Abstract: A volatilization suppressing agent comprising at least one thermosensitive polymer as an effective component is disclosed. Also disclosed is a volatile composition comprising a volatile effective component or an effective component carried by a volatile solvent and at least one thermosensitive polymer are disclosed. The use of the volatilization suppressing agent can suppress volatilization of volatile components when temperature rises and, as a result, volatilization of the volatile components is less affected by the temperature change. It is therefore possible to volatilize volatile components from air fresheners, deodorants, insecticides, moth proofers, repellents, attractants, antimicrobial agents, antifungal agents, antioxidants, and ozone decomposition agents more economically and to prevent troubles due to excessive volatilization.

Abstract: A three-bed regenerative fume incinerator system includes a single rotary fluid control valve which effects three operational cycles in a repeating sequence. A valve body has a cylindrical inner surface about a central axis. Six main conduit connection openings at 60.degree. angular intervals are organized as three regenerator connection openings and three interspersed functional connection openings. The regenerator connection openings are connected via conduits to the lower end of the three respective thermal regenerators, the upper ends of which are connected to a common combustion chamber. Respectively connected to the functional connection openings are a contaminated feed gas inlet, treated gas outlet, and a source of purge gas. A valve rotor within the body has a pair of generally parallel plates spaced apart a distance corresponding to the angular extent of the openings, and supported substantially equidistant from the central axis for rotation between three functional valve positions.

Abstract: A method of improving the delivery of low vapor pressure chemical vapor sterilant into complex objects, such as lumens and piping dead legs using vapor compression.

Abstract: A surgical tool container system for the organization, sterilization, storage and presentation of a group of surgical instruments for selection and retrieval by a medical practitioner during a surgical procedure. The container system includes an outer case having separable base and lid portions with a tool-holding tray removably inserted within the base portion of the case. The tray is provided with a plurality of holes formed therethrough and wherein a respective plurality of elastomeric grommets are fixed to the tray. Each grommet includes an axially extending bore wherein the shank of a surgical tool may be inserted and frictionally engaged in a generally upright orientation with respect to the tray.

Abstract: To avoid premature deterioration of raw products such as spices and herbs or products produced with these ingredients, the product or material is sterilized by exposure to elevated pressures and temperatures for a predetermined time. The sterilization process comprises a multiplicity of chambers whereby a product is introduced to the first chamber, pressurized, transferred through a series of sterilization chambers while exposing the product to the sterilization environment of the chambers for a predetermined time, then depressurized in a depressurization chamber. When using a moist sterilization fluid, a drying chamber is attached to the depressurization chamber to remove excess and undesirable moisture from the product.

Abstract: Microorganism growth within water chambers of air conditioning systems is controlled by the periodic introduction of minute quantities of biocidal materials. A large volume reservoir holds a concentrated solution of biocidal material. A pump, fed from the reservoir, pumps the solution through a tube to the water chamber. The pump is actuated for very short duration periods so that only a very small volume of the solution is dispensed. The time interval between periods is very long so that the biocide concentration in the water chamber is renewed as required. The duration of the pumping periods and the time interval between periods are adjustable by controls in a timer. A normally closed check valve in the line keeps the line full between periods. An antisiphon mechanism is provided in the line when it branches. An alarm mechanism is optionally provided to warn when the reservoir solution is depleted.

Abstract: An apparatus for disinfecting an enclosed space for the preservation and sterilization of harvested foods, and for reducing toxic gas levels associated with confining animals in an enclosed space using ozone and an ozone distribution device.

Abstract: A form panel 1 has marginal sections 2, arranged at parallel edges or running around all the edges, which have a hollow cross-section and have in each case located at right angles to a lining skin 3 an abutment web 4 composing the outermost edge of the form panel 1. The abutment web 4 can be laid against a corresponding abutment web 4 or against a marginal strip 5, for instance a flat marginal strip 5 of a neighboring form panel. The further webs of the hollow marginal section 2 are in the form of an approximately U-shaped section 6 with two U-limbs 7, 8 and a crosspiece 29. The edges of the U-limbs 7, 8 are overlapped by the abutment web 4, and at least one U-limb, suitably the U-limb 7 remoter from the lining skin 3, is firmly connected, e.g., welded, to the abutment web 4. The abutment web 4 has a fastening flange 9 engaging, particularly lapping over the side of the lining skin 3 facing the concrete, but at the same time suitably sunk into the lining skin 3.

Abstract: Apparatus for impregnating wood veneer with a liquid impregnant comprises a container having an upper chamber communicated to a lower impregnation chamber. A clamping mechanism is releasably engageable to a peripheral region of the wood veneer and is cooperably received in the upper chamber in a manner to suspend the wood veneer in the impregnation chamber. An elevator overlies the container and is releasably connectable to the clamping mechanism for lowering the clamping mechanism into the upper chamber to suspend the wood veneer in the impregnation chamber therebelow. The clamping mechanism is disconnected from the elevator such that the clamping mechanism remains in the upper chamber during impregnation of the wood veneer with liquid impregnant. The impregnation chamber is evacuated by a vacuum pump after the wood veneer is suspended therein, and liquid impregnant is introduced from a storage tank to the impregnation chamber about the wood veneer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing medical waste are disclosed. Medical waste is disintegrated or shredded, disinfected with radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation and then transformed into useful material such as reclaimed plastic and refuse-derived fuel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dispenser 10 for a solid chemical 13 and a method of dispensing the chemical 13. Water enters via an inlet line 22 and is sprayed from a spray nozzle 21, so that the solid chemical 13 is dispensed in the form of an aqueous chemical solution via outlet line 17. The solution's concentration is adjustable by varying the distance between the spray nozzle 21 and the exposed dissolving surface of the chemical 13. The spray nozzle's position is adjusted by means of a screw jack 68, a push-pull cable 93, a solenoid 100, or a lever 117.

Abstract: An apparatus for exposing a liquid to bactericidal radiation is disclosed. The apparatus includes a source of ultra-violet radiation and a non-opaque housing enclosing the source of ultra-violet radiation to prevent exposure of the source to the liquid and permit exposure of the liquid to the radiation. Channels conforming to the shape of the housing are provided. Projections are formed in the channels to induce turbulent plug flow such that when the apparatus is inserted into a flow of liquid to be treated, the channels act to confine and direct liquid about the housing and the projections act to establish a continuous, cyclical flow in the channels between the housing and the channel walls to ensure exposure of the liquid to a lethal dose of the ultra-violet radiation of the source. Methods utilizing the apparatus for exposing a liquid to bactericidal radiation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bioconditioning germicidal dryer for the hands and lower arms has two portals which allows the hands and forearms to be comfortably extended laterally into the chamber. The working chamber has a source of ultraviolet light with a spectral output weighted at a 253.7 nm. Air is introduced through one or more vents in a second heated chamber connected to said working chamber. Preheated air is then drawn past the ultraviolet light source, where it is germicidally cleansed, into the working chamber, and leaves the working chamber through the portals. Because of the combination of (a) ultraviolet light, (b) closed chamber environment, (c) warm air and (d) chamber geometry induced turbulent air flow patterns, the hands and arms are germicidally cleansed and gently dried without dehydration of the skin normally found in germicidal washing.

Abstract: A gas purification apparatus has two gas purification units which are alternately operated. A gas purification capacity measuring means includes a means including valves for separating a target gas purification unit from a line, an evacuating means for evacuating the separated gas purification unit at a high vacuum, a means including a supply tank for supplying a predetermined very small amount of an impurity gas to an inlet of the high-vacuum separated gas purification unit, an auxiliary tank (e.g., a pressure reduction tank, a metering tank, and a pressure reduction valve), and a vacuum gauge for measuring a change in pressure at the outlet upon supply of the impurity gas to the inlet. In the gas purification apparatus having gas purification units each incorporating a getter material, the gas purification capacity of each gas purification unit can be more accurately and easily measured.

Abstract: An air cleaner includes first and second support structures connected in series. The first support structure has a coating made of a material which absorbs organic contaminants from air passing through it. A combustion catalyst coats the second support structure. The air cleaner thus removes organic contaminants from the air at ambient temperature, when air passes through the first support structure. When the air cleaner has operated for an extended time, the absorbent coating becomes filled with contaminants. One then regenerates the air cleaner by applying heat to both support structures, to evolve the organic contaminants from the first support structure and to burn off these contaminants catalytically in the second support structure. In one embodiment, the support structure has the form of an electrically heated converter, in which one uses an electric current to provide the heat needed for regeneration. Only a relatively small volume of air becomes heated during regeneration.

Abstract: Volatile organic compounds present in a gas stream are removed by an apparatus which provides for introduction of a gas stream into the interior of a vessel having a plurality of catalytic pads. The vessel includes a heat source to bring the pads to operating temperature, the pads being arranged in a spaced-apart axially extending array defining a serpentine path through which the gas stream flows. The heat source includes a plurality of catalytic heaters which extend the length of the unit to define the walls thereof. The pad array and catalytic heater walls oxidize a portion of the volatile organic compounds present in the incoming gas stream.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for disinfection of waste in autoclaves by the fractional vacuum-steam process having atmospheric pressure steam phases, followed by a superatmospheric steam phase and a evacuation of the autoclave following each steam phase. The autoclaves are transportable separate from the remaining apparatus. In the evacuation after an atmospheric pressure steam phase, removing the atmosphere from the autoclave by suction, condensing the steam fraction and separating it as liquid having approximately ambient temperature. During evacuation after a superatmospheric pressure steam phase, first eliminating condensate from the lowest part of the autoclave, and feeding it to waste water at approximately ambient temperature. Evacuation following an atmospheric pressure steam phase is from an upper region of the autoclave, the atmosphere being then freed from micro-organisms. The steam is removed and gas fractions are freed from odorous substances and discharged to the environment.

Abstract: A honeycomb body assembly, in particular a catalyst carrier body, includes at least one electrically heatable honeycomb body having layered metal sheets forming a stack with a plurality of channels through which a fluid can flow. The metal sheets have a thickness of about 0.03 to 0.12 mm. The honeycomb body is electrically subdivided with regard to its cross-section or in its axial direction. At least one electric current path is formed through the metal sheets with an electric resistance of between 0.01 and 2 .OMEGA.. The resistance, which is dependent on the temperature, can be used for monitoring and regulating the honeycomb assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for transferring constituents into and out of a fluid such as blood. The apparatus includes a biphasic foam body which functions as a blood oxygenator, blood dialyzer, or other blood mass transfer device.

Abstract: A method for removing impurities and potentially toxic substances from cellulose is disclosed. The method comprises the following steps: (a) immersing cellulose containing organic extractables in one or more acid baths so as to remove traces of organic extractables; (b) immersing the cellulose in a water bath; (c) immersing the compressed cellulose in an alkaline bath; and (d) sterilizing the treated cellulose using pressurized steam.