Abstract: A vehicle includes an interior and an exterior, a surface within the interior, and a movable seat positioned over a first portion of the surface. The vehicle also includes a processor, a seat control system able to move the seat to expose the portion of the surface, and a light source able to illuminate a larger second portion of the surface which includes the first portion. The vehicle further includes a sensor to capture an image of the second portion of the surface, illuminated by the light source, and a cleaning element able to clean the second portion of the surface. The processor is configured to detect foreign material on the second portion of the surface, based on a comparison between the image and a stored image. The processor is also configured to activate the cleaning element, after detecting the foreign material on the second portion of the surface.

Abstract: A fixture system includes a housing configured to be mounted in an upper region of a room or area. A light source is supported by the housing for providing visible light to illuminate at least a portion of the room or area. An ultraviolet radiation (UVR) system is supported by the housing for emitting UVC radiation in an upper region of the room or area. The UVR system includes at least one UVC emitting source and an optic member configured to direct UVC radiation in a pattern having a vertical width dimension that is above a threshold height from a floor or ground in the room or area.

Abstract: A system and method of sanitizing one or more structures within an enclosed space includes operatively coupling an ozone ventilation control unit to an ultraviolet (UV) light assembly, an ozone sensor, and an exhaust fan, using the ozone ventilation control unit to operate the UV light assembly to emit UV light into or onto structure(s) of the enclosed space during a cleaning cycle, receiving, by the ozone ventilation control unit, an ozone presence signal indicative of an amount of ozone within the enclosed space from an ozone sensor that detects the amount of ozone within the enclosed space, using the ozone ventilation control unit to selectively activate and deactivate the exhaust fan based on the amount of ozone within the enclosed space, and using the ozone ventilation control unit to selectively activate and deactivate the UV light assembly based on the amount of ozone within the enclosed space.

Abstract: A method is provided for generating a region of plasma in a gaseous atmosphere that includes argon. A laser beam from a Ti:sapphire laser is directed into the gaseous atmosphere such that a portion of the argon along the laser beam is ionized. Microwave energy is directed into the ionized region of the laser beam to generate a plasma.

Abstract: Exemplary methods and systems for killing or deactivating spores include applying a fluid to a surface containing a spore; and applying direct or indirect plasma to the surface for a period of time. In some embodiments, the fluid includes water. In some embodiments, the spore is Clostridium difficile and in some is Bacillus Anthracis. In some embodiments, the fluid is in the form of a mist and in some is in the form of a vapor. In some embodiments, peroxynitrite is created in the fluid during the method. Another exemplary embodiment of killing or deactivating a spore includes treating spores with direct plasma or an indirect plasma for a period of time and applying an antimicrobial to the spores. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial is an alcohol, a bleach or an alcohol-based sanitizer.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing articles, using a low-vapor-pressure sterilant in a compact sterilizer, including a pre-pulse injection of sterilant to condition a sterilization chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air purifier, comprising a housing, an air dynamic unit, an ultraviolet light-emitting unit, an evaporation container for accommodating neutralizer, and a catalyst device. The air dynamic unit is disposed at the inlet of the housing. The ultraviolet light-emitting unit and the catalyst device are disposed in the housing. The present invention uses the light-emitting unit and the catalyst device to purify the air and exhaust the purified air via the outlet of the housing.

Abstract: A container cleaning machine with a container or bottle cleaning apparatus with a spray pipe and spray station with a spray pipe of this type. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: An endoscope cleaning/disinfecting apparatus for processing an endoscope in a cleaning tank using a diluted chemical obtained by diluting a chemical with hot water in a dilution tank of the present invention introduces the hot water into the cleaning tank immediately before processing, introduces the hot water into the dilution tank after the temperature of the hot water introduced into the cleaning tank falls within a specified temperature range, generates the diluted chemical, introduces the diluted chemical into the cleaning tank and processes the endoscope.

Abstract: An assembly and method for treating or otherwise improving an atmosphere contained within an enclosed space. The enclosed space can be a container such as a bag or other housing for equipment, food and/or suitable material, or a room, another similar space and/or environment within a residential building space, a commercial building space, an industrial building space and/or a space of any other similar building structure. Ozone is generated within an atmosphere that is exposed to the material. The generated ozone is mixed with the atmosphere in the presence of UV light. The ozone reacts with contaminants in the presence of UV light and removes or inactivates those contaminants from the atmosphere. The UV light and ozone inactivate microbes and alter the proteins on allergens. At least a portion of the generated ozone is then removed from the mixed atmosphere.

Abstract: A sootblowing control system that uses predictive models to bridge the gap between sootblower operation and boiler performance goals. The system uses predictive modeling and heuristics (rules) associated with different zones in a boiler to determine an optimal sequence of sootblower operations and achieve boiler performance targets. The system performs the sootblower optimization while observing any operational constraints placed on the sootblowers.

Abstract: A microfluidic fluid separator for separating target components of a fluid by filtration is described. Methods for separating target components of a fluid by filtration and methods for processing blood on a large scale with the microfluidic fluid separator are provided.

Abstract: A sootblowing control system that uses predictive models to bridge the gap between sootblower operation and boiler performance goals. The system uses predictive modeling and heuristics (rules) associated with different zones in a boiler to determine an optimal sequence of sootblower operations and achieve boiler performance targets. The system performs the sootblower optimization while observing any operational constraints placed on the sootblowers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control system for the conversion of carbonaceous feedstock into a gas. In particular, the control system is designed to be configurable for use in controlling one or more processes implemented in, and/or by, a gasification system for the conversion of such feedstock into a gas, which may be used for one or more downstream applications. Gasification processes controllable by different embodiments of the disclosed control system may include in various combinations, a converter, a residue conditioner, a recuperator and/or heat exchanger system, one or more gas conditioners, a gas homogenization system and one or more downstream applications. The control system operatively controls various local, regional and/or global processes related to the overall gasification process, and thereby adjusts various control parameters thereof adapted to affect these processes for a selected result.

Abstract: A sterile device immersed in a sterile buffer and a method for providing same. The sterile device may be a medical device such as a biosensor having a biomolecule as a sensing element such as, for example, a glucose oxidase enzyme. The buffer may be a bicarbonate solution. Both the device and the buffer may be packaged and stored over long term while maintaining sterilization. The sterilization method may comprise a combination of gaseous, liquid and light sterilization.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing a closed environment is provided in which an ozone generator is placed into the closed environment; it then generates ozone to a predetermined ozone concentration and increases the humidity of the closed environment. The ozone concentration is maintained at the predetermined ozone concentration for a predetermined period of time, and after the period of time has expired, the ozone is depleted.

Abstract: A vehicle efficacious constituents supply apparatus 10 includes a main unit 13 including an air gun and a subunit 15 including an air gun. A curling ring V1 of air containing aromatic constituents is projected from the main unit 13 towards an efficacious area A, while a curling ring V2 of air is projected from the subunit 15 towards the efficacious area A. A control unit for controlling projection timings of curling rings V1, V2 includes an alarming mode in which a projection interval at which curling rings v1 are projected is set shorter than a projection interval at which curling rings V2 are projected, and by executing this alarming mode, curling rings V2 can be applied to an occupant without causing the curling rings V2 so projected to disappear in the efficacious area A.

Abstract: A container is provided for holding a chemical compound or mixture. Areas are provided on the surface of the container which allow for gaseous by-products from the chemical contained within the container to permeate from a chamber through the surface of the container. A septum is over-molded into the surface of the container. The septum is formed in such a manner that it provides a sealing effect to close an opening in the container.

Abstract: This invention describes a mobile system for reducing emission of a slurry, such as a liquid manure, where said mobile system is mounted on a mobile unit and comprises a slurry tanker in liquid communication with means for adding/injecting an acid into said slurry, where said slurry tanker and/or means for adding/injecting an acid into said slurry is in communication with distributing means for allowing a reduced emission slurry to be placed on the application site, where said means for adding/injecting an acid into said slurry comprises an acid tank, where said acid tank is arranged as a front tank on said mobile unit.

Abstract: An on board monitor for an endoscope reprocessor for monitoring the performance and order of a predetermined set of critical steps for reprocessing an endoscope. The monitor will only allow the overall system to reach the last step indicating successful completion of the process related to the critical steps representing successful reprocessing of an endoscope after the system successfully completes all of the previous critical steps and in the correct order.

Abstract: A sterile device immersed in a sterile buffer and a method for providing same. The sterile device may be a medical device such as a biosensor having a biomolecule as a sensing element such as, for example, a glucose oxidase enzyme. The buffer may be a bicarbonate solution. Both the device and the buffer may be packaged and stored over long term while maintaining sterilization. The sterilization method may comprise a combination of gaseous, liquid and light sterilization.

Abstract: An electrical device for performing a particular function includes a system circuit for performing the function, and a dedicated power supply for providing power to the circuit. Both the system circuit and the power supply are hermetically sealed within a housing. The device within the housing is intended to be sterilized using high temperature, reaching a sterilization temperature. According to the invention, the device includes a thermal switch which is electrically connected between the system circuit and the power supply. The thermal switch is switchable between an open position wherein the system circuit is electrically isolated from the power supply and receives no power therefrom and a closed position wherein the system circuit is electrically connected to the power supply and receives power therefrom. The thermal switch switches from its closed position to its open position in response to the temperature within the housing rising to a predetermined switch-open temperature value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for making a peroxycarboxylic acid. The apparatus includes a reaction catalyst and a guard column for pretreating one or more reagents, which can increase the life, activity, and/or safety of the reaction catalyst. The peroxycarboxylic acid compositions made by the method and apparatus can include one or more peroxycarboxylic acids.

Abstract: A process for the destruction of microorganisms on a product using ultrasonic energy is disclosed. The process comprises contacting a product with an ultrasonic horn assembly and generating ultrasonic energy sufficient to result in a microorganism destruction rate of at least a 1-log kill.

Abstract: An UV-C air sterilizer with an optional visible light provides effective air sterilization through the use of a relatively low intensity UV-C radiation field external of the fixture and the continuous circulation of a mixture of treated and untreated air. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing a closed environment is provided in which a disinfection apparatus is placed into the closed environment; it then generates ozone to a predetermined ozone concentration, following which the humidity of the closed environment is rapidly increased. A catalytic converter then reduces the ozone concentration to safe levels. When the ozone concentration is reduced to a predetermined safe level, the disinfection apparatus signals.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing a closed environment is provided in which an ozone generator is placed into the closed environment; it then generates ozone to a predetermined ozone concentration and increases the humidity of the closed environment. The ozone concentration is maintained at the predetermined ozone concentration for a predetermined period of time, and after the period of time has expired, the ozone is depleted. When the ozone concentration is reduced to a predetermined safe level, the ozone generator signals.

Abstract: An air decontamination device comprises an air stream generator (20), a nonthermal plasma filter (22), an ultraviolet radiation emitting device (24), an ozone catalysing device (26), and a hydrocarbon emitter (28). The air stream generator (20) generates and directs an air stream through or across the non-thermal plasma filter (22), the UV radiation emitting device (24), the ozone catalysing device (26), and the hydrocarbon emitter (28). The plasma filter (22) produces free radicals by which contaminants in the air stream are neutralised. The UV radiation emitting device (24) beaks down ozone in the air stream, catalysed by the ozone catalysing device (26). The hydrocarbon emitter (28) discharges an aromatic hydrocarbon into the air stream to preferentially react with residual ozone so that the air stream becomes suitable for human exposure. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A sterile drape maintains a sterile field during use of a flat panel touch screen during diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures. The drape comprises sterile front and rear sheets formed from a thin layer of a transparent material that accommodates the transmission of tactile pressure. The rear sheet may comprise a folded extension of the front sheet along the top edge, with the sheets bonded along the sizes. A bottom opening between the front and the rear sheets allows cooling air to enter, and at least one ventilation opening is near the top.

Abstract: An ablutionary installation including a mixing valve having respective inlets for hot and cold water and an outlet for temperature controlled water, a temperature sensor for monitoring outlet water temperature and providing a signal representative of the outlet water temperature to an electronic controller, a user interface permitting selection of outlet water temperature up to a pre-determined temperature, the electronic controller being operable to compare the selected and sensed outlet water temperatures for controlling the mixing valve to adjust the ratio of hot and cold water delivered to the outlet according to the selected outlet water temperature, and apparatus for initiating a disinfection cycle to deliver water to the outlet at a temperature higher than the pre-determined temperature, wherein the initiating apparatus includes an operating sequence with at least two inputs.

Abstract: The Diffusive Plasma is for effective treatment of contaminated air and material processing. Air is purified and disinfected by passing through the diffusive plasma device which includes a reactor or a plurality of reactors arranged in parallel or series and is energized by a high voltage alternating current power supply. The diffuser, being electrically isolated, provides extra nucleation sites to initiate discharges. It serves to improve the generation of uniform and consistent plasma and to reduce the variation of discharge properties among the reactors. The addition of a diffuser, thereby, enhances the overall effectiveness of decomposing chemicals and destroying microbes to achieve high air treatment and material processing performance. The diffuser can be made of suitable filtering materials to additionally serve as a filter.

Abstract: The eyes of a contact lens wearer are protected from the effects of a liquid disinfecting solution by providing a contact lens container having a catalyst therein and a container of the disinfecting solution of unusual design. The openings of the contact lens container and the solution container are configured so only the contact lens container is able to receive solution from the solution container. This prevents the user from directly removing disinfecting solution from the solution container and thereby prevents the user from directly applying the disinfecting solution to the eye.

Abstract: Decontamination is achieved by producing an activated cleaning fluid mist using a decontamination apparatus having a source of a cleaning fluid, a mist generator having an input flow of the cleaning fluid and an output flow of a mist of the cleaning fluid at substantially one atmosphere ambient pressure, and an activator positioned to activate the mist of the cleaning fluid to produce the activated cleaning fluid mist wherein atoms of the cleaning fluid are activated. The activated cleaning fluid mist is contacted to a location to be decontaminated.

Abstract: A biochemical agent is denatured by producing an activated cleaning fluid mist containing activated hydroxyl species wherein at least a portion of the activated cleaning fluid mist is in an activated state at substantially one atmospheric ambient pressure, and contacting the activated cleaning fluid mist to a biochemical agent.

Abstract: A mailpiece sorting apparatus is described which includes a feeder, an OCR scanner, a mailpiece transporter, a sanitizer and compartments or bins for receiving sorted mailpieces, an optical character recognition system (OCR) for reading addressee information, an addressee database, and a personal computer (PC) or microprocessor based control system. In one configuration, mailpieces are feed, singulated and sanitized. In another configuration, mailpieces are fed, singulated, sanitized and sorted. In another configuration, the system is contained in a sanitization area and clean room. The system provides for sanitization of mailpieces so as to help deter delays in incoming mail delivery caused by the presence of life harming material and sanitize the mail so as to protect the intended recipients from harm.

Abstract: A process for disinfecting an area such as a building or mail processing system including the steps of connecting a sealed area with a disinfecting system capable of generating ozone, and circulating air including ozone within the sealed area and the system for a desired time. By selecting the concentration of ozone and time period to kill spores, while minimizing damage to materials from the ozone, one is able to decontaminate the building rapidly and inexpensively. The process may further include the step of illuminating interior spaces and/or the air circulated from the area with ultraviolet light, and/or the step of adjusting the relative humidity to a desired level. A system for disinfecting an area includes a generator for generating ozone, a detector for measuring the concentration of ozone, and a regulator for controlling the generator, wherein a disinfecting concentration of ozone can be achieved and maintained within the area.

Abstract: Advanced Oxidation Technologies (AOT) using laser triggered and driven AOT platform are disclosed, including a method for the advanced oxidation of dangerous chemical and biological sources suspected in particular regions, a variety of uses of said method, and the environments where it can be implemented.

Abstract: A method of controlling microbial contamination and cross-contamination is disclosed using an (alkali metal or ammonium) (bicarbonate or carbonate) salt contained within a product having an absorbent material with or without a moisture impermeable backing. Where there is no backing, the salt may be impregnated within the absorbent material or may be layered between two plies of absorbent materials.

Abstract: A formalin gas counteracting and deodorizing device which is connected to a sterilization chamber including a main pipeline having an inlet for formalin gas at one end thereof and an outlet for processed gas at the other end, a fan connected to the inlet side midway in the main pipeline, an oxidation means for decomposition, a cooling means all connected in this order from the fan to the outlet, and a branch pipe provided between the oxidation means of the main pipeline and the cooling means. The process includes performing sterilization utilizing the sterilizer for a predetermined period of time, circulating the gas between the main pipeline, and the bypass pipe line for a predetermined period of time using the formalin gas counteracting and deodorizing device just before the end of the sterilization process, then circulating the gas between the sterilization chamber and the main pipeline for counteracting the formalin gas and introducing a counteractive into the sterilization chamber.

Abstract: A system for handling mail is in the form of a modular facility (10), which is capable of being isolated from the surrounding environment. The modular facility includes an enclosure or sorting area (40) for receiving and sorting incoming mail. A decontamination system (22) receives sorted mail and decontaminates the mail with a antimicrobial gas, such as ethylene oxide. A clean room (32), isolated from the enclosure and spaced from the enclosure by the decontamination system, is used for receiving processed mail from the decontamination system and sorting the mail for distribution. A source (92) of a decontaminant gas, such as vapor hydrogen peroxide, is fluidly connected with the enclosure for supplying the decontaminant gas to the enclosure in the event that the sorting room is contaminated or suspected of being contaminated with a pathogenic biological or chemical agent.

Abstract: This apparatus and method allows collection concentrated sample of content in shipping packages without unsealing the package by forcing airflow via existing hidden gaps (101) or, if necessary, creating one by a small incision.

Abstract: A device for monitoring a processing liquid comprising at least one sensor for generating at least one monitoring signal, and a device for processing the monitoring signal and for generating a control signal for directly or indirectly influencing the composition or condition of the processing liquid. A device is also provided for detecting, storing, and maintaining the reliability of performance of the sensor. In addition, actuators are provided for converting given criteria or specified values.

Abstract: The present invention is a brine-maker of a two-tank arrangement specifically designed for efficient removal of salt sludge. The first tank is a salt-hopper into which water flows from the bottom and up through salt to form brine and leaves mineral impurities called sludge on the bottom of the hopper. The brine then overflows through strainers into a brine containment tank. The outside of the salt hopper has bracketing means attached. When the sludge needs to be removed, a lifting device is attached to the bracketing means and the hopper is disconnected from the water supply by a quick-fit coupler and removed to a dumping site where it is turned on its side and the sludge is poured out. The salt hopper is then returned to its position and coupled to the water supply. The salinity level of the brine in the containment tank can be adjusted either by adding fresh water or by running the brine back through the salt in the salt hopper. The brine is stored in the brine containment tank until discharged for use.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for disinfecting and testing the electrical safety of a transesophageal echo—TEE-probe. The apparatus comprises a receptacle adapted to receive the TEE-probe, apparatus for supplying the receptacle with a disinfection fluid and with a rinsing fluid, apparatus for removing any fluid from the receptacle, and an insulation tester having a first contact within the receptacle and a second contact connectable with the TEE-probe. The disinfecting and testing of the electrical safety is executed by supplying the receptacle with a disinfection fluid, disinfecting the TEE-probe, and removing the disinfection fluid. The receptacle is then supplied with a rinsing fluid and the TEE-probe is rinsed from remaining disinfection fluid. When the TEE-probe has been rinsed and before removing the rinsing fluid from the receptacle, an electrical safety test is executed with the TEE-probe by using the rinsing fluid.

Abstract: A safety system for a gas process or facility for measuring the concentration of a specified gas in an area or chamber and determining whether it is safe to allow access to such area or chamber. In particular, the safety system is adapted for use in a gas sterilization facility having one or more sterilization chambers, wherein the safety system measures the concentration of the sterilizing gas and unlocks the door of the sterilization chamber if the level of the sterilizing gas in the sterilization chamber is below a predetermined limit. The safety system further limits access to the sterilization chamber after a predetermined period of time if the door of the sterilization chamber is not opened due to the possible continued desorption of the sterilizing gas from the articles into the sterilization chamber.

Abstract: A method of removing sterilization gas from a load disposed in a chamber. In accordance with the method, the chamber is evacuated to a subatmospheric pressure. A diffusion gas comprising helium is provided. An amount of the diffusion gas is introduced into the chamber effective to create a superatmospheric diffusion pressure in the chamber. The diffusion gas is allowed to diffuse throughout the chamber to displace sterilization gas from the load. The chamber is evacuated to remove portions of the diffusion gas and the sterilization gas from the chamber.

Abstract: A fuel ignition arrester system that has a feedback control to maintain the fuel/air mixture in the ullage of a fuel tank above the flammability range. The system uses a photoelectric detector to signal when the fuel/air mixture concentration falls or rises to a predetermined concentration value. The predetermined value is selected to be higher than the upper limit of the flammability range so that the fuel/air mixture is maintained above the range and, thus, incombustible. A fuel pump and piping system with nozzles is arranged to inject fuel into the ullage when the concentration falls to the predetermined value and to stop injecting fuel when the concentration rises to the predetermined value. A flammability detection system includes the detector and a controller that produces an annunciating signal when the fuel/air mixture concentration is equal to or between the upper and lower limits of the flammability range.

Abstract: An improved method for processing an industrial sterilization agent utilized to sterilize medical instruments includes the use of a regenerative thermal oxidizer. The sterilization agent is removed from the sterilization chamber and directed into the combustion chamber with little chance for the sterilization agent to mix with air or any other source of oxygen. In this way, the present invention reduces the possibility of explosion of the sterilization agent prior to its being directed into the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method for sterilizing microbially contaminated materials, e.g., hospital linens, packaged goods, etc., by contact with a flammable chemical sterilant gas such as ethylene oxide, employs a bulk supply vessel for the sterilant gas and a small unit dosage vessel which receives a unit dosage of sterilant gas from the bulk supply vessel. The unit dosage vessel delivers a charge of sterilant gas to a separately enclosed sterilizing chamber in which the materials to be sterilized are placed. Water flooding means in a supply cabinet in which the bulk supply vessel is positioned, protects against possible deflagration of the sterilizing gas in the event of leakage or rupture of the gas supply means.

Abstract: When reactors charged with nitrogen as inert-blanketing gas are opened, high losses of inert-blanketing gas occur which previously have only been able to be compensated for by increased feed of inert-blanketing gas. To minimize the consumption of inert-blanketing gas during temporary opening of reactors (1), a further inert-blanketing gas is admixed to the nitrogen. The inert-blanketing gas mixture in the process has a density which is slightly greater than the density of the surrounding air.