Abstract: A process is provided to effectively sterilize and coincidentally tenderize fresh meat and poultry. Bacteria such as salmonella on fresh meat and poultry are effectively killed when exposed to CO.sub.2 gas under pressure in a pressure vessel followed by rapid depressurization. Gas in the pressure vessel preferably is withdrawn to create a vacuum prior to introduction of CO.sub.2 gas.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing the surface of an article contaminated with bacteria and bacterial spores which comprises exposing the surface to an effective amount of a fluorine interhalogen compound sterilizing agent such as gaseous chlorine trifluoride or chloride pentafluoride, or mixtures thereof. The surface to be sterilized can be subjected to a gaseous atmosphere of controlled humidity immediately prior to or during exposure to the gaseous sterilant.

Abstract: A method for chilling carcasses which comprises the steps of introducing a cryogenic fluid into a rotatable drum of a meat tumbler, the drum having inner walls which are cooled by the cryogenic fluid; placing carcasses to be chilled inside the drum; and rotating the drum so that the carcasses contact each other and the inner walls until they are chilled to a sufficient degree. The cryogenic fluid cools the drum to a temperature of approximately 32 .degree. F. A small quantity of water may be introduced into the drum of the tumbler either immediately before or immediately after the introduction of the cryogenic fluid. The water forms an ice layer on the inner walls to prevent the carcasses from sticking to the inner walls. The primary chilling of the carcasses takes place between the tumbling carcasses and the cold inner walls and/or ice layer. The carcasses may also be tumbled in the drum in an inert gas or vacuum atmosphere to massage surface moisture back into the carcasses.

Abstract: A process for the direct fluorination of polymeric resins in which polymeric material capable of being fluorinated is contacted with elemental fluorine and a dense carrier fluid having a critical temperature higher than ambient temperature, a boiling point lower than ambient temperature minus 60 celcius degrees, and a molecular weight greater than the molecular weight of elemental fluorine. The dense carrier fluid preferably has a molecular weight in the range of about 40 to about 200.

Abstract: A metal composition, particularly magnesium or a magnesium alloy is activated for hydrogen storage by a plurality of activation cycles each comprising a step of hydriding the metal composition followed by a dehydriding step; in this way the metal composition is activated for reaction with hydrogen for hydrogen storage, more efficiently and in less time than with prior techniques.

Abstract: A method of curing a wet catalyst-curable resin on a substrate in which the substrate is passed through a treating zone provided by a sealed vapor-curing chamber connected to sealed entrance and exit ante chambers at respective ends. The ante chambers are each separated from the vapor-curing chamber by a wall provided with a passage having height-adjustable means to limit passage of gas. The substrate is passed in turn through the entrance chamber where the boundary layer of air is substantially replaced by inert gas, through the entrance chamber into the vapor-curing chamber where it is exposed to the catalyst vapor, and then through the exit chamber where the curing vapor is removed. When a web provides the substrate, a jet of curing vapor is impinged on the web surface as it enters the vapor-curing chamber at an angle and at a velocity effective substantially to remove the barrier layer of gas and permeate the coating.