US 5,204,062 A · Bowie-dick test device

Abstract

A permanent record test device tests the efficiency of a steam sterilizer apparatus to create a vacuum satisfying the Bowie-Dick test procedure. A sheet of selectively porous material such as one hundred pound blotter paper having a steam sensitive indicator ink printed thereon is laminated between layers of steam and air impermeable polymeric material to substantially occlude the sheet from ambient atmosphere, except for a small metering region. The small metering region may include a hole punched through the laminated sheet. Two parallel and spaced apart strips can be used with a metering hole punched at one end of each of the strips or, alternatively, a metering hole is punched at one end of any one of the strips and the strips can be connected with a fluid passageway at the opposite end of the strips. Strips other then straight strips can be used, e.g., an L-shaped strip can be used with a V-shaped strip.

Claims7

Dependent claims

A permanent record test device for testing the efficiency with which a steam sterilizer apparatus creates a vacuum satisfying the Bowie-Dick test procedure comprising:

a sheet comprising a porous material with a steam sensitive indicator ink printed thereon in a predetermined pattern extending from a first point on said sheet to a second point, said sheet serving as a passageway for the passage of steam or air from one of said first point or said second point to the other;
and
a layer of steam and air impermeable material laminated on each side and around the edges of said sheet to substantially totally occlude said sheet from ambient atmosphere, at least one of said layers provided with an aperture to expose said first point to ambient atmosphere.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Bowie-dick test device

Life of this patent

Bowie-dick test device

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims7