Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preventing or reducing contamination of a surface of a substrate, or protecting a surface of a substrate by making a surface of a substrate hydrophilic, by means of arranging, successively in relation to the substrate, a first layer containing a negatively-charged substance, and a second layer containing a positively-charged substance or containing a positively-charged substance and a negatively-charged substance on the surface of the substrate or in a surface layer of the substrate. In accordance with the present invention, a novel method for preventing or reducing adhesion of contaminants, and color degradation or color change of a substrate over time, can be provided.

Abstract: The toothbrush sanitizer is a small device that can sanitize the head of a toothbrush, and includes a small steam chamber that is accessibly via sealed opening. The sealed opening is adjacent the small chamber and includes a rubber seal that opens upon entrance of a toothbrush head therein. A heating element is positioned between a water reservoir and the small chamber. The heating element is responsible for forming steam and directing said steam onto the toothbrush head located in the small steam chamber. The toothbrush sanitizer is powered by batteries or includes an electrical plug that extends from a rear surface to plug the device into an electrical outlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of improved toilet dispensing devices for use in conjunction with a sanitary appliance particularly a toilet, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: A contaminate control device for filtering contaminates from a gas such as air is provided. The device includes a housing having a first inlet and a first outlet. An axial flow filter is fluidly coupled between the first inlet and the first outlet, the axial flow filter has a second inlet and a second outlet. A second filter disposed about the axial flow filter and is fluidly coupled between the first inlet and the first outlet, the second filter having a third inlet on an inner diameter and a third outlet disposed on an outer diameter. A flow restrictor is fluidly coupled between the second inlet and the first inlet.

Abstract: A muddler comprises an elongated member that ends in a head with spikes for crushing fruit pieces or other flavor ingredients. In a reverse mode, the muddler can be used as an ice crusher. Optional side located stirring ribs or formations may be provided to facilitate stirring. A handle comprises an elongated member that ends in a head with a tool interface or working face for performing kitchen or culinary work or work on wood, metal or the like. The head can be removed from the elongated member, and different heads in a set applied with the handle. There can be a finger grip portion at the top to facilitate handling and turning and manipulation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method, process and apparatus for disinfecting and sterilizing all types of surfaces contaminated with microorganisms and toxic substances to render both inactive. Furthermore, this invention relates to both a method and apparatus for disinfecting and/or sterilizing breathable air and then using this air to protect a confined space from external contamination. The apparatus consists of a new ultra-violet (NUV) source that is more effective than mercury based 254 nm light for destroying DNA of virus, bacteria, spores and cists. It is most effective in breaking chemical bonds in toxic gases and Biotoxins that are useful to terrorists. It is combined with other apparatus that remove particulates and byproducts sometimes produced by the NUV source and maintains positive pressure of the confined space so as to prevent the influx of air from outside the protected zone.

Abstract: A beverage container for mixing a beverage is disclosed. The beverage container includes a cup having a stirring flap integral to an internal side wall of the cup. The stifling flap has a sine wave shape and comprises a top fin protruding near the top of the internal wall and a bottom fin protruding near the bottom of the internal wall of the cup. The top fin and the bottom fin are separated by a central portion. The cup is swirled in a circular motion by a person's hand to mix the liquid contained within. The central portion allows liquid to pass freely through the middle of the cup to gain momentum when the cup is swirled. The bottom fin has the shape of a lower case letter ‘h’, to allow solid material gathered in the bottom of the cup to pass underneath the bottom fin and mix with liquid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device and method of controlling the phase separation of one or a mixture of two or more spider silk proteins, leading to the defined and controllable assembly of the said silk protein(s) to defined morphologies, such as spheres, nano fibrils, threads, etc.

Abstract: A rotary throttle assembly is disclosed for operating a power unit such as an engine or a motor in either a first power setting or a second power setting. The rotary throttle assembly may be used in a concrete vibrator to operate the vibrator in either an idle power setting or a desired power setting. The throttle assembly includes a rotatable throttle handle, a linkage mechanism contained in a casing, and means for urging the throttle assembly selectively to adopt a first position or a second position.

Abstract: A Rotary thermal processor for particulate materials has a rotating drum and a rotating hollow auger. A stationary cylindrical oven with stationary coils surrounds the rotating drum. Hot gas heats a first part of the oven, coil and drum. A rotating hollow auger is heated with hot fluid from the coils. Oven exhaust sweeps evaporated and volatized components of the treated materials to separators and a thermal oxidizer. Cleaned gas from the thermal oxidizer heats a second part of the oven coil and drum and exits a stack. The rotating drum and auger lifts and turns the treated material as it is advanced by the auger.

Abstract: In an air mixing arrangement wherein a primary fluid is introduced through an opening in a wall to be mixed with a secondary fluid flowing along the wall surface, the opening is airfoil shaped with its leading edge being orientated at an attack angle with respect to the secondary fluid flow stream to enhance penetration and dispersion of the primary fluid stream into the secondary fluid stream. The airfoil shaped opening is selectively positioned such that its angle of attack provides the desired lift to optimize the mixing of the two streams for the particular application. Embodiments of the arrangement can comprise a collar around the openings, multiple openings that comprise a larger opening and a smaller opening positioned downstream, pairs of openings and associated collars symmetric relationship, and nozzles on the inner side of the wall.

Abstract: Novel dispenser means are provided for mixing and dispensing two-part curable compositions wherein the mixer elements are isolated from the curable components.

Abstract: A device for mixing and applying mixed material, in particular medical cement, comprising a cartridge cylinder, a mixer, a plunger for closing the mixed material cavity and for forcing out the mixed material from the cartridge cylinder, and a latching ring having radially outer and inner hook formations. First counter-hooks on the cartridge cylinder interact with the radially outer hook formations on the latching ring. The plunger has second counter-hooks which interact with the inner hook formation on the latching ring in order to hold the plunger during the mixing, and release the plunger for being displaced at the beginning of the application procedure.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatuses for producing hydrogen peroxide using microchannel technology. An exemplary process for producing hydrogen peroxide comprises flowing feed streams into intimate fluid communication with one another within a process microchannel to form a reactant mixture stream comprising a hydrogen source and an oxygen source such as, without limitation, hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. Thereafter, a catalyst is contacted by the reactant mixture and is operative to convert a majority of the reactant mixture to hydrogen peroxide that is withdrawn via an egressing product stream. During the hydrogen peroxide chemical reaction, exothermic energy is generated and absorbed by the fluid within the microchannel as well as the microchannel itself.

Abstract: A car freshener system includes a portable reservoir seated within the vehicle, a predetermined volume of a liquid air freshening compound housed within the reservoir, and a portable discharge casing disposed within the vehicle with a rotary discharging mechanism housed therein. The discharge casing includes an input port and an output port in fluid communication with the reservoir in such a manner that the liquid air freshening compound is caused to enter through the input port and travels along a unidirectional arcuate path defined along a major interior circumference of the discharge casing prior to exiting through the output port.

Abstract: A blender for blending foodstuff comprising a motor housing that encloses an electric motor and has a first end and a second end. An upper housing is attached to the first end of the motor housing. The motor housing includes a fan driven by the motor controlled by a plurality of switches positioned behind a flexible cover. A transparent base having translucent base feet and an open bottom partially surrounds the motor housing and has a first end. The first end of the base is clamped between the upper housing and the first end of the motor housing to thereby solely suspend the motor housing from the first end of the base. A shroud is positioned partially around the motor within the motor housing. The fan draws air through the open bottom of the base into the second end of the motor housing and then around and outside of the shroud into the open top of the shroud to thereby cool the motor. The air is then directed out through the open side portion of the shroud and then sealingly vented to atmosphere.

Abstract: A mixer for combining ingredients using a composite shaking and tumbling motion. The mixer includes a base carrier rotating about a primary axis and supporting a container carrier assembly having a clamp retaining a container to be mixed. The container carrier assembly is coupled to the base carrier to oscillate in an eccentric manner with respect to the rotating base carrier. The container carrier assembly also rotates with the base carrier rotation. The composite resulting motion includes shaking and tumbling components of the motion to mix the ingredients. The clamp has a first housing portion receiving the container, and a second housing portion movable with respect to the first portion to retain the container. A latch selectively retains the first and second housing portions together in a closed condition.

Abstract: A chemical dispensing system for a water-filled structure, such as, for example, a swimming pool or a spa, having an interchangeable float adjuster.

Abstract: An automated workstation or apparatus for disinfecting an object in a controlled environment is provided. A method for disinfecting an object in a controlled environment is provided.

Abstract: The present application relates to microfluidic devices and related technologies, and to chemical processes using such devices. More specifically, the application discloses a fully automated synthesis of radioactive compounds for imaging, such as by positron emission tomography (PET), in a fast, efficient and compact manner. In particular, this application describe an automated, stand-alone, microfluidic instrument for the multi-step chemical synthesis of radiopharmaceuticals, such as probes for PET and a method of using such instruments.