Abstract: A system for organizing, protecting, sterilizing, storing and delivery of surgical instruments, implants and related devices. Post and button fasteners are removably mounted to a tray and hold rigid and flexible bracketry for securing devices within the assembly. A flexible bar for holding items is mounted by a pair of rigid brackets in turn mounted either directly to the tray floor or to a base wall positioned atop the tray floor.

Abstract: A sterilizer employs a vaporizer having sloped surfaces over which flow liquid sterilant solution for vaporization. The arrangement promotes even distribution of the sterilant solution for more efficient vaporization.

Abstract: A sterilization system for use in association with a filler device configured for filling at least one of rigid and flexible containers comprising a sterilization chamber and a sterilant supply assembly. The sterilization chamber includes a housing, an inlet into the housing, an outlet from the housing and a product retainer assembly. These components define a cavity within which to position a portion of a fitment. The sterilant supply assembly comprises a steam generating system having a steam supply conduit extending therefrom and a joint mixing conduit coupled with the inlet into the housing of the sterilization chamber, a hydrogen peroxide storing system and a member for metering liquid phase hydrogen peroxide from the hydrogen peroxide storing system into the steam supply conduit for mixing therewith, and, in turn, introduction thereof into the cavity of the sterilization chamber.

Abstract: A system and containers for water filtration and item sanitization are described herein. In one embodiment, a water filtration device uses an extruded carbon sheet or granulated activated carbon to filter unpurified, gravity-fed water. The device can be a stand-alone water container or incorporated within a water purification system having a further purification technology located in a base in fluid communication with the water container. Other sanitizing containers can be used with the base to sanitize items while the water in the container is being sanitized. The base can include controls for informing a user when the water filtration or item sanitization has been completed. A method of sanitizing items is also disclosed. Practical applications include drinking water filtration, sanitization of household items, medical equipment, and the like.

Abstract: A vending machine for dispensing products includes a germicidal light for disinfecting a product dispensed by the vending machine. The germicidal light is positioned adjacent an exit chute of the vending machine such that it exposes the product to a sterilizing frequency of light when the product is dispensed. Alternatively, the products may be intermittently exposed to the sterilizing light while the products are on display in accordance with a predetermined exposure schedule. The invention is particularly effective when it is used in connection with a canned drink machine.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus in form of a disinfecting apparatus comprising a steam device for combating germs on the surface of products, in particular of food products. The apparatus employs a combination of steam and ultrasound to kill germs on the surface of a product which is conveyed past the steam device. Pressurized steam is fed through a steam passage to an opening conveying the steam to a cavity, in which the steam is made to oscillate at a ultrasonic frequency. The oscillations in the steam prevent the steam from heating the products excessively, while germs presents on the surface of the products are heated and killed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods of disinfecting and/or decontaminating articles, and more specifically to a system and method of efficiently disinfecting and/or decontaminating articles such as pieces of mail that may have been exposed to diverse biological and/or chemical contaminants.

Abstract: As shown in FIG. 1 there is one embodiment of a fumigation apparatus in the form of a module (8) including a panel (10) which can be positioned in or at an opening of an enclosed space in use to define a fumigation chamber. Fumigant inlet means in the form of an orifice (12) are arranged in the panel (10) to allow a flow of a fumigant directly into the fumigation chamber. A nominal number of mixing fans, in this case two fans (16) and (18), thoroughly circulate gases within the fumigation chamber when operating. The module (8) includes a system control box (14) linked to the fumigant delivery orifice (12) and valve system which functions to control the flow of toxic gas into the fumigation chamber. The panel (10), when positioned in use, is secure against the passage of fumigant and gases by means of an inflatable rubber seal (22) which is located around a lip edge perimeter of the panel (10).

Abstract: An apparatus for deactivating medical instruments and devices comprised of a deactivation chamber movable between a loading position and a deactivation position. A circulation system is provided to circulate a deactivating fluid through the deactivation chamber. The circulation system is connectable to the deactivation chamber when the deactivation chamber is in the deactivation position.

Abstract: The connection, assembly, or fill of two or more pre-sterilized components having at least one terminal end each for attachment to another component, and an apparatus for performing such a connection, while maintaining the sterility of the components is disclosed. The resulting connection is made permanent by bonding the contacting components together using either a solvent bonding technique, a radio frequency sealer, a heat sealer, or any other suitable process. The connection is preferably made within an active sterile field. Using a low-voltage electron beam instrument, such as the MIN-EB™, a suitable sterile field sphere can be created. The terminal ends of the multiple components remain within the sterile field sphere until the possibility of contamination within the sealed components is significantly reduced to industry acceptable standards.

Abstract: An endoscope processor, according to the present invention, provides for cleaning and sterilizing an endoscope having a body, and a first flexible tube attached to the body. It includes an operational housing and an enclosure which is attachable to and detachable from the operational housing, the enclosure being sealed from ingress of potentially contaminating microorganisms when detached from the operational housing. The enclosure is shaped, sized and oriented to receive the endoscope in an orientation with the first flexible tube depending vertically downwardly from the endoscope body. The enclosure includes a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the field of implants that include soft tissue. More particularly, the present invention is directed to processes for treating implants that include soft tissues such as tendons and ligaments, and to implants produced by such processes. The present invention is also directed to processes and apparatus for improved processing of implants that include soft tissue, by applying kinematic restraint, preferably tension, to the implant or specific portions of the implants during the treatment, and to implants produced by such processes and apparatus. The present techniques yield soft tissue implants having superior structural, mechanical, and/or biochemical integrity.

Abstract: Sponge sanitizing enclosure with a front cover, a rear cover, an inner back plate, a base housing, a push plate, a push button, a UV lamp, electronics to support the UV lamp, a battery power supply, a translucent sponge, and a hinge member. The front and rear cover each being dish shaped and forming a hollow housing and being joined at their base by the hinge member. The inner back plate forms a bisection of the front cover and the rear cover. The UV light is located between the rear cover and the inner back plate. The front cover includes a centrally located aperture that accepts the push button which is fixedly attached to the push plate. The space between the push plate and the inner back plate accommodates the translucent sponge. The base housing encloses the electronics and the battery power supply that support the UV lamp.

Abstract: By providing a single house (21) which incorporates an elongated probe (22) receiving zone interconnected to a pump member (55), a plurality of automated valves (51-54), a disinfectant dispensing chamber (20), a water supply (41), and a control system for automatically cycling each of the components to achieve the desired result, a fully automated disinfection system (20) for transesophageal ultrasonic probes is achieved. In accordance with the present invention, a simple, easily employed, convenient, fully integrated system (20) is attained for quickly and easily receiving the transesophageal ultrasonic probe in its entirety, supporting the electronic bearing head portion independently from the disinfection portion, and automatically performing various disinfection and rinse cycles for providing a completely disinfected ultrasonic probe member ready for use.

Abstract: An apparatus for deactivating medical instruments and devices comprised of a deactivation chamber movable between a loading position and a deactivation position. A circulation system is provided to circulate a deactivating fluid through the deactivation chamber. The circulation system is connectable to the deactivation chamber when the deactivation chamber is in the deactivation position.

Abstract: An integrated duct system is utilized to admit an antimicrobial vapor into a vehicle to decontaminate the contents and surfaces of the vehicle and subsequently to remove the vapor. The ducts comprise an air conditioning and/or heating duct, a decontamination duct for admitting an antimicrobial vapor, an auxiliary circulation duct for diffusing the vapor throughout the vehicle, and an aeration duct for removing the vapor from the vehicle, as well as a catalytic converter for detoxifying the antimicrobial vapor before removal. The integrated decontamination system is suitable for the chemical or biological decontamination of vehicles, provides enhanced vapor delivery and distribution on a rapid basis and also provides for rapid aeration for removing the antimicrobial vapor.

Abstract: An apparatus for deactivating medical instruments and devices. The apparatus has a housing structure and a drawer disposed in the housing structure. The drawer has a recess formed therein and a planar surface formed about the periphery of the recess. The recess is dimensioned to receive medical instruments and devices to be microbially deactivated. A circulation system is provided within the housing structure to circulate a microbial deactivation fluid through the recess. A drawer-sealing assembly is located in the housing structure. The drawer-sealing assembly is operable to engage the drawer assembly and fluidly seal the recess to create a decontamination chamber.

Abstract: A retainer assembly for locating a medical device in a container having a wall with a vent hole. The retainer assembly includes a retainer with an undersurface that is larger than the vent hole and an axial passage having a selected length and cross section extending into the retainer from the surface. The assembly also includes a keeper having a head that is larger than the vent hole and a sleeve extending from the head to an end. The sleeve has substantially the same cross-section as the passage and is shorter axially than the passage so that when the retainer surface is engaged to one face of the container wall so that the passage is aligned with the vent hole and the keeper is engaged to the retainer by frictionally engaging its sleeve in the passage until its head contacts the opposite face of the container wall, the retainer becomes securely, but releasably, anchored to the container wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for sanitizing or dampening objects comprising a container having a bottom, a top portion, a front wall, a back wall, and at least one side wall, the side walls extend upwardly from the bottom. Springs are extended downwardly from the side walls or from the front wall and back wall. A grid platform is attached to the springs. The platform is adapted to support the object to be sanitized or dampened. In an alternate embodiment, the container includes a lid structure to be placed inside of the container. The lid structure comprises a top lid portion and side lid portions. The springs are attached and extended downwardly from the top lid portion by the top ends of the spring and the bottom ends of the springs are attached to the grid platform so that the platform is suspended from the lid structure. The object is inserted through the opening on the top lid portion onto the grid platform.

Abstract: A modular component container system includes a plurality of case walls and a plurality of connectors. Each of the connectors includes at least two connector elements that mechanically connect to the case walls. The system also includes at least one latch connector having a latch connector element. The latch connector element mechanically connects to one of the case walls. A latch is movably oriented relative to the latch connector element. The latch releasably engages another of the case walls.

Abstract: An installation for sterilizing articles comprises an enclosure having an inlet opening and an outlet opening, a support device for moving the articles inside the enclosure, and two electron bombardment members disposed on different orientations relative to the articles to be sterilized and inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the articles.

Abstract: A sponge sanitizing apparatus includes a tray having a shallow basin and an integral receptacle. The basin is sized for retaining a defined quantity of liquid and for receiving a sponge therein. The integral receptacle defines a cavity for receiving a sterilant therein and also defines a void fluidically communicative with the basin and the cavity to allow the free flow of liquid between the cavity and the basin.

Abstract: Phosphine gas is generated by agitating a reaction mixture of a metal phosphide and water with agitation air in a reaction pot of a phosphine gas generator. The resulting phosphine gas is then diluted with dilution air to produce a fumigant phosphine gas which is directly delivered to a commodity for fumigation. The reaction pot does not have any rotating means such as agitators, rotors, or stirrers. The generator provides on-site generation of phosphine gas in a rapid manner improving the fumigation efficiency for a commodity, such as grain, preferably contained within a storage structures, such as a grain silo. The generator has a built in deactivation system for the unused metal phosphide and phosphine gas.

Abstract: A sanitizing system for a handheld gaming device is provided. The sanitizing system comprising a housing, a door, a gas supply, and a control system. The housing defines at least a chamber, a gas inlet aperture, and an opening for receiving the handheld gaming device. The door is configured to seal the opening. The gas supply comprises a sanitizing gas and is connected to the gas inlet aperture. The control system is configured to selectively introduce gas from the gas supply into the chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to product, method and system for materials handling apparatus and more particularly to an integrated design of a vessel for combining sterilization, storage, transport and presentment of dental or surgical instruments or implants using a uniquely designed sterilization tray. Fabrication of the tray and the number of parts required can be greatly cost reduced, due to the simplicity of the design.

Abstract: A method using vibration for conditioning, air-conditioning, cooling and decontaminating, disinfecting and sterilizing physical media. The method includes a first vibratory action (13) performed on a regulated incoming current of the physical medium (2) so that the flow of the physical medium (2) is formed and the necessary and adequate conditions for cooling are created; a refrigerating medium (3) and a cold-absorbing medium (6) interact in a heat exchanging system (1); and another vibratory action (10) is performed on a cold-absorbing medium in order that the physical medium is continuously and/or periodically decontaminated and the necessary and adequate conditions for the functioning of the decontamination system in its steady state are created.

Abstract: A shoe sole sanitizing device is made up of a tray having a reservoir containing a sanitizing solution, a perforated grate with scraping edges on the tray being of a resiliency sufficient to be depressed beneath the upper surface of said solution when stepped on by a wearer, and a drain for removal of used solution and particles which collect in the reservoir. In one version, the fill and drain system may be mounted within the tray, or mounted on the tray in a portable version that may be easily moved from place to place, or in another version may have greater capacity for high volume use.

Abstract: An agent dispenser for a fabric treatment appliance includes a housing having a manifold and an agent compartment. The manifold may be configured to receive water and supply the water to the agent compartment through an outlet port. The agent compartment may be configured to receive an agent, such as a detergent or additive, in liquid or powder form. The outlet port may be in fluid communication with the bottom of the agent compartment to supply the water to the bottom of the agent compartment whereby the water supplied to the agent compartment mixes with the agent in the agent compartment substantially from the bottom up.

Abstract: A medical device is sterilized or sanitized by at least partially submerging it within liquid nitrogen and imparting ultrasonic energy to it.

Abstract: A method and device for sterilizing containers in which a plasma treatment is executed through excitation of an electromagnetic oscillation so that the plasma is excited in a vacuum in the vicinity of the container regions to be sterilized. Between arrival and discharge, the container regions to be sterilized are moved closer to the oscillation-generating device in the chamber, with continuous movement of the container and/or of the oscillation-generating device for one or more predetermined time intervals in such a way that a plasma is excited in these regions inside and/or outside the container. The chamber is provided with a transport apparatus inside it, which produces an essentially rotating motion of the container during the transport from the arrival to the discharge in the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrogen peroxide indicator that includes a substrate on which is disposed an indicator composition that includes at least one of a select group of colorants. As a result of contact with hydrogen peroxide, the colorants change color, and even become colorless, thereby providing an indication of the presence of hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: Steam delivery device comprising a nozzle (21) from the orifice of which the steam supplied from a pressurised steam source (1) is emitted. The delivery device is provided with a tubular chamber (14) positioned around the zone where the orifice of the nozzle (21) emerges, said tubular chamber (14) being closed at its end close to the orifice of the nozzle (21) and open at the opposite end (14b) through which the steam is delivered into the environment towards the objects to be sterilized.

Abstract: A toothbrush sterilizer is provided. The toothbrush sterilizer employs a magnet on its pivoting cover and a lead switch on its main body opposite the cover to illuminate its sterilizing lamp only when the cover is closed, has a detachable toothbrush storage compartment, has a lamp holder that allows easy replacement of the sterilizing lamp and a detachably mounted stand with a water receiving area, and is easy to use and maintain in a hygienic state. The toothbrush sterilizer includes a storage compartment detachably attached inside the main body. The storage compartment has a plate, a side wall erected around a perimeter of the plate, and a plurality of insert holes formed in and extending a predetermined distance down from the plate, for storing the toothbrushes therein.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing haze growth on a surface of a substrate are disclosed. The apparatus includes a container operable to store a substrate and a gas source coupled to the container. The gas source is operable to dispense a gas into the container in order to prevent a haze from growing on a surface of the substrate.

Abstract: There is provided an endoscope cleaner having: a plurality of cleaning vessels each of which can accommodate an endoscope; at least one disinfectant tank that holds a disinfectant, a first number of the at least one disinfectant tank being less than a second number of the plurality of cleaning vessels; disinfectant supply means for supplying the disinfectant from the at least one disinfectant tank to the plurality of cleaning vessels; disinfectant recovery means for recovering the disinfectant from the plurality of cleaning vessels to the at least one disinfectant tank; and a control unit that controls the disinfectant supply means and the disinfectant recovery means to control steps of a cleaning and disinfecting treatment to be performed in the plurality of cleaning vessels.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for sterilizing a lumen device. A lumen and a container having an interface on a wall of the container are enclosed in a chamber. The lumen is placed across the interface so that one end of the lumen is in the container and the other end is in the chamber. Germicide is introduced into the chamber, and a pressure difference is created between the two ends of the lumen, so that the germicide flows through the lumen. The lumen may alternatively be placed across an interface which separates the chamber into two areas. Germicide is introduced into the chamber, and a pressure difference is created between the two areas of the chamber, causing the germicide to flow through the lumen.

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

Abstract: A pseudo-plastic or thixotropic carrier having anti-malodorous components dissolved or suspended therein is sprayed on the internal surfaces of an ostomy bag or pouch. The viscoelastic properties of the carrier allow the composition to be conveniently dispensed from a spray bottle into the ostomy bag and retained on the inner walls thereof without being displaced therefrom by incoming waste during use of the ostomy bag. This allows the composition to continue to deodorize the ostomy bag headspace even after waste material begins to fill the bag.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for treating goods, such as, for example, fumigating and re-cooling perishable goods, such as fruit, using a tarp and floor seal. The apparatus encloses goods on a surface and includes a canopy that is substantially impermeable to flowable materials, such as gas, liquid, or a combination thereof; an upper perimeter for supporting an upper portion of the canopy; a lower perimeter for supporting a lower portion of the canopy, the lower perimeter to be placed in proximity to the surface; a support structure for supporting the upper perimeter and lower perimeters; and a gasket in communication with the lower perimeter, wherein the gasket is deformable to substantially seal the chamber by compressing the gasket against the surface. The apparatus may also include an intermediate support structure for providing support to the canopy and a conduit in communication with the chamber to supply cool air to the chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for removing malodor from the air, particularly from confined spaces are disclosed. Such devices and methods are useful for example for storing and preserving food in closed compartments such as refrigerators. The apparatus and methods utilize baking soda as the odor removing substance, either alone, or in combination with another odor removing substance, which may include activated carbon. In one embodiment, the apparatus has a detachable cartridge member which contains baking soda. In one version of this embodiment, the detachable cartridge member is used with an air moving member that draws air through the detachable cartridge member. In one embodiment, the method involves using a detachable cartridge member with an air moving member in one confined space, and using another cartridge member without the air moving member in another compartment of the confined space.

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

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for sanitizing objects, particularly food products such as fruits and vegetables. The system includes two or more tanks for generation and storage of chlorine dioxide. The system provides for the simultaneous use and generation of chlorine dioxide so that the system avoids undesired down-time.

Abstract: The invention concerns a medical instrument disinfecting system (1) comprising a disinfecting chamber (4) adapted to implement a cycle for disinfecting the instruments. The invention is characterized in that each instrument (1) comprises identification data (5) and in that the chamber (4) is associated with means (6) for acquiring the identification data of the or each instrument (1) when it is introduced into or withdrawn from the chamber (4) at the start and at the end of a disinfecting cycle, with means (7, 8) for acquiring characterization data of the disinfecting cycle and with means (9, 10, 11, 12, 13) for associating the identification data of the or each instrument and the characterization data of the disinfecting cycle to generate traceability data of the disinfection of the or each instrument.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nipple sterilizer which may easily sterilize the nipple of a nursing bottle. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a nipple sterilizer comprising a body 10 which has an opening 12 at its lower surface and is to be mounted at a nursing bottle 2 in order that the nipple 6 of the bottle 2 may be inserted through the opening 12 and may be covered thereby, a sterilization lamp 20 which is positioned inside the body 10 and sterilizes the nipple 6, an electric power source 30 which is positioned inside the body 10 in order to be connected to the sterilization lamp 20, a switch 40 which is electrically connected between the electric power source 30 and the sterilization lamp 20 and makes the sterilization lamp 20 switched on and off.

Abstract: A reprocessor for microbially deactivating items. The reprocessor has a circulation system for circulating a microbial deactivation fluid through a deactivation chamber that forms part of the circulation system. A container is provided for insertion into the deactivation chamber for holding items to be microbially deactivated. The container includes a tray and a lid. The tray and lid have interlocking, integrally formed, rigid seal elements formed thereon to form a seal between the tray and the lid.

Abstract: A multi-chamber instrument container for microbially deactivating medical, dental, veterinary and mortuary instruments and articles. A pressure differential between chambers causes fluid flow therebetween, thus flowing fluid through internal passages of instrument extending between the chambers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of microbial reduction and/or sterilization of impression materials, specifically elastomeric impression materials, by means of steam sterilization.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sterile container, especially for receiving and storing surgical instruments or material in sterile conditions, comprising and receiving area formed by a container bottom and container walls, a lid for sealing the receiving area, and a gas exchange opening which can be sealed by a sterile filter. In order to enable the sterile filter to be replaced in a simple manner, a filter unit is provided, comprising the sterile filter, a support and a holding element, the sterile filter is maintained between the support and the holding element and the filter unit is mounted on the lid and/or bottom of the container.

Abstract: An air decontamination system including a sealed room to hold at least one person and the sealed room having an air inlet. The system further including a vacuum unit to create a negative pressure within the sealed room, by suctioning air through the air inlet into the sealed room and then from the sealed room into an inlet of the vacuum unit. The system still further including a work surface disposed in the sealed room at a predetermined height above a floor of the sealed room and the work surface to receive at least one mail piece and the air to be suctioned downwardly over the at least one mail piece and the work surface; and a filter unit to filter the air as the air is drawn out of the sealed room.

Abstract: An endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus of the present invention includes: a bottle body, including, a rigid portion with a mouth portion, and a deformable portion which is in a first shape while the disinfectant being stored therein and is deformable from the first shape to a second shape upon being compressed when the disinfectant is discharged therefrom; and a disinfectant tray having a housing section which can be pulled out of the apparatus body and into which the bottle body is housed, the disinfectant tray being provided with a housing space for a first slide member which allows the housing section to slide relative to the apparatus body and a housing space for a second slide member which is slidable relative to the first slide member.