Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for treating a sample by selectively controlling sonic energy and/or selectively controlling the location of the sample relative to the sonic energy.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and method for processing solid waste products. The apparatus comprises a rotatably mounted cylindrical vessel having a first end, a second end and an interior surface, at least one end terminating in a hatch that may be opened to allow access to the interior of the vessel and sealably closed to allow pressurization of the vessel; a steam inlet for injecting stem disposed at one or both ends; a plurality of substantially straight blades protruding from the interior surface of the vessel, and each the blade extending substantially the entire length of the vessel, so as to be capable of transporting waste material from the bottom of the vessel toward the top of the vessel, and releasing the waste material to fall to the bottom of the vessel. The apparatus also includes one or more actuators for moving the vessel between a position wherein the first end is higher than the second end and a position wherein the second end is higher than the first end.

Abstract: An instrument for determining ozone concentration in a gaseous fluid includes a chamber, at least one filter adapted to remove particulates from gaseous fluid entering the chamber, and at least one filter adapted to remove ozone from gaseous fluid entering the chamber. At least one element is arranged to draw gaseous fluid into the chamber. An ultra-violet source located at one end of the chamber and configured to generate a substantially collimated beam of radiation having a wave length in the range 240 to 290 nm, and an ultra-violet sensor is arranged at the other end of the chamber and configured to receive the ultra-violet light emitted by the said ultra-violet source.

Abstract: Method for sterilising containers (10), wherein a treatment head (5) is guided into the interior of a container (10) to be sterilised and the treatment head (5) emits radiation in the interior of the container (10) at least intermittently over a predefined time period (dT), wherein the container (5) is moved relative to the treatment head (5) in a longitudinal direction (L) of the container (10) at least intermittently at a relative movement speed (v) over the predefined time period (dT). According to the invention, this relative movement speed (v) of the treatment head (5) located in the interior of the container (10) varies over the predefined time period and is controlled as a function of an internal profile (10a) of the container (10).

Abstract: A conditioning process and equipment are provided for removing hardness from water circulated in a system, such as an evaporative cooling system. A sidestream from such system is routed to a reaction chamber and back to the system. A conditioner is added to the sidestream water and in some embodiments is routed through a sidestream inlet from the top of the reaction chamber to its lower portion. A buffer is added to the sidestream exiting the reaction chamber, and in some embodiments is added upstream of a pH sensor. A fluid bed develops in the reaction chamber consisting of conditioner, buffer, precipitated solids and sidestream water. An upper outlet on the reaction chamber regulates the height of the fluid bed, and a drain provides for periodic discharge of the lower fluid bed. In another embodiment, a corrosion inhibitor blend is pre-mixed with the buffer.

Abstract: Solutions for limiting the undesirable spread of pathogens by indirect contact are provided. The solutions involve event-controlled self-sterilization of contact surfaces on articles or fixtures. A self-sterilizing contact surface structure allows chemical sterilizing agents to controllably flow in response to a contact event, from within the article to exude upon a portion of the contact surface.

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: A method for increasing a relative humidity in an enclosed space (10) comprising a plurality of graduated steps. The relative humidity is increased from a first relative humidity to a target relative humidity. The method is issued to humidify a chamber (10) wherein a sterilization process using a humidified ozone takes place. The method is carried out by an apparatus for effecting the humidified ozone sterilization comprising a processor programmed to effect humidification in a plurality of gradual steps.

Abstract: A method and device of treating an enclosed space with a liquid disinfecting agent. A device diffuses small droplets of the liquid into the space and the droplets evaporate to leave gaseous disinfecting agent within the space to be treated. The concentration of the agent within the space may be preferably maintained at or near a saturation concentration for maximum efficiency and effectiveness. Operation of the device may be varied to match the atmospheric conditions within the space and the current level of concentration of the agent within the space.

Abstract: A device for sterilization in production of packages (8) is adapted for sterilization with a gaseous sterilizing agent which is kept in the gaseous phase throughout the sterilization process. The device comprises a heating zone (2), a sterilization zone (3) and a venting zone (4). It further comprises means for maintaining a higher pressure in the sterilization zone (3) than in the heating zone (2) and venting zone (4). A method of sterilizing packages (8) in production of the packages (8) is also disclosed. The packages (8) have an open end (11) and a closed end (12) A gaseous sterilizing agent is used and kept in the gaseous phase throughout the sterilization process. A positive pressure is maintained in a sterilization zone (3) in which the sterilization is performed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for inhibiting the biological acidification of water which is in contact with materials containing sulfur in reduced form or with elemental sulfur, susceptible to oxidation on the part of Thiobacilli, comprising putting said materials in contact with soluble inorganic salts at concentrations ranging from 0.4 normal to saturation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for a system for maintaining hydrogen purity in an electrical power generator. The purity system includes: a generator, a hydrogen generator configured to provide hydrogen gas to the generator, a purity monitor for detecting the level of hydrogen purity in the generator and providing a signal when the purity drops below a predetermined threshold. The system automatically compensates for gas loss or contamination to maintain the desired level of efficiency in the electrical generator.

Abstract: A sterilizer includes a vacuum chamber, a source of vaporizable sterilant, a vacuum pump, and a control system. The control system is programmed to take one or more data inputs regarding the nature of the load, such as lumen length and diameter, and determine one or more parameters of the sterilization cycle based upon the inputs.

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 container having a plurality of walls, and at least one inlet and/or outlet, said container including an apparatus for controlling the composition of gases within the container, the apparatus including at least one sensor, at least one controller and at least one gas permeable membrane, through which membrane different gases can pass at different rates, said membrane dividing the container into a first region being for holding cargo and a second region defining a gas buffer region, and said membrane being permeable permitting for nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide at different flow rates, wherein the buffer region is in communication with the ambient atmosphere through one or more vacuum pump(s).

Abstract: A method of sterilizing packages in production of the packages, wherein the packages have an open end and a closed end. A gaseous sterilizing agent is used and kept in the gaseous phase throughout the sterilization process and an ambient temperature and a concentration of sterilizing agent in a sterilization zone where sterilization is performed are measured and used for controlling the amount of sterilizing agent introduced in the sterilization zone.

Abstract: Methods for inhibiting corrosion in aqueous evaporative systems where soluble silica (SiO2) is maintained at residuals between 10 Mg/L and saturation, but more preferably maintained at greater than 300 mg/L as SiO2, to provide corrosion inhibiting silica films that protect system metals. Silica is provided by evaporation of water and subsequent concentration and transformation of silica naturally contained in source water. The methods of the present invention provide highly effective inhibition of corrosion for mild steel, copper, stainless steel, aluminum, zinc, galvanized steel and various alloys of such metals. The methods of the present invention comprise pretreatment removal of polyvalent metal ions from the makeup source water, maintenance of concentration of monovalent metal ions, and controlling pH at a minimum of 7.0 in the presence of an elevated temperature aqueous environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an indicator of sterilization and/or use, which may be affixed to or integrated in a limited use device. The indicator may include a plurality of layers wherein each of the layers includes a membrane. The indictor may also include indicia of the number of uses disposed between the layers. The membranes may breach upon the sterilization or use of the limited use device, wherein the device is exposed to a given environment, such as various gasses, steam, liquids, UV, plasma, etc. In addition, more than one membrane may be provided between each indicia, wherein each membrane may respond to a different environment.

Abstract: A device (1) for sterilization in production of packages (8) is adapted for sterilization with a gaseous sterilizing agent kept in the gaseous phase throughout the sterilization process. The device (1) comprises a heating zone (2), a sterilization zone (3) and a venting zone (4). It further comprises an ambient temperature sensor (27) for sensing the ambient temperature outside the device (1), a concentration meter (29) for measuring the concentration of sterilizing agent in the sterilization zone (3) and a first control unit for controlling the amount of sterilizing agent introduced in the sterilization zone (3) based on the temperature measured by the ambient temperature sensor (27) and the concentration measured by the concentration meter (29). A method of sterilizing packages (8) in production of the packages (8) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method provides for sterilizing with radiation objects which have a low bioburden and which are sensitive to radiation. A dosage of radiation sufficient to ensure sterilization without damaging the object is determined by determining the bioburden upon one or more samples of the objects, determining an estimate of the dose that results in a probability of 0.01 of a surviving microorganism by testing a quantity of samples of the objects at varying dosage levels of radiation, confirming the estimate by testing a quantity of samples of the objects at the dose that was estimated; and calculating a dosage for the sterility assurance level of 10-6 by adding a factor to the dose that was confirmed to result in a probability of 0.01 of a surviving microorganism and wherein the factor is proportional to the dose that yields a probability of 0.01 of a surviving microorganism and inversely proportional to a log of the bioburden.

Abstract: Concentration of a chemical vapor sterilant, especially, hydrogen peroxide, can be calculated at a point within a lumen based upon physical characteristics of the lumen and process parameters of a sterilization process employing the sterilant.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing and disinfecting an endoscope is provided. First and second chemicals and dilution water, which dilutes the chemicals to be used for disinfecting the endoscope, are charged into a tank. The tank includes a first portion, a second portion having an area of base smaller than that of the first portion, a first sensor detecting that the dilution water is charged into the first portion up to a first level, a second sensor detecting that the first chemical is charged into the second portion up to a second level, and a third sensor detecting that the second chemical is charged into the second portion up to a third level. A unit measures a first volume of the first chemical based on a result of the second sensor and measures a second volume of the second chemical based on results of the third sensor and the second sensor.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a material for more easily and accurately detecting treatment status using gas exposure. The present invention relates to an ink composition for detecting an oxidizing gas, or the like, comprising at least one type of azo dye, methine dye, triarylmethane dye and thiazine dye.

Abstract: A method for determining the effectiveness of a waste water tank deodorizer includes the steps of (i) providing a synthetic waste water media and a hydrogen sulfide generating microorganism; (ii) introducing in any order to the synthetic waste water media the hydrogen sulfide generating microorganism and a waste water tank deodorizer to be tested, and (iii) measuring the time or delay for the generation of hydrogen sulfide to occur beginning with combining of the hydrogen sulfide generating microorganism, the waste water tank deodorizer and the synthetic waste water media. Alternatively, measurement is also disclosed involving the number of bacteria present in the waste water during the test period. The invention includes a novel synthetic waste composition for use in the above method comprising at least a peptone, an animal protein extract, urea or a urea-containing compound, a metallic salt, a fiber-containing grain product and a cellulose-containing product.

Abstract: A Biological Indicator Evaluator Resistometer (BIER vessel) provides enhancements in controlling the start and end points of exposure to a sterilant gas. The end point control employs a large volume relative to the test chamber volume upon which is drawn a deep vacuum and then exposed to the test chamber to quickly exhaust the sterilant gas from the test chamber.

Abstract: To improve the air quality in bounded spaces such as a room, an air treatment device and an air treatment method are disclosed. The air treatment device comprises a fan for stimulating airflow through the air treatment device and an UV treatment chamber. An UV radiation source radiates UV radiation in the UV treatment chamber to kill microorganisms in said airflow. The air treatment device is designed such that a high airflow may be generated, while all microorganisms present in the air flowing through the air treatment device are killed. With the high airflow and air cleaning capacity, the air treatment device may clean a bounded space in a short period of time.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying and making quantitative determinations of different deposits on a portion thereof, determining that the deposit is a contaminant and decontaminating at least the portion of the system is disclosed. The system comprises a controller, a sensing portion and a decontamination portion. The controller contains information about at least one noncontaminant. The sensing portion communicates with at least the controller and the portion of the system and is adapted to detect the deposit. The decontaminating portion communicates with at least the controller and is adapted to decontaminate the portion of the system.

Abstract: A method of decontaminating articles, comprising the steps of: (a) moving a plurality of articles having a known temperature along a first path; (b) conveying a carrier gas along a second path that includes an elongated plenum, the second path intersecting the first path downstream from the plenum; (c) heating the carrier gas to a temperature of at least about 105° C. at a location upstream of the plenum; (d) introducing into the carrier gas in the plenum an atomized mist of a liquid hydrogen peroxide of known concentration; and (e) controlling the following: (1) the volumetric flow of carrier gas along the second path; (2) the volume of hydrogen peroxide introduced into the carrier gas; and (3) the temperature of the carrier gas introduced into the plenum, such that the concentration of the vaporized hydrogen peroxide in the carrier gas where the first path intersects the second path has a dew point temperature below the known temperature of the articles.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to sterilization methods and systems that mall be used within numerous contexts, such as health-care and manufacturing facilities.

Abstract: In order to check endoscope channels, a predetermined quantity of liquid is led, at a predetermined pressure, through the channel that is to be checked, and the period of time for this is measured and evaluated. The predetermined quantity of liquid is determined via the volume of a liquid container whose outlet is capable of being connected to the channel that is to be checked. A compressed air source subjects the liquid in the container to a predetermined pressure. A sensor registers whether the liquid level in the container has dropped below a predefined value. A control unit measures the period of time within which the predetermined volume of liquid has flowed through the channel that is to be checked.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of determining chemical dosage required to reduce sulfides in wastewater includes providing a headspace apart from the wastewater. The temperature of the wastewater and the concentration of sulfide gas in the headspace are measured. Dissolved hydrogen sulfide gas concentrations in the wastewater are calculated from the temperature of the wastewater and the concentration of sulfide gas in said headspace. When pH is monitored, dissolved sulfide concentrations can be calculated.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing medical objects in a sterilization device is described. A read facility of the sterilization device first reads a machine-readable information code by means of electromagnetic waves from an identification element associated with the medical object. The number of sterilization cycles already undergone by the medical object in question is determined on the basis of the information code. The number of sterilization cycles already undergone is compared with the maximum number of permitted sterilization cycles the medical object in question is allowed to undergo and a warning signal is automatically triggered and/or the function of the sterilization device is restricted, if the number of sterilization cycles undergone reaches or exceeds the maximum number of permitted sterilization cycles. A corresponding sterilization device and a medical object are also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to an automated process for efficiently treating an aqueous system with chlorine dioxide. The process results in high efficiency yields of chlorine dioxide on a continuous basis by minimizing the waste of precursor chemicals. Additionally, the process creates less environmental stress because the formation of unwanted by-products is minimized. The level of chlorine dioxide in the aqueous system treated and other parameters of the process are monitored and adjusted automatically to maintain them within acceptable levels.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting hydrogen peroxide, comprising an element exhibiting piezoelectric properties having a metal-oxide-containing coating, the metal-oxide having a divalent or tetravalent state.

Abstract: Described is a sterilization chamber for sterilizing objects for application in a process in which a vapour composite, composed of water vapour and hydrogen peroxide vapour, is guided without a carrier gas flow into the sterilization chamber in which a vacuum prevails, whereby the vapour composite settles on the surfaces of the objects to be sterilized and on the surfaces of the sterilization chamber in the form of a condensation layer, which is suctioned off by means of further evacuation of the sterilization chamber after a certain reaction time. In accordance with the present invention, the surfaces of the sterilization chamber consist of poor heat-conducting, water-repellent material.

Abstract: The use of an isomer of anthracene disulfonic acid as an inert fluorescent tracer is described and claimed. The utility of this type of inert fluorescent tracer in boiler systems to trace unwanted carryover of boiler water into a steam line is also described and claimed.

Abstract: A method for cleaning/disinfecting/sterilizing the water circuits (1) of dental units (100) comprises at least the following steps: introducing a cleaning/disinfecting/sterilizing fluid into the water circuit (1); holding the cleaning/disinfecting/sterilizing fluid in the water circuit (1) for a predetermined length of time; draining the cleaning/disinfecting/sterilizing fluid out of the circuit (1) through endpieces (3a) of supply branches (3); the method further comprising a step of programming/selecting the contact time periods (T) of the steps of introducing and holding the fluid in the water circuit (1), this step preceding the step of introducing the fluid and being effected by selecting from a plurality of contact time periods (T1, T2, T3 . . . Tn) each of which consists at least of a fraction of a time period (Ta) of the step of introducing fluid in the water circuit (1) added to a time period (Tb) of the holding step, according to a desired parameter-level (P1, P2, P3 . . .

Abstract: This invention relates to an automated process to inhibit corrosion of the metal surface of an inactive boiler containing water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the operation of such a heat-disinfecting device for waste, viz. biologically hazardous waste, on the one hand, including a mold inside which is placed waste and, on the other hand, being designed capable of ensuring compacting, heating and cooling this waste in this mold. This control method is characterized in that during compacting and before applying heating the presence of a non-compactable object in the mold is checked, in order to either complete compacting if no such non-compactable object is detected or to interrupt the process in the event such a non-compactable object is detected.

Abstract: A decontamination bag is positioned in the interior space of a public mailbox. The decontamination bag receives mail that is deposited in the mailbox. A postal worker; upon retrieving mail from the mailbox, closes the decontamination bag. The decontamination bag is equipped with an exit valve and an intake valve. Air from the interior of the bag may be sampled for contaminants that may be carried by letters or mailpieces through an exit valve. A decontaminating agent may be introduced to the interior of the decontamination bag through the intake valve. The contents of the decontamination bag are thereby purified within the bag. After decontamination, the contents of the decontamination bag may be purged and fresh air may be reintroduced into the bag. The decontamination bag may then be opened in order to retrieve its contents.

Abstract: Concentration of a chemical vapor sterilant, especially, hydrogen perioxide, can be calculated at a point within a lumen based upon physical characteristics of the lumen and process parameters of a sterilization process employing the sterilant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing the concentration of a gaseous sterilant in a sealable enclosure. An indicator is provided that has a chemistry such that the indicator changes color when exposed to vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP). The chemistry is adapted to react when exposed to a specific minimum concentration of vaporized hydrogen peroxide for a specific minimum period of time. In this manner, it can be visually determined whether articles (e.g., medical instruments and like devices) located within the sealable enclosure have been exposed to a minimum threshold of vaporized hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing a sealed enclosure (1) includes a fan (8) for circulating a gas through a preparation circuit (11) and through the enclosure. The preparation circuit includes an evaporation chamber (10) for dispensing a decontaminant gas and water vapor mixture into the circulating gas to flow therewith through the enclosure and to reach a concentration in the enclosure above the dew point for the ambient temperature in the enclosure and thereby to condense onto surfaces in the enclosure to sterilize such surfaces. A monitor (15) measures gas temperature and dew point/condensation are monitored (17, 18) in the enclosure. The resulting signals led to a control module (19) for controlling the rate of dispensing of the decontaminant gas and water vapor into the gas in the preparation circuit in response to the levels determined by said monitoring to provide a required level of condensation of the decontaminant gas and water vapor in the enclosure.

Abstract: A device (100) for heat-treating water is provided, comprising a confined heating zone, a passage way (15) for transporting the water to said confined heating zone (23) so as to facilitate heating of the water, a controller (27) for preventing the heated water from leaving the device (100) until pathogens entrained in the heated water are killed; and an antimicrobial substrate (20) for preventing pathogens entrained in unheated water from leaving the device (100).

Abstract: A method to control a cooling water system based on the rate of consumption of fluorescent polymer is described and claimed. The method includes providing a cooling water system and a water treatment product including at least one fluorescent polymer and a fluorescent tracer. Measuring the fluorescence of the fluorescent polymer and calculating its rate of consumption provides a way of determining whether to adjust one or more operating parameters in the cooling water system.

Abstract: A C-Band Disinfector disinfects objects placed within the device by subjecting the objects to closed-loop emissions of UV-C radiation. UV-C sensors measure reflected UV-C radiation and control the period of operation of the device. In an additional embodiment, UV-C radiation is transmitted by fiber-optic cable to a particular area of an object to be disinfected. After the prescribed dose is applied, the fiber-optic cable is moved to a new area of the object, and the UV-C disinfection process continues until all areas of the object have been disinfected by exposure to the prescribed dose of the UV-C radiation.

Abstract: A conditioning process and equipment are provided for removing hardness from water circulated in a system, such as an evaporative cooling system. A sidestream from such system is routed to a reaction chamber and back to the system. A conditioner is added to the sidestream before entering the reaction chamber and a buffer is added to the sidestream exiting the reaction chamber. Since some of the buffered sidestream is re-circulated, a fluid bed develops in the reaction chamber consisting of conditioner, buffer, precipitated solids and sidestream water. Continued sidestream water entry mixes with the fluid bed causing additional precipitation of solids. An upper outlet on the reaction chamber regulates the height of the fluid bed, and a drain provides for periodic discharge of the lower fluid bed. In another embodiment, a corrosion inhibitor blend is pre-mixed with the buffer, resulting in a softer, more readily drainable fluid bed.

Abstract: A vaporizer (14) supplies hydrogen peroxide and water vapor to a high level disinfection or sterilization region (20). Mid-infrared light detectors (32) detect light in the mid-infrared range which has traversed a region of the treatment chamber in a first narrow spectrum centered at 8,000 nanometers which is absorbed by the hydrogen peroxide vapor, a second narrow spectrum which is absorbed by the water vapor, and a third spectrum that is absorbed by neither the hydrogen peroxide vapor nor the water vapor. From these measurements, an absorbance or transmittance is determined (40) from which the concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and water vapor are determined (42). Monitored temperature (44) and the determined concentrations are converted into a percent saturation (54). The supply of hydrogen peroxide and water vapor to the chamber is controlled (60) in accordance with the determined percent saturation.

Abstract: A flash vaporizer (34) provides a constant flow of vaporized hydrogen peroxide or other antimicrobial compounds for rapidly sterilizing large enclosures (10), such as rooms or buildings. The vaporizer includes a heated block (50) which defines an interior bore or bores (70, 72, 74). The flowpath created by the bore or bores increases in cross sectional area as the hydrogen peroxide passes through the block to accommodate the increase in volume during the conversion from liquid to gas. The vapor is injected into dry air in a duct that circulates it to the large enclosure.

Abstract: A method of creating a sanitation level model with respect to a predefined microorganism in food processing equipment is provided. The method includes generally three steps. First, a temperature history during a use cycle of the food processing equipment is created. The temperature history includes a collection of a plurality of temperatures that the food processing equipment undergoes during the use cycle. The use cycle includes a normal use stage, a sanitizing stage, and perhaps an idle stage. Second, a growth model of the microorganism is continuously applied to each applicable temperature in the temperature history. Third, a death model of the microorganism is continuously applied to each applicable temperature in the temperature history. The created sanitation level model is used to ascertain the microorganism growth/death rate in the food processing equipment during the use cycle.