Abstract: Methods of providing anti-infective activity to a medical device including the steps of exposing the medical device to an anti-infective oxidant, and transferring the anti-infective oxidant into a wall of the medical device. One embodiment includes the step of exposing a medical device that is at least in part within a patient to the anti-infective oxidant. Another embodiment includes the steps of exposing a medical device to an aqueous solution which produces the anti-infective oxidant and transferring a sufficient amount of the anti-infective oxidant into the medical device wall to provide the medical device with anti-infective activity. Also provided is an oxidant releasing member that has anti-infective oxidant releasably contained therein and that is configured to be disposed adjacent to the medical device.

Abstract: A sterilization container system for sterilizing instruments provides at least two sterilization enclosures separated vertically by a stacking device. The stacking device allows diffusion between the enclosures and into the enclosures through their upper and lower facing portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of sterilizing fungi and bacteria in a spore state for sterilizing fungi and bacteria in a spore state for sterilizing fungi and bacteria in a spore state and a sterilizer thereof. In particular, the invention is directed to a method of sterilizing sterilization targets adhering onto target-adhering things such as containers, packing materials, conveying tools, etc. or sterilization targets contained in target-containing things such as liquid, air, raw materials, etc. and also a sterilizing device thereof. Some of fungi and bacteria in a spore state are strong to ultraviolet rays, and some of them are strong to heat. So, both the fungi and so on which are strong to ultraviolet rays and those which are strong to heat can be effectively sterilized by performing successively the sterilization by UV radiation and heat.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for treating a fluid or materials therein with acoustic energy has a vessel (14) for receiving the fluid with inner walls shaped to focus acoustic energy to a target zone within the vessel. One or more nozzles (26) are directed into the vessel (14) for injecting a condensable vapor, such as steam, into the vessel (14). The system may include a steam source (18) for providing steam as the condensable vapor from an industrial waste heat source. Steam drums (88) are disposed between the steam source (18) and nozzles (26) to equalize and distribute the vapor pressure. A cooling source (30) provides a secondary fluid for maintaining the liquid in the vessel (14) in subcooled conditions. A heating jacket (32) surrounds the vessel (14) to heat the walls of the vessel (14) and prevent biological growth thereon. A pressurizer (33) may operate the system at elevated pressures.

Abstract: Described is a method for reducing the amount of microorganisms in contaminated air in which a fiberglass containing air filtration media is provided which contains an antimicrobially effective amount of an inorganic antimicrobial agent; and forcing the contaminated air through the air filter thereby reducing the amount of microorganisms in the contaminated air. The invention further pertains to media for reducing the amount of microorganisms present in contaminated air as well as methods of applying the inorganic antimicrobial agents to the media and for the media to be present in a rigid air filter.

Abstract: A method of decontaminating or sterilizing freeze dryers at low temperature and pressure levels by utilizing sterilant vapor is disclosed.

Abstract: When reactors charged with nitrogen as inert-blanketing gas are opened, high losses of inert-blanketing gas occur which previously have only been able to be compensated for by increased feed of inert-blanketing gas. To minimize the consumption of inert-blanketing gas during temporary opening of reactors (1), a further inert-blanketing gas is admixed to the nitrogen. The inert-blanketing gas mixture in the process has a density which is slightly greater than the density of the surrounding air.

Abstract: A technique and apparatus for rapidly thawing a frozen blood plasma unit. The holder maintains a plasma unit pouch submerged in a manner which affords substantial thermal contact between the plasma unit and the fluid bath. The fluid is manipulated to provide a kneading effect on the exterior surface of the bag to enhance thawing efficiency.

Abstract: Methyl iodide is employed as a structural fumigant for the effective control of soil borne and structural pests such as wood rotting fungi, arthropods such as insects and arachnids. Methyl iodide is employed in substantially the same manner as is customary for use of methyl bromide, and is at least as effective as methyl bromide when used in comparable amounts.

Abstract: A method of protecting metals from corrosion by applying an alternating voltage to them, thereby reversing the metal's polarity with respect to its surroundings. Particular applications are for metals which are buried in soil or are exposed to an electrolyte. Amphoteric metals Steels, which are subject to hydrogen embrittlement when made cathodic, are also protected by polarity reversal.

Abstract: A topcoating for glass containers that will be abrasion resistant, present a high gloss finish, afford increased impact resistance. A method for in-line high speed application to glass containers and curing of the topcoating is disclosed. The topcoating will retain its adhesion to the glass container throughout the various food and beverage packaging operations as well as handling in the marketplace and by the consumer.

Abstract: Methods for sterilizing an instrument contaminated with biological matter are disclosed. The apparatus generally includes a container for containing a room temperature antimicrobial solution and a lid that can seal the container such that a gas is trapped within the container and above the antimicrobial solution. The apparatus provides a pressure, independent of heat, within the sealed container to greater than one atmosphere. Vibration is also provided to vibrate the container, and its contents, such that biological matter on the instruments is removed and all microbes on the instrument are exposed to the antimicrobial solution. The pressure drives and forces the antimicrobial solution into the cracks and crevices of the instrument and also into the outer membrane of the microbe, which can be first softened or attenuated by the vibrations.

Abstract: The apparatus of this invention can be used to disinfect a writing instrument used by a health care professional when working with a patient. The apparatus includes an absorbent material pad that has a breach formed, for example, with a slit or a series of slits extending entirely through the pad. The pad is soaked with disinfecting fluid, and a writing instrument is inserted through the breach in the pad to disinfect the writing instrument. To hold the pad in a fixed position, the apparatus includes a holder with first and second members that can be joined together or separated to allow insertion or removal of the pad. The first and second members of the holder define respective apertures that are aligned with the breach in the pad when the first and second members are joined together to enclose the pad.

Abstract: An environment decontaminating system has an air cleaning and deodorizing function. It includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet for passage of air. A DC high voltage dust collector and a dust catching filter are provided adjacent the inlet. An ozone generator is positioned adjacent the filter. An odor/ozone turbulent mixing plate is positioned adjacent the ozone generator. A deodorizing catalyst is positioned adjacent the mixing plate. An acid gas absorbent, a suction scavaging fan, and an ozone concentration sensor are positioned adjacent an outlet of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilization of medical instruments and similar devices make use of hydrogen peroxide vapor released from a substantially non-aqueous organic hydrogen peroxide complex, such as a urea-peroxide complex. Optionally, a plasma can be used in conjunction with the vapor. A method for preparing substantially non-aqueous hydrogen peroxide complexes is also provided. These complexes are useful as a source of peroxide vapor in hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilizers and as a component of self-sterilizing packaging materials.

Abstract: A microwave-heatable pressure reactor is provided for continuous or discontinuous treatment of liquid. The liquid is conveyed by means of a high-pressure pump in a pipeline which extends into a microwave-heatable zone of the pressure container into which it finally lets out through the free opening with a volume of pipe sufficient for the treatment of a desired quantity of liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilization of medical instruments and similar devices make use of hydrogen peroxide vapor released from an inorganic hydrogen peroxide complex. The peroxide vapor can be released at room temperature and atmospheric pressure; however, the pressure used can be less than 50 torr and the temperature greater than 86.degree. C. to facilitate the release of hydrogen peroxide vapor. The heating rate can be greater than 5.degree. C. Optionally, a plasma can be used in conjunction with the vapor.

Abstract: A lid (10) of a countertop decontamination unit (A) is opened to gain access to a tray (12) for receiving items to be sterilized and a well (16) for receiving a two compartment powdered anti-microbial agent carrying cup (C). The cup includes an outer cup portion (50) and an inner cup portion (70) that have peripheral walls (52, 72) affixed together at flanges (54, 74). The outer cup portion (50) is closed at one end by a first detachable base (58). The inner cup portion (70) is closed by a second detachable base (78). The outer and inner cups (50, 70) define a first powdered reagent receiving chamber (56) therebetween. The inner cup defines a second chamber therein. A permeable sheet (100) is affixed to the inner cup portion flange (74) for ventedly sealing both chambers.

Abstract: An air purifier has a perforated plate between UV lamps on the one hand and a porous air filter on the other. Biological material is trapped by the filter and eventually killed by the low dose of UV radiation which passes through the perforations in the plate. Filtered air passing through the plate is subjected to a high dose of UV radiation which sterilizes remaining biological material in the air. An electrostatic filter at the outlet may trap viruses which have been positively charged either by the action of the UV lamps or by positively charging the plate in order to strip electrons from the viruses. The UV lamps may be mercury lamps which are allowed to emit at both their ozone forming wavelength as well as the ozone breakdown wavelength. In such instance, a light filter surrounds the lamps which passes light only at the ozone breakdown wavelength. Air subjected to the unfiltered light is consequently subjected to ozone, which is a known biocide.

Abstract: A laboratory research tool for conducting a variety of procedures including cell and tissue culture techniques includes a multi-well cluster plate, a filter plate that has one or more filter wells that extend into the wells of the cluster plate, a cover and a reservoir that can be used with auxiliary equipment designed for use with standard 96-well format cluster plates. The system allows multiple tissue samples to be grown and manipulated simultaneously.