Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for describing a process visually, converting the visual description to an intermediate format, and directing the process.

Abstract: The present invention involves carcass disposal and particularly to recovering energy from a biological mass while effectively destroying pathogens. Provided is contacting the carcass with a treatment solution and blending the carcass and treatment solution in a ribbon blender under vacuum to form a ground, sterile, dehydrated biological mass. Also provided is a ribbon blender, a vacuum pump in communication with an internal volume of the ribbon blender and a condenser operably coupled with the vacuum pump.

Abstract: An open porous matrix of particulate material for in vivo use in or on a target tissue in medicine, the matrix comprising particles cross-linked with one another so as to define pores there between and uses therefor are described.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a system and method is provided for producing a safely disposable end product from waste matter containing undesirable materials, such as infectious, biohazardous, hazardous, or radioactive elements. The method comprises the steps of providing a highly basic solvent, immersing the waste matter containing the undesirable materials within the highly basic solvent, and heating the solvent. The waste matter containing the undesirable materials is allowed to remain within the solvent until digested, thereby forming a solution void of any infectious or biohazardous elements and/or containing a concentration of radioisotope below the maximum permissible concentration (MPC) for release to a sanitary sewer as defined in applicable federal regulations.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a system, method and apparatus is provided for chemically reducing waste. The apparatus includes a substantially alkaline-resistant vessel having a temperature sensor positioned in thermal communication therewith, a heater in thermal communication with the vessel, a substantially alkaline-resistant magnetic stir rod adapted to be positioned within the vessel, and a magnetic stirrer adapted to produce a rotating magnetic field within the vessel capable of spinning a magnetic stir rod positioned therein. The apparatus further includes a water inlet valve operationally connected to the vessel and a water outlet valve operationally connected to the vessel. An electronic controller is connected in electric communication to the heater, to the magnetic stirrer, to the water inlet valve, to the water outlet valve, and to the temperature sensor and is adapted to maintain the temperature of the substantially alkaline resistant vessel substantially at a predetermined value.

Abstract: Paint is contained in a rectangular tray (10) and has provided at its surface a flexible membrane (13) having multiple openings (17), preferably of at least 5 mm mean transverse dimension. Paint is removed from the tray by sweeping the membrane with an applicator such as a roller. The membrane remains on the surface of the paint as paint is consumed. Preferably the membrane has (FIG. 5) the openings (17) confined to a broad central band with narrow imperforate marginal bands (51). The openings (17) lie in lines, or a matrix, which are inclined to the side walls (11) of the tray and which have apparent overlap when viewed along the membrane. The edges of the membrane may be downturned (FIG. 8) to form a paint reservoir for supplementary brushwork. The membrane may be sealed into the mouth (91) of a flexible bag (98) which is filled with paint.