| 摘要 |
The invention pertains to the steam sterilization of objects (100) in a container (10) which serves as the storage container for the sterilized objects until the latter are ready for use. The container (10) automatically seals itself during the sterilization cycle and before removal from the sterilizer so that the container contents are maintained in an aseptic environment without danger of recontamination during storage. In the Figures 1-13 embodiments, a valve opening (36) permits steam to circulate into a container (10) and permits condensation to drain from the container while the valve (52) is open. Steam within an expandable chamber (66), (166), captured through the closing of a temperature responsive valve (92, 192), causes the chamber to expand when pressure drops at the end of a sterilizing cycle, and closes the valve (52). A lid (12) and gasket (16) permit steam to be withdrawn from the container but prevent air flow into the container. In the Figures 14-16 embodiments, container bottom wall (314) is sloped so that condensation will flow to the edges. A lid (312) is held partially open by an actuator pin (344) connected to an expandable chamber (342). Steam captured through valve (352, 354) expands in response to the pressure drop at the end of the sterilizing cycle to expand the chamber to withdraw the pin and allow the lid to close. In the Figures 17-22 embodiments, an expandable chamber (440) moves a lever mechanism (422) to seal a container at a predetermined pressure after a final vacuum in a sterilizing cycle but before the container is removed from the sterilizer. |
