Abstract: A method and apparatus (1) for treating contaminated materials in which the materials are fed by an input unit (2, 3, 4) to a conveyor system (9) extending through a treatment chamber (6) where they are heated, treated and discharged via a discharge element (12). A liquid reservoir (16) is created in a first treatment area of the treatment chamber (6) by inclining the treatment chamber. The first area is also heated to a temperature below the boiling point of water, and a second area extending from th first treatment area to the top end of the treatment chamber (6) is at least partially heated to a temperature above the boiling point of water. This enables the contaminated material to be treated and compacted in a simpler, more reliable manner and in a (quasi-) continuous flow through several treatment areas.

Abstract: A sterile device immersed in a sterile buffer and a method for providing same. The sterile device may be a medical device such as a biosensor having a biomolecule as a sensing element such as, for example, a glucose oxidase enzyme. The buffer may be a bicarbonate solution. Both the device and the buffer may be packaged and stored over long term while maintaining sterilization. The sterilization method may comprise a combination of gaseous, liquid and light sterilization.

Abstract: A system for irradiating mail, comprising a device for conveying mail along a predetermined path and a device for irradiating the mail moving along the path with a beam of electrons. An apparatus for chilling the mail is provided along the path. The apparatus exposes the mail to a low-temperature, gaseous fluid created using a cryogenic fluid.

Abstract: RF energy provided by electrodes positioned between a product is used to heat a product that exhibits a variable impedance during the heating process. As the product's impedance changes during the heating process, RF heating system impedance can be maintained constant by adjusting the distance between the electrodes, adjusting the impedance of a variable impedance device connected between the RF power source and an electrode, or a combination of electrode distance adjustment and impedance adjustment of the variable impedance device. The system is particularly applicable to the heating or pasteurization of bulk food products with multiple heating zones.

Abstract: A non-thermal plasma reactor is provided for treating a liquid with non-thermal plasma species. The reactor includes a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet, a reaction volume between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet and at least one non-thermal plasma electrode adjacent to the reaction volume. The non-thermal plasma electrode is isolated physically and electrically from the flow path by a dielectric barrier.

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, spores, 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 vaporizer heating apparatus is comprised of electromagnetically responsive material and electrically non-conductive material. A antimicrobial fluid to be vaporized, such as water or hydrogen peroxide solution, is supplied to the heating apparatus where it is converted to a vapor. In one embodiment of the present invention, electromagnetically responsive material particulate is embedded into the electrically non-conductive material. In another embodiment of the present invention, a microwave generator is used to produce heat.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for treating impure water by introducing a solution of electrolyticially generated silver citrate into the impure water wherein the silver is electrolytically generated in a solution of citric acid and water.

Abstract: The handheld hair dryer for generating a heated air stream has a blower for generating an air stream, an electric heater for heating the air stream, a catalytic odor filter for deodorizing the air stream and a thermal radiator for heating the catalytic odor filter. The electric heater and the catalytic odor filter are separate from each other so that the active surface area of the catalytic odor filter can be maximized to deodorize the air stream. The thermal radiator is also separate from the electric heater.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water purifying device including: a cell unit consisting of a high purity ceramic for obtaining far infrared ray, and having a shape according to a kind of water tank, a ring-shaped Volta cell consisting of a non-ferrous metal being provided in the cell unit; and a lump unit being connected to the cell unit through a metal coil, and consisting of ceramic, a conductive lump consisting of a non-ferrous metal being provided in the lump unit. Accordingly, the water purifying device is easily installed in the water tank, for disinfecting bacteria, restricting generation of bacteria, removing odor, and facilitating growth of aquatic plants and fishes. As a result, a number of changing water in the water tank can be considerably reduced, to improve efficiency.

Abstract: A method includes providing an article including an oxygen scavenger; forming the article into a container; placing an oxygen sensitive product into the container; and exposing the container to actinic radiation at a dosage effective to sterilize the container, and trigger the oxygen scavenger in the article. Alternative methods are also disclosed. A package includes a container, the container including an activated oxygen scavenger; wherein the container is sterilized; and wherein an oxygen sensitive product is disposed in the container.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to sterilization by infrared radiation to eliminate pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella, E. Coli 0157:H7 and E. Coli (EXEC) from articles such as medical, dental and veterinary instruments, as well as from tableware and eating utensils. The invention further relates to sterilization of soil, military and agriculture equipment to eliminate pathogenic bacteria such as hepatitis, AIDS, and anthrax, and prions such as mad cow disease using infrared radiation. Sterilization is performed by exposing the article to infrared radiation generated from heating elements positioned in an enclosed chamber.

Abstract: A sterilization system and method applies low frequency power to a plasma within a vacuum chamber to remove gas or vapor species from an article. The sterilization system includes a switching module adapted to pulsate the low frequency power applied to the plasma and a low frequency power feedback control system for controllably adjusting the low frequency power applied to the plasma. A power monitor is adapted to produce a first signal indicative of the low frequency power applied to the plasma within the vacuum chamber. A power control module is adapted to produce a second signal in response to the first signal from the power monitor, and a power controller is adapted to adjust, in response to the second signal, the low frequency power applied to the plasma to maintain a substantially stable average low frequency power applied to the plasma while the article is being processed.

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: Methods and apparatuses are provided for inactivation of pathogens in fluids containing blood products. Preferred methods include the steps of adding an effective, nontoxic amount of a photosensitizer such as riboflavin to the blood product and exposing the fluid to light having a peak wavelength.

Abstract: A sterilization system applies power to a plasma within a chamber to remove gas or vapor species from an article. The sterilization system includes a power feedback control system for controlling the power applied to the plasma. The power feedback control system includes a current monitor adapted to produce a first signal indicative of a current applied to the plasma within the chamber. The power feedback control system further includes a voltage monitor adapted to produce a second signal indicative of a voltage applied to the plasma within the chamber. The power feedback control system further includes a power control module comprising a programmable digital signal processor. The digital signal processor is adapted to receive and process the first signal and the second signal by multiplying the current and the voltage and producing a third signal indicative of the product of the current and the voltage.

Abstract: A system for in-situ generation of fluorine radicals and/or fluorine-containing interhalogen compounds XFn (wherein X is Cl, Br, or I, and n is an odd integer). Such system comprises a fluorine source, a halogen source for supplying halogen species other than fluorine, a chamber for mixing fluorine with halogen species other than fluorine, and an energy source to supply energy to such chamber to facilitate reaction between fluorine and the halogen species other than fluorine. The chamber may be a semiconductor processing chamber, wherein the in situ generated fluorine radicals and/or fluorine-containing interhalogens are employed for cleaning the processing chamber.

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

Abstract: Methods and compositions of a surface plasmon resonance enhanced body treatment and bacterial management are described. Under the enhanced interaction of surface plasmon resonance and a metal nanoparticle with a nearby biological substance, the biological substance is biochemically and/or biophysically modified or destroyed. The methods and compositions use electromagnetic radiation at a single wavelength or plurality wavelengths of 200 nm to 10,000 nm, metal nanoparticles in size 1 nm to 20,000 nm, inorganic or organic chemical agents, and one-photon or multi-photon modes of electromagnetic radiation for surface plasmon resonance generation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a radiation-resistant acrylic adhesive composition with less reduction in the adhesion thereof upon irradiation with radiations, which composition comprises an acrylic polymer and a radiation-resistant agent, and a radiation-resistant adhesive product comprising the composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a material that is able to selectively inactivate a specific biologically harmful substance through photocatalysis, and uses thereof.

Abstract: What is disclosed is an apparatus and method for assembling a reconstitution assembly (1) having a reconstitution device (10) having a first end connected to a flexible diluent container (12), the reconstitution device (10) having a second end connected to a drug vial (14). The reconstitution device (10) and containers, such as drug vials (14) or diluent bags (12), are loaded onto positioning assemblies (27) on a conveyor (90). The positioning assemblies (27) are conveyed to sterilization booths (270). Sterilization fields are generated within the sterilization booths (270), and the containers are sterilely connected to the reconstitution device (10) within the sterile fields.

Abstract: A portable, radiation-producing apparatus is provided that can produce highly energetic electron beam radiation and X-rays from a low voltage power source., e.g., a battery. The radiation-producing apparatus is comprised of a radiation generating device, a pulsed high voltage generator and a control system. The pulsed high voltage generator is comprised of a power source and a Tesla resonant transformer. The Tesla resonant transformer has at least one first capacitor, a primary coil, a secondary coil and at least one second capacitor. The at least one second capacitor is disposed axially within the secondary coil. The pulsed high voltage generator is connected to the radiation generating device for providing electrical energy to the radiation generating device. The control system is connected to the pulsed high voltage generator for selectively controlling the transfer of energy from the pulsed high voltage generator to the radiation generating device.

Abstract: An air purification system that uses laser beams to purify air. A laser beam is set to sweep across the interior of a box that is open at two ends to the flow of air. The laser beam is of sufficient strength to destroy or neutralize any dust particles, pollen, pathogens, allergens, or gasses that are present in the flow of air through the box. An air baffle box is utilized at each end of the box with the air flow to prevent the laser beam from escaping from the box. A second preferred embodiment of the present invention is the use of a fan laser beam to purify a flow of air. Said fan laser beam is suppled to a box through which air is flowing in such a manner that all air passing through the box must also pass through said fan laser beam. An air baffle box is utilized at each end of the box to prevent the escape of laser beams.

Abstract: The present invention is related to process and an apparatus for irradiating products by means of high energy X-ray beam source (1) in an installation having an irradiation chamber (2), said process comprising the following steps, controlled by controlling means:

Abstract: A treatment system for treating objects (e.g., medical instruments) with ozone gas. The ozone treatment system includes a treatment tank wherein the objects are exposed to ozone. In a preferred embodiment, the ozone is generated within the treatment tank by exposing an oxygen-containing gas to ultraviolet radiation produced by a laser.

Abstract: Method and system for disinfection and sterilization through packaging (DTP) are disclosed. The method and system are usfull for the treatment of solids, liquids, gases or a combination thereof without damaging said packaging, or their content using high peak power pulsed radiation unit having a high intensity source of light. Said method and system present invention are especially beneficial for disinfecting and sterelizing water-based packaged products, and for granting biosecurity to modern agro-food production lines, biomedical preparation processes such as used for the production of vaccination, and for the production through packaging of opto-pro-biotic or OPB compounds for the enhancement of the human immune system (acquired immune system, or MHC type I, II, III). The methodology of the present invention is especially beneficial for agro-food production, for biomedical fields, and for bottled water or flavored water and beverages.

Abstract: There is disclosed a germicidal treatment system having a status indicator. The germicidal treatment system comprises at least one mounting assembly attachable to an outside of a wall of an air handling apparatus. Each of the mounting assemblies includes a germicidal lamp and a ballast. The germicidal lamp is coupled to the ballast. The germicidal treatment system includes a power cord to receive electrical power and to provide electrical power to the ballast. A status indicator to indicate the functioning status of the germicidal treatment system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrochemically generating and using an aqueous solution containing chlorine dichloride and a metal hypochlorite, such as sodium hypochlorite. The aqueous solution provides a mouth rinse for oral hygiene or a sterilizing solution for surgical or dental tools or for treating drinking water. The generator comprises a chamber, an anode and a cathode disposed for fluid communication with a reservoir, and an electrical power source for applying a voltage between the anode and the cathode. The reservoir contains an electrolyte having a metal chlorite and, optionally, a metal chloride, citric acid, sweeteners, flavorings and combinations thereof. The anode is preferably a dimensionally stable anode coated with RuO2, IrO2 or combinations thereof. The cathode may be made of titanium substrate coated with platinum. The apparatus and method generate an aqueous solution containing chlorine dioxide that may be used immediately for oral hygiene.

Abstract: A spatula heating apparatus with excellent usability which overcomes drawbacks inherent to conventional gas burner type and electro-thermal type apparatuses. A spatula heating apparatus for heating spatulas 9, 9a for wax molding includes a heating coil 8 for induction-heating of spatulas 9, 9a, a heating amount setting switch 5, and an inverter control circuit 21 for supplying high frequency current to the heating coil 8 to perform heating at a preset heating amount. When high frequency current is applied to the heating coil 8, the spatulas 9, 9a are heated at the preset heating amount through electromagnetic induction.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes the difficulties in the sterilization and delivery of viscous, multi-component compositions that require pre-mixing prior to usage by disclosing a sterile, multi-component, ready-to-use product wherein each component is sterilized independently and then assembled into a sterilized delivery kit. In certain preferred embodiments of the present invention, a sterile, polymerizable system is provided that comprises a plurality of sterile polymerizable monomers, said monomers having been sterilized by passing them through a filter, at least one sterile filler which has been exposed to conditions effective to render said filler sterile, and the sterile monomers and the sterile filler being blended together to form at least one substantially homogeneous blend contained within a sterile delivery vessel.

Abstract: A wound disinfecting device without using liquid disinfectant includes a main body, a control unit, a fan, an ozone generating unit, an ultraviolet generating unit, and an anion generating unit, which are all received in the main body. The main body has a front air outlet, and a rear air inlet. The fan is disposed adjacent to the rear air inlet. When the device is activated, ozone generated by the ozone unit is blown to outside by means of the fan such that a wound can be disinfected by the ozone, ultraviolet rays generated by the ultraviolet ray generating unit, and anions generated by the anion generating unit when the front air outlet is held close to a wound without coming into contact therewith.

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 method and apparatus for significantly reducing the biological load on consumer products such as food products, botanicals, cosmetic ingredients and medical products is disclosed. The method involves applying a continuous stream of oxygen-containing, i.e., Ox, gas to a material in a sealed biological burden reduction chamber. 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: The invention relates to a method for hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization, wherein the chamber temperature is set at less than 39° C. throughout, and containers with temperature-sensitive products can be efficiently sterilized without the temperature-sensitive products showing a significant loss of activity or degradation.

Abstract: A method of disinfecting a contact lens is provided, including the steps of preparing a disinfecting liquid which contains water-dispersible fine particles of a titanium oxide dispersed in an aqueous medium, immersing the contact lens in the disinfecting liquid; and irradiating the disinfecting liquid in which the contact lens is immersed, with a light.

Abstract: There are disclosed systems and methods to treat surfaces of food processing machinery and air in a food processing plant. A method of treating a food processing station may comprise positioning a light emitting treatment system so the output of a germicidal lamp included in the light emitting treatment system will fall on a desired surface of the food processing station. The germicidal lamp of the light emitting treatment system may be energized to emit substantially uniformly distributed ultraviolet radiation across a surface of the food processing station.

Abstract: A water purification system and method using an ionizer and an ozonation treatment for ionization, oxidation and/or decomposition of undegradeable contaminants is disclosed. A high electron-inducing voltage is first applied to the water in the ionizer so that undergradeable materials are ionized and/pr decomposed, then the water is mixed with ozone so the water is purified to be potable.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for reducing microorganisms in a conductive medium using a low voltage pulsed electrical energy.

Abstract: A method of deactivating chemical contaminants and biological agents from a target surface by and aerosol spraying the target surface with an electrostatically charged, photosensitizer solution, and then illuminating the surface with ultraviolet light.

Abstract: In a reaction chamber, which constitutes a component of a process installation for obtaining foodstuffs or foodstuff components, biological products in harvested form that are whole or in pieces are subjected to pulsed electric fields as they pass through said reaction chamber, said electric fields forming pores in the cell walls so as to irreversibly open the latter, thus making the content of the cells more easily accessible. This is achieved by electrode groups, which can be energized to a high voltage and are located in the wall of a longitudinal passage of the reactor through which the process material is moved past grounded electrodes located in an opposing longitudinal wall area. Each electrode group is connected to an electric energy accumulator such as for example, a Marx generator, by means of a switch, in order to rapidly establish electric fields of multiple directions between the charged and the grounded electrodes.

Abstract: Dual wavelength laser energy in the low infrared electromagnetic spectrum destroys bacteria via photo-damage optical interactions through direct selective absorption of optical energy by intracellular bacterial chromophores. The dual wave length laser system includes an optical assembly including two distinct diode laser ranges (870 nm diode array and 930 nm diode array) that can be emitted to achieve maximal bacterial elimination.

Abstract: An apparatus subjects fluid waste to waves from an RF plasma. This allows continuous production of “activated water” characterized by cluster sizes below about 4 molecules per cluster, water having pH below 4 or above 10, or water having ORP of less than −350 mV or more than +800 mV. The basic frequency of the plasma is preferably between 0.44 MHz and 40.68 MHz, and the plasma is preferably modulated at a frequency between 10 kHz and 34 kHz. Flow rates typically range from 20 1/hr to about 2000 1 hr.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of protecting solid-state proteins from the effects of ionizing radiation which comprise combining the protein with a radiation-protecting amount of a methoxysalicylaldehyde derivative, preferably 3-methoxysalicylaldehyde; radiation-protecting amounts of a methoxysalicylaldehyde derivative, preferably 3-methoxysalicylaldehyde, and 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid; or radiation-protecting amounts of a methoxysalicylaldehyde derivative, preferably 3-methoxysalicylaldehyde and isopropanol, prior to exposing the protein to ionizing radiation.

Abstract: Light-leakage type photocatalyst fibers (10) are bundled together to form a filter assembly having an enormous number of minute gaps which provide fluid communication paths in a longitudinal direction of the photocatalyst fibers. Light is incident to each of the photocatalyst fibers constituting the filter assembly while an object fluid to be processed is introduced through an end face of the filter assembly to pass through the gaps among the photocatalyst fibers in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for sterilization, depyrogenization and/or annealing of containers and their closing elements (12) is proposed, in which in at least one method step, in a low-pressure chamber or vacuum chamber (4), a plasma treatment is performed jointly or separately for the containers and the closing elements (12) before the containers are filled, by means of excitation of an electromagnetic oscillation. The regions of the closing element or closing elements (12) and containers that are to be sterilized, depyrogenized and/or annealed are made to approach the oscillation-generating apparatus (15; 48) by means of a suitable conveyor device for one or more predetermined periods of time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for inactivating microorganisms especially viruses in protein containing biological compositions, especially blood, placental, serum and plasma components or derivatives solutions of human or animal origin or compositions containing proteins obtained by the extraction of vegetal or animal tissues or obtained by biotechnological techniques, i.e. by culture of natural or recombinant cells of bacterial, yeast, plant or human or animal origin thereby retaining the integrity of the desired protein at a degree suitable for its purpose. By extension the method applies to the inactivation of bacterial or viral preparations, when proteic components or proteic antigens are present, which are intended for use in inactivated or non-living vaccines.

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: A dual wavelength laser in the low infrared electromagnetic spectrum is disclosed for destruction of bacteria via photo-damage optical interactions through direct selective absorption of optical energy by intracellular bacterial chromophores. The dual wavelength (NIMELS) laser includes an optical assembly and all associated components necessary for the housing of two distinct diode laser arrays (870 nm diode array and 930 nm diode array) that can be emitted through an output connector and wavelength multiplexer as necessary. With this preferred design, the dual wavelengths (870 nm and 930 nm) can be emitted singly, or multiplexed together to be conducted along a common optical pathway, or multiple optical pathways, to achieve maximal bacterial elimination.

Abstract: Adhesive compositions, particularly medical adhesive compositions, often include several components that may react differently to different sterilization processes, particularly when combined with one another. The present invention is directed to methods of sterilizing different components or groups of components of a final adhesive composition. The different components or groups of components may be sterilized in separate containers before packaging the components or groups of components within a kit, and thereafter sterilizing the kit.