Abstract: A process for selectively dehydrating organic matter, and at the same time eliminating insects, larvae and insect eggs that are carried by the organic matter is provided. This process leaves the product free of all toxic chemicals. The process includes the use of selected narrow bands of infrared radiation. Narrow bands of infrared radiation are selected that most efficiently penetrate the product being processed. The color of the product, its physiological properties such as oil, sugar and water content are factors considered in the selection of the vacuum, temperature, and time of the process. The process is performed in a vacuum which reduces the vapor point of the target water or solvent contained in the product being processed and permits the process to be performed at a temperature that does not harm the product.

Abstract: A sterilizer supplies liquid over an object and then irradiates far-infrared radiation to the object. The object is fully sterilized since the supplied liquid well absorb far-infrared radiation with sterilizing effect.

Abstract: A sterilizable silicone mat (10) includes a repeating S shaped rib structure (38) on the bottom surface (28) that aligns the mat (10) with steam apertures (20) in a support tray (12) and facilitates maximum steam penetration and optimum water drainage while reducing condensate. The mat body (26) includes a top surface (24) and a bottom surface (28) and a plurality of steam penetration holes or apertures (40). Each steam penetration hole (40) is surrounded by four instrument supporting finger-like structures (30) located on the top surface (24) of the mat (10). The four fingers (30) that surround each steam penetration hole (40) are located at 90 degrees with respect to each other. A plurality of S shaped rib structures (38) are located on the bottom surface (28) of the mat (10). Each S shaped rib (38) separates two adjacent steam holes (46) and includes a nub (42) at the distal ends of each S shaped rib (38) for engaging some of the steam penetration holes (20) in the bottom (18) of the tray (12).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for deodorizing the pungent airflow exhausted by a vacuum pump system while evacuating foul smelling liquids or liquid-solid mixtures from a holding tank such as a septic tank or a grease trap. A manifold is connected to the vacuum pump to receive the airflow exhausted by the vacuum pump. At least one nozzle is attached to the manifold so that a distal end of the nozzle extends into the airflow passing through the manifold. A reservoir supplies a concentrated liquid deodorizer to the nozzle during operation of the vacuum pump. The liquid deodorizer is dispersed by the distal end of the nozzle and mixes with the airflow within the manifold to deodorize the airflow before the airflow is exhausted to the ambient atmosphere. The distal end of the nozzle which extends into the airflow is tapered to substantially atomize the liquid deodorizer and enhance the mixture of the liquid deodorizer with the airflow.

Abstract: A container for institutional detergents, preferably tablets, includes a rigid large screened base and a flexible plastic film sidewall heat bonded to the peripheral surface of the base. The container is filled, preferably from its top portion, with tableted detergent and closed with a single heat seal along the top surface of the wall of the container. The screen surface is then closed with a removable, peel-off seal or removable cap. The upper portion of the container will include a handle which makes it easy to transport the container and place it into a dispenser for use. In use, a water nozzle will spray upwards onto the surface of the screen base through the holes in the screen, dissolving detergent and allowing the solution to pass downwardly to a drain, which directs it to a ware washing apparatus.