Abstract: A vapor decontamination system for decontaminating a defined region. The system is comprised of a chamber defining a region, and a generator for generating vaporized hydrogen peroxide from a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water. A closed loop circulating system is provided for supplying the vaporized hydrogen peroxide to the region. A destroyer within the closed loop circulating system breaks down the vaporized hydrogen peroxide. A bypass conduit is provided to bypass the destroyer. A controller causes vaporized hydrogen peroxide from the generator to bypass the destroyer during a predetermined phase of operation.

Abstract: A method for decontamination of a contaminated region containing biological species to be destroyed, includes a decontamination step during which a decontamination gas containing atomic nitrogen is propagated in the contaminated region, and atomic nitrogen contributes to the destruction of biological species in the contaminated region.

Abstract: Described is a sterilization chamber for sterilizing objects for application in a process in which a vapour composite, composed of water vapour and hydrogen peroxide vapour, is guided without a carrier gas flow into the sterilization chamber in which a vacuum prevails, whereby the vapour composite settles on the surfaces of the objects to be sterilized and on the surfaces of the sterilization chamber in the form of a condensation layer, which is suctioned off by means of further evacuation of the sterilization chamber after a certain reaction time. In accordance with the present invention, the surfaces of the sterilization chamber consist of poor heat-conducting, water-repellent material.

Abstract: Methods and devices for emitting volatile materials are disclosed. In some embodiments, methods and devices for emitting two or more fragrance compositions are disclosed. In one non-limiting embodiment of a device, the device has a housing, and the housing is supported on an electrical outlet by a plug at least indirectly joined to the housing. The device contains a first volatile composition and a second volatile composition. The first volatile composition is emitted in an alternating period relative to said second volatile composition. In one embodiment of the method, the volatile compositions are alternately emitted during periods that are greater than 15 minutes and less than 2 hours.

Abstract: An automatic scent dispensing system for distributing scents on a user-adjustable schedule without requiring user attention. The system includes a tank system for holding a scent substance that includes a reservoir, and a pump. A dispensing nozzle is mountable on an air duct. A duration timer controls a duration of dispensing of the scent substance, and is adjustable to set the duration of operation of the pump for dispensing the scent substance. An occurrence timer controls a time period between dispensing of scent, and triggers the duration timer after passage of a selected time period. A regular/irregular selector switch controls the actuation of the duration timer, and has an irregular setting for triggering the duration timer at selected events (such as circulating fan operation or an increase in duct air pressure) and a regular setting for triggering the duration timer by the occurrence timer after a selectable time period.

Abstract: The use of an isomer of anthracene disulfonic acid as an inert fluorescent tracer is described and claimed. The utility of this type of inert fluorescent tracer in boiler systems to trace unwanted carryover of boiler water into a steam line is also described and claimed.

Abstract: A method of treating a biological tissue including contacting the biological tissue with an aqueous sterilizing solution, and maintaining the aqueous sterilizing solution at a temperature of about 50° C. for a time period of about 1 to 2 days. The method of treating a biological tissue may be utilized as a terminal sterilization step in a method for fixation of biological tissues, and bioprosthetic devices may be prepared by such fixation method. The fixation method may include the steps of A) fixing the tissue, B) treating the tissue with a mixture of i) a denaturant, ii) a surfactant and iii) a crosslinking agent, C) fabricating or forming the bioprosthesis (e.g., forming the tissue and attaching any non-biological components thereto) and D) subjecting the bioprosthesis to the terminal sterilization method. The aqueous sterilizing solution may be glutaraldehyde of about 0.625 weight percent buffered to a pH of about 7.4.

Abstract: The invention relates to an autoclave for medical appliances and instruments with a chamber (13) in which the appliances to be sterilized are located, with a steam generator (5) and a condensate collector (11), whereby the steam generator is connected with the chamber (13) by a steam pipe (9) and the condensate collector (11) is connected with the chamber (13) by a feed pipe (35) of the condensate. The invention is characterized in that the condensate collector (11) is positioned above the steam generator (5), staggered with respect to the steam generator (5), by positioning a check valve (41) between the condensate collector (11) and the steam generator (5) and by providing a check valve (39) at the mouth of the feed pipe (35) of the condensate to the condensate collector (11).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the operation of such a heat-disinfecting device for waste, viz. biologically hazardous waste, on the one hand, including a mold inside which is placed waste and, on the other hand, being designed capable of ensuring compacting, heating and cooling this waste in this mold. This control method is characterized in that during compacting and before applying heating the presence of a non-compactable object in the mold is checked, in order to either complete compacting if no such non-compactable object is detected or to interrupt the process in the event such a non-compactable object is detected.

Abstract: A decontamination bag is positioned in the interior space of a public mailbox. The decontamination bag receives mail that is deposited in the mailbox. A postal worker; upon retrieving mail from the mailbox, closes the decontamination bag. The decontamination bag is equipped with an exit valve and an intake valve. Air from the interior of the bag may be sampled for contaminants that may be carried by letters or mailpieces through an exit valve. A decontaminating agent may be introduced to the interior of the decontamination bag through the intake valve. The contents of the decontamination bag are thereby purified within the bag. After decontamination, the contents of the decontamination bag may be purged and fresh air may be reintroduced into the bag. The decontamination bag may then be opened in order to retrieve its contents.

Abstract: Disclosed is a combination instrument steriliser (13, 210) and biomedical waste processor (15, 211). Both units are supplied steam from a common steam boiler (30, 212). In preferred embodiments, the waste processor utilises a shredder comprising a planetary gear box (127) with rotating cutting heads (120, 200).

Abstract: An aromatic container heater and assembly adapted to enhance the release of desirable scent from an aromatic or fragrant candle by heating the exterior of a candle container and thereby melting the candle to release the desired scent. The heater includes a conductor, held within an insulating cover, which is electrically connected to an AC plug for receiving a current and thereby generating the necessary heat to melt the candle.

Abstract: A sterilization and decontamination system in which a non-thermal plasma discharge device is disposed upstream of a suspension media (e.g., a filter, electrostatic precipitator, carbon bed). The plasma discharge device generates a plasma that is emitted through apertures (e.g., capillaries or slits) in the primary dielectric. Plasma generated active sterilizing species when exposed to contaminants or undesirable particulate matter is able to deactivate or reduce such matter in contaminated fluid stream and/or on objects. Thus, the undesirable contaminants in the fluid to be treated are first reduced during their exposure to the plasma generated active sterilizing species in the plasma region of the discharge device. Furthermore, the plasma generated active sterilizing species are carried downstream to suspension media and upon contact therewith deactivate the contaminants collected on the suspension media itself. Advantageously, the suspension media may be cleansed in situ.

Abstract: A method of diffusing a volatile component comprising mixing a volatile component from a volatile substance with air having a relative humidity of 70% or higher and diffusing the mixed vapor. A device for diffusing a volatile component comprises a volatile component volatilizing part (6) for volatilizing a volatile component from a volatile substance and a high-humidity air generating part (1) for generating high-humidity air, wherein the volatile component (B) volatilized from the volatile component volatilizing part (6) and the high-humidity air (A) generated from the high-humidity air generating part are mixed and diffused outside.

Abstract: A pressure cleaning vessel is connected to a vacuum chamber by way of a connecting pipe in the sterilizing and cleaning equipment that utilizes a supercritical fluid. The objects to be treated are impregnated, for a given period, in the supercritical fluid with which the pressure cleaning vessel has been filled. Thereafter, the connection between the pressure vessel and the vacuum chamber is opened so as to generate sudden bubbling within the vessel as a result of a large pressure difference. Thorough sterilization is achieved at the time when the supercritical fluid having penetrated into bacteria and viruses suddenly explodes and destroys these organisms instantly by vaporization and expansion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing the concentration of a gaseous sterilant in a sealable enclosure. An indicator is provided that has a chemistry such that the indicator changes color when exposed to vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP). The chemistry is adapted to react when exposed to a specific minimum concentration of vaporized hydrogen peroxide for a specific minimum period of time. In this manner, it can be visually determined whether articles (e.g., medical instruments and like devices) located within the sealable enclosure have been exposed to a minimum threshold of vaporized hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing a sealed enclosure (1) includes a fan (8) for circulating a gas through a preparation circuit (11) and through the enclosure. The preparation circuit includes an evaporation chamber (10) for dispensing a decontaminant gas and water vapor mixture into the circulating gas to flow therewith through the enclosure and to reach a concentration in the enclosure above the dew point for the ambient temperature in the enclosure and thereby to condense onto surfaces in the enclosure to sterilize such surfaces. A monitor (15) measures gas temperature and dew point/condensation are monitored (17, 18) in the enclosure. The resulting signals led to a control module (19) for controlling the rate of dispensing of the decontaminant gas and water vapor into the gas in the preparation circuit in response to the levels determined by said monitoring to provide a required level of condensation of the decontaminant gas and water vapor in the enclosure.

Abstract: A sodium chlorite (NaClO2) solution is admixed with flowing water to form a flowing water and sodium chlorite (NaClO2) solution. A flowing water and acid solution is admixed into the flowing water and sodium chlorite (NaClO2) solution. The combined solutions are directed into and through a mixing chamber to form a homogenous, acidified sodium chlorite solution. The homogenous, acidified sodium chlorite solution is removed from the mixing chamber and is either utilized as a liquid or is frozen to form ice that is utilized. The acidified sodium chlorite solution provides a slow release of chlorine dioxide gas (ClO2) for use in water treatment, in food plant sanitation, in ice for icing food items, and as an antimicrobial solution for direct application to food items.

Abstract: A flash vapor generator (10) provides a constant flow of vaporized hydrogen peroxide for rapidly sterilizing a large decontamination tunnel (11) with a high container throughput. The vaporizer includes a heated block which defines an interior bore or bores. The conditions within the decontamination tunnel are carefully monitored to avoid condensation of the vapor while maintaining the vapor as close as possible to the saturation limit.

Abstract: A device (100) for heat-treating water is provided, comprising a confined heating zone, a passage way (15) for transporting the water to said confined heating zone (23) so as to facilitate heating of the water, a controller (27) for preventing the heated water from leaving the device (100) until pathogens entrained in the heated water are killed; and an antimicrobial substrate (20) for preventing pathogens entrained in unheated water from leaving the device (100).