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 a first panel of sterilization material and includes an additional panel of material. The first panel is multi-layered and includes at least one pathogen filtration layer. The first panel is rectangular and has an outer periphery and a central portion. The outer periphery includes first, second, third and fourth edges. The additional panel of material is bonded to the first panel, approximately at a forty-five degree angle to the first panel, with a substantial portion of the additional panel being adjacent to the central portion of the first panel. The perimeter of the additional panel is smaller than the perimeter of the first panel. Portions of the additional panel are bonded to the first panel along the first, second, third and fourth edges of the first panel.

Abstract: A sanitary article is provided for reducing the spread of contamination between a user and an object. The article comprises a permeable layer, an impermeable layer, and an anti-bacterial gel interposed between the permeable layer and the impermeable layer. The permeable and impermeable layers may be sealed to each other to restrict the movement of the gel and to make the article unitary. The gel may at least partially diffuse through the permeable layer upon the user contacting the permeable layer while the impermeable layer impeded diffusion of the gel toward the object upon the object contacting the impermeable layer.

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: 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: This invention deals with package components for radiochemical sterilization of medical or pharmaceutical products consisting of a hermetically sealed foil pack containing (1) a solid device, as in absorbable sutures and meshes, in a perforated holder or a liquid formulation in a sealed, flexible dispenser, as in absorbable cyanoacrylate-based tissue adhesive; (2) a microparticulate, unstabilized polyformaldehyde as a source of radiolytically generated formaldehyde encased in a sealed pouch comprising a porous, non-woven or woven fabric; and (3) a nitrogenous compound capable of reacting with residual formaldehyde, such as melamine or urea, that is encased in a sealed pouch comprising a porous, non-woven or woven fabric.

Abstract: A contoured sterilizing element is configured to conform to 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 The sterilizing element is made from absorbent material and can be pre-moistened or impregnated with an anti-pathogenic agent The sterilizing element can be contained within a housing that is easily griped and opened in one hand by the user The sterilizing element is configured to wipe debris from and to sterilize and/or dry a working end-site of medical device, using a wiping, twisting, dabbing, push/pull, and/or screwing motion around all of the surface aspects of the device to be sterilized

Abstract: The invention refers to a device (1) and method for sterilizing partly formed packages (6) in a packaging machine. The device (1) comprises an inner chamber (2) and an outer chamber (3), the inner chamber (2) being provided with a sterilization unit (5). Further, it comprises a carrier unit (10), comprising a separating member (11) and a package carrying member (12), which is being adapted to rotate between a first position in which the package carrying member (12) is located in the outer chamber (3), and in which the separating member (11) separates the inner chamber (2) from the outer chamber (3), and a second position in which the carrier unit (10) has rotated a package (6) into the inner chamber (2) and in which the separating member (11) separates the inner chamber (2) from the outer chamber (3).

Abstract: A personal sanitation device comprises a container, a substrate disposed within the container and a disinfecting agent carried by the substrate. The personal sanitation device is utilized by the user, for example, by inserting a portion of their body into the container to contact the substrate. The disinfecting agent is transferred from the substrate to the inserted body portion to sanitize that portion of the user. Objects may also be placed within the container to come in contact with the substrate so as to have the disinfecting agent transferred to said objects, thereby disinfecting them.

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 a first panel of sterilization material and includes an additional panel of material. The first panel is multi-layered and includes at least one pathogen filtration layer. The first panel is rectangular and has an outer periphery and a central portion. The outer periphery includes first, second, third and fourth edges. The additional panel of material is bonded to the first panel, approximately at a forty-five degree angle to the first panel, with a substantial portion of the additional panel being adjacent to the central portion of the first panel. The perimeter of the additional panel is smaller than the perimeter of the first panel. Portions of the additional panel are bonded to the first panel along the first, second, third and fourth edges of the first panel.

Abstract: An applicator/dispenser for dispensing, mixing and/or applying a polymerizable monomeric adhesive or sealant material comprises: a body portion; an actuator movable relative to the body portion; a cavity in the body portion; and a piercing or breaking portion on the actuator. Movement of the actuator relative to the body portion moves the piercing or breaking portion into the cavity. When a container of adhesive or sealant material is at least partially disposed within the cavity, movement of the actuator relative to the body portion moves the piercing or breaking portion to rupture the container for mixing, dispensing and/or applying the adhesive or sealant material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for treating goods, such as, for example, fumigating and re-cooling perishable goods, such as fruit, using a tarp and floor seal. The apparatus encloses goods on a surface and includes a canopy that is substantially impermeable to flowable materials, such as gas, liquid, or a combination thereof; an upper perimeter for supporting an upper portion of the canopy; a lower perimeter for supporting a lower portion of the canopy, the lower perimeter to be placed in proximity to the surface; a support structure for supporting the upper perimeter and lower perimeters; and a gasket in communication with the lower perimeter, wherein the gasket is deformable to substantially seal the chamber by compressing the gasket against the surface. The apparatus may also include an intermediate support structure for providing support to the canopy and a conduit in communication with the chamber to supply cool air to the chamber.

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: Methods and apparatus utilizing supplemental ozone treatment for ensuring sterility of instrument cleaning systems. By flushing ozonated water through the components of a cleaning system, the persistent problem of contamination of cleaner chambers, pipes or lines, and filters or banks of filters is effectively prevented. Thus, the integrity of sterilized instruments, such as lumened medical instruments, is more reliably achieved and maintained.

Abstract: An endoscope container for high-pressure steam sterilization in accordance with the present invention consists mainly of a tray, a lid member, and a positioning member. The tray serves as a housing and has a plurality of pores. The lid member blocks the opening of the tray and has a plurality of pores. The positioning member is formed in one of the tray and lid member, and restricts bending of a predetermined portion of an insertion member having a soft part so that the bend radius of the predetermined portion thereof will be larger than the bend radius of the other portion thereof.

Abstract: An enclosure assembly (10, 10, 10) includes a framework (12) formed from structural members and a flexible transparent enclosure (14) which provides an enclosed space for isolation and or treatment of patients, equipment, and the like. A treatment material, such as hydrogen peroxide or other gaseous or vapor sterilant, may be fed to the enclosure to microbially decontaminate or otherwise treat the equipment. The enclosure is quickly assembled and disassembled after use, making it suitable for treatment of large pieces of equipment which are not readily moved or which are too large to be accommodated conventional sterilization equipment.

Abstract: In a sterilizing agent capsule container and a sterilizer using the sterilizing agent capsule container where a vacuum sterilizing housing is filled with a chemical vapor obtained by the vaporization of a sterilizing agent to sterilize an object to be sterilized, a plurality of sealed sterilizing agent capsules are accommodated in the axial direction of a needle for removing a sterilizing agent in a capsule accommodation chamber of the sterilizing agent capsule container and the sealed sterilizing agent capsules are made of a material through which the needle can pass. A plurality of the sealed sterilizing agent capsules in the sterilizing agent capsule container can be gradually punctured by the needle in sequence.

Abstract: A decontamination device for decontaminating medical apparatus includes a housing and a dispenser within the housing for contacting a portion of the medical apparatus with a decontaminating compound when the portion of the medical apparatus is placed within the housing. Structure for removably engaging the housing to the medical apparatus is provided. The decontamination device can be used with many different medical apparatus, such as stethoscopes. A method for decontaminating medical apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: In an apparatus, after completion of a CMP (i.e., chemical mechanical polishing) operation of a semiconductor wafer, the thus polished wafer is temporarily stored in a water tank before it is subjected to a post-CMP cleaning operation. During its storage period in the water tank, the wafer is prevented from being chemically attacked by an oxidizing agent contained in an abrasive used in the CMP operation. The apparatus includes: the water tank for storing the wafer therein; a pure water supply pipe for supplying pure water to the water tank; an anticorrosion agent supply pipe for supplying an anticorrosion agent to the pure water; a drain pipe connected with a lower portion of the water tank to discharge the water from the water tank; a return pipe for returning the discharged water to an upper portion of the water tank through a pump and a filter, the return pipe branching-off from the drain pipe; and, valves mounted on these pipes.

Abstract: A sealable sterilising material for packaging medical devices requiring sterilization, has an average burst strength not less than 200 kPa measured according to ISO 2758 standard, an average tear strength not less than 300 mN measured according to the European standard 21974, an average impact strength not less than 0.4 J measured according to the ASTM standard and a bacterial filtering efficiency (BFE) not less than 85%, with a basic weight ranging between 40 and 250 g/m2, preferably between 90 and 250 g/m2, measured according to the ISO 536 standard and includes at least two sterilising packaging sheets (F1) and (F2), one of them at least being sealable directly or after being coated with a sealing product. The sheets are bound irreversibly together by one of their surfaces. The invention also concerns a package made from the material.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for the treatment, sampling, and transportation of chemical weapon materiel contained in a small frangible glass, e.g., container. The apparatus, method and system permit the chemical weapon materiel to be easily treated and contained by a technician in the field to produce non-military chemicals suitable for transport and final disposal. An illustrative embodiment of the apparatus includes a single-use vessel having a compression section and a treatment portion for holding a bottle of chemical weapon materiel and a volume of treatment chemical. A cover is positioned on the vessel and is used to support a compression jack. A portion of the compression jack is installed between the cover and a compression frame and is extended until the compression section of the vessel is compressed.

Abstract: A container (30) for use in sterilizing an object has a first end (35) and a second end (38). The container (30) is suitably sized to receive an endoscopic telescope (45) for sterilization. Once the endoscopic telescope (45) has been inserted into the container (30), a lid (46) having a vapour permeable section (47) is fitted to the container. The container and object are then sterilized, for example, by autoclaving. After sterilization, use of the container requires a noon-sterile nurse in an operating theatre to push the ends (35, 38) together. A collapsible or deformable portion (42) collapses and the ends (35, 38) move closer together to thereby force the telescope (45) out of the container (30), where is can be removed by a sterile nurse.

Abstract: A sterilization system and process is provided which is useful in the chemical sterilization of medical supplies and equipment. The system includes a container having an internal generator of a sterilant such as chlorine dioxide. An internal container activator, such as high humidity or manual manipulation, is provided and stimulates the formation and release of the sterilant. The package includes a first indicator responsive to the release of sterilant and a second indicator which records the passage of a predetermined time interval. The combination of the sterilant indicator and the time interval indicator signals that proper sterilization conditions have been met and that the objects have been suitably sterilized.

Abstract: A process for sanitizing a fabric article which is contaminated with one or more microbials. The process steps include: (a) placing the fabric article in a vapor venting bag together with a cleaning/refreshing composition comprising water; and (b) subjecting the vapor venting bag to a heat source which supplies sufficient heat to vaporize the water, thereby exposing the microbials to the resulting water vapor. This process results in at least about 50% of the microbials being killed. The cleaning/refreshing composition preferably comprises at least one antimicrobial agent selected from the group consisting of 5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol, trichlorocarbanalide, hydrogen peroxide, other oxygen bleaches, 4-chloro-3,5-dimethylphenol, iodine/iodophors, chlorhexidine, phenols, phospholipids, thymol, eugeniol, geraniol, oil of lemon grass, limonene and mixtures thereof.

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

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

Abstract: A decontamination unit (10) is provided including an upright collapsible frame (12) and a one-piece integrated enclosure (14). The frame (12) includes extensible legs (16) interconnected by upper scissor linkages (20); it may be manually erected in the field in a very few minutes. The enclosure (14) is suspended on and supported by the frame (12) and preferably includes a lower basin floor (30) and upright wall structure (40). One or more ingress/egress passageways (70) are provided in the wall structure (40). The unit (10) may be used individually or a plurality thereof may be positioned in juxtaposition for staged decontamination purposes.

Abstract: The Instrument Sterilization-Roll is innovative because it uses existing materials in a new design to allow for an efficient, inexpensive and time conserving method of sterilization. The new design incorporates a perforation between pouches, which can be of any functional width, connecting them allowing separation while maintaining sterility. Once the instruments are processed, the row of instruments can be rolled to facilitate ease of storage. The counting aid allows quick counting of the number of pouches removed from the roll at any given time. The fact that the pouches are connected allows the sealing of numerous pouches at once when the protective strip is removed revealing an adhesive strip. The flap is folded sealing the whole row of pouches at once. With the individual pouches each strip needs to be removed and folded. This is very time consuming. The existing pouches are large allowing numerous or large instruments to be sterilized.

Abstract: An enclosure assembly (10, 10, 10) includes a framework (12) formed from structural members and a flexible transparent enclosure (14) which provides an enclosed space for isolation and or treatment of patients, equipment, and the like. A treatment material, such as hydrogen peroxide or other gaseous or vapor sterilant, may be fed to the enclosure to microbially decontaminate or otherwise treat the equipment. The enclosure is quickly assembled and disassembled after use, making it suitable for treatment of large pieces of equipment which are not readily moved or which are too large to be accommodated conventional sterilization equipment.

Abstract: A sanitizing pouch secures to a product package and includes a sanitizing agent disposed therein. A delivery device includes an inlet thereto and an outlet therefrom. A probe attaches to the inlet of the delivery device. The probe is adapted to puncture the sanitizing pouch and the product package, whereby the puncturing of the sanitizing pouch by the probe releases the sanitizing agent over the probe thereby sanitizing the probe prior to the puncturing of the product package by the probe. After flowing over the probe, the sanitizing agent flows into the delivery device thereby sanitizing the delivery device. The delivery device draws product from the product package for delivery via its outlet.

Abstract: A method of preparing a sterilized nonwoven web, which method includes providing a nonwoven web; coating the nonwoven web with from about 0.005 to about 3 percent by weight, based on the weight of the web, of an antistatic agent; and exposing the coated nonwoven web to an oxidizing gas plasma. The antistatic agent is adapted to be free of a malodor after exposure of the coated nonwoven web to the oxidizing gas plasma. The antistatic agent may be further adapted to provide a sterilized nonwoven web having a hydrohead value as measured by Method 5514 of Federal Test Method Standard No. 191A which is at least 50 percent of the hydrohead value of the coated nonwoven web before exposure to the oxidizing gas plasma. The antistatic agent also may be adapted to provide a sterilized nonwoven web having a surface resistivity in ohms which is lower than the surface resistivity in ohms of the coated nonwoven web before exposure of the coated nonwoven web to the oxidizing gas plasma.

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 a first and second sheets of sterilization material. Each sheet has first, second, third and fourth edges. Each sheet includes a central portion. The first edge of the first sheet is in register with and bonded to the first edge of the second sheet; the second edge of the first sheet is in register with and bonded to the second edge of the second sheet; the third edge of the first sheet is in register with and bonded to the third edge of the second sheet; and the fourth edge of the first sheet is in register with and bonded to the fourth edge of the second sheet. The central portions of the first and second sheets are substantially not bonded together. Thus, two layers of sterilization material is provided for an article to be sterilized.

Abstract: A reagent dissolution device and methods of using the same, wherein the device comprises a housing (40), a diluent (25), and at least one reagent bed (35), wherein the diluent (25) and the at least one reagent bed (35) are separated by a friable barrier (50) and a flow distribution disk (100). Alternate embodiments include chambers with a plurality of reagent beds as well as chambers for the mixing of two or more liquid reagents.

Abstract: A gaseous blend of CO2 and Ox and a method for applying a continuous stream of a gaseous blend of CO2 and Ox to a material are disclosed. The gaseous blend and the method significantly reduce the biological load on consumer products, such as food products, botanicals and cosmetic ingredients; in building structures; on transportation containers; and in soil.

Abstract: A fumigation tent includes a frame suspended from a structure by support cables, the frame having an underside; a tarp adapted to be mounted to the top side of the frame, the tarp hanging from the frame defining a tent having a top and side curtains having a lower periphery that defines a bottom perimeter; a sealing arrangement for connecting and sealing the top of the tarp to the frame; a first plurality of cables for raising and lowering the side curtains and being connected to the side curtains and to means for raising and lowering the first plurality of cables; a second plurality of cables for raising and lowering the frame and being connected to the frame and to means for raising and lowering the second plurality of cables.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanized fumigation tent with a composite closing structure. The composite closing structure is connected to the bottom perimeter of side curtains for sealing the bottom perimeter of the side curtains. The composite closing structure has at least a first component and second component. The first component is a structural support component and has sufficient rigidity to flex no greater than 6 inches over a 10 foot length with a fulcrum weight of 100 pounds. The second component is a sealing component and is formed of flexible material. Further, the sealing component may be a flexible base mounted along the bottom perimeter for receiving, holding and releasing water from an external water supply. When the sealing component holds water, it will seal the tent to a floor. In a preferred embodiment, the structural support component is formed of a triangular cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and an apparatus for cleaning or sterilizing a device having a lumen. The method comprises the steps of: a) providing a container having at least one interface separating the container into two or more compartments; b) placing the device across the interface with one open end of the device in one of the compartments and another open end in another compartment; and c) adjusting the interface to at least partially seal around the device, and generating a flow of a cleaning solution, rinse solution, or chemical germicide through the lumen to clean or sterilize the inner surface of the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanized fumigation tent with a composite closing structure. The composite closing structure is connected to the bottom perimeter of side curtains for sealing the bottom perimeter of the side curtains. The composite closing structure has at least a first component and second component. The first component is a structural support component and has sufficient rigidity to flex no greater than 6 inches over a 10 foot length with a fulcrum weight of 100 pounds. The second component is a sealing component and is formed of flexible material. Further, the sealing component may be a flexible base mounted along the bottom perimeter for receiving, holding and releasing water from an external water supply. When the sealing component holds water, it will seal the tent to a floor. In a preferred embodiment, the structural support component is formed of a triangular cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fumigation tent which includes a frame suspended from a structure by support cables, the frame having an underside; a tarp adapted to be mounted to the top side of the frame, the tarp hanging from the frame defining a tent having a top and side curtains having a lower periphery that defines a bottom perimeter; a sealing arrangement for connecting and sealing the top of the tarp to the frame; a first plurality of cables for raising and lowering the side curtains and being connected to the side curtains and to means for raising and lowering the first plurality of cables; a second plurality of cables for raising and lowering the frame and being connected to the frame and to means for raising and lowering the second plurality of cables.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for removing fumes from an endoscope disinfecting apparatus configured for disinfecting an endoscope with a disinfecting solution. In architecture, the exhaust system includes a fan housing, a fan disposed within the fan housing, an exhaust hose connected to the fan housing, and wherein the exhaust system is connected to the endoscope disinfecting apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a sterile emulsion, comprising a fluid pathway, a pumping bore, a reciprocable (reciprocal) member, and a valve body. The pumping bore being in fluid communication with the fluid pathway and having a reciprocable member reciprocably disposed in the pumping bore. The reciprocable member having first portion disposed in fluid communication with the fluid pathway and a second portion isolated from the fluid pathway, said second portion having a sterilant passage adjacent thereto. The fluid pathway, reciprocable member first portion and reciprocable member second portion may be sterilized and one or more emulsion constituents may be directed into the fluid pathway defined by the piston apparatus after sterilization. The valve body defines a valve bore in communication with the fluid pathway and a valve plunger disposed therein. The valve body may also be configured to maintain emulsion sterility.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for disinfecting an endoscope with a disinfecting solution, and that minimizes the surface area and air exposure of the disinfecting solution. In architecture, the endoscope disinfecting apparatus includes a disinfecting basin, an endoscope body section, an insertion tube section and a basin lid. The disinfecting basin is for disinfecting the air/water and light tube of the endoscope. The endoscope body section is for disinfecting a body and eye piece of the endoscope, and is connected to the disinfecting basin. The insertion tube section is connected to the endoscope body section and is for disinfecting a insertion tube of the endoscope. A basin lid connects to the disinfecting basin and provides a watertight seal over the disinfecting basin.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing musical instruments is provided. More particularly, a method of sterilizing musical wind instruments is provided for sterilizing, or at least sanitizing, musical wind instruments without damaging or degrading components of such instruments constructed of cloth, wood, plastic, rubber or fibrous materials. The method of the invention uses a gas diffusion process and a gas sterilant, such as ethylene oxide. A musical wind instrument is placed in a gas diffusion bag and a sterilizing atmosphere is created within the gas diffusion bag by releasing ethylene oxide into the gas diffusion bag at a sufficient concentration to act as a sterilant. Ethylene oxide is heated to an appropriate temperature and maintained at such temperature for a sufficient time to achieve sterilization, or at least sanitization, of the musical wind instrument contained therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for sanitizing a device, such as an endoscope, having a lumen. The method comprises a) providing a container possessing two or more openings, and a flexible, gas-impermeable pouch that surrounds the container; b) placing the device into the container; c) applying a reduced pressure to the container and pouch, thereby causing the pouch to collapse around the container and form at least one interface separating the container into two or more compartments, which interface is formed under reduced pressure by the adherence of the pouch onto itself and around part of a surface of the device, through openings in the container, such that one end of the device is located in one of the compartments and the other end is in another compartment; and d) generating a flow of a sanitizing solution through the lumen to sanitize the inner surface of the device.

Abstract: A method of and system for sterilizing the internal surfaces of one or more elongate relatively narrow passages of interest contained in a device of interest, said passages having end openings and being susceptible of sustaining flow there along by inducing a positive flow of sterilizing gas through each passage of interest in a selected direction. Gas flow through a device of interest is caused by a passive two-chamber device which generates a transient pressure gradient between the ends of the lumens of the device in response to externally imposed variations of pressure. Sterilant gas is provided from outside the two chamber systems.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for sterilizing a lumen device. A lumen and a container having an interface on a wall of the container are enclosed in a chamber. The lumen is placed across the interface so that one end of the lumen is in the container and the other end is in the chamber. Germicide is introduced into the chamber, and a pressure difference is created between the two ends of the lumen, so that the germicide flows through the lumen. The lumen may alternatively be placed across an interface which separates the chamber into two areas. Germicide is introduced into the chamber, and a pressure difference is created between the two areas of the chamber, causing the germicide to flow through the lumen.

Abstract: An electrochemical heating pad includes a corrugated sheet having alternating peaks and valleys defining channels of elongated compartments having sidewalls between the peaks and valleys. A dry mixture operable to be wetted and activated with an electrolyte to generate heat through electrochemical reactions is disposed in at least some of and preferably all of the elongated compartments. The channels are covered with a base sheet on or a porous sheet to form the compartments. The corrugated sheet is preferably made from cardboard and the porous sheet is made from non-woven polypropelene. One dry mixture of the invention includes Magnesium in a range of 80% to 95% by weight, Iron in a range of 3% to 6% by weight, and Calcium Nitrate in a range of 1% to 2% by weight. Another mixture includes about 83.5% Magnesium by weight, about 4.0% Iron by weight, about 11.0% salt by weight, and about 1.5% Calcium Nitrate by weight.

Abstract: Sterile products contained in a container (10) are transferred into a sterile isolator (12) by connecting the container onto a lock (28) fitted on the outside of the isolator (12) and equipped with a pulsed light sterilization device (28). The connection between the lock (28) and the isolator (12) is made by a sealed double door transfer device. The throwaway container is equipped with a plug type closer (16), cutout from the inside of the isolator (12) after sterilizing the volume (40) inside the lock (28) and opening the double door (24, 38).

Abstract: A method of and system for sterilizing the internal surfaces of one or more elongate relatively narrow passages of interest contained in a device of interest, said passages having end openings and being susceptible of sustaining flow therealong by inducing a positive flow of sterilizing gas through each passage of interest in a selected direction. Gas flow through a device of interest is caused by a passive two-chamber device which generates a transient pressure gradient between the ends of the lumens of the device in response to externally imposed variations of pressure. Sterilant gas is provided from outside the two chamber systems.

Abstract: In a medical instrument sterilizing and washing method and apparatus for sterilizing and washing a medical instrument in a short time without corroding the metal forming the medical instrument to be washed. The sterilizing and washing method comprises the steps of preparing an electrolytic aqueous solution by adding and dissolving a halide composed of a bromide compound as a simple substance or a bromide compound and other halogenated compound to and in tap water; directly subjecting the electrolytic aqueous solution to electrolysis through electrode plates composed of an anode and a cathode and generating electrolytically-generated water containing hypohalogenous acid; and sterilizing and washing the medical instrument with the electrolytically-generated water while maintaining the hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in the electrolytic water to at least 6 at all times.

Abstract: The proper quantity of the desired cleaning/disinfecting liquid sufficient to wet the desired wiping material is introduced into a small plastic pouch and sealed. The wiping material and the sealed pouch are placed in a plastic bag and the bag is then sealed closed. The bag is preferably sealed over the top of the plastic pouch as well, fixing the pouch in place in the bag. The sealed bag is transported to the intended cleaning location. Thereat, the bag and pouch therein are folded over onto themselves, and the folded pouch squeezed and ruptured. The liquid flows from the ruptured pouch to the wiping material soaking the same, without opening the outer bag. The outer bag is then torn open providing access to the wetted wiping material, for the desired wiping procedure.