Abstract: An automated workstation or apparatus for disinfecting an object in a controlled environment is provided. A method for disinfecting an object in a controlled environment is provided.

Abstract: A method for making an antimicrobial suture comprising the steps of positioning an antimicrobial agent source within a package comprising an inner surface, said antimicrobial agent being selected from the group consisting of halogenated hydroxyl ethers, acyloxydiphenyl ethers, and combinations thereof; positioning a medical device within the package; and subjecting the package, the antimicrobial agent source and the medical device to time, temperature and pressure conditions sufficient to vapor transfer an effective amount of the antimicrobial agent from the antimicrobial agent source to the medical device, thereby substantially inhibiting bacterial colonization on the medical device.

Abstract: A device for the disinfection, sterilization and/or maintenance of medical, in particular dental instruments. The device is optimized in various areas, facilitating the fully automatic, reliable and reproducible preparation of dental instruments.

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 for sterilizing a plastic bottle in an aseptic filling system according to which at least an inner surface or an outer surface of a bottle is sterilized by injecting a heated sterilizing fluid at 65° C.-90° C. while maintaining internal pressure of the bottle at 1 kPa-20 kPa.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a vacuum system comprises: a vacuum chamber; a vacuum source in operable communication with the vacuum chamber; a liquid sterilant supply; and a metering device, wherein the sterilant supply is in operable communication with the vacuum chamber via the metering device, and wherein the metering device is sized such that liquid sterilant can be introduced into the vacuum chamber as sterilant vapor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the sanitization, detoxification, disinfection, high level disinfection, or sterilization of both the interior and exterior surfaces of at least one object, including interior lumens, channels and cavities within the object. A coupler and interface may be secured to an object to disinfect the inner channels or cavities therein. An object support device may be used to support the object. The pair of support devices may include outlets for deploying aerosols for the application of applied agent. The applied agent may be in the form of any gas, vapor, plasma, aerosol, or other form. The temperature of the object may be lowered to condensate applied agent thereupon. The object may also be washed. Complete sanitization, disinfection, or sterilization of objects in a simple chamber, or in more complex configurations that include, glove box units, processors with built in interfaces for specialty applications, and other application specific designs.

Abstract: By focusing on the fact that nitrogen dioxide exhibits an increased sterilizing effect among other sterilant gases including nitrogen oxide, the present invention is made to provide a sterilization method which may be suitably used for sterilizing items to be sterilized such as medical instruments which require increased reliability by using a high concentration NO2 gas of 5,000 ppm or above, for example. An inside of a sterilizing chamber containing an item to be sterilized is humidified, and a concentration of NO2 in the sterilizing chamber is made to be from 9 to 100 mg/L by filling a high concentration NO2 gas.

Abstract: A grafting reagent and related method of using the reagent to form a polymeric layer on a support surface, and particularly a porous support surface, in a manner that provides and/or preserves desired properties (such as porosity) of the surface. The reagent and method can be used to provide a thin, conformable, uniform, uncrosslinked coating having desired properties onto the surface of a preformed, and particularly a porous, polymeric substrate.

Abstract: A process for cleaning donor soft tissue by removing contaminants by extraction using a fluid at supercritical temperature and pressures while preserving the integrity of the tissue.

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: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for disinfecting a target area of a patient's body, such as an arm, leg or a chest, in a pre-surgical environment. The apparatus and method disclosed herein further provides for maintaining the target area of the patient's body in an aseptic condition while transporting the patient to and into the surgery room. The most preferred embodiments of the present invention contemplate the use of one or more sterile layers (e.g., sterilized bags or the like) that are used to enclose the target area of the patient's body coupled with a sterile substance delivery mechanism that disinfects the target area and also maintains the target area in an aseptic condition. The most preferred embodiments of the present invention comprise a single-layer disposable garment or an inner bag nested inside an outer bag with a sterilization material being introduced into the inner bag, thereby disinfecting the target area.

Abstract: Phosphine gas is generated by agitating a reaction mixture of a metal phosphide and water with agitation air in a reaction pot of a phosphine gas generator. The resulting phosphine gas is then diluted with dilution air to produce a fumigant phosphine gas which is directly delivered to a commodity for fumigation. The reaction pot does not have any rotating means such as agitators, rotors, or stirrers. The generator provides on-site generation of phosphine gas in a rapid manner improving the fumigation efficiency for a commodity, such as grain, preferably contained within a storage structures, such as a grain silo. The generator has a built in deactivation system for the unused metal phosphide and phosphine gas.

Abstract: A system, device and method for sterilizing or decontaminating an object that by exposing the object to a sterilant gas comprised of one or more oxides of nitrogen, such as NO, NO2, NO3, N2O3, N2O4, N2O5, N2O and mixtures thereof. The source of the sterilant gas can be generated from a sterilant gas-generating composition or provided by a source of the sterilant gas.

Abstract: A sterilization method for drugs to achieve a 6-log reduction in CFUs of industry standard bacteria and bacterial spores is effective by subjecting the drugs to a chemical additive-containing carbon dioxide sterilant fluid at or near its supercritical pressure and temperature conditions and controlling the pressurization and depressurization rates.

Abstract: An object to be sterilized is disposed inside a vacuum chamber, and the inside of the vacuum chamber is evacuated. When the pressure inside the vacuum chamber reaches 3 Pa, a cutoff valve disposed between the vacuum chamber and the vacuum pump is closed. High-frequency power is supplied to an electrode. Oxygen gas is introduced into the vacuum chamber for 0.1 sec. Thereafter, the pressure is held constant for 3 sec. Until the pressure inside the vacuum chamber reaches 10 kPa, introduction of oxygen gas into the vacuum chamber is repeated. When the pressure reaches 10 kPa, the cutoff valve is opened to evacuate the inside of the vacuum chamber and the supply of the high-frequency power is stopped. Introducing the oxygen gas and determining pressure inside the vacuum chamber is repeated, and after 90 min, the pressure inside the vacuum chamber is returned to atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A method of processing bone material using supercritical fluids is disclosed. The method comprises placing the bone material in a processing chamber, adding supercritical fluid to the processing chamber, pulsing the supercritical fluid in the processing chamber, and rinsing the bone material. A processing system for processing bone material using supercritical fluids in accordance with the present invention comprises a processing chamber for housing the bone material, a vat for storing a processing fluid, a pump, a heating element, a flow path, a tank, and a solvent port.

Abstract: A container is provided for holding a chemical compound or mixture. Areas are provided on the surface of the container which allow for gaseous by-products from the chemical contained within the container to permeate from a chamber through the surface of the container. A septum is over-molded into the surface of the container. The septum is formed in such a manner that it provides a sealing effect to close an opening in the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forming a molded article during sterilization and under high pressure utilizing a supercritical fluid as a sterilization fluid, whereby the pressurization and depressurization rates are controlled to form molded articles.

Abstract: An endoscope sterilizing test pack includes an inner case having an open/close mechanism which can insert thereinto and remove therefrom an indicator for checking a sterilization effect of sterilization treatment; at least one tube connected to the inner case so that one end is opened and another end is communicated with an inside of the inner case; and a sheath member housing the tube and the inner case.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for sterilizing an article with hydrogen peroxide in a reaction vessel, comprising: maintaining an inner space of the reaction vessel at a vacuum pressure lower than an equilibrium vapor pressure of hydrogen peroxide; heating the inner space of the reaction vessel to a temperature from 30 to 60° C.; injecting a hydrogen peroxide solution into the inner space of the reaction vessel; thermally vaporizing the hydrogen peroxide solution within the reaction vessel; sealing the inner space of the reaction vessel and maintaining the article in a hydrogen peroxide vapor atmosphere; and introducing external gas into the inner space of the reaction vessel to increase the pressure of the inner space to a predetermined value not more than the atmospheric pressure. The method allows the effective sterilization of an article having a narrow, long lumen.

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 showerhead cleaning and disinfecting system including an injection device located between a showerhead extension pipe and a showerhead. The injection device includes a port configured to receive an agent for cleaning and disinfecting the showerhead.

Abstract: This sterile packing (1) includes:—a container (3) for containing at least an object (2) to be sterilized by at least a sterilizing fluid, said container (3) including at least a first opening (10);—at least one first membrane (16) made in a material porous to the sterilizing fluid but non-porous with respect to microbial contamination, said at least one first membrane (16) being sealed at said at least a first opening (10) of the container (3), after filling of the container (3) with the object (2) so as to close said at least a first opening (10);—at least one second and membrane (22) made in a flexible and airtight material, said second membrane (22) being sealed at said at least first opening (10) of the container (3), after installation of said first membrane (16), the sealing of said second membrane (22) being carried out at a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure, so that said second membrane (22) is curved when the packing (1) is brought back to the atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing a plastic bottle in an aseptic filling system according to which at least an inner surface or an outer surface of a bottle is sterilized by injecting a heated sterilizing fluid at 65° C.-90° C. while maintaining internal pressure of the bottle at 1 kPa-20 kPa.

Abstract: A decontamination system for decontaminating a region with a vaporized decontaminant, such as vaporized hydrogen peroxide. The concentration of the vaporized decontaminant within the region is modified in response to operating conditions. The decontamination system adjusts the concentration of the vaporized decontaminant in response to the monitored saturation concentration of the decontaminant, thereby preventing condensation of the vaporized decontaminant during a decontamination cycle. The decontamination system also adjusts the concentration of the vaporized decontaminant in order to minimize the time required to complete a successful decontamination operation.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing an article by sequentially exposing the article to hydrogen peroxide and ozone is disclosed. The article is exposed under vacuum first to an evaporated aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and subsequently to an ozone containing gas. The exposure is carried out without reducing the water vapor content of the sterilization atmosphere, the water vapor content being derived from the aqueous solvent of the hydrogen peroxide solution and from the decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. The complete sterilization process is carried out while the chamber remains sealed and without removal of any component of the sterilization atmosphere. For this purpose, the chamber is initially evacuated to a first vacuum pressure sufficient to cause evaporation of the aqueous hydrogen peroxide at the temperature of the chamber atmosphere. The chamber is then sealed for the remainder of the sterilization process and during all sterilant injection cycles.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing a plastic bottle in an aseptic filling system according to which at least an inner surface or an outer surface of a bottle is sterilized by injecting a heated sterilizing fluid at 65° C.-90° C. while maintaining internal pressure of the bottle at 1 kPa-20 kPa.

Abstract: A large convoluted space, such as a multi-story concourse of an airport is isolated and a chemical or biological agent in the concourse is deactivated. A plurality of deactivation gas sources (100) introduce a deactivation gas at multiple points along the concourse. Fans (66, 106) circulate the deactivation gas, sensors (110) sense concentrations of the deactivation gas at numerous points around the concourse and exhaust fans (66) exhaust air, spent deactivation gas, and some deactivation gas. A control processor (84) controls the generators, the circulation fans, and the exhaust fans in accordance with the gas concentrations sensed by the sensors to increase and decrease deactivation gas concentration in selected subregions of the concourse by increasing or decreasing generation, increasing or decreasing exhausting, or altering flow patterns among subregions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide an apparatus and method for decontaminating tubing. The invention is particularly suitable for decontaminating tubing in a test system used for certifying a filter in a containment system. In one embodiment, a test system for a containment system is provide that includes a sample system including equipment adapted for testing a filter disposed in a containment system utilizing samples obtained from a downstream sample port and a upstream sample port of the containment system, and a device for reversing a flow within the sample system. In another aspect of the invention, a method for decontaminating tubing is provided. In another embodiment, the method includes flowing a sterilization agent through tubing in a first direction and flowing the sterilization agent through tubing in a second direction.

Abstract: A harmless sterilization method and sterilization apparatus which provide adequate sterilization effects without residual gas. The method includes a sterilization step in which a chamber containing an object to be sterilized is depressurized; a hydrogen peroxide supply step in which hydrogen peroxide is supplied into the chamber; an ozone supply step in which ozone is supplied into the chamber; a sterilization step in which the hydrogen peroxide and ozone supplied inside the chamber are dispersed to sterilize the object to be sterilized; an exhaust step in which gas inside the chamber is exhausted; and a plasma generation step in which plasma is generated inside the chamber to break down hydrogen peroxide and ozone remaining near the object to be sterilized, and radicals which promote sterilization are generated.

Abstract: A flow chamber having a vacuum chamber and a specimen chamber. The specimen chamber may have an opening through which a fluid may be introduced and an opening through which the fluid may exit. The vacuum chamber may have an opening through which contents of the vacuum chamber may be evacuated. A portion of the flow chamber may be flexible, and a vacuum may be used to hold the components of the flow chamber together.

Abstract: A method for sterilization according to the present invention comprises: a first sterilization step of providing a sterilization subject in a sealed sterilization chamber and sterilizing the sterilization subject by providing ozone inside the sterilization chamber; a first decomposition step of decomposing the ozone inside the sterilization chamber; a first vacuumization step discharging the gas inside the sterilization chamber and reducing the pressure inside the sterilization chamber; a second sterilization step of providing hydrogen peroxide into the vacuumized sterilization chamber to sterilize the sterilization subject; a third sterilization step of providing ozone into the sterilization chamber; a second decomposition step of decomposing the hydrogen peroxide and ozone inside the sterilization chamber; and a second vacuumization step of discharging the gas inside the sterilization chamber and reducing the pressure inside the sterilization chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides a device comprising a sealed interior portion with at least one opening covered by a sterilization barrier formed from a non-porous material allowing a sterilization gas to penetrate but prevents germs from penetrating. The size and configuration of the at least one sterilization barrier formed from a non-porous material are adapted to allow at least 50% of the sterilization gas, that would pass between a sterilization gas-containing exterior and the sealed interior portion when a pressure difference is created there between, to pass through the non-porous material.

Abstract: The removal of moisture from an object to be sterilized is provided through at least the steps of placing the load in the chamber, reducing the pressure within the chamber to increase the rate of evaporation of moisture from the load, monitoring over a predetermined period of time the increase in the quantity of vapor within the chamber resulting from evaporation of moisture from the load, admitting gas into the chamber and repeating the steps following placing the load into the chamber.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to continuously feed an object to be treated to a high-pressure reactor which treats the object to be treated containing 10 mass % or more of water under high pressure, while preventing backflow of a high-pressure atmosphere from the high-pressure reactor. This is embodied by making a configuration such that the object to be treated is fed to the high-pressure reactor connected to a discharge port of a screw feeder which is provided with a feed unit for the object to be treated and the discharge port on one end side and the other end side respectively and forms a high-pressure atmosphere pressurized to, for example, 2 MPa or higher, while air-tightness between the high-pressure atmosphere and the one end side of the screw feeder is maintained by a sealing action of an accumulation compressed on the other end side of the screw feeder.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning and disinfecting items are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to controlled delayed release of agents for the cleaning of contact lenses.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for preparing skin removed from a human donor, removal of cellular components and sterilizing the decellularized skin. The process comprises the following steps: (a) decellularizing the skin including soaking the skin in a detergent and rinsing same with sterile water; (b) sterilizing the skin under vacuum with one or more of ozone, vapor H2O2, plasma H2O2, ethylene oxide gas, or sodium hydroxide for a time period to achieve a concentration to achieve sterilization of the skin; and (c) processing the skin by cutting the skin to a designated size.

Abstract: A chemical vapor sterilization process is enhanced by concentrating a germicide via condensation and re-vaporization thereof, exploiting the difference between the vapor pressures of the germicide and its solvent to extract some of the solvent during the condensation process.

Abstract: A device and method provide an aerosol germicide to a device having a lumen within a container. The container is divided into at least two compartments by an interface across which extends the lumen device, with one end of the lumen in one compartment and another end of the lumen in another compartment. A pressure differential can be used to flow the germicide through the lumen.

Abstract: An apparatus for decontamination of objects, such as temperature-sensitive devices for military applications, comprises a vacuum chamber having an internal space for receiving an object to be decontaminated. A vacuum pump produces a vacuum in the internal space. A heater is used for heating the internal space. A first arrangement is provided for ventilation of the internal space, and a second arrangement is provided for filling the internal space with a gaseous chemical decontamination agent. The apparatus can be used optionally for disinfection or detoxification, with a low decontamination temperature being sufficient in both cases because of the low pressure in the chamber.

Abstract: A method for reducing biological and/or chemical contaminants within a feed fluid stream includes in one embodiment the following steps: a) introducing the fluid stream into a cold pass of at least one recuperator; b) optionally heating the feed fluid stream using a heater; and c) introducing the feed fluid stream into a compressor, and compressing the fluid stream to an elevated pressure, resulting in heating of the fluid stream to an elevated temperature, thereby producing a decontaminated fluid stream.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the sanitization, detoxification, disinfection, high level disinfection, or sterilization of both the interior and exterior surfaces of an object or plurality of objects, including those with lumens and/or channels of various sizes, within a closed space, or closed system of space, in addition to their surrounding atmosphere, and relates particularly, though not exclusively, to the generation of an aerosol including an anti-pathogen/toxin/fungal/sporicidal agent(s) or substance(s)(applied agent), or chemical neutralizing agent(s) or substance(s), by way of one or more ultrasonic nebulizer(s). However the applied agent used in the present invention may also be in the form of any gas, vapor, plasma, aerosol, or other form. The said apparatus and method also includes an option to incorporate and utilize a means to wash the object(s) or endoscope(s).

Abstract: A medical fluid machine, such as a dialysis machine, includes a pump that pumps a medical fluid and sterile water or other disinfecting liquid, such as ozonated water, for flushing and reconditioning the medical fluid machine. The machine may also include a heater that heats the medical fluid or disinfecting solution in order to kill bacteria and other microorganisms that may contaminate the machine after use. Disinfecting the machine, and a disposable kit used with the machine, may allow re-use of the disposable within a reasonable amount of time after completion of the disinfecting procedure. Dialysate treated with ultra-violet light or water with low concentrations of ozone also helps make the disposable kits suitable for reuse.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the decontamination of articles contaminated (or thought to be contaminated) with bioweapons, such as methods and apparatus for decontaminating articles contaminated with sporualated bioweapons. In some embodiments, the methods are methods of decontaminating an environment, for example a room or building contaminated with a bioweapon.

Abstract: A method is disclosed that produces allografts from matrices typically containing demineralized bone matrix (DBM) powder, demineralized bone matrix gel, demineralized bone matrix paste, bone cement, cancellous bone, or cortical bone and mixtures thereof. The matrices are sterilized utilizing supercritical CO2 in the presence of a sterilizing additive and an entrainer such as an alkaline earth metal compound, preferably CaCO3. The resultant allograft materials have a reduced rate of rejection when used in allograft procedures including, bone, cartilage, tendon, and ligament grafting procedures.

Abstract: A sterilization method is disclosed, which includes the steps of providing a sterilization chamber; placing the article into the sterilization chamber; applying a vacuum of a preselected vacuum pressure to the sterilization chamber; humidifying a sterilization atmosphere in the sterilization chamber; maintaining the sterilization atmosphere at a temperature above 40° C. and at most 60° C.; supplying ozone-containing gas to the sterilization chamber; maintaining the sterilization chamber sealed for a preselected treatment period; and releasing the vacuum in the sterilization chamber.

Abstract: Provided is a method for reducing the amounts of fungal spores and small airborne particles in an enclosure, where the enclosure has or is in communication with an air handling system. The method comprises the steps of applying vacuum suction to the air handling system and contacting the air handling system with a first antimicrobial agent; applying a cleansing agent to the carpets and upholstery in the enclosure; fogging the enclosure with a second antimicrobial agent; releasing ozone within the enclosure for a period of time and terminating the release of ozone to allow the ozone concentration to return to normal levels; placing a reservoir containing tea tree oil into the air handling system, and initiating operation of an air purifier air in the enclosure, wherein for a period of at least 90 days, the airborne particles in the enclosure are fewer than 1.0 million airborne particles per cubic meter of air; the airborne fungal spores in the enclosure an amount at least 1.

Abstract: Sterilization methods for implantable prostheses are described where a polymeric stent may be sterilized, e.g., via ETO sterilization, at a temperature below a glass transition temperature of the stent. A separate delivery catheter may be sterilized separately and the stent and delivery catheter may then be combined in an aseptic or semi-aseptic environment and sterilized as an assembled system such that the requirements for sterilizing the system are relatively lower. Additionally and/or alternatively, valve and filter assemblies may be used with an optional mandrel assembly for maintaining sterility of the internal components of a catheter system.

Abstract: Insect pests can be transported around the world in wooden shipping containers. To prevent the spread of wood-borne insect pests, it is necessary to kill insects within the wood. The wood is placed in a vacuum container having a flexible wall. The flexible wall presses against the wood and enables the wood to be heated by conduction. The wood and flexible wall can to be heated by contact with ambient or heated air, for example. Desiccant or dry air can be used to increase the rate of dehydration. Insects in the wood are typically killed after losing 25-50% of their body weight by dehydration. This technique will kill beetle larvae, nematodes and other invasive and destructive insects that live inside solid wood, and is particularly applicable for rendering wood acceptable for use in pallets and other containers shipped internationally.