Abstract: A gas-impervious container having a gas-permeable porous insert, wherein the insert contacts a flowable biomedical material, for improving access of the sterilant gas to the material.

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: Systems are disclosed which include processor-executable program instructions for receiving data regarding characteristics of a room in which one or more disinfection sources are arranged and determining, based on the received data, individual operating parameter/s for the one or more disinfection sources. Other systems are provided which include processor-executable program instructions for discerning, for each of a plurality of disinfection sources, a target location, region, object or surface within a room in which the disinfection sources are arranged. The systems further include program instructions for comparing the target locations/regions/objects/surfaces and executing corrective actions upon detecting two or more locations/objects/surfaces are within a predetermined distance of each other and/or upon detecting two or more regions overlap.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to produce point-of-use compressed superheated steam for a wide variety of uses including, but not limited to, cleaning, heating, drying, surface preparation, sterilization, pest control and elimination, degreasing and food preparation. The apparatus produces and compresses superheated steam without the hazards and problems associated with the current state of the art where steam is generated, compressed and stored in potentially dangerous and maintenance intensive boilers and associated piping and fixtures. The in-line steam generator of the present application produces superheated steam at one atmosphere which is immediately pressurized using a compression means and then immediately utilized through application employing a nozzle or a storage tank or other such device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for automatically cleaning and decontaminating medical instruments. The method comprising the steps of: a) placing the medical instruments into a container after their use in a medical procedure; b) closing the container to seal the instruments inside whereby to prevent personnel contact with the instruments and any contaminants which might be thereon; c) inserting the sealed container into a washer/decontaminator and sealing the washer/decontaminator; d) the washer/decontaminator automatically opening the container and applying a washing fluid thereto to wash the instruments within the container; and e) the washer/decontaminator automatically applying a disinfectant to the container to disinfect the instruments whereby to allow safe handling thereof by personnel.

Abstract: A device that is adapted to add active to the water of a flushed toilet and fragrance to the air in its vicinity, comprising, in a single unit (a) water-soluble rim block comprising active; (b) fragrance dispenser, and (c) means for holding (a) and (b) in the path of flush water from a toilet bowl rim; characterised in that the fragrance dispenser comprises a container with an opening covered by a membrane having a thickness of from 0.05-1.0 mm and consisting essentially of a homogeneous mixture of 8 to 98 vol. % polyolefin having a molecular weight (weight-average) of at least 300,000, a standard load melt index of less than 0.1 and a reduced viscosity of not less than 4.0, 1 to 92 vol. % filler and 1 to 40 vol. % plasticizer, the fragrance dispenser being orientated such that the fragrance is permanently in contact with the membrane.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein may include systems and method for monitoring physiological parameters of a patient. Specifically, embodiments disclose wireless, reusable, rechargeable medical sensors that include an inductive coil coupled to a rechargeable battery. Additionally, embodiments disclose systems and methods for recharging and disinfecting the disclosed medical sensors.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the use of a split and single electrical cells in industrial applications, and particularly in aseptic packaging applications.

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: A unit for sterilizing a web of packaging material for a machine for packaging pourable food products includes a sterilizing chamber containing a liquid sterilizing agent at a first temperature; a conveying device for feeding the web through the sterilizing chamber before the web is formed into a succession of sealed packages of pourable food products; a hold tank for the sterilizing agent; a feed mechanism activated selectively to feed the sterilizing agent from the tank to the sterilizing chamber; a drain activated selectively to drain the sterilizing agent from the sterilizing chamber into the tank in the event of stoppage of the packaging machine; and a cooling device activated selectively, at the end of the package production cycle, to cool the sterilizing agent in the tank to a second temperature lower than the first temperature.

Abstract: A method for cooling a jacketed autoclave or steam sterilizer by allowing a film of water to flow down as inner wall of the sterilizer's jacket. Condensate from the jacket space is drawn into a water ring pump. The water ring pump draws condensate from the lowest point of the jacket to a water side of the pump, and gas from the jacket to a normal suction inlet of the pump. During the process of cooling the sterilizer, a stream of water and air from the water ring pump is conducted to an upper part of the jacket of the steam sterilizer and is allowed to flow as a film down the inner wall of the jacket. Evaporation of the water is enhanced by lowering the pressure in the jacket.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for liquid, gas, and gas plasma sterilization of items. The apparatus includes two chambers and a holder to connectorlessly secure a lumened instrument such that a first portion of the lumened instrument lies in the first chamber and a second portion of the instrument lies in the second chamber, a liquid medium contained within the two chambers, and pumping means for simultaneously increasing fluid pressure within the first chamber of said container while decreasing fluid pressure within the second chamber of the container in a reciprocating fashion. The pumping means displaces at least a total internal volume of the liquid medium through the lumen for a given highest volume of a lumened instrument during a stroke.

Abstract: An infant pacifier sterilization assembly includes a housing that has an aperture extending through a top of the housing. An antiseptic compound is contained within the housing. The antiseptic compound is nontoxic. A valve is positioned within the aperture. The valve insertably receives a nipple on a pacifier so the nipple is submerged in the antiseptic compound. The valve is a one-way valve so the antiseptic compound is retained in the housing.

Abstract: A system providing a sterile connection between a sensor probe and a fluid processing apparatus (e.g., a bioreactor) includes a first probe receiving element mountable to the fluid processing apparatus and a second probe receiving element having a gas-permeable contaminant barrier material and coupleable to the first probe receiving element. A sensor probe may be mounted to the second probe receiving element, with the combination being sterilized with a sterilant gas such as steam. Following such sterilization, connection between the first and second probe receiving elements is made through matable sterile couplings, and the probe is insertable through the coupled receiving elements to a position in fluid contact with the interior of the fluid processing apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container for a contact lens storage solution, in particular having contact lenses in said contact lens storage solution. The container has a vessel (14), which has a filling opening (20), and a first closing element (24), which can be attached to the vessel (14) and which closes the filling opening (20). The first closing element (24) has a gas supply channel (42) for a cleaning and/or sterilizing gas, which extends from at least one inlet (40) on an outer face of the first closing element (24) to at least one outlet (48) on an inner face of the first closing element (24) facing the interior of the vessel (14). On the outer face of the first closing element, said first closing element (24) has at least one venting opening (50) for the escape of gas from the vessel (14).

Abstract: A sterilization system for sterilizing a surgical instrument includes a generally planar sterilization surface and a sterilization accessory disposed on the sterilization surface. The sterilization accessory is adapted to receive the surgical instrument thereon or therein, and the sterilization accessory is formed at least in part from an open cellular material. The open cellular material includes a generally planar base surface, a plurality of cells extending from the base surface, each of the plurality of cells including a side wall, which extends from the base surface, and an end wall. Each of the plurality of cells is open, such that gases surrounding the open cellular material are free to pass into and out of each of the plurality of cells.

Abstract: The invention provides a produce decontamination apparatus comprising a chamber 10 for accepting produce to be decontaminated and/or sterilized, and means for producing a free radical saturated atmosphere within the chamber 10 so that, in use, the free radical saturated atmosphere decontaminates and/or sterilizes the produce. Preferably, the means for producing a free radical saturated atmosphere comprises one or more first atomizing sprayheads 30a, a supply 32 of ozonized liquid which is supplied to the first sprayheads 30a, and means for breaking down the ozone forming part of the ozonized liquid once discharged from the first sprayheads 30a. Preferably, the means for breaking down the ozone is in the form of one or more UV light emitting devices 48,50. Produce decontaminated using the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for safely and conveniently placing and retrieving biological indicators and/or computerized data tracers from deep within loads of Regulated Medical/Infectious Waste comprises a rod with a cavity for holding the biological indicators and/or computerized data tracers. Preferably, the rod is tapered to a point on one end, has a handle on the opposite end, and has a cover to enclose the cavity. Additionally, it is preferred that the rod is fitted with a movable sealing ring of soft material for sealing the area where the rod penetrates the waste load.

Abstract: To provide a radical sterilization apparatus which can generate hydroxy (OH) radical and oxygen (O) radical at a high density to thereby surely and economically sterilize a subject to be treated. While maintaining a storage unit in which a medical instrument is stored at a low pressure by using a low pressure-maintaining unit, vapor is supplied form a vapor-supplying unit into the storage unit. Then, oxygen in this vapor is converted into radicals by a radical-forming unit to give hydroxy (OH) radical and oxygen (O) radical. Thus, the hydroxy radical and the oxygen (O) radical can be maintained each as a single radical over a long period of time and can be generated at a high density, which makes it possible to surely and economically sterilize the medical instrument.

Abstract: A hydrogen peroxide delivery system for a sterilizer having a hydrogen peroxide injection unit and a housing is disclosed. The system includes a cradle for supporting a hydrogen peroxide solution container, a drainage arrangement for aspirating the hydrogen peroxide solution from the container, and a delivery arrangement for supplying the aspirated hydrogen peroxide solution to the hydrogen peroxide injection unit. The drainage arrangement includes a needle for penetrating a seal on the container and extending into the hydrogen peroxide solution in the container. A needle drive moves the needle from an at rest position, wherein the needle is retracted to allow insertion of a new hydrogen peroxide container into the cradle, to a penetrating position wherein the needle penetrates the seal of the container and extends all the way to the bottom of the container to ensure complete drainage of the hydrogen peroxide solution from the container.

Abstract: A metering unit is provided for metering hydrogen peroxide into an evacuated vessel, for controlling the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the vessel. The metering unit includes a body defining a metering passage having a fixed volume and upstream and downstream ends, an upstream connection for connecting the upstream end to a hydrogen peroxide supply, a downstream connection for connecting the downstream end to a hydrogen peroxide vaporizer, an upstream valve for selectively closing the upstream end and a downstream valve for selectively closing the downstream end, and a controller for operating the valves in a non-overlapping and opposite manner for selectively preventing opening of both valves at the same time. With the metering unit of this disclosure, expensive peroxide concentration measurement systems are replaced with an economical monitoring of the number of injection cycles using a passage of fixed volume.

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: A system includes a portable source of gaseous chlorine dioxide (CD). The source has first source and return couplings for sealingly connecting to a CD generation flow path comprising at least one gas conduit. The CD generation flow path comprises second source and return couplings for sealingly connecting the source to a device to be treated with the CD generation flow path, or a tent structure enclosing the device to be treated. A portable scrubber has third couplings for sealingly connecting to a scrubbing flow path comprising at least one gas conduit for removing the CD from the device or tent structure. The gas conduit has fourth couplings for connecting the device or tent structure to the scrubbing flow path.

Abstract: Systems are provided which include a disinfection apparatus, a hollow chamber comprising an object entry port, and a means for tumbling objects placed inside the chamber. In some cases, the hollow chamber is configured such that a germicide projected from the disinfection apparatus is transmitted into an interior cavity of the chamber. In other cases, the hollow chamber may include an input port configured for coupling the chamber to the disinfection apparatus such that a germicide generated by the disinfection apparatus is transmitted into the hollow chamber via the input port when the chamber is coupled to the disinfection apparatus. In other cases, the disinfection apparatus may be disposed within the hollow chamber and configured to generate a germicide in the form of a plasma, ultraviolet light, a non-aqueous vapor, a non-aqueous liquid or a gas which is molecularly configured to deactivate or kill microorganisms.

Abstract: A sterilization container has a box-like lower part and a removable container cover (1), which form a closed, airtight sterilization space. Ventilating openings (4), through which exchange of air takes place between the sterilization space and the environment, are provided in a wall area (2) of the sterilization container. A cover plate (6) detachably meshes with the wall area (2) through at least one spring-loaded snap-in or locking connection (9). The cover plate (6), as a round disk with a peripheral ring wall, has on the outside a peripheral locking groove, which detachably meshes with a plurality of locking elements (9) arranged in the peripheral area of the cover plate (6). The locking elements (9) are arranged stationarily as a separate assembly unit each in mounting holes of ring segments (8) projecting axially over the wall area (2), which mounting holes extend at right angles to the cover plate (6).

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: An installation which includes an input station, a sterilization station which includes a sterilization chamber, a desorption station which includes a desorption chamber, and an output station. The installation includes a transporting element which is for transporting multiple objects and which is capable of successively moving the objects from the input station into the sterilization station and into the desorption station as far as the discharge station. The transporting element includes a continuous guiding path, a guide device which is guided by the guiding path. The guided device includes a movement mechanism which is capable of moving the objects between a position for movement along the guiding path and a position for insertion of the objects in the sterilization chamber and the desorption chamber.

Abstract: A kit is provided for gathering biological specimens. The kit generally comprises a self-contained specimen gathering device including a protective housing and a preservation solution. Also provided is a method of gathering specimens and a holistic method of deterring crime using the kit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing sanitizer fluid. The apparatus includes a handle having a trigger lever and a spray nozzle; a check valve coupled to the spray nozzle; a pump assembly fluidly coupled to the check valve; and a reservoir cartridge fluidly coupled to the pump assembly, where manipulation of the handle and the trigger lever causes the pump assembly to supply sanitizer fluid from the cartridge, through the check valve, and to the nozzle. A method of selectively dispensing sanitizer fluid includes selectively manipulating a handle to manipulate a door latch or manipulating a handle and a trigger lever to manipulate a door latch and dispense sanitizing fluid through a spray nozzle proximate the trigger lever.

Abstract: Disinfection of waste can be carried out by applying sufficient vacuum to suck waste pieces through a processing system, the vacuum creating a wind inside the system that sweeps up the waste pieces, suspends them in air, and keeps them separate from one another, thereby exposing substantially all surfaces of the waste pieces to the sprayed disinfectant.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the sanitization, detoxification, disinfection, high level disinfection, or sterilization of both the interior and exterior surfaces of at least one object, including interior lumens, channels and cavities within the object. A coupler and interface may be secured to an object to disinfect the inner channels or cavities therein. At least two grippers may be used to retain an object for the application of at least one agent thereto. The applied agent may be in the form of any gas, vapor, plasma, aerosol, or other form. The temperature of the object may be lowered to condensate applied agent thereupon. The object may also be washed. Complete sanitization, disinfection, or sterilization of objects in a simple chamber, or in more complex configurations that include, glove box units, processors with built in interfaces for specialty applications, and other application specific designs.

Abstract: This disclosure describes example antiseptic applicators that may be used in combination with one or more cleansing, antimicrobial and/or antiseptic agents to reduce or eliminate contaminates on a surface. According to some embodiments, the disclosure describes that the applicators may contain an impermeable layer and a permeable layer, where the impermeable layer prevents contaminates for transferring from a user's hand to the permeable layer and the surface.

Abstract: When growing carbon nanotubes, a substrate is delivered into a thermal CVD chamber whose internal temperature is a room temperature, and a mixed gas of an inert gas and a raw gas is introduced in the inside thereof. After a pressure inside of the chamber is stabilized at 1 kPa, the temperature in the chamber is raised to 510° C. in 1 minute. As a result, the carbon nanotubes start to grow linearly from the respective catalytic particles without any fusion of each of the catalytic particles. Subsequently, the temperature and an atmosphere are maintained for about 30 minutes. Once the carbon nanotubes start to grow, surfaces of the catalytic particles are covered by carbon, so that any fusion of each of the catalytic particles can be avoided even during the maintenance for about 30 minutes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disinfection system, arrangement comprising at least two sequentially arranged disinfection systems and containers comprising various chambers usable for the disinfection system. In particular, the present invention relates to a disinfection system comprising at least one chamber adapted for containing at least one first chamber adapted to contain disinfectant and at least one second chamber adapted to contain at least one swab and/or sponge, said at least one swab and/or sponge and additional separated space for taking up the disinfectant. The system is designed such that a predetermined amount of disinfectant is brought into contact with the at least one swab and/or one sponge immediately before use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of sterilizing at least one object, wherein the object has at least two openings toward an inner space of the object to be sterilized, wherein at least one first opening is connected to a feed line for a sterilization agent and wherein the at least one second opening is connected to an outlet line for a sterilization agent and the sterilization agent is conducted through the feed line into the inner space and through the inner space and leaves the inner space through the outlet line. The present invention furthermore relates to a sterilizing apparatus and to a use of same.

Abstract: A writing implement sanitizer rapidly cleans and sanitizes writing implements for public or personal use. The writing implement sanitizer may comprise a sanitization container having sanitizer fluid or material therein. A membrane may be positioned within the sanitization container and may have one or more resilient or elastic openings configured to accept one or more writing implements. A cover may be used to enclose the sanitization container. In operation, a user may insert a writing implement into and through an opening in the membrane and into the sanitizer fluid. This action cleanses and sanitizes the writing implement. Further cleansing may then be provided and sanitizer fluid may be removed by a removal action whereby the writing implement is removed from the membrane.

Abstract: A mobile sanitizer unit for thoroughly sanitizing objects through the use of evenly distributed heat in a mobile trailer. The mobile sanitizer unit generally includes an enclosed chamber positioned upon a trailer vehicle frame for sanitizing objects (e.g. furniture, mattresses, fabric, etc.) within. The chamber includes a heater with that is separated from the contained objects to prevent overheating a specific area of the objects. The heat is circulated via one or more circulation fans. A floor passageway may also be defined for circulating the heated air underneath the objects. A plurality of temperature sensors are used to record the internal core temperature of the objects along with the ambient temperature within the chamber. A separately accessible control room may also be located upon the vehicle frame and include a controller therein for receiving data from the temperature sensors and for controlling the heater and the circulation fans.

Abstract: There are disclosed systems and methods of delivering sterile fluids aseptically to a sealed canister. In an embodiment, a includes a canister having an inlet, a vent, and a drain outlet, a reagent manifold in communication with the inlet, a bubbler in communication with the vent, and a fluid communicator from the drain outlet. In another embodiment, a method includes providing a canister having an inlet, a vent, and a drain outlet; selectively providing reagents to the canister from a reagent manifold in communication with the inlet, allowing excess gasses to leave the canister with a bubbler in communication with the vent, and selectively purging the reagents from the canister through the drain outlet. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A disinfectant swab is disclosed which comprises a pouch sized for protecting a luer valve. The pouch preferably has shape memory for grasping the luer valve after the pouch as been advanced over the luer valve. The pouch includes a disinfectant along at least one of a inner surface and an outer surface. In one example, the shape memory can be providing by at least one elastic portion. In one embodiment the pouch has at least one disinfectant along the outer surfaces so that the outer surface of the swab can be used to prep skin, drug vials and the like. The pouch can be sized to elastically grasp on a plurality of types of luer valves and/or to elastically grasp on a tube having the approximate outer diameter of a luer lock connector or another portion of a luer lock connector. The pouch can be comprised of elastic foam and/or can have a flattened configuration when stored and/or can be stored in a flat tear able sealed package.

Abstract: Devices and methods for sterilizing the outer and inner surfaces of a working end-site of a medical device such as a catheter hub, luer connector, luer component, needleless access site, and/or access port are discussed. The sterilizing device can include a housing, a sterilizing element including an antipathogenic agent configured for sterilizing the working end-site of a medical device, and a cap hingedly coupled to the housing and configured to hermetically seal the sterilizing element within the housing. One or more features on the cap and housing serve to hermetically seal the cap to the housing prior to use.

Abstract: The method includes at least the following steps of spraying a flow of sterilizing vapor, including a vaporized sterilizing product, towards the preforms to be sterilized, so as to cover at least an inner wall (15) of the preforms to be sterilized with the product; and heating, by radiation, the preforms covered with sterilizing product in order to bring them to a temperature (T2) at or above an activation temperature (Ta) for the product. The spraying of the flow of sterilizing vapor is carried out in a protective chamber (40), heating is carried out outside the protective chamber (40), and the flow of sterilizing vapor is in the form of a jet of vapor (F) vaporized onto the preforms (12), in such a way as to bring about the deposition, by condensation, of a substantially uniform film of condensate (48) of sterilizing product on at least the inner wall (15) of the preforms to be sterilized.

Abstract: Systems and methods for plasma sterilization are described. The sterilization method includes placing a substance to be sterilized in a rotating chamber (e.g., drum) and exposing the substance to a radio frequency (RF) plasma. The mixing of the substance and plasma is further promoted by generating a magnetic field that produces a force on the substance in a direction opposite to the rotational direction of the chamber. In other aspects, the chamber may have a gas permeable wall. In addition, the substance may be exposed to acoustic shock waves produced by a modulating RF generator.

Abstract: A hygienic razor blade dryer is provided that comprises a housing having an interior, a razor blade holder disposed within the interior that is adapted to receive a razor blade, a dryer for drying a razor blade received in the razor blade holder, and a vacuum for evacuating the air within the interior to prevent moisture buildup in the air and on the razor blade and to inhibit oxidation on the blade surfaces. A sanitizer may also be provided to sanitize the razor blade before, during or after the dryer operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for quickly decontaminating and sterilizing preferably thermolabile goods using a plasma gas that is preferably generated from air as a process gas, with the subsequent humidification of said plasma gas with water. The method comprises the following steps: generating a plasma from air as the process gas, which forms reactive nitrogen and oxygen species; oxidizing NO to form NO2 at temperatures below 400° C. so that a plasma-activated gas mixture forms having an NO2 content of at least 0.3%; bringing said plasma-activated gas mixture in contact with water in one or more of the states of aggregation thereof; bringing the latter gas mixture in contact with the objects to be decontaminated or sterilized.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an internal pressure of a hermetically sealed chamber at a prescribed pressure level serves to relax pressure changes in the hermetically sealed chamber. The chamber is connected to an inlet passage for supplying air from an external environment through an aseptic filter, an outlet passage for discharging a gas through an aseptic filter, and an inlet valve and an outlet valve for selectively opening and closing the inlet passage and the outlet passage, respectively. The apparatus also includes a controller for controlling the inlet valve and the outlet valve to keep the internal pressure of the chamber at a prescribed positive pressure level. An elastic membrane of silicone rubber which is expanded or retracted depending on a change in the internal pressure of the chamber to relax the pressure change is connected to the outlet passage between the aseptic filter and the outlet valve.

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: A machine for sterilizing the topsoil of the ground, including the injection of superheated steam, includes a water tank (5) and elements for producing superheated steam and for conveying the latter to at least one supply nozzle (6). The elements for producing superheated steam include: a spraying unit (8) that is in communication with the water tank and that includes a spraying chamber (9) in which a spraying device (10) is disposed in order to form an aerosol of fine water particles in the chamber; a unit (11) which can generate a conveying airflow that is moved through the spraying chamber (9) so as to drive the prepared aerosol out of the chamber; and a heating unit (12) which can raise the temperature of the aerosol such that the latter is converted into steam.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for disinfecting container closures, comprising a housing and comprising a transport path which is arranged inside the housing and along which the closures are transported, wherein the transport path has at least partially a spiral configuration. According to the invention, the apparatus comprises a supply device for supplying to the housing a gaseous medium for disinfecting the container closures, and at least one displacement device is provided which can move with respect to the housing and which transports the container closures along the spiral transport path.

Abstract: The invention discloses a portable sterilizer for use when filling containers for transporting goods under aseptic conditions, which provides increased transport capacity, more flexible formats and connections for the containers, while facilitating handling of the goods, and which comprises a portable boiler, systems for pre-washing using chemicals and other means necessary for sanitizing all the parts thereof. For washing, it uses chemicals, circulation waters and the hot water (or any other liquid poured into said boiler) produced from the liquid phase inside said portable boiler. The device may include a pump for pressure washing with other types of cleaners, cold water, chemicals, etc.; For sterilizing, it uses the vapour phase of water or other liquids in said portable boiler, ultraviolet rays and/or another means of sterilization, and it is connected between the outlet of the pasteurization system of a production plant and the return lines of said pasteurizer.

Abstract: An endoscope cleaning/disinfecting apparatus connector according to the present invention includes a cleaning/disinfecting apparatus connection section, a circulating section and a discharge section, wherein the discharge section communicates with the circulating section and includes a first channel that discharges a fluid R that passes through the circulating section into a pipe sleeve, a second channel that branches from the first channel and discharges the fluid R to the periphery of the pipe sleeve, and an opening/closing section that is provided in a branch section that branches from the first channel to the second channel or in the second channel, is freely expandable/contractible according to a flow rate of a fluid and blocks the second channel when the flow rate of the fluid is a predetermined amount or higher.