Abstract: A movable rack assembly for a washer having a generally rectangular frame. The frame includes a central hub connectable to a fluid source. A plurality of elongated tubular base members extends from the central hub and defines a bottom of the frame. A pair of spaced-apart elongated, tubular side members defines side portions of the frame and a space therebetween. Each of a plurality of spaced-apart transverse members has ends that are connected to one of the side members. The transverse members transverse the space defined between the side members. A rotary spray arm is attached to each of the transverse members. A plurality of corner spray nozzles on the frame directs fluid toward corners of the frame. The bottom members, the side members and the transverse members are fluidly connected with each other and fluidly connect the rotary spray arms and the corner spray nozzles with the central hub.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a portable, vacuum assisted decontamination unit. The invention also relates to a vacuum assisted decontamination process. The decontamination unit may be ruggedized for use in hostile environments such as those that may be anticipated for military applications.

Abstract: A pressure-relief assembly for adjusting pressure within a washing chamber of a washer. The pressure-relief assembly is composed of a housing having an opened upper end and an internal cavity communicating with a washing chamber of a washer. A valve assembly is moveable relative to the opened upper end of the housing between one of two opened positions and a closed position. The valve assembly has a first plate section dimensioned to overlay and cover the opened end of the housing. The first plate section has an opening extending therethrough. A second plate section is dimensioned to overlay the first plate section, the second plate section being moveable relative to the first plate section between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: A vaporizer for generating a vaporized chemical decontaminating agent. The vaporizer includes a primary flow path and a blower for conveying a carrier gas along the primary flow path. A secondary flow path has a first end fluidly connected to the primary flow path at a location upstream of the blower and a second end fluidly connected to the primary flow path at a location downstream of the blower. A heating element is disposed along the secondary flow path. A liquid flow path has a first end fluidly connected to a source of liquid chemical decontaminating agent and a second end fluidly connected to the secondary flow path. The liquid flow path injects the liquid chemical decontaminating agent into the secondary flow path at a location upstream of the heating element. The heating element vaporizes the liquid chemical decontaminating agent to form the vaporized chemical decontaminating agent.

Abstract: A tunnel washer that includes fluid exhaust paths that are optimized to minimize fluid transfer between chambers of the washer and minimize heat loss from each chamber of the washer. The fluid exhaust paths also facilitate uniform vapor evacuation from each chamber of the washer. The tunnel washer also includes spaced-apart double wall curtains for isolating chambers of the tunnel washer to prevent fluid and heat transfer therebetween, and to the exterior of the tunnel washer. The double wall curtains include surfaces that inhibit the curtains from sticking together during operation of the tunnel washer. The tunnel washer also includes an air manifold that provides uniform drying efficiency for articles of varying dimensions.

Abstract: A chemical indicator device for use in detecting exposure to an oxidizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide, comprising a substrate or support upon which is disposed a chemical indicator composition (ink) for detecting an oxidizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide. The chemical indicator composition further comprises an indicator dye that achieves a distinct range of different color changes with clear transitions between colors, upon exposure to different doses of the oxidizing agent, thus allowing for both a qualitative and semi-quantitative assessment of exposure to the agent.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a portable, vacuum assisted decontamination unit. The invention also relates to a vacuum assisted decontamination process. The decontamination unit may be ruggedized for use in hostile environments such as those that may be anticipated for military applications.

Abstract: A vaporizer for generating a vaporized chemical decontaminating agent. The vaporizer includes a primary flow path and a blower for conveying a carrier gas along the primary flow path. A secondary flow path has a first end fluidly connected to the primary flow path at a location upstream of the blower and a second end fluidly connected to the primary flow path at a location downstream of the blower. A heating element is disposed along the secondary flow path. A liquid flow path has a first end fluidly connected to a source of liquid chemical decontaminating agent and a second end fluidly connected to the secondary flow path. The liquid flow path injects the liquid chemical decontaminating agent into the secondary flow path at a location upstream of the heating element. The heating element vaporizes the liquid chemical decontaminating agent to form the vaporized chemical decontaminating agent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optical detection of residual soil on articles (such as medical instruments and equipment), after completion of a washing or a rinsing operation by a washer. A soil detection system provides an indication of soil on the articles by detecting luminescent radiation emanating from the soil in the presence of ambient light.

Abstract: A washer having a plurality of water inlet diffusers, each diffuser connected to a water inlet line for directing the flow of fluid into the washing chamber. The water is directed, i.e., sprayed against the surfaces of the washing chamber to modify (adjust) the temperature of the washing chamber gradually prior to the start of a particular phase of a washing cycle.

Abstract: A tunnel washer that includes fluid exhaust paths that are optimized to minimize fluid transfer between chambers of the washer and minimize heat loss from each chamber of the washer. The fluid exhaust paths also facilitate uniform vapor evacuation from each chamber of the washer. The tunnel washer also includes spaced-apart double wall curtains for isolating chambers of the tunnel washer to prevent fluid and heat transfer therebetween, and to the exterior of the tunnel washer. The double wall curtains include surfaces that inhibit the curtains from sticking together during operation of the tunnel washer. The tunnel washer also includes an air manifold that provides uniform drying efficiency for articles of varying dimensions.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a decontaminant dispenser which may be used as a projectile. The invention also relates to a decontamination process using the decontaminant dispenser. The decontaminant dispenser may be thrown by hand, launched as an artillery shell or the payload for a missile, or dropped by an airplane into the area to be decontaminated. The dispenser may be placed in the area to be decontaminated. The decontaminant dispenser may be ruggedized for use in hostile environments such as those that may be anticipated for military applications.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a decontaminant dispenser which may be used as a projectile. The invention also relates to a decontamination process using the decontaminant dispenser. The decontaminant dispenser may be thrown by hand, launched as an artillery shell or the payload for a missile, or dropped by an airplane into the area to be decontaminated. The dispenser may be placed in the area to be decontaminated. The decontaminant dispenser may be ruggedized for use in hostile environments such as those that may be anticipated for military applications.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a decontaminant dispenser which may be used as a projectile. The invention also relates to a decontamination process using the decontaminant dispenser. The decontaminant dispenser may be thrown by hand, launched as an artillery shell or the payload for a missile, or dropped by an airplane into the area to be decontaminated. The dispenser may be placed in the area to be decontaminated. The decontaminant dispenser may be ruggedized for use in hostile environments such as those that may be anticipated for military applications.

Abstract: A method of decontaminating a surface or liquid which is contaminated with prions includes treating the surface with a composition which includes one or more phenol. Phenols which are particularly effective include p-chloro-m-xylanol, thymol, triclosan, 4-chloro, 3-methylphenol, pentachlorophenol, hexachlorophene, 2,2-methyl-bis(4-chlorophenol), and p-phenylphenol.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a decontamination unit that employs a collapsible decontamination enclosure and a decontaminant air stream generator that uses catalytic discharge. The invention also relates to a decontamination process using the decontamination unit. The decontamination unit may be carried by an individual person, for example, in the form of a backpack. The decontamination unit may be ruggedized for use in hostile environments such as those that may be anticipated for military applications.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a portable decontamination unit. The invention also relates to a decontamination process. The decontamination unit may employ a shipping container for transporting a decontaminant generator and optionally a power generator, and for functioning as a decontamination chamber. The decontamination unit may be ruggedized for use in hostile environments such as those that may be anticipated for military applications.

Abstract: A method of drying articles within a washer comprising: creating an airflow from an upper compartment of a chamber to a lower compartment of the chamber through a gap such that a curtain of air is formed along side walls of the chamber; creating an air flow from the lower compartment to the upper compartment through an opening therebetween wherein a portion of the curtain of air is drawn in a first direction over articles in the lower compartment and a portion of the curtain of air continues along the side walls and is redirected in a second direction over the articles in the lower compartment; heating the air in the upper compartment to a temperature sufficient to vaporize fluid in the chamber; venting a portion of the air in the lower compartment; and introducing clean filtered air into the upper compartment.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a portable decontamination unit. The invention also relates to a decontamination process. The decontamination unit may be ruggedized for use in hostile environments such as those that may be anticipated for military applications.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a portable decontamination unit. The invention also relates to a decontamination process. The decontamination unit may employ a shipping container for transporting a decontaminant generator and optionally a power generator, and for functioning as a decontamination chamber. The decontamination unit may be ruggedized for use in hostile environments such as those that may be anticipated for military applications.