other articles. The container has a receiving tray and a lid with a unique sealing element that not only provides an excellent seal but also enhances the seating of the lid on the tray portion. Means are placed adjacent the interface of the lid with the tray for holding the lid above the tray during the sterilization process and for releasing the lid to seat in sealing engagement with the tray after the sterilization ...

A sealed container provided with a valve opening and a resilient valve member self-biased into closing position. The valve is manually openable by a lever which is held in the open position by a rigid fuse-like element which melts after being subjected to sterilizing temperatures long enough to sterilize the container and its contents. The valve then closes sealing the container. The valve and a gasket between the container lid and base will permit leakage out of the box to permit the withdrawal...

A method of operating an expandable chamber formed with a valve opening in a wall of the chamber, which permits the surrounding environment, such as high temperature steam, to enter the chamber is used. A temperature responsive delay valve closes the chamber to capture a quantity of the steam in an autoclave sterilizing cycle. The closing of the valve is delayed until the high temperature steam has been applied for a predetermined time. A later reduction in pressure surrounding the chamber cause...