Abstract: Surfaces and articles or devices sterilized with an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution are treated with an aqueous solution comprising a sufficient amount of sodium pyruvate to decompose the hydrogen peroxide. The invention includes a method and sterilization system which is particularly useful in medical applications. Hydrophilic contact lenses may be conveniently sterilized with a hydrogen peroxide solution and rendered non-irritating to the eyes by treating the sterilized lenses with a sterile, sodium pyruvate solution which decomposes any hydrogen peroxide remaining with the lenses.

Abstract: A method of sterilization for hospital and field use in which an article to be sterilized is submerged in water and ozone, which is supplied from a separate source, is bubbled through said water and over said article so as to provide an ozone concentration in excess of water saturation alone. Such a process can be used to kill even the most difficult bacteria and spores in shorter times than ethylene oxide sterilizers and further can be used for instruments which cannot stand steam temperatures or pressure changes.

Abstract: A combination unsaturated chemical vapor sterilization system and a steam sterilization system utilizing the same sterilizing chamber. It includes a pressure chamber in communication with a source of sterilizing chemicals and water, transport means to selectively deliver sterilizing chemicals or water into the chamber, a heating element to heat the interior of the chamber, and a microprocessor control panel operably associated with the heating element and transport means to control the sterilant composition, the temperature and the pressure within the chamber at any given time in accordance with a preselected setting.

Abstract: A container with a liquid-impervious, vapor-permeable membrane for sterilizing lenses and storing them using the buffered hydrogen peroxide saline solution. The container is also provided with catalytic means to decompose the hydrogen peroxide following termination of the sterilizing period with the membrane permitting escape of the gases produced by the decomposition while preventing passage of liquid therethrough.

Abstract: Packing material for foodstuff is sterilized with hydrogen peroxide. Residual hydrogen peroxide on the material is then removed by contacting the material with an anti-oxidant or reducing agent which is an approved food additive. L-ascorbic acid is preferred.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sterilizing medical devices and the like. The apparatus comprises means for the recirculation of a sterilant gas and a diluting gas through narrow passages in the medical device in sufficient quantity and for sufficient time to sterilize bacteriologically, and then to aerate, exposed passage surfaces. The method comprises the circulation of a sterilant gas through a contaminated device bacteriologically to sterilize exposed surfaces, and thereafter to remove the sterilant gas by purging with sterile air or other inert gas.

Abstract: Disclosed are culture media comprising a gelling agent, germicidal bleach containing a halogen, a halogen-inactivating agent to inactivate residual halogen and conventional nutrients.Also disclosed is a method for sterilizing a culture medium without autoclaving same by dissolving a gelling agent in buffered water; adding thereto a germicidal bleach containing a halogen; thereby forming a suspension; heating the suspension to boiling; adding to the stirred and heated suspension an excess of halogen-inactivating agent to neutralize residual halogen and then adding nutrients.

Abstract: A sterilizing solution for contact lenses particularly those formed of a hydrophilic polymer comprises (a) an alkali metal salt of formic acid, and (b) an iodophor selected from the group consisting of complexes of iodine with hydrophilic polymer and non-ionic surface active agent. The alkali metal salt and the iodophor are present in predetermined quantities such that the sterilizing solution contains sufficient alkali metal salt to reduce the available iodine level of the sterilizing solution to substantially zero within a period of from 30 minutes to 8 hours at a temperature of from 20.degree. to 25.degree. C. The iodophor and the alkali metal salt of formic acid may be packaged in solid or powdered form, particularly in unit doses, and made into solution at the point of use.

Abstract: Sterilizing apparatus preferably comprises an enclosure surrounding the top, bottom and sides of a central sterilizing enclosure space and adjacent inlet and outlet enclosure spaces opening horizontally to the exterior of the enclosure at the opposite ends thereof. A continuously moving conveyor carries open-topped containers to be sterilized horizontally through the inlet, sterilizing and outlet enclosure spaces of the enclosure. The sterilizing enclosure space is divided by partition walls into an upper compartment which opens at the bottom thereof into a lower compartment immediately above the path of travel of the open tops of the containers passing through the lower compartment of the sterilizing enclosure space.

Abstract: A system for producing a stream of humidified sterilizing gas for sterilizing objects such as the water systems of space vehicles and the like. The system includes a source of sterilant gas which is fed to a mixing chamber having inlet and outlet ports. Water is carried in the mixing chamber with the level of the water only partially filling said mixing chamber so as to provide an empty space adjacent the top of the chamber. A heater is provided for heating the water in said chamber producing a humidified atmosphere. The sterilant gas is fed through an arcuate shaped tubular member connected to the inlet port of the mixing chamber for producing a vortex type of flow of sterilant gas into the chamber for being humidified. A tubular member extends from the mixing chamber for supplying the humidified sterilant gas to the object for being sterilized. Scrubbers are provided for removing the sterilant gas after use.

Abstract: Disclosed are culture media comprising an aqueous solution of a gelling agent, a compound such as a bleach capable of sterilizing the gelling agent and its container.Also disclosed is a method for sterilizing a culture medium without autoclaving same by dissolving a gelling agent in boiling water; adding cool water to the aqueous gelling agent solution; dissolving a sterilizing agent in the cooled solution adding nutrients and then growing the culture.