Abstract: A method and composition which permits sterilization of surfaces coupled with biologically active moieties by ionizing radiation is described. The protecting composition contains a surface-stabilizing agent which adheres to the surface and has a molecular weight.gtoreq.5 kd, and an oxygen radical scavenger which is preferably a di- or polysaccharide or reduced form thereof. In the method of the invention, a surface which is coupled to a biologically active agent is protected with the invention composition, dried to a moisture content of less than 1%, and then sterilized by ionizing radiation under standard conditions. The sterilized surfaces of the invention are particularly useful in the production of medical devices intended for extracorporeal use, particularly in cell-separation techniques.

Abstract: A method of assessing the degree of thermal processing of a food by preparing an aqueous medium including at least a portion of the processed food and monitoring the medium for the presence of a thermally produced compound not present in the unprocessed food to indicate the exposure of the food to heat.

Abstract: In a method for use in cleaning a flexible endoscope, an elongate cleaning member having an embedded optical fiber, an electrical conductor, and/or a heat conductor is inserted into a biopsy channel of the endoscope. Sterilizing radiation of a predetermined wavelength is transmitted along the optical fiber from a proximal end of the elongate cleaning member towards a distal end thereof. The radiation is dispersed to at least partially sterilize the biopsy channel. Heat energy is conducted along the heat conductor to raise or lower the temperature of the biopsy channel for a predetermined period to effectuate a sterilizing action. Electrical current may also be transmitted along the biopsy channel wall by virtue of the electrical conductor. The method also comprises the step of ejecting a sterilizing fluid from the elongate cleaning member into the biopsy channel.

Abstract: A blood loss monitoring apparatus is disclosed. The system includes a tank having a solution which removes blood from blood containing materials which are deposited in the tank and also hemolyzes the blood. Blood and blood containing materials are deposited into the tank during surgery, and the volume of liquid in the tank as well as the hemoglobin concentration in the tank are then determined. From this information, the total amount of hemoglobin lost is determined, and by measuring the patient's hemoglobin level immediately prior to the surgery, the total amount of blood lost is then calculated. The amount of blood lost can be continuously monitored and updated throughout the course of the surgical procedure or operation.

Abstract: Blood loss by a patient during an operation is monitored by collecting all blood and bloodied materials generated during the operation and subjecting them to ultrasonic vibration in a buffered eluent containing a volume control substance by which the actual volume of the blood-added eluent can be determined. Hemoglobin concentration in the eluate is measured periodically or continually, and multiplied by the eluate volume, to give the actual hemoglobin lost. This value is adjusted by the hemoglobin concentration of the patient just prior to the operation, to give the actual blood volume lost. The blood lost during the operation can also be monitored continuously, and real time values provided.

Abstract: Contaminated objects are disinfected in a device which has a cavity formed by a fluid impermeable wall, an opening that is closeable by a seal, and a dispensing conduit which is spaced from the seal. Objects are placed in the cavity, the opening is sealed, and a disinfectant soluiton is introduced into the dispensing conduit. The disinfectant solution flows from outlets in the conduit into the cavity so that the objects in the cavity are disinfected by the solution and its vapors.

Abstract: A process for the flocculation, precipitation, agglomeration or coagulation of substances or microorganisms present in a liquid in a dissolved, colloidally dissolved, suspended or emulsified state and a device for carrying out the process. The respective liquid is exposed to one or several fields of stationary ultrasonic waves, the ultrasonic frequency f being higher than one seventh of a cutoff frequency fo which depends on the kinematic viscosity of the liquid and the effective radius of the particles present in the liquid.The device includes an ultrasonic treatment tank which receives the liquid to be purified and is provided with an ultrasonic transducer radiating the ultrasonic waves to an opposing reflecting surface.

Abstract: A tap water processing apparatus comprises a water tank for storing tap water, and an ultrasonic oscillator disposed inside the water tank and emitting ultrasonic waves. The tap water contains hypochlorous acid components produced through a chlorine disinfecting process. When processed by the ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic oscillator, the hypochlorous acid components are removed from the tap water.

Abstract: A treatment of a liquid or slurry which combines the effects of heat, ultrasonification, and pressure to produce an effective bactericide and sporicide. The ultrasonification effect is enhance 10-20 fold by the addition of pressure during the heat and ultrasonification treatment. The pressure results in enhancement of the cavitational effect. The enhance of the cavitational effect results in the heat becoming a more effective bactericide and sporicide at a lower temperature and shorter duration.

Abstract: A treatment of a liquid or slurry which combines the effects of heat, ultrasonification, and pressure to produce an effective bactericide. The ultrasonification effect is enhance 10-20 fold by the addition of pressure during the heat and ultrasonification treatment. The pressure results in enhancement of the cavitational effect. The enchance of the cavitational effect results in the heat becoming a more effective bactericide at a lower temperature and shorter duration.

Abstract: A method of water treatment consisting of the step of diverting water through a fluid flow passage in which the water is subjected to ultrasonic vibrations in a range between 15 and 150 kilohertz for a period in excess of 12 seconds such that cavitation occurs.

Abstract: An electrophoretic technique and apparatus for decontamination and sterilizing of contact lenses are provided. The lenses are placed in respective perforated containers and inserted in a buffer solution of suitable pH value. An electric field is established in the solution by a pair of spaced electrodes. Contaminants on the lenses become charged and are attracted to a respective electrode, thereby cleaning and sterilizing the lenses.

Abstract: Heat is more efficiently transferred to the catalyst tubes in a fuel cell power plant reformer by mounting sleeves about the individual catalyst tubes. The sleeves define helical hot gas flow paths on the outside of the catalyst tubes. Adjacent flow paths are separated from each other by arcuate ribs between the tubes and sleeves that provide line contact with the outer surface of the tubes for improved heat transfer. The ribs may be formed with circular rods attached to the tubes or sleeves, or by helical grooves with semi-circular configurations formed in the sleeves. Approximately fifty percent greater heat transfer can be achieved using the line contact ribs to form the hot gas flow paths. The sleeves, tubes and ribs are all made of metal.

Abstract: Contact lenses are treated with hydrogen peroxide and the remaining hydrogen peroxide is decomposed by electrolysis.

Abstract: The tendency of polymers which are normally transparent after molding to undergo yellowing upon exposure to ionizing radiation is reduced by blending them with another polymer that has the effect of improving the ionizing radiation resistance over and above a mere dilution effect. The blends are moldable into medical products that can be sterilized repeatedly with little or no yellowing.

Abstract: A sterilization container is provided with relatively large top and bottom apertures to allow hot steam to rapidly pervade the interior of the container through the top while flushing cool air out the bottom. The apertures are provided with pressure actuated valves with large cross sections to minimize impedance to gas flow when the valves are open. The pressure-sensitive elements of the valves are set such that the valves close to seal the apertures when the external pressure is at atmospheric, and rapidly open fully when the pressure begins to rise in the autoclave as steam is admitted at the start of a sterilization cycle. When the external pressure is returned to atmospheric at the end of the cycle, the pressure-actuated valves close to provide a sealed container for removal from the autoclave.

Abstract: Cleaning apparatus and method for use in cleaning ultraviolet radiation inhibiting deposits from the active surfaces of ultraviolet radiation emitting devices utilized in liquid purification systems by inducing ultrasonic vibrations in the emitting devices with ultrasonic transducers coupled to portions of the emitting devices extending outside the conduit through which the liquid to be purified is passed, the coupling being accomplished through a coupling liquid contained within a chamber of relatively small volume into which the extending portions of the emitting devices project to be immersed in the coupling liquid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a regasifying pasteurization system and related methods using compressional waves. The system first degasifies the incoming liquid acoustically and under a static pressure below atmospheric pressure. The compressional waves used in degasification are preferably modulated to increase efficiency. The degassed liquid is then exposed to vaporous cavitation in a microorganism disintegrator wherein microorganisms are disintegrated and killed, preferably using frequency modulated compressional waves and vacuum pressures. The regassified pasteurization system also includes a regasification subsystem which injects gases back into the liquid. The gases are sometimes the same gases removed during the degasification step. The degasification and disintegration step form independent subsystems and combine to form a pasteurization subsystem all of which can be used independent of the regasification subsystem.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for sonicating an article such that the liquid used as the sonication medium cannot recontaminate the article. A sonication medium in the form of a film of liquid is streamed over the article. A probe of a sonic horn is positioned in sonic energy transfer relationship to the sonication medium next to the article. Sound waves transmitted through the sonication medium dislodge particles from the article and into the sonication medium. The sonication medium carrying dislodged particles is drained away after passing the probe of the sonic horn. A subsequent sterilization means can be used to further clean the article. The article can be a web of packaging material used subsequent to sterilization for forming into individual containers for the aseptic packaging of foodstuffs or the like.

Abstract: A method of sterilization for hospital and field use in which an article to be sterilized is submerged in water and ozone, which is supplied from a separate source, is bubbled through said water and over said article so as to provide an ozone concentration in excess of water saturation alone. Such a process can be used to kill even the most difficult bacteria and spores in shorter times than ethylene oxide sterilizers and further can be used for instruments which cannot stand steam temperatures or pressure changes.

Abstract: A method for disinfecting and/or sterilizing small objects such as medical and dental instruments and the like wherein the object to be disinfected and/or sterilized is contacted with a liquid, such as an aqueous solution of sodium dodecyl sulfate and carbamide, which is substantially transparent to ultraviolet radiation and has some bactericidal activity itself, at a temperature in the range from about 0.degree. C. to about 100.degree. C. and preferably at about 25.degree. C., and the object while contacted by the liquid is exposed simultaneously to ultrasonic radiation having a frequency in the range from about 8 kilohertz to about 300 kilohertz, preferably from 15 kilohertz to 60 kilohertz, with an energy density of application from about 10 watts/liter to about 5 watts/milliliter, and to ultraviolet radiation having a wavelength in the range from about 1500 .ANG. to about 4000 .ANG., preferably at about 2537 .ANG..

Abstract: A method for sterilizing packaging material, the packaging material being employed subsequent to its sterilization for the aseptic packaging of foodstuffs. The method includes the steps of (1) first subjecting the packaging material to ultrasonic vibrations through a liquid medium, and (2) then subjecting the packaging material to ultraviolet radiation. The bactericidal effect of steps (1) and (2) combined together as a sequence in the order recited is greater than if practiced in the reverse order. The process of this invention can be applied to a moving web of packaging material. The moving web, after its sterilization treatment, can be fed through known machinery for forming, filling, and sealing of aseptic packages for foodstuffs.

Abstract: A process is described for cleaning and disinfecting a soiled contact lens in a single unit operation. The soiled contact lens is immersed in a cavitation-supporting saline solution which is at ambient temperature. The lens is then subjected to ultrasonic energy which is transmitted through the solution at a frequency of between 62 and 72 kHz and an intensity of between 0.8 and 2.0 watts per ml. of solution. This procedure causes substantially all of the soil to dislodge from the lens before the combined elapsed time and temperature conditions within the solution produce any substantial protein denaturation on the lens. Ultrasonic energy is transmitted continuously through the solution at the same frequency and intensity ranges so that the temperature of the solution does not exceed about 65.degree. C. but the total elapsed period of the ultrasonic energy transmission, not to exceed about 20 minutes, must be sufficient to effect the disinfection of the lens.

Abstract: A long sheet material to be sterilized is passed through an atmosphere of H.sub.2 O.sub.2 mist of low concentration and of droplet particle size of approximately 10 microns at room temperature for approximately one second and is then irradiated for approximately one second with ultraviolet-ray lamps positioned to irradiate opposite surfaces of the sheet material each at a distance of approximately 20 mm therefrom, whereby the material is thoroughly sterilized as a result of the synergistic effect produced by the combination of these two sterilization steps.

Abstract: A sterilization apparatus and method according to which articles are sterilized by subjecting them to an ultrasonic/heat activated disinfectant liquid in the presence of heat and ultrasonic vibrations. The preferred disinfectant liquid includes a quaternary ammonium compound and a surfactant at a pH of 12. Treatment according to the invention results in the killing of vegetated bacteria, fungi, viruses and spores.

Abstract: An antifouling coating with method of use and method of application on marine structures in the form of a film containing piezoelectric polymer material, which, when electrically activated vibrates at a selected frequency to present a surface interfacing with water which is inhospitable for attachment of vegetable and animal life including free-swimming organisms thereby discouraging their attachment and their subsequent growth thereon to the macrofoulant adult stage.

Abstract: Apparatus particularly suitable for sterilization of a succession of food containers being fed intermittently along a horizontal path, preparatory to the filling of such containers with a desired food. Formed over and under the feed path are two opposed sterilizing chambers into which a sterilizing solution is supplied in subdivided form for application to the successive containers. In some embodiments the sterilizing chambers are provided with spray nozzles for spraying the sterilizing solution onto the containers, while in others the sterilizing solution is ultrasonically atomized into fine mist in a separate atomizing section, the mist being then directed into the sterilizing chambers. The apparatus further includes heaters for heating the sterilizing chambers and other pertinent parts in order to afford subdivision of the sterilizing solution into fine, uniform droplets and to prevent their condensation into large drops.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the removal of particulate matter and reactive or water soluble gases from carrier gases is disclosed. The process includes driving the carrier gas through a conduit, in part by a fan or blower, passing the carrier gas through a turbulent free jet emitted from a supersonic nozzle and containing a large number of small high velocity liquid droplets, passing the mixture of the carrier gas and the free jet through a subsonic nozzle, injecting additional liquid as droplets into the mixture, retaining the mixture in a mixing tube to promote the further growth of the liquid droplets and separating the liquid droplets from the carrier gas.

Abstract: A method for pasteurizing, decontaminating or disinfecting the surfaces of medical, dental, surgical, and food processing instruments or other objects in a liquid phase by placing said objects in hot water or a hot aqueous solution whose temperature is between about 48.degree. C. and 68.degree. C. while irradiating at the same time the liquid and objects with an ultrasonic cavitating field whose main frequency is lower than 150 KHz and the average acoustic energy density greater than 5 watts per liter. According to acoustic intensity and temperature, the ultrasonic pasteurizng time may vary from 15 to 30 minutes. The method is compatible with the use of surfactants and detergents of the anionic, non-ionic, cationic and amphoteric type and can be performed in either a continuous or batch process.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for ultrasonic cleaning and decontaminating, disinfecting, or sterilizing articles, such as surgical instruments, in a single piece of equipment. Energy transmission through a unitized shell wall coupled with deep vacuum conditions in the chamber enables rapid degasification, enhanced cavitation providing effective and efficient ultrasonic cleaning in a sealed vessel capable of carrying out high pressure sterilization.Sonic energy transducers are rigidly mounted externally of the unitized shell to achieve desired cavitation substantially uniformly throughout the volume of the chamber established for placement of articles to be ultrasonically washed and biocidally treated.

Abstract: A device for recovering chemicals from flue gases and green liquor obtained from burning the waste liquor of sodium based pulping processes, which device comprises a precarbonation reactor, a H.sub.

Abstract: Germ-killing composition produced by contacting an acid material, preferably consisting of at least about 15% by weight of lactic acid, with sodium chlorite in aqueous media, the amount of acid being sufficient to lower the .[.PH.]. .Iadd.pH .Iaddend.of the aqueous media to less than about 7. Methods of disinfecting and sanitizing include application of either the germ killing composition, or reactants providing in situ production thereof, to a germ carrier including substrates of various kinds as well as an enclosed air space.