Abstract: Abstract of the Disclosure ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Gas generating and releasing articles consisting essentially of a polymer and a gas generating solid dispersed therein are described. The article generates and releases a gas in response to moisture and in the absence of an acid, a polymer that degrades to produce an acid, a compound that generates an acid in response to humidity, a hygroscopic compound, and an oxidant. The article may also generate and release a gas in response to energy.

Abstract: A chlorine dioxide gas producing apparatus has a first reaction component contained therein and a second reaction component contained therein. The first and second reaction components are separated within the apparatus by at least one rupturable membrane. To activate the apparatus, the at least one rupturable membrane is ruptured to permit contact between the first and second reaction components to facilitate a chemical reaction therebetween which produces chlorine dioxide gas. The apparatus is adapted for releasing chlorine dioxide gas produced therein. The apparatus may be placed into an enclosure containing articles to be treated and the enclosure then closed to permit a concentration of chloride dioxide gas produced by the apparatus sufficient to treat the at least one article to fill the enclosure.

Abstract: A chlorine dioxide gas producing apparatus has a first reaction component contained therein and a second reaction component contained therein. The first and second reaction components are separated within the apparatus by at least one rupturable membrane. To activate the apparatus, the at least one rupturable membrane is ruptured to permit contact between the first and second reaction components to facilitate a chemical reaction therebetween which produces chlorine dioxide gas. The apparatus is adapted for releasing chlorine dioxide gas produced therein. The apparatus may be placed into an enclosure containing articles to be treated and the enclosure then closed to permit a concentration of chloride dioxide gas produced by the apparatus sufficient to treat the at least one article to fill the enclosure.

Abstract: A chlorine dioxide gas generating kit includes a gas generating apparatus having a first reaction component contained therein and a second reaction component contained therein. The first and second reaction components are separated within the apparatus by at least one rupturable membrane. To activate the apparatus, the at least one rupturable membrane is ruptured to permit contact between the first and second reaction components to facilitate a chemical reaction therebetween which produces chlorine dioxide gas. The apparatus is adapted for releasing chlorine dioxide gas produced therein. To inhibit the unintended rupturing of the membrane, the kit also includes a substantially rigid receptacle defining an internal cavity sized and shaped for receiving at least a portion of the apparatus to inhibit flexing and bending of the apparatus. Before activating the apparatus, the apparatus is removed from the receptacle.

Abstract: A sterilization system and process is provided which is useful in the chemical sterilization of medical supplies and equipment. The system includes a container having an internal generator of a sterilant such as chlorine dioxide. An internal container activator, such as high humidity or manual manipulation, is provided and stimulates the formation and release of the sterilant. The package includes a first indicator responsive to the release of sterilant and a second indicator which records the passage of a predetermined time interval. The combination of the sterilant indicator and the time interval indicator signals that proper sterilization conditions have been met and that the objects have been suitably sterilized.

Abstract: A chlorine dioxide gas producing apparatus has a first reaction component contained therein and a second reaction component contained therein. The first and second reaction components are separated within the apparatus by at least one rupturable membrane. To activate the apparatus, the at least one rupturable membrane is ruptured to permit contact between the first and second reaction components to facilitate a chemical reaction therebetween which produces chlorine dioxide gas. The apparatus is adapted for releasing chlorine dioxide gas produced therein. The apparatus may be placed into an enclosure containing articles to be treated and the enclosure then closed to permit a concentration of chloride dioxide gas produced by the apparatus sufficient to treat the at least one article to fill the enclosure.

Abstract: A polymeric body covering article that generates and releases gas upon activation by electromagnetic energy and/or moisture. The gas provides antimicrobial and/or antiodor protection to objects in contact or in proximity to the interior surface of the article and/or to objects in contact or in proximity to the exterior surface of the article.

Abstract: A liner for placement in a container holding perishable food products to inhibit decay. The liner is a generally flat mat having a plurality of compartments containing two substances which generate antimicrobial gases. The liner has holes in the mat to facilitate drainage of liquid water past the liner for removal from the container.

Abstract: A particle including anions dispersed throughout an amorohous, paracrystalline or crystalline solid solution, the anions being capable of reacting with hydronioum ions to generated a gas. The particle can be incorporated into a power capable of generating and releasing a gas after hydrolysis of an acid releasing agent.

Abstract: A particle including anions dispersed throughout an amorphous, paracrystalline or crystalline solid solution, the anions being capable of reacting with hydronium ions to generate a gas. The particle can be incorporated into a powder capable of generating and releasing a gas after hydrolysis of an acid releasing agent.

Abstract: A composite for retarding microbiological contamination containing a hydrophobic material containing an acid releasing agent, and a hydrophilic material containing anions that are capable of reacting with hydronium ions to generate a gas. The hydrophilic and hydrophobic materials are adjacent and substantially free of water, and the hydrophilic material is capable of generating and releasing the gas after hydrolysis of the acid releasing agent.

Abstract: A method of retarding bacterial, fungal, and viral contamination and growth of molds on the surface of a material and/or deodorizing the material by treating a surface with a composite which does not release chlorine dioxide in the absence of moisture, and exposing the treated surface to moisture to release chlorine dioxide from the composite into the atmosphere surrounding the material.

Abstract: A powder for sustained release of a gas including a core containing a molecular sieve, and a layer containing an acid releasing agent on an outer surface of the core. The core and the layer are substantially free of water, and the core is capable of generating and releasing a gas after hydrolysis of the acid releasing agent.

Abstract: A composition for retarding bacterial, fungal and viral contamination and mold growth containing an acid releasing polymer, a hydrophilic material, and chlorite anions. Each component of the composition has a particle size of not more than about 1,000 angstroms. The composition is substantially free of water and capable of releasing chlorine dioxide upon hydrolysis of the acid releasing polymer.

Abstract: A powder for sustained release of a gas including a hydrophilic core, a hydrophobic layer on an outer surface of the hydrophilic core, and particles in contact with the hydrophobic layer. The hydrophobic layer contains an acid releasing agent. The particles contain an anhydrous material capable of binding with water. The core, the particles, and the hydrophobic layer are substantially free of water, and the core is capable of generating and releasing a gas after hydrolysis of the acid releasing agent.