Abstract: In a sterilizing and rinsing water generating method of generating sterilizing and rinsing water by increasing the electric conductivity of water by adding halide electrolytes to the water and creating hypohalogenous acid by electrolyzing the water using an anode plate and a cathode, the mole ratio of bromide ions and chloride ions supplied by the electrolytes is set to 57:43 or a value in the vicinity of it. The sterilizing and rinsing water generated by the method can sterilize even germs which form spores having a high tolerance. There is also provided a sterilizing and rinsing water generating apparatus for embodying the method.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for accomplishing low-temperature sterilization in a plasma generated using a variety of gas molecules. The plasma is generated using a hollow cathode discharge device of design that permits the device to be of commercially practical size and provides for the generation of moderate but extremely consistent plasma density throughout the chamber, thereby assuring sterilization of all items placed therein.

Abstract: A system for deactivating organisms in a food product employs a first electrode; an insulator section coupled to the first electrode, wherein the insulator section includes an insulator pinch, an opening, and a transition region interposed thereinbetween, and wherein the opening has a larger cross-sectional area than the insulator pinch, the insulator section including a cavity, passing through the insulator pinch, the transition region, and the opening, wherein the food product is contained during deactivating of organisms; and a second electrode coupled to the insulator section, wherein the first electrode is positioned on a first side of the insulator pinch, and the second electrode is positioned on a second side of the insulator pinch, whereby an electric field formed between the first electrode and the second electrode, when a voltage is applied across the first electrode and the second electrode, passes through the insulator pinch.

Abstract: Apparatus for the destruction of inactivation of microbes by subjecting them to a high potential gradient. The apparatus includes a processing chamber containing spaced apart electrodes, at least one solid insulating barrier dividing the space within the chamber, the barrier having at least one passageway such that no fluid can pass through the chamber without flowing through the passageway, and a voltage source for providing a pulse of voltage.

Abstract: A plasma-enhanced vacuum drying method is disclosed. It is advantageously applied in plasma sterilization processes in particular, and represents a significant improvement for general evacuation drying methods. Articles to be sterilized are placed in a sealed chamber and the chamber is evacuated. A plasma of residual gas species is generated in the chamber during an initial evacuation step. This promotes drying of the articles and advantageously allows a desired pressure to be attained more quickly than without the plasma. Sterilizing gas is injected into the chamber, and a second plasma is generated to activate the sterilizing gas plasma, thereby sterilizing the articles in the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a waste treatment process and device thereof which can reduce the size and weight of organic waste by decomposing the waste to powder form and bacteria free substance that may be used as a kind of fertilizer for plants. The waste is first frozen by liquefied nitrogen in a cooling chamber to a temperature less than -200.degree. F., wherein during this freezing procedure, the gas generated from the waste must be removed from the cooling chamber. Then, the frozen nitrogen is immediately transferred to a heated chamber having a temperature of at least 160.degree. F. but not exceed 200.degree. F. During this heating procedure, the water content of the waste is sucked out of the heated chamber, so that the waste is decomposed to form the bacteria free powder.

Abstract: In order to sterilize the inner surfaces and the outer surface area located in the area of a filling opening of pressure sensitive non-electroconductive containers by means of a low-pressure plasma, an evacuable chamber is provided, which is essentially formed by two electrodes which surround the container.

Abstract: A method for hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilization of medical devices and similar instruments having long narrow lumens or diffusion restricted areas includes the step of pretreating the article to be sterilized with a dilute solution of hydrogen peroxide prior to exposure to a vacuum or a vacuum followed by plasma. The method is such that, upon vaporization of the solution caused by the vacuum, the hydrogen peroxide remains in contact with the article for a time sufficient to achieve sterilization.

Abstract: A heating apparatus for heating a prepackaged food, is provided with a heater which heats a prepackaged food, an enclosure which defines an airtight chamber operable to accommodate the prepackaged food, and a pressure controller which controls the inside pressure of the airtight chamber. The heater includes a pair of electrodes which are arranged face to face, and an electric power source which supplies a high frequency electric power. The inside pressure of the airtight chamber is controlled in response to an expansion of the prepackaged food being heated to prevent the packaging container from breaking out.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for holding and cleaning non-permeable contact lenses which includes the application of an electromagnetic field about the contact lenses which are held in a cavity containing a conductive solution and an adsorbent membrane to capture the contaminants being removed from the lenses. Proteins, lipoproteins and other contaminants adhere to the surface of non-permeable lenses. An adsorbent is positioned between the lens and an electric current source so that current flows from the current source through the adsorbent and over the surface of the contact lens so that contaminants on the lens are loosened and migrate to the adsorbent to which they adhere, thus permitting effective removal from the solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for sterilization of objects including the steps of placing the object that should be sterilized in a closed vessel; placing the closed vessel between two high voltage electrodes; applying a high voltage between the electrodes and converting the oxygen in the air inside the closed vessel into ozone; and keeping the sterilized object inside the closed vessel as long as needed. A "closed vessel" includes also any form of closed container or any closed plastic bag. The closed vessel may or may not have internal electric conductors. Furthermore, the invention provides a device for ozone sterilization of objects for use in the method.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing collagen containing tissue includes crosslinking the tissue to form a crosslinked biological tissue. The tissue is maintained in a hydrated state. The crosslinked, collagen-containing tissue is sterilized by irradiating the tissue with a beam of accelerated electrons. The biological tissue exposed to accelerated electrons is suitable for surgical implantation. The irradiated biological tissue is not significantly degraded following irradiation. The irradiation can be performed on tissue that has been packed in a container in a hydrated state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treatment of fluids, the invention being characterized in that ozone is generated in the medium, which ozone is exposed to UV radiation at the same time as it is being generated, so that the ozone is broken down and free radicals are obtained. The invention also relates to an apparatus in accordance with the method, which apparatus comprises an enclosure (1) provided with at least one inlet (2) and at least one outlet (3). The apparatus is characterized in that an oxidizing member (4) is arranged in the enclosure (1) and generates ozone and at the same time breaks down the ozone to free radicals.

Abstract: In a method of purifying contaminated liquids and gases, a continuous surface film (31) is produced by means of a nozzle (15) and is simultaneously irradiated by a suitable radiation source (17), e.g. an UV lamp. The surface film (31) is discharged as a falling or trickling film (33) which is also exposed to the radiation. A gas for purification is passed through the surface film (31). In these conditions the pollution particles and other pollutants in the gas are absorbed by the liquid. The advantage of the process described is that decomposition of the pollutants can take place both in the gas phase and in the liquid phase. Gas pollutants which are not decomposed in the gas phase are absorbed by the liquid, where they are finally decomposed. With the present invention liquids and gases can be treated simultaneously.

Abstract: A process for blackening the surfaces of a metal alloy surgical needle or a metal alloy surgical instrument. The process consists of exposing the surfaces of a metal alloy surgical needle or surgical instrument to a gaseous plasma for a sufficient amount of time to effectively blacken the surfaces of the needle or instrument.

Abstract: A hand-held water purification system includes a pen-light sized ultraviolet lamp that is enclosed in a quartz cover and is powered by a battery and associated ballast circuitry. The battery and ballast circuitry are connected to the lamp by switches that are under the control of a liquid-level sensor. The sensor connects the battery, the ballast circuitry and the lamp once the sensor determines that the ultraviolet lamp is fully immersed in the water. If the container that holds the water is relatively large, the lamp and quartz cover end of the system are used to stir the water, to ensure that all of the water comes sufficiently close to the ultraviolet lamp.

Abstract: Articles which it is intended to sterilize are placed into a confined volume and are subjected to neutral species of an electrical discharge while maintaining the volume glowless and substantially field free by interposing a barrier between the articles and the discharge, the barrier being transparent to neutral species and opaque to charged species emanating from the discharge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for sterilization of liquids using a steady-stage glow discharge apparatus, at one atmosphere.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilization of medical instruments and similar devices make use of hydrogen peroxide vapor released from a substantially non-aqueous organic hydrogen peroxide complex, such as a urea-peroxide complex. Optionally, a plasma can be used in conjunction with the vapor. A method for preparing substantially non-aqueous hydrogen peroxide complexes is also provided. These complexes are useful as a source of peroxide vapor in hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilizers and as a component of self-sterilizing packaging materials.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for vapor sterilization of articles such as medical devices and instruments with lumens. The lumens are connected in a sterilization chamber to a conduit which leads to an exhaust flow restrictor, which exhausts to a vacuum pump. The exhaust flow restrictor has a bypass also which exhausts to the vacuum pump. The majority of the gas from the sterilization chamber flows through the bypass on the exhaust flow restrictor while only a portion of the gas flows through the lumen. Because most of the gas flows through the bypass rather than through the lumens, the sterilization chamber can be pumped down rapidly. The attached lumens are sterilized effectively in spite of the rapid pumpdown rate.

Abstract: A reduced vertical impact exercise platform is provided having a frame structure which, at least in part, encloses a platform assembly comprised of a plurality of distinct layers including a durable, resilient outer contact layer; a resilient padding layer; a reinforcing stiffening layer; a plurality of resilient cushioning members and a foundation layer. An optional stretch cord assembly and harness assembly are also provided for use with the exercise platform.

Abstract: A device for sterilizing the inner surfaces of pressure sensitive containers with ionized particles has an evacuable chamber which takes up the containers. The electrodes allocated to a container and charged by an alternating voltage, are arranged outside of but closely surround the respective container. The container is subject to equal pressure from the inside and the outside, and the inner surface of the container to be sterilized is also essentially the plasma-limiting wall.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods and apparatus for irradiating a product with light of a specific wavelength to activate the photoactive agent that is contained therein. To this end, in an embodiment, a device is provided that comprises a source of radiation including a plurality of light emitting diodes. Each light emitting diode includes a body portion through which radiation is transmitted. The body of the diode is surrounded by a fluid. In this regard, a first housing is provided that includes an interior that contains the light emitting diodes and a fluid. The housing includes a transparent window for allowing radiation generated by the light emitting diodes to flow through the window and irradiate a product that is in juxtaposition to the window.

Abstract: An apparatus for destroying bacterial pathogens including at least one pair of electrodes secured in a housing configured to constrain flow of water through the region between the electrodes. In one construction, the electrodes are supported in a tube with sides of each member of an electrode pair conforming to the inner surface of the tube and electrode surfaces form a slotted space through which the water passes. In another constrcuction, one electrode is a tube and the other electrode is a rod supported concentrically inside the tube. The treated fluid passes axially through the space between the electrodes. A conductivity meter and flow meter applies a conductivity signal and a flow rate signal to maintain the field in a value that is not too excessive so as to prevent undesired reactions.

Abstract: A method for reducing the number of free radicals in an implantable medical component requiring sterilization includes the steps of packaging the component in an oxygen-resistant container, sterilizing the packaged component, and exposing the packaged and sterilized component to a gas capable of combining with free radicals. The step of packaging includes vacuum sealing the component in an oxygen barrier bag. The step of sterilizing includes exposing the packaged component to radiation such as gamma radiation. The step of exposing the packaged and sterilized component to a gas capable of combining with free radicals includes placing the packaged and sterilized component in a pressure vessel and introducing pressurized hydrogen gas into the vessel for a period of time.

Abstract: Articles which it is intended to sterilize are placed into a confined volume and are subjected to neutral species of an electrical discharge while maintaining the volume glowless and substantially field free by interposing a barrier between the articles and the discharge, the barrier being transparent to neutral species and opaque to charged species emanating from the discharge.

Abstract: An aseptic food processing system including a non invasive temperature measurement apparatus capable of processing low acid particulate foods. A magnetic particle is inserted into a food particle in the aseptic system and undergoes heating corresponding to a cold zone in the food product being processed. After heating, the particle is passed by one or more magnetic sensors disposed about the food stream path. The magnetic particle magnetizes in proportion to its magnetic susceptibility as it passes magnets included in the sensors. The particle is chosen to be paramagnetic at processing temperature ranges, and produces a magnetization in a sensor coil in the sensor which is proportional to the magnetic susceptibility. Because the susceptibility varies with temperature, actual temperature measurements of cold zone heating within the food particles may be obtained.

Abstract: A non-toxic solution to be used in the place of distilled or de-ionized water in autoclave sterilizers is disclosed. The solution renders the instruments placed in such sterilizers free of rust, spotting, and hastens the drying time of such instruments.

Abstract: A method for preparing implant surfaces using gas discharge plasma including conveying the implants to a vacuum chamber. The implants are treated with an inert gas plasma to remove existing surface contamination and oxide layers from the implant surfaces. The implants are treated with an oxidizing plasma or by means of thermal oxidation to reoxidizing the implant surfaces. The implant treatment steps are carried out in a closed space, including a controlled atmosphere and produce a highly accurate and reproducible microstructure, composition, purity, and sterility in the implants.

Abstract: A system for disinfecting water streams comprises a source of ionized plasma, that is, a stream of air including ionized oxygen and nitrogen gas atoms and molecules, ozone, and singlet molecular oxygen, and an additional source of metal ions. The gas plasma is introduced into the water stream upstream of the metal ion stream to produce a variety of oxidizing, coagulating, and disinfecting reactions. Further, the metal ions combine with the gas ions to form additionally known disinfectant compounds. The source of ionized gas molecules is an ultraviolet lamp driven at very high frequency by a pulsated signal and optionally juxtaposed to a coil providing electric and/or magnetic fields, to excite and ionize oxygen and nitrogen molecules of the air. The metal ions are provided by sacrificial electrodes comprising alloy members of the metal elements to be provided to the water stream. A DC potential applied to the electrodes is uniformly reversed at intervals, to encourage sacrificial erosion thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilization of medical instruments and similar devices make use of hydrogen peroxide vapor released from an inorganic hydrogen peroxide complex. The peroxide vapor can be released at room temperature and atmospheric pressure; however, the pressure used can be less than 50 torr and the temperature greater than 86.degree. C. to facilitate the release of hydrogen peroxide vapor. The heating rate can be greater than 5.degree. C. Optionally, a plasma can be used in conjunction with the vapor.

Abstract: A process for color anodizing and sterilizing aluminum surfaces on medical instruments without fading the anodized color comprises the steps of: anodizing an aluminum surface on a medical instrument to form an oxide film; immersing the surface in a salt bath of a coloring metal and electrolytically depositing the coloring metal onto the oxide film; and repeatedly sterilizing the medical instrument and its surface by exposing it to an oxidizing sterilant, whereby the electrolytically deposited coloring metal remains adhered to the surface and the color of the surface is not adversely affected by the repeated exposure to the oxidizing sterilant. Preferably, the sterilant comprises hydrogen peroxide, the coloring metal comprises tin and the surface remains non-cytotoxic after the anodizing, coloring steps and sterilizing steps.

Abstract: A blood dialyzer having semipermeable polymeric dialyzing membranes is sterilized by impregnating the dialyzing membranes, for example, dialyzing hollow fibers, with an aqueous solution of a .gamma.-ray-absorbent and water-soluble dihydric aliphatic alcohol and irradiating .gamma.-rays to the dialyzing membranes, to prevent the deterioration of the dialyzing membranes and the generation of ultraviolet-ray-absorbent substance in the dialyzing membrane.

Abstract: A plasma-enhanced vacuum drying method is disclosed. It is advantageously applied in plasma sterilization processes in particular, and represents a significant improvement for general evacuation drying methods. Articles to be sterilized are placed in a sealed chamber and the chamber is evacuated. A plasma of residual gas species is generated in the chamber during an initial evacuation step. This promotes drying of the articles and advantageously allows a desired pressure to be attained more quickly than without the plasma. Sterilizing gas is injected into the chamber, and a second plasma is generated to activate the sterilizing gas plasma, thereby sterilizing the articles in the chamber.

Abstract: A process for plasma sterilization in which articles in a sterilizing chamber are taken through at least one combination sterilizing cycle. The articles to be sterilized may include the interior of a vessel or chamber. In that case, the vessel or chamber itself may serve as a sterilizing chamber and connects to the plasma generating chamber. Each combination sterilizing cycle includes a pulsed treatment with gaseous antimicrobial agent, removal of the gaseous antimicrobial agent, and a plasma treatment. The pulsed treatment includes one or more pulse-vacuum cycles, each pulse-vacuum cycle includes the steps of evacuating the sterilizing chamber and exposing the article to the gaseous antimicrobial agent with a predetermined pressure profile during a predetermined time. The gaseous antimicrobial agent is preferably carried in a gas mixture with a nonreactive carrier gas. In one embodiment, the predetermined pressure is pulsed. In another embodiment, it is ramped.

Abstract: A sanitizer uses a radiant energy source such as a microwave source to excite a gas contained in a bulb so that the gas produces ultraviolet radiation that can be used to sanitize substances exposed to the radiation. The ultraviolet radiation may also be used to generate ozone from oxygen in air or another gas containing oxygen and the ozone may be used by itself or in combination with ultraviolet exposure to sanitize substances. The bulb for generating ultraviolet radiation can be shaped so that substances to be sterilized are able to pass through the bulb, so that objects (even metal objects) are enclosed by the bulb and shielded from the radiant energy source, or so that the bulb is located at the end of a waveguide and can be positioned to sanitize inaccessible surfaces or substances.

Abstract: Infectious medical materials are rendered harmless by heating heterogeneous medical materials having wet and dry portions with a radio-frequency electric field. The medical materials may be comminuted prior to heating. The medical materials are exposed to the radio-frequency electric field in order to heat the medical materials. The medical materials may include sorted medical or veterinary waste which after heat treatment may be recycled.

Abstract: An apparatus for plasma sterilization of articles is provided with a plasma generator, a sterilizing chamber, and a source of water vapor in fluid communication with the plasma generator, and may optionally include an autoclave. A method for plasma sterilization comprises exposing an article to be sterilized to a neutral active species of a plasma generated from water vapor. The exposure of the article to the plasma is carried out at reduced pressures and a chamber temperature of less than about 82.degree. C. for a time period sufficient to effect sterilization.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for sterilizing a pharmaceutical composition, the method comprising providing a sterilization system including a heat exchanger for elevating and then lowering the temperature of the fluid in a time period; measuring temperature at an input of the heat exchanger, measuring temperature at an output of the heat exchanger and measuring temperature at least one point in the heat exchanger intermediate to the input and output; calculating a coefficient of heat transfer for the sterilization system using the temperature measurements; calculating a degree of sterilization (F.sub.o) using the coefficient; and adjusting the temperature of the heat exchanger to minimize degradation of the pharmaceutical composition while maintaining an acceptable degree of sterilization.

Abstract: A method of sterilising objects including the operations of activating a gaseous medium, ensuring that the activated medium is substantially free of charged species and exposing the object to be sterilised to the activated gaseous medium for a period sufficient to ensure that the object is sterilised.

Abstract: A system for testing sterilization processes is provided by a vessel having a chamber, a plasma generator adapted to generate a plasma upstream of the chamber, a monitor associated with the chamber, and a biological or chemical indicator disposable within the chamber. The plasma generator generates upstream plasma that contains a plurality of atomic and/or molecular species, and the monitor is capable of determining a concentration of selected species in the plasma when flowing through the chamber.

Abstract: A method for plasma sterilization comprises exposing an article to be sterilized to a neutral active species of a plasma generated from a premixed gas mixture comprising oxygen, hydrogen, and a noble gas. The exposure of the article to the plasma is carried out at reduced pressures and a chamber temperature of less than 63.degree. C. for a time period sufficient to effect sterilization. The apparatus for plasma sterilization of articles comprises a plasma generator, a sterilizing chamber, and a source of pressurized gas mixture in fluid communication with the plasma generator. The source of pressurized gas mixture has a noble gas and a substantially nonflammable mixture of hydrogen and oxygen, which is preferably between about 2.0 to 2.4 (v/v) percent hydrogen and between 2.6 to 3.0 (v/v) percent oxygen.

Abstract: Articles intended for dry sterilization are placed into a confined volume and are subjected to neutral species of an electrical plasma discharge while maintaining the volume glowless and substantially field free by interposing a barrier between the articles and the discharge, the barrier being transparent to neutral species and opaque to charged species emanating from the discharge.

Abstract: Radiochemical sterilization is accomplished by exposing a sterilant gas releasing substrate to an effective gas releasing amount of ionizing radiation and contacting an object to be sterilized with the released sterilant gas. Objects to be sterilized may be subjected to a combination of ionizing radiation and gas sterilant which is released by the ionizing radiation.

Abstract: A medical implant made of polymeric material having an increased oxidation resistance is formed by a method including the steps of placing a resin powder in a sealed container. A substantial portion of the oxygen is removed from the sealed container by either a vacuum, an oxygen absorbent or by flushing with inert gas. The container is then repressurized with a gas such as nitrogen, argon, helium or neon so that long term storage may be possible. On use, the resin is transferred to a forming device which both melts and forms the resin in an oxygen reduced atmosphere to produce a polymeric raw material such as a rod or bar stock. The medical implant is then formed from this raw material annealed and sealed in an airtight package in an oxygen reduced atmosphere. The implant is then radiation sterilized and thereafter annealed in the package for a predetermined time and temperature sufficient to form cross-links between any free radicals in neighboring polymeric chains.

Abstract: A method for plasma sterilization includes exposing an article to be sterilized to a plasma generated from a gas mixture. The gas mixture being either (a) argon, helium, nitrogen, or mixtures thereof, and oxygen and hydrogen; (b) argon, helium, nitrogen or mixtures thereof, and hydrogen; or (c) argon, helium, nitrogen or mixtures thereof, and oxygen. The exposure of the article to the plasma is carried out at a pressure of from 0.1 to 10 torr and a chamber temperature of less than 63.degree. C. for a time period sufficient to effect sterilization. Contaminated articles can be pretreated in a plasma generated from oxygen and optionally argon, helium and/or nitrogen at the same conditions for up to 5 minutes to remove protein. The apparatus for plasma sterilization of articles includes a plasma generator and a sterilizing chamber. The plasma generator includes a plurality of generator tubes positioned in one or more electromagnetic field zones defined by one or more waveguides.

Abstract: A process and equipment for plasma sterilization in which articles in a sterilizing chamber are taken through at least one combination sterilizing cycle. The articles to be sterilized may include the interior of a vessel or chamber. In that case, the vessel or chamber itself may serve as a sterilizing chamber and connects to the plasma generating chamber. Each combination sterilizing cycle includes a pulsed treatment with gaseous antimicrobial agent, removal of the gaseous antimicrobial agent, and a plasma treatment. The pulsed treatment includes one or more pulse-vacuum cycles, each pulse-vacuum cycle includes the steps of evacuating the sterilizing chamber and exposing the article to the gaseous antimicrobial agent with a predetermined pressure profile during a predetermined time. The gaseous antimicrobial agent is preferably carried in a gas mixture with a nonreactive carrier gas. In one embodiment, the predetermined pressure is pulsed. In another embodiment, it is ramped.

Abstract: A method for plasma sterilization includes forming a gas plasma from a substantially oxygen-free mixture containing argon or helium and from 1% to 5% (v/v) hydrogen in a plasma generating chamber, and exposing an article to be sterilized in a sterilizing chamber to a non-explosive mixture of the plasma gas and from 1% up to 20% (v/v) oxygen gas. Preferably, the pressure in the sterilizing chamber is from 0.1 to 10 torr and the chamber temperature is less than 6.degree. C., the mixture from which the plasma is generated contains from 4% to 5% (v/v) hydrogen, and the article in the sterilizing chamber is exposed to a mixture of plasma gas and from 1% to 10% (v/v) oxygen.

Abstract: An ultraviolet fluid disinfection system including:one or more fluid flow passageways,one or more modules located in each passageway, each module having one or more rows of ultraviolet lamps, positioned to irradiate the fluid with ultraviolet,a lamp control assembly connected to each row of lamps to monitor data from and control operation of the lamps,a power distributor connected to the lamp control assemblies,a data interface connected to the lamp control assemblies, anda data control assemblies connected to the data interface and to the lamp control assemblies to read data from the lamp control assemblies and communicate with the data interface.

Abstract: Method of sterilizing a packaging material with a sterilizing agent in liquid form. The packaging material is discharged in order to eliminate electrostatic surface charged on the packaging material, after which the packaging material is wetted with the sterilizing agent which is applied in an electrostatically charged form to those areas of the packaging material which are to be sterilized. The packaging material with the sterilizing agent, which coalesces to a thin, homogeneous film, is finally heated to drive away the sterilizing agent from the sterilized packaging material.