Abstract:
A method and apparatus for calibrating a sensor for determination of the concentration of a sterilant, e. g., hydrogen peroxide vapor, in a sterilization system. This invention provides a method for calibrating a sensor that is used for measuring the quantity of a sterilant in a system for delivering the sterilant, the method comprising the steps of: (a) generating reference calibration data, the reference calibration data showing a mathematical relationship between a measurable parameter, e. g. voltage, and a quantity of the sterilant, e. g., parts of sterilant per million parts of air (ppm), for a plurality of sensors; (b) generating sensor calibration data, the sensor calibration data showing a mathematical relationship between the measurable parameter and the quantity of the sterilant for an individual sensor; and(c) normalizing the sensor calibration data to compensate for the difference between the measurable parameter for the reference calibration data and the measurable parameter for the sensor calibration data, whereby data obtained by the individual sensor can be used to accurately determine the quantity of sterilant in the system.
Abstract:
A system for monitoring concentrations of sterilant, such as hydrogen peroxide vapor, within a sterilization apparatus, includes a self-contained, sterilant monitoring assembly that is freely positionable within the sterilization apparatus. The assembly includes a gas-detecting sensor and associated temperature sensor mounted on a portable structure, as well as a suitable data collection circuit for receiving output signals from the sensors. Collected data is transferred to a remote communication unit positioned exteriorly of the sterilization apparatus.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for determining the dispersibility grade of particulate material by means of an image processing technique that employs machine vision. In one aspect, this invention provides a method for grading the dispersibility of particulate material, the method comprising the steps of: (a) obtaining an image, in digitized form, of a sample comprising reconstituted particulate material; (b) performing a series of image processing steps to determine the presence and magnitude of blobs; (c) performing a blob analysis to obtain data relating to the distribution of the particulate material in the sample; (d) comparing the result of the blob analysis with data in a database; and (e) determining the grade of said particulate material by means of the comparison. The sample of particulate material, which is typically in the form of a powder, is reconstituted preferably by means of agitating a container filled with the sample. The database suitable for use in this invention can be established by recording the results of a large number of tests performed by a powder quality grading authority. The grade levels are ssociated with several ranges that have emerged from the statistical analysis. In another aspect, this invention provides an apparatus suitable for grading the dispersibility of particulate material.
Abstract:
A pad (101) for transmitting acoustical waves between an ultrasound probe (107) and a target surface (105). The pad (101) includes a first layer (102) having a first porous portion which defines first layer pores therethrough. The first layer pores have a first layer pore dimension. The pad (101) further includes a second layer (103) having a first porous portion which defines second layer pores therethrough. The second layer pores have a second layer pore dimension. The second layer (103) is attached to the first layer (102) to define a space (104) therebetween. The first porous portion of the first layer (102) overlies the first porous portion of said second layer (103). An ultrasound couplant (100) is disposed in the space (104) defined between the first (102) and second (103) layers. The ultrasound couplant (100) has a molecule size that is less than or substantially equal to the first layer pore dimension and less than or substantially equal to the second layer pore dimension.
Abstract:
A sterilant monitoring assembly including an external housing defining an inlet and an outlet, and an internal flow path extending therethrough. An internal housing is located within the external housing and substantially surrounded by the internal flow path. The internal housing defines an interior sensor chamber therein. A sterilant sensor is positioned within the interior sensor chamber and is constructed to provide output signals corresponding to detected levels of sterilant within the interior sensor chamber. In one embodiment, a sterilant monitoring assembly includes an external housing defining an inlet and an outlet, and an internal flow path extending therethrough. An internal housing is located within the external housing and substantially surrounded by the internal flow path. The internal housing defines an interior sensor chamber having a sterilant sensor positioned therein, the sterilant sensor constructed to provide output signals corresponding todetected levels of sterilant within the interior sensor chamber.
Abstract:
The apparatus includes a conveyor assembly having a conveyor belt and an agitator. The conveyor belt is constructed to deliver a unit of liquid product from the agitator to an analysis position. The agitator is constructed to impart motion to a unit of liquid product. The apparatus further includes an ultrasound transmissive pad assembly having a pad defining a chamber therein. A liquid acoustical couplant is contained in the chamber. The ultrasound transmissive pad assembly further includes an ultrasonic transducer in ultrasonic contact with said liquid acoustical couplant. The pad is positioned to contact a unit of liquid product at the analysis position. The pad has an upper portion and a lower portion and is orientated such that the upper portion contacts a unit of liquid product delivered to the analysis position before the lower portion contacts the unit of liquid product delivered to the analysis position.
Abstract:
A method for conducting an ultrasound procedure on an object having a target surface. The method includes the step of providing an ultrasound probe having an acoustical wave emitting end portion. A pad for transmitting acoustical waves between the ultrasound probe and a target surface of an object also is provided. The pad includes a first layer having a first porous portion which defines first layer pores therethrough. The first layer pores have a first layer pore dimension. The pad further includes a second layer having a first porous portion which defines second layer pores therethrough. The second layer pores have a second layer pore dimension. The second layer is attached to the first layer so as to define a space therebetween. The first porous portion of the first layer overlies the first porous portion of the layer. An ultrasound couplant is disposed in the space defined between the first layer and the second layer. The ultrasound couplant has a molecule size which is less than or substantially equal to the first layer pore dimension, and which is less than or substantially equal to the second layer pore dimension. The method further includes the steps of placing the first porous portion of the second layer in contact with a target surface and placing the acoustical wave emitting end portion of the ultrasound probe in contact with the first porous portion of the first layer. The ultrasound probe is then activated.
Abstract:
The need for a highly viscous couplant gel or water spray to form an acoustical couple for ultrasound testing is eliminated by employing an ultrasound probe module. A porous membrane (83) and an ultrasound probe (80) cooperate to define a chamber (90) which contains a liquid acoustical couplant. When pressure is applied to the liquid acoustical couplant, it passes through the porous membrane (83). The porous membrane (83) and chamber (90) are disposed such that ultrasound signals going to or away from the ultrasound probe (80) pass through the liquid acoustical couplant and porous membrane (83).
Abstract:
A system for monitoring concentrations of sterilant, such as hydrogen peroxide vapor, within a sterilization apparatus, includes a self-contained, sterilant monitoring assembly that is freely positionable within the sterilization apparatus. The assembly includes a gas-detecting sensor and associated temperature sensor mounted on a portable structure, as well as a suitable data collection circuit for receiving output signals from the sensors. Collected data is transferred to a remote communication unit positioned exteriorly of the sterilization apparatus.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for calibrating a sensor for determination of the concentration of a sterilant, e. g., hydrogen peroxide vapor, in a sterilization system. This invention provides a method for calibrating a sensor that is used for measuring the quantity of a sterilant in a system for delivering the sterilant, the method comprising the steps of: (a) generating reference calibration data, the reference calibration data showing a mathematical relationship between a measurable parameter, e. g. voltage, and a quantity of the sterilant e. g., parts of sterilant per million parts of air (ppm), for a plurality of sensors; (b) generating sensor calibration data, the sensor calibration data showing a mathematical relationship between the measurable parameter and the quantity of the sterilant for an individual sensor; and(c) normalizing the sensor calibration data to compensate for the difference between the measurable parameter for the reference calibration data and the measurable parameter for the sensor calibration data, whereby data obtained by the individual sensor can be used to accurately determine the quantity of sterilant in the system.