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: An automated process for controlling the rate chlorine dioxide made from sodium chlorate-chloride and sulfuric acid is generated. The process automatically adjusts the rate of chlorine dioxide production to the needs of the system treated with chlorine dioxide by controlling the feed of one or more of the reactants by means of a multiple feed-back loop system which provides adequate oxidative treatment while avoiding overfeed or underfeed conditions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a viscous epidermal cleaner and disinfectant using peroxidase, peroxide, an iodide compound, surfactants and buffering agents to control the pH when admixed in water for forming a viscous composition with a pH between 3.0 and 6.5 and a viscosity of not less than 1.2 centipoise. The active components are maintained inactive until admixed in a defined proportion with water. The pH at which the peroxidase is stored is between 7.0 and 9.0 and the pH of the admixture of the active components is between 3.0 and 6.5. Alternatively, all of the components of this application can be shipped as dry powders or tablets and dissolved prior to use to yield a viscous aqueous environment that will be applied to the epidermis with no further dilution.

Abstract: A method of purifying platelet-bearing liquid by contacting the liquid to be purified with solid povidone-iodine to expose the liquid to I.sub.2 on such surface to kill pathogenic organisms therein and removing the liquid from contact with the solid povidone-iodine, and the use of the same in treating patients are disclosed.

Abstract: A one-step process for sterilizing a contact lens using an aqueous solution of a sterilant which may be a peroxygen disinfectant, an inorganic hypochlorite compound or a hypochlorite precursor compound. The process involves the step of contacting the lens with a solution containing a sterilant (e.g. hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite, etc.) and activated carbon for a period of time to effect sterilization of the lens and to decompose substantially all of any sterilant remaining after sterilization of the lens to ophthalmologically innocuous by-products. The activated carbon has a surface area in excess of about 500 m.sup.2 /g and a pore volume of at least about 0.75 ml/g.

Abstract: A control system for regulating the decontamination of waste in a reaction chamber is provided. The control system monitors the chamber temperature and disinfectant concentration. Using the disinfectant concentration, the control system then calculates the minimum temperature required to maintain a specified level of decontamination. This minimum temperature is then compared to the actual temperature by the control system. If the actual temperature is below the minimum, the control system operates a heater to heat the reaction chamber. Additional temperature control can also be provided by the control system. If desired, the control system compares the actual chamber temperature to an ideal operating temperature. If the actual temperature exceeds the ideal temperature, the system cools the chamber by pumping in additional low temperature disinfectant. In this manner, the additional disinfectant maintains the level of decontamination as the chamber temperature decreases.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously cleaning and disinfecting contact lenses includes forming a disinfection solution containing an ophthalmically safe amount of a disinfecting agent, such as polyhexamethylene biguanide, and providing an effective amount of a proteolytic enzyme, such as subtilisin A. The disinfecting agent and proteolytic enzyme are selected such that in the working solution, the disinfection efficacy of the disinfecting agent is at least maintained. Preferably, after cleaning and disinfection, the lens can be rinsed with the disinfection solution, whereby the lens may then be directly inserted in the eye of the contact lens user without further rinsing.

Abstract: Non-ozone depleting sterilant compositions made of ethylene oxide and 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane. These compositions provide good sterilization characteristics, and are compatible with contemporary environmental concerns. One preferred aspect of the invention is a sterilant mixture comprising from about 20 mole percent to about 35 mole percent ethylene oxide and from about 65 mole percent to about 80 mole percent HFC-227 ea. Compositions comprising from about 25 mole percent to about 30 mole percent ethylene oxide and from about 70 mole percent to about 75 mole percent HFC-227 ea are preferred, with a composition comprising about 27 mole percent ethylene oxide and about 73 mole percent HFC-227 ea being most preferred.

Abstract: A sterilant mixture comprising 14 to 25 mole percent ethylene oxide and 75 to 86 mole percent 1,1,2,2,2-pentafluoroethane, and a sterilization method using same.

Abstract: A process for sanitizing water in swimming pools, spas and hot tubs whereby the level of bacteria in said water is lowered comprising:treating said water with a bactericidal effective amount of a combination of di-isodecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride and copper (II) ions, the concentration of diisodecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride in said water being less than about 60 parts per million parts of water by weight; andtreating said water at least intermittently with an oxidant selected from the group consisting of available chlorine and ozone.

Abstract: A method for automatic dispensing of chlorine in swimming pools where a computer measures the pool water temperature, and an empirically derived table is used for the computer to select a temperature related volume unit figure for chlorine dispensing, which volume unit figure is adjusted according to a first step calibration of the chlorine dispensing device and a second step calibration according to the water volume of the existing pool.

Abstract: Method for disinfecting hard surfaces by treating the hard surfaces with an aqueous composition containing from 2 to 40% by weight of a sodium chlorite and from 1 to 60% by weight of at least one nitrogen-free acidic scale inhibiting agent. The composition generates chlorine dioxide in situ and also acts as a water hardness stabilizer and corrosion inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inhibiting the growth of filamentous microorganisms. The method includes the steps of adding effective amounts of a biocide and an enzyme. The enzyme of the present invention enhances the leakiness of the protective sheath around the filamentous microorganisms to allow the penetration of the biocide into the cells of the filamentous microorganisms.

Abstract: A method of using a chemical composition as a cleanser, sanitizer, disinfectant, sporicide, fungicide and sterilizer by applying an effective amount of the composition to objects and surfaces requiring the application of a cleanser, sanitizer, disinfectant, sporicide, fungicide or sterilizer, the composition including from about 10% to about 90% by weight of an alkaline water-soluble salt having hydrogen peroxide of crystallization and from about a fraction of a percent to about 30% by weight of a positively charged phase-transfer agent selected from the group consisting of a phosphonium salt, a sulfonium salt, and a quaternary ammonium salt, said composition forming both a water and lipid soluble phase-transfer ion-pair.

Abstract: Non-ozone depleting sterilant compositions made of ethylene oxide and 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane. These compositions provide good sterilization characteristics, and are compatible with contemporary environmental concerns.One preferred aspect of the invention is a sterilant mixture comprising from about 20 mole percent to about 35 mole percent ethylene oxide and from about 65 mole percent to about 80 mole percent HFC-227ea. Compositions comprising from about 25 mole percent to about 30 mole percent ethylene oxide and from about 70 mole percent to about 75 mole percent HFC-227ea are preferred, with a composition comprising about 27 mole percent ethylene oxide and about 73 mole percent HFC-227ea being most preferred.

Abstract: HVAC systems having interior surfaces exposed to moist air are protected against fungal growth by coating the interior surfaces with an adherent flexible polymer film which includes a fungicidal composition in an amount effective to provide a zone of inhibition against multiple fungal species of at least 1 mm, and which employs active fungicidal ingredients which are substantially non-volatile and non-soluble in water.

Abstract: Process for sterilizing a contact lens using an aqueous solution of a sterilant which may be a peroxygen disinfectant, an inorganic hypochlorite compound or a hypochlorite precursor compound. The process involves the steps of contacting the lens with the aqueous solution for a period of time sufficient to effect sterilization of the lens; and thereafter contacting the resultant aqueous solution and lens with an amount of activated carbon and for a period of time sufficient to decompose substantially all of any residual sterilant to ophthalmologically innocuous by-products.

Abstract: A synergistic combination of a water-soluble, antibacterial quaternary ammonium compound and a water-soluble oxidizing agent is found to improve effectiveness in controlling bacterial growth in swimming pool water, particularly hard water.

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: The method of imparting antimicrobial activity to a contact lens composition by adding to the composition an effective amount of 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the generation, use, and disposal of chlorine dioxide is disclosed. A solid sodium chlorite composition having impurities, at least one of which is sodium hydroxide, is contacted with an agent to consume essentially all of the sodium hydroxide. Chlorine dioxide gas is then generated by contacting the resultant composition with chlorine in a humidified inert carrier gas. The resultant chlorine dioxide gas mixture may then be treated to remove chlorine gas present therein by contacting the same with soda-lime in particulate form.

Abstract: A process to inactivate viruses or bacteria by disinfecting whole blood products and blood products, including red blood cells, plasma and plasma fractions is disclosed. The process includes providing a disinfectant composition may also be applied to plasma fractions.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for generating stable, residual disinfectants during the ozonization of water, comprising the carrying out the ozonization of water in the presence of bromide ions and an effective amount of a hypobromite ion scavenger possessing imide and/or amide functionality that preferentially converts hypobromite ions to biocidal, ozone-stable derivatives thereof to thereby suppress the catalytic decomposition reaction of ozone with hypobromite ions. The methods and compositions of the present invention are useful for water disinfection and algae control, generally.

Abstract: A method whereby a concentrated aqueous solution of chlorine dioxide is injected into offshore water intake facilities for preventing zebra mussel infestation therein is described. The chlorine dioxide is generated from generators positioned on a portable vessel above the water intake facilities. The treatment using concentrated chlorine dioxide solution permits periodic treatment so that the same portable generators may be used to treat a number of water intake facilities.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a liquid toilet bowl cleaning and sanitizing composition comprising an aqueous dispersion of particles of at least one halogen donating compound wherein said particles have a surface modifier absorbed on the surface thereof in an amount sufficient nanometers (nm). The compositions of the present invention can contain other conventional ingredients in toilet bowl cleaning compositions such as enzymes, surfactants, perfumes, dyes and other similar ingredients. In a preferred embodiment the composition contains:0.2-10.0 Weight percent surfactant;35.0-75.0 Weight percent halogen donating nanoparticles;1.0-7.0 Weight percent dye;0-3.0 Weight percent alkali;0.05-0.5 Weight percent fragrance; and20.0-40.0 Weight percent water.

Abstract: Heating apparatus comprises a chamber (10) in which articles to be heated (e.g. sterilized) are located via a door (16) and which can be filled with a blanket of dense hot organic vapor during a heating phase. The liquid which creates the vapor blanket is located in an annular reservoir (20) and is heated to above vaporization temperature by an electrical band heater (22).

Abstract: A sterilant mixture comprising 15 to 30 mole percent ethylene oxide and 70 to 85 mole percent 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236fa) and a sterilization method using same.

Abstract: A contact lens care device and method for cleaning and disinfecting contact lenses. The invention utilizes both principles of electrophoresis and electrolysis. The device uses a halide-containing electrolytic buffer solution for disinfecting and cleaning. A halogen concentration is generated electrolytically from the halide in the contact lens containing well by the generation of an electrical field between the two electrodes disposed in the well. The field is maintained for a time sufficient to generate a concentration of halogen which can disinfect the lens. The lens is cleaned electrophoretically at the same time. Then, the conversion of the halide to halogen is reversed to remove the halogen from the contact lens containing well. This is done by generating an electrical field between the well electrodes and another electrode located in a reservoir connected to the well by a narrow channel or inert divider.

Abstract: A method for disinfection a device such as a contact lens. The method comprises contacting the device with an aqueous liquid medium containing an effective amount of chlorine dioxide at effective disinfecting conditions. The chlorine dioxide being derived by contacting a liquid medium containing chlorine dioxide precursor with a transition metal component in an effective amount to promote the generation of chlorine dioxide from the chlorine dioxide precursor. The liquid medium further optionally containing a buffer component in an amount effective to maintain the liquid medium at a desired pH during the generation of chlorine dioxide, and to increase the rate of chlorine dioxide generation from chlorine dioxide precursor relative to a similar liquid medium without the buffer component.

Abstract: A closed system for inactivating viruses in blood or blood components. The system includes at least one plastic bag which communicates with a separate container including a single viricidal substance or separate substances which, when mixed, provide in situgeneration of a viricidal substance. The viricidal substance can be transferred into the bag for subsequent viricidal use on blood components or for use on components in the bag. A preferred system provides a means for the in-situ generation of ClO.sub.2 from sterilizable, separate substances for viricidal use on blood or blood components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the generation, use, and disposal of chlorine dioxide is disclosed. A solid sodium chlorite composition having impurities, at least one of which is sodium hydroxide, is contacted with an agent to consume essentially all of the sodium hydroxide. Chlorine dioxide gas is then generated by contacting the resultant composition with chlorine in a humidified inert carrier gas. The resultant chlorine dioxide gas mixture may then be treated to remove chlorine gas present therein by contacting the same with soda-lime in particulate form. After using the chlorine dioxide gas mixture in the desired manner, chlorine dioxide present in the spent effluent gas may be substantially removed via the introduction of the effluent gas into an aqueous solution of sodium thiosulfate having a sufficient amount of an inorganic base to maintain the alkalinity of the solution during consumption of thiosulfate by chlorine dioxide.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing the surface of an article contaminated with bacteria and bacterial spores which comprises exposing the surface to an effective amount of a fluorine interhalogen compound sterilizing agent such as gaseous chlorine trifluoride or chloride pentafluoride, or mixtures thereof. The surface to be sterilized can be subjected to a gaseous atmosphere of controlled humidity immediately prior to or during exposure to the gaseous sterilant.

Abstract: This invention relates to a disinfecting epidermal cleaner using peroxidase, peroxide and iodide. The active components are maintained inactive until admixed in a define proportion with water. The pH at which the peroxidase is stored is between 7.0 and 9.0 and the pH of the admixture of the active components is between 3.0 and 6.5.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the automatic control of oxidative treatment of material with chlorine dioxide. The method and apparatus of the invention automatically adjust the amount of chlorine dioxide applied to the system being treated by a multiple feed-back loop system to provide adequate oxidative treatment while avoiding overfeed or underfeed conditions.

Abstract: A method for controlling the growth of bacteria and algae in utilitarian bodies of water such as industrial cooling towers, swimming pools and hot tubs is described. The method comprises adding to the water novel trivalent silver compounds. Said compounds are light stable and can be supplied as liquid concentrates which will not precipitate any silver whatsoever from saline waters nor will the concentrates stain skin or discolor surfaces. Said compounds meet the rigid EPA standards of killing 100% of select coliforms within ten minutes and are efficacious at concentrations as low as 1-2 PPM.

Abstract: A method for signaling a lens user when the user's lenses are overworn. The lenses have applied a handling tint, and the lenses are disinfected in an oxidant solution. The amount of tint added to the lens is such that after soaking the lens for a predetermined period of time in the disinfectant solution, over the expected lifetime of the lens, a noticeable change in the appearance of the handling tint is observed. If the lens is intended to have a fixed lifetime, and the lens is intended to be soaked in a disinfectant solution on a regular basis and for a fixed period of time for the lens lifetime, the amount of the handling tint in the lens can be adjusted such that the handling tint is bleached out or changes color after the lens undergoes regular disinfection within the predetermined lens lifetime.

Abstract: A method to inactivate viruses or to disinfect blood products, for instance units of red blood cells, wherein a disinfectant or virus inactivating chemical is made isotonic or nearly isotonic, and wherein the red blood cells are exposed to isotonic disinfectant to inactivate any agent which may be present, for example HIV-1 virus which causes AIDS. The method may also be applied to plasma fractions and corneas.

Abstract: Antimicrobial compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is selected from the group consisting of H, lower (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)alkyl, alkyl aryl, CH.sub.2 OR, CH.sub.2 SR, and CH(CH.sub.3)OR; andR, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 are independently selected from H, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, alkaryl, and halopropargyl.

Abstract: A composition characterized in that it comprises one or more interhalogens or sources thereof and one or more acids or sources thereof which are not appreciably oxidized by the interhalogen(s) is disclosed.When diluted with water to in-use solution strength, such may be used in an ambient cleaning and/or disinfecting process in accordance with the present invention particularly for milk- or food-handling equipment.

Abstract: A process of producing a disinfecting BZ reaction comprising continuously adding, at a point in a system of continuously flowing water in which a reductant consisting of microbial life forms is present, halogens or halogen containing compounds which hydrolize to create two bistable systems at equilibrium. The first bistable system consists of Cl.sub.2, HOCL, OCl and chloramines in the water, and the second bistable system consists of IO.sub.3.sup.-, I.sub.2 and HIO in the water. The bistable systems when perturbed by the reductant will initiate an oscillating reaction certain of whose intermediate products are microbicidal.

Abstract: A method for reducing an isocyanuric acid level concentration in swimming pool water to prevent chlorine lock. The method comprises the steps of adding an effective amount of sodium hydroxide to the pool water and reacting the sodium hydroxide with the isocyanuric acid therein to reduce the isocyanuric concentration to a level of between about 40 to 60 PPM.

Abstract: A chemical feed-transport unit for transporting water-treating chemicals and introducing them into a water supply comprises a cylindrical tank with semispherical top and bottom supported on a metal transportable skid. The tank has a flanged top opening with removable cover and a top inlet for introduction of water for flushing and cleaning the tank. The tank has a chemical-resistant, plastic lining to prevent chemical attack to the walls thereof. The bottom of the tank has inlet and outlet openings with valves controlling water flow therethrough and an outlet opening for draining the contents during the flushing and cleaning operation. The supporting metal skid is rectangular in shape with channel members forming the sides and sheet metal plates forming the top and bottom thereof. The edge walls of the skid (walls of the channel members) have slots therein sized and spaced to receive the lifting members of a fork-lift apparatus.

Abstract: An infectious waste, a solid chlorite salt, a solid acid and a preheated aqueous solvent are mixed in a treatment volume. At least a portion of the chlorite salt and acid is dissolved in the preheated aqueous solvent incident to mixing and is reacted to form a treatment solution containing a chlorine dioxide disinfectant and a byproduct acid salt. The infectious waste is contacted with the chlorine dioxide in the treatment solution which attacks and destroys the infectious constituents of the waste, thereby decontaminating the waste. Upon dewatering, the decontaminated waste is suitable for landfilling. Process control is exercised by controlling the temperature of the aqueous solvent. A solvent temperature is selected which optimizes both the chlorine dioxide concentration in the treatment solution and the reactivity of the chlorine dioxide with the infectious constituents.

Abstract: A method to inactivate viruses or to disinfect blood products, for instance units of red blood cells, wherein a disinfectant or virus inactivating chemical is made isotonic or nearly isotonic, and wherein the red blood cells are exposed to isotonic disinfectant to inactivate any agent which may be present, for example HIV-1 virus which causes AIDS. The method may also be applied to plasma fractions and corneas.

Abstract: What is described is a process to destroy cells, cellular products, infectious particles and similar pathogens on solid objects as well as in preparations of various components in order to preserve these preparations. For this, the solid objects or preparations are placed or filled into pressure container equipped with a valve, and that the contents of the container are subsequently filled with gas.

Abstract: A method for cleaning, disinfecting and sterilizing hemodialysis apparatus consisting in mixing a basic composition comprising the chlorite ion with an acid composition comprising lactic acid in a mass ratio of the basic composition to the acid composition ranging from 1:6 to 1:3, feeding the mixture thus obtained and admixed with water into the hemodialysis apparatus, the ratio of the mixture to water being of about 1:34 and circulating the final solution in the apparatus wherein the mixture is diluted in water and the basic composition is reacted with the acid composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of dodecyl-dimethyl-(2 phenoxyethyl)-ammonium bromide as an antimicrobial agent to be a preservative for ophthalmic drug solutions, in disinfecting solutions, as well as in preservatives for aqueous ocular solutions for contact lenses.

Abstract: Biocide treatment of the water system of a papermaking process comprising the steps of encapsulating the biocide as the core of the capsule in a water suspension, in which the shell is degradable at high water dilution, and introducing the microcapsules into the water stream to undergo dilution release.

Abstract: A 3-halo-5-halomethyl-2-oxazolidinone, a method of making the same and a method of using the compound as a microbicide and for controlling the growth of at least one microorganism in an aqueous system or on a surface. A process for making 5-halomethyl-2-oxazolidinone utilizing an alkali cyanate and an epihalohydrin.

Abstract: A synergistic antimicrobial composition comprising 2-alkyl-3-isothiazolones, preferably 4,5-dichloro-2-n-octyl-3-isothiazolone or 2-n-octyl-3-isothiazolone, and certain iodopropargyl compounds, in a ratio to each other which exhibits synergism is disclosed.