Abstract: An implantable system having internal circuitry configured to withstand a pre-determined amount of sterilization radiation is provided. In general, the system includes an internal control module in electrical communication with an implantable medical device. The internal control module can include a circuit board configured to withstand radiation and/or any number of integrated circuits (e.g., application specific integrated circuits) wherein the circuits or at least some portion thereof are fabricated so as to withstand some amount of radiation. For example, some portion of the circuitry can be fabricated utilizing radiation compliant material(s), silicon-on-insulator technology, and/or gallium arsenide technology. Additionally, the circuitry can include various components which are inherently resistant to such radiation (e.g., components fabricated utilizing magnetic field based technology, surface acoustical wave devices, etc.).

Abstract: A container having a main storage space for holding a matter, having an inlet/outlet opening and fitted with a PEF system. The PEF system comprises two or more electrodes disposed within said container and contacting the matter; and electric pulse source connected to the two or more electrodes and adapted to pass pulsed electric energy through the matter. The PEF system being activated to deliver a treatment protocol to the matter.

Abstract: The present invention includes a composition for photoablation comprising a photosensitizer and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (“EDTA”) at a very low concentration (e.g., ranging from about 0.01 mM to about 1.25 mM), wherein the composition is used for photoablation of at least one targeted organism. The present invention also includes a method for photoablation comprising applying the composition to a treatment site containing at least one targeted organism and applying light to the treatment site at a wavelength absorbed by the photosensitizer so as to inhibit the at least one targeted organism.

Abstract: A method for disinfecting a bottle, in particular a baby bottle, including a bottle jacket which is open on both ends, wherein, in a dispensing position, a bottom cap is fastened to a bottom-side opening and a teat is fastened to a teat-side opening by a fastening ring, the inner periphery of the bottom-side opening being larger than the outer periphery of the fastening ring, wherein, for transfer into a disinfection position, the bottom cap is removed from the bottle jacket, the teat and the fastening ring are placed onto the bottom cap and introduced into the bottle jacket, the bottom cap is attached to the bottom-side opening, a disinfectant is filled into the bottle jacket before the bottle is heated for disinfection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a desktop sterilizer for books. The sterilizer includes an openable main body which has a sterilization chamber therein and is closable by a door so as to be openable through an opening, and a book holder which is provided in the sterilization chamber to maintain the covers of a book in a state of being unfolded. The sterilizer further includes a sterilizing UV lamp which sterilizes the book, and an air discharger which is connected to a blower and blows air towards the proximal edges of pages bound to a book spine of the book held by the book holder, thus opening the pages of the book.

Abstract: A vacuum packaged product and method for reducing tensile strength loss associated with sterilization of polyolefin-based products by gamma radiation, and reducing odors commonly produced by such sterilization.

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

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

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: A method and device are presented for affecting at least one chemical or mechanical property of a target site (109). A stream of liquid towards a contact with the target site (109) is provided with a predetermined flow rate. Also provided is UV-radiation (103) having predetermined parameters in terms of power, wavelength, duty cycle and repetition rate. The UV-radiation (103) is directed within the stream of liquid (101) along a trajectory of the stream. The stream carrying the UV radiation is maintained in contact with the target site for a time period and under conditions sufficient for affecting the at least one chemical or mechanical property.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of preparing a sterile, liquid adhesive composition in a sealed container using X-ray irradiation. The liquid adhesive compositions maintain their stability after sterilization and have an extended shelf life, making them particularly useful in the medical field.

Abstract: A lancet integrated test element tape includes a plurality of lancet integrated test elements. The lancet integrated test elements each include a lancet configured to form an incision in tissue and a test element configured to analyze body fluid from the incision in the tissue. A cartridge includes a supply compartment configured to store an unused section of the tape. The tape is folded within the supply compartment to limit damage to the lancet integrated test elements. The cartridge can further include a waste compartment in which a used section of the tape is stored. An indexing mechanism moves the tape between the supply and waste compartments.

Abstract: An acrylic or other polymer composition, optionally containing aluminum trihydrate, and having undoped and/or doped titanium dioxide dispersed evenly throughout is disclosed. Said composition provides a sterile surface which can be renewed. Said composition provides a highly sterile surface upon photoactivation of the surface by at least either low-level ultraviolet irradiation or ambient/natural light (as when using doped titanium dioxide). A method of using such a surface material is also disclosed. Said acrylic or other polymer composition may be adhered onto a polycarbonate or other polymeric backing, optionally by an intervening layer of a third polymer. The resulting acrylic or other polymer/polycarbonate or other polymer combination is adapted to provide ambient lighting when exposed to a light source.

Abstract: A vibrator has a large strength of a standing wave even with a low driving voltage, thereby improving the accuracy of component separation. A device according to the present invention includes a substrate having a channel groove provided in an upper surface of the substrate, a seal provided above the substrate so as to cover an upper opening of the channel groove, a projection provided on an outer side wall opposite to the channel groove, and a vibrator causing the projection to warp and vibrate in a depth direction of the channel groove. The warping vibration of the projection is amplified due to effect of leverage, and generates a large stress on the outer wall of the channel groove having the projection provided thereon. Consequently, the strength of a standing wave in the channel groove increases even for a low driving voltage, thereby improving the accuracy of component separation.

Abstract: Methods and systems for establishing Taylor-Couette flow in a fluid are provided. Aspects of the disclosed methods and systems incorporate laminar Taylor-Couette flow in combination with a source of radiation to provide more uniform radiation exposure to the fluid and its components. Common problems of non-uniform radiation levels and concentration boundary layer effects in UV reactors are largely eliminated using the methods and devices provided herein. In an exemplary embodiment, the reactor of the present disclosure has a hollow outer cylinder or stator and a rotor positioned therein and smooth walls for both the outer wall of its rotor and the inner wall of the outer cylinder or stator in which the rotor is positioned, the space between which forming the annular fluid gap.

Abstract: A compound of formula (II) or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof for use in a method of combating and/or detecting a pathogen; wherein X is selected from O, S and Se; each of R1, R2, R4, R6, R8, R9, R11, R12, R13 and R14 is independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, sulfo, sulfoxy, mercapto, acyl, nitro, amino or an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, amine or alkoxy group; provided that at least one of R11, R12, R13 and R14 is an optionally substituted amine group.

Abstract: The present invention is characterized in that a base material comprises ester groups in the main chain and/or in the side chain(s), and comprises a polymer having hydrophobic groups. Particularly, the hydrophobic groups can be introduced by irradiating the base material with a radiation during the base material contacts an aqueous solution of a monohydric alcohol or an aqueous solution of an alcohol having not less than 2 hydroxyl groups, which is a monomer or a polymer, and which has one or more carbon atoms between the carbon atoms to each of which the hydroxyl group is bound in the monomer or in each monomer constituting the polymer.

Abstract: Water-soluble dimethyl amino ethyl ether psoralens useful in the treatment of proliferative skin disorders, microbial infections and diseases, disorders of the blood and bone marrow of mammals and in microbiocidal compositions for sterilization of blood and blood products and surgical implants and inhibition of microbial growth in industrial applications are provided.

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 is an automated infection control surface, which may be placed on the sole of a shoe or on the ground in the form of a floor mat/tile. The invention is composed of a series of individual light sources or LEDs (light emitting diodes) capable of emitting ultraviolet sanitizing light. When in the format of a shoe, there is an electronic switch in the form of a pressure sensor which is triggered when the operator's foot is planted within the shoe and standing firmly on the ground. When the pressure sensor is triggered the electrical current passes from the power source to the light sources or LEDs and illumination of sanitizing light occurs. When the shoe is lifted off the ground and when there is no weight or pressure within the shoe, the pressure sensor is turned off and the LEDs turn off. In this way the shoe is only capable of triggering UV microbicidal activity when the sole is flush to the ground, thus preventing inadvertent UV light scatter and potential skin and eye damage.

Abstract: A method including exposing a substance to a first type of electromagnetic waves generated by a first device. The frequency of the first type of electromagnetic waves is in the radio frequency range and the device preferably consumes no more than about 1,000 Watts of power. The exposure takes place for a period of time and at a frequency sufficient to detectably alter at least one physical property of the substance as it existed prior to the exposure. The substance is selected from the group consisting of a hydrate, a water and oil emulsion, clay, scale, cement, a completion fluid, tank sediment and iron sulfide.

Abstract: An enclosure covers a UV lamp and has a mechanically-adjustable opening for changing an amount of the UV radiation being emitted from the enclosure, and an ozone-creating passageway receives the radiation being emitted from the enclosure. A method includes producing ozone-generating radiation, mechanically attenuating the ozone-generating radiation, and mixing the attenuated ozone-generating radiation with air to produce ozone. The method may include powering a lamp for emitting ozone-producing radiation, and adjusting an amount of ozone produced by the ozone-producing radiation by rotating a first opening with respect to a second opening.

Abstract: An integrated process separates salts from salty waters and electrolyzes the salts to produce chlorine products such as chlorine, hypochlorites, chlorates and/or caustic soda.

Abstract: A dispensing device and the method of making same for dispensing medicaments to a patient that includes a housing, a first assembly connected to the first end of the housing that includes a body portion, and a penetrating sub-assembly. The first assembly also includes a rate control chip of novel construction that is connected to the penetrating sub-assembly and functions to control the rate of flow of medicinal fluid to the patient. Disposed within the housing is a second assembly that includes a shuttle, a collapsible container carried by the shuttle and a plurality of variable force springs that function to thrust the collapsible container into penetrating engagement with the penetrating member of the penetrating assembly and then to collapse the collapsible container to deliver the medicinal fluid to the patient. Connected to the second end of the housing is a novel third assembly that includes an operating member that is threadably connected to the shuttle.

Abstract: The invention concerns a package (2) for sterilized products or products to be sterilized comprising a plastic box (4) and a lid (16) fixed on the box (4) to seal the latter with a tight sealing zone. The invention is characterized in that the lid (16) comprises: a plastic cover sheet (20) transparent for electronic irradiation and for light radiation; at least a window (22) provided in the cover sheet (20); at least a sheet of selectively sealing material (24) integral with said cover sheet (20) and closing the window (22); and an opaque screen (26, 126) for at least an electronic irradiation passing through the cover sheet or the selectively sealing material, said screen extending inside the package (2), proximate to the cover sheet (20), so as to allow through a sterilizing gas, for example ethylene oxide (ETO) or water vapor, through the selectively sealing material (24).

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: The present invention has the technical effect of disinfecting an EDI device of a water purification system. The present invention may be applied to an EDI device having an internal chamber comprising ion exchange components. The internal chamber may also comprise a plurality of ion selective membranes positioned between the anode and the cathode compartments. As illustrated and described herein, embodiments of the present invention seek to sanitize the EDI device without sanitization chemicals or a water supply. Embodiments of the present invention disinfect the EDI device by applying electrical power. Here an electrical supply device heats the EDI device, through resistive heating of the internal chambers, to a sanitization temperature. The resistive heating is a result of ionic movement through the internal chamber. The friction that is created through the ionic movement increases the temperature within the internal chamber.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reduced temperature radiation sterilization of stents are disclosed.

Abstract: A composition of matter includes a cationic dye and a solvent, wherein the composition does not have particles that are greater than 25 microns in diameter. The disclosure also describes a method for producing a composition of matter. An ink jet cartridge includes the composition of matter. A device includes a substrate having an image printed thereon with the composition of matter. A method includes using an inkjet printer to print a graphic on a first major surface of a substrate; moistening a user's skin surface; contacting the first major surface of the substrate to the user's moistened skin surface; and removing the substrate from the user's skin surface, thereby leaving a mirror image of the printed graphic on the user's skin surface. Moreover, an art kit includes a first substrate having a graphic printed thereon and a second substrate having a mirror image of the graphic printed thereon.

Abstract: A system for ozone sterilization of waste material, includes a tank configured to receive waste material, ozonated water, and ozone gas. The system further includes a pump coupled to the tank to receive the waste material and the ozonated water from the tank and form a slurry. The pump includes a cutter assembly to reduce a particle size of the slurry through cutting. Additionally, the system includes a circulation loop coupled between the tank and the pump to receive the slurry from the pump and re-circulate the slurry to the tank until the slurry is sterilized. A method for ozone sterilization of waste material is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reduced temperature radiation sterilization of stents are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for subjecting a microorganism to a combination of ozone and irradiation of UV light which has a synergistic effect on the reduction of the microorganism that may be resistant to either ozone or UV light alone. In particular, Adenovirus and Naegleria fowleri, are significantly more reduced when subjected simultaneously to the combination of ozone and UV light than when subjected only to ozone or UV light, respectively.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for sterilizing, in particular for sterilizing an adsorber, which has an adsorber housing that is to be filled with an adsorbent, are such that, instead of the adsorbent-filled adsorber housing being sterilized, the adsorbent is sterilized in a separate container, which is dimensioned such that the adsorbent spreads out in a thin layer in the container. Together with the adsorber housing, the container for sterilizing the adsorbent forms a closed system, such that the adsorbent can be transferred into the adsorber housing without the need for an aseptic environment. The container for receiving the adsorbent is preferably a bag, in which the adsorbent spreads out in a thin layer when the bag is lying flat on a plane surface. Since the adsorbent in the bag spreads out in a thin layer, the sterilization requires only a relatively small dose of radiation, which cannot damage the adsorbent. The bag is irradiated with high-energy radiation, in particular ionizing radiation.

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.

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: A modular germicidal light grid system for use inside an air treatment apparatus that has a plenum in which a stream of air is enclosed. The system comprises at least one elongate member and at least one lamp assembly. Each lamp assembly comprises a housing defining at least one socket and is mounted to one elongate member at a predetermined position. The system further comprises at least one linear germicidal light source. Each light source has a longitudinal axis and a distal end constructed and arranged to mount within one socket of the housing. The elongate member is mounted within the plenum and the lamp assembly is mounted to the elongate member such that the longitudinal axis of the light source extends therein the stream of air and is positioned at an acute light angle relative to the direction of flow of the stream of air.

Abstract: A fluororesin-coated electric wire cable is wound around a ring-shaped groove defined by an outer periphery of a cylinder and two flange edges immersed in an edible oil in a tank, forming each oscillating unit having a coil part; and the oscillating units are connected to an electromagnetic wave generator through a relay unit. Electromagnetic waves are irradiated from the coil parts based on an alternating current having a single frequency, an alternating current having a plurality of single frequencies different from one another, or an alternating current having a timewise varying frequency, the alternating currents each being within a frequency band of 4 kHz to 25 kHz, and a treatment based on a far-infrared heater or far-infrared ceramic is used combinedly therewith, to prevent deterioration of an edible oil or industrial oil.

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

Abstract: A method of sterilizing a packaging material for, for example, a ready-to-fill package with extended shelf-life for a food involves bringing a sterilization agent containing hydrogen peroxide into contact with the packaging material in order to remove microorganisms present on the packaging material. After the contact with the sterilization agent, the packaging material is ventilated with air so as to remove remaining residues of hydrogen peroxide on and/or in the packaging material. The removal of the remaining residues of hydrogen peroxide is improved synergistically by exposing the packaging material, after contact with the sterilization agent but before ventilation, to accelerated electrons at a kinetic energy of at least 50 keV.

Abstract: A sanitation device includes a mobile body, a surface cleaning component, and a source of UV radiation. The surface cleaning component and the source of UV radiation are mounted to the mobile body, which is configured to travel over a surface. The surface cleaning component is configured to engage the surface and the source of UV radiation is configured to direct UV radiation to the surface.

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: Disclosed herein is an electrostatic fluid filtration system suitable for removing sub micron insoluble contaminants known to cause varnish from fluids such as dielectric fluids. The electrostatic fluid filtration system is configured to remove both water and other contaminants from a target fluid (e.g. a dielectric fluid) and comprises a cabinet, a computer control unit, and one or more substantially cylindrical filtration units, including at least one of a water filtration unit and an electrostatic contaminant filtration unit. In the contaminant filtration unit, the target fluid flows radially through the filtration media that is positioned between the electrode plates in a generally horizontal flow pattern. This forces the target fluid to traverse multiple energy fields in a serpentine fashion and in a single pass through the contaminant filtration unit. After flowing through each layer of the filtration media, the target fluid is discharged from the electrostatic contaminant filtration unit.

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: A process for removing or treating harmful biological and chemical substances from an enclosure, such as a building or vehicle by using heated air. The method of the present invention is non-toxic and can be performed in a relatively short amount of time while effectively killing and removing a large proportion of dead organisms and substantially reducing volatile organic compounds.

Abstract: An oxygenation device consists of a first vertically oriented tube having electrically conductive plates for forming oxygen by electrolysis. Above the plates is a pump formed by a second length of tube fitted within the first tube with a spacing between the walls of the first and second lengths of tubing thereby forming a cavity. Compressed air is admitted into the cavity. The second length of tubing has an open lower end for receiving air from the cavity. Air enters the second tube in belches that form large bubbles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lens care kit for disinfecting and/or cleaning contact lenses. The lens care kit of the invention comprising: (1) a lens care solution; (2) a lens case for holding the lens care solution and a contact lens immersed in the lens care solution; (3) a singlet oxygen-generating agent which is dissolved or dispersed in a lens care solution; and (4) a light irradiation source for irradiating the singlet oxygen-generating agent for a period of time sufficient to produce a sufficient amount of singlet oxygen in the lens care solution to disinfect the contact lens.

Abstract: A dry heat sterilizing system for use in sterilizing non-ferromagnetic and/or ferromagnetic parts includes a sterilization chamber and at least one ferromagnetic structure within the sterilization chamber. At least one inductive EMF energy field generator inductively heats the at least one ferromagnetic structure during a sterilization operation. The at least one ferromagnetic structure is in thermal communication with the non-ferromagnetic and/or ferromagnetic part during a sterilization operation to transfer heat from the ferromagnetic structure to the non-ferromagnetic and/or ferromagnetic part.

Abstract: Methods of sterilizing medical devices, including implantable medical devices like stents, chemically and with radiation are disclosed. Methods of preparing a sterile, packaged medical device, including a sterile, packaged implantable medical device or stent are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of radiation sterilizing a plurality of stent-catheter assemblies includes positioning a plurality of stent-catheter assemblies on a fixture, each of the stent catheter assemblies being arranged in a planar configuration and disposed in corresponding planar packages supported on the fixture, wherein the packages are stacked horizontally on the fixture, and wherein the stents of the assemblies are positioned at a position in each package such that the stents are exposed to the same or substantially the same radiation; and exposing the packages to an incoming radiation beam, the radiation beam being at an acute angle to the planes of the planar configuration of the assemblies, wherein the packages are arranged such that a front end of the stack faces the radiation beam and a back end of the stack faces away from the radiation beam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining an effective dose of monochromatic or polychromatic light from one or more light sources to inactivate microorganisms present in a biological fluid, preferably a non-transparent fluid. Moreover, there is provided a method for the inactivation of microorganism in a biological fluid in a flow-through-reactor. Moreover, the invention advantageously provides a flow-through-reactor with one or more thermostated light sources. The invention further provides a method of controlling the light sum dose of monochromatic or polychromatic light emitted from one or more light sources to effectively inactivate microorganisms present in a biological fluid in a batch reactor.