Abstract: A method of producing an animal feed that is free from transmittable degenerative encephalopathies is provided. Central to the method is alkali treatment of animal material at a pH of at least 8.5 under temperature conditions below 100 C at atmospheric pressure. This method provides a decontaminated animal feed produced under relatively low temperature and pressure conditions that are achievable instandard animal carcass rendering facilities.

Abstract: A decontaminating device and method that decontaminates residue on and from footwear and other surfaces, configured as two basins with a decontaminating formulation in one basin and a deactivating formulation in the other basin. Footwear may be decontaminated while being worn, and this invention may be used to decontaminate for chemical residues, radiological residues, body fluids, and microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to iodinated resins. It relates in particular to a process for preparing a polyiodide-resin wherein an anion exchange resin is contacted with a material capable of donating a member absorbable by the resin so as to convert the resin to the polyiodide-resin. The absorbable member is selected from the group consisting of I.sub.2 and polyiodide ion having a valence of ?1. In the process, conversion of the anion exchange resin to the polyiodide-resin is effected at elevated temperate and/or elevated pressure, the elevated temperature being about 100.degree. C. or higher, the elevated pressure being greater than atmospheric pressure. The present invention also relates to a substance comprising an iodine (impregnated) resin as produced by the above process.

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: A method and system to measure misalignment error between two overlying or interlaced periodic structures are proposed. The overlying or interlaced periodic structures are illuminated by incident radiation, and the diffracted radiation of the incident radiation by the overlying or interlaced periodic structures are detected to provide an output signal. The misalignment between the overlying or interlaced periodic structures may then be determined from the output signal.

Abstract: A method of sanitizing a passenger cabin includes excluding people from the passenger cabin and substantially sealing the passenger cabin such that air inside the passenger cabin is prevented from exiting the passenger cabin. An ozone enriched atmosphere is created inside the passenger cabin by generating ozone and directing the ozone into the passenger cabin to increase an ozone concentration of the atmosphere inside the passenger cabin to at least a minimum concentration. The ozone enriched atmosphere is circulated through the passenger cabin and air circulation system thereof for a sanitation period calculated to be sufficient for sanitation. The ozone concentration of the atmosphere inside the passenger cabin is then reduced to a level safe for human occupation.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method of forming functionally active fibers and substrates comprising functionally active fibers. The method includes forming a mixture of at least one poly vinyl polymer and at least one bleaching active. The mixture is then injected at a controlled flow rate into an electric field to cause the mixture to at least partially form fine fibers that have an average diameter of less than about 1000 nanometers.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an air filtration system includes a first ventilation path connected between at least one external air supply and a clean room. The first ventilation path is configured to direct air from the at least one external air supply to the clean room. A second ventilation path is connected to the clean room. The second ventilation path is configured to recirculate air in the clean room. A third ventilation path, separate from the first path, is connected between the at least one external air supply and a tool environment disposed within the clean room. The third ventilation path includes an ultra-pure air filtration unit disposed between the outdoor air supply and the tool environment. The ultra-pure air filtration unit includes a compressor and a dryer.

Abstract: Emulsified systems of a surfactant-stabilized, biodegradable water-in-solvent emulsion with bimetallic particles contained with the emulsion droplets are useful at removing PCBs from ex situ structures. The hydrophobic emulsion system draws PCBs through the solvent/surfactant membrane. Once inside the membrane, the PCBs diffuse into the bimetallic particles and undergo degradation. The PCBs continue to enter, diffuse, degrade, and biphenyl will exit the particle maintaining a concentration gradient across the membrane and maintaining a driving force of the reaction.

Abstract: New compositions and methods are disclosed for decontaminating surfaces and enclosures that avoid problems such as salt deposits, corrosion and condensation that accompany the use of known methods. The process involves the use of chlorine dioxide solutions prepared by passing dilute chlorine gas over solid granular sodium chlorite to produce chlorine dioxide gas which is then collected in solution. The chlorine dioxide gas can be introduced into an enclosure and used to disinfect a portion of the contents of the enclosure.

Abstract: A process is provided for sterilizing brachytherapy devices with Ethylene Oxide gas and releasing the devices on a parametric release basis. Devices that can be sterilized with this process include interstitial radiation seed strand implants and the needles used for implantation. In order to be sterilized effectively by EtO gas, the devices are constructed such that surfaces not readily infused with EtO gas are made to be gas permeable, and will not retain the gas after the sterilization process. Performance qualification of the sterilization process is performed through physical and microbiological studies, and set of established physical process parameters. Maintaining the physical process parameters in subsequent sterilization cycles will consistently yield the desired sterility assurance level without having to test the devices for sterility.

Abstract: A cooking device includes an inner case, a cooking chamber within the inner case and an odor removal unit configured to generate a plasma discharge for removing odor-producing materials from the cooking chamber.

Abstract: A method of determining the presence of vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) in a region, comprising the steps of providing a sealable region having an inlet port and an outlet port, creating a flow of a carrier gas into, through and out of the region, delivering vaporized hydrogen peroxide into the carrier gas flow upstream of the region inlet port, destroying the vaporized hydrogen peroxide at a first location downstream from the region outlet port, monitoring the temperature of the carrier gas before and after the first location, and determining a presence of vaporized hydrogen peroxide in the region based upon the temperature readings before and after the first location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aerating a region exposed to a gaseous/vaporous sterilant. A catalytic destroyer and a reactive chemical unit are used to reduce the concentration of the gaseous/vaporous sterilant within the region. The reactive chemical unit includes a chemistry that is chemically reactive with the gaseous/vaporous sterilant. In one embodiment, the gaseous/vaporous sterilant is vaporized hydrogen peroxide and the chemistry of the reactive chemical unit includes thiosulfate and iodide.

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: The system is based on a recirculating Carbon Flow Loop, within which toxins in municipal waste or other feedstock are neutralized in a plasma reactor, by using an electric arc in ionized gas to generate ultra high temperatures. This breaks down substances into their basic molecules, and transforms the feedstock into syngas (which is comprised predominantly of hydrogen and carbon monoxide). This can be processed by a water shift reactor, an engine driven electric generator or another exothermic device where carbon monoxide is transformed into carbon dioxide. This continues flowing in the carbon loop to an Algae Bioreactor. Here photosynthesis of the algae transforms the carbon dioxide to become part of an oil rich carbohydrate. This can either continue to the next stage as feedstock and recirculate again around the Carbon Loop and/or exit, and be used to manufacture biofuel or other substances.

Abstract: A reformer system comprising a hydrocarbon reformer; a fuel supply system; an air supply system; a hydrogen sensor disposed in a reformate exhaust stream from the reformer; and a reformer controller for receiving input from the hydrogen sensor and setting the flow values for fuel and air to provide a desired O/C ratio in the reformate stream. A protocol of varying fueling rates is run in which a calibration relating hydrogen sensor values to O/C ratio is generated and is programmed into the controller. From this calibration, a fueling rate is selected which provides an O/C ratio within a predetermined range. The reformer system is especially useful for regeneration of a nitrogen oxides trap in a diesel exhaust system. The calibration protocol may be run during engine operation and can adjust the fueling rate when different diesel fuel mixtures are presented.

Abstract: A method of decontaminating articles, comprising the steps of: (a) moving a plurality of articles having a known temperature along a first path; (b) conveying a carrier gas along a second path that includes an elongated plenum, the second path intersecting the first path downstream from the plenum; (c) heating the carrier gas to a temperature of at least about 105° C. at a location upstream of the plenum; (d) introducing into the carrier gas in the plenum an atomized mist of a liquid hydrogen peroxide of known concentration; and (e) controlling the following: (1) the volumetric flow of carrier gas along the second path; (2) the volume of hydrogen peroxide introduced into the carrier gas; and (3) the temperature of the carrier gas introduced into the plenum, such that the concentration of the vaporized hydrogen peroxide in the carrier gas where the first path intersects the second path has a dew point temperature below the known temperature of the articles.

Abstract: A proteinaceous material has been found to show similar activity and treatment response to that of disease causing prions, such as CJD. A prion model which incorporates the proteinaceous material has a variety of applications. The model has an ability to be cultured either in vivo or in vitro, allowing rapid screening of potential drugs for treating animals or humans, or methods of treating food products or items which may come into contact with prions, such as medical or dental devices. Several treatment methods and materials have been developed using the model.

Abstract: A microemulsion composition having a solid source of peroxycarboxylic acid and germinant is used for chemical and biological warfare decontamination. A process for decontaminating uses the microemulsion composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for removing fumes from an endoscope disinfecting apparatus configured for disinfecting an endoscope with a disinfecting solution. In architecture, the exhaust system includes a fan housing, a fan disposed within the fan housing, an exhaust hose connected to the fan housing, and wherein the exhaust system is connected to the endoscope disinfecting apparatus.

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

Abstract: A vapor decontamination system for decontaminating a defined region. The system is comprised of a chamber defining a region, and a generator for generating vaporized hydrogen peroxide from a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water. A closed loop circulating system is provided for supplying the vaporized hydrogen peroxide to the region. A destroyer breaks down the vaporized hydrogen peroxide, and a sensor downstream from the destroyer is operable to sense moisture in the system and provide electrical signals indicative thereof. A controller determines the presence of vaporized hydrogen peroxide in the region based upon the electrical signals from the sensor.

Abstract: A mixed bed of iodine source/iodine capture resin provides high flow rates that are useful for treatment of water. The ratio of source/capture resin can be adjusted to meet the goals of the system. If insufficient iodine is being provided, the source resin amount can be increased relative to the capture resin. If excess iodine or iodide are found in the treated water, the capture resin amount can be increased relative to the source resin. The release of iodine from the source resin and its effectiveness can be significantly enhanced by using a mixed bed system in which one or both of the source and the capture ion exchange resins have had their exchange sites saturated with the anion of an organic acid such as citrate and/or isocitrate. This significantly increases the amount of iodine released into aqueous solution and enhances the disinfecting power of that iodine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of deactivatable biocides in cooling water systems of industrial processes that require dissipation of heat. The present invention relates to methods of inhibiting growth and reproduction of microorganisms in the cooling water comprising adding the deactivatable biocides to the cooling water and irreversibly deactivating the deactivatable biocides before or upon disposal of the cooling water.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus made of atmospheric resistive-barrier discharge for sterilization of medical tools wrapped in typical hospital cloths, for sterilization of manufactured drugs in typical packaging materials and for sterilization of biologically contaminated articles. The apparatus consists of layers of the resistive-barrier discharge device operated at room temperature. An electrical discharge in the resistive-barrier discharge system generates atmospheric plasma in oxygen gas, efficiently generating ozone, which in turn sterilizes the medical tools, manufactured drugs and biologically contaminated articles at room temperature.

Abstract: Methods are provided for quenching undesired side reactions of pathogen inactivating compounds in biological materials. In a particular embodiment, methods are provided for quenching undesired side reactions of a pathogen inactivating compound that includes a functional group which is, or which is capable of forming, an electrophilic group. In this embodiment, the material is treated with the pathogen inactivating compound and a quencher, wherein the quencher comprises a nucleophilic functional group that is capable of covalently reacting with the electrophilic group. The electrophilic group on the pathogen inactivating compound is preferably a non-radical cationic group. In one embodiment, the pathogen inactivating compound includes a nucleic acid binding ligand and a mustard group, wherein the mustard group is capable of reacting in situ to form the electrophilic group. Preferred quenchers are thiols, such as glutathione.

Abstract: A system and method for disinfecting and detoxifying an enclosed space includes a generator for producing ClO2 in aqueous solution via reactions of a hydroxy carboxylic acid, a companion acid that substantially does not react with an alkali metal salt of a chlorite ion, and an alkali metal salt of a chlorite ion. Substantially pure gaseous ClO2 is stripped through a packed column, the effluent air flow from the stripper containing pure ClO2. The gaseous ClO2 product is added to the enclosed space at a predetermined concentration for a predetermined period of time sufficient to substantially destroy airborne microbial contamination therein, after which the enclosed space is evacuated. A second aspect of the present invention is a system and method for disinfecting surfaces, including an apparatus for generating aqueous ClO2. The aqueous ClO2 is diluted to a predetermined concentration and applied to a surface desired to be disinfected.

Abstract: The invention provides a sterilization process which is not carried out in a vacuum, including the steps of introducing an oxidizing agent in a gaseous state into a sterilization chamber or area to be sterilized, and introducing gas plasma into the sterilization chamber or area to be sterilized. An apparatus for carrying out the process is disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for the sterilization of Prion infected surgical tools and the method for such sterilization includes disposing Prion infected surgical tools in the chamber, evacuating the chamber and introducing ozone into the chamber for a period of time sufficient to oxidize Prion amino acids. During this exposure the tools are agitated in order to insure all surface areas are exposed to the ozone. Following sterilization the ozone and sterilized tools are removed from the chamber.

Abstract: The invention features a method of inactivating a contaminant, such as a virus, of a biological composition. The method includes the steps of: (a) contacting the biological composition with an inactivating agent including an aziridino moiety or a haloderivative salt thereof, where a portion of the agent reacts with and inactivates the contaminant, and a portion of the agent remains unreacted; (b) contacting the product of step (a) with a composition which includes one quenching moiety under conditions and for a time sufficient to allow the inactivating agent to bond covalently to the quenching moiety; and (c) separating the quenching moiety and the quenched inactivating agent from the biological composition.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the inactivation and removal of contaminants of a biological composition are disclosed. The methods include the steps of: (a) contacting the biological composition with an inactivating agent including an aziridino moiety, such as ethyleneimine, an oligomer of ethyleneimine, or a haloderivative salt of either ethyleneimine or an oligomer of ethyleneimine, where a portion of the agent reacts with and inactivates the contaminant, and a portion of the agent remains unreacted; (b) contacting the product of step (a) with a lipophilic quenching agent including at least one quenching moiety attached to a lipophilic moiety, under conditions and for a time sufficient to allow the unreacted agent to bond covalently to the quenching moiety; and (c) separating the lipophilic quenching agent and the quenched inactivating agent from the biological composition.

Abstract: The general purpose of this invention is to provide an improved apparatus and method of preserving the vulnerable area of a railroad cross tie near the interface of the tie and the tie plate. To attain this purpose the invention provides a thin preservative-bearing gelatinous material that is placed between the cross tie and the tie plate either at the time of the original laying of rail or during any subsequent relaying. No extra equipment is needed and only a negligible amount of labor is required to simply place the gelatinous material on the adzed surface of the cross tie prior to the mounting or remounting of the rail. The presence of the gelatinous material poses absolutely no resistance to the subsequent driving of the spikes into the tie and is thin enough so as not to pose any rail alignment problems. The use of the gelatinous material relies on the moisture found under the tie plate to leach the active ingredients out of the material and help diffuse them throughout the adjacent section of wood.

Abstract: A sterilization system employs an attachable/detachable container to which is connected a source of sterilant for sterilizing items within the container. When disconnected from the source of sterilant the container is sealed from microbial ingress.

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: A sterilizing apparatus and method in which a sanitizing device detects pressure of steam rather than temperature. The pressure is related to a desired temperature, but detection of pressure means that temperature sensors do not need to be exposed to the steam. In addition, the steam can be fully saturated, and sterilization can be obtained without the need for a drying cycle. The liquid does not need to be reused in the apparatus, ensuring that biofilm contamination of articles can be substantially reduced.

Abstract: A device for detecting and providing an indication regarding one or more properties of a fluid retained in a bottle comprising a body member and a fluid property detecting substance, which can test for acidity, cork taint, or another fluid property, operably associated with the body member for detecting and providing an optical indication regarding one or more properties of the fluid retained in the bottle. The body member can have an open inner volume and the fluid property detecting substance can be disposed therein. A wall portion of the body member can comprise a semi-permeable barrier for allowing a one-way flow of fluid retained in the bottle into the open inner volume of the body member.

Abstract: A sterilization system applies power to a plasma within a chamber to remove gas or vapor species from an article. The sterilization system includes a power feedback control system for controlling the power applied to the plasma. The power feedback control system includes a current monitor adapted to produce a first signal indicative of a current applied to the plasma within the chamber. The power feedback control system further includes a voltage monitor adapted to produce a second signal indicative of a voltage applied to the plasma within the chamber. The power feedback control system further includes a power control module comprising a programmable digital signal processor. The digital signal processor is adapted to receive and process the first signal and the second signal by multiplying the current and the voltage and producing a third signal indicative of the product of the current and the voltage.

Abstract: Ozone generated from an ozonizer is added to a polluted gas containing harmful substances, which is generated from a polluted gas source. Then, the ozone-added polluted gas is allowed to flow through an adsorbing layer containing a high-silica adsorbent that adsorbs both ozone and harmful substances. The harmful substances contained in the polluted gas are converted into harmless substances within the adsorbing layer by the action of the ozone.

Abstract: A process is provided for removing hydrogen peroxide and oil out the exhaust gas emitted from a sterilization chamber, such as from a STERRAD® medical instrument sterilizer. The exhaust gas is passed through either alumina or a mass of metal wool, which sorbs the lubricating oil out of the exhaust gas, and then through alumina coated with a precious metal catalyst, such as Pd, Pt, Rh and alloys and compounds thereof, which decomposes the hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. The precious metal coating on the alumina may be sufficiently discontinuous to allow residual lubricating oil in the exhaust gas to be sorbed into the alumina.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing the interior of a diffusion restricted area by introducing a sterilant in a chamber, condensing the vapor, reducing the pressure in the chamber to revaporize the condensed vapor, and maintaining the device in the chamber until the device is sterilized. The sterilant has a vapor pressure less than the vapor pressure of water and is preferably hydrogen peroxide. The pressure in the chamber while maintaining the device in the chamber may be held constant, varied, or increased. Plasma may additionally be introduced into the chamber to improve the rate of sterilization.

Abstract: Methods of inactivating contaminants of a biological matrix are disclosed. The methods include the steps of: (a) contacting a biological matrix with an inactivating agent including an aziridino moiety, where a portion of the agent reacts with and inactivates the contaminant, and a portion of the agent remains unreacted; (b) contacting the product of step (a) with a solid support including at least 1 quenching moiety attached to the solid support through covalent bonds, under conditions and for a time sufficient to allow the unreacted agent to bond covalently to the quenching moiety; and (c) separating the solid support and the unreacted agent from the biological matrix, where the unreacted agent is attached to the solid support through covalent bonds.

Abstract: A water treating agent which has a high safety and is to be used for preventing corrosion and scale formation in the feed water lines and steam generation system and for preventing corrosion in the steam condensate lines in plants, boilers and steam generators.

Abstract: A plused radiation produced by an intense optical source is applied to the inner surface of a wooden container having a surface layer of organic and/or mineral deposit. Each pulse is of sufficiently short duration having sufficiently high treating energy density per unit area to bring about sublimation of the surface layer. The resulting exposed container surface is sanitized by the heat released by the radiation.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and kits for reducing a microbial population on a surface are provided. The microbial populations which can be treated using the methods, compositions, and kits of the present invention include prokaryotic, viral, and protozoan populations. The methods, compositions, and kits of the present invention have a number of uses in the fields of food production and medicine.

Abstract: Compositions and methods to disinfect contact lenses are disclosed. In one embodiment, the present composition comprises a cellulose decomposing enzyme component, e.g., lysozyme, and a hydrogen peroxide destroying component. The composition is structured so that the cellulose decomposing enzyme component is released in a liquid medium containing hydrogen peroxide before the hydrogen peroxide destroying component is released in the liquid medium. Such cellulose decomposing enzyme component is preferably effective to render hydrogen peroxide-resistant microorganisms, e.g., acanthamoeba cysts, which may contaminate the lens more susceptible to being killed by hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A method of removing sterilization gas from a load disposed in a chamber. In accordance with the method, the chamber is evacuated to a subatmospheric pressure. A diffusion gas comprising helium is provided. An amount of the diffusion gas is introduced into the chamber effective to create a superatmospheric diffusion pressure in the chamber. The diffusion gas is allowed to diffuse throughout the chamber to displace sterilization gas from the load. The chamber is evacuated to remove portions of the diffusion gas and the sterilization gas from the chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for significantly reducing the biological load on consumer products such as food products, botanicals, cosmetic ingredients and medical products is disclosed. The method involves applying a continuous stream of oxygen-containing, i.e., Ox, gas to a material in a sealed biological burden reduction chamber.

Abstract: Methods are provided for quenching undesired side reactions of pathogen inactivating compounds in biological materials. In a particular embodiment, methods are provided for quenching undesired side reactions of a pathogen inactivating compound that includes a functional group which is, or which is capable of forming, an electrophilic group. In this embodiment, the material is treated with the pathogen inactivating compound and a quencher, wherein the quencher comprises a nucleophilic functional group that is capable of covalently reacting with the electrophilic group. The electrophilic group on the pathogen inactivating compound is preferably a non-radical cationic group. In one embodiment, the pathogen inactivating compound includes a nucleic acid binding ligand and a mustard group, wherein the mustard group is capable of reacting in situ to form the electrophilic group. Preferred quenchers are thiols, such as glutathione.

Abstract: A process for separating HIV from a fluid is described, in which the HIV is bound to a C1 esterase inhibitor immobilized on a support material. The process can be carried out both for the preparation of HIV-free blood donations and therapeutically for the reduction of the virus load in the blood by means of a blood lavage under the conditions of an extracorporeal blood circulation. The C1 esterase inhibitor can be bonded to a support material which is customary in affinity chromatography or to the fibers of a filter.