Abstract: The present invention provides a sanitiser (10) for sanitising a user, having a plasma generator (20), for generating a plasma (22), a reservoir (30), for storing plasma (22) generated by the plasma generator 20 and having one or more inlets (32) connected to the plasma generator (20) and a first and second outlet (34), (36). One or more fluid movers (40), (42) cause movement of the plasma (2) from the first and second outlets under the control of a controller (50) such as to cause the flow of plasma (22) out of one or other or both of said outlets (34), (36).

Abstract: A sterilization cabinet, comprising a top panel, at least two side panels, and a floor panel forming a part of a chamber of the sterilization cabinet; at least one door connected to at least one of the at least two side panels of the sterilization cabinet; a vent formed in at least one of the two side panels; at least one first filter covering the vent and a filter cover configured to hold the first filter against the vent; a drain positioned in the floor panel, wherein the floor panel has a slope configured to cause condensate within the chamber to flow into the drain and wherein the drain is the only outlet for the condensate along the floor panel; and a second filter covering the drain such that condensate flowing into the drain passes through the second filter.

Abstract: A method of using a sterilization wrap system including a permeable material having barrier properties and having a first surface and a second opposing surface, the exterior panel being substantially opaque or having a first level of translucence, and an interior panel including a permeable material having barrier properties and having a first surface and a second opposing surface, the interior panel having a level of translucence that is higher than the translucence of the exterior panel, the panels being joined together over at least a portion of their surfaces. Also disclosed is inspection of the sterilization wrap system for exterior panel breaches by looking for light passing through a panel facing the viewer.

Abstract: A system for the sterile filling of containers for pharmaceutical products, which includes a device for sterilizing containers and a machine for filling sterilized containers, wherein the device for sterilizing containers includes at least one autoclave, and wherein the system includes an automated container-accumulation device and means for automatically transporting the containers sterilized in the autoclave from said autoclave to the container-filling machine via said container-accumulation device.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a vehicle includes a first compartment, a system, and a first sanitizing arrangement. The first compartment has a plurality of walls that define a space, and the system is configured to enable the vehicle to travel autonomously. The system includes a power system configured to provide power to the first compartment. The first sanitizing arrangement includes at least a first sanitizing component, the at least first sanitizing component being included in the first compartment, wherein the first sanitizing arrangement is configured to be activated to sanitize the plurality of walls and the space.

Abstract: A water purification apparatus (1) comprising a Reverse Osmosis, RO, device (26). The RO device (26) comprises a RO membrane (26a) and a feed pump (23). The apparatus (1) also comprises a recirculation mechanism (33) arranged to recirculate a portion of the reject water to the feed water, a temperature sensor device arranged to measure a temperature indicative of the temperature of the RO membrane (26a), and a flow rate sensor device arranged to measure a flow rate indicative of the permeate flow rate of the permeate water. The apparatus (1) further comprises a control arrangement (50) configured to control recirculation to achieve a predetermined recovery ratio.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to equipment utilized to manufacture chemical agents, particularly biopharmaceuticals. In some embodiments, reactor systems comprising a mobile carriage assembly; a disposable reaction container removably attached to the carriage assembly; and, a carriage holder into which the mobile carriage assembly may be removably inserted are provided.

Abstract: The present technology is directed to a system for vacuum cooking a non-animal protein, High Moisture Extrusion (HME) food product using steam injection. In various instances the system may comprise: a vacuum cooking food processing system. In various instances the vacuum cooking food processing system may comprise a vacuum tumbler. In some embodiments, the vacuum tumbler may comprise: a vacuum sensor; a temperature sensor; a vacuum valve; a steam injector; and a dosing nozzle.

Abstract: A method and system for reprocessing a reusable medical instrument. The method includes providing a container including a tray and a lid, the tray having an opening for inserting therethrough the medical instrument into an inner space of the tray, and the lid being arranged for closing the opening. The method includes inserting the container into a decontamination device, inside the decontamination device decontaminating the tray, the lid and the medical instrument while the lid is positioned away from the opening. The method includes, inside the decontamination device, a container handler of the decontamination device closing the container by closing the lid onto the tray for closing the opening, and removing the closed container containing the decontaminated medical instrument from the decontamination device.

Abstract: A sterilizing device includes a heater plate connected to a controller separately spaceable away from the heater plate. The controller regulates heating of the heater plate to a desired operating temperature. The heater plate is placed in a separate container and objects to be sterilized are placed in the container proximate to the heater plate. The heater plate is heated to a sufficient temperature for a sufficient length of time to sterilize the objects in the container.

Abstract: A method for curing adhesive during assembly of glass syringes, including: dispensing adhesive onto a glass syringe; and curing the adhesive using a UV LED line array. The method may include one or both of pre-curing the adhesive using a UV LED spot and heating at least one of the glass barrel, needle and adhesive at one or more points during the method. A system for curing an adhesive during assembly of a glass syringe, the system including: a dispensing station for dispensing the adhesive onto a glass barrel and needle; a pre-curing station for pre-curing the adhesive; a curing station for curing the adhesive; and at least one infrared heater for heating at least one of the glass barrel, needle and adhesive at one or more points in the system. The glass syringe may be operated on by a subset of the stations in the system.

Abstract: Systems and a method for transferring chemical, pharmaceutical, and/or biological material into or out of a container are provided. One system comprises a disposable container having at least one port for accessing the interior of the container, the port comprising at least one connecting protrusion extending parallel to the container. The system further comprises a transfer interface connectable to the port. The transfer interface comprises a plate, and at least one connecting flange extending from the plate, the connecting flange to be arranged under the respective connecting protrusion to connect the transfer interface to the port, such that when the transfer interface is connected to the port the plate is parallel to a surface of the container.

Abstract: A system includes a container configured to hold one or more items contaminated with a contaminant. The system also includes a power amplifier configured to output radio frequency (RF) energy at a frequency substantially equal to a resonant frequency of the contaminant. The system further includes a horn connected to the power amplifier and configured to propagate the RF energy along a length of the container and through the one or more items to deactivate, damage, or destroy the contaminant by molecular resonance. In addition, the system includes an RF absorbing liner disposed on interior surfaces of the container and configured to absorb and reduce reflection of at least some of the RF energy.

Abstract: An endoscope tray is provided. The tray comprises an interior for storage of an endoscope. The tray has a lid configured to cover the tray. The lid has an exterior surface having a recess and/or projection, and the tray has a bottom exterior surface having a recess and/or projection such that the recess and/or projection of the lid is configured to mate with the recess and/or projection of the bottom exterior surface of the tray. Systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method of using a sterilization wrap system including a permeable material having barrier properties and having a first surface and a second opposing surface, the exterior panel being substantially opaque or having a first level of translucence, and an interior panel including a permeable material having barrier properties and having a first surface and a second opposing surface, the interior panel having a level of translucence that is higher than the translucence of the exterior panel, the panels being joined together over at least a portion of their surfaces. Also disclosed is inspection of the sterilization wrap system for exterior panel breaches by looking for light passing through a panel facing the viewer.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a medical imaging supply transport cart having enhanced safety features and a process implementing the same. The medical imaging supply transport cart includes a support surface configured to support medical imaging supplies, the support surface further configured to support a support mechanism, and the support mechanism further configured to support the medical imaging supplies. The support mechanism further configured to rigidly hold the medical imaging supplies with a first holding mechanism, the medical imaging supplies configured to store at least one dose of a nuclear medicine, a plurality of wheels arranged below the support surface, at least one door configured to enclose the medical imaging supplies, and a handle configured to be grasped by a user to guide the medical imaging supply transport cart.

Abstract: A method and a system for determining analyte content in a fluid in a treatment apparatus. The method comprises positioning a device for treatment in a treatment apparatus. A surface of the device is contacted with a fluid. An analyte content in the fluid is determined based on an electromagnetic property of the fluid following contacting the surface of the device with the fluid. More specifically, an electromagnetic property is measured. The measuring comprises emitting electromagnetic radiation into the fluid in the treatment apparatus and detecting electromagnetic radiation from the fluid. In another aspect, a system comprising a treatment apparatus and a detector for determining the analyte content in the fluid in the treatment apparatus is provided.

Abstract: A chamber can be a pathogen control device, which can include a body having at least one internal wall defining an internal chamber, and a layer of a two dimensional material on at least a portion of the at least one internal wall. The two-dimensional material can have at least one edge protruding from the at least one internal wall. A pathogen control system can include the chamber and at least one pressure source operably coupled with an inlet of the internal chamber, and optionally include a depressurization vessel. A method of processing a fluid, such as for controlling pathogens, can include providing the chamber, and flowing a fluid with or without pressurized carbon dioxide or processing fluid through the internal chamber of the chamber to contact an edge of the two-dimensional material. The flow through the chamber can be conducted until at least one pathogen is controlled.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a laundry treating apparatus that is provided to supply steam into a drum accommodating laundry therein and to supply hot water or the steam to a region outside the drum to also sterilize the region outside the drum, and a method for controlling the same.

Abstract: A sterilization cabinet, comprising a top panel, at least two side panels, and a floor panel forming a part of a chamber of the sterilization cabinet; at least one door connected to at least one of the at least two side panels of the sterilization cabinet; a vent formed in at least one of the two side panels; at least one first filter covering the vent and a filter cover configured to hold the first filter against the vent; a drain positioned in the floor panel, wherein the floor panel has a slope configured to cause condensate within the chamber to flow into the drain and wherein the drain is the only outlet for the condensate along the floor panel; and a second filter covering the drain such that condensate flowing into the drain passes through the second filter.

Abstract: A method of verifying sterilization comprises performing a sterilization cycle on a sterilizing cabinet, opening the door with the first filter overlying the vent port by a single user being non-sterile and ungowned and examining the first filter, by the single user being non-sterile and ungowned, to verify the integrity of the sterilization cycle in the sterilizing device, determining if the integrity of the first filter is acceptable by the single user being non-sterile and ungowned, and removing, by the single user being sterile and gowned, through the access port at least one tray from the interior of the sterilizing cabinet if the integrity of the first filter is acceptable.

Abstract: Fill stations and base stations are provided for personal pump systems. The fill stations may be opened and closed to accept a reservoir and to allow fluid to be introduced into the reservoir for use with personal pump systems. The fill stations may hold the reservoir at a tilt relative to an underlying surface and may discourage overfilling of the reservoir. The filling stations may also include viewing windows having fluid lines marked thereon for indicating volume of fluid within the reservoir.

Abstract: A system for reloading a container with proppant. The system includes a transloader having a conveyer belt and a discharge device. The system includes a reloading system comprising a bulk material storage bin having a proppant receiving area, a funnel having an expandable loading tube, and a gate for controlling flow of the proppant from the funnel into the container. The system comprises a reloader comprising a loading bay having a load cell and the container disposed on the load cell.

Abstract: A challenge device for use with a measuring unit for testing steam sterilization efficiency, the challenge device comprising a measuring chamber, a first opening for insertion of a first temperature sensor of the measuring unit in the measuring chamber, and a second opening allowing air exchange between surroundings and the measuring chamber, where said air exchange is achieved by a hollow air flow passage. The measuring chamber is closed except for the first and second openings, and the air flow passage includes an outlet, which is located at a distance from the second opening in the direction of the length axis. The invention further relates to a method of manufacture of a challenge device.

Abstract: A device (1) for determining the dew point of a gas in a process chamber (2) which comprises a temperature control element (3) and a temperature sensor (4) for determining the temperature in the process chamber (2). The temperature sensor is in a thermally conductive functional connection with the temperature control element (3), and the temperature control element (3) is designed to actively heat and cool the temperature sensor (4). The temperature sensor is arranged in direct contact with the temperature control element (3).

Abstract: A method of dispensing fluid includes three processes. A first one of these processes includes pumping fluid into a resilient variable-volume dispensing chamber. The dispensing chamber is in series with a normally present finite fluid impedance and an output. The impedance is sufficient so as to cause expansion of the dispensing chamber as it receives pumped fluid even while some fluid flows through the output. Another one of these processes includes repeatedly measuring a parameter related to volume of the dispensing chamber over time. A third one of these processes includes controlling the pumping of fluid based on repeated measurements of the parameter to produce a desired fluid flow through the output. A corresponding system for dispensing fluid implements these processes.

Abstract: A device for treating containers, for example, for filling and closing containers in filling plants is described. The device includes an isolator chamber in which the treatment of the containers takes place, and an outlet disposed beneath the isolator chamber for discharging fluids, wherein the outlet has a housing for receiving ejected containers and a suction device for extracting gases from the isolator chamber.

Abstract: A lithium ion battery is provided that includes: a positive electrode; a negative electrode; a separator comprising a material having a melt temperature of greater than 150° C.; and an electrolyte including an organic solvent and a lithium salt. A method for sterilizing a lithium ion battery is also provided that includes: providing a lithium ion battery (particularly one as described herein); either charging or discharging the battery to a state of charge (SOC) of 20% to 100%; and steam sterilizing the battery to form a sterilized lithium ion battery.

Abstract: In a method for the inactivation of microorganisms in liquid foods, a liquid food is mixed with a pressurized, liquefied gas at a pressure which is sufficient to maintain the liquefied gas in the liquid state. The mixture of food and gas is then depressurized to a pressure at which the liquefied gas is vaporized. According to the invention, before or during the depressurization to the second pressure, the mixture is guided through a pipeline and brought up to a flow speed in the pipeline which is sufficient to form cavitations in the liquid food.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a medical imaging supply transport cart having enhanced safety features and a process implementing the same. The medical imaging supply transport cart includes a support surface configured to support medical imaging supplies, the support surface further configured to support a support mechanism, and the support mechanism further configured to support the medical imaging supplies. The support mechanism further configured to rigidly hold the medical imaging supplies with a first holding mechanism, the medical imaging supplies configured to store at least one dose of a nuclear medicine, a plurality of wheels arranged below the support surface, at least one door configured to enclose the medical imaging supplies, and a handle configured to be grasped by a user to guide the medical imaging supply transport cart.

Abstract: Seal integrity indicators for sterilization containers are provided. For example, a seal indicator may indicate whether the container is sufficiently sealed to prevent an ingress of contaminants into the container. If the container is sufficiently sealed, the seal indicator is visible, but if not, the seal indicator is not visible. Thus, the seal indicator undergoes a change in state when the sterilization container transitions from unsealed to sealed, or vice versa, such that a user may ascertain whether the container is properly sealed to maintain the container's sterility. An exemplary seal indicator includes an invertible projection formed with the container gasket that is not visible from outside the container until inverted, due to force applied by the lid, to extend through an opening in the container body. Closure mechanisms for sterilization containers also are provided.

Abstract: A method of heat-treatment of a product in a sealed container of a packaging material is described. The method includes placing the container in a treatment environment having a pressure (P) and a temperature (T), the pressure and the temperature having a ratio (P/T), and adjusting the temperature and/or pressure in the treatment environment to decrease the ratio over a duration in a time period. The time period starts at a time of cooking onset of the product and extends over a time of cooling onset at which time a temperature decrease is started, the time of cooking onset being preceded by a first time period of temperature ramping during which the temperature is increased. An apparatus for controlling heat-treatment of a product in a sealed container of a packaging material is also described.

Abstract: A yogurt-based food product is packaged in a container, including a bottom wall and a sidewall, by depositing a mix-in in a center of the bottom wall and then driving the mix-in from the center of the bottom wall to the sidewall with a blast of gas. Afterwards, a dairy or plant-based product is deposited in the container. The mix-in is in contact with the bottom wall and the sidewall, and a height of the mix-in is greater at the sidewall than at a center point of the bottom wall.

Abstract: A load-following reactor system and associated facilities for improved control of a reactor under varying loads. The load-following reactor may be a tube-cooled reactor for methanol synthesis. A reactant may be controlled by at least one valve element such that a portion of the reactant is fed to the reactor through the reactor tubes, and a portion of the reactant is fed to the reactor after being heated in a heat exchanger. The heated portion of the reactant may be fed to the reactor after the tubes. The valve element may be controlled based on a temperature of the reactor and/or a flowrate of reactant feed to adapt the temperature of the reactor to the changing reactant flowrate.

Abstract: Examples of a pre-cooked instant food products and a process for preparing such food products are described. The process comprises the steps of i) steaming the food product for pre-determined time; ii) immersing the steamed food product in a high concentration cooled brine solution; iii) removing excess water from the surface of the food product; iv) packing a pre-determined amount of the food product into a container and sealing such container, and v) storing the containers of pre-cooked instant food products at temperatures of 2° C. or lower. The container is made of a material safe for keeping food products and is able to withstand temperatures higher than 90° C. The surface of the food product is coated with the salt from the brine solution to preserve it.

Abstract: Air infusing apparatus for generating air-infused steam. A mixer mixes air from a source of air with steam from a source of steam. An exhaust exhausts the mixed air and steam.

Abstract: A device for sanitizing a unit of an air conditioning system having a source of sanitizing fluid, means for the controlled delivery of a jet of sanitizing fluid, suctioning means to generate suction flow is provided. The device has suction opening shaped to direct the suction flow towards a determined direction with respect to the direction of the jet of sanitizing fluid. The suction opening is smaller than the unit of the air conditioning to be sanitized in order to be alternately moved from a first portion of the unit towards a second portion of the same unit.

Abstract: A pressurized appliance comprising, a tank, suitable for receiving liquid contents, a cover, suitable for sealing the tank in a closed position, said cover comprising a sampling tip, said tip comprising a cannula capable of being in contact with the contents when the cover is in the closed position, the sampling tip comprising at least one sealable orifice making it possible, when the cover is in its closed position and said orifice is a through-orifice, to ensure a pressure equilibrium between the inside of the cannula and the inside of the tank, and when the cover is in its closed position and said orifice is sealed, to sample the contents via the cannula.

Abstract: A ultraviolet sanitation system including a towel assembly, a body configured to be an upward facing hollow-half-sphere and to contain a sanitizing liquid, a plate including two grooves, each of the grooves configured to accept a t-handle and a roller-ball of the towel assembly with the plate affixable to the body, and a plurality of wringing-rollers within the body beneath the plate configured to remove excess moisture from the towel assembly during use. Also include is an arm-assembly affixable to the base configured to restrain the plate, a sanitizing ultraviolet-light-source contained with the body below the plate, a base affixable to a bottom of the body, and a power-source electrically coupled to said ultraviolet-light-source.

Abstract: A method of verifying sterilization comprises performing a sterilization cycle on a sterilizing cabinet, opening the door with the first filter overlying the vent port by a single user being non-sterile and ungowned and examining the first filter, by the single user being non-sterile and ungowned, to verify the integrity of the sterilization cycle in the sterilizing device, determining if the integrity of the first filter is acceptable by the single user being non-sterile and ungowned, and removing, by the single user being sterile and gowned, through the access port at least one tray from the interior of the sterilizing cabinet if the integrity of the first filter is acceptable.

Abstract: A storage apparatus and methods for storing medical devices are provided. A storage apparatus comprises a first container having a first cavity configured to receive a first medical device, such as an endoscope, and a second container having a second cavity configured to receive a supply kit for the first medical device. The second container is positioned proximal to the first container within the storage apparatus.

Abstract: A sterilizing apparatus, in particular for sterilizing post-consumer absorbent sanitary products, comprising: a container rotatable about a horizontal axis and having a hollow wall including an inner wall, an outer wall, and a gap defined between the inner wall and the outer wall, a rotary joint coaxial to said horizontal axis and having a steam inlet chamber and a condensate discharge chamber, wherein the steam inlet chamber and the condensate discharge chamber of said rotary joint are in communication with respective zones of said gap via a steam supply tube and a condensate collection tube.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for processing and recognizing non-contact types of human input to prevent contamination are generally described herein. In example embodiments, human input is captured, recognized, and used to provide active input for control or data entry into a user interface. The human input may be provided in variety of forms detectable by recognition techniques such as speech recognition, gesture recognition, identification recognition, and facial recognition. In one example, the human input recognition techniques are used in connection with a device cleaning workflow used to obtain data and human input during cleaning procedures while minimizing cross-contamination between the contaminated device or person and other objects or persons. In another example, the human input recognition techniques are used in connection with a device tracking workflow used to obtain data and human input while tracking interactions with and locations of the contaminated or uncontaminated device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sterilizing a column assembly including a column having an interior containing a retaining media and a parent radionuclide retained by the retaining media, an inlet port in fluid communication with the interior of the column, and an outlet port in fluid communication with the interior of the column. The method includes sealing at least one of the inlet port and the outlet port to form a sealed column assembly such that fluid communication with the column interior though both the inlet port and the outlet port is prevented, and sterilizing the sealed column assembly to form a terminally-sterilized column assembly.

Abstract: There is provided an endoscope which can perform non-contact electric power supply and non-contact signal transmission and of which assembly, repair, and maintenance can be easily performed. A power receiving unit, an image signal transmission unit, and an endoscope side signal transmission and reception unit are disposed in the space (hollow structure) of a first connector of an endoscope. The first connector of the endoscope includes a first connector case and a second connector case disposed in order from a side of the second connector, and a division line between the first and second connector cases includes an inclined portion that is inclined with respect to an insertion direction of the first and second connectors.

Abstract: In one aspect, a cooking device includes independently controllable cooking zones. In one aspect, a cooking device includes a first cooking zone with heated air configured to move horizontally there through in a first direction and a second cooking zone with heated air configured to move horizontally there through in a second direction different than the first direction. In one aspect, the first and second directions are opposite directions. In one aspect, the heated air flows from one side of the cooking device.

Abstract: A sterilization container for sterilizing at least one surgical instrument. The container includes at least one sensor for measuring an environmental characteristic of the container during the sterilization of the instrument. The measure of the environmental characteristic is supplied to a processor. The processor compares the measurement of the container environment to a validated measurement for the sterilization process. If the measured environmental characteristic is at least equal to the validated sterilization process measurement, the processor presents an indication that the surgical instruments was properly sterilized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooking device, including a housing, a base, an inner, and a lid. The housing is arranged on the base and is provided with a storage chamber, the inner pot is arranged inside the storage chamber, and the lid is arranged on the housing matching with the opening of the storage chamber. The lid comprising at least a sealing unit on an inner surface thereof. The cooking device further includes a control module and an exhaust module, the control module includes a processor; and the exhaust module includes an air-filled element, an air-extraction element, an inlet passage and an exhaust passage, the air-filled element and the air-extraction element are respectively connected with the processor.

Abstract: A sterilization container for sterilizing at least one surgical instrument. The container includes at least one sensor for measuring an environmental characteristic of the container during the sterilization of the instrument. The measure of the environmental characteristic is supplied to a processor. The processor compares the measurement of the container environment to a validated measurement for the sterilization process. If the measured environmental characteristic is at least equal to the validated sterilization process measurement, the processor presents an indication that the surgical instruments was properly sterilized.

Abstract: An elastic cap detachably mountable to a barrel tip portion of a barrel so as to seal a tip of a needle hole includes a cylindrical receiving hole configured to receive at least part of a barrel tip portion and a puncture needle of a barrel. The receiving hole includes a first inner diameter portion having a smaller diameter than an outer diameter of the annular head; a stopper portion provided at an end of the first inner diameter portion; and a second inner diameter portion that is formed from the stopper portion to a bottom wall provided at an end of the second inner diameter portion, the second inner diameter portion having a smaller diameter than the first inner diameter portion.