Using Direct Contact With Electrical Or Electromagnetic Radiation Patents (Class 422/22)
  • Patent number: 8721898
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved water treatment cavitation reactor cone. The tank operates on a continuous flow of fluids which are subjected to ultrasonic waves in combination with a high level of injected ozone. The treatment tank includes a tangential inlet that induces a rotating flow into the tank thereby increasing the mixing of the ozone within the effluent. The effluent is further treated with DC current. The treatment tank provides a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling fluids as contaminated as frac water, used to stimulate gas production from shale formations, as well as other types of fluids having various levels of contaminants such as aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and suspended solids. The calcium carbonate scaling tendency is reduced to an acceptable level without the use of acids, ion exchange materials, or anti scaling chemicals which is of economical and environmental significance and benefit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Ecosphere Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis McGuire, Sanjeev Jakhete
  • Publication number: 20140123602
    Abstract: Methods of sterilizing medical devices, including implantable medical devices like stents, chemically and with radiation are disclosed. Methods of preparing a sterile, packaged medical device, including a sterile, packaged implantable medical device or stent are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Abigail Freeman, Bin Huang
  • Patent number: 8715569
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for chemically stabilizing a polymer stent after sterilization. The stent is exposed to a temperature above ambient for a period of time after radiation sterilization. The exposure reduces the concentration of free radicals generated by the radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Lothar W. Kleiner, Fuh-Wei Tang
  • Publication number: 20140119986
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiment relates to a system and method for treating a non-sterile surface of at least a component of a medical device, such as, but not limited to, a cartridge for an injection device. The system for treating a non-sterile surface of a medical device includes a source of electromagnetic radiation and, in some embodiments, a source of laminar airflow. The source of electromagnetic radiation provides exposure and the source of laminar airflow provides laminar airflow to the surface for treatment of the medical device. The method for treating a non-sterile surface includes exposing the non-sterile surface of a cartridge to a pulsed electromagnetic wave. In some embodiments, simultaneous to the pulsed electromagnetic radiation exposure, a laminar airflow can be directed perpendicular to the surface of the cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Melvin Finke, David Selvitelli
  • Publication number: 20140119985
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for controlling microbial growth on a surface are disclosed. A method includes exposing the surface to be treated to electromagnetic radiation, the electromagnetic radiation being emitted from one or more electromagnetic radiation sources towards the surface, wherein the surface is provided with one or more photosensitizers being activatable by electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic radiation emitted from the one or more electromagnetic radiation sources has a wavelength in a range between 400 nm and 800 nm, and the one or more photosensitizers exhibit antimicrobial efficacy upon activation by electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: ORTNER CLEANROOM ENGINEERING GMBH
    Inventors: Gabriele Berg, Stefan Liebminger, Lisa Oberauner, Thomas Klein, Roland Stampf
  • Patent number: 8709339
    Abstract: To prevent electrical charging inside a resin material as well as a surface of a resin vessel at a time of sterilizing the resin vessel by being irradiated with electron beam, a bottle support unit is mounted to a lower end portion of a cylindrical rotating shaft rotatably supported by a rotating wheel. The bottle support unit includes a pair of griper members by which a mouth portion of a bottle is gripped. A ground electrode is disposed to be capable of being inserted into the interior of the resin vessel through a mouth portion thereof, and the interior of the resin vessel is irradiated with the electron beam in a state of the ground electrode being inserted into the resin vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Shibuya Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiya Kobayashi, Mitsuomi Narita, Tomohiko Sugimori, Tsunehiko Yokoi, Yukinobu Nishino, Masami Hayashi, Hideki Nishikawa, Yukihiro Yamamoto, Tokuo Nishi
  • Patent number: 8709340
    Abstract: Methods and systems for selection radiation exposure in sterilization of medical devices are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Abigail Freeman, Gregory S. Simmons, Brian D. Riggs, Robert Harrison, Dan Castro, Bin Huang
  • Publication number: 20140112826
    Abstract: A device for sterilising plastic containers includes a transport device for transporting the containers during the sterilisation along a predefined transport path, a clean room within which the containers can be transported during sterilisation, wherein the clean room is delimited by at least one wall with respect to the environment, and a first external application device for sterilising at least a section of the outer wall of the containers. The first external application device has a source of charge carriers for generation of charge carriers, and includes a first moving device which moves the containers at least intermittently in the longitudinal direction during their sterilisation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Josef Knott, Hans Scheuren, Ludwig-Lorenz Schillinger
  • Publication number: 20140112825
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, methods, kits and systems employing irradiation activated agents to improve or increase or prevent loss of toughness, work-to-fracture, post-yield toughness, fracture toughness and/or fatigue strength of a bone allograft on exposure to radiation. The irradiation activated agent can be an agent that increases crosslinking of collagen in bone during irradiation, for example ribose, 2-hydroxytetrahydropyran or ascorbate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas Willett
  • Patent number: 8703050
    Abstract: The present invention includes a composition for enhancing the antimicrobial efficacy of photodynamic disinfection against Gram-negative organism that is receptive to paraben potentiation using a composition comprising a photosensitizer and at least one paraben. The present invention also includes a method for photodynamic disinfection comprising applying the composition to a desired treatment area and applying light to the desired treatment area at a wavelength absorbed by the photosensitizer so as to inhibit Gram-negative organism located within the treatment area wherein the Gram-negative organism is receptive to paraben potentiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Ondine International Ltd.
    Inventors: Cale Street, Lisa Pedigo, Nicolas Loebel
  • Patent number: 8698097
    Abstract: A system and method to provide uniform, high intensity radially inwardly directed electron beams to the interior of a cylindrical volume for the purpose of destroying toxic, hazardous, or noxious organic and/or inorganic compounds contained in air or other media flowing through a cylindrical region; or to destroy or inactivate bacteria, viruses, fungi, or mold spores in such flowing media; to sterilize contents of flowing media; to treat fluidized grains, herbs, or other products; or to destroy chemical warfare agents. A window assembly to transmit electromagnetic radiation, for example, an electron beam, x-rays, or other high energy electromagnetic radiation, is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventors: Edgar B. Dally, Robert J. Espinosa
  • Patent number: 8696983
    Abstract: A plasma sterilizing device has a container for a long tubule to be sterilized, having an adjustable internal pressure, and an electrode provided at at least one end of the long tubule. The device is configured so that plasma is generated inside the long tubule by applying an alternating current voltage to the electrode in such a state that the pressure inside and outside of the long tubule can be adjusted, so that there is a predetermined difference in pressure between the inside and the outside of the long tubule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Saga University
    Inventors: Nobuya Hayashi, Satoshi Kitazaki
  • Patent number: 8696997
    Abstract: Sterilisation apparatus arranged controllably to generate and emit hydroxyl radicals. The apparatus includes an applicator which receives RF or microwave energy, gas and water mist in a hydroxyl radical generating region. The impedance at the hydroxyl radical generating region is controlled to be high to promote creation of an ionisation discharge which in turn generates hydroxyl radicals when water mist is present. The applicator may be a coaxial assembly or waveguide. A dynamic tuning mechanism e.g. integrated in the applicator may control the impedance at the hydroxyl radical generating region. The mist and/or gas and/or energy delivery means may be integrated with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Creo Medical Limited
    Inventor: Christopher Paul Hancock
  • Patent number: 8696984
    Abstract: A method for medical device sterilization comprises staggering a stack of packages so that a back surface of each package partially overlaps a front surface of another of the packages. Each package contains a medical device. The stack of packages are positioned so that the front surfaces of the packages face toward a radiation source. The packages are then exposed to radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Abigail Freeman, Brian Riggs, Robert Harrison, Gregory Scott Simmons
  • Patent number: 8692210
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying the organoleptic properties of a beverage, such as wine in a bottle, said apparatus having a least one light-source, said light-source applying peak wavelengths at intensities and time durations optimal for modifying said beverage's organoleptic properties with a highly reflective inner surface, a translucent air flow baffle, a translucent liquid barrier, and a controlled oxygen concentration in the bottle headspace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Peter Depew Fiset
  • Patent number: 8691146
    Abstract: To provide an efficient sterilization method for inexpensively sterilizing a medical article having a complex shape such as a body fluid treatment device of a generally-called dry or semi-dry type by so applying an electron beam that the overall absorbed dose distribution is small and to provide its application package form. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] A method for sterilizing tubular body fluid treatment devices of a dry or semi-dry type contained in an electron beam-transmitting case with an electron beam. The method is characterized in that a stack structure which includes a gap layer having an average density of 0.010 to 0.180 g/cm3 and two body fluid treatment device layers having an average density of 0.050 to 0.200 g/cm3 and sandwiching the gap layer is contained in the electron beam-transmitting case, and the case is irradiated with the electron beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Asahi Kasei Medical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuko Sato, Ryo Komura, Takayuki Yano, Toshinori Koizumi
  • Patent number: 8685238
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods for a solar and/or AC current powered water disinfection system that is sized for portable use and is specifically tailored for use in under-developed areas of the world or in areas where natural disasters have occurred. Embodiments herein disclosed provide for a system that utilizes an ultraviolet light that is operatively coupled to a pump, inverter, battery, and a charge converter that is adapted for use with a solar panel or AC current. The system is placed into a storage container, or the like, and the water in the storage container is pumped through the ultraviolet light, which kills most waterborne, water-washed, and water-based diseases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Andrew Gunter
  • Patent number: 8685459
    Abstract: The present invention, inter alia, relates to a closed sterilized container comprising at least one carrier which is a stabilizer; and at least one biomolecule reversibly attached to the carrier, wherein said carrier partially or completely covers the attached biomolecules and wherein said at least one carrier is selected from the group consisting of (poly)peptides such as dipeptides or tripeptides, amino acids, polyalcohols, polyethyleneglycols, ionic liquids, compatible solutes, saponins and a mixture thereof. The invention also relates to methods for producing sterilized containers according to the invention and uses thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Leukocare AG
    Inventors: Jens Altrichter, Anja Breuer, Nicole Schaath, Julia Quathamer
  • Patent number: 8685328
    Abstract: In order to remove a pathogenic effect of a microorganism in a room or a work space in a short period of time, an ion diffusing apparatus, which includes an ion generator (17, 18) for generating positive ions each including H+(H2O)m and negative ions each including O2?(H2O)n, where m and n are arbitrary integers, and a blower for delivering the positive ions and the negative ions, which are generated from the ion generator (17), from a blowout opening, is operated to widely distribute, with a high concentration, the positive ions and the negative ions in the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroaki Okano, Kazuo Nishikawa, Hisaharu Yagi, Norihiro Matsuoka, Tomonori Akai, Misaki Nakamura, Yoshihiro Shimizu
  • Patent number: 8679409
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a filter device. The filter device comprises a housing with an air inlet and an filtered air outlet; a high voltage electric field region provided between two ends of the housing, wherein the direction of the electric field is perpendicular to the direction along which the air is introduced into the housing; an ionization source provided in the electric field region to ionize the ionizable pollutants present in the air introduced from the air inlet and form the resultant ionized pollutants which will move towards both ends of the housing under the influence of the electric field; and a discharging device for discharging the ionized pollutants which have arrived at the ends of the housing out of the filter device. The present invention also relates to a filtering method of using the filter device, and a trace detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Nuctech Company Limited
    Inventors: Yangtian Zhang, Jin Lin
  • Patent number: 8679351
    Abstract: A water decontaminization system and method which utilizes an apparatus for producing hydroxyl ions through hydrolysis of water molecules to oxydize contaminents in the water. The apparatus includes a water chamber with an input water conduit and an output water conduit to establish a water flow in the chamber, in which electrodes positioned in the water chamber apply a voltage potential which causes electric current to flow through the water to create hydroxyl ions in the water, in a manner effective to kill contaminents such as viruses, bacteria, algae, organic substances, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Hydrover Holding S.A.
    Inventor: Sergio Gabriel Capettini
  • Patent number: 8679515
    Abstract: Contaminants are filtered from a fluid flow stream and the filter is regenerated by a process including steps of: providing a filter material comprising both carbon and potassium iodide; passing a contaminated fluid stream in contact with the filter material; adsorbing contaminants from the fluid stream onto surfaces in the filter material; passing an electric current through the filter material with adsorbed contaminant thereon; disassociating contaminant from the surfaces of the filter material; and removing disassociated contaminant from the filter material by carrying away the disassociated contaminant in a fluid flow mass. Separately, a stable, active iodine solution is also provided for numerous deodorizing and disinfecting applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Biolargo Life Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Code, Joseph Provenzano
  • Patent number: 8679403
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of providing photocatalytic activity. Nanoparticulate matter comprising a strontium titanate ferrite of the general formula SrTi1-xFexO3- is provided, in which x is any value from 0 to 1. The nanoparticulate matter is exposed to electromagnetic radiation of a wavelength from about 380 nm to about 800 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Nanyang Technological University
    Inventors: Ooi Kiang Tan, Ying Hu
  • Publication number: 20140076404
    Abstract: Photoelectric systems combining a semiconductor and a phosphorescent compound with an emission spectrum of photons with energy levels equal to or greater than the activation energy of the semiconductor, wherein the phosphorescent compound is characterized by the emission spec-tram being produced by excitation of the phosphorescent compound with lower energy photons and the separation distance between the semiconductor and the phosphorescent compound is less than the distance at or above which scattering losses predominate. Methods are that embody technological applications of the photoelectric systems are also disclosed, as well as articles that embody technological applications of the photoelectric systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventors: Mei-Chee Tan, Richard E Riman
  • Patent number: 8673210
    Abstract: The method of the invention comprises the following steps: during the disinfection (A) of the apparatus, recording (1) with an acquisition and processing system the disinfection date and data relative to the apparatus disinfection type and level together with identification information of said apparatus; during the use (C) of the apparatus on a patient, recording (5) with said system the date and information concerning the apparatus type of use and the patient together with identification information of said apparatus; sequencing with the acquisition and processing system the information on the disinfection and use on a patient together with identification information of said apparatus; before each use, developing using the acquisition and processing system an instruction allowing or forbidding (6) the use of the apparatus based on the sequencing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Germitec
    Inventor: Clement Deshays
  • Patent number: 8669299
    Abstract: An antioxidant combined with UHMWPE prior to subjecting the UHMWPE to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the antioxidant is tocopherol. After the antioxidant is combined with the UHMWPE, the resulting blend may be formed into slabs, bar stock, and/or incorporated into a substrate, such as a metal, for example. The resulting product may then be subjected to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the UHMWPE blend is preheated prior to subjecting the same to crosslinking irradiation. Once irradiated, the UHMWPE blended product may be machined, packaged, and sterilized in accordance with conventional techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Alicia Rufner, John Knight, Toni Rowe, Dirk Pletcher, Ray Gsell, Werner Schneider, Hallie E. Brinkerhuff
  • Patent number: 8663464
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for enhanced electrocoagulation processing using enhanced membrane aeration are disclosed for effluent treatment. The apparatus has an enrichment means for establishing an ion rich air/gas stream and a membrane aerator for receiving the ionized air/gas stream and effluent to be treated. An ionized air/gas rich effluent feed stream flows out of the membrane aerator and is received at an electrocoagulation processing assembly for diffused ion enhanced electrocoagulation treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventors: Reginald A. Wiemers, Robert Kohlheb, Peter H. Zahn
  • Patent number: 8663555
    Abstract: Vacuum sterilization process with the application of vapour of a mixture of peracetic acid with hydrogen peroxide and residual gas plasma from atmospheric air, excited by pulsed electrical discharge; operational devices and methods used in the sterilization process, preferably a process of sterilization in vacuum, dry, and at low temperature (room temperature).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: CISA S.p.A.
    Inventor: Tadashi Shiosawa
  • Patent number: 8664290
    Abstract: An antioxidant combined with UHMWPE prior to subjecting the UHMWPE to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the antioxidant is tocopherol. After the antioxidant is combined with the UHMWPE, the resulting blend may be formed into slabs, bar stock, and/or incorporated into a substrate, such as a metal, for example. The resulting product may then be subjected to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the UHMWPE blend is preheated prior to subjecting the same to crosslinking irradiation. Once irradiated, the UHMWPE blended product may be machined, packaged, and sterilized in accordance with conventional techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Alicia Rufner, John Knight, Toni Rowe, Dirk Pletcher, Ray Gsell, Werner Schneider, Hallie E. Brinkerhuff
  • Patent number: 8663570
    Abstract: A sterilizing apparatus and an ion generating apparatus, which generate sufficient amount of cations in a short period of time and also maintain the amount of ions generated at a level that is harmless to the human body. The sterilizing apparatus and the ion generating apparatus optimize the position of an electrode to maximize the generation of active hydrogen. The ion generating apparatus includes a first electrode for generating hydrogen ions and a second electrode located such that the second electrode is separated from the first electrode by a designated distance for generating electrons and superoxide anions. The hydrogen ions generated from the first electrode react with the electrons generated from the second electrode to produce hydrogen atoms, and the hydrogen atoms react with the superoxide anions generated from the second electrode to sterilize the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyeon Gi On, Jun Sang Jeon, Eun Ju Ha
  • Patent number: 8658085
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for irradiating partly formed packages (10) with electron beam irradiation from at least one electron beam sterilizing device (18), characterized in that it comprises: providing at least one partly formed package (10) to be irradiated in a gaseous environment, and exposing the gaseous environment to a pre-determined pressure regulation cycle and exposing the partly formed package (10) to irradiation at least during a portion of said pressure regulation cycle. The invention also relates to a device for realizing said method. The invention further relates irradiation of a packaging material web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Anders Kristiansson, Lars Ake Näslund
  • Patent number: 8658086
    Abstract: A method and a system for producing a change in a medium. The method places in a vicinity of the medium at least one energy modulation agent. The method applies an initiation energy to the medium. The initiation energy interacts with the energy modulation agent to directly or indirectly produce the change in the medium. The system includes an initiation energy source configured to apply an initiation energy to the medium to activate the energy modulation agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Immunolight, LLC.
    Inventor: Frederic A. Bourke, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8653319
    Abstract: A hydratable gel-forming polymer may be sterilized by chilling the polymer below ambient temperature and sterilizing the chilled polymer using ionizing radiation (e.g., E-Beam radiation). Doing so may reduce the degradation in physical properties caused by ionizing radiation sterilization of the polymer while at ambient temperature, and may preserve or retain desired hydration or gel-forming characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Drew Powell Amery, Matthew F. Myntti
  • Patent number: 8653478
    Abstract: A novel method and apparatus is presented wherein an output of infra-red solid state laser or multiple of such lasers is quadrupled in frequency to obtain a laser output that emits energy in ultra violet C spectrum, and wherein this energy is then provided within an air duct as is normal in HVAC systems so as it kill pathogens that are airborne and being carried through the conduit. Further such a method reduces production of ozone, detrimental to human health and produced in other means of generating UVC and provides ease of control of such energy so as to maintain the required energy at a steady level for prolonged period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Najeeb Ashraf KHALID
    Inventor: Najeeb Ashraf Khalid
  • Patent number: 8652404
    Abstract: A system for ozone sterilization of waste material, includes a tank configured to receive waste material, ozonated water, and ozone gas. The system further includes a pump coupled to the tank to receive the waste material and the ozonated water from the tank and form a slurry. The pump includes a cutter assembly to reduce a particle size of the slurry through cutting. Additionally, the system includes a circulation loop coupled between the tank and the pump to receive the slurry from the pump and re-circulate the slurry to the tank until the slurry is sterilized. A method for ozone sterilization of waste material is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Red Bag Solutions
    Inventors: Sanford Glazer, William D. Norton
  • Patent number: 8652401
    Abstract: A display table for supporting produce includes an enclosure, a table top defining an upper surface of the enclosure, a blower, an ethylene scrubber and an outlet. The table top is open to the atmosphere and configured to support the produce, and includes perforations. The blower is positioned in communication with the enclosure to create an underpressure that draws a gas into the enclosure through the perforations. The ethylene scrubber is positioned in communication with the enclosure and in a flow path of the gas, the ethylene scrubber being configured to remove at least a portion of ethylene from at least a portion of the gas. The outlet is located downstream of the ethylene scrubber for returning the gas from the enclosure to the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventors: Antonin Ryska, Marketa Kopecka, Lubos Forejt, John M. Roche, Daniel Zmola, Michal Kolda
  • Patent number: 8651015
    Abstract: This invention relates to a processing machine of the food industry, specifically, a new electronic sterilization device for liquid beverage or liquids. One pole of the electric voltage device is connected to the voltage connector sleeve with an outlet of hollow capillary emitter, and the other pole of the electric voltage device is connected to the collection container. The inner diameter of the exit end of the hollow capillary emitter is very small. Liquid forms a Taylor cone at the exit end under the electric field force, thus a high electric field area is formed on the surface of the Taylor cone. Bacteria passing through the high electric field area will be fully polarized, thoroughly disrupted or electroporated, and finally killed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Zhejiang Haochuang Biotech Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Yixin Zhu, Tingting Lu
  • Publication number: 20140044594
    Abstract: Trays comprising a base have a plurality of axial slots adapted to receive buffer or other medical solution containers within the slots. A spring or other compression element at the bottom of the slot is configured to engage a plunger at the bottom of the solution container when present in the slot so that pressure is applied to the contents of the container in order to stabilize the contents while the containers are sterilized at an elevated temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Onpharma, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Christian, Harry Nguyen, Matthew J. Stepovich
  • Publication number: 20140037498
    Abstract: An electron beam sterilisation device (1) for thin-walled containers (C) is fitted with an input (40) or output unit (60) provided with a swivelling body to bring a set of containers (C) from the outside environment into the sterilisation chamber or vice versa, avoiding radioactive emissions from the sterilisation chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: Fulvio Laguzzi
  • Publication number: 20140030145
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for sterilizing surgical batteries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Phillip Bohnhoff
  • Patent number: 8636949
    Abstract: Improved electron beam sterilization apparatus and shielding techniques for use in are provided. A controller modulates an electron beam when sterilizing an interior to an object to ensure that adequate dose is received. Sterilization carousels are configured with input/discharge feeds to reduce the possibility of humans being exposed to dangerous levels of radiation. The system reduces the amount of shielding required to thereby lower cost of installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Zosen Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Lawrence Bufano, Steven Raymond Walther, Peter F. Hays, William Frederick Thomson, Arthur Wayne Sommerstein, Gerald Martin Friedman, P. Michael Fletcher, Stephen Whittaker Into, Anne Testoni, Brian S. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20140023554
    Abstract: Systems and methods for plasma sterilization are described. The sterilization method includes placing a substance to be sterilized in a rotating chamber (e.g., drum) and exposing the substance to a radio frequency (RF) plasma. The mixing of the substance and plasma is further promoted by generating a magnetic field that produces a force on the substance in a direction opposite to the rotational direction of the chamber. In other aspects, the chamber may have a gas permeable wall. In addition, the substance may be exposed to acoustic shock waves produced by a modulating RF generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Applied Quantum Energy LLC
    Inventor: George Paskalov
  • Patent number: 8632678
    Abstract: A filtration apparatus including an annular filter surrounding a waste treatment chamber, a first turbine drawing liquid up within the chamber and a second turbine driving liquid outwardly through the filter. In the method of treating organic waste, the chamber includes an ultraviolet lamp and a cylindrical baffle surrounding the chamber having a mirrored surface. The disclosed apparatus further includes anodic and cathodic plates surrounding the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: E. Bayne Carew
  • Publication number: 20140017121
    Abstract: Provided according to embodiments of the invention are novel tertiary alkyl thiol compounds and novel tertiary alkyl nitrosothiol compounds. Further provided according to embodiments of the invention are methods of forming a nitric oxide (NO)-releasing xerogel coating that include (a) co-condensing a sol precursor solution comprising at least one backbone alkoxysilane and at least one tertiary thiol alkoxysilane in a solvent to form a sol; (b) coating a substrate with the sol; (c) optionally, drying the sol to form the xerogel coating; and (d) contacting the xerogel coating with a nitrosating agent. Methods of using xerogel coatings are also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicants: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Novan, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Schoenfisch, Daniel Riccio
  • Publication number: 20140018742
    Abstract: Syringe assemblies comprising a first cap and a second cap to ensure sterilization of the fluid path without the need for external packaging are described. Also described are methods of sterilizing the fluid path of a syringe assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: Anil Sodhi
  • Publication number: 20140003997
    Abstract: A method of sterilizing a nanoparticle preparation at a high temperature is provided. A plurality of nanoparticles are purified to form the preparation, wherein the nanoparticles comprise at least a core and a shell and the shell comprises one or more ligand species attached to the core. The nanoparticle preparation is made by a purified nanoparticle composition, a carrier fluid and an excess of the one or more ligand species not attached to the core. The ligand species attached to the core and the excess ligand species added after purification are structurally identical. The nanoparticle preparation provided by the present invention may be used as contrast agents in medical imaging techniques such as X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian Christopher Bales, Brian James Grimmond, Daniel Eugene Meyer, Bruce Allan Hay, Michael Todd Luttrell
  • Patent number: 8617466
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the use of a split and single electrical cells in industrial applications, and particularly in aseptic packaging applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon L. Herdt, Junzhong Li
  • Patent number: 8618009
    Abstract: Hollow conjugated polyelectrolyte (HCPE) microcapsules contain at least one conjugated polyelectrolyte and at least one other polyelectrolyte of complementary charge and the microcapsule has a hollow core. The conjugated polyelectrolyte is a polymer with a multiplicity of charged repeating units where a portion of the charged repeating units form a pi-conjugated sequence. The complementary polyelectrolyte is a polymer with a complementary charged repeating unit to the charged repeating units of the conjugated polyelectrolyte. The HCPE microcapsules can be formed by successively coating a sacrificial core with alternating layers of complementary polyelectrolytes, at least one of which is a conjugated polyelectrolyte. The sacrificial core can be removed to form the hollow center of a HCPE microcapsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: STC.UNM
    Inventors: Kirk S. Schanze, Motokatsu Ogawa, Jonathan R. Sommer, David G. Whitten, Thomas Corbitt
  • Patent number: 8617464
    Abstract: The present invention relates to sanitization devices and methods. More particularly, the invention relates to devices and methods that significantly reduce or eliminate germs, bacteria and/or other microorganisms from objects such as bags, purses, footwear or other objects, as well as bare feet, hands, paws, hooves or other anatomical surfaces, which come into contact with them. The device and method uses germicidal radiation which exposes only the areas of the object that come into applied contact with the device. A top platform of the device is partitioned so that each partition can act independently of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: RJG Associates, LLC
    Inventor: James Kerr
  • Patent number: 8614425
    Abstract: A device for sterilizing water, comprising a UV lamp, at least one vessel through which water flows, an inlet and an outlet, a reaction chamber being arranged in said vessel. The outlet of the container forms a free down spout. The UV lamp and the vessel are arranged in a cartridge, the cartridge comprising at least fixing means for detachable fixing to a connection device, and connection means for supplying the current and water from a connection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Brita GmbH
    Inventors: Berthold Conradt, Ron Kemmer