Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to an amperometric gas sensor for measuring the concentration of an analyte, comprising: a solid support; and a working electrode in contact with the solid support; wherein the analyte comprises a dopant which when in contact with the solid support increases the electrical conductivity of the solid support. A sterilization process employing the amperometric gas sensor is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a wipe for killing spores comprising an absorbent sheet holding an aqueous composition and a sealed package containing the absorbent sheet, wherein the aqueous composition comprises water, an antimicrobial agent and a peroxide. The invention also relates to a process for killing spores using the above-indicated wipe.

Abstract: This invention relates to an aqueous composition and a process for killing spores. The process may comprise contacting the spores with the aqueous composition for a sufficient period of time to effect a desired reduction (e.g., at least a 4 log reduction) in the number of spores capable of returning to vegetative growth. The aqueous composition may comprise water, an antimicrobial agent (e.g., peracetic acid) and a peroxide (e.g., hydrogen peroxide). The process may be a two-step process involving the use of a first aqueous composition, which may comprise water and the peroxide, and a second aqueous composition which may comprise water and the antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: This invention relates to a decontamination or sterilization process wherein spores are killed, comprising: forming droplets of an aqueous composition comprising water and a peroxide, the aqueous composition having a concentration of peroxide in the range from about 0.01 to about 14% by weight; vaporizing the droplets to form a sporicidal vaporous mixture; and contacting the spores with the sporicidal vaporous mixture for a sufficient period of time to effect at least a 4 log reduction in the number of spores capable of returning to vegetative growth.

Abstract: This invention relates to an aqueous composition and a process for killing spores. The process may comprise contacting the spores with the aqueous composition for a sufficient period of time to effect a desired reduction (e.g., at least a 4 log reduction) in the number of spores capable of returning to vegetative growth. The aqueous composition may comprise water, an antimicrobial agent (e.g., peracetic acid) and a peroxide (e.g., hydrogen peroxide). The process may be a two-step process involving the use of a first aqueous composition, which may comprise water and the peroxide, and a second aqueous composition which may comprise water and the antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: This invention relates to a a process for decontaminating or sterilizing an article contaminated with spores. The process comprises contacting the spores with a liquid sterilant for a sufficient period of time to effect a desired reduction (e.g., at least a 4 log reduction) in the number of spores capable of returning to vegetative growth. The liquid sterilant may comprise water, an antimicrobial agent (e.g., peracetic acid) and a peroxide (e.g., hydrogen peroxide).

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to an amperometric gas sensor for measuring the concentration of an analyte, comprising: a solid support; and a working electrode in contact with the solid support; wherein the analyte comprises a dopant which when in contact with the solid support increases the electrical conductivity of the solid support. A sterilization process employing the amperometric gas sensor is disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to an amperometric gas sensor for measuring the concentration of an analyte, comprising: a solid support; and a working electrode in contact with the solid support; wherein the analyte comprises a dopant which when in contact with the solid support increases the electrical conductivity of the solid support. A sterilization process employing the amperometric gas sensor is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of controlling a light output of a surgical lamp used for illuminating a surgical site. The surgical lamp includes a housing that defines an internal cavity. A light source is disposed within the internal cavity of the housing. The light source produces a light path and a light field at a surgical site that is remote from the housing. The method comprises providing a voltage sensitive device along the light path, the voltage sensitive device having light transmissive properties that change in response to a biasing voltage applied thereto, and applying a biasing voltage to the voltage sensitive device to achieve a desired light intensity at the surgical site.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to an amperometric gas sensor for measuring the concentration of an analyte, comprising: a solid support; and a working electrode in contact with the solid support; wherein the analyte comprises a dopant which when in contact with the solid support increases the electrical conductivity of the solid support. A sterilization process employing the amperometric gas sensor is disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to an indicator composition comprising at least one iodide salt, at least one binder, at least one carbonate salt and/or at least one sulfate salt, and at least one antioxidant. The indicator composition may contain at least one dye, complexing agent, inhibitor, and/or solvent. A sterilization indicator comprising the foregoing indicator composition is disclosed. The sterilization indicator may be used for monitoring sterilization processes involving oxidative chemistries.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a decontaminant dispenser which may be used as a projectile. The invention also relates to a decontamination process using the decontaminant dispenser. The decontaminant dispenser may be thrown by hand, launched as an artillery shell or the payload for a missile, or dropped by an airplane into the area to be decontaminated. The dispenser may be placed in the area to be decontaminated. The decontaminant dispenser may be ruggedized for use in hostile environments such as those that may be anticipated for military applications.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a decontaminant dispenser which may be used as a projectile. The invention also relates to a decontamination process using the decontaminant dispenser. The decontaminant dispenser may be thrown by hand, launched as an artillery shell or the payload for a missile, or dropped by an airplane into the area to be decontaminated. The dispenser may be placed in the area to be decontaminated. The decontaminant dispenser may be ruggedized for use in hostile environments such as those that may be anticipated for military applications.

Abstract: A mobile deactivation apparatus for deactivating contaminants within a defined region that includes a source of a vaporous deactivating agent, a gas handling system, a support member, a drive means, a control system, and a power system is disclosed. The gas handling system dispenses the vaporous deactivating agent to the defined region. The support member is movable in the defined region and supports the source of the vaporous deactivating agent and the gas handling system. The support member can be propelled by the drive means. The control system is programmed to control the operation of the gas handling system and the drive means. A power system is provided to supply power to the mobile deactivation apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of controlling a light output of a surgical lamp used for illuminating a surgical site. The surgical lamp includes a housing that defines an internal cavity. A light source is disposed within the internal cavity of the housing. The light source produces a light path and a light field at a surgical site that is remote from the housing. The method comprises providing a voltage sensitive device along the light path, the voltage sensitive device having light transmissive properties that change in response to a biasing voltage applied thereto, and applying a biasing voltage to the voltage sensitive device to achieve a desired light intensity at the surgical site.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a decontamination unit that employs a collapsible decontamination enclosure and a decontaminant air stream generator that uses catalytic discharge. The invention also relates to a decontamination process using the decontamination unit. The decontamination unit may be carried by an individual person, for example, in the form of a backpack. The decontamination unit may be ruggedized for use in hostile environments such as those that may be anticipated for military applications.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a decontaminant dispenser which may be used as a projectile. The invention also relates to a decontamination process using the decontaminant dispenser. The decontaminant dispenser may be thrown by hand, launched as an artillery shell or the payload for a missile, or dropped by an airplane into the area to be decontaminated. The dispenser may be placed in the area to be decontaminated. The decontaminant dispenser may be ruggedized for use in hostile environments such as those that may be anticipated for military applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for removing chemical sterilant molecules from a medium, such as a carrier gas. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a housing that defines an internal cavity. The housing has an inlet and an outlet fluidly communicating with the internal cavity. An electrode is dimensioned to be received in the internal cavity of the housing. The electrode is made of a material that is chemically active with respect to molecules of a chemical sterilant and conductive to electricity. The electrode is connected to a source of an electrical charge such that an electrical field gradient is formed in a region of space surrounding the electrode. The electrical field gradient is operable to force the chemical sterilant molecule toward the electrode.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a portable decontamination unit. The invention also relates to a decontamination process. The decontamination unit may employ a shipping container for transporting a decontaminant generator and optionally a power generator, and for functioning as a decontamination chamber. The decontamination unit may be ruggedized for use in hostile environments such as those that may be anticipated for military applications.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a portable decontamination unit. The invention also relates to a decontamination process. The decontamination unit may be ruggedized for use in hostile environments such as those that may be anticipated for military applications.