Abstract: A system and/or method formulates a chemical solution using both volumetric and weight based measurements of components of the chemical solution. The components of the chemical solution include water and at least one other component, which may take any form, such as, without limitation, liquid, solid, powder or gaseous form. Formulation of the chemical solution is administered by combining water with the one or more other components at an output port, from which this combination is dispensed to a solution storage tank. In response to a user's request to formulate a specified amount of the chemical solution, the volume of water provided to the output port is monitored by a flow meter and the weight of the other component(s) provided to the output port is monitored by one or more load cells. Based on such monitoring, appropriate amounts of water and the other component(s) are combined together to formulate the specified amount of the chemical solution in the solution storage tank.

Abstract: A bottle, a system and a method sterilize a liquid. The bottle has an interior to hold the liquid and an ultraviolet light emitting lamp that extends into the interior. A cord may be attached to the bottle so that pulling the cord may power the ultraviolet light emitting lamp and/or charge a battery used to power the ultraviolet light emitting lamp. The bottle may have a status light that indicates that the ultraviolet light emitting lamp may have an amount of power equal to or greater than a threshold value, such as, for example, an amount of power necessary for the ultraviolet light emitting lamp to operate for ninety seconds. The bottle may have a removable lid located opposite to the ultraviolet light emitting lamp.

Abstract: A water treatment device and methods of treating cooling tower water are described. The water treatment device utilizes ultraviolet radiation, a magnetic field, and ozone fortified air to treat cooling tower water, resulting in reduced microbial contamination and reduced alkalinity in cooling tower water. Cooling tower water may consequently be run at higher cycles of concentration while reducing or eliminating deposition of minerals on cooling tower components.

Abstract: A bottle, a system and a method sterilize a liquid. The bottle has an interior to hold the liquid and an ultraviolet light emitting lamp that extends into the interior. A cord may be attached to the bottle so that pulling the cord may power the ultraviolet light emitting lamp and/or charge a battery used to power the ultraviolet light emitting lamp. The bottle may have a status light that indicates that the ultraviolet light emitting lamp may have an amount of power equal to or greater than a threshold value, such as, for example, an amount of power necessary for the ultraviolet light emitting lamp to operate for ninety seconds. The bottle may have a removable lid located opposite to the ultraviolet light emitting lamp.

Abstract: This ozone appliance for the professional dental office and other medical applications introduces dissolved ozone into dental and surgical operatory water lines. This dissolved ozone can not only disinfect water and water lines; it can also reduce gum bleeding, gingivitis, bad breath, teeth stains and oral bacteria. Additionally, it can aid in wound disinfection in surgery and attack microbial contamination of water from dental and surgical operatory water lines and attached hand pieces and dispensing devices by automatically killing waterborne germs and destroying biofilms where germs can hide and grow. It can, therefore, be used to disinfect water lines in dental operations and for other medical applications such as providing liquid containing ozone for cleaning and disinfecting skin prior to surgery (and tissue exposed during surgery). Further, a unit connected to operatory water lines can give an audible or other alarm if the water becomes unsafe.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a cleaning agent that contains surfactants and has a pH value of at least 11 when diluted in an aqueous solution and ready for use. Said cleaning agent is used to destabilize prions during mechanical and manual cleaning and/or disinfection of medical and/or surgical instruments and appliances. It has been recognized that this combination enables a reliable destabilization of prions during the mechanical reconditioning of surgical instruments.

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 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 lamp assembly comprising one or more lamp clusters. Each lamp cluster comprises one or more electrodeless UV lamps which are excited by microwaves emitted from a microwave generator. The microwave generator and power supply are enclosed within a housing that is integral with the lamp clusters. The lamp clusters are wholly surrounded by a waveguide. The waveguide, comprising a flange and a distal end cap connected by a mesh, forms an enclosure. The waveguide is essentially UV transparent to allow UV light to pass through but effectively opaque to microwaves in order to substantially contain the microwaves within the waveguide enclosure.

Abstract: A method of inactivating microorganisms such as viruses within a fluid such as a biological fluid is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a UV reactor, which may take the form of an elongated generally annular reaction chamber surrounding at least one elongated UV lamp, moving the fluid within the reaction chamber in a primary flow directed along the length of the UV lamp, and inducing a circulating secondary flow within the fluid with the secondary flow being superimposed on the primary flow. As the fluid moves through the reaction chamber in the primary flow, it is circulated repeatedly toward and away from the UV lamp in the circulating secondary flow to provide uniform and controllable exposure of the entire volume of fluid to ultraviolet radiation. Microorganisms such as viruses are thus inactivated while desirable components in the fluid, such as proteins, are preserved without the use of a free radical scavenger.

Abstract: In a reaction chamber, which constitutes a component of a process installation for obtaining foodstuffs or foodstuff components, biological products in harvested form that are whole or in pieces are subjected to pulsed electric fields as they pass through said reaction chamber, said electric fields forming pores in the cell walls so as to irreversibly open the latter, thus making the content of the cells more easily accessible. This is achieved by electrode groups, which can be energized to a high voltage and are located in the wall of a longitudinal passage of the reactor through which the process material is moved past grounded electrodes located in an opposing longitudinal wall area. Each electrode group is connected to an electric energy accumulator such as for example, a Marx generator, by means of a switch, in order to rapidly establish electric fields of multiple directions between the charged and the grounded electrodes.

Abstract: Described is a reactor for irradiating ultraviolet light into a fluid reaction medium (3). The reactor consists of at least one housing (15) which encloses a tubular cavity, with a radiation source (1) for generating ultraviolet light and an inner tube (2) which, together with the housing (15), forms an irradiation chamber (26) which, in particular, is of annular shape, the irradiation chamber (26) being connected at least with an inlet (13) and an outlet (14) for the reaction medium (3) and is perfused by reaction medium (3) in the longitudinal direction of the tube (2), the irradiation chamber (26) being equipped with means (6, 25) for generating an additional radial flow routing of the reaction medium (3).

Abstract: Described are a method of killing microorganisms in aqueous industrial systems or products for industrial applications based on water by adding from 0.001 to 5% by weight of a water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer containing from 30 to 100 mol % of styrenesulfonic acid, from 0 to 40 mol % of an N-vinyllactam and/or N-vinylamine, and from 0 to 30 mol % of further free-radically polymerizable monomers as biocidal additive, and a method of protecting articles by applying an antimicrobial aqueous composition comprising such an additive.

Abstract: Apparatus for sterilizing, pasteurizing, and/or disinfecting a pumpable or free-flowing medium includes at least one heating source, a temperature holding device which is monitored by means of a thermal sensor, and an outlet. The pressure required for the treatment is maintained within the temperature holding device by at least one unit conveying member in opposition to a resistance pressure. Two conduit branches are connected to a conduit located downstream of the temperature holding device. A restriction member and a shut-off member are disposed in each of the two conduit branches, with one conduit branch extending to the outlet while the other conduit branch leads to the feed conduit upstream from the heating source as a return conduit. The restriction member is hereby part of a heat exchanger which guides medium from the temperature holding device in counterflow to a flow of medium to the heating source.

Abstract: A biological fluid disposal system having a water flow line, a biological fluid line in fluid communication with the water flow line, a disinfectant line in fluid communication with the water flow line and the biological fluid line, and a venturi connected to one of the lines for creating a suction force so as to draw a biological fluid and a disinfectant in mixed relationship through the water flow line. The venturi includes a source of water pressure connected to the water flow line such that the water flow across an opening of either the biological fluid line and disinfectant line creates the suction force. The disinfectant line is connected to the biological fluid line between the water flow line and source of biological fluid.

Abstract: Vessels, or housings, and covers therefor are detailed herein. Loads and load-bearing surfaces exist principally at the periphery of the covers, by contrast with centralized loading utilized in other designs. In some versions of the vessels, a cover is sandwiched, at its periphery, between a cap assembly formed of both a jack ring and an upper component or cap and thus carried on and off the associated vessel when the cap is placed onto or removed from the vessel, respectively.

Abstract: There is described an ultraviolet light source comprising an ultraviolet bulb, a pulsed microwave energy source for exciting said ultraviolet bulb and an enclosure for enclosing the ultraviolet lamp, the enclosure comprising an optically transparent waveguide. The optically transparent waveguide wholly surrounds the bulb. The ultraviolet light source is particularly suitable for use in the sterilisation of substances; the promotion of photochemical reactions; and the promotion of molecular dissociation in liquids.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to new and improved solutions for packaging contact lenses and to methods for treating contact lenses with such solutions to improve the comfort of the lenses during wear. In particular, the present invention is directed to packing solutions comprising certain non-ionic surfactants containing a poly(oxyalkylene) copolymer and having a molecular weight of 4000 to 30,000. Such surfactants are retained on the surface of an unused lens for extended periods of time, resulting in surface modification that persists in the eye, thereby providing significant improvement in the wetting properties of fresh contact lenses used for the first time and, moreover, even several hours after lens insertion, preventing dryness and improving lubricity.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for low temperature processing and high temperature sterilization comprising a halogenated heat-transfer fluid. The apparatus comprises an expansion device which may optionally comprise a membrane. Another embodiment of the present invention is a method therefor.

Abstract: A hand-held water purification system includes an outwardly-extending pen-light sized configuration of solid state devices, such as, UV-light emitting diodes, that emit ultraviolet light in the germicidal range. The system operates to turn on the solid state devices under the control of one or more switches that are, in turn, under the control of a liquid-level sensor that senses when the configuration is immersed in the water. The system may also include a timing circuit that turns the solid state devices off a predetermined time after they are turned on. In one embodiment, a battery powers the various components of the system. In an alternative embodiment, the system power is provided by a base that plugs into a conventional power outlet. The base includes a converter that converts the signal provided through the power outlet to a signal that is appropriate to power the components.

Abstract: A method of washing, microbially decontaminating, and rinsing of a lumened device (B), such as an endoscope includes positioning the device in a chamber (12) of an automated processor (A). Spray nozzles (102, 104, 106, 108, 110) within the chamber sequentially spray washing, microbial decontaminant, and rinse fluids over the device. Fluid connection ports (150, 152, 154) connect with internal passages (187) of the device for delivering the fluids thereto. Leaking connectors (184) connect the automated processor connection ports with inlet ports (196) of the device and allow a portion of the washing, decontaminant, and rinse solutions to leak from each inlet port. A computer control system (80) controls leak testing, cleaning, decontamination, rinsing, and drying stages of a cycle, which are all carried out within the chamber, obviating the need for human contact with the device during processing.

Abstract: A photochromic material which undergoes a change in appearance when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the UVC band provides a visual indication of the degree of sterilization achieved by a UV emitting device. The photochromic material is placed either on the UV source or in or adjacent the sample being sterilized. The photochromic material is formulated to undergo a certain degree of change in appearance when it has been exposed to a level of UV which corresponds to effective sterilization of the sample being sterilized. An optional reference card bears a color or opacity reference for comparison with the exposed photochromic material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to new and improved solutions for packaging contact lenses and to methods for treating contact lenses with such solutions to improve the comfort of the lenses during wear. In particular, the present invention is directed to packing solutions comprising certain non-ionic surfactants containing a poly(oxyalkylene) copolymer and having a molecular weight of 4000 to 30,000. Such surfactants are retained on the surface of an unused lens for extended periods of time, resulting in surface modification that persists in the eye, thereby providing significant improvement in the wetting properties of fresh contact lenses used for the first time and, moreover, even several hours after lens insertion, preventing dryness and improving lubricity.

Abstract: Microorganisms are destroyed and enzymes can be inactivated in liquids, such as juices for example, by continuously flowing the liquid and continuously flowing pressurized dense CO2 along flow paths which are separated by membrane having minute pores at which the flows contact each other in a nondispersive manner. Pressures in the two flow paths are equalized and the dense CO2 flow is continuously recirculated without depressurization. Contact between the flows can be maximized by using a plurality of parallel hollow fiber porous membranes with one of the flows being directed into the hollow fibers and the other of the flows being directed along exterior surfaces of the fibers. The process does not adversely affect properties of the liquid, such as taste, aroma and nutritional content, as heating of the liquid to a high temperature is unnecessary.

Abstract: A composition of matter and the method of making that provides a low pH acidic composition that is useful for destroying microorganisms that are undesirable and useful for destroying or reducing melanoma on human skin. The composition and method include sulfuric acid combined with distilled water and ammonium sulfate under at least 15 psi pressure in a pressurized container, all of which is heated to approximately 800° F. or more for at least 3 hours. The final cooled mixture is stabilized with 10 percent of the original mixture. The resultant composition is useful for preserving food, such as fresh fish, and for skin treatment of melanoma.

Abstract: A method and device for the filtration and/or purification of fluids water or other solutions containing microbiological contaminants, such as fluids containing including bacteria and/or viruses, where the fluid water is passed through a purification material composed of apatite and absorption media in a fixed binder matrix.

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.

Abstract: A composition of matter and the method of making that provides a low pH acidic composition that is useful for destroying microorganisms that are undesirable and useful for destroying or reducing melanoma on human skin. The composition and method include sulfuric acid combined with distilled water and ammonium sulfate under at least 15 psi pressure in a pressurized container, all of which is heated to around 1200.degree. F. for at least 3 hours. The final cooled mixture is stabilized with 10 percent of the original mixture. The resultant composition is useful for preserving food, such as fresh fish, and for skin treatment of melanoma.

Abstract: It is the object of the present invention to provide utensils for table use or cooking use, which can easily improve the taste of food and drink and make them tasty without using particular energy in a short time. The utensils for table use or cooking use according to the present invention have their surface coated with a film of titanium oxide; when they are exposed to sunrays, an electric light or the like, electrons and positive holes are formed on the film of titanium oxide on the surface thereof according to photocatalytic reaction, whose strong oxidation-reaction decomposes residual chlorine and organic compounds dissolved in water to remove the odor of chlorine and the odor of mold and makes clusters of water in food and drink small to improve the taste of food and drink and to make them tasty.

Abstract: A hand-held water purification system includes a pen-light sized ultraviolet lamp that is enclosed in a quartz cover and is powered by a battery and associated ballast circuitry. The battery and ballast circuitry are connected to the lamp by switches that are under the control of a liquid-level sensor. The sensor connects the battery, the ballast circuitry and the lamp once the sensor determines that the ultraviolet lamp is fully immersed in the water. If the container that holds the water is relatively large, the lamp and quartz cover end of the system are used to stir the water, to ensure that all of the water comes sufficiently close to the ultraviolet lamp.

Abstract: In the process for the ozone treatment of hot water in the hot water supply system of a building for the purpose of disinfection of the water, the hot water is led into a treatment tank (3). Here the pressure is reduced to a level below that in the pipes of the hot water supply system, an ozone-containing gas being continually introduced into the water, which gas passes through the water in the form of bubbles, the ozone being given up to the water. The remaining gas subsequently undergoes transition to a gaseous state in the upper part of the tank, from which the gas is drawn off. The treated water is then fed into the hot water supply system of the building, the pressure being restored by means of at least one pump to the level of the operating pressure within the hot water supply system. The method can be used to remove harmful micro-organisms such as legionella pneumophila from hot water systems without raising the temperature to around 70.degree. C.

Abstract: A germicidal water cleansing apparatus having an ellipsoid chamber which contains UV lamps along the major axis of the ellipsoid. Each of the ends of the ellipsoid has an opening to allow the entry and exit of a liquid. The chamber is formed from an ultraviolet reflective material such as spun aluminum to allow uniform dispersion of the ultraviolet radiation throughout the chamber. The liquid is drawn through the chamber at a rate to assure a high kill rate of microorganisms present in the liquid.

Abstract: A microwave-heatable pressure reactor is provided for continuous or discontinuous treatment of liquid. The liquid is conveyed by means of a high-pressure pump in a pipeline which extends into a microwave-heatable zone of the pressure container into which it finally lets out through the free opening with a volume of pipe sufficient for the treatment of a desired quantity of liquid.

Abstract: A countertop decontamination unit (A) has a decontamination chamber (10) for receiving a tray or module (C) which contains items to be sterilized, disinfected, or otherwise microbially decontaminated. The tray or walls of the decontamination chamber itself provide fluid outlets from which an anti-microbial solution is conveyed through tubing (76) to fittings (78). A pump (20) recirculates the anti-microbial fluid. The fittings include a porous sleeve (80, 92) which is received in firm frictional connection with an annular surface of a bore, nipple, or coupler mechanism of the item (86) to be sterilized. The porous sleeve is preferably elastomeric when used for frictional interconnections, but may be rigid when used with threaded or other standardized connectors. The porous sleeve has a porosity of 3 microns or more, sufficient that the anti-microbial fluid penetrates through the porous portion and contacts the immediately contiguous and abutting annular surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for exposing a liquid to bactericidal radiation is disclosed. The apparatus includes a source of ultra-violet radiation and a non-opaque housing enclosing the source of ultra-violet radiation to prevent exposure of the source to the liquid and permit exposure of the liquid to the radiation. Channels conforming to the shape of the housing are provided. Projections are formed in the channels to induce turbulent plug flow such that when the apparatus is inserted into a flow of liquid to be treated, the channels act to confine and direct liquid about the housing and the projections act to establish a continuous, cyclical flow in the channels between the housing and the channel walls to ensure exposure of the liquid to a lethal dose of the ultra-violet radiation of the source. Methods utilizing the apparatus for exposing a liquid to bactericidal radiation are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for sterilizing and transporting medical implements (52). A rectangular, cabinet-like, support structure (12) surrounds a self-contained sterilization system generally defined by a storage rack (58), a container-like collection vessel (34) and a tube-like fluid transport line (42). Storage rack (58) includes wet wells (46a) and dry wells (46b). Wet wells (46a) are filled with sterilization fluid, and medical implements (52) are immersed therein. Following sterilization, medical implements (52) are placed in dry wells (46b), for storage. Subsequently, the used sterilization fluid in wet wells (46a) can be drained through fluid transport line (42) into collection vessel (34). The apparatus (10) is transportable for easily sterilizing medical implements (52) at different locations.

Abstract: Apparatus for heating and thermal decontaminating, e.g. sterilizing, pasteurizing and/or disinfecting, pumpable or pourable material, includes a microwave unit forming a treatment chamber for receiving the material transported along a passageway and for subjecting the material to microwave radiation. Two pumps are respectively situated upstream and downstream of the treatment chamber, with a pressure sensor being arranged between the pumps for generating a a signal commensurate with the pressure in the passageway between the pumps. The signal is transmitted from the pressure sensor to a control unit which is operatively connected to both pumps.

Abstract: A sanitizing, cleaning and deodorizing unit for evacuation system filter traps of the type used in dental evacuation suction systems comprises a housing bounded by a side wall having openings that provide fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere and a body of sanitizing, cleaning and deodorizing material situated in the interior space of the housing. The material-containing housing is situated in a conventional filter trap comprising a cup-shaped unit comprising a mesh screen bottom wall. As waste material is suctioned into the filter trap, it passes through openings in the side wall of the unit housing into contact with the body of sanitizing, cleaning and deodorizing material which releases upon contact.

Abstract: An ultrapure water treatment system is provided by the present invention. e system comprises a housing, a water supply means including a water inlet and a water outlet communicating with the housing and defining a path of travel of the water from said inlet to said outlet, irradiation means for irradiating water with 185 nm UV light positioned within the housing, and a catalytic filter positioned in the path of travel of the water. The catalytic filter comprises a non-polymeric porous material having a photoactive catalyst thereon. Exemplary photoactive catalysts include TiO.sub.2, ZnO, WO.sub.3, SnO.sub.2, CU.sub.2 O, and CdSe.

Abstract: Contaminants in an aqueous stream are oxidized with minimal use of an added oxidant by diffusing the oxidant through a fixed porous element followed by cyclical photolytic treatment of the stream with at least two different wavelengths of light. The porous element is preferably formed in one piece of a durable sintered ceramic material. The photolytic treatment preferably involves the sequential use of ultraviolet light having two different wavelengths, by which complementary oxidizing reactions occur within the stream being decontaminated.

Abstract: The method includes the steps of: preheating a selected volume of product to a temperature proximate to the maximum temperature of the treatment; irradiating the product with an alternating electromagnetic field in order to heat the product to approximately 50.degree. C.; maintaining the product at a substantially constant temperature for a set time; cooling the product to a temperature close to the packaging temperature. An apparatus for performing the above method includes a pair of facing emitting surfaces connected to the terminals of an oscillator operating below 1 GHz and set to heat the product to a maximum temperature of approximately 50.degree. C. The apparatus also includes a thermally insulated region to maintain the product at the maximum temperature of the treatment for a selected time adapted to ensure the complete destruction of the bacterial and sporal loads.

Abstract: A cleaning and disinfecting apparatus for medical equipment and instruments is provided. The apparatus includes at least one feed line constructed so as to be coupled for the supply of cleansing liquid and at least one outlet line for the discharge of spent cleansing liquid. A transportation and cleaning vessel is further provided which receives the articles to be cleaned and is adapted to be placed in and taken out of the apparatus. The vessel has at least one inlet and at least one outlet, the inlet being adapted to be connected to the feed line and the outlet being adapted for coupling to the discharge line. The inlets and outlets can be closed by non-return flaps on valves which are in closed position when inoperative and are opened by pressurized fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning and testing endoscopes by injecting pressurized air into the sheath and pressurized air and washing liquid into the ducts, and monitoring the same. A washing chamber is provided which contains retractable cages to hold the endoscopes during cleaning and testing. The cages include a coupler for detachably connecting tubes supplying the air and washing liquid to the endoscopes. The cages also have markings for automatically activating the apparatus when a cage containing an endoscope is inserted into the washing chamber.

Abstract: A method for controlling the growth of bacteria and algae in utilitarian bodies of water such as industrial cooling towers, swimming pools and hot tubs is described. The method comprises adding to the water novel trivalent silver compounds. Said compounds are light stable and can be supplied as liquid concentrates which will not precipitate any silver whatsoever from saline waters nor will the concentrates stain skin or discolor surfaces. Said compounds meet the rigid EPA standards of killing 100% of select coliforms within ten minutes and are efficacious at concentrations as low as 1-2 PPM.

Abstract: Divalent silver oxide provides a source for divalent bactericidal silver ions in the presence of persulfate. This oxide is especially effective when applied to water used in industrial cooling towers, hot tubs and swimming pools and conforms to stringent EPA requirements of 100% kills of 100K/cc Streptococcus faecalis within 10 minutes. The oxide also can be used in water with exceptionally high salt content without halide curdy precipitate formation and will not stain the skin of users who may inadvertently be exposed to it.

Abstract: A series of staggered baffles defines a serpentine flow path consisting of a number of segments through the oxidation chamber. Within each segment, a group of high intensity ultraviolet lamps is mounted, and a reagent inlet is provided at the upstream end of each segment, thereby permitting the processing of a liquid containing a hazardous compound through a sequence of chemical reactions carried out in the presence of intense ultraviolet radiation within the various segments of the flow path. Within each segment a different reagent may be used along with a different intensity of ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: A safe, portable apparatus for sterilization of saline or other liquids is provided. There is provided a device for sterilizing and storing liquids comprising a housing, a hollow cyliner formed in the housing having an open first end and a closed second end, a piston sealingly mounted for sliding within the cylinder, the piston and the cylinder thereby forming a closed chamber for receiving the liquid, the chamber provided with a sealable opening for introducing the liquid to the chamber, means for biassing the piston into the cylinder thereby applying pressure to the liquid, means within the housing for heating the liquid, and fluid discharge means for discharging the liquid when sterilized.

Abstract: A purifier for water or air removes, reduces or detoxifies organic pollutants therefrom by causing the fluid to contact a matrix having surfaces with which a fixed anatase (TiO.sub.2) or other photoreactive metal semiconductor material is bonded, in the presence of light of a wavelength that will activate the material.

Abstract: An oxidation chamber for use in the treatment of organically contaminated water and waste liquids includes a lamp seal assembly that accommodates the thermal expansion of an ultraviolet lamp while at the same time protecting the lamp from direct contact with the liquid being treated. The lamp seal assembly facilitates replacement of burned out lamps and cleaning of the protective tube that surrounds the lamp. In another aspect of the invention, a specially designed family of baffles and distributors are provided so that the chamber can accommodate a wide range of flow rates simply by replacing one set of distributors by a different set of distributors.

Abstract: A composition of matter and the method of making that provides a low pH acidic composition that is useful for destroying microorganisms that are undesirable and useful for destroying or reducing melanomas on human skin. The composition and method include sulfuric acid combined with distilled water and ammonium sulfate under at least 15 psi pressure in a pressurized container, all of which is heated to approximately 800° F. or more for at least 3 hours. The final cooled mixture is stabilized with 10 percent of the original mixture. The resultant composition is useful for preserving food, such as fresh fish, and for skin treatment of melanoma and as bactericides, fungicides, or viricides.