Sterilization container with self-sealing closure

• US 20030072701A1
• Filed: 09/30/2002
• Published: 04/17/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 12/22/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ethicon Incorporated (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon Incorporated (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Lin, Szu-Min, Lukasik, Robert, Williams, Harold R.
• Granted Patent: US 7,273,594 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 422/292
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/14 Plasma, i.e. ionised gases
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/16 using chemical substances
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/208 Hydrogen peroxide
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2202/122 Chambers for sterilisation
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2202/14 Means for controlling sterilisation processes, data processing, presentation and storage means, e.g. sensors, controllers, programs
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2202/24 Medical instruments, e.g. endoscopes, catheters, sharps

Abstract

A sterilization container holds instruments during a sterilization process. It has en enclosure with an opening into the enclosure. A self-closing mechanism at the opening keeps the opening closed when not attached to a sterilant delivery source.

Claims

1. A sterilization container for sterilizing, transporting and storing one or more medical instruments, comprising:

an enclosure defining an interior space adapted to house the one or more medical instruments, said enclosure sealed against the ingress of contaminating microorganisms;

an opening into the enclosure having associated therewith an adapter for attaching the enclosure to a source of sterilization vapor or mist, the adapter comprising a self-sealing closure.

2. A sterilization container according to claim 1 wherein the adapter is selectively attachable to the enclosure.

3. A sterilization container according to claim 1 wherein the self sealing closure comprises a seat at the opening and a closing member engageable with the seat and wherein when the closing member is engaged with the seat the closing member blocks fluid communication between the interior space and an environment exterior of the enclosure through the opening.

4. A sterilization container according to claim 3 wherein the self-sealing closure further comprises a biasing member urging the closing member toward the seat.

5. A sterilization container according to claim 4 wherein the self-sealing closure comprises an inlet for receiving a projecting member from a source of sterilant, the closing member being positioned with respect to the inlet such that when the projecting member is inserted into the inlet the projecting member abuts the closing member and moves it away from the seat.

6. A sterilization container according to claim 4 wherein the self-sealing closure comprises an inlet for receiving a projecting member from a source of sterilant, the closing member having thereon a first flange engageable by a second flange on the projecting member whereby movement of the projecting member relative to the inlet moves the closing member.

7. A sterilization container according to claim 1 wherein the self-sealing closure comprises a semi-permeable filter at the opening.

8. A sterilization container according to claim 1 wherein the self-sealing closure comprises a screen at the opening.

9. A sterilization container according to claim 1 and further comprising one or more filtered ports into the enclosure.

10. A sterilization container according to claim 9 wherein each of the one or more filtered ports comprise a cover for closing the port.

11. A sterilization container kit according to claim 1 and further comprising an instrument holder within the enclosure.

12. A sterilization container according to claim 1 and further comprising a pressure release valve.

13. A sterilization container according to claim 1 wherein the enclosure is formed of a liquid crystal polymer.

14. A sterilization container according to claim 1 wherein the self-sealing closure comprises a sealed inlet for receiving a projecting member from a source of sterilant.

15. A sterilization container according to claim 1 having an additional opening into the enclosure with its own self-sealing closure mechanism.

16. A sterilization container according to claim 1 and further comprising a partition dividing the enclosure into a first portion and a second portion, the opening for attaching the enclosure to a source of sterilization vapor or mist being into the first portion, and an exit path out of the enclosure through the second portion, wherein to flow the sterilization vapor or mist through the enclosure more efficiently.

17. A sterilization container according to claim 16 wherein the exit path comprises a separate exit port out of the container.

18. A sterilization container according to claim 16 wherein the opening is divided into a first path leading into the enclosure first portion and a second path leading into the enclosure second portion.