| 摘要 |
A sterilization assembly for sterilizing an instrument case which is loaded with medical and/or dental instruments includes three primary components which are similarly arranged with flange surfaces and part-circular bosses which define bolt clearance holes. These three components include a base configured with receiving pockets for retaining a liquid sterilant, a collar and a lid which includes a pressure-relief valve. Positioned between the base and the collar is a first elastomeric gasket. Positioned between the lid and the collar is a second elastomeric gasket. By the use of bolts and threaded inserts, the lid and base are securely clamped together, sandwiching therebetween the collar and the two gaskets. This securely joined combination defines a hollow interior which receives therein at least one instrument case. By heating the liquid sterilant to a sufficiently high temperature, a sterilant vapor is created. As the vapor pressure builds, the instruments in the instrument case are sterilized. The pressure-relief valve which is in a normally closed condition is allowed to open once the interior pressure reaches a sufficiently high level which coincides with sterilization. Once a portion of the sterilant vapor is vented, the pressure decreases and the relief valve closes. This creates a tightly sealed assembly with a sterilized instrument case and sterilized instruments inside.
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