Abstract: A multi-use disinfecting cap and method for disinfection and protection of a needleless IV injection port. The disinfecting cap has an upper chamber which contains a sterilizing solution and a low chamber which connects to a needleless IV injection port. The fluid can be manipulated to flow between the two chambers. When in use the cap protects and disinfects a needleless IV injection port when exposed prior to injecting medication into the needleless port and continues to disinfect and protect prior for any subsequent exposures. The cap is re-usable and provides a clear indication of the disinfecting solution and a datable top surface. The multi-use disinfecting cap may be removably clipped to the IV tubing and is shaped to prevent accidental rolling away if dropped.

Abstract: A mist-generating device includes: a droplet generating unit that generates, in a third liquid, a functional droplet including a first liquid that is spherical and a second liquid that covers an entirety of the first liquid and has a volatility lower than a volatility of the first liquid; and a mist-generating unit that generates a multilayer mist obtained by atomizing the third liquid containing the functional droplet.

Abstract: There are provided methods for treating a gas having an undesirable odor. The methods comprise contacting the gas with an acidic aqueous oxidizing composition having a pH of about 2.0 to about 3.0 and comprising at least one cation of a metal; a sequestering agent; and H2O2 and submitting the gas and the composition to UV radiation when the gas and the composition are contacting each other, wherein the treatment permits to reduce by at least 60% intensity of the undesirable odor.

Abstract: A device which reduces odor in athletic apparel storage, notably athletic or “gym” bags, lockers, and similar places where athletic apparel might be stored before it can be washed is disclosed. An exterior configuration for the device making it simple to use and appropriate for use in rugged conditions is also disclosed, as is an improved embodiment making the mode of the device (active or inactive) readily apparent. A deodorizing cartridge which is easy and efficient to manufacture while allowing easy refilling and maintaining durability is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gas detection purification device is disclosed and includes a main body, a purification unit, a gas guider, a gas detection module and a controlling-driving module. The main body includes an inlet, an outlet, an external socket and a gas-flow channel disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The purification unit is disposed in the gas-flow channel for filtering gas introduced through the gas-flow channel. The gas guider is disposed in the gas channel and located at a side of the purification unit. The gas is inhaled through the inlet, flows through the purification unit and is discharged out through the outlet. The gas detection module is plugged into or detached from the external socket. The controlling driving module is disposed within the main body and electrically connected to the gas guider to control the operation of the gas guider in an enabled state and a disabled state.

Abstract: Mobile decontamination systems and microwave assisted decontamination methods for decontaminating a variety of contaminated surfaces disposed external to the system are disclosed. The systems and methods comprise treating the surfaces with benign chemical formulations followed by exposing to microwave irradiation for short periods of time to achieve at least 6-log reduction in biological contaminants including viruses and spores of B. anthracis, B. thuringiensis, and P. roqueforti. The formulations comprise a percarbonate and surfactant in water.

Abstract: A method for sanitizing pre-measured units of a pre-sanitized flowable food product in a sanitizing device installed into an existing food production system without substantially increasing the head height requirement of the feed production system. A plurality of containers are moved about a path with increased retention time through a plurality of stations: a receiving station, one or more sanitizing stations, and a dispensing station, and a container cleaning station. A pre-measured unit measured for packaging is received at the receiving station into a container. The pre-measured unit is exposed to one or more sanitizing agents at one or more sanitizing stations. The pre-measured unit is immediately packaged after sanitization. The pre-measured unit is dispensed into a packaging device at the dispensing station. The containers are then cleaned at the container cleaning station to prepare each container to receive a subsequent pre-measured unit of the pre-sanitized flowable feed product.

Abstract: A method of disinfection of a surface of a subject of harmful microorganisms including pathogenic bacteria and viruses upon visible light irradiation using a hybridized fluorescent silk is provided. The method includes placing a predetermined quantity of the hybridized fluorescent silk i) directly on to a skin surface of a subject; or ii) on a medium and then placing the medium on the skin surface of the subject. The method further includes applying light in the visible spectrum for a predetermined amount of time to the placed quantity of hybridized fluorescent silk, wherein the hybridized fluorescent silk is one of KillerRed, SuperNova, KillerOrange, Dronpa, TurboGFP, mCherry, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A method of inactivating harmful microorganisms of a filtration medium including pathogenic bacteria and viruses is disclosed which includes placing a predetermined quantity of a hybridized fluorescent silk on to a filtration medium, applying light for a predetermined amount of time to the placed quantity of the hybridized fluorescent silk, and passing a fluid through the medium, wherein the fluid is one of substantially air or substantially water, wherein the hybridized fluorescent silk is one of KillerRed, SuperNova, KillerOrange, Dronpa, TurboGFP, mCherry, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a liquid crystal display device includes an array substrate, a counter-substrate, a negative liquid crystal layer including liquid crystal molecules, a retardation film attached to a surface of the array substrate, a first polarizer attached to the retardation film and having a first absorption axis, a second polarizer attached to a surface of the counter-substrate, and having a second absorption axis which is parallel to a direction of initial alignment of the liquid crystal molecules and perpendicular to the first absorption axis, a cover member located opposite to the second polarizer, and ultraviolet curing resin which bonds the second polarizer and the cover member to each other.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sterilization are presented. An exemplary embodiment includes a sterilizing cabinet assembly. The sterilizing cabinet includes a cabinet having an access port, a door connected to the cabinet, the door moveable between an open position permitting passage through the access port to an interior of the cabinet and a closed position precluding passage through the access port. The sterilizing cabinet assembly also includes at least one of the cabinet and the door having a vent port. The sterilizing cabinet has a primary filter overlying the vent port and forming a sealed interface with an adjacent portion of the one of the cabinet and the door and a secondary filter overlying at least a portion of the primary filter.

Abstract: Disinfecting particulate material includes combining the particulate material with a photocatalyst to yield a mixture, irradiating the mixture for a length of time with pulses from a light source having broadband emission spectrum between 190 nm-1100 nm to yield an irradiated mixture, and separating the photocatalyst from the disinfected mixture to yield the disinfected particulate matter. Irradiating the mixture inactivates microorganisms in the mixture to yield a disinfected mixture. A system for disinfecting particulate material includes a pulsed light source having a broadband emission spectrum in a range between about 190 nm and about 1100 nm, a chamber defining a cavity optically coupled to the pulsed light source, a humidifier, a fan, and one or more sensors. The chamber includes a conveyor configured to accept the particulate material and arranged such that the pulses emitted by the pulsed light source irradiate the particulate material on the conveyor.

Abstract: Peroxyformic acid compositions for removal of biofilm growth and other contaminants and impurities from industrial processing hard surfaces are disclosed. In particular, peroxyformic acid compositions may be dosed on site and/or generated in situ for the reduction and prevention of biofilms on the hard surfaces. Methods of employing the peroxyformic acid compositions for removal of biofilm growth and other impurities such as aldehydes and alcohols from industrial CO2 effluent are also disclosed which beneficially provide ambient biofilm control and break down more rapidly than other peracids, allowing for extended runs between CIP cleaning, including a reduction and/or elimination of cleaning of the scrubbers and other industrial surfaces.

Abstract: A device capable of stably obtaining gas of a sterilizer containing hydrogen peroxide for a long time is provided. A cleaning device that cleans a heating surface that gasifies a sterilizer of a gasifier for a sterilizer is provided, and after an operation for a fixed time period, the heating surface is cleaned.

Abstract: Sleeves and cases for protecting medical devices against contamination, and methods for cleaning and disinfecting medical devices are provided. The various embodiments enable a single medical device to be used by more than one patient successively while reducing the risk of disease transmission from patient to patient.

Abstract: A unit is disclosed for sterilizing and disinfecting an object, and particularly, a drink or beverage. The unit includes a housing with a set of retractable doors. The unit includes an interior chamber in which an object, including a drink or beverage, can be placed for sterilization and disinfection. The unit includes ultraviolet lights that can be activated when the drink or object is placed within the interior chamber. The ultraviolet lights are configured to emit ultraviolet wavelengths that sterilize and disinfect the surfaces of the drink or object. The unit includes sensors to detect motion in front of the unit and to open and close the set of retractable doors automatically. The unit further includes a drip tray and removable base that houses the electronics of the unit.

Abstract: A volatile composition dispenser includes a housing having opposing first and second walls that are joined along their peripheries to one another. The first wall has an aperture and the second wall has a plurality of apertures. Within the housing, rests a volatile composition cartridge and a gap, which exists between the cartridge and a bottom surface of the housing, wherein said bottom surface is formed from a joinder of a base portion of one or both of the first and second walls, and wherein, upon activation, the exposure percentage of the dispenser is from about 40% to about 90%; wherein at least about 60% of the total surface area of the plurality of apertures results from individual apertures of said plurality that each have an area of at least 30 mm2 and an aspect ratio of at least about 1:2.

Abstract: A system including groups of illuminators configured to provide adaptive irradiance within the ultraviolet spectrum to remove pathogens, particles, and anthropogenic activity from an air mass of a physical environment based on a detection of a presence of and amount of pathogens, particles, and anthropogenic activity in the air mass.

Abstract: Use of complex polyester amines and polyester quaternary ammonium compounds as corrosion inhibitors for metal surfaces, and a method for protecting a metal surface from corrosion by contacting the metal surface with said corrosion inhibitor.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, methods, and devices for phytochemical extraction. One example extraction system includes two solvent columns, a material column, and a dewaxing column. The solvent columns store and provide solvent for stripping target chemicals from plant material in the material column. The solvent mixed with target chemicals passes into the dewaxing column, where the target chemicals are separated from waxes and lipids. Cooling is applied to elements of the system by way of an open-loop CO2 refrigeration method. Solvent is moved from the solvent columns to the material column by creating a pressure differential between the two solvent columns.