| Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
|---|
| 422033000 | With positive pressure or vacuum | 54 |
| 20080219884 | Aerosol - A nebulant suitable for sterilization comprising finely divided liquid droplets suspended in a gas, said droplets including a solute, which is advantageously hydrogen peroxide and a solvent, for example water, wherein the droplets have a concentration of greater than 60 wt % of solute and an average diameter of less than 1.0 micron, preferably less than 0.8 microns. Sterilization using the nebulant may be carried out in suitably adapted apparatus by nebulising a solution comprising a sterilizing agent in a solvent to form a nebulant of finely divided particles of the solution in a gas stream, said solution including a solvent having a lower boiling point than the sterilizing agent; subjecting the nebulant to energy of a kind and for a duration sufficient to vaporize solvent in preference to sterilizing agent, whereby to increase the concentration of the agent in the nebulant particles; removing the solvent vaporized from the gas stream at or above atmospheric pressure and, if necessary, cooling the nebulant to below 70° C.; and exposing a surface to be sterilized to the nebulant of concentrated sterilizing agent for a time sufficient to sterilize the surface. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080267820 | Aircraft potable water disinfection/sanitation system - A system and method of disinfecting and sanitizing potable water on an aircraft. An ozone generator generates a supply of ozone which is fed into an injector. A pump is connected to a water supply line and an end of an injector. Water flows from the water supply line through the pump and into the injector where the water and the supply of ozone mix to disinfect the water. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20090041620 | Sterilization of drugs using supercritical carbon dioxide sterilant - A sterilization method for drugs to achieve a 6-log reduction in CFUs of industry standard bacteria and bacterial spores is effective by subjecting the drugs to a chemical additive-containing carbon dioxide sterilant fluid at or near its supercritical pressure and temperature conditions and controlling the pressurization and depressurization rates. | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090110596 | Sterilization methods and apparatus which employ additive-containing supercritical carbon dioxide sterilant - Sterilization methods and apparatus are effective to achieve a 6-log reduction in CFUs of industry standard bacteria and bacterial spores, i.e., | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090123333 | Maintaining Disinfection of Medical Equipment - A method is provided for maintaining the disinfection of medical equipment, in particular medical endoscopes ( | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090169426 | Method and apparatus for decontaminating temperature-sensitive objects - An apparatus for decontamination of objects, such as temperature-sensitive devices for military applications, comprises a vacuum chamber having an internal space for receiving an object to be decontaminated. A vacuum pump produces a vacuum in the internal space. A heater is used for heating the internal space. A first arrangement is provided for ventilation of the internal space, and a second arrangement is provided for filling the internal space with a gaseous chemical decontamination agent. The apparatus can be used optionally for disinfection or detoxification, with a low decontamination temperature being sufficient in both cases because of the low pressure in the chamber. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090257914 | Combined use of an alkaline earth metal compound and a sterilizing agent to maintain osteoinduction properties of a demineralized bone matrix - A method is disclosed that produces allografts from matrices typically containing demineralized bone matrix (DBM) powder, demineralized bone matrix gel, demineralized bone matrix paste, bone cement, cancellous bone, or cortical bone and mixtures thereof. The matrices are sterilized utilizing supercritical CO | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090324445 | STERILIZATION SYSTEM AND METHOD AND ORIFICE INLET CONTROL APPARATUS THEREFOR - 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. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20100092337 | Method for Sterilizing a Plastic Bottle - A method for sterilizing a plastic bottle in an aseptic filling system according to which at least an inner surface or an outer surface of a bottle is sterilized by injecting a heated sterilizing fluid at 65° C.-90° C. while maintaining internal pressure of the bottle at 1 kPa-20 kPa. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100196198 | OZONOE STERILIZAATION PROCESS AND APPARATUS - A sterilization method is disclosed, which includes the steps of
| 08-05-2010 |
| 20100226821 | Methods and Apparatuses for the Disinfection of Objects, Devices and Areas - A method and apparatus for the sanitization, detoxification, disinfection, high level disinfection, or sterilization of both the interior and exterior surfaces of an object or plurality of objects, including those with lumens and/or channels of various sizes, within a closed space, or closed system of space, in addition to their surrounding atmosphere, and relates particularly, though not exclusively, to the generation of an aerosol including an anti-pathogen/toxin/fungal/sporicidal agent(s) or substance(s)(applied agent), or chemical neutralizing agent(s) or substance(s), by way of one or more ultrasonic nebulizer(s). However the applied agent used in the present invention may also be in the form of any gas, vapor, plasma, aerosol, or other form. The said apparatus and method also includes an option to incorporate and utilize a means to wash the object(s) or endoscope(s). More importantly, the present invention addresses an improvement to the current art, by a new method and apparatus for the application of a positive or negative air/gas pressure to the internal space, lumens, ducts, or channels, of an object or endoscope, in order to apply or administer applied agent, in the form of a gas, plasma, vapor, or aerosol to the surfaces within these locations as well as to the surfaces and areas that interface with the means to apply the positive or negative air/gas pressure to the object or endoscope. The present invention addresses the current problem of obtaining full sanitization, disinfection, high level disinfection, or sterilization, of both the interior and exterior surfaces and areas of an object or endoscope as well as the interfacing surfaces and areas between the applicator for the applied agent and the object or endoscope. The present invention will allow for the complete sanitization, disinfection, high level disinfection, or sterilization of objects in a simple chamber, or in more complex configurations that include, but are not limited to, glove box units, processors with built in interfaces for specialty applications such as endoscope reprocessing, and other application specific designs. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100296969 | PROCESS FOR STERILIZING ACELLULAR SOFT TISSUE UNDER VACUUM - The present invention is a process for preparing skin removed from a human donor, removal of cellular components and sterilizing the decellularized skin. The process comprises the following steps:
| 11-25-2010 |
| 20100310416 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVED CLEANING AND DISINFECTING OF ITEMS - Methods and apparatus for cleaning and disinfecting items are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to controlled delayed release of agents for the cleaning of contact lenses. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20110008209 | METHODS OF STERILIZATION BY HYDROGEN PEROXIDE AND OZONE, AND APPARATUS USING THE METHODS - A method for sterilization according to the present invention comprises: a first sterilization step of providing a sterilization subject in a sealed sterilization chamber and sterilizing the sterilization subject by providing ozone inside the sterilization chamber; a first decomposition step of decomposing the ozone inside the sterilization chamber; a first vacuumization step discharging the gas inside the sterilization chamber and reducing the pressure inside the sterilization chamber; a second sterilization step of providing hydrogen peroxide into the vacuumized sterilization chamber to sterilize the sterilization subject; a third sterilization step of providing ozone into the sterilization chamber; a second decomposition step of decomposing the hydrogen peroxide and ozone inside the sterilization chamber; and a second vacuumization step of discharging the gas inside the sterilization chamber and reducing the pressure inside the sterilization chamber. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110044853 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DECONTAMINATION OF TUBING - Embodiments of the invention generally provide an apparatus and method for decontaminating tubing. The invention is particularly suitable for decontaminating tubing in a test system used for certifying a filter in a containment system. In one embodiment, a test system for a containment system is provide that includes a sample system including equipment adapted for testing a filter disposed in a containment system utilizing samples obtained from a downstream sample port and a upstream sample port of the containment system, and a device for reversing a flow within the sample system. In another aspect of the invention, a method for decontaminating tubing is provided. In another embodiment, the method includes flowing a sterilization agent through tubing in a first direction and flowing the sterilization agent through tubing in a second direction. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110110821 | Method for sterilizing a plastic bottle - A method for sterilizing a plastic bottle in an aseptic filling system according to which at least an inner surface or an outer surface of a bottle is sterilized by injecting a heated sterilizing fluid at 65° C.-90° C. while maintaining internal pressure of the bottle at 1 kPa-20 kPa. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110123396 | STERILE PACKING AND STERILIZATION METHOD USING THIS PACKING - This sterile packing ( | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110150700 | Showerhead cleaning and disinfecting system and method - A showerhead cleaning and disinfecting system including an injection device located between a showerhead extension pipe and a showerhead. The injection device includes a port configured to receive an agent for cleaning and disinfecting the showerhead. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110171065 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DISPERSING DECONTAMINATION PRODUCTS - An electrostatic spraying system for decontamination of a vehicle is described. The system includes a wheeled platform sized to fit inside the vehicle, at least one tank operable to contain one or more decontaminant agents, the tanks supported by said wheeled platform, a plurality of nozzles affixed to the wheeled platform, wherein each nozzle is positioned for distribution of the decontaminant agents in at least one pre-determined direction, an electrostatic charging system connected to each of the nozzles for applying an electrostatic charge to the decontaminant agents as the agents are dispersed, and at least one compressor in communication with the tanks for pressurizing the decontaminant agents. The one or more compressors are capable of providing a pressure sufficient to provide a constant distribution of the decontaminant agents through the electrostatic nozzles. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110176959 | HYDROGEN PEROXIDE VAPOR STERILIZER AND STERILIZING METHODS USING THE SAME - Disclosed is a method for sterilizing an article with hydrogen peroxide in a reaction vessel, comprising: maintaining an inner space of the reaction vessel at a vacuum pressure lower than an equilibrium vapor pressure of hydrogen peroxide; heating the inner space of the reaction vessel to a temperature from 30 to 60° C.; injecting a hydrogen peroxide solution into the inner space of the reaction vessel; thermally vaporizing the hydrogen peroxide solution within the reaction vessel; sealing the inner space of the reaction vessel and maintaining the article in a hydrogen peroxide vapor atmosphere; and introducing external gas into the inner space of the reaction vessel to increase the pressure of the inner space to a predetermined value not more than the atmospheric pressure. The method allows the effective sterilization of an article having a narrow, long lumen. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110223060 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR STERILIZATION - The present invention provides an apparatus and method for disinfecting a target area of a patient's body, such as an arm, leg or a chest, in a pre-surgical environment. The apparatus and method disclosed herein further provides for maintaining the target area of the patient's body in an aseptic condition while transporting the patient to and into the surgery room. The most preferred embodiments of the present invention contemplate the use of one or more sterile layers (e.g., sterilized bags or the like) that are used to enclose the target area of the patient's body coupled with a sterile substance delivery mechanism that disinfects the target area and also maintains the target area in an aseptic condition. The most preferred embodiments of the present invention comprise a single-layer disposable garment or an inner bag nested inside an outer bag with a sterilization material being introduced into the inner bag, thereby disinfecting the target area. Once the patient has been transported into the operating room, the healthcare professional can remove the disposable garment or the outer bag, and then expose the target area for the selected procedure. Since the target area has been disinfected and also maintained in an aseptic condition, the healthcare professional can immediately begin to perform a selected procedure on the patient without having to spend additional time in the operating room to disinfect the target area of the patient's body that will undergo the selected procedure. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110236256 | Cold Sterilization of Tissue Engineering Scaffolds with Compressed Carbon Dioxide - Methods for sterilizing a biocompatible hydrogel polymer are provided via treating the biocompatible hydrogel polymer with a supercritical CO | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110274583 | Sterilization Method - By focusing on the fact that nitrogen dioxide exhibits an increased sterilizing effect among other sterilant gases including nitrogen oxide, the present invention is made to provide a sterilization method which may be suitably used for sterilizing items to be sterilized such as medical instruments which require increased reliability by using a high concentration NO | 11-10-2011 |
| 20120009085 | VACUUM SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR STERILIZATION THEREOF - In one embodiment, a vacuum system comprises: a vacuum chamber; a vacuum source in operable communication with the vacuum chamber; a liquid sterilant supply; and a metering device, wherein the sterilant supply is in operable communication with the vacuum chamber via the metering device, and wherein the metering device is sized such that liquid sterilant can be introduced into the vacuum chamber as sterilant vapor. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120058007 | Device for the Disinfection, Sterilization and/or Maintenance of Medical in Particular Dental, Instruments - A device for the disinfection, sterilization and/or maintenance of medical, in particular dental instruments. The device is optimized in various areas, facilitating the fully automatic, reliable and reproducible preparation of dental instruments. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120076689 | Method for sterilizing a plastic bottle - A method for sterilizing a plastic bottle in an aseptic filling system according to which at least an inner surface or an outer surface of a bottle is sterilized by injecting a heated sterilizing fluid at 65° C.-90° C. while maintaining internal pressure of the bottle at 1 kPa-20 kPa. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120171077 | System and method for decontamination - Systems and methods for decontaminating a facility, for example, in response to a biological attack. An exclusion zone, a support zone, and a contamination reduction zone may be established. The exclusion zone may have a suspected contaminant in one or more of its areas. The contamination reduction zone may be between the exclusion zone and the support zone. The exclusion zone may have an agent introduced into a pressurized environment within the exclusion zone to substantially eliminate the contaminant. A sample may be taken to determine the presence of the contaminant. | 07-05-2012 |
| 20120275954 | Sterilization System And Method With Compression and Expansion - An apparatus and method for achieving low temperature vapor sterilization of objects which may involve objects having a lumen. Following evacuation of the sterilization chamber and the introduction of a vaporous or gaseous sterilant, the volume of the chamber is changed by actuation of a movable boundary in the chamber to increase and decrease the pressure in the chamber thus driving the sterilant into and out of such lumens. | 11-01-2012 |
| 20120301356 | DECONTAMINATION SYSTEM INCLUDING ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL USING A DECONTAMINATING SUBSTANCE - A system for decontaminating a medical device includes a decontamination chamber configured to retain the medical device and a chemical dispersion assembly configured to deliver a decontaminating fluid to the decontamination chamber. A pressure control assembly is connected to the decontamination chamber and configured to control the pressure in the decontamination chamber. The system also includes a system controller configured to control the decontamination chamber, chemical dispersion assembly, and pressure control assembly. A pressure in the decontamination chamber is reduced to within a sub-atmospheric pressure range in a first evacuation step and add a decontaminating fluid into the decontamination chamber at a first rate while increasing the pressure in the decontamination chamber. Adding the decontaminating fluid increases a relative humidity in the decontamination chamber to a level that improves the efficacy of the decontaminating fluid. | 11-29-2012 |
| 20130089461 | STERILIZING APPARATUS AND STERILIZING METHOD - A sterilizing apparatus provides a structure for feeding a sterilizer left in a vaporizing chamber configured to gasify the sterilizer, into a sterilizing chamber, to stimulate a sterilizing action while reducing waste of the sterilizer. | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130089462 | STERILIZATION APPARATUS AND STERILIZATION METHOD - There is provided a sterilization apparatus for sterilizing an object. The sterilization apparatus includes a concentration chamber configured to concentrate sterilizer, a vaporizing chamber configured to vaporize the sterilizer, a measuring pipe into which the sterilizer is introduced from the concentration chamber before being introduced into the vaporizing chamber, a vacuuming device configured to vacuum the sterilization chamber, and a first valve configured to be opened and closed to control communication between the sterilization chamber and the measuring pipe, wherein after the sterilizer is introduced from the concentration chamber into the measuring pipe, gas contained in the measuring pipe is removed from the measuring pipe by opening the first valve. | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130101462 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISINFECTING AND STERILIZING HOLLOW BODIES - A hollow body sterilizing or disinfection method using a sterilizing agent, such as periacetic acid or hydrogen peroxide, introduced into a body at ambient pressure from a vaporizer includes supplying the sterilizing agent in the vaporizer as dry sterilizing agent vapor, the dry sterilizing agent vapor comprising vapor with a sterilizing agent quantity or vapor density that is at most equal to and preferably less than saturated vapor density such that upon introduction of the sterilizing agent vapor into the hollow body and upon subsequent expansion of the sterilizing agent vapor from a pressure in the vaporizer to ambient pressure, condensate formation occurs substantially only on a surface of the hollow body. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130202485 | Methods of disinfection of sterilization - Methods for disinfecting or sterilizing an article are provided. One method includes vaporizing a solution comprising a biocide in a solvent having a first biocide:solvent ratio, directing a flow of the vapour to a first side of a membrane; directing an alternate flow of gas to a second side of the membrane to increase the first biocide:solvent ratio on the first side to a second biocide:solvent ratio greater than the first biocide:solvent ratio thereby producing a concentrated vapour on the first side of the membrane, and contacting the article with the concentrated vapour for a time sufficient to disinfect or sterilize it. | 08-08-2013 |
| 20130236354 | Constricting Pressure Valve Apparatus and Methods Thereof - A valve apparatus and methods associated thereof are provided. The valve apparatus includes a valve housing structure. A first valve portion is connected to the valve housing structure, wherein the first valve portion has a sealing edge. A second valve portion is positioned at least partially within the valve housing structure. A constrictable membrane has a pressurizable interior compartment, wherein the constrictable membrane supported by the second valve portion and positioned proximate to the first valve portion, wherein at least a portion of the constrictable membrane is movable to engageable with the sealing edge of the first valve portion. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130236355 | STERILIZATION METHOD AND APPARATUS - Disclosed is a method of sterilizing an article by sequentially exposing the article under vacuum first to a gaseous conditioning agent for forming radicals and then to a sterilant. The preferred conditioning agent is hydrogen peroxide and the preferred sterilant is ozone. The chamber is initially evacuated to a first vacuum pressure and then sealed for the remainder of the sterilization process and during all sterilant injection cycles, without removal of any component of the sterilization atmosphere, which means without any measures to reduce the water vapor content. Keeping the chamber sealed and maintaining the conditioning agent and the radicals generated thereby in the chamber for the sterilization with sterilant results in a synergistic increase in the sterilization efficiency and allows for the use of much lower sterilant amounts and sterilization cycle times than would be expected from using the conditioning agent and the sterilant in combination. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130236356 | HYDROGEN PEROXIDE STERILIZATION METHOD - A method of metering a preselected volume of hydrogen peroxide into a vessel under vacuum is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of connecting a passage of known volume to the vessel under vacuum to evacuate the passage; sealing the passage; connecting the passage to a supply of hydrogen peroxide solution for a time sufficient to draw the hydrogen peroxide solution into the evacuated passage and fill the passage with the hydrogen peroxide solution; sealing the passage; and repeating steps a) to d) until a cumulative volume of fills of the passage is equal to the preselected volume. The volume of the passage is preferably 15 μL to 75 μL. Sterilization is controlled in an economic manner by obviating the need for a means to measure the hydrogen peroxide concentration in the chamber. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130236357 | HYDROGEN PEROXIDE STERILIZATION METHOD - A method of metering of hydrogen peroxide gas into an evacuated sterilization chamber is disclosed. The method includes the steps of continuously monitoring a pressure in the sterilization chamber; connecting a passage of known volume to the evacuated chamber for evacuating the passage; sealing the passage; connecting the evacuated passage to a supply of hydrogen peroxide solution for a time sufficient to draw the hydrogen peroxide solution into and fill the passage; sealing the passage; and repeating those steps until a preselected pressure increase in the sterilization chamber is detected. The pressure increase is preferably 19 Torr. The known volume of the metering passage is preferably between 75 μL and 15 μL to control unwanted condensation of hydrogen peroxide in the sterilization chamber. Expensive peroxide concentration measurement systems are replaced with an economical low cost pressure sensor for control of the hydrogen peroxide concentration. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130236358 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VIRUS INACTIVATION - Methods and systems for virus inactivation in the production or processing of biological or other sensitive substances are provided. The disclosed methods and systems for virus inactivation involve the key steps of dissolving carbon dioxide into biological or other sensitive substances; and treating the substance with the dissolved carbon dioxide at conditions which are less than critical pressure and temperature for a prescribed treatment time to inactivate at least 80% of the target virus or viruses contained within the biological or other sensitive substances. The disclosed carbon dioxide treatments for virus inactivation may optionally include concurrently or sequentially subjecting the substances with an acid treatment to lower the pH of the substance and inactivate viruses contained within the biological or other sensitive substance. Operating conditions for the disclosed carbon dioxide treatments preferably involve sparging carbon dioxide gas into the substance until the composition is saturated with carbon dioxide and is conducted at pressures below about 5 MPa; at temperatures of less than or equal to 30° C.; and for a treatment time of between about one minute and about 2000 minutes. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130236359 | METHODS FOR STERILIZATION IN A VACUUM SYSTEM - A method of sterilizing a vacuum system, comprising: creating a vacuum in a vacuum chamber such that a pressure differential is formed between the vacuum chamber and a liquid sterilant supply, and wherein the liquid sterilant supply has a higher pressure than the vacuum chamber; vaporizing liquid sterilant; and sterilizing the vacuum chamber with the vaporized sterilant. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130243649 | HYDROGEN PEROXIDE STERILIZATION METHOD - A method of controlling unwanted condensation of hydrogen peroxide in a sterilization chamber at a preselected temperature is disclosed. The method includes the steps of maintaining the sterilization chamber at a vacuum pressure below the pressure at which hydrogen peroxide will boil at the preselected temperature, evaporating successive pulses of hydrogen peroxide, and injecting the evaporated hydrogen peroxide into the chamber, whereby the volume of each pulse of hydrogen peroxide is less than 75 μL, preferably less than 35 μL, most preferably less than 20 μL. Sterilization results are improved by controlling unwanted condensation of hydrogen peroxide. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20140017122 | DENTAL WATER DISINFECTOR - The present invention generally relates to water disinfection systems for use in dental operatory settings. In particular, a dental water disinfector is described, wherein the dental water disinfector is configured to purify water used during a dental procedure. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the dental water disinfector is utilized to eliminate bacterial contaminants present in water supplies utilized by dental drills and irrigation equipment. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140105786 | STERILIZATION METHOD - The invention relates to a fractional vacuum sterilization method for objects such as blood tubing systems or cassette systems, which are sterilized in outer packagings. The spatial extent of the outer packaging during the evacuation step is minimized here by inserting a packing into the sterilization chamber and thereby achieving an efficient gas exchange through the gas-permeable outer packaging. The number of vacuum-pressure cycles required to establish a saturated sterilization medium atmosphere in the outer packaging and in the object to be sterilized is thereby reduced. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140105787 | MEMBRANE STERILIZATION - A method for disinfecting or sterilizing an article comprising enclosing the article or article part inside a container having a wall of which at least a part is a semipermeable fabric or membrane and introducing an amount of vaporizable biocide, preferably hydrogen peroxide in water, to the interior of said container in solution, vapour, liquid or preferably nebulant form. The semipermeable fabric or membrane is selected to allow the biocide to pass from inside to outside of the container as a vapour at atmospheric pressure and to provide a barrier against entry of micro-organisms. The biocide is allowed to exit the container through said membrane while at or above atmospheric pressure, a fluid eg air is directed to flow adjacent the outside of the membrane to expedite vapour removal from the interior side. The article is exposed to the biocide for a time sufficient to disinfect or sterilize the article. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140154135 | AEROSOL - A nebulant suitable for sterilization comprising finely divided liquid droplets suspended in a gas, said droplets including a solute, which is advantageously hydrogen peroxide and a solvent, for example water, wherein the droplets have a concentration of greater than 60 wt % of solute and an average diameter of less than 1.0 micron, preferably less than 0.8 microns. Sterilization using the nebulant may be carried out in suitably adapted apparatus by nebulising a solution comprising a sterilizing agent in a solvent to form a nebulant of finely divided particles of the solution in a gas stream, said solution including a solvent having a lower boiling point than the sterilizing agent; subjecting the nebulant to energy of a kind and for a duration sufficient to vaporize solvent in preference to sterilizing agent, whereby to increase the concentration of the agent in the nebulant particles; removing the solvent vaporized from the gas stream at or above atmospheric pressure and, if necessary, cooling the nebulant to below 70° C.; and exposing a surface to be sterilized to the nebulant of concentrated sterilizing agent for a time sufficient to sterilize the surface. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140205502 | METHODS FOR DISPERSING DECONTAMINATION PRODUCTS - An electrostatic spraying system for decontamination of a vehicle is described. The system includes a wheeled platform sized to fit inside the vehicle, at least one tank operable to contain one or more decontaminant agents, the tanks supported by said wheeled platform, a plurality of nozzles affixed to the wheeled platform, wherein each nozzle is positioned for distribution of the decontaminant agents in at least one pre-determined direction, an electrostatic charging system connected to each of the nozzles for applying an electrostatic charge to the decontaminant agents as the agents are dispersed, and at least one compressor in communication with the tanks for pressurizing the decontaminant agents. The one or more compressors are capable of providing a pressure sufficient to provide a constant distribution of the decontaminant agents through the electrostatic nozzles. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140271355 | APPARATUS AND PROCESS FOR FOCUSED GAS PHASE APPLICATION OF BIOCIDE - The invention provides methods of oxidizing, sanitizing, disinfecting, and/or sterilizing a target. The method includes: ejecting a gas stream of a gaseous mixture comprising 50 to 30,000 ppm | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140294670 | TRANSPORTABLE VACUUM ASSISTED DECONTAMINATION UNIT AND DECONTAMINATION PROCESS - The disclosed invention relates to a portable, vacuum assisted decontamination unit. The invention also relates to a vacuum assisted decontamination process. The decontamination unit may be ruggedized for use in hostile environments such as those that may be anticipated for military applications. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140369887 | CONTAINER AND SYSTEM FOR DECONTAMINATING A MEDICAL DEVICE WITH A FLUID - A method for decontaminating a medical device includes enclosing the medical device in an enclosure including a fog-permeable layer and an exterior port member coupled to the fog-permeable layer. The exterior port member of the enclosure is coupled to a chemical dispersing interface in a decontamination chamber. A pressure in the decontamination chamber is reduced to a sub-atmospheric pressure in a first evacuation step. A room temperature decontaminating fluid is introduced as a fog into the decontamination chamber. The fog is held in the decontamination chamber for a decontaminating time. The pressure in the decontamination chamber is reduced to a sub-atmospheric pressure in a second evacuation step. The decontamination chamber is vented to atmospheric pressure. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20150010432 | Sterilization System And Method With Compression and Expansion - An apparatus and method for achieving low temperature vapor sterilization of objects which may involve objects having a lumen. Following evacuation of the sterilization chamber and the introduction of a vaporous or gaseous sterilant, the volume of the chamber is changed by actuation of a movable boundary in the chamber to increase and decrease the pressure in the chamber thus driving the sterilant into and out of such lumens. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150064067 | METHOD OF PERFORMING STERILIZATION CYCLE - A method of sterilizing articles, using a low-vapor-pressure sterilant in a compact sterilizer, including a pre-pulse injection of sterilant to condition a sterilization chamber. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20160193375 | STERILIZATION METHODS AND APPARATUS AND ADAPTIVE CONTROL THEREOF | 07-07-2016 |
| 20190142982 | METHOD OF STERILIZING AN OBJECT WITH ATOMIC NITROGEN FROM A NITROGEN PLASMA | 05-16-2019 |
| 20190142983 | METHOD OF STERILIZING AN OBJECT WITH ATOMIC NITROGEN FROM A NITROGEN PLASMA | 05-16-2019 |
| 20220133933 | Continuous Element Decontamination and Sterilization System - A continuous element decontamination and sterilization system has a set of transition chambers and operation chambers, a set of ports, a conveyor system, and a container. The sterilization system uses the chambers to form a modular system where each of the operation chambers is sandwiched between a preceding transition chamber and a subsequent transition chamber. The transition chambers serve as preprocessing or post processing devices that condition the container before entering an operation chamber. In this way, the conditions within the operation chamber do not fluctuate when the container is moved into it by the conveyor system. The conveyor system moves the container through the transition chambers and the operation chambers and enables a user to reload the container to be passed through the chambers for subsequent sterilization operations. The ports are integrated into the chambers so fluids and cleaning agents can be pumped into and extracted from the chambers. | 05-05-2022 |
