Abstract: A container with automatic cartridge activator allows automatic activation of the ethylene oxide cartridges and ampoules used in the oxide sterilization peculiar to the gas diffusion system without external human control and intervention and removal of the residual ethylene oxide from the sterilized materials at the end of the sterilization process. The container ensures safe use of the ethylene oxide without posing any danger against human health. The container also eliminates the requirement for use of sterilization bags known as Liner Bag or simply bag, traditionally used in the ethylene oxide sterilization based on gas diffusion system, also allowing instant monitoring of the sterilization conditions inside the container, the sterilization cell, from outside of the system.

Abstract: A system for disinfecting a room includes an enclosure having first and second air inlets and an air intake control assembly to selectably control air flow into the enclosure through the first and second air inlets. Air that flows between the exterior and interior of the enclosure through the second air inlet passes through a filter assembly. The enclosure also includes an air dispersion outlet having a fan that draws air into the enclosure through the first and second air inlets and forces air out of the enclosure. A chemical dispersion assembly generates a disinfecting fog relative to the fan. A system controller controls the air intake control assembly to disperse the disinfecting fog into the room, and subsequently draw the disinfecting fog from the room and through the filter assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a steam sterilizer for medical instruments including a feeding system configured to feed a sterilization chamber and including at least one main tank for containing a sterilization fluid; an evacuation system configured to evacuate a discharge fluid from the sterilization chamber; and a purification system configured to draw one of the fluids out of one of the systems and to introduce it into the main tank, and including cleaning means configured to filter the fluid.

Abstract: An isolator includes: a chamber to be decontaminated including an inlet provided with an intake filter and an outlet provided with a discharge filter; a first flow path through which outside air is taken into the chamber via the intake filter; a second flow path through which gas in the chamber is discharged via the discharge filter; a blower configured to take in the outside air to the chamber through the first flow path, as well as produce an air current to discharge the gas in the chamber through the second flow path; a decontaminating gas supply unit configured to supply decontaminating gas into the chamber without flowing through the intake filter and the discharge filter; and a third flow path through which the gas in the chamber is discharged via the intake filter when the decontaminating gas is supplied into the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for sanitizing a stethoscope head. The apparatus includes a housing, a reservoir disposed within the housing for containing the sanitizing fluid, one or more applicator pads mounted on the housing, and a dispensing valve for dispensing the sanitizing fluid from the reservoir onto the applicator pad.

Abstract: A sterilizer for sterilizing instruments and devices disposed therein. The sterilizer includes a vessel that has an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall defines a sterilization chamber. The outer wall is spaced from the inner wall to define a cavity surrounding the sterilization chamber. A heating element for vaporizing a fluid is disposed in a lower portion of the cavity. A fluid circuit is fluidly connected to the vessel to convey fluid to the cavity, to convey steam from the cavity to the sterilization chamber and to exhaust steam from the sterilization chamber. The fluid circuit includes a conduit that fluidly connects the sterilization chamber to the cavity. A valve is disposed in the conduit for controlling the flow of steam from the cavity to the sterilization chamber. A boiler pump is provided for conveying fluid to the cavity of the vessel.

Abstract: A disinfecting chemical bottle includes a bottle body including a storing section that stores a chemical used for cleaning/disinfecting an endoscope and a mouth portion including an opening portion from which the chemical freely flows out, a first conductive portion provided so as to be exposed in an inner portion and an outer portion of the bottle body, and a second conductive portion provided at a position different from that of the first conductive portion so as to be exposed in the inner portion and the outer portion of the bottle body, the second conductive portion being electrically connectable to the first conductive portion via the chemical in the bottle body.

Abstract: Sterilization methods for implantable prostheses are described where a polymeric stent may be sterilized, e.g., via ETO sterilization, at a temperature below a glass transition temperature of the stent. A separate delivery catheter may be sterilized separately and the stent and delivery catheter may then be combined in an aseptic or semi-aseptic environment and sterilized as an assembled system such that the requirements for sterilizing the system are relatively lower. Additionally and/or alternatively, valve and filter assemblies may be used with an optional mandrel assembly for maintaining sterility of the internal components of a catheter system.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting objects and in particular containers, having a first conveyor which transports the objects along a specified transport path (P), including a sterile room, within which the objects are transported, and including a second conveyor which follows on from the first conveyor. According to the invention, the first conveyor is positioned completely inside of the sterile room and the second conveyor is positioned completely outside of the sterile room, wherein both the first conveyor and the second conveyor are preferably positioned in a specified transitional area (B) along the transport path (P).

Abstract: A two-part sterilant system comprises: (a) a first part comprising a first reagent in an aqueous medium having a first foam promoter dissolved therein and contained in a first dispenser whereby it may be dispensed as a first foam; and (b) a second part which comprises a second reagent in an aqueous medium having a second foam promoter dissolved therein and contained in a second dispenser whereby it may be dispensed as a second foam; wherein the first reagent and the second reagent will react to provide a sterilizing composition when the first foam is mixed with the second foam.

Abstract: An apparatus for disinfecting furniture, having a main member including an inner surface configured for receiving the furniture. The main member includes a plurality of apertures disposed along the inner surface. The apparatus has at least one temperature controller and at least one air source to the controller for heated blowing air. The apertures are in communication with at least the air source, and UV light from the light source and air from the air source can at least partially pass through the inner surface.

Abstract: A device for disinfecting the soles of shoes or feet is disclosed. The device contains a spool of sanitizing wipe stretched across an opening. The user may step into the opening to sanitize shoe or foot soles, and also may wind the sanitizing wipe spool to reveal a fresh, unused portion of sanitizing wipe. The device may also contain a second opening that allows access to a drying material.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of oxidizing, sanitizing, disinfecting, and/or sterilizing a target. The method includes: ejecting a gas stream of a gaseous mixture comprising 50 to 30,000 ppmv chlorine dioxide from a gas source at a velocity of 25 to 900 ft/sec; and contacting the gas stream with the target. A device for oxidizing, sanitizing, disinfecting, and/or sterilizing a target is also provided. The device includes: a chlorine dioxide inlet configured for intake of a gaseous mixture comprising 50 to 30,000 ppmv chlorine dioxide; and a gas source configured to eject a gas stream of the gaseous mixture at a velocity of 50 to 900 ft/sec.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing cap-like container closures includes a transport system for moving closures through treatment zones. The first zone preheats the closures, the second exposes them to a sterilizing agent, and the third activates or dries them. The first and third zones each have a rotor that circulates about a rotor axis thereof, and closure holders formed on a periphery thereof for moving closures through the first zone from a closure pickup disposed therein to a first closure delivery position, and through the third zone from a second closure delivery position disposed therein to a closure discharge. The second treatment zone is between the first and second closure delivery positions such that closures delivered to the first position, after passing the second zone and after exposure to the sterilizing agent, are passed on to a closure holder ready at the second position of the rotor in the third zone.

Abstract: The invention includes an apparatus, system, waste treatment facility and method of autoclave loading and treatment that involves (a) receiving solid waste at a solid waste treatment facility; (b) compressing the waste into a plurality of compressed bales, the compressed bales bound by a binding material adapted to melt at a temperature at which an autoclave operates or otherwise break upon the operation of the autoclave; (c) loading the compressed bales into an autoclave; and (d) operating the autoclave so as to melt or break the binding material to allow the compressed bales of solid waste to be decompressed and treated in the autoclave.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for sterilizing container closures comprises a conduit (2) defining a passage for the closure and having a wall (3) surrounding the passage, spraying means (4) for injecting inside the conduit (2) a sterilization fluid heated and vaporized, drying means for introducing hot air in the conduit (2) and means for capturing the exhaust fluids exiting from the con-duit (2), said means comprising at least a suction hood (15) arranged over a corresponding exhaust opening (14) defined in the conduit (2) at a predetermined distance thereto, to capture the exhaust fluids from said exhaust opening (14) bay way of a draught effect.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plasma sterilization apparatus including a chamber including a sterilization target, a vaporizer heating air, a vacuum unit discharging moisture and cold air from the chamber to the outside, an air supply unit injecting heated air into the chamber, and a control unit controlling the air supply unit to inject air heated by the vaporizer into the chamber, controlling the vacuum unit to discharge air to the outside until an internal pressure of the chamber becomes a firstly set pressure, and controlling the air supply unit to inject heated air into the chamber until the internal pressure of the chamber becomes a secondly set pressure.

Abstract: A sanitizing device having a first tubular housing and a second tubular housing is provided. The first and second tubular housing are coupled together, and are disposed along a common axis when coupled together. The first tubular housing includes a sanitizing member. The sanitizing member may be formed of any material configured to apply a solution, such as a moist paper material treated with a disinfectant. The second tubular housing includes a drying member. The drying member may be from any material known to absorb moisture such as a sponge, a cloth, disposable paper or a synthetic material. The drying member may be further treated with a fragrance.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are disinfecting caps that can be used to cover and disinfect both a male medical connector and needleless injection site when not in use or when disconnected from each other. The caps contain a disinfecting agent.

Abstract: A pouch for retaining an endoscope during and after a decontamination process includes a first pouch side, a second pouch side attached to the first pouch side to form the pouch that is configured to retain the endoscope, and a port member coupled to the second pouch side. The second pouch side is securable to the first pouch side to seal the endoscope within the pouch. The second pouch side is configured to permit passage of a decontaminating substance. The port member is coupled to the second pouch side and includes an external interface configured to be connected to a device that provides the decontaminating substance for passage through the port member into an interior of the pouch.

Abstract: There is provided an improved sterilization wrap and a method for using the improved sterilization wrap to sterilize an article. The wrap is made of at least one sheet, and preferably two sheets, of sterilization material and in some embodiments, includes an additional sheet which may be made of an absorbent material. The sheet of absorbent material may have a smaller perimeter than at least one sheet of sterilization material. One side of at least one sheet of sterilization material includes a central portion. The absorbent material may be attached to the central portion of at least one sheet of sterilization material. The article to be sterilized is placed on the sterilization wrap and is then wrapped. The absorbent material provides sterility protection for the article in addition to the at least one sheet of sterilization material and also wicks moisture away from the article after sterilization has taken place.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for sterilization which may be applied to a medical dry sterilizer, and more particularly, to an apparatus which injects hydrogen peroxide so as to generate plasma and OH radicals which are effective in sterilization, so as to achieve the sterilization of a treated object. According to the present invention, the apparatus for sterilization comprises: a sterilizing reactor in which sterilization is performed on a treated object; a vacuuming unit which is equipped with a vacuum pump connected to the sterilizing reactor and which vacuumizes the interior of the sterilizing reactor; a hydrogen-peroxide supply unit which supplies hydrogen peroxide in a gas state to the interior of the sterilizing reactor; and a microwave-plasma generating unit which generates plasma using microwaves.

Abstract: A process for producing a composition containing biologically active follistatin from a biological source, which composition is preserved and, especially pathogen free and is storage stable, preferably at room temperature. Further, the invention relates to the composition containing biologically active follistatin, which composition is available by the production process. The invention provides a process for producing a composition containing biologically active follistatin from avian eggs, or from raw animal blood serum.

Abstract: The application relates to apparatus capable of easily mounting an indicator to a device for verifying a sterilizing effect when a sterilizing process is performed. An installation apparatus is disclosed for positioning a sterilization verifying device in a sterilizing chamber having a sterilizing chamber door, said sterilization verifying device comprising a containing chamber for containing an indicator, the containing chamber having an opening for receiving an indicator into the chamber and connected to an introduction tube for introducing a sterilizing gas into the containing chamber, the installation apparatus comprising arrangement means configured to, in a case that the sterilizing chamber door is closed, position the opening of the containing chamber with respect to an inner wall of the sterilizing chamber door, such that the inner wall and the opening are brought into contact with each other thereby sealing the containing chamber against the inner wall.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sterilization apparatus including a sterilant vaporizer main body including at least two first cavities and a first channel connecting the first cavities to each other, a cover including an inlet through which a sterilant flows and mechanically fastened with the sterilant vaporizer main body, and a sterilant heater heating the sterilant vaporizer main body to vaporize the sterilant flowing through the inlet.

Abstract: A liquid mixing apparatus of the present invention includes: a first tank; a first introduction section that introduces a first liquid into the first tank; a second introduction section that introduces a second liquid into the first tank; a first opening portion provided above a highest liquid level of the first tank; a second tank; a third introduction section that introduces a third liquid into the second tank; a second opening portion provided above a highest liquid level of the second tank; a liquid transfer conduit that connects a bottom surface portion of the first tank and a bottom surface portion of the second tank; an opening/closing valve provided in the liquid transfer conduit; a gas transfer conduit having one end arranged above the highest liquid level in the first tank and another end arranged above the highest liquid level in the second tank; a pump capable of forward/reverse operation that can transfer a gas in two directions inside the gas transfer conduit; and an atmospheric release control

Abstract: A system for conveying a sterilant vapor to a plurality of processing lines having articles moving therealong. The system includes a central source of a sterilant vapor. A conveying device is provided for conveying a sterilant vapor from the central source to a plurality of processing lines. A plurality of sensing devices are provided for sensing a plurality of operational parameters associated with the system and the plurality of processing lines. A controller is provided for receiving signals from the plurality of sensing devices. The controller is programmed to monitor continuously the plurality of sensing devices to determine if an event indicative of a malfunction has occurred with respect to the system or the plurality of processing lines. The controller is programmed to adjust the operation of the system in response to the event to maintain uninterrupted operation of one or more of the plurality of processing lines.

Abstract: A steam autoclave (steam sterilization system) has a door for opening and closing an opening that defines the entrance to and exit from a steam sterilization chamber. The door may be latched and locked and pneumatically sealed when in a closed position. Preferably, the door has a convex portion that projects into the sterilization chamber when the door is in a closed position for aiding in providing an even distribution of steam throughout the sterilization chamber during operation of the steam autoclave.

Abstract: A cold plasma device for large area decontamination that can function as a scrub brush to sterilize surfaces and areas that are otherwise difficult, time consuming and/or may cause exposure hazards under convention sterilization methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for disinfecting a target area of a patient's body, such as an arm, leg or a chest, in a pre-surgical environment. The apparatus and method disclosed herein further provides for maintaining the target area of the patient's body in an aseptic condition while transporting the patient to and into the surgery room. The most preferred embodiments of the present invention contemplate the use of one or more sterile layers (e.g., sterilized bags or the like) that are used to enclose the target area of the patient's body coupled with a sterile substance delivery mechanism that disinfects the target area and also maintains the target area in an aseptic condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel installation for providing a product in pasteurized form, said product comprising at least one liquid component and fibrous and/or solid components.

Abstract: A cassette for steam sterilizing of instruments comprises a lid and a tray, the tray having an inlet and an outlet for the cassette for communication with a sterilization apparatus, and the lid having a seal configured to interface with the tray to maintain either pressure or vacuum conditions for an interior of the cassette. The seal is configured to allow the lid to move between a vacuum position and a pressurized position without exposing the cassette interior to an outside environment. The inlet and outlets have two sets of valves and seals that ensure that the cassette interior remains sterile after the sterilization process is complete and during cassette storage. One set of valves also allows access to the cassette interior for the steam sterilization cycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vessel treatment machine for sterilizing containers (1) by means of a sterilization fluid and an associated treatment method. At least one fluid feed line (3) having at least one valve (5) disposed therein is provided to this end. One or more gas feed lines (4; 4a, 4b) are also present. Finally, a mixing chamber (7b) for producing a fluid/gas mixture is implemented. According to the invention, the mixing chamber (7b) and the outlet side valve chamber (7b) of the valve (5) work together functionally in fluid feed line (3).

Abstract: A sterilization system for PET containers and bottles including at least one electron flow generator 1, a scan gun 2 and at least one target 4 preferably made of heavy metal, so that when a part of the electron radiation hits said target a reflected X ray radiation is generated, which contributes to the sterilization of the containers. A certain amount of liquid or gaseous oxygen which upon collision with the electron radiation is converted to ozone is also exposed to the radiation, thus further contributing to the sterilization.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention discloses a method for liquid transfer and a liquid disinfection apparatus for cleaning of objects, such as health care objects. The disinfection apparatus includes a chamber which is arranged to receive said objects for cleaning, a spray system including nozzles for distributing liquid in the chamber, and an outlet tank connected to a sewer system. The chamber is adapted to receive a liquid volume which is being circulated by the spray system including nozzles for cleaning of objects. In at least one embodiment, the disinfection apparatus further includes a rapid transfer port which is liquid flow connected between the chamber and an outlet tank so as to constitute an immediate transfer of the first volume from the chamber to the outlet tank, essentially without any tubing arranged between the chamber and the outlet tank.

Abstract: A machine for the cold sanification of medical devices comprises at least one sanification chamber (2) adapted to housing at least one medical device to be treated, means (3) for supplying one or more sanification fluids comprising a plurality of hydraulic circuits (4, 4?, 4?) each having a drawing conduit (5, 5?, 5?) for the sanification fluids connectable to a respective reservoir (S, S\ S?) and a plurality of delivering conduits (6, 6?, 6?, . . . ) connected with the sanification chamber (2) for introducing the pressurized fluids therein, means (7) for fluidically connecting one or more of the drawing conduits (6, 6?, 6?, . . . ) with corresponding inner channels of the device housed into the sanification chamber (2). The supplying means (3) comprise a central collector (9) interposed between the drawing conduits (5, 5?, 5?) and the delivering conduits (6, 6?, 6?, . . . ) for receiving from the first the fluids an to supply to each of the delivering conduits (6, 6?, 6?, . . .

Abstract: To allow uniform and efficient sterilization of facilities selected from clean rooms, cell processing centers for human use (CPCs), medical-supply-manufacturing facilities, animal-rearing facilities (SPF animals), biohazard rooms, food processing facilities, and medical facilities, where walls, floors, ceilings, device surfaces, and spaces, including equipment interiors, can be sterilized while minimizing effects such as corrosion and using the smallest amount of chemical agent as possible, and whereby sterilization can be carried out without problems with residual toxicity and without the need for wiping operations subsequent to sterilization. In addition, an operator can initiate, monitor, and control sterilization from outside the sterilization zone and thus respond to unexpected circumstances such as damage to a sprayer during a sterilization operation.

Abstract: A sterilizer is connectable to an external chamber. A sterilization gas generator is configured to generate sterilization gas. A gas supply system including a first gas supply system which is configured to supply the sterilization gas from the sterilization gas generator to a sterilization chamber; and a second gas supply system which is different from the first gas supply system and configured to supply the sterilization gas from the sterilization gas generator to the external chamber.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for automatic processing at least one biological sample accommodated on a carrier member, such as a slide by applying a predetermined amount of reagents in a predetermined sequence according to a processing protocol, said apparatus comprising; a housing frame; at least one processing section for accommodating at least one slide, the at least one processing section is provided within the housing; a hood cover protecting the at least one processing section in said housing; wherein the hood cover completely encloses the processing section defining an interior space; and wherein the apparatus further comprises climate control device provided to control the environment within the interior space.

Abstract: To improve throughput of biomedical waste treatment, the present inventors devised an exemplary ozone-based system including a shredder, a roll-off treatment bin with ozone injectors, an ozone source, and a controller. The controller monitors electric current drawn by the shredder as shredded waste enters the ozone-enriched treatment bin. In response to current falling below a predetermined low level, indicating that a batch of waste has been shredded and loaded into the treatment bin, the controller starts a treatment timer. The timer measures elapsed ozone treatment or exposure time. If additional waste is added to the shredder and a subsequent low-current condition is detected, the controller restarts the treatment timer. Expiration of the timer indicates that the waste in the roll-off bin is sterilized and ready for transport to landfills. The exemplary system provides continuous waste processing and promises to boost throughput by 50% over some conventional ozone-based waste-treatment systems.

Abstract: Chlorine dioxide generation systems and methods are disclosed. One or more reactants, such as sodium hypochlorite, may be electrolytically generated on-site for delivery to a reaction column. Low concentration reactants may be used to generate chlorine dioxide as part of a mixed oxy-chloro product stream containing free available chlorine. In at least one embodiment, an optical analyzer may be positioned along a reactant feed line to measure a concentration of reactant supplied to a reaction column. A controller may adjust a flow rate of the reactant in response to information provided by the optical analyzer. The controller may also perform pH control within the system. In some embodiments, the chlorine dioxide generator may be incorporated in an all-liquid water disinfection system.

Abstract: There is described a unit for sterilizing a web of packaging material advanced along a given path, having, along a longitudinal portion thereof, a succession of pre-applied opening devices and adapted to be transformed in a plurality of sealed packages containing a pourable food product; the unit comprises a bath, containing a sterilizing agent in which the web with the opening devices is advanced, and an aseptic chamber connected to an outlet of the bath and housing drying mechanism for removing residual sterilizing agent from the web; the drying mechanism comprise an ejector located at a distance from the outlet of the bath and configured so as to direct a stream of air transversally to the web and onto the longitudinal portion of the web provided with the opening devices.

Abstract: A device for rapidly sanitizing a surface is described. The device has an enclosure having an opening adapted to insert a surface, and an interior; a liquid nitric oxide solution applicator; and an absorbent material. The liquid nitric oxide solution applicator is in fluid communication with the interior of the enclosure and is adapted to apply liquid nitric oxide solution onto the surface when the surface is positioned within the enclosure. A method of rapidly sanitizing a surface is described. The devices and methods provided herein may be implemented to sanitize the surface of any body part or item that may be placed within the device. An infectious agent on the surface may be killed; i.e., the surface is disinfected. Non-limiting applications of the devices and methods include preventing nosocomial infections or food contamination, sanitizing household items, and implementing sanitizing procedures to comply with FDA Good Manufacturing Practices.

Abstract: A moving handrail disinfecting device for passenger conveyor whereby disinfection solutions can be suitably used depending on the situations of the device and the like, resulting in appropriate disinfection treatment with little waste, is a moving handrail disinfecting device 10B, having a contact roller switching unit comprising an applying roller 17 to be allowed to make contact with the surface of a moving handrail 5, a first impregnating roller 18 and a second impregnating roller 19 which supply disinfection solutions, a first slide section 22A, a second slide section 22B and a sliding mechanism 23A which separately slides the both, wherein a control unit 60B controls the sliding mechanism 23A to separately slide the first slide section 22A and the second slide section 22B so as to switch a roller to be allowed to make contact with the applying roller 17 from the first impregnating roller 18 to the second impregnating roller 19, or from the second impregnating roller 19 to the first impregnating roller 18

Abstract: There is provided a biochip stamping device. The biochip stamping device includes a stamping jig in which a first biochip is aligned; an inverting mechanism vertically inverting a second biochip; and a movement mechanism transferring the vertically inverted second biochip on the stamping jig to combine the first biochip and the second biochip.

Abstract: A sterile-substance-supplying apparatus comprising: an atomization unit including a reservoir unit to reserve hydrogen peroxide, and an ultrasound vibrator to impart ultrasound vibration to the reserved hydrogen peroxide to be atomized; an evaporation unit, provided above the reservoir unit, that heats the atomized hydrogen peroxide to be evaporated; a connecting member connecting the evaporation unit and the atomization unit to each other; a hydrogen-peroxide-supply port to allow the hydrogen peroxide to be supplied to the reservoir unit; a carrier-gas-supply port, provided at the connecting member, that allows carrier gas for allowing the atomized hydrogen peroxide to flow to the evaporation unit to be supplied; and a container portion to reserve a substance for transmitting the ultrasound vibration generated by the ultrasound vibrator, and a metal vibrating plate, provided at a bottom portion of the reservoir unit, that transmits to the hydrogen peroxide the ultrasound vibration transmitted through the sub

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing plastic preforms, comprises a transport device that transports the plastic preforms along a predefined transport path, each plastic preform extending in a longitudinal direction; and a plurality of actuation devices. Each actuation device inputs a flowable medium into interiors of the plastic preforms, respectively. The actuation devices travel with the plastic preforms in a transport direction along the transport device. The actuation devices at least one of inject the flowable medium into the plastic preforms at a predefined angle ? relative to the longitudinal directions of the plastic preforms, or include longitudinal directions, respectively, that are offset relative to the longitudinal directions of the plastic preforms.

Abstract: There is provided a sterilization apparatus capable of delaying degradation of sterilant in a cartridge or a tank in which an extraction tube is inserted. A sterilization apparatus extracting sterilant from a cartridge containing the sterilant and sterilizing a sterilization target includes an extraction tube configured to extract the sterilant from the cartridge, and a movement unit configured to move the extraction tube so that a position of the extraction tube with respect to the cartridge in a case of extracting the sterilant in the cartridge by the extraction tube and a position of the extraction tube with respect to the cartridge in a case of waiting for extraction of the sterilant from the cartridge by the extraction tube to perform following sterilization processing with the same cartridge may differ from each other.

Abstract: A disinfectant system for intracavity ultrasound probes in disclosed generally including a housing, a disinfectant chamber positioned in the housing and receiving at least one ultrasound probe, a container for containing a disinfectant solution fluidly coupled to the disinfectant chamber, at least one pump for supplying the disinfection solution from the container to the disinfection chamber and from the disinfection chamber to the container, and a controller for automated operation of the disinfectant system, wherein the disinfectant solution is a multi-use disinfectant solution. A method for disinfecting intracavity ultrasound probes is also disclosed generally including placing at least one ultrasound probe into a disinfectant chamber, supplying a disinfectant solution from a container to the disinfectant chamber via a pump, and returning the solution to the container via the pump, wherein the steps of supplying and returning the disinfectant solution are controlled by a controller.

Abstract: A suction apparatus for aspirating a fluid from a human or animal body by means of negative pressure comprises a drainage connection for a drainage line in order to remove the fluid from the body. A vacuum source generates a negative pressure at the drainage connection. A fluid connection container collects the sucked-up fluid. The drainage line can be flushed with air by an auxiliary connection and an auxiliary line connected to the latter. In order to reduce the entraining of pathogens, a sterilizing cell is provided. The supplied air is treated in the latter in such a manner that pathogens contained in said air are modified and thereby rendered harmless.