Light weight vented package for liquids

Abstract

A self-venting package (A) contains peracetic acid or other strong oxidants in a unit dose that assures sterilization of instruments and equipment in an automated sterilizing apparatus (FIG. 3) or of biological wastes in a biological waste comminuting apparatus (FIG. 4). The self-venting package is constructed of a cylindrical body having first and second vent apertures (12, 14) 180.degree. offset adjacent a first edge (20) and third and fourth vent apertures (16, 18) 180.degree. offset adjacent a second edge (26). The first and second vent apertures are 90.degree. offset relative to the third and fourth vent apertures. The first edge is flattened and sealed forming a pair of corners (40, 42) such that the first and second vent apertures are disposed closely adjacent the first and second corners. The container is filled with peracetic acid or other liquids which liberate gas or vapors. A second end (26) of the container is flattened and sealed in a direction transverse to the first edge. Flattening the second edge defines third and fourth corners (44, 46). The third and fourth vent apertures are disposed closely adjacent to the third and fourth corners. Portions of a semi-permeable membrane (32, 34, 36, 38) cover each of the vent apertures. The semi-permeable membrane permits gas or vapor to pass freely therethrough while blocking the passage of liquids.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.