GB660901A - Improvements in or relating to apparatus for preparing surgical instruments and the like for use - Google Patents

Abstract

660,901. Sterilizers and drainers for sterilized surgical instruments. FIGGIS, T. G. Feb. 15, 1950 [Feb. 18, 1949], No. 4506/49. Class 81 (i). An apparatus for draining sterilized surgical instruments and/or for sterilizing such instruments, comprises a chamber defined by a heat insulated casing, one or more draining or sterilizing containers located in or projecting into the said chamber and adapted, or each adapted, to receive one or more instruments to be drained or sterilized, but being accessible, for the introduction of instruments thereinto or the removal of instruments therefrom, without opening said chamber, and electric air heating means, within said chamber and so located therein as to heat the air within the chamber and surrounding the said container or containers and to cause it to circulate around the latter for heating it or them. A combined apparatus for sterilizing and draining instruments with which is associated a storage container comprises, as shown, a casing 1 and detachable lid 2 each provided with an heat-insulating jacket 5. An upstanding insulated electric air heating element 11 is supported on a pedestal 10 resting on the bottom of the casing 1 in a position spaced from the near side and centrally of the width. This is thermostatically controlled by a switch 14 fixed to the inside of the front wall of the casing. The lid 2 has two circular holes 16 (Fig 2 not shown) spaced apart, nearer the rear than the front edge of the lid, through each of which is passed a long and narrow cylindrical draining container 17 having a lid 18, heat insulated knob 19 and peripheral flange 20 for supporting the container within the chamber 15. A reticulated rest 21 for a surgical instrument 23 is positioned in the lower part of the container 17. A long narrow sterilizing container 24 having lid 28 and plate 25 adapted to fit in an aperture 26 in the lid 2, is situated centrally of the casing and in front of the draining containers 17. It may be partially filled with water or oil and is heated by heat conduction from the element 11. Annular external fins may be provided on the sterilizer 24 to facilitate heat transfer from the interior of the chamber 15 to the interior of the container 24. After sterilization the instrument is transferred to the draining container 17 and then to a storage compartment 29 secured to the front wall of the casing 1. A transparent sheet 31 is provided in an aperture 30 in the compartment 29. Instruments are located therein within recesses 37 of an upper rack 33 and are supported by the perforated areas 39 of a lower rack 32. The top of the compartment is closed by a hinged lid 43 having a projecting finger piece 44. Heat conduction within the chamber 15 may be by air, water, oil or other suitable liquid.