Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus and methods for curing a surface that is coated with a curable resin, such as an ultraviolet light-curable surface coating. The method involves directing radiation to the curable coating material using an apparatus of the invention to form a cured surface without substantially increasing the temperature of the work surface. The surface coating material can contain ultraviolet reactive photo-initiator compounds. An apparatus for curing a surface coating material is also provided.

Abstract: A system for sterilizing a sports ball comprises a housing; a door for the housing for opening and closing the housing and for permitting manual location of a ball in the housing; a sterilizing light for sterilizing a ball placed in the housing. The ball is rotatable in the housing such that the surface of the ball is exposed to the light. An elongated track extends from one end of the housing towards another end, and the light can be elongated from one end towards another end. There can be a support pivot on an outer surface of the housing permits the housing to be rocked about the pivot. There can be a series of rollers and one of the rollers can be motorized to rotate a ball. An outlet from the housing is directed to a tray for receiving a sterilized ball. The housing can include an internal surface with a light reflective material.

Abstract: A system comprises: an isolation tube (42, 82) extending into a clean area (14), the isolation tube having a closed end (44) and an opposite open end (46) that is open to a contamination area (12) adjacent the clean area in order to receive an imaging subject from the contamination area; and an imaging apparatus (40, 80) disposed in the clean area and movable along the isolation tube in order to image a subject in the isolation tube at a plurality of different positions along the isolation tube. In some more specific embodiments, the system further includes a vehicle (10) having an interior including the contamination area (12) and the adjacent clean area (14) wherein the system is a mobile imaging unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods to reduce bioburden on at least a portion of a fluid transfer port include supplying a dose of radiation to the portion in optical communication with at least one source of radiation. In an illustrative example, a medical container, such as a vial or IV bag, receives a dose of ultraviolet (UV) energy substantially at a predetermined region of a fluid transfer site. In some examples, such a sanitization process may precede a fluid transfer operation in which a fluid is transferred into or out of the medical container by passing through the sanitized region. Such fluid transfers may be used in automated or semi-automated pharmaceutical processes, such as drug reconstitution. Various embodiments may further include one or more seal assemblies, each seal assembly having an aperture through which the radiation dose is supplied from the source to a controlled region on the fluid transfer port.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cigar humidor, comprising: a hollow housing; a lid connected to the housing; a germicidal light assembly positioned inside the housing for disinfecting cigars; and a platform transparent to ultraviolet light produced by the assembly.

Abstract: A device for use in dialysis includes an elongated tubular body having a first end, a second end, and a lumen extending between the first end and the second end, and a first UV source coupled to the elongated tubular body at the second end, wherein the first UV source is configured to direct UV light for sterilizing at least a part of the elongated tubular body, wherein the second end of the elongated tubular body includes an opening in fluid communication with the lumen of the elongated tubular body, and a cover, the cover positionable at a first location to close the opening and at a second location to unblock the opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for inactivating pathogens such as bacteria and viruses and/or leucocytes in thrombocyte concentrations by irradiation in flexible containers with ultra-violet light using agitation. The blood product is packaged in a flexible bag to permit the intermixing of the fluid by agitation (tilting, rotation, translation). This is also promoted by the filling of the bag to a maximum 30% of the filling capacity.

Abstract: The invention provides a phototherapy device that includes a controlled environment defined by a plurality of transparent panels and at least one light emitting diode portion that projects light into the controlled environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the inactivation of pathogens such as bacteria and viruses in donor blood, blood plasma and erythrocyte concentrates by photodynamic treatment and/or irradiation with ultraviolet light in flexible irradiation bags under intense movement.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and materials that include, in certain embodiments, a mobile device, movable across a surface by a user, that provides ultraviolet light for a process of sanitizing or sterilizing the surface that comprises an ultraviolet light source for illuminating the surface with the ultraviolet light to thereby sanitize or sterilize the surface. The device may include a movement sensor operatively coupled to a microprocessor that receives movement data from the movement sensor, and an indicator that is operatively coupled to the microprocessor, with the microprocessor comprising programming to perform a comparison of the calculated dosage to a predetermined dosage, wherein the microprocessor, based on the comparison, controls the indicator to provide instructions to the user.

Abstract: A device and method for curing photoactivatable paint coatings. An exemplary device may include a light chamber housing supported by a frame and undercarriage, the wall portions of the light chamber having a peripheral region terminating at a light emission region. A UV light source may be located within the light chamber. A motorized carrier may be provided and configured to controllably index and/or oscillate the UV light source along a travel path within the housing. The light chamber may be located adjacent a target paint cure location on a work piece, with the UV light emission region facing the paint cure location. Once properly located, the UV light source may be indexed and/or oscillated along the travel path to deliver UV light to the target paint cure location so as to cure UV curable paint thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing includes receptacle having a base and left and right end surfaces; a cover for closing the apparatus, the cover having an outer surface, an inner surface and left and right end surfaces; a first UV light source positioned on the inner surface of the cover; a second UV light source positioned within the receptacle; and at least one article-receiving panel positioned over the second light source of the base of the receptacle.

Abstract: A portable air sterilization apparatus includes a portable chamber forming an interior volume, a portable source for producing a single beam of collimated light energy, and a rotating beam redirector. The portable chamber includes a first end for introducing air into the chamber, a second end for permitting air to exit from the chamber, a transparent orifice through which a single beam of collimated light energy can be introduced into the interior volume of the chamber; and at least one reflective wall. The rotating beam redirector is adapted to rotate through a complete revolution about a rotational axis and to redirect the single beam of collimated light energy within the chamber during said revolution.

Abstract: An article sanitizer includes a rigid opaque enclosure open at a door side thereof. An enclosure door is adapted to selectively close the door side of the enclosure. At least one UV bulb is fixed to at least one bulb fixture within the enclosure and extends at least partially into the open internal space of the enclosure. A cage is fixed around each sanitizer bulb. An article fastener is fixed with the cage and is adapted to be selectively fastened to the article for securing the article thereto. An electronic circuit is electrically connected to each sanitizer bulb and is adapted to power each bulb for a present period of time. A switch may be included proximate the door and adapted to electrically close when the door is closed to prevent bulb activation when the door is open. A wheeled support stand may be fixed with the enclosure.

Abstract: A germicidal system and method for deactivating pathogens on the surface of a bodily extremity protected by a prophylactic covering substantially opaque to UV-C radiation. The device includes an enclosure having one or more openings through which the extremity can be inserted. The enclosure contains a radiation source configured to produce germicidal radiation having a wavelength of about 253.7 nm. The openings are configured relative to the radiation source such that the inserted extremity is in close proximity to the radiation source. The prophylactic covered extremity is preferably a gloved hand thereby sanitizing the surface of the glove. The extremity inserted is preferably exposed for a predetermined period of time to ensure a desired level of sanitization. Optionally, the device can include an orientation detector to determine the position of the user's hand and the spread of the user's fingers, and a surface detector to determine whether the user's hand is covered by a glove.

Abstract: A device and method for exposing light sensitive substrates to a concentrated light source. The device is suitable for curing substances such as photosensitive sensitive inks, adhesives, and photographic elements. Ultraviolet or visible light is emitted from an array of LED's, and then directed by an array of light guides to a light concentrator having a light input region along its length. The light is then concentrated and emitted from a light output region along the length of the light concentrator to a photosensitive target to be exposed.

Abstract: A unit, system, and method for disinfecting or sterilizing the entire surface area of an item. The system includes at least one ultraviolet light source producing ultraviolet light for disinfecting the item. In addition, the system including a cavity housing the ultraviolet light source, the cavity having a reflective interior for redirecting light produced by the at least one ultraviolet light source. Furthermore, the system including a shelf positioned above a bottom portion of the cavity to support the item, the shelf capable of passing light produced by the at least one ultraviolet light source there through to disinfect an entire surface area of the item.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a sterilized medical device including a non-polymerized blend including a silicone matrix material and a radiation resistant component.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems including wastewater treatment systems that utilize high energy light to destruct organics in wastewater are provided. In some embodiments, such systems may include a gas purifier that is configured to purify a gas. The wastewater treatment system treats wastewater from the gas purifier via the use of ultraviolet light. Accordingly, the wastewater treatment system may include an ultraviolet light system that directs ultraviolet light through the wastewater.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for methods, systems and apparatus for monochromatic UV light sterilization of container systems and/or container-packaged products. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for improved methods, systems and apparatus for monochromatic UV light sterilization of liquid and/or solid products/solutions and/or packaging/container systems for liquid and/or solid products/solutions (e.g., parenteral pharmaceutical products/solutions and/or packaging/container systems for parenteral pharmaceutical products/solutions).

Abstract: A system and method including a wand-type ultraviolet (UV) light assembly positioned above a keyboard and other computer peripheral device(s) to be sanitized. The UV light assembly is preferably moved across the peripheral device surface to eliminate nearly all germs, bacteria, viruses, pathogens and other microorganisms that have accumulated on the surfaces of the keyboard and other peripherals. Desirably, the system operation is managed by a controller device which is in communication with a host computer. In addition, the system allows for the collection and analysis of system performance data. The invention provides an extremely effective, compact, virtually cost-free and environmentally-friendly solution to disinfecting surfaces of keyboards and other peripheral devices.

Abstract: A litter box for pets is provided having a container defined by a bottom and side walls and a germicidal ultraviolet light lamp positioned parallel to the bottom of the container and around the interior peripheral edge of the container, whereby the light from the lamp has an unobstructed path to the absorbent granular material in the container. A motion detector may be provided to turn the lamp off and on when a pet approaches the litter box.

Abstract: Ultraviolet light is an effective sterilization agent. Convenient mobile sterilization devices are described herein that, in certain embodiments, provide indications to a user of how much sterilizing light is required for a given sterilization goal and how much light has been applied to a surface towards that goal. Users can move the devices across a target surface as needed to sterilize or disinfect the surface, with the device tracking the dosage applied to the surface. One embodiment of a mobile device that comprises an ultraviolet C (UVC) light source, a distance detector, an indicator, and a microprocessor that receives data from the distance detector for calculating an intensity of the light from the source on a target surface and for calculating a dosage of the light on the surface to provide a signal to the indicator when a predetermined dosage is achieved.

Abstract: A system for sanitizing an enclosed structure comprises a first sensor, a second sensor, a third sensor, a germicidal ultraviolet light source, a motor, and a controller. The first sensor detects the presence of humans or animals within the enclosed structure. The second sensor detects the position of at least one door of the enclosed structure. The third sensor detects tampering with the system. The ultraviolet light source provides electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet range. The motor moves the ultraviolet light source from an inactive position to an active position and from the active position to the inactive position. The controller receives inputs from the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor, and transmits outputs to the ultraviolet light source and the motor.

Abstract: A disinfecting device is proposed that is well suited for household and outdoor use. The device comprises a container housing 12 with an interior volume 24, which may contain an object or a liquid to be disinfected. The container housing 12 comprises a side wall 16 and an end cover 14. A dielectric barrier discharge lamp 32 is provided for emitting ultraviolet light into the volume 24. The lamp 32 comprises a lamp vessel 34 with gas filling and electrodes 42, 44 arranged electrically insulated from the gas filling. An alternating voltage applied to the electrodes 42, 44 causes a discharge in the gas filling. The lamp vessel 34 has a planar window from which during the discharge ultraviolet light 46 is emitted. The window is arranged in the end cover 14.

Abstract: Methods and systems for selection radiation exposure in sterilization of medical devices are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a disinfecting radiation base for working in conjunction with a storage case for an ophthalmic lens. The disinfecting radiation base provides disinfecting radiation for disinfecting a surface of the storage case. The disinfecting radiation base may also include a processor and digital memory for automated functions associated with the base.

Abstract: A keyboard and touchpad or mouse UV treatment system with optical sensor and inclined slide is described. A proximity sensor, microcontroller firmware, and motorized mechanism allow activation of the sanitization cycle by personnel with contaminated hands without risk of additional spreading of pathogens to other personnel and patients. The inclined slide provides stability when operated on a desk, and the microcontroller and optical sensor determine the proper exposure time to compensate for lamp aging and variations in lamp output.

Abstract: An ultraviolet area sterilizer or disinfector is incorporated into a building structure where concern exists regarding the presence of pathogenic bacteria on environmental surfaces. Ultraviolet C (UV-C) generators generate UV-C that is directed to architectural partitions of an enclosed area. The architectural partitions reflect UV-C to kill pathogens in the enclosed area. The device transmits a calculated dose of UV-C from a fixture mounted to an architectural partition in the enclosed area. Once an effective cumulative dose of UV-C has been reflected to radiation sensors, as measured by the sensors, the device shuts down.

Abstract: The invention relates to cleanable spiral modules and a method for production thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a disinfecting radiation base for working in conjunction with a storage case for an ophthalmic lens. The disinfecting radiation base provides disinfecting radiation for disinfecting an ophthalmic lens. The disinfecting radiation base may also include a processor and digital memory for automated functions associated with the base.

Abstract: A writing utensil sterilization apparatus includes a housing comprising an inlet for receiving a writing utensil and an outlet for dispensing the writing utensil, a UV light source disposed within the housing for emitting UV light, and a path disposed within the housing for guiding the writing utensil from the inlet to the outlet while exposing the writing utensil to the UV light.

Abstract: An integrated disposable includes a test strip and a lancet packet coupled to the test strip. The lancet packet includes a sterility sheet enclosing at least a portion of a lancet to maintain the sterility of the lancet. The lancet packet and the sterility sheet, in particular, allow the lancet to be sterilized separately from the test strip. The lancet in one form is incorporated into a lancet tape that is sterilized in a continuous, reel-to-reel sterilization process. The lancet tape in one form is sterilized using an electron beam sterilization process. With electron beam sterilization, sterilization is enhanced by irradiating both sides of the tape with electron beams. Sterilization can adversely affect chemical reagents in the test strip. To alleviate this chemistry degradation issue, the lancet packet is attached to the test strip after the lancet is sterilized.

Abstract: Method for irradiating granules, in the case of which the granules are arranged in a sample container (2) and are irradiated with an irradiation lamp (3), the granules being periodically mixed during the irradiation such that different surfaces of the granules are irradiated. It is preferred to make use for the irradiation of a device which comprises a. at least one irradiation lamp (3), and b. at least one sample container (2) for the granules to be irradiated, the sample container being connected to a drive so that the sample container can be moved during the irradiation and the granules can be mixed.

Abstract: A cooking device includes a cooking chamber; a first deodorization region along which air from the cooking chamber flows and in which a plasma discharge is generated for removing odor-producing materials generated in the cooking chamber from the air; and a bypass region along which air from the cooking chamber flows to bypass the first deodorization region.

Abstract: Disclosed therein is a sterilizer for dental contaminants, which can prevent contamination occurring by the surface or a discharge hole of a cuspidor and a discharge hole of a suction mounted on a side of a dental unit chair used to spit out contaminants, such as blood or pus, remaining in a patient's mouth during a dental treatment. The sterilizer includes: a lid having a size as large as to cover an entrance portion of the cuspidor; an ultraviolet lamp mounted on the inner surface of the bottom of the lid; an opening and closing means connected to the lid for opening and closing the lid; and a control part for opening and closing the lid through the opening and closing means and controlling the turning on and off of the ultraviolet lamp.

Abstract: A device 220 is described for curing patterns of a substance at a surface of a foil 210. The device comprises: a carrier facility 236, 238 for carrying the foil 210 within an object plane O, a photon radiation source 240 arranged at a first side of the object plane for emitting photon radiation in a wavelength range for which the foil is transparent, a first and a second concave reflective surface 252, 254 arranged at mutually opposite sides of the object plane O, for mapping photon radiation emitted by the photon radiation source 240 into the object plane. Therein the photon radiation source 240 is arranged between the first concave reflecting surface and the object-plane. The photon radiation of the photon radiation source is concentrated into the object plane by the first and the second concave reflective surface 52, 54; 152, 154; 252, 254; 352, 354.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for activating an oxygen scavenging composition that includes a plurality of UV lamps arranged in a bank and disposed in a UV chamber; the UV lamps include first and second sides through which UV light is transmittable. A series of guide rolls disposed in the UV chamber define a film pathway for directing a film in close proximity with the first and second sides of the UV lamps. The UV shade is arranged to wrap about the first and second sides of the UV lamps, and may be configured to move between an open, partially open, and closed position so that the dosage of UV light to which the film is exposed may be controlled by adjusting the degree to which the shade is open. As a result, the UV shade may limit UV exposure without having to turn off the UV lamps.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for verifying the achievement of a desired sterility assurance level (SAL) for components manipulated within a low-energy electron beam sterilization chamber. The components are preferably pre-sterilized and connected together in an assembly fashion which creates and maintains the sterility of the connection by subjecting the components to low-energy (less than 300 KeV) electron beam radiation. The verification is completed by measuring the sterilization dose delivered to a sensor, also known as a dosimeter, positioned within the sterilization process to simulate the components.

Abstract: This invention provides a process of sterilizing a medical device, and preferably the contents of a sealed container which comprises said medical device, comprising the step of exposing said medical device to monochromatic ultraviolet radiation whereby the Dvalue of Bacillus stearothermophilus (ATCC 7953) is at least 23.7 mJ/cm2 monochromatic ultraviolet radiation at 257 nm to the spore. Further, this invention provides a process of sterilizing a medical device comprising the step of subjecting said medical device to monochromatic ultraviolet radiation wherein the minimum total energy density of said monochromatic ultraviolet radiation at 257 nm which reaches the microorganisms present on said medical device is at least 284 mJ/cm2. This invention further provides an apparatus for delivering UV radiation to a medical device for sterilization comprising a laser and a scanner for the laser such that at least 284 mJ/cm2 at 257 nm is applied to a treatment area for said medical device.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultraviolet water treatment apparatus includes an ultraviolet lamp unit provided with a first plumbing flange coupling on each of both ends thereof, and further provided therein with an ultraviolet irradiation tube including an ultraviolet lamp and a lamp protective tube configured to protect the ultraviolet lamp, and a cleaning device drive unit provided with a second plumbing flange coupling on each of both ends thereof and configured to drive a cleaning device configured to clean a surface of the lamp protective tube. The ultraviolet lamp unit and the cleaning device drive unit are coupled with each other on the first and second plumbing flange couplings.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for irradiation of fluid with electromagnetic radiation, and in particular to an apparatus and method for irradiation of blood or other body fluids with ultraviolet radiation is provided. The apparatus (1) comprises a housing (2) having disposed therein at least one mount (6) adapted for receiving an ultraviolet radiation source (7) and at least one holder (8) adapted for receiving a container of the fluid. The housing (2) is adapted for operability between a first position, wherein the container (9) may be placed in the holder (8) and a second position, wherein the housing (2) may form a capsule. The apparatus further comprises a control assembly for powering the ultraviolet radiation source (7). At least a portion of the inner surface of the housing (2) is capable of reflecting the ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a knife locker and sanitizing system consisting of a unique combination of one or more knife storage lockers that can individually be locked with a pad lock by the person using that set of knives. The incorporation of a locking bar that is attached to the knife locker by the means of a locking fixture and having a separate padlock facilitates a means where by a knife maintenance employee can open all the locker doors at one time to service the knives. Adjacent to the knife lockers will be located a sanitizing chamber where the knife blades and handles along with other food processing implements can be immersed in a sanitizing liquid. An alternate embodiment of the sanitizing chamber will incorporate ultraviolet lights on either side of the unit for the sanitizing process, enabling the ultraviolet light to not only disinfect the implement blades, but also the handles.

Abstract: Described is an air and surface purifying device having a purifying cell structured for maximizing the realized photocatalytic reaction at a photocatalytic surface without using an additional ultraviolet bulb. The purifying cell positions at least three photocatalytic surfaces about a single ultraviolet bulb such that the photocatalytic surfaces substantially encompass the ultraviolet bulb and are saturated by ultraviolet light radiating from the ultraviolet bulb. Because the photocatalytic surfaces are saturated, the potential photocatalytic reaction at the photocatalytic surfaces is fully realized. Stated differently, the realized photocatalytic reaction is maximized. Because the purifying cell maximizes the realized photocatalytic reaction, the purifying cell maximizes the purifying capacity of the photocatalytic surface and, thus, the purifying cell itself.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system, methods and apparatus for sterilization of an object (e.g., food products). The present invention takes advantage of the electron scatter that occurs when electron beam is applied onto a surface. The present invention is capable of treating irregular surfaces (e.g., carcasses, spherical/round surfaces) or any type of surface where complete penetration is not needed or desired.

Abstract: A universal ultraviolet light sanitation device that can be mounted to existing doors and the like wherein the UV light sources are positioned for treatment of a door knob or handle. The device provides for opposing UV lights in a light emitting housing around the doorknob. Sensor means within the assembly determines the non-presence of the user's hand and activates the UV lights before and after handle contact assuring sanitation of the light exposed non-porous surfaces.

Abstract: There is described a fluid treatment system which may which may be used with radiation sources that do not require a protective sleeve—e.g., excimer radiation sources. An advantage of the present fluid system treatment is that the radiation sources may be removed from the fluid treatment zone without necessarily having to shut down the fluid treatment system, remove the fluid, break the seals which retain fluid tightness, replace/service radiation source and than reverse the steps. Instead, the present fluid treatment system allows for service/replacement of the radiation sources in the fluid treatment zone during operation of the fluid treatment system.

Abstract: Systems and methods to reduce bioburden on at least a portion of a fluid transfer port include supplying a dose of radiation to the portion in optical communication with at least one source of radiation. In an illustrative example, a medical container, such as a vial or IV bag, receives a dose of ultraviolet (UV) energy substantially at a predetermined region of a fluid transfer site. In some examples, such a sanitization process may precede a fluid transfer operation in which a fluid is transferred into or out of the medical container by passing through the sanitized region. Such fluid transfers may be used in automated or semi-automated pharmaceutical processes, such as drug reconstitution. Various embodiments may further include one or more seal assemblies, each seal assembly having an aperture through which the radiation dose is supplied from the source to a controlled region on the fluid transfer port.

Abstract: A method, a sensor device (204), and a package storage system (200), are used to monitor the inside of a storage volume in a package container (202) containing at least one product and/or object (201). The sensor device is inside of the storage volume in the package container (202) and senses the presence of at least one of a sanitizing agent comprising ozone (316) and ultraviolet radiation energy inside of the storage volume. The sensor device (204) wirelessly transmits the sensed information from inside the at least one storage volume to a wireless receiver (222) outside of the storage volume to provide the sensed information to a processor (220) that monitors the presence of the at least one of the sanitizing agent comprising ozone (316) and ultraviolet radiation energy inside of the storage volume in the package container (202). The sensor device (204) can communicate using an RF ID device communication protocol.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for sterilizing packaging material for use in packaging for protein containing products, such as food products or medical drugs. The packaging material is sterilized by irradiating it using a beam of ionizing radiation, such as an electron beam or a beam of gamma rays. Afterwards, the packaging material is processed in such a manner that protein reactive substances or compounds formed in the packaging material during the irradiation step are at least partly removed or rendered inreactive with respect to proteins. The processing step may advantageously be performed by heating the packaging material. Preferably, the processing step involves accelerating diffusion from the packaging material of protein reactive substances or compounds. Since the protein reactive substances or compounds are removed or rendered inreactive with respect to proteins, degradation of the product which is later stored in the packaging material is considerably reduced.