Abstract: Disclosed is a food sterilization method capable of heat-sterilizing foods uniformly by heating steam irrespectively with a shape of an apparatus.

Abstract: A steam autoclave (steam sterilization system) has a door for opening and closing an opening that defines the entrance to and exit from a steam sterilization chamber. The door may be latched and locked and pneumatically sealed when in a closed position. Preferably, the door has a convex portion that projects into the sterilization chamber when the door is in a closed position for aiding in providing an even distribution of steam throughout the sterilization chamber during operation of the steam autoclave.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel installation for providing a product in pasteurized form, said product comprising at least one liquid component and fibrous and/or solid components.

Abstract: An endoscope cleaning/disinfecting apparatus of the invention includes: a processing tank including an opening portion; an apparatus main body which performs processing on an endoscope arranged in the processing tank; a lid member which opens and closes the opening portion; an electric actuator which is connected to the lid member and which generates a pressing force for pressing the lid member toward the opening portion; and a control section connected to the apparatus main body and the electric actuator, the control section causing the electric actuator to continue to generate the pressing force for pressing the lid member toward the opening portion in a predetermined period during execution of the processing, and causing the electric actuator to stop generating the pressing force in a period other than the predetermined period.

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 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 portable steam sterilizer for surgical and dental instruments includes an outer casing and a pressure chamber configured to receive steam therein. A tray is configured to hold the instruments and is releasably received within the pressure chamber while a boiler is in fluid communication with the pressure chamber for providing steam thereto. The sterilizer further includes a container for receiving condensed steam evacuated from the pressure chamber. The container is spaced from the outer casing and includes a main body and a lid that is substantially non-rotationally coupled to the main body. A conduit is coupled to the lid and fluid communicates the container with the pressure chamber. The main body of the container may include a base while the lid may include a wall oriented generally orthogonal to the base.

Abstract: A portable steam sterilizer for surgical instruments includes a tray configured to hold the instruments and a pressure chamber. The pressure chamber includes a cavity portion and a handle portion. The cavity portion includes a set of walls and is configured to releasably receive the tray, while the handle portion is coupled to the tray for selectively inserting and removing the tray respectively into and from within the cavity portion. The handle portion is sealingly engageable with the cavity portion to thereby define the pressure chamber. A steam inlet fluidly communicates the pressure chamber with a source of steam to selectively permit steam to flow from the source of steam and into the pressure chamber. A steam outlet fluidly communicates the pressure chamber with a steam management assembly to selectively permit steam to flow from the pressure chamber and into the steam management assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sterilizer having a housing defining a sterilization chamber. An opening in the housing communicates with the chamber. A surface surrounds the opening, and a door is movable between one of an open position allowing access to the chamber through the opening and a closed position covering the opening. A seal element is associated with the surface for forming a fluid-tight seal between the door and the surface when the door is in the closed position. An operating system is provided for applying pressure to one side of the seal from a first source external to the operating system to force the seal into engagement with the door. Sensing means are provided for monitoring the pressure applied to the seal from the first pressure source. A second source of pressure is provided in the operating system and is connectable to the seal.

Abstract: An apparatus for the transfer of solid particulate matter from a low pressure system to a high pressure system is presented. The apparatus simplifies the particle transfer process, and is useful for systems where solid catalyst particles are cycled through a reactor and a regenerator.

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: A flow chamber having a vacuum chamber and a specimen chamber. The specimen chamber may have an opening through which a fluid may be introduced and an opening through which the fluid may exit. The vacuum chamber may have an opening through which contents of the vacuum chamber may be evacuated. A portion of the flow chamber may be flexible, and a vacuum may be used to hold the components of the flow chamber together.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to continuously feed an object to be treated to a high-pressure reactor which treats the object to be treated containing 10 mass % or more of water under high pressure, while preventing backflow of a high-pressure atmosphere from the high-pressure reactor. This is embodied by making a configuration such that the object to be treated is fed to the high-pressure reactor connected to a discharge port of a screw feeder which is provided with a feed unit for the object to be treated and the discharge port on one end side and the other end side respectively and forms a high-pressure atmosphere pressurized to, for example, 2 MPa or higher, while air-tightness between the high-pressure atmosphere and the one end side of the screw feeder is maintained by a sealing action of an accumulation compressed on the other end side of the screw feeder.

Abstract: A sterilizer, which is not large, but includes a hermetic container capable of defining a sealed space therein without being closed by a locking device from the outside, is disclosed. The sterilizer includes a hermetic container, which defines therein a steam chamber for conducting the heat sterilization of objects. The hermetic container includes a steam supply unit for supplying hot steam to the steam chamber, and an opening/closing unit for closing the steam chamber. The opening/closing unit includes an opening for passing the objects and a door for closing the opening from the inside of the chamber. The door is moved to come into contact with the opening from the inside, and the steam pressure inside the steam chamber is increased by the pressurized steam from the steam supply unit, so that the door can come into close contact with the opening, thus hermetically sealing the steam chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for sterilizing articles using an ozone-containing gas, where condensation of water from the sterilization atmosphere during the sterilization process is substantially prevented. The inventive sterilization method includes providing a sterilization chamber and placing an article into the sterilization chamber. The sterilization chamber is sealed prior to equalizing the temperature of the article and the atmosphere in the sterilization chamber. A vacuum is applied to achieve a preselected vacuum pressure in the sterilization chamber. Once the vacuum pressure is set, water vapour is supplied to the sterilization chamber. Ozone-containing gas is then supplied to the sterilization chamber and the sterilization chamber remains sealed for a preselected treatment period, where the sterilization chamber remains sealed throughout the whole process. Finally, vacuum in the sterilization chamber is released.

Abstract: A portable steam sterilizer for surgical instruments includes a tray configured to hold the instruments and a pressure chamber. The pressure chamber includes a cavity portion and a handle portion. The cavity portion includes a set of walls and is configured to releasably receive the tray, while the handle portion is coupled to the tray for selectively inserting and removing the tray respectively into and from within the cavity portion. The handle portion is sealingly engageable with the cavity portion to thereby define the pressure chamber. A steam inlet fluidly communicates the pressure chamber with a source of steam to selectively permit steam to flow from the source of steam and into the pressure chamber. A steam outlet fluidly communicates the pressure chamber with a steam management assembly to selectively permit steam to flow from the pressure chamber and into the steam management assembly.

Abstract: A high-pressure reactor which has a hydraulically controlled pressure-relief valve. The mechanical design of the corresponding hydraulic system in combination with the control technology used facilitates particularly fast opening of the pressure-relief valve in the case of pressure or temperature jumps in the high-pressure reactor.

Abstract: A sterilizer including a sterilization chamber for receiving articles to be sterilized and a door supported on a horizontal pivot at an access opening of the sterilizer chamber. The door includes a seal plate and a resilient seal member supported on the seal plate wherein the seal member includes an annular lip extending transversely to the plane of the seal plate. The lip extends into the sterilizer chamber wherein pressure within the chamber exerts a force biasing an opposing surface of the lip into engagement with an inner surface of the chamber. The sterilizer door is movable between a fully closed and a fully open position and includes a mechanism for holding the door in a partially open position. In the partially open position, the lip extends into contact with a surface of the sterilizer chamber to thereby form a bridge between the door and chamber and prevent condensation from dripping down away from the chamber and door.

Abstract: A semi-automated coating system for providing medical devices with antimicrobial coatings is disclosed. The semi-automated coating system extends the coating solution's usable life span by minimizing exposure to light, air and temperature extremes. Moreover, the disclosed semi-automated coating system minimizes operator and environmental exposure to the coating solutions. Methods disclose techniques for preparing coating solutions, setting up the coating system and operating the device. Moreover, the systems and methods described herein minimize operator intervention with the coating processes and provide superior product consistency.

Abstract: A pressure regulating device for regulating the pressure exerted on a medical instrument in a reprocessor for microbially deactivating the medical instruments.

Abstract: A combination dryer and atomized medicinal liquid apparatus and shoe or boot drying attachment, wherein the apparatus accommodates the placement of a shoe and/or boot drying attachment on an upper surface thereon. The attachment rests upon the upper surface of the dryer and atomized medicinal apparatus covering the air discharge outlets and channeling the generated air through two vertically disposed tubes. The tubes have a fixed end adjacent the attachment and a free end with an opening for transmitting or transferring the air to a shoe or boot placed thereon. A support ring circumscribes the tubes and supports a shoe(s) or boot(s) placed thereon, thereby promoting efficient drying and/or treatment of the shoe or boot by the apparatus and attachment combination.

Abstract: A high-pressure treatment apparatus comprises a first solid reservoir, a second solid reservoir connected to the first solid reservoir through a first connecting pipe, a high-pressure reactor connected to the second solid reservoir through a second connecting pipe, means for feeding reaction medium into the high-pressure reactor, a first sealing unit and a second sealing unit intervened respectively in the first connecting pipe and second connecting pipe, a first fluid feed unit for feeding a first fluid between the first sealing unit and the second sealing unit, a second fluid feed unit for feeding a second fluid between the second sealing unit and the high-pressure reactor, and means for opening the second sealing unit at the time of shut-off of the first sealing unit and controlling the first fluid and the second fluid to form a pressure-gradient so that pressure between the first sealing unit and the second sealing unit and pressure between the second sealing unit and the high-pressure reactor decrease gr

Abstract: A combination dryer and atomized medicinal liquid apparatus for feet is provided having a housing with two slightly recessed footprints shaped concavities formed wihtin the top. A plurality of air discharge outlets discharge a pressurized stream of warm air in conjunction with an atomized stream of antifungal or other medicinal liquid upward onto the sole area of the user's feet.

Abstract: An improved closure device for a laboratory scale chemical reactor which provides fast and efficient opening and closing of the reaction vessel as well as providing a simple and reliable system for relieving excessive pressure should it build up in the reaction vessel. The reactor is sealed by use of a substantially flat head that is seated against the rim of the reaction vessel by pressure which is generated by a variably adjustable closure means. Since the closure pressure can be adjusted to any value within the design limitations of the closure means, the closure means also operates as a pressure relief valve.

Abstract: This invention includes a novel method for safely, effectively and efficiently pooling of tissues for treatment prior to implantation into a recipient in need thereof. In one embodiment, the method includes perfusion of a porous implant which achieves efficient interpenetration of desired factors into and removal of undesirable factors from the pores of the implant, cleaning of the implant, efficient passivation of the implant (inactivation of pathogens, microorganisms, cells, viruses and the like and reduction in antigenicity thereof), and the novel implant produced by such treatment. The process presents a system wherein the rate of pressure cycling, the fact of pressure cycling, and the amplitude of pressure cycling, results in highly cleaned tissues and other implants for implantation.

Abstract: In order to design a sterile container for the accommodation and sterile storage, in particular, of surgical instruments or material, comprising a receiving area formed by a container base and container walls, such that it is easy and inexpensive to use it is suggested that the receiving area comprise a plurality of separate chambers and that each chamber have its own closure element.

Abstract: The sterilization method disclosed includes the steps of

Abstract: In a method of preserving a food product by applying high pressure, the food product (1) is forced through a treatment system (2) having an entrance (3) and an exit (4) while a pressure difference of at least 10 MPa is substantially maintained between the entrance and the exit. The product (1) is subjected to a varying electric and/or magnetic field. A treatment system with a plurality of treatment chambers is used, wherein the treatment chambers are electrically connected to reduce impedance variations of the treatment system during the preserving of the food product. For the food product flow the treatment chambers are series connected.

Abstract: An autoclave is disclosed which includes direct heating and improved access. The autoclave includes a heating system which is placed directly into the pressurized chamber such that materials which are placed directly into the autoclave are directly heated. The autoclave includes doors which are disposed inside of the pressure vessel which seal against the inside surface of the pressure vessel upon pressurization. In one embodiment a pivot system is used to hold the door in place when the autoclave is not sufficiently pressurized so as to hold the door against the inside wall of the autoclave. In an alternate embodiment a robotic system is used to hold the door in place when the autoclave is not sufficiently pressurized so as to hold the door against the inside wall of the autoclave. The robotic system is also used to move the door out of the way after depressurization.

Abstract: A sterilizable passageway for a sterilizable enclosure which includes an enclosure having an outer wall, which has a passageway therethrough. A collar lines a periphery of the passageway, the collar having a sealing surface and a heated surface. A heater is positioned to deliver heat to the heated surface of the collar to selectively heat the collar for sterilization. A selectively positionable door is moveable between an operating position wherein it is spaced away from the passageway to permit the passage of articles into or out of the enclosure and a sterilizing position wherein it substantially seals the passageway. This door optimally includes a gasket positioned to contact the sealing surface of the collar when the door is in its sterilizing position.

Abstract: The invention discloses a plurality of cylindrical slugs linked together by a cable. The slugs are separated by spacers and the cable is crimped at each end thereof to keep the slugs and spacers from coming off the cable. The cable-slugs-spacers assembly is inserted through a guide tube and into an annulus locking the cover of the pressure vessel to the housing of the vessel. A relief mechanism is provided in the cover to ensure that the cable-slugs-spacers assembly is fully inserted in the annulus thus preventing accidental extrication of the cover when the vessel is pressurized. A proximity sensor is positioned in the housing of the vessel and senses the pressure of the first slug inserted into the annulus thus insuring that the cable-slugs-spacers assembly has been fully inserted in the annulus. A coupling is provided on one end of the cable-slugs-spacers assembly to positively lock the assembly in place ensuring that the cover will not be extricated from the pressure vessel under pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which enables a complete multi-stepped chemical treatment process to occur within a single, sealed-bladdered vessel 31. The entire chemical process occurs without interruption of the sealed-bladdered vessel 31 such as opening the sealed-bladdered vessel 31 between various steps of the process. The sealed-bladdered vessel 31 is loaded with a batch to be dissolved, treated, decanted, rinsed and/or dried. A pressure filtration step may also occur. The self-contained chemical processing apparatus 32 contains a sealed-bladder 32, a fluid pump 34, a reservoir 20, a compressed gas inlet, a vacuum pump 24, and a cold trap 23 as well as the associated piping 33, numerous valves 21,22,25,26,29,30,35,36 and other controls associated with such an apparatus. The claimed invention allows for dissolution and/or chemical treatment without the operator of the self-contained chemical processing apparatus 38 coming into contact with any of the process materials.

Abstract: An elliptical steam sterilizer includes an elliptically shaped inner shell (12) and an elliptically shaped outer jacket (14). The inner shell (12) and outer jacket (14) are supported on opposite ends by an end plate (16) and a back head (20). The elliptical shape of the sterilizer distributes the forces caused by pressurization and evacuation of the inner shell (12) in a beneficial manner which eliminates the need for expensive reinforcement of the inner shell and outer jacket (14). The elliptical shape, which is oriented with its major axis (Y) positioned vertically and its minor axis (X) positioned horizontally, provides greater capacity than a cylindrical sterilizer with the same size footprint.

Abstract: A sculptor's pressure vessel having a frame, a pressure container and an expandable member for pushing the pressure container against a portion of the frame to seal the container. A pressurized gas supply is connected expandable member to inflate it and to push the pressure container against the top of the frame to seal the pressure container. The pressurized gas supply is also connected to the frame top to pressurize the pressure container when it is in sealed contact with the frame.

Abstract: An adapter for a sterilization cassette type apparatus in the form of a cassette is mounted in the cassette clamping members and is constructed as a fluid distributor with a plurality of funnel-shaped receiving openings each having a cylindrical outer wall for receiving of medical or dental instruments to be cleaned and/or sterilized.

Abstract: A device for evaluating air removal is subjected to a sterilization process whose effectiveness is dependent on a sufficiently high vacuum being achieved. A closure or lid (20, 70) seals an opening into an interior chamber (12) of a container (10). The closure and container are mechanically interconnected, e.g., fricitonally, such that a preselected pressure differential across the closure is needed to release the closure. The friction or other mechanical interconnection level and a pressure in the interior chamber are selected such that when the exterior of the container is subject to a preselected vacuum, the closure releases. Ease or reliability of reading the indication is improved with a spring (50) for expelling the closure or a frangible member (56, 72) which is severed or irreversibly deformed as the closure releases.

Abstract: A pressure flow system and method for its use are provided for contacting the interior of a fluid permeable, e.g., porous, workpiece. The system includes a fluid pressure chamber having an inlet port and an opening formed in one of the chamber walls. An adjustable seal capable of providing a fluid-tight seal about the exterior of a workpiece having a non-uniform surface is positioned within the opening. Fluid under pressure is supplied to the pressure chamber to force fluid to flow through the internal matrix of the workpiece. In a preferred embodiment, the workpiece is a bone or a section thereof, and the fluid is forced to flow from the endosteal portion of bone to the periosteal portion of bone through the vasculature and porous structure of the bone to remove blood, bone marrow and/or other non-bone constituent(s) from the bone.

Abstract: Apparatus for heating and venting a container. The apparatus has a heating station for the container. A heater is disposed to supply heat to the heating station. A drive has a body and a reciprocable member. The body is mounted in predetermined relation to the receiving station. The reciprocable member is movable relative to the receiving station between a first position and a second position. A cannula is joined to the reciprocable member. The cannula has a hollow bore. The cannula is movable between a retracted position and an extended position by movement of the reciprocable member between the first position and the second position. A vent line communicates with the bore and the ambient environment.

Abstract: A high-pressure sterilization apparatus for the implementation of a semicontinuous process for high-pressure sterilization of a liquid or solid product, in which the sterilization of successive volumes of the product is performed by compressing the product at a high pressure in a tubular variable treatment chamber of circular cross-section.

Abstract: Blockage in sterilizers due to the solidification of spilled liquid agar downstream from the sterilization chamber is prevented by heating the drain stream exiting the sterilization chamber so that the temperature of the liquid agar stays above 45.degree.-50.degree. C. prior to discharge from the sterilization plumbing system.An improved modular plumbing system for sterilizers is provided, where the piping and valving requirements for a discrete operation performed by the sterilizer are segregated in a single manifold.

Abstract: A process, system and pressure chamber for the automated sterilization of articles, particularly medical or dental instruments is disclosed, which is simple to use and economically efficient by comparison with conventional autoclaves and steam sterilizing system. Steam is generated by the pulsed injection of a controlled quantity of water into a heated boiler whenever it runs dry. The boiler is coupled in a closed-loop system to a relatively small pressure chamber in the form of a cassette that is readily inserted and removed from a holder comprising means for connecting the chamber to a steam inlet conduit and a venting conduit, the latter being closed off during pressurization of the chamber. By automated monitoring of the boiler and chamber temperatures, conditions in the chamber are measured and the boiler and valves in the system controlled to effect a sterilization cycle.

Abstract: A microbial decontamination system includes a lower housing portion (10) which receives a removable tray (12). The tray (12) defines a cassette receiving basin, a pair of anti-microbial fluid outlets (28, 64) and a drain (50). A pump (54) and associated plumbing circulates the anti-microbial fluid from the drain through the pair of outlets. A cassette (B) has a lower portion (FIGS. 8-10) which is configured to match the tray's basin and an upper portion (FIGS. 5-7) which is received on the lower cassette portion in an airborne microbe blocking relationship. The cassette bottom portion has an inlet (32) which receives the anti-microbial fluid and a baffle plate (44) adjacent the inlet having a plurality of apertures (96) for distributing the anti-microbial fluid within the cassette. The cassette defines a second inlet (66) which is interconnected with the tray second outlet also for receiving the anti-microbial fluid. The second inlet receives a removable distribution port assembly (68).

Abstract: A cleansing/sterilizing apparatus which is a transportable apparatus and method for inside-outside and sterilization of various complex reusable medical/dental instruments, including but not limited to laparoscopic instruments and dental handpieces. The apparatus avoids the use of heat, pressure, severe agitation, or corrosive chemicals which might damage delicate equipment. The apparatus preserves each processed instrument hermetically sealed in a sterile dry environment within a detachable/portable capsule until its next use.

Abstract: A sterilization container for an arrangement for sterilizing medical instruments, implants and the like with steam is disclosed. The arrangement has a steam generator fed by a dispensing pump and has a control device for the sterilizing process. The sterilization container is arranged in such a way that it can be pushed into a holding device in a working connection with the steam generator. The walls of the sterilization container, which is closed on all sides during the sterilizing process so as to be tight against pressure, are formed at least in part by portions of the holding device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a closed sterilization system including an infeed device for receiving the toxic product, first preparing means for rendering the toxic or infectious product suitable for sterilization, sterilization means for sterilizing the product, combustion means for incinerating the sterilized product, and conveying means for conveying the sterilized product from the sterilizing means into the combustion means. The system further includes a first isolating means positioned between the first preparing means and the inlet of the sterilizing means for isolating the product in the sterilizing means from the product in the first preparing means. Second isolation means are also positioned between the outlet of the sterilizing means and the conveying means for isolating the sterilized product from the product in sterilizing means.

Abstract: A membrane for autoclaves comprises a hollow elastomeric membrane body including a bottom portion mating with the bottom of the autoclave vessel, and a top portion including upwardly extending tubular lugs, the membrane body being made by any suitable injection molding method.

Abstract: In a sterilizing container with a perforated zone which can be covered over in relation to the interior of the container by a filter designed so that it can be displaced and covered over, in order to improve the protection of the filter, on the one hand, and the sealing-off of a bypass under different operating conditions, on the other hand, it is proposed that force elements be used for displacing a covering disc of the filter and the filter itself which change the displacement forces acting on the covering disc and on the filter, respectively, as a function of the temperature.

Abstract: A liquid-solid contacting device having a plurality of chambers communicating with a cylindrical valve. The valve is situated in the central axis of the device and provides distribution and collection of a liquid to and from each of the plurality of chambers. The present invention provides an evenly distributed and adjustable pressure on sliding surfaces that substantially prevent leakage of process fluid.