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: An article 100 and realted methods for reducing a microbial population on an article 168, wherein apparatus 100 includes a chamber in an article-holding basket 164 retains article 168 in an up-right position within the cahbmer an enclosing article 168. A heating system 172 introduces dry heat, moist heat, and, if desired, a combination of moist heat and dry heat into the chamber. A fluid supply system delivers a predetermine amount of fluid to a heating reservoir 174, which is disposed above heating system 172 to provide the moist heat.

Abstract: An improved air sterilization system has unobstructed air passageways from a chamber substantially enclosing a volume of air to the air sterilization assembly unit in which the air sterilization assembly unit has heating elements located within air passageways in the unit to exterminate airborne micro-organisms by applying heat to the continuously flowing airstream, and in which the temperature of air leaving the system is insignificantly higher than the temperature of air entering the system.

Abstract: A process to transform solid waste into fuel by adding water and heat to provide no more than 350 BTUs/lb of the weight of the solid waste for no more thatn 85 minutes. Such a process transforms the solid waste into fuel in a process time of not greater than 85 minutes. The system uses a pressure vessel; a condenser tank to permit selective addition of water to and evacuation of steam from the vessel; a heater to increase the temperature of the vessel; a vacuum pump to selectively reduce pressure within the vessel and to help evacuate steam from the vessel to the condenser tank; and a water pump to selectively add water from the condenser tank to the interior volume of the vessel. A method for converting solid waste into fuel includes loading the solid waste into a rotating pressure vessel and transforming the solid waste into fuel by adding water; reducing pressure; adding heat; and then evacuating steam. The contents are evacuated from the pressure vessel. At least some of the contents are fuel.

Abstract: Continuous biowaste sterilization process, the operability of which is ensured in such a way that during process startup, extreme conditions possibly coming into question during operation are simulated, i.e. the greatest possible flow rate and the lowest temperature of the feed flow. In the startup stage, a liquid to be sterlized is circulated in the apparatus, until the capacity has been ascertained, whereafter the discharge stream can be conducted to a sewer system. The apparatus according to the invention comprises, in the flow direction of the biowaste-containing liquid, a storage tank, at least one feed pump capable of delivering a constant flow, at least one heating unit, at least one cooling unit, and a circulation circuit for circulating the biowaste-containing liquid through the heating unit, as well as connecting piping and valves. By means of specific piping and valve arrangements it is also ensured that all parts of the apparatus can be sterilized for maintenance purposes.

Abstract: A device (100) for heat-treating water is provided, comprising a confined heating zone, a passage way (15) for transporting the water to said confined heating zone (23) so as to facilitate heating of the water, a controller (27) for preventing the heated water from leaving the device (100) until pathogens entrained in the heated water are killed; and an antimicrobial substrate (20) for preventing pathogens entrained in unheated water from leaving the device (100).

Abstract: An improved dry heat method and apparatus for thawing frozen biological fluids utilizing electrically heated plates and oscillatory motion to enhance heat transfer by mixing as the fluid thaws. Bags of frozen fluid to be thawed are lightly squeezed between two heating plates, one of which is gently oscillated to facilitate mixing of the thawing fluid, increasing heat transfer and reducing time required for thawing. Direct contact of the heating plates against the bag surfaces increases heat transfer by eliminating insulative effects of another bag wall and a water boundary layer, compared to water bath units. Flat (or curved to conform to bag) heat pipes are preferred as heating plates compared to plain aluminum sheet. Flat heat pipes have the property of an isothermal heating surface, thus maximizing heat transfer to the coldest areas, preventing hot spots, and simplifying heating plate temperature control.

Abstract: A sterilizer including a sterilization chamber for receiving articles to be sterilized and a door supported on a horizontal pivot at an access opening of the sterilizer chamber. The door includes a seal plate and a resilient seal member supported on the seal plate wherein the seal member includes an annular lip extending transversely to the plane of the seal plate. The lip extends into the sterilizer chamber wherein pressure within the chamber exerts a force biasing an opposing surface of the lip into engagement with an inner surface of the chamber. The sterilizer door is movable between a fully closed and a fully open position and includes a mechanism for holding the door in a partially open position. In the partially open position, the lip extends into contact with a surface of the sterilizer chamber to thereby form a bridge between the door and chamber and prevent condensation from dripping down away from the chamber and door.

Abstract: The system includes an enclosure for providing a closed volume for bactericide vapor. The enclosure has a container access opening formed therein for providing vapor communication between a container and the closed volume. A container interface assembly at the container access opening positions, locks and seals the container to the enclosure. A container door removal system is partially contained within the enclosure and is operably engaged with the enclosure and attachable to a container door of the container for separating the container door from the container. The container door removal system includes an actuator element located external to the enclosure. A vapor injection system is included having an inlet and an outlet for the bactericide vapor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a sterile medical solution is disclosed. The method includes providing at least two components, a first component including bicarbonate ions and a second component including glucose or calcium ions, preheating the first component to a first temperature and the second component to a second temperature, heat sterilizing the first and second components separately to a third and fourth temperatures respectively, the third and fourth temperatures being sterilizing temperatures for the first and second components, maintaining the first and second components approximately at their respective third and fourth temperatures, so as to sterilize the first and second components, cooling the first and second components and delivering the first and second components to a mixing device.

Abstract: A paper sterilization system comprises a chamber having one wall with an input slot and another wall with an output slot. A conveyor system is comprised of two co-acting belts, and upper and a lower. The belts are in facing contact. A plurality of rollers is provided. The rollers are adapted to convey the belts in contact with each other and with paper through the chamber from the input slot to the output slot. Also provided is a heating element. The heating element is adapted to increase the temperature to between about 150 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. A pressure assembly is provided. The pressure assembly is adapted to increase the pressure to between about 1 and 4 atmospheres. Drive members are provided. The drive members are adapted to drive the belt and paper at a speed sufficient to kill viral and fungal organisms on paper moving through the chamber.

Abstract: A ClF3 gas generation system is provided with supply sources of chlorine (3) (for example a cylinder of compressed chlorine) and fluorine (4) (for example a fluorine generator) connected into a gas reaction chamber (2) enabling generation of ClF3 gas. The reaction chamber has a valved outlet (C) for the supply of the ClF3 gas to a process chamber for immediate local use.

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: A device for gasifying a sterilizing liquid comprises a hot air duct 12 having an inlet 36 at one end thereof and an outlet 33 at the other end thereof, a hot air generator 37 for supplying to the inlet 36 hot air having a temperature capable of gasifying the sterilizing liquid, a spray nozzle 13 for spraying the sterilizing liquid into the hot air duct 12, and a plate heater 23 disposed as opposed to the outlet 33.

Abstract: A tamper-proof seal is disclosed for use in connection with sterilization containers. The seal includes a body portion including a sterilization indicating material and a tongue extending from the body portion. The tongue may be in the form of a laminate consisting of a pair of substantially inert outer layers sandwiching a high shrink inner layer. The tongue is designed to engage the latch mechanism of a sterilization container when the container is in the closed position and the latch mechanism is in a latched position. Upon exposure of the container to sterilization conditions, the tongue shrinks, causing the outer layers to fold upon themselves to form at least one pleat. The container latch mechanism cannot be opened without fracturing the tongue of the seal, thereby providing visible evidence of the latch mechanism being opened.

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: The disclosed invention relates to sterilization by infrared radiation to eliminate pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella, E. Coli 0157:H7 and E. Coli (EXEC) from articles such as medical, dental and veterinary instruments, as well as from tableware and eating utensils. The invention further relates to sterilization of soil, military and agriculture equipment to eliminate pathogenic bacteria such as hepatitis, AIDS, and anthrax, and prions such as mad cow disease using infrared radiation. Sterilization is performed by exposing the article to infrared radiation generated from heating elements positioned in an enclosed chamber.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing a pharmaceutical composition containing a suspension of a pharmaceutical comprises rapidly heating the pharmaceutical composition from ambient temperature to an elevated temperature, maintaining it at or above the elevated temperature for a period of time, and rapidly cooling the pharmaceutical composition to ambient temperature.

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

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments may include a sanitizing system and method including a chamber, a wet and dry heating system adjacent to the chamber, and a filtered air system to reduce the contaminants entering the system and to provide positive pressure to the chamber to reduce the likelihood of contaminants entering the system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sterilizing heat sensitive fluids are provided. The methods include providing a first heat sensitive fluid component, providing a second fluid component, heating the second fluid component to a temperature greater than a predetermined sterilizing temperature, mixing the first heat sensitive fluid component with the heated second fluid component to heat the first heat sensitive fluid components and provide a mixed fluid at a temperature at least up to the predetermined sterilizing temperature, and maintaining the mixed fluid at that temperature for a predetermined sterilizing period. Apparatus for carrying out this method is also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved methods for nucleic acid detection using methods such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). More specifically, the invention provides methods for simultaneous amplification and detection to enhance the speed and accuracy of prior methods. The methods involve the introduction of detectable DNA binding agents into the amplification reaction, which agents produce a detectable signal that is enhanced upon binding double-stranded DNA. In a preferred embodiment, the binding agent is a fluorescent dye. The methods also provide means for monitoring the increase in product DNA during an amplification reaction.

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: Method for sterilizing infectious waste water and a system thereof disclosed in the present invention comprise pump feeding step A, heating/sterilization step B, drainage step C, cleaning step D and vacuum suction step E. The pump feeding step A is a step wherein infectious waste water in a raw water tank is pumped to a tank body of a sterilization tank, the heating/sterilization step B is a step wherein infectious waste water pooled into the tank body is indirectly heated to sterilize the infectious waste water, the drainage step C is a step in which waste water treated by heating/sterilization is discharged from the tank body, the cleaning step D is a step in which after the drainage step, washing water is showered to clean the tank body.

Abstract: A medical instrument thermal treatment system according to the present invention is in the form of a stand including a thermally treated tray to thermally treat medical instruments. The stand includes a frame to support the tray, while a drape including a sensing device is disposed over the tray to form a drape container or receptacle within the tray for collecting a sterile medium. The tray is thermally treated to heat the sterile medium in order to warm medical instruments or other medical items placed in the tray. The sensing device provides a signal to the system indicating the presence of liquid and/or leaks within the drape container to facilitate control of system operation.

Abstract: A sterilization apparatus includes a chamber in which a material to be sterilized is stored to sterilize the material by steam having a high temperature and pressure. An opening/closing mechanism opens and closes the chamber. A cooling mechanism cools the material in a thermally isolated state from the inside of the chamber. A control section drives the cooling mechanism as the opening/closing mechanism opens the chamber after the sterilizing step ends, thereby to cool the material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for significantly reducing the biological load on consumer products such as food products, spices, produce, botanicals, cosmetic ingredients, barrels, pallets, crates, birdseed and medical products is disclosed. The method involves applying a continuous stream of saturated steam to a material in a sealed biological burden reduction chamber. The continuous stream of saturated steam is created in said chamber by correlating a desired temperature to pressure based on the use of Saturated Steam Tables. The apparatus includes: (a) a bioburden reduction chamber; (b) a temperature controller; (c) an air injection system; (d) a steam injection system; and (e) an evacuation system.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for simultaneously sterilizing a large number of packs (1) by means of a gas mixture containing hydrogen peroxide and a carrier gas. The apparatus comprises: supply lines (4) for the carrier gas and for hydrogen peroxide (5), a device (21) for evaporating hydrogen peroxide by heat and mixing it into the carrier gas, supply lines (4, 5) and a substantially horizontally extending distributor line (6, 22) and nozzles (3) which are arranged above the respective pack (1) and are connected to the distributor line (6, 22).

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

Abstract: Apparatus and systems serve to collapse steam in effluent released from steam sterilizers and sterilizer systems. These systems include tanks or containers configured for receiving and holding fluids, for example, water, and include a fluid outlet and a port that receives the released effluent. A conduit extending into the tank from the effluent receiving port provides a path for the steam to the fluid in the tank, to collapse the steam.

Abstract: A heater and a counterflow heat exchanger are arranged inside a pressure vessel, having an inlet connected to a pressurizing device and an outlet connected to a depressurizing device. To thermally sterilize a microbiologically contaminated liquid, the inflowing contaminated liquid is pressurized and pumped into the pressure vessel, where it is pre-heated by flowing along the heat exchanger and then heated to the required treatment temperature by the heater. The arising treated liquid is cooled by flowing along the heat exchanger and is then depressurized upon exiting the pressure vessel. Thermal energy is transferred from the outflowing liquid to the inflowing liquid by the heat exchanger. Pressure energy is transferred from the outflowing liquid to the inflowing liquid by the interconnected depressurizing and pressurizing devices. A high proportion of the total required energy is retained within the system, and high treatment temperatures (above the atmospheric boiling point) are efficiently achievable.

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: The present invention provides an incense burner which effectively prevents the user from an easy touch on its high temperature parts, can be used at a plurality of temperature ranges, and can let the user enjoy comfortably light art and aroma for a long period of time with ease. The incense burner of the present invention has a container for accommodating the material to be heated, a heating plate provided beneath the container, a heater for heating the heating plate and a supporting component for supporting the heating plate.

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: The invention concerns a sterilizing unit for food, pharmaceutical and like products, packaged in rigid or soft containers, comprising at least an autoclave (1) adapted to receive, through at least an access door (10, 11) and by means of a loading/unloading unit (23, 24, 25), at least a container (12) wherein are arranged said packages. Advantageously, the autoclave (1) is vertically arranged and comprises internally vertical conveying means (5, 6, 7) designed to be subjected, by means of motoring means (8, 9) for loading and unloading them in a step-by-step forward movement through the access door(s) for containers in the form of shelves (12, 13).

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 and method for generating a desired smell by processing smell information through a combination of a computer system and a perfume generating means. In order to generate a desired smell under control of a computer, preset perfume information concerning a smell classification table, kinds of preset perfume corresponding to the items of smell in the smell classification table, the amount of smell to be generated and the variation with time of the amount is registered, the item of a specific smell is selected from the smell classification table, and relevant pieces of the preset perfume information corresponding to the item of the specific smell is extracted. A deodorant may be combined or various smells may be combined with an image.

Abstract: An ultrasonic fragrance-generating device is disclosed and the device comprises an inner cup, a housing a covering ring, an oscillating unit and a heat dissipation fan and the mouth of the housing being inserted into the inner edge of the mouth of the inner cup and the mouth of the inner cup being covered by the covering ring and the cup edge of the housing being covered by a hood and the housing being an inner layered housing and an external layered housing, and the inner layer housing being a hole at the bottom section thereof for the mounting of the oscillation unit and the bottom face of the housing being mounted with the heat dissipation fan, characterized in that the wall of the hood is mounted with at least a layer of magnetic solenoid and the positive pole of the magnetic solenoid faces the inner cup, forming into energy conduit for magnetized fluidization.

Abstract: A connector for joining two parts of a medical product, where the parts are sterilized by different forms of sterilization, is disclosed. The connector includes a generally tubular body having a first end adapted for connection to a part of the medical product, another closed, but openable end, and an expansion chamber of one-piece integral construction with the tubular body.

Abstract: A heat transfer array is presented which includes one or more pouch flexors that press down on a fluid product containing pouch and facilitate heat exchange by mixing the pouch contents while the exterior of the pouch is contacted by a heat exchange medium. The pouch flexors are arranged in an array of three wheels, and the pouches are subjected to a number of wheel arrays in order to exchange heat from the pouch contents. The pouch flexors are stationary and a conveyor belt moves the pouch product under the wheel arrays.

Abstract: A control led odor generator, comprising a central processing unit, at least one micropump unit, a sensor unit and a fan. The micropump unit is housed in a casing containing odorous fluid and has a micropump array for ejecting the odorous fluid in tiny droplets. The central processing unit regulates operation of the micropump unit, allowing to control timing quantity and mixture of spread odor. The sensor unit provides the central processing unit with environmental data, like temperature, air density and humidity, as well as human body states for controlling the micropump unit. Environmental changes are followed by a change of spraying of odor, and varying taste and demand are adapted to.

Abstract: An oral hygiene device sanitizer having a flue with a heating region distal to a sterilization region, wherein an oral hygiene device chamber is located in a sterilization region. A controllable heater fixed in a flue heats up air to no more than 220 degree Fahrenheit which flows across an oral hygiene device (such as a toothbrush, gum stimulator or tongue scraper) for at least forty-five minutes. In another embodiment, a water chamber is positioned adjacent to a controllable heater to generate steam to be mixed with heated air and further enhance the sanitization of an oral hygiene device.

Abstract: The present invention involves a sterilization system for running high amperage current through a dental or medical handpiece to be sterilized thereby heating the handpiece to a point of sterilization. The system includes a controller, a high amperage current source, and a handpiece receptacle. The handpiece receptacle includes clamps to hold the handpiece in place and a temperature sensor to measure the temperature of the handpiece. The controller controls the amount of current supplied by the high amperage current source to the handpiece according to the temperature of the handpiece. After the handpiece has been at or above the sterilization temperature for the required period of time, the controller stops the flow of current to the handpiece.

Abstract: A portable decontamination unit includes a portable housing which defines an interior sealable cavity accessible through a door. An inlet and an outlet are provided through the housing for introducing heated air into and removing the heated air from the cavity. A temperature sensor is positioned within the cavity for monitoring the temperature of the cavity and its contents, and an electronic display is provided of the temperature within the cavity over time. An ultraviolet lamp is positioned within the cavity for irradiating objects to be decontaminated with ultraviolet light. An air scrubber is associated with the outlet, and fans are associated with both the inlet and outlet to condition air being forced into and extracted from the cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas generator for generating gases, comprising a housing which has an interior space and at least one combustion chamber filled with a predetermined quantity of solid propellant. The propellant consists of a plurality of solid propellant parts arranged in the combustion chamber in an irregular manner. The compressed gas is stored in a predetermined quantity in the combustion chamber and the combustion chamber constructed as a pressure chamber sealed hermetically toward outside in a non-activated state of the gas generator.

Abstract: A large amount of treated gas containing odor components is efficiently deodorized by performing ozone deodorization after water molecule deodorization, and thereafter performing ion deodorization. A composite deodorization system is provided with a first chamber for performing the water molecule deodorization connected with a fermentation system by a gas introduction opening supplied with the treated gas containing odor components from the fermentation system, a second chamber for performing ozone deodorization connected with the first chamber by a flow passage tube, a third chamber for performing ion deodorization connected with the second chamber by a connection tube, an ozone filter incorporated at a connection position of the second chamber and the connection tube, and a third chamber having a gas discharge opening for discharging the treated gas.

Abstract: The system includes an enclosure for providing a closed volume for bactericide vapor. The enclosure has a container access opening formed therein for providing vapor communication between a container and the closed volume. A container interface assembly at the container access opening positions, locks and seals the container to the enclosure. A container door removal system is partially contained within the enclosure and is operably engaged with the enclosure and attachable to a container door of the container for separating the container door from the container. The container door removal system includes an actuator element located external to the enclosure. A vapor injection system is included having an inlet and an outlet for the bactericide vapor.

Abstract: A dispenser (10) for a volatilizable material has a first member (14) that is substantially cup-shaped with a given diameter (X) and with a given depth (Z) and having a first peripheral flange (16) having a first diameter (D). A second member (18) has a second peripheral flange (20) with a second diameter (D2) greater than the given diameter (X). The first peripheral flange (16) and the second peripheral flange (20) are in intimate contact thereby defining a volatilizable material chamber (22) between the bottom (24) of the second member (18) and the bottom (26) of the first cup-shaped member (14). A volatilizable material (12) such as liquid mercury is placed in the chamber; and a hermetic seal (28) is formed between the first and second flanges. When installed in a fluorescent lamp the volatilizable material is released by heating the dispenser with RF current. The material is released when the vapor pressure within the dispenser reaches about 20 atmospheres.

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.