Abstract: A chemical concentration detecting system for determining the relative concentrations of a multiple component chemical solution. The multi-component solution is preferably comprised of an antimicrobial chemical and a base fluid that acts as a diluent for the antimicrobial chemical, or as a vehicle or carrier for the antimicrobial chemical. A capacitor is exposed to the decontamination solution, wherein the decontamination solution acts as the dielectric between the plates of the capacitor. Permittivity of the dielectric is affected by the relative concentrations of the components, and thus a measurement of the capacitance is used to determine the relative concentration levels of the components in the solution.

Abstract: Food products, such as precooked meats, raw meats, and poultry are treated with a decontaminant solution to remove surface microorganism contamination. The decontaminant solution contains peracetic acid at a concentration of from about 100 to 4000 ppm and has broad spectrum activity against a variety of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms, such as Listeria monocytogenes.

Abstract: A pulsed electric field system for inactivation of biological agents on a dielectric sheet material. The pulsed electric field (PEF) system includes a dielectric layer located between an active electrode and a ground electrode, wherein said dielectric layer has a uniform surface profile. A pulsed electric field is provided in a gap between the dielectric layer and the active electrode. A transport assembly moves the dielectric sheet material through the gap. In a preferred embodiment, the system also includes sensors for sensing the position of the dielectric sheet material as it passes through the pulsed electric field.

Abstract: Alkaline and acid cleaning solutions (180, 182), are used sequentially for removing organic and inorganic residues, respectively, from the chamber. The two cleaning solutions are stored in separate storage containers (52, 54) carried by the cart. The alkaline cleaning fluid preferably includes a strong base, such as potassium or sodium hydroxide. The acid cleaning solution includes a strong acid, such as phosphoric acid, which passivates the chamber during the cleaning process. After cleaning is complete, the two cleaning fluids are mixed together to form a neutral or near neutral solution which is disposable in a sanitary sewer system without further treatment.

Abstract: Cooked food products, such as cooked meats, and poultry, are treated with a decontaminant solution to remove surface microorganism contamination. The decontaminant solution contains peracetic acid at a concentration of from about 100 to 4000 ppm and has broad spectrum activity against a variety of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms, such as Listeria monocytogenes.

Abstract: A source of radiation (10,12), particularly a pulsed accelerated electron beam, directs a beam of radiation through an irradiation chamber (14, 50). The irradiation chamber is depleted of oxygen and oxygen containing gases, such as being drawn to a vacuum of 10−1 or greater Torr by a vacuum pump (20, 52). Particulate fluoropolymer material is entrained (36) in substantially oxygen free gas and conveyed through the irradiation chamber. The accelerated electrons break chemical bonds in the fluoropolymer particles and electrostatically charge the particles. Magnetic fields (42, 60) of different polarity rotate the charged particles such that they are irradiated from different sides. The irradiated fluoropolymer particles are cooled (24) and separated (26) from the entraining gas. The entraining gas is recirculated through pneumatic line (34) for a continuous cycle.

Abstract: An optical coupler includes essentially tubular second connecting piece (40). Second fiber end (14) inserts completely through second connecting piece (40) and is held rigidly such second fiber end (14) is set back from second connecting piece end (78) by a preselected distance. First essentially tubular connecting piece (16) is divided axially into first portion (30) into which first fiber end (12) is inserted and held rigidly, and second portion (32) into which second connecting piece (40) is detachably attached. First and second portions (30, 32) are arranged such that first fiber end (12) is coaxial with and in close proximity to second fiber end (14). Preferably, attachment of second and first connecting pieces (40, 16) includes an axially symmetric groove (46) on an outer surface of second connecting piece (40), and an axially symmetric protrusion (24) on an inner surface of second portion (32) which essentially mates with axially symmetric groove (40).

Abstract: A treatment system for treating objects (e.g., medical instruments) with ozone gas. The ozone treatment system includes a treatment tank wherein the objects are exposed to ozone. In a preferred embodiment, the ozone is generated within the treatment tank by exposing an oxygen-containing gas to ultraviolet radiation produced by a laser.

Abstract: A method of irradiating a fibrous organic material comprising the steps of:

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of a fluid medium to inactivate biocontamination using a pulsed electric field (PEF). A fluid medium is pumped through a treatment assembly to treat the fluid medium. A pulse generating system produces input pulses of high voltage that are supplied to the treatment assembly. A pulsed high intensity electric field associated with the input pulses is produced in a treatment assembly. As the fluid medium flows through the treatment assembly, it is exposed to the high intensity electric field, thereby treating the fluid medium. The pulse generating system includes a pulse compressor to reduce the rise time of the high voltage pulses supplied to the treatment assembly, and forming a pulsed electric field in space, without use of an electrode system.

Abstract: A video/data/power quick connect system is provided for use with medical appliance suspension arms. A universal cable bundle (40) extends along a monitor suspension arm (12). A first hub harness (50) adapts the cable bundle (40) for connection to a first associated source (68) of video/data/power signals. A first monitor harness (60) connects a lower end of the cable bundle (40) for connection to a first associated monitor device (34). A second hub harness (50′) and second monitor harness (60′) are provided for adapting the cable bundle (40) for connection to a second source (68) of associated video/data/power signals and a second associated monitor device (34′), respectively.

Abstract: A system for irradiating mail, comprising a device for conveying mail along a predetermined path and a device for irradiating the mail moving along the path with a beam of electrons. An apparatus for chilling the mail is provided along the path. The apparatus exposes the mail to a low-temperature, gaseous fluid created using a cryogenic fluid.

Abstract: A door assembly providing an airtight seal for a chamber. The door assembly includes a link assembly that allows a door to move inward toward a gasket sealing an opening into the chamber.

Abstract: A washer including a plurality of spray jets and nozzles is disposed within a washing chamber for spraying washing and rinsing fluids into the washing chamber. Conduits supply the washing and rinsing fluids to the jets. A sump at the bottom of the washing chamber collects the washing and rinsing fluids sprayed from the jets. A pump re-circulates the washing and rinsing fluids from the sump to the conduits and nozzles. The washer is further comprised of a fluid displacement device centrally disposed within the sump. A fluid displacement device is dimensioned to displace fluid within the sump and to define a generally annular sump chamber surrounding the fluid displacement device that communicates with the pump.

Abstract: A portable cart for use in a washing chamber for organizing and supporting articles to be washed. The cart is comprised of a generally rectangular, open frame structure comprised of a plurality of elongated structural members. A plurality of the structural members have apertures formed therein. Two planar panels are attached to the frame. The panels are spaced apart and have a plurality of apertures formed therethrough. A plurality of elongated rods are attached to and extend between the panels and are attached to the apertures. The rods define article support areas within the frame structure. One or more support elements are mounted through the apertures in the structural members or the panels. The support elements are dimensioned to support articles. Coasters at one end of the frame member allow rolling movement of the frame member.

Abstract: An induction coil (36) generates a magnetic field which induces current in an induction vessel (28). The induction vessel is heated by the current and supplies the heat to a passage (34) within the vessel. A liquid to be vaporized, such as water or hydrogen peroxide solution, is supplied to the passage where it is converted to vapor. The vapor is supplied to a defined area, such as a chamber (14) of a steam or vapor hydrogen peroxide sterilizer (10), where items are microbially decontaminated by the vapor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of a fluid medium to inactivate biocontamination using a pulsed electric field (PEF). A fluid medium is pumped through a treatment assembly to treat the fluid medium. A pulse generating system produces input pulses of high voltage that are supplied to the treatment assembly. A pulsed high intensity electric field associated with the input pulses is produced in a treatment assembly. As the fluid medium flows through the treatment assembly, it is exposed to the high intensity electric field, thereby treating the fluid medium. The pulse generating system includes a pulse compressor to reduce the rise time of the high voltage pulses supplied to the treatment assembly, and forming a pulsed electric field in space, without use of an electrode system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring doses of electron beams that are absorbed by an object subjected to e-beam irradiation. The absorbed dose can be continuously measured during an irradiation process, and adjustment can be made to system parameters in accordance with the measured absorbed dose.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for neutralizing biological and/or chemical warfare agents using an ozone-containing solution. The ozone-containing solution is produced by combining ozone-containing gas with an ozone vehicle, such as an organic solution. The ozone-vehicle prolongs the shelf life of the ozone to allow for extended periods of storage. A storage container is used to store the ozone-containing solution and facilitate its transportation to an environment contaminated by the biological and/or chemical warfare agents, or near a potential site for biological or chemical attack. The ozone-containing solution is drawn out of the storage container to apply it to a contaminated environment.

Abstract: A medical instrument sterilization container (10) is provided which includes a port (18). A removable filter (32) is received within port (18) to enable sterilization of instruments placed within container (10). A removable plug (48) replaces filter (32) to enable container (10) to be used to transport instruments without leaking of fluids therefrom.