Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making a bandage from a fabric such as a knitted fabric, for example. The fabric is steamed, sprayed with a solution containing an antibacterial/antimicrobial agent in a spraying chamber 28 and then dried in a drying chamber 40.

Abstract: A process of purifying air includes selecting a room vapor generator having a housing having a floor mounted therein for generating a stream of air therethrough and having at least one possibly charged probe positioned in the air stream for generating positive ions in the air stream and at least one negatively charged probe positioned in the air stream for generating negative ions in the air stream. The negatively charged probe is spaced from the positively charged probe in the air stream. A liquid storage container is located in the housing and has means for dispersing liquid in the container into the stream of air adding a liquid mixture containing nitrogen, free citrus extract and colloidal silver into the liquid storage container and vaporizing the liquid mixture in the air stream for dispersing the liquid mixture into the surrounding air along with positive and negative ions.

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 sterilization system for use in association with a filler device configured for filling at least one of rigid and flexible containers comprising a sterilization chamber and a sterilant supply assembly. The sterilization chamber includes a housing, an inlet into the housing, an outlet from the housing and a product retainer assembly. These components define a cavity within which to position a portion of a fitment. The sterilant supply assembly comprises a steam generating system having a steam supply conduit extending therefrom and a joint mixing conduit coupled with the inlet into the housing of the sterilization chamber, a hydrogen peroxide storing system and a member for metering liquid phase hydrogen peroxide from the hydrogen peroxide storing system into the steam supply conduit for mixing therewith, and, in turn, introduction thereof into the cavity of the sterilization chamber.

Abstract: Described is a sterilization chamber for sterilizing objects for application in a process in which a vapour composite, composed of water vapour and hydrogen peroxide vapour, is guided without a carrier gas flow into the sterilization chamber in which a vacuum prevails, whereby the vapour composite settles on the surfaces of the objects to be sterilized and on the surfaces of the sterilization chamber in the form of a condensation layer, which is suctioned off by means of further evacuation of the sterilization chamber after a certain reaction time. In accordance with the present invention, the surfaces of the sterilization chamber consist of poor heat-conducting, water-repellent material.

Abstract: This invention is a modular, adjustable, easy to maintain, portable or fixed food sanitation tunnel, comprising an enclosing means for subjecting food to sanitizers including UV light, ozone, hydroperoxides, superoxides and hydroxyl radicals, and a method for using the system. The enclosing means includes one or more UV radiation sources and one or more target rods located within a tunnel, such as a c-shaped shell. The UV radiation sources are preferably UV light sources that emit UV light of approximately 185 to 254 nm. The target rods are approximately up to 0–30% titanium dioxide, up to 0–30% silver and up to 0–30% copper, by weight. The system may include a mister for the efficient production of hydroxyl radicals by the UV light sources. Parts of the system are easily removable for cleaning and for maintenance. Also, in an alternative embodiment, the tunnel is located on a frame, and the frame is on wheels.

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: 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: 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 and packaging system receive products and/or objects in a packaging storage volume, the packaging storage volume contains a first agent including oxygen that is energizably convertible by an ultraviolet radiation energy source to a sanitizing agent including ozone in the packaging storage volume, the sanitizing agent including ozone being transferable to the products and/or objects to provide at least one of a sanitizing, disinfecting, and sterilizing, application to the products and/or objects. The system also includes at least one of an incline, a ridged surface, ridged strip, a baffle structure, and other structure for providing rotational motion to the products and/or objects being stored in the packaging storage volume for exposing surfaces of the products and/or objects to the sanitizing agent comprising ozone and to the ultraviolet radiation energy. Additionally, a packaging storage control system is provided with timed intervals for exposure to sanitizing applications.

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 chemical vapor sterilization process is enhanced by controlling the temperature of a diffusion path between a vaporizer and a sterilization chamber so as to condense and then re-vaporize at least a portion of the vapor.

Abstract: For pre-sterilizing a tubular bag packing machine to be operated under sterile conditions after the pre-sterilization phase, following the steam sterilization of the device metering the loading material and forming part of the machine, and of the forming pipe simultaneously serving as a filling pipe, the subsequent supply of sterile air to the meter, to the forming pipe and to the sterile chamber will be maintained. The longitudinally sealed tube of packing material formed on the forming pipe from the web of packing material is kept open underneath the opening of the sterile chamber in order to allow both the sterile air and the mixture of steam and sterilization agent conducted after pre-sterilization of the metering device into the sterile chamber to be discharged through the forming pipe and the tube of packing material open at the bottom.

Abstract: Described is a process for sterilizing objects in a sterilization chamber in which a vacuum prevails, in which sterilization chamber a vapour mix consisting of water steam and hydrogen peroxide steam is fed without the use of carrier gas. The vapour mix is deposited in the form of a condensate layer abruptly on the surfaces of the objects to be sterilized and on the surfaces of the sterilization chamber. The condenste layer is subsequently sucked out by means of further evacuation of the sterilization chamber. In accordance with the present invention, the surfaces of the objects to be sterilized and/or the surfaces of the sterilization chamber are pre-heated to a pre-determined temperature.

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: 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: An apparatus and methods for treating dentures at elevated pressured to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment employs a sealed pressure containment vessel. Denture cleaning, disinfecting, deorderizing, brightening, bleaching can be performed using this apparatus and method and the effectiveness of conventional active agents in removing plaque or the biolayer on the surface of the denture can be improved. Active agents can be forced into pores, fissures and microscopic openings in dentures to remove pathogens or contaminants that cannot be reached by conventional processes. The effectiveness of conventional effervescent denture treatment tablets can also be increased.

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: The present invention relates to a process for sterilization of medical instruments by concentrating a sterilant such as hydrogen peroxide inside of a sterilization chamber and sterilizing articles therewith. The sterilant is concentrated by removing more water from the sterilization chamber than peroxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for sterilization of medical instruments by concentrating a sterilant such as hydrogen peroxide inside of a sterilizer and sterilizing articles therewith. This concentrating process is monitored by determining the concentrations of water and peroxide in the chamber.

Abstract: In producing aqueous microbiocidal solutions by oxidation of a water-soluble alkali metal bromide, an intolerable loss of active halogen species has been found to occur during a 10-day period immediately after the product solution has been formed. Surprisingly, this loss has been found to result from an alcohol impurity in the alkali metal bromide used in the process. By eliminating or at least sharply reducing the amount of alcohol impurity in the reaction mixture, products are formed which do not undergo the intolerable loss of active halogen content during the 10-day period.

Abstract: Balloons and balloon catheters with a superior overall combination of distensibility, elastic stress response and strength. The improved properties of the balloons result from the method or process used to form the balloons, as well as the polymeric materials used in said balloon forming process. Additionally, the enhanced combination of properties of the balloons will not be adversely affected by the novel sterilization process contemplated by this invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for carrying out the process, which enables the disinfection of flat and enclosing surfaces using steam. In order to achieve this, a disinfection head 1, which exhibits a nozzle assembly 3 and a suction bell 6, is connected to a holder 2 such that it can move. The holder has an inlet hose 13 to enable the steam to be introduced into the disinfection head and an outlet suction hose 7. The inlet hose is connected to an initial evaporator cell 9 and the outlet suction hose is connected to a collection container 8. The initial evaporator cell, the collection is container, the suction pumps and the necessary valves and heating elements are joined together in a mobile unit 23.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sterilizing fog, characterized by droplet size range, vapor density range, sterilant concentration range and sterilant concentration within the droplets. Specifically, there is disclosed a fog achieved by an apparatus combining pressure, temperature and acoustics to form a super-charged ozoneated water and an apparatus that creates small micro droplets which form a highly concentrated sterilizing fog. Specific sterilants used are ozone, chlorine and chlorous acid generating compositions such as sodium hypochlorite, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a paper product for use in sterilizing an area. The paper product contains at least one paper sheet or pellet containing one or more dry chemical materials, one or more dry deliquescent materials, or mixtures thereof. The dry chemical materials are either inactive antimicrobial or biocidal chemical materials or are capable of reacting with another chemical material to produce one or more active antimicrobial or biocidal chemical materials. When the paper product is placed in an atmosphere containing water vapor, the deliquescent material(s) attracts water and dissolves, thereby either hydrating and rendering active the inactive antimicrobial or biocidal chemical material(s), or providing a medium in which the chemical materials will react to produce one or more active antimicrobial or biocidal chemical materials.

Abstract: A method by which medical equipment, such as surgical scalpels, can be sanitized using a detergent or treating composition containing a surfactant and a solvent such as water is disclosed. The method involves taking the used medical equipment and contacting it with the treating composition, and subjecting both the equipment and composition to microwaves. The composition foams during microwaving and/or immerses the equipment such that microwave arcing is avoided, and such that the medical equipment is sanitized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a volatile, residue free peroxide antimicrobial composition, which can be applied as a penetrating and durable, fine aerosol, that has superior strength with respect to decontaminating buildings infected with bacteria, fungi, virus or fungal or bacterial spores. The present invention is also directed to a process for decontaminating large man made structures and the air contained in these.

Abstract: A sterilization system for use with a form, fill, seal machine to sterilize the web material being processed by the machine. The web passes seriatim through an ionized air wash, a chemical pre-wash, a sterilant bath, squeeze rollers, hot air knives and a UV radiation source. The synergism of the respective in-line treatments facilitates efficient sterilization at high web feed rates.

Abstract: A pump is supported on a housing and has an inlet port coupled to a lubricant supply and an outlet port coupled to a tube outlet opening for delivering a predetermined amount of the lubricant during an activated cycle of the pump. An actuator, when triggered, operates in an actuated state for a predetermined duration during which time the pump is activated for one cycle and delivers a predetermined amount of the lubricant to the tube outlet opening. A switch is independently selectable for triggering the actuator to activate only the active cycle of the pump. The actuator may be a spring-biased solenoid or a timer circuit with a relay. The pump may be a piston-diaphragm type or any one of various motor driven types. The pump is activated for about 1 second, without also activating a cleaning cycle or a purging cycle and delivers ⅛ to ½ cc of a lubricant comprising about 90% by volume of a pharmaceutical grade mineral oil and about 10% by volume of NNL-690.

Abstract: A method by which dental equipment, such as dental scalers, can be sanitized using a detergent or treating composition containing a surfactant and a solvent such as water is disclosed. The method involves taking the used dental equipment and contacting it with the treating composition, and subjecting both the equipment and composition to microwaves. The composition foams during microwaving and/or immerses the equipment such that microwave arcing is avoided, and such that the dental equipment is sanitized.

Abstract: A gas containing structure includes a film (100), that can be formed into a foldable sheet (802), bag (1200), or liner (1404, 1408, 1504, 1508) for a rigid container such as a box, can, or bottle. The film (100) includes at least one gas containing storage volume, i.e., at least one store (106), that is at least partially contained by the film (100). The at least one store (106) contains a gas including oxygen that is energizably convertible, such as by an ultraviolet radiation energy source (1002, 1004), to sanitizing agent including ozone gas in the at least one store (106). The sanitizing agent can provide at least one of a sanitizing, disinfecting, and sterilizing, application to an object or product (402). The film (100) can be applied by wiping, wrapping, and packaging the object or product (402). The film (100) can be re-used for a subsequent sanitizing application.

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 sterilization apparatus designed to receive an article requiring sterilization in which the apparatus comprises an aerosol generator operatively coupled to a sterilization chamber. The aerosol generator includes an ultrasonic transducer which is electrically coupled to an ultrasound generator. The sterilization apparatus also includes a tube which passes vertically through an apex of a partition ceiling formed in a nebulization chamber of the aerosol generator. The sterilization chamber includes a sterilization container which houses the article to be sterilized. The container includes an aerosol inlet and an aerosol outlet in communication with an expansion cavity and nebulization cavity of the nebulization chamber via an aerosol inlet conduit and an aerosol outlet conduit respectively. The sterilizing agent is nebulized via the transducer and recirculated through the sterilization chamber.

Abstract: A safety sensor mechanism (10) for a rotary sterilizer (16) including a slider plate (40) positioned in the revolving path of cans (11) and movable away from a discharge opening (28) of the sterilizer. The safety mechanism includes slider bars (44) and tubular housings (48) with coil springs (50) for creating a spring-loaded slider plate that yields if engaged by a misaligned can that does not proper eject from the sterilizer.

Abstract: A plused radiation produced by an intense optical source is applied to the inner surface of a wooden container having a surface layer of organic and/or mineral deposit. Each pulse is of sufficiently short duration having sufficiently high treating energy density per unit area to bring about sublimation of the surface layer. The resulting exposed container surface is sanitized by the heat released by the radiation.

Abstract: A gaseous blend of Ox and a method for significantly reducing the biological load on consumer products such as food products, botanicals and cosmetic ingredients is disclosed. The gaseous blend of Ox consists at least in part of O3. The method involves applying a continuous stream of oxygen-containing, i. e., Ox, gas to a material at a predetermined temperature, pressure and relative humidity. 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: A method for sterilizing a device, includes the following steps: contacting the device with liquid sterilant outside or inside a sterilization chamber at a first pressure, placing the device in the chamber before or after the contacting step, and decreasing the pressure of the chamber to a second pressure below the vapor pressure of the liquid sterilant. At least the decrease in pressure below about the vapor pressure of the liquid sterilant occurs at a pumpdown rate of less than 0.8 liters per second, calculated based on the time required to evacuate the chamber from atmospheric pressure to 20 torr when the chamber is empty and dry.

Abstract: This invention relates to the synergistic wood preservative composition comprising of a quaternary ammonium compound and N-substituted isothiasolones having the properties of providing effective and broader control of microorganisms that produce stain, can cause the deterioration of wood, or may develop resistance to some of the active components.

Abstract: A steam sterilizable unit for inactivating pathogens in a body fluid is provided including a plastic structure for housing a therapeutically effective amount of a methylene blue solution. The plastic structure preferably includes at least an inner layer constructed from a non-PVC plastic. Preferably, the methylene blue solution has a pH of less than 7.0 and preferably less than or equal to approximately 6.3.

Abstract: A low odor, aqueous, quick acting cold temperature disinfectant solution primarily useful for medical instruments to disinfect within a half hour or less. The composition comprises a reacting or synergistic combination of hydrogen peroxide and from about 1% to 30% by weight of a carboxylic acid/carboxylate salt buffered solution.

Abstract: A mixture of a methylene chloride solution as a halogen-containing solvent with water is put in a treatment tank to generate vapors. The generated methylene chloride vapor, water vapor, and occasionally surfactant vapor penetrate into a waste synthetic resin film (W). When the interior of the treatment tank (T) is evacuated, chloride ions (Cl-)and methylene free radicals (--CH.sub.2 --) generated from the vapors exhibit an oxidative effect for a longer time more strongly than usual. This breaks a long-chain hydrocarbon molecule constituting the synthetic resin or the like to carbohydrates, alcohols, and water, so that the waste is dissolved or decomposed. Further, harmful components of PCB and fat or oil components of animals, fish and the like are decomposed.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing process fermentation vessels with a concentrated alcohol and water mixture integrated in a fuel alcohol or other alcohol production facility. Hot, concentrated alcohol is drawn from a distillation or other purification stage and sprayed into the empty fermentation vessels. This sterilizing alcohol/water mixture should be of a sufficient concentration, preferably higher than 12% alcohol by volume, to be toxic to undesirable microorganisms. Following sterilization, this sterilizing alcohol/water mixture can be recovered back into the same distillation or other purification stage from which it was withdrawn. The process of this invention has its best application in, but is not limited to, batch fermentation processes, wherein the fermentation vessels must be emptied, cleaned, and sterilized following completion of each batch fermentation process.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing a device, includes the following steps: contacting the device with liquid sterilant outside or inside a sterilization chamber at a first pressure, placing the device in the chamber before or after the contacting step, and decreasing the pressure of the chamber to a second pressure below the vapor pressure of the liquid sterilant. At least the decrease in pressure below about the vapor pressure of the liquid sterilant occurs at a pumpdown rate of less than 0.8 liters per second, calculated based on the time required to evacuate the chamber from atmospheric pressure to 20 torr when the chamber is empty and dry.

Abstract: A process for disinfecting or sterilizing an article comprising spraying on at least one surface of the article an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution including an organic phosphonic acid in an amount effective to stabilize said hydrogen peroxide solution, said solution being free of other stabilizing agents.An aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution of high purity comprising (i) an organic phosphonic acid in an amount effective to stabilize the hydrogen peroxide solution, the solution being free of other stabilizing agents, and (ii) a dry residue of less than 120 mg/kg, the solution having a conductivity less than 120 .mu.S/cm.

Abstract: A method sterilizes a device having a diffusion restricted area and a non-diffusion restricted area. The method includes the steps of contacting the device with liquid sterilant outside or inside a sterilization chamber fluidly connected to at least one pump, placing the device in the chamber (before or after the contacting step), bringing the pressure of the chamber to a first pressure range at which liquid sterilant is vaporized from the non-diffusion restricted area to sterilize the non-diffusion restricted area, and bringing the pressure of the chamber to a second pressure range at which the liquid sterilant is vaporized from the diffusion restricted area to sterilize the diffusion restricted area. The minimum pressure in the second pressure range is lower than the maximum pressure in the first pressure range.

Abstract: A vessel (14) receives biological fluid wastes. After the biological fluids wastes are drained (24) from the vessel, the vessel is sprayed (36) with a cleaning and decontaminating solution. The solution is formed by mixing water with powdered reagents including (a) a highly soluble hypochlorite, preferably lithium hypochlorite, (b) a chelator including citrate and gluconate salts and EDTA, (c) a buffer for buffering the pH to a range of 7.0 to 13.0, (d) a stabilizer for stabilizing the hypochlorite, (e) a corrosion inhibitor, preferably an organic corrosion inhibitor such as a triazole and an inorganic inhibitor such as a molybdate, and (f) a surfactant, preferably present in a concentration of 0.2 to 5%. After the interior of the vessel has been decontaminated and the drain has been closed, the solution continues to be introduced into the vessel, such that a charge of the solution is present in the vessel to decontaminate next received biological waste fluids.

Abstract: A method for cleaning medical instruments including dental instruments having internal channels and internal moving parts comprises cleaning the external surface and internal channels and parts by a jet of cold water followed by a jet of preheated water, then intensely after-cleaning and disinfecting followed by lubricating the moving parts, then sterilizing and drying and cooling.

Abstract: A mobile self-contained apparatus and process for grinding, grating, macerating, chemically disinfecting, and drying infectious waste material on-site. A trailer contains a hopper and a system of grinder/graters, enclosed conveyors, drying and filter apparatus, and sources of power, chemical disinfectant, and fresh water. Bagged infectious waste material in a cart is lifted and dumped into a hopper, fed to a first grinder/grater, ground and grated into particles, immersed in a sodium hypochlorite (hypochlorous acid) chemical disinfectant solution, and conveyed by an enclosed upwardly inclined screw conveyor to a second grinder/grater.

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: The invention provides a rotary processor, which uses magnetic fields to increase the heating or cooling of containers. The invention provides the magnetic fields along the sides of the rotary processor before or after the containers are rotated under the force of friction due to gravity. The magnetic field increase the number of transition phases of rotation, by creating a force of friction caused by the magnets which will rotate the containers and then removing the magnetic fields so that the containers stop rotating.