Treating Bulk Material Patents (Class 422/32)
  • Publication number: 20080014112
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: Olaf Nathan Lee, Gregory Michael Fuchs
  • Patent number: 7273585
    Abstract: A biological fluid disposal system having a water flow line, a biological fluid line in fluid communication with the water flow line, a disinfectant line in fluid communication with the water flow line and the biological fluid line, and a venturi connected to one of the lines for creating a suction force so as to draw a biological fluid and a disinfectant in mixed relationship through the water flow line. The venturi includes a source of water pressure connected to the water flow line such that the water flow across an opening of either the biological fluid line and disinfectant line creates the suction force. The disinfectant line is connected to the biological fluid line between the water flow line and source of biological fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: James M. White
  • Publication number: 20070193454
    Abstract: To kill insects on fresh produce, the fresh produce is placed into the interior of a vacuum chamber and a partial vacuum is drawn and maintained within the interior for a time interval adequate to kill the insects. In some examples the holding step is carried out with the absolute pressure maintained in a range of 4.57 to 5.0 mm Hg. In some examples a pathogen-killing sanitizing gas is injected into the vacuum chamber at the end of the time interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Applicant: Western Precooling Systems
    Inventor: Richard S. Brown
  • Patent number: 7252096
    Abstract: On-Line and Off-Line methods of simultaneously cleaning and disinfecting an industrial water system are described and claimed. The methods involve the addition to the water of the industrial water system of a Compound selected from the group consisting of the alkali salts of chlorite and chlorate and mixtures thereof; and an acid, followed by allowing the water in the industrial water system to circulate for several hours. The reaction of the alkali salts of chlorite and chlorate and acid produces chlorine dioxide in-situ in the water of the industrial water system. The chlorine dioxide kills microorganisms and the acid acts to remove deposits upon the water-contact surfaces of the equipment. An alternative method involves the use of a chelating agent and a biocide. Other possible cleaning and disinfection reagents may be added as needed including corrosion inhibitors, chelating agents, biocides, surfactants and reducing agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Nalco Company
    Inventors: Jasbir S. Gill, Amit Gupta
  • Patent number: 7189349
    Abstract: An enclosure assembly (10, 10, 10) includes a framework (12) formed from structural members and a flexible transparent enclosure (14) which provides an enclosed space for isolation and or treatment of patients, equipment, and the like. A treatment material, such as hydrogen peroxide or other gaseous or vapor sterilant, may be fed to the enclosure to microbially decontaminate or otherwise treat the equipment. The enclosure is quickly assembled and disassembled after use, making it suitable for treatment of large pieces of equipment which are not readily moved or which are too large to be accommodated conventional sterilization equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Steris Inc
    Inventor: David A. Karle
  • Patent number: 7153471
    Abstract: A method of decontaminating a structure contaminated by pathogenic microorganisms such as bacillus anthracis and its spores, B. subtilis var niger and its spores, and B. stearothermophilus and its spores. The steps include sealing a contaminated structure sufficiently to enable retention of a gas, introducing methyl bromide gas into sealed contaminated structure to a concentration of methyl bromide in an amount sufficient to deactivate said pathogenic microorganisms and to disable germination of pathogenic bacteria spores, and maintaining said sealed contaminated structure with said concentration of methyl bromide at a sufficient temperature for a sufficient period of time, and deactivating said pathogenic microorganisms and disabling germination of said pathogenic bacteria spores associated with said contaminated structure. The method is performed approximately in the range of 20° C. to 40° C., and the concentration of methyl bromide is about 80 mg/l to 303 mg/l during the decontamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventors: Mark J. Weinberg, Rudolf H. Scheffrahn
  • Patent number: 7144551
    Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods associated therewith for killing molds and reducing other contaminating bioburden that may include bacteria and their spores, yeast, and viruses within various dwellings including homes, office buildings, institutions, and any other enclosed space in which humans reside, either temporarily or permanently. The technology of the present invention can be used to treat vehicles, airplanes, and ships. A process according to the invention includes the generation of a gaseous oxyhalogen species and distribution of the gaseous oxyhalogen species throughout a selected dwelling. It has been unexpectedly found that the concentration level of gaseous oxyhalogen species necessary to kill molds according to the inventive methods is far below that previously recognized in the art as being necessary for the killing of such molds. Thus, mold infestations may be killed in dwellings with minimal disruption to the usual business of the inhabitants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: DH Technologies, L.L.P.
    Inventors: Danny O. Helton, David W. Hobson, Lawton A. Seal
  • Patent number: 7090808
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for testing one or more sterilization indicators (e.g., biological indicators or chemical indicators) or other articles by contacting them under controlled sterilization conditions with a flowing antimicrobial gas containing hydrogen peroxide vapor are disclosed. This invention also provides apparatus and method for testing sterilization processes that use a flowing antimicrobial gas containing hydrogen peroxide vapor under controlled sterilization conditions, or for testing materials for such processes under controlled sterilization conditions, or for testing both such processes and such materials under controlled sterilization conditions. There can be an essentially square-wave contact of the sterilization indicators or other articles with the antimicrobial gas (i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Pharmaceutical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ross A. Caputo, Robert R. Reich, Jr., Robert J. Thrash, Jimmy Fisher, Davoud Khorzad, Thomas F. Cullen
  • Patent number: 7064241
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Jerry S. Brown, Richard C. Hodge, Margaret A. McCabe, Karen A. McGrady, Amanda S. Schilling
  • Patent number: 7025932
    Abstract: A method of sterilizing a sealable enclosure includes initially adjusting the relative humidity in the enclosure to a level substantially below ambient, circulating a carrier gas to the enclosure at a temperature raised above ambient and supplying a sterilant vapor or vapors to the circulating carrier gas sufficient to saturate substantially the gas. On cooling in the enclosure, a condensate of the sterilant vapor is formed on surfaces in the enclosure, which is measured whilst continuing to circulate the gas/vapor until a required amount of condensate has been formed on a the surface. Supply of sterilant vapor to the gas is terminated whilst circulating the saturated gas/vapor continues to maintain the condensate on the enclosure surfaces for a predetermined period of time. Finally the sterilant vapor is extracted from the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Bioquell UK Limited
    Inventors: Anthony Martin, David Watling
  • Patent number: 7001631
    Abstract: Almonds are often harvested off the ground from around trees which have been fertilized with manure. Potentially hazardous microbes are transferred from the husk to the shells during the dehusking process. During deshelling, shell dust with attached microbes escapes into the atmosphere and can permeate an entire packaging facility, contaminating previously uncontaminated packaging and food products. A sterile barrier is provided around the packaging facility. As the almonds in the shell are passed through the barrier, their shells are sanitized. After the nutmeats are removed from the shells, the nutmeats are sanitized again and packaged in packaging which has been sanitized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Steris Inc.
    Inventors: Thaddeus J. Mielnik, Matthew C. Lawes, Gerald E. McDonnell
  • Patent number: 6994823
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Next Step Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: H. Thomas Hight, III
  • Patent number: 6960350
    Abstract: An antifungal fragrance composition containing as its active ingredients: (a) at least one type of fragrance component selected from the group consisting of an aliphatic or aromatic aldehyde having 5 to 16 carbon atoms and an aliphatic or aromatic alcohol having 5 to 16 carbon atoms, and (b) at least one type of compound different from component (a) and selected from the group consisting of an aliphatic or aromatic aldehyde, an aliphatic or aromatic alcohol, acetal and ester that produces synergistic antifungal effects in the presence of said fragrance component (a). The present antifungal fragrance composition demonstrates antifungal activity by adding a small amount of oils and fragrant chemical products that have a minimal effect on the scent of the fragrance composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Takasago International Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Hanada, Hisao Iwai, Jun Fujigasaki
  • Patent number: 6955786
    Abstract: A gaseous blend of CO2 and Ox and a method for applying a continuous stream of a gaseous blend of CO2 and Ox to a material are disclosed. The gaseous blend and the method significantly reduce the biological load on consumer products, such as food products, botanicals and cosmetic ingredients; in building structures; on transportation containers; and in soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Cosmed Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary B. Carman, Steven K. Wirtz
  • Patent number: 6949219
    Abstract: A process is provided for the disinfection of activated carbon. The process comprises contacting contaminated carbon with peroxide-containing materials for a sufficient amount of time using enough peroxide to provide effective disinfection in a process that is relatively non-hazardous, convenient, and carbon-friendly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Calgon Carbon Corporation
    Inventor: Neal Megonnell
  • Patent number: 6923937
    Abstract: A soil biocide formulation for aqueous delivery comprising from about 50 to 99% by weight of the formulation of a fumigant preferably selected from the group consisting of methyl bromide, chloropicrin, 1-3 dichloropropene (Telone), propargyl bromide, dimethyl disulphide methylisothiocyanate and mixtures of them; and from about 50 to 1% emulsifier with the emulsifier being comprised of non-ionic and anionic surfactants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Trical, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean C. Storkan, Mark A. McCaslin, Matthew J. Gillis
  • Patent number: 6916446
    Abstract: Methyl halide contaminants are oxidized in a reaction chamber containing a methylotrophic bacterium through direct oxidation of the methyl halide contaminant. Methyl halides may be used as a disinfectant, with the remnant methyl halide contaminant oxidized through direct oxidation by the methylotrophic bacterium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Laurence G. Miller, Ronald S. Oremland, Shaun M. Baesman
  • Patent number: 6908592
    Abstract: A soil biocide formulation for aqueous delivery is disclosed. The formulation includes a biocide selected from methyl bromide, chloropicrin, 1-3 dichloropropene (Telone) and methgylisothiocyanate. The formulation also includes an emulsifier containing non-ionic and anionic surfactants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Trical, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean C. Storkan, Mark A. McCaslin, Matthew J. Gillis
  • Patent number: 6891079
    Abstract: A method of inhibiting production of ammonia from urine held adjacent a user's skin by an article. The method includes applying a composition including a Yucca sp. extract to an area of the wearer's skin. A wipe for wiping surfaces including a flexible sheet and a composition held by the sheet including a Yucca sp. extract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Koenig, Lisa M. Kroll
  • Patent number: 6852279
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold R. Williams, Szu-Min Lin, Robert Lukasik
  • Patent number: 6840251
    Abstract: On-Line and Off-Line methods of simultaneously cleaning and disinfecting an industrial water system are described and claimed. The methods involve the addition to the water of the industrial water system of a Compound selected from the group consisting of the alkali salts of chlorite and chlorate and mixtures thereof; and an acid, followed by allowing the water in the industrial water system to circulate for several hours. The reaction of the alkali salts of chlorite and chlorate and acid produces chlorine dioxide in-situ in the water of the industrial water system. The chlorine dioxide kills microorganisms and the acid acts to remove deposits upon the water-contact surfaces of the equipment. An alternative method involves the use of a chelating agent and a biocide. Other possible cleaning and disinfection reagents may be added as needed including corrosion inhibitors, chelating agents, biocides, surfactants and reducing agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Nalco Company
    Inventors: Jasbir S. Gill, Amit Gupta
  • Patent number: 6835362
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector assembly (3) for connection to a container (1) for sterilising goods, preferably for pharmaceutical applications, and a releasable connector port (5) for releasably connecting said connector assembly (3) to a treatment station (1) for the goods that is contained in said container (1). Said connector assembly (3) further includes a second port that initially is provided with a detachable rapid transfer port cap (4), which cap (4) corresponds to a rapid transfer port means (15) that is provided at a goods transfer station (12). The connector port (5) and the rapid transfer port cap (4) are in fluid connection via a good stopper means (7). The invention also relates to a multi-treatment sterilising system and to a method for transferring sterilised goods from a multi-purpose container using a system according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Getinge Sterilization Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Jan-Olof Eriksson
  • Patent number: 6823774
    Abstract: An adsorbent (2) is sandwiched by two films (4) from upper and lower directions; the two films (4) are bonded to upper and lower surfaces of the adsorbent (2). A skirt portion (4A) extending in a lateral direction of the adsorbent (2) is formed in an outer periphery of each of the films (4) and dispersing openings (8) are formed between the skirt portions (4A). Then, a freshness-keeping liquid impregnated in the adsorbent (2) is gradually dispersed outside from each side portion (2A) of the adsorbent (2) through the dispersing opening (8), whereby the adsorbent (2) in the freshness-keeping device (1) is prevented from contacting directly food and the freshness of the food can be kept stably in a long period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Fretek Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ushio Uranaka, Kouji Nishizaki, Yosuke Akiba
  • Patent number: 6821481
    Abstract: A continuous processing apparatus includes a dissolution section for dissolving liquid carbon dioxide into a continuously supplied liquid-form raw material, and a processing section for holding the liquid-form raw material with liquid carbon dioxide dissolved therein under predetermined temperature and pressure to thereby transform carbon dioxide into a supercritical or subcritical state. Thus, bacteria, enzyme and the like contained in the liquid-form raw material can be effectively killed or decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Yutaka Osajima, Mitsuya Shimoda, Masaki Miyake
  • Publication number: 20040228757
    Abstract: Phosphine gas is generated by agitating a reaction mixture of a metal phosphide and water with agitation air in a reaction pot of a phosphine gas generator. The resulting phosphine gas is then diluted with dilution air to produce a fumigant phosphine gas which is directly delivered to a commodity for fumigation. The reaction pot does not have any rotating means such as agitators, rotors, or stirrers. The generator provides on-site generation of phosphine gas in a rapid manner improving the fumigation efficiency for a commodity, such as grain, preferably contained within a storage structures, such as a grain silo. The generator has a built in deactivation system for the unused metal phosphide and phosphine gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Shroff Rajnikant Devidas, Pushpaksen P. Asher
  • Publication number: 20040228758
    Abstract: A disinfectant delivery system and method of providing alcohol-free disinfection to a body to be disinfected, as well as a method of infection reduction by preparation of a patient before an invasive procedure. A blended cloth comprising first fibers and second fibers is provided with the first fibers generally being greater in quantity by weight than the second fibers. A disinfectant solution impregnates the blended cloth, with the disinfectant solution having chlorhexidine gluconate as an active ingredient and having no alcohol. In the method according to the invention, at least one impregnated blended cloth is used to disinfect at least a portion of a body. A plurality of blended cloths can be provided for disinfecting discrete portions of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas Keaty, Robert J. Panek, Paul H Hanifl
  • Patent number: 6808681
    Abstract: Containers which are ready to be filled or a package material having a plastic surface can be sterilized by hydrogen peroxide in gaseous phase being supplied to the previously heated plastic surface, the entire sterilization procedure being performed with the hydrogen peroxide in gaseous phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance SA
    Inventor: Thomas Bjerborn
  • Publication number: 20040197222
    Abstract: The present invention is a method of decontaminating a structure contaminated by pathogenic microorganisms such as bacillus anthracis and its spores, B. subtilis var niger and its spores, and B. stearothermophilus and its spores, comprising the steps of sealing a contaminated structure sufficiently to enable retention of a gas, introducing methyl bromide gas into sealed contaminated structure to a concentration of methyl bromide in an amount sufficient to deactivate said pathogenic microorganisms and disable germination of pathogenic bacteria spores, and maintaining said sealed contaminated structure with said concentration of methyl bromide at a sufficient temperature for a sufficient period of time, and deactivating said pathogenic microorganisms and disabling germination of said pathogenic bacteria spores associated with said contaminated structure. The method is performed approximately in the range of 20° C. to 40° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Mark J. Weinberg, Rudolf H. Scheffrahn
  • Publication number: 20040191115
    Abstract: An automatic, continuous sterilization system is for use in a form, fill and seal packaging machine for forming, filling and sealing packages. The machine has a turret carrying a plurality of mandrels on which the packages are carried. A bottom panel heating station has a reciprocating bottom panel heater. The sterilization system includes a sterilant source for supplying a sterilant and a sterilant inlet at the bottom panel heater. Packages are positioned on one of the plurality of mandrels and are indexed to the bottom panel heater. The sterilant is introduced to the mandrel when the carton is positioned thereon. Introduction of the sterilant provides a log reduction of microbial colony forming units of at least about 5.9 after ten minutes of machine operation. A method for continuous mandrel sterilization is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Ronald Swank
  • Patent number: 6790411
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrogen peroxide indicator that includes a substrate on which is disposed an indicator composition that includes at least one of a select group of colorants. As a result of contact with hydrogen peroxide, the colorants change color, and even become colorless, thereby providing an indication of the presence of hydrogen peroxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: David M. Read
  • Patent number: 6776958
    Abstract: A device for treating a liquid effluent such as pig slurry containing significant quantities of nitrogen and phosphorus, the device including a mixing reactor for contacting the liquid effluent with the basic reagent, provided with an intake for said effluent and another intake for the basic reagent; an ammonia-extracting reactor, connected to the mixing reactor, and a tank for storing the treated liquid effluent derived from the ammonia-extracting reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Fibac
    Inventor: Claude Joly
  • Publication number: 20040141877
    Abstract: A mobile self-contained apparatus and process for grinding, grating, macerating, chemically disinfecting, and drying infectious waste material. A trailer (10) contains a hopper (27), a grinder/grater (28), an enclosed conveyor system, drying and filter apparatus, and sources of power, chemical disinfectant, and fresh water. Bagged infectious waste material in a cart is lifted and dumped into the hopper, sprayed with a sodium hypochlorite disinfectant solution, fed to the grinder/grater, ground, grated, and macerated into small particles of confetti-like material, sprayed again, immersed in the disinfectant solution, conveyed by an upwardly inclined screw conveyor (34) and thoroughly mixed therein, dried, passed into a vertical screw conveyor (47), and passed to a discharge screw conveyor (50) which discharges the dry confetti-like material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas J. Devine, Bobby Clark
  • Publication number: 20040136864
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: William L. Barham
  • Patent number: 6759006
    Abstract: A process for sanitizing a fabric article which is contaminated with one or more microbials. The process steps include: (a) placing the fabric article in a vapor venting bag together with a cleaning/refreshing composition comprising water; and (b) subjecting the vapor venting bag to a heat source which supplies sufficient heat to vaporize the water, thereby exposing the microbials to the resulting water vapor. This process results in at least about 50% of the microbials being killed. The cleaning/refreshing composition preferably comprises at least one antimicrobial agent selected from the group consisting of 5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol, trichlorocarbanalide, hydrogen peroxide, other oxygen bleaches, 4-chloro-3,5-dimethylphenol, iodine/iodophors, chlorhexidine, phenols, phospholipids, thymol, eugeniol, geraniol, oil of lemon grass, limonene and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Michael Peter Siklosi, James Peyton Hutchins
  • Patent number: 6756013
    Abstract: The present invention provides a composition having biological activity. The composition includes from about 10 ppm to about 5000 parts iodonium salt. The composition also includes from about 100 ppm to about 300,000 ppm of a compound to act as a carrier of the iodonium compound. The carrier is selected from at least one of polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl acetates, polyethylene glycols, ethylene glycol and propylene glycol block copolymers, cellulosic polymers, polyesters, alkyd polymers. The composition also includes from about 50 ppm to about 50,000 ppm of a compound to render the composition compatible with a surface being treated. This component is selected from at least one of di-acids, acid anhydrides, polyfunctional acids, di-ethylene glycol, resorcinol and the like. The composition also includes an appropriate vehicle selected from at least one of water, acidified water, paint, primer, and petroleum distillates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Cornell Development Corporation, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen W. Cornell, David D. Cornell, Paul W. Cornell
  • Publication number: 20040120849
    Abstract: Adhesive compositions, particularly medical adhesive compositions, often include several components that may react differently to different sterilization processes, particularly when combined with one another. The present invention is directed to methods of sterilizing different components or groups of components of a final adhesive composition. The different components or groups of components may be sterilized in separate containers before packaging the components or groups of components within a kit, and thereafter sterilizing the kit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: CLOSURE MEDICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ubonwan A. Stewart, Melanie Vander Klok
  • Patent number: 6749808
    Abstract: A sterilizable container (20) is described which includes a flexible bag (23), the flexible bag (23) having a hole in a flat portion thereof and a hollow connector port (22) fixed thereto, the connector port (22) including a collar portion (22A) and a flange portion (24) defining an internal bore (26) of the connector port (22), the inside surface of the flexible bag (23) being sealed to an outside surface of the flange portion (24) and the collar portion (22A) extending through the hole in the flexible bag (23). Also disclosed is an adapter (10) having an internal bore (12), the connector port (22) and the adapter (10) being sealably connectable by a clamping and sealing device (11, 13) so that the internal bores (12, 16) of the connector port (22) and the adapter (10) are in open communication. Preferably, the adapter (10) has a removable door (16) sealed to the end of the adapter (10) remote from the sealable connection to the connector port (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Huynen, Stéphane Huynen, Steven Vanhamel
  • Publication number: 20040091391
    Abstract: During the treatment, in particular cleaning, disinfecting and drying, of used, dirty endoscopes, in order to render them suitable once again for subsequent use, the following steps take place: placing a used, dirty endoscope in a rack, connecting the passages of the endoscope to a connection block which is arranged in a fixed position in the rack, placing the rack, with the endoscope therein, in at least one device for treating the endoscope, the connection block being connected to a counter-connection block which is present in the treatment device, in order to bring about a connection between the endoscopes and the treatment device, subjecting the endoscope which is accommodated in the rack to a specific treatment in the treatment device, taking the rack with the endoscope therein out of the treatment device, and uncoupling the endoscope from the connection block after it has been taken out of the final treatment device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Johannes Antonius Walta
  • Publication number: 20040062680
    Abstract: A chlorine dioxide gas producing apparatus has a first reaction component contained therein and a second reaction component contained therein. The first and second reaction components are separated within the apparatus by at least one rupturable membrane. To activate the apparatus, the at least one rupturable membrane is ruptured to permit contact between the first and second reaction components to facilitate a chemical reaction therebetween which produces chlorine dioxide gas. The apparatus is adapted for releasing chlorine dioxide gas produced therein. The apparatus may be placed into an enclosure containing articles to be treated and the enclosure then closed to permit a concentration of chloride dioxide gas produced by the apparatus sufficient to treat the at least one article to fill the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: BERNARD TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Joel J. Kampa
  • Publication number: 20040045479
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for destroying biological agents such as toxins and bacteria are provided wherein the substance to be destroyed is contacted with finely divided metal oxide or hydroxide nanocrystals. In various embodiments, the metal oxide or metal hydroxide nanocrystals have reactive atoms stabilized on their surfaces, species adsorbed on their surfaces, or are coated with a second metal oxide. The desired metal oxide or metal hydroxide nanocrystals can be pressed into pellets for use when a powder is not feasible. Preferred metal oxides for the methods include MgO, SrO, BaO, CaO, TiO2, ZrO2, FeO, V2O3, V2O5, Mn2O3, Fe2O3, NiO, CuO, Al2O3, SiO2, ZnO, Ag2O, [Ce(NO3)3—Cu(NO3)2]TiO2, Mg(OH)2, Ca(OH)2, Al(OH)3, Sr(OH)2, Ba(OH)2, Fe(OH)3, Cu(OH)3, Ni(OH)2, Co(OH)2, Zn(OH)2, AgOH, and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Olga Koper, Kenneth J. Klabunde, Lisa S. Martin, Kyle B. Knappenberger, Laura L. Hladky, Shawn P. Decker
  • Patent number: 6699433
    Abstract: The present invention is a method of decontaminating a structure contaminated by pathogenic microorganisms such as Bacillus anthracis and its spores, B. subtilis var niger and its spores, and B. stearothermophilus and its spores, comprising the steps of sealing a contaminated structure sufficiently to enable retention of a gas, introducing methyl bromide gas into sealed contaminated structure to a concentration of methyl bromide in an amount sufficient to deactivate said pathogenic microorganisms and disable germination of pathogenic bacteria spores, and maintaining said sealed contaminated structure with said concentration of methyl bromide at a sufficient temperature for a sufficient period of time, and deactivating said pathogenic microorganisms and disabling germination of said pathogenic bacteria spores associated with said contaminated structure. The method is performed approximately in the range of 20° C. to 40° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventors: Mark J. Weinberg, Rudolf H. Scheffrahn
  • Publication number: 20040028554
    Abstract: A system and process is provided for removing or treating harmful biologic and organic substances within an enclosure, such as a container, building or vehicle. Air within the enclosure is heated to a predetermined temperature to kill organisms and cause harmful substances in the structure to migrate into the ambient air. Boric acid in combination with the heat may be used to kill mold and similar undesirable organisms. Temperature and pressure levels are monitored. The heated air carrying the harmful substances is passed through a filter to remove the harmful substances, and the heated air is re-circulated to enhance efficiency. The system effectively kills insects, molds, viruses and bacteria and reduces the levels of allergens and volatile organic compounds in the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: David E. Hedman
  • Publication number: 20040022670
    Abstract: A method and apparatus or system for de-contaminating and/or sanitizing mail in which a quantity of mail is placed into a confined chamber and the atmosphere in the chamber is evacuated to provide a sub-atmospheric pressure. The chamber is filled with an active gas that deactivates or degrades targeted bio-hazardous materials, and, after a pre-selected perio of time, the gas is evacuated from the confined chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Applicants: Lockheed Martin Corp., a Maryland corporation, Sandia National Laboratories
    Inventors: Clifford A. Megerle, Duane Lee Lindner
  • Publication number: 20040022676
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for delivery of a gas, e.g., carbon dioxide and/or chlorine dioxide, and methods of its use and manufacture. The apparatus includes a sachet constructed in part with a hydrophobic material. The sachet contains one or more reactants that generate a gas in the presence of an initiating agent, e.g., water. The apparatus can also include a barrier layer and/or a rigid frame. In another embodiment, the apparatus is combined with a reservoir that can be used to deliver a gas to the reservoir and, optionally, a conduit. In another embodiment, the apparatus is incorporated into a fluid dispersion system that includes a dispersion apparatus, e.g., a humidifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Applicant: Selective Micro Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Richard A. Hamilton, John J. Warner
  • Publication number: 20040022671
    Abstract: A decontaminator and methods of decontamination of objects within a chamber, or the chamber itself. The decontaminator includes a decontaminant container for storing decontaminant. The container is connected to a valve to regulate the flow of decontaminant out of the container and into a vapor box or directly into a chamber. A heater heats the decontaminant in the vapor box to form a vapor. A fan may be implemented to disburse the vapor into the chamber. A decontaminant distribution device may also be included to improve circulation of the decontaminant within the chamber. A decontamination method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: James Malatesta
  • Patent number: 6682697
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the sterilization and disinfection of agricultural and botanical products such as botanical powders. More particularly, the present invention is directed towards the use of HBS technology whereby contaminated agricultural products are contacted, at ambient pressure, with an oxidant such as nascent oxygen or hydroxyl radicals thus resulting in the oxidization and destruction of the contaminating microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Pure World Botanicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Kan He, Baoliang Cui, Zhong Guan Shao, Natalie I. Koether, Val Madis, Qun Yi Zheng
  • Publication number: 20040009094
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for generating a homogeneous aqueous mist solution containing a solvent such as water and a biocide agent such as chlorine dioxide, which would otherwise be unstable. The unstable biocide agent or chlorine dioxide is quickly dissolved or mixed with a mist of solvent causing the biocide agent to co-exist or co-mist therewith. The mist microencapsulates the biocide gas so that it does not decompose in the fumigation volume or space. The resulting homogenous mist solution provides a mist for delivering the biocide agent in a chemically stable form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Kayyani C. Adiga, Rajani Adiga
  • Patent number: 6676850
    Abstract: Method, composition and system for generating chlorine dioxide gas in a controlled release manner by combining at least one metal chlorite and a dry solid hydrophilic material that reacts with the metal chlorite in the presence of water vapor, but does not react with the metal chlorite in the substantial absence of liquid water or water vapor to produce chlorine dioxide gas in a sustained amount of from about 0.001 to 1,000 ppm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Engelhard Corporation
    Inventors: Barry K. Speronello, Appadurai Thangaraj, Xiaolin Yang
  • Publication number: 20040001776
    Abstract: A chemical vapor sterilization process is enhanced by flowing a portion of the sterilant vapor through an instrument container using a normal portion of the exhaust process. Preferably, an exhaust conduit which draws a vacuum on a sterilization chamber is oriented so that the container is adjacent an inlet to the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventors: Ben Fryer, Szu Min Lin, Robert Lukasik, Todd Morrison
  • Publication number: 20040001774
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventors: Harold R. Williams, Szu-Min Lin, Robert Lukasik