Abstract: A method for fixing a biological sample includes delivering energy through a biological sample that has been removed from a subject, while fixing the biological sample. A change in speed of the energy traveling through the biological sample is evaluated to monitor the progress of the fixation. A system for performing the method can include a transmitter that outputs the energy and a receiver configured to detect the transmitted energy. A computing device can evaluate the speed of the energy based on signals from the receiver.

Abstract: A microscope slide holder comprising a slide support member and at least one acoustic source for introducing acoustic waves to a microscope slide in communication with the slide support member such that one or more fluids present on the surface of the microscope slide are contactlessly mixed.

Abstract: A system of generating an aerosol, by: (a) placing a liquid into a liquid chamber in an ultrasonic nebulization system having a cylindrical aerosol production chamber received within a cylindrical master chamber, and having top and bottom ultrasonic transducers; (b) passing air up through the aerosol production chamber; and (c) producing acoustic standing waves above the surface of the liquid with the top and bottom ultrasonic transducers, thereby generating an aerosol of the liquid by action of the standing waves.

Abstract: An internal lumen disinfection device has a case, a power source, a UV lamp, a plurality of light transmitting connectors and at least one light transmitting tube. The case has a lid or cover and an elongated base configured to hold one or more surgical endoscopes in a disinfecting portion and a power and UV lamp housing portion adjacent the disinfecting portion. A battery or electrical power source is in the housing portion. The UV lamp is in the housing portion connected to and powered by the power source. The case has a divider wall with openings for passing UV light. The plurality of light transmitting connectors are each affixed to the divider wall at an opening. At least one light transmitting tube, preferably a plurality of light transmitting tubes are used to disinfect lumens of endoscopes.

Abstract: A scalable, portable and modular chlorine dioxide fumigant decontamination system having an activating area and a neutralizing area which may be housed separately or as a single operationally connected unit, and which may be configured as a closed loop system connected to a decontamination chamber for decontamination of articles, or as an open loop system for decontamination of interiors and large confined spaces, and employing a specialized activating cup that is permeable to air yet substantially impermeable to water and chlorine dioxide reaction by-products such that directing air through the activation cup releases nearly pure chlorine dioxide fumigant. Methods and articles relating to the system are also described.

Abstract: A ventilation ring for a UV water sanitizer unit that allows for adequate ventilation of heat generated by electronic components while sequestering those electronic components from water. The ring can also be made of a transparent or translucent material to allow a user to detect whether a UV lamp within the housing is operating. An improved nut for affixing a quartz tube within such a unit and improved design for draining the unit are also disclosed.

Abstract: Method for automatically, with the aid of a processor, determining a surface degeneration of a first surface of a urine handling system, the first surface being intended to come into contact with urine, the method comprises the following main steps: a) repeatedly measuring one or more capacitive values of the first surface, forming capacitive measurements; b) storing all, or representative instants of the capacitive measurements; c) deciding, based on changes of the stored capacitive measurements, that a significant surface degeneration of the first surface has occurred.

Abstract: A system for controlling movement of a capsule endoscope in a human GI track is disclosed. The system comprises a magnetic dipole for placement in human GI track, an external magnet in a sphere shape generating dipole magnetic field and applying external translational and or rotational magnetic field force to the capsule endoscope, and a control system for moving the external magnet to manipulate the object along the variable axis in a desired direction of movement.

Abstract: An apparatus (100 and/or 200) and corresponding method (500) for air sterilization and disinfection can include an electronics and control module (110 and/or 210), a means for drawing air from the surrounding environment into the apparatus (120 and/or 220), an air management chamber (130 and/or 230), and a housing (170 and/or 270). The means for drawing air from the surrounding environment into the apparatus (120 and/or 220) mobilizes latent pathogens in the environment and draws them into the apparatus (100 and/or 200) for sterilization and disinfection. The air management chamber (130 and/or 230) provides for exposure of the airborne pathogens to UV radiation, via UV LEDs (150 and/or 250), with a dosage sufficient to penetrate the cell walls and destroy the pathogens. The electronics and control module (110 and/or 210) powers the apparatus (100 and/or 200) and interfaces with the electronic components. The housing (170) forms the outer shell of the apparatus (100).

Abstract: Embodiments are generally related to differentiating and/or separating portions of a sample that are of interest from the remainder of the sample. Embodiments may be directed towards separating cells of interest from a cell sample. In some embodiments, acoustic impedances of the cells of interest may be modified. For example, the acoustic properties of the cells of interest may be modified by attaching bubbles to the cells of interest. The cell sample may then be subjected to an acoustic wave. The cells of interest may be differentiated and/or separated from the remainder of the sample based on relative displacements and/or volumetric changes experienced by the cells of interest in response thereto. The cells of interest may be separated using a standing wave and sorted into separate channels of a flow cell. Optionally, the cells may be interrogated by a light source and differentiated by signals generated in response thereto.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to a device and method for sanitizing a medical instrument with ozone, in particular the invention relates to a system, method and a device for sanitizing a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. The device has an ozone compartment, an ozone operating system and one or more ozone distribution lines that distribute ozone to a continuous positive airway pressure device. The device may further include a heater adapter unit to connect heating systems in CPAP devices while distributing ozone to sanitize the CPAP device in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: This invention is based on forming an apparatus in which the technologies of flash vacuum expansion and simultaneous treatment with ultrasounds are combined for various applications in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for processing cut edges of a blank member, so galled “package sleeve”, made from packaging material, in particular paper/plastics composite material, the cut edges of which are open from above and/or below, by applying a processing medium. In order to develop a simple and cost-effective method, in which the risk of contamination of the packagings and the aseptic region of a filling installation when the package sleeves are filled and closed is reduced, the processing medium contains at least one sterilizing medium and the sterilizing medium remains after being applied to the cut edges and is introduced into the packaging material.

Abstract: A method for determining microbial contamination of allograft products comprises providing an extraction vessel having an outer container and a removable inner basket, place the allograft product into the inner basket, providing an abstraction fluid in the outer container of the extraction vessel, positioning the inner basket in the outer container, so that the allograft product and the inner basket is submerged in the extraction fluid and agitating the extraction fluid for a predetermined amount of time and analyzing the extraction fluid from microbial contamination.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ballast water treatment system, comprising a centrifugal separator, an ultrasonic sterilizer, and an ultraviolet sterilizer, wherein, the centrifugal separator is designed to separate large-particle of foreign matters from the ballast water by centrifugal separation by means of density difference; the ultrasonic sterilizer is arranged at the back of the centrifugal separator, and is designed to accomplish ultrasonic sterilization for the ballast water passing through the centrifugal separator; the ultrasonic sterilizer comprises a pipe that is used for sterilization of the ballast water and ultrasonic irradiation unit that perform ultrasonic irradiation for the ballast water passing through the pipe; the ultraviolet sterilizer accomplishes sterilization by means of ultraviolet irradiation for the ballast water passing through the ultrasonic sterilizer.

Abstract: This invention includes methods for cleaning and sterilizing tissue harvested for implant with shock waves by submerging the harvested tissue in a volume of fluid in a holding vessel including a shock wave applicator with a focal volume in the volume of fluid, and applying a pressure shock wave pulses to the harvested tissue from the shock wave applicator in sufficient amounts to eliminate biological contaminants in the harvested tissue.

Abstract: A medical surface cleaning composition and a method for cleaning waste treatment system components, medical instruments surfaces, and enzyme residue-containing surfaces. The composition includes a residue cleaning agent and a substantially non-water soluble nonionic surfactant having an initial Ross-Miles foam height in an aqueous solution at 25° C. of less than 10 millimeters. A weight ratio of residue cleaning agent to surfactant on 100 wt. % active ingredient basis ranges from about 0.05:1 to about 0.5:1, and wherein the residue cleaning agent and surfactant are biodegradable.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved water treatment cavitation reactor cone. The tank operates on a continuous flow of fluids which are subjected to ultrasonic waves in combination with a high level of injected ozone. The treatment tank includes a tangential inlet that induces a rotating flow into the tank thereby increasing the mixing of the ozone within the effluent. The effluent is further treated with DC current. The treatment tank provides a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling fluids as contaminated as frac water, used to stimulate gas production from shale formations, as well as other types of fluids having various levels of contaminants such as aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and suspended solids. The calcium carbonate scaling tendency is reduced to an acceptable level without the use of acids, ion exchange materials, or anti scaling chemicals which is of economical and environmental significance and benefit.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for treatment of medical devices using surface acoustic waves (SAW) of Rayleigh, “pseudo” Rayleigh and Lamb type. In some embodiments, use of such SAW is controlled such that relative velocity of bacteria is achieved wherein the vibration amplitude of the bacteria is smaller than a Z-potential repulsive zone of the bacteria, thus preventing biofilm formation on the medical devices. In some embodiments, systems of the present invention are powered by body movements, and may also provide a feedback loop for control of parameters. In some embodiments, the medical devices of the present invention are comprised of piezoelectric material, and act as self-actuators for the system.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for generating energized water molecules and administering same to a human or other biological subject. The system includes a humidifying apparatus, and excitation apparatus, and a control system. The system may further include a fluid management system to assist in the delivery of energized water molecules.

Abstract: A method and devices comprise a low frequency high energy ultrasound system having at least one sonotrode projecting into a reactor vessel through which the liquid passes via at least one inlet orifice and at least one outlet orifice. To avoid cavitation at the sonotrode, in a close region of the oscillation-transducing sonotrode surface a pressure/amplitude combination close to or above the pressure-amplitude characteristic line is generated at which considerably reduced or no cavitation occurs and in the adjacent region in the vessel at least in a region and at least at times a pressure/amplitude combination is maintained below the pressure-amplitude characteristic line at which cavitation is generated. A device has an inlet orifice arranged such that the liquid impacts directly onto the oscillation-transducing sonotrode surface, and is shaped that in the close region of the oscillation-transducing sonotrode surface a pressure close to or above the pressure-amplitude characteristic line prevails.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of fluid including the step of exposing the fluid to a pulsed plasma discharge. The pulsed plasma discharge will be generated using a suitable electrode configuration to generate the plasma discharge in the fluid. Apparatus useful in the method may include a vessel, at least two electrodes for generating a plasma discharge in water, and a flow inlet and a flow outlet to allow water to be passed through the vessel. Also described is an in-line water treatment, where a pulsed plasma discharge is used in a pipe carrying moving water. Plasma based fluid treatment system may have many advantages in comparison to other treatment methods, such as very minimal maintenance, low operating power, and minimal pressure loss through the device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a water treatment apparatus for treating Lake Okeechobee water. The treatment apparatus operates on a continuous flow of water which is subjected to hydrodynamic waves, acoustic ultrasonic waves in combination with injected ozone and electrolysis. The treatment system provides a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process for cleaning contaminated water that is directed into estuaries, lagoons, intracoastal waterway, everglades, and the ocean. Treatment includes addressing various levels of contaminants such as aerobic bacteria, often called a green slime that produces a bio-film. The apparatus can be mounted on a vessel to permit targeting of algae blooms.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved water treatment process that operates on a continuous flow of fluids that are subjected to hydrodynamic waves, acoustic ultrasonic waves in combination with injected ozone and electro chemical treatment. The treatment system provides a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling fluids as contaminated as frac water, used to stimulate gas production from shale formations, as well as other types of fluids having various levels of contaminants such as aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and suspended solids. The calcium carbonate scaling tendency is reduced to an acceptable level without the use of acids, ion exchange materials, or anti scaling chemicals which is of economical and environmental significance and benefit.

Abstract: A method of treating contaminated air, gas and surfaces is accomplished through the nebulization of gas and/or liquid oxidants through a field of electromagnetic radiation or sonic waves. The contaminated gas and/or liquid streams are blended with gaseous and/or liquid oxidants by the nebulizer and directly injected in the energy field. Free radicals produced from oxidants in the presence of the energy field instantaneously oxidize a large effective surface area of the contaminated media. Surfaces are treated more efficiently with the energy field situated directly above and parallel to but not on the surface; a high-frequency energy field may be used to create a large concentration of free radicals without damaging the surface in a collimated beam of the field situated parallel to the surface. A catalyst may be employed at the tip (i.e. discharge orifices of gas and/or liquid) of the nebulizer or blended into the nebulized cloud to increase the formation of free radicals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning system for a set of instruments associated or in contact with an image plate readout device, as well as to a readout device comprising the cleaning system. The cleaning, system comprises a disinfecting element, which emits electromagnetic radiation and/or ultrasonic radiation capable of destroying disease carriers, and which is adapted to emit said radiation towards an image plate conveyor mechanism encompassed by the image plate readout device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for desalination of salt water based on an engineered acoustic field that causes constructive and destructive interference at pre-computed spatial positions. The engineered acoustic field can cause high-pressure and low-pressure regions where desalination membranes are located. The induced pressure from the acoustic field can force pure water through the membranes leaving ionic and dissolved molecular species behind.

Abstract: Method and system for uniformly spacing particles in a flowing system comprising suspending particles in an elongated fluid filled cavity; exposing said cavity to an axial acoustic standing wave field, wherein said axial acoustic standing wave field drives said particles to nodal and anti-nodal positions along the center axis of said cavity to result in uniformly spaced particles; and focusing said particles to the center axis of said cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved water treatment apparatus. The treatment apparatus is pressurized and operates on a continuous flow of fluids which are subjected to hydrodynamic waves, acoustic ultrasonic waves in combination with injected ozone. The treatment tank includes a tangential inlet that induces a rotating flow into the tank thereby increasing the mixing of the ozone within the effluent. The ozonated fluid is further electro chemically treated with DC current. The treatment tank provides a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling fluids as contaminated as frac water, used to stimulate gas production from shale formations, as well as other types of fluids having various levels of contaminants such as aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and suspended solids.

Abstract: UV hard-surface disinfection system that is able to disinfect the hard surfaces in a room, while minimizing missed areas due to shadows by providing multiple UV light towers that can be placed in several areas of a room such that shadowed areas are eliminated and that can be transported by a cart that is low to the ground such that the towers may be loaded and unloaded easily by a single operator. The system is able to be controlled remotely, such that during activation of the system, no operator is present, and to automatically cut power to all towers in the event that a person enters the room.

Abstract: A method for separating, or removing, particulate material, e.g., blood cells, from a sample of fluid, e.g., whole blood of a patient, in which the particulate material is suspended. In the case of separating blood cells from blood plasma or blood serum, the resulting samples of blood plasma or blood serum can be used for in vitro diagnostic applications. In normal practice, a whole blood sample of a patient are provided and then introduced into an apparatus that contains a flow channel. An acoustic field, which contains acoustic standing waves from external ultrasonic transducers, is located within the flow channel. Laminar flow is maintained in the flow channel. Blood cells and platelets are separated from blood plasma or blood serum at the end of the flow channel and collected. The method described herein allows fluid components to differentially migrate to areas of preferred acoustic interaction.

Abstract: The current invention provides this advance in infection control via its unique application of active sterilization to a catheter or implant. While most catheters, and many implants, are passive devices, the current invention will provide an active component as a integral part of the implanted catheter or device to continuously or intermittently sterilize the exposed surfaces/areas of the device. This active sterilization may be accomplished by a variety of mechanisms, including, application of heat, RF, microwave, ultrasound, ultraviolet radiation or other energy capable of sterilizing the device or dislodging any problematic Biofilm that may form. The active sterilization may also employ the pumping of a sterilizing chemical from an attached drug reservoir, the use of electricity or freezing temperatures or any other mechanism for either inhibiting, killing or dislodging any infectious material in contact with the implant.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and systems that use acoustic radiation pressure.

Abstract: A method for sterilization and pasteurization includes providing an apparatus including a shock generation section; a sterilization section; and a membrane provided there between; placing media contaminated with microorganisms into the sterilization section; introducing a detonable mixture into the shock generation section; causing formation of at least one of a shock wave and an acoustic wave by igniting the detonable mixture, so that the at least one of a shock wave and an acoustic wave impinges on the membrane and is transmitted thereby into the sterilization section, and so that the media is sterilized or pasteurized by the at least one of a shock wave and an acoustic wave that will kill at least some of the microorganisms; venting the shock generation section via a pressure relief valve; and repeating to achieve a pre-determined degree of sterilization or pasteurization.

Abstract: This invention includes methods for cleaning and sterilizing tissue harvested for implant with shock waves by submerging the harvested tissue in a volume of fluid in a holding vessel including a shock wave applicator with a focal volume in the volume of fluid, and applying a pressure shock wave pulses to the harvested tissue from the shock wave applicator in sufficient amounts to eliminate biological contaminants in the harvested tissue.

Abstract: Methods and systems for surveying and sterilizing one or more areas or one or more portions of one or more areas are described.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a liquid includes a first flow generator having an outlet for generating a first flow stream and a reaction chamber positioned in proximity to the outlet of the first flow generator and having a cavity adapted to receive the first flow stream from the first flow generator and reverse its direction within the confined space of the cavity. The flow generator may be a cavitation generator for producing multiple cavitation bubbles in the first slow stream, or a nozzle for generating a flow stream devoid of cavitation bubbles. A method for treating a liquid includes directing the liquid into a first flow generator configured to generate a first flow stream of the liquid, and directing the first flow stream from the first flow generator into a cavity of a reaction chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved water treatment cavitation reactor cone. The tank operates on a continuous flow of fluids which are subjected to ultrasonic waves in combination with a high level of injected ozone. The treatment tank includes a tangential inlet that induces a rotating flow into the tank thereby increasing the mixing of the ozone within the effluent. The effluent is further treated with DC current. The treatment tank provides a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling fluids as contaminated as frac water, used to stimulate gas production from shale formations, as well as other types of fluids having various levels of contaminants such as aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and suspended solids. The calcium carbonate scaling tendency is reduced to an acceptable level without the use of acids, ion exchange materials, or anti scaling chemicals which is of economical and environmental significance and benefit.

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: Provided herein are systems and methods for separation of particulate from water using ultrasonically generated acoustic standing waves.

Abstract: A method of operating a capacitive deionization cell using a regeneration cycle to increase pure flow rate and efficiency of the cell.

Abstract: Shock waves are applied to clean and sterilize fluids in containers and conveyances. Shock waves destroy pathogens and pollutants in blood, water, food liquids and other fluids.

Abstract: A system is provided that includes one or more acoustic microfilters through which is flowed a mixture of a fluid and a particulate to selectively filter particles from the fluid. Also included are one or more phononic crystal units coupled to the acoustic microfilter(s) to further selectively filter particles from the fluid. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: A standing wave in a water current, which is subject to purification, is swirled in the lower mass-exchange chamber in order to create negative pressure along the central axis, the atmosphere air intake and crating of two countercurrents interacting with each other, resulting in a standing wave and oxygenation of the water current. A cylindrical mixing chamber, which is divided into the upper mass-exchange chamber and the lower mass-exchange chamber by dividing walls with a coaxial orifice towards the air-supply pipe and peripheral bypass channel. In the lower mass-exchange chamber, water, which is subject to purification, is swirled and under the negative pressure in the center it intakes air from the air-supply pipe, creating hydrosol and reaction area of ion exchange due to forming of the standing acoustic wave. Part of the processed current is outlet into the volume through a permeable wall in the side surface of the upper mass-exchange chamber.

Abstract: A system for microbially deactivating articles, such as medical, dental, veterinary and mortuary instruments and devices. The system includes vibration means for producing ultrasonic waves to facilitate drying after the completion of a liquid microbial deactivation process.

Abstract: Systems and methods for plasma sterilization are described. The sterilization method includes placing a substance to be sterilized in a rotating chamber (e.g., drum) and exposing the substance to a radio frequency (RF) plasma. The mixing of the substance and plasma is further promoted by generating a magnetic field that produces a force on the substance in a direction opposite to the rotational direction of the chamber. In other aspects, the chamber may have a gas permeable wall. In addition, the substance may be exposed to acoustic shock waves produced by a modulating RF generator.

Abstract: A device for sanitizing and disinfecting a space includes a tank having an interior space for holding an aqueous sanitizing, disinfecting, and/or sterilizing liquid, a bottom sector, an air inlet sector, and an exhaust sector, inner walls of the exhaust sector and the air inlet sector forming a substantially V-shaped air pathway within the interior space. A liquid cascading reactor vessel is positioned within the bottom sector of the tank, a top edge of the reactor vessel in adjustably spaced relation from a notch in the V-shaped air pathway. A vibratable ultrasonic head array is positionable within and beneath a top edge of the reactor vessel and is submergable within the reactor vessel for vibrating the disc to form atomized micro-particles from the liquid. Air can be drawn into the air inlet, and the formed atomized micro-particles can be exhausted from the exhaust outlet.

Abstract: A cognitive stimulating sterilizing device for providing visual, tactile and, or audible stimulation for infants that also selectively sterilizes select items and the surrounding ambient. This including a housing adapted for removable connection to cribs, changing tables and similar furniture, an ultraviolet light source in the housing for sanitizing items in the housing when closed and the ambient when opened, audio source and compartments for holding and storing select items. The housing may include reflective and/or transparent surfaces for directing and/or passing ultraviolet light. A sensor, such as an infrared sensor, detects the presence of a human in the surrounding area in a motion-independent manner, such as by detecting fluctuations in infrared energy emitted by the human. A microcontroller receives data from the sensor and directs the activation and/or deactivation of the ultraviolet light source according to whether a human is detected.

Abstract: An incubator comprising: a culture chamber configured to accommodate culture; a dish structure configured to contain a liquid; an ultrasonic vibrator provided in a part of the dish structure, the ultrasonic vibrator configured to atomize the liquid; and a gas-liquid contact structure configured to bring the atomized liquid into contact with air in the chamber to be cultured.

Abstract: An in-line cleaning and sanitation apparatus for cleaning a liquid, the apparatus including electronic oxidation means to increase the oxidation reduction potential of the liquid, and ionization means to produce ions having an algaecidal or bactericidal effect into the liquid, in that order together with ultrasonic cleaning means to introduce sound waves into the liquid, and wherein the ionization means, the ultrasonic cleaning means and the electronic oxidation means are operated simultaneously for a period to clean and sanitize the liquid in the absence of added salt, chlorine or other chemicals.