Abstract: Methods to reduce the volitation and for neutralization of biological agents contained and emanating from objects such as mail pieces include the steps of providing an electrical charge to the biological agents, rendering the electrically charged airborne biological agents stationary, and neutralizing the stationary biological agents and the less volitant biological agents. The systems to reduce the volitation and for neutralization of biological agents include components capable of effecting the method described above.

Abstract: A sterilization system comprising: radiation source; optical and/or electrical sensors; and timing means; wherein the measurement of radiation by the optical sensor is substantially synchronized based on the timing means to the start and end of each pulse of radiation from the radiation source or to the start and end of the exposure of a product to the radiation source.

Abstract: An item of mail or other container having an irradiation target area containing a radiochromic polyacetylene monomer indicia which is substantially stable to incident light, humidity and ambient temperatures and which develops a darkened color phase alteration at a level of radiation exposure sufficient to deactivate a bio-hazardous agent and a method of applying said radiochromic polyacetylene to a package or container.

Abstract: A method for protein-preserving purification and/or sterilization of contaminated biological liquids is described, in which the biological liquid is irradiated with UV radiation of 260 to 300 nm wavelength for a sufficient period of time.

Abstract: A flash sterilization container(10) comprises a pan(12) forming the bottom of the container holding a tray (14), with a cover (16) forming the top of the container, and a filter element (20). The filter (20) covers an opening in the cover (16) so that the inside of the container (10) formed when the cover is removably sealed to the pan (12) can communicate with the atmosphere surrounding the sealed container allowing steam to enter and exit the container passing through the filter (20). Items to be sterilized are placed on the tray (14) and the cover (16) is attached and sealed to the pan (12). The sealed container is then placed in an autoclave or other source of pressurized steam. The filter is composed of a material which will allow the pressurized steam to pass through but which is relatively impervious to dust and microorganisms thereby maintaining the sterility of the interior of the container and its contents.

Abstract: Various forms of apparatus and methods for pretreating and sterilizing a lumen with a peroxide solution prior to sterilization of the interior of the lumen by exposing the lumen to reduced pressure and, optionally, plasma in a sterilization chamber. The pretreatment is preferably done before placing the lumen in the sterilization chamber. The method also includes exposure of the exterior of the lumen to peroxide vapor to sterilize the exterior of the lumen. Pretreatment of the interior of the lumen with liquid peroxide greatly improves the efficiency of sterilization of the interior. Exposure of the lumen to plasma reduces the time required for sterilization.

Abstract: A method for sanitizing a food processing environment includes the preparation of an aqueous ozone was solution for use in sanitizing food contact surfaces and food processing work stations. During preparation of an ozone wash solution, ozone off-gas is collected from the aqueous ozone solution. The ozone off-gas is then introduced into an ambient of the food processing environment. The introduction of the ozone off-gas can be carried out in conjunction with the application of the ozone wash solution to food contact surfaces. Additionally, the ozone off-gas can be introduced at relatively high concentrations for application to food processing equipment and food contact surfaces or, alternatively, the ozone off-gas can be diluted to relatively low levels for introduction into the ambient air of a food processing facility.

Abstract: A dehydrating and sanitizing device for baby stuff includes a bowl with a heating member received therein and an inclined plate is connected to the heating member so as to guide water to flow in a collection drawer located at a lower edge of the inclined plate. Several sanitizing bulbs are connected to the inside of the bowl. A rack is located in the bowl for the nursing bottles and teats being put thereon and a cover is mounted to an open top of the bowl.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for sterilizing heart valves 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 heart valves with irradiation.

Abstract: A non-toxic environmentally friendly aqueous disinfectant is disclosed for specific use as prevention against contamination by potentially pathogenic bacteria and virus. The aqueous disinfectant is formulated by electrolytically generating silver ions in water in combination with a citric acid. The aqueous disinfectant may include a suitable alcohol and/or a detergent. The aqueous disinfectant has been shown to be very effective at eliminating standard indicator organisms such as staphylococcus aureus, salmonella cholerasuis and pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Abstract: An adhesive composition that contains a preservative is particularly useful as a medical adhesive and can include alkyl cyanoacrylate monomers. The preservative is preferably soluble in the monomer. The composition may optionally be sterilized by placing a mixture of a polymerizable adhesive monomer and a preservative in a container, sealing the container, and sterilizing the mixture and the container.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for sterilizing cyanoacrylate prepolymer compositions under visible light irradiation conditions wherein the prepolymer remains in polymerizable form after sterilization.

Abstract: A continuously provided ground food product (e.g. meat) is leveled to a particular thickness and then irradiated. The leveler may be formed from two (2) spaced members (e.g., closed loop belts) spaced from each other by a distance progressively decreasing to a distance corresponding to the particular thickness. This distance may be adjustable to define any desired thickness for the food product. The leveler and the radiation source are disposed in a chamber providing shielding against radiation. The belt carrying the food product past the radiation source deposits the irradiated food product in a receptacle. A transport mechanism (e.g. auger) transports the irradiated food product, without exposing the food product to harmful bacteria, from the receptacle to a former which provides the food product in individual configurations (e.g. hamburgers, chubs and case ready) without exposing the product to harmful bacteria. The formed product is thereafter stored in an environment which excludes harmful bacteria.

Abstract: A material comprising a biologically active substance (or ligand) to be sterilized, including proteins (e.g., antibodies and enzymes), peptides, DNA, RNA, and glycoproteins, with or without a carrier, and sterilization-protecting agent comprising a trisaccharide or higher saccharide (“polysaccharide”) having a positive charge, is provided. The skeletal background of the polysaccharide confers stability to the ligand and its positive charge traps destructive radicals produced during the sterilization process. The molecular weight ratio of sterilization-protecting agent to the ligand should be at least {fraction (1/500)} but less than ½ to protect the ligand effectively without obstructing the ligand's activity. In particular, polysaccharides, such as chitosan (a polymer of D-glucosamine) and chitin which is partially converted into chitosan, are preferable as a sterilization-protecting agent.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing a tattooing solution through irradiation. Specifically, a tattooing solution such as an india ink solution is supplied and irradiated to facilitate sterilization. The radiation is, for example, gamma radiation.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for sterilizing biological materials 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 biological materials containing one or more non-aqueous solvents with irradiation.

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: An approach for sterilizing microorganisms at a target object employs a flashlamp system including means for generating pulses of light, and for deactivating microorganisms within the target object by illuminating the target object with the pulses of light having been generated; a photo-sensitive detector positioned so as to receive a portion of each of the pulses of light as a measure of an amount of light illuminating the target object, for generating an output signal in response thereto; and a control system, coupled to the flashlamp system and the photo-sensitive detector, for determining, in response to the output signal, whether the pulses of light are sufficient to effect a prescribed level of deactivation of microorganisms at the target object.

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: A novel approach to fight bacterial growth on and attachment to medical devices/implants is described. This approach reduces the necessity of the painful and complicated replacement of the medical devices that frequently need to remain in the body for periods of time longer than is recommended using a traditionally sterilized device. Several methods are described to kill bacteria that have attached to the surface of medical devices. Long term use is then possible with those medical devices. Furthermore a medical device is described under this method that has a photosensitizing compound affixed to or near the device surface with means to periodically activate the compound by suitable illumination.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for at least partially sterilizing a liquid that has pathogens living in the liquid. The liquid comprising living pathogens is placed in a reaction volume, and a non-thermal plasma is generated within the reaction volume to thereby kill at least a portion of the pathogens within the liquid.

Abstract: A process for sterilizing mail and/or packages of biological warfare agents, which will also mineralize chemical warfare agents. A machine for sterilizing mail and/or packages of biological warfare agents, which will also mineralize chemical warfare agents, having a horizontally arranged cylindrical housing with openings provided in the sidewall through which a user can insert his hands and can view the interior of the housing, a door at one end which covers a portion of one end of the housing, a UVC light source, and a photocatalytic coating. An electro-mechanical door interlock prevents the door from opening during the sterilization cycle.

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 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for disinfecting and purifying liquids and gasses comprising; a) passing said liquids or gasses through a reactor or a combination of reactors, having a truncated compounded concentrator geometry; and b) simultaneously delivering and concentrating diversified electromagnetic and acoustic energies into a specific predetermined inner space of said compounded concentrator reactor, forming a high energy density zone in said reactor or reactors over a predetermined period of time. The reactor according to the present invention is preferably a compounded parabolic concentrator or a compounded ellipsoidal concentrator. The electromagnetic energy delivered and concentrated into and inside the reactor can be of any range of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as ultra-violet, visible, infra-red, microwave etc., or combination thereof. The acoustic energy is of any suitable frequency.

Abstract: A system having a fluid source and a pasteurizer coupled with a disinfectant unit in flow communication with the fluid source for use in disinfecting dental or other water lines. The combination of pasteurizer and disinfectant unit is adapted to receive water from the fluid source. A fluid delivery unit is provided in flow communication with the pasteurizer and disinfectant unit combination. The disinfectant unit has a means for supplying hydrogen and oxygen and a means for generating hydrogen peroxide in flow communication with the means for supplying hydrogen and oxygen.

Abstract: According to the present invention, provided are a method whereby a sterilization/deodorization gas is supplied by irradiating a stabilized chlorine dioxide gel or liquid with ultraviolet radiation, and a sterilization/deodorization gas supply apparatus which comprises: a chemical container used to hold a chemical gel or liquid which is used for sterilization and deodorization, and as an insecticide or an insectifuge; an ultraviolet radiation unit for projecting ultraviolet radiation onto the chemical and for generating a dispersed gas; and a gas discharge unit for extracting from the chemical container gas elements that are to be dispersed by the ultraviolet radiation unit. With this arrangement, a chlorine dioxide gas that can effectively perform sterilization and deodorization can be easily and safely stored, handled and supplemented by employing the chemical reactive propagative effects of ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: A photosensitizer together with complementary light energy are used to prevent the development of infection associated with an indwelling medical catheter or device. Light of a selected wavelength or wavelength band is coupled to the catheter or device and transmitted by a wall or walls thereof to one or both of the external and internal surfaces thereof. The catheter or device also incorporates at least one photosensitizer which releases a toxic substance when activated by the light energy which destroys bacteria on or around the catheter or device. A method of preventing infection using photosensitizers and complementary light energy is also disclosed.

Abstract: An ion generating device generates O2−(H2O)n (where n is a natural number) as negative ions and H+(H2O)m (where m is a natural number) as positive ions, and discharges those ions into the air so that airborne germs are killed through an oxidation reaction by hydrogen peroxide H2O2 or radical hydroxyl OH generated through as an active species a chemical reaction between the negative and positive ions. Satisfactory sterilization is achieved when the negative and positive ions are generated in such a way that the concentrations of the negative and positive ions are both 10,000 ion/cc at a distance of 10 cm from the point at which they are generated.

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. These methods involve the use of stabilizer mixtures in methods of sterilizing biological materials with irradiation.

Abstract: A fluid treatment system consists of a light source for providing light and a flexible treatment chamber having an input port and an output port, at least a portion of the flexible treatment chamber positioned to receive the light. The at least the portion of the flexible treatment chamber is transmissive to at least 1% of the light having at least one wavelength within a range of 170 to 2600 nm and the flexible treatment chamber is adapted to allow a fluid to be treated to be flowed via the input port therethrough at a specified rate and out the output port. The light source illuminates the fluid as it flows through the flexible treatment chamber in order to deactivate pathogens within the fluid. In some embodiments, the light source is a pulsed light source for emitting short duration, pulses of polychromatic light.

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: A system that allows the flexibility of primary and secondary treatment of municipal sludge, paper-pulp sludge, animal and plant waste, whereby the treatment thereof via electroporation may be used either as the primary dewatering treatment, secondary dewatering treatment, direct WAS-treatment, and combinations with other conventional dewatering techniques, in order to provide the municipal treatment plant, or the paper-pulp treatment plant, with the most cost-effective and efficient system as possible. The electroporated-treated sludge releases hitherto unreleased biosolids exiting from the PEF-electroporation system, which are returned to aeration tanks. The electroporation process causes the release of intracellular dissolved/organic matter, which is used as “food” for the bacteria of the aeration tanks.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for sterilizing biological materials to reduce the level therein of one or more active biological contaminants or pathogens, 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 the use of flavonoid/flavonol stabilizers in sterilizing biological materials with irradiation.

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: Reduction of moisture in harvested crop particles. Waste heat from an internal engine carried by a harvester is applied to the crop during the harvesting process. Microwave energy is applied to the crop, concurrently with application of the heat, or separately from it. The objective is to reduce the moisture to a level acceptable to a storage facility, or at least to reduce the cost of further reduction.

Abstract: A valve is provided which includes a valve body, a first valve member, and a second valve member. The valve body has a first flow passage formed therethrough and a second flow passage formed therein. The second flow passage has a smaller cross-sectional area than the first flow passage so that the valve can be used interchangeable between systems requiring different flow rates through the valve, and so that flow through the valve can be more accurately controlled than through the first flow passage alone.

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: It is an object to establish a sterilization condition and means for decreasing the amount of a remaining sterilization agent as much as possible after sterilizing a rubbery sealing tool. In a sterilizing method using gaseous hydrogen peroxide, a filling rate of a sample in a sterilization bag for a normal type is set to 45% or more and a sterilization condition is set to a hydrogen peroxide treatment of 3 pulses and an aeration pulse of 20 pulses, thereby carrying out a sterilization treatment. Furthermore, it is preferable that a volume rate in a bag of an outer bag accommodating the sterilization bag should be set to 55 to 12%. By such setting, a survival ratio of 0/10 of a bacteria cell could be realized at first to fifth times of repetition of the sterilization treatment.

Abstract: Pulsed ultraviolet light is used to address contamination by various microorganisms in different materials provided to people or animals, including food, water, and blood by transfusion.

Abstract: An anode electrode is disposed to expose in water in a medical waterline, and a cathode is connected to an outer surface cf the waterline electrically conducting to an inner surface of the waterline or exposed in water in the waterline, and by these electrodes, an electric current of an output within the range from 3 to 50 mA is applied to water in the waterline, thereby providing an electric current sterilization method for the medical waterline and water therein, with improved cost effectivity, safety, and sufficient sterilization characteristic.

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/co) versus time is determined, where c is the concentration of hydrogen peroxide and co 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: The invention is directly related to methods of radiation processing and methods for routine dosimetry, such as for the measurement of radiation dosages delivered to items to be processed by the application of radiation. Radiation-induced heat in an irradiated item is measured with a calorimeter and used to determine the dose of radiation received by the item. Resistive elements such as thermistors may be used in calorimeters to measure the change in temperature of an item receiving radiation, such as in electron beam radiation. Calorimeters exposed to irradiation in the same manner as irradiated items provide routine dosimetry for radiation processing.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing a tattooing solution through irradiation. Specifically, a tattooing solution such as an india ink solution is supplied and irradiated to facilitate sterilization. The radiation is, for example, gamma radiation.

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: 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: A glucose sensor package system that includes a glucose sensor and a protective package that indicates exposure to temperature changes to indicate proper temperature control. Also covered are methods of transporting and sterilizing the package. In addition, glucose sensors directed to various sizing and positioning of the electrodes on the glucose sensor are covered.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for precisely controlling a light treatment of a treatment system for treating a product. In one implementation, a method for use with a fluid treatment system using light comprises the steps of: estimating a particular velocity of moving particles within a fluid flowing through a treatment chamber of the fluid treatment system using pulses of light as a light treatment, the fluid flowing at a mass flow velocity, the treatment chamber and the fluid being transmissive to at least 1% of light having at least one wavelength within a range of 170 to 2600 nm; and setting a flash rate of the pulses of light based on the particular velocity in order to optimize the light treatment. Furthermore, in preferred implementations, the light treatment is for the deactivation of microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, fungus and other pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms.

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: Methods are disclosed for sterilizing biological materials to reduce the level of active biological contaminants or pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, nanobacteria, yeasts, molds, mycoplasmas, ureaplasmas, prions and parasites. These methods involve the use of dipeptide stabilizers in methods of sterilizing biological materials with irradiation.

Abstract: A system for reducing biological organisms in a liquid effluent to non-viable organic molecules that includes: a stunning chamber that applies a voltage potential across biological organisms to break cell membranes and disable the defense mechanisms of vital organisms to ultraviolet radiation; a cavitation chamber to physically destroy any remaining membranes of biologicals in the effluent that may play host to vital organisms or allow such to hide therein, the action of the stunning and cavitation chambers releasing interferons; and a molecularly implanted stimulated emitter (MISE) chamber in which high levels of ultraviolet radiation are applied to virions and spores that remain at frequencies that are readily absorbed and operate to disassociate any viable DNA and RNA strands remaining, to thereby cause “death”. Prior to the stunning chamber, preferably the effluent has any large solids therein, settled, floated or filtered out.