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: Advanced Oxidation Technologies (AOT) using laser triggered and driven AOT platform are disclosed, including a method for the advanced oxidation of dangerous chemical and biological sources suspected in particular regions, a variety of uses of said method, and the environments where it can be implemented.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a sterilized and calibrated biosensor-based medical device (e.g., an integrated biosensor and lancet medical device) includes sterilizing a biosensor-based medical device that contains a biosensor reagent composition (e.g., an analyte specific enzyme and mediator biosensor reagent composition). The sterilizing can be accomplished using, for example, a gamma radiation based technique. Thereafter, the biosensor reagent composition of the sterilized biosensor-based medical device is calibrated. Another method for manufacturing a sterilized and calibrated biosensor-based medical device includes first assembling and packaging a plurality of biosensor-based medical devices that include a biosensor reagent composition. The packaged biosensor-based medical devices are then sterilized using a radiation-based sterilization technique, to create a plurality of sterilized, packaged biosensor-based medical devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a plant for disinfecting at least one wooden container (10) likely to have been contaminated by microorganisms. It comprises treatment means for submitting said container to the action of an electromagnetic field, the frequency of which is between 1 MHz and 300 GHz, so as to destroy at least part of the population of microorganisms contained in said cask.

Abstract: A reactor apparatus and method provide for the destruction of volatile organic air-borne pollutants from gaseous streams. The reactor is a photocatalytic reactor for the destruction of organic air-borne pollutants which comprises means for admission of a gas stream carrying air-borne volatile organic pollutants into a closed tubing system; means for constraining and increasing the velocity of the gas stream while simultaneously creating a suction effect; and means for irradiating the air-borne volatile organic pollutants within the gas stream.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for sterilizing preparations of digestive enzymes 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 of digestive enzymes, such as trypsin, &agr;-galactosidase and iduronate-2-sulfatase, with irradiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of sterilizing fungi and bacteria in a spore state for sterilizing fungi and bacteria in a spore state for sterilizing fungi and bacteria in a spore state and a sterilizer thereof. In particular, the invention is directed to a method of sterilizing sterilization targets adhering onto target-adhering things such as containers, packing materials, conveying tools, etc. or sterilization targets contained in target-containing things such as liquid, air, raw materials, etc. and also a sterilizing device thereof. Some of fungi and bacteria in a spore state are strong to ultraviolet rays, and some of them are strong to heat. So, both the fungi and so on which are strong to ultraviolet rays and those which are strong to heat can be effectively sterilized by performing successively the sterilization by UV radiation and heat.

Abstract: A system for processing a wafer using ozone includes an ozone gas source connecting into the process chamber. Wafers are held within a holder or fixture in the chamber. A chamber exhaust line connects the process chamber to an inlet at the top end of an ozone destructor. A system or cabinet exhaust line extends from an outlet also at the top end of the ozone destructor. A canister within the ozone destructor contains a catalyst. Exhaust flow from the process chamber moves down through the ozone destructor and then up through the catalyst. Saturation of the catalyst by condensing water vapor and loss of catalytic efficiency, is reduced. As the process chamber and chamber exhaust line are better isolated from the catalyst, potential for catalyst particles moving into the process chamber or chamber exhaust line, or for condensing vapor to back up in the chamber exhaust line, are reduced.

Abstract: A method is provided for rapidly determining whether a load of equipment to be sterilized in a sterilization chamber absorbs, adsorbs, condenses, or decomposes significant amounts of germicide vapor or gas, such as hydrogen peroxide. The initial slope of the curve of a plot of ln(c/c0) versus time is determined, where c is the concentration of hydrogen peroxide and c0 is the maximum concentration of hydrogen peroxide. The initial slope is determined in the first 100 seconds after the maximum in the concentration of hydrogen peroxide. If the initial slope is approximately 0.016 sec−1 or less, the load is acceptable. If the initial slope is significantly steeper than 0.016 sec−1, the load absorbs, adsorbs, condenses, or decomposes significant amounts of hydrogen peroxide. If the slope of the curve is steep, the system can abort the sterilization run before significant amounts of hydrogen peroxide have been absorbed, adsorbed, or condensed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus in form of a disinfecting apparatus comprising a steam device for combatting germs on the surface of products, in particular of food products. The apparatus employs a combination of steam and ultrasound to kill germs on the surface of a product which is conveyed past the steam device. Pressurized steam is fed through a steam passage to an opening conveying the steam to a cavity, in which the steam is made to oscillate at a ultrasonic frequency. The oscillations in the steam prevent the steam from heating the products excessively, while germs presents on the surface of the products are heated and killed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for terminal sterilization of solid forms of nanoparticulate active agent compositions via gamma irradiation. The nanoparticulate active agent has an effective average particle size of less than about 2 microns, prior to incorporation into a solid form for sterilization. The resultant sterilized compositions exhibit excellent redispersibility, homogeneity, and uniformity. Also encompassed are compositions made via the described method and methods of treating animals and humans using such compositions.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of and apparatus for the removal of bacteria, microbes and other cell growth from a body of water by the application of an electromagnetic signal to a section of pipe communicable with the body of water.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for sterilizing biological products to reduce the level of active biological contaminants such as viruses, bacteria, yeasts, molds, mycoplasmas and parasites.

Abstract: A method is provided for sterilizing a bioactive material which comprises contacting the bioactive material with hydrogen gas and while the bioactive material is in contact with hydrogen gas, irradiating the bioactive material with ionizing radiation to sterilize the material.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for sterilizing biological products to reduce the level of active biological contaminants such as viruses, bacteria, yeasts, molds, mycoplasmas and parasites.

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: Water treatment methods and systems using laser light. Water enters a treatment area from waterline tubing wherein water within the treatment area is subjected to light from a laser as it passes through the treatment area, and wherein microorganisms contained within said water are reactive to the light and are killed. The water is provided to a point of use after treatment by light. The treatment area may be a junction box having an entry point for receiving water from input tubing connected to the input portion of the junction box; a fiber optic line or laser source coupled to the junction box for delivery of light from a laser into the junction box; and an exit point and/or port for providing water passing through the junction box to a point of use.

Abstract: An ozone deodorizing/sterilizing device is proposed which includes an air pump for supplying pressurized air, an ozone generator for producing ozone by silent discharge, and an ozone spray device having a spray nozzle for atomizing water with the pressurized air containing ozone as a driving fluid and spraying it with air. The spray nozzle is formed to atomize water by setting the nozzle hole diameter so that water will be atomized into ultrafine volatile fog drips and fog drips will be sprayed within a predetermined range from the spray nozzle and the target space to be sterilized will be kept from getting wet.

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

Abstract: An induction coil (36) generates a magnetic field which induces current in an induction vessel (28). The induction vessel is heated by the current and supplies the heat to a passage (34) within the vessel. A liquid to be vaporized, such as water or hydrogen peroxide solution, is supplied to the passage where it is converted to vapor. The vapor is supplied to a defined area, such as a chamber (14) of a steam or vapor hydrogen peroxide sterilizer (10), where items are microbially decontaminated by the vapor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a number of UV generators needed to destroy at least 90% of biological matter in an air stream of a ventilation system is disclosed. The method comprises determining the number of UV generators needed to destroy a proportion of biological matter in the air stream of the ventilation system.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and unit (3) for sterilizing sheet packaging material (2) for producing sealed packages of pourable food products. The method includes the step of directing on to opposite faces (2a, 2b) of the packaging material (2) respective low-voltage electron beams, each having an energy of at most 100 KeV.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for sterilizing serum or plasma 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 serum or plasma with irradiation.

Abstract: An ultraviolet disinfection (UV) system for gases including a UV light-ready gas purifier having at least one portal in the gas purifier for receiving UV light input from a UV light source, which is removably connected to the gas purifier via a connector at the portal, and positioned to provide a focused, controllable UV light output that has at least one UV dose zone for providing effective sterilization of microorganisms and disinfection within an interior of the gas purifier. The light source is positioned within a housing that is external to the gas purifier and capable of being connected thereto via optical connectors, such as fiber optic transmission lines. A method for UV disinfection of the interior of gas purifiers is also included in the present invention.

Abstract: A method is for selectively removing gaseous pollutants from the ambient air, and a device is for implementing the method. Undesirable emissions may be selectively and completely removed from the ambient air using relatively simple equipment and a small amount of energy. Pollutants contained in the air to be purified are ionized by the action of optical radiation, based on resonant and/or non-resonant single-photon excitation and/or multiple-photon excitation, so that the ionized pollutants are drawn off and removed from the air to be purified, using an electric field. A small portion of the energy necessary for the ionization may also be applied in the form of microwave energy or electric-field energy. The method and device may be used in air-conditioning or other air-circulation systems.

Abstract: A method is provided for rapidly drying and treating comestible material. The method generally comprises heating the comestible material by application of infrared energy in order to dry the comestible material to a predetermined moisture content, and/or disinfest and denature enzymes within the comestible material. The heating step is carried out so that the maximum temperature of the comestible material does not exceed a predetermined level.

Abstract: A system for decontamination and sterilization of harmful contaminated biological and chemical materials, the system including a plurality of double dielectric barrier discharge reactor cores, wherein each of the reactor cores includes a plurality of parallel, spaced-apart electrodes arranged as a plurality of adjacent triads defining a gap region between opposing electrical poles for the passage of contaminated materials therebetween, and a housing unit provided with an inlet and an outlet for passing contaminated materials through the system. When an electric power supply is connected to the electrodes of the plurality of reactor cores, a high electric field and a plurality of multi-directional electrical micro-discharges are generated in the gap region to produce reactive radicals, so that when contaminated materials are passed through the gap region, contaminants are decomposed by the radicals, while other contaminant molecules are broken down by the high electric field.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for sterilizing biological products to reduce the level of active biological contaminants such as viruses, bacteria, yeasts, molds, mycoplasmas and parasites.

Abstract: A connector for joining two parts of a medical product, where the parts are sterilized by different forms of sterilization, is disclosed. The connector includes a generally tubular body having a first end adapted for connection to a part of the medical product, another closed, but openable end, and an expansion chamber of one-piece integral construction with the tubular body.

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: The present invention involves a system for irradiating articles with ultraviolet radiation that are transported through an irradiation tunnel along a longitudinal article treatment path from a tunnel entrance to a tunnel exit employing a conveyor system. Ultraviolet irradiation sources are located within the tunnel, both above and below the article treatment path. The conveyor system includes at least two different sequential segments that contact different laterally separated locations on the articles to be treated from beneath. The points of contact between the different segments of the conveyor system are offset in a lateral or transverse direction so that all locations on the articles are left unobscured from beneath at some location on the treatment path. As a consequence, all downwardly facing surfaces of the articles carried on the conveyor system are exposed to radiation from beneath.

Abstract: Nanobacteria contribute to pathological calcification in the human and animal body, including diseases such as kidney stones, salivary gland stones, dental pulp stones and atherosclerosis. The present invention provides methods for sterilizing articles contaminated with nanobacteria. The present invention also provides methods of treating patients infected with nanobacteria. In particular, the present invention provides a method for preventing the recurrence of kidney stones in a patient that has suffered from kidney stones, comprising administration of an antibiotic, a bisphosphonate, or a calcium chelator, either alone or in combination, in an amount effective to inhibit or prevent the growth and development of nanobacteria.

Abstract: A system and a method for sterilizing objects, in particular medical instruments and accessories, using gas plasma, also called ionized gas. The gases used to form the plasma do not require to exhibit an intrinsic sterilizing activity. The sterilizing properties result from the passage through an electric field generating the plasma, an electric field which is provided by microwaves, a gas stream including oxygen in molecular form (O2) or as a gas element, and atomic or molecular species capable of emitting UV radiation once they have been energized. The system and method provide the advantage of making it possible to treat heat-sensitive and thermolabile objects at temperatures less than 50° C. using gases presenting no risks for the operator.

Abstract: An irradiation system includes a radiation source providing radiation in a localized radiation exposure area and a shielding structure around the radiation source. A conveyance system transports product into the shielding structure, through the radiation exposure region and out of the shielding structure. The conveyance system includes an input portion for carrying the product into the shielding structure at a first elevation. A first elevator moves the product from the first elevation to a second elevation different from the first elevation. A processing portion of the conveyance system carries the product at the second elevation through the radiation exposure region. A second elevator moves the product from the second elevation to a third elevation different from the second elevation. An output portion of the conveyance system carries the product out of the shielding structure at the third elevation.

Abstract: To provide a method for sterilizing a packaging material and a sterilizer used therefor, which do not cause unevenness in the sterilization effect, and uses high voltage pulses permitting to improve the sterilization effect. The purpose can be achieved by using such a discharge side electrode as is provided with unevenness having continuous projections on the discharge side surface, in the method in which the sterilizer is provided with a power source for generating high voltage, a discharge side electrode to which the high voltage generated by the power source is applied, and a ground side electrode arranged so as to be opposed to the discharge side of the discharge side electrode, and sterilizes a packaging material to be sterilized by placing it between both electrodes under normal temperature and normal pressure, and applying the high voltage pulses thereto in a gas atmosphere.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of decontaminating surfaces on a living creature. A beam of electrons is generated with an electron beam generator operating in the range of about 40 kv to 60 kv. The beam of electrons exit the electron beam generator through an exit window. The surfaces on the living creature are irradiated with the beam of electrons. The beam of electrons are of an energy sufficient to decontaminate the surfaces without damaging living tissue.

Abstract: Methods of producing a terminally sterilized topical patch preparation are provided. In the subject methods, a topical patch preparation is exposed to electron beam radiation, preferably low level electron beam radiation, for a period of time sufficient to terminally sterilize the topical patch preparation. Also provided are the terminally sterilized topical patch preparations produced by the subject methods and methods of using the same.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing at least one article by means of a plasma and in the presence of humidity using a non-biocidal gas containing oxygen and nitrogen, the article being placed outside the discharge in a sealed treatment enclosure that is subjected substantially to atmospheric pressure, the method comprising the following steps: introducing the humidified non-biocidal gas into the treatment enclosure; creating a first plasma discharge A for a determined duration enabling the effectiveness of the sterilizing species created during the following stage to be guaranteed within the entire enclosure; creating a second plasma discharge B during a determined duration enabling said article to be sterilized; and rinsing the treatment enclosure during a determined duration so as to guarantee that it contains a non-polluting atmosphere when the enclosure is subsequently opened.

Abstract: A sterilization system seals a first end portion of a first tube and a second end portion of a second tube under sterile conditions. The sterilization system includes a sterilization chamber and an electron gun which generates a distribution of electrons in the sterilization chamber. The sterilization system further includes a spindle and a holder which places and rotates a connector in the distribution of electrons. The sterilization system further includes first and second tube holders each having curved walls movably coupled to the sterilization chamber to move between a first position where the respective end portion is separated from the connector and a second position where the respective end portion is coupled to the connector. Each curved wall has a shape such that x rays generated within the sterilization chamber undergo at least three interactions with the curved walls before propagating outside the tube holders.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for sterilizing preparation of monoclonal immunoglobulins to reduce the level of active biological contaminants such as viruses, bacteria, yeasts, molds, mycoplasmas, prions and parasites.

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 method is provided for forming a plastic prosthesis bearing, net-shape bearing, near net-shape bearing or plastic stock from which such a bearing can be formed. The method includes the steps of providing plastic resin in powdered form, subjecting the powdered resin to irradiation to cross-link the resin, and molding the irradiated powder. The irradiated powder is molded by applying heat and pressure to form the powder into a desired solid plastic shape, the heating being sufficient to melt the powder.

Abstract: A sterilization container for sterilizing, storing and transporting instruments is formed of a liquid crystal polymer, such as a wholly aromatic polyester. The container is strong yet has thin walls so that condensation is minimized. Suitable polymers include wholly aromatic polyesters such as: polybenzoate-naphthalate; polybenzoate-terephthalate-bisphenol-isophthalate; polybenzoate-terephthalate-ethylene glycol; and polynaphthalate-amino terephthalate.

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

Abstract: The present invention involves a sterilization system for running high amperage current through a dental or medical handpiece to be sterilized thereby heating the handpiece to a point of sterilization. The system includes a controller, a high amperage current source, and a handpiece receptacle. The handpiece receptacle includes clamps to hold the handpiece in place and a temperature sensor to measure the temperature of the handpiece. The controller controls the amount of current supplied by the high amperage current source to the handpiece according to the temperature of the handpiece. After the handpiece has been at or above the sterilization temperature for the required period of time, the controller stops the flow of current to the handpiece.

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: A single or multiple source decontamination device for containment with a simple mailbox individual receptacle or a larger office environment receptacle. Sources such as a gaseous release, ultraviolet, infrared, microwave, ultrasonic, deionization, etc. are employed to decontaminate delivered packages within the receptacle. The device offers protection against packages potentially contaminated with bacterial or viral microorganism, anthrax being one example.

Abstract: The invention provides a sterilization process which is not carried out in a vacuum, including the steps of introducing an oxidizing agent in a gaseous state into a sterilization chamber or area to be sterilized, and introducing gas plasma into the sterilization chamber or area to be sterilized. An apparatus for carrying out the process is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and unit sterilizing sheet packaging material for producing sealed packages of pourable food products, the method including the step of directing on to opposite faces of the packaging material respective low-voltage electron beams, each having an energy of at most 100 keV. The unit includes generating devices for generating the low-voltage electron beams.