Abstract: A disposal assembly (10) includes a base (14) and four walls (20) extending perpendicularly out therefrom defining a hollow interior (22) partially filled with a plurality of layers. The bottom-most layer (38) is fabricated of styrofoam which, along with the tapered cylinders (28) and hydrostatic pressure, secures the medical instruments (12) therein. A layer of dry disinfectant (36) covers the styrofoam (38). A layer of sponge (34) directly covers the dry disinfectant (36). When fluid is injected into the dry disinfectant (36) to create a disinfectant solution, the sponge (34) absorbs the solution and distributes it across the entire cross section of the disposal assembly (10). A semi-viscous material (40) seals the disinfectant solution and the infected portions (26) of the medical instruments (12) in an anaerobic environment.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for managing retort over-pressure during pressure cooling. The invention allows the specification of an initial cooling temperature and a final cooling temperature and a final cooling pressure. Using these values the invention provides a pressure ramping to manage retort over-pressure.

Abstract: A device for maintaining a controlled atmosphere within a sealed container. The device is utilized to control the oxygen and the carbon dioxide levels within the container and utilizes permeable membrane technology to control such levels. An oilless compressor is used in conjunction with the device so as to not subject the permeable membranes to the derogatory effects associated with the presence of oil within an airstream that circulates through the permeable membranes. Additionally, the compressor is preferably mounted within the sealed container so as to not subject the compressor to the effects of temperature variation and corrosive marine environments. The present device further includes an air sampling system which is used to periodically measure the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels within the container. Control logic is included with the system which is operable to adjust the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in accordance with the particular readings obtained by the sampling system.

Abstract: A process for rapidly sterilizing biological media, such as broths and gels used as incubation or growth media to test the presence of microorganisms, such as bacteria, includes applying microwave radiation to such an aqueous biological medium contained in a microwave transmissive pressure retaining container, such as a capped cylinder made of polytetrafluoroethylene, which cap is preferably equipped with ports, by directing the microwave radiation through the container and onto the medium in such amount that the pressure in the container and the temperature of the medium are raised above ambient pressure and temperature, and maintaining such raised pressure and temperature for a time sufficient to sterilize the medium.

Abstract: Sealed, deformable, air-containing packages or pouches are subject to heat sterilization in a sealable processing vessel. The shape and integrity of the sealed deformable packages is maintained through precise temperature and pressure control. The improved process includes a method for calculating the partial saturated volatile material vapor pressures during the "come-up", "processing", and "come-down" phases. The partial saturated volatile material vapor pressure used during the "come-up" and "processing" phases is calculated at the highest temperature of the contents of the package. The partial saturated volatile material vapor pressure used during the "come-down" phase is calculated at the lowest temperature of the package. The present invention discloses an improved process for controlling the pressure inside retort equipment when sterilizing food in deformable plastic packages with film-type lids and any volume of headspace.

Abstract: A portable disinfecting and disposal device for medical waste. A disposal device includes a plastic container resistant to penetration, either from medical sharps inside or external effects. The device has a top and bottom portion with perimeter seal areas which upon closure prevent nondestructive reopening. The device top portion includes a chemically filled packet which is sealed during ongoing use for attachment of medical waste to the device but is unsealed by spikes for use after collection of the medical waste. The collected medical waste is accounted for by a system to identify the number and type of medical waste viewable through the plastic container after closing the device as well as when the device is open and being used.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the commercial sterilization of thin-walled, high-profile plastic containers, which are hermetically sealed with an easy-peel aluminum foil/plastic-coated lid stock material. The apparatus is a rack of molds, each mold having a recessed groove to support the lip of the plastic container and a mold lid having a rigid portion covering the lid and a resilient portion inside the rigid portion to permit the lid of the plastic container to expand in a controlled manner during sterilization. The rigid portion of the mold lid can be angled to fit the contour of the expanded container lid.

Abstract: A portable disinfecting and disposal device for medical waste. The device top portion includes a chemically filled packet which is sealed during ongoing use for attachment of medical waste to the device. Alternatively, the top portion includes a chemically filled container with access openings which is sealed during ongoing use for attachment of medical waste. The top portion is unsealed to release disinfecting chemical onto collected medical waste by removing a peelable cover. The cover can be removed in whole or part by a peel tab or strings attached to the cover.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided to treat and dispose of medical waste materials to thereby enhance public heath and social hygiene. The medical waste material is sealed in a suitable nonflammable and long infrared radiation pervious container. The container with the waste material therein is subject to long infrared radiation for a sufficient period of time to heat the waste material to sterilizing temperature levels. The container and the sterilized waste materials are then crushed to reduce the same to granular form to facilitate convenient and safe ultimate disposal. Thus, medical waste materials can be treated and rendered harmless immediately and safely at the place where they are created. Such on-site treatment minimizes the cost involved in ultimate disposal and the potential for human contact with dangerous pathogenic waste.

Abstract: A cartridge-carrier is disclosed for maintaining at least one filled and sealed, plastic container within at least two segments which are joined together to define a tubular cartridge having at least one container supporting plate therein for receiving a body of said at least one sealed container and thereafter closing at least the two segments for encompassing at least one container within a tubular cartridge which is then moved into a cylindrical carrier that enables the containers to be processed within a reel and spiral sterilization system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for terminal steam sterilization of a pre-filled plastic syringe or a pre-filled plastic cartridge, said method comprising the steps of: maintaining a head space in the syringe or cartridge of less than about 10%--of the fill--volume; providing at least a 10% leeway for the plunger therein to slide in response to pressure differential; and sterilizing the syringe or cartridge at an autoclave pressure that is less than the internal pressure of the syringe or cartridge.

Abstract: A method for cleaning, disinfecting and sterilizing hemodialysis apparatus consisting in mixing a basic composition comprising the chlorite ion with an acid composition comprising lactic acid in a mass ratio of the basic composition to the acid composition ranging from 1:6 to 1:3, feeding the mixture thus obtained and admixed with water into the hemodialysis apparatus, the ratio of the mixture to water being of about 1:34 and circulating the final solution in the apparatus wherein the mixture is diluted in water and the basic composition is reacted with the acid composition.

Abstract: Air-containing packages are subjected to heat sterilizing under pressure in a sterilization treatment tank. A pressure controlling method comprises changing the rate-of-rise of the temperature in the treatment tank in the vicinity of a point-of-change in a pressure rise in a pressure pattern in the package and delaying the timing of lowering the pressure in the treatment tank after the start of cooling treatment to avoid any deformation of the packages.

Abstract: A plasma bag support rack is described which is useful for suspending frozen plasma bags in a water bath. The support rack includes a main cross member that has two pairs of vertically oriented hooks projecting downward. The cross member has rubber coated ends to prevent slippage during thawing. Frozen plasma bags are suspended by the support rack hooks from the support holes at the top of the bags. The rubber coated cross member ends are then seated on the top edge of a water bath during plasma bag thawing. The support rack holds the entry ports of frozen plasma bags out of the bacteria contaminated water which is commonly found in plasma thawing water baths. This support rack provides a means for safe and rapid thawing of frozen plasma bags.

Abstract: A method of forming a unitary, sterile fluid dispensing assembly includes forming a fluid-filled container with a vinyl disposing port and forming a fluid transfer set with a vinyl spike connector. The spike connector is inserted into the vinyl disposing port thereby placing the set in fluid flow communication with the fluid in the container. The assembly is sterilized in an autoclave. The heat of sterilization melds at least a surface portion of the vinyl spike connector and softens an interior adjacent surface portion of the port on the container. After sterilization, the transfer set is permanently bonded to the container. The presence of the fluid in the transfer set during sterilization prevents fusing and closing of the lumens of the set due to the heat of sterilization.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for the continuous heat treatment and packaging of a liquid product with the object of sterilizing the product, the product being heated for a short time together with, and surrounded by, the packing material wherein it is to be enclosed. The product is introduced into a tube of flexible material whereupon the tube containing the product is introduced between two parallel metal bands, movably synchronously in their longitudinal direction, the tube being received and compressed between the bands so that the tube is transported with the bands at the same time as the cross-sectional area of the tube is reduced and the product is made to flow forward through the compressed tube in a gaplike space. Heat is transmitted to the product with the help of the metal bands while the product present between the metal bands is kept under pressure.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for producing sterilized prefilled plastic syringes avoiding plastic deformation and distortion. The plastic barrels are subjected to repeated water jet washing steps to remove contaminants and depyrogenate the barrels. Tip seals and pistons are subjected to removal of debris and pyrogens and destruction of microbial contaminants. After the tip is assembled on the nozzle of the barrel, the barrel is filled with contrast media through its open end, after which the piston is assembled in the open end to seal the syringe and its contents. The assembled and sealed syringe is then subjected to autoclaving to sterilize the syringe and its contents, without deformation of the plastic syringe or a loss of integrity to the closed media/syringe system.

Abstract: A high pressure steam sterilized plastic container holding an infusion solution therein is prepared first by providing a flexible container made of plastic material and holding an infusion solution. The container is then sterilized in a saturated steam atmosphere which is pressurized by a gas inert to the infusion solution and does not contain oxygen. The infusion solution in the container is not deteriorated after the sterilization.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for producing sterilized prefilled plastic syringes avoiding plastic deformation and distortion. The plastic barrels are subjected to repeated water jet washing steps to remove contaminants and depyrogenate the barrels. Tip seals and pistons are subjected to washing, autoclaving and rinsing steps to remove contaminants and depyrogenate. After the tip is assembled on the nozzle of the barrel, the barrel is filled with contrast media through its open end, after which the piston is assembled in the open end to seal the syringe and its contents. The assembled and sealed syringe is then subjected to autoclaving to sterilize the syringe and its contents, without deformation of the plastic syringe or a loss of integrity to the closed media/syringe system.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of protecting heated aluminum based metals subject to heat transfer through the metal to a circulating aqueous cooling solution in contact therewith. The initially constituted cooling solution contains an alkali metal silicate in an adjusted amount above 0.2 gram per liter. The solution while functioning in the cooling system is then exposed to an alkali metal silicate glass causing the glass to progressively dissolve and stabilize the silicate at a level of at least 0.1 gram per liter. The initially prepared solution may also contain ethylene or propylene glycol, alkali metal phosphates and tetraborates in a ratio greater than 4:1, and nitrate, mercaptobenzothiazole or tolyltriazole.

Abstract: A technique and apparatus for thawing a frozen blood plasma unit while maintaining the unit in a dry condition includes a water bath and a special holder which supports a thin plastic bag in which the plasma unit is contained. The holder maintains the bag and the plasma unit submerged in a manner which affords substantial thermal contact between the plasma unit and the water bath.

Abstract: The over-pasteurization of a product in a tunnel pasteurizer can result when the normal movement of the product through the pasteurizer is delayed. Over-pasteurization is prevented by cooling the product in the pasteurizing zone to reduce its temperature to a temperature at which no appreciable pasteurization occurs. The temperature of the product may be returned to pasteurizing temperatures when the delay no longer exists. An improved tunnel pasteurizer is described for preventing over-pasteurization of spraying the product with cool water to reduce its temperature. The preferred pasteurizer also includes an automatic level control system for the regenerative paired zones, an external water tank to recover and reuse energy and water usually wasted and a closed cooling system which provides for cooling of the pasteurizer water without the risk of cross-contamination of the cooling source and the pasteurizer.

Abstract: An artificial organ assembly having an artificial organ with a built-in body fluid treatment mechanism as well as a body fluid inlet port and a body fluid outlet port, filled with a liquid harmless to the human body and sealed. It also includes an extracorporeal body fluid circulation mechanism comprising a body fluid inlet line connected to the body fluid inlet port and a body fluid outlet line connected to the body fluid outlet port, filled with a liquid harmless to the human body and sealed. The whole assembly is hermetically vacuum-packaged and steam sterilized in the packaged state.

Abstract: A method for canning food products in a non-metallic jar, utilizing a non-metallic jar lid and a none metallic enclosure enveloping the jar and lid and which is placed within a microwave oven for heating with a pressure control check valve for limiting the maximum pressure within the enclosure during heating and preventing entry of air during subsequent cooling of the enclosure and food product.

Abstract: A conventional cooker or retort for heat processing sealed containers, such as sealed pouches, jars or cans, has an evaporator associated therewith. A source of water is coupled to the evaporator through a valve and a source of a liquid having a higher vapor pressure than water, such as ethyl alcohol, is connected to the evaporator through a metering pump. Pressure and temperature within the retort are monitored and signals indicative thereof are connected to controllers for metering the heat supplied to the evaporator and for metering the ethyl alcohol and water delivered to the evaporator. One controller is configured to operate so that as pressure rises, proportions of ethyl alcohol introduced into the evaporator is reduced while the proportion of water introduced is increased. Another controller functions to restrict the amount of heating medium, such as steam, delivered to the evaporator as the retort temperature increases.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a sealed chamber including a sterilizing section, a cooling section and a conveyor including carrier receivers and circulated through the sterilizing and cooling sections. The flat flexible packages containing substances to be sterilized are contained in rotatable carriers. With one side of the sealed chamber is provided a sealing means through which the carriers are charged and discharged into and out of the sealed chamber.

Abstract: An artificial organ embodying this invention is adapted for heat sterilization and allows for simple aftertreatment following said heat sterilization. The artificial organ is previously filled with a solution (8) harmless to the human body. A liquid pressure-buffering tube holding such an amount of gas as is capable of quantitatively absorbing the expansion of said solution (8) occurring during the heat sterilization of the artificial organ is connected to at least one of liquid ports (3), (4), (5), (6) communicating with the interior of the artificial organ. A process embodying the invention for heat sterilizing an artificial organ simplifies aftertreatment of said artificial organ following said heat sterilization, and comprises the steps of vacuum packaging the whole artificial organ device and heat sterilizing the artificial organ device while a gas held in the liquid pressure-buffering tube (2) is kept in the upper part of said artificial organ device.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are proposed for sterilizing containers before they are filled, with which it is possible to subject heat-sensitive containers to sterilization by a heating medium. While the interior of the containers is subjected to heated vapor, the exterior of the containers is cooled, so that in the wall of the containers the overall temperature of the wall is kept so low that deformation is avoided. To provide such cooling, either a cooling element complemental in shape to the outer contour of the containers, or a coolant-spray device, may be used.

Abstract: A conventional cooker or retort for heat processing sealed containers, such as sealed pouches, jars or cans, has an evaporator associated therewith. A source of water is coupled to the evaporator through a valve and a source of a liquid having a higher vapor pressure than water, such as ethyl alcohol, is connected to the evaporator through a metering pump. Pressure and temperature within the retort are monitored and signals indicative thereof are connected to controllers for metering the heat supplied to the evaporator and for metering the ethyl alcohol and water delivered to the evaporator. One controller is configured to operate so that as pressure rises, proportions of ethyl alcohol introduced into the evaporator is reduced while the proportion of water introduced is increased. Another controller functions to restrict the amount of heating medium, such as steam, delivered to the evaporator as the retort temperature increases.

Abstract: A batch sterilizing unit, in the form of a tank having a top loading port and a bottom discharge port, holds a batch of cans for sterilization. The cans in contact with the door associated with the discharge port are prevented from transferring heat to the door and accordingly are maintained at sterilizing temperature by providing a perforated partition forming a wall of condensate sump. Thus the sterilizing medium, whether it be steam or water, is able to effect complete sterilization of those cans making contact with the partition. In addition, condensate is continually discharged from the unit, when steam is the sterilizing medium, insuring creation and maintenance of sterilizing temperatures to the cans resting on the discharge port door.

Abstract: In the pasteurizing of beverages and comestibles in closed containers, the containers are progressively raised in temperature to the pasteurizing temperature and, after an appropriate period of time, progressively cooled down in apparatus which practices a method for separately storing both heated water and cooled water and applying the heated and cooled water from storage so that skips in the supply of containers will be accommodated with savings in the amount of steam and chilled water required.

Abstract: In the pasteurizing of beverages in closed containers, the containers arrive generally in a chilled state and are progressively raised in temperature approaching the pasteurizing temperature and, after being pasteurized for an appropriate time, are progressively cooled down. Apparatus of this type is provided with a source of chilled water which is available for use when skips occur in the supply of the containers, the chilled water being accumulated from the incoming containers and from common outside sources. The accumulated water in its chilled state saves substantial amounts of energy by eliminating mechanical or other means to produce the chill effect, and such source of water is constantly available under control which senses the presence of a skip in the supply of containers.

Abstract: In the pasteurizing of beverages and comestibles in closed containers, the containers are progressively raised in temperature to the pasteurizing temperature and after an appropriate time progressively cooled down in apparatus which practices a method for storing heat in water and applying the heated water from storage so that skips in the supply of the containers will be accommodated to the end that a saving in steam can be realized. The method realizes saving of substantial amounts of energy, as well as avoiding dumping overly warm water into local sewers to disturb the ecological balance, and also avoids the use of refrigeration to reduce temperature of the discharge water.

Abstract: A method is described for preventing buckling of beer-can tops and bottoms during pasteurization of the beer. Prior to the pasteurization, an anti-buckle ring is mated with each beer can such that the ring captures the base portion of the can's bottom. The ring permits the bottom's panel to bulge outwardly while preventing radial displacement of the bottom's base area and, hence, buckling of the can bottom, when the heat applied during pasteurization causes the internal pressure of the can to increase. To prevent buckle of the beer can's top, another anti-buckle ring may be mated with the top of the can such that the latter ring captures the double-seam area on the top of the can to prevent radial displacement at key points of the top. After pasteurization, both rings are automatically removed from the can for use with another can.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing objects including an autoclave having a chamber into which a supply conduit is connected provided with a medium, such as steam and a further supply conduit provided with at least one control medium, such as compressed air. The apparatus also has a discharge conduit and a vent conduit. The method achieves the desired results of sterilization of the objects within said chamber by operating the system as near as possible to the temperature tolerance of the plastic packaging of the products being treated. The thermodynamic system utilized is so constructed and arranged to control the temperature in the chamber with great accuracy and to permit trimming of the operation of the system within certain parameters for a given program, or to readjust the system for another program.

Abstract: A method is described for preventing buckling of beer-can tops during pasteurization of the beer. Prior to the pasteurization, an anti-buckle ring is mated with each beer can such that the ring captures the double-seamed top of the can. The ring prevents radial displacement at key points of the top and, hence, buckling of the top end of the can, when the heat applied during pasteurization causes the internal pressure of the can to increase. After pasteurization, the ring is automatically removed from the can for further use with another can.

Abstract: A sterilization device for processing a pluraity of containers disposed on support devices therefor, includes a housing provided with a passage for receiving and discharging a succession of the support devices, a preheating arrangement for preheating the containers to a first predetermined temperature within the housing, a heating arrangement for heating the containers to a predetermined sterilization temperature within the housing upon the containers having been heated to the predetermined temperature, and a cooling mechanism for cooling the containers to a second predetermined temperature following sterilization of the containers by the heating arrangement.

Abstract: A sterilization apparatus includes a housing adapted for receiving a removable rack with open shelves supporting containers with the substance to be sterilized, a fan arranged at the top of the housing, and a cooling device for subsequent cooling of the sterilizing fluid introduced into the housing. To increase the uniformity of whirling of the fluid around the containers on different levels of the rack and thus to increase the heat transfer to, and the subsequent heat removal from the containers, a timing-and flow-controlling device is provided for cyclically changing the flow of the sterilizing fluid through the rack during the heating-up and cooling-down of the sterilization cycle, either by alternating the direction of the flow, or by distributing periodically partial streams through different shelves of the rack.

Abstract: A method for heat sterilizing an artificial kidney comprising a receptacle having accommodated therein permselective hollow filaments and including inlet and outlet ports for the blood and inlet and outlet ports for a dialyzate, which comprises(a) filling a primer consisting of water or a water solution into the artificial kidney,(b) connecting a pressure buffer tank to at least one of the inlet and outlet ports,(c) sealing the remaining ports by stopper means,(d) heating the artificial kidney to a temperature of 80.degree. to 130.degree. C. to heat sterilize it, and moving the gas and a part of the primer in the artificial kidney which have been expanded by heating to the pressure buffer tank,(e) cooling the artificial kidney to return the primer in the buffer tank to the artificial kidney, and(f) aseptically sealing the port connected to the pressure buffer tank; and artificial kidneys of specified constituent elements suitable for use in heat sterilization by this method.