Abstract: A method of sterile packaging and wetting articles within the package which involves the steps of partially filling a container with any of a number of anti-bacterial agents in liquid or semi-liquid form, then placing articles into the container, then sealing the container so that an air space is formed above the liquid within the container, then heating the container and its contents to a temperature substantially below the boiling point of the liquid, and at a pressure of about one atmosphere, until the surfaces within the container above and below the liquid level, and the entire contents of such container, are sterilized, and finally cooling the container and its contents to a temperature at or below the dew point of the air space until the surfaces within the container and above the liquid level are wetted by the condensed liquid from the air.

Abstract: Contaminated objects are disinfected in a device which has a cavity formed by a fluid impermeable wall, an opening which is sealable, an absorbent liner, and a dispensing conduit which extends around the perimeter of the device. Objects are placed in the cavity, the opening is sealed, and a disinfectant solution is introduced into the dispensing conduit. The disinfectant solution flows from outlets in the conduit into the absorbent liner so that the objects in the cavity are disinfected by the solution and its vapors.

Abstract: A method of treating a body fluid so as to inactivate protozoa in said fluid comprises mixing the body fluid with an effective amount of a photosensitizing agent which will bind to cell-free protozoa and/or protozoan-infected cells, and then exposing the resulting mixture to visible light to inactivate the protozoa. An apparatus for use in the method includes at least one container which contains a body fluid containing protozoa and an effective amount of a photosensitizing agent to bind to the protozoa. The apparatus has at least one wall which is permeable to visible light.

Abstract: A tubing system (18) connects a source (10) of tap water with a container (20) holding an item to be sterilized. Powdered buffers, detergents, and corrosion inhibitors are deposited in a well (34) along with an ampule (46) containing a sterilant, such as peracetic acid. The ampule includes an exterior wall (80) which defines an interior volume (82) and a linear vent passage (84) extending from the exterior wall to a central region of the interior volume. A gas permeable liquid impermeable membrane (100) is mounted across a vent aperture (86) which is disposed adjacent the geometric center of the interior volume. The volume is filled less than half way full with the liquid sterilant such that in all orientations of the ampule (FIGS. 4A-C), an upper surface (98) of the sterilant remains below the vent aperture. A pump (50) recirculates the water through the container, the tubing system, and the well to dissolve the powdered reagents.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for rapidly sterilizing material including articles such as dental handpieces include introducing the article and liquid sterilant solution into a collapsible pouch formed of vapor-impermeable sheet material, sealing the collapsible pouch to form a gas-tight assembly, and vaporizing the liquid sterilant solution by heating it to produce an atmosphere of hot sterilant vapor. The liquid sterilant is introduced into the pouch in a quantity sufficient to create an overpressure when vaporized which is indicated by the collapsible pouch expanding to a distended condition. In one embodiment, the liquid sterilant solution is vaporized by irradiating the gas-tight assembly with microwave radiation in which case the material is sterilized under the combined effects of chemical vapor and microwave irradiation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sterilizing articles such as dental handpieces include introducing the article and liquid sterilant solution into a collapsible pouch formed of vapor-impermeable sheet material, sealing the collapsible pouch to form a gas-tight assembly, and heating the gas-tight assembly to vaporize the liquid sterilant solution to produce an atmosphere of hot sterilant vapor. The liquid sterilant is introduced into the pouch in a quantity sufficient to create an overpressure when vaporized which is indicated by the collapsible pouch expanding to a distended condition. In one embodiment, the liquid sterilant solution is vaporized by irradiating the gas-tight assembly with microwave radiation in which case the article is sterilized under the combined effects of chemical vapor and microwave irradiation.

Abstract: A crystallization apparatus 2, in particular for crystallizing proteins at zero gravity, comprises a crystallization cell consisting of an elastic tube 8 of which the ends can be sealed. Using a clamp means 10the tube cavity can be reversibly divided into several cells 14, 14', 14" to receive various solutions depending on the particular crystallization.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for sterilizing and encapsulating contaminated waste particularly medical implement waste in which a volume of thermoplastic compound having a melting point temperature-calibrated at a value which corresponds substantially to the temperature at which all biological contamination is rendered sterile substantially on contact, and impregnating a space containing contaminated waste items with the liquid compound and thereafter cooling the mass to its solidified phase while containing it against protrusion of any waste item.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for housing radioactively and biologically contaminated waste materials during treatment thereof to inactivate the biological contaminants and render the wastes more suitable for disposal in a solid landfill. The apparatus is nonporous and thermally resistant. Additionally, the apparatus features at least one opening within which is disposed a filter for entrapping any radioactive compounds contained in gases exiting the apparatus during the treatment. The apparatus is used in conjunction with an autoclaving procedure which inactivates the biological contaminants while preventing volatile radioactive compounds from escaping into the environment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a material with gas or vapour, especially a fumigant, comprises a sealable enclosure device, a pump which may have an inlet for the agent and a heat reservoir, and a long flexible hose to allow the enclosure to be evacuated after treatment and the effluent discharged outside the premises where the material is treated.

Abstract: A method and device for enhancing the vapor sterilization of the lumen of medical instruments and like articles under reduced pressure. A vessel containing a small amount of a vaporizable liquid sterilant solution is attached to the lumen. The sterilant vaporizes and flows directly into the lumen of the article as the pressure is reduced for the sterilization cycle.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for sterilizing articles includes a sealed first enclosure made at least partially of a gas-permeable plastic film and a sealed container releasably containing a gaseous sterilant under pressure, the container being enclosed within the first enclosure. An openable second enclosure made at least partially of a gas-permeable plastic film is also provided and the first enclosure and the articles to be sterilized are disposed in the second enclosure. The sterilant which is characterized by toxicity and flammability when released from its container diffuses from the first enclosure into the second enclosure at a rate capable of establishing sterilization conditions in the second enclosure during a sterilization cycle to thereby effect sterilization of the articles in the second enclosure. A third enclosure is also provided in which the second enclosure containing the articles to be sterilized is disposed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical instruments sterilization container (10) which includes a housing (12) and a removable lid (14). A removable tray (16) is adapted to hold various medical instruments to be sterilized. The container is formed of a polymer of relatively low thermal conductivity, with a material having a relatively high thermal conductivity being added thereto in order to substantially increase the overall thermal conductivity of the container to absorb radiant heat and rapidly conduct that heat throughout the container to reduce condensate within the container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flow-through system for use with at least one sealable pressure or nonpressure container. The system can be used to selectively sterilize, humidify and aerate the container and can be integrally or releasably attached to the container. The system includes at least one liquid reservoir for holding a sterilant, such as an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide. A second liquid reservoir for holding water for humidification may be provided. The system also includes a unit which houses a heater for vaporizing incoming liquid and optionally heating incoming air and a converter for converting selected vapors to a form suitable for disposal. A vacuum motor draws air from the container to reduce pressure therein so that air from an air supply is drawn through an air filter into the heater and into the container. A substantial portion of the withdrawn air from the container is diverted to the converter.

Abstract: A medical instruments sterilization container (10) includes a housing (12) and a removable lid (14). A removable tray (16) is adapted to hold various medical instruments to be sterilized. The container is formed of a polymer of relatively low thermal conductivity, with a material having a relatively high thermal conductivity being added thereto in order to substantially increase the overall thermal conductivity of the container to absorb radiant heat and rapidly conduct that heat throughout the container to reduce condensate within the container.

Abstract: A storage system (10) includes an interior envelope (12) and an exterior envelope (14). Tissue or other material to be stored may be placed in interior envelope (12), sealed and placed in exterior envelope (14). Exterior envelope (14) is sealable in a first sealed position that allows gas sterilization of the interior of exterior envelope (14) and the contents contained therein. After sterilization, exterior envelope (14) is sealed in a gas impermeable position. Each of interior and exterior envelopes (12, 14) have one side which is transparent. A grid (22) may be provided on the transparent side of interior envelope (12) for sizing tissue contained therein.

Abstract: An autoclave for sterilizing used medical equipment and compacting same for disposal comprising a sealable receptacle lined with a thermoplastic liner wherein the liner forms an interior region for receiving used medical equipment. The sealable receptacle is provided with a hydraulic ram for compressing and crushing the equipment contained in a thermoplastic wrap. Thus the medical discards are compressed into portable capsules which then may be discarded in landfills. The hydraulic ram includes controls for automatic cycling of the compression and ejection strokes and the autoclave itself is provided with a steam inlet means through which steam is injected into the liner both to soften the liner and to sterilize the debris before compression. The ram actuation may be coupled to a recorder which records the sterilization temperatures and may include interlocks and clock limits to preclude injury to the operator.

Abstract: An inflatable structure, includes a base and a barrier attached to the base which is capable of being inflated to a predetermined shape in order to define a chamber. A door in the barrier allows access to the chamber. The base includes a source of gas for inflating the barrier and for circulating within the chamber. The barrier is constructed as a twin-walled structure having inner and outer walls defining an air flow space therebetween. Holes are provided through at least portions of the inner wall to provide a means for circulation of air from the space into the chamber. When not in use, the aerator may be deflated and folded for compact storage and shipment.

Abstract: An apparatus for blood sample treatment involves lysis, filtration and culture, the apparatus being in the form of a unitary culture chamber assembly consisting of an upper chamber for receiving a blood sample, this upper chamber receiving lysing solution squeezed from an attached bag which is subsequently detached. The upper chamber is located over and is in telescopic engagement with a lower chamber having a pointed hollow needle engageable through a rubber diaphragm in the bottom of the upper chamber when the upper chamber is pressed down. This is done after complete blood lysis, and then vacuum is applied to the lower chamber to accomplish filtration. The lower chamber is then detached and discarded. The diaphragm is sealingly covered and an attached bag of culture medium is squeezed to introduce the medium into the upper chamber from the bag. This second bag is detached, leaving the upper chamber as a complete blood culture system.