Sterility Testing Means Patents (Class 435/287.4)
  • Patent number: 11904309
    Abstract: A biological sample analysis device that is an easily portable free-standing device for determining the rate of deterioration of biological samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: WOODS END LABORATORIES, LLC
    Inventor: William Brinton
  • Patent number: 11344645
    Abstract: An article, a system, and a method for indication of treatment are provided. The article comprises a first body, a second body, and a treatment indicator. The first body comprises a first axis, a cavity, a first port, and a second port. The cavity is positioned within the first body and configured to receive the second body. The second body comprises a second axis, a chamber, a third port, and a fourth port. The article is configured to move between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the first port is aligned with the third port to form a fluid pathway to the chamber, and the second port is aligned with the fourth port to form a fluid pathway to the chamber. In the second configuration, the first port is misaligned with the third port, and the second port is misaligned with the fourth port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: ASP GLOBAL MANUFACTURING GMBH
    Inventors: Navid Omidbakhsh, Samuel Rhodes, Masood Siddiqui, James Kemp
  • Patent number: 11333612
    Abstract: Accordingly, disclosed are various connectors for connecting a colorimetric sensor array to a sample bottle. These connectors allow the colorimetric sensor array to be attached to a sample bottle after autoclaving, and introduce the headspace gas to the colorimetric sensor array at the appropriate time. Examples of these connectors include (1) a needle based connector that punctures the septum of standard bottle to allow gas flow in a chamber with a colorimetric sensor array, (2) a valve based connector that attaches to a sample bottle and when the valve is opened the headspace gas has a path to diffuse to contact a sensor array, and (3) a connector that includes a breakable seal that when broken puts the headspace gas in contact with the colorimetric sensor array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Specific Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Shu-Chung Huang, Paul A. Rhodes, Raymond Anthony Martino
  • Patent number: 11253619
    Abstract: Provided is a UV sterilizer including an illumination unit, a cover that has an open hole in an upper surface thereof and supports the illumination unit, and a body that is provided underneath the cover and secures an illumination distance between the illumination unit and an illumination target object. The body is composed of a first body and a second body into which the first body is inserted. The first body and the second body are separably combined with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: POINT ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Bum Mo Ahn, Seung Ho Park, Moon Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 11154626
    Abstract: An evaluation device includes: a processing container that has an intake port and an exhaust port; a microorganism supply device that floats microorganisms in the air inside the processing container; a light source that irradiates the microorganisms floating in the air inside the processing container with ultraviolet rays while the intake port and the exhaust port are in a state of being closed; and a microorganism recovery device that is connected to the exhaust port. The microorganism recovery device discharges air that has a volume larger than the capacity of the inside of the processing container through the exhaust port while introducing air that does not contain microorganisms to be evaluated into the inside of the processing container through the intake port after the irradiation with the ultraviolet rays and recovers the microorganisms contained in the air that is discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignees: NIKKISO CO., LTD., THE RITSUMEIKAN TRUST
    Inventors: Naoyuki Kamiko, Shotaro Hashimoto, Hiroaki Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 10976105
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatuses for lyophilizing, storing, and transfusing materials are described. In embodiments, the materials may include whole blood or a component of whole blood such as plasma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Corbin, III, Dennis J. Hlavinka, Rajesh Pareta, Mark E. Hillam
  • Patent number: 10563245
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: G. Marco Bommarito, Ting Liu, Timothy J. Nies
  • Patent number: 10444127
    Abstract: A device consisting activated microfibers, such as glass and cellulose, comprising the 3D network, packed in small volumes, traps and concentrates the bacteria from trace contaminated liquids rapidly. It functions for concentrating and rapid detection of microbes in <20 min. The device enables the easy recovery of concentrated bacteria, which involves the mixing and agitation of the contaminated sample, followed by the suction. The chemistry of the system involves coupling aminosilane groups such as 3-aminopropyl methyldiethoxysilane (APMDES) or carboxylated groups in 3-triethoxysilyl propylsuccinicanhydride (TESPSA) to the —OH bearing moieties on the surfaces of glass and/or cellulose microfibers, attained by solution or vapor phase techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Inventor: Recep Avci
  • Patent number: 10253291
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a culture vessel which can be broadly applied to culture, regeneration, manufacture, observation and the like of targets such as cells, organs, and microorganisms. In the culture vessel of the present invention, a first vessel 10 and a second vessel 20 each being a close-bottom, open-top vessel are provided. In the first vessel 10 and the second vessel 20, a sideways-facing opening 12 and a sideways-facing opening 22 are formed. The opening 12 and the opening 22 communicate in a watertight manner when the openings 12, 22 are connected face to face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignees: KANAZAWA MEDICAL UNIVERSITY, SHINKO CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takeo Shimasaki, Yumiko Kitano, Hideki Yamada
  • Patent number: 10207016
    Abstract: A sample preparation container, preferably for use in sterility testing, comprising a housing (1) having a housing wall (2) defining an inside space (3), a support on which a membrane filter is placed or is to be placed so as to get in contact with a sampling fluid to be introduced into the inside space (3), and at least one inlet opening (4) to the inside space (3) and at least one outlet opening from the inside space (3). A sampling port (5) is provided for allowing access from the outside to the inside space (3), wherein said sampling port (5) is closed by a septum (6) and the septum (6) is separated from the inside space (3) by a barrier wall (7) which is preferably piercable or breakable on application of an external force, preferably applied through a sampling instrument like a needle (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Merck Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Gerard Muller, Mathieu Arrault
  • Patent number: 9382511
    Abstract: A bioreactor outlet air conditioning system (10) has a bioreactor vessel (100) and a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger has a fluid flow path (196) from a headspace (108) in the vessel for venting air from the vessel, and a temperature control element (300) in thermal contact with the fluid flow path (196). The fluid flow path (196) may be defined by a disposable portion of the bioreactor vessel (100). A method of controlling evaporation within a bioreactor vessel (100), dependent on the required evaporation rate, adjusts the temperature of the temperature control element (300) to control the rate of evaporation of the liquid media (106) from the vessel (100), and may include monitoring fluids in the fluid flow path (196) to detect at least water content of the fluids exiting the vessel to adjust the temperature and control the rate of evaporation dependent on the detected water content levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: TAP BIOSYSTEMS (PHC) LIMITED
    Inventor: Adrian Neil Bargh
  • Patent number: 9186430
    Abstract: A biological indicator access apparatus and method thereof is provided. The apparatus includes a cage positioned at least partially within an interior compartment of a medical sterilization container, wherein the cage has an interior portion sized to house at least one biological indicator. At least one access element is removably coupled to the cage and permitting access to the interior portion, wherein the at least one access element is located exterior to the medical sterilization container. A filter material at least partially forms the interior portion of the cage, wherein the filter material allows a sterilization substance to traverse from within the interior compartment of the medical sterilization container to the interior portion and prevents non-sterile substances from traversing from the interior portion to the interior compartment of the medical sterilization container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Symmetry Medical Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Gary T. Dane, Tony Foley
  • Patent number: 9121004
    Abstract: There is provided a cell culture device, which includes a plurality of cell culture units, in which the cell culture unit includes: a cell culture tub that defines a culture space for cultivating cells, contains culture medium in the culture unit, and has an air layer above the culture medium; a drainage channel that is connected to the cell culture tub to discharge used culture medium to the integral drainage channel; an open culture medium reservoir that supplies new culture medium into the cell culture tub; and a droplet generator that is disposed between the cell culture tub and the open culture medium reservoir and supplies the culture medium from the open culture medium reservoir to the cell culture tub, using negative pressure of the air layer generated when the used culture medium is discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Young-Ho Cho, Tae-Yoon Kim, Dong-Woo Lee, Sang-Jin Kim, Yong-Soo Oh, Bo-Sung Ku
  • Publication number: 20150147408
    Abstract: A Method Validation Unit (MVU) for the evaluation of the level of sterilisation in a sterilisation method involving the use of a fluid at or near the supercritical pressure and temperature for that fluid, wherein the MVU comprises a sterilisation indicator housed within a gas-permeable container, wherein the sterilisation indicator comprises an indicator medium and a population of one or more colony forming units (CFUs), and wherein the indicator medium comprises one or more structural features representative of the internal structure of a material to be sterilised in the sterilisation method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Austrialian Biotechnologies PTY. Limited
    Inventors: Simon Jonothan Berry, Sharon Bryce, Jerome Alon Goldberg
  • Publication number: 20150147773
    Abstract: A combined sterilization indicator incubator and reader system, including a sterilization indicator vial containing one of a variety of selected biological indicators and a liquid, at least two incubator blocks, each incubator block independently operable to incubate the sterilization indicator vial at a plurality of independently selectable temperatures, each of the incubator blocks including at least one heating element operable to heat the incubator block to any one of the plurality of independently selectable temperatures; a light source, a photodetector and a control system configured to operate the combined system to determine the efficacy of a variety of sterilization processes. The system calculates and compares a slope to a predetermined threshold slope for the biological indicator, and provides output based only on the comparison of the calculated slope to the predetermined threshold slope without first determining either a baseline or a minimum value of the output from the photodetector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Phillip P. FRANCISKOVICH, Tricia A. CREGGER, Paul VODKIN
  • Publication number: 20150140647
    Abstract: A system (1) for the execution, traceability, monitoring and control of reducing the bacterial count in a confined environment, includes an environment identification device (2) arranged to contain information relating to the confined environment. A device (3) for micronizing air-dispersed decontaminant substances is arranged to diffuse through a diffuser (9) a decontaminant substance (12) by air as dry fog, based on the information contained in the environment identification device (2). A detection sensor (4) detects the concentration of the decontaminant substance (12). An instantaneous bacterial analysis sensor (5) determines the quantitative and qualitative bacterial concentration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Matteo LONGO
  • Patent number: 9017994
    Abstract: A sterilization test pack, including a base comprising a pair of recessed compartments, wherein the recessed compartments are arranged in a non-concentric relationship and are in fluid communication with each other; a cover attached to the base and forming a sealed enclosure for the recessed compartments; an external channel providing the only fluid communication between the sealed enclosure and an external environment; a selected sterilization indicator in a first of the recessed compartments; and a chemical integrator and/or a chemical indicator in a second of the recessed compartments, in which the external channel is configured to allow only restricted flow of a gaseous sterilization medium into the recessed compartments and the base and cover are otherwise impenetrable by the gaseous sterilization medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Phillip P. Franciskovich, Tricia A. Cregger
  • Patent number: 8980622
    Abstract: A biological sterilization indicator (BI) and a method of using same for assaying the lethality of a sterilization process. The BI can include a housing, which can include a first portion, and a second portion, which can be movable with respect to the first portion between a first and second position. The BI can further include a frangible container comprising a liquid. The BI can further include a spore reservoir and a projection positioned in the housing. The projection can be configured to fracture the container when the second portion of the housing is moved from the first position to the second position. The method can include maintaining a minimal cross-sectional area of space around the container when the second portion of the housing is in the first position, and fracturing the container in response to moving the second portion between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Smith, Jeffrey C. Pederson, Sailaja Chandrapati
  • Patent number: 8975067
    Abstract: Sterilization indicators that include a neutralizer, such indicators useful for testing the effectiveness of a sterilization procedure by measuring the activity of an active enzyme whose activity is correlated with the survival of microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William E. Foltz, Francois Ahimou, G. Marco Bommarito, Robert A. Asmus, Louis C. Haddad, Tushar A. Kshirsagar
  • Patent number: 8969029
    Abstract: A biological sterilization indicator, system, and methods of determining the effectiveness of a sterilization process. The biological sterilization indicator can include a locus of spores, a reservoir containing a liquid, and a sterilant path positioned to provide fluid communication between ambience and the locus of spores. The reservoir can have a closed state in which the reservoir is not in fluid communication with the locus of spores and an open state in which the reservoir is in fluid communication with the locus of spores. The biological sterilization indicator system can include the biological sterilization indicator and a detection device adapted to be coupled to the biological sterilization indicator. In some embodiments, the method can include assaying the spores for a detectable change in a characteristic, and detecting substantially all of the detectable change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Sailaja Chandrapati, Jeffrey C. Pederson, Heather M. Webb, Jeffrey D. Smith, Kurt J. Halverson, Bryan S. Behun, Peter D. Ludowise
  • Publication number: 20150004682
    Abstract: A biological sterilization indicator (BI) and method of using same. The BI can include a housing, and a container positioned in the housing. The container can contain a liquid and at least a portion of the container can be frangible. The BI can further include a first chamber and a second chamber. The second chamber can include at least one source of biological activity. The BI can further include a first fluid path positioned to fluidly couple the first chamber and the second chamber, and a second fluid path positioned to allow displaced gas to move out of the second chamber. The method can include moving displaced gas out of the second chamber via the second fluid path as a sterilant is moved into the second chamber via the first fluid path and/or as the liquid is moved into the second chamber via the first fluid path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Smith, Jeffrey C. Pederson, Sailaja Chandrapati, RuthAnn R. Duda
  • Patent number: 8895252
    Abstract: Enzyme based analyte sensors having radiation stabilizing agents are disclosed and described. More particularly, devices comprising a radiation stabilizing agent and methods for stabilizing sensors to high energy radiation sterilization are disclosed and described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventor: James R. Petisce
  • Patent number: 8859269
    Abstract: An actuator that includes an enclosure having a wall impermeable to a first solute and permeable to a solvent and containing, at least temporarily, a catalyst capable of promoting the transformation of at least one second solute into the first solute to vary the osmotic pressure in the enclosure; and a deformable chamber connected to the enclosure, the chamber being capable of increasing in volume under the action of the solvent moving from the enclosure into the chamber by osmosis or the enclosure being designed to be arranged in contact with the solvent, the chamber being capable of increasing in volume under the action of the solvent penetrating into the enclosure by osmosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignees: Universite Joseph Fourier, Institut National Polytechnique de Grenoble
    Inventors: François Lenouvel, Vanessa Durrieu, Naceur Belgacem, Philippe Cinquin
  • Publication number: 20140273073
    Abstract: A sterilization indicator for oxidative sterilants, comprising a first compartment comprising spores of one or more microorganism species, wherein the spores have been pretreated with and comprises a compound comprising a transition metal ion that is reactive with an oxidative sterilant; a second compartment comprising a growth medium and adapted to combine contents of the first compartment with contents of the second compartment for incubation after the sterilization indicator has been exposed to an oxidative sterilant; and an agent disposed in the growth medium and selected to indicate viability of the spores after the sterilization indicator has been exposed to the oxidative sterilant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: AMERICAN STERILIZER COMPANY
    Inventors: Phillip P. Franciskovich, Tricia A. Cregger
  • Publication number: 20140273072
    Abstract: A sterilization indicator, including a first compartment containing a genetically engineered biological indicator, and a second compartment containing an enzyme substrate, the second compartment adapted to maintain the enzyme substrate separate from the biological indicator during sterilization, and to permit the enzyme substrate to contact the biological indicator after the biological indicator has been exposed to the sterilization medium; in which the genetically engineered biological indicator comprises at least one test organism and at least one reporter gene suitable for producing an indicator enzyme, the reporter gene being taken up by the test organism; and the test organism is free of any active or activatable repressor gene that would inhibit expression of the reporter gene if present in the test organism or sterilization indicator, and the indicator enzyme and the enzyme substrate are selected such that enzymatic action of the indicator enzyme upon the enzyme substrate yields a detectable signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: AMERICAN STERILIZER COMPANY
    Inventors: Phillip P. Franciskovich, Tricia A. Cregger, William A. Yirava
  • Publication number: 20140273054
    Abstract: A sterilization indicator system and method of using the system to determine efficacy of a sterilization process. The system includes a vial having a first compartment containing spores of one or more species of microorganism; a second compartment containing a growth medium with a disaccharide, an oligosaccharide or a polysaccharide in which the vial is free of monosaccharide; an enzyme, capable of acting upon the monosaccharide to yield reaction products and electron transfer, disposed on two or more electrodes adapted to carry an electrical signal resulting from the electron transfer, the pair of electrodes positioned to contact the combined contents of the first compartment and the second compartment during incubation; and an apparatus linked or linkable to the electrodes and adapted to detect and measure the electrical signal resulting from electron transfer when the enzyme acts upon the monosaccharide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Phillip P. Franciskovich, Tricia A. Cregger
  • Patent number: 8828714
    Abstract: The sterilizing effect of particle irradiation on microorganisms for the sterilizing treatment thereof can be evaluated. The evaluation can be done by supplying microorganisms in the space inside a container (8), allowing particles (7) for the sterilizing treatment of microorganisms to irradiate the microorganisms, sampling the microorganisms by a sampling means (6) after the irradiation of the particles (7) and measuring the sampled microorganisms. The microorganisms as the subject for the sterilizing treatment can be a combination of one or more members selected from the group consisting of bacteria, mycete, viruses and allergens. As the particles, for example, positive ions, negative ions, and gases of positive ions and negative ions in mixture, charged particles such as ? rays and ? rays, various plasma gas particles, particles such as ozone and radical particles, and particles of chemical agent can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuo Nishikawa, Hisaharu Yagi, Yoshihiro Shimizu, Tetsuyuki Ohtani, Hideo Nojima, Miyuki Aoki
  • Patent number: 8822174
    Abstract: A sterilization indicator for oxidative sterilants, comprising a first compartment comprising spores of one or more microorganism species, wherein the spores have been pretreated with and comprises a compound comprising a transition metal ion that is reactive with an oxidative sterilant; a second compartment comprising a growth medium and adapted to combine contents of the first compartment with contents of the second compartment for incubation after the sterilization indicator has been exposed to an oxidative sterilant; and an agent disposed in the growth medium and selected to indicate viability of the spores after the sterilization indicator has been exposed to the oxidative sterilant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Phillip P. Franciskovich, Tricia A. Cregger
  • Publication number: 20140227735
    Abstract: A biological indicator for determining the effectiveness of a sterilization process is disclosed having a package and carrier integral therewith. The package includes a first sheet and a second sheet having a bottom portion, side portions and a top portion. The first and second sheets are joined together generally along a periphery of the first and second sheets by a peelable adhesive. A carrier having a plurality of spores thereon for determining the effectiveness of a sterilization process is attached to the package between the first and second sheets and at least a portion of the resealable adhesive. The package may be opened and subsequently partially or fully closed to enclose the carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph P. Dalmasso
  • Patent number: 8765398
    Abstract: A biological indicator for determining the effectiveness of a sterilization process is disclosed having a package and carrier integral therewith. The package includes a first sheet and a second sheet having a bottom portion, side portions and a top portion. The first and second sheets are joined together generally along a periphery of the first and second sheets by a peelable adhesive. A carrier having a plurality of spores thereon for determining the effectiveness of a sterilization process is attached to the package between the first and second sheets and at least a portion of the resealable adhesive. The package may be opened and subsequently partially or fully closed to enclose the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Mesa Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph P. Dalmasso
  • Patent number: 8759079
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically analyzing a nucleic acid includes: a sample preprocessing device including a plurality of chambers in which reagents mixed with a sample are accommodated according to sample preprocessing process order for extracting a nucleic acid from the sample; and a nucleic amplifying and detecting device connected with the sample preprocessing device to receive the nucleic acid extracted from the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials
    Inventor: Oh Won Kwon
  • Publication number: 20140154671
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system may include a container that houses a medical fluid, a fluid pressurizing unit, and a fluid transfer set that transfers the medical fluid from the container to the fluid pressurizing unit. To validate the integrity and sterility of the fluid delivery system, the system may undergo testing protocols to evaluate the susceptibility of the system to pathogenic ingress, chemical degradation, and/or fluid cross-contamination between patient fluid delivery procedures. The testing protocols may help ensure that delivery system components used during multiple different fluid delivery procedures perform as well as if the components were replaced after each fluid delivery procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Bracco Imaging S.p.A
    Inventors: Robert C. Williams, JR., Patrice Marchildon
  • Publication number: 20140099233
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: G. MARCO BOMMARITO, MANJIRI T. KSHIRSAGAR, TING LIU, TIMOTHY J. NIES, SWARNALATHA SWAMINATHAN
  • Patent number: 8691562
    Abstract: A sterilization indicator including an electronically conductive material positioned on a substrate; a biological indicator positioned on part or all of the electronically conductive material, and electronic circuitry for determining whether the membrane potential of the biological indicator changes during incubation following exposure sterilization conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Phillip P. Franciskovich, Tricia A. Cregger
  • Publication number: 20130337490
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system for inspecting a package (1040) having a substance subject to spoilage. An electromagnetic signal (e.g., a terahertz frequency signal) is directed to the package (1040), and an attenuated signal is received and sampled to generate a set of data points. A peak within the set of data points is detected, and the data points are shifted with respect to time to align the detected peak with a predetermined time. The set of shifted data points are compared to a mathematical model to determine whether the substance in the package (1040) is spoiled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: ABBOTT LABORATORIES
    Inventors: Alvin Horatio Mundell, Barbara Ann Ribble
  • Publication number: 20130302849
    Abstract: A biological sterilization indicator (BI) and method of using same. The BI can include a housing, and a container positioned in the housing. The container can contain a liquid and at least a portion of the container can be frangible. The BI can further include a first chamber and a second chamber. The second chamber can include at least one source of biological activity. The BI can further include a first fluid path positioned to fluidly couple the first chamber and the second chamber, and a second fluid path positioned to allow displaced gas to move out of the second chamber. The method can include moving displaced gas out of the second chamber via the second fluid path as a sterilant is moved into the second chamber via the first fluid path and/or as the liquid is moved into the second chamber via the first fluid path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Smith, Jeffrey C. Pederson, Sailaja Chandrapati, RuthAnn R. Duda
  • Publication number: 20130288352
    Abstract: The bioindicator (1) intended for verifying the effectiveness of a sterilization process carried out in a working chamber (90) of a containment system initially has an outer microporous envelope (3) which is permeable to a sterilizing agent (8) but impermeable to microorganisms (20). The carrier (2) accommodated in the interior (10) of the bioindicator (1) is provided with a determined quantity and type of microorganisms (20). The envelope (3) comprises a fixing means (4) which is intended for temporarily and detachably positioning the bioindicator (1) in the working chamber (90). The fixing means (4) is an adhesive strip which is provided with a detachable coating (40). The carrier (2) may be detachably fixed in the interior of the envelope (3) by means of a receptacle (30). The receptacle (30) takes the form of a pocket, an adhesive joint or tear-off point. On the outer surface (34), the envelope (3) has a labeling area (33) to which a symbol carrier (5) may be affixed permanently or detachably.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: SKAN AG
    Inventors: Thomas Jehle, Daniel Scherzinger, Volker Sigwarth
  • Publication number: 20130273593
    Abstract: Sterilization indicators that include a neutralizer, such indicators useful for testing the effectiveness of a sterilization procedure by measuring the activity of an active enzyme whose activity is correlated with the survival of microorganisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William E. Foltz, Francois Ahimou, G. Marco Bommarito, Robert A. Asmus, Louis C. Haddad, Tushar A. Kshirsagar
  • Publication number: 20130273594
    Abstract: Sterilization indicators that include a unique porous carrier, such indicators useful for testing the effectiveness of a sterilization procedure by measuring the activity of an active enzyme whose activity is correlated with the survival of microorganisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: 3Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Francois Ahimou, G. Marco Bommarito, Tushar A. Kshirsagar
  • Patent number: 8546132
    Abstract: An apparatus for safely and conveniently placing and retrieving biological indicators and/or computerized data tracers from deep within loads of Regulated Medical/Infectious Waste comprises a rod with a cavity for holding the biological indicators and/or computerized data tracers. Preferably, the rod is tapered to a point on one end, has a handle on the opposite end, and has a cover to enclose the cavity. Additionally, it is preferred that the rod is fitted with a movable sealing ring of soft material for sealing the area where the rod penetrates the waste load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventors: Robert W. Lewis, Timothy A. Barrett
  • Patent number: 8541196
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device for activating a self-contained biological indicator. The biological indicator includes a casing, an ampule having a growth-promoting medium disposed therein and microorganisms. The ampule and microorganisms are disposed within the casing. The device is comprised of a first lever arm having a cavity formed therein. The cavity is dimensioned to receive a biological indicator. A second lever arm has a protrusion extending from a surface thereof and is moveable relative to the first lever arm to deform a casing of the biological indicator thereby fracturing an ampule in the casing and exposing microorganisms in the casing to a growth-promoting medium in the ampule of the biological indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Joseph T. Sestak, Peter J. Buczynski
  • Publication number: 20130230910
    Abstract: A process challenge device tailored to mimic the resistance of a particular product to a particular biological inactivation, disinfection, or sterilization process, and used to challenge the process, thus providing a means to validate the efficacy of the process. The process challenge device is used by subjecting the device containing indicator organisms to an inactivation or sterilization process, and culturing any surviving indicator organisms as a means to assess the efficacy of procedures for the inactivation of microorganisms. The device uses a self-containing biological indicator (SCBI) with a biological indicator and media ampule located within a plastic vial. By altering the materials and/or configuration of the SCBI a wide range of resistances to sterilant gas processes may be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: Process Challenge Devices, LLC.
    Inventors: Dennis E. Christensen, R. Daniel Webster
  • Publication number: 20130224849
    Abstract: A biological sterilization indicator (BI). The BI can include a housing, and a container positioned in the housing. The container can contain a liquid and at least a portion of the container can be frangible. The BI can further include a first chamber and a second chamber. The second chamber can include at least one source of biological activity. The BI can further include a substrate positioned in the housing between the first chamber and the second chamber. The substrate can be positioned in fluid communication with the first chamber and the second chamber, and the substrate can be further positioned such that the substrate is not in direct contact with the source of biological activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Sailaja Chandrapati, Heather M. Webb, Jeffrey C. Pederson, Jeffrey D. Smith, RuthAnn R. Duda, Brian J. Engel
  • Publication number: 20130217107
    Abstract: A biological sterilization indicator (BI) system and method. The system can include a BI and a reading apparatus comprising a well. The BI can include a housing, which can include a first portion, and a second portion movable between a first “unactivated” position and a second “activated” position. The reading apparatus can detect at least one of (i) when the well is empty; (ii) when the biological sterilization indicator is positioned in the well with the second portion of the housing in the first position, and (iii) when the biological sterilization indicator is positioned in the well with the second portion of the housing in the second position. The method can include detecting at least one of the above conditions, which can be used to detect an activation status of the biological sterilization indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Pederson, Sailaja Chandrapati, Bryan S. Behun, Barry W. Robole, Leroy J. Longworth, Kaileen Chen
  • Patent number: 8501460
    Abstract: The present invention is in the field of cell bioreactors, and specifically in the field of disposable bioreactors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Mayfair Technology Limited Liability Company
    Inventor: James Francis Furey
  • Patent number: 8486691
    Abstract: A device useful in determining the efficacy of a chemical sterilization process includes a dead end cavity closed by an access cap having a port coupled to a challenge tube defining the only path by which a substantial quantity of sterilant can reach the cavity. A biological indicator is located within the cavity and a chemical indicator is also provided. These indicators, and particularly the biological indicator, provide an indication of whether chemical sterilant would reach all interior exposed surfaces of a load in sufficient concentrations to adequately sterilize the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Sterilucent, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent Larson, Patrick LaValley, Jami McLaren, Steven J. Olson
  • Publication number: 20130089922
    Abstract: A sterilization test pack, including a base comprising a pair of recessed compartments, wherein the recessed compartments are arranged in a non-concentric relationship and are in fluid communication with each other; a cover attached to the base and forming a sealed enclosure for the recessed compartments; an external channel providing the only fluid communication between the sealed enclosure and an external environment; a selected sterilization indicator in a first of the recessed compartments; and a chemical integrator and/or a chemical indicator in a second of the recessed compartments, in which the external channel is configured to allow only restricted flow of a gaseous sterilization medium into the recessed compartments and the base and cover are otherwise impenetrable by the gaseous sterilization medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventors: Phillip P. Franciskovich, Tricia A. Cregger
  • Patent number: 8357083
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sterilization confirmation tester and a test pack which enables effective sterilization to be confirmed in a simple and sure manner by providing a simulation of the structure of an endoscope and so forth. The sterilization confirmation tester according to the present invention has a function of confirming effective sterilization treatment after sterilization performed by a sterilization apparatus. The sterilization confirmation tester includes a structure corresponding to at least one of the components which form the endoscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Yuki Nagai, Maiko Shiga, Yosuke Kanamori, Sawako Sato, Kaori Obi
  • Publication number: 20120315626
    Abstract: The sterilizing effect of particle irradiation on microorganisms for the sterilizing treatment thereof can be evaluated. The evaluation can be done by supplying microorganisms in the space inside a container (8), allowing particles (7) for the sterilizing treatment of microorganisms to irradiate the microorganisms, sampling the microorganisms by a sampling means (6) after the irradiation of the particles (7) and measuring the sampled microorganisms. The microorganisms as the subject for the sterilizing treatment can be a combination of one or more members selected from the group consisting of bacteria, mycete, viruses and allergens. As the particles, for example, positive ions, negative ions, and gases of positive ions and negative ions in mixture, charged particles such as a rays and ? rays, various plasma gas particles, particles such as ozone and radical particles, and particles of chemical agent can be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Kazuo NISHIKAWA, Hisaharu YAGI, Yoshihiro SHIMIZU, Tetsuyuki OHTANI, Hideo NOJIMA, Masato AOKI, Miyuki Aoki
  • Patent number: 8273312
    Abstract: A liquid testing assembly for testing a liquid, the assembly comprising a test vessel and a stopper adapted to fit into a free end of the vessel. The stopper substantially hermetically seals the test vessel from the ambient. Further, the assembly includes a support coated with one or more identifying materials for identifying one or more constituents of the liquid. The support is fixed in the stopper and/or the vessel and extends into its interior for a predetermined distance. The liquid testing assembly when assembled is pre-evacuated to a predetermined vacuum sufficient to draw a predetermined volume of liquid to be sampled into the test vessel. The predetermined volume is of such an amount that it wets the one or more identifying materials ensuring identification of one or more constituents present in the liquid. A kit employing the liquid testing assembly is also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Association for Public Health
    Inventors: Gadi Porat, Joel Stern, Boaz Rimon, Yoram Cohen