Abstract: There is provided an improved sterilization wrap and a method for using the improved sterilization wrap to sterilize an article. The wrap is made of first and second sheets of sterilization material. Each sheet has first, second, third and fourth edges. Each sheet includes a central portion. The first edge of the first sheet is in register with and bonded to the first edge of the second sheet; the second edge of the first sheet is in register with and bonded to the second edge of the second sheet; the third edge of the first sheet is in register with and bonded to the third edge of the second sheet; and the fourth edge of the first sheet is in register with and bonded to the fourth edge of the second sheet. The central portions of the first and second sheets are substantially not bonded together. Thus, two layers of sterilization material are provided for an article to be sterilized.

Abstract: A method of making pelletized nitrocellulose (PNC) includes preparing a lacquer, the lacquer comprising nitrocellulose (NC), ethyl acetate and ethyl centralite, the NC having a nitrogen content of at least about 12.2%; mixing the lacquer with an antisolvent to thereby emulsify the lacquer and form PNC; drowning the PNC with the antisolvent; and separating the antisolvent and ethyl acetate from the PNC.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating a gaseous medium containing contaminating particles, such as microorganisms, bacteria, or viruses. The inventive method consists of generating an accelerated electron flux; the electron flux interacting with the gaseous medium, whereby the particles are broken or destroyed by ionization as a result of the interaction and the gaseous medium is sterilized. The invention can be used to treat the atmospheres of refrigerated vessels in refrigerators.

Abstract: A system for sterilization of spaces and surfaces from consequences of bioterrorism has a container having a plurality of walls which jointly define an inner chamber, a cover connected with the container turnably between an open position in which the inner chamber of the container is open and a closed position in which the inner chamber is closed, a plurality of compartments formed in the inner chamber of the container and including compartments for accommodating substances for sterilization of spaces and surfaces and compartments for accommodating accessories, a single uniform compartment provided in the cover, means for storing the substances and accommodated in the compartments for substances, means for storing the accessories and accommodated in the compartments for accessories, a single uniform compartment provided in the cover, and a uniform arranged in the single uniform compartment of the cover.

Abstract: The invention is a composition, device, system or method for mitigating odors or other contaminants from a target environment. The present invention relates to devices that contain a formulation for removing, in whole or in part, foul odors from the air. In certain embodiments the present invention provides odor-mitigating reagents that are delivered by means of a spray dispenser. The present invention also contemplates applications where the invention can be delivered via a foam or gel dispenser. Certain embodiments of the invention therefore particularly relate to devices such deodorizers, air fresheners and the like.

Abstract: An electric submersible pump has one or more components coated with a biocide-incorporated coating for the purpose of controlling the activity of bacteria. The portions exposed to well fluid are coated for inhibiting bacteria from growing. Both centrifugal and progressing cavity pumps are applicable.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods associated therewith for killing molds and reducing other contaminating bioburden that may include bacteria and their spores, yeast, and viruses within various dwellings including homes, office buildings, institutions, and any other enclosed space in which humans reside, either temporarily or permanently. The technology of the present invention can be used to treat vehicles, airplanes, and ships. A process according to the invention includes the generation of a gaseous oxyhalogen species and distribution of the gaseous oxyhalogen species throughout a selected dwelling. It has been unexpectedly found that the concentration level of gaseous oxyhalogen species necessary to kill molds according to the inventive methods is far below that previously recognized in the art as being necessary for the killing of such molds. Thus, mold infestations may be killed in dwellings with minimal disruption to the usual business of the inhabitants.

Abstract: Water-based chemical indicator inks for ethylene oxide sterilization processes and methods for its use. The chemical indicator ink contains at least one pH indicator dye selected from the group consisting of Bromocresol green, Bromophenol blue, Methyl red, Ethyl orange, and combinations thereof. The pH indicator dye undergoes an irreversible color change when exposed to ethylene oxide vapor in the presence of low-temperature steam, but when exposed to other sterilization processes either does not undergo a color change or undergoes a color change that is different than is obtained when exposed to ethylene oxide.

Abstract: The present invention is an aromatic evaporator consisting of a base, a heater, a heat conduction aluminum plate, a constant temperature controller, a plug, a ceramic carriers and a cover. The plug sets inside the base to deliver D.C. power; the heater converts the electricity from the plug into heat; the heat conduction aluminum plate adhered to the heater directly evens the heat; the constant temperature controller contains the electric conduction switch and the memory alloy plate connected with the heat conduction aluminum. When the memory alloy plate is straight, the electric conduction switch is switched off and stops the heater from heating. When the temperature reduces, the memory alloy plate is curved by external force and switches on the electric conduction switch, making the heater reheat. The memory alloy plate of the constant temperature controller controls the heater to heat intermittently, making the heater heat at constant temperature.

Abstract: A system for reprocessing flexible endoscopes having lumen therein. The reprocessing system deploys steam to disinfect and/or sterilize the endoscopes, and designs, components and methods for reducing or balancing the reprocessing cycle time and the effects of thermal expansion and contraction on the endoscopes.

Abstract: This liquid—liquid extractor essentially comprises: individual extractors (1), battery mounted, sliding or set along rails (2) and able to consist of separators of two liquid phases by centrifuging; intermediate parts (3) connecting the individual extractors (1) to allow the flows to cross them successively and to undergo increasingly improved separation of their species, or to proceed with overflows or withdrawals, these parts being simply set on the rails so as to be able to replaced easily; and a tightening system (6, 7) comprising either a stop means (6) at one end of the rails (2) and a push means (7) at the opposite end, or two push means (7) at each end, to tighten the battery and to ensure a sealed connection between the intermediate parts (3) and the individual extractors (1).

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a sterilant from a sterilant containing atmosphere of a room includes an enclosure having an inlet to receive sterilant containing air from the room following sterilization of the room, outlet nozzles to return air from which sterilant has been removed to atmosphere, and a catalyst within the enclosure for removing sterilant from the air. A fan draws sterilant containing air from the inlet through the catalyst and thence to atmosphere. An additional fan is provided to circulate air containing sterilant from the room during a room sterilization process through that part of the enclosure which is downstream of the catalyst to ensure sterility of that part of the enclosure for the sterilant removal phase.

Abstract: A device for producing negative ion fragrance includes a basic body and a negative ion producer. The basic body is formed with a volatilizing cavity in the center for receiving therein the neck of a fragrant essential oil bottle or a fragrant essential oil bottle. The negative ion producer is provided with a negative ion shooting unit extending in the volatilizing cavity of the basic body. Negative ion produced by the negative ion shooting unit is mixed with the fragrant essential oil in the volatizing cavity and then their mixed vapor is sent out for use, elevating effect in use of fragrant essential oil.

Abstract: Sterilization methods and apparatus are effective to achieve a 6-log reduction in CFUs of industry standard bacteria and bacterial spores, i.e., B. stearothermophilus and B. subtilis spores, by subjecting sterilizable materials to a chemical additive-containing carbon dioxide sterilant fluid at or near its supercritical pressure and temperature conditions. Most preferably, the chemical additive-containing supercritical carbon dioxide sterilant fluid is agitated during sterilization, e.g., via mechanical agitation or via pressure cycling.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for supplying liquid for use in a plasma disinfection system. The apparatus supplies liquid for generating plasma to a reaction chamber (1) to sterilize and disinfect an item wrapped in a packaging material (10) in the reaction chamber (1). The apparatus includes: an automatic feeder (20) for automatically feeding an extremely small fixed amount of liquid via a first discharging pipe (40) by controlling a rotational speed of a DC motor (31); a vaporizer (24) connected to the first discharging pipe (40) of the automatic feeder (20) and having a first heater (26) for vaporizing the fed liquid; a second heater (22) surrounding a second discharging pipe (23) connected between the vaporizer (24) and the reaction chamber (1) to prevent any condensation of the vaporized liquid in the second discharging pipe (23); and a temperature controller (25) electrically connected to the first and second heaters (26 and 22) to control temperatures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a paper product for use in sterilizing an area. The paper product contains at least one paper sheet or pellet containing one or more dry chemical materials, one or more dry deliquescent materials, or mixtures thereof. The dry chemical materials are either inactive antimicrobial or biocidal chemical materials or are capable of reacting with another chemical material to produce one or more active antimicrobial or biocidal chemical materials. When the paper product is placed in an atmosphere containing water vapor, the deliquescent material(s) attracts water and dissolves, thereby either hydrating and rendering active the inactive antimicrobial or biocidal chemical material(s), or providing a medium in which the chemical materials will react to produce one or more active antimicrobial or biocidal chemical materials.

Abstract: Films comprising a blend of polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer and destructured starch are disclosed. Laminates having a first layer comprising a PHA copolymer and a second layer comprising a PHA copolymer/starch blend or thermoplastic starch are also disclosed. Disposable articles comprising the environmentally degradable films or laminates are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a sterilizing agent capsule container and a sterilizer using the sterilizing agent capsule container where a vacuum sterilizing housing is filled with a chemical vapor obtained by the vaporization of a sterilizing agent to sterilize an object to be sterilized, a plurality of sealed sterilizing agent capsules are accommodated in the axial direction of a needle for removing a sterilizing agent in a capsule accommodation chamber of the sterilizing agent capsule container and the sealed sterilizing agent capsules are made of a material through which the needle can pass. A plurality of the sealed sterilizing agent capsules in the sterilizing agent capsule container can be gradually punctured by the needle in sequence.

Abstract: A water soluble sanitizing composition includes a chlorinated isocyanurate and an effervescent alkali base, the effervescent base including sodium carbonate agent, adipic acid and sodium bicarbonate in a weight ratio of approximately 1:1:1 to provide a sanitizing solution having a pH of from 6.8 to 7.4. A method for sanitizing a product such as in-ovo injection equipment includes the step of dissolving the composition in water to form a sanitizing solution and flushing the in-ovo injection equipment with the sanitizing solution prior to each in-ovo injection.

Abstract: A humidifier which includes a reservoir of water in fluid communication with an evaporation chamber. Some of the water that enters the evaporation chamber vaporizes and enters the ambient environment. A remainder of the water does not evaporate and flows into a collection container in fluid communication with the reservoir. The unevaporated water is then exposed to a source of ultraviolet radiation which helps to inhibit the ability of various organisms contained therein to reproduce in the future. After irradiation, the unevaporated water travels from the collection container to the reservoir.