Abstract: A salt platform (400) is disclosed which incorporates a top member (402), a bottom member (404) and a spacing member (406) that spaces the top and bottom members a pre-determined vertical distance apart. A series of bracing member assemblies (408) are connected between the top member and bottom member to provide support for the salt platform. The top surface of the top member (402) and top portions of the bracing member assemblies (408) lie in a single plane (432) to support a salt grid.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for accomplishing low-temperature sterilization in a plasma generated using a variety of gas molecules. The plasma is generated using a hollow cathode discharge device of design that permits the device to be of commercially practical size and provides for the generation of moderate but extremely consistent plasma density throughout the chamber, thereby assuring sterilization of all items placed therein.

Abstract: Evaporation devices and associated methods for introducing humidity into an atmosphere. The evaporation device includes a substantially rigid shell encasing an absorbent material and having a plurality of holes extending therethrough to permit air flow between the exterior and interior of the shell. The absorbent material can be a natural or synthetic sponge capable of absorbing and retaining water. After applying water to the evaporation device, it is placed in an environment to which humidity is to be introduced. Evaporation of water can be enhanced by placing a mixture of aspirin and sodium bicarbonate on the absorbent material. Examples of methods for using the evaporation device include placing the evaporation device in produce bins, produce refrigerators, cheese and meat refrigerators, and containers of dry foods, such as cookies and brown sugar.

Abstract: A blowing type aroma apparatus, involving no danger of fire and being capable of providing a natural aroma. A body of the aroma apparatus has an opening in its upper surface. A container for containing a liquid aromatic and a cylinder surrounding this container and having open upper and lower ends are located in the opening. An impregnator impregnated with the aromatic is disposed in the container. An axial flow fan is housed beneath the opening within the body and the air flow generated by the axial flow fan passes through the support member and flows into a space between the cylinder and the container. The air becomes a laminar flow and rises in the space between the cylinder and the container. The air flow permits the volatilization of the aromatic contained in the impregnator, whereby the aroma is diffused from the opening at the upper end of the cylinder.

Abstract: A portable system and method for softening and disinfecting dental waterlines is disclosed. The portable system and method combines a routing valve, a water supply, and a portable device capable of delivering a descaling and an anti-microbial agent. The routing valve has an inlet and an outlet. The outlet is attached to a water supply line of sufficient volume to deliver water throughout the system. The inlet is attached to a portable device capable of delivering a descaling agent and an anti-microbial agent.

Abstract: A toothbrush case is a unitary receptacle having a bristle chamber and a handle chamber separated by a fluid seal. The case opens for insertion and removal of the toothbrush and closes to form a sealed container where the brushes and handle are stored in separate, fluid-impervious, sanitizing environments. The case has ports with uni-directional flow valves through which sterilizing agents in the form of aerosol spray or fluid may be selectively admitted into the brush compartment or the handle compartment. Upon application of the sterilizing agent, the toothbrush is sterilized and maintained in a sterile environment until the case is opened for use.

Abstract: A chemical oxygen or other gas generator which has a container composed of thermally-conductive and gas-impervious material which contains pyrotechnic material, the container being in heat transfer relation with a block of oxygen-producing material for transfer of heat from burning of the pyrotechnic material within the container directly to the block of oxygen-producing material for initiation of decomposition thereof. The container is sealingly attached to the casing so that all of the evolved gases from burning of the pyrotechnic material are segregated from the produced breathable oxygen. The evolved gases are vented from the oxygen generator so as to reduce the ignition chamber pressure and/or allow a greater amount of pyrotechnic material to be burned within the ignition chamber so that a sufficient amount of heat may be generated within the ignition chamber for application to the block of oxygen producing material for initiation of decomposition thereof.

Abstract: An automated device for periodically revitalizing potpourri can be placed in a potpourri container. The device includes a mixing element for mixing potpourri and an aerosol canister containing a fragrance oil for adding fragrance to the potpourri. A battery powered motor periodically rotates the mixing element to stir the potpourri and activates the aerosol canister to dispense the fragrance oil into the potpourri. The device thus uniformly mixes the fragrance into the potpourri. Electric timer circuitry is provided to activate the device on a preset periodic basis.

Abstract: The system for and a method of generating a scent and an image based upon a coded signal transmitted from a remote location, and the scent is generated from a dry scent carrying medium which contains a plurality of independent sources of scent causing agents. The coded signal is indicative of simultaneously activating the independent sources of scent causing agents so as to generated a complex mixture of the scents on the fly.

Abstract: A system for providing fluid to a device comprises an interface separating a first space from a second space. The interface has at least one opening for receiving the device. The opening has a contact surface which contacts the device forming a contact area. Means for enhancing penetration of the fluid to the contact area is coupled to the opening. This system significantly reduces or total eliminates the occlusion area on the surface of the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compact-sized reservoir with small power consumption. It suppresses possible oxidation of articles and growths of putrefactious aerobic organisms such as bacteria, fungi and the like, by storing the articles under an atmosphere of reduced oxygen concentration created by an oxygen pump device which makes use of an oxygen ion-conductive film. In a case of storing foods, the disclosed reservoir makes their long-term storing possible. The reservoir in accordance with the present invention uses an oxygen pump device provided with an oxygen ion-conductive electrolyte film and a pair of electrodes formed on the both surfaces thereof.

Abstract: An aromatic container has a rotating device, a disk vessel disposed on the rotating device, a ring disposed on the disk vessel, a pivot seat engaging with the rotating device, and a clamp device engaging with the pivot seat. The ring has a plurality of lower columns, a plurality of circular apertures, and a center opening receiving a center cover.

Abstract: A multiple flashpoint vaporization system rapidly sterilizes large enclosures. A plurality of vaporizers (10) inject hydrogen peroxide vapor into streams of carrier gas supplied by a generator (20). Supply lines (30) transport the mixture of carrier gas and hydrogen peroxide vapor to a plurality of regions of an enclosure (32). Monitors (52) monitor hydrogen peroxide vapor concentration or other conditions in each region of the enclosure. A control system (50) adjusts the hydrogen peroxide vapor supply rate in response to the corresponding monitored conditions.

Abstract: A low/intermediate/high flow tablet feeder is provided for the controlled dissolution of a solid treating agent in flowing liquid, such as water or wastewater. The tablet feeder includes a bottom wall which is contoured to define first, second and third fluid flow paths which are operative at low, intermediate and high volume/height fluid flow. An adjustable sluice is provided adjacent a downstream outlet of a chamber defined by the tablet feeder, and a sectional riser can be associated with the tablet feeder for extended or below grade installations.

Abstract: A method for storing and releasing hydrogen fuel includes providing a hydrogenated material in a chamber, introducing a catalyst into the chamber, heating the chamber to about 190.degree. C., separating at least part of the material into dehydrogenated material and hydrogen and releasing the hydrogen from the chamber. A preferred catalyst is a transition metal complex, such as the iridium based complex IrH.sub.4 {2,6C.sub.6 H.sub.3 (CH.sub.2 P(C(CH.sub.3).sub.3).sub.2).sub.2 }. To reverse the process, a hydrogen pressure of about 10 atmospheres or more is provided, and the dehydrogenated material and hydrogen are combined at about or at least 100.degree. C. to regenerate the hydrogenated material. The small, lightweight system for carrying out the present method includes a chamber containing hydrogenated material and a catalyst, and having an outlet with a selectively permeable membrane for releasing hydrogen and containing hydrogenated material and a homogenous catalyst.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for using ultrasonic energy in conjunction with an ultraviolet water sterilization system. An ultrasonic transducer assembly is placed in or around one end of the sterilization chamber for producing the ultrasonic energy. Ultrasonic vibrations are then applied automatically on a regular and intermittent basis to clean the components within the sterilization chamber and disrupt the chemical and physical action which causes scaling due to dissolved minerals and organic materials in the water. The ultrasonic vibrations cause a preventative cleaning action by the streaming and stirring of the water. Actual cleaning action is also created by cavitation and sweeping actions. The sweeping action is accomplished by frequency modulation which, by creating varying hot and cold spots within the sterilization chamber, allows for a uniform cleaning of a quartz sleeve encasing a UV lamp within the sterilization chamber. Ultrasonic vibrations also create a germicidal action.

Abstract: An electronic device (1), for example a test pack for use in determining the efficacy of a sterilization cycle in a sterilizer, is provided with a protective framework (10) comprising two impact-absorbing ring-like members (11, 12) located on opposed sides of the device and three impact-absorbing arms (13) spaced apart from the device and extending at equi-spaced locations between the ring-like members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for degerminating drugs in a vacuum drying system comprising a multi-blade stirrer under the conditions of reduced pressure, keeping the active ingredients intact and largely destroying toxic mould fungi.

Abstract: A capping and sealing assembly for a sample-holding centrifuge container which features a self-sealing lid that forms a fluid-tight seal in an opening of the canister with a predetermined amount of force, with the force being dependent upon the centrifugal load to which the capping assembly is subjected. The lid includes a cover portion and a peripheral member surrounding the cover portion and extending transverse thereto. The lid is disposed within an open end of the container, with the peripheral member having a frusto-conical surface that faces the container's wall. A gasket is disposed about the frusto-conical surface, forming a fluid-tight and air-tight seal with the cylindrical wall of the canister. The gasket is received in a channel formed into the frusto-conical surface. A region of the channel includes a vent slot to facilitate removal of the container from the canister. A plurality of arcuate ribs extend across the cover portion, between opposed areas of the peripheral member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for disinfecting material such as a fluid stream, (e.g., water) or various objects (e.g., packaging, fruits, vegetables) using a high temperature expanding plasma emission source (EPES lamp) to generate intense pulses of ultraviolet light primarily in the 200-400 nm range. The EPES lamp is preferably mounted axially in a pipe through which the fluid to be disinfected is flowed or perpendicular to the direction of a fluid flow or an object conveyor. Each pulse is terminated before the resulting plasma within the EPES lamp reaches the inside surface of the EPES lamp wall so that the EPES lamp operates in an expanding plasma emission source mode rather than in a wall stabilized mode. The EPES lamp is operated at a plasma temperature of at least about 15,000.degree. K. and an energy density (Q) of at least about 300.