Abstract: A multistage connector assembly for a lumen decontamination system is provided. The assembly includes a main body, a multistage body, a multistage barrier, a connector, and one or more biasing members. The assembly includes a multistage barrier movable in the fluid passageway between a fully closed position in which each stage of the multistage barrier is in a closed position to each independently block flow in the fluid passageway and a fully open position in which each stage is in an open position to allow flow within the fluid passageway. The connector is configured to engage the multistage barrier when coupled to the main body to sequentially open each stage of the multistage barrier to enable flow through the fluid passageway. The biasing member(s) are configured to urge each stage of the multistage barrier towards a closed position that blocks flow in the fluid passageway.

Abstract: A decontamination system for a lumen device is depicted. The decontamination system, in some embodiments, includes a lumen device container, a pump, and a sealed container with decontamination fluid. The lumen device container defines a lumen device receiving area. The pump is configured to reduce pressure within the lumen device receiving area. The sealed container is configured to release the decontamination fluid into the lumen device receiving area responsive to a pressure drop applied to the sealed container.

Abstract: A disinfection application, particularly, to a device capable of disinfecting a ventilator as well as a face mask and a hose, and more particularly, to an ozone disinfection device, an ozone disinfection system, and an ozone disinfection method. The ozone disinfection device includes: a sealed disinfection space, a gas distribution unit, an ozone generation unit, a suction pump, a filter, and a control module.

Abstract: A decontamination device devised to accomplish decontamination with a proper amount of decontamination agent by employing a mist control mechanism to concentrate a mist for decontamination on the surface of an article to be conveyed, and to reduce duration of operations such as aeration increase efficiency of decontamination, and a pass box in which the decontamination device is disposed. The device also includes a mist supply means configured to convert a chemical for decontamination into the mist, and to supply the mist to the inside of a working chamber accommodating the article. The mist control mechanism includes vibration boards adjacent to internal wall surfaces of the working chamber, which are ultrasonically vibrated to generate sound flows from board surfaces by an ultrasound in the vertical direction. The mist supplied to the inside of the chamber is pressed by acoustic radiation pressure to be concentrated on external surfaces of the article.

Abstract: A medical device wherein the device has an outer surface coated with an oleophilic lubricous coating or the device is formed from a mixture including a polymer and an oleophilic compound.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to disinfection application, particularly, to a device capable of disinfecting a ventilator as well as a face mask and a hose, and more particularly, to an ozone disinfection device, an ozone disinfection system, and an ozone disinfection method. An ozone disinfection device and an ozone disinfection system are provided. An ozone disinfection device includes: a sealed disinfection space, a gas distribution unit, an ozone generation unit, a suction pump, a filter, and a control module.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and system for disinfecting surfaces within a volumetric space by forming peracids in a reaction layer in situ directly on the surfaces to be disinfected. Particularly, a peroxide compound and an organic acid are sequentially dispersed into the volumetric space, preventing peracids from being formed until the two reactants contact each other on the surface to be disinfected. In some embodiments, any of the dispersed aqueous compositions can optionally be electrostatically charged. Additionally, a system for sequentially dispersing the peracid reactant compounds by electrostatic spraying is provided.

Abstract: A sterilization system comprises a chamber module and an independent pump module that is external to the chamber module in an independent form, is connected to the chamber module, and has a built-in pump, wherein the chamber module comprises a chamber built in the chamber module and storing a target object and a vaporizer built in the chamber module and connected to the chamber to supply a vaporized sterilant, wherein the chamber built in the chamber module is connected to the pump built in the independent pump module and exhausted.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of producing acellular cartilage grafts. The method includes steps of, subjecting a cartilage matrix derived from an animal to alkaline, disinfection and decelluarization treatments. The thus produced cartilage graft is devoid of any cellular matters, while maintaining the porosity and integrity of collagen fibers therein, thus is suitable as a xenograft for host cells to grown thereon. Also disclosed herein is a method for treating osteochondral disease of a subject, in which the present acellular cartilage graft is applied to a lesion site of the subject.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a reagent cartridge configured for use in an automated multi-module cell processing environment. The reagent cartridges may include an electroporation device, as well as sample receptacles, reagent receptacles, waste receptacles and the like, and a script for controlling a processor to dispense samples and reagents contained in the receptacles, and to porate cells in the electroporation device. Also described are kits including the cartridges, automated multi-module cell processing instruments including the reagent cartridges and methods of using the reagent cartridges.

Abstract: A method of producing an acellular cornea includes steps of subjecting a cornea of an animal to a decellularization process, and has not the step of treating the cornea with a protease, a chelating agent, a detergent, a glycerol, or a combination thereof. When a native cornea is processed by the method, the native structure and conformation of the native cornea are preserved while immunogenic matters are reduced to a level that the thus produced cornea may serve as a three-dimensional scaffold for host cells to grow thereon after transplantation.

Abstract: A method for processing vegetables to reduce unpleasant odor and/or taste, and/or to minimize discoloration, deterioration, degradation, or rot over a period of storage time is described. The method includes: i) subjecting the vegetable to mechanical size reduction; ii) heating or freezing the vegetable for a pre-determined period; and iii) bringing the softened vegetable product into contact with one or more reactive oxygen species selected from: peroxides; superoxides; and ozone.

Abstract: A seal arrangement for sealing a space between a sterilization unit and adjacent walls in order to separate first and second rooms has a double seal gasket arrangement with a seal chamber there within. The seal chamber may be pressurized with a fluid and then the pressure within the seal chamber monitored by a pressure sensor. The double seal assembly provides an arrangement which can give an indication of the quality of the seal in order to detect any leakage and a more secure seal around the sterilization unit and as a result secure separation between a sterile or contaminated room and a general hospital area.

Abstract: A method for processing vegetables to reduce unpleasant odor and/or taste, and/or to minimize discoloration, deterioration, degradation, or rot over a period of storage time is described. The method includes: subjecting the vegetable to mechanical size reduction; heating or freezing the vegetable for a pre-determined period; and bringing the softened vegetable product into contact with one or more reactive oxygen species selected from: peroxides; superoxides; and ozone.

Abstract: The invention relates to hyperbaric devices for inactivating microorganisms and viruses while retaining their immunogenicity and for making and producing the soluble, disaggregated, refolded or active immunogenic or therapeutic proteins from inclusion bodies produced from prokaryotes or eukaryotes. The invention encompasses hyperbaric methods for inactivating pathogenic organisms, and methods for producing vaccine compositions using the inactivated pathogens. The hyperbarically inactivated microorganisms are safer and more immunogenic than chemically inactivated microorganisms. Similarly, the solubilized proteins have superior properties compared to more heavily aggregated proteins, including reduced non-specific immune reactions.

Abstract: Bifunctional and assembled implants are provided for osteochondral implantation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a bone transplant material using an extracted tooth, and to a bone transplant material produced by same, and particularly, to a method for producing a bone transplant material which enables the production of bone transplant material in a short amount of time using an extracted tooth of a patient or a similar tooth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rivastigmine-containing patch having improved storage stability and proper release property.

Abstract: A method for disinfecting a room includes generating a fog from an enclosure having first and second air inlets and an air dispersion outlet including a fan configured to draw air into the enclosure through first and second air inlets and to force air out of the enclosure. A filter assembly is disposed relative to the second air inlet such that air that flows between the exterior and interior of the enclosure through the second air inlet passes through the filter assembly. The method further includes actuating an air intake assembly, activating the fan, actuating the air intake control assembly, and deactivating the fan.

Abstract: A suction apparatus for aspirating a fluid from a human or animal body by negative pressure comprises a drainage connection for a drainage line in order to remove the fluid from the body. A vacuum source generates a negative pressure at the drainage connection. A fluid connection container collects the sucked-up fluid. The drainage line can be flushed with air by an auxiliary connection and an auxiliary line connected to the latter. In order to reduce the entraining of pathogens, a sterilizing cell is provided. The supplied air is treated in the latter in such a manner that pathogens contained in the air are modified and thereby rendered harmless.

Abstract: A method of metering of hydrogen peroxide gas into an evacuated sterilization chamber is disclosed. The method includes the steps of continuously monitoring a pressure in the sterilization chamber; connecting a passage of known volume to the evacuated chamber for evacuating the passage; sealing the passage; connecting the evacuated passage to a supply of hydrogen peroxide solution for a time sufficient to draw the hydrogen peroxide solution into and fill the passage; sealing the passage; and repeating those steps until a preselected pressure increase in the sterilization chamber is detected. The pressure increase is preferably 19 Torr. The known volume of the metering passage is preferably between 75 ?L and 15 ?L to control unwanted condensation of hydrogen peroxide in the sterilization chamber. Expensive peroxide concentration measurement systems are replaced with an economical low cost pressure sensor for control of the hydrogen peroxide concentration.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for treating or preventing a cardiac arrhythmia in a subject.

Abstract: This apparatus and method improves the way metal and other objects will be sterilized, disinfected and preserved by utilizing both electromagnetic radiation (UV light in particular) to kill anaerobic pathogens and oxygen depletion to kill aerobic pathogens. The removal of the presence of oxygen further increases the useful lifespan of the treated object by preventing corrosion in general and oxidation in particular.

Abstract: In a hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilizer, the concentration of the hydrogen peroxide sterilant is an important factor in determining sterilization efficacy. The present application describes sterilizers, and sterilization methods, which use a novel injector-concentrator arrangement. This arrangement provides accurate control of concentration of the liquid-phase hydrogen peroxide, prior to vaporization of the liquid sterilant into the sterilization chamber. This increases the reliability and efficacy of the sterilization cycle.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing an object comprising the steps of i) placing an article to be sterilized in a sterilization chamber; ii) providing a sterilizing mist (for example hydrogen peroxide solution) to the sterilization chamber, thereby to contact said article for a first duration; iii) providing a gas flow to said chamber for a second duration, thereby to displace, where present, said sterilizing mist and to remove, where present, condensed mist from said article; wherein the total reduction in micro organisms over a time period encompassing the first duration and the second duration is less than log 6; and wherein steps ii) and iii) are repeated at least once to achieve a predetermined sterilization parameter such as a predetermined sum total of contact time between the sterilizing mist and the article, a predetermined sum total of sterilizing mist provided to the sterilization chamber or a predetermined level of sterilization.

Abstract: A manifold which introduces sterilant aerosol to a sterilization chamber for the disinfection of an article. The manifold defines the terminal portion of a fluid pathway from an aerosol generator to the sterilization chamber and comprises at least one chamber inlet port for introducing aerosol into the sterilizing chamber. The manifold is configured to provide directional aerosol flow tangential to the surface of the article, which is preferably of a known configuration and maintained in a predetermined position with respect to the manifold, such that it does not receive a direct flow of aerosol from the manifold. Preferably, the manifold is U-shaped, or bifurcate and defines a plane and with a chamber inlet ports are directed away from that plane. The chamber inlet ports are preferably paired so they create a circular motion of aerosol that moves around the article. Also sterilization apparatus including the manifold.

Abstract: A smart home system having a controller which controls an ozone generator, gas supply outlets connected to gas supply outlets of the ozone generator via a pipe, and solenoid valves which control opening and closing of the gas supply outlets. The controller is connected with each of the solenoid valves and controls opening and closing of each of the solenoid valves. An operation method for the system discloses driving the ozone generator by the controller to generate ozone, controlling opening of the solenoid valves by the central processor when the central processor receives an external signal for opening the solenoid valves, reducing opening level of the solenoid valves when a gas flow sensor detects that the ozone flow rate passing through the gas inlet is greater than the flow rate threshold, and controlling closing of the solenoid valves by the central processor when the central processor receives a signal for closing the solenoid valves.

Abstract: Fumigation systems and processes that are especially applicable for the fumigation of perishable (or otherwise sensitive to temperature) agricultural products as the temperature conditions under which the product is being treated are closely controlled to advantageously prevent the product from being exposed to temperature drops and/or spikes during the fumigation cycle. In addition, the present invention incorporates an air filtration system as a part of the fumigation system to substantially remove the toxic fumigant residuals from the air before it is exhausted into the open atmosphere, which typically occurs at the completion of a fumigation cycle. As such, the harmful effect of the fumigant on the products and the surrounding environment and work areas is greatly minimized. In summary, the systems and processes of the present invention provide the ability to conduct fumigations in a well-controlled environment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for liquid, gas, and gas plasma sterilization of items. The apparatus includes two chambers and a holder to connectorlessly secure a lumened instrument such that a first portion of the lumened instrument lies in the first chamber and a second portion of the instrument lies in the second chamber, a liquid medium contained within the two chambers, and pumping means for simultaneously increasing fluid pressure within the first chamber of said container while decreasing fluid pressure within the second chamber of the container in a reciprocating fashion. The pumping means displaces at least a total internal volume of the liquid medium through the lumen for a given highest volume of a lumened instrument during a stroke.

Abstract: A system for decontaminating a medical device includes a decontamination chamber configured to retain the medical device and a chemical dispersion assembly configured to deliver a decontaminating fluid to the decontamination chamber. A pressure control assembly is connected to the decontamination chamber and configured to control the pressure in the decontamination chamber. The system also includes a system controller configured to control the decontamination chamber, chemical dispersion assembly, and pressure control assembly. A pressure in the decontamination chamber is reduced to within a sub-atmospheric pressure range in a first evacuation step and add a decontaminating fluid into the decontamination chamber at a first rate while increasing the pressure in the decontamination chamber. Adding the decontaminating fluid increases a relative humidity in the decontamination chamber to a level that improves the efficacy of the decontaminating fluid.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a portable, vacuum assisted decontamination unit. The invention also relates to a vacuum assisted decontamination process. The decontamination unit may be ruggedized for use in hostile environments such as those that may be anticipated for military applications.

Abstract: A process for creating acellular donor soft tissue by removing contaminants such as cells by extraction using a fluid at supercritical temperature and pressures while preserving the integrity of the soft tissue. The soft tissue is maintained in contact with the fluid in a pressure vessel at supercritical temperature and pressures for a period of time and then the pressure vessel is rapidly depressurized.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing articles, using a low-vapor-pressure sterilant in a compact sterilizer, including a pre-pulse injection of sterilant to condition a sterilization chamber.

Abstract: Methods and systems for virus inactivation in the production or processing of biological or other sensitive substances are provided. The disclosed methods and systems for virus inactivation involve the key steps of dissolving carbon dioxide into biological or other sensitive substances; and treating the substance with the dissolved carbon dioxide at conditions which are less than critical pressure and temperature for a prescribed treatment time to inactivate at least 80% of the target virus or viruses contained within the biological or other sensitive substances. The disclosed carbon dioxide treatments for virus inactivation may optionally include concurrently or sequentially subjecting the substances with an acid treatment to lower the pH of the substance and inactivate viruses contained within the biological or other sensitive substance.

Abstract: Methods and devices for gas sterilization are described, in which products are sterilized using a sterilization gas. Process gases are mixed in a mixer without movable parts before being introduced into the sterilization chamber in order to obtain a homogenous gas mixture. A device for the gas sterilization of products comprises a mixer without movable parts and a sterilization chamber. The sterilization chamber has at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening. The mixer is arranged such that it is connected via a first line, which leads into a first opening in the mixer without movable parts, with the at least one outlet opening of the sterilization chamber and is connected via a second line, which leads into a second opening in the mixer without movable parts, with the at least one inlet opening of the sterilization chamber. A third gas supplying line leads into a third opening in the mixer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for achieving low temperature vapor sterilization of objects which may involve objects having a lumen. Following evacuation of the sterilization chamber and the introduction of a vaporous or gaseous sterilant, the volume of the chamber is changed by actuation of a movable boundary in the chamber to increase and decrease the pressure in the chamber thus driving the sterilant into and out of such lumens.

Abstract: A method for decontaminating a medical device includes enclosing the medical device in an enclosure including a fog-permeable layer and an exterior port member coupled to the fog-permeable layer. The exterior port member of the enclosure is coupled to a chemical dispersing interface in a decontamination chamber. A pressure in the decontamination chamber is reduced to a sub-atmospheric pressure in a first evacuation step. A room temperature decontaminating fluid is introduced as a fog into the decontamination chamber. The fog is held in the decontamination chamber for a decontaminating time. The pressure in the decontamination chamber is reduced to a sub-atmospheric pressure in a second evacuation step. The decontamination chamber is vented to atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating used absorbent sanitary products, comprising, a rotary cylindrical autoclave having an inner surface and two ends, at least one of which terminates in a hatch that can be opened to enable access to said autoclave and sealably closed to enable pressurization of said autoclave; and a circuit for heating and pressurizing the autoclave for heating the absorbent sanitary products to a sterilization temperature, wherein said autoclave comprises a sealing layer on said inner surface, designed to prevent adhesion on said inner surface of material coming from destructuring of said absorbent sanitary products.

Abstract: A device for sanitizing objects using ozone is disclosed having a container defining an enclosed space and a selectively closeable opening for enclosing the space, an ozone generator, an ozone converter, a controller, and a timer working together to generate a predetermined concentration of ozone within the enclosed space and maintain approximately the same concentration for a predetermined period of time. Also disclosed are assemblies and methods detecting and warning of entrapment within the enclosure and halting ozone production when it occurs. Further disclosed are devices and methods for coupling a maintenance device to the sanitizing system to perform various maintenance operations such as adjusting operational control parameters, and observing conditions within the enclosed chamber in real-time such as temperature, humidity, and ozone concentration.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a portable, vacuum assisted decontamination unit. The invention also relates to a vacuum assisted decontamination process. The decontamination unit may be ruggedized for use in hostile environments such as those that may be anticipated for military applications.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for achieving low temperature vapor sterilization of objects which may involve objects having a lumen. Following evacuation of the sterilization chamber and the introduction of a vaporous or gaseous sterilant, the volume of the chamber is changed by actuation of a movable boundary in the chamber to increase and decrease the pressure in the chamber thus driving the sterilant into and out of such lumens.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of oxidizing, sanitizing, disinfecting, and/or sterilizing a target. The method includes: ejecting a gas stream of a gaseous mixture comprising 50 to 30,000 ppmv chlorine dioxide from a gas source at a velocity of 25 to 900 ft/sec; and contacting the gas stream with the target. A device for oxidizing, sanitizing, disinfecting, and/or sterilizing a target is also provided. The device includes: a chlorine dioxide inlet configured for intake of a gaseous mixture comprising 50 to 30,000 ppmv chlorine dioxide; and a gas source configured to eject a gas stream of the gaseous mixture at a velocity of 50 to 900 ft/sec.

Abstract: An electrostatic spraying system for decontamination of a vehicle is described. The system includes a wheeled platform sized to fit inside the vehicle, at least one tank operable to contain one or more decontaminant agents, the tanks supported by said wheeled platform, a plurality of nozzles affixed to the wheeled platform, wherein each nozzle is positioned for distribution of the decontaminant agents in at least one pre-determined direction, an electrostatic charging system connected to each of the nozzles for applying an electrostatic charge to the decontaminant agents as the agents are dispersed, and at least one compressor in communication with the tanks for pressurizing the decontaminant agents. The one or more compressors are capable of providing a pressure sufficient to provide a constant distribution of the decontaminant agents through the electrostatic nozzles.

Abstract: A steam autoclave for treating Regulated Medical Waste that uses a condensate drainage system that provides for condensate drainage while the steam autoclave chamber remains pressurized during the steam treatment cycle to create pressure variations in the autoclave which are used to initiate the introduction of repeated bursts of steam into the waste during the steam treatment cycle. The repeated bursts of steam into the autoclave during the steam treatment cycle agitates the steam and waste contained in the autoclave, thereby enhancing steam penetration into the waste being treated and thereby enhancing biological kill efficacy.

Abstract: Process for treatment of residual nucleic acids present on the surface of laboratory consumables. The process combines two treatment phases: (1) treatment with ethylene oxide in gaseous phase; then (2) treating the surface with hydrogen peroxide in liquid phase or in gaseous phase. The effect of this treatment is the avoidance of the amplification of residual nucleic acids, in particular during PCR or TMA reactions.

Abstract: A method is provided for maintaining the disinfection of medical equipment, in particular medical endoscopes (10), following processing. The method comprises placing the disinfected equipment (10) in a sealed chamber (12), and subsequently reducing the pressure within the sealed chamber (12) to cause evaporation of residual moisture. Gas scavenger sachets (21) are also provided within the sealed chamber (12) to remove atmospheric oxygen, thus causing a further reduction in the chamber pressure. The method may optionally include a further step of charging the sealed chamber (12) with a disinfectant gas or vapor. The processed medical equipment (10) is then maintained at the desired level of disinfection within the controlled biostatic environment in the sealed chamber (12).

Abstract: A nebulant suitable for sterilization comprising finely divided liquid droplets suspended in a gas, said droplets including a solute, which is advantageously hydrogen peroxide and a solvent, for example water, wherein the droplets have a concentration of greater than 60 wt % of solute and an average diameter of less than 1.0 micron, preferably less than 0.8 microns.

Abstract: Methods for sterilizing a biocompatible hydrogel polymer are provided via treating the biocompatible hydrogel polymer with a supercritical CO2 treatment composition at a treatment pressure of about 4 MPa to about 30 MPa and a treatment temperature of about 5° C. to about 75° C. The supercritical CO2 treatment composition can be substantially pure CO2 or may further include hydrogen peroxide (e.g., in an amount of about 10 ppm to about 1,000 ppm). In certain embodiments, the biocompatible hydrogel polymer can be treated with the supercritical CO2 treatment composition for about 30 minutes to about 5 hours. According to these methods, treating the biocompatible hydrogel polymer can kill about 90% or more of any S. aureus and E. coli present in the biocompatible hydrogel polymer.

Abstract: A device for sterilization of packages and a method of sterilizing packages are provided. The device comprises a gassing zone for exposing the packages to a gaseous sterilization agent, inlet mechanisms for introducing the gaseous sterilization agent into the gassing zone and a conveyor for transporting the packages through the gassing zone in a transport direction. The device also includes a separation mechanism arranged inside the gassing zone to divide at least an upper part of the gassing zone into sub gassing zones, each of said separation mechanisms having an opening for passage of the packages, each of at least a number of the inlet mechanisms being arranged to provide a flow of the gaseous sterilization agent at the opening of a respective one of the separation mechanisms.

Abstract: An electrostatic spraying system for decontamination of a vehicle is described. The system includes a wheeled platform sized to fit inside the vehicle, at least one tank operable to contain one or more decontaminant agents, the tanks supported by said wheeled platform, a plurality of nozzles affixed to the wheeled platform, wherein each nozzle is positioned for distribution of the decontaminant agents in at least one pre-determined direction, an electrostatic charging system connected to each of the nozzles for applying an electrostatic charge to the decontaminant agents as the agents are dispersed, and at least one compressor in communication with the tanks for pressurizing the decontaminant agents. The one or more compressors are capable of providing a pressure sufficient to provide a constant distribution of the decontaminant agents through the electrostatic nozzles.