Abstract: A method and device for destroying and inhibiting exposure to microbes and infection includes a first element and a second element, and a power source. At least one of the elements includes antimicrobial metal, which, when energized by the power source, produces ions that are lethal to microbes. The device can be incorporated into virtually any useful object. During normal use of the object, electrical communication is established between the two elements, causing current supplied from the power source to flow through the antimicrobial metal. The two elements are configured and arranged to ensure that ions flowing from the antimicrobial metal flow through the region in which it is desired to kill microbes. The antimicrobial metal can be on the surface of the element, incorporated into the material making up the element, or provided in any other way that allows the antimicrobial effect to be achieved.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for sterilizing containers with a conveying device, which conveys the containers along a pre-set conveying path. A first sterilization device acts upon at least one area of the containers with radiation in order to sterilize them. A checking device is arranged downstream with respect to the first sterilization device along the conveying path in order to check the sterilization procedure. The checking device is used for analyzing at least one medium occurring in the region of the containers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inactivating viruses and/or bacteria in medicinal-leech extracts by means of electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: Technologies are described herein for providing sterilization of a touchscreen or other tactile input surface of a user input device. A self-sterilizing user input device includes a touchscreen for receiving tactile user input and an ultraviolet (UV) light source that emits UV light onto a touchscreen at a sterilization wavelength. A controller selectively activates and deactivates the UV light source according to whether a user is at or near the user input device. According to one aspect, the user input device includes a backlight to illuminate the touchscreen. The UV light source is positioned with the backlight to provide the UV light from a rear side of the touchscreen.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reduced temperature radiation sterilization of stents are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing a polymeric material that is sensitive to radiation. The method includes the steps of applying at least one radiosensitizer to the polymeric material and irradiating the polymeric material with a suitable radiation at an effective dose and time to sterilize the polymeric material. Also disclosed is a method of enhancing the ability of a medical device to withstand sterilization by radiation and a bioabsorbable polymeric medical device.

Abstract: An electron beam emitter including a vacuum chamber having a width. An electron generator can be positioned within the vacuum chamber for generating electrons. An elongate nozzle can extend from the vacuum chamber along a longitudinal axis and have an exit window at a distal end of the nozzle. The nozzle can have a width that is less than the width of the vacuum chamber. The electron generator can be shaped and dimensioned, and positioned with the vacuum chamber to form and direct a narrow electron beam that enters and travels through the nozzle, and exits out the exit window.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing a polymeric material that is sensitive to radiation. The method includes the steps of applying at least one radiosensitizer to the polymeric material and irradiating the polymeric material with a suitable radiation at an effective dose and time to sterilize the polymeric material. Also disclosed is a method of enhancing the ability of a medical device to withstand sterilization by radiation and a bioabsorbable polymeric medical device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preventing patient bloodstream infection by microorganisms during administration of various medications or fluids through IV lines. In particular, the invention reduces contamination of IV lines, connecters, stopcock valves, manifolds, ports, etc. by means of irradiation by violet and/or blue light. Each embodiment comprises a source of violet and/or blue light and an optical element optically coupled to that light source for shaping the radiation pattern of the light emitted by the light source. Preferably, a light-emitting diode or a laser diode that emits light in the desired wavelength can be used. The optical element, optically coupled to the light source, is embedded or installed in or attached to a component of an IV set, the emitted light being directed to a “point of entry” or any other stagnation point of an IV set.

Abstract: A cognitive stimulating sterilizing device for providing visual, tactile and, or audible stimulation for infants that also selectively sterilizes select items and the surrounding ambient. This including a housing adapted for removable connection to cribs, changing tables and similar furniture, an ultraviolet light source in the housing for sanitizing items in the housing when closed and the ambient when opened, audio source and compartments for holding and storing select items. The housing may include reflective and/or transparent surfaces for directing and/or passing ultraviolet light. A sensor, such as an infrared sensor, detects the presence of a human in the surrounding area in a motion-independent manner, such as by detecting fluctuations in infrared energy emitted by the human. A microcontroller receives data from the sensor and directs the activation and/or deactivation of the ultraviolet light source according to whether a human is detected.

Abstract: A closure sterilization arrangement for container closures comprises a conveying device that conveys the container closures separately along a conveying path so that they avoid touching one another. An irradiation device generates a radiation sterilizing the container closures and acts upon the container closures with the radiation during the conveying thereof by the conveying device. A rotating device rotates the container closures about a pre-set axis of rotation at least for a time period during their conveying by the conveying device. The irradiation device is arranged with respect to the conveying path of the container closures so that the radiation issuing from the irradiation device strikes both an external peripheral wall of the container closures and an internal region of the container closures, and the irradiation device irradiates the container closures from at least two different radiation directions.

Abstract: A method and a series of devices for dry cleaning, activating, modifying, coating, and biologically decontaminating (degerming, disinfecting, sterilizing) surfaces by means of an atmospheric pressure plasma generated using a surface barrier discharge are provided. The invention is used for dry cleaning, activating, coating, modifying, and biologically contaminating surfaces by means of an atmospheric pressure plasma generated in a defined, flowing gas atmosphere by a surface barrier discharge, comprising a high-voltage electrode that is covered with a dielectric or ferroelectric material, an electrically conducting grounded contact electrode, a high-voltage supply, a gas supply, and a gas nozzle (encompassing a gas outlet); said gas nozzle is located in the direct vicinity of the grounded contact electrode, is integrated into the contact electrode, or acts as the grounded contact electrode.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, an indwelling catheter is provided which comprises a catheter shaft. The catheter either comprises a light source or is adapted to receive light from a light source, and is configured such that light is transmitted from the light source into the catheter shaft. Moreover, the catheter shaft is formed of a polymeric material that transmits a quantity of light from the light source that is effective to inactivate microorganisms on a surface of the catheter shaft upon activation of the light source. For example, the light may inactivate the microorganisms directly or in conjunction with a photosensitizer. According to another aspect of the invention, a sterilization method is provided, which comprises activating the light source while the catheter is inserted in a subject.

Abstract: A calibrator, for calibrating a sensor, has a calibration chamber for containing a calibration liquid. The liquid comprises water or an aqueous solution of an analyte to be sensed. A hydrogen peroxide-quenching material is provided exposed to the interior of the calibration chamber. The hydrogen peroxide-quenching material contacts the calibration liquid. After the calibration chamber containing the calibration liquid is sterilized by irradiation with gamma radiation, the hydrogen peroxide-quenching material decomposes any hydrogen peroxide formed in the calibration liquid to avoid adverse effects on a sensor placed in contact with the calibration liquid.

Abstract: A composition of matter includes a cationic dye and a solvent, wherein the composition does not have particles that are greater than 25 microns in diameter. The disclosure also describes a method for producing a composition of matter. An ink jet cartridge includes the composition of matter. A device includes a substrate having an image printed thereon with the composition of matter. A method includes using an inkjet printer to print a graphic on a first major surface of a substrate; moistening a user's skin surface; contacting the first major surface of the substrate to the user's moistened skin surface; and removing the substrate from the user's skin surface, thereby leaving a mirror image of the printed graphic on the user's skin surface. Moreover, an art kit includes a first substrate having a graphic printed thereon and a second substrate having a mirror image of the graphic printed thereon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tungsten trioxide microparticle carrying on its surface divalent copper salt. The divalent copper salt is utilized to perform a multi-electron reduction of oxygen. The tungsten trioxide exhibits a high oxidative decomposition activity when exposed to visible light.

Abstract: Methods and systems for sterilization of objects by gas-cluster ion-beam (GCIB) irradiation are disclosed. The sterilization may be in conjunction with other beneficial GCIB surface processing of the objects. The objects may be medical devices or surgically implantable medical prostheses.

Abstract: An electric deionized water production apparatus in which a direct current field is applied to a deionizing chamber packed with an ion-exchange material such that ions to be discharged are allowed to migrate in the direction identical or opposite to the direction of the water flow in the ion-exchange material, whereby ionic impurities adsorbed in the ion-exchange material are discharged from the system, the ion-exchange material being a mixture of a monolith-shaped organic porous ion-exchange material and ion-exchange resin particles. The electric deionized water production apparatus has a simple structure that can reduce material cost, process cost, and assembly cost, capable of accelerating migration of the adsorbed ionic impurities to facilitate discharge of the adsorbed ions and free from a deflected flow due to swelling or shrinkage accompanying an ion-exchanging reaction, and from poor contact with an ion-exchange membrane.

Abstract: Stents and delivery systems with reduced chemical degradation and methods of sterilizing the same are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for selection radiation exposure in sterilization of medical devices are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates inter alia to devices comprising quantum dots, ionic species, and further organic functional materials, their preparation and use.

Abstract: A tracking system for items to be ionizing radiation sterilized is provided which utilizes an attached RF ID tag that is ionizing radiation proof or enclosed in an ionizing radiation proof holder. The RF ID tag is coded with a unique identification and certification data on the ionizing radiation sterilization. An RF ID tag reader is provided, which is usable by a user to obtain the identification and sterilization data from the RF ID tag on the item. The RF ID tag reader includes a user input for at least one trackable event and can write data based on the at least one trackable event back onto the RF ID tag. The RF ID tag reader is at least one of connectable to a PC or the internet, or is compatible for uploading the identification and any user input to an internet accessible device. A database is provided, having item related information.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for sterilising containers including a movable carrier on which a plurality of sterilisation units are provided, which sterilisation units respectively include a charge carrier source, as well as a rod-like body that is designed such that it can be inserted into the inner space of the containers through a mouth, with an exit window provided on the rod-like body, through which exit window the charge carriers can exit, with a plurality of holding units for holding the containers, the holding units being movable relative to the rod-like bodies in a longitudinal direction of the rod-like bodies. The apparatus includes a protection device that causes the rod-like bodies to be at least partially arranged within the protective bodies in a specified mode of the apparatus.

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 devices may be in a tilted position when not in uses.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterile filling of beverage containers has a first module and a second module. The first module rinses and sterilizes empty containers and delivers the sterilized containers to the second module. The second module fills and caps the containers with beverage product at ambient temperature in an active sterilization zone utilizing an e-beam sterilization unit.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to an indicator composition comprising at least one iodide salt, at least one binder, at least one carbonate salt and/or at least one sulfate salt, and at least one antioxidant. The indicator composition may contain at least one dye, complexing agent, inhibitor, and/or solvent. A sterilization indicator comprising the foregoing indicator composition is disclosed. The sterilization indicator may be used for monitoring sterilization processes involving oxidative chemistries.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices, systems, and methods for affecting cells using low voltage high electric fields (LVHEF). In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides for reduction of microbial contamination using low voltage high electric fields. The devices of the disclosure are generally capable of affecting cells in a portion of a volume of matter of interest using one or more arrangements of electrodes configured to generate high electric fields powered by low voltages (LVHEF). In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides for exposure of cells to a low voltage high electric field such that at least a portion of the cells in a portion of the volume of interest are killed. While only a portion of the matter is treated at a single time, the treatments are repeated. Over time, the portion of matter in the treated volume is mixed with untreated matter and re-treated with LVHEF until the entire volume of matter of interest is treated to the desired level.

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.

Abstract: A plasma generation system and related method for generating plasma in a cavity of a narrow tube, the system including: a first electrode including a conductive member covered with an insulator or dielectric, the first electrode being inserted into the cavity of the narrow tube to generate the plasma; a power supply to apply an alternating voltage or pulse voltage to the first electrode; and a second electrode located outside the narrow tube and connected to the power supply, the power supply applying the alternating voltage or pulse voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the conductive member is made of a wire, a portion of the narrow tube is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the second electrode is arranged and shaped so that a discharge is unevenly performed in a circumferential direction of the first electrode.

Abstract: A sterilizing tunnel for pharmaceutical containers has an entry zone, a heating zone, and two cooling zones. The individual zones contain ventilating fan units that generate air currents, which serve to heat and cool the containers that a transport apparatus conveys through the sterilizing tunnel. The heating and cooling units, which operate using the principle of heated and cooled air flow, is supplemented with radiant heat-generating unit. The sterilizing tunnel makes it possible to achieve a uniform heating and cooling of the containers, preventing stress cracks in the containers and permitting intentional heating that makes it possible, for example, for the containers to be coated with a substance.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of a sterilization agent comprising H2O2 or a derivative thereof, capable of generating H2O2 as the sterilising component under sterilization conditions, for enhancing the hemocompatibility of objects.

Abstract: A treatment device includes one or more treatment stations each including an electron-beam emitter and supporting device for supporting a container beneath the emitter, the emitter being capable of emitting an electron beam passing through the upper opening of a container supported by the supporting means, so as to sterilize the container, and a protection system for stopping the radiation emitted by the emitter(s). The protection system includes an upper portion connected to the emitter, lower portion connected to the supporting device and a moving device capable of moving the upper portion relative to the lower portion, between a retracted position and at least one operative position in which the portions from a protective enclosure in which the emitter and container are positioned.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing RFID tags in environments where radiation is used is disclosed. RFID tags are secured to various components of a pharmaceutical system, thereby enabling the customer to download pertinent information about the component, such as lot number, date of manufacturer, test parameters, etc. The tags can be applied to the component immediately after manufacture and can be subjected to the sterilization process without risk of data loss or corruption. The memory device within the tag utilizes a technology that does not rely upon charge storage as its mechanism to store information.

Abstract: A variety of article and systems including wound care systems, methods for making the wound care systems, bactericidal, and methods for treating wounds using these systems are disclosed. The wound care systems may include a first material comprising one or more fibers or porous media. The one or more fibers or porous media may be coated with a second material that is capable of inhibiting the growth of bacteria and killing the bacteria to render the wound care system sterile, increasing the absorbency of the first material, or both upon exposure to light. The first material may be cotton, or any suitable fibrous material, the second material may be TiO2, and the light may be UV or visible light. A variety of methods including ALD may be used to coat the first material.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for assisting hygienization of organic waste. The apparatus comprises at least one reception means for receiving organic solid matter and organic waste, mixing means for mixing the organic waste and the organic solid matter together into an organic mixture, selecting means for selecting whether to expose the organic mixture in the mixing means to either: aeration in order to create a homogenized and internally oxygenous organic mixture, thereby accelerating the hygienization of the organic mixture, or a heat treatment, wherein the heat treatment performs the hygienization of the organic mixture, or to neither the aeration nor the heat treatment. The mixing means may then expose the organic mixture to the aeration, or to the heat treatment, or to neither of the aeration nor the heat treatment on the basis of the selection. The apparatus may further comprise delivery means for passing the organic mixture to either aerobic biodegradation or an end user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for generating a barrier discharge in a gas flow, comprising a reactor chamber permeable by the gas from an inflow side to an outflow side, a first electrode, a dielectric that shields the reactor chamber against the first electrode, and a second electrode, wherein the second and the first electrode can be switched to connect to a voltage source. To briefly expose a greater portion, preferably all, of the gas flow through the reactor chamber to a plasma, at least two discharge elements associated with the first electrode and made of electrically conductive material protrude at least partially into the reactor chamber and are electrically insulated from each other and the first and second electrodes, and the second electrode is disposed relative to the discharge elements such that discharges occur between the discharge elements and the second electrode in the reactor chamber.

Abstract: A sanitizer for sanitizing a portable electronic device is provided, the sanitizer having a base including a cavity for receiving the electronic device, at least one ultraviolet radiation source for emitting ultraviolet radiation into the cavity, a cover cooperating with the base, the cover moving between an open position wherein the electronic device can be inserted into or removed from the cavity and a closed position wherein the cavity is enclosed so as to substantially maintain the ultraviolet radiation within the cavity, and a controller for enabling the ultraviolet radiation source to be activated only when the cover is closed.

Abstract: A water dispensing apparatus, comprising an input for water; a tank provided with means for chilling water; a UV lamp; a UV transmissive coil wrapped at least partially around the lamp such that the water to be dispensed passes through the coil and is thereby sterilized by the UV lamp to Class A UV standards and an output. A single Class A UV source can be used to sterilize both still and carbonated (sparkling) water, or chilled and ambient water, or all three.

Abstract: A device for washing, sanitizing, and/or sterilizing an item is disclosed. The device may comprise a solution applicator for coating a surface of said item with a washing, sanitizing and/or sterilizing solution. The device may also comprise a heating unit for heating the solution coated on the surface of said item to a working temperature. The device may further comprise a control unit for keeping the temperature of the treating substance at the working temperature for a predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reduced temperature radiation sterilization of stents are disclosed.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the invention, a selective ultraviolet disinfection method is provided. The method includes selecting operating parameters for an ultraviolet disinfection process of flowing liquid carrying first and second types of entities to affect the first type of entities while the second type of entities remains intact, illuminating the liquid with ultraviolet light according to the operating parameters and continuously adjusting the operating parameters based on real-time measurements of ultraviolet transmission and flow rate of the liquid.

Abstract: An arrangement for the exposure of a pumpable medium to an electric field. The arrangement comprises, at least two power supplies (100) for the generation of electrical voltage, at least one non-conducting chamber (102) for pumping said pumpable medium, which said at least one chamber (102) is provided with a first (106) and a second electrode plate (108), a control means (104) for controlling said at least two power supplies (100). During control the control means (104), by synchronous control, establishes a series connection between at least two of said at least two power supplies (100), the first electrode plate (106) and the second electrode plate (108). A resulting composite voltage arises between the first (106) and the second electrode plate (108), which resulting composite voltage will result in an electric field between the first (106) and the second electrode plate (108). The pumpable medium is exposed to the electric field.

Abstract: A method for treating a radioactive liquid waste containing a sodium salt, which includes: feeding a radioactive liquid waste containing at least one of sodium hydroxide, sodium hydrogencarbonate and sodium carbonate to an anode chamber in an electrolytic cell provided with an anode and a cathode on both sides of a permeable membrane, which is selectively permeable to sodium ions, and electrodialyzing the radioactive liquid waste; separating sodium ions permeated through the permeable membrane as sodium hydroxide from the radioactive liquid waste in a cathode chamber; separating a radioactive substance remaining in the anode chamber as a concentrated radioactive liquid waste; and recovering the separated sodium hydroxide and concentrated radioactive liquid waste, respectively.

Abstract: A method and energy-efficient apparatus for the treatment of liquids through the joint use of a gas mixture-oxidizing agent and UV radiation. This method uses an excimer UV lamp performing two actions affecting the liquid and changing its properties with UV radiation and the generation of a gas mixture containing strong oxidizing agents for influence on the liquid, disinfection and purification of the liquid being treated from contaminants. The apparatus incorporates energy efficient design features to reduce energy consumption and operational costs, as well as an excimer lamp design that improves performance parameters to surpass and outlast existing devices. Unique electrode designs, cleaning systems, and materials combine to create a state-of-the-art liquid treatment apparatus that exceeds existing industrial analogs and norms.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for a nanoparticle filter and system effective to move a nanoparticle from a fluid to a location. In some examples, the method includes providing the fluid including the nanoparticles. In some examples, the method further includes applying a first light to the fluid to create a first plasmon. In some examples, the first plasmon is effective to aggregate the nanoparticles to generate a nanoparticle aggregation. In some examples, the method includes applying a second light to the fluid to create a second plasmon. In some examples, the second plasmon is effective to move the nanoparticle aggregation to a location.

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.

Abstract: Methods and systems for selection radiation exposure in sterilization of medical devices are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of sterilizing inner walls of containers, wherein the apparatus has at least one electron beam emitter with at least one electron beam accelerator and an outlet window for the electron beams, a conveying device for conveying the containers to be sterilized and a reciprocating device for permitting a relative movement between the containers and the outlet window in a longitudinal direction of the containers. A reflector apparatus is connected to the electron beam emitter in a positively locking and/or friction locking manner at least locally in a region of the outlet window and is capable of being introduced at least locally during a defined period of time into an interior space of the container to be sterilized, in order to apply the electron beams to the inner walls of the container.

Abstract: Methods and systems for selection radiation exposure in sterilization of medical devices are disclosed.

Abstract: Contaminants are removed from raw water or discharge water from plants, such as sewerage and industrial plants, by applying direct current through an array of spaced, alternately charged electrodes to eliminate or minimize clogging of the electrodes with precipitated contaminants. Polarity may be switched periodically to assist in eliminating or minimizing clogging. In illustrated embodiments, electrode arrays are contained in housings of dielectric material to form modules, To increase processing capacity, the modules are arranged in parallel arrays. Alternatively, a single module is scaled up for large or industrial applications or scaled down for personal use. Instead of housing the electrode arrays in modules through which liquid passes, the electrode arrays for some batch applications are dipped in the water or aqueous solutions.