Seal integrity indicators for sterilization containers

US11478321B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• O&M Halyard, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Ruoya Wang · Decatur, US
• Anthony Stephen Spencer · Woodstock, US
• Kun-Chi Wu · Princeton, US
• Tracy J. White · Cumming, US
• Edward B. Madsen · Riverton, US
• Justin J. Coker · Laguna Niguel, US
• Nathan C. Griffith · Lawrenceville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 29, 2019
• Grant date: Oct 25, 2022
• Expiry date: Apr 23, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65D2203/12
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Indicators for indicating the integrity of a seal of a sterilization container are provided. For example, a seal indicator may indicate whether the container is sufficiently sealed to prevent an ingress of contaminants into the container. If the container is sufficiently sealed, the seal indicator is in one state and displays a first indicium, and if the sterilization container is not sufficiently sealed, the seal indicator is in another state and displays a second indicium. Thus, the seal indicator undergoes a visible change in state when the sterilization container transitions from unsealed to sealed, such that the user may be assured that the container is properly sealed to maintain sterility of the articles post-sterilization. Further, the seal indicator undergoes a visible change in state if the seal is subsequently broken, to signal to the user that the seal and the sterility of the container interior has been compromised.