Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions including medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, methods for making these compositions, and methods for reducing the population of a microorganism. The compositions can include advantageously high levels of the medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, can be readily made, and/or can exhibit reduced odor.

Abstract: Novel compounds generally referred to herein as cationic oligomeric phenylene ethynylenes (OPEs), methods of synthesizing OPEs and various uses for the OPEs are described. The compounds can be synthesized in both symmetrical (S-OPE) and non-symmetrical (N-OPE) forms. Suitable uses include sensor and biocidal applications. Reusable structures incorporating the OPEs that are able to capture and release biological species of interest are also described.

Abstract: An irradiation apparatus configured to be coupled to an irradiation chamber containing a material to be irradiated, comprising: a support structure; one or more radiation sources coupled to the support structure; and a heat exchange mechanism thermally coupled to the one or more radiation sources. The heat exchange mechanism comprises one or more of a thermoelectric cooling device, a vapor chamber, a heatsink, a heat dissipation structure, a fan, and a cooling coating. The one or more radiation sources comprise one or more UV radiation sources, one or more UV-C radiation sources, one or more visible radiation sources, or a combination thereof. Optionally, the one or more radiation sources comprise a plurality of radiation sources arranged in an array. Optionally, the one or more radiation sources deliver a combination of wavelengths to the material to be irradiated.

Abstract: A method for catalyzing a Fenton reaction, including adding hydrogen peroxide to a Fenton reaction catalyst, the Fenton reaction catalyst including a reaction product, wherein the reaction product is obtained by using roasted and ground coffee beans and/or tea leaves as a feedstock for supplying a component having a reduction effect, and mixing the feedstock for supplying the component having a reduction effect with an iron-supplying source containing divalent or trivalent iron in the presence of water.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating ozone inside packaged articles comprises an electrode assembly in which coplanar electrodes are supported along a contact surface. The electrodes are solid state conductive electrodes. These electrodes may be interdigitated and/or arranged with uniform spacing therebetween along a portion of their length. Where the electrodes are straight they may be parallel, but other shapes can also be evenly spaced. In some examples the electrodes are partially insulated and partially exposed. In some examples the electrodes are embedded/potted in an insulator to exclude air spaces from around the electrodes.

Abstract: A system, device and method for sterilizing or decontaminating an object that includes a sealable sterilizing chamber (12) and a sterilant gas-generating composition (24) that preferably generates NO or a mixture of NO and NO2. The preferred sterilant gas-generating composition (24) includes a carbon-based diazeniumdiolate compound and a powdered acid.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing a material, said method comprising the steps of: (a) introducing a solution comprising peroxyacetic acid into a hot gaseous stream to produce a peroxyacetic acid vapor; and (b) contacting such peroxyacetic acid vapor with the material to be sterilized.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to an apparatus for the preparation of a cleaning, sanitizing, or sterilizing solution. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a modular component, such as a cartridge. The cartridge may contain chemical precursors to allow the generation of chlorine dioxide. The apparatus has a fluid inlet, and separates the fluid into a first flow path, which fills a reservoir. It also has a second flow path, which is heated before passing through the cartridge to create the desired gas. The fluid output from the cartridge is then fed into the reservoir.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for separation of particulate from water using ultrasonically generated acoustic standing waves.

Abstract: A method for making an antimicrobial suture comprising the steps of positioning an antimicrobial agent source within a package comprising an inner surface, said antimicrobial agent being selected from the group consisting of halogenated hydroxyl ethers, acyloxydiphenyl ethers, and combinations thereof; positioning a medical device within the package; and subjecting the package, the antimicrobial agent source and the medical device to time, temperature and pressure conditions sufficient to vapor transfer an effective amount of the antimicrobial agent from the antimicrobial agent source to the medical device, thereby substantially inhibiting bacterial colonization on the medical device.

Abstract: An apparatus for disinfecting an interior of a generally closed container having an opening has an elongated housing fittable through the opening, having a wall forming a reaction chamber, and having an inner end and an outer end longitudinally flanking the chamber. Thus when the outer end is tilted to the opening, the inner end is in the interior of the container. An ozone generator is provided in the chamber. A plurality of openings in the wall of the housing at the inner end conduct ozone from the chamber out into the interior of the container.

Abstract: A sterilizing apparatus and an ion generating apparatus, which generate sufficient amount of cations in a short period of time and also maintain the amount of ions generated at a level that is harmless to the human body. The sterilizing apparatus and the ion generating apparatus optimize the position of an electrode to maximize the generation of active hydrogen. The ion generating apparatus includes a first electrode for generating hydrogen ions and a second electrode located such that the second electrode is separated from the first electrode by a designated distance for generating electrons and superoxide anions. The hydrogen ions generated from the first electrode react with the electrons generated from the second electrode to produce hydrogen atoms, and the hydrogen atoms react with the superoxide anions generated from the second electrode to sterilize the air.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling a concentration of descenting particles within a temporary structure. The temporary structure comprises a plurality of sidewalls and a roof interconnecting the sidewalls. A plurality of selectively openable and closeable upper windows and lower vents are disposed in the sidewalls. The lower vents are disposed at a location below the upper windows. An ozone generator is disposed within and coupled to the temporary structure to produce descenting particles that are controlled within a hunting zone of the temporary structure to be between about 0.04 and 0.1 ppm.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in surface disinfection apparatus and methods and in particular to apparatus and methods which may be used to disinfect wounds using high concentration aqueous ozone. The method comprises the steps of flushing an ion exchange means with fluid from a fluid supply and directing the flushing fluid to waste; de-ionising fluid from the fluid supply by passing it through the ion exchange means and directing the process fluid to storage means; and purging the ion exchange means with gas to remove residual process fluid after the de-ionisation process has been completed.

Abstract: Apparatus for concentrating a nebulant comprising a nebulant flow conduit and a counter-flow conduit, or preferably, a plurality of alternating nebulant flow conduits and corresponding counter-flow conduits eg in layered or coaxial arrangement, and wherein at least a portion of the nebulant flow conduit and said counter-flow conduits define respective opposed sides of a gas permeable membrane. In use a nebuliser is in communication with the nebulant flow conduit and the nebulant flow and counter-flow are in the same or opposite directions and act to concentrate the amount of active in a droplet eg from 35 wt % to 60 wt % hydrogen peroxide in water to disinfect and/or sterilize an article.

Abstract: A plant for oxidization using ozone and the abatement thereof, which can be used to decontaminate by means of oxidization objects contained in an oxidization treatment cell, comprises an ozone generator fed in input by a stream of air, an ozone abatement cell disposed downstream of the oxidization treatment cell in order to receive the stream of ozone which passes into the oxidization treatment cell before being discharged into the environment, and a heat pump-which cooperates on one side with the oxidization treatment cell and on the other side cooperates with the abatement cell.

Abstract: A display table for supporting produce includes an enclosure, a table top defining an upper surface of the enclosure, a blower, an ethylene scrubber and an outlet. The table top is open to the atmosphere and configured to support the produce, and includes perforations. The blower is positioned in communication with the enclosure to create an underpressure that draws a gas into the enclosure through the perforations. The ethylene scrubber is positioned in communication with the enclosure and in a flow path of the gas, the ethylene scrubber being configured to remove at least a portion of ethylene from at least a portion of the gas. The outlet is located downstream of the ethylene scrubber for returning the gas from the enclosure to the atmosphere.

Abstract: In a low temperature hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilizer, the accurate control of concentration of the hydrogen peroxide sterilant is an important factor in determining reliability and sterilization efficacy of the sterilization process. The present application describes sterilizers, and sterilization methods, which use a novel injector-concentrator arrangement which allows accurate concentration of the sterilant performed concurrently with the sterilization process. This process enables the device to sterilize wide range of sensitive equipment within a shorter sterilization cycle.

Abstract: To develop a Fenton reaction catalyst that can maintain divalent iron stably for a long period of time, can utilize trivalent iron or metallic iron, which is an inexpensive iron-supplying source, by converting into divalent iron, and is harmless to the human body and the environment, provided is a Fenton reaction catalyst, including, as an active component, a reaction product obtained by mixing a specific reducing organic substance (e.g., ascorbic acid, a polyphenol-containing plant component, or a plant dry distillation liquid component) with an iron-supplying source at a predetermined ratio in the presence of water. Also provided are a sterilization method, a pollutant degradation method, and a luminescence method based on chemiluminescence, which involve using the Fenton reaction catalyst.

Abstract: A method for gas phase application of chlorine dioxide within an enclosed volume that includes the steps of: climatizing the enclosed volume to achieve a relative humidity (RH) in the range of about 5% to about 56%; generating chlorine dioxide gas; and introducing the chlorine dioxide gas under specified conditions of chlorine dioxide gas concentration and contact time, the specified conditions being effective to eliminate contaminants within the closed volume, and further to mitigate corrosion within the enclosed volume during the gas phase application.

Abstract: Material and methods are disclosed involving the generation and containment of solutions incorporating reactive precursors and reactive treatment agents. Formulations of these materials can be applied widely as disinfectants, odor control agents, decontamination and fumigation agents, liquid, gas, and air treatment materials, respiratory agents, food and beverage processing agents, neutralization agents, and in many industrial, residential, medical and military surface treatment operations.

Abstract: A smart home system having a controller which controls an ozone generator, gas supply outlets connected to gas supply outlets of the ozone generator via a pipe, and solenoid valves which control opening and closing of the gas supply outlets. The controller is connected with each of the solenoid valves and controls opening and closing of each of the solenoid valves. An operation method for the system discloses driving the ozone generator by the controller to generate ozone, controlling opening of the solenoid valves by the central processor when the central processor receives an external signal for opening the solenoid valves, reducing opening level of the solenoid valves when a gas flow sensor detects that the ozone flow rate passing through the gas inlet is greater than the flow rate threshold, and controlling closing of the solenoid valves by the central processor when the central processor receives a signal for closing the solenoid valves.

Abstract: An improved system relating to sterilizing the surfaces of objects using a dual-frequency plasma-based process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method administering nitric oxide at very high concentrations to healthy skin, tools, implements, support surfaces, and sterile fields to provide sterilization. The apparatus and method providing sterilization in a dry environment lacking the common undesirable effects of anti-microbial soaps and antiseptics.

Abstract: Antimicrobial compositions and methods of using such antimicrobial compositions to provide a reduction in populations of viable microorganisms.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the use of a split and single electrical cells in industrial applications, and particularly in aseptic packaging applications.

Abstract: Liquid dispensing systems which sanitize the liquid and liquid-contacting parts of a liquid dispensing system using ozonation, by periodically flushing the system with ozonated gas or liquid. Also disclosed and claimed are an apparatus and method for controlling temperature variations between the liquid in holding (e.g., cold and/or hot) tanks and the liquid as it is dispensed, which may be used with an Insta-Boil feature.

Abstract: A method for removing the human scent and any other scent that is not advantageous to the environment you are in from clothing and equipment used by sportsmen by the use of gaseous ozone or hydroxyl and hydroperoxide ions. The gas is applied directly or indirectly to the clothing, equipment and body while the hunter is in the field and/or prior to or after the hunt. The method can also be used by fishermen to eliminate fish odor. The method of delivering a gas in compressed/generated form from a container.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the use of peracid compositions having low to substantially no hydrogen peroxide for various water treatments, including oil- and gas-field operations, and/or other aseptic treatments are disclosed. In numerous aspects, peracetic acid is the preferred peracid and is treated with a peroxide-reducing agent to substantially reduce the hydrogen peroxide content.

Abstract: A method and apparatus disinfects enclosed spaces by the dispersal of aerosols ionized alternately with negative and positive electrostatic polarity.

Abstract: A method for sterilization according to the present invention comprises: a first sterilization step of providing a sterilization subject in a sealed sterilization chamber and sterilizing the sterilization subject by providing ozone inside the sterilization chamber; a first decomposition step of decomposing the ozone inside the sterilization chamber; a first vacuumization step discharging the gas inside the sterilization chamber and reducing the pressure inside the sterilization chamber; a second sterilization step of providing hydrogen peroxide into the vacuumized sterilization chamber to sterilize the sterilization subject; a third sterilization step of providing ozone into the sterilization chamber; a second decomposition step of decomposing the hydrogen peroxide and ozone inside the sterilization chamber; and a second vacuumization step of discharging the gas inside the sterilization chamber and reducing the pressure inside the sterilization chamber.

Abstract: The cold plasma sterilization device for the sterilization of at least one object is placed in a container enclosing at least a gas or a gas mixture suitable for generating a cold plasma. The device includes a closed vessel in which a support for receiving the container is arranged. There is a device for subjecting the vessel to a secondary vacuum of the order of 10?3 to 10?7 millibar. There is an electron cyclotron resonance generator for generating, in the vessel, a flow of microwaves coupled to a magnetic field at least in a phase of initialization of the cold plasma. There is also a device for polarization of the support of the container.

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 device for generating a sterilizing gas includes a methanol gas generation device (11) for vaporizing methanol to generate a methanol gas, a tubular part (12) and a catalyst section (13). The tubular section (12) is arranged on top of the methanol gas generation device (11) to provide a flow path for upwardly directing the methanol gas generated by the methanol gas generation device by natural convection. The tubular section also operates to mix the methanol gas with a predetermined proportion of air. The catalyst section (13) is arranged on top of the tubular section (12) for turning the methanol gas mixed with the air at the predetermined proportion in the tubular section (12) into radicals by a catalyzed reaction. The catalyst section (13) is formed by a turn-into-radical reaction catalyst layer (30) obtained on forming a thin metal sheet (35a) to a honeycomb structure.

Abstract: A composition and method are described for suppressing or preventing fibrous adhesion formation using a multicomponent aqueous oxychlorine composition. Fibrous adhesions typically form during healing of tissue, for example following a surgical procedure. A multicomponent oxychlorine composition is provided for irrigating the tissue which minimizes post-surgical adhesion formation, the composition containing both chlorine dioxide and chlorite ion, and a complexion thereof. The chlorine dioxide level generally is in an effective range of ClO2 concentration from about 10 ppm to a maximum of about 110 ppm. In a preferred embodiment, a physiological composition is provided in a thickened form to increase retention in the area being treated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method administering nitric oxide at very high concentrations to healthy skin, tools, implements, support surfaces, and sterile fields to provide sterilization. The apparatus and method providing sterilization in a dry environment lacking the common undesirable effects of anti-microbial soaps and antiseptics.

Abstract: A system and method for decontamination of product is described. An object to be treated, which may be a food product or a medical device, is placed in a substantially closed dielectric container with a working gas. The container is placed in an apparatus capable of producing a controlled electrical discharge so as to create reactive ion species within the package. The object to be treated may be exposed either the immediate products of the electrical discharge or the long lasting reactive ion species, or both, so as to treat the object to reduce or eliminate specific contaminants, which may be biological pathogens or the cause of product spoilage, or inorganic contaminants. The reactive ion species may result from an atmospheric non-equilibrium plasma (ANEP) formed by the apparatus and the treatment may be performed without significantly increasing the bulk temperature of the object being treated.

Abstract: A solid composition including calcium and/or magnesium hypochlorite, a builder (e.g., one or more of carbonate, bicarbonate, sesquicarbonate), an acid, a water-soluble polymer, at least one anionic surfactant, and optionally, a hydrotrope. The composition does not include any potassium hypochlorite, sodium hypochlorite, lithium hypochlorite, N-halogenated compounds, peroxides, persulfates, hydantoins, isocyanurates, or carboxylic acids that also have hydroxyl, amino, amido, imino, or imido groups. Upon dissolution of the composition in water, the calcium and/or magnesium hypochlorite and acid react to form hypochlorous acid. The use of hypochlorous acid, rather than direct use of an alkaline or alkaline earth hypochlorite results in a composition that is typically acidic rather than basic, and that results in improved cleaning. The composition is particularly suited for cleaning and disinfecting dentures.

Abstract: A device useful in determining the efficacy of a chemical sterilization process includes a dead end cavity closed by an access cap having a port coupled to a challenge tube defining the only path by which a substantial quantity of sterilant can reach the cavity. A biological indicator is located within the cavity and a chemical indicator is also provided. These indicators, and particularly the biological indicator, provide an indication of whether chemical sterilant would reach all interior exposed surfaces of a load in sufficient concentrations to adequately sterilize the load.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a sterilization method of contaminated areas with biological agents by making use of the acidic ozone water that very effectively kills spores of Bacillus atrophaeus, thereby demonstrating the capability of sterilizing a large surface-area in a very short time and reinstating the contaminated environment as free from toxic biological agents. The effective sterilization of the acidic ozone water is due to synergic benefits derived from the combination of ozone and acidity. The acidic ozone water can also effectively kill other ordinary microbes of viruses, bacteria, and fungi, hence being applicable to agriculture, seafood and livestock industries for the preservation of various products as well as being useful in hospitals or other germ infested areas for disinfections. Particularly, the acidity and ozone in the seawater sterilize microbes effectively, demonstrating a potential for the sterilization of a large amount of seawater in a short time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid-layered composition having at least two parts. The first part comprises a) calcium hypochlorite, magnesium hypochlorite and mixtures thereof, b) a builder, c) a water-soluble polymer, d) an acid, and e) wherein the first part does not contain sodium hypochlorite, lithium hypochlorite, potassium hypochlorite and mixtures thereof. The second part comprises a) a functional ingredient, b) a builder or filler, and c) wherein the second part does not contain any oxidant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of using a solid-layered composition having at least two parts. The first past comprises a) calcium hypochlorite, magnesium hypochlorite and mixtures thereof, b) a builder, c) a water-soluble polymer, d) an acid, and e) wherein the first part does not contain sodium hypochlorite, lithium hypochlorite, potassium hypochlorite and mixtures thereof. The second part comprises a) a surfactant, b) a builder, c) an acid, and d) wherein the second part does not contain any oxidant.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing plasma comprises a first electrode and a porous element. The first electrode is in direct contact with a first side of the porous element. A second electrode is positioned adjacent a second side of the porous element, at least a portion of the second electrode being spaced from the second side of the porous element so as not to be in direct contact with the second side of the porous element. A plasma generating region is defined adjacent the second electrode.

Abstract: Systems and methods for plasma sterilization are described. The sterilization method includes placing a substance to be sterilized into a rotating chamber and irradiating the substance with plasma. An RF generator is used to produce the plasma from a gas. The gas has a concentration of at least 85% N2 and less than 15% O2. The plasma includes a NOx species that is effective in killing microbial organisms in the substance.

Abstract: Systems and methods for plasma sterilization are described. The sterilization method includes placing a substance to be sterilized in a rotating chamber (e.g., drum) and exposing the substance to a radio frequency (RF) plasma. The mixing of the substance and plasma is further promoted by generating a magnetic field that produces a force on the substance in a direction opposite to the rotational direction of the chamber. In other aspects, the chamber may have a gas permeable wall. In addition, the substance may be exposed to acoustic shock waves produced by a modulating RF generator.

Abstract: A method and a system for producing a change in a medium disposed in an artificial container. The method places in a vicinity of the medium at least one of a plasmonics agent and an energy modulation agent. The method applies an initiation energy through the artificial container to the medium. The initiation energy interacts with the plasmonics agent or the energy modulation agent to directly or indirectly produce the change in the medium. The system includes an initiation energy source configured to apply an initiation energy to the medium to activate the plasmonics agent or the energy modulation agent.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure combine a suitable photocatalyst with a non-conducting matrix such as plastic, glass or rubber for the purpose of the production of activated electrons, needed in the creation of hydrogen peroxide, in the presence of light of a suitable frequency or frequencies and water. A suitable photocatalyst such as anatase titanium dioxide is combined with a plastic such as polypropylene as one would a pigment. The impregnated plastic can be immersed in water whereupon activated electrons and holes (electron absences in the valence band of the plastic substrate acting as a semiconductor) are produced on the surface of the photocatalyst upon irradiation. Activated electrons are an excellent oxidizer, disinfectant, purifier and go on to kill bacteria, algae, etc. in the water, as well as to reduce water hardness including mineral deposits. Unused hydrogen peroxide breaks down into hydrogen ion and free oxygen in a short time.

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: A method and apparatus for sterilising an article. The method comprises placing an article in a sterilisation container, generating oxidizing plasma radicals at atmospheric pressure, and providing the oxidizing plasma radicals to the sterilisation container to sterilise the article in the container.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and method for decontaminating and sterilizing chemical and biological agents, which can efficiently decontaminate and sterilize high precision electronic devices, communication devices, computers or inside of vehicles and air planes contaminated with chemical and biological agent by using mixture of non-thermal atmospheric pressure air plasma and oxidizing peroxide vapor. The apparatus according to the present invention comprises a decontamination and sterilization chamber 10; a first fluid supplying line L1 and a second fluid supplying line L2, which are installed in the form of closed circuit between the inlet 11 and outlet 12 of the decontamination and sterilization chamber 10; a peroxide vapor supplier which is installed on the first fluid supplying line; and a non-thermal atmospheric pressure air plasma reactor 70 which is installed on the second fluid supplying line L2.