Abstract: Apparatus and methods for generating, administering, extracting and recovering sterilant gas for sterilizing and/or decontaminating enclosed spaces such as, for example, interior spaces of microbial isolators, and also to components associated with such apparatus and methods. Specifically contemplated herein, inter alia, is an arrangement for extracting gas, such as decontaminant gas, that includes a selectively removable arrangement for holding a predetermined quantity of a medium for interacting with gas, such as decontaminant gas, and promoting the recovery therefrom of at least one predetermined ingredient. Such arrangements may conceivably be utilized in contexts other than contexts of apparatus and methods for generating, administering, extracting and recovering sterilant gas for sterilizing and/or decontaminating enclosed spaces.

Abstract: A method for reducing residual ethylene oxide levels in sterilized goods by reacting the residual ethylene oxide with water after the sterilization reaction is completed, thus converting some of the ethylene oxide into ethylene glycol according to the formula (I): The sterilizable material may be subjected to deep vacuum degassing following the reaction of formula (I).

Abstract: The sterilizing method according to the present invention is a method of sterilizing a medical product by a hydrogen peroxide gas while keeping the packaged condition. In such a sterilizing method, a packaging container (1) capable of allowing the hydrogen peroxide gas to penetrate therethrough is used, and after completion of the sterilizing treatment, the packaging container (1) is subjected to degassing treatment while heating, thereby removing the hydrogen peroxide gas from the inside thereof. As a result, it is possible to conduct the treatment efficiently and surely prevent the hydrogen peroxide gas from remaining in the packaging container. In addition, the injection packs (P) according to the present invention comprises the packaging container (1) and a medicine-filled injector (4) enclosed in the packaging container.

Abstract: An apparatus for the catalytic decomposition of H2O2 in an aqueous solution which is a contact lens care agent, wherein the catalyst is formed by a shaped body which is roughened by sand blasting and which is coated by a platinum layer 1 which is produced by sputtering.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of disinfecting and cleaning medical articles are disclosed. Disinfecting contact lenses by generating of peracetic acid in situ, while simultaneously cleaning with a proteolytic enzyme, is a preferred embodiment. Tablets for simple consumer use including disinfecting and cleaning means, and delayed release neutralizing means, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A water-soluble, solid contact lens care agent (1) having at least a first (2) and a second (3) compartment containing within the first compartment (2) at least one agent, in particular a protease, for removing or supporting the cleaning of metabolic deposits on a contact lens and within the second compartment (3) at least one agent being capable of neutralizing a contact lens disinfecting solution, characterized in that the first compartment (2) is dissolved faster within the contact lens disinfecting solution than the second compartment (3) and both compartments (2, 3) are simultaneously subjectable to the contact lens disinfecting solution.

Abstract: A method for producing chlorine dioxide by activating zeolite crystals (which have been impregnated with metal chlorite such as sodium chlorite, and optionally also a water-retaining substance such as magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, potassium hydroxide, or calcium chloride) with excess protons, or activating an aqueous solution of metal chlorite and such a water-retaining substance with excess protons. Proton generating species useful for the activation are acids such as acetic, phosphoric, and citric acid, and metal salts such as ferric chloride, ferric sulfate, ZnSO4, ZnCl2, CoSO4, CoCl2, MnSO4, MnCl2, CuSO4, CuCl2, and MgSO4. The activation can be performed by causing fluid to flow through a bed of zeolite crystals impregnated with calcium chloride (or other water-retaining substance) and sodium chlorite, and a bed of zeolite crystals impregnated with a proton generating species.

Abstract: A system for disinfecting a contact lens includes a first container section holding a first liquid medium containing hydrogen peroxide. A second container section is provided and holds a second liquid medium containing a hydrogen peroxide destroying component. The first and second container sections are configured to substantially simultaneously provide the first liquid medium and the second liquid medium to form a combined liquid medium containing an amount of hydrogen peroxide from the first liquid medium effective to disinfect a contact lens contacted with the combined liquid medium and an amount of hydrogen peroxide destroying component from the second liquid medium effective to destroy at least a major amount of the hydrogen peroxide in the combined liquid medium.

Abstract: A method for aerating an ethylene oxide-sterilized article, said method comprising exposing said article to at least one co-adsorbate under conditions such that said co-adsorbate remains vaporized, said co-adsorbate having a partial pressure under said conditions sufficient to displace at least a portion of ethylene oxide adsorbed by said article.

Abstract: A method of cleaning and disinfecting a contact lens, comprising the steps of: preparing a disinfectant which is an aqueous solution containing an iodine-complex polymer, and a diluent which is an aqueous solution containing ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid and/or soluble salts thereof, and a nonionic surface active agent; mixing the disinfectant and the diluent to provide a mixed solution, such that an available iodine concentration of the mixed solution immediately after mixing is in a range of 0.01-50 ppm, and such that concentrations of the ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid and/or the soluble salts thereof, and the nonionic surface active agent in the mixed solution are in a range of 0.0001-1.0 w/v % and in a range of 0.01-1.0 w/v %, respectively; and immersing the contact lens in the mixed solution for cleaning and disinfecting the contact lens, resulting in gradual reduction of the available iodine remaining in the mixed solution, by the ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid and/or the soluble salts thereof.

Abstract: A hydrogen peroxide destroying composition is disclosed, which includes 1-30% of a hydrogen peroxide destroying component, 0.5-40% of a binder, 0-20% of a disintegrant and 0.02-3% of a chlorophyll coloring agent, based on the weight of the hydrogen peroxide destroying composition. When the hydrogen peroxide destroying composition of the present invention in the form of a tablet or pills added into a H.sub.2 O.sub.2 -containing aqueous medium for disinfecting contact lens, said coloring agent will color the aqueous medium indicating an initiation of neutralization of residual H.sub.2 O.sub.2 caused by the hydrogen peroxide destroying component after a period of time from the addition.

Abstract: The flat case comprises a case body (1) comprising at least one wall (2) defining a disinfecting chamber (10) open at one end and intended to take a lens (50) to be disinfected, at least one removable cap (20) intended to be fixed on the open end of the chamber, at least one catalytic element secured to the cap (20) capable of being immersed in the disinfecting solution (10) and comprising a catalyst support and a catalyst (34) and at least one protective element (30) secured to the cap (20) having an end wall (32) provided with passages (33) for the disinfecting solution, forming a barrier between the lens (50) and the catalytic element, and at the same time holding the lens securely.The invention has application to the disinfecting of contact lenses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for disinfection of a medical apparatus, in particular a dialysis machine, comprising disinfection of areas of the apparatus that are to be kept germ-free, and catalytic decomposition of the disinfectant, in particular NaOCl, used for this purpose, as well as a device for carrying out this process.

Abstract: Compositions, and methods for using such compositions, which are useful to destroy hydrogen peroxide in a liquid aqueous medium, such as that used to disinfect contact lenses. In one embodiment, the composition comprises a hydrogen peroxide destroying component effective when released in a hydrogen peroxide-containing liquid aqueous medium to destroy or cause the destruction of hydrogen peroxide present in the hydrogen peroxide-containing liquid aqueous medium, and a barrier component acting to substantially prevent the release of the hydrogen peroxide destroying component for a period of time after the composition is initially contacted with the hydrogen peroxide-containing liquid aqueous medium, the barrier component comprising a material selected from the group consisting of water soluble cellulose derivatives and mixtures thereof having a molecular weight of at least about 20,000.

Abstract: A composition and method useful to quickly and effectively indicate whether a functional component such as catalase has been added to a clear solution such as a hydrogen peroxide solution involves compounding with the functional component an effective amount of vitamin B-12 such that when the compounded composition is added to the clear solution, the clear solution turns rose colored. By observing the rose color, the user can determine that the functional component has been added to the clear solution.

Abstract: A process for treating bacteria laden effluent from a sewage treatment digester to condition the effluent for release into the environment includes the steps of thoroughly mixing the effluent with a bactericide, conveying the mixed effluent to a reaction zone to completely kill any bacteria entrained in the waste water to provide a substantially bacteria free effluent, mixing an oxidant with the bacteria free effluent, maintaining the mixture for a sufficient time to permit substantially complete oxidation and neutralization of entrained bactericide, and discharging the treated effluent into the environment. In an alternative procedure the treated effluent is passed through a neutralizing filtration step to neutralize any active bactericide before the effluent is discharged to the environment.

Abstract: A lens case for disinfecting, cleaning, or storing contact lenses is described that provides a sealing and venting system for allowing the release of gas while avoiding liquid leakage. The venting means allows venting of gas when internal pressure increases, while maintaining a seal that is substantially gas and liquid-impermeable at other times. The lens case includes a cap securable to a container barrel and a mating cap. The venting of gas occurs via a tortuous-path mechanism resulting from appropriate surface roughness being produced on at least one of a pair of mating surfaces forming a seal between the cap and the container. In a preferred embodiment, a relatively roughened surface is produced on a cap flange that is in the shape of a circular lip downwardly extending from the inner surface of the cap. The mating surface of the cap flange sealingly presses against the rim portion of the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treatment of fluids, the invention being characterized in that ozone is generated in the medium, which ozone is exposed to UV radiation at the same time as it is being generated, so that the ozone is broken down and free radicals are obtained. The invention also relates to an apparatus in accordance with the method, which apparatus comprises an enclosure (1) provided with at least one inlet (2) and at least one outlet (3). The apparatus is characterized in that an oxidizing member (4) is arranged in the enclosure (1) and generates ozone and at the same time breaks down the ozone to free radicals.

Abstract: A disinfection apparatus including a container; a cap having an article-retaining means, a sealing means and a catalytic element-retaining means affixed thereto; and a catalytic element. The disinfection apparatus has particular utility in the disinfection of contact lenses with hydrogen peroxide solutions. Also disclosed are venting and sealing components, catalytic elements, molded article-retaining assemblies, and catalytic element formation methods.

Abstract: A method and system for disinfecting contact lenses with iodine using a neutralizing solution having a first, rapid neutralizing component which completes its reaction with available iodine in less than five seconds and a second, slower neutralizing component which completes its reaction with available iodine in about 3 to 30 minutes.

Abstract: The invention provides an optimized method and system for conducting a continuous-operation, closed-loop, flow-through vapor phase decontamination. By the method, a liquid decontaminant is vaporized and delivered into, through and out of a sealable chamber by means of a carrier gas that is recirculated in a closed-loop conduit circuit. After leaving the chamber, the vapor is decomposed and the carrier gas is partially and selectively dried in response to the monitored temperature, relative humidity, and decontaminant vapor concentration in the chamber. The degree of drying is particularly selected in response to these chamber parameters to maintain a predetermined percent saturation of the decontaminant vapor in the chamber.

Abstract: A method for the removal and rapid decomposition of halogenated fumigation agents is described. A fumigation agent, such as methyl bromide, contained in the gas stream exiting a fumigation chamber or structure is captured on activated carbon or other retentive substrate and rapidly decomposed using thiosulfate and water. The method provides an inexpensive, safe, and on-site executable way to remove and detoxify methyl bromide from fumigation discharge gases, thereby reducing or eliminating methyl bromide emissions into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A system for disinfecting a contact lens includes a first container section holding a first liquid medium containing hydrogen peroxide. A second container section is provided and holds a second liquid medium containing a hydrogen peroxide destroying component. The first and second container sections are configured to substantially simultaneously provide the first liquid medium and the second liquid medium to form a combined liquid medium containing an amount of hydrogen peroxide from the first liquid medium effective to disinfect a contact lens contacted with the combined liquid medium and an amount of hydrogen peroxide destroying component from the second liquid medium effective to destroy at least a major amount of the hydrogen peroxide in the combined liquid medium.

Abstract: A method for producing chlorine dioxide by activating zeolite crystals (which have been impregnated with metal chlorite such as sodium chlorite, and a water-retaining substance such as magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, or potassium hydroxide, or calcium chloride) with an acid, or activating an aqueous solution of metal chlorite (preferably sodium chlorite) and such a water-retaining substance. Acids useful for performing the activation are acetic acid, phosphoric acid, and citric acid. The activation can be performed by causing fluid to flow through a bed of zeolite crystals impregnated with calcium chloride (or another water-retaining substance) and sodium chlorite, and a bed of zeolite crystals impregnated with the acid. The two beds can be physically mixed together, or the fluid can be caused to flow sequentially through distinct first and second beds (preferably first through the bed containing acid-impregnated zeolite).

Abstract: An ozone sterilizer includes a generator capable of generating a gas containing at least about 10% by weight ozone, a holding tank, a humidification chamber for receiving the ozonated gas and humidifying it to form a sterilant including at least about 8% by weight ozone at a humidity of at least about 60%, a vent for bleeding sterilant from the humidification chamber over a first catalyst, a sterilization chamber for receiving a controlled flow of sterilant which is in fluid communication with a pump for evacuating the sterilization chamber over a second catalyst, a vent for bleeding the sterilant from the sterilization chamber and a heater for providing warm air drawn into the sterilization chamber by the pump.

Abstract: Compositions and methods useful for disinfecting a contact lens are disclosed. The present methods comprise contacting a contact lens with a liquid medium containing an effective amount of an oxidative disinfectant component at conditions to effectively disinfect the contact lens. The contacting occurs in the presence of a color indicator component which is soluble in the liquid medium and is adapted to provide a color indication of the presence of the oxidative disinfectant component in the liquid medium. The color indicator component comprises an effective amount of a transition metal component which is redox active, has an oxidized state of a first color and a reduced state of a different second color and a polyanionic component in an amount effective to inhibit the staining of the contact lens by the transition metal component.

Abstract: Hot, saturated water vapor in the form of low-temperature subatmospheric steam is employed to shorten the aeration period after sterilization with a condensable, heat-labile chemical sterilant. The application of steam accelerates the rate of outgassing of sterilant residuals that are absorbed into, or adsorbed or condensed onto chamber or load materials. The method is particularly suitable for removing residuals from polymeric materials and/or materials that are poor heat conductors. Apparatus is provided to supply steam in situations where a utility steam supply is not available.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for destroying hydrogen peroxide, for example, contact lens disinfecting amounts of hydrogen peroxide, are disclosed. The present invention utilizes non-mammalian-derived catalase, for example, catalase obtained as a result of the action of one or more microorganisms such as Micrococcus luteus, Aspergillus niger and mixtures thereof, to promote the destruction of hydrogen peroxide. Such non-mammalian-derived catalase has substantial advantages, e.g., enhanced stability, relative to bovine catalase, which is conventionally used in such contact lens-related applications.

Abstract: A method and case for disinfection of contact lenses wherein the contact lenses are placed in a double chamber filled with cleaning fluid, for example, hydrogen peroxide, with the case comprising a third chamber or position connected with the double chamber. The third chamber is adapted to take up and hold a tablet containing a neutralization agent such as catalase, so that the hydrogen peroxide in the double chamber is neutralized suitably slowly by admission of the cleaning fluid to dissolve the tablet. By the dissolution of the tablet, oxygen is generated, and an oxygen bubble is formed around the tablet so that the hydrogen peroxide is alternately kept from the tablet and ultimately is admitted access to the tablet. Rather than provide a double chamber, a holder member may be provided for holding the respective contact lenses, with the tablet being accommodated at a lower end of the holder and being exposed to the cleaning fluid when the holder is inserted into the cleaning fluid.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for disinfecting and cleaning contact lenses include a liquid medium containing hydrogen peroxide and a defined ethylene oxide/propylene oxide block copolymer. An advantageously reduced amount of foaming occurs when the hydrogen peroxide is destroyed, particularly by the action of catalase.

Abstract: In a method of producing a virus-safe biological preparation by heating while preserving a least 50% of its biologic activity, a biologially compatible tenside is added to the preparation before heating and heating is carried out in the presence of the same, whereupon the tenside, preferably, is eliminated.

Abstract: A method for producing chlorine dioxide by moving fluid (such as air) relative to (e.g. flowing the fluid through) a first bed of zeolite crystals impregnated with at least one of the following: phosphoric acid, acetic acid and citric acid, and then moving the fluid relative to a second bed of zeolite crystals impregnated with sodium chlorite and/or zeolite crystals impregnated with chlorine. Optionally, at least some of the produced chlorine dioxide is absorbed by moving the fluid relative to (e.g., flowing the fluid through) a third bed of chemically impregnated zeolite crystals.

Abstract: In an apparatus for disinfecting contact lenses (19, 20), said contact lenses are immersed in a reaction vessel (1) with a 3% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 -solution (21). The contact lenses (19, 20) are placed in a lens holder (13, 14) on a frame (6) which also comprises a catalyst (9) in a compartment (7), to which the H.sub.2 O.sub.2 -solution has access. The catalyst (9) neutralizes the H.sub.2 O.sub.2 -solution, but said neutralization is delayed at first by the developed oxygen being collected and maintained in contact with the surface of an apertured system of spokes (10; 10a to 10h) of the catalyst (9) in such a manner that the disinfecting effect is improved.

Abstract: A method and gas sterilizing unit for gas sterilization of a product. The method and gas sterilizing unit obviates the need of a separate preconditioning area or cell, the need to transfer items being sterilized to a separate sterilizing chamber and the need to further transfer the sterilized items to a separate degassing cell or area or room.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing liquid chromatography resins that are highly resistant to oxidation by strongly oxidizing agents and a sterilization solution for use therein. In a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises contacting an oxidant-resistant chromatographic resin with an aqueous solution of peracetic acid and up to 40% ethanol. In particular, where the solution is to be used to sterilize a positively charged ion-exchange resin, the solution preferably additionally includes an acetate buffer of a sufficient ionic strength to prevent adsorption of the peracetic acid ions on the resin.

Abstract: A composition for delaying release of an active component into an aqueous fluid is taught which includes a capsule that swells in the presence of an aqueous fluid allowing moisture to enter the capsule into contact with a capsule decomposing agent activated by the entering moisture such that the agent decomposes the capsule sufficiently to release the active agent at a predetermined delayed time after the capsule contacts the aqueous fluid. A preferred capsule composition is gelatin and decomposing agents are a proteolytic enzyme or a salt that effects the osmotic gradient of the system. The controlled release composition of the invention is preferably utilized in a soft contact lens disinfecting system wherein a solution of hydrogen peroxide disinfects the lenses followed by neutralization of residual hydrogen peroxide wherein release of the neutralizing agent is delayed by means of the capsule proteolytic enzyme or salt composition.

Abstract: In a method of producing a virus-safe biological preparation by heating while preserving a least 50% of its biologic activity, a biologially compatible tenside is added to the preparation before heating and heating is carried out in the presence of the same, whereupon the tenside, preferably, is eliminated.

Abstract: A lens storage container having an interior coated with an enzymatic cleaning composition useful for cleaning and disinfecting contact lenses.

Abstract: The concentration of airborne microorganisms can be substantially reduced by passing air containing a concentration of microorganisms through a core of desiccant. Preferably, the core of desiccant is present in a moisture transfer wheel, which forms part of an open-cycle air conditioning system. The preferred desiccant is a large-pored crystalline titaniumsilicate molecular sieve, which can be regenerated into an essentially anhydrous state at a regeneration temperature of less than about 200.degree. F., and thereafter can absorb moisture from air to provide air having a vapor pressure of less than about 3 torr.

Abstract: A method of treating contact lenses comprising the use of an iodine-chromophore to indicate neutralization of oxidative disinfectants.

Abstract: An improved method for rapid disinfection of contact lenses in a convenient and reliable manner is disclosed in which a series of oxidation-reduction reactions are employed. Specifically, dichloroisocyanurate and potassium iodide react to form iodine species for disinfecting the contact lens. An amount of ascorbate is then added to neutralize the iodine species.

Abstract: A method for producing chlorine dioxide by moving fluid (such as air) relative to a first bed of zeolite crystals impregnated with sodium chlorine and/or zeolite crystals impregnated with chlorine, and by moving the fluid relative to a second bed of zeolite crystals impregnated with one of the following: phosphoric acid, acetic acid and citric acid. The first and second beds may be physically mixed together. A further aspect of the present invention relates to removing chlorine dioxide from a fluid by moving the fluid relative to a bed of zeolite crystals impregnated with one of the following: potassium hydroxide, sodium sulfite, sodium bisulfate and ferrous sulfate. This method may be used to remove chlorine dioxide produced using the method for producing chlorine dioxide described above.

Abstract: The present invention relates to catalases obtained from a strain of Scytalidium thermophilum or Humicola insolens which retains at least 75% residual activity after 20 minutes at 70.degree. C. and a pH in the range of 9.0-10.5 in the presence of 40 mM polyvinyl pyrrolidone and methods for producing and using same.

Abstract: A method for producing chlorine dioxide by moving fluid (such as air) relative to a first bed of zeolite crystals impregnated with sodium chlorite and/or zeolite crystals impregnated with chlorine, and by moving the fluid relative to a second bed of zeolite crystals impregnated with at least one of the following: phosphoric acid, acetic acid and citric acid. The first and second beds may be physically mixed together.

Abstract: A procedure for disinfecting and cleaning contact lenses, including introducing the lenses into a container containing therein an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution and a destabilizer component therefor, prepared in such a way that enables this component to cause controlled peroxide destabilization from the first instance and to maximize its oxidizing action in order to achieve a more efficient lens disinfection and cleaning. As a final result of the process, there is a hydrogen peroxide degradation that results in levels that allow the transformed solution to be compatible with the eye and to maintain the contact lens cleanliness parameters.

Abstract: A self-contained biological indicator includes an outer container that is translucent and liquid impermeable. The container is normally closed by a vapor-permeable, micro-organism-impermeable closure and contains a source of viable microorganisms, a culture medium, a composition that decomposes hydrogen peroxide, and a detector that undergoes a visible change in response to growth of the microorganisms. In operation, the indicator is first subjected to a sterilization cycle in a hydrogen peroxide sterilizer. Without opening the outer container, the microorganism source, culture medium, and hydrogen peroxide-decomposing composition are brought into contact. The indicator is placed in an incubator, after which the detector responds to any microorganism growth, indicative of incomplete sterilization.

Abstract: An apparatus and method useful for disinfecting a contact lens are disclosed. The apparatus includes a color indicator element comprising an iodine component substantially irreversibly bonded to a solid material, preferably an anion exchange resin. The color indicator element is located in an oxidative disinfectant-containing liquid medium. This color indicator element provides a color indication of the presence of the oxidative disinfectant, e.g., hydrogen peroxide, in the liquid medium, and preferably a different color indication of the substantial absence of the oxidative disinfectant in the liquid medium.

Abstract: The efficacy of buffered H.sub.2 O.sub.2 disinfecting formulations for contact lenses is improved by incorporationg into such formulations a surface active agent.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for destroying hydrogen peroxide, for example, contact lens disinfecting amounts of hydrogen peroxide, are disclosed. The present invention utilizes non-mammalian-derived catalase, for example, catalase obtained as a result of the action of one or more microorganisms such as Micrococcus luteus, Aspergillus niger and mixtures thereof, to promote the destruction of hydrogen peroxide. Such non-mammalian-derived catalase has substantial advantages, e.g., enhanced stability, relative to bovine catalase, which is conventionally used in such contact lens-related applications.

Abstract: Unused methyl bromide from a fumigation cycle is captured by adsorption on a molecular sieve and recycled for reuse or recovery by desorption with hot gas without the need to purge the fumigation chamber with outside air. The loss of methyl bromide to the atmosphere is minimal.