Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preventing or reducing contamination of a surface of a substrate, or protecting a surface of a substrate by making a surface of a substrate hydrophilic, by means of arranging, successively in relation to the substrate, a first layer containing a negatively-charged substance, and a second layer containing a positively-charged substance or containing a positively-charged substance and a negatively-charged substance on the surface of the substrate or in a surface layer of the substrate. In accordance with the present invention, a novel method for preventing or reducing adhesion of contaminants, and color degradation or color change of a substrate over time, can be provided.

Abstract: Trays comprising a base have a plurality of axial slots adapted to receive buffer or other medical solution containers within the slots. A spring or other compression element at the bottom of the slot is configured to engage a plunger at the bottom of the solution container when present in the slot so that pressure is applied to the contents of the container in order to stabilize the contents while the containers are sterilized at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: Machine (10) and method for treating containers (12) of liquids comprising in succession at least a loading station (15), into which the containers (12) to be treated are loaded, and all disposed according to a determinate first orientation, and a washing station (17), in which the containers (12) are subjected at least to washing and are disposed in a second orientation able to promote the fall due to gravity of the dirt and/or washing liquid present in the containers (12). The machine (10) comprises, downstream of the washing station (17) and outside it, a manipulator device (41) which automatically rotates the containers (12) exiting form the washing station (17) so as to reposition the containers (12) according to the first determinate orientation.

Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided assembling an analyte sensor with an analyte sensor insertion device, packaging the assembled analyte sensor and sensor insertion device in a substantially airtight seal, and irradiating the packaged assembled analyte sensor and sensor insertion device at a predetermined dose using one or more electron beam accelerators.

Abstract: A surgical device. The surgical device may comprise a transducer configured to provide vibrations along a longitudinal axis and an end effector coupled to the transducer and extending from the transducer along the longitudinal axis. The surgical device also may comprise a lower jaw extending parallel to the end effector. The lower jaw may comprise a clamp face extending toward the longitudinal axis. Also, the lower jaw may be slidable relative to the end effector to bring the clamp face toward a distal end of the end effector.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating used absorbent sanitary products, comprising, a rotary cylindrical autoclave having an inner surface and two ends, at least one of which terminates in a hatch that can be opened to enable access to said autoclave and sealably closed to enable pressurization of said autoclave; and a circuit for heating and pressurizing the autoclave for heating the absorbent sanitary products to a sterilization temperature, wherein said autoclave comprises a sealing layer on said inner surface, designed to prevent adhesion on said inner surface of material coming from destructuring of said absorbent sanitary products.

Abstract: A handheld device sanitary enclosure system includes a system housing including a sanitary enclosure magazine configured to hold a plurality of sanitary enclosures. A support station is coupled with the system housing. The support station is configured to hold and suspend a handheld device at the support station in a hands free manner. The support station suspends the device while the user optionally disinfects or washes their hands. The handheld device sanitary enclosure system further includes an enclosure sealer configured to close a sanitary enclosure of the plurality of sanitary enclosures with a handheld device therein. After enclosure of the handheld device the user may retrieve the enclosed device.

Abstract: An improved pasteurisation protocol for pasteurising microbial cells is disclosed. The protocol has three stages, a first heating stage, a second plateau stage at which the cells are held at a (maximum and) constant temperature, and a third cooling stage. Both the heating and the cooling stages are rapid, with the temperature of the cells passing through 40 to 80° C. in no more than 30 minutes in the heating stage. The heating rate is at least 0.5° C./minute and during cooling is at least ?0.5° C./minute. The plateau maximum temperature is from 70 to 85° C. By plotting the pasteurisation protocol on a time (t, minutes) versus temperature (T, ° C.) graph, one obtains a trapezium having an area less than 13,000° C. minute. Not only does this result in a smaller energy input (and so a reduction in costs), but a better quality (and less oxidised) oil results having a peroxide value (POV) of less than 1.5 and an anisidine value (AnV) of less than 1.0.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing a material, said method comprising the steps of: a) providing a sterilizing composition comprising (i) peracetic acid and (ii) a stabilizer selected from the group consisting of citric acid, isocitric acid, aconitic acid and propane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid; b) introducing such sterilizing composition into a hot gaseous stream to produce a peracetic acid vapor; and c) contacting such peracetic acid vapor with the material to be sterilized. The use of such an organic acid stabilizer results in an unexpected reduction in the amount of residue deposited on the heating surface employed to vaporize the sterilizing composition.

Abstract: A device for sanitizing objects using ozone is disclosed having a container defining an enclosed space and a selectively closeable opening for enclosing the space, an ozone generator, an ozone converter, a controller, and a timer working together to generate a predetermined concentration of ozone within the enclosed space and maintain approximately the same concentration for a predetermined period of time. Also disclosed are assemblies and methods detecting and warning of entrapment within the enclosure and halting ozone production when it occurs. Further disclosed are devices and methods for coupling a maintenance device to the sanitizing system to perform various maintenance operations such as adjusting operational control parameters, and observing conditions within the enclosed chamber in real-time such as temperature, humidity, and ozone concentration.

Abstract: A dental aspiration device comprising an inside housing having a proximal portion and a distal portion with an interior surface; an outside housing having a proximal portion and a distal portion with an interior surface; at least one of the interior surfaces of the inside housing and the outside housing including vacuum channels; a hinge connection mechanism hingeably connecting the proximal portions of the inside housing and the outside housing; and a locking mechanism for removably attaching the distal portions of the inside housing and the outside housing to each other.

Abstract: An ultraviolet area sterilizer or disinfector is incorporated into a building structure where concern exists regarding the presence of pathogenic bacteria on environmental surfaces. Ultraviolet C (UV-C) generators generate UV-C that is directed to architectural partitions of an enclosed area. The architectural partitions reflect UV-C to kill pathogens in the enclosed area. The device transmits a calculated dose of UV-C from a fixture mounted to an architectural partition in the enclosed area. Once an effective cumulative dose of UV-C has been reflected to radiation sensors, as measured by the sensors, the device shuts down. The device may allocate power to specific UV-C emitters so as to direct UV-C radiation more uniformly throughout the area, as measured by the sensors.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for detection of microbial contaminants in peritoneal dialysis solutions are provided. A novel cause of aseptic peritonitis is provided—aseptic peritonitis associated with gram positive microbial contamination of a dialysis solution. Peptidoglycan is a major component of a gram positive bacterial cell wall and thus can serve as a marker for gram positive bacteria. In this regard, testing for peptidoglycans can be utilized to effectively prevent peritonitis in patients that use the peritoneal dialysis solutions, such as peritoneal dialysis solutions that contain a glucose polymer including an icodextrin and the like.

Abstract: A shield structure for electron beam sterilization equipment. The shield structure satisfies at least one of the following conditions: (I) an outer diameter D4 of an internal circumferential shield S4 is larger than an outer diameter D5 of an internal circumferential shield S5, and (II) an internal circumferential shield ST2 of a circular path LT2 downstream of an entrance trap zone Z1 connected to an outer-surface sterilization zone Z2 has an outer diameter DT2 that is larger than an outer diameter D1 of an internal circumferential shield S1 of a circular path L1 upstream of the outer-surface sterilization zone Z2.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing an article is provided. The method includes providing sterilization wrap system with which to wrap the article to be sterilized. The sterilization wrap system comprises a plurality of wrap units configured in a stack, at least one wrap unit in the stack being detachably attached to at least one other wrap unit in the stack.

Abstract: Provided is a sterilization processing line resulting from an upstream tank (16) and a downstream tank (17) that each retain a product liquid being connected by a duct (18) that transfers the product liquid, a high-temperature heating unit (21) that sterilizes the product liquid being provided to the intermediate section of the duct, one or a plurality of stages of heating units (22, 23) that heat the product liquid in stages being provided to the duct reaching from the upstream tank to the high-temperature heating unit, and one or a plurality of stages of cooling units (24, 25, 26) that cool the product liquid in stages being provided to the duct reaching from the high-temperature processing unit to the downstream tank.

Abstract: A sterilization indicator apparatus is provided. The sterilization indicator apparatus includes a base member having a top side and a bottom side. In a preferred embodiment, the base member is constructed of a plastic material such as a polypropylene. An adhesive is applied to the bottom side of the base member. In one embodiment, a latex-free resin is employed, but other types of adhesives may also be employed. One or more indicator elements are located on the surface opposite the adhesive. The indicator elements may take any shape, such as bars, squares, circles, ellipses, or any desired shape. The indicator elements function as sterilization indicators that are capable of indicating whether or not they have been exposed to a sterilization process.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the use of a split and single electrical cells in industrial applications, and particularly in aseptic packaging applications.

Abstract: A process for producing a composition containing biologically active follistatin from a biological source, which composition is preserved and, especially pathogen free and is storage stable, preferably at room temperature. Further, the invention relates to the composition containing biologically active follistatin, which composition is available by the production process. The invention provides a process for producing a composition containing biologically active follistatin from avian eggs, or from raw animal blood serum.

Abstract: Finely divided solids are highly suitable for use as stabilizers for pyrocarbonic acid diesters, it being possible to use the mixtures obtained in this manner for preserving industrial materials and foodstuff.

Abstract: A liquid mixing apparatus of the present invention includes: a first tank; a first introduction section that introduces a first liquid into the first tank; a second introduction section that introduces a second liquid into the first tank; a first opening portion provided above a highest liquid level of the first tank; a second tank; a third introduction section that introduces a third liquid into the second tank; a second opening portion provided above a highest liquid level of the second tank; a liquid transfer conduit that connects a bottom surface portion of the first tank and a bottom surface portion of the second tank; an opening/closing valve provided in the liquid transfer conduit; a gas transfer conduit having one end arranged above the highest liquid level in the first tank and another end arranged above the highest liquid level in the second tank; a pump capable of forward/reverse operation that can transfer a gas in two directions inside the gas transfer conduit; and an atmospheric release control

Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided assembling an analyte sensor with an analyte sensor insertion device, packaging the assembled analyte sensor and sensor insertion device in a substantially airtight seal, and irradiating the packaged assembled analyte sensor and sensor insertion device at a predetermined dose using one or more electron beam accelerators.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for reducing the growth of microbial contamination, such as bacteria, virus, mold and biofilms, in an air-handling unit. The apparatus includes a mounting member configured to couple with a housing of an air-handling unit and a turbine coupled with the mounting member and configured to produce energy when positioned in an air flow path through the air-handling unit. The apparatus also includes an electrode assembly including an anode configured to be placed in a condensate pan and receive energy from the turbine. The anode produces agents that reduce the growth of microbial contamination when energized.

Abstract: A grommet device and method of using a grommet device is provided. A top structure has a top surface. An aperture having a central axis is positioned interior of the top structure. A sidewall is formed around the aperture and connected to the top structure. The sidewall is positioned substantially perpendicular from the top surface of the top structure. At least two upper protruding structures are connected to the top structure at different locations along the top structure, wherein each of the upper protruding structures extends into the aperture. At least two lower protruding structures extend from the sidewall at different locations along the sidewall, wherein each of the lower protruding structures have a flexing portion extending into the o aperture, wherein each of the upper protruding structures are substantially radially aligned with the flexing portion of each of the lower protruding structures, respectively.

Abstract: Chlorine dioxide generation systems and methods are disclosed. One or more reactants, such as sodium hypochlorite, may be electrolytically generated on-site for delivery to a reaction column. Low concentration reactants may be used to generate chlorine dioxide as part of a mixed oxy-chloro product stream containing free available chlorine. In at least one embodiment, an optical analyzer may be positioned along a reactant feed line to measure a concentration of reactant supplied to a reaction column. A controller may adjust a flow rate of the reactant in response to information provided by the optical analyzer. The controller may also perform pH control within the system. In some embodiments, the chlorine dioxide generator may be incorporated in an all-liquid water disinfection system.

Abstract: A foot/shoe sanitizing system includes a housing having at least one opening and at least one ultraviolet emitting device supported within the housing. The ultraviolet emitting devices direct ultraviolet light around and/or through the set of foot/shoe support bars towards the foot or shoe placed on the foot/shoe support bars. The ultraviolet emitting devices are controllably powered to emit ultraviolet light and/or ozone onto the foot/shoe. In a preferred embodiment, the ultraviolet emitting device emits light that includes short wavelength ultraviolet light, causing the formation of ozone in the area of the shoe, thereby killing pathogens that are not easily killed with ultraviolet light alone. The system includes a sheet of activated carbon for catalyzing the ozone into harmless concentrations of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A steam autoclave for treating Regulated Medical Waste that uses a condensate drainage system that provides for condensate drainage while the steam autoclave chamber remains pressurized during the steam treatment cycle to create pressure variations in the autoclave which are used to initiate the introduction of repeated bursts of steam into the waste during the steam treatment cycle. The repeated bursts of steam into the autoclave during the steam treatment cycle agitates the steam and waste contained in the autoclave, thereby enhancing steam penetration into the waste being treated and thereby enhancing biological kill efficacy.

Abstract: A medical device may include one or more operable components and one or more limited-use portions. The limited-use portion(s) is configured to transition from a first state to a second state upon being subjected to sterilization above a sterilization threshold. In the second state, the limited-use portion(s) inhibit the operability of the one or more operable components.

Abstract: Process for treatment of residual nucleic acids present on the surface of laboratory consumables. The process combines two treatment phases: (1) treatment with ethylene oxide in gaseous phase; then (2) treating the surface with hydrogen peroxide in liquid phase or in gaseous phase. The effect of this treatment is the avoidance of the amplification of residual nucleic acids, in particular during PCR or TMA reactions.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an air cleaning method and device that realize sufficient purification of polluted air, high-efficiency removal of germs or the like from polluted air, and has a relatively simplified structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions including medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, methods for making these compositions, and methods for reducing the population of a microorganism. The compositions can include advantageously high levels of the medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, can be readily made, and/or can exhibit reduced odor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for administering a consumable composition may provide for one or more operations including, but not limited to: obtaining schedule data specifying a consumable composition dose consumption schedule for a specified user; dispensing at least one dose of a consumable composition into a container according to the schedule data specifying a consumable composition dose consumption schedule for the specified user; and controlling sterilizing of at least a portion of the container.

Abstract: A method and system for self-sterilizing an automated incubator is disclosed. The internal temperature of the automated incubator is elevated by forcing hot air to flow into the internal incubation chamber, wherein all mechanics and electronics associated with the automated plate mover are outside the internal incubation chamber. During sterilization, the heating system of the automated incubator will force hot air to flow over the internal surfaces of the incubator, thereby reducing contaminating microorganism resistance by inducing dehydration.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reduced temperature radiation sterilization of stents are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bags made from medical-grade paper for sterilization, with sterilization-process indicators and pigmented-adhesive-based safety features, which is easy to handle and use and can be used to store materials, more particularly surgical medical material, for sterilization. Such bags are produced using medical-grade paper that is treated on the surface thereof with a microbicide for sterilization, and, owing to the structure and design thereof, allow safe, rapid handling of the sterilized material placed within, since there are visual indicators that guarantee the hermetic closure and sealing thereof. Furthermore, generally, the invention has printed indicators that change colour depending on the sterilization process carried out on the bags and on whether said process was carried out correctly.

Abstract: Described are packaged, sterile medical graft products containing controlled levels of a growth factor such as Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 (FGF-2). Also described are methods of manufacturing medical graft products wherein processing, including sterilization, is controlled and monitored to provide medical graft products having modulated, known levels of a extracellular matrix factor, such as a growth factor, e.g. FGF-2. Preferred graft materials are extracellular matrix materials isolated from human or animal donors, particularly submucosa-containing extracellular matrix materials. Further described are ECM compositions that are or are useful for preparing gels, and related methods for preparation and use.

Abstract: A method for gas phase application of chlorine dioxide within an enclosed volume that includes the steps of: climatizing the enclosed volume to achieve a relative humidity (RH) in the range of about 5% to about 56%; generating chlorine dioxide gas; and introducing the chlorine dioxide gas under specified conditions of chlorine dioxide gas concentration and contact time, the specified conditions being effective to eliminate contaminants within the closed volume, and further to mitigate corrosion within the enclosed volume during the gas phase application.

Abstract: Systems, devices, methods, and compositions are described for providing an actively-controllable disinfecting implantable device configured to, for example, treat or prevent an infection in a biological subject.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of sterilizing inner walls of containers, wherein the apparatus has at least one electron beam emitter with at least one electron beam accelerator and an outlet window for the electron beams, a conveying device for conveying the containers to be sterilized and a reciprocating device for permitting a relative movement between the containers and the outlet window in a longitudinal direction of the containers. A reflector apparatus is connected to the electron beam emitter in a positively locking and/or friction locking manner at least locally in a region of the outlet window and is capable of being introduced at least locally during a defined period of time into an interior space of the container to be sterilized, in order to apply the electron beams to the inner walls of the container.

Abstract: Methods for sterilizing a biocompatible hydrogel polymer are provided via treating the biocompatible hydrogel polymer with a supercritical CO2 treatment composition at a treatment pressure of about 4 MPa to about 30 MPa and a treatment temperature of about 5° C. to about 75° C. The supercritical CO2 treatment composition can be substantially pure CO2 or may further include hydrogen peroxide (e.g., in an amount of about 10 ppm to about 1,000 ppm). In certain embodiments, the biocompatible hydrogel polymer can be treated with the supercritical CO2 treatment composition for about 30 minutes to about 5 hours. According to these methods, treating the biocompatible hydrogel polymer can kill about 90% or more of any S. aureus and E. coli present in the biocompatible hydrogel polymer.

Abstract: An endoscope cleaning/disinfecting apparatus for processing an endoscope in a cleaning tank using a diluted chemical obtained by diluting a chemical with hot water in a dilution tank of the present invention introduces the hot water into the cleaning tank immediately before processing, introduces the hot water into the dilution tank after the temperature of the hot water introduced into the cleaning tank falls within a specified temperature range, generates the diluted chemical, introduces the diluted chemical into the cleaning tank and processes the endoscope.

Abstract: A device for sterilization of packages and a method of sterilizing packages are provided. The device comprises a gassing zone for exposing the packages to a gaseous sterilization agent, inlet mechanisms for introducing the gaseous sterilization agent into the gassing zone and a conveyor for transporting the packages through the gassing zone in a transport direction. The device also includes a separation mechanism arranged inside the gassing zone to divide at least an upper part of the gassing zone into sub gassing zones, each of said separation mechanisms having an opening for passage of the packages, each of at least a number of the inlet mechanisms being arranged to provide a flow of the gaseous sterilization agent at the opening of a respective one of the separation mechanisms.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for chemically stabilizing a polymer stent after sterilization. The stent is exposed to a temperature above ambient for a period of time after radiation sterilization. The exposure reduces the concentration of free radicals generated by the radiation.

Abstract: An air purifying system includes one or more air permeable photocatalytic elements defining a core cavity having a sealed top end and an open bottom end. A sealed air flow path ensures that air travels from an outside of the core cavity, through the one or more photocatalytic elements, into the core cavity, to be expelled through the open bottom end. A UV radiation source disposed within the core cavity irradiates air travelling along the sealed flow path and an interior of the one or more photocatalytic elements. Each photocatalytic element is manufactured using a substrate, that is conductive of and transparent to UV radiation, coated with a photocatalyst. A non-photocatalytically active material is initially coated on the substrate and is then converted to a photocatalyst by calcination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of cleaning a surface by applying highly propagating ultrasonic energy to said surface, the method comprises immersing at least a portion of the surface into a fluid, wherein said fluid is in contact with an highly propagating ultrasonic energy emitting assembly; and emitting highly propagating ultrasonic energy from the assembly into the fluid to generate cavitation at the surface thereby cleaning said surface.

Abstract: The present invention includes a composition for enhancing the antimicrobial efficacy of photodynamic disinfection against Gram-negative organism that is receptive to paraben potentiation using a composition comprising a photosensitizer and at least one paraben. The present invention also includes a method for photodynamic disinfection comprising applying the composition to a desired treatment area and applying light to the desired treatment area at a wavelength absorbed by the photosensitizer so as to inhibit Gram-negative organism located within the treatment area wherein the Gram-negative organism is receptive to paraben potentiation.

Abstract: A method for disinfecting a bottle, in particular a baby bottle, including a bottle jacket which is open on both ends, wherein, in a dispensing position, a bottom cap is fastened to a bottom-side opening and a teat is fastened to a teat-side opening by a fastening ring, the inner periphery of the bottom-side opening being larger than the outer periphery of the fastening ring, wherein, for transfer into a disinfection position, the bottom cap is removed from the bottle jacket, the teat and the fastening ring are placed onto the bottom cap and introduced into the bottle jacket, the bottom cap is attached to the bottom-side opening, a disinfectant is filled into the bottle jacket before the bottle is heated for disinfection.

Abstract: A movable instrument holding apparatus and method of retaining a medical instrument with a movable instrument holding apparatus are disclosed. The movable instrument holding apparatus includes a housing structure retaining a gripping structure. A rail is connected to the housing structure. A depressible arm is connected to the rail, the depressible arm having a first quantity of ratchet teeth, wherein the first quantity of ratchet teeth is movable with the depressible arm. A track is sized to receive the rail, wherein the track has a second quantity of ratchet teeth, and wherein the first quantity of ratchet teeth are engagable with the second quantity of ratchet teeth when the rail is positioned at least partially within the track.

Abstract: A method for medical device sterilization comprises staggering a stack of packages so that a back surface of each package partially overlaps a front surface of another of the packages. Each package contains a medical device. The stack of packages are positioned so that the front surfaces of the packages face toward a radiation source. The packages are then exposed to radiation.

Abstract: A foot/shoe sanitizing system includes a housing having at least one opening and at least one ultraviolet emitting device supported within the housing. The ultraviolet emitting devices direct ultraviolet light around and/or through the set of foot/shoe support bars towards the foot or shoe placed on the foot/shoe support bars. The ultraviolet emitting devices are controllably powered to emit ultraviolet light and/or ozone onto the foot/shoe. In a preferred embodiment, the ultraviolet emitting device emits light that includes short wavelength ultraviolet light, causing the formation of ozone in the area of the shoe, thereby killing pathogens that are not easily killed with ultraviolet light alone. The system detects the identity of a user and records/transmits usage of the system by the user for sanitizing enforcement and recording.