Abstract: This invention relates to formulations and methods for preserving sensitive biologicals, viruses, bacteria and eukaryotic cells by drying. More particularly, the invention relates to preservation mixtures containing viruses or cells and protectants, including a combination of a methylated monosaccharide and a disaccharide, or oligosaccharide, wherein the mixtures are adapted to stabilize these during dehydration and subsequent storage at ambient and higher temperature.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for sanitizing perishable goods by mixing the goods with sanitizing fluid for a suitable period of time followed by separating the fluid and substantially neutralizing any residual sanitizing agent left in the goods. In one instance, the sanitizing agent includes ozone and water, therefore separation of the ozonated water advantageously proceeds with a squeezing effect to more adequately remove the ozonated water from the goods.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for scale inhibition using random copolymers of acrylic acid and a monomer that is hydrophobic.

Abstract: A new method of producing liposomes is described using an in-line mixing system. The liposomes produced by this method find utility in numerous therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and a method for improving the delivery of volatiles from a burning candle by providing a stabilized laminar gas flow adjacent a volatile-containing molten pool, ensuring an enlarged molten pool by close regulation of thermal transfer between a monolithic candle mass and the surrounding atmosphere, and minimizing volatile loss through unregulated thermal gradients.

Abstract: An incense burner is provided with an upper compartment comprising a bottom, surrounding side wall structure, and an open top. An array of openings is provided in the bottom that permits air to move upwardly through the bottom into a burning chamber defined above the bottom and interiorally of the surrounding side wall structure. A series of legs extends downwardly from the bottom to where they join a base. An open space is defined between the bottom and the base. In addition, there is provided a series of side openings that are formed between the bottom and the base, and between the respective legs. This enables air to move inwardly through the side openings into the space between the bottom and the base, and therefrom upwardly through the array of openings in the bottom into the burning chamber of the incense burner.

Abstract: An air-purifying cap comprises a main body and an anion generator. The main body has a groove at the front cap edge to accommodate the anion generator. The anion generator is a box incorporating a high voltage circuit and a battery, or a box attached with a solar energy collecting plate, so the battery or the solar energy plate can supply DC power to high voltage circuit and allow the internal discharge electrode for high voltage discharge to produce huge amount of anions that output from the box bottom. The released anions will decompose airborne virus and purify the air quality for human respiratory system. It provides an instant measure to effectively inhibit the spreading virus.

Abstract: A sterilization system applies power to a plasma within a chamber to remove gas or vapor species from an article. The sterilization system includes a power feedback control system for controlling the power applied to the plasma. The power feedback control system includes a current monitor adapted to produce a first signal indicative of a current applied to the plasma within the chamber. The power feedback control system further includes a voltage monitor adapted to produce a second signal indicative of a voltage applied to the plasma within the chamber. The power feedback control system further includes a power control module comprising a programmable digital signal processor. The digital signal processor is adapted to receive and process the first signal and the second signal by multiplying the current and the voltage and producing a third signal indicative of the product of the current and the voltage.

Abstract: An artificial flower includes a hollow stem and a flower portion disposed adjacent one end of the hollow stem. A fragrance source is associated with the artificial flower. In one embodiment, the fragrance source is disposed within the hollow stem of the artificial flower and the fragrance source is adapted to emit a fragrance that moves through at least a portion of the hollow stem.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for preparing microparticles using liquid-liquid extraction. A first phase and a second phase are combined to form an emulsion. A portion of the second phase is separated from the emulsion (solvent rich), and the solvent is extracted from the separated second phase, which is then returned (solvent poor) to the emulsion. This process of separation of a solvent rich phase, extraction of solvent, and return of a solvent poor phase, is carried out until a selected level of solvent in the emulsion is achieved. Alternatively, the separated solvent rich phase is not returned to the emulsion, but replaced with another solution, such as an aqueous solution, that is free from solvent. The solvent is preferably extracted into an extraction liquid that functions as a “solvent sink” for the solvent.

Abstract: A sterilization tray system which comprises an outer box-like case having holes in the case bottom wall through which steam or other sterilant may circulate through the case. Pairs of brackets are affixed vertically to opposite the case side and/or end walls. A plurality of spaced holes is provided in each bracket. The holes serve as anchoring points for shelf brackets or fixtures for supporting trays at selected positions in the case.

Abstract: A device for cleaning and sterilizing the inside of a chamber, including a supply of sterilizing liquid for said chamber and a device for inducing variations in the pressure, amplitude, frequency and the gradient of said variations in the sterilizing liquid, whereby said device is adapted in such a way that cavitation occurs inside the liquid, the device inducing said pressure variations include a liquid column between the chamber and a switching organ, whereby the chamber can be cyclically connected to a depression, whereby the value thereof is related to the amplitude or respectively to the atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A method of preserving a biological material includes the steps of providing at least one fiber-forming material, mixing at least one biological material, and optionally, one or more additives, to the at least one fiber-forming material to form a mixture, and forming at least one fiber from the mixture, wherein the resulting fiber has a diameter between 0.3 nanometers and about 25 microns. A biological material preserved by this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-cleaning system for delivering sanitized water to a workstation has a boiler which produces heat-sanitized water and steam. A diverter valve permits a fluid delivery line of the system to convey either sanitized water or steam to a workstation. The steam serves to sanitize the delivery line and workstation and removes biofilms therefrom.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sterilizing heat sensitive fluids are provided. The methods include providing a first heat sensitive fluid component, providing a second fluid component, heating the second fluid component to a temperature greater than a predetermined sterilizing temperature, mixing the first heat sensitive fluid component with the heated second fluid component to heat the first heat sensitive fluid components and provide a mixed fluid at a temperature at least up to the predetermined sterilizing temperature, and maintaining the mixed fluid at that temperature for a predetermined sterilizing period. Apparatus for carrying out this method is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ultraviolet air purification devices and custom component kits useful residential and commercial settings. Apparatus and kits according to the invention include an electrical control relay, a safety switch, and a separate ballast for each lamp. When multiple lamps are used, a suppressor ballast is used to protect the lamps from electrical surges. Terminal strips are included so multiple ballasts and lamps can be used as part of the electrical configuration. The invention allows for UV-C bulbs and is designed so that only the lamps and their connectors must be disposed in the path of the air flow. The lamps are easily installed by pushing into a connector on one end. Supports for the end and the middle of the bulbs may be used in installation. LED indicator lights show if each lamp is receiving the electrical charge. Multi-faceted tin reflectors may be installed on each end.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition for diffusion in the air of an enclosure to be treated to combat the bacteria contained in the air of the enclosure. The composition contains 2-phenylphenol and natural and/or synthetic thymol dissolved in a solvent such as isopropyl alcohol, for example. The invention also provides a method of combating the bacteria in the air of an enclosure to be treated, which method includes a step of diffusing the antibacterial composition into the air of the enclosure. Finally, the invention provides the use of a catalytic combustion flask for implementing such a method.

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 sealable sterilising material for packaging medical devices requiring sterilization, has an average burst strength not less than 200 kPa measured according to ISO 2758 standard, an average tear strength not less than 300 mN measured according to the European standard 21974, an average impact strength not less than 0.4 J measured according to the ASTM standard and a bacterial filtering efficiency (BFE) not less than 85%, with a basic weight ranging between 40 and 250 g/m2, preferably between 90 and 250 g/m2, measured according to the ISO 536 standard and includes at least two sterilising packaging sheets (F1) and (F2), one of them at least being sealable directly or after being coated with a sealing product. The sheets are bound irreversibly together by one of their surfaces. The invention also concerns a package made from the material.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for prevention or stoppage of sulfidation or sulfuric corrosion of metal surfaces in contact with fluids including sulfiding compounds, where the method involves the addition of a compound to the fluid, where the additive has a higher affinity for metal surfaces than sulfur. The additive are group 15 of the periodic table of elements, fluorine-containing compounds, or mixtures or combinations thereof and are added in small quantities generally between about 0.001 ppm and about 20 ppm based on the amount of group 15 element or fluorine in the compound used. A protected metal surface is also disclosed which is coated with a protective coating comprising a group 15 element or fluorine and/or sulfur.