Medical instrument shield and pouch for microwave sterilization

US5628966A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY · US

Inventors

• Kenneth D. Corby · Rochester, US
• Francisco Chiarilli · Spencerport, US
• David E. Foeller · Batavia, US
• Fugui He · Penfield, US
• Jacob M. Shmois · Rochester, US
• Peter J. Harissis · Rush, US
• Mary Beth M. Allen · Rochester, US
• Mary-Irene E. Condo · Rochester, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 12, 1996
• Grant date: May 13, 1997
• Expiry date: Jun 12, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61L2/26
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A container for sterilizing objects contained in a pouch (66) is provided with shield portions (30, 32) having a wiper fingers (42) located on at least one side edge portion (44) of a peripheral edge (40) of one of the shield portions (30, 32). The wiper fingers (42) insure that metal-to-metal contact is maintained between the shield portions (30, 32) during sterilization. The pouch (66) is constructed from two sheets of a laminate materials, and includes an instrument retaining portion (68) and a fluid retaining portion (70). A water pillow (80) that bursts during sterilization is provided within the fluid retaining portion (70). Alternatively, a temporary seal (86) that bursts or opens during sterilization is provided within the fluid retaining portion (70) to prevent the premature transfer of a sterilization fluid contained in the fluid retaining portion (70) to the instrument retaining portion (68).