Abstract: The present invention is directed to new and improved solutions for packaging contact lenses and to methods for treating contact lenses with such solutions to improve the comfort of the lenses during wear. In particular, the present invention is directed to packing solutions comprising certain non-ionic surfactants containing a poly(oxyalkylene) copolymer and having a molecular weight of 4000 to 30,000. Such surfactants are retained on the surface of an unused lens for extended periods of time, resulting in surface modification that persists in the eye, thereby providing significant improvement in the wetting properties of fresh contact lenses used for the first time and, moreover, even several hours after lens insertion, preventing dryness and improving lubricity.

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: An oxidizing species is described herein as a reaction product through an in situ preparation combining a quaternary or protonizable nitrogen compound, an oxidant 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 introduces a class of compounds, 2-substituted carbonyl compounds, that are useful as disinfecting agents, and particularly useful in methods for the disinfection of biological fluids. Members of the class of compounds have been found to possess pathogen inactivating properties against a variety of pathogens. The compounds and methods disclosed herein are useful for disinfecting biological fluids such as blood and blood fractions, among others.

Abstract: Stable biocide formulations containing oxidizing bromine are provided for biofouling control in industrial water systems. The formulations contain at least one stable oxidizing bromine compound that is prepared from at least one oxidizing chemical reagent, at least one bromine source and at least one bromine or halogen stabilizer. The resulting products are a mixture of stable oxidizing bromine compounds that can be used as a biocide in an industrial water system.

Abstract: A synergistic composition and method for controlling biological growth in industrial fluids are disclosed, wherein the composition comprises stabilized sodium hypobromite and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of coco alkyldimethylamine oxide, n-coco alkyltrimethylenediamine, tetra-alkyl phosphonium chloride, 7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2,3-dicarboxylic acid and 4,5-dichloro-2-n-octyl-4-isothiazoline-3-one.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for destroying biological agents and toxins such as Aflatoxins, Botulinum toxins, and Clostridium perfrigens toxins are provided wherein the substance to be destroyed is contacted with a finely divided metal oxide nanocrystals. In various embodiments, the metal oxide nanocrystals have reactive atoms stabilized on their surfaces, species adsorbed on their surfaces, or are coated with a second metal oxide. The desired metal oxide nanocrystals can be pressed into pellets for use when a powder is not feasible. The methods of the invention are safe for humans, equipment, and the environment, and provide for decontamination of warfare sites, of equipment exposed to the contaminant, and of soil, water and air having been exposed to the contaminant. Preferred metal oxides for the methods include MgO, CaO, TiO2, ZrO2, FeO, V2O5, Mn2O3, Fe2O3, NiO, CuO, Al2O3, ZnO and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A synergistic biocidal oxidant, useful as a sanitizer and disinfectant, is disclosed. The synergistic biocidal oxidant comprises a lower organic peracid, preferably peracetic acid, and chlorine dioxide.

Abstract: This invention relates to the method of non-invasively fortifying eggs with iodine as a dietary supplement without compromising the structural integrity of the egg. The eggs are placed in a solution comprising iodide or iodate salts of alkali or alkali earth metals at an effective concentration for a duration of between a few seconds to a few days. Iodine then passes through the egg shell to the interior of the egg until an adequate internal iodine concentration of iodide or iodate salts is produced.

Abstract: A method for fumigation perishables within an existing refrigerated cargo container that does not require the refrigerated cargo container to be tented. The method uses the inherent characteristics of the cargo container to form the fumigation chamber environment. The method insures that the cargo container is fit for fumigation purposes, more specifically, that the refrigerated cargo container does not allow the escape of fumigant beyond the reasonable level allowed by the agency monitoring the fumigation process.

Abstract: Chlorine dioxide is generated from an aqueous solution of sodium chlorite in the presence of a catalyst having a reduced rate of deactivation. The catalyst is preferably palladium, or palladium together with another platinum group metal (e.g., Pd+Pt), or palladium together with a Group IB metal (e.g., Pd+Au) deposited on a support modified by Group IA carbonate salt (e.g., K2CO3) or a Group IIA carbonate salt (e.g., CaCO3) or a magnesium salt that can be converted to MgO or a support consisting of a Group IA carbonate salt or a Group IIA carbonate salt or a magnesium salt that can be converted to MgO.

Abstract: Aqueous concentrated liquid disinfectant compositions which include: an antiseptic compound other than a quaternary ammonium compound having germicidal properties; organic solvent constituent; binary co-solvent system comprising alkyl biphenyl solvent and a co-solvent; optionally but desirably at least one optional constituents. The concentrate compositions feature excellent blooming characteristics.

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: The present invention provides a method for the disinfection of seafood. The inventive method includes the steps of (a) preparing a concentrated aqueous solution of a chlorine dioxide liberating compound having a concentration of from about 0.2% to about 25% by weight of the chlorine dioxide liberating compound and having an amount of an acid sufficient to adjust the pH to from about 1.0 to about 5.0; (b) diluting the concentrated aqueous solution to provide a dilute, acidified solution having a concentration of from about 0.00017% to about 0.17% by weight of the chlorine dioxide liberating compound; and (c)contacting the dilute, acidified solution with seafood to disinfect the seafood. Preferably, the chlorine dioxide liberating compound is an alkali metal chlorites, with sodium chlorite and potassium chlorite being particularly preferred. The acid may be any acid generally regarded as safe, as that term is used in the Code of Federal Register, 21 CFR 170.35 and 21 CFR 170.30.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a contact surface which is continuously sanitized with a sanitizing fluid. A reservoir contains the sanitizing fluid. A contact material has a porous contact surface in fluid communication with the reservoir. A moisture control and fluid distribution system determines the moisture level of the porous surface and, upon determining that the moisture level thereof has reached a predetermined level, causes a flow of the sanitizing fluid from the reservoir to the contact material. The contact material comprises a durable, porous outer layer configured for evenly distributing the sanitizing fluid to the contact surface and a backing layer bonded to the outer layer to provide a seal there between.

Abstract: A process for treating active viral lesions, such as herpes lesions and warts, on persons or animals, in which an active lesion containing a virus is scrubbed or debrided, an aqueous reagent solution containing neutral red and free chlorine is applied to the scrubbed lesion, and the lesion to which the reagent has been applied is exposed to ultraviolet light for a period sufficient to cause viral destruction. The invention further relates to the aqueous reagent solution containing neutral red and free chlorine.

Abstract: An aqueous stable foam, suitable for use as a vaginal or hemorrhoidal wipe agent, containing at least one surfactant and at least one foam stabilizing agent can be dispensed to bathroom tissue or the like for application to the vaginal or anal area.

Abstract: A pool apparatus that simultaneously removes debris from the water and purifies water in a portion of the water passing through the pool apparatus with the pool apparatus having an intake head for drawing water and debris from a first region of the pool and directing the water and debris to a housing having a restrictor therein for directing a portion of the water through a water purification material and the remaining portion with the debris therein along an unimpeded path in the housing to a collector where the debris is collected and the water is returned to the pool.

Abstract: The connection, assembly, or fill of two or more pre-sterilized components having at least one terminal end each for attachment to another component, and an apparatus for performing such a connection, while maintaining the sterility of the components is disclosed. The resulting connection is made permanent by bonding the contacting components together using either a solvent bonding technique, a radio frequency sealer, a heat sealer, or any other suitable process. The connection is preferably made within an active sterile field. Using a low-voltage electron beam instrument, such as the MIN-EB™, a suitable sterile field sphere can be created. The terminal ends of the multiple components remain within the sterile field sphere until the possibility of contamination within the sealed components is significantly reduced to industry acceptable standards.

Abstract: The connection, assembly, or fill of two or more pre-sterilized components having at least one terminal end each for attachment to another component, and an apparatus for performing such a connection, while maintaining the sterility of the components is disclosed. The resulting connection is made permanent by bonding the contacting components together using either a solvent bonding technique, a radio frequency sealer, a heat sealer, or any other suitable process. The connection is preferably made within an active sterile field. Using a low-voltage electron beam instrument, such as the MIN-EB™, a suitable sterile field sphere can be created. The terminal ends of the multiple components remain within the sterile field sphere until the possibility of contamination within the sealed components is significantly reduced to industry acceptable standards.

Abstract: A thixotropic, non-cytotoxic, topical hydrogel that contains a proven safe and effective, broad spectrum, antimicrobial agent based on a unique electrolytically derived sodium hypochlorite solution.

Abstract: A kit for converting a water circulation system in a hot tub into a water purification system including a housing that can be fixedly mounted to a spa or hot tub, a chamber in the housing, an inlet for splicing into the spa water circulation system, and an outlet for splicing into the spa water circulation system, a dispenser for mounting in the chamber in the housing with the dispenser containing water purification materials so that when water flows through the spa water circulation system the water also flows through the chamber with the water purification material to simultaneously purifies the water and direct jets of water into the hot tub.

Abstract: A frozen chlorine dioxide-containing composition comprising a metal chlorite and a protic acid in a frozen aqueous matrix made by freezing a substantially chloride dioxide-free aqueous solution comprising a metal chlorite at a concentration ranging from about 0.0005% to about 0.5% by weight and a protic acid at a concentration sufficient to lower the pH of the aqueous solution to a value of about 1.8 to about 5.0. The frozen chlorine dioxide-containing composition has a chlorine dioxide concentration of more than about 3 ppm, while the aqueous solution prior to freezing has a chlorine dioxide concentration less than about 3 ppm. The frozen chlorine dioxide-containing composition is used to disinfect substrates by contacting the same with the frozen chlorine dioxide-containing composition. Suitable substrates include food intended for human or animal consumption, such as meat, fish and poultry.

Abstract: A method of delivering disinfectant in an absorbent substrate. A first step involves intermixing a first reactant chemical with a first ink. A second step involves intermixing a second reactant chemical with a second ink. A third step involves printing a first pattern on an absorbent substrate with the first ink. A fourth step involves printing a second pattern on the absorbent substrate with the second ink. The second pattern is positioned in close proximity to the first pattern, such that when the first pattern and second pattern are exposed to water an intermixing of the first reactant chemical and the second reactant chemical occurs to produce an aerosol disinfectant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sustained-releasing anti-protista preparation, comprising using a water-insoluble or difficulty water soluble and water-wettable polymer compound which is solid at room temperature as a sustained-releasing substrate material, a method for a preparation of the sustained-releasing anti-protista preparation, comprising kneading a water-insoluble or difficulty water soluble and water-wettable polymer compound which is solid at room temperature with an anti-protista substance, and a sustained-releasing anti-protista preparation for a waterway, comprising using a water-insoluble or difficulty water soluble and water-wettable polymer compound which is solid at room temperature as a sustained-releasing substrate material.

Abstract: A method comprises feeding a chlorite, a chlorine donor, and an acid into a water line connected to a water system through which water is flowing, or a mixing chamber connected to a water system, wherein the chlorite and chlorine donor being present in a molar ratio from 1.0:0.1 to 1.0:15.0 chlorite to chlorine donor; whereby chlorine dioxide is generated substantially instantaneously in solution and substantially no undissolved chlorine dioxide gas is evolved; and feeding the solution comprising chlorine dioxide into the water system. The solution comprising chlorine dioxide in the mixing chamber can have a chlorine dioxide concentration from 20,000 to 50,000 ppm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a porous paper product impregnated with at least one chemical species. The porous paper product can be in the form of sheets, or compressed pellets. The porous paper can be prepared from a variety of sources, including wood pulp, kenaf, flax, or hemp. The chemical species impregnating the paper react and/or diffuse out of the paper to accomplish a variety of desired results. For example, diffusion of a volatile biocidal chemical out of pores in the paper create a no-growth zone on and immediately surrounding the impregnated paper. In this manner the impregnated paper can provide a sterile environment for activities such as food packaging/storage, the treatment of illness/injury, or waste disposal.

Abstract: A synergistic composition and method for inhibiting microbiological growth which comprises a combination of stabilized sodium hypobromite with a mixture of 5-chloro-2-methyl 4-isothiazolin-3-one and 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one.

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: Stable oxidizing bromine compounds are prepared by preparing a caustic solution comprising a halogen stabilizer, water and an alkali or alkaline earth metal hydroxide, the halogen stabilizer being selected from the group consisting of R—NH2, R—NH—R1, R—SO2—NH2, R—SO2—NHR1, R—CO—NH2, R—CO—NH—R1 and R—CO—NH—CO—R1 wherein R is a hydroxy group, an alkyl group or an aromatic group and R1 is an alkyl group or an aromatic group, adding bromine chloride to the solution while mixing the solution, and cooling the solution.

Abstract: In a process for thermal pest control, a fuel-operated heater with separate flue gas routing is used to heat up a space to be treated. Fumigants may be additionally introduced into the air of the space to be treated, especially if the combustion chamber 13 of the heater is separated from the heat exchanger chamber 8 of the heater in a gas-tight manner. The process is particularly suitable for disinfecting mills and food-processing plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous decontaminating composition comprising (A) an amount of H2O2 less than or equal to 60% by weight, based on the total weight of said composition; (B) an RCO3H/RCO2H mixture, where R is methyl or ethyl, as indicated above, said mixture being present in an amount such that the weight ratio of said mixture to the hydrogen peroxide is between 0.15/1 and 0.85/1; (C) a silver component as a source of Ag ions, selected from the group consisting of silver salts and complexes, said silver component being present in an amount such that the weight ratio of said silver component to the hydrogen peroxide is between 0.0005/1 and 0.015/1; (D) a stabilizer present in an amount such that the weight ratio of said stabilizer to the hydrogen peroxide is between 0.0005/1 and 0.025/1; and water to make up to 100% by weight. It further relates to the method of preparation and to the use of said composition.

Abstract: Methods of aseptically transporting a bulk quantity of a sterile product such as an edible food product comprise sterilizing a transporting container by flooding the container with a chemical sterilant, pressurizing the sterilized container with a positive pressure inert gas atmosphere, and aseptically supplying a bulk quantity of the sterile product to the sterilized container. The pressurized container supplied with the sterile product is sealed to substantially maintain the positive pressure during transport of the container, and the container with the sterile product therein is then transported to a remote location. A transporting container for use in the present methods comprises an insulated transportable storage tank provided with a sealable atmospheric vent on an upper portion thereof, an inert gas valve provided with a microbial filter, and an aseptic inlet/outlet valve for supplying a sterile product therethrough.

Abstract: Stabilized bromine solutions are prepared by combining a bromine source and a stabilizer to form a mixture, adding an oxidizer to the mixture, and then adding, an alkaline source to adjust the pH of the mixture to at least 13.

Abstract: Compositions for controlling harmful fungi, containing in a solid or liquid carrier a) at least one p-hydroxyaniline derivative of the formula I b) at least one amide compound of the formula II A—CO—NR8—R9  (II) where the substituents have the meanings indicated in the description; and methods of controlling harmful fungi using compositions of this type are described.

Abstract: This invention relates to the synergistic wood preservative composition comprising of a quaternary ammonium compound and N-substituted isothiasolones having the properties of providing effective and broader control of microorganisms that produce stain, can cause the deterioration of wood, or may develop resistance to some of the active components.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combined formulation for disinfecting, neutralizing and cleaning a soft contact lens and a method using the same easily, efficiently and safely. The formulation is a one-solution type of combined formulation for disinfecting, neutralizing and cleaning a soft contact lens, which includes a first formulation that contains an iodine-based disinfectant and a proteolytic enzyme and a second formulation that contains a reducing and a foaming agent treated with a delayed release coating, and which contains a nonionic surfactant in at least one of the first and second formulations. A stained soft contact lens can be disinfected, neutralized and cleaned easily by holding it in an aqueous solution colored yellow or brown by iodine molecules and removing it from the aqueous solution after the solution becomes almost colorless.

Abstract: A method for controlling the spread of the parasitic microorganism, Myxobolus cerebralis. The method involves the application of a solution containing a quaternary ammonium compound onto articles carrying Myxobolus cerebralis in order to the destroy the microorganism.

Abstract: Described is a method and device for servicing the water of a swimming pool 1 by adding a disinfectant. The disinfectant is added by circulating the water through a branched circuit of the pool using a constant flow stirring pump 5. The operation of the pump is determined by the temperature of the water detected by temperature sensor 30 located within the branched circuit. The operating time of the pump is determined according to preset programs of a control box 3 which divide the operating time into time slot units of similar duration spread over several time ranges. The disinfectant addition can be carried out by pebble support 64 or by electrolysis within the branch circuit. Also, if the temperature drops below a minimal freeze risk value or above a maximal value, the pump is continuously operated and a warning is generated.

Abstract: A first embodiment of the present invention is directed to an aqueous disinfectant solution comprising an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal hypochlorite, an amount of base sufficient to raise the pH of the solution to at least 12, and water. A second embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method for sterilizing medical and dental instruments and hard surfaces which comprises contacting the medical or dental instruments or hard surfaces with an aqueous disinfecting solution comprising an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal hypochlorite, an amount of a base sufficient to raise the pH of the solution to at least 12, and water, for a time sufficient to disinfect the medical or dental instruments or hard surface.

Abstract: The invention is directed to sterilant gas compositions of pentafluorodimethyl ether and ethylene oxide which possess improved environmental properties.

Abstract: The invention provided relates to the use of polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine complexes in combination with gelling agents to produce strong disinfectants which not only physically stabilize biohazardous and infectious wastes but also kill pathogens contained in the wastes. The gelling agents include polyacyrlates that are superabsorbents.

Abstract: A sterilization system using a sterilization process monitoring device which is capable of indicating the efficacy of the sterilization process in an enclosed sterilization container while still maintaining the sealed state of the sterilization container. The process monitoring device comprises at least one biological indicator and/or at least one chemical indicator. Upon completion of the sterilization cycle, the process monitoring device can be advantageously removed from the system to determine chemical and/or biological efficacy of the sterilization process. The removal of the biological and/or chemical indicators does not disturb the sterilized state of the articles inside the sterilization container.

Abstract: The invention relates to the reduction and prevention of biofouling in facilities utilizing water, e.g. sea water, carrying biological organisms, without causing corrosion, chemical reaction or other detrimental action from the additive or environmental discharge problems. Such operations include, for example, desalination plants, power plants, oilfield water injection facilities and shipboard or ocean platform fire water systems. For example, in the desalination plant of FIG. 1, the biofouling reduction method and apparatus for this invention have a source of oxidizing agent such as chlorine ions or ozone, a source of copper ions and a dosing chamber for delivery of relatively low dosage levels of oxidizing agents and at appropriate times copper ions to form a treatment additive. Flow connectors connect the dosing chamber to various points along the piping in the desalination plant.

Abstract: An system for treatment of infectious waste including a impactor coupled to a mixing drum that can be pressurized, infectious waste and a treatment fluid comprising a substance effective in killing pathogenic organisms being introduced directly into the impactor where the waste is pulverized forming unrecognizable particulate matter mixed with fluid, and the waste from there being introduced into the drum for mixing and subsequently pressure treatment by providing a superatmospheric pressure in the drum to drive chemicals effective in killing pathogenic organisms into voids in the solids and also into spore walls and cell membranes to provide a more speedy and effective kill.

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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for real-time monitoring and control of anti-microbial cycle parameters within a load-simulation device 6. The system and method simulate the same conditions as those within an acceptable standard challenge load to be sterilized. Integration of the system into a control system 17 allows critical anti-microbial parameter levels to be achieved and maintained within the simulated load throughout a cycle, thus resulting in a significant reduction in the number of unsuccessful cycles. A redundant parameter-monitoring system 100 within the system is included. When acceptable parameter levels are shown to have been met, the processed load is automatically released for use immediately upon completion of the cycle, thus eliminating the need for biological indicators and chemical integrators.

Abstract: A balanced water purification system is provided with a buffer compound, and oxidizer/clarifier compound, and a biocide compound disposed in multiple packets such that the biocide compound and the oxidizer/clarifier compound are contained in different packets. The composition purifies and clarifies water while maintaining the existing water pH. The composition may also include a filtration aid, an algicide, a calcium releasing source, a chelator, and a sequestering agent.

Abstract: A composition for decontamination of materials soiled by toxic agents, pacularly a peracid-based composition for effective decontamination of materials soiled by toxic agents, such as organophosphates and organosulfur compounds. The composition further includes a cationic surfactant.

Abstract: An important and central aspect of the present invention is the use of expanded amorphous aluminum silicate (EAAS) as a vehicle for a chlorite salt. This vehicle, when exposed to moisture, will release chlorine dioxide (ClO.sub.2) for purposes of deodorization or microbial suppression. Thus, where a particular area or volume is to be deodorized or made less microbally contaminated, the EAAS-chlorite salt (most preferably sodium chlorite) is placed in the area or volume to be treated and moisture is permitted to interact with the material. The result of the moisture is to permit the chemical reaction (presumably acidification) of the chlorite salt to yield chlorine dioxide gas. While normal EAAS has some inherent acidity, the inherent acidity is low enough so that, even when a chloride salt is encapsulated in the EAAS and the resultant mixture exposed to moisture, ClO.sub.2 release is very slow and over an extended period. Under most conditions, a more rapid release of ClO.sub.