Abstract: A sanitizing apparatus in a flexible configuration that uses ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted from light emitting diodes (LEDs) may be folded or rolled for storage and transport. A piecewise flexible sanitizing apparatus may be formed with hinged or otherwise rotationally joined panels, and provides the ability to sanitize a variety of objects beneath enclosure panels. A continuous flexible sanitizing apparatus with an enclosure panel formed of flexible material may be folded or rolled and may be used with a support structure to treat taller objects.

Abstract: An ozone device for deodorizing dresses within a closet, includes an ozone generator. The ozone generator includes a casing formed with first and second ventilation vents, an ozone producing element installed within the casing for generating ozone in order to deodorizing dresses within the closet, a circulating fan installed within the casing for circulating ozone generated by the ozone producing element, and a hanging unit projecting outward from the casing and adapted to be hung onto a suspension member. The closet is sleeved over and cooperates with the casing to define a sealed chamber so that dresses can be kept therein.

Abstract: A system and method for the treatment of process streams. A catalyst mediates a wet oxidation process at elevated temperatures and pressures for treating at least one undesirable constituent in an aqueous mixture. A catalyst may be selected for its solubility at a detected pH level of the aqueous mixture. Alternatively, a pH level of the aqueous mixture may be adjusted to solubilize a selected catalyst and/or maintain the selected catalyst in a soluble form. A controller in communication with a pH sensor may be configured to generate a control signal to adjust the pH level of the aqueous mixture in response to the pH sensor registering a pH level outside a predetermined pH solubility range for a selected catalyst.

Abstract: A demand initiated method for regenerating a water softener which operates the softener ion exchange bed over a capacity range in which the resin is most efficiently restored by exposure to brine. The reserve capacity of the softener is adjusted in response to the amount of softening capacity used since the last regeneration, as is the quantity of saturated brine to be used for the next regeneration, which is scheduled when the reserve capacity is exceeded, or the remaining available capacity will not be adequate for expected usage on the next day of the week. The method schedules a regeneration when the amount of exchange capacity of the resin bed used since the last regeneration plus the variation of exchange capacity used on the next day plus the average exchange capacity of the resin bed used on the next day is greater than the selected design exchange capacity.

Abstract: Methods and systems for programmed dispensation of consumable compositions are provided. A method for sterilizing a beverage container may comprise: (a) detecting a sterilization status of a beverage container; and (b) controlling functionality of a controllable device according to the sterilization status. A system for sterilizing a beverage container may comprise: (a) detecting a sterilization status of a beverage container; and (b) controlling functionality of a controllable device according to the sterilization status. A method for sterilizing a beverage container may comprise: (a) detecting an identity of a consumable composition; and (b) controlling a sterilization of at least a portion of a beverage container according to the identity of the consumable composition.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning and disinfecting items are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to controlled delayed release of agents for the cleaning of contact lenses.

Abstract: One embodiment of a method of recycling a plastic material includes heating a plastic material in a treatment chamber in incremental steps through a series of graduated temperature set points wherein each graduated temperature set point corresponds to a vaporization temperature of an individual by-product of said plastic material, and pulling a vacuum of inert gas on the treatment chamber at each temperature set point to selectively remove an individual by-product corresponding to the temperature set point.

Abstract: Apparatus and a process are described for compressing superheated steam into porous coal chunks in a chamber, and, after a time interval, expanding this steam out of the chamber, and repeating this steam cycle of compression followed by expansion. Thusly heated by the steam, volatile matter separates from the solid coke portion of the coal and separate volatile matter and coke products can be produced from coal or biomass fuels. These volatile matter liquids and tars can be used as fuel components in slurry fuels, for internal combustion engines used in our surface transportation industries. These solid coke products can be used as boiler fuel in steam electric plants. In this way our large domestic reserves of coal can be used as a fuel source, not only for electric power generation, but also for our surface transportation needs.

Abstract: A germ eliminator system is for disinfecting an enclosure which includes a green disinfectant liquid. A mechanism is for distributing the disinfectant liquid in a timely and sequentially manner throughout the enclosure, to kill germs, bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms within the enclosure, thereby the enclosure will become safe for people to use when entering the enclosure such as building, hotel, school, bus, train, or ship. The germ eliminator system can be stationary or mobile on a service cart.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sterilization unit consisting of a cubical enclosure which uses a sequenced supply of ozone and ultraviolet radiation in the C band (UVC) wave length to sterilize. In use, an article to be sterilized is positioned atop a glass plate mounted between two sources of UVC radiation sources and ozone is first supplied to the enclosure for a period of 15 seconds to 60 minutes followed by a supply of UVC radiation for a period of 15 seconds to 60 minutes.

Abstract: A hand sanitizer having first and second compartments in which the first compartment includes an access permitting user's hands and forearms to be inserted and an ozone generator for sanitizing the hands. The second compartment houses an ultraviolet source for converting ozone present in said second compartment into molecular oxygen and includes also an access permitting user's hands and forearms to be inserted. The ozone concentration in the first compartment is maintained at a predetermined level.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling fecal odors in an enclosed space, such as a pit latrine, include providing an oxidizer, such as a catalytic heater and an optional mechanical ventilation unit, such as an inline fan, both flow connected to a vault (pit) of the latrine. The heater is also connected to a source of fuel, for example, propane. Fresh air is drawn through vents in the latrine housing and thereafter through toilets in the latrine and through the vault, providing oxygen for the reaction. The fan and/or oxidation process draws both fresh air and accompanying odorous compounds directly from the latrine and into the oxidizer wherein the odorous components are substantially destroyed.

Abstract: A gas treatment device for processing a gas using plasma, wherein the gas treatment device is highly versatile and capable of rapidly processing a large quantity of gas that includes particularly an aromatic compound or other component that is difficult to process. The gas treatment device comprises a plasma equipment series comprising a plurality of gas processing units (20A, 20B) arranged in series on a gas flow channel; and a control section (10) for controlling the operation of each unit of plasma equipment (20A, 20B) of the plasma equipment series. Each of the units of plasma equipment (20A, 20B) comprises a cavity (22A, 22B) composed of an electrical conductor and communicated with the gas flow channel; a plasma generator (23A, 23B) for generating plasma within the cavity (22A, 22B); and microwave radiator (24A, 24B) for radiating microwaves to the plasma generated by the plasma starting section (23A, 23B).

Abstract: A liquid delivery device for use in conjunction with an air filter in a forced air circulation system. The device includes a liquid reservoir, a dispersion device connected to the reservoir, a compressor, and a mounting device configured to slidably retain an air filter. The device may be used in conjunction with an HVAC system.

Abstract: An extreme ultraviolet light source apparatus that can eliminate debris adhering to a component such as optical elements provided within a chamber. The extreme ultraviolet light source apparatus includes: a chamber in which extreme ultraviolet light is generated; a target material supply unit for supplying a target material into the chamber; a driver laser unit for irradiating the target material with a driver pulse laser beam to generate plasma; a cleaning laser unit for emitting a cleaning pulse laser beam; and a control unit for controlling an irradiation position of the cleaning pulse laser beam emitted from the cleaning laser unit so as to irradiate a component provided within the chamber with the cleaning pulse laser beam to remove debris adhering to a surface of the component.

Abstract: An isolator includes a workroom having a first sterilizing material supply port, a first sterilizing material discharge port, a first gas supply port and a first gas discharge port, a sterilization chamber having a second sterilizing material supply port, a second sterilizing material discharge port, a second gas supply port and a second gas discharge port, a sterilizing material supply unit, a first sterilizing material supply path connecting the sterilizing material supply unit to the first sterilizing material supply port, a second sterilizing material supply path connecting the sterilizing material supply unit to the second sterilizing material supply port, a first circulating path connecting the first sterilizing material discharge port to the sterilizing material supply unit, a second circulating path connecting the second sterilizing material discharge port to the sterilizing material supply unit, a first gas supply path, a second gas supply path, a first gas discharge path, a second gas discharge path

Abstract: A communication terminal device in which a diffusion control of aroma suitable for the situation can be performed. In the communication terminal device (100), according to the diffusion parameter used for diffusing the aroma (or smoke) and predetermined by the user, the state of a mobile terminal body (100B) recognized by a control unit (130) by using the detected information from the sensors of a sensing unit (150), and environment information on the environment around the mobile terminal body (100B), diffusion control of an aroma material (121) from a diffusion apparatus body (100A) is performed by an aroma diffusion section (141) of an indicating unit (140), smoke generation control of a smoke generation material (122) is performed by a smoke generation section (142), and suppression control of the aroma diffusion and the smoke generation is performed by a diffusion suppression unit (110).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the continuous production of carbon nanotubes (CNT), as well as the method to carry it out. The apparatus for the CNT synthesis includes: two sets or more of tubes to synthesize in its interior the CNT; a set of nozzles for the same number of tubes that each set has, to feed to the interior of the tubes the precursory chemical compounds of the CNT; a furnace to maintain one of the sets to a suitable temperature to allow the formation of the CNT inside the tubes; a system for the detaching and collection of the CNT formed in the previous stage; and a control system, preferably a PLC (PLC by its abbreviation in English) to program the sequence of activities of the equipment.

Abstract: A sanitizing device (1) for a portable refuse container comprises a housing (3), an atomizing device (17) within the housing (3) for containing sanitizing material, a nozzle (11) attached to the housing (3) for dispersing the sanitizing material outside of the housing, means connecting the atomising device to the nozzle, timing means controlling the operation of the atomising device and means for releasably attaching the housing to the portable refuse container. The invention also includes a bracket suitable for releasably attaching a device, such as a sanitizing device, to the container.

Abstract: A solution is to be created, with a method and a device for generating hydrogen, in which silicon and/or an alloy that contains silicon is reacted in a reaction vessel (1), with an alkaline solution as a catalyst, so that the process, after starting, runs continuously and catalytically in the presence of silicon dioxide as a nucleating agent, without further addition of lye and without using higher pressures and temperatures (hydrothermal conditions). This is achieved in that the alkaline solution is used in a strongly sub-stoichiometric amount with reference to the entire reaction, whereby the silicon dioxide that is formed is precipitated onto crystallization nuclei.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device to evaporate low volatility active substances or ingredients from a liquid solution contained in a reservoir (2). The device comprises at least one liquid retaining support and dispensing means (14) arranged in a casing (1) at a distance and in a suitable position for dispensing doses of said liquid solution on said support by means of a push-button (6). The device further has a timer adapted to allow the operation of said dispensing means in selected time periods, said time periods being greater than the time necessary for evaporating most of the solvent and active ingredient from the support.

Abstract: A fragrance generator comprises a housing for containing a volatile liquid to provide a vapour. The housing has a wall of which at least a part is permeable to the vapour. The generator further comprises an actuator for diffusing the vapour emerging from the volatile liquid to an environment outside the housing. The generator is provided with an electric circuit comprising a solar energy converter arranged to convert solar energy into electric energy for feeding the actuator and the circuit comprises a capacitor for accumulating the electric energy from the solar energy converter.

Abstract: An on-demand system for preventing and/neutralizing bioactive substances employs real time monitoring of the fluid for bioactive substances. Once a specific bioactive substance is detected, then a specific neutralizing substance is selected, such as an oxidizing substance, intense ultraviolet light, a neutralizing substance or other substances selected for particular threats. In another example of the invention, a device neutralizing a substance would include a container that would be capable of containing each of the plurality of precursors, a collecting space for receiving each of the plurality of precursors selected by the selector, and a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the neutralizing substance. In one example the neutralizing substance is formulated by the reactions of the precursors in order to neutralize the substance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for detecting a malodor and dispensing an air treatment when needed. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a selection mechanism which allows the user to choose how the system dispenses the air treatment, a sensor, a timing control circuit coupled with the sensor, and a delivery system coupled with the timing control circuit. Upon detection of a malodor by the sensor, the sensor communicates with the timing control circuit which, in turn, communicates with the delivery system to dispense the air treatment. In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an air-freshening system is shown that combines a continuous dispensing system with a sensing dispensing system.

Abstract: The present invention relates an apparatus that reduces and/or eliminates germs and/or bacteria from the soles of a person's footwear, and an associated method of use. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a person can step onto and stand on the exemplary apparatus to have germs and/or bacteria reduced and/or eliminated from the soles of his or her footwear through the use of anti-germicidal and/or antimicrobial radiation and/or light. An exemplary apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be configured so that when a person stands on a top portion, the person's footwear sinks to a bottom portion that is substantially transparent, displacing substantially opaque gel so that at least one of the soles of the person's footwear is exposed to the anti-germicidal and/or antimicrobial radiation and/or light source.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and method for processing solid waste products. The apparatus comprises a rotatably mounted cylindrical vessel having a first end, a second end and an interior surface, at least one end terminating in a hatch that may be opened to allow access to the interior of the vessel and sealably closed to allow pressurization of the vessel; a steam inlet for injecting stem disposed at one or both ends; a plurality of substantially straight blades protruding from the interior surface of the vessel, and each the blade extending substantially the entire length of the vessel, so as to be capable of transporting waste material from the bottom of the vessel toward the top of the vessel, and releasing the waste material to fall to the bottom of the vessel. The apparatus also includes one or more actuators for moving the vessel between a position wherein the first end is higher than the second end and a position wherein the second end is higher than the first end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal reactor apparatus used to treat industrial effluent fluids, for example waste effluent produced in semiconductor and liquid crystal display manufacturing processes. Specifically, the present invention relates to improved monitoring and control features for the thermal reactor apparatus, including a flame sensing device, an intrinsically safe flammable gas sensing device, and a sequential mode of operation having built-in safety redundancy. The improved monitoring and control features ensure the safe and efficient abatement of waste effluent within the thermal reactor apparatus.

Abstract: An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a system for removing particulate matter from an exhaust stream. The system may include an ionization device configured to ionize particles of an exhaust stream. The system may further include an electromagnetic field generating device configured to deflect the ionized particles onto an inner-surface of an exhaust passageway, the inner-surface of the exhaust passageway being coated with a substance for lowering activation energy for a reaction of the ionized particles. The system may further include a regeneration means configured to remove particles from the exhaust passageway.

Abstract: Solutions for limiting the undesirable spread of pathogens by indirect contact are provided. The solutions involve event-controlled self-sterilization of contact surfaces on articles or fixtures. A self-sterilizing contact surface structure allows chemical sterilizing agents to controllably flow in response to a contact event, from within the article to exude upon a portion of the contact surface.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object is manufactured from a powder of polymer material by selective sintering process by means of electromagnetic radiation of the powder, wherein the powder comprises a preselected polymer or copolymer and is subjected to selective sintering such that the manufactured three-dimensional object has a final crystallinity which is in such a range that the balance of properties, in particular mechanical properties including Young's modulus, tensile strength and elongation at break, is improved.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling operation of an ultraviolet air treatment device including an ultraviolet lamp positioned to treat air within an air handling system that operates in either an on state or an off state. The method includes activating the ultraviolet lamp, and determining the operational state of the air handling system. The ultraviolet lamp is deactivated upon expiration of a predetermined time period during which the air handling system remains in the off state. The predetermined time period is preferably 30-60 minutes, preferably 40 minutes for residential applications.

Abstract: A liquid introducing plasma system including a plasma chamber in which a plasma is produced, a plasma generator device which creates the plasma in the chamber, and a spouting device for linearly ejecting a liquid in a linear jet to thereby introduce the liquid into the plasma chamber is disclosed. The plasma system is capable of supplying an ultra-small volume of sample liquid to the plasma while reducing consumption of electrical power required for generation of the plasma.

Abstract: A method of processing a polysilazane film includes a first heat process and a subsequent second heat process performed on a target substrate with a polysilazane coating film formed thereon. The first heat process is performed by supplying water vapor into a process area within a reaction container, which accommodates the target substrate, while setting the process area at a first temperature of from 390° C. to 410° C. The second heat process is performed by supplying water vapor into the process area, while setting the process area at a second temperature of from 600° C. to 800° C.

Abstract: An exhaust gas-processing apparatus of the present invention includes a gas supplier 2 which supplies a gas such as C3F8 to gas-using equipment 1, a detoxification device 4 which detoxifies an exhaust gas accepted from the gas-using equipment 1, a detoxifying agent-packing and -ejecting device 5, and a controller 6. The data of the types, flow rates, and supply periods of gases, which are supplied from the gas supplier 2 to the gas-using equipment 1, are sent to the controller 6. The control section 6 predicts a point in time of the break of the detoxification column 41 of the detoxification device 4 based on the data, and issues the direction of exchange so as to direct the detoxifying agent-packing and -ejecting device 5 to eject and pack detoxifying agents at a point in time of the break.

Abstract: The invention is intended to produce high-pressure light fuel gas with good combustibility by contacting and reacting high-temperature, high-pressure water and heavy oil with each other in a contact-reaction unit to extract light oil components from the heavy oil and to remove metals. The high-temperature, high-pressure water and the heavy oil are introduced to the contact-reaction unit for contact and reaction with each other therein. Heavy oil components not dissolved in the high-temperature, high-pressure water are separated by precipitation from hydrocarbon gases and light oil components which are dissolved in the high-temperature, high-pressure water. The separated heavy oil components are burnt or incinerated without any further modification.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for sterilizing articles using an ozone-containing gas, where condensation of water from the sterilization atmosphere during the sterilization process is substantially prevented. The inventive sterilization method includes providing a sterilization chamber and placing an article into the sterilization chamber. The sterilization chamber is sealed prior to equalizing the temperature of the article and the atmosphere in the sterilization chamber. A vacuum is applied to achieve a preselected vacuum pressure in the sterilization chamber. Once the vacuum pressure is set, water vapour is supplied to the sterilization chamber. Ozone-containing gas is then supplied to the sterilization chamber and the sterilization chamber remains sealed for a preselected treatment period, where the sterilization chamber remains sealed throughout the whole process. Finally, vacuum in the sterilization chamber is released.

Abstract: There is provided a sterilizing apparatus which is capable of sterilizing articles, such as test tubes, flasks, beakers, scalpels, forceps and so on, with high efficiency in a short time. The sterilizing apparatus includes a sterilizing gas generator 42 that supplies sterilizing gas into a chamber 4. The sterilizing gas generator 42 atomizes a sterilizer solution (oxygenated water) by means of an ultrasonic vibrator 46. The sterilizing apparatus further includes an ultraviolet generator (ultraviolet lamp 50) that irradiates gas in the chamber 4 with an ultraviolet ray. The sterilizing apparatus further includes a door 14 for blocking an opening 2A of the chamber 4 in a free-opening/closing manner and a locking device 52 for prohibiting the door 14 from being opened. The sterilizing apparatus further includes a controller 60 for controlling the locking device 52 to prevent the door 14 from being opened from start of the sterilization process to end of the decomposition process.

Abstract: Methods and systems for programmed dispensation of consumable compositions are provided. A method for administering a consumable composition may comprise: (a) dispensing a dose of a consumable composition according to a programmed dosing schedule; and (b) sterilizing at least a portion of a beverage container. A system for administering a consumable composition may comprise: (a) means for dispensing a dose of a consumable composition according to a programmed dosing schedule; and (b) means for sterilizing at least a portion of a beverage container. A method for administering a consumable composition may comprise: (a) dispensing a dose of a consumable composition according to a programmed dosing schedule; and (b) providing a notification of a sterilization of a beverage container.

Abstract: An automated metered fluid dispensing and aspirating apparatus comprising a combination delivery/removal fluid head with upper shuttle and lower reservoir assemblies is disclosed. A covered, variably positionable well table allows for mounting sample wells and automatically presenting at least one array of sample or reaction wells to the delivery/removal fluid head at a time. A fluid handling system of inter-connected tubing, pumps and valves interfaces with the delivery/removal fluid head. The fluid handling system provides reagents to and removes waste from the delivery/removal fluid head and sample wells. A control assembly, including a central processing unit and hardware, software and gas pressure sources, provides for time responsive operation and control of the delivery/removal fluid head, drive mechanisms for the table and fluid head, fluid handling system and well table. The entire apparatus is mounted on its own platform and includes separate housings for control and sample handling sections.

Abstract: Systems and methods for hydrogen generation that convert a boron hydride fuel to hydrogen by contacting the fuel with an acidic reagent, i.e., a reagent having a pH less than about 7, in the presence of water, are provided. The fuel may comprise a boron hydride in solid or slurry form, either utilized individually or as a mixture of two of more boron hydrides. The acidic reagent may comprise inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and phosphoric acid, and organic acids such as acetic acid, formic acid, maleic acid, malic acid, citric acid, and tartaric acid, or mixtures thereof, and at least one additive.

Abstract: Hydrogen generators and integrated hydrogen generator/fuel cells systems are operated by determining the condition of the hydrogen generator and the condition of the fuel to the hydrogen generator for selection of predetermined flow rates for each of the externally-provided raw materials. The processes of the invention can provide rapid transitions between hydrogen production rates while enabling enhanced efficiency and stability during transient operations.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for the automated synthesis of biopolymers, such as polynucleotides. The synthesis reactions are conducted asynchronously in separate reaction volumes to minimize idle times for the machinery and to allow shorter polynucleotides to be removed when complete, rather than at the end of the entire run.

Abstract: A system for controlling the flow of gases into a reaction chamber used in processing semiconductor devices includes a safety interlock feature that prevents inadvertent mixing of incompatible, reactive gases. The interlock feature is implemented in an interlock control circuit which operates a valve system for individually controlling the flow of separate gases into the chamber. The interlock circuit includes a series of relay switches and timers arranged to create a time delay between the initiation of flow of gases from separate sources into the chamber.

Abstract: A system for processing supercritical and subcritical fluid capable of bringing the inside of at least one processing container (1) formed in a flow passage into a supercritical or subcritical high pressure field, wherein thermal operation is applied to process fluid to apply thermal expansion to the fluid to produce a pressure difference between the processing container (1) and the outside, whereby a specified temperature and the high pressure field suitable for the processing of the supercritical or subcritical fluid can be provided in the processing container (1).

Abstract: A method of operating a fuel reformer includes advancing a first air/fuel mixture having a first air-to-fuel ratio into the fuel reformer. The method further includes determining if a soot purge is to be performed and generating a purge-soot signal in response thereto. Further, a second air/fuel mixture having a second air-to-fuel ratio is advanced into the fuel reformer in response to generation of the purge-soot signal. The second air-to-fuel ratio is greater than the first air-to-fuel ratio in order to burn soot present within the fuel reformer. A fuel reformer system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel processing system including a filter for reforming a hydrocarbon fuel and its operation is disclosed. The system includes a first chamber for receiving a hydrocarbon fuel and combining it with air or water; a reformer in fluid connection with and down stream of the first chamber, which receives the hydrocarbon fuel combined with either air or water to reform the fuel to a reformate stream, which contains a hydrogen rich atmosphere; a second chamber in fluid connection with the reformer which is capable of receiving the reformate stream from the reformer; a water inlet connected to the second chamber capable of introducing water to the reformate stream; and a filter in fluid connection with and down stream of the second chamber, which is capable of preventing a substantial portion of any solid particles contained in the reformate stream from passing therethrough.

Abstract: The invention presents a fuel reforming technique for a mobile fuel cell system capable of obtaining a reformed gas composition usable in fuel cell 200 even if vapor temperature supplied from an evaporator 102 into a fuel reformer 107 varies significantly. This system comprises means 601, 602 for detecting the flow rate of fuel vapor and oxygen to be supplied into the fuel reformer 107, and means 600 for detecting at least temperature of fuel vapor to be supplied into the fuel reformer, temperature of oxygen, and temperature of mixed gas of fuel vapor and oxygen, in which the ratio of the flow rate of fuel vapor and the flow rate of oxygen is corrected on the basis of the signal value of the temperature detecting means, and oxygen is supplied depending on the corrected ratio.

Abstract: The sample temperature regulator is provided with a heating block (3) having a sample container holder (6) and a temperature-controllable heater (7) and with a cooling block (4) having a cooling mechanism (11). These two blocks are combined with each other through a connecting plate (15) made of a material having a thermal conductivity lower than those of these blocks. This constitution can reduce heat transfer between the heating block and the cooling block and allows them to have wide temperature regulating ranges, as well as increased heating capacity and cooling capacity, respectively. Further, this constitution makes the structure of the temperature regulator simple and compact, so that the regulator has increased durability and can be offered at a low price.

Abstract: In a reforming reactor (31), a partial oxidation reaction is performed between a hydrocarbon fuel and air, and in a mixer (32), water is injected into hot gas heated by the partial oxidation reaction to vaporize the water, and the vaporized water is mixed with the hot gas. In a shift reactor (33), the vaporized water is made to undergo a shift reaction with the hot gas. In this way, a device for promoting vaporization of the water or a complex fuel injection device is not required.

Abstract: The invention relates to a serialization set, in particular for surgical instruments or appliances, consisting of a container and an electronic apparatus (17) for recording at least one serialization parameter. The container includes a valve (11) arranged opposite a wall (7) of said container capable of allowing a sterilizing agent to penetrate, said valve being stressed towards a closed position by elastic means (29) and comprising catching members (15) capable of extending through the wall (7) when a force is exerted on said valve (11) countering the action of the elastic means (29). The electronic apparatus (17), designed to be attached to the container wall (7), comprises means for locking (19, 21) the catching members (15) of the valve (11) and automatic disengaging means (25) for producing the release of these catching members, once the serialization parameters are fulfilled.