Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and pressure vessels for solid-state microcellular processing of thermoplastic rolls and sheets. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method for making a gas impregnated interleaved roll, which method comprises: providing a pressure vessel having an internal pressure chamber and a rotatable shaft horizontally positioned within the pressure chamber; placing an interleaved roll about the rotatable shaft and within the pressure chamber, wherein the interleaved roll is made from a thermoplastic material sheet interleaved together with a gas-channeling material sheet; pressurizing the pressure chamber to a selected pressure; rotating the rotatable shaft having the interleaved roll thereabouts (thereby rotating the interleaved roll) while under pressure for a selected period of time; and depressurizing the internal chamber to yield the gas impregnated interleaved roll.

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: 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: 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: The present invention relates to a method for sterilizing at least one object, wherein the object is exposed to a sterilization agent, wherein at least one first support pressure and at least one second support pressure are applied and wherein a sterilization of a first region of the object takes place by the sterilization agent at the first support pressure and a sterilization of a second region of the object takes place at the second support pressure. The present invention furthermore relates to a sterilizing apparatus and to a use herefor.

Abstract: An apparatus and procedure for efficiently sterilizing waste material or products. The apparatus includes a reactor in the form of a cylindrical container housing two cylindrical tubes, a larger first tube and a smaller second tube. A first helical blade extends inwardly from the inner surface of the second tube, and a second helical blade bridges the outer surface of the second tube to the inner surface of the first tube. As the set of tubes is rotated in unison, material flows in one direction within the second tube and in the opposite direction in the space between the tubes. This axially compact design allows non stop introduction and extraction of waste, efficient use of heat energy, provided by steam injected into the reactor through a steam port, and allows for material to be input into and extracted from the device both at one end of the reactor.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating material includes a pressure vessel and an agitation device for agitating the material received in the pressure vessel. The agitation device may include a drum which may be rotatably arranged inside the pressure vessel and which has an inner space for receiving the material that is introduced into the pressure vessel. The agitation device may include one or more agitation blades mounted in the drum so as to act on the material received in the inner space of the drum as the drum rotates in relation to the pressure vessel. A drive mechanism may rotate the drum in relation to the pressure vessel. Waste, such as garbage, may be treated with steam and pressure using the apparatus.

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: Biowaste sterilizers are described. In one implementation an exemplary system has waste transport vessels that can be intermittently heated and pressurized, for example, with steam, and are interconnected to provide multiple sterilization pathways for waste as the waste is transported. Selected sterilization pathways may depend on attributes of the waste. Sterilization factors, such as mechanical shredding, application of steam, application of pressure, maintenance of temperature, separation of liquid, etc., are integrated into the waste transport features of the system, which can be made compact to save space while processing relatively large bulk amounts of materials, such as medical wastes. The system maintains safe isolation of bio-hazardous components in the waste from the external environment. A system controller provides parameters management, smart sterilization cycle control, quality assurance, safety management, diagnostics, and reporting over a network.

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: A method for treating municipal solid waste and other waste is provided which comprises: introducing said waste into a rotary autoclave which is downwardly inclined towards its discharge end and has a door at the discharge end; and injecting steam through said door into said autoclave to treat the load. A method is also provided for treating waste, comprising steam autoclaving the waste, anaerobically digesting an organic-rich fraction of the autoclaved waste, recovering methane-containing gas from anaerobic digestion, internally combusting the methane-containing gas to generate power and exhaust gas, and generating steam for autoclaving using the waste heat.

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 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 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 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 system for decontaminating a medical device includes a decontamination chamber configured to retain the medical device and a chemical dispersion assembly configured to deliver a decontaminating fluid to the decontamination chamber. A pressure control assembly is connected to the decontamination chamber and configured to control the pressure in the decontamination chamber. The system also includes a system controller configured to control the decontamination chamber, chemical dispersion assembly, and pressure control assembly. A pressure in the decontamination chamber is reduced to within a sub-atmospheric pressure range in a first evacuation step and add a decontaminating fluid into the decontamination chamber at a first rate while increasing the pressure in the decontamination chamber. Adding the decontaminating fluid increases a relative humidity in the decontamination chamber to a level that improves the efficacy of the decontaminating fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating waste comprises a gravity drop steam heating tower for heating the waste to the biological kill temperature using pressurized steam, a first feed member for feeding the waste to be sterilized to the gravity drop steam heating tower, and a vaporization system. The vaporization system includes a heating chamber for facilitating vaporization of liquids in the waste, a conveying member for conveying the waste from the lower end portion of the gravity drop steam heating tower into and through the heating chamber, and a vaporization chamber for receiving the waste from the heating chamber and for releasing vapor entrained in the waste into the vaporization chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating objects with a treatment gas comprises a treatment chamber, a chamber input through which objects enter the treatment chamber, and a chamber output (which may be the same as the chamber input) through which the objects leave the treatment chamber. The treatment chamber encloses the treatment gas, which can be steam. The chamber output and/or the chamber input include an intermediate medium, such as a liquid, through which the objects pass. The intermediate medium prevents escape of the treatment gas from the treatment chamber and the ingress of external gases into the treatment chamber, while facilitating input of the objects to the chamber, and output of the objects from the chamber.

Abstract: A germ eliminator system is for disinfecting an enclosure which includes a green disinfectant liquid. A mechanism is for distributing the disinfectant liquid in a timely and sequentially manner throughout the enclosure, to kill germs, bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms within the enclosure, thereby the enclosure will become safe for people to use when entering the enclosure such as building, hotel, school, bus, train, or ship. The germ eliminator system can be stationary or mobile on a service cart.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterilization of infectious waste including animals, infected animal herds, infected human corpses and other infected material and proper disposal of resultant waste. The method and apparatus specifically relates to methods of safely sterilizing and disposing of infectious and non-infectious bio-waste in a cost effective manner.

Abstract: Bio-waste sterilizers are described. In one implementation an exemplary system has waste transport vessels that can be intermittently heated and pressurized, for example, with steam, and are interconnected to provide multiple sterilization pathways for waste as the waste is transported. Selected sterilization pathways may depend on attributes of the waste. Sterilization factors, such as mechanical shredding, application of steam, application of pressure, maintenance of temperature, separation of liquid, etc., are integrated into the waste transport features of the system, which can be made compact to save space while processing relatively large bulk amounts of materials, such as medical wastes. The system maintains safe isolation of bio-hazardous components in the waste from the external environment. A system controller provides parameters management, smart sterilization cycle control, quality assurance, safety management, diagnostics, and reporting over a network.

Abstract: The packing according to the invention comprises: a container for holding said at least one object to be sterilized, having an inlet opening and a discharge opening via which said at least one object may pass into and out of said container, said container comprising a rigid part which comprises a peripheral wall bored with a multitude of small holes having dimensions smaller than those of the said at least one object, and a non-rigid part in a material porous to the sterilization fluid and non-porous to microbial contamination, this non-rigid part being able to contain said rigid part and to be sealed thereon; and at least one envelope made in a flexible and airtight material, which is vacuum sealing fitted on said container.

Abstract: Described is a process and an arrangement for the treatment of objects, in particular for sterilization, comprising at least one chamber for the joint take-up of at least two objects to be treated. A closing element is arranged to the opening of the chamber, which closing element is arranged in a moveable way in the arrangement for the purposes of opening and closing the opening. The chamber can be closed by means of the closing element in a vacuum-tight way, whereby no relative movement takes place between the closing element and the chamber in the closed state. It is provided that the minimum of two objects to be treated are inserted one after the other, and that the closing of the opening by means of the minimum one closing element takes place essentially on a continuous basis.

Abstract: A system for recovery of a sterilant gas mixture from a sterilizer chamber is disclosed. The system includes a gas recovery tank, a sterilizer chamber in gaseous communication with the gas recovery tank and a gas recovery assembly coupled to the gas recovery tank and the sterilizer chamber. The gas recovery assembly is configured to transfer a sterilant gas mixture including at least one sterilant gas between the sterilizer chamber and the gas recovery tank. The system further includes an analyzer assembly coupled to the sterilizer chamber, the analyzer assembly including at least one sterilant gas sensor configured to detect density of the sterilant gas and a control module coupled to the analyzer assembly and to the gas recovery assembly. The control module includes at least one control module configured to determine at least one of a transfer pressure and flammability of the sterilant gas mixture as a function of the density of the sterilant gas.

Abstract: The aseptic packaging installation comprises a bench under a ceiling, a line of machines mounted on the bench in a packaging zone subjected to a sterile laminar flow traveling vertically from the ceiling at a rate adapted to establish a first pressure in the packaging zone that is higher than a surrounding pressure, an intervention zone adjacent to the packaging zone, and subjected to a one-way flow of clean air travelling vertically from the ceiling of the intervention zone at a rate that is adapted to establish a second pressure in the intervention zone that is lower than the first pressure but higher than the surrounding pressure.

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 method for disinfecting a microtome cryostat (1) comprises a defrosting phase (11), provision (13) of a vaporous disinfection agent (2) which acts upon the closed cryostat chamber (3) and a period of time (14) during which said disinfection agent (2) acts, and having an associated device for carrying out the method. According to the invention, fast and effective disinfection and rapid restarting of a microtome cryostat (1) is possible with secure drying, the temperature difference (?T1, ?T2) being produced after the period of time (14) in the cryostat chamber (3) whereupon the precipitated disinfection agent (2) is removed (18) to a cold area.

Abstract: Improved treatment apparatus (120, 152) is provided for the treatment (e.g., molding, heating and/or curing) of objects such as parts or part precursors (148, 170) including wireless detection of a temperature parameter related to the objects during treatment thereof. The objects include associated microwire-type sensors (150, 174) which have characteristic re-magnetization responses under the influence of applied, alternating magnetic fields. The apparatus (120, 152) have treatment chambers (122, 153) sized to hold the objects to be treated, with one or more antennas (132, 124, 166) proximal to such objects and operable to generate interrogating alternating magnetic fields and to detect the responses of the sensors (150, 174). The detected temperature parameter information is used by an apparatus controller (146) to maintain desired ambient conditions within the treatment chamber (122, 153).

Abstract: The invention relates mainly to an apparatus comprising a chamber for physically and/or chemically treating one or more samples or products, said apparatus comprising a door for introducing samples inside the apparatus chamber or bringing samples outside the apparatus, said apparatus comprising a membrane or film defining a chamber wall inside said apparatus when the door is closed.

Abstract: Systems and processes for regenerating catalyst are provided herein that include a catalyst regeneration tower having a cooling zone that receives a catalyst cooling stream generated by a cooling gas loop. The systems and processes include a first thermocompressor that utilizes a first motive vapor and a second thermocompressor that utilizes a second motive vapor in order to provide the catalyst cooling stream to the regeneration tower. The second thermocompressor operates in parallel with the first thermocompressor. The first thermocompressor can utilize combustion air as the motive vapor. The second thermocompressor can utilize nitrogen as the motive vapor.

Abstract: An autoclave for the sterilization of clinical dental instruments is described, of the type comprising a sterilization chamber (1) equipped with a series of appliance fittings (4) for the inflow and outflow of fluids, and apt to contain a load of instruments onto which to carry through a sterilization cycle, characterized in that said appliance fittings (4) are gathered on at least one connection body or partition (3), with which a reducing container (7) is quickly able to be engaged and disengaged, which container has a volume apt to contain at least one instrument to be sterilized, the inner volume of such container (7) communicating with said appliance fittings (4) and said container (7) being apt to be entirely contained within said sterilization chamber (1). The small-volume container for said autoclave is further described, as well as a full treatment system employing said container.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and pressure vessels for solid-state microcellular processing of thermoplastic rolls and sheets. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method for making a gas impregnated interleaved roll, which method comprises: providing a pressure vessel having an internal pressure chamber and a rotatable shaft horizontally positioned within the pressure chamber; placing an interleaved roll about the rotatable shaft and within the pressure chamber, wherein the interleaved roll is made from a thermoplastic material sheet interleaved together with a gas-channeling material sheet; pressurizing the pressure chamber to a selected pressure; rotating the rotatable shaft having the interleaved roll thereabouts (thereby rotating the interleaved roll) while under pressure for a selected period of time; and depressurizing the internal chamber to yield the gas impregnated interleaved roll.

Abstract: A method of sterilisation, decontamination and/or sanitation of an enclosed environment, the method comprising the steps of measuring the temperature of an enclosed environment to be treated; calculating the relative humidity required to provide a desired partial pressure at the measured temperature, the actual desired partial pressure required being based on a predetermined optimum partial pressure at a base temperature corresponding to an optimum operating temperature for that environment; introducing a predetermined quantity of water to the environment to provide the calculated relative humidity for the measured temperature; discharging ozone into the humidified environment; maintaining the ozone level at a concentration that will achieve the required degree of decontamination, sterilisation and/or sanitation of the humid environment; and reducing the ozone level to an acceptable safe exposure level.

Abstract: A portable, lightweight, easy-to-carry, reusable, durable, and environmentally-friendly assembly for sterilizing contaminated equipment using conditions of a chemical sterilant, heat, and humidity generated in situ without requiring external electricity, fuels, or other exogenous energy sources for operation. The carry assembly includes a plastic carry-case or insulated aluminum pressure vessel having an inner chamber for accepting microbiologically contaminated objects, a vessel disposed in the chamber for serving as a reaction chamber and/or boiler, a chemical combination which upon mixing generates at least minimally sufficient conditions of the sterilant, heat, and humidity to effect sterilization of the objects, and outlet valves mounted on the carry-case for controllably venting pressures above ambient air pressure.

Abstract: A portable, lightweight, easy-to-carry, reusable, durable, and environmentally-friendly assembly for sterilizing contaminated equipment using conditions of a chemical sterilant, heat, and humidity generated in situ without requiring external electricity, fuels, or other exogenous energy sources for operation. The carry assembly includes a plastic carry-case or insulated aluminum pressure vessel having an inner chamber for accepting microbiologically contaminated objects, a vessel disposed in the chamber for serving as a reaction chamber and/or boiler, a chemical combination which upon mixing generates at least minimally sufficient conditions of the sterilant, heat, and humidity to effect sterilization of the objects, and outlet valves mounted on the carry-case for controllably venting pressures above ambient air pressure.

Abstract: A portable, lightweight, easy-to-carry, reusable, durable, and environmentally-friendly assembly for sterilizing contaminated equipment using conditions of a chemical sterilant, heat, and humidity generated in situ without requiring external electricity, fuels, or other exogenous energy sources for operation. The carry assembly includes a plastic carry-case or insulated aluminum pressure vessel having an inner chamber for accepting microbiologically contaminated objects, a vessel disposed in the chamber for serving as a reaction chamber and/or boiler, a chemical combination which upon mixing generates at least minimally sufficient conditions of the sterilant, heat, and humidity to effect sterilization of the objects, and outlet valves mounted on the carry-case for controllably venting pressures above ambient air pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the sanitization, detoxification, disinfection, high level disinfection, or sterilization of both the interior and exterior surfaces of an object or plurality of objects, including those with lumens and/or channels of various sizes, within a closed space, or closed system of space, in addition to their surrounding atmosphere, and relates particularly, though not exclusively, to the generation of an aerosol including an anti-pathogen/toxin/fungal/sporicidal agent(s) or substance(s) (applied agent), or chemical neutralizing agent(s) or substance(s), by way of one or more ultrasonic nebulizer(s). However the applied agent used in the present invention may also be in the form of any gas, vapor, plasma, aerosol, or other form. The said apparatus and method also includes an option to incorporate and utilize a means to wash the object(s) or endoscope(s).

Abstract: According to the present invention a method for heat recovery in a device for the sterilization of biological material is provided. The present method eliminates the risk of contaminating the sterilized effluent with unsterilized biological material via the heat recovery system. In a device according to the invention, a heat recovery circuit is provided for transferring heat from the sterilized effluent stream to the biologically hazardous feed stream. Protection against contamination through leaks is obtained by maintaining at all times a pressure difference preventing biologically hazardous material from bypassing the heat treatment and flowing in the direction of the sterilized material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure control system for maintaining the pressure differential between a reactor (1) and a feeder (2) connected thereto and provided for introducing feed into the reactor (1), characterized in that the pressure control system comprises a pressure up line (5) and a pressure release line (6), each line (5, 6) having a control valve (7, 8), both lines (5, 6) combining into one main line (3) leading to the feeder (2), wherein a filter unit (4) is provided in the main line (3); as well as to a reactor having such a pressure control system and a process utilizing a reactor with the specific pressure control system.

Abstract: An autoclave (1) comprises a carrier framework (4) within which a drum (8) is rotatably mounted and rotated by a drive motor (12). The drum (8) defines a hollow interior region within which the waste material is treated, and an open mouth (15) at one end of the drum (8) is closed by a hingedly mounted closure member (16). The carrier framework (4) is pivotally coupled to a ground engaging mounting framework (2) by decoupleable first and second pivot mountings (5,6) at respective opposite ends (10,11) of the carrier framework (4) so that on release of the second pivot mountings (6) the carrier framework (4) and the drum (8) are pivotal about the first pivot mountings (5) by first main drive rams (19) from a horizontal operating state to an inclined loading state with the drum (8) inclined upwardly to the open mouth (15) for loading waste to be treated into the drum (8).

Abstract: A system, device and method for sterilizing or decontaminating an object that by exposing the object to a sterilant gas comprised of one or more oxides of nitrogen, such as NO, NO2, NO3, N2O3, N2O4, N2O5, N2O and mixtures thereof. The source of the sterilant gas can be generated from a sterilant gas-generating composition or provided by a source of the sterilant gas.

Abstract: A method of processing bone material using supercritical fluids is disclosed. The method comprises placing the bone material in a processing chamber, adding supercritical fluid to the processing chamber, pulsing the supercritical fluid in the processing chamber, and rinsing the bone material. A processing system for processing bone material using supercritical fluids in accordance with the present invention comprises a processing chamber for housing the bone material, a vat for storing a processing fluid, a pump, a heating element, a flow path, a tank, and a solvent port.

Abstract: A portable, lightweight, easy-to-carry, reusable, durable, and environmentally-friendly assembly for sterilizing contaminated equipment using conditions of a chemical sterilant, heat, and humidity generated in situ without requiring external electricity, fuels, or other exogenous energy sources for operation. The carry assembly includes a plastic carry-case or insulated aluminum pressure vessel having an inner chamber for accepting microbiologically contaminated objects, a vessel disposed in the chamber for serving as a reaction chamber and/or boiler, a chemical combination which upon mixing generates at least minimally sufficient conditions of the sterilant, heat, and humidity to effect sterilization of the objects, and outlet valves mounted on the carry-case for controllably venting pressures above ambient air pressure.

Abstract: A mobile All Hazards Receipt Facility (AHRF) is provided in an enclosure suitable for mounting on a base vehicle such as a semi-trailer. The AHRF includes a containment area compliant with BSL-3 standards, a containment area compliant with BSL-2 standards, a unique bleaching/decontamination station having an airlock to the outside for receiving incoming sample containers, a class III Biosafety Cabinet (Glovebox) connected to the bleaching station via an airlock through which samples are passed for processing, a biosafety cabinet as well as an onboard air handling system that provides air conditioning, filtration and exhaust and maintains appropriate BSL-2 and BSL-3 air pressure differentials.

Abstract: A portable, lightweight, easy-to-carry, reusable, durable, and environmentally-friendly assembly for sterilizing contaminated equipment using conditions of a chemical sterilant, heat, and humidity generated in situ without requiring external electricity, fuels, or other exogenous energy sources for operation. The carry assembly includes a plastic carry-case or insulated aluminum pressure vessel having an inner chamber for accepting microbiologically contaminated objects, a vessel disposed in the chamber for serving as a reaction chamber and/or boiler, a chemical combination which upon mixing generates at least minimally sufficient conditions of the sterilant, heat, and humidity to effect sterilization of the objects, and outlet valves mounted on the carry-case for controllably venting pressures above ambient air pressure.

Abstract: A showerhead cleaning and disinfecting system including an injection device located between a showerhead extension pipe and a showerhead. The injection device includes a port configured to receive an agent for cleaning and disinfecting the showerhead.

Abstract: A control system of a surgery autoclave is described, which is capable of establishing a sterilization cycle which includes at least a first evacuation step of a sterilization chamber and of heating of a load and a final drying step. The autoclave includes a device capable of detecting a parameter proportional to the energy used up in a step of the cycle preceding the drying step and the control system establishes at least a reduction of the drying step upon determining that, the parameter of used up energy lies below a preset threshold.

Abstract: A sterilizer (20) is provided having a steam filled sterilizer chamber (24) for sterilizer articles placed within the chamber (24). An electronic air valve (186) is provided to control the venting rate of the steam is vented back to a water reservoir (140) after the articles have been sterilized. The electronic air valve (186) also vents the chamber (24) in a controlled manner during the heat up portion of the sterilization cycle to obtain an optimum saturated steam environment with the chamber (24) for the sterilizing process. The sterilizer (20) has pre-programmed and programmable sterilization cycles. And the drying times of each of these cycles is programmable by a user. The programmable sterilization cycles also provide a programmable vent rate which may be selected by the user to minimize damage to the sterilized articles. A steam condensing coil (200) is associated with the water reservoir (140) to minimize pressure build up within the water reservoir (140).

Abstract: An apparatus for treating waste comprises a gravity drop steam heating tower for heating the waste to the biological kill temperature using pressurized steam, a first feed member for feeding the waste to be sterilized to the gravity drop steam heating tower, and a vaporization system. The vaporization system includes a heating chamber for facilitating vaporization of liquids in the waste, a conveying member for conveying the waste from the lower end portion of the gravity drop steam heating tower into and through the heating chamber, and a vaporization chamber for receiving the waste from the heating chamber and for releasing vapor entrained in the waste into the vaporization chamber.