Abstract: The invention provides a method of packaging a sterilized product. The method includes the steps of providing a product and sterilizing the product. The sterilized product is enclosed in a first layer, which is substantially hermetically sealed to form a first sealed enclosure. The first sealed enclosure is enclosed in a second layer, which is substantially hermetically sealed to form a second sealed enclosure. The second sealed enclosure is enclosed in a third layer, which is substantially hermetically sealed to form a third sealed enclosure. The third sealed enclosure is enclosed in a fourth layer, which is substantially hermetically sealed to form a packaged product.

Abstract: A tunnel pasteurizer having a tunnel, through which the material to be pasteurized is conducted and sprayed or sprinkled with water, and with a trap region for the draining water arranged on the bottom of the tunnel, pasteurizer and a plurality of temperature zones arranged in the transport direction, and the trap region is divided into separate trap zones which correspond to the temperature zones, from which the water is re-supplied to the respective tunnel zones, and comprising a control means for controlling the water temperature in the temperature zones. To improve control of the temperature in the individual temperature zones, the control and the tubing of the trap zones is adapted such that water can selectively be taken from the individual trap zones for temperature control and can selectively be returned to other temperature zones, wherein water is buffered in the individual temperature zones separate from other temperature zones in a respective zone buffer.

Abstract: An antimicrobial solution for disinfecting instruments in an automatic sterilization device, the solution comprising: a peracid reaction product formed in situ from combining a liquid acetyl donor with a solid source of peroxide, wherein the in situ reaction takes place in the sterilization device, along with a containment and delivery ampule for use in an automatic sterilization device, and methods for disinfecting a medical instrument employing the inventive antibacterial solution.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of extending a use life of a body of recreational water while reducing a concentration of chlorine required to effectively sanitize the body of recreational water, the method comprising the steps of adding a sanitizing concentration of total available chlorine to the body of recreation water that is suitable for human partial immersion in the body of recreation water; adding a source of silver ions and a source of 1,3-Dichloro-5,5-dimethylhydantoin to the body of recreational water to lower the concentration of chlorine required to effectively sanitize the body of recreational water; and maintaining a concentration of silver ions and a concentration of the source of 1,3-Dichloro-5,5-dimethylhydantoin effective at extending the use life of the body of recreational by at least 2 folds before a required chlorine shocking of the recreational body of water.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying the organoleptic properties of a beverage, such as wine in a bottle, said apparatus having a least one light-source, said light-source applying peak wavelengths at intensities and time durations optimal for modifying said beverage's organoleptic properties with a highly reflective inner surface, a translucent air flow baffle, a translucent liquid barrier, and a controlled oxygen concentration in the bottle headspace.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for sterilizing a system, preferably a pharmaceutical preparation such as a dispersion of small particles or droplets of a pharmaceutically active compound using high pressure terminal sterilization techniques and products therefrom.

Abstract: A method provides for sterilizing with radiation objects which have a low bioburden and which are sensitive to radiation. A dosage of radiation sufficient to ensure sterilization without damaging the object is determined by determining the bioburden upon one or more samples of the objects, determining an estimate of the dose that results in a preselected probability (e.g., 0.1, 0.01, 0.001, 0.0003162 . . . etc. (i.e., SAL=10?1, 10?2, 10?3, 10?3.5 . . . etc.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing contact lenses included in a moist environment in a closed package, wherein the package is heated, wherein the heating is carried out by introducing the package into a space which is at superatmospheric pressure or which is adjusted to superatmospheric pressure and which is heated with dry hot air. Further, the invention relates to an apparatus for carrying out such a method.

Abstract: Electrochemical devices, methods, and systems for detecting and quantifying analytes are disclosed. A chemical detection reagent is locally generated in a test solution by electrochemical reaction of a precursor compound caused to migrate into the test solution from a precursor solution separated from the test solution by a cell separator. This approach provides precise metering of the reagent, via the charge passed, and avoids the need to store a reagent solution that may be chemically unstable. In one embodiment, the starch concentration in a colloidal solution can be measured via spectroscopic detection of a blue complex formed by the interaction of starch with iodine produced, on demand, by electrochemical oxidation of iodide ion. The approach may also be used to characterize certain types of analytes. The invention is amenable to automation and is particularly useful for on-line monitoring of production processes, including the inclusion of feed back loop mechanisms for process control.

Abstract: A product packaging for a solid product comprises a base, a lid, and a seal. The base has a top, sides, and a bottom forming a cavity configured and arranged to receive a solid product, and the base has an exterior surface. A texture is on the exterior surface of the base, whereby the texture enhances a user's ability to grip the base when the base is inverted. The seal interconnects the top of the base and the lid and allows the lid to be peeled away from the top of the base.

Abstract: A system providing for on-site reclamation and re-use of reclaimed antimicrobial solution includes a dispenser, at least one receptacle, piping, and at least one pump. The dispenser sprays antimicrobial solution toward moving raw food products. Unspent antimicrobial solution that did not contact the moving raw food products and rebound antimicrobial solution that did contact the raw food products combine to form a reclaimed antimicrobial solution. The reclaimed antimicrobial solution is collected in the receptacle and is pumped through the piping to a location for reuse.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing medical single-component or multi-component impression materials that can harden, and a two-component impression material. In a first step of the method, the components of the impression materials that have not hardened are introduced into a primary packaging. In a second step, the primary packagings, with the components contained therein, are sterilized by heat sterilization. In a third step, the sterilized components in the primary packagings are introduced into a secondary packaging. In a fourth step, this secondary packaging is sterilized by means of a suitable gas sterilization, irradiation sterilization, and/or by means of sterilization in an autoclave, so that the activity and the viscosity of the components are not changed.

Abstract: Transparent elastomer safety shields for laboratory glassware subjected to vacuum evacuation, and for electronic components, is disclosed. Removable glassware sheaths permit viewing vacuum processes while protecting personnel from implosion hazards. Removable sheaths also permit adding conventional heat transfer materials such as powders, strips, and fluids to the sheath prior to securing to the glassware to assist evaporation and sublimation procedures. Further, the addition of thermally conductive nanopowders, such as copper, aluminum, and iron to flowable polymer formulations prior to curing into a solid elastomer, provides enhanced thermal conductivity for these transparent sheaths, and for “see through” heat sink potting compounds for protective covering of electronic components.

Abstract: A device for ophthalmic treatments comprises a package (9) forming a housing chamber (9a) inside it, and a syringe (2) inserted in the housing chamber (9a) and filled with a sterile liquid, of the type which can be injected into an eyeball. The liquid (4) is selected from amongst the family of perfluorocarbons. There are also two methods for making the device (1).

Abstract: Absorbable radiation or radiochemically sterilized medical devices, including sutures, whose breaking strength and absorption profile can be modulated by controlling the total dose received during sterilization are disclosed.

Abstract: A plastic refillable bottle and a plastic screw-on closure for the bottle, the bottle having a one-piece molded hollow body and integral neck, the walls of the body and neck being of generally uniform thickness, the neck having an opening through which material in the bottle passes when being dispensed and being formed with a helical thread, the closure being configured to extend across the bottle mouth and having a skirt for overlying the bottle neck, the closure skirt having a thread complementary to the thread on the neck and enabling the closure to be tightened onto the neck and effect a seal adequate to avoid excessive leakage of the contents out of the bottle through an interface between the skirt and neck, interior surfaces of the bottle and closure including the areas of the bottle and closure forming the respective threads being devoid of concave surface areas with a radius smaller than about ?? at corners forming an angle of less than 135°.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymer-coated heat-sealable packaging material, to a heat-sterilised package formed from this and to the use of the packaging material. The material comprises a fibre base 4, which is e.g. a packaging board made of bleached pulp, and polymer heat-seal layers 1, 9 located on both sides of this. In accordance with the invention, the package comprises, outside the fibre base, a polymer coating layer 2, which contains white pigment for covering the fibre base from sight, and a second coating layer 8, which contains light-absorbing pigment. A coating layer pigmented grey inside the fibre base, for instance, provides a light shield for the packaged product. The absorbent black pigment may also be located outside the fibre base underneath a white layer in order to stabilise the brightness of the material. The package may be e.g. a food package heat-sterilised in an autoclave, in which yellowing of the fibre-based material has been avoided by means of a white pigment.

Abstract: A trial generation station is provided comprising: a deck configured to receive a crystallization plate from a transport mechanism, the crystallization plate including a plurality of trial zones where crystallization trials are generated; and a head configured to be moved relative to the stage, the head including a plurality of primary fluid dispensers, each fluid dispenser being configured to transfer a portion of a mother liquor from the well region of a trial zone to a sample region associated with the trial zone, and one or more secondary fluid dispensers configured to dispense a molecule solution into the sample regions of the wells, the molecule solution including the molecule to be crystallized by the system and at least one of the secondary fluid dispenser being laterally immobilized relative to one or more of the fluid dispensers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the operation of such a heat-disinfecting device for waste, viz. biologically hazardous waste, on the one hand, including a mold inside which is placed waste and, on the other hand, being designed capable of ensuring compacting, heating and cooling this waste in this mold. This control method is characterized in that during compacting and before applying heating the presence of a non-compactable object in the mold is checked, in order to either complete compacting if no such non-compactable object is detected or to interrupt the process in the event such a non-compactable object is detected.

Abstract: Reusable instruments, such as reusable medical instruments, and related systems and methods, are disclosed. In some embodiments, the reusable instrument can be an endoscope, which can be cleaned by sterilization. In certain embodiments, a method of sterilizing includes sterilizing the endoscope or portion thereof in a sterilization chamber while maintaining a pressure differential between the interior and exterior of the endoscope.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are disclosed for treating a biological fluid with light. A container of biological fluid is introduced into a fluid treatment chamber where it is contacted with light provided by one or more light sources in proximity to the fluid treatment chamber. A drawer for holding containers of biological fluid introduces the containers into the chamber. Containers for holding the biological fluid are marked by the apparatus to indicate the status of the treatment.

Abstract: A system for irradiating mail, comprising a device for conveying mail along a predetermined path and a device for irradiating the mail moving along the path with a beam of electrons. An apparatus for chilling the mail is provided along the path. The apparatus exposes the mail to a low-temperature, gaseous fluid created using a cryogenic fluid.

Abstract: A system for irradiating mail, comprising a device for conveying mail along a predetermined path and a device for irradiating the mail moving along the path with a beam of electrons. An apparatus for chilling the mail is provided along the path. The apparatus exposes the mail to a low-temperature, gaseous fluid created using a cryogenic fluid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to new and improved solutions for packaging contact lenses and to methods for treating contact lenses with such solutions to improve the comfort of the lenses during wear. In particular, the present invention is directed to packing solutions comprising certain non-ionic surfactants containing a poly(oxyalkylene) copolymer and having a molecular weight of 4000 to 30,000. Such surfactants are retained on the surface of an unused lens for extended periods of time, resulting in surface modification that persists in the eye, thereby providing significant improvement in the wetting properties of fresh contact lenses used for the first time and, moreover, even several hours after lens insertion, preventing dryness and improving lubricity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of microbial reduction and/or sterilization of impression materials, specifically elastomeric impression materials, by means of steam sterilization.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for reducing the degradation of heat sensitive components contained in a medical substance during heat sterilization of a heat sterilizable container including a first chamber including a first amount of a first medical substance and a second chamber including a second amount of a second medical substance, the first amount being greater than the second amount. The method includes heating the heat sterilizable container to a first predetermined temperature for sterilizing the first and second medical substances, thermally insulating the second chamber during at least a portion of the heating of the heat sterilizable container to the first predetermined temperature, holding the heat sterilizable container at the first predetermined temperature for a first predetermined time period, and cooling the heat sterilizable container thereafter.

Abstract: A sterilized chemical composition is stored in a sterile environment for a prolonged period of time, hermetically sealed in successive enclosures and a shipping enclosure. The third sealing layer is removed prior to entering a storage area. The second layer is removed prior to taking the container to the sterile environment. The storage area may also be sterile. The innermost container may be an aerosol container and the composition a disinfectant liquid such as alcohol. The entire shipping enclosure and contents is preferably sterilized with gamma radiation.

Abstract: This invention is related to methods for inactivating micro-organisms using high pressure processing. A method is described for inactivating micro-organisms in a product using high pressure processing including the steps of packing said product in a flexible container, heating said product to a pre-pressurized temperature, subjecting said product to a pressure at a pressurized temperature for a time period; and reducing the pressure after said time period. The method of the present invention could further comprise an additional step of subjecting said product to a predetermined amount of oxygen for a time interval. The methods of the present invention may be applied preferably to food, cosmetic or pharmaceutical products.

Abstract: The connection, assembly, or fill of two or more pre-sterilized components 10,12 having at least one terminal end 14 each for attachment to another component, and an apparatus for performing such a connection, while maintaining the sterility of the components is disclosed. The resulting connection is made permanent by bonding the contacting components 10,12 together using either a solvent bonding technique, a radio frequency sealer, a heat sealer, or any other suitable process. The connection is preferably made within an active sterile field 60. Using a low-voltage electron beam instrument 54, such as the MIN-EB™, a suitable sterile field sphere can be created. The terminal ends 14 of the multiple components 10,12 remain within the sterile field sphere 60 until the possibility of contamination within the sealed components is significantly reduced to industry acceptable standards.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the sterilization-in-place of a bag assembly includes rigid bag and tube support members arranged in a clamshell configuration to surround and support the bag assembly so that pressurized steam can be supplied to the interior of the bag assembly without the danger of rupture.

Abstract: Compositions for caring for contact lenses and eyes include a liquid aqueous medium and a vitamin derivative component present in an amount effective as a surfactant in the composition. The compositions can be used to clean, soak, re-wet and, with the inclusion of a disinfectant, disinfect contact lenses. In addition, the compositions are effective as artificial tears and eye wash solutions. Methods for contact lens care and eye care are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sterilization cassette and a sterilization method for sterilizing, storing, and dispensing dental instruments. The sterilization cassette includes a mounting bar and a locking bar for dental pliers of various types, a removable instrument tray, and a case with a front side which opens and hinges in two places, allowing the cassette to be arranged in horizontal and vertical configurations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to new and improved solutions for packaging contact lenses and to methods for treating contact lenses with such solutions to improve the comfort of the lenses during wear. In particular, the present invention is directed to packing solutions comprising certain non-ionic surfactants containing a poly(oxyalkylene) copolymer and having a molecular weight of 4000 to 30,000. Such surfactants are retained on the surface of an unused lens for extended periods of time, resulting in surface modification that persists in the eye, thereby providing significant improvement in the wetting properties of fresh contact lenses used for the first time and, moreover, even several hours after lens insertion, preventing dryness and improving lubricity.

Abstract: An obturator prevents the tips or flaps of a duck-bill valve from self-adhering during storage or during sterilization procedures. The obturator holds the tips apart until the end-user is ready to use the valve. The duck-bill valve is used as an air outlet valve in blood reservoirs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for illuminating a fluid having photosensitive material therein comprising a surface and a roller separated from the surface by a space. The space is adapted to receive a flexible container therein. The flexible container on the surface contacts the roller and the surface for translation through the space. A light source is adapted to transmit light to the space to illuminate the fluid and react with the photosensitive material as the flexible container translates through the space.

Abstract: Use of a solution comprising glucose for peritoneal dialysis, in which the glucose portion is sterilised separately from the remaining components at a high glucose concentration above about 20% and mixed after sterilisation, substantially according to WO 93/09820. The solution has a reduced formation of advanced glycosylation end products and the use is indicated for diabetic uremic patients.

Abstract: Wear resistance and oxidation resistance of polymer material or a polymer component for bioimplantation are improved by packaging a polymer object in a sealed gas impermeable package substantially free of oxygen, irradiating the package with penetrating radiation to an extent sufficient to effect a desired substantial level of cross-linking within the polymer, and warming the packaged object while maintaining an elevated hydrostatic pressure to cause gases released during irradiation to recombine, stabilizing the material against subsequent oxidative change. The pressure stabilization terminates active sites, substantially eliminating free radicals. When applied to finished parts, the process simultaneously hardens and sterilizes the parts without degrading mechanical properties or dimensions. When applied to bulk material or unfinished parts, the part may be subsequent machined or otherwise finished, and sterilized by any conventional means.

Abstract: A method is described for sterilizing a fiber based container that contains a food product without damaging the container. The method involves placing the filled container in an autoclave, and supplying steam into the closed autoclave to raised the temperature to a sterilization temperature and at a pressure above atmospheric. The temperature required for sterilizing the food product is greater than the critical temperature for the container. The cooling phase involves introducing cooling air into the autoclave to reduce the temperature below the critical temperature without introducing moisture, and then supplying cool water to lower the temperature of the container rapidly. The use of this method provides effective sterilization in a reduced cycle time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for sterilization of objects including the steps of placing the object that should be sterilized in a closed vessel; placing the closed vessel between two high voltage electrodes; applying a high voltage between the electrodes and converting the oxygen in the air inside the closed vessel into ozone; and keeping the sterilized object inside the closed vessel as long as needed. A "closed vessel" includes also any form of closed container or any closed plastic bag. The closed vessel may or may not have internal electric conductors. Furthermore, the invention provides a device for ozone sterilization of objects for use in the method.

Abstract: A lens case for disinfecting, cleaning, or storing contact lenses is described that provides a sealing and venting system for allowing the release of gas while avoiding liquid leakage. The venting means allows venting of gas when internal pressure increases, while maintaining a seal that is substantially gas and liquid-impermeable at other times. The lens case includes a cap securable to a container barrel and a mating cap. The venting of gas occurs via a tortuous-path mechanism resulting from appropriate surface roughness being produced on at least one of a pair of mating surfaces forming a seal between the cap and the container. In a preferred embodiment, a relatively roughened surface is produced on a cap flange that is in the shape of a circular lip downwardly extending from the inner surface of the cap. The mating surface of the cap flange sealingly presses against the rim portion of the container.

Abstract: A device for surface sterilization of objects includes a housing, a conveyor assembly including a frame, a conveyor bed selectively movably connected to the frame and a plurality of legs spacedly disposed beneath and supporting the frame above a support surface. At least part of the conveyor bed is located longitudinally within the housing to thereby movably support objects to be surface sterilized as they are passed through the housing from a contaminated area to a clean area. An air filtration system is in communication with the housing, and at least one ultraviolet light assembly is located within of the housing to decontaminate the object to be surface sterilized within the sterilization device as the object is transferred via the conveyor through the housing and into the clean area.

Abstract: A method of forming a filter package includes disposing a filter and a liquid in a container with the filter immersed in the liquid and sanitizing the liquid and the filter while in the container. After sanitizing, the container may be hermetically sealed to enclose the sanitized liquid and filter. The container may be vented during sanitizing to allow vapor of the liquid to exit from the container and prevent pressure from building up in the container. The container may be either rigid or flexible.

Abstract: A pool or spa sterilizing device is provided including a housing having an interior space. An ultra-violet tube is positioned in the interior space of the housing and is adapted to emit ultra-violet radiation upon the receipt of power. A power cord is included having a first end with a standard grounded power plug for being releasably connected with an alternating current receptacle and a second end electrically connected to the ultra-violet tube. As such, power is supplied to the ultra-violet tube upon the plug of the power cord being plugged into the current receptacle.

Abstract: A method for a single step sterilization of a ready-pack, such as a blister pack, in an autoclave is described. The ready pack includes a container, such as a syringe, filled with a substance. The environment in the autoclave, that is, the temperature, the heating period and, preferably, the pressure is controlled to sterilize simultaneously the ready-pack and its contents by circulating steam in the autoclave. The steam penetrates into the blister pack through a steam-permeable base. The temperature is maintained between about 120.degree. C. to 130.degree. C. for about 15-20 minutes.

Abstract: The invention provides a rotary processor, which uses magnetic fields to increase the heating or cooling of containers. The invention provides the magnetic fields along the sides of the rotary processor before or after the containers are rotated under the force of friction due to gravity. The magnetic field increase the number of transition phases of rotation, by creating a force of friction caused by the magnets which will rotate the containers and then removing the magnetic fields so that the containers stop rotating.

Abstract: System employing a sterile medical solution containing glucose or glucose polymers, for example nutritional solutions or solutions for peritoneal dialysis, whereby the majority of the solution is packed in a first package, while the glucose or the glucose polymers are separately packed in a second package, whereafter the two packages are heat sterilized. The content of the glucose or glucose polymers in the second package is maintained above 10% by weight, preferably above 20% by weight and most preferably in the order of 40% by weight in order to reduce or totally eliminate the breakdown of glucose. The medical solution after sterilization, mixing and diluting to 1.5% glucose content has an absorbency caused by breakdown products from glucose at 228 nm less than 0.35 and preferably in the order of 0.20 or lower. The medical solution is also defined in that after sterilization, mixing and dilution to 1.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for managing retort over-pressure during pressure cooling. The invention allows the specification of an initial cooling temperature and a final cooling temperature and a final cooling pressure. Using these values the invention provides a pressure ramping to manage retort over-pressure.

Abstract: In a method for aseptically drawing off food and drink into plastic containers, the container sheet is plasticized for molding the containers and subsequently molded in a sterile environment, after which the container recesses are filled and closed off by means of a lid sheet. For this method and before the filling process, the container sheet is acted upon in a longitudinal segment by means of steam for sterilization purposes and is cooled on its side opposite to the steam-impingement area. Before it is supplied to the container sheet, the lid sheet is sterilized. After they are sterilized and until they are combined, the lid sheet and the container sheet are kept in germ-free surroundings. In order to be sterilized on both sides, the container sheet is acted upon reciprocally in the flat state before it is molded, with steam in two consecutive treatment processes in, in each case, the same length segment, and, at the same time, cooled.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for terminal sterilization of prefilled packages is disclosed. A prefilled package such as syringe, vial, cartridge, or bottle is inserted into a sterilization chamber. The chamber is pressurized with a gas having a humidity between 0% to 100%. The gas is then heated such that the prefilled package does not fail and a vapor is generated within said prefilled package which is lethal to pathogens. The package is then cooled to drop the temperature of the prefilled package.

Abstract: Refuse is sterilized by a system in which refuse is placed into a dumpster, the dumpster having an injection manifold adjacent to the bottom. The dumpster is placed into an autoclave, and steam enters the autoclave and is directed through the injection manifold so that all the steam passes through the refuse. The pressure within the autoclave is controlled to remain relatively low, around 20 psi, and the steam is continued until the temperature is at least 212.degree. F.