Abstract: Methods for reducing external and internal contamination of shell eggs by utilizing gaseous ozone applied under mild pressure, alone or in combination with UV-light for external contaminants and gaseous ozone under mild pressure, a mix of carbon dioxide and gaseous ozone, heat, vacuum, or combinations thereof for internal contaminants.

Abstract: An apparatus for hanging items from a fireplace mantel or other elevated surface. The apparatus includes an elongated bar having a front edge and a rear edge, and at least one hook body detachably connected to the front edge of the elongated bar. Preferably, the elongated bar is manufactured from steel, iron, or another suitably heavy material. Each hook body includes a threaded end which may be screwed into the front edge of said elongated bar, as well as a hooked end from which various items seasonal may be hung.

Abstract: A structurally reinforced, durable baking tray for use in high-volume industrial baking applications. The baking tray of the present invention includes a baking surface, the perimeter of which is encircled by a band of material that is partially rolled down and away from the baking surface to define the outer edge of the tray. At least one lengthwise support rib is formed in the baking surface and connects with the band of material at both ends of the baking tray. At least one widthwise support rib is also formed in the baking surface. This widthwise rib intersects the lengthwise support rib and connects with the band of material on both sides of said baking tray. The intersecting support ribs pass completely through the length and width of the baking tray and join with the band of material encircling the baking surface, thereby conferring structural stability, rigidity, and durability to the tray.

Abstract: Color-forming compositions comprising (i) a solvent absorbing material such as a polymer; (ii) a color-former or chelating agent compounded with the solvent absorbing material; and (iii) a source of metal ions, whereby the metal ions complex with the color former as the solvent absorbing material absorbs the solvent, resulting in a detectable color change of the solvent absorbing material. Both reversible and irreversible versions of these color-forming compositions are provided.

Abstract: A portable explosives disrupter for de-arming improvised explosive devices includes a barrel for housing a projectile, a mechanism for firing the projectile from the barrel, a breech which may be adapted to house a variety of firing mechanisms, a light-weight, semi-rigid, three-dimensionally flexible, recoil-absorbing system for orienting the device in relation to a target and minimizing the effects of recoil on the accuracy of the device, and a means for accurately aiming the explosives disrupter at a target. Three different firing mechanisms are provided, the first employing a firing pin and shock tubing, the second employing a metal sphere and shock tubing, and the third employing a firing piston and a source of compressed air.

Abstract: An integrated, automated system for terminating an optical fiber with an optical connector which includes a process for preparing adhesive for injection into an optical connector, an apparatus and process for injecting adhesive into an optical connector, an apparatus for inserting a fiber optic cable into an optical connector, and a process for curing an adhesive following insertion of optical fiber into the optical connector. Devices and methods that utilize vibratory or wave energy throughout the assembly process are also provided, as are feedback modules that enhance the accuracy and efficiency of the system.

Abstract: A portable explosives disrupter for de-arming improvised explosive devices includes a barrel for housing a projectile, a mechanism for firing the projectile from the barrel, a breech which may be adapted to house a variety of firing mechanisms, a semi-rigid, flexible support system for orienting the device in relation to a target and minimizing the effects of recoil on the accuracy of the device, and a means for accurately aiming the explosives disrupter at a target. Three different firing mechanisms are provided, the first employing a firing pin and shock tubing, the second employing a metal sphere and shock tubing, and the third employing a firing piston and a source of compressed air.

Abstract: A continuous cleaning system to prevent clogging of screens in screening machines used to sort materials such as aggregates, such system comprising positioning a cleaning device such as a chain in line with the length of and on top of, a screen to be cleaned, and then using a motor assembly to rotate said cleaning device thereby moving it back and forth across the top of said screen, so that substantially the entire area of the top of said screen comes in contact with said rotating cleaning device, which taps or otherwise contacts the surface of said screen as it moves back and forth across the top of a screen deck, thereby dislodging any dust or other material that might otherwise clog or block the openings in said screen. In a preferred embodiment, a motor rotates the cleaning device which has the effect of driving it back and forth along a tight cable on which said pulley travels. The speed, power, and direction of the motor is subject to controls which may be easily set by an operator.

Abstract: A low-cost, portable filtration system for supplying collective protection to a single room inside a residential or commercial building which includes an air-impermeable panel, a filtration assembly for removing airborne biological or chemical agents mounted within the impermeable panel, and an adjustable frame, adapted to be mounted in an opening to the enclosure, for supporting the impermeable panel and the filtration assembly. The filtration assembly includes at least one filtration unit and a blower mounted either upstream or downstream from the filtration unit as well as a pressure gauge for measuring the pressure differential across the impermeable panel after the system is installed, and a control module for controlling the speed of the blower. The individual components of this invention are packaged as a portable kit and may be rapidly assembled and installed in the event of biological or chemical airborne contamination of the interior of a building.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained, fully integrated water purification device which includes a receptacle modified to accommodate a filtration assembly for purifying water, and to store water following purification. The receptacle provides separate openings for water intake, and water outflow. The filtration assembly includes a pump and a multistage filter cartridge. Pump action draws water into the water purification device and forces the water through the multistage filter and into the receptacle. Purified water may be stored in the receptacle until consumption.