Abstract: An automated endoscope reprocessor (10) includes a removable rack (12) for receiving a container (16, 16?). The container has a clamshell housing (20) having two mating portions (24, 26). The portions together define an internal pressurizable chamber (56) for receiving an endoscope head (22). The endoscope's connector cord (82) is carried through an outlet (80) to the chamber. The outlet is defined by channels (88, 90), one in each of the two housing portions (24, 26). A gasket assembly in the outlet provides a restricted fluid passage which allows a small portion of fluid to flow through the outlet when the connector cord is positioned therein. The gasket assembly (120) includes a number of resiliently flexible fins (126, 128, 130) positioned in each channel, each fin having a U-shaped slot (144, 146, 148). Pairs of fins overlap such that the slots together define openings (150) of diminishing size.

Abstract: An ultraviolet area sterilizer (UVAS) is mobile or stationary. The UVAS is positioned in a room, such an operating room or intensive care unit. Motion detectors sense movement, to assure that personnel have evacuated the space to be sterilized. Subsequently, UV-C generators, such mercury bulbs, generate UV-C from multiple locations within the room or other enclosed space. Multiple UV-C sensors scan the room, and determine the area reflecting the lowest level of UV-C back to the sensors. The device calculates the time required to obtain a bactericidal dose of UV-C reflected back to the sensors. Once an effective bactericidal dose has been reflected to all the sensors, the unit notifies the operator and shuts down.

Abstract: An air sanitizing device for vehicles includes a casing attached to an air vent of the vehicle and having a passage defined therethrough. An ultraviolet LCD is located in the passage and powered by a power supply device connected to the casing. The power supply device can be powered by batteries, AC or DC electric current.

Abstract: A mailpiece sorting apparatus is described which includes a feeder, an OCR scanner, a mailpiece transporter, a sanitizer and compartments or bins for receiving sorted mailpieces, an optical character recognition system (OCR) for reading addressee information, an addressee database, and a personal computer (PC) or microprocessor based control system. In one configuration, mailpieces are feed, singulated and sanitized. In another configuration, mailpieces are fed, singulated, sanitized and sorted. In another configuration, the system is contained in a sanitization area and clean room. The system provides for sanitization of mailpieces so as to help deter delays in incoming mail delivery caused by the presence of life harming material and sanitize the mail so as to protect the intended recipients from harm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a treatment compartment (1) for treating histological samples with treating agents (2, 2?, 2?). The treatment compartment (1) comprises a housing (3) with an inlet and outlet (4, 4?) for the treating agents (2, 2?, 2?), a rotatable retaining device (5) which receives the samples and a closable access opening (6) on the front (7). The aim of the invention is to improve a treatment compartment (1) of the above kind in such a way that it has a compact design and is easily accessible without the risk of the treating agents (2, 2?, 2?) emerging.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an absorbent liner for use in a sterilization process and, more particularly, to an absorbent liner for cushioning surgical instruments and sterilization packs and providing an advantageous moisture absorption functionality during and after completion of a sterilization process. The absorbent liner functions advantageously with steam or ethylene oxide gas as the sterilization agent. The absorbent liner is fabricated from a material having a desired level of moisture absorption, e.g., on the order of at least about thirty percent (30%) by dry weight, and is preferably fabricated from a hydrophilic polymeric foam material, e.g., a hydrophilic polyurethane foam. The disclosed absorbent liner may be advantageously utilized in sterilizing surgical instruments and in conjunction with sterilization carts such that potential residual moisture is eliminated from the surface of the sterilized surgical instruments and the shelves of the sterilization carts.

Abstract: In order to design a sterile container for the accommodation and sterile storage, in particular, of surgical instruments or material, comprising a receiving area formed by a container base and container walls, such that it is easy and inexpensive to use it is suggested that the receiving area comprise a plurality of separate chambers and that each chamber have its own closure element.

Abstract: A system for reprocessing flexible endoscopes having lumen therein. The reprocessing system deploys steam to disinfect and/or sterilize the endoscopes, and designs, components, and methods for reducing or balancing the reprocessing cycle time and the effects of thermal expansion and contraction on the endoscopes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for efficiently and uniformly treating articles with two or more fluids without transferring the articles from one container to another container.

Abstract: A device for disinfecting door handles and knobs comprising a dispenser for soap or disinfectant adapted to spray the soap or disinfectant on the door handles or knobs when triggered by the motion of a hand.

Abstract: A steam sterilization system for sterilizing medical waste comprises a cart for carrying a removable bin for holding medical waste, and a sterilization chamber that receives the bin when it is removed from the cart. The cart has wheels mounted thereon to provide mobility to the cart, and the cart has a rail assembly positioned at each side end portion. The bin for holding medical waste the bin being removably mountable to the cart, and the bin has wheels mounted on each side wall of the bin and spaced such that the wheels engage the rail assemblies of the cart when the bin is being loaded onto the cart and such that the wheels engage the rail assemblies of the cart when the bin is being removed from the cart.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for storing a plurality of supports having a plurality of chemical compounds bound to the surfaces of the supports. In the apparatus, a mechanism for diffusively introducing pressurized gas into the apparatus is in fluid communication with an outlet element comprising a plurality of openings. A holding chamber for the supports is in fluid communication with the outlet element. The outlet element and the holding chamber are disposed such that gas flow through the chamber is substantially uniform and unidirectional. The holding chamber comprises an opening sufficient to permit movement of the supports to and from the holding chamber and comprises a plurality of holding elements for holding the supports.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a microelectronic workpiece is set forth. The apparatus comprises a workpiece support adapted to hold the microelectronic workpiece and a processing container adapted to receive the microelectronic workpiece held by the workpiece support. A drive mechanism is connected to drive the processing container and the workpiece support relative to one another so that the microelectronic workpiece may be moved to a plurality of workpiece processing positions for processing using processing fluid that is provided by first and second chemical delivery systems. The apparatus also includes first and second chemical collector systems that are used to assist in at least partially removing spent processing fluid. In accordance with one embodiment, the apparatus is particularly adapted to execute an immersion process, such as electroplating, and a spraying process, such as an in-situ rinse.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing and sprouting grains is constructed to include a container having a water inlet pipe, a water drain pipe, an overflow pipe, and a grains discharge control valve, a top cover covering the container and provided with ultraviolet lamps for sterilizing water in the container, a water supply coil connected to the water inlet pipe for guiding fresh water to the inside of the container, a disk-like wire gauze filter mounted in the container for carrying grains above the water supply coil, active carbon blocks mounted in the space between the water supply coil and the bowl-like wire gauze filter, a temperature sensor adapted to control the temperature of water in the container, an ozone supply pipe adapted to supply ozone to water delivered to the inside of the container, and an ultrasonic generator adapted to generate ultrasonic waves in water in the container.

Abstract: A garbage storage apparatus capable of generating ozone for cleaning air is disclosed. The garbage storage apparatus includes a bin, a cover and an ozone-based air cleaner. The bin defines a space for storing garbage. The cover is used for covering the bin. The ozone-based air cleaner is communicated with the bin for cleaning air in the bin.

Abstract: A door closure system for a vacuum sterilization chamber includes a mechanism to allow movement of the door with respect to the chamber at the latch and more preferably at the hinge. In one aspect the hinge attaches to the chamber via screws through elongated slots in the hinge. A spring biases the door toward the chamber. Forces applied by the hinge and by an opposite latch are normalized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector assembly (3) for connection to a container (1) for sterilising goods, preferably for pharmaceutical applications, and a releasable connector port (5) for releasably connecting said connector assembly (3) to a treatment station (1) for the goods that is contained in said container (1). Said connector assembly (3) further includes a second port that initially is provided with a detachable rapid transfer port cap (4), which cap (4) corresponds to a rapid transfer port means (15) that is provided at a goods transfer station (12). The connector port (5) and the rapid transfer port cap (4) are in fluid connection via a good stopper means (7). The invention also relates to a multi-treatment sterilising system and to a method for transferring sterilised goods from a multi-purpose container using a system according to the invention.

Abstract: A decontamination device for decontaminating medical apparatus includes a housing and a dispenser within the housing for contacting a portion of the medical apparatus with a decontaminating compound when the portion of the medical apparatus is placed within the housing. Structure for removably engaging the housing to the medical apparatus is provided. The decontamination device can be used with many different medical apparatus, such as stethoscopes. A method for decontaminating medical apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: In an apparatus, after completion of a CMP (i.e., chemical mechanical polishing) operation of a semiconductor wafer, the thus polished wafer is temporarily stored in a water tank before it is subjected to a post-CMP cleaning operation. During its storage period in the water tank, the wafer is prevented from being chemically attacked by an oxidizing agent contained in an abrasive used in the CMP operation. The apparatus includes: the water tank for storing the wafer therein; a pure water supply pipe for supplying pure water to the water tank; an anticorrosion agent supply pipe for supplying an anticorrosion agent to the pure water; a drain pipe connected with a lower portion of the water tank to discharge the water from the water tank; a return pipe for returning the discharged water to an upper portion of the water tank through a pump and a filter, the return pipe branching-off from the drain pipe; and, valves mounted on these pipes.

Abstract: A sterilization tray system which comprises an outer box-like case having holes in the case bottom wall through which steam or other sterilant may circulate through the case. Pairs of brackets are affixed vertically to opposite the case side and/or end walls. A plurality of spaced holes is provided in each bracket. The holes serve as anchoring points for shelf brackets or fixtures for supporting trays at selected positions in the case.

Abstract: A portable photoelectric air cleaner, which includes a semi-circular body in which there are an extractor fan, a transformer, a circuit board, an electrode end ultraviolet radiation tube and a cathode high voltage discharge fibre line, which is characterized in that an air inlet and an outlet are formed on said body. The cathode fibre line for discharging in high voltage is fixed at the air outlet. The electrode end ultraviolet radiation tube is fixed at the outlet which is placed in the body, and is formed in an air collector. The extractor fan is fixed between the electrode end ultraviolet radiation tube and the air outlet which are formed nearly inside the body. The portable photoelectric air cleaner is furthermore characterized in that said air collector is comprised of a space which is defined by an air collecting wall and blocking wall. The electrode end ultraviolet radiation tube is fixed between the front and rear block walls so that the rays can't emit out of the cleaner.

Abstract: A chuck assembly for holding a sample includes a shaft; a generally circular chuck member, the shaft extending from a first surface of the chuck member; and a sample holder associated with a second surface of the chuck member. The second surface is opposite the first surface. A sample receiving assembly holds the sample on the sample holder so that the sample remains fixed to the sample holder when the shaft rotates and causes the chuck member and the sample holder to rotate with the shaft. The chuck assembly may be used in a reactor assembly including a reactor chamber for receiving the chuck assembly; a spindle assembly for receiving an end of the shaft distal from the chuck member; and a motor for rotating the spindle assembly and the shaft so that fluid in the chamber flows generally along the shaft in a first direction and through the openings in the chuck member, around the sample holder, and then along a wall of the chamber in a second direction generally opposite to the first direction.

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: An air purification system that uses laser beams to purify air. A laser beam is set to sweep across the interior of a box that is open at two ends to the flow of air. The laser beam is of sufficient strength to destroy or neutralize any dust particles, pollen, pathogens, allergens, or gasses that are present in the flow of air through the box. An air baffle box is utilized at each end of the box with the air flow to prevent the laser beam from escaping from the box. A second preferred embodiment of the present invention is the use of a fan laser beam to purify a flow of air. Said fan laser beam is suppled to a box through which air is flowing in such a manner that all air passing through the box must also pass through said fan laser beam. An air baffle box is utilized at each end of the box to prevent the escape of laser beams.

Abstract: A pressure regulating device for regulating the pressure exerted on a medical instrument in a reprocessor for microbially deactivating the medical instruments.

Abstract: A disinfectant delivery system and method of providing alcohol-free disinfection to a body to be disinfected, as well as a method of infection reduction by preparation of a patient before an invasive procedure. A blended cloth comprising first fibers and second fibers is provided with the first fibers generally being greater in quantity by weight than the second fibers. A disinfectant solution impregnates the blended cloth, with the disinfectant solution having chlorhexidine gluconate as an active ingredient and having no alcohol. In the method according to the invention, at least one impregnated blended cloth is used to disinfect at least a portion of a body. A plurality of blended cloths can be provided for disinfecting discrete portions of the body.

Abstract: A lid body 200 is divided, on its front side, into three parts, that is, a pair of first movable parts 220 in the form of curved plates on both sides of the body and a second movable part 230 in the form of a flat plate in the middle of the body. A container body 100 is provided with a front engagement member 131 which is displaceable in front and in the rear of the body 100. The first movable parts 220 have front engagement members 221 formed at their front ends to be engageable with the front engagement member 131. While, the second movable part 230 has a disengagement member 231 formed at the front ends. The first movable parts 220 on elastic deformation are engaged with the front engagement member 131. When the second movable part 230 is subjected to depression of its upper face at the front end so that the disengagement member 231 causes the front engagement member 131 to be displaced forward, the engagement of the front engagement member 131 with the front engagement members 221 is released.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system (26) for an automated processor (A) delivers washing, microbial decontaminant, and rinse fluids to spray nozzles (102, 104, 106, 108, 110) in a chamber (12) for sequentially spraying the fluids over a lumened device (B), such as an endoscope. Sets of nozzles are operated in sequence to avoid the spray jets canceling each other out. The endoscope is supported on a rack (21) which is agitated by an activation system (330). This ensures ever changing points of contact between the device and the rack so that all external surfaces are contacted by the spray. A computer control system (80) controls cleaning, decontamination, rinsing, and drying stages of a cycle, and agitation of the rack at appropriate times, which are all carried out within the chamber, obviating the need for human contact with the device during processing.

Abstract: There is disclosed a germicidal treatment system having a status indicator. The germicidal treatment system comprises at least one mounting assembly attachable to an outside of a wall of an air handling apparatus. Each of the mounting assemblies includes a germicidal lamp and a ballast. The germicidal lamp is coupled to the ballast. The germicidal treatment system includes a power cord to receive electrical power and to provide electrical power to the ballast. A status indicator to indicate the functioning status of the germicidal treatment system.

Abstract: A sealable sterilising material for packaging medical devices requiring sterilization, has an average burst strength not less than 200 kPa measured according to ISO 2758 standard, an average tear strength not less than 300 mN measured according to the European standard 21974, an average impact strength not less than 0.4 J measured according to the ASTM standard and a bacterial filtering efficiency (BFE) not less than 85%, with a basic weight ranging between 40 and 250 g/m2, preferably between 90 and 250 g/m2, measured according to the ISO 536 standard and includes at least two sterilising packaging sheets (F1) and (F2), one of them at least being sealable directly or after being coated with a sealing product. The sheets are bound irreversibly together by one of their surfaces. The invention also concerns a package made from the material.

Abstract: A washing vessel capable of housing an endoscope is formed in an apparatus body. A washing solution containing a detergent is spurted against the endoscope arranged within the washing vessel for washing the endoscope. Also, an oxide-based disinfecting-sterilizing solution is supplied into the washing vessel for disinfecting-sterilizing the endoscope after the washing step together with the washing vessel.

Abstract: A container (30) for use in sterilizing an object has a first end (35) and a second end (38). The container (30) is suitably sized to receive an endoscopic telescope (45) for sterilization. Once the endoscopic telescope (45) has been inserted into the container (30), a lid (46) having a vapour permeable section (47) is fitted to the container. The container and object are then sterilized, for example, by autoclaving. After sterilization, use of the container requires a noon-sterile nurse in an operating theatre to push the ends (35, 38) together. A collapsible or deformable portion (42) collapses and the ends (35, 38) move closer together to thereby force the telescope (45) out of the container (30), where is can be removed by a sterile nurse.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for reducing microorganisms in a conductive medium using a low voltage pulsed electrical energy.

Abstract: A system of sterilization of spaces and surfaces which includes a container having a plurality of walls which jointly define an inner chamber, a cover connected with the container turnably between an open position in which the inner chamber of the container is open and a closed position in which the inner chamber is closed; a plurality of compartments formed in the inner chamber and including a sprayer compartment; a mask compartment, a glove compartment, at least one encapsulant compartment, and a fungicide compartment which are separate from one another and do not communicate with one another; a uniform compartment provided in the cover; means for locking the cover with the container and unlocking the cover from the same; and elements for sterilization including a sprayer removably arranged in the sprayer compartment, a mask removably arranged in the mask compartment an encapsulant removably arranged in the at least one encapsulant compartment, a fungicide removably arranged in the fungicide compartment, at

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning removable oral appliances, such as tooth repositioning aligners, comprise a base having a tray for holding the appliance in a bath of cleaning solution. A low-frequency driver is provided in the base for reciprocating the tray about a horizontal or vertical axis to wash the cleaning solution over the appliance. Usually, the apparatus will further comprise a cradle which is mounted to reciprocate about a horizontal axis within the base. The cradle defines a receptacle which removably receives the cleaning tray. The cleaning tray is preferably reciprocated at frequency in the range from 1 Hz to 10 Hz, usually in the range from 2 Hz to 5 Hz.

Abstract: A system of sterilization of spaces and surfaces which includes a container having a plurality of walls which jointly define an inner chamber, a cover connected with the container turnably between an open position in which the inner chamber of the container is open and a closed position in which the inner chamber is closed; a plurality of compartments formed in the inner chamber and including a sprayer compartment; a mask compartment, a glove compartment, at least one encapsulant compartment, and a fungicide compartment which are separate from one another and do not communicate with one another; a uniform compartment provided in the cover; means for locking the cover with the container and unlocking the cover from the same; and elements for sterilization including a sprayer removably arranged in the sprayer compartment, a mask removably arranged in the mask compartment an encapsulant removably arranged in the at least one encapsulant compartment, a fungicide removably arranged in the fungicide compartment, at

Abstract: A toilet brush holder is disclosed, which automatically stores, cleans, and sanitizes a toilet brush. The toilet brush holder may include a reservoir or pool of sanitizing liquid in which the toilet brush can reside. The toilet brush holder may include a door for accessing the toilet brush.

Abstract: An apparatus for disinfecting and sterilizing dental handpieces includes a treating chamber with an internal holding stub which has through-channels for connecting exterior treatment fluid source elements to internal standard channels in and through the handpieces to through-flush treatment fluid through these channels from a socket end to a tip end of the handpiece. The treating chamber is laid-out as a pressure resistant autoclaving chamber provided with steam generation at elevated temperature and pressure. The through-channels of the holding stub are alternatively connectable through an outlet valve to the exterior atmosphere so as to enable back-flushing of pressurized steam from the treating chamber through the internal channels from the tip end to the socket end.

Abstract: A sterilization system and process is provided which is useful in the chemical sterilization of medical supplies and equipment. The system includes a container having an internal generator of a sterilant such as chlorine dioxide. An internal container activator, such as high humidity or manual manipulation, is provided and stimulates the formation and release of the sterilant. The package includes a first indicator responsive to the release of sterilant and a second indicator which records the passage of a predetermined time interval. The combination of the sterilant indicator and the time interval indicator signals that proper sterilization conditions have been met and that the objects have been suitably sterilized.

Abstract: A mobile self-contained apparatus and process for grinding, grating, macerating, chemically disinfecting, and drying infectious waste material. A trailer (10) contains a hopper (27), a grinder/grater (28), an enclosed conveyor system, drying and filter apparatus, and sources of power, chemical disinfectant, and fresh water. Bagged infectious waste material in a cart is lifted and dumped into the hopper, sprayed with a sodium hypochlorite disinfectant solution, fed to the grinder/grater, ground, grated, and macerated into small particles of confetti-like material, sprayed again, immersed in the disinfectant solution, conveyed by an upwardly inclined screw conveyor (34) and thoroughly mixed therein, dried, passed into a vertical screw conveyor (47), and passed to a discharge screw conveyor (50) which discharges the dry confetti-like material.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for treating dentures at elevated pressured to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment employs a sealed pressure containment vessel. Denture cleaning, disinfecting, deorderizing, brightening, bleaching can be performed using this apparatus and method and the effectiveness of conventional active agents in removing plaque or the biolayer on the surface of the denture can be improved. Active agents can be forced into pores, fissures and microscopic openings in dentures to remove pathogens or contaminants that cannot be reached by conventional processes. The effectiveness of conventional effervescent denture treatment tablets can also be increased.

Abstract: A sterilization case assembly including a plurality of sterilization cases having a first sterilization case and a second sterilization case. The second sterilization case is stacked upon the first sterilization case in a vertical direction. The second sterilization case is offset from the first sterilization case in a direction transverse to the vertical direction.

Abstract: A sterilization container system for sterilizing instruments provides at least two sterilization enclosures separated vertically by a stacking device. The stacking device allows diffusion between the enclosures and into the enclosures through their upper and lower facing portions.

Abstract: A medical instrument washer is provided which includes a rack drawably fitted in a washing tub, for setting washing objects thereon, a flow passage having one end located on a rear side of the washing tub for supplying washing water to the rear side, and a washing duct on the rack having a washing water inlet in rear part thereof so as to be detachably connected to one end of the flow passage as the rack is drawn/pushed in. The medical instrument washer so constructed reduces washing water quantity, and pressure loss of washing water by improving a flow passage of the medical instrument washer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for terminal sterilization of solid forms of nanoparticulate active agent compositions via gamma irradiation. The nanoparticulate active agent has an effective average particle size of less than about 2 microns, prior to incorporation into a solid form for sterilization. The resultant sterilized compositions exhibit excellent redispersibility, homogeneity, and uniformity. Also encompassed are compositions made via the described method and methods of treating animals and humans using such compositions.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus in form of a disinfecting apparatus comprising a steam device for combatting 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: An apparatus for sterilizing an article of mail includes a chamber defining an airtight space and having an entrance for receiving the article of mail. A vacuum pump is coupled to the chamber for withdrawing air therefrom and, specifically, from the article of mail, this air withdrawal reducing the chamber air pressure. An ozone generator is coupled to the chamber for introducing ozone at atmospheric pressure therein following air withdrawal. This causes efficient diffusing of the ozone into the article of mail for sterilizing it against anthrax. The ozone is then withdrawn into an ozone filter that includes a non-consumable manganese dioxide catalyst for converting the ozone back into oxygen. The article of mail may be initially perforated to enhance air withdrawal and ozone diffusion. The article of mail may be embossed following ozone withdrawal to indicate completion of sterilization. The apparatus may be implemented using multiple chambers.

Abstract: A system for reprocessing flexible endoscopes having lumen therein. The reprocessing system deploys steam to disinfect and/or sterilize the endoscopes, and designs, components, and methods for reducing or balancing the reprocessing cycle time and the effects of thermal expansion and contraction on the endoscopes.

Abstract: A surgical instrument holder for positioning of a surgical tool on the holder for sterilization and containment of sharp ends, The holder includes a first end having a first biased flap for containment of a first end of the tool. A second end of the holder includes a second biased flap for containment of a second end of the tool with each biased flap being folded onto the tool when positioned therebetween to limit longitudinal movement of the tool. A retainer clip is positioned between the first end and the second end and is adapted to receive the surgical tool therethrough to limit the lateral movement of the tool. The first biased flap includes a flap extension for positioning against the surgical tool for biasing the tool in a partially open position during sterilization. A method of preparation of a surgical tool for sterilization is also disclosed.