Abstract: Implementations and techniques for cyclonic catalytic ducts are generally disclosed.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis separation process is disclosed, such as for desalination and waste water reuse process, wherein an effectiveness of membrane cleaning can be estimated. Exemplary embodiments operate the reverse osmosis membrane cleaning process for a controlled time for cleaning and with a controlled value of chemical concentration in a chemical liquor prepared for cleaning the membrane. A method can include estimating fouling status of the membrane and determining a controlled value of chemical concentration in the chemical liquor, and a controlled time for cleaning based on the fouling status of the membrane.

Abstract: A fluid line treatment kit for a dairy farm milking system having a vacuum subsystem for imparting vacuum within a fluid line is provided. The fluid line treatment kit includes at least one ozone gas source; a conduit associated with each ozone gas source configured to convey ozone gas to within the fluid line at a respective location; and a control system configured to trigger each ozone gas source to produce ozone gas while the vacuum subsystem is actuated. Vacuum imparted by the vacuum subsystem in the fluid line draws ozone gas via the at least one conduit into and through the fluid line.

Abstract: A process and system for sterilization of a product pathway of a blow-fill-seal machine. The process comprises steps of: (1) isolating a holding tank from the product pathway; (2) supplying a sterilizing agent to the product pathway of the BFS machine when the holding tank is isolated; (3) stopping the supply of sterilizing agent to the product pathway when a threshold is reached; and (4) supplying filtered compressed air to the product pathway when the supply of sterilizing agent is stopped. The process is preferably executed automatically without human intervention once initiated. Also described is a system for carrying out the process including a processor, valves and temperature and/or pressure sensors which provide information to the processor to determine when to open and close the valves to supply sterilizing agent and/or compressed air to the product pathway or holding tank.

Abstract: A decontamination system for decontaminating at least one contaminant in a process stream. Decontaminant liquid is dispersed into the process stream using atomization. A controller detects contaminant levels in the process stream and adjusts the flow of decontaminant fluid into the process stream in response.

Abstract: A device for sanitizing objects using ozone is disclosed having a container defining an enclosed space and a selectively closeable opening for enclosing the space, an ozone generator, an ozone converter, a controller, and a timer working together to generate a predetermined concentration of ozone within the enclosed space and maintain approximately the same concentration for a predetermined period of time. Also disclosed are assemblies and methods detecting and warning of entrapment within the enclosure and halting ozone production when it occurs. Further disclosed are devices and methods for coupling a maintenance device to the sanitizing system to perform various maintenance operations such as adjusting operational control parameters, and observing conditions within the enclosed chamber in real-time such as temperature, humidity, and ozone concentration.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for cleaning and disinfecting footwear items are disclosed herein. In an aspect a cleaning belt element is configured to rotate a cleaning belt in a continuous loop around a first rotating cylinder and a second rotating cylinder wherein the first rotating cylinder and the second rotating cylinder are connected by the cleaning belt. In another aspect, a containment element is configured to receive the footwear item wherein the containment element comprises a shroud, one or more bristle protruding from at least one inside wall of the shroud, and a transparent floor layer wherein the received footwear item rests In yet another aspect, an ultraviolet light element is configured to emit ultraviolet light from an ultraviolet light source wherein the ultraviolet light source is located below the transparent floor layer.

Abstract: A decontamination system for decontaminating at least one contaminant in a process stream. Decontaminant liquid is dispersed into the process stream sing atomization. Differential injection pressure and/or injection flow rate are monitored to help ensure that the atomization process is optimized.

Abstract: A decontamination system for decontaminating at least one contaminant in a process stream. Decontaminant liquid is dispersed into the process stream using atomization. A controller detects contaminant levels in the process stream and adjusts the flow of decontaminant fluid into the process stream in response.

Abstract: Provided are methods for decontamination of compartments, such as aircraft compartments and other types of compartments, and systems for implementing these methods. In some embodiments, a method involves detecting presence of one or more contaminants in a compartment. This information is used to select various decontamination conditions. In some embodiments, additional information, such as the type of the compartment (e.g., an aircraft compartment), temperature, and humidity, may be also considered while selecting the decontamination conditions. The decontamination conditions include identification of one or more decontaminating agents to be dispensed in the compartment, temperature profile of the air to be flown into the compartment, and timing of the decontaminant dispensing and air flowing operations. These conditions are selected to increase efficacy of the selected decontaminating agents with respect to the one or more detected contaminants and reduce impact on the aircraft compartment.

Abstract: A disinfector disinfects an object having channels therein, such as an endoscope, by one or more light emitting diodes that emit UV-C radiation. The object, including interior channels of the object, is exposed to emissions of UV-C radiation. One or more light emitting diodes provide UV-C radiation to the interior channels of the object. Operation of the device through the channels is responsive to cumulative levels of radiation received by the sensor(s) associated with the light emitting diode(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for optimizing and controlling the particle size distribution and scale-up of production of nanoparticle in an aerosol flame reactor. The method provides nanoparticles with desired, optimized and controlled particle size and the specific surface area in aerosol reactors using a simulation tool with programmed instructions. The simulation tool couples flame dynamics model and particle population balance model.

Abstract: Neoplastic tissue, viral and bacterial infections, and other physiological disorders and conditions are treated by irradiation of the host with electromagnetic radiation at a wavelength that is differentially absorbed by the offending tissue or cells. Radiation with differential absorption is also used in the sterilization of articles and packing made from synthetic polymers and for the treatment of food stuffs.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides an air treatment device. The air treatment device comprises an air purifying unit configured to purify air; a scent dispenser configured to dispense scent; an air detector, configured to detect the purified air and provide an output signal; and a processor configured to receive the output signal from the air detector and control the operation speed of the air purifying unit and the dispensing flow of scent dispensed by the scent dispenser, based on the output signal, wherein the dispensing flow of scent dispensed by the scent dispenser is decreased with the increase of the operating speed of the air purifying unit. Another embodiment of the invention provides a method of controlling a scent dispenser and an air purifying unit of an air treatment device, wherein the air treatment device further includes an air detector and a processor.

Abstract: A device for sanitizing objects using ozone is disclosed having a container defining an enclosed space and a selectively closeable opening for enclosing the space, an ozone generator, an ozone converter, a controller, and a timer working together to generate a predetermined concentration of ozone within the enclosed space and maintain approximately the same concentration for a predetermined period of time. Also disclosed are assemblies and methods detecting and warning of entrapment within the enclosure and halting ozone production when it occurs. Further disclosed are devices and methods for coupling a maintenance device to the sanitizing system to perform various maintenance operations such as adjusting operational control parameters, and observing conditions within the enclosed chamber in real-time such as temperature, humidity, and ozone concentration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in a hot water system to inhibit corrosion in the hot water system. The method includes defining one or more operational protective zones in the hot water system. One or more of the operational protective zones includes an oxidation-reduction potential probe that is operable to measure a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in the hot water system at operating temperature and pressure. The probe transmits the measured real-time potential to the controller, which assesses and interprets the transmitted potential to determine whether it conforms to an oxidation-reduction potential setting. If the measured potential does not conform the oxidation-reduction potential setting, the controller is operable to feed or remove one or more active chemical species into or from the hot water system and further operable to change at least one system parameter.

Abstract: Water treatment compositions are provided that are effective for mitigating corrosion or fouling of surfaces in contact with aqueous systems. The water treatment compositions can include one or more azole compounds, one or more transition metals, and one or more dispersants, in addition to various other additives. The water treatment compositions can exclude phosphorus and still be effective. Methods for mitigating corrosion or fouling of a surface in an aqueous system are also provided.

Abstract: A machine for producing and dispensing liquid and semi-liquid consumer food products such as ice creams, whipped cream, yogurt and the like comprises a container for a basic product of the consumer food product, a feed and treatment circuit for the basic product, comprising a feed pump, dispensing means positioned at an outfeed end of the feed and treatment circuit, and a device for checking the bacterial load of the product during production/dispensing; an electronic control unit controlling and regulating the various steps for measuring the bacterial load.

Abstract: Methods and systems for surveying and sterilizing one or more areas or one or more portions of one or more areas are described.

Abstract: In a method for sanitizing a touch screen of an electronic device, the electronic device includes a first motor roller and a second motor roller and a screen sanitization system. The first motor roller connects to the second motor roller through a flexible pipe that is filled with a sanitizer. The first motor roller is scrolled to clean and sanitize a first protective film using sanitizer when the first protective film is overlaid on the surface of the touch screen, and a second protective film is drawn to overlay on the surface of the touch screen. The second motor roller is scrolled to clean and sanitize the second protective film using the sanitizer when the second protective film is overlaid on the surface of the touch screen, and the first protective film is drawn to overlay on the surface of the touch screen.

Abstract: A method for gas phase application of chlorine dioxide within an enclosed volume that includes the steps of: climatizing the enclosed volume to achieve a relative humidity (RH) in the range of about 5% to about 56%; generating chlorine dioxide gas; and introducing the chlorine dioxide gas under specified conditions of chlorine dioxide gas concentration and contact time, the specified conditions being effective to eliminate contaminants within the closed volume, and further to mitigate corrosion within the enclosed volume during the gas phase application.

Abstract: The instant invention provides methods and apparatus for disinfecting a space, e.g., a hospital room, using chlorine dioxide. One aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for disinfecting a space. The apparatus includes: a chlorine dioxide gas generator; a sensor adapted and configured to measure the relative pressure inside the space and outside the space; and a computer operatively connected to the sensor and the chlorine dioxide generator, the computer adapted and configured to control the chlorine dioxide generator to operate only when the space is under negative pressure as compared to outside the space. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of disinfecting a space. The method includes: setting an apparatus as described herein in the space; and allowing the apparatus to determine if the space is under negative pressure. If the space is under negative pressure, the apparatus generates chlorine dioxide gas to disinfect the space.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a monitoring device comprising a test composition, a test element comprising a test portion to which the test composition is releasably adhered, a detection reagent, and a container comprising a first end with an opening and a second end opposite the first end. The test composition comprises a predetermined quantity of tracer analyte. The container is configured to receive the test portion and configured to be operationally coupled to an analytical instrument. The tracer analyte and the detection reagent each are capable of participating in one or more chemical reaction that results in the formation of a detectable product. A method of using the monitoring device to assess the efficacy of a washing process is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating an aqueous system for biocide control, by adding an acidified solution that includes monoalkyldithiocarbamate salt and alkyl isothiocyanate to an aqueous system. A biocide feed system is also provided that is configured to generate a reproducible level of alkyl isothiocyanate. The method and system provide effective levels of alkyl isothiocyanate for rapid biocidal activity, along with levels of monoalkyldithiocarbamate salt which can decompose to form additional alkyl isothiocyanate and provide longer-term biocidal activity.

Abstract: The method of the invention comprises the following steps: during the disinfection (A) of the apparatus, recording (1) with an acquisition and processing system the disinfection date and data relative to the apparatus disinfection type and level together with identification information of said apparatus; during the use (C) of the apparatus on a patient, recording (5) with said system the date and information concerning the apparatus type of use and the patient together with identification information of said apparatus; sequencing with the acquisition and processing system the information on the disinfection and use on a patient together with identification information of said apparatus; before each use, developing using the acquisition and processing system an instruction allowing or forbidding (6) the use of the apparatus based on the sequencing.

Abstract: A chemical vapor sterilization process is enhanced by concentrating a germicide via exploitation of the difference between the vapor pressures of the germicide and its solvent. A diffusion restriction can be placed into the diffusion path to assist this process and the path then opened to provide rapid diffusion of the thus concentrated germicide. The path through the diffusion restriction can be closed to allow the pressure in a sterilization chamber to be lowered prior to receiving the concentrated germicide.

Abstract: A sterilization system consisting of a mobile emitter, a sensing subsystem and a data logging subsystem is described. The emitter has one or more UV emitting lamps or devices. The sensing system comprises at least one remote UV sensor and at least one door sensor. The door sensor comprises a safety shut off door detector and may contain an emergency stop detector and arming detector to protect people from being exposed to UV energy. The system has a remote control for starting, stopping and setting system parameters which include but are not limited to: treatment time, dosage, room size, room number, unit number, floor, facility name, operator name, operator identification number, password, default dosage values, dosage, and patient identification number. The number of treatments per unit of time can be maximized because of the use of incident light measurement.

Abstract: This invention relates to improvements in the method of controlling bio-decontamination cycles used for the bio-decontamination of enclosed spaces, such as pharmaceutical clean rooms, isolators and hospital wards. The bio-decontamination cycle comprises a number of phases including at least one gassing phase, during which sterilant vapour is generated and circulated within the enclosed space. The method is characterised by the steps of continuously measuring the modified relative humidity of the air in the enclosed space, the modified relative humidity being the ratio of water and sterilant vapour: capacity of water and sterilant vapour in the air, and using the measured modified relative humidity to control the steps of the process.

Abstract: In a low temperature hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilizer, the accurate control of concentration of the hydrogen peroxide sterilant is an important factor in determining reliability and sterilization efficacy of the sterilization process. The present application describes sterilizers, and sterilization methods, which use a novel injector-concentrator arrangement which allows accurate concentration of the sterilant performed concurrently with the sterilization process. This process enables the device to sterilize wide range of sensitive equipment within a shorter sterilization cycle.

Abstract: Method for controlling the sterilization of products in an autoclave, in which products are placed in at least one closed, unsealed and confined container of any type, and according to which inside this same container there is a loaded and autonomous device for measuring in the container at least one sterilization parameter wherein during at least one part of the duration of the sterilization cycle and according to a predefined frequency, at least one representative value of the measurement of the at least one parameter is recorded in the loaded device and at least one of these representative values is transmitted directly through the container that remains closed, through wireless transmission by electromagnetic rays of waves with a frequency of less than 250,000 GHz.

Abstract: A method for gas phase application of chlorine dioxide within an enclosed volume that includes the steps of: climatizing the enclosed volume to achieve a relative humidity (RH) in the range of about 5% to about 56%; generating chlorine dioxide gas; and introducing the chlorine dioxide gas under specified conditions of chlorine dioxide gas concentration and contact time, the specified conditions being effective to eliminate contaminants within the closed volume, and further to mitigate corrosion within the enclosed volume during the gas phase application.

Abstract: This disinfection system for medical instruments of the type comprising a disinfection chamber adapted to implement a cycle for disinfecting instruments, is characterized in that each instrument is associated with a radiofrequency label containing identification information and in that the chamber is associated with radiofrequency means for acquiring identification information about the or each instrument when put in place and removed from the chamber at the start and end of a disinfection cycle, with means of acquiring information characterizing the disinfection cycle and with means for combining identification information about the or each instrument with information characterizing the disinfection cycle in order to generate traceability information on the disinfection of the or each instrument.

Abstract: Technologies are described herein for providing sterilization of a touchscreen or other tactile input surface of a user input device. A self-sterilizing user input device includes a touchscreen for receiving tactile user input and an ultraviolet (UV) light source that emits UV light onto a touchscreen at a sterilization wavelength. A controller selectively activates and deactivates the UV light source according to whether a user is at or near the user input device. According to one aspect, the user input device includes a backlight to illuminate the touchscreen. The UV light source is positioned with the backlight to provide the UV light from a rear side of the touchscreen.

Abstract: Systems and methods for software-reconfigurable chemical process systems useful in a wide range of applications. Embodiments may include software control of internal processes, automated provisions for cleaning internal elements with solvents, provisions for clearing and drying gasses, and multitasking operation. In one family of embodiments, a flexible software-reconfigurable multipurpose reusable “Lab-on-a-Chip” or “embedded chemical processor” is realized that can facilitate a wide range of applications, instruments, and appliances. Through use of a general architecture, a single design can be economically manufactured in large scale and readily adapted to diverse specialized applications. Clearing and cleaning provisions may be used to facilitate reuse of the device, or may be used for decontamination prior to recycling or non-reclaimed disposal.

Abstract: The present invention describes a new system and method, named “Antinfection”, to protect primarily healthcare workers (HCWs) and patients against communicable and nosocomial infections. It's based on new antiseptic sprays, non-alcoholic, that can be sprayed automatically on the hands. The base of the antiseptic action is the persistent part, preventing the colonization of tissue and non-living surfaces with microorganisms through the targeted, on-demand release of Fluorine ions. The system including new sprayers for fast and controlled application; new technologies to secure the long-term protection against wear in the daily work routines of HCWs; new measurement techniques for the quality of the Antinfection; new quality recording concepts for the promotion and verification of new strategies and campaigns in the “lost war against the germs”.

Abstract: In a hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilizer, the concentration of the hydrogen peroxide sterilant is an important factor in determining sterilization efficacy. The present application describes sterilizers, and sterilization methods, which use a novel injector-concentrator arrangement. This arrangement provides accurate control of concentration of the liquid-phase hydrogen peroxide, prior to vaporization of the liquid sterilant into the sterilization chamber. This increases the reliability and efficacy of the sterilization cycle.

Abstract: A method of decontaminating a room or space, comprising the steps of providing a cold-mist decontamination device capable of generating an atomized mist comprised of a decontaminant and water, inputting into an internal processor the parameters of the room or space and the concentration of the decontaminant in the decontamination solution, measuring the temperature and humidity in the room or space, and determining the maximum amount of the decontamination solution that can be introduced into the room or space in atomized form without condensing the decontaminant on surfaces within the room or space.

Abstract: Tunnel is provided for conditioning of food products, especially for sterilization of food in containers or vessels of the heat-sealed type, in which the conditioning unit has: 1) an active temperature and pressure control system provided in at least one magnetron supported heating stage, which provides for balancing of the pressure within the heat-sealed vessels or containers; 2) a conveyor which conveys the heat-sealed vessels or containers through the stages along the conditioning unit which contains mechanisms that move the conveyor outside of the conditioning tunnel, and 3) doors operating like check valves that separate the conditioning stages, but still provide for continuous linear feed of products through conditioning tunnel. Movement of the magnetron electromagnetic field and/or conveyor is controlled by software which utilizes the temperature and/or density measurements in a closed loop process to ensure uniform heating of the products.

Abstract: Transport scheduling and transport processes for low microbial (“LM”) bulk products are described. The transport scheduling and processes facilitate low microbial activity in a LM bulk product during the transport of the LM bulk product.

Abstract: Transport scheduling and transport processes for low microbial (“LM”) bulk products are described. The transport scheduling and processes facilitate low microbial activity in a LM bulk product during the transport of the LM bulk product.

Abstract: Transport scheduling and transport processes for low microbial (“LM”) bulk products are described. The transport scheduling and processes facilitate low microbial activity in a LM bulk product during the transport of the LM bulk product.

Abstract: In embodiments, a control system for a UV air treatment system, especially one used for cleaning a fume stream such as in a kitchen exhaust system, detects a need for cleaning maintenance on the UV light source based on changes in light intensity. The system further detects the light intensity each time the UV light source is cleaned to determine if the drop in intensity after cleaning indicates that the UV light source should be replaced. The cleaning and replacement requirements are indicated automatically by a user interface.

Abstract: A method of managing resources of a histological tissue processor, the tissue processor comprising at least one retort (12, 14) selectively connected for fluid communication to at least one of a plurality of reagent resources (26) by a valve mechanism (40), the method comprising the step of: nominating resources according to one of: group, where a group nomination corresponds to a resource's function; type, where a type nomination corresponds to one or more attributes of a resource within a group; station, where a station nomination corresponds to a point of supply of a resource.

Abstract: A system for treating a selenium-containing liquid, a wet flue gas desulfurization device, and a method for treating a selenium-containing liquid treat a selenium-containing liquid by adding bivalent manganese to the selenium-containing liquid, thereby suppressing oxidation of tetravalent selenium to hexavalent selenium. The system includes: a potential measurement unit for measuring an oxidation-reduction potential of the selenium-containing liquid, and a pH measurement unit for measuring a pH value of the selenium-containing liquid; a detection unit for detecting whether or not the selenium-containing liquid is in a state where selenium stabilizes at a valence of 4 or higher, based on the measured oxidation-reduction potential and the measured pH value; and an addition unit for adding bivalent manganese into the selenium-containing liquid when the selenium-containing liquid is in a state where selenium stabilizes at a valence of 4 or higher.

Abstract: A system and/or method formulates a chemical solution using both volumetric and weight based measurements of components of the chemical solution. The components of the chemical solution include water and at least one other component, which may take any form, such as, without limitation, liquid, solid, powder or gaseous form. Formulation of the chemical solution is administered by combining water with the one or more other components at an output port, from which this combination is dispensed to a solution storage tank. In response to a user's request to formulate a specified amount of the chemical solution, the volume of water provided to the output port is monitored by a flow meter and the weight of the other component(s) provided to the output port is monitored by one or more load cells. Based on such monitoring, appropriate amounts of water and the other component(s) are combined together to formulate the specified amount of the chemical solution in the solution storage tank.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a color indicator that signals when the concentration of an antimicrobial solution changes. In some embodiments, the color indicator is specific for changes in the concentration of an antimicrobial quaternary ammonium compound in an antimicrobial solution. The color indicator can be incorporated into a variety of articles including towels, labels, containers, buckets, trays, sinks, spray bottles, liners for containers, buckets, sinks, or spray bottles, indictor wands or strips, and test kits.

Abstract: A method for inlet temperature monitoring for centralized heat disinfection of dialysis machine inlet lines is described. The method can be used, for example, for a dialysis system which has a central water processing system used at a multiple patient dialysis treatment clinic or center. A central water processing system and a plurality of dialysis machines having fluid inlets are fluidly connected to a water supply loop which circulates heated water from the central water processing system to the dialysis machines and back to the central water processing system. A dialysis system for centralized heat disinfection of dialysis machine inlet lines of dialysis machines supplied with water by a central water processing system also is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus which determines activeness/inactiveness of bacteria in real time by measuring a specific light emission spectrum upon performing sterilization using plasma to highly efficiently sterilize is provided. As solving means, plasma is irradiated on a processing target from a plasma source connected to an alternate-current power supply and light emission of the processing target caused by the irradiation of plasma is detected by a light emission intensity detector unit. Particularly, by detecting wavelength intensity of hydrogen or hydroxyl group, activeness/inactiveness of bacteria can be determined at an early stage. Thus, an appropriate output of a power supply for sterilization can be controlled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating storage or product preparation tanks, tanks of the type which regularly undergo a hot aseptic washing step, followed by a cold water rinsing step, the method being characterized in that an inert gas is injected into the tank during all or part of the rinsing step.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards methods and compositions for identifying the specific microorganisms present in a particular portion of a papermaking processes. The method involves obtaining and comparing a diversity index of a sample from the process. Because no system is completely free from biological infestation, utilizing information taken from the changes in the populations provides information useful in protecting the system from unwanted effects. Not only does the diversity index allow for the distinguishing between biological and non-biological events, it even allows for the prediction of problems without previously knowing that a particular organism will cause a particular problem.