Abstract: A process for sterilization of a liquid in a continuous system comprising a series of steps. First the liquid is continuously pumped into a pressurized system. A process for sterilization of a liquid in a continuous system where, in the first step, the liquid is continuously pumped into a pressurized system. Second, the pressure on the liquid is increased in a first pressurization stage. Next, the liquid is increased in pressure in a second pressurization stage. Fourth, the liquid is held at an elevated pressure for a predetermined period of time to kill off microorganisms within the liquid. The liquid is then rapidly depressurized to fracture microorganisms within the liquid. The apparatus for producing this process includes a continuous liquid treatment system with a pump, a first stage intensifier, a surge drum, a second stage intensifier, a pressure receiver and a pressure reducer.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for treating hazardous biological wastes. According to one exemplary method, a biological waste material is placed into a chamber and a vacuum is applied to the chamber. After the pressure within the chamber is sufficiently reduced, water vapor is introduced into the chamber and electromagnetic radiation energy is applied to produce a plasma. In one particularly preferable aspect, the chamber is allowed to reach a static condition before the water vapor is introduced. In this way, the water vapor is able to equally distribute itself throughout the volume of the chamber so that an equally distributed plasma can be produced upon application of the electromagnetic radiation energy.

Abstract: A scent apparatus is provided including a scenting mechanism for dispensing a scent upon the actuation thereof. Further included is an actuation mechanism connected between the scenting mechanism and either a computer or a game unit for actuating the scenting mechanism during a game.

Abstract: Rather than providing replaceable filter elements in fixed permanent housings which require replacement by plastic bagging techniques, easily disposable and incineratable filter modules are removed and replaced as integral units while providing complete protection against contaminants from filtered exhaust air from enclosures containing airborne or potentially airborne hazardous materials, such as biological safety cabinets, fume hoods, cages for contaminated animals, nuclear facilities, etc. The disposable filter modules are removable and replaceable by a technique in which the modules are maintained under negative pressure via a filtered vacuum source at all times while the module inlets and outlets are open. Sealing of the openings is by small sheets of polyethylene film, and no bagging such as in the known "bag in, bag out" technique is required.

Abstract: A method is provided for sterilizing materials, particularly polymers, for drug delivery and implantation, wherein the material is treated with supercritical fluid carbon dioxide at pressures in the range of 2000 to 3000 psi (140 to 210 bar) and temperatures preferably between 30 and 45.degree. C. for periods between 20 minutes and six hours, more preferably between 0.5 and 2 hours. Agitation, pressure cycling, and the presence of water were found to enhance the sterilization method, which promotes diffusion of the supercritical fluid carbon dioxide into the cells of the microorganism to thereby alter the pH within the cells, killing them. The magnitude and frequency of the pressure cycling, as well as the process time and temperature, may vary according to the type and form of the material to be sterilized and the type of organisms to be killed.

Abstract: The invention relates to toilet seat, body support, non food surface, disinfecting, cleaning and sanitizing by using a liquid cleaning or sanitizing solution, in general, and to provide a liquid for manual application, and alternatively for spray application; using a brush or disposable dispensing spray apparatus that permits an individual to quickly sanitize, or disinfect the surface, such as a toilet seat, which solution will rapidly dry or evaporate to allow almost immediate body part to body support non food surface contact use.

Abstract: A disinfestation treatment chamber for treating fruit, flower and vegetable commodities subject to infestation by quarantine pests. The commodities are disinfested so as to meet quarantine restrictions without adversely affecting the quality of the commodity. The commodity is loaded into the treatment chamber in bins onto a low friction conveyor track system which transports the bins from one end of the chamber to the other. The commodities are treated while they are inside of the treatment chamber.

Abstract: An oxygen generating apparatus according to the present invention includes a reaction vessel and a cartridge. The cartridge is constructed for insertion into the reaction vessel, and includes a cartridge plate and a plurality of reagent tubes holding oxygen-producing reagents. The reagent tubes, which include at least one short tube and a plurality of standard tubes, each have an upper end coupled to the cartridge plate and a lower end which has an opening or port. When the cartridge is inserted into the reaction vessel, each of the plurality of standard tubes extends substantially to a floor of the reaction vessel, while the at least one short tube extends to a point remote from the floor of the reaction vessel. The cartridge may include an activation plate which causes the release of the reagents into the reaction vessel by pulling up a retaining sleeve when the cartridge is inserted into the reaction vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing drinking water including of a chamber in which a container packed with drinking water is mounted, a conduit connected with the container in the chamber to dispense drinking water through the apparatus, and sterilizer installed adjacent the conduit means to apply sterilization with substantial heat thereto. The sterilizing means may include automatic control system to control automatically sterilizing with heat. The conduit may includes a storage area for storing drinking water within the conduit, and the storage area may includes two tanks for storing drinking water, one is a cold water tank including a refrigeration device to chill the drinking water, and the other is a hot water tank including heating device to heat the drinking water. The sterilization with heat may be done by heating the conduit with heaters installed surrounding thereof, or may be done by circulating hot water which is stored in the hot water tank through the apparatus.

Abstract: A unitarily constructed toothbrush is provided including a head with bristles unitarily molded therewith, a handle and a neck, all being formed of an identical plastic material. Dispersed throughout the plastic material is at least one anti-microbial active compound such as a halogenated hydrocarbon, a quaternary ammonium salt or combinations thereof. Preferably the plastic material is a low density polyethylene. Toothbrushes of the present invention inhibit the growth of bacteria and other micro-organisms thereby avoiding the possibility of infecting oral gums.

Abstract: Methods of heat sterilizing polymers are disclosed. The methods involve the preparation of a polymer suspension in an water-miscible organic liquid and subsequent application of moderate heat for a period of time sufficient to sterilize the polymer.

Abstract: A fuel ignition arrester system that has a feedback control to maintain the fuel/air mixture in the ullage of a fuel tank above the flammability range. The system uses a photoelectric detector to signal when the fuel/air mixture concentration falls or rises to a predetermined concentration value. The predetermined value is selected to be higher than the upper limit of the flammability range so that the fuel/air mixture is maintained above the range and, thus, incombustible. A fuel pump and piping system with nozzles is arranged to inject fuel into the ullage when the concentration falls to the predetermined value and to stop injecting fuel when the concentration rises to the predetermined value. A flammability detection system includes the detector and a controller that produces an annunciating signal when the fuel/air mixture concentration is equal to or between the upper and lower limits of the flammability range.

Abstract: An autoclave type sterilization device which includes an autoclave sterilization chamber with an electrical heating arrangement mounted thereon. This electrical heating arrangement employs one or more positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistors as heating elements. These heating elements are in direct thermal and electrical contact on opposing sides, which are coated with a conductive metal such as aluminum, with electrodes to supply electrical current. These electrodes are, in turn, in direct thermal contact on their outward-facing sides with respect to the heating elements with plates which are formed of a thermally conductive and electrically insulating ceramic material such as AL.sub.2 O.sub.3, and the plates are in direct thermal contact on their outward-facing sides with respect to the heating elements with heat radiation units which include heat transfer portions which are fabricated to engage and are in direct thermal contact with a portion of the wall of the autoclave chamber.

Abstract: A fragrance dispersion system that includes a multi-scent scent dispensing assembly having multiple electronically gateable scent dispensing ports for dispensing a scent in response to a control signal. The gateable scent dispensing ports are controllable through an interface cord by a broadcast signal such that key scents are released as desired. The multi-scent scent dispensing assembly also includes multiple separate scent reservoirs each in connection with a separate electronically gateable scent dispensing port that is interfaceable with audio-video equipment to dispense scents from one or more of the separate scent reservoirs in response to signals transmitted along with the audio or video program. The scent is ejected onto an absorbent scent mixing tape for mixing more than one scent.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a method for storing an acidified, charcoal slurry and applying it to remove ammonia and absorb other odor-causing chemicals from human urine. Packaged in a plastic, squeeze bottle, the slurry can be carried in a pocket and used by hunters and outdoorsmen to eliminate urine odors that would otherwise alert wildlife of their presence. The present invention represents a novel way of storing and transporting the slurry for ready use, as well as a unique way to dispense the slurry for chemical reaction with the human urine.

Abstract: This invention provides for a method of sterilizing a chemical composition contained within a closed container (20). The chemical composition is initially mechanically filtered (12) and then the containers (20) are closed and hermetically sealed within a first sealing layer (24). The first sealing layer (24) and the chemical container (20) form a single layer sealed enclosure (26) which is then encased within a second sealing layer (30) and hermetically sealed to form a second layer sealed container enclosure (32). The second layer sealed container enclosure (32) is then inserted into a carton (36) having a third sealing layer (38) lining. The carton is closed and then irradiated with gamma radiation at a predetermined dosage level to sterilize the contents of the container (20). The closed cartons (36) are then transported to operational sites where the plurality of sealing layers (24, 30 and 38) provide for optimized contamination reduction.

Abstract: A disposal system for the convenient and hygienic disposal of sanitary napkins detoxifies, sanitizes and deodorizes the sanitary napkins and prevents viewing of the unsightly disposed waste. The disposal system includes a secure rugged box-like container assembly having an opening at the top and a cover that fits over the opening. The cover has an access opening at the top and a lid pivotably securable to the cover, the lid formed in the shape of a wedge-shaped scoop, pivotal within the opening in the cover between a fully closed position that substantially seals the container to reduce evaporation and a fully opened position that permits waste material to be deposited into the container, prevents viewing of the contents of the container and controls any splashing. The disposal system includes a government-approved germicidal solution within the container, the solution including a blend of organic quaternary ammonium compound, isopropyl alcohol and fragrance.

Abstract: An arrangement is used with a light bulb for emitting fragrance. The arrangement has a ring or other shaped member made of a first polymer. The first polymer has a first low melting point which is about a first temperature at a spaced location from the surface of the light bulb when it is lit. A volatilizable fragrance is combined with the first polymer for being volatilized from the first polymer when the ring member is exposed to the first temperature. A plurality of feet extend inwardly of the ring member for engaging the surface of a light bulb to maintain the ring member at the spaced location on the light bulb. These spacer feet are made of a second polymer having a second high melting point compared to the first low melting point. The second melting point is above a second temperature at the surface of the light bulb when it is lit.

Abstract: A method is provided for treatment of infectious medical waste. The method in a broad sense includes washing the infectious medical waste with a liquid to convert the infectious medical waste into noninfectious waste. In accordance with another aspect, a method is provided which includes a first step of wetting the infectious medical waste with a first liquid to remove loose particles and materials that are soluble in the first liquid from the infectious medical waste, and a second step of wetting the infectious medical waste with a disinfecting liquid to disinfect the infectious medical waste. An apparatus also is provided for treatment of infectious medical waste. The apparatus comprises a substantially liquid-tight volume for containing the infectious medical waste.

Abstract: A system for deactivating organisms in a food product employs a first electrode; an insulator section coupled to the first electrode, wherein the insulator section includes an insulator pinch, an opening, and a transition region interposed thereinbetween, and wherein the opening has a larger cross-sectional area than the insulator pinch, the insulator section including a cavity, passing through the insulator pinch, the transition region, and the opening, wherein the food product is contained during deactivating of organisms; and a second electrode coupled to the insulator section, wherein the first electrode is positioned on a first side of the insulator pinch, and the second electrode is positioned on a second side of the insulator pinch, whereby an electric field formed between the first electrode and the second electrode, when a voltage is applied across the first electrode and the second electrode, passes through the insulator pinch.