Abstract: The invention is directed to the sterilization of bone tissue for transplantation employing a hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilant. The bone tissue is exposed to the sterilant vapor at a pressure, temperature, and concentration, and for a period of time that is sufficient to sterilize the bone tissue, but insufficient to cause substantial physical, chemical and biological damage. The bone tissue is defatted, preferably demineralized, substantially free of moisture and blood, and may be lyophilized prior to sterilization.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of operation of a suction system which provides simultaneous decontamination of the suction system and a process for preventing accumulation of contaminants in the suction system. Due to a vacuum created by a vacuum pump, waste mixtures are extracted and flow, via high-speed and low-speed vacuum lines, to a vacuum trap housing which contains a vacuum trap having a solid-collecting screen. Chemical agents, serving as water-soluble decontaminants and being preferably in the form of tablets, are placed in the vacuum trap housing on the solid-collecting screen and are placed adjacent to a number of other filters at positions selected to assure that each waste mixture comes into contact with and is treated by the chemical agents before leaving the suction system. Activation of the chemical agents by each waste mixture causes the decontamination of the waste mixture and the breakdown and decontamination of accumulations in the suction system.

Abstract: A vaporizer (48) vaporizes a liquid solution of hydrogen peroxide or other strong oxidants to form a sterilant vapor which is entrained in a flow of sterile air. The sterilant vapor is conveyed to a manifold (12), (36), (40). A plurality of tubes or conduits (14) convey the sterilant vapor from the manifold into a interstitial space (18) between an inner, IV bag (24) and an outer overwrap (22). A vacuum pump (58) draws a negative pressure within an enclosure (42) to draw the sterilant vapor through the manifold, the delivery tubes, and the interstitial space and through the enclosure. The delivery tubes terminate opposite upper corners of the IV bag and are aimed in such a manner that the sterilant vapor gas flows through and contacts all surfaces which define the interstitial space. After sterilization, the sterilant vapor is displaced with sterile air and the IV bag assemblies are removed and the overwrap is sealed to prevent microbial recontamination.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for measuring particles that prevents the particles from being contaminated during the measuring and optional sorting process wherein a flow chamber or region is mechanically isolated from a sterile enclosure which surrounds the flow chamber. The present invention in one embodiment provides an apparatus comprising of a droplet generator, a charging system, a deflecting system, a sterilization system, a light source, a detector, a cooling system and a vacuum system. The droplet generator and the charging system and the flow chamber associated with the droplet generator operate within an illumination frame where the particles (e.g. biological cells) are actually measured.

Abstract: A method for disinfecting or sterilizing infectious waste is described in which infectious waste is introduced into a pressure chamber, the pressure chamber is evacuated, a fluid fed in so as to fill the pressure chamber with saturated steam, the infectious waste remains for a specified disinfection or sterilization period in the heated saturated steam and the pressure chamber is then aerated so as to remove the disinfected or sterilized waste. An apparatus for performing the method is also described, this apparatus comprising one or more pressure vessels (2) which each have at least one access means (3) and at least one infrared radiation source. The dimensions of these pressure vessels (2) are preferably not much greater than a plastic collecting container for the infectious waste.

Abstract: For the testing and cleaning of instruments (20) with continuous channels (25) for minimal invasive surgery or minimal invasive examination of body cavities, use is made of a testing and cleaning tray (10) for the instruments (20), which testing and cleaning tray (10) has flushing channels (30; 31), and of a holder arrangement (41) which receives this tray (10) and has attachments for each flushing channel (30). A fluid source (47) is connected via a distributor (56) to valves (57) and to the attachments of the holder arrangement (41). Using a throughput testing device (46; 55), the channels (25) of the instruments (20) are tested for penetrability individually or in groups one after another by means of fluid from the fluid source (47) being conveyed to the channels (25).

Abstract: A method and gas sterilizing unit for gas sterilization of a product. The method and gas sterilizing unit obviates the need of a separate preconditioning area or cell, the need to transfer items being sterilized to a separate sterilizing chamber and the need to further transfer the sterilized items to a separate degassing cell or area or room.

Abstract: A method is described for decontaminating or sterilizing a vacuum sealed container, particularly after a lyophilization cycle, wherein one or a plurality of containers containing microorganisms or dangerous products by introducing an aqueous gas or liquid into the container after dehydration. Also described is a device for performing the method.

Abstract: Methods for sterilizing an instrument contaminated with biological matter are disclosed. The apparatus generally includes a container for containing a room temperature antimicrobial solution and a lid that can seal the container such that a gas is trapped within the container and above the antimicrobial solution. The apparatus provides a pressure, independent of heat, within the sealed container to greater than one atmosphere. Vibration is also provided to vibrate the container, and its contents, such that biological matter on the instruments is removed and all microbes on the instrument are exposed to the antimicrobial solution. The pressure drives and forces the antimicrobial solution into the cracks and crevices of the instrument and also into the outer membrane of the microbe, which can be first softened or attenuated by the vibrations.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilization of medical instruments and similar devices make use of hydrogen peroxide vapor released from an inorganic hydrogen peroxide complex. The peroxide vapor can be released at room temperature and atmospheric pressure; however, the pressure used can be less than 50 torr and the temperature greater than 86.degree. C. to facilitate the release of hydrogen peroxide vapor. The heating rate can be greater than 5.degree. C. Optionally, a plasma can be used in conjunction with the vapor.

Abstract: A plasma-enhanced vacuum drying method is disclosed. It is advantageously applied in plasma sterilization processes in particular, and represents a significant improvement for general evacuation drying methods. Articles to be sterilized are placed in a sealed chamber and the chamber is evacuated. A plasma of residual gas species is generated in the chamber during an initial evacuation step. This promotes drying of the articles and advantageously allows a desired pressure to be attained more quickly than without the plasma. Sterilizing gas is injected into the chamber, and a second plasma is generated to activate the sterilizing gas plasma, thereby sterilizing the articles in the chamber.

Abstract: A method and system for disinfecting air in ventilation ducts, using a non-poisonous and substantially non-volatile disinfectant. The disinfectant is vaporized by micro-vaporizer, and ionization electrodes ionize the air and the disinfectant particles. An ozone sensor is located downstream of the ionization electrodes and emits a signal to a controller, which controls the voltage at the ionization electrode, and thus the production of ozone is controlled.

Abstract: A sterilizer for sterilizing objects with biocidal gas which is designed to resist the deleterious effects of the biocidal gas. The invention provides a sterilizer having a sterilizing chamber for holding the objects to be sterilized, and a gas control system for manipulating the gaseous environment within the sterilizing chamber. The sterilizer has a vacuum control system, a vacuum line in fluid communication with the sterilizing chamber, a humidity sensor connected to that vacuum line at a point removed from or outside of the sterilizing chamber, and an isolation valve connected to the vacuum line at a point between the sterilizing chamber and the humidity sensor for temporarily isolating the humidity sensor from the sterilizing chamber. This arrangement assures that the humidity sensor received a sufficient sample for reading the adequacy of the humidification of the objects to be sterilized, while at the same time protecting it from the biocidal gas.

Abstract: The present invention has two basic aspects: (a) a mechanical method for controlling the macrofouling of zebra mussels; and (b) a mechanical apparatus for reducing the dissolved oxygen of natural source water, such as for industrial or municipal use, to a level below that sufficient to support the survival respiration of zebra mussels.

Abstract: A system for sterilizing an object including a hollow cassette for containing the object, a sealable opening in the cassette for ingress and egress of the object, a seal for forming a fluid-tight seal around the opening, input and output ports in the cassette for receiving and exhausting a sterilizing fluid and a sealing check valve in the input and output ports for providing a fluid-tight seal when no connections are made to the input and output ports such that when the object is sterilized within the cassette, the cassette will maintain a sterilized atmosphere for the object until the cassette is opened to allow use of the object.

Abstract: A method for the sterilization of the internal cabinet of a packaging machine, such as an edible liquid packaging machine, utilizes the introduction of a fog of hydrogen peroxide laden air into the cabinet of the machine followed by hot air. In particular, the method may be used to sterilize a machine that has an endless conveyor for receiving containers and transporting the containers to a container sterilization station, a product filling station, and a container sealing station all within the cabinet. The machine is equipped with a positive pressure airflow though it, whereby the air is passed through a plurality of HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Absolute) filters prior to its entry into the machine cabinet.

Abstract: A method of improving the delivery of low vapor pressure chemical vapor sterilant into complex objects, such as lumens and piping dead legs using vapor compression.

Abstract: A method for metering a liquid sterilant from a reservoir or other container into a vaporization system, in accurately and reproducibly measured amounts. The method includes the steps of delivering the liquid sterilant from the container into an accumulator, at a first delivery pressure and a first delivery rate, discontinuing the dispensing of liquid sterilant when a predetermined amount of sterilant has been transferred from the container into the accumulator, and delivering liquid sterilant from the accumulator into the vaporizer, at a second delivery pressure and a second delivery rate. The first delivery pressure and first delivery rate are preferably lower than the second delivery pressure and second delivery rate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sterilization process particularly well suited for sterilizing instruments and other devices having long narrow lumens. Apparatus in which the process can be practiced is also provided. The process uses a multicomponent sterilant vapor wherein one component is water. The lumened instruments are fluidly connected to the exhaust manifold of the sterilizer. A deep vacuum is drawn in the sterilization chamber followed by the injection of pulses of the sterilant vapor until a higher, but still subatmospheric pressure level is reached. When the pressure level reaches a predetermined subatmospheric level, a flow-through sterilization phase begins. It includes successive alternating periods of sterilant flow and the discontinuance of such flow. During sterilant flow periods, there are sterilant injection pulses where the sterilant flows through the chamber and the lumened instruments to exhaust. Each such flow period is followed by a hold period.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for managing retort over-pressure during pressure cooling. The invention allows the specification of an initial cooling temperature and a final cooling temperature and a final cooling pressure. Using these values the invention provides a pressure ramping to manage retort over-pressure.

Abstract: Articles intended for dry sterilization are placed into a confined volume and are subjected to neutral species of an electrical plasma discharge while maintaining the volume glowless and substantially field free by interposing a barrier between the articles and the discharge, the barrier being transparent to neutral species and opaque to charged species emanating from the discharge.

Abstract: Compositions, devices, and methods are disclosed for achieving rapid sterilization. A device for reducing surface tension in liquids is also disclosed. Both cationic and anionic surfactants are simultaneously present and used with a germicide to accelerate sterilization at room temperatures. One device includes a tablet, absorbent body, or other carrier which carries both an anionic surfactant and a cationic surfactant. Another device includes a hermetically sealable envelope which contains an anionic surfactant and a cationic surfactant, preferably with a germicide which impregnates an absorbent liner. The composition includes a germicide, an anionic surfactant, and a cationic surfactant. Glutaraldehyde solutions are the preferred germicides; sulfosuccinic acid, ester with ethoxylated lauryl alcohol, disodium salt is a preferred anionic surfactant; and, a quaternary ammonium salt is the preferred cationic surfactant. A sterilization method is performed by exposing an object to the disclosed compositions.

Abstract: A sterilization method is provided which includes the steps of measuring the pressure within a sterilization chamber injecting a sterilant vapor into a flow of carrier gas, introducing the sterilant vapor and carrier gas into and through a sterilization chamber, and adjusting the rate of sterilant vapor injection to reach a pre-determined percentage of saturation limit for the sterilant vapor in the chamber, immediately following the introduction of sterilant vapor and carrier gas into the chamber, in response to the measured pressure. The predetermined saturation limit is selected to optimize the rate of sterilization, while avoiding substantial condensation of the sterilant.

Abstract: A method to remove pathogens from dewatered sludge and to reduce vector attraction that includes the steps of raising the pH 12 of the sludge above 12, subjecting the sludge to low ambient (near zero) pressure and/or elevating the shear pressure on the sludge after the sludge has been treated with a bulking agent to increase stiffness. Exposure to a vacuum enhances pathogen destruction and helps remove odiferous gases for vector control.

Abstract: A particularly useful method is disclosed for sterilizing micro-isolators in which a sipper bottle is contained. In the present invention, sterilization is effected by using a microprocessor control to regulate the pressure within a sterilization chamber in response to temperature conditions. Pressure within the chamber is regulated so that as temperature is raised and lowered, the boiling point of water in the sipper bottle is never exceeded. Prior to sterilization, the chamber is evacuated of air to permit effective distribution of steam. Subsequent to sterilization, the chamber is again evacuated in order to evaporate condensed steam that covers the micro-isolator and its contents. During each of these evacuations, the microprocessor control regulates the rate of vacuum draw down so that the boiling point of water in the sipper bottle is again not exceeded. This method permits micro-isolators to be sterilized with sipper bottles full of water, without losing a significant volume of water.

Abstract: A process and processing system are disclosed that provide for the processing of many forms of waste, such as medical and food waste, that both reduces the volume of waste solids and neutralizes the biological activity of such waste, thereby facilitating the disposal of potentially unhealthy or hazardous materials. Biological neutralization is accomplished by chopping the waste material and mixing it with a circulating stream of fluid such as water that is superheated to a temperature which effects disinfection or sterilization in accordance with the needs of the user. The superheated fluid is maintained substantially in a liquid form to facilitate intermixing with the waste material and absorption thereby in instances of the processing of fluid-absorbable materials. The processed waste can be filtered to remove solid particles having a size in excess of a predetermined amount, and the filtrate can be passed into municipal sewer systems.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for treating, for purposes of sterilization, a continuous material web (16) by bringing the entire web or parts thereof intended for sterilization into contact with liquefied hydrogen peroxide and thereafter drying the web with the aid of a hot gaseous fluid.In order to improve the degree of destruction of micro-organisms present on the material web, the material web is dried, after contact with the liquefied hydrogen peroxide, with air which has been intentionally supplied with hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for comminuting and sterilizing infectious waste wherein the size reduction processes take place within the same sealed container within which the sterilization through vacuumization and saturated steam pressurization takes place. Between the vacuum cycle and the high-pressure steam cycle there is interposed an intermittent steam pressurization step to atmospheric pressure. The comminution of infectious waste material is carried out by a series of cutting, crushing and shearing elements which are arranged in a compact, stack-like fashion in a vertical arrangement with the bearing elements, clutch, gear and motor located outside the autoclave container and detachable therefrom, which allows ready access to the shredder stack which can be removed and exchanged in fully assembled fashion.

Abstract: Waste materials containing pathogenic microorganisms may be processed by a method that includes granulating the waste material; treating the granulated waste material by heating at a temperature of about 160.degree. to about 200.degree. C. at a pressure of about 90 to about 226 psi in an atmosphere of the steam from a non-isotonic salt solution. The treatment is conducted for a period of time sufficient to substantially reduce the amount of pathogenic microorganisms present in the waste material. After treatment, the material is separated into useful solid and liquid phases.

Abstract: A plasma sterilizer and method employ essentially uncharged, highly reactive free radicals, atoms and excited molecules of a gas mixture to sterilize articles. The gas mixture includes oxidizing and/or reducing agents and is ionized into a plasma having ionization products that include highly destructive components in the form of charged particles and ultra-violet radiation. A plasma distribution device blocks the ultra-violet radiation and facilitates the recombination of the charged particles such that essentially uncharged, highly reactive free radicals, atoms and excited molecules of the gas mixture are delivered to the articles.

Abstract: A method of and device for sterilizing the hose of a hose pump in a system operating in sterile conditions. Before the system is sterilized, the hose is transferred from the pump, but not disconnected from the system's lines, to a device that surrounds it snugly. The device comprises two halves. Each half has a depression shaped and dimensioned to match half the outer surface of the hose and accordingly surrounding it tightly over its total length when the two halves are together.

Abstract: A sterilizable system and method for sterilizing containers in an autoclave. The system includes a container, closure bag, and fastener. The closure is placed in the interior of the bag, and the opening of the container is put into the interior of the bag through the bag's opening. The closure and container are kept in non-sealing relationship, and the sterilizable system is completed by fastening the opening of the bag around the container with the fastener. Once the system is sterilized, the user seals the container and closure by grasping the bag and manipulating the closure into sealing relationship with the container. The user then removes the fastener and bag, leaving a sterilized container.

Abstract: A method of decontaminating or sterilizing chamber systems including freeze dryers at low temperature and pressure levels by utilizing vaporized sterilant, preferably hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid and mixtures thereof is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention describes a novel method and apparatus for treating and/or disinfecting medical wastes wherein the medical wastes may be shredded and the contact vessel may be sealed and may be under greater pressure than atmospheric pressure and may have a detention time of no more than 5 minutes. An organic hydroxy acid or carboxylic acid and an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal chlorite are mixed in the contact vessel. The reaction between the acid and chlorite produces chlorine dioxide which is the active substance used to treat and/or disinfect the medical wastes.

Abstract: The present invention has two basic aspects: (a) a mechanical method for controlling the macrofouling of zebra mussels; and (b) a mechanical apparatus for reducing the dissolved oxygen of natural source water, such as for industrial or municipal user to a level below that sufficient to support the survival respiration of zebra mussels.

Abstract: A method for plasma sterilization includes forming a gas plasma from a substantially oxygen-free mixture containing argon or helium and from 1% to 5% (v/v) hydrogen in a plasma generating chamber, and exposing an article to be sterilized in a sterilizing chamber to a non-explosive mixture of the plasma gas and from 1% up to 20% (v/v) oxygen gas. Preferably, the pressure in the sterilizing chamber is from 0.1 to 10 torr and the chamber temperature is less than 6.degree. C., the mixture from which the plasma is generated contains from 4% to 5% (v/v) hydrogen, and the article in the sterilizing chamber is exposed to a mixture of plasma gas and from 1% to 10% (v/v) oxygen.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for simply disposing medical waste from a medical institution on site. The method comprises crushing medical waste in a closed container, exhausting air out of the container, sterilizing the air before releasing it into the atmosphere, and filling the container with a high-pressure steam having a temperature between 110.degree. C. and 150.degree. C. to sterilize the crushed medical waste. The apparatus is equipped with a pressure container having at least one air-tight seal, an internal waste crushing mechanism such as blades, an internal supply of steam, a valve for exhausting air from the container, and an air sterilizer for the exhausted air.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for managing retort over-pressure during pressure cooling. The invention allows the specification of an initial cooling temperature and a final cooling temperature and a final cooling pressure. Using these values the invention provides a pressure ramping to manage retort over-pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sterilization of water compatible products, especially food products such as sliced vegetables, chopped meats etc. A sterilization conduit through which the product passes under pressure includes steam injectors, with the pressure of the product being maintained. The steam is condensed to a liquid by the effect of product temperature and pressure within the conduit and permeates the product. The product thus raised to a sterilization temperature. The heated and pressurized product is then passed through a series of flash chambers, each allowing an incremental pressure decrease upon the product. Each pressure decrease will allow a portion of the liquid permeating the product to flash to the vapor phase, reducing the temperature and added water content of the product while preventing damage to the product caused by excessive flashing. These incremental pressure reductions continue until the product is at atmospheric pressure and a temperature below approximately 100.degree. C. (212.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for dispensing a sterilizing gas. In the method, a liquid mixture of ethylene oxide and carbon dioxide is provided. A cylinder is partially filled with the liquid mixture of ethylene oxide and carbon dioxide. The head space of the cylinder is then pressurized with an inert gas at a pressure substantially higher than the vapor pressure of the liquid mixture of ethylene oxide and carbon dioxide. The liquid gas mixture is then dispensed from the cylinder under conditions whereby the head space pressure is maintained greater than the vapor pressure of the liquid mixture of ethylene oxide and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A system for reprocessing and sterilizing a previously used catheter having at least one lumen is disclosed. The catheter is provided with a housing and enclosed within the housing. Heated sterilant is provided to the housing and the catheter. The lumen is tested during the reprocessing and sterilizing cycle for blockages and integrity. If the catheter is of a type having a balloon tip, the balloon is also tested for integrity by inflating and deflating it a plurality of times. The housing is pressurized to a level above the ambient pressure and maintained at such pressure whereby the sterility of the catheter is maintained for up to one week. Further disclosed is an apparatus for selectively coupling used catheters to a source of sterilant. The apparatus includes a housing having a tray for holding the catheter in place during reprocessing, a door for enclosing and locking the catheter within the housing, and a plurality of valves for coupling the housing to a source of sterilant.

Abstract: Articles to be sterilized are placed into a confined volume and are subjected to neutral species of an electrical discharge while maintaining the volume glowless and substantially field free by interposing a barrier between the articles and the discharge, the barrier being transparent to neutral species and opaque to charged species emanating from the discharge.

Abstract: A process, system and pressure chamber for the automated sterilization of articles, particularly medical or dental instruments is disclosed, which is simple to use and economically efficient by comparison with conventional autoclaves and steam sterilizing system. Steam is generated by the pulsed injection of a controlled quantity of water into a heated boiler whenever it runs dry. The boiler is coupled in a closed-loop system to a relatively small pressure chamber in the form of a cassette that is readily inserted and removed from a holder comprising means for connecting the chamber to a steam inlet conduit and a venting conduit, the latter being closed off during pressurization of the chamber. By automated monitoring of the boiler and chamber temperatures, conditions in the chamber are measured and the boiler and valves in the system controlled to effect a sterilization cycle.

Abstract: A method for plasma sterilization within a controlled temperature range includes exposing the interior of a chamber and any articles therein to a gas plasma flowing from a plasma generating chamber until the temperature in the chamber rises to a preselected maximum temperature. The flow of the plasma gas to the chamber is terminated when the temperature in the chamber falls to a temperature below the preselected maximum temperature. These steps are repeated until sterilization of the interior of the chamber or any articles therein 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. The gas plasma can be generated from a gas mixture that includes oxidizing and/or reducing agents. Preferably the pressure in the sterilizing chamber rises to from 0.

Abstract: A method of decontaminating or sterilizing chamber systems including freeze dryers at low temperature and pressure levels by utilizing vaporized sterilant, preferably hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid and mixtures thereof is disclosed.

Abstract: A process and processing system are disclosed that provide for the processing of many forms of waste, such as medical and food waste, that both reduces the volume of waste solids and neutralizes the biological activity of such waste, thereby facilitating the disposal of potentially unhealthy or hazardous materials. Biological neutralization is accomplished by chopping the waste material and mixing it with a circulating stream of fluid such as water that is superheated to a temperature which effects disinfection or sterilization in accordance with the needs of the user. The superheated fluid is maintained substantially in a liquid form to facilitate intermixing with the waste material and absorption thereby in instances of the processing of fluid-absorbable materials. The processed waste can be filtered to remove solid particles having a size in excess of a predetermined amount, and the filtrate can be passed into municipal sewer systems.

Abstract: In a medical instrument sterilization system that preferably utilizes humidified ozone as a sterilization agent or sterilizing effluent, the system provides for ozone generation, humidification of that ozone and its transfer to for circulation in a primary sterilization chamber wherein medical instruments are scoured clean and sterilized by passage of the humidified ozone therethrough, and for venting the used ozone to a destruction chamber for heat destruction. The invention is in a secondary safety chamber for containing the primary sterilization chamber wherein sterilization operations take place that is locked and sealed during the sterilization cycle and provides for separately sensing and venting for destruction any sterilizing agent as escapes from the primary sterilization chamber.

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: A waste collection container fitted with an inlet point and an outlet point is used for receiving contaminated carrier air from a medical suction procedure. Heavier solids and liquids are collected within the waste collection container by gravitational precipitation. The carrier air now containing only aerosol contaminants is then bubbled through a disinfecting bath to sterilize the carrier air before it is exhausted into the immediate indoor environment or the outdoor atmosphere. An activated charcoal filter is then used to remove odors from the sterilized carrier air. An input and exit port of the waste collection container are initially sealed and are punctured by manually operated actuator apparatus to permit carrier air to flow through the container and the disinfecting bath. When the waste collection container is full, before removal another actuator is manually operated to discharge the disinfecting bath into the precipitated fluids and solids in the container to thereby sterilize them.

Abstract: A method is provided wherein a plant for filling vials and similar containers comprising syringes and filling nozzles as well as nozzles for nitrogen injection is submitted to one or more washings and to a steam sterilization. Sterile nitrogen is then fed to the plant at slight overpressure to maintain the plant in sterile condition until it is used again. The device to carry out the method comprises a line for nitrogen injection, of the type normally used for nitrogen injection into vials, provided with an offtake connected by means of valves to the lines for water and steam feeding in order to alternatively feed water, steam or nitrogen to the syringes and filling nozzles, and steam or nitrogen to the injection nozzles and to the sterile filter for nitrogen filtration. The device is preferably automatically operated.