Treating Bulk Material Patents (Class 422/32)
  • Publication number: 20030219355
    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: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: Dean C. Storkan, Mark A. McCaslin, Matthew J. Gillis
  • Patent number: 6645429
    Abstract: A system and method for sterilizing to a desired level a food packaging area or room including the associated atmosphere that can be automated is provided. The method includes introducing the sterilizing agent as an aerosol suspension into the atmosphere of the food packaging area and exposed surfaces in the area, and then distributing the sterilizing agent to contact the surfaces therein that are to be sterilized with the sterilizing agent. The method may also include condensing the aerosol suspension to form a thin liquid film containing the sterilizing agent on exposed and nonexposed surfaces in the area or room to thereby effect sterilization of those surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: The Quaker Oats Company
    Inventor: Subodh Raniwala
  • Patent number: 6641781
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Johannes Antonius Walta
  • Patent number: 6638476
    Abstract: A unit for sterilizing strip packaging material for a pourable food product packaging machine, and having a sterilizing chamber for containing a liquid sterilizing agent and along which the packaging material is fed; a control circuit for controlling the sterilizing agent, and in turn having a collecting tank, input means for feeding the sterilizing agent from the tank to the chamber, and a drain assembly for draining the sterilizing agent from the chamber into the tank; a control system for controlling the temperature in the chamber; and preheating system for preheating the sterilizing agent in the tank, and which may be activated prior to feeding the sterilizing agent from the tank into the chamber; the preheating system for preheating the sterilizing agent may be activated independently of the control system for controlling the temperature in the chamber to bring the sterilizing agent to a temperature at least equal to that of the chamber before the sterilizing agent is fed into the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Detlef Elias, Paolo Benedetti
  • Publication number: 20030198571
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: Edward Lynch
  • Publication number: 20030194346
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrogen peroxide indicator and a peracetic acid indicator that include a substrate on which is disposed an indicator composition that includes at least one of a select group of colorants and a transition metal salt. As a result of exposure to hydrogen peroxide and/or peracetic acid, the colorants change color, and even become colorless, thereby providing an indication of the presence of hydrogen peroxide and/or peracetic acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: David M. Read
  • Publication number: 20030194347
    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: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Kan He, Baoliang Cui, Zhong Guan Shao, Natalie I. Koether, Voldemar Madis, Qun Yi Zheng
  • Patent number: 6632397
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a two-part or multi-part concentrate system for preparing an activated solution which can be diluted with water to a use-dilution solution having improved anti-corrosive properties at room temperature. The concentrate system contains a first component containing at least one oxidizing agent, preferably hydrogen peroxide and a second component containing at least formic acid in a concentration of about 25 wt %. At least one corrosion inhibitor and at least one surfactant are also included in the concentrate system. When mixed and diluted, the resulting solution is excellent in its sterilization and anti-corrosive properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Minntech Corporation
    Inventors: Mary Beth Henderson, Patricia M. Stanley, Bradley K. Onstad
  • Patent number: 6623695
    Abstract: An anticorrosive, penetration enhancing composition for cleaning decontaminating and rinsing includes electrochemically activated (ECA) water as the decontamination agent. The anticorrosive decontamination composition has, as the anticorrosive agent, a compound or mixture of compounds capable of inhibiting corrosion of various metals used in sterilization decontamination and rinsing systems and objects such as medical instruments. Preferred anticorrosive compounds include phosphates, azoles, and sulfates. Other additives, including wetting agents, are added to reduce the surface energy of the ECA water. This reduced surface energy permits the ECA water to penetrate into objects of complex design thus permitting complete decontamination of the treated object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Steris Corporation
    Inventors: Paul S. Malchesky, Christopher M. Fricker
  • Publication number: 20030165402
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shelf stable liquid disinfectant concentrate composition containing at least 1% by weight of a quat biocide (biocidally active quaternary ammonium compounds) and capable of dilution with 20 parts of water to 1 part of concentrate to produce a diluted solution, the diluted solution exhibiting a MIC after 24 hours in the presence of up to 2% tryptone (or the protein equivalent thereof) which is less than the MIC of a simple solution of the same concentration of the same quat biocide in water in the presence of the same concentration of the protein. The biocidal efficacy of the quat biocide may be protected by an “activity protector” selected from the group consisting of “enzyme stabilisers”, “enzyme stabilising systems”, micelle formation modifiers and inhibitors, and combinations thereof. The invention also relates to a disinfectant working solution prepared from the concentrate, and to a method of protecting a quat biocide from deactivation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventors: Alex Sava, Steven Kritzler
  • Patent number: 6613278
    Abstract: This invention includes a novel method for safely, effectively and efficiently pooling of tissues for treatment prior to implantation into a recipient in need thereof. In one embodiment, the method includes perfusion of a porous implant which achieves efficient interpenetration of desired factors into and removal of undesirable factors from the pores of the implant, cleaning of the implant, efficient passivation of the implant (inactivation of pathogens, microorganisms, cells, viruses and the like and reduction in antigenicity thereof), and the novel implant produced by such treatment. The process presents a system wherein the rate of pressure cycling, the fact of pressure cycling, and the amplitude of pressure cycling, results in highly cleaned tissues and other implants for implantation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Regeneration Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: C. Randal Mills, John F. Wironen, Sean Hanstke, Russell S. Donda, Jamie M. Grooms, John Bianchi
  • Patent number: 6610249
    Abstract: A composition for disinfecting an animal product comprising an electro-chemically activated, anion-containing aqueous solution. A plant for treating an animal product including a water reservoir (12), a salt feed device (16) for creating an aqueous salt solution, an electrolysis device (18) to produce anolyte and catolyte solutions, an anion mixing tank (28), and a treatment container (30) to apply the solution to an animal product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Radical Waters IP (PTY) LTD
    Inventor: Gilbert Theo Hinze
  • Patent number: 6607696
    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 an envelope, and a sachet within the envelope that contains reactant, which generates a gas in the presence of an initiating agent, e.g., water. The envelope allows release of the gas from the envelope. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes an envelope and a partition that separates two reactants within the envelope. The envelope allows an initiating agent into the envelope and release of the gas generated by the reactants in the presence of the initiating agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Selective Micro Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Richard A. Hamilton, John J. Warner
  • Patent number: 6605254
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of fumigating closed systems susceptible to microbially influenced corrosion (MIC). The method is particularly useful in a method for mitigating MIC in fire protection sprinkler systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Mark Aguilera, Ronald Gordon Bitney, Stephen Alan Conviser, Barbara Ruth Decaire
  • Patent number: 6605253
    Abstract: The presently disclosed disinfection process for use in the processing of foodstuffs is designed as an intervention step in poultry processing to allow for continuous on-line processing of poultry carcasses that may have accidentally become contaminated during the evisceration process. Such on-line processing is designed to replace the need for off-line manual washing and cleaning of the contaminated carcasses. By eliminating such off-line manual washing, food safety will be enhanced due to the elimination of the physical handling of carcasses and the cross-contamination that may result from such physical handling. An additional benefit is that the production process will also be able to run with a reduced number of interruptions, which will result in a more efficient production process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Zentox Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Perkins
  • Publication number: 20030147773
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for the sanitation of biologically contaminated dry goods using a combined gaseous chemical and thermal treatment. The invention consists of three primary items: (1) an chemical dispenser, (2) a sanitizing chamber, and (3) a method of decontamination employing the previous two items. The dispenser is designed to eliminate the need for direct operator handling of the sanitizing chemicals, while providing for the release of an appropriate volume of chemical into the gas phase for the treatment process at the desired treatment temperature. The treatment chamber provides for containment of the chemical treatment gases at the desired concentration for the duration of the treatment. The method involves the use of a mixture of the chemicals used in combination with the dispenser and chamber. The chemical mixture is selected for chemical stability during storage in the dispenser and efficiency during treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Roger S. Bryner, Neil Arnold
  • Patent number: 6602466
    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 an envelope, and a sachet within the envelope that contains reactant, which generates a gas in the presence of an initiating agent, e.g., water. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a barrier layer, a sachet layer disposed adjacent to the barrier layer, a reactant disposed between the barrier layer and the sachet layer that generates a gas in the presence of an initiating agent, and an envelope layer disposed adjacent to the sachet layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Selective Micro Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Richard A. Hamilton, John J. Warner
  • Publication number: 20030143111
    Abstract: The invention provides methods of using chlorine dioxide gas for the fumigation of building spaces, heating ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC, e.g., return supply ducts, heating and cooling coils and the like), vehicles, office spaces, process equipment, files, documents, mail, mail processing equipment, industrial process equipment and consumer related items under safe conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Gerald Cowley, John Y. Mason, Sameh F. Eltomi, Darrell L. Dechant
  • Publication number: 20030138347
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventor: Szu-Min Lin
  • Publication number: 20030133831
    Abstract: A method of impregnating a polymeric medical device with an antimicrobial agent is disclosed. The method involves forming a solution by dissolving triclosan in a compressed fluid and contacting the polymeric medical device with the solution. After the solution has been infused into the polymeric medical device, the solution and the medical device are separated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: Christopher J. Knors, Yelena Tropsha, Noel G. Harvey, Richard P. Clarke
  • Publication number: 20030133828
    Abstract: Methods to reduce the volitation and for neutralization of biological agents contained and emanating from objects such as mail pieces include the steps of providing an electrical charge to the biological agents, rendering the electrically charged airborne biological agents stationary, and neutralizing the stationary biological agents and the less volitant biological agents. The systems to reduce the volitation and for neutralization of biological agents include components capable of effecting the method described above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Applicant: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew T. Lucas
  • Publication number: 20030129082
    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. stearothermophilusand 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: March 28, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: Mark J. Weinberg, Rudolf H. Scheffrahn
  • Patent number: 6589481
    Abstract: Various forms of apparatus and methods for pretreating and sterilizing a lumen with a peroxide solution prior to sterilization of the interior of the lumen by exposing the lumen to reduced pressure and, optionally, plasma in a sterilization chamber. The pretreatment is preferably done before placing the lumen in the sterilization chamber. The method also includes exposure of the exterior of the lumen to peroxide vapor to sterilize the exterior of the lumen. Pretreatment of the interior of the lumen with liquid peroxide greatly improves the efficiency of sterilization of the interior. Exposure of the lumen to plasma reduces the time required for sterilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Szu-Min Lin, Paul T. Jacobs, Jenn-Hann Wang, Alfredo M Choperena
  • Patent number: 6589480
    Abstract: A method for sanitizing a food processing environment includes the preparation of an aqueous ozone was solution for use in sanitizing food contact surfaces and food processing work stations. During preparation of an ozone wash solution, ozone off-gas is collected from the aqueous ozone solution. The ozone off-gas is then introduced into an ambient of the food processing environment. The introduction of the ozone off-gas can be carried out in conjunction with the application of the ozone wash solution to food contact surfaces. Additionally, the ozone off-gas can be introduced at relatively high concentrations for application to food processing equipment and food contact surfaces or, alternatively, the ozone off-gas can be diluted to relatively low levels for introduction into the ambient air of a food processing facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignees: L'Air Liquide - Societe Anonyme a'Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude, American Air Liquide, Inc.
    Inventors: James T. C. Yuan, Edward F. Steiner
  • Publication number: 20030124025
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided to protect the mail carrier and mail recipient from exposure to mail contaminated with biological agents. A bio-safe device is user programmed and loaded with an inexpensive decontaminant to automatically perform a treatment cycle on deposited mail to eliminate anthrax and other infectious agents from within an enclosed mail receptacle. This provides the delivery mail carrier or an individual mail recipient the means to destroy infectious agents before physical contact with the mail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Gary W. Mize, Brandy O. Mize
  • Publication number: 20030118474
    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).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Kenneth George Brash
  • Publication number: 20030118475
    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: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: David W. Koenig, Lisa M. Kroll
  • Patent number: 6582655
    Abstract: A thermoformed PVC, modified PVC, CPVC, metal or coated metal cover, covering system and method is provided for covering assemblies of pipe and pipe insulation, hangers, support rods and mechanical assemblies wherein the assembly is biocide treated, covered by and completely enclosed by the cover, the cover is sealed in order to prevent bacteria growth within the cover while allowing a smooth outside surface for biocide application. The cover can be modified to facilitate the application of biocide after the assembly is covered by providing resealable openings in said cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventors: Christos J. Botsolas, Jeff Rebholz
  • Patent number: 6576190
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterilizing and disinfecting bedclothes. The method includes preparing a sterilizing room defined by a cover; placing bedclothes into the sterilizing room; and exposing the bedclothes to ultraviolet rays and ozone generated by a generator in communication with the sterilizing room. The apparatus includes a generator for generating ultraviolet rays and ozone and a cover for defining a sterilizing room to accommodate the bedclothes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Bioneer Corporation
    Inventor: Han Oh Park
  • Patent number: 6572817
    Abstract: A system for treating a contaminated liquid wherein atmospheric air is fed into an oxygen generator with the resulting gases fed into an ozone generator and the resulting gases fed into a treatment tower as the contaminated liquid flows through the treatment tower is modified by locating apparatus between the oxygen generator and the ozone generator which apparatus receives the gases from the oxygen generator, ionizes such gases and feeds the ionized gases to the ozone generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Universal Water Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William M. Fields, Donald L. Boyd
  • Publication number: 20030086816
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for removing iron oxide deposit from a metal surface in contact with an aqueous system, in particular the metal surface of a boiler operating at high pressures. The process comprises adding an elevated dosage of an oxime to the aqueous system in an amount effective to partially or entirely remove iron oxide deposits from the metal surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventors: Douglas B. Dewitt-Dick, Kaj D. Rondum
  • Publication number: 20030086819
    Abstract: A method for a parent to safely administer formula to a baby. The method includes the step of providing a pre-packaged, pre-sterilized, self-contained, disposable safety bottle by sterilizing a container; sterilizing formula; charging the sterilized container with the sterilized formula; sealing the container; and, removably mounting a nipple assembly on the container. The nipple assembly includes a base, a nipple, and a removable cover extending over the nipple. The method also includes the steps of delivering the safety bottle to the parent; removing the nipple assembly from the container; unsealing the container; remounting the nipple assembly on the container; removing the cover; administering the formula to the baby; and, discarding the safety bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventor: Donald J. Rea
  • Patent number: 6558621
    Abstract: Biomedical devices that are to come into contact with living tissue, such as prosthetic and other implants for the human body and the containers used to store and transport them, are together cleaned of non-living, but biologically active organic materials, including endotoxins such as lipopolysaccharides, and assembled into a hermetically sealed package without recontamination. This is achieved by cleaning both the device and package components together in an apparatus, which includes a hermetically sealed chamber, in which they are contacted with atomic oxygen which biocleans them, by oxidizing the biologically active organic materials. The apparatus also includes means for manipulating the device and container and hermetically sealing the cleaned device into the cleaned container to form the package. A calibrated witness coupon visually indicates whether or not the device and container have received enough exposure to the atomic oxygen to have removed the organic materials from their surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Bruce A. Banks, Michael A. Banks, Eric B. Banks
  • Publication number: 20030082070
    Abstract: A sanitizing pouch secures to a product package and includes a sanitizing agent disposed therein. A delivery device includes an inlet thereto and an outlet therefrom. A probe attaches to the inlet of the delivery device. The probe is adapted to puncture the sanitizing pouch and the product package, whereby the puncturing of the sanitizing pouch by the probe releases the sanitizing agent over the probe thereby sanitizing the probe prior to the puncturing of the product package by the probe. After flowing over the probe, the sanitizing agent flows into the delivery device thereby sanitizing the delivery device. The delivery device draws product from the product package for delivery via its outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Frank G. Liberto, William F. Drees
  • Publication number: 20030082073
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for decontaminating mail. The preferred embodiment includes a sealable container of sufficient size to hold one or more pieces of mail. A chamber, in gaseous communication with the container, holds a quantity of oxidizer material, and a heater is used to raise the temperature of the oxidizer to form a disinfecting gas that permeates the mail. The oxidizer material is preferably a liquid such as chlorine dioxide or hydrogen peroxide. The apparatus may further include a timer so that the oxidizer is heated for a desired period of time, a pressure relief valve, and/or an indicator responsive to the pressure within the container when sealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventor: Roy J. Mankovitz
  • Publication number: 20030064002
    Abstract: An electrically activatable fumigating device, methods of using it, and methods of constructing the device, are disclosed. The device is adapted to be plugged into a wall outlet. It is provided with a resistance heater that is housed in a lower recess of a heating cup by crimping edges of the recess around the heater. The cup focuses the heat of the heater adjacent the bottom of the cup. A eutectic thermal cut-off operates as a primary means of energy cut-off. The resistance heater is also designed to fail after a specified heating period as a redundant means of cut-off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas Jaworski, Franco Zobele, Paolo Campedelli, Walter Sordo
  • Patent number: 6537494
    Abstract: There is disclosed a sterilizing fog, characterized by droplet size range, vapor density range, sterilant concentration range and sterilant concentration within the droplets. Specifically, there is disclosed a fog achieved by an apparatus combining pressure, temperature and acoustics to form a super-charged ozoneated water and an apparatus that creates small micro droplets which form a highly concentrated sterilizing fog. Specific sterilants used are ozone, chlorine and chlorous acid generating compositions such as sodium hypochlorite, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Holographic Engineering LLC
    Inventor: Todd Garlick
  • Publication number: 20030053931
    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 an envelope, and a sachet within the envelope that contains reactant, which generates a gas in the presence of an initiating agent, e.g., water. The envelope allows release of the gas from the envelope. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes an envelope and a partition that separates two reactants within the envelope. The envelope allows an initiating agent into the envelope and release of the gas generated by the reactants in the presence of the initiating agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: Selective Micro Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Richard A. Hamilton, John J. Warner
  • Publication number: 20030053929
    Abstract: The present invention involves a system and method of treating a porous material of a vehicle wherein the porous material has microorganisms. The method includes providing first and second antimicrobial solutions. The method further includes applying the first antimicrobial solution to the porous material and scrubbing the first antimicrobial solution and the porous material so that the first solution contacts the microorganisms. The method further includes applying the second antimicrobial solution heated at a predetermined temperature to the porous material after a predetermined time upon applying the first solution. The method further comprises removing the first and second antimicrobial solutions and the microorganisms from the porous material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: Ziebart International Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas R. Walker
  • Patent number: 6534002
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of cleaning endoscopes within a container, wherein fluid flows from inside the container through the endoscope channels, predominantly in one direction, from the smaller-caliber end of an endoscope channel, or lumen, to the larger-caliber end. This method prevents the lodgment of particulate matter and human tissue in the smaller-caliber end of endoscope channels, and it allows fluid to flow through the entire length of all endoscope channels, to permit debris to exit the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Szu-Min Lin, Paul Jacobs
  • Patent number: 6534075
    Abstract: An antimicrobial and antiviral composition in powder form or in the form of a two part liquid concentrate for washing and sanitizing foods, food surfaces, food ware, process waters, animal quarters, and animal carcasses is described. The composition may also be used to reduce the microbial and viral population on animals; reducing human pathogenic microbes, reducing opportunistic pathogenic microbes on eggs, and treating skin diseases. The composition includes three reactive species which in solution form an oxidizing species, and optionally a food grade acid source. The reactive species include a natural source of a quaternary or protonizable nitrogen compound which is acceptable on foods, an oxidant and a halide source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. P. Hei, Kim R. Smith, Polly D. Laugen, Bruce R. Cords, Shaun P. Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20030049164
    Abstract: A surface is sanitized by manufacturing a gaseous stream of ozone from oxygen having a purity of at least 90 vol. %, and injecting it directly into a stream of water having a pH of 6.5-7.5, feeding said aqueous solution of ozone into a tank which maintains a gaseous atmosphere comprising ozone over the solution, applying said aqueous solution of ozone from said tank onto a surface to be sanitized; and recovering water from said surface and recycling it to said source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Paulo Sergio Bon, Sergio Roberto Rodrigues Ribeiro, Henrique Armando Langaro Pareja
  • Publication number: 20030049163
    Abstract: An anticorrosive, penetration enhancing composition for cleaning decontaminating and rinsing includes electrochemically activated (ECA) water as the decontamination agent. The anticorrosive decontamination composition has, as the anticorrosive agent, a compound or mixture of compounds capable of inhibiting corrosion of various metals used in sterilization decontamination and rinsing systems and objects such as medical instruments. Preferred anticorrosive compounds include phosphates, azoles, and sulfates. Other additives, including wetting agents, are added to reduce the surface energy of the ECA water. This reduced surface energy permits the ECA water to penetrate into objects of complex design thus permitting complete decontamination of the treated object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: PAUL S. MALCHESKY, CHRISTOPHER M. FRICKER
  • Patent number: 6531093
    Abstract: A germicidal ceramics of an excellent germicidal ability without releasing any substance to damage health of animals and plants, a method for producing the same and a sterilizing method using the same are provided. The germicidal ceramics is produced by mixing zeolite and clamshell in a weight ratio of 90:10 to 50:50 and then pulverizing the both into particles having an average size of not more than 200 &mgr;m. Alternatively, the germicidal ceramics is produced by mixing, in a weight ratio of 90:10 to 50:50, zeolite powder and clamshell powder previously pulverized into the particles having an average size of not more than 200 &mgr;m respectively to prepare mixed powder, then compacting the mixed powder to obtain a compact which is heated at 100 to 300° C. and at 400 to 650° C. in a stepwise manner, and sintering the compact at 700 to 1050° C. The bacteria is sterilized by the germicidal ceramics immersed in a liquid in which the bacteria exist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Hiromi Houzawa
    Inventors: Takemitsu Kikuchi, Kazutomo Kikuchi
  • Publication number: 20030044312
    Abstract: Disclosed are a pressure heating method and a pressure heating apparatus which can prevent deformation of articles or deterioration of the quality of the articles due to supply of excessive pressure and heat. After performing pressurizing and heating processing of articles by supplying steam to a pressure vessel, the supply of steam is stopped and air is supplied to the pressure vessel to keep the internal pressure of the pressure vessel within the range not exceeding the maximum value of the internal pressure at the time of pressurizing and heating. A cooling water spray device on a circulation pipe is operated along with a turbo blower so as to condense it for gradual removal. After completing the removal of the steam, the articles are cooled by the operation of the cooling water jet unit. By avoiding an abrupt decrease in the pressure inside the pressure vessel through preventing an instant condensation of the whole steam, an excessive pre-load becomes unnecessary at the final stage of sterilization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: Motoharu TAKANO
    Inventor: Motoharu Takano
  • Publication number: 20030035753
    Abstract: A heat sterilization process for small, washed, and bagged articles such as vial stoppers includes a conditioning or air removal phase prior to sterilization. During the air removal phase, a substantial majority of the liquid moisture is removed from the bagged articles by introducing brief periods of dry, warm air to the autoclave chamber. The air is introduced in short bursts at the point of greatest vacuum while pressure pulsing the chamber during the air removal phase. The air is heated and injected into the chamber through a supply valve which is rapidly opened and closed while the chamber is maintained within a preselected vacuum range between the pressure pulses. The result is a greatly reduced time for a complete sterilization and drying process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventors: Nelson E. Kohl, Richard J. Falkowski
  • Patent number: 6521180
    Abstract: A method of sterilizing an instrument having an exterior and a proximal end in a chamber of a sterilizing apparatus, the method including the following steps: washing the instrument with a rinse fluid; removing bio-burden from the instrument with a bio-burden removing fluid; stabilizing a sterilization temperature at which sterilization of the instrument occurs; sterilizing the instrument; a first rinsing of the instrument with the rinse fluid; and a first drying of the instrument. The sterilizing step includes: applying to the instrument a first application of a sterilizing fluid at a first predetermined flow rate and applying to the instrument a second application of the sterilizing fluid at a second predetermined flow rate. The first application includes a first predetermined sequence of pulses of the sterilizing fluid and a driving fluid. The second application includes a plurality of pulses of the sterilizing fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Sermed Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Roberto M. Sergio, Winfield Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6521179
    Abstract: Allograft tissue prostheses, as well as tissue valves for replacement of defective heart valves and other tissue-engineered products (TEPs), are effectively sterilized by treatment with a coupling agent known to create amide linkages between amines and carboxylic acids in the presence of a protecting agent. The sterilization treatment preferably employs EDC as a water-soluble coupling agent, plus a water-soluble protecting agent which complexes with potentially reactive amine or carboxyl moieties on the biological tissue, in the optional presence of isopropanol or an equivalent alkanol. One preferred sterilization treatment process uses a buffered aqueous solution where a hydroxymonoamine buffer, such as TRIS plus ethanolamine, provides both the buffering effect and the protecting agents, effectively complexing with potentially reactive carboxyl moieties on the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Biomedical Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Girardot, Marie-Nadia Girardot
  • Publication number: 20030031588
    Abstract: A device for enriching air with an air treatment agent comprises a storage vessel for receiving liquid air treatment agent. An evaporating means for heating the air treatment agent is connected with the storage vessel through a pipe. A dosing means provided between said storage vessel and said evaporating means produces a quantity-restricted supply of air treatment agent to said evaporating means. The evaporating means is connected with a mixing vessel in which the vaporized air treatment agent is mixed with air, and the mixture of vaporized air treatment agent and air is exhausted through an outlet into the space to be treated with air treatment agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Jorg Peter Schur
  • Patent number: 6514458
    Abstract: Method for removing microbial biofilm from surfaces in contact with an aqueous system is disclosed, which comprises adding to the system a treatment comprising low foaming, ethoxylated anionic surfactant composed of alkyl substituted carboxylated acid or salt thereof and polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: GE Betz, Inc.
    Inventors: Melvin H. Czechowski, Wilson K. Whitekettle