Abstract: A device and method for sanitizing and deodorizing including the selective transportation of a sanitizing composition by the capillary action of a wick to an acidic composition which may be held in a reservoir, or which also may be selectively transported through the capillary action of a wick to the reservoir.

Abstract: A self-decontaminating system for decontaminating a surface on demand is disclosed herein. The system contains an electrochemical cell and at least one portion of the surface forms a functional component of the cell. The system may include an electrocatalytic fabric which is flexible and resistant to tears and breaks, such that the fabric can be rolled up or pleated in order to provide a high surface area structure that can serve as an active filter. The fabric can function as a stand-alone system or a protective coating. Also disclosed are methods for fabricating, decontaminating, and regenerating the self-decontaminating fabric.

Abstract: A two-part sterilant system comprises: (a) a first part comprising a first reagent in an aqueous medium having a first foam promoter dissolved therein and contained in a first dispenser whereby it may be dispensed as a first foam; and (b) a second part which comprises a second reagent in an aqueous medium having a second foam promoter dissolved therein and contained in a second dispenser whereby it may be dispensed as a second foam; wherein the first reagent and the second reagent will react to provide a sterilising composition when the first foam is mixed with the second foam.

Abstract: A ozonated liquid dispensing unit is described. The unit produces and dispenses an ozonated liquid that may be used to clean and sanitize a variety of articles or used in conjunction with cleaning processes and other apparatus. The unit includes a liquid input port to receive liquid into the unit. The unit includes a first dielectric cell for producing ozone gas from ambient air and a second dielectric cell for producing ozone gas. The first dielectric cell is in supply communication with the second dielectric cell for supplying the second dielectric cell with a supply gas containing the ozone gas generated from the ambient air. The second dielectric cell produces ozone gas from the supply gas. An injector is in fluidic communication with the liquid input port.

Abstract: A sterilizing method and apparatus in which neutral atoms and anions are coupled to produce a sterilizing substance which is, in turn, used to remove an object to be removed by sterilization. The sterilizing apparatus includes a cation generator and an anion generator, which are separate from each other. Also disclosed as an air cleaning method and apparatus using the sterilizing method and apparatus.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a sterilizer, which aim is at efficiently sterilizing a subject such as a container by using active oxygen generated with the use of plasma, and a sterilization method using the same. In particular, it is intended to develop a technique for stably generating active oxygen with the use of plasma and thus provide a sterilizer, which enables, if necessary, stable plasma formation and active oxygen generation in the atmosphere and can inhibit thermal damages caused by the plasma on a subject to be sterilized, and a sterilization method using the same.

Abstract: A method of low temperature sterilization that with the use of a compact simple apparatus, is capable of safe, unfailing sterilization. There is provided an apparatus comprising gas cylinder (gas supply source)(8), high energy particle generation part (1-3) capable of generating a gas of temperature nonequilibrium condition containing high energy particles through exciting of the gas supplied from the gas cylinder (8) and gas blow part (4) capable of jetting the gas of temperature nonequilibrium condition generated by the high energy particle generation part (1-3) over pathogenic microbes positioned outside.

Abstract: The present invention provides an enzyme system that efficiently generates peracetic acid for use in decontamination applications. In preferred embodiments, the present invention provides a system that comprises an ester substrate, a hydrogen peroxide, and at least one acyl transferase. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the system further comprises at least one surfactant. In alternatively preferred embodiments, the present invention provides at least one wild-type and/or variant acyl transferase. The present invention finds particular use in decontamination involving a wide variety of chemical and biological warfare materials, as well as for general surface cleaning and decontamination.

Abstract: A photocatalytic fog disseminating system is used to disperse and activate photocatalytic particles. The photocatalytic particles preferably are nanoscale particles of titanium oxide. An aqueous suspension of the photocatalytic particles is dispersed by the system as an aerosol, and a photon source is used to excite the dispersed particles in order to initiate photocatalytic redox reactions that degrade airborne or sedentary organic impurities that come into contact with the aerosol.

Abstract: Processes for biofilm or microorganism growth control in an aqueous system such as a pulp, paper or board manufacturing system are described in which a halogenated hydantoin is added to the aqueous system in combination with haloamine, chlorine dioxide or a combination thereof. The halogenated hydantoin is preferably a fully or partially halogenated dialkyl hydantoin, and more preferably 5,5-dimethyl hydantoin or 5-methyl-5-ethyl hydantoin. The haloamine is preferably a monohaloamine, dihaloamine, trihaloamine, or a combination thereof, and more preferably monochloramine, monobromamine, bromochloroamine or a combination thereof. The halogenated hydantoin is preferably added to the aqueous system in portions of the system susceptible to gas phase corrosion, such as the short loop of the system, and the haloamine and chlorine dioxide are preferably added to other portions of the system.

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 process is provided to produce a concentrated aqueous peracid solution in situ using at least one enzyme having perhydrolase activity in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (at a concentration of at least 500 mM) under neutral to acidic reaction conditions from suitable carboxylic acid esters (including glycerides) and/or amides substrates. The concentrated peracid solution produced is sufficient for use in a variety of disinfection and/or bleaching applications.

Abstract: A sterilization system that includes a sensor for determining the concentration of a liquid sterilant in a sterilant fluid. The sterilant fluid is comprised of a blend of sterilant fluids from a plurality of sterilant supplies. The concentration of the liquid sterilant differs in each of the sterilant supplies. The sensor allows a controllable concentration of liquid sterilant to be supplied to a vaporizer.

Abstract: The invention comprises a system and method for sterilizing an aseptic processing line comprising the steps of generating chlorine dioxide gas, introducing the chlorine dioxide gas inside the aseptic processing line as a sterilization step, and removing the chlorine dioxide gas from the aseptic processing line. The aseptic processing line comprises at least one processing apparatus such as a filter, heater, cooler, filler, surge tank, and/or packager connected to a piping network.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for inhibiting the biological acidification of water which is in contact with materials containing sulfur in reduced form or with elemental sulfur, susceptible to oxidation on the part of Thiobacilli, comprising putting said materials in contact with soluble inorganic salts at concentrations ranging from 0.4 normal to saturation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for making a peroxycarboxylic acid. The apparatus includes a reaction catalyst and a guard column for pretreating one or more reagents, which can increase the life, activity, and/or safety of the reaction catalyst. The peroxycarboxylic acid compositions made by the method and apparatus can include one or more peroxycarboxylic acids.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for disinfecting an object in a batch, continuous, or mixed mode. The apparatus according to the present invention comprises a bath to/from which water is flowed in/drained out; and at least one ultraviolet ray (UV) lamp unit assembly mounted in the bath, each UV lamp unit assembly including a plurality of UV lamp units. Each UV lamp unit comprises a quartz tube, a UV lamp mounted in the quartz tube and a photo-catalyst layer of titanium dioxide formed on an outer surface of the quartz tube to disinfect an object in the bath by the photo-catalytic reaction of titanium dioxide and UV. The apparatus of the present invention may comprise a conveyer device comprising a driving roller, driven rollers and a conveyer belt wound around the rollers, the conveyer device is divided into an inlet portion formed at a first outside of the bath, a conveying portion formed in water in the bath and a discharging portion formed at a second outside of the bath.

Abstract: A sterilization method and sterilization processing apparatus having a high sterilization effect and capable of shortening a sterilization time are provided. An electrolysis apparatus 2 electrolyzes water in a reservoir 1 and generates strongly acidic electrolytic water in an anode chamber 11 and generates strongly alkaline electrolytic water in a cathode chamber 12. A first wash container 3 is provided with a drain having an on-off valve and retains the strongly alkaline electrolytic water in the cathode chamber 12. A second wash container 4 is hermetically sealable, provided with a drain having an on-off valve and retains the strongly acidic electrolytic water of the anode chamber 11. A gas jetting apparatus 5 has a collector pipe 51 communicating with the inside of the second wash container 4 and causes air or a chlorine gas collected from the inside of the second wash container 4 through the collector pipe 51 to jet in the strongly acidic electrolytic water inside the second wash container 4.

Abstract: A process is provided for sterilizing brachytherapy devices with Ethylene Oxide gas and releasing the devices on a parametric release basis. Devices that can be sterilized with this process include interstitial radiation seed strand implants and the needles used for implantation. In order to be sterilized effectively by EtO gas, the devices are constructed such that surfaces not readily infused with EtO gas are made to be gas permeable, and will not retain the gas after the sterilization process. Performance qualification of the sterilization process is performed through physical and microbiological studies, and set of established physical process parameters. Maintaining the physical process parameters in subsequent sterilization cycles will consistently yield the desired sterility assurance level without having to test the devices for sterility.

Abstract: The method of microbiological decontamination of a machine comprising an enclosure (5, 100) for treating a support (6) and a conveyor comprising a shuttle (30), comprises the steps of obtaining a container (6) adapted to be received on said shuttle (30) and to diffuse biocidal agent in said enclosure (5, 100), of placing said container (6) on said shuttle (30), of moving said shuttle (30) within said enclosure, and of evacuating said agent. The microbiological analysis system comprises a container (6), a microbiological analysis machine comprising at least two stations (2, 3, 4) for treatment of said support (6), a conveyor comprising a shuttle (30) adapted to receive and to move said support (6), said container (6) being adapted to be received on said shuttle (30), as well as means (150, 156, 159) for evacuating said biocidal agent.

Abstract: Titania is a semiconductor and photocatalyst that is also chemically inert. With its bandgap of 3.0, to activate the photocatalytic property of titania requires light of about 390 nm wavelength, which is in the ultra-violet, where sunlight is very low in intensity. A method and devices are disclosed wherein stress is induced and managed in a thin film of titania in order to shift and lower the bandgap energy into the longer wavelengths that are more abundant in sunlight. Applications of this stress-induced bandgap-shifted titania photocatalytic surface include photoelectrolysis for production of hydrogen gas from water, photovoltaics for production of electricity, and photocatalysis for detoxification and disinfection.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a photolytic hydrogen peroxide generator (10); the photolytic hydrogen peroxide generator converts water to activated oxygen for electrolyte absorption, regulates pH, removes hydrogen and other gases; the photolytic hydrogen peroxide generator includes a photolytic cell (16) where chemical reactions occur.

Abstract: The use of a composition effective in removing a wide variety of contaminants, such as organic compounds, including spores and bacteria, from a medical device or instrument system is provided. The process of preparing such composition includes contacting hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid, and water. The process may additionally include contacting with one or more additional components such as isopropyl alcohol.

Abstract: A method of detecting bacterial kill using a vaporized sterilant includes the steps of generating a sterilant/water vapour and supplying the vapour to a sealed space to be sterilized. The supply of sterilant/water vapour is continued to raise the concentration of the sterilant in the sealed space, and the concentration of the sterilant in the vapour is monitored to determine when the rate of change of the concentration falls to a predetermined minimal level indicating that condensation has occurred resulting in kill of any bacteria present in the space. Supply of sterilant/water vapour to the space is then terminated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-part disinfectant composition, wherein the parts thereof are solid and are packaged separately prior to use, and wherein the separately-packaged parts, when combined in the presence of water or an aqueous solution, react to form chlorine dioxide.

Abstract: A method (20) and apparatus (100) for sterilizing packaging (102) is disclosed herein. The method (20) applies a solution of hydrogen peroxide onto the packaging (102) and an alkaline solution to react with the hydrogen peroxide to generate hydroxyl radicals to kill microorganism. The use of an alkaline solution allows the sterilization process to proceed at a lower temperature and a faster rate. A solution of sodium hydroxide is the preferred alkaline solution. The temperature of the process is preferably below 100° C.

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 composition capable of expedited in-situ generation of dioxirane and a method of preparing the composition are presented. The composition includes a transition metal catalyst, peracid donor, and carbonyl donor, and forms an effective multi-purpose oxidizing (e.g., bleaching) solution. Methods of using the bleaching solutions and their application are also presented. The composition provides a cost-effective means of producing a dioxirane-based multi-purpose bleaching solution for use on laundries, carpets, hard surfaces, bathroom surfaces, floors and the like.

Abstract: A system and method for producing an ozone-containing disinfecting cloud includes an enclosure. A pair of atomizing nozzles are affixed to the enclosure in substantially directly opposed relation. Each nozzle produces a spray of ozonated water from compressed gas, ozone, and water and are positioned to direct the sprays toward each other to form a cloud comprising droplets having a size distribution. A portion of the cloud that comprises droplets having a size less than a predetermined limit is expelled from the enclosure. Droplets having a size greater than the predetermined limit remain in the enclosure. The expelled cloud has been found to have a pH lower than a pH of the remaining droplets. The cloud so produced can be used to disinfect an area by directing the cloud to the area desired to be disinfected, which can comprise a surface and/or a space.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are for disinfection and purification of a liquid, gaseous or solid phase, or a mixture thereof. The apparatus includes: a central electrode, a dielectric layer adjacent to the electrode, a first area adjacent to the dielectric layer, and is configured to introduce a first medium into the first area, a second area adjacent to the first area. The apparatus is also configured to introduce a second medium into the second area, and for creating a plasma in the first medium, while the first medium is present in the first area, by applying a voltage between the first electrode and a second electrode. An injector injects the plasma into the second area, in order to be mixed with the second medium.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a decontamination unit which is energy efficient and may be used to decontaminate a large enclosure such as a multi-room building. The invention also relates to a decontamination process. The decontamination unit may be ruggedized for use in hostile environments such as those that may be anticipated for military applications.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a portable decontamination unit. The invention also relates to a decontamination process. The decontamination unit may be ruggedized for use in hostile environments such as those that may be anticipated for military applications.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a decontamination unit that employs a collapsible decontamination enclosure and a decontaminant air stream generator that uses catalytic discharge. The invention also relates to a decontamination process using the decontamination unit. The decontamination unit may be carried by an individual person, for example, in the form of a backpack. The decontamination unit may be ruggedized for use in hostile environments such as those that may be anticipated for military applications.

Abstract: Methods for remediating mold and mildew are provided using acidic electrolyzed water. Acidic electrolyzed A water, electrolyzed C water or combination of electrolyzed A and C water is released into an infected area through a high pressure sprayer, a mister or an electrostatic sprayer. Upon contacting the infected area, mold and mildew growing in the infected area is remedied.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions, articles, methods controlling microbial contamination of a surface by functionalizing a surface of an object and binding one or more acyclic-amine structures to the surface. The one or more acyclic-amine structures are halogenated to form one or more acyclic N-halamine structures. The one or more acyclic N-halamine structures modulate the formation of a biofilm.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a portable decontamination unit. The invention also relates to a decontamination process. The decontamination unit may employ a shipping container for transporting a decontaminant generator and optionally a power generator, and for functioning as a decontamination chamber. The decontamination unit may be ruggedized for use in hostile environments such as those that may be anticipated for military applications.

Abstract: A hydrogen peroxide vapor generation unit (10) receives hydrogen peroxide and water solution at an interface (20) and interconnects with an air dryer (14) by way of nipples (72, 92). In one embodiment, the dryer includes a clamping assembly (42) which is latched (74, 94) with the nipples and which receives a disposable desiccant cartridge (40). In an alternate embodiment, a reusable desiccant cartridge (40?) is connected directly to the nipples (72, 92). When the desiccant cartridge (40?) is saturated, it is removed and placed in a regenerator unit (120). A regenerated cartridge is installed in its place.

Abstract: A method for disinfecting or sterilizing an article comprising enclosing the article or article part inside a container having a wall of which at least a part is a semipermeable fabric or membrane and introducing an amount of vaporizable biocide, preferably hydrogen peroxide in water, to the interior of said container in solution, vapour, liquid or preferably nebulant form. The semipermeable fabric or membrane is selected to allow the biocide to pass from inside to outside of the container as a vapour at atmospheric pressure and to provide a barrier against entry of micro-organisms. The biocide is allowed to exit the container through said membrane while at or above atmospheric pressure, a fluid eg air is directed to flow adjacent the outside of the membrane to expedite vapour removal from the interior side. The article is exposed to the biocide for a time sufficient to disinfect or sterilize the article.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fast systemic method for low-temperature (athermal) sanitizing in confined chamber, under modified atmosphere, in turbulent conditions by combined production of a highly germicidal ionic chain acting simultaneously on the hydric flux (water) and the aeraulic flux (air), operating under controlled temperature, for killing pathogenic germs and toxins.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to methods utilizing ozone treatment for abating allergens, pathogens, odors, and volatile organic compounds. The methods can be employed to abate pollutants, bacteria, viruses, mold, dander, funguses, dust mites, animal and smoke odors, and the like. The methods employ specific combinations of ozone concentration, hydrogen peroxide concentration, temperature, and humidity delivered over a specified period of time to achieve satisfactory abatement of the allergen, pathogen, odor, or volatile organic compound.

Abstract: A cartridge holder (30) for an automated endoscope reprocessor (10) is mounted on a movable rack (14). As the rack is wheeled into the chamber, a connector (164) on the cartridge holder (164) automatically makes a fluid connection with a connection port (158) within the chamber. The cartridge holder includes a base (42) and a lid (44), which is pivotally connected to the base by a hinge (110). A cartridge (40) holding a dose of a disinfectant concentrate or reagents is positioned in a well (50) defined by the base and the lid closed. Water flows through the cartridge holder via a fluid passageway (A) defined in part by the lid and in part by the hinge. The water mixes with the concentrate or reagents and the resulting disinfectant solution passes out of a lower end (205) of the cartridge into the well. The solution flows upwardly, around the cartridge, through an annular space (232) between the cartridge and the well, disinfecting the well in the process.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus and a method for sterilization of at least one item with ozone gas. The method includes the steps of providing a housing having a sterilization chamber in which at least one item is placed; providing said at least one item with a first electrical potential; and supplying water vapour to said sterilization chamber. An oxygen containing gas is electrostatically ionized to a second electrical potential in a ionization unit. Based on said electrostatically ionized oxygen containing gas ionized ozone gas is generated in an ozone generator; said ionized ozone gas is supplied to said sterilization chamber for attracting said ionized ozone gas to the surfaces of said at least one charged item; and said at least one item is exposed to the ionized ozone gas for a predetermined time period. Said apparatus and method provides for a rapid, safe and inexpensive sterilization.

Abstract: A handheld storage and mixing device is disclosed. The device can include first and second separate containers each defining a distinct internal cavity. The first container can be movable (e.g., rotatable) relative to the second container between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the cavities can be substantially sealed from one another. In the second position, a first gas forming ingredient in one of the cavities can mix with a second gas forming ingredient in the other cavity to form a gas, such as chlorine dioxide gas. The device can have one or more filtered openings to allow gas generated by mixing the first and second gas forming ingredients to escape into the ambient environment.

Abstract: A process reduces the microbial content in land mass by providing molecular iodine in the land mass in a concentration in aqueous material in the land mass of at least 10 parts per million. The molecular iodine may be added in gaseous or liquid or solid state, and may be formed in situ in the land mass using available water in the reaction.

Abstract: A composition for energy-controlled generation and release of at least one gas, which includes an energy-activated catalyst capable of being activated by electromagnetic energy, and a solid or a liquid containing anions capable of being oxidized by the activated catalyst or reacted with species generated during activation of the catalyst to generate at least one gas. The composition, when exposed to electromagnetic energy, is capable of generating and releasing the gas after activation of the catalyst and oxidation or reaction of the anions.

Abstract: A decontamination bag is positioned in the interior space of a public mailbox. The decontamination bag receives mail that is deposited in the mailbox. A postal worker; upon retrieving mail from the mailbox, closes the decontamination bag. The decontamination bag is equipped with an exit valve and an intake valve. Air from the interior of the bag may be sampled for contaminants that may be carried by letters or mailpieces through an exit valve. A decontaminating agent may be introduced to the interior of the decontamination bag through the intake valve. The contents of the decontamination bag are thereby purified within the bag. After decontamination, the contents of the decontamination bag may be purged and fresh air may be reintroduced into the bag. The decontamination bag may then be opened in order to retrieve its contents.

Abstract: A sterilization and decontamination system in which a non-thermal plasma discharge device is disposed upstream of a suspension media (e.g., a filter, electrostatic precipitator, carbon bed). The plasma discharge device generates a plasma that is emitted through apertures (e.g., capillaries or slits) in the primary dielectric. Plasma generated active sterilizing species when exposed to contaminants or undesirable particulate matter is able to deactivate or reduce such matter in contaminated fluid stream and/or on objects. Thus, the undesirable contaminants in the fluid to be treated are first reduced during their exposure to the plasma generated active sterilizing species in the plasma region of the discharge device. Furthermore, the plasma generated active sterilizing species are carried downstream to suspension media and upon contact therewith deactivate the contaminants collected on the suspension media itself. Advantageously, the suspension media may be cleansed in situ.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for neutralizing biological and/or chemical warfare agents using an ozone-containing solution. The ozone-containing solution is produced by combining ozone-containing gas with an ozone vehicle, such as an organic solution. The ozone-vehicle prolongs the shelf life of the ozone to allow for extended periods of storage. A storage container is used to store the ozone-containing solution and facilitate its transportation to an environment contaminated by the biological and/or chemical warfare agents, or near a potential site for biological or chemical attack. The ozone-containing solution is drawn out of the storage container to apply it to a contaminated environment.

Abstract: A composition for a cleaning-in-place system is described. The composition has a halogen dioxide and a optionally hydroxide and does not require the use of a detergent to display excellent cleaning and disinfecting properties on processing equipment such as the equipment found in breweries, dairy plants and carbonated beverage plants.

Abstract: A composition of matter and the method of making that provides a low pH acidic composition that is useful for destroying microorganisms that are undesirable and useful for destroying or reducing melanomas on human skin. The composition and method include sulfuric acid combined with distilled water and ammonium sulfate under at least 15 psi pressure in a pressurized container, all of which is heated to approximately 800° F. or more for at least 3 hours. The final cooled mixture is stabilized with 10 percent of the original mixture. The resultant composition is useful for preserving food, such as fresh fish, and for skin treatment of melanoma and as bactericides, fungicides, or viricides.