Abstract: A method of treating the surfaces of medical instruments which are contaminated with prions includes contacting the surface with a composition containing a source of peroxide ions, such as hydrogen peroxide, at a molar concentration of at least 1.5M peroxide (equivalent to approximately 5% hydrogen peroxide) and preferably, about 2M peroxide (approximately 7% hydrogen peroxide). The composition is optionally in the form of a gel. The composition is retained in contact with the surfaces for about 1–2 hours until all or substantially all prion contamination is removed.

Abstract: A low pH disinfectant composition comprises an aqueous composition of a phenolic compound, an organic acid, and/or a dispersing surfactant and/or solvent. The disinfectant solution can be concentrated, or more preferably diluted ready to use, and is very effective in eradicating fungi including Aspergillus niger.

Abstract: A method of treating the surfaces of medical instruments which are contaminated with prions includes contacting the surface with a composition containing a source of peroxide ions, such as hydrogen peroxide, at a molar concentration of at least 1.5M peroxide (equivalent to approximately 5% hydrogen peroxide) and preferably, about 2M peroxide (approximately 7% hydrogen peroxide). The composition is optionally in the form of a gel. The composition is retained in contact with the surfaces for about 1–2 hours until all or substantially all prion contamination is removed.

Abstract: A surface which carries a material which is infected with prions is cleaned with an alkaline cleaning solution to remove as much proteinaceous material as possible from the surface. The cleaning agent is an alkaline cleaning agent which attacks prions remaining on the surface and which attacks prions removed from the surface during the cleaning step. After the cleaning solution is drained, a solution of surfactants, buffers, and heavy metal free corrosion inhibitors is circulated over the surface at 50°–60° C. The surfactants disperse and unclump the prion-contaminated material. A strong oxidant, preferably peracetic acid, is added to the solution to bring the peracetic acid concentration to 1,000–2,500 ppm. The peracetic acid or other strong oxidant attacks the prions, particularly the unclumped prion strands, deactivating the prions. After rinsing and drying, the surface may be wrapped in a microbe impermeable barrier and subjected to terminal sterilization, such as steam autoclaving.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring at least one of steam purity and steam quality for steam used in a decontamination process. A capacitor is exposed to the steam, wherein the steam acts as a dielectric between the plates of the capacitor. Permittivity of the dielectric is affected by the purity and/or quality of the steam, and thus a measurement of electrical properties of the capacitor is used to monitor steam purity and/or quality.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the concentration of metal cations in a chemical solution. In a preferred embodiment, the chemical solution is a solution for derouging or passivating stainless steel. A capacitive sensor provides data indicative of the concentration of chemical components (e.g., iron or chromium) in the chemical solution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the concentration of a detergent in a detergent solution. A capacitive sensor is exposed to the detergent solution, and electrical properties of the capacitive sensor are responsive to changes in the concentration of detergent in the detergent solution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the state of a chemical solution for neutralization of chemical and biological warfare agents are disclosed. A capacitor is exposed to the chemical solution, wherein the steam acts as a dielectric between the plates of the capacitor. Permittivity of the dielectric is affected by the oxidant levels in the chemical solution, and thus a measurement of electrical properties of the capacitor is used to monitor the state of the chemical solution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the concentration of metal cations in a chemical solution. In a preferred embodiment, the chemical solution is a solution for derouging or passivating stainless steel. A capacitive sensor provides data indicative of the concentration of chemical components (e.g., iron or chromium) in the chemical solution.

Abstract: A treatment system for treating objects (e.g., medical instruments) with ozone gas. The ozone treatment system includes a treatment tank wherein the objects are exposed to ozone. In a preferred embodiment, the ozone is generated within the treatment tank by exposing an oxygen-containing gas to ultraviolet radiation produced by a laser.

Abstract: A treatment system for treating objects (e.g., medical instruments) with ozone gas. The ozone treatment system includes a treatment tank wherein the objects are exposed to ozone. In a preferred embodiment, the ozone is generated within the treatment tank by exposing an oxygen-containing gas to ultraviolet radiation produced by a laser.

Abstract: An automated endoscope reprocessor (10) includes a removable rack (12) for receiving a container (16, 16′). The container has a clamshell housing (20) having two mating portions (24, 26). The portions together define an internal pressurizable chamber (56) for receiving an endoscope head (22). The endoscope's connector cord (82) is carried through an outlet (80) to the chamber. The outlet is defined by channels (88, 90), one in each of the two housing portions (24, 26). A gasket assembly in the outlet provides a restricted fluid passage which allows a small portion of fluid to flow through the outlet when the connector cord is positioned therein. The gasket assembly (120) includes a number of resiliently flexible fins (126, 128, 130) positioned in each channel, each fin having a U-shaped slot (144, 146, 148). Pairs of fins overlap such that the slots together define openings (150) of diminishing size.

Abstract: A surface which carries a material which is infected with prions is cleaned with an alkaline cleaning solution to remove as much proteinaceous material as possible from the surface. The solution contains an alkaline cleaning agent which attacks prions remaining on the surface and which attacks prions removed from the surface during the cleaning step. After the cleaning step, the surface is exposed to a strong gaseous oxidant, preferably hydrogen peroxide vapor. The hydrogen peroxide or other strong oxidant attacks the prions, particularly the unclumped prion strands, deactivating the prions.

Abstract: A surface which carries a material which is infected with prions is cleaned with an alkaline cleaning solution to remove as much proteinaceous material as possible from the surface. The cleaning agent is an alkaline cleaning agent which attacks prions remaining on the surface and which attacks prions removed from the surface during the cleaning step. After the cleaning solution is drained, a solution of surfactants, buffers, and heavy metal free corrosion inhibitors is circulated over the surface at 50°-60° C. The surfactants disperse and unclump the prion-contaminated material. A strong oxidant, preferably peracetic acid, is added to the solution to bring the peracetic acid concentration to 1,000-2,500 ppm. The peracetic acid or other strong oxidant attacks the prions, particularly the unclumped prion strands, deactivating the prions. After rinsing and drying, the surface may be wrapped in a microbe impermeable barrier and subjected to terminal sterilization, such as steam autoclaving.

Abstract: Improved tellurium-containing coating compositions and a method for applying a tellurium-containing coating to a metallic surface characterized by the presence of tellurium and an organic acid solubilizing agent.

Abstract: Method for solubilizing tellurium over a wide pH range which uses a cyclodextrin as the solubilizing agent, and resulting compositions containing soluble tellurium.

Abstract: Improved tellurium-containing coating compositions and a method for applying a tellurium-containing coating to a metallic surface characterized by the presence of tellurium and a dextrin solubilizing agent.

Abstract: Compositions and method for applying a coating to a metallic surface characterized by the presence of tellurium and/or selenium.

Abstract: An improved method for detackifying over-sprayed paint, lacquer or enamel entrained in the circulating water of paint spray booths comprises maintaining in the wash water a small amount of an alkaline zinc solution containing ammonium hydroxide and ammonium chloride.

Abstract: An improved method for detackifying over-sprayed paint, lacquer or enamel entrained in the circulating water of paint spray booths comprises maintaining in the wash water a small amount of an alkaline zinc solution containing ammonium hydroxide and ammonium chloride.