Abstract: In an aseptic filling machine including content supply piping for feeding a content to a filler via a heat sterilization portion, CIP and SIP of the inside of the content supply piping is performed by circulating a cleaning liquid, SIP is performed by heating the cleaning liquid to a required temperature for sterilization from the start of the CIP or during the CIP, the overall heat transfer coefficient of the heating piping is calculated, it is determined that the CIP is completed when the overall heat transfer coefficient calculated reaches a target value, temperatures are measured by a plurality of temperature sensors provided, a lowest temperature is selected from the measured temperatures, F values are calculated for the selected lowest temperature, the calculated F values are accumulated, and it is determined that the SIP is completed when the accumulated F value reaches a target value.

Abstract: The mitigation of indoor pathogens comprises quantifying, using a bio-aerosol monitoring system, the amount of total pathogens in the air and on surfaces within an indoor environment. Moreover, the process comprises sanitizing the indoor environment with portable equipment to stabilize the indoor environment when it is determined that the indoor environment is contaminated. Also, the process comprises installing a purification device within a contaminated area of the indoor environment, and monitoring continuously, the indoor environment after sanitizing, for pathogens. Still further, the process comprises releasing a purifying agent upon detecting pathogens in the indoor environment, and providing periodic maintenance to the purification device.

Abstract: A ventilation seat of a vehicle is proposed. The ventilation seat includes a ventilation pipe mounted in a seat of the vehicle and configured to suck indoor air and to discharge air toward a surface of the seat, a catalytic converter provided in an air flow path of the ventilation pipe, and configured to clean air passing through the air flow path when light is emitted, and a light source assembly provided on an inner wall of the air flow path of the ventilation pipe and arranged to face the catalytic converter to emit the light toward the catalytic converter.

Abstract: A method for starting up a hot ultrapure water production system that produces hot ultrapure water by heating ultrapure water to a supply water temperature, for supplied to a point of use, the method involving: alternately passing heated water and cooled water through a hot ultrapure water pipe through which the hot ultrapure water flows, the heated water being obtained by heating the ultrapure water to a temperature higher than room temperature and the cooled water being obtained by cooling the ultrapure water to a temperature lower than the temperature of the heated water in a range of from room temperature to the supply water temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reprocessing single-use medical devices. The method can include removing a coating from a single-use medical device, validating the removal of the coating, cleaning the single-use medical device, and applying a new coating to the single-use medical device.

Abstract: The measuring system includes a transducer apparatus with two tubes. Each tube is adapted to be flowed through by a fluid from an inlet end toward an outlet end and to be caused to vibrate. An electromechanical exciter mechanism excites and maintains mechanical oscillations of each of the tubes, and a sensor arrangement registers mechanical oscillations of at least one of the tubes. The transducer apparatus includes two temperature sensors each being mechanically and thermally conductively coupled with a wall of the tube, wherein each of the temperature sensors registers a measuring point temperature, and converts such into a temperature measurement signal temperature. A measuring and operating electronics (ME) generates a transducer temperature measured value representing a transducer apparatus temperature so that a magnitude of the transducer temperature measured value is greater than a magnitude of the measuring point temperature and less than a magnitude of the measuring point temperature.

Abstract: The mitigation of indoor pathogens comprises quantifying, using a bio-aerosol monitoring system, the amount of total pathogens in the air and on surfaces within an indoor environment. Moreover, the process comprises sanitizing the indoor environment with portable equipment to stabilize the indoor environment when it is determined that the indoor environment is contaminated. Also, the process comprises installing a purification device within a contaminated area of the indoor environment, and monitoring continuously, the indoor environment after sanitizing, for pathogens. Still further, the process comprises releasing a purifying agent upon detecting pathogens in the indoor environment, and providing periodic maintenance to the purification device.

Abstract: The invention refers to an endoscope including at least one channel which may be contaminated in use, wherein the channel wall of the at least one channel is formed of a material having properties capable of photocatalysis. The invention further refers to a method for cleaning such an endoscope including the steps of: connecting the endoscope to a reprocessing device, performing a photocatalytic treatment at least in the at least one channel for the purpose of the decomposition of organic residues on the surface of the channel, and rinsing the endoscope. The invention further refers to a cleaning device for cleaning such an endoscope.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing airborne contaminants are provided. An air treatment system may include an opening and a filter assembly, a fan coupled to a sanitizing chamber, and an exhaust portion configured to release airflow that has passed through the sanitizing chamber. The fan may be configured to generate an airflow of filtered air through the sanitizing chamber, and the sanitizing chamber may include at least one bend having a total bend angle of at least 90 degrees and at least one straight channel with an array of ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to irradiate the airflow with UV radiation. A ratio of a total length of the sanitizing chamber to a cross-sectional area of the sanitizing chamber may be at least 25.

Abstract: A data logger for use with a dental or medical autoclave is disclosed. The data logger receives data transmitted from the autoclave and stores the data on secure digital memory. The data logger assigns a cycle number to data received associated with a particular sterilization cycle and stores the data associated with this cycle number on the memory until the associated sterilization cycle is complete at which time a new cycle number is assigned to the incoming data associated with a new sterilization cycle. A visual display is provided that displays the data associated with the various stages of a sterilization cycle of the autoclave in real-time for quick reference and verification. The data logger provides for compact and convenient data storage of dental sterilization cycles for record keeping and verification purposes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the sanitization, detoxification, disinfection, high level disinfection, or sterilization of both the interior and exterior surfaces of at least one object.

Abstract: Control strategy and algorithms to be utilized in a programmable logic control for automating injection rates of corrosion inhibitor and scaling inhibitor in a process plant. The logic control system can be programmed on a Distributed Control System (DCS) or Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) of the plant. The automating system is developed with the objective of optimizing corrosion inhibitor and scale inhibitor usage, thereby reducing operating cost, improving the reliability and integrity of process plant facilities, and preventing undesirable incident of loss of containment.

Abstract: A chiller water sampling device includes a pair of flow meters and a proportional valve to provide a constant flow rate of sample water containing peroxyacetic acid from a chiller to a mixing tank. Acid can be added to reduce the pH of sample water in the mixing tank to bring the pH within the operating range of a peroxyacetic acid sensor. The sensed level of peroxyacetic acid can be used to control further addition of peroxyacetic acid to the chiller.

Abstract: The present invention has demonstrated that microorganisms present in a liver can be killed by washing the bile duct and the portal vein with hot water, and then disinfecting the liver using a chlorine-based disinfectant. It has also been demonstrated that sterilizing effects can be enhanced by freezing the liver after disinfection with a chlorine-based disinfectant.

Abstract: Solution production devices, systems, and methods. The system includes a base portion configured to receive a vessel containing a liquid. Upon the base portion receiving the vessel, liquid is transferred from the vessel and into the base portion where it undergoes an electrochemical reaction to produce a cleaning solution. The cleaning solution is then circulated back into the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a refrigerator, comprising: an adsorption container, an air compressor and a nitrogen storage tank. A sealed storage space is formed in a storage compartment of the refrigerator. The adsorption container with carbon molecular sieves disposed therein is disposed in the storage compartment. The air compressor is directly connected to the adsorption container through an air inlet pipe and configured to supply compressed air for the adsorption container in a controlled manner so as to allow the carbon molecular sieves to prepare nitrogen by means of the compressed air. A gas inlet end of the nitrogen storage tank is connected to the adsorption container, and a gas outlet end thereof is communicated with the storage space.

Abstract: A disinfecting system includes a housing. An ultraviolet light (UV) source is secured to the housing and configured to emit UV light for disinfection of a target. A processor is secured to the housing in communication with the UV light source. The processor is configured to activate the UV light source for a selected amount of time suitable for disinfection of the target.

Abstract: Water systems, medical equipment, and apparatus for thermal disinfection comprise a control unit which starts the disinfection of a fluid path by controlling a heating unit to heat water and controlling an actuator to enable heated water to flow into the fluid path. The control unit reads the temperature as measured by a temperature sensor during the disinfection and calculates an achieved disinfection dose. The achieved disinfection dose is compared with a set disinfection dose and the disinfection is discontinued if the achieved disinfection dose corresponds to the set disinfection dose.

Abstract: Provided is a bioreactor assembly that includes a plurality of cultivation bags at least one flexible temperature control bag having a thermostating fluid, and a tray adapted to rock back and forth around at least one axis. The flexible temperature control bag is mounted on the tray and the cultivation bags are located on the flexible temperature control bag.

Abstract: A respiratory assistance apparatus (4) is provided, adapted to deliver gases to a user or patient (1). The apparatus (4) comprises a housing (10) provided with a chamber (5) and a heater (25), the chamber (5) comprising at least one gas port (15) connected to, or arranged to be connected to, at least one intermediate passageway (12). The apparatus (4) is operative according to a disinfection mode of predetermined profile in which the heater (25) heats liquid in the chamber (5) to produce vapour at or above a target dewpoint temperature and/or humidity level. The apparatus (4) is arranged such that the vapour is delivered to the intermediate passageway (12) to disinfect the intermediate passageway (12) with moist heat throughout a predetermined duration of the disinfection mode. Associated attachments and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are mobile decontamination units and methods of using such units for decontaminating various areas, such as aircraft cabins. A mobile decontamination unit comprises at least one aerosol dispersing nozzle and at least one aerosol directing fan. The nozzle disperses disinfectant in the aerosol form, while the fan directed this aerosol to surfaces being decontaminated. Aerosol dispersing parameters, such the nozzle and fan orientations, dispersing rate, fan speed, and the like, are determined based on area characteristics. Specifically, orientations of different surfaces, temperature, humidity and/or other like characteristics may be considered. Some characteristics may be obtained by the mobile decontamination unit after its deployment in the area, such as using its sensors. Other characteristics, such as area layout, may be preloaded to the mobile decontamination unit prior to its deployment. The dispersing parameters are determined to ensure through decontamination of the surfaces in the area.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus are provided for maintaining an ultra low oxygen concentration in a shipping container for the purpose of preventing spoilage of perishable food products. The system and apparatus may contain a composition of a mixture of gases including one or more of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and another inert gas, wherein the mixture of gases positively pressurizes the shipping container with an ultra low oxygen concentration. The system and apparatus may use one or more sensors to monitor the composition of the mixture of gases, and may use one or more controllers to release the compressed gases into the interior of the container. The controller may release the compressed gases at a variable rate of release sufficient to maintain the ultra low oxygen concentration and to ensure consistent concentrations of the mixture of gases with the container.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved method for decontamination of a space and an integrated device that completes the decontamination cycle extremely fast while still being compact, lightweight, simple to operate and easy to move as a single unit. The method of the present invention delivers less biocide than is used in prior art methods at a very high rate of flux, allows the biocide to reside in the space being decontaminated to achieve a predetermined kill level, and then aerates the space. Because a nominal amount of biocide is used, there is less biocide to remove from the space than in prior art methods thereby reducing the time required for aeration and shortening the downtime for safe entry of the facility.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plasma treatment detection indicator including a color-changing layer that changes color by plasma treatment, exhibiting excellent heat resistance, with the gasification of the color-changing layer or the scattering of the fine debris of the color-changing layer caused by the plasma treatment being suppressed to such a degree as to not affect the electronic device properties. Specifically, the present invention provides a plasma treatment detection indicator including a color-changing layer that changes color by plasma treatment, the color-changing layer containing at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of Mo, W, Sn, V, Ce, Te, and Bi in the form of a simple substance and/or an inorganic compound containing at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of Mo, W, Sn, V, Ce, Te, and Bi.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling humidity. Methods can include providing a chamber configured to receive objects to be sterilized; injecting a first quantity of water into the chamber; determining a pressure rise and a pressure drop in the chamber resulting from the first injection; calculating an absorption ratio (AR) as the ratio of the pressure drop to the pressure rise; sensing the humidity of the chamber after the first injection to determine a first humidity value (RHchamber); comparing the first humidity value to a pre-selected humidity value (RHsetpoint) to determine a humidity error (RHerror), wherein RHerror=RHsetpoint?RHchamber; and injecting a second quantity of water into the chamber, wherein the second quantity of water is calculated based on the absorption ratio (AR) and the humidity error (RHerror). Systems can perform the method; and the systems and methods can be employed in a sterilizer.

Abstract: A control method for an endoscope reprocessor including a medicinal solution tank, a concentration measurement chamber, and a concentration meter disposed in the concentration measurement chamber and which comprises a container, an electrode housed inside the container, a permeable membrane sealing the container, and a content fluid sealed inside the container, the control method, includes: a step I of introducing a medicinal solution into the medicinal solution tank; a step II of introducing the medicinal solution into the concentration measurement chamber and measuring a concentration of the medicinal solution; a step III of draining the medicinal solution inside the medicinal solution tank from the endoscope reprocessor, and maintaining a state where inside of the medicinal solution tank is empty for a predetermined time period; and a step IV of maintaining a moisture content inside the concentration measurement chamber at a predetermined value or more during the step III.

Abstract: A method and system for UV detection of sterilant concentration and dissipation in a volume of a chamber may comprise focusing cameras on at least one point of an object in the chamber; transmitting UV light and sterilant into the chamber; scanning, using the cameras, the at least one point of the object and determining an amount of absorbance at the points; calculating, using the amount of absorbance, a concentration of the sterilant for each of the one or more points; and when the concentration is greater than a threshold, removing the sterilant from the volume. The sterilant may be hydrogen peroxide. The cameras may be stereoscopic cameras. The chamber may be partitioned into a grid of voxels for scanning.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to adaptive RFID communication. A tag device includes a storage configured to store content that is executable by a proxy device associated with a reader device. The tag device includes a communication component configured to transmit the content to the reader device, the content, when executed by the proxy device, causing an action associated with the tag device to be performed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the sterilization of plastics material pre-forms, wherein the plastics material pre-forms are conveyed by a conveying device along a pre-determined conveying path and are sterilized at least for a time during this conveying by being acted upon with a flowable sterilization agent, wherein the plastics material pre-forms are conveyed at least for a time inside a housing. According to the method and apparatus, at least one portion of the housing is heated at least for a time and/or during the sterilization procedure by a heating source independent of the sterilization agent.

Abstract: A method of providing an antioxidant to a medical device and a kit are described.

Abstract: An endoscope reprocessor of the present invention includes a reservoir configured to store a solution, a fluid supply section configured to supply the solution into the reservoir, a fluid discharge section configured to discharge the solution from the reservoir, a recessed pool section fixed inside the reservoir and having a bottom surface positioned below an opening section in a gravitational direction, and a concentration meter including a permeable membrane having a first surface exposed inside the pool section, at least a part of the first surface being positioned below the opening section in the gravitational direction, an accommodation section having a container shape and including a part of a second surface of the permeable membrane as an inner surface, the second surface being on an opposite side to the first surface, internal liquid accommodated in the accommodation section, and an electrode accommodated in the accommodation section.

Abstract: In embodiments, a control system for a UV air treatment system, especially one used for cleaning a fume stream such as in a kitchen exhaust system, detects a need for cleaning maintenance on the UV light source based on changes in light intensity. The system further detects the light intensity each time the UV light source is cleaned to determine if the drop in intensity after cleaning indicates that the UV light source should be replaced. The cleaning and replacement requirements are indicated automatically by a user interface.

Abstract: A fluid line treatment kit for a dairy farm milking system having a vacuum subsystem for imparting vacuum within a fluid line is provided. The fluid line treatment kit includes at least one ozone gas source; a conduit associated with each ozone gas source configured to convey ozone gas to within the fluid line at a respective location; and a control system configured to trigger each ozone gas source to produce ozone gas while the vacuum subsystem is actuated. Vacuum imparted by the vacuum subsystem in the fluid line draws ozone gas via the at least one conduit into and through the fluid line.

Abstract: It is determined that indoor condensation of hydrogen peroxide vapor is to occur, if there is a solution with which both (Equation 1): PT·y1=P01·x1·?1 and (Equation 2): PT·y2=P02·x2·?2 hold. With this, it is possible to accurately determine whether indoor condensation of hydrogen peroxide vapor is to occur or not in decontamination.

Abstract: Methods for determining the amount of residual sterilant remaining on the surface of an object at the end of a disinfection process are described. One method of determining the amount of residual sterilant on a test piece after a sterilization regime in a sterilization space includes the steps of: placing a test piece having a predetermined surface area into the sterilization space; subjecting the test piece to the sterilization regime; collecting the residual sterilant from the test piece in a collector solution; and measuring the amount of residual sterilant in the collector solution.

Abstract: Various devices allow for sanitization or disinfection by exhausting a dry fog biocide agent into an ambient environment. A nebulizer, for instance a vibrator that oscillates or vibrates at ultrasonic frequencies, nebulizes a biocide agent, for instance chlorine dioxide, peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, to create the dry fog. Such devices may withdraw the dry fog or biocide agent from the ambient environment after some period of time. Operational parameters of the devices may be tracked or monitored. Each device may implement tracking or monitoring. Additionally or alternatively, a separate tracking or monitoring system may track or monitor the operational parameters of one or more devices. Tracking or monitoring may include exception reporting, as well as other reporting.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in a hot water system to inhibit corrosion in the hot water system. The method includes defining one or more operational protective zones in the hot water system. One or more of the operational protective zones includes an oxidation-reduction potential probe that is operable to measure a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in the hot water system at operating temperature and pressure. The probe transmits the measured real-time potential to the controller, which assesses and interprets the transmitted potential to determine whether it conforms to an oxidation-reduction potential setting. If the measured potential does not conform the oxidation-reduction potential setting, the controller is operable to feed or remove one or more active chemical species into or from the hot water system and further operable to change at least one system parameter.

Abstract: A process challenge device comprising process challenge device comprising a container defining a space within the container, wherein the space can fully contain a process indicator; and at least one pressure-actuating valve associated with the container, wherein the at least one pressure-actuating valve regulates entrance of a sterilant into and exiting of a gas and/or liquid out of the space within the container, methods of using the device and a kit including the device are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards methods and compositions for identifying the specific microorganisms present in a particular portion of a papermaking processes. The method involves obtaining and comparing a diversity index of a sample from the process. Because no system is completely free from biological infestation, utilizing information taken from the changes in the populations provides information useful in protecting the system from unwanted effects. Not only does the diversity index allow for the distinguishing between biological and non-biological events, it even allows for the prediction of problems without previously knowing that a particular organism will cause a particular problem.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards methods and compositions for identifying the specific microorganisms present in a particular portion of a papermaking processes. The method involves obtaining and comparing a diversity index of a sample from the process. Because no system is completely free from biological infestation, utilizing information taken from the changes in the populations provides information useful in protecting the system from unwanted effects. Not only does the diversity index allow for the distinguishing between biological and non-biological events, it even allows for the prediction of problems without previously knowing that a particular organism will cause a particular problem.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to equipment utilized to manufacture chemical agents, particularly biopharmaceuticals. In some embodiments, reactor systems comprising a mobile carriage assembly; a disposable reaction container removably attached to the carriage assembly; and, a carriage holder into which the mobile carriage assembly may be removably inserted are provided.

Abstract: A disinfectant system for intracavity ultrasound probes in disclosed generally including a housing, a disinfectant chamber positioned in the housing and receiving at least one ultrasound probe, a container for containing a disinfectant solution fluidly coupled to the disinfectant chamber, at least one pump for supplying the disinfection solution from the container to the disinfection chamber and from the disinfection chamber to the container, and a controller for automated operation of the disinfectant system, wherein the disinfectant solution is a multi-use disinfectant solution. A method for disinfecting intracavity ultrasound probes is also disclosed generally including placing at least one ultrasound probe into a disinfectant chamber, supplying a disinfectant solution from a container to the disinfectant chamber via a pump, and returning the solution to the container via the pump, wherein the steps of supplying and returning the disinfectant solution are controlled by a controller.

Abstract: A process and system for sterilization of a product pathway of a blow-fill-seal machine. The process comprises steps of: (1) isolating a holding tank from the product pathway; (2) supplying a sterilizing agent to the product pathway of the BFS machine when the holding tank is isolated; (3) stopping the supply of sterilizing agent to the product pathway when a threshold is reached; and (4) supplying filtered compressed air to the product pathway when the supply of sterilizing agent is stopped. The process is preferably executed automatically without human intervention once initiated. Also described is a system for carrying out the process including a processor, valves and temperature and/or pressure sensors which provide information to the processor to determine when to open and close the valves to supply sterilizing agent and/or compressed air to the product pathway or holding tank.

Abstract: Systems and methods for odor source release based on odor detection and user preference information are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method includes receiving user preference information associated with an odor. The method also includes detecting the odor. Further, the method includes releasing one or more odor sources based on the user preference information in response to detecting the odor.

Abstract: Provided are methods for decontamination of compartments, such as aircraft compartments and other types of compartments, and systems for implementing these methods. In some embodiments, a method involves detecting presence of one or more contaminants in a compartment. This information is used to select various decontamination conditions. In some embodiments, additional information, such as the type of the compartment (e.g., an aircraft compartment), temperature, and humidity, may be also considered while selecting the decontamination conditions. The decontamination conditions include identification of one or more decontaminating agents to be dispensed in the compartment, temperature profile of the air to be flown into the compartment, and timing of the decontaminant dispensing and air flowing operations. These conditions are selected to increase efficacy of the selected decontaminating agents with respect to the one or more detected contaminants and reduce impact on the aircraft compartment.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring sterilization status are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for monitoring and controlling a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in a hot water system to inhibit corrosion in the hot water system. The method includes defining one or more operational protective zones in the hot water system. One or more of the operational protective zones includes an oxidation-reduction potential probe that is operable to measure a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in the hot water system at operating temperature and pressure. The probe transmits the measured real-time potential to the controller, which assesses and interprets the transmitted potential to determine whether it conforms to an oxidation-reduction potential setting. If the measured potential does not conform the oxidation-reduction potential setting, the controller is operable to feed or remove one or more active chemical species into or from the hot water system and further operable to change at least one system parameter.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating containers, such as bottles, cans, or similar containers, by introducing at least one sterilization medium into a container when the container is at a first position on a movement path, and then stopping treatment when the container is at a second position on the movement path. A temperature of the container is then measured to determine if the measured container temperature lies within a predetermined range of temperature. If not, the length of the path between the first position and the second position is changed to thereby change the treatment procedure for subsequent containers, such that, after the subsequent containers have been treated according to the changed treatment procedure, the temperatures of the subsequent containers lie within the predetermined range of temperature.

Abstract: Systems and methods include directing limited frequencies of microwave signals toward target molecules, driving a motion of the target molecules to impact molecular recognition. In one implementation, a microwave spectra associated with the rotational modes of a target molecule is obtained. From peaks in the spectra, a mode of molecular movement is identified and a microwave signal profile is generated for driving a motion of binding portions of the molecule associated with the identified mode. Microwave signals are generated based on the signal profile for output by antennas. For example, the microwave signals can be can be used to impede the binding of quorum sensing molecules by receptors of P. aeruginosa. In one implementation, the antennas can be placed in a catheter for placement in a patient. In another implementation, the antennas can be placed in a sleeve or other device for use adjacent to the skin of a patient.

Abstract: Apparatus, system, and methods are provided for reducing infectious agents at a sterile site by preventing infectious agents from coming into contact with the sterile site. A barrier is produced for infectious agents that may come in proximity or otherwise communicate with the site. The apparatus is configured to create a void-free barrier in which infectious agents are reduced with minimal exposure of potentially harmful effects of the barrier to the sterile site, objects, or users of the apparatus.