Abstract: An apparatus and a method for inspecting a leak of a battery cell are provided. An apparatus for inspecting a battery cell leak to inspect whether a battery cell leaks includes: a vacuum chamber including an upper chamber and a lower chamber and configured to set a receiving space to a controlled pressure different from an external first pressure, the upper chamber and the lower chamber being arranged to face each other with the receiving space for a battery cell therebetween and providing sealing for the receiving space; a vacuum pipe valve fluidly connected to the receiving space for the battery cell to set the receiving space to a second pressure less than the first pressure; and a thickness measuring sensor configured to measure a before-vacuum thickness of the battery cell under the first pressure and measure an after-vacuum thickness of the battery cell under the second pressure.

Abstract: A method for closing and securing a safety vacuum packaging in which an object to be secured and a plurality of particles are arranged in an interior space of a container of the safety vacuum packaging. Subsequently, the safety vacuum packaging is vacuumed via a vacuum seal, and the plurality of particles is fixed in a random immobile state. The safety vacuum packaging is closed, and the random immobile state of the particles is captured. The captured random immobile state of the particles is stored for later comparison.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a color chart and a test kit for estimating chemical oxygen demand of water. The color chart includes a blue component, an indigo component, an umber component, and an orange component. The test kit includes an oxidant, a reductant, an indicator, and the color chart. The present disclosure also provides a method for estimating chemical oxygen demand of water. The method includes providing a water sample; adding an oxidant to the water sample; heating the water sample; adding a reductant to the water sample; adding an indicator to the water sample, such that the water sample develops a color; and matching the color of the water sample with the color components of the color chart to estimate the chemical oxygen demand of the water sample.

Abstract: A soil-based coupon having an electronically readable verification code printed thereon is used for verification of soil removal by a cleaning process. The coupon includes a soil overlay covering the verification code. The verification code is at least partially revealed by removal of all or part of the soil overlay during the cleaning process. If the data encoded in the verification code can be correctly decoded after completion of the cleaning process, the cleaning process can be verified. The soil overlay can be designed to match the application. The coupons may be used in a cleaning process verification procedure in which one or more computing devices analyze images of the verification codes to determine whether or not cleaning processes can be verified.

Abstract: A modularly structured lid for a sterile container includes a lid component, which has at least one gas exchange portion, on which, on the inner side of a lid, at least one filter device can be arranged, and at least one filter covering by which the at least one gas exchange portion can be completely covered on an outside of the lid. The lid component has at least one standardized clip receiving portion and the filter covering has at least one standardized clip portion, by which the filter covering and the lid component can be interlockingly fixed to each other, and can be mounted and removed without tools. A sterile container can include such a lid and a filter covering for such a lid.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present application, a carbon dioxide sensing color changeable dye can comprise a carbon dioxide status indicator, a solvent, a polymer wherein the carbon dioxide status indicator is dispersed, an optional plasticizer, and an optional agent to facilitate mixing. The color changeable dye is a first color in the presence of a carbon dioxide rich environment and is capable of changing to a second color upon exposure to atmospheric condition for a period of time corresponding to the intended use time of a restricted, disposable or limited use product. Methods of making and using the color changeable dye and apparatuses incorporating such dye are also disclosed.

Abstract: A biological sterilization indicator for evaluating the effectiveness of a sterilization process includes a cap containing a culture medium, a container containing a concentration of microorganism, and a breakable barrier attached to the cap to encapsulate the culture medium therein. The breakable barrier is formed from a multilayer structure including an aluminum layer and a sealing layer. The biological indicator is configured such that the breakable barrier may be broken at a selected time by engaging the cap and the container at an activated position to introduce the culture medium into the container.

Abstract: The oxygen detecting agent composition according to the present invention includes a redox dye, a reducing agent and a basic substance, wherein the redox dye is an iron blue pigment and the reducing agent is lactose.

Abstract: A medical tool work support system, a medical tool work support method, and a medical tool work support program alleviate a workload on a user. The medical tool work support system includes a display, a memory that stores data indicating a work procedure on a medical tool in a work step to be performed for surgery using the medical tool, and a display controller that causes the display to display the work procedure based on the data stored in the memory.

Abstract: In a method for detecting corrosion of a surface not exposed to view of a metal piece, radiant thermal energy is directed against the piece by pulsed laser beam illumination thereby causing heating of said piece. Infrared radiation emitted by the piece is detected by a thermographic camera so that corroded portions of said surface are detected due to a different thermal response as a function of time relative to non-corroded portions. The laser beam is directed against an exposed face of a wall of said piece whose opposite face is the surface on which corrosion must be detected. The thermographic camera is provided on a same side where a laser head for emitting said laser beam is provided and has a control system for performing “Lock-in” thermography. Detection of the surface corroded portions is carried out by comparing a response of different surface portions during cooling of the piece.

Abstract: A chemical indicating composition. The composition can include an aqueous resin in a form of polymer emulsion or polymer dispersion, the aqueous resin comprising a first aqueous resin composition and a second aqueous resin composition; a film-forming agent; a color changing composition; and water as a solvent. The chemical indicating composition of this disclosure can be used in an autoclave process indicator.

Abstract: The present document describes a screening composition comprising a marker compound, chosen from at least one of iodine, and fluorescein; eosin Y, erythrosine, ponceau S, calcein, a catalyst, chosen from at least one boron trioxide (B2O3), potassium (K), Gallium (III) oxide (Ga2O3), Nickel (II) oxide (NiO), Vanadium (V) oxide (V2O5), magnesium oxide (MgO), a bismuth oxide chosen from bismuth subcarbonate [Bi2O2(CO3)], bismuth chloride oxide (BiClO), and bismuth oxide (Bi2O3), cesium bromide (CsBr), lanthanum (III) oxide (La2O3), molybdenum (VI) oxide (MoO3), neodymium oxide (Nd2O3), Nickel (II) carbonate anhydrous (NiCO3); and a pigment, chosen from at least one of scandium (III) oxide (Sc2O3), Lead (IV) oxide (PbO2), Sulfur (S) powder, and Tungsten (VI) oxide (WO3), chromium (III) oxide (Cr2O3), copper (II) oxide (CuO), copper (I) oxide (Cu2O), iron (III) oxide (Fe2O3), lead (II) oxide (PbO). The document also describes method of using the same.

Abstract: A disposable ophthalmic or medical apparatus has a portion with a color changeable dye disposed thereon. The dye changes color after being exposed to oxygen for a controlled and predetermined period of time indicating that the apparatus should no longer be used.

Abstract: An indicator for detecting peroxide can detect the peroxide through change of hue thereof by reacting the peroxide according to a predefined concentration and a predefined sterilization treatment condition thereof. The indicator has better resistance against weather or light and preservation stability than those of prior indicators including inorganic compounds or organic compounds as discoloration components, can clearly change an arbitrary hue thereof under suitable discoloration rate, and has visible distinguishability. The indicator for detecting peroxide includes powdery metal sulfide, that undergoes discoloration by reacting with the peroxide. In particular a discoloration layer including the metal sulfide is applied onto at least a portion of a base substrate.

Abstract: A self-contained, remotely interrogatable, autonomously positionable, pressure probe and methods of manufacturing and using. The probe (10) includes (i) a hermetically sealed, flexible, gas impermeable sachet (50) capable of equilibriating to a surrounding pressure, (ii) an optically-active, target-analyte partial pressure sensitive material (20) within the sachet, and (iii) a gaseous headspace (58) within the sachet containing a known concentration of the target-analyte (A).

Abstract: A pouch includes: a first closed, inner casing, made of at least one non-porous plastic material with a high-capacity gas barrier, delimiting a first space, forming a pouch stricto sensu for accommodating a biopharmaceutical product or device, a second closed, outer casing, made of at least one non-porous plastic material with a high-capacity gas barrier, delimiting a second space in which the pouch stricto sensu is located, spacer elements, at least one selected tracer gas, located in the first or second space outside of the pouch stricto sensu, with a higher partial pressure than in the second space outside of the pouch stricto sensu or in the first space, at least one colorimetric detector located, respectively, in the second space outside of the pouch stricto sensu or in the first space responsive to the concentration of the tracer gas, by switching from a first color to a second different color.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method of connecting at least two containers for enabling a transfer of liquid from one container to the other container, comprising the steps of: a) Depositing a first cassette including at least a first container on a first tray. The first container has a plurality of connecting means. b) Depositing a second cassette including a second container on a second tray. The cassettes or the containers include a data storage means. c) The data are read by respective data reading means. d) The data are processed and it is verified whether they match each other. e1) In case of a negative result, the second cassette is removed and the steps from step b) onwards are repeated. e2) In case of a positive verification result, the containers are connected. f) Removing the second cassette. g) Repeating steps b) to f) a plurality of times.

Abstract: A pouch (2) includes: a first, inner, envelope (1) which is closed, delimiting a first space (6) forming a pouch stricto sensu (1) intended for receiving a biopharmaceutical product or device; a second, outer, envelope (8) which is closed, delimiting a second space (9) in which is located the first envelope/pouch stricto sensu (1); a spacer element (11); at least one tracer gas located in the first space (6) or in the intermediate space (14) at a partial pressure different from that of the intermediate space or of the first space; and at least one colorimetric detection layer (12), responding to the concentration of tracer gas which reaches it by changing from a first color to a second color, and being an integral part of a wall (3, 4) of the first envelope/defined pouch (1) and/or of a wall (13) of the second envelope and/or of the spacer element.

Abstract: A colorimetric time indicator configured to indicate time specificity is provided. The colorimetric time indicator includes a colorimetric layer configured to be operatively coupled to a disposable medical device. The colorimetric time indicator is configured to indicate the time specificity via one or more visual indicators upon exposure to one or more external stimuli.

Abstract: A chemical indicator device for use in detecting exposure to an oxidizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide, comprising a substrate or support upon which is disposed a chemical indicator composition (ink) for detecting an oxidizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide. The chemical indicator composition further comprises an indicator dye that achieves a distinct range of different color changes with clear transitions between colors, upon exposure to different doses of the oxidizing agent, thus allowing for both a qualitative and semi-quantitative assessment of exposure to the agent.

Abstract: An indicator composition can be exposed to various environmental conditions stimuli such as in sterilization or storage processes. This indicator composition has a) a first polymeric particle comprising a solid continuous polymeric phase and a first reactant, the first polymeric particle having a mode particle size equal to or less than 50 ?m; and b) a second reactant outside of the first polymeric particle, which second reactant is capable of reacting with the first reactant when exposed to a chosen environmental condition stimulus. The indicator composition can be used by exposing it to the environmental condition stimulus for a sufficient time to cause a detectable change in the indicator composition such as a detectable color change.

Abstract: An indicator composition can be used to detect various environmental conditions stimuli such as in sterilization or storage processes. This indicator composition has a) a first polymeric particle comprising a solid continuous polymeric phase and a first reactant, the first polymeric particle having a mode particle size equal to or less than 50 ?m; and b) a second reactant outside of the first polymeric particle, which second reactant is capable of reacting with the first reactant when exposed to a chosen environmental condition stimulus. The indicator composition can be used by exposing it to the environmental condition stimulus for a sufficient time to cause a detectable change in the indicator composition such as a detectable color change.

Abstract: Water-based formulations comprising an indicating composition dispersed in water are described. The water-based indicating compositions include an organic Bi(III) compound, a sulfur source, and a carbonate salt. Formulations further including a resin and/or an acidic additive are also described.

Abstract: There is provided a sterilization indicating tape having a breathable and liquid impervious film, wherein the tape is printed with a sterilization indicator ink. The tape is compatible with a wrap polymer for recycling. The tape is used to hold a wrapped package closed so that it can be sterilized and stored. The ink changes color upon sterilization to show the user that the package has been subject to sterilization. The tape is desirably made from the same or a similar polymer to the wrap polymer so that they may be recycled together.

Abstract: Techniques for sterilizing chlorhexidine based antiseptic formulations include exposing a sealed container containing the formulation to heat at a temperature and heating time sufficient to sterilize the chlorhexidine based antiseptic formulation and the hermetically sealed interior of the container, which may be an applicator, a bottle, a swab stick, or a pad-containing pouch.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for detection of microbial contaminants in peritoneal dialysis solutions are provided. A novel cause of aseptic peritonitis is provided—aseptic peritonitis associated with gram positive microbial contamination of a dialysis solution. Peptidoglycan is a major component of a gram positive bacterial cell wall and thus can serve as a marker for gram positive bacteria. In this regard, testing for peptidoglycans can be utilized to effectively prevent peritonitis in patients that use the peritoneal dialysis solutions, such as peritoneal dialysis solutions that contain a glucose polymer including an icodextrin and the like.

Abstract: An air removal test system for verifying adequate air removal during a sterilization cycle of a pre-vacuum type sterilizer includes specimen holder and a test strip. The test strip includes a solid indicator chemical, which liquefies and travels along a wicking element during the sterilization cycle. The test strip is configured to verify adequate removal of air during the sterilization cycle by displaying a color change through a window.

Abstract: A sterilization indicator apparatus is provided. The sterilization indicator apparatus includes a base member having a top side and a bottom side. In a preferred embodiment, the base member is constructed of a plastic material such as a polypropylene. An adhesive is applied to the bottom side of the base member. In one embodiment, a latex-free resin is employed, but other types of adhesives may also be employed. One or more indicator elements are located on the surface opposite the adhesive. The indicator elements may take any shape, such as bars, squares, circles, ellipses, or any desired shape. The indicator elements function as sterilization indicators that are capable of indicating whether or not they have been exposed to a sterilization process.

Abstract: A device indicates the location of an air leak in a vacuum bag used to process composite parts. The device includes a layer of material on the inner face of the bag that changes in appearance due to an oxidation-reduction reaction in areas of the layer exposed to oxygen caused by a leak in the bag.

Abstract: A sterilization indicator having a compound that is of the heating type when put into contact with atoms of oxygen O and/or nitrogen N; and a thermochromic dye, in thermal contact with the compound.

Abstract: Compositions, devices and processes related to etching of a very thin layer or fine particles of a metal are disclosed for monitoring a variety of parameters, such as time, temperature, time-temperature, thawing, freezing, microwave, humidity, ionizing radiation, sterilization and chemicals. These devices have capabilities of producing a long and sharp induction period of an irreversible visual change. The devices are composed of an indicator comprising a very thin layer of a metal and an activator, e.g., a reactant, such as water, water vapor, an acid, a base, oxidizing agent or their precursors, which is capable of reacting with the said indicator. Ink formulations composed of a metal powder and a proper activator can be used for monitoring several sterilization processes, such as sterilization with steam. When water is used as an activator, a thin layer of metals, such as that of aluminum can be used as steam sterilization or humidity indicator.

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 invention provides a sterilization indicator (17), characterized in that it comprises: a compound (21) that is of the heating type when put into contact with atoms of oxygen O and/or nitrogen N; and a thermochromic dye (19), in thermal contact with the compound (21).

Abstract: An oxygen permeability measuring apparatus for measuring an oxygen permeation rate of oxygen barrier film in a dark room is provided. A container is charged with inert gas, and sealed hermetically by use of the oxygen barrier film at least partially. A chemiluminescent compound is contained in the container, for emitting light by oxidation with the oxygen. A photon detector detects photons emitted by the chemiluminescent compound so as to determine an amount of the oxygen permeated through the oxygen barrier film. Preferably, the container includes a container body. An opening is formed in the container body, and closed hermetically by the oxygen barrier film attached thereto. The photon detector is disposed inside or outside the container. The oxygen permeation rate is equal to or less than 10?2 cc/m2·day·atm. The chemiluminescent compound includes tetrakis(dimethylamino)ethylene.

Abstract: Methods of using microarrays to simplify analysis and characterization of genes and their function are provided. Such methods can be used to identify and characterize antibodies having binding affinity for a specific target antigen. A method of determining gene expression at the protein level by contacting an array of characterized or uncharacterized antibodies on a solid surface with one or more proteins and identifying the antibodies to which said protein(s) binds also is provided. This method can be used to compare the protein expression in two different populations of cells, such as normal cells and cancer cells or resting cells and stimulated cells. In addition, a method of determining gene expression at the protein level by contacting a microarray of nucleic acid samples derived from a variety of different sources with one or more nucleic acid probes then identifying the sample or samples to which the probe binds is provided.

Abstract: An indicator composition for indicating that an article has undergone an ethylene oxide sterilization process is provided. The indicator composition includes at least one pyridine derivative that reacts with moist ethylene oxide to provide an irreversible color change of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention describes the development of a measuring method based on the degradation of various chromophores/fluorophores that can be used as a quantitative method to elucidate the UV dose within a liquid or as a qualitative visual color-changing chemical indicator of UV sterilization is described.

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: Methods and compositions for detection of microbial contaminants in peritoneal dialysis solutions are provided. The methods and compositions employ modified bioburden testing and the detection of peptidoglycan. A novel cause of aseptic peritonitis is provided—aseptic peritonitis associated with gram positive microbial contamination of a dialysis solution. Peptidoglycan is a major component of a gram positive bacterial cell wall and thus can serve as a marker for gram positive bacteria. In this regard, testing for peptidoglycans can be utilized to effectively prevent peritonitis in patients that use the peritoneal dialysis solutions, such as peritoneal dialysis solutions that contain a glucose polymer including an icodextrin and the like.

Abstract: The method comprises the following steps: bonding at least one chemical, optically luminescent compound (3) onto at least one indicator element (6) for testing the treatments (14), wherein at least one luminescence property of the chemical compound (3) can be changed; assigning at least one indicator element (6) to the object (1); wherein the indicator element (6) and the object (1) are simultaneously subjected to the same conditions of the energy-introducing treatment (14); changing the luminescence property of the chemical compound (3), wherein the level of the change to the luminescence property depends upon the energy-introducing treatment (14); irradiating (13) the chemical compound (3) with electromagnetic radiation directed onto the indicator (6) for excitation of the luminescence during the energy-introducing treatment or following the energy-introducing treatment (14).

Abstract: A testing unit and a method of testing a sterilization packaging unit for microbial contamination of sterilized objects after they have been sterilized are disclosed. The testing unit includes a dry matrix for accommodating a nutrient medium and a receptacle containing a liquid. By applying the liquid onto the matrix, the matrix is provided with a nutrient medium. In the method, the testing unit is inserted into the sterilization packaging unit which is sterilized and stored. At a desired point in time, the receptacle is opened in order to produce the nutrient medium in the matrix. After a possible multiplication of microbes on the matrix, an observation of microbes takes place. The invention also relates to a sterilization packaging unit which has a rigid outer casing and is suitable for the application of the method.

Abstract: A medical device, such as a vascular access device, is disclosed for providing access to a medical fluid flow path for the introduction or withdrawal of medical fluids to and from the flow path. The access device includes an indicator for providing a visual indication when the access device has been exposed to an antiseptic agent. The indicator includes a substrate and a microporous layer disposed on the substrate. The microporous layer is made from a polymer material having an index of refraction from about 1.25 to about 1.6 and is configured to change from a substantially opaque state to a substantially transparent state upon exposure to an antiseptic solution. The microporous layer resumes the substantially opaque state after a period of time.

Abstract: A video game controller with a position sensor and a proximity sensor provides user input signals for use in determining game states. The video game controller can have a board or deck like surface similar to that of a skateboard, and the proximity sensor can be used to determine if a grab of the board has been attempted. A video game associated with the video game controller can provide a skateboard or other game in which a skateboard and skateboarding character are responsive to a game player's manipulation of the video game controller.

Abstract: A pouch (2) includes: a first, inner, envelope (1) which is closed, delimiting a first space (6) forming a pouch stricto sensu (1) intended for receiving a biopharmaceutical product or device; a second, outer, envelope (8) which is closed, delimiting a second space (9) in which is located the first envelope/pouch stricto sensu (1); a spacer element (11); at least one tracer gas located in the first space (6) or in the intermediate space (14) at a partial pressure different from that of the intermediate space or of the first space; and at least one colorimetric detection layer (12), responding to the concentration of tracer gas which reaches it by changing from a first color to a second color, and being an integral part of a wall (3, 4) of the first envelope/defined pouch (1) and/or of a wall (13) of the second envelope and/or of the spacer element.

Abstract: A medical instrument including a body member and an indicator component. The indicator component includes a mechanism for identifying when reprocessing of the medical instrument has occurred.

Abstract: The method of the invention pertains to determining signal transduction activity in a tissue section by immunohistochemistry techniques. The expression level of the receptor of interest is determined as well as the expression levels of one or more effector molecules of the receptor signal transduction pathway. Furthermore a combined ratio of expression levels of effector molecules in subcellular compartments with the receptor expression was found to have prognostic significance.

Abstract: An electronic system for tracking and monitoring articles to be subjected to a sterilization cycle is disclosed. The method uses a sterilization indicator and electronically links sterilization information with the articles subjected to the sterilization process. The indicator allows a sterilization cycle to be monitored without the need for a user to subjectively distinguish between color, quality or intensity of display patterns.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating biological content within a container is provided. The apparatus includes a medical sterilization container having a cover removably attached to the medical sterilization container. An enclosable, sterilizable interior compartment is formed by the medical sterilization container and the cover, wherein the interior compartment is sized to house at least one medical instrument. A biological indicator is located at least partially in communication with the interior compartment, wherein the biological indicator provides at least one indication of biological content within the interior compartment after the medical sterilization container and cover are subjected to a sterilization process.