Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the sterilization and disinfection of agricultural and botanical products such as botanical powders. More particularly, the present invention is directed towards the use of HBS technology whereby contaminated agricultural products are contacted, at ambient pressure, with an oxidant such as nascent oxygen or hydroxyl radicals thus resulting in the oxidization and destruction of the contaminating microorganisms.

Abstract: An ultraviolet cleaning apparatus wherein a substrate is pre-heated prior to a conveyance of the substrate into the cleaning apparatus to thereby shorten the process time. In the apparatus, a substrate pre-heater pre-heats the substrate. An ultraviolet cleaner irradiates ultraviolet rays onto the substrate to remove the remaining substances on the substrate.

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: 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: 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 device containing a light source, a sample support and a temperature control compartment. The sample support is positioned to support multiple sample vessels for irradiation by the light source. The temperature control compartment maintains the temperature of the sample vessels within a desired range. The light source, sample support and temperature control compartment are all contained within an opaque housing.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for sterilising a liquid comprising a step or steps which consist(s) in heating a liquid to a temperature higher than about 60° C. and in applying an electric field of the order of magnitude of about 102 V/cm or more.

Abstract: A plasma sterilization apparatus to prevent color change or hardening of materials, e.g., polymers, by generating plasma in a separate plasma generation chamber and supplying it into a sterilization chamber containing an article to be sterilized. A plasma generation chamber includes electrodes installed in close proximity to each other, preferably separated by 0.5-40 cm, to generate plasma with high density even with a small capacity high frequency power source. The electrodes are connected to a high frequency power source to generate the plasma. An injection heater evaporates an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution used as a microcidal agent, and injects the resulting vapor along with air into the plasma generation chamber. A sterilization chamber communicates with the plasma generation chamber at a remote position through a control valve. A vacuum pump is connected to the sterilization chamber, to form a vacuum state in the sterilization chamber.

Abstract: A method for simplified sterilization is provided which does not use a harmful medium such as a disinfectant and ultraviolet radiation and which is able to reach all portions of objects to be sterilized, where sterilization is realized without high temperatures being generated. After applying a small amount of water or mixture of water and ethanol to an object to be sterilized, or after spraying a liquid gas, far-infrared radiation is applied using a carbon lamp which has high far-infrared radiation efficiency.

Abstract: A method of sterilization of a container is provided whereby a cold plasma is caused to be disposed near a surface to be sterilized, and the cold plasma is then subjected to a pulsed voltage differential for producing energized ions in the plasma. Those energized ions then operate to achieve spore destruction on the surface to be sterilized. Further, a system for sterilization of a container which includes a conductive or non-conductive container, a cold plasma in proximity to the container, and a high voltage source for delivering a pulsed voltage differential between an electrode and the container and across the cold plasma, is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating an aqueous flow colonised by cells by applying a pulsed electric field, the intensity of the field being less than 1 kV/cm. It also relates to the application of this method to eliminating Legionella and to a method for destroying Legionella.

Abstract: A method of sterilization of a container is provided whereby a cold plasma is caused to be disposed near a surface to be sterilized, and the cold plasma is then subjected to a pulsed voltage differential for producing energized ions in the plasma. Those energized ions then operate to achieve spore destruction on the surface to be sterilized. Further, a system for sterilization of a container which includes a conductive or non-conductive container, a cold plasma in proximity to the container, and a high voltage source for delivering a pulsed voltage differential between an electrode and the container and across the cold plasma, is provided.

Abstract: A method for forming a sterile fluid connection includes inserting a dispensing end of a fill tube into a cavity of a sterilizer. A sterilizing field is generated within the cavity of the sterilizer. A cap mounted on the end of the fill tube is removed from the fill tube while in the cavity. A fill port is disposed within the cavity. The fill tube is fluid coupled with the fill port in the cavity of the sterilizer while the dispensing end of the fill tube and the fill port are exposed to the sterilizing field. A fluid is passed from the fill tube to the fill port.

Abstract: There is provided a plasma sterilization indicator enabling an accurate detection of the end-point of plasma sterilization. This invention relates to a plasma sterilization indicator comprising a support and, as formed thereon, a color-change layer comprised of a variable color ink composition containing an anthraquinone dye having at least one kind of amino groups, primary and/or secondary.

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: An air ionizing drying includes an elongated housing that has an interior, an inlet opening, and an elongated outlet opening. A microcontroller is positioned in the interior of the housing. A control panel is coupled to the housing and operationally coupled to the microcontroller. An intake conduit is positioned in the housing and extends from the intake opening. A heating assembly is positioned in the interior of the housing for receiving air passing through the intake conduit. The heating assembly is operationally coupled to the microcontroller. A manifold is environmentally coupled to the heating assembly for receiving air passing through the heating assembly. A fan assembly has a plurality of fans and is coupled to the manifold for drawing air through the manifold. An outlet conduit extends between the fan assembly and the outlet opening. An ionizing assembly is coupled to the outlet conduit for ionizing air passing through the outlet conduit.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for in situ soil sterilization using contained microwave energy, and more specifically methods and devices for removing from the soil to a specified depth in situ substantially all biological pests. The method comprises exposing the specified depth of soil to sufficient energy flux, within a sufficiently short exposure time, of microwave frequency electromagnetic radiation at a frequency tuned to dissociate biopolymers. The device comprises: a source of microwave frequency electromagnetic radiation; a carriage; and, optionally a radiation shield and a cooling system. The carriage moves the source of electromagnetic radiation to an area for treatment and the radiation shield prevents leakage of radiation to undesired points. The cooling system maintains the device at a sufficiently cool temperature for reliable operation.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods, compositions and apparatus for neutralizing bioagents, wherein bioagents comprise biowarfare agents, biohazardous agents, biological agents and/or infectious agents. The methods comprise exposing the bioagent to an organic semiconductor and exposing the bioagent and organic semiconductor to a source of energy. Although any source of energy is contemplated, in some embodiments the energy comprises visible light, ultraviolet, infrared, radiofrequency, microwave, laser radiation, pulsed corona discharge or electron beam radiation. Exemplary organic semiconductors include DAT and DALM. In certain embodiments, the organic semiconductor may be attached to one or more binding moieties, such as an antibody, antibody fragment, or nucleic acid ligand. Preferably, the binding moiety has a binding affinity for one or more bioagents to be neutralized. Other embodiments concern an apparatus comprising an organic semiconductor and an energy source.

Abstract: A germicidal mailbox receives mail in an internal, rotatable cage, and tumbles such mail while irradiating it with ultraviolet light at a wavelength of 254 nanometers to kill or render inert microbes on the mail that could carry diseases to which humans are susceptible. After the mail has been tumbled and irradiated, it is safe for handling by humans without the danger of infection and disease from microbes that may purposefully, through terrorism, or accidentally have become attached to the mail.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing medical devices and similar instruments in diffusion-restricted containers is provided. The sterilization method includes placing a liquid solution containing vaporizable germicide such as hydrogen peroxide into the diffusion-restricted container and vaporizing the germicide. The containers can be attachable and detachable to a sterilization system, and used as a vacuum chamber. An attachable/detachable container containing an article to be sterilized can be nested with a second container, and the article and inside and outside of the inner container are sterilized. The sterile article inside the nested containers can be transported and the sterile inner container with the sterilized article can removed from the outer container and placed in a sterile environment without contaminating the sterile environment. The sterile article can then be removed from the sterile container and utilized.

Abstract: A sterilized chemical composition is stored in a sterile environment for a prolonged period of time, hermetically sealed in successive enclosures and a shipping enclosure. The third sealing layer is removed prior to entering a storage area. The second layer is removed prior to taking the container to the sterile environment. The storage area may also be sterile. The innermost container may be an aerosol container and the composition a disinfectant liquid such as alcohol. The entire shipping enclosure and contents is preferably sterilized with gamma radiation.

Abstract: A method of making an oxygen-rich and stabilized oxidizing agent in a liquid, preferably water, involves exposure of aerated liquid to repeated bursts of ringing magnetic flux having a primary frequency of 10 kHz to 80 kHz, with the bursts repeated at a frequency of 1 Hz to 100 Hz, and with the water being kept basic at a pH level between pH 7 to pH 10. The oxidizing agent is believed to be a relatively stable complex of hydrogen peroxide, and has a significant anti-microbial effect on microorganisms, including biofilms, in the water achieved by oxidation of the oxidizing agent with chemical components of the microorganisms.

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 a system for the application of radio frequency energy to a host material in order to inhibit the presence of pathogenic or spoilage organisms, and the host material thereby treated. In general terms, a radio frequency field is introduced to a host material, where the radio frequency field is configured to resonantly introduce thermal energy to the host material at a frequency, where the thermal energy is sufficient to cause irreversible changes in infective organisms, and where the radio frequency field is configured at a power level such that the thermal energy causes only reversible changes in the host material.

Abstract: A method for automatically controlling the level of dissolved oxygen in water, including the stops of mixing air or oxygen and nitrogen gas so as to be dissolved in retained water in a closed tank. The retained water is circulated by a pressure pump, activated by a ceramic pipe and an infrared ray irradiation device and then injected into the water in the closed tank. The mixing ratio of the air or oxygen and nitrogen gas mixed with to retained water is adjusted, the pressure in the pressure tank is changed, and the injecting pressure of the gas injection nozzle is changed. Sludge or the like is removed from the water by filtering, the oxidation-reduction potential of the water is adjusted to a desired level, and the water is sterilized by an ultraviolet ray irradiation device and brought back to the closed tank.

Abstract: In a sterilizing apparatus, a first electrode is provided in a chamber, and a target to be sterilized is supported by the first electrode. The first AC power supply is connected to the first electrode to supply AC power to the first electrode such that a plasma is generated around the first electrode. The DC pulse power supply is connected to the first electrode to supply DC pulse power to the first electrode such that ions or electrons are accelerated toward the target.

Abstract: An apparatus for purifying air comprising two electrodes having a dielectric material such as glass extending therebetween. The dielectric material is air permeable, for example, in the form of a bed of discrete particles such as glass beads. The electrodes are also air permeable, allowing the air to flow through the electrodes and dielectric. Ozone is generated by discharge at points of contact of the dielectric particles. Airflow through the device is improved, allowing greater cooling, and higher volumes of airflow but at lower concentrations of ozone production than with prior art devices, thus reducing toxicity.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing products to inactivate biological contaminants such as viruses, bacteria, yeasts, molds, mycoplasmas and parasites is disclosed. The method involves irradiating the product at a low dose rate from about 0.1 kGy/hr. to about 3.0 kGy/hr. for a period of time sufficient to sterilize the product. The method does not destroy sensitive materials such as blood and blood components. Further, the method does not require pre-treatment of the product such as freezing, filtration or the addition of chemical sensitizers.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for monitoring and/or controlling a sterilization system. Briefly described, in architecture, the system can be implemented as follows. A current transformer is operatively associated with a source of power for a radiation source. A power meter is operatively associated with the source of power. The power meter is also operatively associated with the current transformer. The power meter is designed to monitor the source of power to confirm the radiation source provides a desired dosage.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for purifying a gas containing contaminants are disclosed. The gas is irradiated with an ultraviolet ray and/or a radiation ray so as to produce microparticles of the contaminants. The resultant microparticles of the contaminants are contacted with a photocatalyst. Then, the photocatalyst is irradiated with light so as to decompose the contaminants held in contact with the photocatalyst. Organic compounds, organosilicon compounds, basic gas and the like can be decomposed by the action of the photocatalyst. Even when these species are present at a low concentration, they can be concentrated locally by transforming into microparticles, and hence can be removed.

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: In order to sterilize previously washed containers in an evacuable reactor, a low pressure plasma is generated by a high frequency generator. A microwave generator is also and can be switched on for drying the container before the plasma is ignited.

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 of sterilizing musical instruments is provided. More particularly, a method of sterilizing musical wind instruments and accessories related thereto is provided for sterilizing, or at least sanitizing, musical wind instruments and accessories without damaging or degrading components of such instruments and accessories constructed of cloth, wood, plastic, rubber or fibrous materials. The method of the invention uses a gas diffusion process and a gas sterilant, such as ethylene oxide. A musical wind instrument and/or an accessory is placed in a gas diffusion bag and a sterilizing atmosphere is created within the gas diffusion bag by releasing ethylene oxide into the gas diffusion bag at a sufficient concentration to act as a sterilant. Ethylene oxide is heated to an appropriate temperature and maintained at such temperature for a sufficient time to achieve sterilization, or at least sanitization, of the musical wind instrument and/or accessory contained therein.

Abstract: A device comprising a light source, a sample support and a temperature control compartment. The sample support is positioned to support multiple sample vessels for irradiation by the light source. The temperature control compartment maintains the temperature of the sample vessels within a desired range. The light source, sample support and temperature control compartment are all contained within an opaque housing.

Abstract: Apparatus (10), systems and methods are disclosed for treating a biological fluid with light. A container (206) of biological fluid is introduced into a fluid treatment chamber (40) where it is contacted with light provided by one or more light sources (60, 70) in proximity to the fluid treatment chamber (40). A light sensing system (650) senses the intensity of illumination of the light. A radiometer (460) may be inserted into fluid treatment chamber (40) to calibrate the light sensing system (650). An electronic control system (600) utilizes an interface circuit board (606) to interface a computer circuit board (602) to a display panel (37), a user interface panel (39, 39a), a relay circuit board (640), light sensors 404 and various other sensors (649). A detector (385) senses agitating movement of a tray (90) that contains biological fluids.

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: The invention relates to a method using vibration for conditioning, air-conditioning, cooling and decontaminating, disinfecting and sterilizing physical media. The method is characterized in that it comprises at least one first periodic action (13) that is performed on the regulated incoming current of the physical medium (2) represented by refrigerating agents and at least one second periodic action (11) that is performed on the same physical medium in a refrigerating chamber. In this way, the flow of the physical medium (2) is formed and the necessary and adequate conditions for cooling the same are created. At least one refrigerating medium (3) and at least cold-absorbing medium (6) are caused to interact in a heat exchanging system (1). The invention also comprises at least one third periodic action (10) which is performed on a cold-absorbing medium.

Abstract: A device and method for non-destructively inactivating microorganisms, and more particularly for non-destructively inactivating microorganisms by subjecting a microdispersion of biological or other pharmaceutical material to short-duration, high-intensity pulses of an energetic emission is provided. The microdispersion treatment device comprises an emitter; a power supply coupled to the emitter; a flow chamber designed to produce a microdispersion of the material across an exposure region such that the material is substantially non-destructively exposed to an emission emitted from the emitter.

Abstract: A method of automatically sterilizing mail all mail received provides assurance to the recipients of the mail and facilitates efficient processing of the mail. The method comprises the steps of: providing an internal electromagnetic radiation source to sterilize mail deposited in the mail box; providing an electric door switch serially connected to the electromagnetic radiation source adapted to close only when the mail box door is closed so that the electromagnetic radiation radiates from the source only when the front door is closed; and, providing a sterilization timer activated when the mail box door is closed, said timer configured to maintain the electromagnetic source on for a sufficient period after the mail box door is closed to radiate and thereby sterilize any mail deposited therein. One aspect of the invention comprises a method of retrofitting a mail box with an assembly containing all of the components listed above.

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: The connection, assembly, or fill of two or more pre-sterilized components 10,12 having at least one terminal end 14 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 10,12 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 60. Using a low-voltage electron beam instrument 54, such as the MIN-EB™, a suitable sterile field sphere can be created. The terminal ends 14 of the multiple components 10,12 remain within the sterile field sphere 60 until the possibility of contamination within the sealed components is significantly reduced to industry acceptable standards.

Abstract: A sterilized chemical composition is stored in a sterile environment for a prolonged period of time, hermetically sealed in successive enclosures and a shipping enclosure. The third sealing layer is removed prior to entering a storage area. The second layer is removed prior to taking the container to the sterile environment. The storage area may also be sterile. The innermost container may be an aerosol container and the composition a disinfectant liquid such as alcohol. The entire shipping enclosure and contects is preferably sterilized with gamma radiation.

Abstract: A microwave device has a monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) disposed therein for applying microwave radiation to a microfluidic structure, such as a chamber, defined in the device. The microwave radiation from the MMIC is useful for heating samples introduced into the microfluidic structure and for effecting lysis of cells in the samples. Microfabrication techniques allow the fabrication of MMICs that perform heating and cell lysing of samples having volumes in the microliter to picoliter range.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing a polymerizable monomeric adhesive composition includes: providing a polymerizable monomeric adhesive composition in a container, the polymerizable monomeric adhesive composition including a polymerizable 1,1-disubstituted ethylene monomer and at least one stabilizer; holding the composition in the container for a pre-determined amount of time, which is sufficient to inhibit or eliminate polymerization of the monomer during or immediately after sterilization, before sterilizing the composition; and sterilizing the polymerizable monomeric adhesive composition inside the container.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing products to inactivate biological contaminants such as viruses, bacteria, yeasts, molds, mycoplasmas and parasites is disclosed. The method involves irradiating the product at a low dose rate from about 0.1 kGy/hr. to about 3.0 kGy/hr. for a period of time sufficient to sterilize the product. The method does not destroy sensitive materials such as blood and blood components. Further, the method does not require pre-treatment of the product such as freezing, filtration or the addition of chemical sensitizers.

Abstract: Methods for decontaminating fluids such as blood products, particularly platelets or red blood cells, are provided. The methods include mixing substantially non-toxic amounts of an endogenous photosensitizer such as riboflavin, or an endogenously-based derivative photosensitizer, with the fluid, increasing the dissolved oxygen content of the fluid to an amount sufficient to enhance a reaction of the photosensitizer in which singlet oxygen is formed and reduce competing reactions; and exposing the fluid to visible light photoradiation to activate the photosensitizer and substantially inactivate the pathogens. Blood products produced by the method, and systems for carrying out the method are also provided.

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 postage stamp providing an indication of successful completion of a sterilization process. The postage stamp is affixed to a mail article. The mail article is then collected by the postal service for processing. The mail article is subjected to sterilization by a sterilization apparatus to sterilize the mail article. Upon being successfully sterilized, the postage stamp turns color to indicate completion of the sterilization process.

Abstract: A device and method for inactivating pathogens in therapeutic fluids with sterilizing radiation in a continuous thin fluid flow arrangement that exhibits radiation dose uniformity for fluids having high optical densities. Radiation dose uniformity is achieved in part through a “carrying” mechanism that moves or carries the fluid, thereby eliminating a channel flow velocity profile where flow volumes near the channel walls run the risk of overexposure to the radiation due to very large residence times within the channel. The device comprises a relatively flat belt chamber (22) connected to a fluid flow through an inlet (24) and an outlet (26) on the belt chamber (22). The belt chamber (22) has a top surface (28) and a bottom surface (30). A radiation permeable plate (32) is disposed adjacent the top surface (28) of the belt chamber (22) and is in contact with the belt chamber (22). A radiation source (42) is provided adjacent to the plate (32) adjacent to a side opposite the belt chamber (22).