Abstract: The continuous process for hyperactivation of fluids for sterilization uses a sterilizing fluid which is mixed with a gas that is inert with respect to the fluid. A sterilizing mixture is obtained which is subsequently evaporated by means of introduction into an evaporation tube in a condition of annular motion, where a liquid phase of the mixture flows against the heated walls of the evaporator at a slower speed than the gaseous phase thereof, which flows in the central zone of the evaporator, internally of the liquid phase. A gaseous vapour/inert gas mixture is thus obtained, which is subjected to a waiting period during which the mixture flows through a transit device which transfers it to a sterilization chamber, a temperature of which is lower than a dewpoint temperature of the gaseous mixture, where a product is sterilized.

Abstract: A flash sterilization container(10) comprises a pan(12) forming the bottom of the container holding a tray (14), with a cover (16) forming the top of the container, and a filter element (20). The filter (20) covers an opening in the cover (16) so that the inside of the container (10) formed when the cover is removably sealed to the pan (12) can communicate with the atmosphere surrounding the sealed container allowing steam to enter and exit the container passing through the filter (20). Items to be sterilized are placed on the tray (14) and the cover (16) is attached and sealed to the pan (12). The sealed container is then placed in an autoclave or other source of pressurized steam. The filter is composed of a material which will allow the pressurized steam to pass through but which is relatively impervious to dust and microorganisms thereby maintaining the sterility of the interior of the container and its contents.

Abstract: A scent dispensing apparatus attachable to a flashlight body for heating of a liquid scent medium. The device includes a flashlight attachment having coupled thereto a heating apparatus that includes a resistive element submerged in a reservoir containing scent medium.

Abstract: A salt platform (500) is disclosed which incorporates a top member (502), a bottom member (504) and a plurality of vertical spacing members (506). The top member 502 is preferably formed as an integral molding. The bottom member (504) is preferably identical to the top member (502). The top surface of the top member (502) forms a support for the salt grid. A salt grid (600) is also disclosed which has a series of lips (646) at the peripheral edge with each lip joining with the rest of the salt grid about a linear hinge line (648).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for carrying out the process, which enables the disinfection of flat and enclosing surfaces using steam. In order to achieve this, a disinfection head 1, which exhibits a nozzle assembly 3 and a suction bell 6, is connected to a holder 2 such that it can move. The holder has an inlet hose 13 to enable the steam to be introduced into the disinfection head and an outlet suction hose 7. The inlet hose is connected to an initial evaporator cell 9 and the outlet suction hose is connected to a collection container 8. The initial evaporator cell, the collection is container, the suction pumps and the necessary valves and heating elements are joined together in a mobile unit 23.

Abstract: An implant sterilization tray includes an integral torquing fixture for holding an implant stationary. By incorporating the fixture into the instrument tray, a large, stable base is provided for holding the implant. The user can more readily hold the implant in a stable position with the implant resting in the case and the case resting on a table.

Abstract: A device for preparing a sterile liquid includes structure for validating a sterilization treatment applied to the liquid. The validating structure includes structure for calculating, from at least one operating parameter of the device, a parameter representing a sterilizing value for the sterilization treatment, and structure for comparing the calculated parameter to a threshold value corresponding to the sterility of the liquid.

Abstract: A material comprising a biologically active substance (or ligand) to be sterilized, including proteins (e.g., antibodies and enzymes), peptides, DNA, RNA, and glycoproteins, with or without a carrier, and sterilization-protecting agent comprising a trisaccharide or higher saccharide (“polysaccharide”) having a positive charge, is provided. The skeletal background of the polysaccharide confers stability to the ligand and its positive charge traps destructive radicals produced during the sterilization process. The molecular weight ratio of sterilization-protecting agent to the ligand should be at least {fraction (1/500)} but less than ½ to protect the ligand effectively without obstructing the ligand's activity. In particular, polysaccharides, such as chitosan (a polymer of D-glucosamine) and chitin which is partially converted into chitosan, are preferable as a sterilization-protecting agent.

Abstract: A sterilization container for sterilizing, storing and transporting instruments is provided with a base portion having a plurality of drainage wells. Each drainage well has a downwardly sloping surface terminating in a drainage aperture. Upper portions of the sloping surfaces support a flexible instrument holding mat within the container. Sterilization containers are formed of thermoplastic liquid crystal polymer, such as a wholly aromatic polyester. A latch mechanism comprises a latch member rotatably supported upon torsion bars within a recessed portion of the container which presents no sharp surfaces to the user.

Abstract: Cartridge type extraction trays for use in a small diameter liquid-liquid extraction column comprise a novel vertical wall which surrounds the active (perforated) area of the tray. This wall extends upward to a sufficient height to retain the heavy liquid on the active area of the tray preventing the heavy liquid from reaching the edge of the tray when it may possibly leak downward due to a gap between the edge of the tray and the inner surface of the column wall.

Abstract: A device for the rapid sanitizing of a toothbrush comprising a housing having an upper portion, a mid portion and a lower portion, with an aperture located in the mid portion of the housing for receiving the bristle portion of a toothbrush. The upper portion of the housing has a reservoir for water, and a tube is connected for carrying selected amounts of water to a pan mounted in the lower portion of the housing. The pan is configured to contain a relatively small quantity of water delivered during a relatively short interval of time from the reservoir by means of a pump driven by an electric motor. A heater is mounted closely below the pan and arranged to heat and vaporize the small quantity of water delivered to the pan at a given moment.

Abstract: A novel approach to fight bacterial growth on and attachment to medical devices/implants is described. This approach reduces the necessity of the painful and complicated replacement of the medical devices that frequently need to remain in the body for periods of time longer than is recommended using a traditionally sterilized device. Several methods are described to kill bacteria that have attached to the surface of medical devices. Long term use is then possible with those medical devices. Furthermore a medical device is described under this method that has a photosensitizing compound affixed to or near the device surface with means to periodically activate the compound by suitable illumination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a cleaning composition concentrate in particular for the mechanical cleaning of medical and/or surgical instruments and/or apparatuses and to a process for carrying out this cleaning.

Abstract: A method of washing, microbially decontaminating, and rinsing of a lumened device (B), such as an endoscope includes positioning the device in a chamber (12) of an automated processor (A). Spray nozzles (102, 104, 106, 108, 110) within the chamber sequentially spray washing, microbial decontaminant, and rinse fluids over the device. Fluid connection ports (150, 152, 154) connect with internal passages (187) of the device for delivering the fluids thereto. Leaking connectors (184) connect the automated processor connection ports with inlet ports (196) of the device and allow a portion of the washing, decontaminant, and rinse solutions to leak from each inlet port. A computer control system (80) controls leak testing, cleaning, decontamination, rinsing, and drying stages of a cycle, which are all carried out within the chamber, obviating the need for human contact with the device during processing.

Abstract: An oil lamp emitting a fragrance has a container including a fuel oil and a fragrance and a wick for drawing fuel oil out of the container for burning. A separate ceramic diffuser is positioned adjacent the top of the lamp, near the combustion end of the wick. The ceramic diffuser receives a combination of fuel oil and fragrance and diffuses the fragrance into the air. The diffusion is increased when the lamp is lighted. The lamp provides a scent to the surrounding air which is similar in strength to fragranced wax candles.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus and methods for making herbal extracts. The apparatus employs a percolation vessel having a filter and discharge valve. A heater is provided to heat the contents of the vessel to up to about 60° C. during the cold percolation process. A control is provided to monitor the contents of the vessel and regulate the heater output to obtain and maintain the proper temperature. A pump draws the output of the vessel and recirculates it to the vessel top so that the vessel effluent passes through the vessel charge. The method entails continuously percolating a solvent through a bed of herbaceous material in the vessel at a temperature between room temperature and about 60° C. to produce an extract comprising active principles contained in the herbaceous material. The thus produced extract is highly concentrated and contains a large proportion of the active principles in the raw material.

Abstract: A process is provided for disinfecting articles at temperatures below 5° C. with an aqueous alcoholic salt solution. The process provides a fast reduction of microorganisms at low temperatures with a wide degree of efficacy.

Abstract: A method of dispensing fragrant vapor into the ambient. A container having a fragrant material and a reactant system therein is provided, wherein the reactant system generates heat when an aqueous solution is added to the container. An aqueous solution is then added to the container such that the reactant system generates heat which releases fragrant vapor. A device for dispensing fragrance is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and an apparatus for performing heating and sterilizing treatment on the inside of a PET bottle with a low heat resistance securely and without thermal deformation thereof, where a steam jetting nozzle is inserted into the bottle from a mouth portion thereof to jet steam from the nozzle, the steam is circulated inside the bottle to be exhausted from the mouth portion, the steam is caused to contact with a bottle inner face securely, and simultaneously cooling water is sprayed on an outer face of the bottle so that thermal deformation of the bottle wall face is prevented.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sterilizing fog, characterized by droplet size range, vapor density range, sterilant concentration range and sterilant concentration within the droplets. Specifically, there is disclosed a fog achieved by an apparatus combining pressure, temperature and acoustics to form a super-charged ozoneated water and an apparatus that creates small micro droplets which form a highly concentrated sterilizing fog. Specific sterilants used are ozone, chlorine and chlorous acid generating compositions such as sodium hypochlorite, or combinations thereof.