Abstract: A sterilizing cabinet performs a method of processing a medical device, such as a used medical device or an otherwise non-sterile medical device. The method includes receiving input from a user selecting a sterilization cycle from a plurality of available sterilization cycles. The sterilizing cabinet identifies a biological indicator associated with the selected sterilization cycle. The sterilizing cabinet prompts the user via a touch screen display to place the medical device and the biological indicator into a sterilization chamber of a sterilizing cabinet. The sterilizing cabinet performs load conditioning on the medical device in the sterilization chamber. The sterilizing cabinet then performs the selected sterilization cycle on the medical device in the sterilization chamber after completing the act of load conditioning.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for reducing cost and space requirements and increasing ease of cleaning/harvesting of algae scrubbers and seaweed cultivators by utilizing illumination domes, macroalgal settlement structures, reservoirs including overflowing and pole mount, repositionable water outlet structures, 3D printed macroalgal attachment materials, and submersible macroalgal illumination devices.

Abstract: A respiratory assistance apparatus (4) is provided, adapted to deliver gases to a user or patient (1). The apparatus (4) comprises a housing (10) provided with a chamber (5) and a heater (25), the chamber (5) comprising at least one gas port (15) connected to, or arranged to be connected to, at least one intermediate passageway (12). The apparatus (4) is operative according to a disinfection mode of predetermined profile in which the heater (25) heats liquid in the chamber (5) to produce vapour at or above a target dewpoint temperature and/or humidity level. The apparatus (4) is arranged such that the vapour is delivered to the intermediate passageway (12) to disinfect the intermediate passageway (12) with moist heat throughout a predetermined duration of the disinfection mode. Associated attachments and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for contacting removing an odorous or noxious component from a gas stream using a scrubbing solution containing a biocide in a gas/liquid contactor are described. The biocide is used to avoid or prevent or minimize or control biological growth and fouling, particularly in the gas/liquid contactor.

Abstract: A predictive scent control system and method thereof for dispersing a scent into a passenger compartment of an automotive based upon a feedback system having a decision unit and a set of predefined users' settings. Dispersion of scent or fragrance into the passenger compartment may be based upon prediction user behavioural profile. User behavioural profile may include an average based upon timing of access to vehicle, an average based upon frequency of selection of predefined user settings, and an ambience of the passenger compartment. In another embodiment, the predictive scent control system may be configurable to disperse a pungent scent in the event of unauthorised access to the vehicle. The predictive control system is applicable to vehicles for multiple users or car-sharing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a method and apparatus for self-sterilizing a surface or other portion of the apparatus and/or sterilizing other objects. Embodiments can utilize self-generated and/or remotely controlled plasma fields for the purpose of self-sterilization and/or sterilization of another object. Embodiments of the invention can have broad applications in procedures and equipment requiring the sterility of devices used for medical procedures, decontamination procedures, drug delivery, sterility of consumer products, and sterility of food preparation equipment and tools.

Abstract: Instrument for performing a diagnostic test on a fluidic cartridge A cartridge reader is for carrying out a diagnostic test on a sample contained in a fluidic cartridge inserted into the reader. The fluidic cartridge comprises a fluidic layer comprising at least one sample processing region, at least one collapsible blister containing a liquid reagent, a pneumatic interface, an electrical interface and at least one mechanical valve. The reader comprises a housing; an upper clamp occupying a fixed position relative to the reader, and a lower clamp, movable relative to the first clamp, wherein the upper clamp and the lower clamp define a cartridge receiving region therebetween. The reader comprises a thermal module comprised in the lower clamp, wherein the thermal module comprises at least one thermal stack for heating the at least one sample processing region of the cartridge inserted into the reader.

Abstract: A method of assaying metastasis can include: providing a device of one of the embodiments; introducing the at least one cancer cell into the at least one internal chamber or at least one fluid channel; and studying metastasis of the at least one cancer cell. Optionally: introducing cancer cells into a first internal chamber; detecting escape of the cancer cell from the first internal chamber into the fluid channel; detecting migration of the cancer cell through the fluid channel; detecting adhesion of the cancer cell to a coating on the fluid channel; detecting invasion of the cancer cell into a second internal chamber from the fluid channel; or visualizing metastasis of the cancer cell with a visualization device.

Abstract: A medical tool kit is provided for packaging, storing, and transporting medical instruments and tools of various types. The medical tool kit is capable of providing continuing sterilization to the medical instruments and tools kept inside the medical tool kit after the tool case is opened during its normal use in a medical procedure. The medical tool kit is further capable of emitting a GPS tracking signal to identify the location of an opened medical tool kit during an emergency as well as creating hands free communication between the user of the medical tool kit and local emergency institutions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating nanofibrillar cellulose hydrogel, wherein the method comprises the steps of: providing a nanofibrillar cellulose hydrogel; and subjecting the nanofibrillar cellulose hydrogel to heat treatment, wherein the heat treatment comprises keeping the nanofibrillar cellulose hydrogel at a temperature of at least 130° C. for at least 0.5 seconds, for reducing the number of viable micro-organisms in the nanofibrillar cellulose hydrogel.

Abstract: Generally, an extraction system useful in separating an extract from a matrix using one or more extractants. Specifically, an extractor including one or more of: an extraction vessel having an extractor vessel internal surface which defines an extraction chamber which communicates between open extraction vessel first and second ends, a first piston configured to sealably engage the extractor vessel internal surface of the extraction vessel first end or a second piston adapted to sealably engage the extractor vessel internal surface of the extraction vessel second end.

Abstract: A lighting device configured to deactivate MRSA bacteria in air in an environment, including a housing; a light-emitting diode (LED) configured to emit light having a wavelength of about 470 nm; a light converting phosphor coating; wherein a first component of the light emitted by the LED travels through the light converting phosphor coating without alteration, and a second component of light emitted by the LED is converted by the converting phosphor coating into light having a wavelength of greater than 500 nm; wherein the first component of the light has a minimum integrated irradiance of 0.01 mW/cm2; wherein the first component of the light emitted by the LED and the second component of light emitted by the LED mix to form a combined light, with the combined light being visible light; and means for directing the combined visible light to the air in the environment.

Abstract: A gas delivery system (50) for delivering a flow of breathing gas to a patient (54) includes a blower assembly (100) structured to generate the flow of breathing gas. The blower assembly includes a gas flow path including an inlet manifold, an assembly (130) structured to adjust a pressure and/or flow rate of the flow of breathing gas, and an outlet manifold structured to be coupled to a patient circuit. The gas delivery system additionally includes a light system structured to generate sanitizing light and deliver the sanitizing light to one or more internal surfaces of at least one of the inlet manifold, the assembly and the outlet manifold for sanitizing the one or more internal surfaces.

Abstract: A container (1) has a flexible wall (2) and at least one emptying tube (4, 4?, 4?) that projects through a wall aperture (7) into the container interior (3) surrounded by the flexible wall (2). The free end (12) of the emptying tube has an emptying opening (13) that can be set in position vertically to different emptying heights (14). The container (1) is distinguished in that an adapter piece (8), in which the emptying tube (4, 4?, 4?) is held in a longitudinally displaceable manner, is arranged in the wall aperture and in that a portion of the emptying tube (4, 4?, 4?) is surrounded by a flexible sheath (5) that is connected at a first end (11) to the emptying tube (4, 4?, 4?) and at its second end (10), which is remote from the first end (11), to the wall (2) or the adapter piece (8).

Abstract: A pulsatile perfusion bioreactor for culturing one or more engineered blood vessels having a lumen and a wall is provided. The bioreactor includes a chamber for holding the engineered blood vessel and cell culture media; a mechanical property monitoring system for measuring axial tensile stress and strain, circumferential tensile stress and strain, and/or shear stress imparted on the vessel wall; and a pump system for delivering cell culture media through the vessel lumen, wherein the vessel is exposed to a composite pressure waveform and a composite flow waveform as the media is delivered there through. The pump system includes a steady flow and peristaltic pumps. Further, the composite pressure and flow waveforms each include a mean component, a fundamental frequency component, and a second harmonic frequency component. The bioreactor also includes a computer interface for monitoring and adjusting the composite waveforms to maintain a predetermined stress levels.

Abstract: Sterilization is carried out by admitting a flow of sterilant fluid into a sterilization chamber through an inlet, emitting ultraviolet light into the chamber, receiving the ultraviolet light in a plurality of ultraviolet light detectors disposed at respective locations; and regulating the flow of the sterilant fluid responsively to signals from the detectors to achieve a desired level of the sterilant fluid in the chamber.

Abstract: Provided herein are portable ultraviolet (UV) devices, systems, and methods of use and manufacturing same. Methods of use include methods for UV disinfection and sterilization, more specifically, methods for UV disinfection and sterilization of a container, a room, a space or a defined environment. The portable UV devices, systems and methods are particularly useful for the UV disinfection and sterilization of a container, a room, a space or defined environment used in the food, beverage and dairy industry and in the process of fermentation for an alcoholic beverage. Provided are also portable UV devices, systems, and methods for inhibiting the growth of one or more species of microorganisms present in a container, a room, a space or a defined environment, preferably for inhibiting the growth of one or more species of microorganisms present on an interior surface of a container, a room, a space or a defined environment.

Abstract: A scalable, portable and modular chlorine dioxide fumigant decontamination system having an activating area and a neutralizing area which may be housed separately or as a single operationally connected unit, and which may be configured as a closed loop system connected to a decontamination chamber for decontamination of articles, or as an open loop system for decontamination of interiors and large confined spaces, and employing a specialized activating cup that is permeable to air yet substantially impermeable to water and chlorine dioxide reaction by-products such that directing air through the activation cup releases nearly pure chlorine dioxide fumigant. Methods and articles relating to the system are also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to neutralize or destroy pathogens in red blood cell concentrate (RBCC). The apparatus may include a lamp to provide ultra-violet (UV) light having a predetermined wavelength, a focusing member to focus the UV light from the lamp, a chamber assembly to receive the RBCC at a predetermined flow rate and to cause the received RBCC to be exposed to the focused UV light, and a controller. The chamber assembly may include a window and a bladder assembly. The bladder assembly may have a movable bladder portion. The controller may control movement of the bladder portion such that a space provided between the window and a surface of the bladder assembly, wherein the RBCC is caused to flow, enables the focused UV light to neutralize or destroy at least some of the pathogens in the RBCC during flow through the space.

Abstract: An apparatus for sequestering and releasing compounds into the air is provided. The apparatus includes a card with a first side and a second side, and a plurality of compound-sequestering structures affixed to the first side. Each of the plurality of compound-sequestering structures is configured to release a compound into the air when heated to a first temperature.