The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 16, 2006
Filed:
Feb. 24, 2003
Kelvin J. Witcher, Hudson, WI (US);
William E. Foltz, Cottage Grove, MN (US);
Sailaja Chandrapati, Woodbury, MN (US);
Thomas T. Rosenlund, Stillwater, MN (US);
Robert A. Asmus, Hudson, WI (US);
Ronald G. Lulich, Brookings, SD (US);
Kelvin J. Witcher, Hudson, WI (US);
William E. Foltz, Cottage Grove, MN (US);
Sailaja Chandrapati, Woodbury, MN (US);
Thomas T. Rosenlund, Stillwater, MN (US);
Robert A. Asmus, Hudson, WI (US);
Ronald G. Lulich, Brookings, SD (US);
3M Innovative Properties Company, St. Paul, MN (US);
Abstract
Sterilization indicator test packs for testing the effectiveness of a sterilization procedure are provided. Both non-challenge and challenge-type test packs are disclosed. The non-challenge test packs include generally comprise a tray for holding a sterilization indicator the tray containing an elevated rim surface defining the perimeter of the tray and a recessed trough for receiving a sterilization indicator. The rim surface includes a plurality of spaced-apart grooves along its length extending through the rim to the recessed trough; a sterilization indicator within the recessed trough of the tray; and a lid that forms a plurality of channels with the grooves in the tray such that sterilant can enter the tray through the channels and contact the sterilization indicator. The challenge-type test packs generally include a tray for holding a sterilization indicator, the tray comprising a substantially planar surface, a recessed trough for receiving a sterilization indicator, and a recessed groove of a defined length and cross-sectional area extending through the recessed trough and penetrating the edge of the tray; a sterilization indicator within the recessed trough of the tray; and a lid forming a substantially sterilant-impermeable seal with the planar surface of the tray and forming a lumen path with the recessed groove in the tray.