Abstract: A method for producing chlorine dioxide by activating zeolite crystals (which have been impregnated with metal chlorite such as sodium chlorite, and optionally also a water-retaining substance such as magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, potassium hydroxide, or calcium chloride) with excess protons, or activating an aqueous solution of metal chlorite and such a water-retaining substance with excess protons. Proton generating species useful for the activation are acids such as acetic, phosphoric, and citric acid, and metal salts such as ferric chloride, ferric sulfate, ZnSO4, ZnCl2, CoSO4, CoCl2, MnSO4, MnCl2, CuSO4, CuCl2, and MgSO4. The activation can be performed by causing fluid to flow through a bed of zeolite crystals impregnated with calcium chloride (or other water-retaining substance) and sodium chlorite, and a bed of zeolite crystals impregnated with a proton generating species. The two beds can be physically mixed together or the fluid can flow sequentially through separate beds.

Abstract: A liner for placement in a container holding perishable food products to inhibit decay. The liner is a generally flat mat having a plurality of compartments containing two substances which generate antimicrobial gases. The liner has holes in the mat to facilitate drainage of liquid water past the liner for removal from the container.

Abstract: Described herein is a physiologically-balanced, acidic solution. Typically the solution is prepared by a chemical reactions or by the electrolysis of a solution comprising a mixture of an inorganic salt to form a physiologically balanced solution. This invention also relates to methods for use of the solutions, including a specialized bandage which may be used in combination with the solutions, or optionally with other topically applied materials. A mixture of inorganic salts and, optionally minerals, is used in order to mimic the electrolyte concentration and mixture of body fluid in an isotonic state. The solution typically comprises of one halide salt of lithium, sodium, potassium, calcium, and other cations. Typically the halide is fluoride, chloride, bromide, or iodide, and most typically chloride.

Abstract: The use of hydroxyphenylvinylthiazoles of formula wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are each independently of the others hydrogen; halogen; hydroxy, C1-C16-alkyl, C1-C16alkoxy, phenyl; phenyl-C1-C3alkyl; C6-C10aryloxy, amino, mono-C1-C5alkyl-amino, di-C1-C5alkylamino or -NO2; wherein at least one of the radicals R1, R2, R3 and R4 is hydroxy; R5 is C1-C5alkyl; C1-C5alkoxy; or unsubstituted or halo-, C1-C5alkyl-, C1-C5alkoxy-, hydroxy- or pyrrolidinyl-substituted phenyl; as microbicidal active ingredients is described. The compounds exhibit a pronounced action against pathogenic gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, and also against yeasts and moulds. Accordingly, they are suitable for the antimicrobial treatment, especially the preservation and disinfection, of surfaces.

Abstract: A new method is described to produce large volumes of low cost sterile, Water-for-Injection (WFI) grade water on-line, on-demand from potable water in order to meet the needs of dialysis therapies and other biological applications for sterile, injectable grade water. The source water is processed by a combination of membrane and column chromatographic methods including reverse osmosis, chemical sterilization, reduction of iodine sterilant to iodide, deionization, endotoxin-specific adsorption and polishing filtration in order to reduce contaminant levels below those specified by the US Pharmacopoeia.

Abstract: A unitary container housing having a plurality of sealed compartments each containing a dry composition which will gradually release an antimicrobially active gas upon exposure to moist air, and each compartment being separately openable to expose its contents to the environment, and a method of using the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shelf stable liquid disinfectant concentrate composition containing at least 1% by weight of a quat biocide (biocidally active quaternary ammonium compounds) and capable of dilution with 20 parts of water to 1 part of concentrate to produce a diluted solution, the diluted solution exhibiting a MIC after 24 hours in the presence of up to 2% tryptone (or the protein equivalent thereof) which is less than the MIC of a simple solution of the same concentration of the same quat biocide in water in the presence of the same concentration of the protein. The biocidal efficacy of the quat biocide may be protected by an “activity protector” selected from the group consisting of “enzyme stabilisers”, “enzyme stabilising systems”, micelle formation modifiers and inhibitors, and combinations thereof. The invention also relates to a disinfectant working solution prepared from the concentrate, and to a method of protecting a quat biocide from deactivation.

Abstract: A viscous disinfectant comprising sodium hypochlorite, water, and a thickening agent (e.g., fumed silica) is used to disinfect and sanitize a root canal during an endodontic procedure. The viscosity of the disinfectant enables the disinfectant to adhere to the walls of the root canal so that the sodium hypochlorite can disinfect and sanitize the walls of the root canal in a desired and controlled manner. The root canal is accessed and cleaned with endodontic tools, during which pulp is removed from the root canal. The viscous disinfectant is introduced into the root canal and adheres to the walls of the root canal until it is removed. While in the root canal, the viscous disinfectant disinfects and sanitizes the root canal so that it can be filled and sealed according to endodontic procedure.

Abstract: A cleansing block for treating water comprises from 40% to 80% by weight of a halogen release agent, from 20 to 55% by weight of a surfactant component, and from 1 to 10% by weight of a hydrophobe.

Abstract: Tablet and granules for treatment of pool water comprise at least one water-soluble sanitizer and at least one lanthanide compound (other than phosphate) compacted or otherwise formed into a physically coherent body. A matrix, carrier or binder adapted to dissolve and/or disintegrate over time in pool water may also be used. The sanitizer and lanthanide are dispersed within the tablet or granule so that, upon dissolution or disintegration of the tablet or granule, the lanthanide compound will be released. A method involves placing the tablet or granules in the flow of water to the pool filter so that, as the tablet or granule dissolves, the sanitizer is dissolved into the pool water and the lanthanide is carried into the filter where it is retained as a particulate solid that is effective in removing phosphate from pool water circulating in the filter and from whence it can be removed by backwashing.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for delivery of a gas, e.g., carbon dioxide and/or chlorine dioxide, and methods of its use and manufacture. The apparatus includes an envelope, and a sachet within the envelope that contains reactant, which generates a gas in the presence of an initiating agent, e.g., water. The envelope allows release of the gas from the envelope. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes an envelope and a partition that separates two reactants within the envelope. The envelope allows an initiating agent into the envelope and release of the gas generated by the reactants in the presence of the initiating agent.

Abstract: The presently disclosed disinfection process for use in the processing of foodstuffs is designed as an intervention step in poultry processing to allow for continuous on-line processing of poultry carcasses that may have accidentally become contaminated during the evisceration process. Such on-line processing is designed to replace the need for off-line manual washing and cleaning of the contaminated carcasses. By eliminating such off-line manual washing, food safety will be enhanced due to the elimination of the physical handling of carcasses and the cross-contamination that may result from such physical handling. An additional benefit is that the production process will also be able to run with a reduced number of interruptions, which will result in a more efficient production process.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for delivery of a gas, e.g., carbon dioxide and/or chlorine dioxide, and methods of its use and manufacture. The apparatus includes an envelope, and a sachet within the envelope that contains reactant, which generates a gas in the presence of an initiating agent, e.g., water. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a barrier layer, a sachet layer disposed adjacent to the barrier layer, a reactant disposed between the barrier layer and the sachet layer that generates a gas in the presence of an initiating agent, and an envelope layer disposed adjacent to the sachet layer.

Abstract: The general purpose of this invention is to provide an improved apparatus and method of preserving the vulnerable area of a railroad cross tie near the interface of the tie and the tie plate. To attain this purpose the invention provides a thin preservative-bearing gelatinous material that is placed between the cross tie and the tie plate either at the time of the original laying of rail or during any subsequent relaying. No extra equipment is needed and only a negligible amount of labor is required to simply place the gelatinous material on the adzed surface of the cross tie prior to the mounting or remounting of the rail. The presence of the gelatinous material poses absolutely no resistance to the subsequent driving of the spikes into the tie and is thin enough so as not to pose any rail alignment problems. The use of the gelatinous material relies on the moisture found under the tie plate to leach the active ingredients out of the material and help diffuse them throughout the adjacent section of wood.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of using chlorine dioxide gas for the fumigation of building spaces, heating ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC, e.g., return supply ducts, heating and cooling coils and the like), vehicles, office spaces, process equipment, files, documents, mail, mail processing equipment, industrial process equipment and consumer related items under safe conditions.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of using a polymeric N-halamine biocidal material as an agent preferably used in conjunction with a matrix material for the reduction of noxious odors caused by the decomposition of organic compounds. In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the biocidal N-halamine polymer is provided in a comminuted form and mixed with super absorbent polymer to provide a treatment composition. The treatment composition is emplaced within an article to provide intimate contact between the composition and a microorganism-containing fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for sterilizing or disinfecting a surface, which comprise applying an electrostatically-charged aerosol of a disinfecting solution onto said surface and allowing said aerosol to remain in contact with said surface for a time sufficient to achieve the desired degree of sterilization or disinfection.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to disinfecting compositions for dental unit water lines, particularly effective against microbial flora in biofilms which form on the luminal walls of the piping and reservoir components of dental equipment, as well as methods related to the use of such compositions to reduce microbial numbers in water-bearing dental and other equipment and maintain reduced levels on a continuous basis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for carrying out a germicidal process on microbes, which uses hypochlorous acid or the like. More specifically, the present invention provides a sterilizing method in which an aqueous solution comprising (A) hypochlorous acid and/or a salt thereof, (B) a surfactant and (C) a pH adjusting agent is made in contact with microbes.

Abstract: A dispenser apparatus for cantileverly mounting in an off-line condition in an axially component of a water system with the dispenser apparatus carrying a water treatment composition therein that can be released into a water system with one embodiment of the dispenser apparatus including a pair of replaceable containers for holding a water treatment composition with the containers serially located so that the water flowing into one container flows into the second container with the second container removable from the first container so that the second water treatment composition can be replenished without having to replenish the water treatment composition in the first container.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of decontaminating a structure contaminated by pathogenic microorganisms such as bacillus anthracis and its spores, B. subtilis var niger and its spores, and B. stearothermophilusand its spores, comprising the steps of sealing a contaminated structure sufficiently to enable retention of a gas, introducing methyl bromide gas into sealed contaminated structure to a concentration of methyl bromide in an amount sufficient to deactivate said pathogenic microorganisms and disable germination of pathogenic bacteria spores, and maintaining said sealed contaminated structure with said concentration of methyl bromide at a sufficient temperature for a sufficient period of time, and deactivating said pathogenic microorganisms and disabling germination of said pathogenic bacteria spores associated with said contaminated structure. The method is performed approximately in the range of 20° C. to 40° C.

Abstract: A method of eradicating or at least substantially reducing biofilm on a surface in contact with water, or which comes in contact with water, which method comprises introducing into such water a concentrated aqueous biocidal composition formed from bromine chloride and an aqueous solution of an alkali metal salt of sulfamic acid, such composition having an active bromine content of at least about 100,000 ppm (wt/wt), a pH of at least about 7, and an atom ratio of nitrogen to active bromine of greater than 0.93.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and composition for destroying or inhibiting proliferation of microbes using oxidative fluorinator compounds. Fluoride salts that do not dissociate completely in aqueous solutions, such as tri- or tetravalent transition metal fluorides, inert gas fluorides, or tri- or tetravalent rare earth fluorides, are effective antimicrobial agents even at levels up to about 20 ppm, when used alone or in conjunction with a strong oxidizer.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for decontaminating mail. The preferred embodiment includes a sealable container of sufficient size to hold one or more pieces of mail. A chamber, in gaseous communication with the container, holds a quantity of oxidizer material, and a heater is used to raise the temperature of the oxidizer to form a disinfecting gas that permeates the mail. The oxidizer material is preferably a liquid such as chlorine dioxide or hydrogen peroxide. The apparatus may further include a timer so that the oxidizer is heated for a desired period of time, a pressure relief valve, and/or an indicator responsive to the pressure within the container when sealed.

Abstract: The present invention involves a system and method of treating a porous material of a vehicle wherein the porous material has microorganisms. The method includes providing first and second antimicrobial solutions. The method further includes applying the first antimicrobial solution to the porous material and scrubbing the first antimicrobial solution and the porous material so that the first solution contacts the microorganisms. The method further includes applying the second antimicrobial solution heated at a predetermined temperature to the porous material after a predetermined time upon applying the first solution. The method further comprises removing the first and second antimicrobial solutions and the microorganisms from the porous material.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for delivery of a gas, e.g., carbon dioxide and/or chlorine dioxide, and methods of its use and manufacture. The apparatus includes an envelope, and a sachet within the envelope that contains reactant, which generates a gas in the presence of an initiating agent, e.g., water. The envelope allows release of the gas from the envelope. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes an envelope and a partition that separates two reactants within the envelope. The envelope allows an initiating agent into the envelope and release of the gas generated by the reactants in the presence of the initiating agent.

Abstract: A method of controlling microbial fouling is provided. The method controls microbial fouling using hypobromous acid, HOBr, formed by the reaction between an aqueous solution of alkali or alkaline earth metal hypochlorite and a bromide ion source. The method is characterized in that the alkali or alkaline earth metal hypochlorite or/and the bromide ion source is/are stabilized by the addition of a stabilizer before the hypobromous acid is formed by the reaction there between.

Abstract: An antimicrobial and antiviral composition in powder form or in the form of a two part liquid concentrate for washing and sanitizing foods, food surfaces, food ware, process waters, animal quarters, and animal carcasses is described. The composition may also be used to reduce the microbial and viral population on animals; reducing human pathogenic microbes, reducing opportunistic pathogenic microbes on eggs, and treating skin diseases. The composition includes three reactive species which in solution form an oxidizing species, and optionally a food grade acid source. The reactive species include a natural source of a quaternary or protonizable nitrogen compound which is acceptable on foods, an oxidant and a halide source.

Abstract: Disclosed are stable, liquid broad spectrum preservative formulations comprising (a) an antimicrobial halopropynyl compound and (b) a butoxydiglycol solvent, and optionally (c) (i) an alkanol substituted dialkylhdantoin formaldehyde donor, (ii) an antimicrobial isothiazolone derivative, and (iii) a stabilizer. The invention is also directed to methods of use of the preservative formulations for inhibiting or retarding the growth of bacteria or fungi.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering dissolved chlorine dioxide into a water system comprises sources for acid, a chlorite, and a chlorine donor solutions and metering pumps. The solutions are mixed whereby chlorine dioxide is generated, which is then fed into a water system.

Abstract: A two-part disinfecting systems, as well as disinfecting compositions and methods for making and using the same. The two-part disinfecting system contains a first part and a second part adapted to be mixed to yield an aqueous disinfecting composition, wherein the first part comprises a chlorite and the second part comprises an acid and an optional oxidizable colorant, and wherein the first part, the second part, or both the first and second parts comprise an alpha olefin sulfonate.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for sanitizing a flow of water recirculated from a body of water such as a swimming pool by a pump (16) having an inlet conduit (10) and an outlet conduit (18) both in fluid communication with the body of water. The apparatus comprises a container (22) which is adapted to hold sources of silver and copper metal and halogen reagent which, under the action of oxidising agents forms colloidal dissolved metals. Metering means (12) is adapted to deliver hydrogen peroxide reagent into the inlet conduit (10). Water is pumped from outlet conduit (18) through feed conduit (20) which is connected to the container (22) and then through return conduit (24) which connects to either inlet conduit (10) or the outlet conduit (18) to a position upstream of the connection of the feed conduit (10) to the outlet conduit (18). The amount of hydrogen peroxide and halogen added are predetermined by the volume of water to be sanitized.

Abstract: Solid sanitizing compositions have advantages over corresponding liquids and powders. A solid sanitizing product can be contained within a plastic bottle with a label indicating that the contents have antimicrobial or deodorizing properties containing a non-flowable solid composition having greater than about 0.02 percent by weight antimicrobial compounds. The preferred solid sanitizing compositions consist essentially of an antimicrobial compound selected from the group consisting of quaternary ammonium salts, fatty amines and diamines, chlorhexidine gluconate, phenol, derivatives of phenol, parachloro metaxylenol and mixtures thereof, and between 0 and 99.98 percent by weight of a cleaning composition. The solid sanitizing compositions can be effectively used with solid dispensers. The solid dispensers have a bowl with a drain at the bottom and an upward pointing spray nozzle.

Abstract: Method for removing microbial biofilm from surfaces in contact with an aqueous system is disclosed, which comprises adding to the system a treatment comprising low foaming, ethoxylated anionic surfactant composed of alkyl substituted carboxylated acid or salt thereof and polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to synergistic mixtures of o-phenylphenol and additional bactericides.

Abstract: An oxidizing species is described herein as a reaction product through an in situ preparation combining a protonizable phosphorus or sulfur compound, and a halide source at controlled proportions in an aqueous, non-aqueous, gel, aerosol, solid-phase or powdered media. The oxidizing species can be used to reduce microbial and viral populations on a surface or object or in a body or stream of water. The invention thus finds applications as a bleach, sanitizer, oxidant, or in any other application in which an oxidizing agent can be beneficially used alone or in a formulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new method for the in situ generation of chlorine dioxide from a solution of sodium chlorite and carbon dioxide. The present invention produces effective levels of chlorine dioxide without having to resort to the use of hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrogen peroxide, chlorine, sulfur dioxide, or methanol. By eliminating the use of toxic and/or hazardous compounds, the present invention provides a safer means for generating and using chlorine dioxide in a wider variety of applications than previously possible. For instance, the present invention can easily be adapted for the treatment of combustion exhaust gases, flue gases, cooling towers, chilled water systems, contaminated groundwater, and agricultural produce or products.

Abstract: A disinfectant composition containing more than 0.05% and less than 9.4% by volume of dimethyl benzyl lauryl ammonium bromide, substantially pure, substantially de-ionized, substantially bacteria free water if the pH of the water is between 5.0 and 6.8, a first stabilizer structured to adjust a pH level of the disinfectant composition to approximately 7, ammonium sulfate structured to increase a strength of the composition and a stabilizer structured to lower the pH level of the disinfectant composition back to approximately 7.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disinfecting composition comprising a first component as peracetic ion precursor, and a second component as source of peroxide. The invention also relates to a method for disinfecting and/or sterilising the water line of a dental unit. The method comprises the steps of: preparing an aqueous solution comprising peracetic ions as active agent; introducing in the water line of the dental unit a portion of the aqueous solution comprising the peracetic ions; allowing the portion of aqueous solution comprising the peracetic ions to act; and flushing the water line with an aqueous rinsing solution.

Abstract: A method by which dental equipment, such as dental scalers, can be sanitized using a detergent or treating composition containing a surfactant and a solvent such as water is disclosed. The method involves taking the used dental equipment and contacting it with the treating composition, and subjecting both the equipment and composition to microwaves. The composition foams during microwaving and/or immerses the equipment such that microwave arcing is avoided, and such that the dental equipment is sanitized.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sterilizing fog, characterized by droplet size range, vapor density range, sterilant concentration range and sterilant concentration within the droplets. Specifically, there is disclosed a fog achieved by an apparatus combining pressure, temperature and acoustics to form a super-charged ozoneated water and an apparatus that creates small micro droplets which form a highly concentrated sterilizing fog. Specific sterilants used are ozone, chlorine and chlorous acid generating compositions such as sodium hypochlorite, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for treating goods, such as, for example, fumigating and re-cooling perishable goods, such as fruit, using a tarp and floor seal. The apparatus encloses goods on a surface and includes a canopy that is substantially impermeable to flowable materials, such as gas, liquid, or a combination thereof; an upper perimeter for supporting an upper portion of the canopy; a lower perimeter for supporting a lower portion of the canopy, the lower perimeter to be placed in proximity to the surface; a support structure for supporting the upper perimeter and lower perimeters; and a gasket in communication with the lower perimeter, wherein the gasket is deformable to substantially seal the chamber by compressing the gasket against the surface. The apparatus may also include an intermediate support structure for providing support to the canopy and a conduit in communication with the chamber to supply cool air to the chamber.

Abstract: The general purpose of this invention is to provide an improved apparatus and method of preserving the vulnerable area of a railroad cross tie near the interface of the tie and the tie plate. To attain this purpose the invention provides a thin preservative-bearing gelatinous material that is placed between the cross tie and the tie plate either at the time of the original laying of rail or during any subsequent relaying. No extra equipment is needed and only a negligible amount of labor is required to simply place the gelatinous material on the adzed surface of the cross tie prior to the mounting or remounting of the rail. The presence of the gelatinous material poses absolutely no resistance to the subsequent driving of the spikes into the tie and is thin enough so as not to pose any rail alignment problems. The use of the gelatinous material relies on the moisture found under the tie plate to leach the active ingredients out of the material and help diffuse them throughout the adjacent section of wood.

Abstract: A method of controlling microbial fouling is provided. The method controls microbial fouling using hypobromous acid, HOBr, formed by the reaction between an aqueous solution of alkali or alkaline earth metal hypochlorite and a bromide ion source. The method is characterized in that the alkali or alkaline earth metal hypochlorite or/and the bromide ion source is/are stabilized by the addition of a stabilizer before the hypobromous acid is formed by the reaction there between.

Abstract: The invention relates to synergistic mixtures of methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one and 2-bromo-2-nitropropanediol for controlling microorganisms in industrial materials.

Abstract: Liquid germicidal formulation containing, as the active ingredients, a combination of an alcohol and an organic N-chloroamine, which combination shows a high bactericidal activity and an unexpected stability in time, while maintaining its effectiveness substantially unchanged even after a prolonged storage. The formulation comprises, in water, chloramine-T or chloramine-B and one or more, aliphatic alcohols having up to 12 carbon atoms, preferably isopropanol, said solution having a pH not lower than 8.5.

Abstract: High concentration chlorine dioxide gel compositions are prepared for disinfectant, deodorizing and for like uses. The preferred gel compositions are prepared from xanthan, guar or like gums.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to novel water treatment compositions and methods of preparation and use. More particularly, the invention relates to solid water treatment compositions containing at least one halogen source and at least one amine compound. Methods of preparing solid water treatment compositions and methods for controlling biofouling, disinfecting, cleaning and water systems are also provided.

Abstract: A method of treating a building contaminated with Stachybotris includes inspecting the building to identify locations in the building contaminated by the Stachybotris, applying a treatment liquid to the Stachybotris at the locations, the treatment liquid including hydrochloric acid, and heating the treatment liquid for a length of time after it has been applied to the Stachybotris.

Abstract: A sterilization monitor includes a substrate and an monitor composition. The monitor composition contains a colorant and a halogen source and undergoes a distinct color change when exposed to a peracid. The sterilization monitor can be used to monitor a sterilization process involving a peracid. A sterilization monitoring device, including a sterilization monitor enclosed in a housing having a vapor permeable barrier, can also be used to monitor a sterilization process.