Abstract: A safe, practical, and less costly method for disposing of infectious personal care waste, as well as pathological waste and equipment which can be configured for large municipal type use employing continuous process techniques, or for smaller, batch type, stand-alone processors for individual sites such as hospitals.

Abstract: A process for dry sterilization of medical or dental devices and materials in which these materials are subjected to an electrical discharge in a gaseous atmosphere to produce an active low temperature plasma for surface steriliaztion and treatment of the devices and materials.

Abstract: A method for plasma sterilization within a controlled temperature range includes exposing an article in a sterilizing chamber to a gas plasma flowing from a plasma generating chamber until the temperature in the sterilizing chamber rises to a preselected maximum temperature. The flow of the plasma gas to the sterilizing chamber is terminated until the temperature in the sterilizing chamber falls to a temperature below the preselected maximum temperature. These steps are repeated until sterilization of the article is effected. The temperature below the preselected maximum temperature when gas plasma flow is again initiated is preferably not more than 3.degree. C. below the preselected maximum temperature.

Abstract: A method for flash sterilization with a plasma gas includes exposing an unpackaged article in a sterilizing chamber to a gas plasma flowing from a plasma generating chamber until the temperature in the sterilizing chamber rises to a preselected maximum temperature of at least 100.degree. C. The flow of the plasma gas to the sterilizing chamber is terminated until the temperature in the sterilizing chamber falls to a temperature below the preselected maximum temperature. These steps are repeated until sterilization of the article is effected. The temperature below the preselected maximum temperature when gas plasma flow is again initiated is preferably not more than 3.degree. C. below the preselected maximum temperature.

Abstract: The application is directed to methods and apparatus for venting a pressurized sterilizer chamber having a liquid load within it. A sterilizer chamber is provided with a pressure sensor for sensing the chamber pressure and a vent channel with an associated vent valve. The vent valve is opened to vent pressure from the chamber, and has an orifice providing a maximum flow coefficient substantially larger than a standard bleed valve. A microprocessor-based sterilizer controller monitors chamber pressure and opens and closes the vent valve. The venting phase is regulated by means of a series of vent cycles. An individual vent cycle is intiated by starting a software timer to time a preset interval. The controller records a starting chamber pressure and opens the vent valve. The controller monitors the chamber pressure, and when the pressure has dropped from the starting pressure by a selected maximum amount, closes the vent valve until the timer interval has elapsed.

Abstract: A method of treating an article with a mixture of ethylene oxide gas, air, and an inert gas which makes possible reuse of the ethylene oxide for an indefinite number of successive treatment cycles. The gas mixture is refortified with ethylene oxide when necessary. Nonflammability is maintained by removing air from the treatment tank before the mixture is admitted into the tank by the evacuation of the tank to a predetermined pressure, the admitting of an inert gas to the tank to a predetermined pressure, and the subsequent removal of the resulting air and inert gas mixture from the tank by evacuation to a predetermined pressure, the air removal resulting in an air proportion less than or equal to that proportion residing in the treatment mixture that is maintained in the holding tank.

Abstract: A method for microwave sterilization and densification of infectious waste wherein a supply of infectious waste to be sterilized and disposed of is provided which includes at least 20% by weight of plastic materials. A selected portion of the infectious waste is placed into a pressure vessel of a microwave sterilizer and then the sterilizer is sealed. A selected amount of water is then introduced into the sealed pressure vessel to facilitate treatment of the infectious waste contained therein, and the microwave sterilizer is actuated in order to transform the water in the pressure vessel into steam to elevate the temperature within the pressure vessel to at least 150.degree. C. and the pressure to at least 54 p.s.i.g. The infectious waste within the pressure vessel is sterilized and then densified by melting the plastic materials contained therein to form a unitary mass of reduced volume wherein the melted plastic substantially encases the residual sterilized infectious waste components.

Abstract: An apparatus and novel method for processing medical waste materials comprising an elongate pressure vessel of generally cylindrical configuration having an inlet end, and a closely fitting closure member for the inlet. An elongate drum of generally cylindrical configuration is mounted in the vessel for rotation about its longitudinal axis, which drum can be selectively driven in either rotative direction. The longitudinal axis of the drum is disposed at a slight angle of incline to the horizontal, placing the inlet end at a slightly higher elevation than the opposite end. A helically configured member is disposed along the interior perimeter of said drum, such that during rotation of the drum in a first rotative direction, the helically configured member moves the waste material in a direction away from the inlet end of the drum, whereas during rotation of the drum in the second rotative direction, the helically configured member moves the waste material toward the inlet.

Abstract: Apparatus for sterilizing articles includes a sealed first enclosure made at least partially of a gas-permeable plastic film and a sealed container releasably containing a gaseous sterilant under pressure, the container being enclosed within the first enclosure. An openable second enclosure made at least partially of a gas-permeable plastic film is also provided and the first enclosure and the articles to be sterilized are disposed in the second enclosure. The sterilant which is characterized by toxicity and flammability when released from its container diffuses from the first enclosure into the second enclosure at a rate capable of establishing sterilization conditions in the second enclosure during a sterilization cycle to thereby effect sterilization of the articles in the second enclosure. A third enclosure is also provided in which the second enclosure containing the articles to be sterilized is disposed.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing a material web is disclosed and involves directing a material web toward the inlet of a chamber having constriction zones located therein whose flow area is less than the flow area of other portions of the chamber. The material web is moved through the inlet and through the constriction zone while a gaseous sterilizing agent is introduced into the chamber on one side of the constriction zone and while a vacuum is being drawn in the chamber from an opposite side of the constriction zone. The constriction zone causes the gaseous sterilizing agent to accelerate and flow in close contact with the material web at very high speed to ensure that the gaseous sterilizing agent contacts and is uniformly distributed over the whole width of the material web so that effective sterilization of the entire material web takes place.

Abstract: The invention features an apparatus and method of detoxifying and/or sterilizing waste materials utilizing ozone under pressure. The waste materials are loaded into a pressurizable chamber in which the ozone is introduced under pressure. The ozone penetrates and sterilizes and waste materials, after which the gas is evacuated from the chamber following a given treatment cycle. The evacuated gas is then fed to a second, purification chamber. Any toxic substances or contaminants that may have been released in the first waste chamber and were carried along with the evacuated gas are further purified. This is accomplished by introducing ozone into the second chamber to mix with and sterilize the evacuated waste gases. This second introduction of the ozone to purify the waste gases is an essential step of the process, and ensures that none of the toxic or contaminating substances escape to the environment.

Abstract: A method for recycling polyethyleneterephthalate beverage bottles comprises the removal of the contaminants with the use of supercritical carbon dioxide. The recycled material is placed in an autoclave and treated with carbon dioxide at a temperature greater than 31.degree. C. and a pressure greater than 50 bars.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus for aseptic volumetric packaging has a fixed means for forming a flow of sterile air to the apparatus, a feed member, at least one pumping member which is movable relative to the flow of sterile air, at least one filler spout and at least one dispenser member attached to the pumping member and the filler spout and disposed so as to be alternatable between positions connecting the feed member to the pumping member and the pumping member to the filler spout. The pumping member comprising a cylinder connected to the dispenser member, a piston mounted to slide inside the cylinder, a drive rod fixed to the piston and connected to an actuator device, and an enclosure fed with sterile air and mounted adjacent the cylinder. The enclosure surrounds the drive rod of the piston and is fed with sterile air from the flow of sterile air by a fan member associated with the pumping member.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning delivery probes used for dispensing protein-containing reagents. The apparatus includes: a bath of a cleaning solution for a protein-containing reagent; a device for lowering the probe into the cleaning solution for aspirating cleaning solution into the probe and for coating the outside of the probe; a device for raising the probe from the cleaning solution; a device for forcing primer liquid through the probe for expelling aspirated cleaning solution followed by primer liquid from the probe for washing the inside of the probe; and a device for deflecting cleaning solution and primer liquid expelled from the probe onto the outside of the probe for washing the outside of the probe.

Abstract: The containers which are to be sterilized (glass bottles) (1) are continuously moved into and out of a radiant oven via laminar-flow units and then cooled in a cooling zone by HOSCH-filtered air. A part of the HOSCH-filtered cooling air is here branched off and passed through the radiant oven in a low-turbulence counterflow. At the entry of the bottles into the radiant oven, this counterflow is extracted by means of a fumes/exit air fan (11). The required clean-room conditions are maintained in the radiant oven by a positive pressure P.sub.2 as compared with atmospheric pressure P.sub.AT and a thus resulting counterflow of a means flow velocity of <0.2 m/second is maintained. The positive pressure P.sub.2 is here measured in the radiant oven and compared with the set value, and the exit fan (11) air for the HOSCH-filtered cooling air on the exit side is reregulated in such a way that the deviation .DELTA.p from the set value is minimized.

Abstract: In order to render harmless the aerosol laden smoke stream which results from the operation of medical lasers in or on mammalian bodies, the stream is moved in a closed circuit maintained at negative pressure. The circuit includes a container of sterilizing fluid to retain and destroy the larger aerosol particles and downstream of that container a chamber having an oxygen enriched atmosphere which is heated to a temperature sufficient to incinerate the remaining aerosol particles which are too small to filter. The thus purified stream is then cooled and released to ambient.

Abstract: A method of operating a washer-sterilizer comprises the steps of: loading a chamber with items to be washed; filling the chamber to a predetermined level with a washing fluid; controllably injecting a steam or an air steam mixture into the chamber during the filling of the chamber with the washing fluid, the steam being injected in a turbulent manner to create a washing action and to begin heating the washing fluid; and continually injecting steam into the chamber after the chamber is filled to the predetermined level so as to subject the items to a washing action. After the washing phase, the chamber is drained, the items are rinsed, and the chamber is drained again. A unique piping arrangement is also disclosed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a low temperature environment at a substantially constant and uniform temperature. A closed chamber is provided with an inlet and outlet. The chamber is operated at subatmospheric pressure. Steam is introduced into the chamber for providing the heating environment at a preselected temperature. A vacuum is applied to the chamber to regulate the steam about its saturation point for a preselected temperature.

Abstract: In a method for sterilizing a container, a valve body (30) is supported by a gas chamber (24) which is under atmospheric pressure. As a result when a pressure difference is present a static condition arises and keeps the valve open or closed. The valve can be used in a variety of way as influx or admission valve or condensate drain valve or as vacuum or condensate drain valve. The control method effects that in each phase the effective valve is kept open also after reaching the negative or positive peak pressure value until the pressure in the autoclave has adjusted itself to a predetermined closing switching pressure.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sterilizing articles such as dental handpieces include introducing the article and liquid sterilant solution into a collapsible pouch formed of vapor-impermeable sheet material, sealing the collapsible pouch to form a gas-tight assembly, and heating the gas-tight assembly to vaporize the liquid sterilant solution to produce an atmosphere of hot sterilant vapor. The liquid sterilant is introduced into the pouch in a quantity sufficient to create an overpressure when vaporized which is indicated by the collapsible pouch expanding to a distended condition. In one embodiment, the liquid sterilant solution is vaporized by irradiating the gas-tight assembly with microwave radiation in which case the article is sterilized under the combined effects of chemical vapor and microwave irradiation.

Abstract: Heat-labile articles are sterilized by subjecting them to pulses of sporicidal vapors and maintaining them for a holding period in contact with such vapors.

Abstract: A sterilization method including the steps of injecting a hydrogen peroxide and water vapor mixture into a closed sterilization chamber of a predetermined volume at a predetermined temperature in an initial amount up to the saturation limit of such vapor mixture and thereafter, injecting a plurality of intermittent make-up injections of such vapor mixture into the chamber. The rate of the make-up injections and the amount of each such make-up injection is based on the rate and amounts necessary to maintain the concentration of hydrogen peroxide vapor at a level effective for sterilization but less than that which would raise the concentration of the vapor mixture to the saturation limit which will be present in the chamber immediately following injection of a make-up injection.

Abstract: An apparatus for exposing objects to saturated steam at subatmospheric pressure is computer controlled during a conditioning phase prior to the commencement of an exposure phase to apply vacuum to a sealed chamber while steam is simultaneously being injected to that chamber. The fluid stream flowing through the chamber sweeps air and condensate from the chamber and creates a partial vacuum within the chamber. The steam flow rate is controlled to establish the desired exposure temperature within the chamber. Vacuum is controlled to establish an exposure pressure at which steam is saturated at the exposure temperature. The exposure phase commences after the exposure temperature and pressure are established within the chamber.

Abstract: The problems of excess flow of a liquid to be dispensed in a metering device, especially for a sterilizing liquid for packings and packaging materials, is solved by pumping the liquid from a supply vessel below the housing of the metering device into the latter and maintaining a bath of the liquid in the latter by overflow back to the supply vessel. A control slider lifts a quantity of the liquid from the bath to an overflow channel from which it flows to a metering chamber and then passes through an upwardly inclined duct to the atomizing and blowing device applying the liquid spray to the packaging materials.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for sterilizing articles includes a sealed first enclosure made at least partially of a gas-permeable plastic film and a sealed container releasably containing a gaseous sterilant under pressure, the container being enclosed within the first enclosure. An openable second enclosure made at least partially of a gas-permeable plastic film is also provided and the first enclosure and the articles to be sterilized are disposed in the second enclosure. The sterilant which is characterized by toxicity and flammability when released from its container diffuses from the first enclosure into the second enclosure at a rate capable of establishing sterilization conditions in the second enclosure during a sterilization cycle to thereby effect sterilization of the articles in the second enclosure. A third enclosure is also provided in which the second enclosure containing the articles to be sterilized is disposed.

Abstract: In order to render harmless the aerosol laden smoke stream which results from the operation of medical lasers in or on mammalian bodies, the stream is moved in a closed circuit maintained at negative pressure. The circuit includes a container of sterilizing fluid to retain and destroy the larger aerosol particles and downstream of that container a chamber having an oxygen enriched atmosphere which is heated to a temperature sufficient to incinerate the remaining aerosol particles which are too small to filter. The thus purified stream is then cooled and released to ambient.

Abstract: A process for dry sterilization of medical devices and materials in which these materials are subjected to an electrical discharge in a gaseous atmosphere to produce an active plasma for surface sterilization of the devices and materials.

Abstract: For sterilizing a tight enclosure (10) equipped with a ventilation and filtration circuit (14), said enclosure is isolated and the internal relative humidity level is lowered by means of an assembly (50) incorporating a drying cartridge (54). The sterilizing agent (46) is then introduced through a closed circuit (30) until a relative humidity level close to the dew point is obtained. The sterilizing agent is kept in the enclosure for a given contact time, before scavenging said agent by means of the ventilation and filtration circuit (14).

Abstract: For safe removal and collection of chemical sterilants such as ethylene oxide from a sterilization process, steam or other substantially condesable, inert dilutent gas is used to extract and to transport sterilant from the inside of sterilized materials and the sterilizing chamber into a collection tank. The sterilant and the condensable dilutent are separated when the mixture is discharged from the sterilizing chamber such that virtually all of the sterilant can be collected as a liquid by compression and/or refrigeration at practical pressures and temperatures.

Abstract: A process for dry sterilization of medical devices and materials in which these materials are subjected to an electrical discharge in a gaseous atmosphere to produce an active plasma to produce electrically active neutral species for surface sterilization of the devices and materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilization comprises a treatment chamber (1) with constant temperature control (3, 4, 5) connected to a source of vacuum (6, 7, 8, 9), and to a circuit for admitting a carrier gas comprising a means (10) for sterilizing a gas and a means (14) for heating the gas at constant temperature as well as a steam generator (16) connected to a water supply (19) and to a system (20) for controlling the temperature and/or pressure (20). In addition, a sterilizing gas generator (21) contains a solution of a sterilizing agent (22) and is equipped with means for heating and/or cooling and for temperature control (24, 25, 26, 27). Also, suitable means (33) for circulating the atmosphere in the chamber (1) in contact with the solution (22) are provided.

Abstract: A method for controlling air flow from an inlet to a chamber and from the chamber through the inlet to atmosphere wherein an ethylene oxide gas sterilization process is practiced in the chamber, which process includes conditions of controlled alternating vacuum and pressure. The method employs a diaphragm actuated two-way valve in the inlet line in combination with a remotely mounted three-way solenoid valve. The chamber is sealed against air flow during conditions of vacuum by spring biasing, and during conditions of pressure by spring and pressure biasing, a closure against an orifice in the two-way valve. The vacuum in the chamber is relieved at predetermined periods by selectively exerting sufficient fluid pressure against the diaphragm of the two-way valve to force the closure, which is operatively connected to the diaphragm, away from the orifice into an open position.

Abstract: A pressure feeder for controlled addition of dissolvable agent into a flowing liquid has been designed which provides constant concentration of the agent in the treated liquid. This concentration is independent from the flow rate and the pressure of the liquid and also slugging of the agent at zero flow rate is avoided. A feeder according to the invention comprises a dissolution chamber connectable to a point of slightly increased pressure in the main circuit in which dissolution chamber the liquid is brought in controlled contact with stacked tablets of the agent. A linear weir controls the height of the liquid level in the dissolution chamber such that is proportional to the flow rate. The provision of a holding chamber for treated liquid which is connected to the dissolution chamber incorporates a gas volume that automatically adjusts for pressure differences and enables the liquid level in the dissolution chamber as well as the concentration of the agent in the treated liquid to be pressure independent.

Abstract: A chamber, in which an atmosphere comprising a toxic vapor is established, is pneumatically isolated from the ambient environment. The isolation technique permits objects to be sterilized to be conveyed into and removed from the chamber without leakage of vapor from the chamber or of air into the chamber.

Abstract: A steam sterilization cycle having a conditioning stage, a sterilizing stage, a drying stage and an air admission stage which provides maximum removal of entrapped air from full or partial porous loads. The conditioning stage includes a plurality of pressure/vacuum pulses. The final vacuum pulses are deeper than the initial pulses. The sterilizing stage includes a diffusion dwell come-up which gradually increases the temperature and pressure of the chamber to the predetermined sterilization temperature by a sequence of pressure rises followed by pressure plateaus which permit substantially complete steam penetration of the load and substantial equalization of the actual load temperature and the temperature sensed by the sterilizer controls and substantially eliminates superheating the chamber. The cycle may also include a step for detecting and reacting to unacceptable levels of noncondensable gas present in the chamber during the sterilization stage.

Abstract: In a method of cleaning an endoscope, the open ends of an air/liquid supply valve cylinder and a suction valve cylinder, both provided within a control section of the endoscope, are closed by stops. The ends of an air supply channel, a liquid supply channel and a suction channel, which open to a connector mounted on the distal end of a light guide cable, are connected to a connecting tube so that liquid may flow between these ends. The other end of the suction channel opening to the distal end of an insertion section is connected to a liquid tank filled with liquid through a liquid supply tube. The tank is connected to an air pump through an air supply tube. When the pump is operated, the liquid is supplied from the other end of the suction channel and discharged from a nozzle through the three channels, valve cylinders and the connecting tube, thereby cleaning the interiors of these channels and valve cylinders with the liquid.

Abstract: In a method of cleaning an endoscope, the open ends of an air/liquid supply valve cylinder, a suction valve cylinder, and a gas supply valve cylinder which are arranged in a control section of the endoscope are closed by stops. An air supply channel, a liquid supply channel, a suction channel, and a gas supply channel of the endoscope open at one end to a connector mounted on the distal end of the light guide cable of the endoscope. The connector is submerged in the liquid held in a tank. A cap is mounted on the distal end of the insertion section so that a nozzle communicating with the channels and a suction opening communicating with the suction channel open to the interior of the cap. The cap is connected to a suction pump by a suction tube. The pump is operated, thus sucking the liquid from the nozzle and suction opening through the four channels and the three cylinders, thereby cleaning the interiors of these channels and cylinders.

Abstract: In a method of cleaning an endoscope, a stop is mounted on the open end of an air/liquid supply valve cylinder thereby closing the open end. A liquid tank is connected through a liquid supply tube to a first air supply port which opens to a connector of the endoscope and communicates with one end of an air supply channel. A connecting cap is attached to the connector so that a second air supply port communicating the air supply channel and a liquid supply port communicating with a liquid supply channel communicate with each other. An air supply pump is connected to the liquid tank. The pump is operated under this condition and supplies the liquid in the liquid tank to the first air supply port. The liquid supplied to the first air supply port is discharged from a nozzle communicating with the other ends of the air and liquid supply channels through these channels and the air/liquid supply valve cylinder, thereby cleaning the interior of these channels and the cylinder.

Abstract: In a method of cleaning an endoscope, a stop having a communication path is mounted on the open ends of an air/liquid supply valve cylinder and a suction valve cylinder of the endoscope so that liquid may flow between the valve cylinders through the communication path. One end of a suction channel, which opens to the distal end of an insertion section of the endoscope, is connected to a liquid tank through a liquid supply tube. An air supply pump is connected to the tank. The pump is operated in this state and supplies the liquid held in the tank to the one end of the suction channel. The liquid supplied to the one end of the suction channel is discharged from a nozzle at the distal end of the insertion section and the other ends of the suction channel, an air supply channel and a liquid supply channel, which open to a connector mounted on a light guide of the endoscope, through the three channels and the valve cylinders, thereby cleaning the interior of these channels and valve cylinders.

Abstract: In a method of cleaning the channels of an endoscope, one end of a suction channel and a nozzle, both positioned at the distal end of an insertion section of the endoscope, are connected. The open ends of an air/liquid supply cylinder and a suction valve cylinder, both provided within a control section of the endoscope, are closed. The ends of an air supply channel and a liquid supply channel, which open to a connector mounted on the distal end of a light guide cable, are connected to a liquid supply tube which is in contact with liquid. The other end of the suction channel, which opens to the connector, is connected to a suction pump by a suction tube. The pump is operated and sucks the liquid from the other end of the suction channel through the air supply channel, liquid supply channel, suction channel and valve cylinders, thereby cleaning the interior of the channels and valve cylinders with the liquid.

Abstract: In a method of cleaning an endoscope, the open end of a suction valve cylinder, arranged within a control section of the endoscope, is closed by a stop. A cap is mounted on the distal end of an insertion section so that liquid may flow between a nozzle and a suction opening which are arranged at the distal end of the insertion section. The nozzle communicates with an air supply channel and a liquid supply channel, and the suction opening communicates with a suction channel. A stop is mounted on the open end of an air/liquid supply valve cylinder arranged in the control section, and a syringe is connected to the stop. The piston of the syringe is pushed, thus supplying liquid in the cylinder of the syringe into the cylinder and discharging the liquid from the other ends of the three channels through the channels and the valve cylinders, thereby cleaning the interiors of these channels and valve cylinders with the liquid.

Abstract: A method is provided of hydrogen peroxide sterilization of medical articles whereby there are obtained the advantages of both vapor penetration, especially for such articles as surgical packs, and direct liquid-sterilant article contact, in which a vapor mixture comprising hydrogen peroxide is brought into contact with the article to be sterilized, the article being at a temperature below the dew point or condensation temperature of the vapor mixture, is caused thus to condense as a liquid film on the article, and is revaporized and hence removed from the so-sterilized article.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the timely determination of potentially harmful biocidal gas leakage from a pressurized chamber during sterilizing operations are disclosed. Biocidal gas make-up values are monitored during the sterilizing phase to provide prompt warning of biocidal gas leakage. In one embodiment, the timing of preselected pressure increment gas make-up charges are measured and compared to minimum acceptable gas make-up charge times. In addition, absorption of biocidal gas by the load can be compensated for in sterilizing operations where load absorption is a significant factor. Also, provision is made for predicting gas absorption by the load from steam absorption data obtained during pressure-controlled conditioning cycles.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sterilizing particles in an autoclave with an atmosphere of formaldehyde and water vapor so that the sterilized articles have tolerable quantities of residue of formaldehyde and paraformaldehyde thereon. In the process, formalin is used which is transformed to a gaseous condition and supplied to the autoclave. The apparatus is provided with a vaporizer for formalin in which the vaporizer is provided with a liquid trap so that the formalin becomes said water vapor and formaldehyde.

Abstract: A conventional cooker or retort for heat processing sealed containers, such as sealed pouches, jars or cans, has an evaporator associated therewith. A source of water is coupled to the evaporator through a valve and a source of a liquid having a higher vapor pressure than water, such as ethyl alcohol, is connected to the evaporator through a metering pump. Pressure and temperature within the retort are monitored and signals indicative thereof are connected to controllers for metering the heat supplied to the evaporator and for metering the ethyl alcohol and water delivered to the evaporator. One controller is configured to operate so that as pressure rises, proportions of ethyl alcohol introduced into the evaporator is reduced while the proportion of water introduced is increased. Another controller functions to restrict the amount of heating medium, such as steam, delivered to the evaporator as the retort temperature increases.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterilization of contact lenses characterized in that the lenses are enclosed in the interior of a sealtight chamber having rigid and indeformable walls, the following sequence of steps being performed:(a) introducing in said chamber a carbon dioxide stream;(b) producing a vacuum in the interior of said chamber, and(c) filling said chamber with carbon dioxide until a preselected pressure is attained.

Abstract: A sterilization procedure and apparatus is disclosed in which articles of irregular shape or having long, narrow apertures or cavities may be sterilized at low temperature by being subjected to a plasma whose pressure is varied in a cyclic manner so as to provide forced convection of active species into the apertures, cavities, and crevices of the article to be sterilized.

Abstract: A conventional cooker or retort for heat processing sealed containers, such as sealed pouches, jars or cans, has an evaporator associated therewith. A source of water is coupled to the evaporator through a valve and a source of a liquid having a higher vapor pressure than water, such as ethyl alcohol, is connected to the evaporator through a metering pump. Pressure and temperature within the retort are monitored and signals indicative thereof are connected to controllers for metering the heat supplied to the evaporator and for metering the ethyl alcohol and water delivered to the evaporator. One controller is configured to operate so that as pressure rises, proportions of ethyl alcohol introduced into the evaporator is reduced while the proportion of water introduced is increased. Another controller functions to restrict the amount of heating medium, such as steam, delivered to the evaporator as the retort temperature increases.

Abstract: A pressure-vacuum purge cycle that is employed in the sterilization of dry goods and especially of wrapped fabric packs employs a positive pressure steam pulse followed by a positive pressure steam displacement of continuously vented air in novel combination with subsequent vacuum pulsing at limited maximum negative pressures to provide improved conditioning of the said goods in respect of the purging of air and moisturizing of the goods and improved economies in time and energy consumption.

Abstract: Biocidal gas sterilization methods and apparatus are disclosed in which goods are heated and moisturized prior to addition of the sterilizing gas utilizing repressurization after initial evacuation to provide drive power for the conditioning vapor and improve conditioning efficiency. After initial evacuation to a selected subatmospheric pressure level, the chamber is repressurized with a conditioning vapor comprising steam to a subatmospheric pressure level corresponding approximately to desired sterilizing temperature, then the chamber is held with evacuating and vapor injecting interrupted for a predetermined interval; this sequence of steps is repeated a selected number of times; and, conditioning to various sterilizing temperatures is available. Initial evacuation can be accompanied by intermittent injection of conditioning vapor. No chamber measurement of temperature or relative humidity is required for conditioning control and conditioning vapor injection is free of flow rate control requirements.