Abstract: Der-f and/or Der-p dust mite allergens are deactivated by an amount of one or more of the following deactivants: i) cedarwood oil, ii) hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, iii) aluminium chlorohydrate, iv) 1-propoxy-propanol-2, v) polyquaternium-10 vi) silica gel, vii) propylene glycol alginate, viii) ammonium sulphate, ix) hinokitiol, x) L-ascorbic acid, xi) immobilised tannic acid, xii) chlorohexidine, xiii) maleic anhydride, xiv) hinoki oil, xv) a composite of AgCl and TiO2, xvi) diazolidinyl urea, xvii) 6-isopropyl-m-cresol, xviii) a compound of formula I xix) the compound of formula II xx) a polymeric dialdehyde containing two or more of a recurring unit of the formula III where n=2 to 200, xxi) urea, xxii) cyclodextrin, xxiii) hydrogenated hop oil, xxiv) polyvinylpyrrolidone, xxv) N-methylpyrrolidone, xxvi) the sodium salt of anthraquinone, xxvii) potassium thioglycolate, and xxviii) glutaraldehyde.

Abstract: Diffuse lamellar keratitis or DLK is a recently recognised post-surgical condition involving an inflammation that occurs in laser corneal surgery patients. This condition is typically associated with the LASIK surgical procedure (Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis). The cause is presently unknown. the present invention provides a sterilization apparatus, which may be a retrofitting of the existing sterilizer, which reduces the occurrence of DLK and also methods for maintaining the sterilizer to reduce the occurrence of DLK.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dispensers for active materials, which dispensers employ heat conductive elements to distribute heat from a burning flame at a wick to a simmer plate and to the body of a solid fuel containing the active material, so as to more rapidly liquify the solid fuel, such as paraffin wax, and to more uniformly and intensely heat such fuels to volatilize the active material. The heat conductive elements and simmer plate are configured so as to engage said solid fuel, and to cause the flow of liquified fuel to the wick. The fuel may comprise various active ingredients, such as fragrances, air fresheners, deodorizers, odor eliminators, odor counteractants, insecticides, insect repellants, herbal and medicinal substances, disinfectants, sanitizers, mood enhancers, aroma therapy compositions, and the like, and may be provided in various forms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control system for processing waste. The system controls pressure and temperature in a treatment vessel to provide a more efficient process. A system for shredding the waste in the vessel is used to improve process efficiency and provides a more compact waste product.

Abstract: The invention relates to temperature indicating compositions which display temperature dependent color changes. The invention encompasses temperature indicating compositions, materials, devices and methods of their use. The temperature indicating compositions of the invention are clays that can be used to detect temperature and temperature changes at sub-ambient and particularly sub-zero ° C. temperatures. Temperature of a selected environment can be monitored by placing a temperature-sensitive composition comprising the clay material of this invention in contact with that environment and monitoring the color of the composition.

Abstract: A thermochromic polymer-based temperature indicator composition which comprises a polythiophene and a carrier medium. The composition is characterized in that the polythiophene is present in the medium in an amount of about 0.05 to about 5.0% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. The structure of the compound is designed such that when the composition is placed in a heat-exchange relationship with an article, the composition will exhibit a color change when a design temperature or a temperature beyond the design temperature is reached in the article.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing container interior sterilization in an aseptic processing apparatus. An atomized sterilant is applied to an interior surface of a container such as a bottle. A supply of hot sterile drying air is applied to the interior surface to activate and dry the sterilant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for, and method of, performing various liquid-liquid contacting operations such as solvent extraction, stripping, scrubbing, washing, re-extraction and reacting in a single, integrated column. The ability of the integrated column, which is based on the intermediate decanter, of the present invention, to perform the entire operation of solvent extraction plant in a single column has many technical, economical, ecological and operational safety advantages. Investment costs significantly decrease due to the decrease in the number of columns, decanters, and auxiliary equipment, spare parts, materials inventories and the requisite area for the plant relative to a standard prior art plant. Operating and maintenance costs also decrease due to less pumping between columns and less equipment in operation.

Abstract: The invention is based on the discovery that biological and non-biological materials can be sterilized, decontaminated, or disinfected by repeatedly cycling between relatively high and low pressures. Pressure cycling can be carried out at low, ambient, or elevated temperatures (e.g., from about −40° C. to about 95° C., or intermediate ranges). New methods based on this discovery can have applications in, for example, the preparation of vaccines, the sterilization of blood plasma or serum, plant, animal, and human tissue, sputum, urine, feces, water, and ascites, the decontamination of military devices, food and beverage production, and the disinfection of medical equipment. The new methods can also be incorporated into production processes or research procedures.

Abstract: An irreversible temperature indicating paint comprise 15 to 18 wt % cobalt ammonium phosphate, 5.0 to 6.0 wt % sodium alumino sulpho silicate, 8.5 to 10.5 wt % silica, 7.0 to 8.5 wt % alumina, 0.5 to 0.7 wt % toluidine red, 35 to 43 wt % acrylic resin and 19 to 23 wt % silicone resin excluding solvent. A particular irreversible temperature indicating paint comprising 16.4 wt % cobalt ammonium phosphate, 5.5 wt % sodium alumino sulpho silicate, 9.4 wt % silica, 7.8 wt % alumina, 0.6 wt % toluidine red, 39.1 wt % acrylic resin and 21.1 wt % silicone resin excluding solvent. The irreversible temperature indicating paint has at least six color changes in the temperature range 550° C. to 1250° C. The irreversible temperature indicating paint is used to determine the temperatures to which various parts of turbine blades, turbine vanes or other components are subjected in operation of a gas turbine engine.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for sterilizing biological materials to reduce the level of one or more biological contaminants or pathogens therein, such as viruses, bacteria (including inter- and intracellular bacteria, such as mycoplasmas, ureaplasmas, nanobacteria, chlamydia, rickettsias), yeasts, molds, fungi, single or multicellular parasites, and/or prions or similar agents responsible, alone or in combination, for TSEs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stable, aqueous odor-absorbing solution, for use on inanimate surfaces. The solution comprises from about 0.1% to about 5%, by weight of the solution, of solubilized, water-soluble, uncomplexed cyclodextrin, an effective amount of a solubilized, water-soluble, antimicrobial preservative having a water-solubility of greater than about 0.3%, optional perfume, and an aqueous carrier. The solution is essentially free of any material that would soil or stain fabric and has a pH of greater than about 3. The solution can be incorporated into a spray dispenser to create an article of commerce that can facilitate treatment of articles and/or surfaces with uncomplexed cyclodextrin solutions of a level that is effective yet is not discernible when dried on the surface.

Abstract: “Plug-in” fluid flow diverters are disclosed. Additionally disclosed is water purification equipment adapted to communicate with the diverters. Such equipment is especially (although not solely) useful in connection with circulating streams of water present in systems associated with swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas, as the circulating nature of the water permits more of its volume ultimately to be diverted into the equipment for purification. The diverters, furthermore, may have entrances oriented to receive fluid travelling in only one direction through a conduit and be keyed to one or more components of the equipment for purposes of identification, inventory control, or otherwise.

Abstract: A portable air purifier system and apparatus which includes a multi-element filter pack that is replaceable as a single unit, thus facilitating health safety of maintenance personnel. By serially disposing filter elements in order of descending sizes of particulates, filtering is improved. Selectably includable within the filters are materials that are particularly efficacious in removing contaminants such as acetone, ammonia, ozone, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, ethanol, methane, ethane, methanol, formaldehyde, hydrogen sulfide and other hazardous substances. By including an ultra-violet light source directed onto an activated charcoal layer, germicidal action is facilitated, and noise is abated through the advantageous employment of an expanded plenum and multiple right angle bends in air passageways.

Abstract: An incense device is provided and comprises an elongated incense stick that in one embodiment includes an opening. An ignition device including a head portion and a shaft portion is secured to the incense stick. In another embodiment, an ignition head is secured directly to an end portion of the incense stick.

Abstract: A photocatalyst apparatus includes a substrate; a plurality of photocatalytic fibers, each of the photocatalytic fibers having a core or a sheath covering the core and a plurality of photocatalytic particles dispersed therein; and wherein the photocatalytic fibers are disposed on/in the substrate. Another photocatalyst apparatus includes a substrate having a substantially transparent member and a plurality of light diffusing particles dispersed therein; and a plurality of photocatalytic fibers disposed on/in the substrate, each of the photocatalytic fibers containing a photocatalyst disposed therein/thereon. The photocatalyst apparatus may be applicable to a dental cleaner or toothbrush. A cleaner for cleaning floors, carpets and/or walls, the cleaner includes: a cleaning head including a plurality of brushes containing a photocatalyst disposed hereon/therein; and at least one light source in communication with the photocatalyst. The cleaner may be applicable to a vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing the interior of a diffusion restricted area by introducing a sterilant in a chamber, condensing the vapor, reducing the pressure in the chamber to revaporize the condensed vapor, and maintaining the device in the chamber until the device is sterilized. The sterilant has a vapor pressure less than the vapor pressure of water and is preferably hydrogen peroxide. The pressure in the chamber while maintaining the device in the chamber may be held constant, varied, or increased. Plasma may additionally be introduced into the chamber to improve the rate of sterilization.

Abstract: Stabilized bromine solutions are prepared by combining a bromine source and a stabilizer to form a mixture, and then adding an oxidizer to the mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for sterilization of medical instruments by concentrating a sterilant such as hydrogen peroxide inside of a sterilization chamber and sterilizing articles therewith. The sterilant is concentrated by removing more water from the sterilization chamber than peroxide.

Abstract: An ultraviolet area sterilizer (UVAS) is mobile or stationary. The UVAS is positioned in a room, such an operating room or intensive care unit. Motion detectors sense movement, to assure that personnel have evacuated the space to be sterilized. Subsequently, UV-C generators, such as a bank of mercury bulbs, generate intense levels of UV-C. An array of multiple UV-C sensors scan the room, and determine the darkest area, or the area reflecting the lowest level of UV-C back to the sensors. A BASIC Stamp contained in the device calculates the time required to obtain a bactericidal dose of UV-C reflected back from darkest area. Once a bactericidal dose has been reflected to all the sensors, the unit notifies the operator and shuts down. By relying on reflected doses rather than direct exposure, the UVAS is able to sterilize or sanitize all surfaces within the room that are within view of an exposed wall or ceiling.