Abstract: A method of preserving a biomaterial according to the present invention includes the step of simultaneously applying negative DC voltage and AC voltage to a biomaterial (O). It is preferable that in the simultaneous voltage application step, the biomaterial (O) is stored in a container (1) that surrounds at least the periphery of the biomaterial (O), and a voltage application plate (2) supplied with negative DC voltage and AC voltage in a superposed manner is placed along one outer surface of the container (1), so that the voltage is indirectly applied to the biomaterial (O).

Abstract: A method for making an antimicrobial suture comprising the steps of positioning an antimicrobial agent source within a package comprising an inner surface, said antimicrobial agent being selected from the group consisting of halogenated hydroxyl ethers, acyloxydiphenyl ethers, and combinations thereof; positioning a medical device within the package; and subjecting the package, the antimicrobial agent source and the medical device to time, temperature and pressure conditions sufficient to vapor transfer an effective amount of the antimicrobial agent from the antimicrobial agent source to the medical device, thereby substantially inhibiting bacterial colonization on the medical device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for thawing and heating biological material such as plasma, bone marrow or stem cells. The apparatus includes a housing containing a fluid-filled, sealed bladder for receiving a bag of the biological material. An agitator is provided which is operable to inflate an actuator pillow causing a support plate to compress the fluid-filled bladder, thereby promoting movement of the fluid within the bladder to agitate the biological material. A heater is provided which heats the fluid while contained in the bladder.

Abstract: Methods and systems for knockdown and neutralization of toxic clouds of aerosolized chemical or biological warfare (CBW) agents and toxic industrial chemicals using a non-toxic, non-corrosive aqueous decontamination formulation.

Abstract: A sterilization method for drugs to achieve a 6-log reduction in CFUs of industry standard bacteria and bacterial spores is effective by subjecting the drugs to a chemical additive-containing carbon dioxide sterilant fluid at or near its supercritical pressure and temperature conditions and controlling the pressurization and depressurization rates.

Abstract: There are provided a sirocco fan (130) and a filter unit (251). Filter unit (251) includes a deodorization filter (252), a filter (253) for removing an organic matter containing an aldehyde group, and an antibacterial/dust filter (254). Deodorization filter (252) contains a carbon monoxide removing catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining an effective dose of monochromatic or polychromatic light from one or more light sources to inactivate microorganisms present in a biological fluid, preferably a non-transparent fluid. Moreover, there is provided a method for the inactivation of microorganism in a biological fluid in a flow-through-reactor. Moreover, the invention advantageously provides a flow-through-reactor with one or more thermostated light sources. The invention further provides a method of controlling the light sum dose of monochromatic or polychromatic light emitted from one or more light sources to effectively inactivate microorganisms present in a biological fluid in a batch reactor.

Abstract: A solid product dispenser includes a housing and a product holder. The housing includes a concentrated solution outlet, a diluent outlet, and an outlet tube in which concentrated solution from the concentrated solution outlet and diluent from the diluent outlet are mixed to form a use solution. Proximate the housing and the product holder is an overflow outlet from which a vacuum breaker is at least 3.50 inches.

Abstract: An air purifier according to the present invention includes: a tubular main body 2 having an inner space 3 surrounded by wall portions 6, 7, 8 having a plurality of air movement holes 12, 17; and a light applicator 4 in the inner space for throwing light toward inner surfaces of the wall portions. The inner side of the wall portions exposed to the light is made of a formed porous member. The formed porous member includes an inner surface having a surface part carrying a powdery photocatalyst capable of performing a photocatalytic reaction caused by light. The air purifier allows the carried photocatalyst to perform its catalytic action to a maximum, with a very simple construction.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying and making quantitative determinations of different deposits on a portion thereof, determining that the deposit is a contaminant and decontaminating at least the portion of the system is disclosed. The system comprises a controller, a sensing portion and a decontamination portion. The controller contains information about at least one noncontaminant. The sensing portion communicates with at least the controller and the portion of the system and is adapted to detect the deposit. The decontaminating portion communicates with at least the controller and is adapted to decontaminate the portion of the system.

Abstract: A large convoluted space, such as a multi-story concourse of an airport is isolated and a chemical or biological agent in the concourse is deactivated. A plurality of deactivation gas sources (100) introduce a deactivation gas at multiple points along the concourse. Fans (66, 106) circulate the deactivation gas, sensors (110) sense concentrations of the deactivation gas at numerous points around the concourse and exhaust fans (66) exhaust air, spent deactivation gas, and some deactivation gas. A control processor (84) controls the generators, the circulation fans, and the exhaust fans in accordance with the gas concentrations sensed by the sensors to increase and decrease deactivation gas concentration in selected subregions of the concourse by increasing or decreasing generation, increasing or decreasing exhausting, or altering flow patterns among subregions.

Abstract: Provided is a sterilizing control method for a dishwasher. The method includes inputting a command for a sterilizing cycle, and turning a sterilizer disposed within a tub on and off at regular, predetermined intervals, according to the inputted command.

Abstract: A medical instrument holding assembly for improved pre-sterilization cleaning with or without lubrication of the instruments is provided. The medical instrument holding assembly includes a coil or a series of plates defining instrument receiving gaps, opposing support ends, a perforated retracting member that maintains the instruments in an open position so that cleaning can reach the hard to reach areas of the instrument, and restraint bands for holding the instruments in the medical instrument holding assembly during handling. The method is also included for improved pre-sterilization cleaning using the medical instrument holding assembly.

Abstract: A method of detecting bacterial kill using a vaporized sterilant includes the steps of generating a sterilant/water vapour and supplying the vapour to a sealed space to be sterilized. The supply of sterilant/water vapour is continued to raise the concentration of the sterilant in the sealed space, and the concentration of the sterilant in the vapour is monitored to determine when the rate of change of the concentration falls to a predetermined minimal level indicating that condensation has occurred resulting in kill of any bacteria present in the space. Supply of sterilant/water vapour to the space is then terminated.

Abstract: A method for determining the effectiveness of a waste water tank deodorizer includes the steps of (i) providing a synthetic waste water media and a hydrogen sulfide generating microorganism; (ii) introducing in any order to the synthetic waste water media the hydrogen sulfide generating microorganism and a waste water tank deodorizer to be tested, and (iii) measuring the time or delay for the generation of hydrogen sulfide to occur beginning with combining of the hydrogen sulfide generating microorganism, the waste water tank deodorizer and the synthetic waste water media. Alternatively, measurement is also disclosed involving the number of bacteria present in the waste water during the test period. The invention includes a novel synthetic waste composition for use in the above method comprising at least a peptone, an animal protein extract, urea or a urea-containing compound, a metallic salt, a fiber-containing grain product and a cellulose-containing product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aerating a region exposed to a gaseous/vaporous sterilant. A catalytic destroyer and a reactive chemical unit are used to reduce the concentration of the gaseous/vaporous sterilant within the region. The reactive chemical unit includes a chemistry that is chemically reactive with the gaseous/vaporous sterilant. In one embodiment, the gaseous/vaporous sterilant is vaporized hydrogen peroxide and the chemistry of the reactive chemical unit includes thiosulfate and iodide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sterilizing device (10) for sterilizing closures (16), such as lids and caps for containers, such as bottles and jars, which device comprises a housing (12), provided with a closure entry (14) for supplying closures, a closure exit (18) for discharging sterilized closures from the device, a sterilizing-agent feed (21) for feeding sterilizing agent into the device and a discharge (28; 30) for discharging used sterilizing agent, as well as pass-through means (20) for passing closures (16) through the housing (12), the pass-through means (20) comprising a non-rectilinear pass-through path (58) in the plane parallel to the main plane of the closures. A sterilizing method is also described.

Abstract: A cassette for a sterilizer has one or more cells containing a sterilant. Packaging for the cassette includes and outer fluid impermeable envelope and an absorbent web wrapped around the cassette to absorb and contain any sterilant which may leak out of the cassette. The absorbent web includes a superabsorbent polymer.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a portable apparatus for decontaminating an enclosed room or other space which includes a passageway having an air inlet at one end and an outlet at the other end. A pump causes a flow of air through the passageway from the inlet to the outlet. A heater heats the air flowing through the passageway to a predetermined temperature, a flash evaporator being in communication with the passageway. Liquid decontaminant is pumped from a supply of decontaminant to the evaporator to be evaporated and for the evaporant to be delivered to the air flow in the passage to flow in the air flow from the outlet to the rooms to be decontaminated. A universally rotating nozzle is provided at the outlet to distribute the decontaminant containing air throughout the enclosure.

Abstract: Provided is a method for reducing the amounts of fungal spores and small airborne particles in an enclosure, where the enclosure has or is in communication with an air handling system. The method comprises the steps of applying vacuum suction to the air handling system and contacting the air handling system with a first antimicrobial agent; applying a cleansing agent to the carpets and upholstery in the enclosure; fogging the enclosure with a second antimicrobial agent; releasing ozone within the enclosure for a period of time and terminating the release of ozone to allow the ozone concentration to return to normal levels; placing a reservoir containing tea tree oil into the air handling system, and initiating operation of an air purifier air in the enclosure, wherein for a period of at least 90 days, the airborne particles in the enclosure are fewer than 1.0 million airborne particles per cubic meter of air; the airborne fungal spores in the enclosure an amount at least 1.