US20020064489A1 - Double hinge for sterilization apparatus - Google Patents

Double hinge for sterilization apparatus Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20020064489A1
US20020064489A1 US10/050,370 US5037002A US2002064489A1 US 20020064489 A1 US20020064489 A1 US 20020064489A1 US 5037002 A US5037002 A US 5037002A US 2002064489 A1 US2002064489 A1 US 2002064489A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
hinge
top cover
wall
cassette
cassettes
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/050,370
Inventor
Dennis Michaelson
Jeffrey Mix
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Steri-Source Inc
Original Assignee
Steri-Source Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Steri-Source Inc filed Critical Steri-Source Inc
Priority to US10/050,370 priority Critical patent/US20020064489A1/en
Publication of US20020064489A1 publication Critical patent/US20020064489A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61LMETHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/02Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
    • A61L2/025Ultrasonics
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61LMETHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/26Accessories or devices or components used for biocidal treatment

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to a cassette and tray system wherein cassettes of varying sizes are used to hold collections of orthodontic or dental tools for use in the sterilization process.
  • the hand tools are first dropped into a tank containing water and perhaps solvents, and ultrasound is applied to agitate the fluid to wash and remove the debris remaining on the hand tools from their last use.
  • the tools are left somewhat damp then dried and heated in some manner to a temperature sufficient to destroy any microorganisms or viruses on the hand tools.
  • the three primary methods of doing this are the use of dry heat, heat wherein the hand tools are heated to a temperature of at least 365° Fahrenheit for six minutes, or the use of steam under pressure in an autoclave system.
  • the time to sterilize, using a steam autoclave system depends on heat and pressure and whether the instruments are wrapped or not.
  • a common wrapped cycle is 270° at 27 psi for fifteen minutes.
  • An unwrapped cycle at the same temperature and pressure would be for three minutes.
  • chemicals are applied to the hand tools as an intermediate step between the ultrasonic bath and the heating.
  • a third method of sterilization is a chemical clave wherein a heated, controlled atmosphere of various gases is used to heat the hand tools held within sealed sterile paper bags.
  • cassettes can be preloaded with standard sets of tools for use in either orthodontic or dental practices, and kept together as a set throughout the sterilization process.
  • a means of collecting the cassettes into convenient packages where they can be batch fed through the ultrasonic bath and heat applications, and remain in a sterile condition when they are returned as a set to the workstation.
  • this cassette collection system must require a minimum amount of counter space at the vicinity of the dental chair, either on the bracket table or the work side unit, and finally, the cassettes must be configured such that they remain stable and flat on the countertop surface when opened so that they do not fall off the table onto the floor, or worse yet, the patient.
  • the transport rack is formed of sidewalls, a back wall, and a bottom wall which are all interconnected to form a rigid transport rack.
  • the tray is provided with a plurality of shelves for holding cassettes which are inserted through the front of the transport rack.
  • the walls and shelves of the transport rack are provided with a plurality of holes or slots through which fluids and debris cleaned during the ultrasonic cleaning portion of the sterilization process may readily pass.
  • the transport rack is also provided with two flanges which are attached to the top of the sidewalls.
  • the transport rack is dimensionally sized to a preselected dimension as to provide for interchangeability of cassettes as is later described.
  • first and second hinges are provided, with the first interconnecting the side wall of the cassette to a hinge plate, and the second hinge interconnecting the hinge plate to the top cover in such a manner that when the top cover is opened, it may be levered open from the top edge of the back wall and the hinge plates swinging down such that the cover lies flat against the surface upon which the cassette is resting.
  • slots or holes are provided to allow for the passage of fluid and debris out from the cassette.
  • the top cover is divided into two portions, the first being the cover portion and the second being the hinge plate with the hinge plate attached to the top of the side wall and the second hinge interconnecting the hinge plate to the remainder of the cover.
  • the double hinge arrangement allows for the cover to be opened and laid flat against the surface upon which the cassette is resting.
  • a fold down plier rack is provided, which can be tilted up and used to hold pliers in a generally vertical orientation wherein the do not become entangled with each other.
  • the cassettes are sized in plurality of different sizes with the largest size and all intermediate sizes being full integer multiples of the smallest cassette size such that if the cassettes are used in a random manner, they can still be conveniently stacked to fully pack a transport rack prior to the sterilization process.
  • the cassettes are also provided with color-coded buttons fixed to the end walls so that the kits of dental tools that are contained within each cassette can be readily identified.
  • Two types of handles are provided, the first being a top handle which is provided with a pair of opposing plates which interfit underneath the flanges attached to the tops of the side walls along with a locking or insertion button to prevent the tray from sliding off of the handle plates.
  • a side, levered handle is also provided with two insertion plates which also insert underneath and interfit underneath the flanges to permit withdrawal of the cassette from a sterilization device, which may be hot, having only a sidewall opening.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective representational view of a transport rack.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective representational view of a first cassette in a closed configuration.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective representational view of the first cassette in an open configuration.
  • FIG. 4 is an end view of the first cassette in a closed configuration.
  • FIG. 5 is an end view of the first cassette in an open configuration.
  • FIG. 6 is a side view of the second cassette in a closed configuration.
  • FIG. 7 is a side view of the second cassette in an open configuration.
  • FIG. 7A is a front view of the second cassette in an open configuration with a plier rack tilted up.
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective representational view of the second cassette in an open configuration.
  • FIG. 9. is a perspective representational view of a top handle.
  • FIG. 10 is a front view of a transport rack and top handle.
  • FIG. 11 is a perspective representational view of a side handle.
  • FIG. 12 is a front view of a transport rack holding a plurality of cassettes.
  • FIG. 1 First referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a transport rack 10 , which is formed of side walls 12 and 14 , back wall 16 , and bottom wall 18 , which are all interconnected to form a rigid transport rack.
  • a transport rack 10 which is formed of side walls 12 and 14 , back wall 16 , and bottom wall 18 , which are all interconnected to form a rigid transport rack.
  • three shelves, first shelf 28 , second shelf 29 , and third shelf 30 are provided, and as a result four tiers of cassettes can be contained within transport rack 10 .
  • transport rack 10 could be configured with any number of shelves, including none at all.
  • all of the walls of transport rack 10 contain a plurality of holes or slots 26 through which fluids and debris cleaned during the ultrasonic cleaning portion of the sterilization process may readily pass.
  • Transport rack 10 is provided with two flanges, 22 and 24 , which are attached to the top of sidewalls 14 and 12 respectively.
  • Side handle insertion holes 27 in flanges 22 and 24 are provided at the front and back for receiving insertion pins 99 on side handle 90 as is later described and shown in FIG. 11. Additionally, side handle insertion holes are positioned to receive dimpled feet 31 when a plurality of transport racks 10 are stacked one atop the other.
  • Top handle insertion holes 25 are provided at the general location of the center of gravity locations in flanges 22 and 24 for receiving insertion pins 88 of top handle 80 as is later described and shown in FIGS. 9 and 12.
  • Transport rack 10 is fabricated to known and preselected dimensions as to provide for interchangeability of cassettes as is later described.
  • first cassette 32 Shown in FIGS. 2 through 5 is a first cassette 32 . It, like transport rack 10 , is formed of stainless steel in the preferred embodiment, although other materials may be used to fabricate all of the parts of this sterilization system.
  • first cassette 32 is shown in its closed configuration, and in FIGS. 3 and 5, in its open configuration.
  • First cassette 32 is formed of side walls 34 and 36 attached to bottom 38 , front wall 40 , and back wall 42 .
  • tool brackets 44 are provided to hold the dental or orthodontic hand tools above the bottom 38 .
  • First and second hinges 46 and 48 are also used to form a double hinge system for top cover 50 .
  • the purpose of the double hinge system is to ensure that the top cover 50 lies flat against the counter surface when cassette 32 is in the open configuration. In practice, it has been found that it is much more stable when it is laid flat as opposed to being levered open from the top edge of the back wall 42 .
  • First hinge 46 is attached at an intermediate, height position, halfway up the back of the back wall 46 , and also to hinge extension plate 58 such that hinge extension plate will swing down as shown in FIG. 5 to enable top cover 50 to rest flat and securely against the countertop.
  • slots or holes 20 are provided to allow for the passage of fluid and debris out from first cassette 32 .
  • a pair of opposing latch assemblies are provided for holding the top cover firmly latched to first cassette 32 .
  • It is formed of a leaf spring 62 which is spot-welded to an end wall.
  • Leaf spring 62 has attached to it a release button 60 , and a latch detent 64 .
  • Top cover 50 is provided with lid extensions 54 , having receiving holes 56 for receiving latch detent 64 and to secure top cover 50 , first cassette 32 .
  • first cassette 32 will remain stable and stationary when it is being opened at the dental or orthodontic workstation. Again, this increases the stability and decreases the likelihood that the cassette will move, either falling itself to the floor or worse yet, pushing something else off of the workstation/countertop onto the floor.
  • color-coded bars 104 are fixed to the end walls of first cassette 32 . These can be made of thermal plastic or other heat resistant materials, or even simply painted metal. Color-coding can be a convenient way of quickly identifying certain specialized sets of hand tools that are used for specific procedures. Obviously, other coding indicia may be used.
  • FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 there is shown second cassette 68 .
  • second cassette 68 There are a number of different features shown in second cassette 68 that are not shown in first cassette 32 .
  • the first is that the double hinge assembly for the top cover divides the top cover into two portions, top portion 70 and drop plate 72 .
  • drop plate 72 is the same size as back wall 67 of second cassette 68 .
  • Hinge assemblies 74 and 76 are identical to those shown and described for first cassette 32 are provided for second cassette 68 .
  • drop plate 72 can be made longer so that hinge 74 extends below the bottom of second cassette 68 , thus enabling the user to fold top cover 70 underneath second cassette 68 .
  • lid extensions 54 will serve to tip second cassette 68 to an angle wherein the contents can be more easily viewed.
  • additional lid extensions 54 can be added to top cover 70 to serve as support legs so as to enable the user to flip top cover 70 completely under second cassette 68 and still rest flat on its support legs.
  • a flip up plier rack 71 formed of two pivotable arms 73 , each hinged by pins 77 to opposing side walls 69 and cross brace 75 may be provided for second cassette 68 .
  • second cassette 68 During the sterilization process it lays flat inside second cassette, and is flipped up for use where it rests by gravity against back wall 67 .
  • Other ways of flipping and holding plier rack 71 in an up position include clips and latches This enables the user to hang pliers in an upright position during treatment of the patient. It allows for much easier identification of each plier during the treatment process. After each use the plier is hung on the plier rack.
  • the pliers If there is no plier rack, the pliers, after each use, are placed back in the bottom of the cassette which in a short time becomes a jumbled pile of pliers. This makes identification of pliers more difficult as one requires different pliers for each part of any particular procedure. This wastes time hunting for pliers and can even pose a hazard to the user and the patient. One is more likely to get a puncture wound digging through a pile of sharp instruments than selecting pliers which are hung neatly from a plier rack. Additionally if the plier the user needs is on the bottom of the pile, the user will often, in an effort to put it out, inadvertently pull other pliers with which it has become entangled.
  • a second plier could be inadvertently pulled out of the pile and onto the patient's face. After the procedure in which the pliers are used is over, the pliers are laid back down in the cassette, the plier rack is pivoted to its storage position, the cover closed, and the cassette returned to the transport rack 10 .
  • a plurality of divider plates 78 may also be provided within second cassette 68 .
  • second cassette 68 is called a band, or crown, box.
  • These divider plates 78 provide an array of pockets into which metal orthodontic tooth bands, or metal temporary dental crowns, can be stored in a sorted-by-size fashion and even sterilized along with second cassette 68 . Drain holes 89 are provided at the bottom of each pocket. The bottom of each pocket may also be provided with a rounded surface to make retrieval of individual bands or crowns easier.
  • bands or crowns that were placed in the mouth, but not selected for use must be kept separate from the remaining bands or crowns still in the band or crown box. There must also be later sterilized in bulk, resorted and returned to the band or crown box. This is labor intensive and therefor expensive.
  • a removable top handle for transport rack 10 is provided.
  • the removable top handle is formed of top rail 82 , which in the preferred embodiment is also configured in size and shape to be long enough so the ends provide a convenient holding bracket within an ultrasonic cleaner. This suspension is important because objects which rest on the bottom of an ultrasonic cleaner may reduce the vibration of the fluid which reduces cleaning effectiveness.
  • Attached to and extending down from top rail 82 are opposing arms 84 .
  • Attached to arms 84 are plates 86 , from which extend upwardly, engagement pins 88 . Plates 86 are provided with curved outer edges which allows easier placement while engaging the top handle within flanges 22 and 24 of transport rack 10 .
  • top handle 80 is configured such that plates 86 will interfit underneath flanges 22 and 24 of transport rack 10 in a configuration where engagement pins 88 will extend up through holes 25 .
  • the handle can be removed, if desired, when the cassette is in use at the workstation either as a source of sterilized tools and/or a receptacle for contaminated tools.
  • FIG. 11 Most sterilization systems include a front opening door as opposed to a top opening door on the heat application apparatus. In such cases, a top handle is of little use, and for that reason a side handle is provided as shown in FIG. 11.
  • Side handle 90 is formed of insertion rails 92 attached to front rail 94 to which is also attached lever handles 96 . Insertion rails 92 are sized in the preferred embodiment to contact the transport rack back wall 16 before the operator grasping the lever handles 96 hands make contact with the hot transport rack 10 .
  • side handle 90 is provided with insertion pins 88 which interfit within insertion holes 25 to prevent the insertion of side handle 90 far enough into transport rack 10 to a point where the user's fingers might contact a very transport rack 10 when removing it from the heat application apparatus. It also is provided with a pair of sloped insertion pins 99 , each located at an end of the insertion rails 92 . These are configured to interfit within holes 27 located at either the front or back ends of flanges 22 and 24 . Holes 27 are located are located in these positions so as to enable the user to pick up the transport rack from either the front or the back. Picking up transport rack 10 from the back enables to user to tip transport rack 10 towards the user without the cassettes sliding out. Since transport rack 10 , when fully loaded, may be heavy, the ability to tip transport rack toward the user is important, since if it tipped away from the user, the cassettes may slide out.
  • FIG. 12 there is shown a front view of a loaded transport rack 10 in which the fully loaded transport rack 10 contains cassettes of various sizes.
  • the preselected dimension for the width of transport rack 10 divides into convenient quarter sizes so that three different size cassettes can be utilized, without wasting space in transport rack 10 .
  • FIG. 12 there is the first or smallest size cassette 98 , an intermediate size cassette 102 , and a full size cassette 100 .
  • Each of the cassettes is a full integer multiple of the smallest cassette with the largest cassette having the largest integer multiple.
  • the smallest cassette 98 can be sized to take up one quarter of the width of shelf, the intermediate cassette 102 one half, and the largest cassette 100 sized to completely fill the shelf by itself.
  • This design has been found in practice to significantly minimize the amount of empty space in transport racks 10 during the sterilization process, which both speeds up the process and reduces the number of tools required to be kept in inventory.

Abstract

A sterilization system for dental and orthodontic tools is provided with a transport rack dimensionally sized to hold a plurality interchangeable cassettes. The interchangeable cassettes are designed and intended to hold kits of dental or orthodontic tools and are provided with top opening, double-hinged covers which lay flat on the surface when opened and used at a dental workstation.

Description

    PRIORITY
  • This application is a continuation application filed pursuant to 37 CFR 1.53(b) from a non-provisional utility application filed Apr. 28, 2000 Ser. No. 09/560,591 entitled STERILIZATION APPARATUS FOR DENTAL AND ORTHODONTIC TOOLS incorporated herein by reference.[0001]
  • DESCRIPTION Background of the Invention
  • 1. Field of the Invention [0002]
  • The present invention generally relates to a cassette and tray system wherein cassettes of varying sizes are used to hold collections of orthodontic or dental tools for use in the sterilization process. [0003]
  • 2. Background Information [0004]
  • While the human mouth is hardly a sterile environment, there is a need to protect patients from the transmission of infectious diseases from one patient to another through the use of contaminated orthodontic or dental tools. Gone are the days when the orthodontist or dentist merely washed his hand tools between use on patients. Such organizations as the American Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontics, the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Center for Disease Control are all actively working to set standards and guidelines to insure the safety of the patients as well as the orthodontists, dentists, and their assistants. [0005]
  • At the present time, there are three standardized methods of sterilizing dental and orthodontic hand tools. In each of the three, the hand tools are first dropped into a tank containing water and perhaps solvents, and ultrasound is applied to agitate the fluid to wash and remove the debris remaining on the hand tools from their last use. The tools are left somewhat damp then dried and heated in some manner to a temperature sufficient to destroy any microorganisms or viruses on the hand tools. The three primary methods of doing this are the use of dry heat, heat wherein the hand tools are heated to a temperature of at least 365° Fahrenheit for six minutes, or the use of steam under pressure in an autoclave system. The time to sterilize, using a steam autoclave system, depends on heat and pressure and whether the instruments are wrapped or not. A common wrapped cycle is 270° at 27 psi for fifteen minutes. An unwrapped cycle at the same temperature and pressure would be for three minutes. In some sterilization processes, chemicals are applied to the hand tools as an intermediate step between the ultrasonic bath and the heating. A third method of sterilization is a chemical clave wherein a heated, controlled atmosphere of various gases is used to heat the hand tools held within sealed sterile paper bags. [0006]
  • The problem is that orthodontists and dentists with busy professional practices will see many patients in any given work day, indeed it is not unusual for an orthodontist to see in excess of 100 patients per day. A lot of hand tools are used each day, and they are generally collected throughout the day and recycled, in bulk, through the sterilization process. In a busy orthodontics practice, it is not unusual to have one assistant dedicated solely to collecting hand tools and sterilizing them on a full time basis. [0007]
  • In the typical prior art orthodontic or dental practice, once the tools have been resterilized, they are simply returned to the workstation and placed where they are readily available for reuse. However, this is a source of contamination. If, for example, a dentist is working on a patient's teeth and calls to his assistant for a new and different tool, and the assistant reaches into the drawer to retrieve the tool wearing a latex glove that has been contaminated with the body fluids of the patient, the assistant can transfer those contaminants to other, unused tools which were previously sterilized. Inevitably, conditions arise where contaminated hands are used to retrieve tools from the drawers. [0008]
  • Accordingly, what is needed is a cassette system wherein cassettes can be preloaded with standard sets of tools for use in either orthodontic or dental practices, and kept together as a set throughout the sterilization process. What is also needed is a means of collecting the cassettes into convenient packages where they can be batch fed through the ultrasonic bath and heat applications, and remain in a sterile condition when they are returned as a set to the workstation. Additionally, this cassette collection system must require a minimum amount of counter space at the vicinity of the dental chair, either on the bracket table or the work side unit, and finally, the cassettes must be configured such that they remain stable and flat on the countertop surface when opened so that they do not fall off the table onto the floor, or worse yet, the patient. [0009]
  • Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description as follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. [0010]
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • These objects are achieved through use of a transport rack and a plurality of cassette systems. The transport rack is formed of sidewalls, a back wall, and a bottom wall which are all interconnected to form a rigid transport rack. The tray is provided with a plurality of shelves for holding cassettes which are inserted through the front of the transport rack. The walls and shelves of the transport rack are provided with a plurality of holes or slots through which fluids and debris cleaned during the ultrasonic cleaning portion of the sterilization process may readily pass. [0011]
  • The transport rack is also provided with two flanges which are attached to the top of the sidewalls. The transport rack is dimensionally sized to a preselected dimension as to provide for interchangeability of cassettes as is later described. [0012]
  • There are two basic designs for the cassettes. In the first design, first and second hinges are provided, with the first interconnecting the side wall of the cassette to a hinge plate, and the second hinge interconnecting the hinge plate to the top cover in such a manner that when the top cover is opened, it may be levered open from the top edge of the back wall and the hinge plates swinging down such that the cover lies flat against the surface upon which the cassette is resting. Like the transport rack, slots or holes are provided to allow for the passage of fluid and debris out from the cassette. [0013]
  • In the second design for the cassettes, the top cover is divided into two portions, the first being the cover portion and the second being the hinge plate with the hinge plate attached to the top of the side wall and the second hinge interconnecting the hinge plate to the remainder of the cover. As in the first design, the double hinge arrangement allows for the cover to be opened and laid flat against the surface upon which the cassette is resting. [0014]
  • In a third design, a fold down plier rack is provided, which can be tilted up and used to hold pliers in a generally vertical orientation wherein the do not become entangled with each other. [0015]
  • In all designs, two opposing latch assemblies are provided so that equal and opposite pressure must be applied to the latches in order to unlatch the top cover so as to open it. The purpose of providing the double latches and the requirement for equal and opposite pressure is to prevent inadvertently pushing the transport rack off of the surface upon which it is resting since the use of both hands is required to open the latches. [0016]
  • The cassettes are sized in plurality of different sizes with the largest size and all intermediate sizes being full integer multiples of the smallest cassette size such that if the cassettes are used in a random manner, they can still be conveniently stacked to fully pack a transport rack prior to the sterilization process. [0017]
  • The cassettes are also provided with color-coded buttons fixed to the end walls so that the kits of dental tools that are contained within each cassette can be readily identified. [0018]
  • Two types of handles are provided, the first being a top handle which is provided with a pair of opposing plates which interfit underneath the flanges attached to the tops of the side walls along with a locking or insertion button to prevent the tray from sliding off of the handle plates. A side, levered handle is also provided with two insertion plates which also insert underneath and interfit underneath the flanges to permit withdrawal of the cassette from a sterilization device, which may be hot, having only a sidewall opening. [0019]
  • Still other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description wherein I have shown and described only the preferred embodiment of the invention, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated by carrying out my invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modification in various obvious respects all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description of the preferred embodiment are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.[0020]
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective representational view of a transport rack. [0021]
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective representational view of a first cassette in a closed configuration. [0022]
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective representational view of the first cassette in an open configuration. [0023]
  • FIG. 4 is an end view of the first cassette in a closed configuration. [0024]
  • FIG. 5 is an end view of the first cassette in an open configuration. [0025]
  • FIG. 6 is a side view of the second cassette in a closed configuration. [0026]
  • FIG. 7 is a side view of the second cassette in an open configuration. [0027]
  • FIG. 7A is a front view of the second cassette in an open configuration with a plier rack tilted up. [0028]
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective representational view of the second cassette in an open configuration. [0029]
  • FIG. 9. is a perspective representational view of a top handle. [0030]
  • FIG. 10 is a front view of a transport rack and top handle. [0031]
  • FIG. 11 is a perspective representational view of a side handle. [0032]
  • FIG. 12 is a front view of a transport rack holding a plurality of cassettes.[0033]
  • DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • While the invention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims. [0034]
  • First referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a [0035] transport rack 10, which is formed of side walls 12 and 14, back wall 16, and bottom wall 18, which are all interconnected to form a rigid transport rack. In FIG. 1, three shelves, first shelf 28, second shelf 29, and third shelf 30 are provided, and as a result four tiers of cassettes can be contained within transport rack 10. There is nothing particularly critical about the number of shelves, as this is merely the preferred embodiment. Depending upon the cassette tray configurations, transport rack 10 could be configured with any number of shelves, including none at all. It is also to be noted that all of the walls of transport rack 10 contain a plurality of holes or slots 26 through which fluids and debris cleaned during the ultrasonic cleaning portion of the sterilization process may readily pass.
  • [0036] Transport rack 10 is provided with two flanges, 22 and 24, which are attached to the top of sidewalls 14 and 12 respectively. Side handle insertion holes 27 in flanges 22 and 24 are provided at the front and back for receiving insertion pins 99 on side handle 90 as is later described and shown in FIG. 11. Additionally, side handle insertion holes are positioned to receive dimpled feet 31 when a plurality of transport racks 10 are stacked one atop the other. Top handle insertion holes 25 are provided at the general location of the center of gravity locations in flanges 22 and 24 for receiving insertion pins 88 of top handle 80 as is later described and shown in FIGS. 9 and 12. Transport rack 10 is fabricated to known and preselected dimensions as to provide for interchangeability of cassettes as is later described.
  • Shown in FIGS. 2 through 5 is a [0037] first cassette 32. It, like transport rack 10, is formed of stainless steel in the preferred embodiment, although other materials may be used to fabricate all of the parts of this sterilization system. In FIGS. 2 and 4, first cassette 32 is shown in its closed configuration, and in FIGS. 3 and 5, in its open configuration. First cassette 32 is formed of side walls 34 and 36 attached to bottom 38, front wall 40, and back wall 42. In this embodiment, tool brackets 44 are provided to hold the dental or orthodontic hand tools above the bottom 38.
  • First and second hinges [0038] 46 and 48 are also used to form a double hinge system for top cover 50. The purpose of the double hinge system is to ensure that the top cover 50 lies flat against the counter surface when cassette 32 is in the open configuration. In practice, it has been found that it is much more stable when it is laid flat as opposed to being levered open from the top edge of the back wall 42. First hinge 46 is attached at an intermediate, height position, halfway up the back of the back wall 46, and also to hinge extension plate 58 such that hinge extension plate will swing down as shown in FIG. 5 to enable top cover 50 to rest flat and securely against the countertop. As with the transport rack, slots or holes 20 are provided to allow for the passage of fluid and debris out from first cassette 32. Also, as can be seen most clearly in FIG. 3, a pair of opposing latch assemblies are provided for holding the top cover firmly latched to first cassette 32. It is formed of a leaf spring 62 which is spot-welded to an end wall. Leaf spring 62 has attached to it a release button 60, and a latch detent 64.
  • [0039] Top cover 50 is provided with lid extensions 54, having receiving holes 56 for receiving latch detent 64 and to secure top cover 50, first cassette 32.
  • The purpose of two opposing latch assemblies is so that equal opposing pressure is applied to [0040] first cassette 32 when both release buttons 60 are pushed in to withdraw latch detent 64 from receiving holes 56, in equal inward motion. Thus the first cassette 32 will remain stable and stationary when it is being opened at the dental or orthodontic workstation. Again, this increases the stability and decreases the likelihood that the cassette will move, either falling itself to the floor or worse yet, pushing something else off of the workstation/countertop onto the floor.
  • Also in the preferred embodiment, color-coded [0041] bars 104 are fixed to the end walls of first cassette 32. These can be made of thermal plastic or other heat resistant materials, or even simply painted metal. Color-coding can be a convenient way of quickly identifying certain specialized sets of hand tools that are used for specific procedures. Obviously, other coding indicia may be used.
  • In FIGS. 6, 7, and [0042] 8, there is shown second cassette 68. There are a number of different features shown in second cassette 68 that are not shown in first cassette 32. The first is that the double hinge assembly for the top cover divides the top cover into two portions, top portion 70 and drop plate 72. Dimensionally, drop plate 72 is the same size as back wall 67 of second cassette 68. Thus, when the top cover 70 is opened as shown in FIG. 7, two things occur. First its footprint on the countertop is reduced, and secondly, it lays flat against the counter top.
  • [0043] Hinge assemblies 74 and 76 are identical to those shown and described for first cassette 32 are provided for second cassette 68.
  • In an alternative embodiment for [0044] second cassette 68, drop plate 72 can be made longer so that hinge 74 extends below the bottom of second cassette 68, thus enabling the user to fold top cover 70 underneath second cassette 68. In this configuration, lid extensions 54 will serve to tip second cassette 68 to an angle wherein the contents can be more easily viewed. In a third configuration, additional lid extensions 54 can be added to top cover 70 to serve as support legs so as to enable the user to flip top cover 70 completely under second cassette 68 and still rest flat on its support legs.
  • Also, as shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and [0045] 7A, a flip up plier rack 71 formed of two pivotable arms 73, each hinged by pins 77 to opposing side walls 69 and cross brace 75 may be provided for second cassette 68. During the sterilization process it lays flat inside second cassette, and is flipped up for use where it rests by gravity against back wall 67. Other ways of flipping and holding plier rack 71 in an up position include clips and latches This enables the user to hang pliers in an upright position during treatment of the patient. It allows for much easier identification of each plier during the treatment process. After each use the plier is hung on the plier rack. If there is no plier rack, the pliers, after each use, are placed back in the bottom of the cassette which in a short time becomes a jumbled pile of pliers. This makes identification of pliers more difficult as one requires different pliers for each part of any particular procedure. This wastes time hunting for pliers and can even pose a hazard to the user and the patient. One is more likely to get a puncture wound digging through a pile of sharp instruments than selecting pliers which are hung neatly from a plier rack. Additionally if the plier the user needs is on the bottom of the pile, the user will often, in an effort to put it out, inadvertently pull other pliers with which it has become entangled. If the cassette is on a tray or shelf over the patient's face, a second plier could be inadvertently pulled out of the pile and onto the patient's face. After the procedure in which the pliers are used is over, the pliers are laid back down in the cassette, the plier rack is pivoted to its storage position, the cover closed, and the cassette returned to the transport rack 10.
  • In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of [0046] divider plates 78 may also be provided within second cassette 68. In this configuration, second cassette 68 is called a band, or crown, box. These divider plates 78 provide an array of pockets into which metal orthodontic tooth bands, or metal temporary dental crowns, can be stored in a sorted-by-size fashion and even sterilized along with second cassette 68. Drain holes 89 are provided at the bottom of each pocket. The bottom of each pocket may also be provided with a rounded surface to make retrieval of individual bands or crowns easier.
  • Currently practitioners use a band or crown box that is not heat sterilizable. In use, various sizes of orthodontic bands or temporary crowns are tried on the tooth being treated. The bands or crowns are taken out of the box with sterile tweezers so as to not contaminate the others that are still in the box. Tweezers are also used in the mouth during these procedures. Often the two tweezers are confused which inevitably causes contamination of the remaining bands or crowns. If this happens the sizes not used must be removed from the non-sterilizable band or crown box, sterilized in bulk, resorted by size and returned to the band or crown box. Also, with the prior art band or crown box, bands or crowns that were placed in the mouth, but not selected for use, must be kept separate from the remaining bands or crowns still in the band or crown box. There must also be later sterilized in bulk, resorted and returned to the band or crown box. This is labor intensive and therefor expensive. [0047]
  • By use of my [0048] divider plates 78, a sterilizable band or crown box is created. The amount of labor required to maintain sterilized bands or crowns is greatly reduced in that each time a band or crown of an inappropriate size is chosen, and contaminated in the mouth, it can be returned to its correct pocket, thus eliminating the time consuming resorting of bands or crowns sterilized in bulk. This immediate return of bands or crowns to the box is of no concern since the whole selection of bands or crowns in the box can be sterilized after each use. Obviously this also eliminates the concern of using non-sterile tweezers since all will be sterilized after each use.
  • As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, there is provided a removable top handle for [0049] transport rack 10. The removable top handle is formed of top rail 82, which in the preferred embodiment is also configured in size and shape to be long enough so the ends provide a convenient holding bracket within an ultrasonic cleaner. This suspension is important because objects which rest on the bottom of an ultrasonic cleaner may reduce the vibration of the fluid which reduces cleaning effectiveness. Attached to and extending down from top rail 82 are opposing arms 84. Attached to arms 84 are plates 86, from which extend upwardly, engagement pins 88. Plates 86 are provided with curved outer edges which allows easier placement while engaging the top handle within flanges 22 and 24 of transport rack 10. If the outer edges of plates 86 are straight, the angle of insertion of top handle 80 cannot vary by much without binding on the side walls of transport rack 10. The top handle 80 is configured such that plates 86 will interfit underneath flanges 22 and 24 of transport rack 10 in a configuration where engagement pins 88 will extend up through holes 25.
  • Thus, the handle can be removed, if desired, when the cassette is in use at the workstation either as a source of sterilized tools and/or a receptacle for contaminated tools. [0050]
  • Most sterilization systems include a front opening door as opposed to a top opening door on the heat application apparatus. In such cases, a top handle is of little use, and for that reason a side handle is provided as shown in FIG. 11. Side handle [0051] 90 is formed of insertion rails 92 attached to front rail 94 to which is also attached lever handles 96. Insertion rails 92 are sized in the preferred embodiment to contact the transport rack back wall 16 before the operator grasping the lever handles 96 hands make contact with the hot transport rack 10. Like the top rail 80, side handle 90 is provided with insertion pins 88 which interfit within insertion holes 25 to prevent the insertion of side handle 90 far enough into transport rack 10 to a point where the user's fingers might contact a very transport rack 10 when removing it from the heat application apparatus. It also is provided with a pair of sloped insertion pins 99, each located at an end of the insertion rails 92. These are configured to interfit within holes 27 located at either the front or back ends of flanges 22 and 24. Holes 27 are located are located in these positions so as to enable the user to pick up the transport rack from either the front or the back. Picking up transport rack 10 from the back enables to user to tip transport rack 10 towards the user without the cassettes sliding out. Since transport rack 10, when fully loaded, may be heavy, the ability to tip transport rack toward the user is important, since if it tipped away from the user, the cassettes may slide out.
  • In FIG. 12 there is shown a front view of a loaded [0052] transport rack 10 in which the fully loaded transport rack 10 contains cassettes of various sizes. In this preferred embodiment, the preselected dimension for the width of transport rack 10 divides into convenient quarter sizes so that three different size cassettes can be utilized, without wasting space in transport rack 10. As is shown in FIG. 12, there is the first or smallest size cassette 98, an intermediate size cassette 102, and a full size cassette 100. Each of the cassettes is a full integer multiple of the smallest cassette with the largest cassette having the largest integer multiple. For example, the smallest cassette 98 can be sized to take up one quarter of the width of shelf, the intermediate cassette 102 one half, and the largest cassette 100 sized to completely fill the shelf by itself. This design has been found in practice to significantly minimize the amount of empty space in transport racks 10 during the sterilization process, which both speeds up the process and reduces the number of tools required to be kept in inventory.
  • While there is shown and described the present preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be distinctly understood that this invention is not limited thereto but may be variously embodied to practice within the scope of the following claims. [0053]
  • From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. [0054]

Claims (20)

We claim:
1. A double hinge for use in use in attaching a top cover to a cassette having a pair of opposing side walls, a pair of opposing end walls and a bottom wall, said hinge comprising:
a first horizontally oriented piano hinge interconnected to either an end wall or a side wall and the top cover dividing said end or side wall into upper and lower halves; and
a second piano hinge oriented in juxtaposed relationship to said first hinge dividing said top cover into two interconnected pieces wherein the piece of the top cover attached to said end wall or side wall is of the same general dimensional size as said end wall or side wall to which said cover is attached to by means of said first hinge;
whereby said hinge allows said top cover to lay flat upon a same surface which said bottom wall also rests upon.
2. An apparatus for sterilizing dental or orthodontic tools, which comprises:
a transport rack having a pair of opposing side walls, a bottom and a back wall, all interconnected and forming a generally rectangular box of a pre-selected dimension which is open to the front and the top;
at least one shelf which is horizontally disposed and attached to at least the opposing side walls; and
a plurality of cassettes adapted for placement upon said shelf and said bottom.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said transport rack further comprises:
said opposing side walls, back wall and bottom each having a plurality of holes through which fluid and debris may pass; and
a pair of horizontally disposed flanges attached to the tops of said opposing side walls, each of said opposing flanges having at least one hole therein.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 which further comprises a top handle having a horizontally oriented rail adapted to receive and vertically hold a plurality of dental or orthodontic pliers, and a pair of opposing and downwardly extending plates having upwardly extending engagement pins configured to interfit underneath said opposing flanges with the upwardly extending engagement pins interfitting within said holes in said flanges.
5. The apparatus of claim 3 which further comprises a side handle having a pair of horizontally disposed insertion rails, each having an upwardly extending engagement pin, said insertion rails attached to a front rail, and at least one downwardly extending lever handle attached to said front rail, said insertion rails configured for insertion into said transport rack underneath said opposing flanges with said upwardly extending engagement pins interfitting within said holes in said flanges.
6. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said plurality of cassettes are each generally rectangular in shape and having a hinged top, and configured in size and shape to receive and hold dental or orthodontic tools.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 which further comprises a pair of opposing latches for releasably securing said hinged top to said cassette, wherein opposing pressure must be simultaneously applied to each of said opposing latches to release said latches and said top.
8. The apparatus of claim 6 which further comprises a plier rack pivotally mounted within said cassette and configured to lay within said cassette when said hinged top is closed, and to pivot to a generally upright position for holding pliers when said hinged top is open.
9. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said cassettes are each further configured dimensionally such that either one cassette or a combination of cassettes will completely fill said shelf.
10. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said plurality of cassettes are of various widths wherein the various widths, from a smallest width to a largest width, are dimensionally configured as whole integer multiples of the smallest width and where the largest width completely fills said shelf.
11. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said cassettes each further comprise:
a generally rectangular box having opposing side and end walls, a fixed generally flat bottom wall for resting upon a surface, and a hinged top cover, wherein each wall and the top cover are provided with a plurality of holes through which fluid and debris may pass; and
wherein said hinge is a double hinge configured to permit said top cover to lay flat upon the same surface which the bottom wall rests upon.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said double hinge further comprises:
a first horizontally oriented hinge dividing one of said end walls or one of said side walls into upper and lower halves; and
a second hinge connecting the upper half of said wall to the top cover.
13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said double hinge further comprises:
a first horizontally oriented piano hinge interconnected to one of said end walls or one of said side walls and said top cover; and
a second piano hinge oriented in juxtaposed relationship to said first hinge dividing said top cover into two interconnected pieces wherein the piece of the top cover attached to said end wall or side wall is of the same general dimensional size as the end wall or side wall to which it is attached to by means of said first hinge.
14. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said cassettes each further include means for supporting dental or orthodontic tools.
15. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said cassettes each further include indicia for identifying which dental or orthodontic tools may be contained within said cassettes.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said indicia further comprises means for color coding said cassettes.
17. The apparatus of claim 2 which further comprises an orthodontic band or dental tray for holding segregated a plurality of variously sized orthodontic bands or dental temporary crowns, said orthodontic band or dental tray comprising bottom plate, a pair of opposing side walls, a front wall, a back wall, and a plurality of interior divider walls, all made of a heat resistant, sterilizable material, and all attached to each other in a configuration to form a tray, open at the top and having a plurality of compartments for holding segregated said plurality of various sizes of orthodontic bands or dental temporary crowns, said bottom plate having a plurality of holes therein configured to drain each of said compartments of fluids, said orthodontic band tray configured dimensionally for insertion onto said shelf in said transport rack.
18. A double hinge for use with a generally rectangular box having opposing side walls and end walls, a fixed flat bottom wall for resting upon a surface, and a hinged top cover, said double hinge configured to permit said top cover to lay flat upon the same surface which said bottom wall rests upon.
19. The apparatus of claim 118 wherein said double hinge further comprises:
a first horizontally oriented hinge dividing one of said end walls or one of said side walls into upper and lower halves; and
a second hinge connecting the upper half of said wall to the top cover.
20. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said double hinge further comprises:
a first horizontally oriented piano hinge interconnected to one of said end walls or one of said side walls and said top cover; and
a second piano hinge oriented in juxtaposed relationship to said first hinge dividing said top cover into two interconnected pieces wherein the piece of said top cover attached to said end wall or side wall is of the same general dimensional size as said end or side wall to which it is attached to by means of said first hinge.
US10/050,370 2000-04-28 2002-01-15 Double hinge for sterilization apparatus Abandoned US20020064489A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/050,370 US20020064489A1 (en) 2000-04-28 2002-01-15 Double hinge for sterilization apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/560,591 US6368565B1 (en) 2000-04-28 2000-04-28 Sterilization apparatus for dental and orthodontic tools
US10/050,370 US20020064489A1 (en) 2000-04-28 2002-01-15 Double hinge for sterilization apparatus

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/560,591 Continuation US6368565B1 (en) 2000-04-28 2000-04-28 Sterilization apparatus for dental and orthodontic tools

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20020064489A1 true US20020064489A1 (en) 2002-05-30

Family

ID=24238450

Family Applications (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/560,591 Expired - Lifetime US6368565B1 (en) 2000-04-28 2000-04-28 Sterilization apparatus for dental and orthodontic tools
US10/050,400 Expired - Fee Related US7309472B2 (en) 2000-04-28 2002-01-15 Sterilization apparatus for orthodontic bands
US10/050,370 Abandoned US20020064489A1 (en) 2000-04-28 2002-01-15 Double hinge for sterilization apparatus

Family Applications Before (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/560,591 Expired - Lifetime US6368565B1 (en) 2000-04-28 2000-04-28 Sterilization apparatus for dental and orthodontic tools
US10/050,400 Expired - Fee Related US7309472B2 (en) 2000-04-28 2002-01-15 Sterilization apparatus for orthodontic bands

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (3) US6368565B1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN111840590A (en) * 2020-07-21 2020-10-30 胡趁义 Centrifugal force dehydration classifiable-based sterilization device for producing band-aid

Families Citing this family (31)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6368565B1 (en) * 2000-04-28 2002-04-09 Dennis J. Michaelson Sterilization apparatus for dental and orthodontic tools
US7959860B2 (en) 2001-10-22 2011-06-14 Faries Jr Durward I System and method of detecting fluid and leaks in thermal treatment system basins
US7854230B2 (en) 2001-10-22 2010-12-21 O.R. Solutions, Inc. Heated medical instrument stand with surgical drape and method of detecting fluid and leaks in the stand tray
US6783004B1 (en) * 2002-09-17 2004-08-31 Pilling Weck Incorporated Kit of medical tools for removing screws
US7523827B2 (en) * 2002-10-15 2009-04-28 Symmetry Medical, Inc. Orthopaedic instrument sterilization case
US8100281B2 (en) * 2002-10-15 2012-01-24 Symmetry Medical, Inc. Orthopaedic instrument sterilization case
EP1574224A1 (en) * 2004-03-10 2005-09-14 Sybermat Container for handling objects
US7728262B1 (en) * 2004-03-23 2010-06-01 O.R. Solutions, Inc. Thermal treatment system instrument rack and method of selectively thermally treating medical instrument portions
US7671302B1 (en) * 2004-03-23 2010-03-02 O. R. Solutions, Inc. Thermal treatment system instrument rack and method of selectively thermally treating medical instrument portions
US7766164B2 (en) * 2004-08-13 2010-08-03 Richard Francis Hurst Medical tray and cover apparatus
GB0501946D0 (en) * 2005-01-31 2005-03-09 Jackel Int Ltd Steriliser
US7748529B2 (en) * 2005-03-16 2010-07-06 Symmetry Medical, Inc Surgical instrument case
US8148666B2 (en) 2005-09-01 2012-04-03 Patented Medical Solutions, Llc Method and apparatus for protecting sterile drapes in surgical thermal treatment systems
US8455088B2 (en) * 2005-12-23 2013-06-04 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Spun nanofiber, medical devices, and methods
CN101376985A (en) * 2007-08-31 2009-03-04 深圳富泰宏精密工业有限公司 Aluminum product cleaning process
US8789534B2 (en) 2008-04-09 2014-07-29 Patented Medical Solutions, Llc Method and apparatus for warming medical solutions in a thermal treatment system employing a removable basin
US8033393B2 (en) * 2009-09-18 2011-10-11 Nike, Inc. Method of custom fitting an article of footwear and apparatus including a container
WO2012029049A2 (en) 2010-09-02 2012-03-08 Ecolab Usa Inc. Selective thermal treatment of medical instrument portions with thermal treatment system instrument holder
US20130108503A1 (en) * 2011-10-28 2013-05-02 Ryan Ramkhelawan Surgical Instrument Tray System and Method of Sterilization
GB2501102A (en) * 2012-04-12 2013-10-16 Bioquell Uk Ltd Drawer assembly for holding medical items during bio-decontamination
US8851588B2 (en) * 2012-06-05 2014-10-07 Thermo Fisher Scientific (Asheville) Llc Sliding drawer storage rack for cold storage units
USD704855S1 (en) 2012-06-16 2014-05-13 Hu-Friedy Mfg. Co., Llc Sterilization cassette
EP2882462A4 (en) 2012-08-07 2016-08-31 Scican Ltd Container for washing, sterilization, transportation and sterile storage of articles
USD705442S1 (en) 2013-04-15 2014-05-20 Hu-Friedy Mfg. Co., Llc Latch for a sterilization cassette
EP3013708A4 (en) * 2013-06-28 2017-04-05 Celanese Acetate LLC Modified filter rod feeding trays for porous masses
JP6577233B2 (en) * 2015-05-11 2019-09-18 株式会社安川電機 Automated working cell for biotechnology and medicinal chemistry, automated working method for biotechnology and medicinal chemistry, and automated working cell
US10576666B2 (en) 2016-01-07 2020-03-03 Nike, Inc. Portable customization system for articles of footwear
US20190192268A1 (en) * 2017-05-18 2019-06-27 Mary Fadhl Adjustable dental cassette system
US10478262B2 (en) * 2017-12-04 2019-11-19 Depuy Ireland Unlimited Company Orthopaedic instrument system including an instrument caddy and method for assembling a surgical instrument
FR3081320B1 (en) * 2018-05-24 2020-05-08 Francois Damay DEVICE FOR STORING A PRECELLA OF ORTHODONTICS
USD916313S1 (en) * 2018-10-10 2021-04-13 Aesculap Ag Sterilization tray for surgical clips

Citations (35)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2793068A (en) * 1956-06-15 1957-05-21 Copco Trailer Division Trailer body rear door corner construction
US3877808A (en) * 1973-08-30 1975-04-15 Jr Carl R Jasperson Printed circuit board exposure holding device
US4198484A (en) * 1978-07-26 1980-04-15 Abbott Laboratories Cuvette ampule for use with automatic analyzer apparatus
US4327060A (en) * 1979-05-08 1982-04-27 Alessandro Nisii Sterilizing-containing device for dental tools
US4535908A (en) * 1983-10-03 1985-08-20 Dabich Robert M Double hinge counter-weight cover assembly
US4541992A (en) * 1983-08-10 1985-09-17 Hu-Friedy Manufacturing Co. Apparatus for organizing, sterilizing, and maintaining medical/dental instruments
US4552163A (en) * 1983-08-03 1985-11-12 Bitiess Microtecnica S.A. Cleaning device for dental instruments to be used during surgery and dental treatments
US4576281A (en) * 1984-08-29 1986-03-18 University Hospital Disposable syringe needle separation and storage box
US4617178A (en) * 1984-11-05 1986-10-14 Nichols Robert L Medical instrument sterilization container
US4661326A (en) * 1985-02-25 1987-04-28 Herbert Schainholz Sterilization container
US4671943A (en) * 1984-04-30 1987-06-09 Kimberly-Clark Corporation Sterilization and storage container
US4723693A (en) * 1986-10-02 1988-02-09 Dart Industries, Inc. Double hinging cap
US4752444A (en) * 1985-12-09 1988-06-21 Bowen Ltd. Method for sterilizing a dental handpiece
US4774063A (en) * 1981-04-20 1988-09-27 Mdt Biologic Company Container for use with sterilizers
US4915913A (en) * 1984-05-22 1990-04-10 Genesis Medical Corporation Medical sterilizer device with improved latch mechanism
US4971774A (en) * 1987-04-03 1990-11-20 Aesculap Ag Sterilizing container for surgical instruments
US5039495A (en) * 1988-04-21 1991-08-13 Flexiclave, Inc. Apparatus for sterilizing articles such as dental handpieces
US5176884A (en) * 1989-01-03 1993-01-05 Aesculap Ag Sterilizing container
US5184046A (en) * 1990-09-28 1993-02-02 Abtox, Inc. Circular waveguide plasma microwave sterilizer apparatus
US5215726A (en) * 1991-07-17 1993-06-01 Hu-Friedy Mfg. Co., Inc. Two-tiered sterilization and storage cassette
US5340551A (en) * 1992-11-25 1994-08-23 C/T Med-Systems Ltd., Inc. Dental cassette kit
US5372787A (en) * 1992-09-12 1994-12-13 Ritter; Ralf Sterilizing container for medical and surgical instruments and apparatus
US5407354A (en) * 1993-12-03 1995-04-18 Gull Laboratories, Inc. Anti-microbial apparatus and method for dental handpieces
US5482067A (en) * 1995-02-15 1996-01-09 Wittrock; Paul Instrument cleaning cassette with guided double hinge
US5505916A (en) * 1992-08-25 1996-04-09 C/T Med--Systems Ltd. Inc. Autoclave cassette
US5543119A (en) * 1993-07-15 1996-08-06 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Cassette for treating medical instruments
US5641065A (en) * 1995-06-22 1997-06-24 Paragon Group Of Plastics Companies, Inc. Medical instrument soaking, transporting and storage container
US5743734A (en) * 1996-06-03 1998-04-28 Tulsa Dental Products, L.L.C. Portable holder for safely supporting and handling sharp dental instruments
US5759502A (en) * 1997-01-31 1998-06-02 Sterilization Cassette Systems, Inc. Instrument cassette having a mechanism to prevent lateral movement of an instrument support relative to an instrument support holder
US5858303A (en) * 1995-06-07 1999-01-12 Quiclave, L. L. C. Method and system for simultaneous microwave sterilization of multiple medical instruments
US5871702A (en) * 1988-04-21 1999-02-16 Flexiclave, Inc. Methods and apparatus for sterilizing objects
US5918740A (en) * 1997-05-05 1999-07-06 Carr Metal Products, Inc. Instrument cassette
US5961937A (en) * 1995-06-13 1999-10-05 Bitiess Microtecnica S.A. Universal device for the thorough cleaning, disinfecting and sterilizing of dental, surgical, and veterinary instruments as well as for other uses
US6010670A (en) * 1998-06-03 2000-01-04 Berry, Jr.; Bernie B. Sterilization assembly for instrument case
US6368565B1 (en) * 2000-04-28 2002-04-09 Dennis J. Michaelson Sterilization apparatus for dental and orthodontic tools

Family Cites Families (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2680522A (en) * 1951-12-05 1954-06-08 Lorillard Co P Display rack
US3007708A (en) * 1958-08-11 1961-11-07 Wire Tex Corp Storage racks
US4364150A (en) * 1980-08-06 1982-12-21 Kidde, Inc. (Presto Lock Company Division) Handle for luggage and the like
US4658467A (en) * 1986-01-03 1987-04-21 Homa Locks, Inc. Luggage handle
US4804943A (en) * 1987-07-02 1989-02-14 Isaac Soleimani Remotely controlled briefcase alarm
US5006066A (en) * 1989-02-17 1991-04-09 Rouse Melvin R Autoclavable dental burr holder
DE9012753U1 (en) * 1990-09-04 1991-03-28 Heraeus Kulzer Gmbh, 6450 Hanau, De
US5154611A (en) * 1990-10-09 1992-10-13 Calvin Chen C Endodontic instrument
US5305876A (en) * 1991-12-23 1994-04-26 Brigham Susan K Orthodontic band sterilization cassette
US5451379A (en) * 1992-12-07 1995-09-19 Bowlin, Jr.; Eugene F. Sterilization cassette for dental instruments
DE59506036D1 (en) * 1994-03-04 1999-07-01 Maihofer Elisabeth STERILIZATION CONTAINER
WO1996010240A1 (en) * 1994-09-28 1996-04-04 Kvm Technologies, Inc. Secure medication storage and retrieval system
US5647493A (en) * 1995-06-06 1997-07-15 Sippel; David J. Shipping and storage rack
DE19546894A1 (en) * 1995-12-15 1997-06-19 Amelung Gmbh Heinrich Storage container for measurement receptacles
US5810582A (en) * 1996-07-02 1998-09-22 Doyle; Walter A. Orthodontic bracket holding and placement apparatus
US5843388A (en) * 1997-02-18 1998-12-01 K-Medic, Inc. Sterilization rack for medical instruments
US5771537A (en) * 1997-03-25 1998-06-30 Ho; Chin-Lien Handle device adapted to be attached to two mounting holes
US5762202A (en) * 1997-05-12 1998-06-09 Atad; Jack Tray for holding medical and dental instruments
US6123188A (en) * 1998-08-15 2000-09-26 Ahonen; Peggy Susan Storage container that isolates and contains contaminated medical equipment including a rack for carrying medical instruments into and out of the operating room

Patent Citations (36)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2793068A (en) * 1956-06-15 1957-05-21 Copco Trailer Division Trailer body rear door corner construction
US3877808A (en) * 1973-08-30 1975-04-15 Jr Carl R Jasperson Printed circuit board exposure holding device
US4198484A (en) * 1978-07-26 1980-04-15 Abbott Laboratories Cuvette ampule for use with automatic analyzer apparatus
US4327060A (en) * 1979-05-08 1982-04-27 Alessandro Nisii Sterilizing-containing device for dental tools
US4774063A (en) * 1981-04-20 1988-09-27 Mdt Biologic Company Container for use with sterilizers
US4552163A (en) * 1983-08-03 1985-11-12 Bitiess Microtecnica S.A. Cleaning device for dental instruments to be used during surgery and dental treatments
US4541992A (en) * 1983-08-10 1985-09-17 Hu-Friedy Manufacturing Co. Apparatus for organizing, sterilizing, and maintaining medical/dental instruments
US4535908A (en) * 1983-10-03 1985-08-20 Dabich Robert M Double hinge counter-weight cover assembly
US4671943A (en) * 1984-04-30 1987-06-09 Kimberly-Clark Corporation Sterilization and storage container
US4915913A (en) * 1984-05-22 1990-04-10 Genesis Medical Corporation Medical sterilizer device with improved latch mechanism
US4576281A (en) * 1984-08-29 1986-03-18 University Hospital Disposable syringe needle separation and storage box
US4617178A (en) * 1984-11-05 1986-10-14 Nichols Robert L Medical instrument sterilization container
US4661326A (en) * 1985-02-25 1987-04-28 Herbert Schainholz Sterilization container
US4752444A (en) * 1985-12-09 1988-06-21 Bowen Ltd. Method for sterilizing a dental handpiece
US4723693A (en) * 1986-10-02 1988-02-09 Dart Industries, Inc. Double hinging cap
US4971774A (en) * 1987-04-03 1990-11-20 Aesculap Ag Sterilizing container for surgical instruments
US5039495A (en) * 1988-04-21 1991-08-13 Flexiclave, Inc. Apparatus for sterilizing articles such as dental handpieces
US5871702A (en) * 1988-04-21 1999-02-16 Flexiclave, Inc. Methods and apparatus for sterilizing objects
US5176884A (en) * 1989-01-03 1993-01-05 Aesculap Ag Sterilizing container
US5184046A (en) * 1990-09-28 1993-02-02 Abtox, Inc. Circular waveguide plasma microwave sterilizer apparatus
US5215726A (en) * 1991-07-17 1993-06-01 Hu-Friedy Mfg. Co., Inc. Two-tiered sterilization and storage cassette
US5505916A (en) * 1992-08-25 1996-04-09 C/T Med--Systems Ltd. Inc. Autoclave cassette
US5372787A (en) * 1992-09-12 1994-12-13 Ritter; Ralf Sterilizing container for medical and surgical instruments and apparatus
US5340551A (en) * 1992-11-25 1994-08-23 C/T Med-Systems Ltd., Inc. Dental cassette kit
US5543119A (en) * 1993-07-15 1996-08-06 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Cassette for treating medical instruments
US5407354A (en) * 1993-12-03 1995-04-18 Gull Laboratories, Inc. Anti-microbial apparatus and method for dental handpieces
US5480302A (en) * 1993-12-03 1996-01-02 Gull Laboratories, Inc. Anti-microbial apparatus and method for dental handpieces
US5482067A (en) * 1995-02-15 1996-01-09 Wittrock; Paul Instrument cleaning cassette with guided double hinge
US5858303A (en) * 1995-06-07 1999-01-12 Quiclave, L. L. C. Method and system for simultaneous microwave sterilization of multiple medical instruments
US5961937A (en) * 1995-06-13 1999-10-05 Bitiess Microtecnica S.A. Universal device for the thorough cleaning, disinfecting and sterilizing of dental, surgical, and veterinary instruments as well as for other uses
US5641065A (en) * 1995-06-22 1997-06-24 Paragon Group Of Plastics Companies, Inc. Medical instrument soaking, transporting and storage container
US5743734A (en) * 1996-06-03 1998-04-28 Tulsa Dental Products, L.L.C. Portable holder for safely supporting and handling sharp dental instruments
US5759502A (en) * 1997-01-31 1998-06-02 Sterilization Cassette Systems, Inc. Instrument cassette having a mechanism to prevent lateral movement of an instrument support relative to an instrument support holder
US5918740A (en) * 1997-05-05 1999-07-06 Carr Metal Products, Inc. Instrument cassette
US6010670A (en) * 1998-06-03 2000-01-04 Berry, Jr.; Bernie B. Sterilization assembly for instrument case
US6368565B1 (en) * 2000-04-28 2002-04-09 Dennis J. Michaelson Sterilization apparatus for dental and orthodontic tools

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN111840590A (en) * 2020-07-21 2020-10-30 胡趁义 Centrifugal force dehydration classifiable-based sterilization device for producing band-aid

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US6368565B1 (en) 2002-04-09
US20020064490A1 (en) 2002-05-30
US7309472B2 (en) 2007-12-18

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7309472B2 (en) Sterilization apparatus for orthodontic bands
US7544336B2 (en) Sterilization tray with base and elastomeric lid
US4643303A (en) Modular sterilizing system
US6534000B1 (en) Sterilization cassette and method
US5449069A (en) Surgical instrument processing and delivery device
US5490975A (en) Sterilization and storage container tray
US5451380A (en) Laparoscopic instrument tray system
US5840261A (en) Container for medical instruments
US11806439B2 (en) Medical sterilization and storage cabinet with multidirectional access
US3285409A (en) Instrument tray
JP2013066723A (en) Orthopaedic instrument sterilization case
JPH05509059A (en) Hinged instrument tray/disposable container
NZ550345A (en) Container and carrier system for holding and presenting surgical materials such as bone screws
JP2001524332A (en) Medical processing kit
US5411136A (en) Orthodontic band sterilization cassette
US5743734A (en) Portable holder for safely supporting and handling sharp dental instruments
AU753471B2 (en) Compact cassette for dental instruments
US20040206711A1 (en) Multi-level instrument organizer
WO1994006478A1 (en) A system for securing medical tools for sterilization
GB2298578A (en) Dental or surgical instrument sterilising tray
US5258166A (en) Sterilizable roll-up tray case
US5913430A (en) Rack for medical forceps
WO1992009240A1 (en) Instrument frame and instrument system
AU3429193A (en) Orthodontic band sterilization cassette
JPH05146474A (en) Waggon for medical treatment

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION