Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for inhibiting microbial growth through the use of aromatic aldehydes or alcohols for the purpose of disinfecting contaminated environments. The methods include the step of contacting the unsterile area with an amount of a aromatic aldehyde or alcohol sufficient to control growth of pathogenic microbes. The aldehyde or alcohol can be provided in a variety of formulations.

Abstract: Apparatus for and method of sterilizing medical and laboratory devices and cleaning contaminants from contact lenses at low voltages, the apparatus including a housing carrying a sterilizing and cleaning well, electrodes, appropriate controls and a power source and the method comprising the steps of positioning a contact lens and an adsorbent so that the adsorbent is disposed between the contact lens and an electric current source, immersing the contact lens, the adsorbent, and the current source in a saline or other appropriate solution, and then applying electric current from the power source through the adsorbent and only over the surface of the contact lens so that contaminants carried by the contact lens migrate to the adsorbent.

Abstract: Embodiments of a remediation reactor and mixer/contactor blade for the reactor are shown and described, the reactor being for containing a liquid slurry, suspension or settled bed of solid particles containing microorganisms. Inside the vessel is a supply conduit and at least one generally horizontal stirrer blade in fluid connection with the supply conduit. The stirrer blade is a mixer/contactor which has a leading side having openings through which fluid may pass. The stirrer blade rotates in the vessel, and this rotation is made easier by the hydraulic forces of fluid flowing out from the stirrer blade. The flowing fluid creates a fluidization zone in the slurry, suspension or settled bed at or near the leading edge of the stirrer blade. The fluidization zone is less dense than the rest of the sediment bed, and the stirrer blade tends to rotate into the fluidization zone.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods and apparatus for irradiating a product with light of a specific wavelength to activate the photoactive agent that is contained therein. To this end, in an embodiment, a device is provided that comprises a source of radiation including a plurality of light emitting diodes. Each light emitting diode includes a body portion through which radiation is transmitted. The body of the diode is surrounded by a fluid. In this regard, a first housing is provided that includes an interior that contains the light emitting diodes and a fluid. The housing includes a transparent window for allowing radiation generated by the light emitting diodes to flow through the window and irradiate a product that is in juxtaposition to the window.

Abstract: Embodiments of a slurry reactor and slurry mixer/contactor are shown and described. Each embodiment of the reactor includes a vessel for containing a liquid slurry or suspension of particles and microorganisms. In the inside of the vessel, generally along its centerline, is a vertical conduit extending from near the top to near the bottom. At the bottom of the vertical conduit is at least one generally horizontal, hollow, stirrer blade in fluid connection with the vertical conduit. The stirrer blade is a mixer/contactor which has openings near its leading edge so fluid may pass therethrough. The stirrer blade may rotate around the vertical conduit if the conduit is fixed, or the conduit, with the stirrer blade fixed to it, may rotate around in the vessel. In any event, the rotation of the stirrer blade is caused by the hydraulic forces of fluid flowing out from the stirrer blade. The flowing fluid creates a fluidization zone in the slurry sediment bed at the leading edge of the stirrer.