Abstract: A radiation source module comprising a support member, a radiation source assembly connected to the support member, the radiation source assembly comprising at least one elongate radiation source having a source longitudinal axis and a module-to-surface seal disposed on a first elongate surface of the module, the first elongate surface comprising a first longitudinal axis transverse to the source longitudinal axis, the seal operable to provide a substantially fluid tight seal between the first surface and a second surface which is adjacent to the first surface. A fluid treatment system employ the radiation source module is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for disinfecting a cryostat is provided. The cryostat disinfecting device comprises an ultraviolet emitter, a pulsed power control system, a mirrored cover and a safety shield. The device is lowered into a cryostat chamber and produces high intensity pulsed UV energy, disinfecting the cryostat chamber. After disinfection, the device is removed from the cryostat for storage or use on another cryostat. This provides mobility and access for disinfecting cryostats under continuous daily use conditions, and reduces the exposure risk of biological and chemical hazards to the operator.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for preventing oxidation of beneficial agents.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying and making quantitative determinations of different deposits on a portion thereof, determining that the deposit is a contaminant and decontaminating at least the portion of the system is disclosed. The system comprises a controller, a sensing portion and a decontamination portion. The controller contains information about at least one noncontaminant. The sensing portion communicates with at least the controller and the portion of the system and is adapted to detect the deposit. The decontaminating portion communicates with at least the controller and is adapted to decontaminate the portion of the system.

Abstract: A method of sorting mail according to the invention includes the steps of receiving a plurality of first mail pieces of unknown origin in a first apparatus for bulk processing of the mail pieces, processing the mail pieces in the first apparatus by one of testing the mail pieces to determine if a potentially dangerous microorganism is present, sterilizing the mail pieces to destroy microorganisms on mail pieces, or both, and then if no contamination is detected or if sterilization is carried out, combining first the mail pieces at a later stage of postal processing with second mail pieces from senders identified as having a lesser risk of contamination than the first mail pieces of unknown origin. The invention further provides mail contaminant detection and sterilization systems suitable for use in such a method.

Abstract: A photocatalytic cleaner for air or water includes a photocatalytic material coating a substrate. An anode, positioned a predetermined distance from the substrate, includes a phosphor that emits ultraviolet light in response to bombardment by electrons from a field emission cathode emitting electrons in response to an electric field. The field emission cathode may be a carbon based field emitter material including incorporating carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which sterilizes vessels 4 carried by vessel holder means 14 and conveyed within an aseptic chamber 82 by irradiating the vessels with an electron beam from an electron beam irradiator 24. An injector 87 which injects H2O2 gas is disposed within the aseptic chamber 82 to maintain H2O2 gas atmosphere in the aseptic chamber 82. In this manner, a vessel sterilizer having a high reliability can be provided by avoiding the likelihood that germs which are introduced into the aseptic chamber 82 by being attached to the vessels 4 may be re-attached to the sterilized vessels 4 if the germs remain floating.

Abstract: Ispaghula (material from the plant Plantago ovata, useful as an agent in relieving constipation, is subjected to treatment with -radiation at a dose of up to 13 kGy, and preferably in the range 5-10 kGy. As well as effecting sterilisation of the ispaghula, this dose of irradiation has been shown to offer surprising rheological advantages.

Abstract: Modular expandable hyperpolarizers include a central control module and at least one optical pumping module that can be expandable to a plurality of optical pumping modules that can be separately operated depending on the capacity demands at the production site (hospital, clinic and the like). Methods for producing blended polarized gas products include introducing a pre-packaged pre-mixed amount of a polarizer-ready blend of unpolarized gas. Methods for producing the polarized gas can be carried out at the point of use site and the production run according to patient load. Other methods consider the patient load and automatically schedule the hyperpolarizer to yield the desired polarized gas doses to support the patient and/or MRI/NMR equipment schedule.

Abstract: Hyperpolarizers for producing polarized noble gases can include: (a) a control module configured to direct the operation of a hyperpolarizer to produce polarized noble gas via spin-exchange interactions between a noble gas and an alkali metal; (b) at least one optical pumping module including an optical pumping cell operably associated with the control module; (c) a dispensing system operably associated with the control module and the optical pumping module to dispense meted volumes of polarized gas from the hyperpolarizer; and (d) a fluid distribution system operably associated with the control module, the optical pumping module, and the dispensing system, such that, in response to commands transmitted from the control module, the fluid distribution system operates to automatically direct purge gas into and out of a gas travel path that extends from the control module to the optical pumping cell prior to commencing the spin-exchange interactions in the optical pumping cell, then to receive unpolarized gas an

Abstract: An electron beam irradiation apparatus includes a turn-transfer mechanism; a turn-transfer chamber; an electron beam irradiation section; a replacement room configured to bring a target into and out of the turn-transfer chamber; an outer irradiation target holding table configured to form a part of the replacement room, and including an X-ray shielding mechanism, an airtightness maintaining mechanism, and a target holding mechanism; an inner irradiation target holding table, configured to form a part of the replacement room, and including an X-ray shielding mechanism, an airtightness maintaining mechanism, and a target holding mechanism, the inner irradiation target holding table being supported by the turn-transfer mechanism; a turning mechanism configured to turn the turn-transfer mechanism and an elevator mechanism configured to move the turn-transfer mechanism up and down; and a rotation mechanism disposed at the electron beam irradiation section and configured to rotate the target.

Abstract: A method is provided for inactivating prions and is particularly effective in inactivating prions on medical devices. An article having a quantity of prions thereon is placed into a sterilization chamber. Pressure in the sterilization chamber is lowered to a pressure below the vapor pressure of hydrogen peroxide and a solution of hydrogen peroxide is admitted into the sterilization chamber and placed into contact with the article to inactivate prions on the article.

Abstract: A composition for energy-controlled generation and release of at least one gas, which includes an energy-activated catalyst capable of being activated by electromagnetic energy, and a solid or a liquid containing anions capable of being oxidized by the activated catalyst or reacted with species generated during activation of the catalyst to generate at least one gas. The composition, when exposed to electromagnetic energy, is capable of generating and releasing the gas after activation of the catalyst and oxidation or reaction of the anions.

Abstract: A device for treating liquid medium has an ultrasound emitter located relative to a compartment of a container holding a liquid medium and a microbubble emitter located relative to the compartment. The ultrasound emitter emits high-frequency ultrasound between about 200 KHz and 10 MHz. The microbubble emitter emits bubbles with an average diameter of less than 1 mm.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for sterilizing cross-linked gelatin as well as to sterilized cross-linked gelatin. In particular, the methods of this invention employ E-beam sterilization techniques.

Abstract: The connection, assembly, or fill of two or more pre-sterilized components having at least one terminal end each for attachment to another component, and an apparatus for performing such a connection, while maintaining the sterility of the components is disclosed. The resulting connection is made permanent by bonding the contacting components together using either a solvent bonding technique, a radio frequency sealer, a heat sealer, or any other suitable process. The connection is preferably made within an active sterile field. Using a low-voltage electron beam instrument, such as the MIN-EB™, a suitable sterile field sphere can be created. The terminal ends of the multiple components remain within the sterile field sphere until the possibility of contamination within the sealed components is significantly reduced to industry acceptable standards.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for sterilizing preparations containing albumin 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. These methods involve sterilizing preparations containing albumin, such as plasma protein fractions, with irradiation.

Abstract: A selector receives inputs of a user. An energy generator produces energy to neutralize environmental danger. A controller, communicatively coupled with the selector, controls operation of the energy generator based on the inputs. A case, containing the energy generator and the controller, is dimensioned to fit in the hand of the user.

Abstract: A comprehensive system and method of rendering the mail safe for handling and for detecting and containing suspect pieces and which can be fitted or retrofitted into mail and package processing facilities with relative ease. The system of the present invention includes a mail tray initial neutralizing sub-system, a subsequent neutralizing sub-system, an analyzing (potentially hazardous material detection) sub-system, a diverting mechanism, and a receiving and holding sub-system (secure out-sort pocket). All components can be controlled or operate in conjunction with a processing/computing sub-system. A feeder sub-system provides the mail from trays, after initial neutralization by the initial neutralizing sub-system, to the mail transport system.

Abstract: A method for decontamination of a contaminated region containing biological species to be destroyed, includes a decontamination step during which a decontamination gas containing atomic nitrogen is propagated in the contaminated region, and atomic nitrogen contributes to the destruction of biological species in the contaminated region.

Abstract: A system for chemical and biological decontamination has a source of oxygen. A reactor is coupled to the source oxygen. An optical source is coupled to the reactor. The system produces singlet delta oxygen that neutralizes chemical and biological contaminants.

Abstract: A cognitive stimulating sterilizing device for providing visual, tactile and, or audible stimulation for infants while selectively sterilize select items and the surrounding ambient, including a housing adapted for removable connection to cribs, changing tables and similar furniture, ultraviolet light generating source in the housing for sanitizing items in the housing when closed and the ambient when opened, audio source and compartments for holding and storing select items. The housing may include reflective and, or transparent surfaces for directing, reflecting and, or passing ultraviolet light.

Abstract: The present invention is for a spore collection apparatus and its method of use. The portable spore collection apparatus includes a suction source, a nebulizer, an ionization chamber and a filter canister. The suction source collects the spores from a surface. The spores are activated by heating whereby spore dormancy is broken. Moisture is then applied to the spores to begin germination. The spores are then exposed to alpha particles causing extinction.

Abstract: A sterilization and decontamination system in which a non-thermal plasma discharge device is disposed upstream of a suspension media (e.g., a filter, electrostatic precipitator, carbon bed). The plasma discharge device generates a plasma that is emitted through apertures (e.g., capillaries or slits) in the primary dielectric. Plasma generated active sterilizing species when exposed to contaminants or undesirable particulate matter is able to deactivate or reduce such matter in contaminated fluid stream and/or on objects. Thus, the undesirable contaminants in the fluid to be treated are first reduced during their exposure to the plasma generated active sterilizing species in the plasma region of the discharge device. Furthermore, the plasma generated active sterilizing species are carried downstream to suspension media and upon contact therewith deactivate the contaminants collected on the suspension media itself. Advantageously, the suspension media may be cleansed in situ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microfluidic system for processing a cell-containing liquid. The system includes a lysing zone to receive the cell-containing sample and a positioning element to position the cell-containing sample in a lysing position in the vicinity of a lysing mechanism. The lysing mechanism releases intracellular material, such as DNA or RNA, from the cells. In one embodiment, the lysing mechanism includes electrodes for generating an electric field sufficient to release intracellular contents from the cells. Alternatively, the lysing mechanism may lyse the cells using chemical, heat and/or ultrasonic techniques or any combination of these techniques.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a system for collecting biological samples from air including a collection assembly to store at least one biological sample and a separator to remove selected particles from the air prior to entry into the collection assembly. In one embodiment, the selected particles are magnetic and the separator includes at least one magnet to attract the particles from the air.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing a medical device component, such as a catheter balloon, in which an electron beam (i.e., e-beam) is applied to the component in an evacuated or inert gas-filled container. The method of the invention allows for electron beam sterilization without significant degradation of the component polymeric material. In one embodiment, the device component is configured to be pressurized or expanded during use. The method of the invention provides a component with a rupture pressure that is not significantly decreased due to electron beam sterilization. Another aspect of the invention is a medical device component, e-beam sterilized according to a method of the invention. A variety of medical device components can be sterilized by the method of the invention, and particularly intracorporeal devices for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes, such as balloon catheters, catheter shafts and balloons, stent covers, and vascular grafts.

Abstract: The sterilization method disclosed includes the steps of providing a sterilization chamber; placing the article into the sterilization chamber; equalizing the temperature of the article and the sterilization atmosphere; sealing the sterilization chamber; applying a vacuum of a preselected vacuum pressure to the sterilization chamber; supplying water vapour to the sterilization chamber under vacuum; supplying ozone-containing gas to the sterilization chamber; maintaining the sterilization chamber sealed for a preselected treatment period; and releasing the vacuum in the sterilization chamber; whereby a vacuum pressure is used which lowers the boiling temperature of water in the sterilization chamber below the temperature in the sterilization chamber. One or more ventilating cycles can be added to the preferred method for removing the remaining ozone and humidity from the sterilization chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for treating fluids to inactivate microorganisms which may be present therein, said fluid containing one or more components selected from the group consisting of protein, blood and blood constituents are provided. The methods comprise adjusting the percentage of plasma in said fluid to a desired value; mixing an inactivation-effective, substantially non-toxic amount of an endogenous photosensitizer or endogenously-based derivative photosensitizer to said fluid; exposing said fluid to photoradiation of sufficient wavelength and energy to activate the photosensitizer, whereby said microorganisms are inactivated.

Abstract: Filter devices, suitable for rendering pathogenic microorganisms non-viable and capable of regeneration to serve as filter devices for applications such as diesel engines where combustible particulates are trapped, include at least one porous filter element which is capable of electrically resistive heating to a temperature such that pathogens are rendered non-viable, and/or to a regeneration temperature such that combustible particulates are destroyed.

Abstract: A free radical solution producing apparatus, which comprises: a feed port (6) in which water is drawn, a dechlorination processing section (1) which produces first water by decomposing chlorine compounds in said water, a magnetic processing section (2) which produces second water by carrying out a process that applies a magnetic field to said first water, a radiation processing section (3) which produces third water by carrying out a process that irradiates a radiation to said second water, an ion exchange section (4) which produces fourth water by carrying out a process that performs an ion exchange for said third water, an electric field applying section (5) which produces fifth water by carrying out a process that applies a strong electric field to said fourth water, and a fifth water intake (7-5) from which said fifth water is obtained, produces water which has the effects of sterilizing and disinfection, and strong cleansing power.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for inactivation of microorganisms in fluids or on surfaces. Preferably the fluids contain blood or blood products and comprise biologically active proteins. Preferred methods include the steps of adding an effective, non-toxic amount of a photosensitizer to a fluid and exposing the fluid to photoradiation sufficient to activate the photosensitizer whereby microorganisms are inactivated.

Abstract: In a treatment method of room air by air ionization, sensors such as air-quality sensors, an airflow sensor, an air humidity sensor, an ozone sensor, are provided. Parameters such as oxidizable air components, relative humidity, flow velocity, flow volume, ozone level, and intensity of oxygen ions are measured. The level of ionization power of the ionization apparatus is determined by an electronic control device based on the measured parameters. The ionization power is lowered, when a predetermined ozone value is detected, and, when the ozone level continues to increase after lowering the ionization power indicating an external ozone source, ozone decomposition is initiated by changing a time period of the applied periodic alternating voltage, supplied in the form of alternating pulses or packages of alternating pulses of a preset number or a combination of alternating pulses and packages of alternating pulses of a preset number.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for using a non-thermal plasma or corona discharge generated at multiple points and distributed to decontaminate surfaces and objects contaminated with chemical or biological agents. The corona discharge can be generated using very short high voltage pulses. The pulsed corona discharge can be directed at a contaminated surface through the unbraided strands at an end of a dielectric covered conductor. Another pulsed discharge embodiment incorporates a primary coil surrounding a chamber having a void filled with a plurality of secondary coils. A silent corona discharge can be generated using a variety of different configurations of a dielectric coated electrode and a bare electrode. The silent discharge is produced at all intersections between the dielectric covered electrode and the bare electrode. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises a blanket-like structure that is useful for decontaminating surfaces or decontaminating a fluid passing between spaced-apart bare electrodes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for at least partially disinfecting biological fluid of a mammal, which comprises pathogens in addition to normal cellular fractions. The method includes placing the biological fluid in a reaction volume and contacting a non-thermal plasma with the biological fluid to thereby kill at least a portion of the pathogens within the biological fluid.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to a filter system for sterilization containers which secures a gas permeable filter onto a vented portion of the container. The filter system of the invention includes a locking mechanism that is comfortable and easy to use, and that requires a simple sliding movement of the users hand to lock and unlock the filter system components in place. The invention further includes a filter system structured such that the openings of the filter system plates permit transport of air across the filter while at the same time the openings are arranged to reduce or prevent undesirable physical perforation of the filter. By virtue of its structure, the need for particular rotational positioning of filter components in relation to one another is significantly reduced. The filter system of the invention also reduces or eliminates the need for perimeter gaskets.

Abstract: A method of treating of municipal sludge, paper-pulp sludge, animal and plant waste, and the like, whereby the treatment thereof via electroporation causes the breakdown of waste activated sludge, which is then recycled back to a bioreactor, or to one or more additional bioreactors such as aerobic, facultative, anoxic, or strictly anaerobic.

Abstract: Methods and systems for establishing Taylor-Couette flow in a fluid are provide. Aspects of the disclosed methods and systems incorporate 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.

Abstract: An example airborne conductive contaminant handling system is described. The airborne conductive contaminant handling system may include a handling circuit that is configured to selectively pass an electric current through a conductive contaminant. The airborne conductive contaminant handling system may also include an attracting circuit that is configured to attract an airborne conductive contaminant towards the handling circuit, where it can be subjected to the electric current.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing a medical device having a hydrophilic coating using radiation, said method including the steps of bringing the medical device having such coating in contact with an aqueous liquid for wetting the hydrophilic coating, said liquid including a solution of a hydrophilic polymer, and sterilizing the device by applying a sufficient amount of radiation to provide a coated device showing a significantly increased and prolonged water retention and lower friction coefficient when wet.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are disclosed for treating a biological fluid with light. A container of biological fluid is introduced into a fluid treatment chamber where it is contacted with light provided by one or more light sources in proximity to the fluid treatment chamber. A drawer for holding containers of biological fluid introduces the containers into the chamber. Containers for holding the biological fluid are marked by the apparatus to indicate the status of the treatment.

Abstract: A gaseous blend of Ox and a method for significantly reducing the biological load, including anthrax, on mail and shipping parcels is disclosed. The gaseous blend of Ox consists at least in part of O3. The method involves applying a continuous stream of oxygen-containing, i.e., Ox, gas to the mail or shipping parcel at a predetermined temperature, pressure and relative humidity. The continuous stream of Ox gas is prepared in an Ox generation cell, which contains a means for generating the Ox gas at a pressure less than 20 lbs/in2 using, for example, one or more of the following: corona discharge, high frequency electrical discharge, ultraviolet light, x-ray, radioactive isotope and electric beam.

Abstract: A method of microbially decontaminating at least one of a defined area and an item within the defined area. The method includes the steps of (a) inductively heating a block comprising an electrically non-conductive material and an electromagnetically responsive material; (b) passing an atomized liquid into an interior passage defined by the block, wherein the inductively heated block vaporizes the atomized liquid that contacts walls of the passage to form an antimicrobial vapor; and (c) flowing the vapor out of the block to the defined area to microbially decontaminate at least one of the defined area and the item.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for reducing microbial burden on a food product. The method includes contacting the food product with an antimicrobial agent and irradiating the food product. The system includes an applicator adapted and configured for contacting a food product with an antimicrobial agent and an irradiator adapted and configured for irradiating a food product. The antimicrobial agent can be a peroxycarboxylic acid.

Abstract: A radiation source module comprising a support member, a radiation source assembly connected to the support member, the radiation source assembly comprising at least one elongate radiation source having a source longitudinal axis and a module-to-surface seal disposed on a first elongate surface of the module, the first elongate surface comprising a first longitudinal axis transverse to the source longitudinal axis, the seal operable to provide a substantially fluid tight seal between the first surface and a second surface which is adjacent to the first surface. A fluid treatment system employ the radiation source module is also described.

Abstract: A gaseous blend of CO2 and Ox and a method for applying a continuous stream of a gaseous blend of CO2 and Ox to a material are disclosed. The gaseous blend and the method significantly reduce the biological load on consumer products, such as food products, botanicals and cosmetic ingredients; in building structures; on transportation containers; and in soil.

Abstract: The present invention involves the use of photosensitizers to provide antibacterial surfaces on consumer and industrial items. This approach avoids the used of chemicals and solutions that may be toxic. The inventions also avoids the use of chemical compositions that might form degradation products which may be unacceptable to healthy persons or irritating to persons who may have allergies or are otherwise sensitized. According to the invention, photosensitizers with specific properties and specific design features are selected to make practical use of photosensitizers in the consumer and industrial market place. It is important to select a photosensitizer with an activation spectrum that is matched to the environmental conditions under which the surface to be protected is required to exhibit its antimicrobial properties. This means that the illumination energy and intensity levels expected need to yield enough singlet oxygen to destroy the targeted microbes.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system for monitoring and control in the sterilization of an object (1) which, for the purpose of sterilization, is electron irradiated from an electron radiation source (2) past which the object is led or conveyed. The system includes a detector (11), a converter (13), a generator (18), a process control unit (19), as well as an ejector mechanism (26) which is disposed to be activated for ejecting the sterilized object (1) on receipt of a negative comparison signal from the process control unit (19).

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for sterilizing biological materials to reduce the level therein of one or more biological contaminants or pathogens, such as prions, responsible for the disease states known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) in mammals. These methods involve sterilizing biological materials with irradiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power feedback control system for controllably maintaining a predetermined average power value of a power applied to a plasma of a sterilization system. The power has a frequency of from 0 to approximately 200 kHz. The power feedback control system includes a power monitor including a current monitor and a voltage monitor. The current monitor is adapted to produce a first signal indicative of a current applied to the plasma. The voltage monitor is adapted to produce a second signal indicative of a voltage applied to the plasma. The power monitor is adapted to produce a third signal in response to the first signal and second signal. The third signal is indicative of the power applied to the plasma. The power feedback control system further includes a power control module adapted to produce a fourth signal in response to the third signal from the power monitor and to a reference signal corresponding to the predetermined average power value.