Abstract: Ispaghula (material from the plant Plantago ovata, useful as an agent in relieving constipation, is subjected to treatment with -radiation at a dose of up to 13 kGy, and preferably in the range 5-10 kGy. As well as effecting sterilisation of the ispaghula, this dose of irradiation has been shown to offer surprising rheological advantages.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for sterilizing a lumen device. A lumen and a container having an interface on a wall of the container are enclosed in a chamber. The lumen is placed across the interface so that one end of the lumen is in the container and the other end is in the chamber. Germicide is introduced into the chamber, and a pressure difference is created between the two ends of the lumen, so that the germicide flows through the lumen. The lumen may alternatively be placed across an interface which separates the chamber into two areas. Germicide is introduced into the chamber, and a pressure difference is created between the two areas of the chamber, causing the germicide to flow through the lumen.

Abstract: Metal oxide area decontamination apparatus (10) is provided which is designed for rapid, emergency situation decontamination of areas contaminated with potentially harmful or lethal chemical and/or biological warfare agents or other hazardous substances. The apparatus (10) preferably includes a pressurizable metallic container (12) equipped with a valve-type delivery nozzle assembly (16), so that upon a manipulation of the assembly (16), a spray of metal oxide and/or metal hydroxide particles is generated; the particles are selected and sized in order to destroy or chemisorb the contaminating agents. The preferred decontamination agent is MgO aggregated to an average aggregate size of from about 50 nm-10 microns. The particles are mixed with a gaseous or liquid propellant within the container (12) allowing rapid and thorough particle cleanout when the nozzle assembly (16) is actuated.

Abstract: A sterilization container holds instruments during a sterilization process. It has en enclosure with an opening into the enclosure. A self-closing mechanism at the opening keeps the opening closed when not attached to a sterilant delivery source.

Abstract: A chemical vapor sterilization process is enhanced by concentrating a germicide via condensation and re-vaporization thereof, exploiting the difference between the vapor pressures of the germicide and its solvent to extract some of the solvent during the condensation process. A heat pump coupled with the condensation surface enhances the speed and efficiency of condensing and revaporizing the germicide.

Abstract: A method of sanitizing a drain having a drain conduit with a drain trap therein and an improved floor drain for use in the method of sanitizing. The method comprises the steps of (a) temporarily blocking the drain conduit at a position downstream of the trap and (b) at least partially back-filling the drain upstream of the blocked position with a sanitizing fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for sterilizing cross-linked gelatin as well as to sterilized cross-linked gelatin. In particular, the methods of this invention employ E-beam sterilization techniques.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for generating a homogeneous aqueous mist solution containing a solvent such as water and a biocide agent such as chlorine dioxide, which would otherwise be unstable. The unstable biocide agent or chlorine dioxide is quickly dissolved or mixed with a mist of solvent causing the biocide agent to co-exist or co-mist therewith. The mist microencapsulates the biocide gas so that it does not decompose in the fumigation volume or space. The resulting homogenous mist solution provides a mist for delivering the biocide agent in a chemically stable form. Methods for mixing the separately generated mist and biocide gas include combining the mists in a Y-tube and then mixing the combination in a baffled mixing chamber, combining the mists in an area above their points of generation and then further mixing, and providing a series of mist generation units connected by a conduit for a carrier medium to pass to and connect the units and cause the mists to combine.

Abstract: A device which uses a heat source for heating and diffusing fragrant oils or insecticidal oils. The oil is contained in a reservoir remote from the heat source and the device comprises means for transferring the oil from a reservoir to a surface of a heat-absorbing means wherein heat from the heat source is transferred by conduction to said surface to volatilise the oil.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An apparatus and methodology for abating fungi in a building supported on a ground surface and having an upper enclosed living space and a lower enclosed space beneath the upper enclosed space and proximate or beneath the ground.

Abstract: There is disclosed a germicidal treatment system having a status indicator. The germicidal treatment system comprises at least one mounting assembly attachable to an outside of a wall of an air handling apparatus. Each of the mounting assemblies includes a germicidal lamp and a ballast. The germicidal lamp is coupled to the ballast. The germicidal treatment system includes a power cord to receive electrical power and to provide electrical power to the ballast. A status indicator to indicate the functioning status of the germicidal treatment system.

Abstract: There is provided a treatment method of efficiently separating an additive component from a resin component for the purpose of treating and recycling a thermoplastic resin composition containing an additive. The treatment method includes heating and agitating the thermoplastic resin composition containing the additive together with a solvent for dissolving at least part of the additive at a temperature ranging from the glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic resin to the boiling point of the solvent inclusive, and separating and recovering the solvent in a liquid state in which at least part of the additive is dissolved, so that at least part of the additive is separated and removed from the thermoplastic resin composition.

Abstract: A fluid-burning lamp that delivers a fragrance(s) and is aesthetically pleasing. The fluid-burning lamp includes a fragrance-dispensing element that contains a material that slowly melts and forms a liquid pool when the lamp is lit. The slow-melting material gives the fluid-burning lamp the appearance of a traditional wax candle, when the lamp is viewed from the top. Other elements of the fluid-burning lamp include a fluid container for holding a combustible fluid to be used as fuel for the burn, and a wick assembly containing a wick having a lower portion that extends into the combustible fluid. The fluid container for holding the combustible fluid may also hold various immersions, such as, for example, fruits, colored marbles, leaves, seeds, sprigs, or flowers, in order to provide the ultimate in flexibility for home décor.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting hydrogen peroxide, comprising an element exhibiting piezoelectric properties having a metal-oxide-containing coating, the metal-oxide having a divalent or tetravalent state.

Abstract: A container for holding powdered reagents that interact with water to form an anti-microbial fluid for use in an apparatus for cleaning and microbially deactivating items. The container includes a fluid inlet connectable to a source of water on an apparatus for cleaning and microbially deactivating items and a fluid outlet in fluid communication with items to be microbially deactivated. A continuous fluid passage is defined through the container between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. A plurality of spaced-apart barrier elements are disposed within the fluid passage to define a plurality of isolated compartments within the container. The barrier elements are impervious to powdered reagents, but permeable to the chemical reagents when dissolved in a liquid. A first dry, powdered reagent is disposed within one of the compartments for forming an anti-microbial solution when water flows through the container.

Abstract: A product carrier for use in pressure processing substances is substantially fluidically closed, and is insulated, to prevent heat transfer from the product being treated to the cooler wall of the pressure vessel. The insulating material has compression heating properties, such that as the product is pressurized, the temperature of the insulation increases as does the temperature of the product and pressure media, thereby helping to prevent heat transfer from the product to the surrounding media and pressure vessel wall.

Abstract: A method for cleaning/disinfecting/sterilizing the water circuits (1) of dental units (100) comprises at least the following steps: introducing a cleaning/disinfecting/sterilizing fluid into the water circuit (1); holding the cleaning/disinfecting/sterilizing fluid in the water circuit (1) for a predetermined length of time; draining the cleaning/disinfecting/sterilizing fluid out of the circuit (1) through endpieces (3a) of supply branches (3); the method further comprising a step of programming/selecting the contact time periods (T) of the steps of introducing and holding the fluid in the water circuit (1), this step preceding the step of introducing the fluid and being effected by selecting from a plurality of contact time periods (T1, T2, T3 . . . Tn) each of which consists at least of a fraction of a time period (Ta) of the step of introducing fluid in the water circuit (1) added to a time period (Tb) of the holding step, according to a desired parameter-level (P1, P2, P3 . . .

Abstract: The device comprises an autoclave (1), a solvent tank or bottle (2), a tank (3) for gravity collection and cooling of the residual solution arriving form autoclave (1) for its later recovery, a dosification tank for concentrated reagent (4), dosed according to the weight of cellulosic material treated, a tank (5) which is connected by quick sockets to the system in order to recharge tank (2), a compressor unit (C), a refrigeration system (R) and a vacuum pump (8). The described system is controlled by a programmable robot aided by a screen on which are selected the stages of the procedure and the type of procedure itself, according to the amount of cellulosic materials to be treated, forming a transportable unit, and to a certain extent a portable one.

Abstract: The present invention is for a spore collection apparatus and its method of use. The portable spore collection apparatus includes a suction source, a nebulizer, an ionization chamber and a filter canister. The suction source collects the spores from a surface. The spores are activated by heating whereby spore dormancy is broken. Moisture is then applied to the spores to begin germination. The spores are then exposed to alpha particles causing extinction.