Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for recovering a sterilizing gas, in particular ethylene oxide (ETO), materials to be sterilized are sterilized in a sterilizing chamber with a sterilizing gas and a gas flow is withdrawn from the sterilizing chamber. At least part of the sterilizing gas contained in said gas flow is liquefied and separated. The gas flow freed from liquefied sterilizing gas is returned to the sterilizing chamber whilst at the same time at least a part of the separated sterilizing gas is replaced by addition of inert-rendering gas, reducing the concentration of the sterilizing gas in the sterilizing chamber.

Abstract: A sterilant mixture comprising 15 to 30 mole percent ethylene oxide and 70 to 85 mole percent 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236fa) and a sterilization method using same.

Abstract: A batch method and apparatus provides controlled release of gaseous air contaminants into the atmosphere through catalytic oxidation while minimizing both the energy required and the volume of waste gas exhausted into the atmosphere. The device has a recirculating gas stream driven by a recirculation fan which moves gas, normally and naturally present at start-up, through a bed of granular catalyst, in an oxidizer and into contact with the surface of a process-gas heater and back to the recirculation fan. The gaseous contaminants may be drawn into this system using a vacuum pump. Control of catalyst temperature is achieved based upon the novel system configuration, and without the introduction of dilution air, and the contaminant gas is introduced without controlling either flow rate or temperature.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for sterilizing articles includes a sealed first enclosure made at least partially of a gas-permeable plastic film and a sealed container releasably containing a gaseous sterilant under pressure, the container being enclosed within the first enclosure. An openable second enclosure made at least partially of a gas-permeable plastic film is also provided and the first enclosure and the articles to be sterilized are disposed in the second enclosure. The sterilant which is characterized by toxicity and flammability when released from its container diffuses from the first enclosure into the second enclosure at a rate capable of establishing sterilization conditions in the second enclosure during a sterilization cycle to thereby effect sterilization of the articles in the second enclosure. A third enclosure is also provided in which the second enclosure containing the articles to be sterilized is disposed.

Abstract: Sterilizing apparatus and method of sterilizing and/or desorbing gas from articles, in which a fluid-tight chamber 10 has an access opening and a closure therefor. A fluidtight seal 13 is provided for the closure. An injector unit 25 introduces a sterilizing gas or vapor into the chamber. Apparatus 23, 29 extracts the gas or vapor when required, and radiation generators 32-34 generate or radiate high frequency electromagnetic radiation in or into the chamber 10. A radiation trap or seal 9 limits or prevents unwanted escape of or discharge of the radiated energy.

Abstract: A unitary tray base (10) includes a first region (20) and a second region (22) which are separated by a demarcation zone (16). Medical products (30) are received in pockets (32) of the first tray region. An ethylene oxide permeable lid portion (40) seals the first tray portion from the second tray portion and the ambient atmosphere. The tray and received medical products are sterilized with ethylene oxide or other sterilizing procedures. After the sterilization, a vial (50) of contrast agent, which cannot be present during the sterilizing, is placed in a pocket (50a) of the second tray portion. A second lid portion (52) seals the vial in the second tray portion. The lid portions are marked (60-68) to indicate that the contents of the first region are sterile and the contents of the second region are not.

Abstract: A sterilizing system includes a sealed container releasably containing a gaseous sterilant under pressure and a first enclosure made at least partially of a gas-permeable material. The container and the articles to be sterilized are disposed in and sealed within the first enclosure, the container while in the sealed first enclosure being manipulatable to release gaseous sterilant into the sealed first enclosure. A second enclosure in which the first enclosure is disposed is constructed such that the sterilant released into the first enclosure from the container diffuses through the gas-permeable material of the first enclosure into the second enclosure at a rate capable of establishing sterilizing conditions in the first enclosure during a sterilizing cycle to thereby effect sterilization of the articles in the first enclosure.

Abstract: A sterilizing gas mixture, containing ethylene oxide and a diluent, is used to sterilize articles in a sterilizing chamber. When the sterilization has been completed, the chamber is purged of sterilizing gas, usually in two or more purging cycles. During the first purging cycle, the spent sterilizing gas mixture is directed to a condenser, where the residual ethylene oxide and diluent are liquefied. During the second and subsequent purging cycles, the additional sterilizing gas mixture remaining in the chamber is conveyed to a disposal unit to dispose of the remaining ethylene oxide. The disposal unit can be a catalytic device which converts the ethylene oxide to carbon dioxide and water. Alternatively, the disposal unit can be a chemical device, such as an acid scrubber which converts the ethylene oxide into a non-toxic substance. Thus, virtually none of the ethylene oxide vents to the outside.

Abstract: A method for maintaining hydration of the contents of water-impermeable packages containing items to be sterilized includes placing a moisture-releasing humidifying device into the package with the items to be sterilized, hermetically sealing the package, and releasing moisture from the moisture-releasing humidifying device into the package before the package is exposed to the gaseous sterilant. The moisture-releasing humidifying device includes an absorbent material and a cover about the absorbent material. The cover is made at least partially of a hydrophobic and vapor-permeable material such that moisture absorbed by the absorbent material passes through the vapor-permeable material to effect humidification within the package.

Abstract: A process is provided for sterlizing a web of packaging materials which is to be formed into containers for aseptic packaging. The process comprises contacting the web with aqueous solution of ozone and hydrogen peroxide and subsequently irradiating the surface with ultra-violet radiation.

Abstract: A method of treating an article with a mixture of ethylene oxide gas, air, and an inert gas which makes possible reuse of the ethylene oxide for an indefinite number of successive treatment cycles. The gas mixture is refortified with ethylene oxide when necessary. Nonflammability is maintained by removing air from the treatment tank before the mixture is admitted into the tank by the evacuation of the tank to a predetermined pressure, the admitting of an inert gas to the tank to a predetermined pressure, and the subsequent removal of the resulting air and inert gas mixture from the tank by evacuation to a predetermined pressure, the air removal resulting in an air proportion less than or equal to that proportion residing in the treatment mixture that is maintained in the holding tank.

Abstract: Apparatus for sterilizing articles includes a sealed first enclosure made at least partially of a gas-permeable plastic film and a sealed container releasably containing a gaseous sterilant under pressure, the container being enclosed within the first enclosure. An openable second enclosure made at least partially of a gas-permeable plastic film is also provided and the first enclosure and the articles to be sterilized are disposed in the second enclosure. The sterilant which is characterized by toxicity and flammability when released from its container diffuses from the first enclosure into the second enclosure at a rate capable of establishing sterilization conditions in the second enclosure during a sterilization cycle to thereby effect sterilization of the articles in the second enclosure. A third enclosure is also provided in which the second enclosure containing the articles to be sterilized is disposed.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for sterilizing surfaces utilizing hydrogen peroxide gas in combination with preselected ultraviolet energy.

Abstract: A method for maintaining hydration of the contents of water-impermeable packages containing items to be sterilized includes placing a moisture-releasing humidifying device into the package with the items to be sterilized, hermetically sealing the package, and releasing moisture from the moisture-releasing humidifying device into the package before the package is exposed to the gaseous sterilant. The moisture-releasing humidifying device includes an absorbent material and a cover about the absorbent material. The cover is made at least partially of a hydrophobic and vapor-permeable material such that moisture absorbed by the absorbent material passes through the vapor-permeable material to effect humidification within the package.

Abstract: A sterilant mixture comprising 15 to 30 mole percent ethylene oxide and 70 to 85 mole percent 1,1-dichloro-,2,2,2-trifluoroethane and/or 1-chloro-1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethane, and a sterilization method using same.

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 method uses propylene oxide as the active substance. It is particularly suitable for inhibiting undesirable growth of microorganisms in drilling for petroleum.

Abstract: A sterilant mixture comprising 15 to 30 mole percent ethylene oxide and 70 to 85 mole percent 1,1-dichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane and/or 1-chloro-1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethane, and a sterilization method using same.

Abstract: Cooling water is circulated through the heating water jacket of a gas sterilizer during the initial gas pressurization phase to reduce the temperature rise within the sterilization chamber caused by the heat of compression of the gas.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for recovering one or more components of a sterilizing gas. Typically, the sterilizing gas is ethylene oxide, mixed with a relatively inert diluent such as a halocarbon. The sterilizing gas discharged from a sterilizing chamber is cryogenically cooled in a condenser, such that the ethylene oxide and the diluent are liquefied. The remaining gaseous impurities, such as air, are removed from the condenser, filtered, and vented to the atmosphere. The liquefied mixture of ethylene oxide and diluent is periodically drained from the condenser, and filtered to remove impurities. This liquid mixture can then be separated into its constituent components for later use. The liquid mixture can also be vaporized and combined with fresh ethylene oxide, as needed, to produce a fresh sterilizing gas mixture which is recycled to the sterilizing chamber.

Abstract: Azeotrope-like compositions comprising ethylene oxide and dichlorotrifluoroethane isomers or mixtures thereof are novel constant boiling compositions which are useful as sterilizing gases.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for sterilizing articles includes a sealed first enclosure made at least partially of a gas-permeable plastic film and a sealed container releasably containing a gaseous sterilant under pressure, the container being enclosed within the first enclosure. An openable second enclosure made at least partially of a gas-permeable plastic film is also provided and the first enclosure and the articles to be sterilized are disposed in the second enclosure. The sterilant which is characterized by toxicity and flammability when released from its container diffuses from the first enclosure into the second enclosure at a rate capable of establishing sterilization conditions in the second enclosure during a sterilization cycle to thereby effect sterilization of the articles in the second enclosure. A third enclosure is also provided in which the second enclosure containing the articles to be sterilized is disposed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterilizing materials and/or equipment by exposure to a biocidal gas. The apparatus is designed to be used with an exhaust vent system. A sensor is provided in the exhaust vent system for determining flow of gas therethrough. The sensor provides a signal to the control unit of the sterilizer so as to control the operational status of the sterilizing apparatus when a flow of gas in the exhaust vent system is stopped.

Abstract: A process and composition for use in the deacidification of cellulosic materials, such as books and printed papers, which comprises treating the materials under vacuum condition with a gaseous mixture of ammonia, and an organo epoxide reagent selected from the group consisting of alkyl compounds or mixtures thereof, and which produce in situ primary, secondary and tertiary amino compounds upon reaction with the ammonia.

Abstract: For safe removal and collection of chemical sterilants such as ethylene oxide from a sterilization process, steam or other substantially condesable, inert dilutent gas is used to extract and to transport sterilant from the inside of sterilized materials and the sterilizing chamber into a collection tank. The sterilant and the condensable dilutent are separated when the mixture is discharged from the sterilizing chamber such that virtually all of the sterilant can be collected as a liquid by compression and/or refrigeration at practical pressures and temperatures.

Abstract: Chemical sterilants such as ethylene oxide are recovered from sterilization processes and converted into safer chemical compounds by non-catalytic hydrolysis.

Abstract: Methods for sterilization wherein air is purged from the load to be sterilized prior to the addition of the sterilant and wherein residue chemical sterilants, such as ethylene oxide, are purged post-sterilization by introducing air and steam at pressures which cause the steam to condense on the interstices of the load and then vaporize to provide a carrier for trapped air (prior to sterilization) and residue chemical sterilant (post-sterilization).

Abstract: A method for controlling air flow from an inlet to a chamber and from the chamber through the inlet to atmosphere wherein an ethylene oxide gas sterilization process is practiced in the chamber, which process includes conditions of controlled alternating vacuum and pressure. The method employs a diaphragm actuated two-way valve in the inlet line in combination with a remotely mounted three-way solenoid valve. The chamber is sealed against air flow during conditions of vacuum by spring biasing, and during conditions of pressure by spring and pressure biasing, a closure against an orifice in the two-way valve. The vacuum in the chamber is relieved at predetermined periods by selectively exerting sufficient fluid pressure against the diaphragm of the two-way valve to force the closure, which is operatively connected to the diaphragm, away from the orifice into an open position.

Abstract: A storage system (10) includes an interior envelope (12) and an exterior envelope (14). Tissue or other material to be stored may be placed in interior envelope (12), sealed and placed in exterior envelope (14). Exterior envelope (14) is sealable in a first sealed position that allows gas sterilization of the interior of exterior envelope (14) and the contents contained therein. After sterilization, exterior envelope (14) is sealed in a gas impermeable position. Each of interior and exterior envelopes (12, 14) have one side which is transparent. A grid (22) may be provided on the transparent side of interior envelope (12) for sizing tissue contained therein.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing a substantially gas impermeable surface which is contaminated with spores comprises the steps of exposing the surface to a humid gaseous environment to enhance the susceptibility of the spores to subsequent chemosterilization, and then exposing the spores to an amount of gaseous chlorine dioxide in an inert carrier gas effective to sterilize the surface and a method for sterilizing an article contaminated with spores which comprises exposing the surface to a gaseous atmosphere comprised of chlorine dioxide gas and water vapor, wherein the amount of water vapor in said atmosphere is adapted to enhance the susceptibility of said spores to the sporicidal action of chlorine dioxide.

Abstract: A cleaning treatment is disclosed for the blood compartments of dialyzators which is effected still in the preparation stage. The dialyzators contain membranes of cellulose in the form of hollow filaments, tubes or flat foils. The cleaning treatment embraces the following measures:washing with water or aqueous solutions and evacuation of the compartments, then filling with a mixture of water, glycerin and alcohol and drying after a renewed evacuation--or, filling with water or aqueous solutions and subsequently closing the entrance and exit of the blood compartment. As a third measure, the compartments are sterilized with gamma radiation and/or ethylene oxide and/or superheated steam.

Abstract: Means are provided for the monitoring of a sterilization procedure employing alkylene oxide, particularly ethylene oxide, to sterilize medical equipment, especially heat-sensitive equipment, and especially for monitoring the aeration of the so-sterilized goods and articles to desorb the retained alkylene oxide, which means employ interaction of the alkylene oxide with a cation-exchange resin and subsequent aeration of the cation exchange resin coupled with pH indicator means sensitive to changes in the ion exchange resin effected by the alkylene oxide employed in the sterilization and subsequently by the air employed in the desorption step.

Abstract: Stress cracking of polycarbonate parts during prolonged storage while assembled with plasticized polyvinyl tubing is greatly reduced by using tubing in which tri-2-ethylhexyl trimellitate is the predominant or sole primary plasticizer.

Abstract: Method of treating a cellulosic hollow fiber which is being particularly adapted for use in hemodialysis or a similar extracorporeal treatment of blood.According to the described method the hollow fiber, possibly after rinsing with an alcoholic solution or fluorinated hydrocarbons, is exposed to swelling with use of an aqueous solution prior to drying and/sterilization of the hollow fiber.Examples of aqueous solutions can be water, water/glycerol, and water/glycerol/alcohol. Preferably said aqueous solution contains glycerol in an amount of 4-35%, such as 12-35%, preferably 16-35%.The aqueous solution can be applied to the inside and/or the outside of the hollow fiber so as to bring about a diffusive and/or a convective transport of water and/or glycerol into the hollow fiber wall.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the composition and the concentration of biocidal gas and other gases contained in a reaction chamber during processing of material contained in the chamber and exposed to the treating gas. A valved pre-evacuated gas-sampling vessel is positioned in the reaction chamber and, thereafter, opened by remote control to receive a gas sample representative of the gaseous atmosphere present in the chamber. The sampling vessel is then closed, removed from the treatment chamber, and connected to apparatus for analyzing the gas in the vessel. The qualitative and quantitative composition of the treating gas is thus determined.

Abstract: Processes and apparatus for the separation of gaseous mixtures used in sterilization processes are disclosed, particularly in which the gaseous mixtures include ethylene oxide and a relative inert secondary gas component, such as various chlorofluorocarbons. The processes disclosed include providing water as a solvent for the ethylene oxide, mixing the gaseous mixture with the water to produce a liquid phase comprising the ethylene oxide at least partially dissolved in the water, and the gas phase comprising the secondary gaseous component which is less soluble in the water than the ethylene oxide, removing the gas phase from the liquid phase for further processing, separating the ethylene oxide from the water in the liquid phase, and recycling the water for subsequent use as solvent.

Abstract: A sterilizable, preferably fiber-free, perforated packaging material which can be utilized to make a package to hold an item which can be sterilized while it is inside the package comprising a first layer of perforated thermoplastic film, preferably extruded film, and having at least one heat-sealable surface, and a second layer of perforated thermoplastic film, preferably extruded film and having at least one heat-sealable surface, the first layer being oriented relative to the second layer so that the perforations in both of the layers are mis-aligned and at least one of the heat-sealable surfaces of one of the layers contacts at least one of the heat-sealable surfaces of the other layer; a package made from the packaging material; and a method of sterilizing an item in a package.

Abstract: A cell for degassing of residual olefin oxide from an olefin oxide sterilized product. The product is fed through the cell on a gravity conveyor using a combination of heat, retention time and air change rate optimized for a particular product. A pallet containing the product to be degassed rolls to a preselected position within the cell. The pre-selected position is established by automatically controlled stops appropriately located on the gravity conveyors. The cell is dedicated to a specific sterilizer product load and can be arranged in a modular fashion with a minimum internal volume.

Abstract: This invention provides medical procedure packages comprising a pre-sterilized kit within an outer package wrap, the packages being so designed that all components of the package are sterilized using sterilization methods which are compatible with the chemical compositions of the components and their stability to such sterilization methods, and wherein the internal sterility of the package is maintained from final package sealing until the package is delivered to a sterile operating room environment.

Abstract: This invention provides medical procedure packages comprising a pre-sterilized kit within an outer package wrap, the package being so designed that all components of the package are sterilized using sterilization methods which are compatible with the chemical compositions of the components and their stability to such sterilization methods, and wherein the internal sterility of the package is maintained from final package sealing until the package is delivered to a sterile operating room environment.

Abstract: A pre-filled syringe-needle assembly in which the needle is covered with a shield-closure unit to assure sterility. Said shield-closure unit comprises a tube which covers the needle and a plug for said tube, one end of said tube being adapted for fitting tightly over the reduced part of the barrel of a syringe, and the other end being covered by the plug, both said end and plug covering it being adapted to provide an air-tight fit between them, said plug being sufficiently long to engage the tip of the needle inside the tube.

Abstract: An inflatable structure, includes a base and a barrier attached to the base which is capable of being inflated to a predetermined shape in order to define a chamber. A door in the barrier allows access to the chamber. The base includes a source of gas for inflating the barrier and for circulating within the chamber. The barrier is constructed as a twin-walled structure having inner and outer walls defining an air flow space therebetween. Holes are provided through at least portions of the inner wall to provide a means for circulation of air from the space into the chamber. When not in use, the aerator may be deflated and folded for compact storage and shipment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the timely determination of potentially harmful biocidal gas leakage from a pressurized chamber during sterilizing operations are disclosed. Biocidal gas make-up values are monitored during the sterilizing phase to provide prompt warning of biocidal gas leakage. In one embodiment, the timing of preselected pressure increment gas make-up charges are measured and compared to minimum acceptable gas make-up charge times. In addition, absorption of biocidal gas by the load can be compensated for in sterilizing operations where load absorption is a significant factor. Also, provision is made for predicting gas absorption by the load from steam absorption data obtained during pressure-controlled conditioning cycles.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing medical devices is disclosed. The method comprises the circulation of a sterilant gas through a contaminated device bacteriologically to sterilize exposed surfaces, permitting the sterilant gas to remain within the lumen of the device for an effective period of time, and thereafter removing the sterilant gas by purging with sterile air or other inert gas.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing mattresses, laundry sacks and similar articles in a sterilizing apparatus comprising a sterilization chamber with a surface to carry said articles, and a circulation system which, besides said sterilization chamber includes a fan, a pressure pipe from the fan to the sterilization chamber and a suction pipe from the sterilization chamber to the fan. The sterilization is carried out in a work cycle comprising a combination of a gas-filling phase, a sterilizing phase, at least one gas-emptying phase, at least one ventilation phase and a final phase, the sterilization gas being removed from the circulation system during the gas-emptying phase by means of a water suction means and thus being mixed with water, while at the same time filtered air is added to the circulation system.

Abstract: A method of shipping liquid ethylene oxide in a manner which reduces the explosive hazard during shipment by combining the liquid ethylene oxide with at least 52% of liquid propylene oxide based on the total weight of the mixture. It is especially useful for bulk liquid shipment marine vessels and the ethylene oxide is easily separated from the mixture for use by a simple distillation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sterilizing medical devices and the like. The apparatus comprises means for the recirculation of a sterilant gas and a diluting gas through narrow passages in the medical device in sufficient quantity and for sufficient time to sterilize bacteriologically, and then to aerate, exposed passage surfaces. The method comprises the circulation of a sterilant gas through a contaminated device bacteriologically to sterilize exposed surfaces, and thereafter to remove the sterilant gas by purging with sterile air or other inert gas.

Abstract: Apparatus and a process for quietly injecting live, high pressure steam into water in a sterilizer chamber, wherein a minute quantity of air at higher pressure than the steam is quietly mixed with the steam prior to passing the stream of air mixed with steam into water in the chamber. The water can be drawn from the chamber by a recirculating pipe into a venturi ejector into which the stream of air mixed with steam is passed. The water quietly mixes with the stream of air and steam and the combined stream of air, steam and water is quietly recirculated back into the chamber.

Abstract: Intraocular lenses are terminally sterilized without any significant chemical change in the surface of the lenses by placing the intraocular lenses in a 5% to 10% sodium hydroxide solution for from 24 hours to 3 hours, respectively, and storing the intraocular lenses in the same solution until they are used.

Abstract: In the treatment of articles with a sterilant gas such as an alkylene oxide, and the circulation of the gas throughout a treatment chamber containing the articles to be treated, a gas circulating system completely devoid of electrical contacts, switches, electrical motors and other potentially dangerous electrical components which could cause explosive ignition of the sterilant gas. The circulation system includes a fluid-driven turbine-like impeller completely isolated from the sterilant gas, and drivingly coupled to a fan blade which serves to force the gas through conduits and to circulate and recycle the sterilant gas throughout the treatment chamber. In a second embodiment of the invention a magnetically coupled drive is used to actuate the sterilant-circulating fan.