Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions containing an acid precursor in amounts effective to inhibit microbial attachment and growth on a surface of a medical device having the composition applied thereto, to films of such compositions and to medical devices having the composition applied to a surface thereof.

Abstract: A sterilizer and a sterilization method: which can easily and efficiently sterilize various kinds of bacteria at a room temperature and an atmospheric pressure so as to reduce the number of bacteria, without deteriorating qualities inherent to a sterilization object; which does not require pretreatment and/or after-treatment; which is highly safe; and which does not cause the ozone layer depletion problem. In a sterilizer comprising a power supply section for generating a high voltage and a processing device having a discharge side electrode and a ground side electrode to which the generated high voltage is applied, sterilization is performed by interposing a sterilization object between the electrodes and by causing a pulse streamer discharge between the electrodes at a room temperature and an atmospheric pressure and in the atmosphere in which a humidity is controlled to be suitable for sterilization.

Abstract: A sterilization container for sterilizing, storing and transporting instruments is formed of a liquid crystal polymer, such as a wholly aromatic polyester. The container is strong yet has thin walls so that condensation is minimized. Suitable polymers include wholly aromatic polyesters such as: polybenzoate-naphthalate; polybenzoate-terephthalate-bisphenol-isophthalate; polybenzoate-terephthalate-ethylene glycol; and polynaphthalate-amino terephthalate.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sterilizing fog, characterized by droplet size range, vapor density range, sterilant concentration range and sterilant concentration within the droplets. Specifically, there is disclosed a fog achieved by an apparatus combining pressure, temperature and acoustics to form a super-charged ozoneated water and an apparatus that creates small micro droplets which form a highly concentrated sterilizing fog. Specific sterilants used are ozone, chlorine and chlorous acid generating compositions such as sodium hypochlorite, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method for treating the liquid phase of contaminated materials that are disinfected or sterilized in a treatment chamber is provided, whereby a defined liquid collector area is provided in the treatment chamber. When the liquid in the collector area reaches a maximum level it is discharged into a collector tank and when the level of liquid in the collector area reaches a minimum level liquid is returned to the treatment chamber. When the liquid in the collector tank reaches a maximum level, liquid therefrom is returned to the treatment chamber in case the maximum level of liquid in the treatment chamber is not reached or said liquid is treated in an additional high-temperature disinfector unit to obtain purified liquid. A device that carries out the method is also provided. Using the method or device provided, contaminated solid materials with a high proportion of liquid can be disinfected or sterilized.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing medical devices and similar instruments in diffusion-restricted containers is provided. The sterilization method includes placing a liquid solution containing vaporizable germicide such as hydrogen peroxide into the diffusion-restricted container and vaporizing the germicide. The containers can be attachable and detachable to a sterilization system, and used as a vacuum chamber. An attachable/detachable container containing an article to be sterilized can be nested with a second container, and the article and inside and outside of the inner container are sterilized. The sterile article inside the nested containers can be transported and the sterile inner container with the sterilized article can removed from the outer container and placed in a sterile environment without contaminating the sterile environment. The sterile article can then be removed from the sterile container and utilized.

Abstract: A purifying agent or the like which can improve purifying performance is obtained. A container (12) of a purifying agent generating apparatus (10) contains a solution (14), into which a surface-active agent has been dissolved, and ozone gas is supplied thereto. In this way, a purifying agent (34) (i.e., aggregate of ozone-containing bubbles (32), each of which includes an ozone-containing membrane, into which ozone has been dissolved, and ozone-containing gas, which is contained in the inner portion of the membrane and includes ozone) is generated. Therefore, odor which fills a sealed space can be removed and a higher purifying performance is obtained.

Abstract: A method and packaging system receive products and/or objects in a packaging storage volume, the packaging storage volume contains a first agent including oxygen that is energizably convertible by an ultraviolet radiation energy source to a sanitizing agent including ozone in the packaging storage volume, the sanitizing agent including ozone being transferable to the products and/or objects to provide at least one of a sanitizing, disinfecting, and sterilizing, application to the products and/or objects. The system also includes at least one of an incline, a ridged surface, ridged strip, a baffle structure, and other structure for providing rotational motion to the products and/or objects being stored in the packaging storage volume for exposing surfaces of the products and/or objects to the sanitizing agent comprising ozone and to the ultraviolet radiation energy. Additionally, a packaging storage control system is provided with timed intervals for exposure to sanitizing applications.

Abstract: Opposite sides of an article are irradiated to sterilize the article. The cumulative irradiation should be above a first value, and below a second value greater than the first value, at all of the positions in the article to provide the article with desired radiation benefits. Any amount of cumulative radiation between the first and second values is considered as optimal values. For a first range of article thicknesses, the cumulative radiation in the article is at the optimal values. For article thicknesses in a second range greater than in the first range, the cumulative radiation at positions in the article is greater than the optimal values. For article thicknesses in a third range greater than the second range, the cumulative radiation at the different positions in the article is at the optimal values. For the thicknesses in the second range, a member disposed in the radiation path weakens the radiation passing to the article, thereby reducing the cumulative radiation to an optimal value.

Abstract: Liquid germicidal formulation containing, as the active ingredients, a combination of an alcohol and an organic N-chloroamine, which combination shows a high bactericidal activity and an unexpected stability in time, while maintaining its effectiveness substantially unchanged even after a prolonged storage. The formulation comprises, in water, chloramine-T or chloramine-B and one or more, aliphatic alcohols having up to 12 carbon atoms, preferably isopropanol, said solution having a pH not lower than 8.5.

Abstract: High concentration chlorine dioxide gel compositions are prepared for disinfectant, deodorizing and for like uses. The preferred gel compositions are prepared from xanthan, guar or like gums.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sterilization system that includes a low frequency power feedback control system for controllably adjusting a power applied to a low frequency plasma within a vacuum chamber of the sterilization system to remove gas or vapor species from the article. The power has a frequency of from 0 to approximately 200 kHz. The low frequency power feedback control system includes a power monitor adapted to produce a first signal indicative of the power applied to the low frequency plasma within the vacuum chamber. The low frequency power feedback control system further includes a power control module adapted to produce a second signal in response to the first signal from the power monitor, and a power controller adapted to adjust, in response to the second signal, the power applied to the low frequency plasma to maintain a substantially stable average power applied to the low frequency plasma while the article is being processed.

Abstract: A sanitizing device employs electrophoresis to circulate ozone formed by an ozone generator to sanitize a household item within an interior-sanitizing chamber of the sanitizing device. The electrophoretic movement of air increases the efficiency of ozone generation by the ozone generator. The electrophoretic generator includes two electrodes and a half wave rectifying diode. The electrophoretic generator is connected to a transformer that supplies high voltage pulses to the electrophoretic and ozone generators. The voltage pulse at one of the electrophoretic generator electrodes is half wave rectified by the half wave rectifying diode. The resulting voltage difference between the two electrodes causes a pulsating electric field between the two electrodes. Electrophoretic movement of air is thereby induced, and ozone produced by the ozone generator is circulated within and substantially throughout the sanitizing device.

Abstract: A chemical indicator of an aurin moiety in a substrate to detect the presence of an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: A gas containing structure includes a film (100), that can be formed into a foldable sheet (802), bag (1200), or liner (1404, 1408, 1504, 1508) for a rigid container such as a box, can, or bottle. The film (100) includes at least one gas containing storage volume, i.e., at least one store (106), that is at least partially contained by the film (100). The at least one store (106) contains a gas including oxygen that is energizably convertible, such as by an ultraviolet radiation energy source (1002, 1004), to sanitizing agent including ozone gas in the at least one store (106). The sanitizing agent can provide at least one of a sanitizing, disinfecting, and sterilizing, application to an object or product (402). The film (100) can be applied by wiping, wrapping, and packaging the object or product (402). The film (100) can be re-used for a subsequent sanitizing application.

Abstract: The invention provides water enriched with ozone by generating ozone from oxygen using short-wavelength ultraviolet light and pumping the generated ozone under pressure through a 0.1-micron filter into a sealed housing of deionized water. The filter is fabricated of a material such as polytetrafluoroethylene which does not react with water and ozone. The filter apertures are sufficiently small to prevent the formation of gas bubbles in the outlet fluid. The highly-purified outlet fluid is usable immediately in semiconductor wafer cleaning.

Abstract: Chlorine dioxide is generated from an aqueous solution of sodium chlorite in the presence of a catalyst having a reduced rate of deactivation. The catalyst is preferably palladium, or palladium together with another platinum group metal (e.g., Pd+Pt), or palladium together with a Group IB metal (e.g., Pd+Au) deposited on a support modified by Group IA carbonate salt (e.g., K2CO3) or a Group IIA carbonate salt (e.g., CaCO3) or a magnesium salt that can be converted to MgO or a support consisting of a Group IA carbonate salt or a Group IIA carbonate salt or a magnesium salt that can be converted to MgO.

Abstract: A method for producing chlorine dioxide by activating zeolite crystals (which have been impregnated with metal chlorite such as sodium chlorite, and optionally also a water-retaining substance such as magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, potassium hydroxide, or calcium chloride) with excess protons, or activating an aqueous solution of metal chlorite and such a water-retaining substance with excess protons. Proton generating species useful for the activation are acids such as acetic, phosphoric, and citric acid, and metal salts such as ferric chloride, ferric sulfate, ZnSO4, ZnCl2, CoSO4, CoCl2, MnSO4, MnCl2, CuSO4, CuCl2, and MgSO4. The activation can be performed by causing fluid to flow through a bed of zeolite crystals impregnated with calcium chloride (or other water-retaining substance) and sodium chlorite, and a bed of zeolite crystals impregnated with a proton generating species. The two beds can be physically mixed together or the fluid can flow sequentially through separate beds.

Abstract: A pollution control system having a blower located in a reduced temperature zone is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises: an injection grid, a vaporizer, and a blower. The injection grid injects ammonia vapor into a flue gas stream. The ammonia vapor is created as the vaporizer vaporizes aqueous ammonia into a carrier medium. Advantageously, the vaporization of the aqueous ammonia reduces the temperature of the carrier medium. A blower moves the carrier medium flow through the vaporizer and into the injection grid. The blower is located downstream of the vaporizer and upstream of the injection grid. This location permits the blower to operate in an environment with a substantially reduced temperature relative to the prior art. This advantageously increases the reliability of the blower and reduces installation and maintenance costs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a contact surface which is continuously sanitized with a sanitizing fluid. A reservoir contains the sanitizing fluid. A contact material has a porous contact surface in fluid communication with the reservoir. A moisture control and fluid distribution system determines the moisture level of the porous surface and, upon determining that the moisture level thereof has reached a predetermined level, causes a flow of the sanitizing fluid from the reservoir to the contact material. The contact material comprises a durable, porous outer layer configured for evenly distributing the sanitizing fluid to the contact surface and a backing layer bonded to the outer layer to provide a seal there between.

Abstract: A process for treating active viral lesions, such as herpes lesions and warts, on persons or animals, in which an active lesion containing a virus is scrubbed or debrided, an aqueous reagent solution containing neutral red and free chlorine is applied to the scrubbed lesion, and the lesion to which the reagent has been applied is exposed to ultraviolet light for a period sufficient to cause viral destruction. The invention further relates to the aqueous reagent solution containing neutral red and free chlorine.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating clothing with ozone includes an ozone generator; a housing for the ozone generator having the shape of a clothes hanger; and a power source for the ozone generator. Methods of using the ozone generator include attaching clothing intended for treating to the device, 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 treating the clothing with ozone.

Abstract: In a method of sterilizing containers the container is first sealed and then subjected to electron irradiation. The ozone generated in this way is then retained in the closed container for the purpose of sterilizing the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and composition for inhibiting biological fouling in an irrigation system. According to the invention, an effective amount of active zinc is added to irrigation water passing through an irrigation system to inhibit biological fouling. In a preferred form of the invention, the active zinc is chelated with 1-hydroxyethane 1,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDPA). In addition to inhibiting the formation of biological fouling in the system, the active zinc provides nourishment to plants irrigated by the irrigation system.

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: An apparatus for processing an elastomeric article such as a glove includes an enclosure having a gas-filled interior, a support that receives the elastomeric article thereon and supports the elastomeric article within the enclosure, and a source of a gaseous cleaning agent which introduces a gaseous flow of the gaseous cleaning agent into the interior of the enclosure to contact the elastomeric article. The cleaning agent dislodges particulate contaminant from the elastomeric article and entrains the particulate contaminant in the gaseous flow as it passes by the elastomeric article. The source of the gaseous cleaning agent comprises a nebulizer source of a vaporized cleaning material, and a weakly ionized plasma source disposed within the interior of the enclosure and proximate to the article support location to create a weakly ionized plasma in the ambient atmosphere adjacent to the article support location.

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 gaseous blend of Ox and a method for significantly reducing the biological load on consumer products such as food products, botanicals and cosmetic ingredients is disclosed. The gaseous blend of Ox consists at least in part of O3. The method involves applying a continuous stream of oxygen-containing, i. e., Ox, gas to a material at a predetermined temperature, pressure and relative humidity. The continuous stream of Ox gas is prepared in an Ox generation cell, which contains a means for generating the Ox gas at a pressure less than 20 lbs/in2 using, for example, one or more of the following: corona discharge, high frequency electrical discharge, ultraviolet light, x-ray, radioactive isotope and electric beam.

Abstract: A thixotropic, non-cytotoxic, topical hydrogel that contains a proven safe and effective, broad spectrum, antimicrobial agent based on a unique electrolytically derived sodium hypochlorite solution.

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: A frozen chlorine dioxide-containing composition comprising a metal chlorite and a protic acid in a frozen aqueous matrix made by freezing a substantially chloride dioxide-free aqueous solution comprising a metal chlorite at a concentration ranging from about 0.0005% to about 0.5% by weight and a protic acid at a concentration sufficient to lower the pH of the aqueous solution to a value of about 1.8 to about 5.0. The frozen chlorine dioxide-containing composition has a chlorine dioxide concentration of more than about 3 ppm, while the aqueous solution prior to freezing has a chlorine dioxide concentration less than about 3 ppm. The frozen chlorine dioxide-containing composition is used to disinfect substrates by contacting the same with the frozen chlorine dioxide-containing composition. Suitable substrates include food intended for human or animal consumption, such as meat, fish and poultry.

Abstract: A method of delivering disinfectant in an absorbent substrate. A first step involves intermixing a first reactant chemical with a first ink. A second step involves intermixing a second reactant chemical with a second ink. A third step involves printing a first pattern on an absorbent substrate with the first ink. A fourth step involves printing a second pattern on the absorbent substrate with the second ink. The second pattern is positioned in close proximity to the first pattern, such that when the first pattern and second pattern are exposed to water an intermixing of the first reactant chemical and the second reactant chemical occurs to produce an aerosol disinfectant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a porous paper product impregnated with at least one chemical species. The porous paper product can be in the form of sheets, or compressed pellets. The porous paper can be prepared from a variety of sources, including wood pulp, kenaf, flax, or hemp. The chemical species impregnating the paper react and/or diffuse out of the paper to accomplish a variety of desired results. For example, diffusion of a volatile biocidal chemical out of pores in the paper create a no-growth zone on and immediately surrounding the impregnated paper. In this manner the impregnated paper can provide a sterile environment for activities such as food packaging/storage, the treatment of illness/injury, or waste disposal.

Abstract: A method comprises feeding a chlorite, a chlorine donor, and an acid into a water line connected to a water system through which water is flowing, or a mixing chamber connected to a water system, wherein the chlorite and chlorine donor being present in a molar ratio from 1.0:0.1 to 1.0:15.0 chlorite to chlorine donor; whereby chlorine dioxide is generated substantially instantaneously in solution and substantially no undissolved chlorine dioxide gas is evolved; and feeding the solution comprising chlorine dioxide into the water system. The solution comprising chlorine dioxide in the mixing chamber can have a chlorine dioxide concentration from 20,000 to 50,000 ppm.

Abstract: A peroxyacid antimicrobial concentrate and use composition is provided comprising a C1 to C4 peroxycarboxylic acid or a C1 to C4 peroxycarboxylic acid combined with a C6 to C18 peroxyacid in beverage processing. The combination of these materials produces a synergistic effect, providing a much more potent biocide than can be obtained by using these components separately. Other components can be added to the composition such as hydrotrope coupling agents, stabilizers, etc. An effective antimicrobial use solution is formed at low concentrations when the concentrate composition is diluted with water to a pH in the range of about 2 to 8. Sanitizing of substantially fixed, “in-place” processing lines in dairies, breweries, and other food and beverage processing operations is one utility of the composition. Another utility is in processes including aseptic cold filling of beverage containers such as cans, glass bottles or two liter PET bottles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for sterilizing soils and of the equipment related thereto. The method comprises sequentially at least the following phases:—dispersion into the soil of at least one compound, solid, liquid or gaseous, able to react exothermically with water and/or steam, or other substance;—injection of at least one jet of water and/or steam, or of another substance, into the soil in such a way as to produce heat in the subsequent reaction with the compound. Between the two aforesaid phases it is convenient to proceed to break up the soil to favor its mixing, with the compound and create the best conditions for the reaction.

Abstract: An improved method of maintaining the integrity of a wood structure over a period of years by forming a hole in the wood structure, inserting a container holding the treatment agent and a closure cap into the hole, with such closure cap undergoing an interaction with the vapors of the treatment agent so that the vapors dissolve the closure cap thereby providing an opening through which the treatment agent vapors are released into the internal structure of the wood object, and after the treatment agent vapors are no longer effective to treat the wood, retrieving the container and replacing it with a similar container, treatment agent and closure cap within the same hole to eliminate the necessity of drilling a new hole in the wood structure for such container.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for delivery of a gas, e.g., carbon dioxide and/or chlorine dioxide, and methods of its use and manufacture. The apparatus includes an envelope, and a sachet within the envelope that contains reactant, which generates a gas in the presence of an initiating agent, e.g., water. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a barrier layer, a sachet layer disposed adjacent to the barrier layer, a reactant disposed between the barrier layer and the sachet layer that generates a gas in the presence of an initiating agent, and an envelope layer disposed adjacent to the sachet layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for sanitizing a device, such as an endoscope, having a lumen. The method comprises a) providing a container possessing two or more openings, and a flexible, gas-impermeable pouch that surrounds the container; b) placing the device into the container; c) applying a reduced pressure to the container and pouch, thereby causing the pouch to collapse around the container and form at least one interface separating the container into two or more compartments, which interface is formed under reduced pressure by the adherence of the pouch onto itself and around part of a surface of the device, through openings in the container, such that one end of the device is located in one of the compartments and the other end is in another compartment; and d) generating a flow of a sanitizing solution through the lumen to sanitize the inner surface of the device.

Abstract: Method and system for generating chlorine dioxide gas in a controlled release manner by combining at least one metal chlorite and a solid 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 0.025 to 1,000 ppm.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a biguanide-containing disinfecting solution containing a particular type of poloxamine for stabilizing a polymeric biguanide. The poloxamine surfactant comprises at least about 90 weight percent of poly(oxyethylene) and poly(oxypropylene) segments, in one or more copolymer chains, wherein the weight average molecular weight of said surfactant is from about 10,000 to about 30,000 and wherein at least about 70 weight percent of said poly(oxyethylene) and poly(oxypropylene) segments are poly(oxyethylene) segments, and wherein the HLB value is at least 27. The method of the present invention comprises cleaning and disinfecting a contact lens with the above-described solution. Products according to the present invention provide enhanced cleaning while maintaining biocidal efficacy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous decontaminating composition comprising (A) an amount of H2O2 less than or equal to 60% by weight, based on the total weight of said composition; (B) an RCO3H/RCO2H mixture, where R is methyl or ethyl, as indicated above, said mixture being present in an amount such that the weight ratio of said mixture to the hydrogen peroxide is between 0.15/1 and 0.85/1; (C) a silver component as a source of Ag ions, selected from the group consisting of silver salts and complexes, said silver component being present in an amount such that the weight ratio of said silver component to the hydrogen peroxide is between 0.0005/1 and 0.015/1; (D) a stabilizer present in an amount such that the weight ratio of said stabilizer to the hydrogen peroxide is between 0.0005/1 and 0.025/1; and water to make up to 100% by weight. It further relates to the method of preparation and to the use of said composition.

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 melanoma 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.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a composition for the disinfection of biological fluids and uses thereof. The composition contains an anionic surfactant, at least one non-anionic surfactants and a stabilizer provided it is to be used in the disinfection of samples to be subjected to laboratory tests. If the sample is to be disinfected for transfusion purposes, other chemicals are added to the three basic active ingredients. The invention also relates to methods of using the composition.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of disinfecting and cleaning medical articles are disclosed. Disinfecting contact lenses by generating of peracetic acid in situ, while simultaneously cleaning with a proteolytic enzyme, is a preferred embodiment. Tablets for simple consumer use including disinfecting and cleaning means, and delayed release neutralizing means, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A first embodiment of the present invention is directed to an aqueous disinfectant solution comprising an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal hypochlorite, an amount of base sufficient to raise the pH of the solution to at least 12, and water. A second embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method for sterilizing medical and dental instruments and hard surfaces which comprises contacting the medical or dental instruments or hard surfaces with an aqueous disinfecting solution comprising an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal hypochlorite, an amount of a base sufficient to raise the pH of the solution to at least 12, and water, for a time sufficient to disinfect the medical or dental instruments or hard surface.

Abstract: A method for producing chlorine dioxide by activating zeolite crystals (which have been impregnated with metal chlorite such as sodium chlorite, and optionally also a water-retaining substance such as magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, potassium hydroxide, or calcium chloride) with excess protons, or activating an aqueous solution of metal chlorite and such a water-retaining substance with excess protons. Proton generating species useful for the activation are acids such as acetic, phosphoric, and citric acid, and metal salts such as ferric chloride, ferric sulfate, ZnSO4, ZnCl2, CoSO4, CoCl2, MnSO4, MnCl2, CuSO4, CuCl2, and MgSO4. The activation can be performed by causing fluid to flow through a bed of zeolite crystals impregnated with calcium chloride (or other water-retaining substance) and sodium chlorite, and a bed of zeolite crystals impregnated with a proton generating species.

Abstract: An electrolysis unit (10) has an ion selective barrier (20) for separating an anodic chamber (12) from a cathodic chamber (14). An electrolyte within the unit includes a precursor, such as potassium acetate, or acetic acid. A positive potential is applied to an anode (16) within the anodic chamber, resulting in the generation of a variety of shorter and longer lived oxidizing species, such as peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and ozone. In one preferred embodiment, a solution containing the oxidizing species is transported to a site where articles, such as medical instruments, are to be decontaminated. The oxidizing species are generated as needed, avoiding the need to store hazardous decontaminants.

Abstract: The invention concerns a hygienic agent for use in hemodialysis. This hygienic agent based on peracetic acid has an aqueous solution containing 6 to 8 weight % hydrogen peroxide, 0.1 to 1 weight % peracetic acid and 2 to 10 weight % acetic acid. Application to the disinfection, sterilization of dialysis generators, dialyzers, hemofilters and hemodialyzers and circuits of water treatment for hemodialysis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a liquid (2) to inhibit growth of living organisms therein by adding to the liquid an active biocidal ingredient formed by mixing an oxidant (4) and an amine source (6), by: producing a predetermined dilution of the oxidant (4); producing a predetermined dilution of the amine source (6); synchronously metering the two dilutions into a conduit (16) to continuously mix therein according to a predetermined ratio to produce the active biocidal ingredient having high reproducibility, stability and efficacy in situ in the conduit (16); and continuously injecting the active biocidal ingredient, as it is produced in situ in the conduit (16), directly from the conduit into the liquid being treated.