Apparatus, system, and methods are provided for reducing infectious agents at a sterile site by preventing infectious agents from coming into contact with the sterile site. A barrier is produced for infectious agents that may come in proximity or otherwise communicate with the site. The apparatus is configured to create a void-free barrier in which infectious agents are reduced with minimal exposure of potentially harmful effects of the barrier to the sterile site, objects, or users of the apparatus.

Apparatus, system, and methods are provided for reducing infectious agents at a sterile site by preventing infectious agents from coming into contact with the sterile site. A barrier is produced for infectious agents that may come in proximity or otherwise communicate with the site. The apparatus is configured to create a void-free barrier in which infectious agents are reduced with minimal exposure of potentially harmful effects of the barrier to the sterile site, objects, or users of the apparatus.

A device for isolating a microbe or a virion includes a semiconductor substrate; and a trench formed in the semiconductor substrate and extending from a surface of the semiconductor substrate to a region within the semiconductor substrate; wherein the trench has dimensions such that the microbe or the virion is trapped within the trench.

A device for isolating a microbe or a virion includes a semiconductor substrate; and a trench formed in the semiconductor substrate and extending from a surface of the semiconductor substrate to a region within the semiconductor substrate; wherein the trench has dimensions such that the microbe or the virion is trapped within the trench.

Disclosed are methods and devices for reducing the number of pathogens in a liquid. The methods or devices uses one or more of pressure, pressure drop, increased temperature, rate of temperature increase, and inert gas to kill pathogens. In one embodiment, inert gas is dissolved into a liquid at a pressure greater than ambient pressure. The pressure is later rapidly reduced, which causes inert gas to be released from the liquid. This reduces the number of pathogens in the liquid. Other method steps or processes that do not utilize inert gas are also disclosed.

Disclosed is a transport system for handling a plurality of different types of containers for medical equipment in a sterile processing department, the system comprises: a plurality of containers of a first type and a plurality of containers of a second type; a conveyor stations for the plurality of containers, the conveyor stations being configured to transport the first type of containers and/or the second type of containers relative to the conveyor station; and a transport tray for supporting the first type of containers and the second type of containers, the transport tray having a set of securing elements configured to releasably secure the first type of containers to the transport tray and the second type of containers to the transport tray. The conveyor station is configured to transport the first type of containers and/or the second type of containers secured to the transport tray.

The multifunctional respiratory mask according to the invention for separating fine dust, pollen and/or viruses from breathing air has a shielding device that forms an outer and/or inner air chamber in the face region of a wearer and shields it from the environment against fine dust, pollen and/or viruses. In addition, a forehead bracket is provided having a housing arranged in the region of the forehead of the wearer and having two holding brackets, each formed laterally thereon, in the manner of eyeglass temples. A connecting line connects the housing with the air chamber closest to the face of the wearer, wherein at least one blower integrated into an air duct, a power supply, and a textile filter element are arranged in the housing. In addition, a metal plate filter element is arranged in the air duct, which forms a filter unit with the textile filter element, wherein the metal plate filter element and the textile filter element are arranged to be individually exchangeable in the housing and the power supply applies a voltage to the metal plate filter element by means of a switch or disconnects it therefrom and/or, when switched on, heats it to a temperature of at least 60° C.

The present disclosure is directed to an electrosurgical apparatus for generating plasma in electrosurgical applications. The electrosurgical apparatus includes an end effector disposed on a distal portion of a tube of the electrosurgical apparatus. The end effector mixes ambient air with an inert gas to increase the production of radical species. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the end effector includes a cylindrical augmenter disposed over a distal end of the tube with one or more tilted vanes disposed between the cylindrical augmenter and the tube. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the end effector includes one or more tilted vanes disposed on an inner surface of a wall of the distal end of the tube. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the end effector includes one or more advection apertures on the wall of the distal end of the tube.

The present disclosure is directed to an electrosurgical apparatus for generating plasma in electrosurgical applications. The electrosurgical apparatus includes an end effector disposed on a distal portion of a tube of the electrosurgical apparatus. The end effector mixes ambient air with an inert gas to increase the production of radical species. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the end effector includes a cylindrical augmenter disposed over a distal end of the tube with one or more tilted vanes disposed between the cylindrical augmenter and the tube. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the end effector includes one or more tilted vanes disposed on an inner surface of a wall of the distal end of the tube. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the end effector includes one or more advection apertures on the wall of the distal end of the tube.

A sterilization system having a controllable non-ionizing microwave radiation source for providing microwave energy for combining with a gas to produce atmospheric low temperature plasma for sterilizing biological tissue surfaces or the like. A plasma generating region may be contained in a hand held plasma applicator. The system may include an impedance adjustor e.g. integrated in the plasma applicator arranged to set a plasma strike condition and plasma sustain condition. The gas and microwave energy may be transported to a plasma generating region along an integrated cable assembly. The Integrated cable assembly may provide a two way gas flow arrangement to permit residual gas to be removed from the surface. Invasive surface plasma treatment is therefore possible. The plasma applicator may have multiple plasma emitters to produce a line or blanket of plasma.