Abstract: A high pressure water stream (14) is discharged onto a surface to be cleaned. An ozone/water stream (16) is discharged on the same surface for sanitizing the surface. The high pressure water and ozone/water streams (14, 16) are discharged simultaneously along closely adjacent paths that are either parallel (FIG. 3) or concentric (FIG. 2). The water pressure is at least about 100 p.s.i. and is preferably between 100 p.s.i. and 1000 p.s.i. The nozzles that discharge the streams (14, 16) may be movable relative to the object(s) that receives the high pressure water and ozone/water (FIG. 1) Or, they may be fixed and the object may be movable relative to them (FIG. 4).

Abstract: A method for preparing dental instruments for sterilization in which the instruments are put into a relatively large see-through heat sealable plastic bag. The bag is placed over a surface of an impulse heater and an arm is lowered to clamp the bag and apply two heat seals across the bag; one heat seal to enclose the instruments and a second parallel heat seal. A knife carried by the arm is used to cut between the two heat seals. This cutting operation forms a custom sized closed bag containing the instruments to be sterilized that is placed into an autoclave and sterilized. The cutting also forms a second bag, smaller than the original bag that is reserved for use in a subsequent packaging operation.

Abstract: In a process for sterilizing objects, the surfaces of the objects are dampened by condensating a steam compound of water and hydrogen peroxide. The steam compound reaches hereby the objects to be sterilized without any additional transport gas flow. Subsequent drying occurs by means of evacuation at a pressure below the boiling points of water and hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A self-contained, single manual step unit for thermally sterilizing dental and medical instruments is disclosed. The unit, which requires only activation of a single manual switch and which controls an autoclaving cycle by monitoring temperature of matter which changes states between solid and liquid at a predetermined temperature, provides an effective autoclaving instrument. In disclosed embodiments, each unit comprises a protective housing with a pressure containing releasible lid, a heated vessel and a cooling assembly. Thermal regulation and autoclaving timing is determined by mass and thermal characteristics of the matter and by an electrical control circuit comprised primarily of electric heaters and thermally controlled switches. Steam for autoclaving is provided by capsules or other water containers disposed within a well of the vessel at the beginning of an autoclaving cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing a sealable enclosure includes a circuit for flow of a sterilizing gas or gasses. The circuit is connected to the enclosure to be sterilized to form a closed circuit and pumps to circulate gas through the circuit and enclosure. The circuit has parallel branches one of which contains apparatus to deactivate a sterilant to be added to the carrier gas flowing through the circuit and apparatus to dehumidify the gas. The other branch contains apparatus to heat the gas and apparatus to supply a sterilant vapor or vapors to the gas. Control apparatus determines which of the parallel branches the gas flows through. The control apparatus maintains flow through one branch passage until the relative humidity falls below a predetermined level. The flow through that branch is then terminated and flow through the other branch initiated.

Abstract: A method of automatic cleaning of cooking cavities of cooking equipment for food processing includes the introduction of steam at a temperature of at least 100.deg. C. from a supply line and nozzle into a cooking cavity for a time period depending on the degree of disinfection desired. The cooking cavity is rinsed with the steam condensate; and the supply line and nozzle are flushed with demineralized water.

Abstract: A sterilizer including a sterilization chamber for receiving articles to be sterilized and a door supported on a horizontal pivot at an access opening of the sterilizer chamber. The door includes a seal plate and a resilient seal member supported on the seal plate wherein the seal member includes an annular lip extending transversely to the plane of the seal plate. The lip extends into the sterilizer chamber wherein pressure within the chamber exerts a force biasing an opposing surface of the lip into engagement with an inner surface of the chamber. The sterilizer door is movable between a fully closed and a fully open position and includes a mechanism for holding the door in a partially open position. In the partially open position, the lip extends into contact with a surface of the sterilizer chamber to thereby form a bridge between the door and chamber and prevent condensation from dripping down away from the chamber and door.

Abstract: New and in-use fire sprinkler systems can be sterilized by employing antimicrobial gases. The gases include steam, oxygen, and chlorine. Water added to the system after sterilization can be sterilized to prevent the reoccurrence of microbiological contamination.

Abstract: A BIER vessel evaluates biological indicators for sterilization processes. By flowing gaseous sterilant, such as vaporized hydrogen peroxide, through a chamber (12) before, during, and after introducing the indicators, the indicators are instantaneously exposed to preselected steady state conditions, allowing accurate and reproducible evaluation of the indicator response. A door (32) to an opening (30) in the chamber opens for introducing the indicators to the chamber without appreciably disturbing the steady state conditions therein. After a preselected time, the biological indicators are removed and evaluated for remaining biological activity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (1) for treating contaminated materials in which the materials are fed by an input unit (2, 3, 4) to a conveyor system (9) extending through a treatment chamber (6) where they are heated, treated and discharged via a discharge element (12). A liquid reservoir (16) is created in a first treatment area of the treatment chamber (6) by inclining the treatment chamber. The first area is also heated to a temperature below the boiling point of water, and a second area extending from th first treatment area to the top end of the treatment chamber (6) is at least partially heated to a temperature above the boiling point of water. This enables the contaminated material to be treated and compacted in a simpler, more reliable manner and in a (quasi-) continuous flow through several treatment areas.

Abstract: A system for reprocessing flexible endoscopes having lumen therein. The reprocessing system deploys steam to disinfect and/or sterilize the endoscopes, and designs, components, and methods for reducing or balancing the reprocessing cycle time and the effects of thermal expansion and contraction on the endoscopes.

Abstract: A steam sterilization system for sterilizing medical waste comprises a cart for carrying a removable bin for holding medical waste, and a sterilization chamber that receives the bin when it is removed from the cart. The cart has wheels mounted thereon to provide mobility to the cart, and the cart has a rail assembly positioned at each side end portion. The bin for holding medical waste the bin being removably mountable to the cart, and the bin has wheels mounted on each side wall of the bin and spaced such that the wheels engage the rail assemblies of the cart when the bin is being loaded onto the cart and such that the wheels engage the rail assemblies of the cart when the bin is being removed from the cart.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing a pharmaceutical composition containing a suspension of a pharmaceutical comprises rapidly heating the pharmaceutical composition from ambient temperature to an elevated temperature, maintaining it at or above the elevated temperature for a period of time, and rapidly cooling the pharmaceutical composition to ambient temperature.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of using a nonwoven medical wrap, and more specifically, to a method of supplying a medical wrap in a continuous form for a more convenient means of wrapping surgical instruments. In a first embodiment, the medical wrap may be in rolled form comprising one or more plies that may be detached from the roll in user determined lengths.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector assembly (3) for connection to a container (1) for sterilising goods, preferably for pharmaceutical applications, and a releasable connector port (5) for releasably connecting said connector assembly (3) to a treatment station (1) for the goods that is contained in said container (1). Said connector assembly (3) further includes a second port that initially is provided with a detachable rapid transfer port cap (4), which cap (4) corresponds to a rapid transfer port means (15) that is provided at a goods transfer station (12). The connector port (5) and the rapid transfer port cap (4) are in fluid connection via a good stopper means (7). The invention also relates to a multi-treatment sterilising system and to a method for transferring sterilised goods from a multi-purpose container using a system according to the invention.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments may include a sanitizing system and method including a chamber, a wet and dry heating system adjacent to the chamber, and a filtered air system to reduce the contaminants entering the system and to provide positive pressure to the chamber to reduce the likelihood of contaminants entering the system.

Abstract: An uncoated paperboard for packages composed of one or more layers with a top layer of bleached kraft pulp having a gloss value of 15-50% measured according to Tappi T480, a minimal gloss variation (a coefficient of variation in the wavelength regions 3-30 mm of less than 5%), and a surface roughness (PPS-10) of 2-5 mm measured according to ISO 8791-4, wherein the paperboard has a density in the range of 700 to 850 kg/m3 and is hydrophobic from a sizing agent treatment of each layer, is described. A package comprising the paperboard is suitable for co-sterilization of the package and its contents.

Abstract: A self-cleaning system for delivering sanitized water to a workstation has a boiler which produces heat-sanitized water and steam. A diverter valve permits a fluid delivery line of the system to convey either sanitized water or steam to a workstation. The steam serves to sanitize the delivery line and workstation and removes biofilms therefrom.

Abstract: A process for operating a packaging transport system in which objects packed in packaging which is bacteria-impermeable but gas-permeable are sterilized, whereafter the packaging, possibly after removal of some packaging parts, is sterilized again on its outer side in a sterilization chamber which acts as a transfer lock, and then guided into a sterile clean room. The objects involved may, in particular, be syringes having injecting needles, which are filled and sealed in a filling device located in the clean room. Sterilization in the sterilization chamber is accomplished by abruptly applying a vapor mix consisting of water steam and hydrogen peroxide vapor as a condensate layer on the outer side of the transport containers, and immediately removing the condensate layer and the uncondensed vapor mix from the sterilization chamber before any significant amount of hydrogen peroxide is deposited inside the transport containers.

Abstract: A heat sterilization process for small, washed, and bagged articles such as vial stoppers includes a conditioning or air removal phase prior to sterilization. During the air removal phase, a substantial majority of the liquid moisture is removed from the bagged articles by introducing brief periods of dry, warm air to the autoclave chamber. The air is introduced in short bursts at the point of greatest vacuum while pressure pulsing the chamber during the air removal phase. The air is heated and injected into the chamber through a supply valve which is rapidly opened and closed while the chamber is maintained within a preselected vacuum range between the pressure pulses. The result is a greatly reduced time for a complete sterilization and drying process.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing and drying a dialyzer or other device, wherein a vacuum drying phase is interrupted by interspersed pulses of air or other gas. The pulses lessen the evaporative cooling effect, to thereby reduce differential shrinkage that can structurally damage the dialyzer.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sterilization of laboratory equipment, which are particularly suited for sterilization of internal passages of a centrifuge centrate gate assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for significantly reducing the biological load on consumer products such as food products, spices, produce, botanicals, cosmetic ingredients, barrels, pallets, crates, birdseed and medical products is disclosed. The method involves applying a continuous stream of saturated steam to a material in a sealed biological burden reduction chamber. The continuous stream of saturated steam is created in said chamber by correlating a desired temperature to pressure based on the use of Saturated Steam Tables. The apparatus includes: (a) a bioburden reduction chamber; (b) a temperature controller; (c) an air injection system; (d) a steam injection system; and (e) an evacuation system.

Abstract: Water treatment systems or assemblies are normally tested after construction, at least for leaks, prior to shipping or storage. Pressure testing with a gas is hazardous, so testing with water is a standard method. After testing, the water is displaced from the system by draining or gas phase flushing. It is nearly impossible to remove all of the water from the system or assembly. This remaining water provides an environment for biological growth which contaminates the system or assembly over time. The purpose of this invention is to eliminate or minimize this biological contamination by adding a biocidal agent to the system or assembly before sealing it for shipment or storage.

Abstract: Sterilization apparatus, for medical instruments and similar objects, which is easy to handle and/or remove and which is mainly formed by a casing (1) provided with a sterilization boiler (11) and means for performing the sterilization process. The sterilization apparatus comprises a double-walled boiler (11) whereby fluid (13), such as demineralized water, which is present between the inner wall (3) and the outer wall (12), is heated by heating elements (17, 18) so as to achieve a sable temperature of the boiler wall as well as to generate steam (16). The apparatus further comprises a water reservoir (19), pump (21) and valve (22) for supplying water to the boiler and means (23, 24) for controlling the level of water, a valve (25) through which generated steam (16) can be injected into the sterilization chamber, a water-ejector (31) for drawing a vacuum in the chamber, and an aeration valve (29) for releasing the vacuum.

Abstract: Methods and devices for determining the efficacy of a cleaning, disinfecting, or sterilizing process intended to remove biofilms are provided. The devices involve a biofilm sample, a biofilm indicator, and a simulated endoscope.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for significantly reducing the biological load on consumer products such as food products, botanicals, cosmetic ingredients and medical products is disclosed. The method involves applying a continuous stream of oxygen-containing, i.e., Ox, gas to a material in a sealed biological burden reduction chamber. The continuous stream of Ox gas is prepared in an Ox generation cell, which contains a means for generating the Ox gas at a pressure less than 20 lbs/in2 using, for example, one or more of the following: corona discharge, high frequency electrical discharge, ultraviolet light, x-ray, radioactive isotope and electric beam.

Abstract: Diffuse lamellar keratitis or DLK is a recently recognised post-surgical condition involving an inflammation that occurs in laser corneal surgery patients. This condition is typically associated with the LASIK surgical procedure (Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis). The cause is presently unknown. the present invention provides a sterilization apparatus, which may be a retrofitting of the existing sterilizer, which reduces the occurrence of DLK and also methods for maintaining the sterilizer to reduce the occurrence of DLK.

Abstract: Apparatus and systems serve to collapse steam in effluent released from steam sterilizers and sterilizer systems. These systems include tanks or containers configured for receiving and holding fluids, for example, water, and include a fluid outlet and a port that receives the released effluent. A conduit extending into the tank from the effluent receiving port provides a path for the steam to the fluid in the tank, to collapse the steam.

Abstract: An article 100 and realted methods for reducing a microbial population on an article 168, wherein apparatus 100 includes a chamber in an article-holding basket 164 retains article 168 in an up-right position within the cahbmer an enclosing article 168. A heating system 172 introduces dry heat, moist heat, and, if desired, a combination of moist heat and dry heat into the chamber. A fluid supply system delivers a predetermine amount of fluid to a heating reservoir 174, which is disposed above heating system 172 to provide the moist heat.

Abstract: A sterilizable container (20) is described which includes a flexible bag (23), the flexible bag (23) having a hole in a flat portion thereof and a hollow connector port (22) fixed thereto, the connector port (22) including a collar portion (22A) and a flange portion (24) defining an internal bore (26) of the connector port (22), the inside surface of the flexible bag (23) being sealed to an outside surface of the flange portion (24) and the collar portion (22A) extending through the hole in the flexible bag (23). Also disclosed is an adapter (10) having an internal bore (12), the connector port (22) and the adapter (10) being sealably connectable by a clamping and sealing device (11, 13) so that the internal bores (12, 16) of the connector port (22) and the adapter (10) are in open communication. Preferably, the adapter (10) has a removable door (16) sealed to the end of the adapter (10) remote from the sealable connection to the connector port (22).

Abstract: A biosolids treatment system comprising a storage tank for containing a quantity of biosolids sludge, a system of disinfection piping within the storage tank comprised of a segment of inner biosolids piping having a plurality of holes spirally arranged at a desired spacing around its perimeter concentrically arranged with a segment of outer steam piping, delivery pumps for delivering a quantity of biosolids to the storage tank, biosolids pumps for delivering a flow of biosolids from the storage tank to the inner biosolids piping; and steam pumps for delivering a flow of steam to the outer steam piping and thereby injecting a flow of steam from the outer steam piping into the inner biosolids piping for thermally disinfecting the flow of biosolids in the inner biosolids piping. The system includes computerized controls for continuously and simultaneously monitoring and operating the biosolids and steam pump means.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus in form of a disinfecting apparatus comprising a steam device for combatting germs on the surface of products, in particular of food products. The apparatus employs a combination of steam and ultrasound to kill germs on the surface of a product which is conveyed past the steam device. Pressurized steam is fed through a steam passage to an opening conveying the steam to a cavity, in which the steam is made to oscillate at a ultrasonic frequency. The oscillations in the steam prevent the steam from heating the products excessively, while germs presents on the surface of the products are heated and killed.

Abstract: A steam sterilization storing device comprises a cooling holding unit for holding and cooling sterilized equipment which has been sterilized by hot steam such as endoscopes, and at least one of a drying holding unit for holding and drying the sterilized equipment and a storage unit for holding and storing the sterilized equipment.

Abstract: An autoclave 41 comprises a chamber 42 in which medical equipment, for example, an endoscope is stored, a steam feeder 43, a vacuum pump 44, and a control unit 45. The steam feeder 43 feeds steam to the chamber 42. The vacuum pump 44 depressurizes the inside of the chamber 42. The control unit 45 controls the steam feeder 43 and vacuum pump 44. The autoclave 41 executes a first depressurization process that includes a step of depressurizing the chamber 42, an autoclaving process which succeeds the first depressurization process and in which the chamber 42 is pressurized, and a second depressurization process that succeeds the autoclaving process and includes a step of depressurizing the chamber 42. The autoclave 41 thus autoclaves the medical equipment stored in the chamber. Even when the medical equipment is autoclaved, deterioration of the internal parts of the medical equipment deriving from humidity can be prevented.

Abstract: A system for reprocessing flexible endoscopes having lumen therein. The reprocessing system deploys steam to disinfect and/or sterilize the endoscopes, and designs, components, and methods for reducing or balancing the reprocessing cycle time and the effects of thermal expansion and contraction on the endoscopes.

Abstract: The present invention is formed of a transfer bag that is capable of being sterilized by steam or gas and then sealed to form an integral sterile device. It is preferably attached to a closed collar designed to fit onto a transfer port. The bag is formed of two sections, a first steam penetrable, porous section and a second non-porous section. The items are loaded into the bag through an opening; it is sealed and exposed to a steam or sterilizing gas environment. Steam or gas enters the first section of the bag and moves throughout the interior of the bag sterilizing the bag and its contents. After sterilization, the bag is removed and the contents are moved so as to all be within the second section of the bag. The bag is then sealed adjacent to the interface between the first and second sections to ensure the sterility of the bag and its contents.

Abstract: This invention relates to table top steam sterilizers, wherein a novel method of heat conservation within the sterilizer, using fixed vacuum chamber walls, is described. As well, the temperature of the sterilizer is more accurately regulated and stabilized by power application to a single heating coil with the use of a proportional controller, and by use of temperature, pressure and humidity sensors. The method also relates to a post-sterilization moisture evacuation process using a venturi. When this method is employed, the time required for the sterilization process is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sterilizer for medical appliances. More specifically, the present invention relates to a sterilizer for medical appliances to reduce noise and perform sterilization in a short time. A sterilizer for medical appliances, comprising a water reservoir which stores distilled water for sterilization; a chamber for heating the distilled water fed from said water reservoir for sterilization of medical appliances to produce vapor; a cooler for reducing the high temperature of the vapor produced in said chamber, and a vacuum pump for reducing pressure and moisture in said chamber, wherein the sterilizer comprises a vapor-liquid separator for separating liquid from wet vapor produced in said chamber; and muffler for reducing noises generated at the discharge side of said vacuum pump.

Abstract: A connector for joining two parts of a medical product, where the parts are sterilized by different forms of sterilization, is disclosed. The connector includes a generally tubular body having a first end adapted for connection to a part of the medical product, another closed, but openable end, and an expansion chamber of one-piece integral construction with the tubular body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a product having a low content of microorganisms by using steam. A method according to the invention can be used to pasteurize or sterilize a product, while retaining the activity of one or more active substances that may be present in the product, and relates to a method wherein a product is dried with air. Furthermore, the invention relates to a product obtainable according to a method according to the invention.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of regulating a steam injector. The injector is of the type which has an inlet for steam and an inlet for the product which is to be heat-treated, as well as an outlet for the ready-treated product. The injector further has a centrally placed regulator spindle around which are disposed concentric gaps for product and steam, respectively. The aperture in the gaps may be regulated in that the regulator spindle is protracted or retracted reciprocally. The regulator spindle is regulated by means of a switching device which is controlled via a regulator. The regulator registers the values from a pressure indicator in the product inlet and a pressure indicator in the product outlet.

Abstract: Nanobacteria contribute to pathological calcification in the human and animal body, including diseases such as kidney stones, salivary gland stones, dental pulp stones and atherosclerosis. The present invention provides methods for sterilizing articles contaminated with nanobacteria. The present invention also provides methods of treating patients infected with nanobacteria. In particular, the present invention provides a method for preventing the recurrence of kidney stones in a patient that has suffered from kidney stones, comprising administration of an antibiotic, a bisphosphonate, or a calcium chelator, either alone or in combination, in an amount effective to inhibit or prevent the growth and development of nanobacteria.

Abstract: An oral hygiene device sanitizer having a flue with a heating region distal to a sterilization region, wherein an oral hygiene device chamber is located in a sterilization region. A controllable heater fixed in a flue heats up air to no more than 220 degree Fahrenheit which flows across an oral hygiene device (such as a toothbrush, gum stimulator or tongue scraper) for at least forty-five minutes. In another embodiment, a water chamber is positioned adjacent to a controllable heater to generate steam to be mixed with heated air and further enhance the sanitization of an oral hygiene device.

Abstract: An assembly and a method for providing a sterile connection between a vessel and a bag. The assembly includes a previously sterilized bag connected to tubing which is clamped closed. The tubing is connected to the vessel. The vessel and the tubing distally of the clamp are sterilized together. The clamp is then opened to allow material to pass from the vessel to the bag in a sterile environment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of microbial reduction and/or sterilization of impression materials, specifically elastomeric impression materials, by means of steam sterilization.

Abstract: A method for continuous heat sterilization of liquid includes a continuous pre-heating step of preheating the liquid, a final heating step of heating the preheated liquid to reach a predetermined sterilizing temperature, a holding step of holding the liquid which has reached the predetermined sterilizing temperature for a predetermined period of time, and a cooling step of cooling the held liquid. The final heating step comprises the following steps (a) and (b): (a) a step of continuously pressurizing the liquid by a high pressure pump; and (b) a step of releasing the liquid continuously to a normal pressure within a time period of less than 10 seconds after the pressurizing step to thereby make the liquid reach the predetermined sterilizing temperature. An apparatus for automatically carrying out the method is provided. According to the continuous heat sterilization method and apparatus, scorch during the final heating step is dispensed with and accordingly, a long period of continuous operation is feasible.

Abstract: A self-contained, single manual step unit for thermally sterilizing dental and medical instruments is disclosed. The unit, which requires only activation of a single manual switch and which controls an autoclaving cycle by monitoring temperature of matter which changes states between solid and liquid at a predetermined temperature, provides an effective autoclaving instrument. In disclosed embodiments, each unit comprises a protective housing with a pressure containing releasible lid, a heated vessel and a cooling assembly. Thermal regulation and autoclaving timing is determined by mass and thermal characteristics of the matter and by an electrical control circuit comprised primarily of electric heaters and thermally controlled switches. Steam for autoclaving is provided by capsules or other water containers disposed within a well of the vessel at the beginning of an autoclaving cycle.

Abstract: In a sterilizing apparatus, a first electrode is provided in a chamber, and a target to be sterilized is supported by the first electrode. The first AC power supply is connected to the first electrode to supply AC power to the first electrode such that a plasma is generated around the first electrode. The DC pulse power supply is connected to the first electrode to supply DC pulse power to the first electrode such that ions or electrons are accelerated toward the target.

Abstract: A sterilant challenge device (1), for use in testing the efficiency of the air removal stage of a sterilization cycle in a sterilizer, includes a tube (2) of thermally-insulating material, the bore of which is closed at one end (3) and open at the other for the entry of sterilant. A plurality of thermally-conductive masses (4) is located around the tube (2) and thermally-separated from one another by air gaps (14), and a temperature sensor is located in an opening (16) in one of the masses adjacent the closed end of the tube. An outer casing (5) defines an air space around the thermally-conductive masses and thermally insulates the masses from the heat in the sterilizer.