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

Abstract: A method to create resonance in water at the period 24/3?217 hour, wherein said water is exposed, during a limited time, to electromagnetic energy having the period 24/3?217 hour, resulting in that continued resonance in said water is maintained by electromagnetic energy in the air having the period 24/3?217 hour and where said water include sea water, lake water, river water, water in wells, water in reservoirs, water in beverages, water in food, water in human body fluids and cells, water in other types of species and organisms and molecule structures consisting of H2O molecules and ions.

Abstract: The output wavelengths of an electrodeless lamp are controlled by passing a fluid over the surface of the lamp to control its temperature. The stabilized temperature prevents thermal runaway of the lamp and stabilizes the output wavelengths of the lamp. When the fluid passing over the lamp is water, the lamp can be used for sanitary treatment of the water. The treatment can be enhanced by shaping the electrodeless lamp to provide maximally effective water treatment.

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.

Abstract: A system and method for the treatment of process streams. A catalyst mediates a wet oxidation process at elevated temperatures and pressures for treating at least one undesirable constituent in an aqueous mixture. A catalyst may be selected for its solubility at a detected pH level of the aqueous mixture. Alternatively, a pH level of the aqueous mixture may be adjusted to solubilize a selected catalyst and/or maintain the selected catalyst in a soluble form. A controller in communication with a pH sensor may be configured to generate a control signal to adjust the pH level of the aqueous mixture in response to the pH sensor registering a pH level outside a predetermined pH solubility range for a selected catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention provides continuous, non-hazardous sterilization and anti-microorganism protection by the generation of interactive, emission responsive surfaces, coatings, and coating systems.

Abstract: A water vapor plasma generating apparatus which is able to generate water vapor plasma stably is provided. By applying the water vapor plasma generated by the apparatus to an object to be treated, a sterilization and disinfection treatment can be performed. In addition, by applying the water vapor plasma generated by the apparatus to a substance containing an oily ingredient, an antioxidative treatment can be performed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for periodically sterilizing liquid dispensing apparatus, particularly vending machines, comprises circulating liquid feedstock via a return duct which incorporates an ozone generator. Ozone uptake is enhanced by chilling the circulating liquid. At the end of the sterilizing cycle a carbon based filter may be used to remove ozone from the circulating liquid.

Abstract: A plasmon filter may include an element supportive of plasmon energy and having a plurality of openings through which a material may pass. A system includes a fluid filter supportive of evanescent energy, an evanescent field generator, a sensor, and/or other components. A corresponding method may include generating plasmons on the filter and exposing a material to the plasmon energy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a purification device for the purification of a liquid such as water, preferably drinking water, which purification device comprises at least one casing (1) having at least one insert (10), said casing (1) having at least one inlet (8) and at least one outlet (9) for the liquid and said insert (10) comprising at least one filter (15) located in a flow path of the liquid. The purification device comprises at least one galvanic couple (12, 14) located in said flow path. The present invention also relates to an insert and a method of purifying a liquid.

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: The present invention is directed to methods for collecting and processing autografts, processed autografts, kits for collecting and transporting autografts, and tools for preparing autografts. It is also directed to autologous bone grafts, and methods of preparing them.

Abstract: Systems, devices, methods, and compositions are described for providing an actively-controllable disinfecting implantable device configured to, for example, treat or prevent an infection in a biological subject.

Abstract: A component separating device includes a substrate, a fluid channel provided at the substrate, an actuator and a groove provided at a surrounding of the actuator, the fluid channel contains a fluid including a liquid component and a solid component, and the actuator generates a standing wave at inside of the fluid channel. By such a constitution, a vibration loss is reduced by reflecting a vibration by the groove to be transmitted to a side of the fluid channel, the standing wave having a strong intensity is generated at inside of the fluid channel, and the small-sized highly accurate component separating device is provided.

Abstract: Systems, devices, methods, and compositions are described for providing an actively-controllable disinfecting implantable device configured to, for example, treat or prevent an infection in a biological subject.

Abstract: It has been determined that gamma sterilization of biodegradable polymer stents does not cause significant polymer cross-linking and collapse. Using sufficient spacing can lead to stents that display little if any detrimental effects from the procedure. In certain embodiments, using structures in the general region of about 100 micron spacing between the struts leads to highly functional stents that do not fuse. Further, the resulting stent has radially homogenous mechanical properties. Therefore, the stent has a uniform expansion within the lumen.

Abstract: A method for providing portable biological testing capabilities free from biological contamination from an environment outside the device is provided. The method includes providing components configured to be assembled together to seal a volume against passage of biological materials between the volume and an environment outside the volume. The method further includes sterilizing the components and providing a sterilized culture medium. The method further includes assembling the components together with the sterilized culture medium within the volume. The method further includes sterilizing the assembled components by elevating the temperature. The method further includes flowing gas from within the volume to the environment while at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of radiation sterilizing a plurality of medical devices.

Abstract: A sterile enclosure contains a transfer module defining a window. A port covers the window to maintain the inside of the enclosure as a sealed and sterile environment. A sliding, heated cutting element mounted on the port serves to sterilize and sever a portion of a sterile transfer bag assembly attached to the port. Preferably, the excised portion of the sterile transfer bag assembly is affixed to the port when the port opens. The sliding cutting element remains extended and heated to prevent contamination when the port is open. Further, a heating element is mounted about the window in order to sterilize around the opening when the port is open.

Abstract: A process for the sterilisation of hermetically sealed containers containing a liquid to be sterilised, comprising transport of the containers to a treatment zone where the containers are immersed in a flux of external fluid, the heating in volume of the liquid to be sterilised by electromagnetic waves at a rate greater than 28° C. per second to a treatment temperature T of between 20° C. and 66° C., agitation of the container during heating of the liquid, and dependant on the value of the treatment temperature T, exposure of the liquid to an alternating electric field in pulses immediately or slightly after heating of the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating fluids, characterised in the steps of radiating the fluid with UV light, producing and dispersing gas bubbles in the fluid in the rays of the UV light, in order to increase the scattering of the UV light in the liquid. The invention also relates to a device for performing the method.

Abstract: Processes of using treatment chambers for separating compounds in an aqueous effluent are disclosed. More particularly, the treatment chambers use ultrasonic energy and an electrode potential to provide efficient and effective removal of compounds from aqueous effluents, such as textile effluents.

Abstract: An ultraviolet wastewater or water treatment system is described and comprises a plurality of ultraviolet lamps where each lamp includes a protective cladding and where the ultraviolet lamps are disposed in vertical modules that form a bank of ultraviolet lamps. A series of beams are disposed over the ultraviolet lamps with each beam supporting a carriage thereon. Each carriage supports a scraper that extends downwardly therefrom for engaging and cleaning a module of ultraviolet lamps. A common drive source is operatively connected to the respective carriages for driving the carriages back and forth on the respective beams such that as the common drive source drives the carriages back and forth, the respective scrapers move back and forth cleaning the protective cladding extending around the respective ultraviolet lamps.

Abstract: Suspect contaminated water is sanitized by treating it to produce a clean water stream and a waste water stream. A portion of the waste water stream is electrolyzed to provide a solution containing hypochlorite ions, a quantity of which is mixed with the suspect water in sufficient quantity to sanitize the suspect water and maintain sufficient residual chlorine to prevent re-contamination.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a method and apparatus for self-sterilizing a surface or other portion of the apparatus and/or sterilizing other objects. Embodiments can utilize self-generated and/or remotely controlled plasma fields for the purpose of self-sterilization and/or sterilization of another object. Embodiments of the invention can have broad applications in procedures and equipment requiring the sterility of devices used for medical procedures, decontamination procedures, drug delivery, sterility of consumer products, and sterility of food preparation equipment and tools.

Abstract: The present invention relates to highly cross-linked UHMWPE, which is possessed of an improved oxidation resistance, as well as a method for making the same. The UHMWPE material of the current invention is combined with an anti-oxidant compound or a free-radical scavenger prior to formation. Once the UHMWPE with the added material has been formed and treated with gamma or electron bean irradiation, it shows an improved wear resistance and also a good resistance to oxidation. Such a material, is particularly interesting for the field of making replacement joint implants.

Abstract: A single-use sterilization container for use in the sterilization of medical instruments is provided. The sterilization container includes a lid having central portion defined by a frangible region. Upon activation of the frangible region, the central portion may be removed rendering the sterilization container inoperable for future use.

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: A method and device for treatment of living cells with cold atmospheric pressure plasma while simultaneously applying selective electroporation of the cells are provided. The method is useful for the local selective killing of cancer cells, improvement of wound treatment and sterilization or decontamination of objects.

Abstract: Polyhydroxyfullerenes (PHFs) having enhanced electron scavenging capabilities have a ratio of non-hydroxyl functional groups to hydroxyl functional groups that is less than or equal to 0.3. When combined with a semiconductor photocatalyst, such as titanium dioxide nanoparticles, the PHFs provide a photocatalyst for degradation of chemical and biological contaminates with an efficiency of at least twice that of titanium dioxide nanoparticles free of PHFs. The PRFs are included in these catalysts at a weight ratio to titanium dioxide of about 0.001 to about 0.003, whereas significantly lower and higher ratios do not achieve the highly improved photodegradation capability. PHFs outside of the desired structure are shown to be of little value for photodegradation, and can be inhibiting to the photocatalytic activity of TiO2. The enhanced electron scavenging PHFs can be employed as a component of materials for solar cells, field effect transistors, and radical scavengers.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method and system for contacting a colorant-contaminated aqueous solution with a rare earth-containing composition to form a treated solution substantially depleted of the colorant.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a method of treating a medical device. The method includes providing the medical device. The medical device has an opening defined by two contacting surfaces in a polyalkylsiloxane based portion of the medical device. The method further includes irradiating the medical device free of externally applied lubricant to sterilize the medical device.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods of disinfecting and/or decontaminating articles, and more specifically to a system and method of efficiently disinfecting and/or decontaminating articles such as pieces of mail that may have been exposed to diverse biological and/or chemical contaminants.

Abstract: To identify an alternative swelling medium with a hydrophilic polymer, we have observed that a swelling medium containing only 6% PEG 2000 and 0.9% NaCl failed to protect a hydrophilic coating during electron beam sterilization and subsequent storage at ambient and higher temperatures in an accelerated storage stability test. An unacceptably low dry-out time, below the specified 5 minutes, was obtained. However, when the biological buffer sodium citrate was added to a swelling medium containing PEG 2000, the performance of the stored catheters was as good as or better than the performance of catheters stored with the conventional swelling medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making oxidation resistant medical devices that comprise polymeric materials, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped medical implants, for example, doping of medical devices containing cross-linked UHMWPE with vitamin E by diffusion and materials used therein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of providing photocatalytic activity. Nanoparticulate matter comprising a strontium titanate ferrite of the general formula SrTi1-xFexO3- is provided, in which x is any value from 0 to 1. The nanoparticulate matter is exposed to electromagnetic radiation of a wavelength from about 380 nm to about 800 nm.

Abstract: A recovery device and method of use ensure that any reusable medical device that has been disposed of in a sharps container is recovered, cleaned, sterilized, and repackaged for reuse. In one embodiment, a sharps container and sorting surface are manipulated to rotate together and independently, so that the content of the sharps container are emptied onto the sorting surface, enabling an operator to manually, safely, efficiently, and timely retrieve reusable medical devices from the sorting surface and place these medical devices into a receptacle bin. The non-reusable contents are subsequently dumped into a waste bin, whose contents will subsequently be incinerated or otherwise destroyed. The operator of the recovery device is protected by a shield and an exhaust system that minimize the operator's exposure to airborne biohazardous toxins and enable the sorting to be done without injury to the operator from sharp medical devices.

Abstract: A method of decontaminating a surface is provided. A surface to propagate electromagnetic surface waves is provided having a frequency in the microwave spectrum between 1 GHz and 1000 GHz. The surface includes a surface-wave medium or the surface-wave medium is laminated on the surface for confining the electromagnetic surface waves to the surface. The surface-wave medium includes a conductive ground plane. A dielectric is provided on the ground plane. A metallic pattern is provided on the dielectric for increasing an inductive reactance of the surface-wave medium. Electromagnetic surface waves are transmitted onto the surface from a surface-wave coupler coupled to the surface for destroying, removing, or neutralizing chemical or biological surface contaminants. The surface contaminants are destroyed, removed, or neutralized with a plasma created by the electromagnetic surface waves or through absorption of the electromagnetic surface waves.

Abstract: A fluid treatment device and method are provided for generating an electric field across a gap between first and second electrode and for concentrating the electric field within a fluid treatment chamber located in the gap.

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: An alloy is created by melting aluminum, zinc, rare earth metals such as erbium and/or tellurium, and optionally vanadium. During cooling, the molten alloy is exposed to ultrasonic waves in order to prevent separation of the alloy into layers. The alloy is used for one electrode and a separate conductive element such as stainless steel or carbon is used for the other electrode in a water filter. A constant potential difference and electrical current is created between the two electrodes across the water. In an embodiment where carbon or zeolite is used as the filtration medium, the constant voltage and current increase bonding of ions in the filtration medium with pollutants in the water. In an embodiment wherein a mixed bed resin containing sodium ions and potassium ions is used as the filtration medium, the constant voltage and current increase the bonding of the sodium and potassium ions with residual chlorine ions in the water.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for sterilizing tissue to reduce the level of one or more active biological contaminants or pathogens therein, such as viruses, bacteria, (including inter- and intracellular bacteria, such as mycoplasmas, ureaplasmas, nanobacteria, chlamydia, rickettsias), yeasts, molds, fungi, prions or similar agents responsible, alone or in combination, for TSEs and/or single or multicellular parasites. The methods involve sterilizing one or more tissues with irradiation.

Abstract: A device used for the sterilization of objects (19), in particular medical or surgical instruments, is of the type that can create a gaseous plasma from a gas flow which is subjected to an electric field. The resulting post-discharge flow is brought into contact with the surface of the objects to be treated. The device is characterized in that the gas flow includes exclusively nitrogen. Moreover, the device include a device for heating the aforementioned objects, which can heat the objects to a temperature of at least 60° C. during treatment. A method of using the device is also described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preventing patient bloodstream infection by microorganisms during administration of various medications or fluids through IV lines. In particular, the invention reduces contamination of IV lines, connecters, stopcock valves, manifolds, ports, etc. by means of irradiation by violet and/or blue light. Each embodiment comprises a source of violet and/or blue light and an optical element optically coupled to that light source for shaping the radiation pattern of the light emitted by the light source. Preferably, a light-emitting diode or a laser diode that emits light in the desired wavelength can be used. The optical element, optically coupled to the light source, is embedded or installed in or attached to a component of an IV set, the emitted light being directed to a “point of entry” or any other stagnation point of an IV set.

Abstract: A device for sterilizing containers may include a treatment head having an outlet window for the passing of charge carriers therethrough, a charge carrier generation source for generating charge carriers, an acceleration device disposed above the outlet window, and a cooling device for cooling the outlet window. The acceleration device accelerates the charge carriers in the direction of the outlet window. The cooling device includes a feed opening for a gaseous medium. The feed opening is disposed beneath the outlet window and directs the gaseous medium at least partially from below to the outlet window.

Abstract: A radiation sterilization method of a disposable medical device and a manufacturing method are provided, which method comprising the steps of packaging a disposable medical device, which has applied thereto with hydrophilic polymer coating, with a gas permeable packaging material, controlling a product moisture content of the thus packaged medical device by maintaining the device in a given humidity atmosphere for not less than a time at which an equilibrated moisture content is reached, and subjecting, to radiation sterilization, the medical device whose product moisture content has been controlled, so that an eluted matter is reduced in amount and a sliding performance is ensured according to the radiation sterilization method of the hydrophilic polymer-coated, disposable medical device and the manufacturing method.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a method for cleaning circulation water, which reduces the cost of operation and maintenance as much as possible, without a cumbersome cleaning operation such as by detaching electrode plates from an electrolysis cleaning tank and removing scale from inside the tank, and to provide a device used in this method.

Abstract: A system for electronic management of information relating to sterilization and high level disinfection process monitoring generates electronic sterilization record for sterilized and high level disinfected loads, and optically scans sterilization monitors associated with the sterilized loads. The system stores a digital representation of each scanned sterilization monitor, and associates the digital representation with the electronic sterilization record. The electronic sterilization record also may contain a variety of information including a sterilization status data entered by a user. The system permits a user to review both the sterilization status information and the digitized representation of the sterilization monitor online to verify accuracy. In this manner, a representation of the actual sterilization monitor can be stored and retrieved when desired for verification of result, audits and other quality review activity.

Abstract: Methods for processing tissue are provided. In some embodiments, the methods comprise methods for decellularizing tissue samples by applying high hydrostatic pressure to the tissues samples. In some embodiments, the methods comprise methods for thawing tissue samples and/or reducing the bioburden in a sample by applying high hydrostatic pressure to the tissue samples.