Abstract: A method of delivering a liquid sterilant to a sterilizer involves piercing a cell of a cassette with a first needle having a first lumen, flowing a gas into the cell to pressurize the cell relative to a pressure within the first lumen and drive the liquid sterilant out of the cell through the first lumen. The liquid sterilant travels from the lumen to a vaporizer in the sterilizer.

Abstract: A sterilized connection apparatus 4 includes a sealing unit 9 which forms a decontamination space S1 between an isolator 2 provided with a first cover body 11 and an incubator 3 provided with a second cover body 21, a decontamination medium supplying unit 10 which supplies a decontamination medium to the decontamination space S1 via a supply pipe line 41, and a discharge pipe line 43 which discharges the decontamination medium of the decontamination space S1. Since the decontamination space is formed as a circular decontamination space of a small capacity surrounding the cover bodies, decontamination can be efficiently performed.

Abstract: An apparatus (200, 300, 400) for generating superheated steam capable of reducing or eliminating microorganisms associated with an item (230) includes a gas heater (10) for heating a gas, a steam generator coupled to the gas heater (10) and having a reservoir (216, 304) for supplying water, wherein the heater (10) heats the gas such that when water is combined therewith, a mixture of superheated steam and gas capable of reducing or eliminating microorganisms is discharged from the apparatus (200, 300, 400). The generation of the steam-gas mixture may be done at one atmosphere of pressure and the mixing may be done prior to expelling the fluid from the apparatus (200, 300, 400). The apparatus (400) may be configured as a hand-held device, A method of treating an item (230) for microorganisms includes generating a superheated steam at approximately one atmosphere of pressure, directing a flow of the steam onto the item (230), and reducing or eliminating microorganisms using the steam.

Abstract: A hollow body sterilizing or disinfection method using a sterilizing agent, such as periacetic acid or hydrogen peroxide, introduced into a body at ambient pressure from a vaporizer includes supplying the sterilizing agent in the vaporizer as dry sterilizing agent vapor, the dry sterilizing agent vapor comprising vapor with a sterilizing agent quantity or vapor density that is at most equal to and preferably less than saturated vapor density such that upon introduction of the sterilizing agent vapor into the hollow body and upon subsequent expansion of the sterilizing agent vapor from a pressure in the vaporizer to ambient pressure, condensate formation occurs substantially only on a surface of the hollow body.

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: Methods of reclaiming plastic from infectious medical waste and manufacturing medical devices from reclaimed plastic are described. Medical devices made from plastic reclaimed from infectious medical waste are also described.

Abstract: A system for ozone sterilization of waste material, includes a tank configured to receive waste material, ozonated water, and ozone gas. The system further includes a pump coupled to the tank to receive the waste material and the ozonated water from the tank and form a slurry. The pump includes a cutter assembly to reduce a particle size of the slurry through cutting. Additionally, the system includes a circulation loop coupled between the tank and the pump to receive the slurry from the pump and re-circulate the slurry to the tank until the slurry is sterilized. A method for ozone sterilization of waste material is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a mechanism of preventing a cartridge in which a sterilizing agent is remaining from being taken out from a sterilization apparatus in order to prevent a user from touching the sterilizing agent. There is provided a sterilization apparatus for sterilizing an object by extracting a sterilizing agent from a cartridge containing the sterilizing agent. The apparatus includes locking means for locking the cartridge containing the sterilizing agent and mounted on the sterilization apparatus and extracting means for extracting the sterilizing agent from the cartridge, wherein the locking means is configured to maintain the lock on the cartridge until sterilizing agent has been extracted from the cartridge by the extracting means.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for collecting effective components from polyester fiber waste containing polyalkylene telephthalate as the main component, more specifically to provide a method for separating and removing foreign matters (mainly cotton) contained in polyester fiber waste. The purpose of the invention can be achieved by a method for separating and removing foreign matters from polyester waste, which includes throwing polyester fiber waste that contains polyalkylene telephthalate as the main component and foreign matters other than the polyalkylene telephthalate into a depolymerization reaction tank, subjecting a part or all of the polyester fiber to a depolymerization reaction with alkylene glycol to give a depolymerization reaction liquid, and then continuously or intermittently feeding the liquid to a foreign matter-separating and removing apparatus having specified characteristics.

Abstract: A sterilizing apparatus provides a structure for feeding a sterilizer left in a vaporizing chamber configured to gasify the sterilizer, into a sterilizing chamber, to stimulate a sterilizing action while reducing waste of the sterilizer. The sterilizing apparatus includes a first atmosphere opening valve configured to perform an opening/closing operation to control communication between the atmosphere and the vaporizing chamber for vaporizing the sterilizer before the sterilizer is injected into the sterilizing chamber, and after a sterilizing gas vaporized in the vaporizing chamber is injected into the sterilizing chamber by vacuuming the vaporizing chamber with a vacuum pump, the vaporizing chamber and the atmosphere communicate with each other when the first atmosphere opening valve is opened while the vaporizing chamber and the sterilizing chamber communicate with each other.

Abstract: A method for separating a polymer from carbon black in devulcanized rubber, the method comprising steps of inserting devulcanized rubber into a bath of a solvent, dissolving a polymer out of the devulcanized rubber and into a solution of the solvent and the polymer, removing the solution from the bath without disturbing an un-dissolved residue comprising carbon black, and recovering the un-dissolved residue.

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 mobile deactivation apparatus for deactivating contaminants within a defined region that includes a source of a vaporous deactivating agent, a gas handling system, a support member, a drive means, a control system, and a power system is disclosed. The gas handling system dispenses the vaporous deactivating agent to the defined region. The support member is movable in the defined region and supports the source of the vaporous deactivating agent and the gas handling system. The support member can be propelled by the drive means. The control system is programmed to control the operation of the gas handling system and the drive means. A power system is provided to supply power to the mobile deactivation apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing sanitizer fluid from a door handle. The apparatus includes a handle having a nozzle, an actuator fluidly coupled to the nozzle, and a cartridge of sanitizer fluid fluidly coupled to the actuator. Manipulation of the handle causes the actuator to dispense sanitizer fluid from the nozzle.

Abstract: A system for decontaminating an enclosure that defines a region. The system includes a decontamination unit for generating a vaporized sterilant. The decontamination unit includes a housing that defines a chamber therein. An inlet and an outlet of the housing fluidly communicate with the chamber. A bulkhead assembly connects the decontamination unit to the enclosure. The bulkhead assembly includes a barrier assembly for sealing an opening of the enclosure. The membrane traverses the opening of the enclosure. A first port and a second port allow the carrier gas to flow through the membrane. A frame assembly seals the barrier assembly into the opening of the enclosure. An outlet conduit defines a flow path for conveying the carrier gas from the decontamination unit to the region of the enclosure. A return conduit defines a flow path for conveying the carrier gas from the enclosure to the decontamination unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for decontaminating a region. The apparatus includes a housing that defines a chamber therein. The housing has an inlet and an outlet that communicate with the chamber. A blower circulates a carrier gas from the region, through the inlet of the housing, through the chamber and out through the outlet of the housing. An atomizer introduces an atomized mist of a fluid into the carrier gas circulated through the chamber. A diffuser is disposed relative to the outlet of the chamber for redirecting said carrier gas exiting said outlet of said chamber into a predetermined direction. The diffuser includes a heating element.

Abstract: A device and system is disclosed for sterilizing objects, commonly dental, medical, or veterinary instruments, by enhancing rapid hot air diffusion into an instrument container by means of a sliding cover overlaying an opening in the bottom of the instrument container when in the closed position and sliding horizontally to reveal the opening in the open position, allowing rapidly flowing hot air into the container for medical article sterilization. The sliding cover is moved to the open position just prior to the sterilization process by a mechanical means incorporated into the sterilizer with the sliding cover remaining in the open position through the completion of the sterilization process. Once the sterilization cycle is complete, the mechanical means is reversed, closing, sealing, and locking the sliding cover in place over the opening before the instrument container is removed from the sterilizer, ensuring continued medical instrumentation sterility inside the container.

Abstract: A sterilizing method and apparatus in which neutral atoms and anions are coupled to produce a sterilizing substance which is, in turn, used to remove an object to be removed by sterilization. The sterilizing apparatus includes a cation generator and an anion generator, which are separate from each other. Also disclosed as an air cleaning method and apparatus using the sterilizing method and apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing mold and mildew from sports equipment includes an ozone generator that supplies ozone to a distribution system that directs ozone at a high velocity to both dry and sanitize sports equipment. The high velocity flow of ozone is directed to the interior portions of the sports equipment to dry and sanitize the equipment. The high speed flow of the ozone provides for drying of the interior surfaces of the equipment while also direction impinging ozone flow on interior surfaces to remove undesirable mold and mildew.

Abstract: A culture apparatus which is capable of shortening sterilization time includes a gas concentration measuring sensor, pipes connected to a gas concentration measuring device and every corner of a cultivating chamber, and a sterilizing gas generator that supplies sterilizing gas into a cultivating chamber and atomizes a sterilizer solution (oxygenated water) by means of an ultrasonic vibrator. The culture apparatus further includes an ultraviolet lamp that irradiates gas in the cultivating chamber, a freely opening/closing door, a door-locking device, and a controller for controlling the locking device to prevent the door from being opened from start of the sterilization process to end of the decomposition process.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are materials and methods for reducing, preventing, or eliminating the biological contamination of surfaces in spaces that are reasonably partitioned, defined or contained. A reagent that includes peroxides or molecules that includes peroxide bonds are contacted with at least one surface of an article. Some of these methods include disinfection within an apparatus and may include the step of volatilizing the peroxide bond containing agent, through, for example, vapour pressure and vaporization or evaporation effects, the addition of volatilization aids, or passive or assisted diffusion at modest temperatures and relatively long exposure times measured in some embodiments on the order of hours, days, or months.

Abstract: A device for further processing a fluid material, particularly a care device for medical or dental tool holders, the material being stored in a tank under pressure, the device having a coupling fixture having an adapter forming a screw connection to the tank under pressure, the adapter of the coupling fixture being pivotally supported.

Abstract: Nanodiamond material containing carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen characterized by the absence of sp2 carbon phase based on X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis and containing more than approximately 11 wt % of oxygen and demonstrating a pH approximately below 2.5 when dispersed in an amount of 10 wt % in deionized water. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A decontamination system includes a spraying system in an enclosed chamber for application of a decontamination fluid having a liquid carrier, such as water, and an enzyme-based decontaminating chemical additive. The additive contains an organophosphorus compound-degrading enzyme. The decontamination system also includes a fluid flow control system that ensures delivery of decontamination fluid to spray nozzles. The fluid flow control system features a recirculation system that collects runoff from the chamber and transports the collected runoff to a decontamination reactor. The decontamination reactor removes contaminants from the collected runoff liquid and permits the collected runoff liquid to be reused for further decontamination, thus taking advantage of the catalytic characteristic of the enzyme.

Abstract: A system and method of removing odors by adsorbing steam vapor and exhausting the odors by generating a forcible flow is provided. The system may include a rotatable drum for receiving items to be deodorized, a steam generator for supplying steam to the drum, and a passage for generating a forcible flow through the drum. The method may include adsorbing steam generated by the steam generator by the items to be deodorized, and exhausting the adsorbed steam using the forcible flow through the drum.

Abstract: A grommet device for use with a medical instrument sterilization tray is provided. The grommet device includes a base structure having a base surface. A top structure has a top surface, wherein the top structure is connected to the base structure with a middle portion. An aperture is connected between the base surface and the top surface, and positioned within the base structure, the top structure, and the middle portion. A pull-tab is connected to the top structure.

Abstract: A disposable mat that carries a sanitizer and is sized and shaped to be positioned on a floor and enables a user to stand upon the mat without directly contacting the floor. The mat may have a toe fold formed in or attached to the front portion of the mat, which toe fold forms an envelope that is closed on at least three sides and allows a user to insert their toes into the envelope. The mat may also be separable along an approximate midline of the disposable mat.

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: A retort system for heating product to a specified temperature for sterilization is provided. The system includes a vessel having an associated heating system. A frame within the vessel for securing the baskets during reciprocation of the baskets may include a progressive latch mechanism. A roller arrangement for supporting baskets within the vessel may include both a plurality of transfer rollers and a plurality of support rollers.

Abstract: A one handed hand washer/scrubber is provided enclosed in a self contained, counter placeable housing having an entry orifice at one side for insertion of a user's hand. A sensor monitors the entry orifice for detection of a user's hand accessing a washing cavity within the housing. Two scrubbing web assemblies are housed within the washing cavity, each having a proximal stepper motor placed near the entry orifice, opposite a second stepper motor spaced distally therefrom. Each stepper motor attaches to and supports a sanitizer, disinfectant, soap or cleanser soaked web draped between, and are used to dispense a new section of web for each subsequent use and to reciprocate a working section of web front to back (or back and forth) during use. A series of foam rollers align the rear of the working section of web. The rollers are spring urged to allow for intimate contact of the web against the variable contours of a users hand.

Abstract: An ozone device for deodorizing dresses within a closet, includes an ozone generator. The ozone generator includes a casing formed with first and second ventilation vents, an ozone producing element installed within the casing for generating ozone in order to deodorizing dresses within the closet, a circulating fan installed within the casing for circulating ozone generated by the ozone producing element, and a hanging unit projecting outward from the casing and adapted to be hung onto a suspension member. The closet is sleeved over and cooperates with the casing to define a sealed chamber so that dresses can be kept therein.

Abstract: A medical swab pouch is disclosed. The inexpensive elastic pouch contains disinfectant and is configured for protecting and swabbing a wide variety of luer systems to prevent and eliminate bacterial contamination. The pouch has a flattened configuration and can be elastically dilated, as by squeezing the pouch between the thumb and index finger and is readily carried in large numbers in nurse's pockets (in a manner similar to that for conventional alcohol swabs). The pouch covers and protects the luer valve at the discretion of the user and without transmission of torsion or longitudinal force which might loosen the luer valve or otherwise be transmitted to the vein.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to corrosion management systems designed to deliver corrosion protection and/or the management of corrosion to a top portion of an enclosure (e.g., storage tanks, cisterns, containers, etc.). In one embodiment, the present invention relates to corrosion management systems designed to deliver corrosion protection and/or the management of corrosion to a top portion, or roof portion, of an enclosure where such a system includes one or more dispensers designed to deliver at least one corrosion inhibitor to a system designed to protect a top portion of an enclosure (e.g., storage tanks, cisterns, containers, etc.).

Abstract: A sterilizing device is described, for sterilizing items through steam sterilization. The device has a base and a cover that couple to form an enclosed space, with an item mount provided within the enclosed space. A portion of water is provided in the base portion, which can be converted to steam in a microwave to sterilize any items placed on the mount. The device further employs several downward-facing valves to provide for the release of steam and the draining of excess or heated water.

Abstract: An apparatus for decontaminating articles comprised of: a decontamination chamber; a conveyor for conveying articles to be decontaminated along a first path through the decontamination chamber; a vaporizing unit connected to the decontamination chamber, the vaporizing unit disposed above the decontamination chamber; a blower for conveying a carrier gas through the vaporizing unit and through the decontamination chamber; heating means for heating the carrier gas flowing through the vaporizing unit; a source of liquid hydrogen peroxide fluidly connected to the vaporizing unit; and an injection device for injecting liquid hydrogen peroxide into the vaporizing unit.

Abstract: A container system for medical instruments comprising a molded plastic reticulated tray composed of a continuous rib that forms a tray rim and a plurality of intersecting ribs defining large openings therebetween. The intersecting ribs are dished and have opposite ends connected to the continuous ribs at spaced apart locations therealong. The plurality of intersecting ribs also have rounded surfaces so that a washing or cleaning fluid directed at the plurality of intersecting ribs from the outside, upon flowing through said openings will follow and intimately contact those rounded surfaces so that those surfaces are cleaned thoroughly. A preferred embodiment of the system also includes a reticulated cover releasably connected to the tray and various brackets for fixating instruments in the tray.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating containers, including a transport device which transports the containers along a specified transport path, the transport device including a plurality of holding elements for holding the containers, with the holding elements being transported along the specified transport path. The apparatus includes a cleaning device for sterilizing the holding elements at least in sections.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sterilization apparatus using hydrogen peroxide, which comprises a housing which has a sterilization chamber for accommodating to-be-sterilized objects; an evaporator connected with the sterilization chamber for supplying hydrogen peroxide vapor to the sterilization chamber for the purpose of sterilizing to-be-sterilized objects; a hydrogen peroxide supply apparatus connected with the evaporator for the purpose of supplying liquid hydrogen peroxide to the evaporator; a vacuum pump connected with the sterilization chamber for the purpose of providing a vacuum pressure to the sterilization chamber; a blower which includes a fan disposed in the interior of the sterilization chamber for forcibly flowing the air of the sterilization chamber and a motor for driving the fan; and a fan heater disposed in the interior of the sterilization chamber for the purpose heating the air flowing by means of the fan.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sterilization apparatus using hydrogen peroxide, which comprises a housing which has a sterilization chamber for accommodating to-be-sterilized objects; an evaporator connected with the sterilization chamber for supplying hydrogen peroxide vapor to the sterilization chamber for the purpose of sterilizing to-be-sterilized objects; a hydrogen peroxide supply apparatus connected with the evaporator for the purpose of supplying liquid hydrogen peroxide to the evaporator; an enrichment chamber connected with the evaporator for the purpose of evaporating moisture from the hydrogen peroxide supplied to the evaporator and sucking the evaporated moisture, thus enriching the hydrogen peroxide; a vacuum pump connected with the enrichment chamber for the purpose of providing a vacuum pressure to the enrichment chamber; a blower which includes a fan disposed in the interior of the sterilization chamber for forcibly flowing the air of the sterilization chamber and is a motor for driving the fan; and a fan he

Abstract: Provided is a chute-type cap sterilization-cleaning device which transfers caps and performs sterilization-cleaning by injecting sterilization-cleaning liquid from a propulsion nozzle, wherein a controller (11) and a solenoid valve for controlling a plurality of reverse propulsion nozzles (2e) are provided, and wherein when sterilization and cleaning of a cap (C) is continued at a chute portion for sterilization-cleaning while cap transfer is stopped by a dividing device, in order to relax the accumulated pressure on the cap (C) at the downstream side, the reverse propulsion nozzles (2e) performing straight injection of the sterilization-cleaning liquid toward the reverse side with respect to the transfer direction of the cap (C) are arranged along the chute portion for sterilization-cleaning so that the injected flows are in contact with the inner surfaces of several caps (C).

Abstract: Solutions for limiting the undesirable spread of pathogens by indirect contact are provided. The solutions involve event-controlled self-sterilization of contact surfaces on articles or fixtures. A self-sterilizing contact surface structure allows chemical sterilizing agents to controllably flow in response to a contact event, from within the article to exude upon a portion of the contact surface.

Abstract: Some assemblies can include a male cap and a female cap, each of which can be used to cover separated medical connectors. In certain arrangements, a male cap can include a movable carriage that transitions from a retracted position when an assembly with which the male cap is associated is in a closed state to an extended position when the assembly is in an open state.

Abstract: A method which enhances a disinfection process by obtaining an additive effect from energy and byproducts of the decomposition process. Also disclosed are contact lens disinfecting systems, wherein the systems are configured to create the desirable elevated pressure, oxygen saturation and sustained peroxide concentration conditions within a contact lens holding and reaction chamber, in order to enhance disinfection by additive effect. The systems are configured to provide that an elevated pressure is maintained in the reaction chamber before venting occurs.

Abstract: A unit for sterilizing a web of packaging material, the unit having a bath containing a sterilizing agent in which the web is advanced continuously; and an aseptic environment containing sterile air, connected to an outlet of the bath, and housing drying means for removing residual sterilizing agent from the web. The aseptic environment is divided into two regions by a narrow-section channel, along which the web travels, and which is sized to produce a predetermined difference in pressure between the two regions, and so force air into the channel from the higher-pressure region to the lower-pressure region to dry the web.

Abstract: A docking station for maintaining sterilization of temporarily disconnected male medical line connectors. The docking station has a plurality of docking bays, each of which retains an ampule therein containing sterilization fluid and has an access mouth exteriorly exposed when the ampule is secured in its respective bay. The mouth of the ampule is provided with a female medical line connection for temporarily receiving and securing one of the male line connector temporarily disconnected from a patient. A tubular tip and the concentric connection collar of the one of the male medical line connectors is thereby immersed in the sterilization fluid for sterilization while docked.

Abstract: A method which enhances a disinfection process by obtaining an additive effect from energy and byproducts of the decomposition process. Also disclosed are contact lens disinfecting systems, wherein the systems are configured to create the desirable elevated pressure, oxygen saturation and sustained peroxide concentration conditions within a contact lens holding and reaction chamber, in order to enhance disinfection by additive effect. The systems are configured to provide that an elevated pressure is maintained in the reaction chamber before venting occurs.

Abstract: The invention concerns a medical instrument disinfecting system (1) comprising a disinfecting chamber (4) adapted to implement a cycle for disinfecting the instruments. The invention is characterized in that each instrument (1) comprises identification data (5) and in that the chamber (4) is associated with means (6) for acquiring the identification data of the or each instrument (1) when it is introduced into or withdrawn from the chamber (4) at the start and at the end of a disinfecting cycle, with means (7, 8) for acquiring characterization data of the disinfecting cycle and with means (9, 10, 11, 12, 13) for associating the identification data of the or each instrument and the characterization data of the disinfecting cycle to generate traceability data of the disinfection of the or each instrument.

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 method which enhances a disinfection process by obtaining an additive effect from energy and byproducts of the decomposition process. Also disclosed are contact lens disinfecting systems, wherein the systems are configured to create the desirable elevated pressure, oxygen saturation and sustained peroxide concentration conditions within a contact lens holding and reaction chamber, in order to enhance disinfection by additive effect. The systems are configured to provide that an elevated pressure is maintained in the reaction chamber before venting occurs.

Abstract: Caps can be used to cover and disinfect a male protrusion portion of a medical connector. Some caps can create a seal with the male protrusion to prevent antiseptic from entering a lumen the protrusion. A biasing element can aid in creating or maintaining the seal.