Abstract: Non-flammable sterilizing gas compositions of ethylene oxide and a flame suppressant comprising pentafluoroethane and heptafluoropropane are useful in the gaseous sterilization of heat and/or moisture sensitive materials. The sterilizing gas compositions are environmentally acceptable and are more efficient and safer to use than conventional sterilant gas mixtures.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an absorbent liner for use in a sterilization process and, more particularly, to an absorbent liner for cushioning surgical instruments and sterilization packs and providing an advantageous moisture absorption functionality during and after completion of a sterilization process. The absorbent liner functions advantageously with steam or ethylene oxide gas as the sterilization agent. The absorbent liner is fabricated from a material having a desired level of moisture absorption, e.g., on the order of at least about thirty percent (30%) by dry weight, and is preferably fabricated from a hydrophilic polymeric foam material, e.g., a hydrophilic polyurethane foam. The disclosed absorbent liner may be advantageously utilized in sterilizing surgical instruments and in conjunction with sterilization carts such that potential residual moisture is eliminated from the surface of the sterilized surgical instruments and the shelves of the sterilization carts.

Abstract: A washing vessel capable of housing an endoscope is formed in an apparatus body. A washing solution containing a detergent is spurted against the endoscope arranged within the washing vessel for washing the endoscope. Also, an oxide-based disinfecting-sterilizing solution is supplied into the washing vessel for disinfecting-sterilizing the endoscope after the washing step together with the washing vessel.

Abstract: Medical devices, and in particular implantable medical devices, may be coated to minimize or substantially eliminate a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. The medical devices may be coated with any number of biocompatible materials. Therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may be mixed with the biocompatible materials and affixed to at least a portion of the medical device. These therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may also further reduce a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. Various materials and coating methodologies may be utilized to maintain the drugs, agents or compounds on the medical device until delivered and positioned. An efficient and effective sterilization process is also set forth.

Abstract: Approaches are described for sterilizing medical and biological articles using sterilizing compositions. The sterilizing compositions include epoxy amine compounds and, optionally, alcohol. The epoxy amine compounds act as antimicrobial agents in the sterilizing compositions. In particular, medical articles can be sterilized and/or stored in the compositions described.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing musical instruments is provided. More particularly, a method of sterilizing musical wind instruments is provided for sterilizing, or at least sanitizing, musical wind instruments without damaging or degrading components of such instruments constructed of cloth, wood, plastic, rubber or fibrous materials. The method of the invention uses a gas diffusion process and a gas sterilant, such as ethylene oxide. A musical wind instrument is placed in a gas diffusion bag and a sterilizing atmosphere is created within the gas diffusion bag by releasing ethylene oxide into the gas diffusion bag at a sufficient concentration to act as a sterilant. Ethylene oxide is heated to an appropriate temperature and maintained at such temperature for a sufficient time to achieve sterilization, or at least sanitization, of the musical wind instrument contained therein.

Abstract: A method of removing sterilization gas from a load disposed in a chamber. In accordance with the method, the chamber is evacuated to a subatmospheric pressure. A diffusion gas comprising helium is provided. An amount of the diffusion gas is introduced into the chamber effective to create a superatmospheric diffusion pressure in the chamber. The diffusion gas is allowed to diffuse throughout the chamber to displace sterilization gas from the load. The chamber is evacuated to remove portions of the diffusion gas and the sterilization gas from the chamber.

Abstract: A method for reducing residual ethylene oxide levels in sterilized goods by reacting the residual ethylene oxide with water after the sterilization reaction is completed, thus converting some of the ethylene oxide into ethylene glycol according to the formula (I): The sterilizable material may be subjected to deep vacuum degassing following the reaction of formula (I).

Abstract: Compositions and methods of disinfecting and cleaning medical articles are disclosed. Disinfecting contact lenses by generating of peracetic acid in situ, while simultaneously cleaning with a proteolytic enzyme, is a preferred embodiment. Tablets for simple consumer use including disinfecting and cleaning means, and delayed release neutralizing means, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to sterilant gas compositions of pentafluorodimethyl ether and ethylene oxide which possess improved environmental properties.

Abstract: A sterilization system using a sterilization process monitoring device which is capable of indicating the efficacy of the sterilization process in an enclosed sterilization container while still maintaining the sealed state of the sterilization container. The process monitoring device comprises at least one biological indicator and/or at least one chemical indicator. Upon completion of the sterilization cycle, the process monitoring device can be advantageously removed from the system to determine chemical and/or biological efficacy of the sterilization process. The removal of the biological and/or chemical indicators does not disturb the sterilized state of the articles inside the sterilization container.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a single step sterilization wrapping material suitable for use, as an example, in wrapping surgical instruments and supplies for sterilization, transportation and storage. The material includes separate inner and outer wraps which, unlike previous wraps, are joined to one another. Common wrapping techniques involve wrapping items to be sterilized with two separate sheets of wrap. The present invention provides separate wraps which can be specially engineered to deliver specific properties for each sheet and then joined to one another so as to permit wrapping and opening in a neat single step process which increases efficiency and saves time and money. In special situations the outer wrap can be engineered with increased strength, the inner wrap with increased barrier properties and the inner and outer wraps can be made visually distinct from one another so that improper wrapping or opening, is not a problem.

Abstract: Methods of heat sterilizing polymers are disclosed. The methods involve the preparation of a polymer suspension in an water-miscible organic liquid and subsequent application of moderate heat for a period of time sufficient to sterilize the polymer.

Abstract: A method for aerating an ethylene oxide-sterilized article, said method comprising exposing said article to at least one co-adsorbate under conditions such that said co-adsorbate remains vaporized, said co-adsorbate having a partial pressure under said conditions sufficient to displace at least a portion of ethylene oxide adsorbed by said article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to inhibit bacteria from adhering to a submergible surface. The method contacts the submergible surface with an effective amount of at least one polyglycol fatty acid ester to inhibit bacterial adhesion to the submergible surface. The present invention also relates to a method for controlling biofouling of an aqueous system. This method adds an effective amount of at least one polyglycol fatty acid ester to inhibit bacteria from adhering to a submerged surface within the aqueous system. This method effectively controls biofouling without substantially killing the fouling organisms. The present invention also relates to a composition containing polyglycol fatty acid esters and useable in the above methods. The compositions comprise at least one polyglycol fatty acid ester in an amount effective to inhibit bacteria from adhering to submergible or submerged surfaces.

Abstract: Solid sanitizing compositions have advantages over corresponding liquids and powders. A solid sanitizing product can be contained within a plastic bottle with a label indicating that the contents have antimicrobial or deodorizing properties containing a non-flowable solid composition having greater than about 0.02 percent by weight antimicrobial compounds. The preferred solid sanitizing compositions consist essentially of an antimicrobial compound selected from the group consisting of quaternary ammonium salts, fatty amines and diamines, chlorhexidine gluconate, phenol, derivatives of phenol, parachloro metaxylenol and mixtures thereof, and between 0 and 99.98 percent by weight of a cleaning composition. The solid sanitizing compositions can be effectively used with solid dispensers. The solid dispensers have a bowl with a drain at the bottom and an upward pointing spray nozzle.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a process for the treatment of a surface with a hygiene agent which can include the steps of: a) providing at the surface a non-photochemical catalyst (such as a transition metal compound) which catalyses the formation of the hygiene agent from one or more precursors, whereby the catalyst becomes deposited at the surface, and, b) subsequently treating the surface with a treatment agent (such as a solution of hydrogen peroxide) having the or each hygiene agent precursor, such that the hygiene agent is generated at the surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions of ethylene oxide and heptafluoropropane and a method of sterilization using same. These environmentally acceptable compositions are chemically stable, minimally segregating, compatible with the objects being sterilized; provide sufficient vapor pressure to deliver the blend to the sterilization chamber, and possess improved flammability suppressant characteristics.

Abstract: Substantially solid (or nonflowable) antimicrobial compositions have advantages over corresponding liquids and powders. Such a composition may be contained within a plastic bottle with a label indicating that the contents have antimicrobial or deodorizing properties containing a substantially solid, non-flowable composition having greater than about 0.02 percent by weight antimicrobial compounds. The preferred compositions consist essentially of an antimicrobial compound selected from the group consisting of quaternary ammonium salts, fatty amines and diamines, chlorhexidine gluconate, phenol, derivatives of phenol, parachloro metaxylenol and mixtures thereof, and between 0 and 99.98 percent by weight of a cleaning composition. The compositions can be effectively used with solid dispensers. The solid dispensers have a bowl with a drain at the bottom and an upward pointing spray nozzle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a single step sterilization wrapping material suitable for use, as an example, in wrapping surgical instruments and supplies for sterilization, transportation and storage. The material includes separate inner and outer wraps which, unlike previous wraps, are joined to one another. Common wrapping techniques involve wrapping items to be sterilized with two separate sheets of wrap. The present invention provides separate wraps which can be specially engineered to deliver specific properties for each sheet and then joined to one another so as to permit wrapping and opening in a neat single step process which increases efficiency and saves time and money. In special situations the outer wrap can be engineered with increased strength, the inner wrap with increased barrier properties and the inner and outer wraps can be made visually distinct from one another so that improper wrapping or opening is not a problem.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method for sterilizing microbially contaminated materials, e.g., hospital linens, packaged goods, etc., by contact with a flammable chemical sterilant gas such as ethylene oxide, employs a bulk supply vessel for the sterilant gas and a small unit dosage vessel which receives a unit dosage of sterilant gas from the bulk supply vessel. The unit dosage vessel delivers a charge of sterilant gas to a separately enclosed sterilizing chamber in which the materials to be sterilized are placed. Water flooding means in a supply cabinet in which the bulk supply vessel is positioned, protects against possible deflagration of the sterilizing gas in the event of leakage or rupture of the gas supply means.

Abstract: A method for cleaning, decontaminating, and sterilizing catheters (10) using a combination of liquid and gaseous/plasma sterilization techniques to ensure the complete and efficient sterilization of a catheter (10). Angiographic dye and saline are removed from the interior (36) of the balloon (14) and its lumen (16). The outer surfaces of the catheter (10) and a guide wire lumen (18) of the catheter (10) are cleaned, decontaminated, and sterilized (42) with a liquid sterilant. The liquid sterilant fills a balloon (14) and a balloon lumen (16) of the catheter (10). The liquid sterilant is retained in the balloon (14) and the lumen (16) for a select amount of time. Thereafter, the liquid sterilant is drained from the balloon (14) and the balloon lumen (16). The filling, retaining, and draining steps are repeated until an interior (36) of the balloon (14) and the balloon lumen (16) are sterilized. Residual liquid sterilant is rinsed from the interior (36) of the balloon (14) and the balloon lumen (16).

Abstract: A method of decontaminating or sterilizing freeze dryers at low temperature and pressure levels by utilizing sterilant vapor is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for real-time monitoring and control of sterilization cycle parameters within a load-simulation device that simulates the same conditions as those within an acceptable standard challenge load to be sterilized. Integration of the device into the sterilizer control system allows critical sterilization parameter levels to be achieved and maintained within the simulated load throughout a sterilization cycle, thus resulting in a significant reduction in the number of unsuccessful cycles. A redundant parameter-monitoring system within the device is included. When acceptable sterilization parameter levels are shown to have been met, the sterile load is automatically released for use immediately upon completion of the cycle, thus eliminating the need for biological indicators and chemical integrators.

Abstract: An odor reducing blend and a method for reducing odor of manure. The odor reducing blend contains an effective amount of acidulated soybean soapstock and an effective amount of an emulsifier. The method includes providing an odor reducing effective amount of a odor reducing blend. The method also includes mixing the odor reducing blend with manure.

Abstract: A method for treating contact lenses with solutions including a material having (a) a hydrophobic core having at least three carbon atoms and (b) at least three hydrophilic polyethylene oxide chains attached to the core.

Abstract: A method and gas sterilizing unit for gas sterilization of a product. The method and gas sterilizing unit obviates the need of a separate preconditioning area or cell, the need to transfer items being sterilized to a separate sterilizing chamber and the need to further transfer the sterilized items to a separate degassing cell or area or room.

Abstract: Methods for sterilization of an article comprising contacting the article with a blend comprising an ethylene oxide sterilant and a propellant. The propellant comprises a fluoroiodocarbon of the general formula C.sub.a H.sub.b Br.sub.c Cl.sub.d F.sub.e I.sub.f N.sub.g O.sub.h, wherein a is between and including 1 and 8, b is between and including 0 and 2, c, d, g and h are each between and including 0 and 1, e is between and including 1 and 17, and f is between and including 1 and 2.

Abstract: A sterilizer for sterilizing objects with biocidal gas which is designed to resist the deleterious effects of the biocidal gas. The invention provides a sterilizer having a sterilizing chamber for holding the objects to be sterilized, and a gas control system for manipulating the gaseous environment within the sterilizing chamber. The sterilizer has a vacuum control system, a vacuum line in fluid communication with the sterilizing chamber, a humidity sensor connected to that vacuum line at a point removed from or outside of the sterilizing chamber, and an isolation valve connected to the vacuum line at a point between the sterilizing chamber and the humidity sensor for temporarily isolating the humidity sensor from the sterilizing chamber. This arrangement assures that the humidity sensor received a sufficient sample for reading the adequacy of the humidification of the objects to be sterilized, while at the same time protecting it from the biocidal gas.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a single step sterilization wrapping material suitable for use, as an example, in wrapping surgical instruments and supplies for sterilization, transportation and storage. The material includes separate inner and outer wraps which, unlike previous wraps, are joined to one another. Common wrapping techniques involve wrapping items to be sterilized with two separate sheets of wrap. The present invention provides separate wraps which can be specially engineered to deliver specific properties for each sheet and then joined to one another so as to permit wrapping and opening in a neat single step process which increases efficiency and saves time and money. In special situations the outer wrap can be engineered with increased strength, the inner wrap with increased barrier properties and the inner and outer wraps can be made visually distinct from one another so that improper wrapping or opening is not a problem.

Abstract: A double-sterile package for critical-use medical apparatus includes an inner first container including an outer boundary wall impervious to microorganisms and being closed except for defining a hole. A patch of gas-permeable micro-porous sheet material is secured to the outer boundary wall spanning and closing the hole. The gas-permeable sheet material is sufficient to exclude environmental microorganisms from entering the inner first container. The first container is received into and nested within a conformal second container also having a boundary wall impervious to microorganisms and being closed except for defining a hole. This hole of the second container is also closed by a patch of the gas-permeable micro-porous sheet material, and the holes of the first and second containers are in gas-flow communication with one another. The medical apparatus within the nested containers is sterilized by evacuation of air and introduction of a sterilizing gas via the gas-permeable patches.

Abstract: A breathable non-woven composite fabric having barrier capabilities to biological liquids comprised of at least one non-woven layer bonded to at least one surface of a thermoplastic microporous film, the non-woven composite fabric providing a barrier to passage of biological liquid when the composite fabric is subjected to contact with synthetic blood under the dictates of testing procedure ASTM ES21-92 and ES22-92 while maintaining a moisture of vapor transmission rate of greater than about 450 grams per square meter for 24 hours at about 75.degree. F. and about 65% relative humidity, the non-woven composite fabric having a breaking strength of at least about 14 pounds.

Abstract: Fresh urine to be tested eventually for detection of abuse-type drugs is preserved at room temperature for as long as six months by adding to the urine a small amount of a methanol solution of methyl and propyl parahydroxybenzoic acids.

Abstract: A sterilant gas mixture is presented for cold-gas sterilization, which comprises alkene oxide and 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane.The sterilant gas mixture comprises from 12 to 22 mol % of ethylene oxide or propylene oxide and from 78 to 88 mol % of 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane.

Abstract: Aerosol formulations substantially free of chlorofluorocarbons for oral and/or nasal administration are described. The formulations comprise 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane, a medicament, optionally an excipient and optionally a surfactant. Methods of treatment utilizing the formulations are also described.

Abstract: A human growth factor (HGF), a human growth factor-containing composition or a medical or surgical device such as a wound dressing or suture filled with a human growth factor-containing composition is sterilized employing an ethylene oxide gaseous sterilizant.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for recovering a sterilizing gas, in particular ethylene oxide, materials to be sterilized are sterilized with the sterilizing gas in a sterilizing chamber; the sterilizing gas/air mixture withdrawn from the sterilizing chamber is predried in a precooler; the predried sterilizing gas/air mixture is freed from residual moisture in a drier, the sterilizing gas liquefied in a low-temperature condenser and stored in a storage container until reuse in the sterilizing chamber. The sterilizing and the entire recovery of the sterilizing gas takes place at pressures beneath the atmospheric pressure surrounding the apparatus.

Abstract: A sterilization process for moisture sensitive products employing a closed system and moving unsealed products to be sterilized through a sterilizer, degassing chamber and a storage and package sealing chamber while maintaining the products in a dry pathogen free atmosphere.

Abstract: Aqueous wood treating compositions, containing compounds which contain elements selected from copper, chromium and arsenic and oxyalkylene polymer additives, provide improved stability to CCA solutions containing additives. In addition, the compositions of the present invention have been found to retard hardening effects associated with wood treated with commercial CCA solutions.

Abstract: Compositions, devices, and methods are disclosed for achieving rapid sterilization. A device for reducing surface tension in liquids is also disclosed. Both cationic and anionic surfactants are simultaneously present and used with a germicide to accelerate sterilization at room temperatures. One device includes a tablet, absorbent body, or other carrier which carries both an anionic surfactant and a cationic surfactant. Another device includes a hermetically sealable envelope which contains an anionic surfactant and a cationic surfactant, preferably with a germicide which impregnates an absorbent liner. The composition includes a germicide, an anionic surfactant, and a cationic surfactant. Glutaraldehyde solutions are the preferred germicides; sulfosuccinic acid, ester with ethoxylated lauryl alcohol, disodium salt is a preferred anionic surfactant; and, a quaternary ammonium salt is the preferred cationic surfactant. A sterilization method is performed by exposing an object to the disclosed compositions.

Abstract: An odor control method includes an inlet section of a chamber for spraying waste gas with a suitable reactive chemical agent, for odor removal purposes. An electrostatic precipitator is mounted downstream of the inlet section, within the chamber, for removing chemical residues. The electrical field strength of the electrostatic precipitator is adjustable as needed, to satisfy operating system requirements.

Abstract: A breathable non-woven composite fabric having barrier capabilities to biological liquids comprised of at least one non-woven layer bonded to at least one surface of a thermoplastic microporous film, the non-woven composite fabric providing a barrier to passage of biological liquid when the composite fabric is subjected to contact with synthetic blood under the dictates of testing procedure ASTM ES 21 92 while maintaining a moisture of vapor transmission rate of greater than about 450 grams per square meter for 24 hours at about 75.degree. F. and about 65% relative humidity, the non-woven composite fabric having a breaking strength of at least about 14 pounds.

Abstract: A steriliser apparatus includes a chamber in which an article or material to be sterilised is placed and a sterilising gas or vapour is then introduced into the chamber to contact and sterilise the article or material. The free sterilant gas or vapour in the chamber is removed and the article or material subjected to a desorbing step during which the concentration of sterilising gas or vapour in the chamber is measured by a sampling device in which a sample of chamber atmosphere is exposed to microwave radiation and the absorption spectrum monitored to determine the concentration of sterilising gas or vapour present in the chamber.

Abstract: Compositions of ethylene oxide and monochlorotetrafluoroethane which are useful as sterilizing agents. These novel compositions are environmentally acceptable, possess improved flammability suppressant characteristics, and are capable of maintaining a greater ethylene oxide concentration than traditional sterilizing gas compositions.

Abstract: A composition and method for disinfecting and cleaning contact lenses is taught wherein the lenses are contacted with a composition including solid PVP-H.sub.2 O.sub.2 and a solid neutralizing component for neutralizing residual H.sub.2 O.sub.2. The composition may also include a preserved saline solution in which the composition components are contacted with the lenses substantially simultaneously. The neutralizer component may be a metal catalyst, a chemical salt or an enzyme. The effect of the neutralizer component may be delayed until after disinfecting is complete.

Abstract: Method of sterilizing a packaging material with a sterilizing agent in liquid form. The packaging material is discharged in order to eliminate electrostatic surface charged on the packaging material, after which the packaging material is wetted with the sterilizing agent which is applied in an electrostatically charged form to those areas of the packaging material which are to be sterilized. The packaging material with the sterilizing agent, which coalesces to a thin, homogeneous film, is finally heated to drive away the sterilizing agent from the sterilized packaging material.

Abstract: Non-ozone depleting sterilant compositions made of ethylene oxide and 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane. These compositions provide good sterilization characteristics, and are compatible with contemporary environmental concerns. One preferred aspect of the invention is a sterilant mixture comprising from about 20 mole percent to about 35 mole percent ethylene oxide and from about 65 mole percent to about 80 mole percent HFC-227 ea. Compositions comprising from about 25 mole percent to about 30 mole percent ethylene oxide and from about 70 mole percent to about 75 mole percent HFC-227 ea are preferred, with a composition comprising about 27 mole percent ethylene oxide and about 73 mole percent HFC-227 ea being most preferred.

Abstract: A sterilant mixture comprising 14 to 25 mole percent ethylene oxide and 75 to 86 mole percent 1,1,2,2,2-pentafluoroethane, and a sterilization method using same.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for dispensing a sterilizing gas. In the method, a liquid mixture of ethylene oxide and carbon dioxide is provided. A cylinder is partially filled with the liquid mixture of ethylene oxide and carbon dioxide. The head space of the cylinder is then pressurized with an inert gas at a pressure substantially higher than the vapor pressure of the liquid mixture of ethylene oxide and carbon dioxide. The liquid gas mixture is then dispensed from the cylinder under conditions whereby the head space pressure is maintained greater than the vapor pressure of the liquid mixture of ethylene oxide and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Non-ozone depleting sterilant compositions made of ethylene oxide and 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane. These compositions provide good sterilization characteristics, and are compatible with contemporary environmental concerns.One preferred aspect of the invention is a sterilant mixture comprising from about 20 mole percent to about 35 mole percent ethylene oxide and from about 65 mole percent to about 80 mole percent HFC-227ea. Compositions comprising from about 25 mole percent to about 30 mole percent ethylene oxide and from about 70 mole percent to about 75 mole percent HFC-227ea are preferred, with a composition comprising about 27 mole percent ethylene oxide and about 73 mole percent HFC-227ea being most preferred.