Abstract: The present invention provides a dosage form for the treatment of bacterial, viral or fungal conditions which comprises, a pharmaceutically acceptable acidifying agent in an amount sufficient to reduce the pH at an environment of use to below pH4, and a pharmaceutically acceptable source of nitrite ions or a nitrate precursor therefor; wherein said acidifying agent and said source of nitrite ions or nitrate precursor are separately disposed in respective pharmaceutically acceptable carriers for admixture at the intended environment of use to release NO or NO2 ions. The invention also provides delivery systems for the topical medicament.

Abstract: A method of composting especially high protein waste which reduces noxious odor and assists in reducing pathogens by recirculating substantially only the air and gaseous product of the composting process through the composting materials which are separated by layers of absorbent chips.

Abstract: A metering valve for delivering liquids from a reservoir includes a rotatable valve plug having at least one well in the valve plug. The valve plug prevents direct communication across the valve. Rotating the valve plug transfers the liquid from the reservoir into the well on the valve plug. Rotating the valve plug further transfers the liquid in the well from the valve plug to the point of delivery. The rotation of the valve plug can be repeated to transfer more liquid. The metering valve can be used to deliver vaporizable germicides to a sterilization chamber. A single metering valve can be used to deliver varying amounts of vaporizable germicide to different sizes of sterilization chamber by rotating the valve plug an appropriate number of times. The valve plug can contain multiple wells to deliver large volumes of liquid quickly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a humidifying method and apparatus using silver ionized water. In the present invention, tap water, distilled water or purified water is produced to a silver solution and a silver ionized water is atomized by ultraviolet vibrator. Sterilization effects in the air are enhanced and infections from a harmful virus in the respiratory organs are prevented.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the sterilization and disinfection of agricultural and botanical products such as botanical powders. More particularly, the present invention is directed towards the use of HBS technology whereby contaminated agricultural products are contacted, at ambient pressure, with an oxidant such as nascent oxygen or hydroxyl radicals thus resulting in the oxidization and destruction of the contaminating microorganisms.

Abstract: Containers which are ready to be filled or a package material having a plastic surface can be sterilized by hydrogen peroxide in a gaseous phase. The hydrogen peroxide is supplied to the previously heated plastic surface. The entire sterilization procedure is performed with the hydrogen peroxide in a gaseous phase.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for generating a homogeneous aqueous mist solution containing a solvent such as water and a biocide agent such as chlorine dioxide, which would otherwise be unstable. The unstable biocide agent or chlorine dioxide is quickly dissolved or mixed with a mist of solvent causing the biocide agent to co-exist or co-mist therewith. The mist microencapsulates the biocide gas so that it does not decompose in the fumigation volume or space. The resulting homogenous mist solution provides a mist for delivering the biocide agent in a chemically stable form.

Abstract: Method, composition and system for generating chlorine dioxide gas in a controlled release manner by combining at least one metal chlorite and a dry solid hydrophilic material that reacts with the metal chlorite in the presence of water vapor, but does not react with the metal chlorite in the substantial absence of liquid water or water vapor to produce chlorine dioxide gas in a sustained amount of from about 0.001 to 1,000 ppm.

Abstract: A chemical vapor sterilization process is enhanced by controlling the temperature of a diffusion path between a vaporizer and a sterilization chamber so as to condense and then re-vaporize at least a portion of the vapor.

Abstract: A chemical vapor sterilization process is enhanced by flowing a portion of the sterilant vapor through an instrument container using a normal portion of the exhaust process. Preferably, an exhaust conduit which draws a vacuum on a sterilization chamber is oriented so that the container is adjacent an inlet to the conduit.

Abstract: A chemical vapor sterilization process is enhanced by controlling the temperature of a diffusion path between a vaporizer and a sterilization chamber so as to condense and then re-vaporize at least a portion of the vapor.

Abstract: A method for sanitizing a food processing environment includes preparing an ozonated foam sanitizing medium and applying the sanitizing medium to either objects in the food processing environment, such as food processing equipment, food contact surfaces, interior surfaces of the food processing facility, or the ambient environment within the food processing facility, or both the objects within the food processing facility and the ambient environment of the food processing facility. An ozonated foam sanitizing medium includes a foaming agent dissolved in an aqueous solution and an ozone concentration of at least about 0.1 ppm and is prepared by either injecting gaseous ozone or introducing an aqueous ozone solution into an aqueous solution containing a foaming agent. In a system for generating the ozonated foam medium, the gaseous ozone can be injected with a feed gas, such as oxygen, air, an inert gas, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biocidal composition, designed for the generation of chlorine dioxide, comprising at least one iodo-compound having at least one iodine atom and a source of chlorite ions. The molar ration of chlorite ions to iodine atoms is 2 or greater. The composition finds use in a variety of applications including methods of cleaning, sanitizing, deodorizing, and disinfecting various surfaces.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for inactivation of pathogens in fluids containing blood products. Preferred methods include the steps of adding an effective, nontoxic amount of a photosensitizer such as riboflavin to the blood product and exposing the fluid to light having a peak wavelength.

Abstract: Metal oxide area decontamination apparatus (10) is provided which is designed for rapid, emergency situation decontamination of areas contaminated with potentially harmful or lethal chemical and/or biological warfare agents or other hazardous substances. The apparatus (10) preferably includes a pressurizable metallic container (12) equipped with a valve-type delivery nozzle assembly (16), so that upon a manipulation of the assembly (16), a spray of metal oxide and/or metal hydroxide particles is generated; the particles are selected and sized in order to destroy or chemisorb the contaminating agents. The preferred decontamination agent is MgO aggregated to an average aggregate size of from about 50 nm-10 microns. The particles are mixed with a gaseous or liquid propellant within the container (12) allowing rapid and thorough particle cleanout when the nozzle assembly (16) is actuated.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the sterilization and disinfection of agricultural and botanical products such as botanical powders. More particularly, the present invention is directed towards the use of HBS technology whereby contaminated agricultural products are contacted, at ambient pressure, with an oxidant such as nascent oxygen or hydroxyl radicals thus resulting in the oxidization and destruction of the contaminating microorganisms.

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: A unitary container housing having a plurality of sealed compartments each containing a dry composition which will gradually release an antimicrobially active gas upon exposure to moist air, and each compartment being separately openable to expose its contents to the environment, and a method of using the same.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing musical instruments is provided. More particularly, a method of sterilizing musical wind instruments and accessories related thereto is provided for sterilizing, or at least sanitizing, musical wind instruments and accessories without damaging or degrading components of such instruments and accessories constructed of cloth, wood, plastic, rubber or fibrous materials. The method of the invention uses a gas diffusion process and a gas sterilant, such as ethylene oxide. A musical wind instrument and/or an accessory is placed in a gas diffusion bag and a sterilizing atmosphere is created within the gas diffusion bag by releasing ethylene oxide into the gas diffusion bag at a sufficient concentration to act as a sterilant. Ethylene oxide is heated to an appropriate temperature and maintained at such temperature for a sufficient time to achieve sterilization, or at least sanitization, of the musical wind instrument and/or accessory contained therein.

Abstract: A composition for disinfecting an animal product comprising an electro-chemically activated, anion-containing aqueous solution. A plant for treating an animal product including a water reservoir (12), a salt feed device (16) for creating an aqueous salt solution, an electrolysis device (18) to produce anolyte and catolyte solutions, an anion mixing tank (28), and a treatment container (30) to apply the solution to an animal product.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing liquid is performed by providing a vibrationally stirring apparatus having a vibration generating unit containing a vibration motor (14), a vibrating rod (7) operationally connected to the vibration generating unit, vibration vanes (10) fixed to the vibrating rod, and vibration vane fixing members (9) for fixing the vibration vanes to the vibrating rod, wherein the vibration vane (10) has a surface made of sterilizing metal and the vibration vane fixing member (9) is made of magnetic field generating material; submerging the vibration vanes and the vibration vane fixing members in the liquid (LIQ) taken in a treatment tank (13); and vibrating the vibration vane at an amplitude of 0.1 to 15.0 mm and at a vibrational frequency of 200 to 1000 times per minute by the vibration generating unit to cause vibrationally stirring of the liquid, thereby sterilizing the liquid.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for sterilizing or disinfecting a surface, which comprise applying an electrostatically-charged aerosol of a disinfecting solution onto said surface and allowing said aerosol to remain in contact with said surface for a time sufficient to achieve the desired degree of sterilization or disinfection.

Abstract: Methods for decontaminating fluids such as blood products, particularly platelets or red blood cells, are provided. The methods include mixing substantially non-toxic amounts of an endogenous photosensitizer such as riboflavin, or an endogenously-based derivative photosensitizer, with the fluid, increasing the dissolved oxygen content of the fluid to an amount sufficient to enhance a reaction of the photosensitizer in which singlet oxygen is formed and reduce competing reactions; and exposing the fluid to visible light photoradiation to activate the photosensitizer and substantially inactivate the pathogens. Blood products produced by the method, and systems for carrying out the method are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of disinfection comprising the steps of sonicating a liquid disinfectant at a frequency selected to be above 15 MHz, preferably above 2 MHz in a nebulizing chamber to produce a nebulized disinfectant product. The frequency of the ultrasonic energy and the formulation of the disinfectant to which the ultrasonic energy is applied is such that 90% of microdroplets are between 0.8 and 2.0 micrometres in diameter. In preferred embodiments, the microdroplets are activated by the ultrasound and are substantially more effective than non-sonicated disinfectant. The invention also relates to compositions suitable for use in such methods which mar include activatable agents, surfactarits and/or agents to assist in drying.

Abstract: A unitary container housing having a plurality of sealed compartments each containing a dry composition which will gradually release an antimicrobially active gas upon exposure to moist air, and each compartment being separately openable to expose its contents to the environment, and a method of using the same.

Abstract: Pathogens, toxins, and some chemical warfare agents inside an enclosure are destroyed using hydroxyl free radicals. The hydroxyl free radicals can be generated by, for example, reacting ozone with water in the presence of ultraviolet light or reacting hydrogen with nitrogen dioxide in the presence of ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A non-corrosive, liquid, aqueous sterilant composition (as a concentrate or ready-to-use solution), which may be provided in two parts which are mixed prior to application, may comprise a peracid (in an equilibrium solution with an underlying carboxylic acid or mixtures of alkyl carboxylic acids and peroxide), inorganic buffering agent, and water. It has been found that the use of this simplified system, even in the absence of additional components which have been thought to be desirable for sterilants used on metal parts (e.g.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of monitoring a sterilization process having an oxidation-type sterilant, said process comprising the steps of: providing an indicator compound capable of exhibiting a color change upon exposure to the sterilant, the indicator compound being free of heterocyclic nitrogen, diazo nitrogen and amino nitrogen, and selected from the group consisting of anthraquinone dyes, triarylmethane dyes and xanthene dyes; exposing the indicator compound to the sterilization process; and observing the compound for a change of colour. The invention also relates to an indicator for an ozone sterilization process. A preferred indicator compound is rosolic acid.

Abstract: A footwear sanitizing device is insertable into footwear to be sanitized. The device includes a self-contained ion generator that subjects the footwear to an outflow of ionized air containing safe amounts of ozone. The ion generator includes a high voltage generator whose output pulses are coupled between first and second electrode arrays disposed in a pair of electrode assemblies. Preferably each first array comprises at least one metal pin spaced coaxially-apart from a metal ring-like structure. Alternatively, the first array may comprise at least one wire electrodes spaced staggeringly apart from a second array comprising hollow “U”-shaped electrodes. Preferably a ratio between effective area of an electrode in the second array compared to effective area of an electrode in the first array exceeds about 15:1 and preferably is about 20:1. An electric field produced by the high voltage between the arrays produces an electrostatic flow of ionized air containing safe amounts of ozone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterilizing and disinfecting bedclothes. The method includes preparing a sterilizing room defined by a cover; placing bedclothes into the sterilizing room; and exposing the bedclothes to ultraviolet rays and ozone generated by a generator in communication with the sterilizing room. The apparatus includes a generator for generating ultraviolet rays and ozone and a cover for defining a sterilizing room to accommodate the bedclothes.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for sterilizing biological materials to reduce the level of one or more active biological contaminants or pathogens therein, such as viruses, bacteria (including inter- and intracellular bacteria, such as mycoplasmas, ureaplasmas, nanobacteria, chlamydia, rickettsias), yeasts, molds, fungi, prions or similar agents responsible, alone or in combination, for TSEs and/or single or multicellular parasites. The methods involve sterilizing biological materials containing one or more non-aqueous solvents with irradiation.

Abstract: A method for deodorizing shoes includes providing an ozone generator with a case of oblong shape; placing the ozone generator in the case in a shoe; energizing the ozone generator with electric power to generate an electric corona; and passing an oxygen containing gas through the electric corona so as to generate ozone, thereby deodorizing the shoe.

Abstract: A novel approach to fight bacterial growth on and attachment to medical devices/implants is described. This approach reduces the necessity of the painful and complicated replacement of the medical devices that frequently need to remain in the body for periods of time longer than is recommended using a traditionally sterilized device. Several methods are described to kill bacteria that have attached to the surface of medical devices. Long term use is then possible with those medical devices. Furthermore a medical device is described under this method that has a photosensitizing compound affixed to or near the device surface with means to periodically activate the compound by suitable illumination.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for destroying pathogens (including bacteria and viruses) from delivery, postal or courier items such as letters, parcels, boxes, etc. In preferred aspects, the items to be treated are placed in a chamber which is then flooded with ozone gas at pressures above ambient atmospheric pressure. The exposure to pressurized ozone is carried out at a sufficiently high concentration, and for a sufficiently long duration such that the sterilizing ozone penetrates into the interior of the delivery, postal or courier item.

Abstract: A system having a fluid source and a pasteurizer coupled with a disinfectant unit in flow communication with the fluid source for use in disinfecting dental or other water lines. The combination of pasteurizer and disinfectant unit is adapted to receive water from the fluid source. A fluid delivery unit is provided in flow communication with the pasteurizer and disinfectant unit combination. The disinfectant unit has a means for supplying hydrogen and oxygen and a means for generating hydrogen peroxide in flow communication with the means for supplying hydrogen and oxygen.

Abstract: An ion generating device generates O2−(H2O)n (where n is a natural number) as negative ions and H+(H2O)m (where m is a natural number) as positive ions, and discharges those ions into the air so that airborne germs are killed through an oxidation reaction by hydrogen peroxide H2O2 or radical hydroxyl OH generated through as an active species a chemical reaction between the negative and positive ions. Satisfactory sterilization is achieved when the negative and positive ions are generated in such a way that the concentrations of the negative and positive ions are both 10,000 ion/cc at a distance of 10 cm from the point at which they are generated.

Abstract: A process useful for disinfecting medical instruments is presented involving reacting a hydrogen peroxide donor with an N-acyl compound in an aqueous medium having a pH of 9 to 11 to form an acylated hydrogen peroxide preparation, reducing the pH of the acylated hydrogen peroxide preparation to pH 7 to 9; and contacting the acylated hydrogen peroxide preparation with a medical instrument. The process provides good antimicrobial activity with little corrosion. The process is effective against mycobacteria.

Abstract: A device for detecting and providing an indication regarding one or more properties of a fluid retained in a bottle comprising a body member and a fluid property detecting substance, which can test for acidity, cork taint, or another fluid property, operably associated with the body member for detecting and providing an optical indication regarding one or more properties of the fluid retained in the bottle. The body member can have an open inner volume and the fluid property detecting substance can be disposed therein. A wall portion of the body member can comprise a semi-permeable barrier for allowing a one-way flow of fluid retained in the bottle into the open inner volume of the body member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing aseptically processed low acid products in a container having a small opening, such as a glass or plastic bottle or jar, at a high output processing speed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and forms of apparatus for sterilizing various objects with ozone. The contents of a container may be sterilized by attaching a lid with an ozone generator to the container and generating ozone. Clothing may be treated by attaching the clothing to an ozone generator with a housing in the shape of a clothes hanger and generating ozone. Alternatively, the ozone generator in the shape of a clothes hanger may be placed in a closet with clothing to be treated. The power supply for the ozone generator may be a portable power supply, or power may be supplied from an adapter from an electrical outlet. Shoes may be deodorized by placing an ozone generator with an oblong shape in the shoes and generating ozone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a paper product for use in sterilizing an area. The paper product contains at least one paper sheet or pellet containing one or more dry chemical materials, one or more dry deliquescent materials, or mixtures thereof. The dry chemical materials are either inactive antimicrobial or biocidal chemical materials or are capable of reacting with another chemical material to produce one or more active antimicrobial or biocidal chemical materials. When the paper product is placed in an atmosphere containing water vapor, the deliquescent material(s) attracts water and dissolves, thereby either hydrating and rendering active the inactive antimicrobial or biocidal chemical material(s), or providing a medium in which the chemical materials will react to produce one or more active antimicrobial or biocidal chemical materials.

Abstract: A two-part disinfecting systems, as well as disinfecting compositions and methods for making and using the same. The two-part disinfecting system contains a first part and a second part adapted to be mixed to yield an aqueous disinfecting composition, wherein the first part comprises a chlorite and the second part comprises an acid and an optional oxidizable colorant, and wherein the first part, the second part, or both the first and second parts comprise an alpha olefin sulfonate.

Abstract: Decontamination is achieved by producing an activated cleaning fluid mist using a decontamination apparatus having a source of a cleaning fluid, a mist generator having an input flow of the cleaning fluid and an output flow of a mist of the cleaning fluid at substantially one atmosphere ambient pressure, and an activator positioned to activate the mist of the cleaning fluid to produce the activated cleaning fluid mist wherein atoms of the cleaning fluid are activated. The activated cleaning fluid mist is contacted to a location to be decontaminated.

Abstract: A method for preparing a disinfectant and sterilizing peracetic acid solution, comprising the production just before use of peracetic acid by mixing an activator (HP) with a parent mixture.

Abstract: A method and system for sterilizing an article is provided that includes use of a low frequency (LF) gas discharge plasma. The method includes placing the article in a vacuum chamber and evacuating the vacuum chamber to a predetermined pressure. Gas or vapor species are introduced into the vacuum chamber, and a low frequency plasma is generated within the vacuum chamber, the low frequency plasma having a frequency of from 0 to approximately 200 kHz. The low frequency plasma is maintained for a time period sufficient to substantially remove gas or vapor species from the article. The sterilization system includes a vacuum chamber coupled to a vacuum pump and a vent, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The sterilization system further includes a second region within the vacuum chamber, the second region including a region between the first and second electrodes, and a first region within the vacuum chamber, the first region being in fluid communication with the second region.

Abstract: The present invention provides a virucide composition and/or sporicide composition having a high virucidal effect and sporicidal effect and being excellent in safety and workability. That is, the present invention provides a virucide composition and/or sporicide composition comprising (a) an inorganic peroxide, (b) tetraacetylethylenediamine and (c) at least one selected from a salt of an alkaline metal salt with an inorganic acid and a salt of an alkaline earth metal with an inorganic acid in a specific ratio.

Abstract: A disinfectant composition is disclosed effective against a pathovar of Xanthomonas axonopodis pathogenic for citrus, comprising an aqueous solution of a carboxylic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and a percarboxylic acid product thereof. In a preferred composition the percarboxylic acid comprises peroxyacetic acid in an equilibrium aqueous solution with hydrogen peroxide, and acetic acid. The composition is used in a process to disinfect citrus fruit and equipment used therewith by contacting with a sufficient concentration of the composition for a sufficient time for reducing the organisms by at least 99.9%.

Abstract: An oxidizing species is described herein as a reaction product through an in situ preparation combining a protonizable phosphorus or sulfur compound, and a halide source at controlled proportions in an aqueous, non-aqueous, gel, aerosol, solid-phase or powdered media. The oxidizing species can be used to reduce microbial and viral populations on a surface or object or in a body or stream of water. The invention thus finds applications as a bleach, sanitizer, oxidant, or in any other application in which an oxidizing agent can be beneficially used alone or in a formulation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization, wherein the chamber temperature is set at less than 39° C. throughout, and containers with temperature-sensitive products can be efficiently sterilized without the temperature-sensitive products showing a significant loss of activity or degradation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new method for the in situ generation of chlorine dioxide from a solution of sodium chlorite and carbon dioxide. The present invention produces effective levels of chlorine dioxide without having to resort to the use of hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrogen peroxide, chlorine, sulfur dioxide, or methanol. By eliminating the use of toxic and/or hazardous compounds, the present invention provides a safer means for generating and using chlorine dioxide in a wider variety of applications than previously possible. For instance, the present invention can easily be adapted for the treatment of combustion exhaust gases, flue gases, cooling towers, chilled water systems, contaminated groundwater, and agricultural produce or products.