Abstract: A novel contact lens package containing a silicone hydrogel soft contact lens, which can be offered to the market in a hermetically sealed preserved state with excellent shape stability (dimensional stability). Also provided is a manufacturing method of the same. The novel contact lens package is manufactured by using a silicone hydrogel contact lens as a soft contact lens, sealing both a storage solution so as to contain a phosphoric acid and the silicone hydrogel contact lens in a housing area of a contact lens package, and then performing high pressure steam sterilization processing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sterile aqueous suspension containing ciclesonide, a microgel and a water soluble ionic polymer. The present invention provides a sterile aqueous suspension in which ciclesonide is dispersed homogeneously over a long period of time.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating superheated steam capable of reducing or eliminating microorganisms associated with an item includes a gas heater for heating a gas, a steam generator coupled to the gas heater and having a reservoir for supplying water, wherein the heater heats the gas such that when water is combined therewith, a mixture of superheated steam and gas capable of reducing or eliminating microorganisms is discharged from the apparatus. The generation of the steam-gas mixture may be done at one atmosphere of pressure and the mixing may be done prior to expelling the fluid from the apparatus. The apparatus may be configured as a hand-held device, A method of treating an item for microorganisms includes generating a superheated steam at approximately one atmosphere of pressure, directing a flow of the steam onto the item, and reducing or eliminating microorganisms using the steam.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating biological content within a container is provided. The apparatus includes a medical sterilization container having a cover removably attached to the medical sterilization container. An enclosable, sterilizable interior compartment is formed by the medical sterilization container and the cover, wherein the interior compartment is sized to house at least one medical instrument. A biological indicator is located at least partially in communication with the interior compartment, wherein the biological indicator provides at least one indication of biological content within the interior compartment after the medical sterilization container and cover are subjected to a sterilization process.

Abstract: A drug solution container package, which can restrain degradation of a drug solution, proliferation of microbes, etc. accompanying the transmission of oxygen in a high degree while maintaining characteristics required of plastic drug solution containers such as heat resistance, impact resistance, pliability, transparency, and resistance against elution of plastic forming material, and to provide a method for manufacturing the drug solution container package. A drug solution is first contained and sealed in a plastic drug solution container having an oxygen gas transmission rate (25° C., 60% RH) of not less than 200 cm3/m2·24 h·atm within twelve hours after being subject to steam or hot water sterilization, and having an oxygen gas transmission rate (25° C.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus and method to sterilize surgical trays. A cabinet has filtered cabinet roof vents, filtered cabinet floor vents, door(s) sealably covering a cabinet front aperture, shelves sized to support surgical trays, and wheels. Surgical trays are placed within the cabinet, the cabinet doors are closed, and the mobile apparatus is placed within an autoclave and sterilized. The cabinet doors are not unsealed until the cabinet is in the operating room, ready for use. During use in the operating room, doors are opened, trays removed, and their contents used. Wheels on the cabinet facilitate moving the cabinet from autoclave to storage or operating room. Chemical indicators and a locator card may be used to verify the sterilization status and autoclave history of the cabinet and its contents. Method steps include periodically replacing the filters and door gasket.

Abstract: Methods for preparing sterilized baclofen solutions include adjusting the pH to below a desired pH, and steam sterilizing the solution with adjusted pH, which results in the solution having the desired pH. Such solutions may also have low concentrations of 4-CPP. Injectable baclofen solutions having greater than 2 mg/mL baclofen include between 5 mM and 25 mM of a phosphate or sulfate species. The solution has an ionic strength equivalent of about 1.5 M NaCl. The present application also provides baclofen formulations for use in treating spasticity, brain injury, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, cervical injury, multiple sclerosis, thoracic injury, or withdrawal symptoms.

Abstract: An apparatus and procedure for efficiently sterilizing waste material or products. The apparatus includes a reactor in the form of a cylindrical container housing two cylindrical tubes, a larger first tube and a smaller second tube. A first helical blade extends inwardly from the inner surface of the second tube, and a second helical blade bridges the outer surface of the second tube to the inner surface of the first tube. As the set of tubes is rotated in unison, material flows in one direction within the second tube and in the opposite direction in the space between the tubes. This axially compact design allows non stop introduction and extraction of waste, efficient use of heat energy, provided by steam injected into the reactor through a steam port, and allows for material to be input into and extracted from the device both at one end of the reactor.

Abstract: Methods of reclaiming plastic from infectious medical waste and manufacturing medical devices from reclaimed plastic are described. Medical devices made from plastic reclaimed from infectious medical waste are also described.

Abstract: A water system for a vehicle is provided. The water system comprises at least one water supply source, at least one water-conducting device, at least one closing valve and at least one germ reduction connection. The germ reduction connection and the water supply source are connected to the water-conducting device. The germ reduction connection is designed to introduce a germ-reducing fluid into the water-conducting device. The closing valve is arranged between the water supply source and the germ reduction connection and is designed to be fully closed thus preventing the ingress of germ-reducing fluid into the water supply source. By means of such a water system it is possible to carry out sterilization or disinfection very easily and quickly without this requiring any major maintenance work.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gelling bioadhesive pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more local anaesthetics in base form and which is suitable for topical administration. The compositions have anisotropic organic phase behaviour that admits swelling at administration site with excess water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for providing an aseptic chromatography column, said method comprising the steps of: pre-sterilize an empty chromatography column; pre-sterilize a chromatography medium; introducing the pre-sterilized chromatography medium into the pre-sterilized chromatography column using aseptic equipment, thereby providing an aseptic chromatography column comprising chromatography medium.

Abstract: The invention discloses a sterilization device (1), to sterilize media, equipment and/or decontamination of waste material, said sterilization device (1) comprising a chamber (2), at least one exhaust line (6) arranged to said chamber (2) and at least one gas generator arranged to said chamber (2), at least two sterile filters (8a, 8b) arranged in series in the exhaust line (6), at least one vacuum means (7) connected to the chamber (2) via said exhaust line (6) and said at least two filters (8a, 8b). At least one heating means (9) is arranged to said exhaust line (6) between said two sterile filters (8a, 8b) in order to vaporize condensate that develops between the filters. Furthermore, it is disclosed a sterilization process for sterilization of media, equipment and/or decontamination of waste material, a vaporizing system (12) of a sterilization device and use of such a vaporizing system (12) in a sterilization device.

Abstract: Method of disinfecting floors by injecting hot, wet compressed air into the floor, this air being produced by a generator, whether on board or not, consisting of two cylinders of different diameters, one (1) of large diameter into which the atmospheric air is drawn and then compressed in a chamber (11) to a pressure and temperature sufficient to allow almost instantaneous vaporization of a dose of liquid and the other (6), facing the chamber, of smaller diameter in which the charge of humidified compressed air will be partly expanded so as to bring it back to the chosen pressure and temperature for use in order to inject it into the floor.

Abstract: The apparatus and method for sterilising caps/stoppers for pharmaceutical purposes comprises a vessel, pump, heater, circulation line. The sterilising liquid (hot water, steam) is heated and pumped to the vessel where a fluidised bed of caps etc. is generated. After leaving the vessel the liquid is circulated/heated. Optionally an additive (siliconisation in case rubber parts) or cooling liquid is added. Further, the vessel is disconnectably attached to the supply lines for transportation to a production facility.

Abstract: A system for disinfecting regulated refuse using steam disinfection used a refuse container where the regulated refuse is deposited. Temperature sensors are positioned below and above the refuse to detect the temperature of the disinfecting process, while a recording device operationally connected to the temperature sensors creates an identifying chart, which provides for identification of the time and temperature of processing, origin of the regulated refuse, as well as date and location of the processing.

Abstract: A method for treating municipal solid waste and other waste is provided which comprises: introducing said waste into a rotary autoclave which is downwardly inclined towards its discharge end and has a door at the discharge end; and injecting steam through said door into said autoclave to treat the load. A method is also provided for treating waste, comprising steam autoclaving the waste, anaerobically digesting an organic-rich fraction of the autoclaved waste, recovering methane-containing gas from anaerobic digestion, internally combusting the methane-containing gas to generate power and exhaust gas, and generating steam for autoclaving using the waste heat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for providing a sterile connected device, especially of sensitive material, such as material not compatible with sterilization by gamma irradiation. The method comprises providing connectors and a tubing in an autoclave bag, and autoclaving the sealed autoclave bag containing the connectors and tubing for sterilization. Optionally, the connectors and tubing are assembled prior to autoclave. Also provided are sterile, connected devices sterilized according to the present method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for the sterilization of natural products without negatively effecting the properties of the system having a sterilization chamber; a sample area within the sterilization chamber to hold one or more steam permeable containers; a heater source connected to the sterilization chamber for heating the sterilization chamber to a predetermined temperature; a heater control unit connected to the heater source for controlling the predetermined temperature; a pressure source connected to the sterilization chamber for pressurizing the sterilization chamber to a predetermined pressure; a pressure control unit connected to the pressure source for controlling the predetermined pressure; a steam aperture for supplying steam to the sterilization chamber; a steam control unit connected to the temperature and duration of the steam; and an interface connected to the heater control unit, pressure control unit, and steam control unit.

Abstract: According to the invention a method (and corresponding system) of enhancing application of high intensity acoustic waves is provided, wherein acoustic waves, e.g. ultrasound, and a gaseous medium, e.g. steam, coincide at a treatment zone. This is achieved by a combination of one or more high intensity acoustic generators and/or reflectors. In this way, enhanced efficiency in an area of the gaseous medium (or where the gaseous medium is to affect something) is obtained since a second generator or a reflector is located so that the acoustic waves directly influence the gaseous medium.

Abstract: To provide a sterilization method of container-packaged food which has a high effect on mixture food of solid food/soup and a filling system where all processes and devices can be simplified, a pre-seal lid material (PS), that has been cut to a dimension covering the opening of a cup filled with solid food, e.g. a dimension corresponding to the outer circumference of the flange of the cup, is fixed to a cup holder (CH) at a position for covering the cup opening by means of a holding bolt (31a) without being fusion bonded to the cup flange portion (CF), while a ventilation state between the head space of the cup and the air in a sterilization chamber is maintained. Thereafter, steam sterilization to the cup is performed in the sterilization chamber and the cup is transported to a clean box, filled with sterilized soup.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterilization in which items to be sterilized are placed in an impervious sealable package and the sterilization process is carried out within the package. The apparatus (10) includes a cabinet (18) in which a package (P) preferably with a carrier (11) located within, can be positioned. A snorkel (17) is inserted into the package (P) and via connector (23) vacuum, pressure and sterilant can be applied to the interior of the package (P). A sealing arrangement (14b, 22b) can seal the package closed after the sterilization process has been completed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sterilization testing device comprised of a housing with a test chamber, an indicator placed therein, and with a supply for supplying the sterilization medium. According to the invention, the sterilization testing device consists of at least two housing parts that are matched to one another. A supply channel is made inside the housing part and serves to supply the sterilization medium. The supply channel is configured in such a manner that it forms the base body of the test chamber. The test chamber accommodates the indicator that indicates the completion of the sterilization process. Alternatively to this solution, the invention provides a variant, which is very effective with regard to manufacturing and which permits a quantitative statement regarding the sterilization. Webs are formed inside the housing in the at least partially meandering and/or spiral configuration of the supply channel.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for preparing a product for fermentation comprising the steps: i. sterilizing and expanding a substrate to obtain a sterile expanded substrate, ii. cooling and inoculating the sterile expanded substrate by contacting the sterile expanded substrate with a cooling medium and an inoculum to obtain a cooled inoculated substrate. The expansion step can be performed using techniques from the state of the art known as popping or puffing. The method can be performed in standard equipment and is very flexible in its use. Furthermore, the method allows reducing the time and energy necessary to obtain a product for fermentation, such as solid state fermentation.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing a plastic bottle in an aseptic filling system according to which at least an inner surface or an outer surface of a bottle is sterilized by injecting a heated sterilizing fluid at 65° C.-90° C. while maintaining internal pressure of the bottle at 1 kPa-20 kPa.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterilization of infectious waste including animals, infected animal herds, infected human corpses and other infected material and proper disposal of resultant waste. The method and apparatus specifically relates to methods of safely sterilizing and disposing of infectious and non-infectious bio-waste in a cost effective manner.

Abstract: A sterilization method of a food cooling device employing a temperature difference effect, includes a sterilizing space to accommodate energy conductive tubes with cold water within and a steam transited to the sterilizing space for a fast temperature difference phenomenon and further a temperature difference effect created by low-temperature fluid inside and steam outside the energy conductive tubes in which the temperature difference effect strengthens lethality to colon bacillus or Salmonella and separates residual food from the energy conductive tubes' walls for cleaning effectively delivered by the energy conductive tubes and food healthily processed by the food cooling device.

Abstract: There is described a method for sterilizing a device. The method includes: masking a portion of the device from a sterilization protocol using a mask; sterilizing a portion of the device using a first sterilization protocol; and sterilizing a portion of the device using a second sterilization protocol; where the mask shields the masked portion of the device from at least one of the sterilization protocols or attenuates the effect of at least one of the sterilization protocols in the masked portion. There is also described a system for sterilizing a device. The system includes a first sterilant; a second sterilant; and a mask for shielding a portion of the device from at least one of the sterilants.

Abstract: A steam generation system comprises: an oxygenated water treatment (OWT) sub-system configured to generate water having oxidizing chemistry; a steam generation sub-system configured to convert the water having oxidizing chemistry into steam having oxidizing chemistry; an attemperator or other injection device or devices configured to add an oxygen scavenger to the steam having oxidizing chemistry to generate steam having less oxidizing or reducing chemistry; and a condenser configured to condense the steam having less oxidizing or reducing chemistry into condensed water.

Abstract: A pre-assembled orthopaedic implant adapted for improved gas sterilization. The implant includes a first component adapted for assembly with a second component such that a mating surface of the first component is in close proximity with a mating surface of the second component. At least one gas conduit associated with the mating surface of the first component facilitates a sterilizing gas to penetrate into and dissipate from the interface defined by the mating surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a chamber where a base concentrate common to at least a first flavored food product and a second flavored food product is formed, the first flavored food product having different flavoring than the second flavored food product, the base concentrate having a first temperature. The apparatus also comprises a process line that receives the base concentrate from the chamber, heated liquid from a heated liquid source, and flavoring from either a first flavor source or a second flavor source to form a mixture of base concentrate, heated liquid and flavoring. The mixture has a has second temperature sufficient to achieve a change in the mixture selected from the group consisting of microbial change, chemical change, biochemical change, and enzymatic change, and combinations thereof. A method is also disclosed for change over from forming a first flavored food product to forming a second flavored food product.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a chamber where a base concentrate common to at least a first flavored food product and a second flavored food product is formed, the first flavored food product having different flavoring than the second flavored food product, the base concentrate having a first temperature. The apparatus also comprises a process line that receives the base concentrate from the chamber, heated liquid from a heated liquid source, and flavoring from either a first flavor source or a second flavor source to form a mixture of base concentrate, heated liquid and flavoring. The mixture has a has second temperature sufficient to achieve a change in the mixture selected from the group consisting of microbial change, chemical change, biochemical change, and enzymatic change, and combinations thereof. A method is also disclosed for change over from forming a first flavored food product to forming a second flavored food product.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of manufacturing a sterile ciclesonide-containing aqueous suspension comprising the step of sterilization by autoclaving a ciclesonide-containing aqueous suspension.

Abstract: A sterilizing apparatus includes an enclosure defining an interior chamber and a door for accessing the interior chamber. A fluid source communicates with the chamber to supply a working fluid thereto. A heater heats the fluid in the chamber and a pump moves the fluid in the chamber by the heater. A valve communicates with the chamber and with the exterior of the chamber and is configured to vent the fluid in the chamber to the exterior at a pressure of approximately one atmosphere. Such provides superheating and concentrating of the working fluid in the chamber. A method of sterilization includes introducing a working fluid into an interior chamber and circulating the fluid through at least one recirculation loop having a heater for heating the fluid to an operational temperature suitable for killing microorganisms. The method further provides for killing of very high temperature resistant microorganisms.

Abstract: A sterilizing apparatus for retorted products is provided, which can transfer the retorted products unidirectionally to and from a retort and which can heat and sterilize the retorted products homogeneously for a short time, while sliding a carriage carrying the retorted products reciprocally in the retort. The rotating motions of a rotating drive source (16) disposed on the outside portion of the retort (3) are transmitted through a shaft sealing mechanism (13) to a cam mechanism in the retort, and are converted into reciprocal motions by the cam mechanism and transmitted to the carriage (7) carrying the retorted products (4), so that the retorted products can be heated and sterilized while the carriage (7) being slid forward and backward or rightward and leftward of the retort.

Abstract: A method for heating and pasteurizing a material, comprising placing the material inside of a semi-sealed chamber at atmospheric pressure that contains an atmosphere produced by replacing air in the chamber with a gas component produced by spraying or injecting hot water droplets and steam at a temperature of at least 100° C. into the chamber which is heated to a temperature of at least 100° C. which is equal to or higher than the temperature of the sprayed hot water droplets and steam, which gas component has a humidity of at least 95% and contains no more than 1% oxygen; contacting said material to the gas component for exposing it to continual temperature variation during heating ranging from 10-50° C. inside the chamber at temperature(s) ranging from 90-180° C. for a time sufficient to heat or pasteurize it. An apparatus for performing this method.

Abstract: A portable steam sterilizer for surgical and dental instruments includes an outer casing and a pressure chamber configured to receive steam therein. A tray is configured to hold the instruments and is releasably received within the pressure chamber while a boiler is in fluid communication with the pressure chamber for providing steam thereto. The sterilizer further includes a container for receiving condensed steam evacuated from the pressure chamber. The container is spaced from the outer casing and includes a main body and a lid that is substantially non-rotationally coupled to the main body. A conduit is coupled to the lid and fluid communicates the container with the pressure chamber. The main body of the container may include a base while the lid may include a wall oriented generally orthogonal to the base.

Abstract: Systems (e.g., bioprocessing systems), including methods and apparatus, for controlling the flow of a sterilizing agent (e.g., steam) and/or at least one fluid reagent by utilizing a pressure-responsive valve, such as a rupture valve and/or a swing valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ciclesonide-containing sterile aqueous suspension sterilized by autoclaving, wherein the concentration of ciclesonide after autoclaving is 95% or more compared to that before autoclaving.

Abstract: The present invention provides a steam sterilizer including a primary container and a secondary container. The primary container includes a primary base. The interior of the primary base is provided with a heating means. The surface of the primary base is covered by a primary box having a downward opening. The secondary container movably covers the top of the primary box. The secondary container includes a secondary base. The surface of the secondary base is covered by a secondary box having a downward opening. The top of the primary box is provided with a primary through-hole for allowing steam to flow through. The bottom of the secondary base is provided with a secondary through-hole corresponding to the primary through-hole. The secondary container is movably disposed on the top of the primary container to share the steam.

Abstract: The invention relates mainly to an apparatus comprising a chamber for physically and/or chemically treating one or more samples or products, said apparatus comprising a door for introducing samples inside the apparatus chamber or bringing samples outside the apparatus, said apparatus comprising a membrane or film defining a chamber wall inside said apparatus when the door is closed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for drying instruments using superheated steam is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a chamber for receiving the instruments, a distribution means for distributing superheated steam within the chamber and an exhaust means for purging vaporized moisture from the chamber. The chamber has at least one inlet port which is connected to the distribution means. The method comprises sterilizing the instruments using saturated steam generated by the steam generation means and drying the instruments using superheated steam generated by the steam generation means to vaporize moisture within the chamber and purging the vaporized moisture from the chamber using the exhaust means.

Abstract: The present invention, inter alia, relates to a closed sterilized container comprising at least one carrier which is a stabilizer; and at least one biomolecule reversibly attached to the carrier, wherein said carrier partially or completely covers the attached biomolecules and wherein said at least one carrier is selected from the group consisting of (poly)peptides such as dipeptides or tripeptides, amino acids, polyalcohols, polyethyleneglycols, ionic liquids, compatible solutes, saponins and a mixture thereof. The invention also relates to methods for producing sterilized containers according to the invention and uses thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a chamber where a base concentrate common to at least a first flavored food product and a second flavored food product is formed, the first flavored food product having different flavoring than the second flavored food product, the base concentrate having a first temperature. The apparatus also comprises a process line that receives the base concentrate from the chamber, heated liquid from a heated liquid source, and flavoring from either a first flavor source or a second flavor source to form a mixture of base concentrate, heated liquid and flavoring. The mixture has a has second temperature sufficient to achieve a change in the mixture selected from the group consisting of microbial change, chemical change, biochemical change, and enzymatic change, and combinations thereof. A method is also disclosed for change over from forming a first flavored food product to forming a second flavored food product.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing a set of medical instrument trays with a. set of instruments is provided. The method comprises the step of linking, selectively, transparent sterilization, storage, display and transport (SSDT) devices together and further includes the step of loading each SSDT device with a portion of the set of medical instrument trays when the lid assembly is removed and closing, sealing and latching each loaded SSDT device individually with the transparent lid assembly, The method includes the step of sterilizing, simultaneously, the closed, sealed and latched SSDT devices linked together so that the portion of the set of medical instrument trays in each SSDT is visible in the interior chamber of the sterilized SSDT device through the transparent lid assembly. During sterilizing, at least two medical instrument trays in each SSDT are visible 360° in the interior chamber of the sterilized SSDT device through the transparent lid assembly.

Abstract: An autoclave for the sterilization of clinical dental instruments is described, of the type comprising a sterilization chamber (1) equipped with a series of appliance fittings (4) for the inflow and outflow of fluids, and apt to contain a load of instruments onto which to carry through a sterilization cycle, characterized in that said appliance fittings (4) are gathered on at least one connection body or partition (3), with which a reducing container (7) is quickly able to be engaged and disengaged, which container has a volume apt to contain at least one instrument to be sterilized, the inner volume of such container (7) communicating with said appliance fittings (4) and said container (7) being apt to be entirely contained within said sterilization chamber (1). The small-volume container for said autoclave is further described, as well as a full treatment system employing said container.

Abstract: A system for disinfecting regulated refuse using steam disinfection used a refuse container where the regulated refuse is deposited. Temperature sensors are positioned below and above the refuse to detect the temperature of the disinfecting process, while a recording device operationally connected to the temperature sensors creates an identifying chart, which provides for identification of the time and temperature of processing, origin of the regulated refuse, as well as date and location of the processing.

Abstract: A reusable container for the sterile transfer of pharmaceutical recipients, in particular of syringe bodies. The container comprises an outer case and a sterilizable interior, wherein the interior is microbially isolated from the environment of the container. The interior has at least one holder for accommodating at least one nest for storing a plurality of pharmaceutical recipients. The nest can be removably accommodated in the holder. The container further has at least one container door for removing or introducing the nest into the interior and at least one lock for coupling the container to a sterile space. The lock is configured in such a way that, after coupling to the sterile space, it is possible to open the container door without substantially suspending sterility.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing a plastic bottle in an aseptic filling system according to which at least an inner surface or an outer surface of a bottle is sterilized by injecting a heated sterilizing fluid at 65° C.-90° C. while maintaining internal pressure of the bottle at 1 kPa-20 kPa.

Abstract: A method for the disinfection of climatic cabinets in particular is provided. The method comprises the following steps: generating a disinfecting hot atmosphere in the space to be disinfected by supplying heat and evaporating water in a heating-up phase; when a temperature of at least 95±5° C.