초록 ▼

A unique temperature responsive operating mechanism is disclosed which is particularly suited for embodiment as a temperature responsive valve mechanism for use with a steam sterilization container. The mechanism includes a valve operating member which is movable by the action of a biasing spring fr

A unique temperature responsive operating mechanism is disclosed which is particularly suited for embodiment as a temperature responsive valve mechanism for use with a steam sterilization container. The mechanism includes a valve operating member which is movable by the action of a biasing spring from a first, opened position to a second, closed position with respect to an opening defined by the sterilization container. The mechanism further includes a temperature responsive, heat deformable member operatively associated with the biasing spring and the valve operating member to provide progressive movement of the valve operating member from its first to its second position in response to an elevation in temperature of the environment of the operating mechanism. Desired communication is provided between the interior and exterior of the sterilization container during a substantial portion of the steam sterilization process, with the mechanism subsequently tightly sealing the container. The mechanism further functions in the nature of one-way valve to permit escape of vapor pressure from the sterilization container to assure that the contents therein are properly dried during the vacuum drying cycle of the steam sterilization process.

대표청구항 ▼

A temperature responsive operating mechanism, comprising: an operating member movable from a first position to a second position; and temperature responsive operating means for moving said operating member from said first position to said second position responsively to elevation in the temperature

A temperature responsive operating mechanism, comprising: an operating member movable from a first position to a second position; and temperature responsive operating means for moving said operating member from said first position to said second position responsively to elevation in the temperature of the environment of the operating mechanism; said operating means comprising biasing means operatively associated with said operating member for urging said operating member from said first position to said second position, and heat deformable means operatively associated with said biasing means and operating member for opposing the biasing action of said biasing means on said operating member, said heat deformable means deforming in response to elevated temperatures below the melting point of the material of the heat deformable means whereby said biasing means gradually moves said operating member from said first position to said second position over a selected period of time; said heat deformable means comprising a material which is non-elastically deformable when subjected to stresses by the biasing means below the non-elastic yield stress of the material at elevated temperatures below the melting point of the material.