Abstract: A joining method directs polychromate, non-coherent electromagnetic radiation (14) through a radiation transmitting material (16) to an absorbing material (18) that absorbs the radiation with the generation of heat. The heat is used to heat a bond line (20) formed from the transmitting material (16) and a substrate (18) sufficiently to bond the transmitting material (16) and substrate (18). A radiation filter (22) of the same material as the transmitting material is used to reduce effectively unwanted absorption (and heat) in the transmitting material (16). Radiation focusing, masking, transmitting plastic cooling, bond line component drying, double pass welding, and additional bond line pressure are used to improve the bond of the resulting manufacture. A moving double radiation source units improves welding speed at least 5-6 times that of a moving single radiation source unit.

Abstract: A sterilization tray assembly for sterilizing, transporting and storing surgical instruments, having top and bottom mating enclosures. The mating enclosures each have a plurality of ports for permitting ingress and egress of gaseous sterilant. Resiliently deformable members are fitted in the top and bottom enclosures for clamping surgical instruments therebetween.

Abstract: A container for medical instruments or instrument parts constructed from wire formed parts. The container has a lower part and a lid with a handle for use in removing the lid from the lower part. Supports are removable and adjustably positioned within and define open topped receptacles for retaining the instruments within the lower part, the instruments are fixed in their position by braces when the container is closed. The lid in its closed position is connected to the lower part on one side by a positive locking mechanism, and on its opposite side by a latching mechanism. After releasing the latching mechanism the positive locking mechanism can be released by raising or tilting the lid. The handle is made from wire-formed parts and is positioned in the upper plane of the lid.

Abstract: A fragrance device for delivering a fragrance or other volatile material includes a fluid vessel containing a quantity of a fuel, a wick, and a porous emanator element which releases the fragrance or volatile material particularly when the wick is burning. Methods for the manufacture of the device, as well as methods for its use of are also disclosed.

Abstract: A plastic joining method directs polychromate, non-coherent electromagnetic radiation through a transmitting plastic to an absorbing material that absorbs the radiation with the generation of heat. The heat is used to heat a bond line formed from the transmitting plastic and a substrate sufficiently to bond the transmitting plastic and substrate. A radiation filter of the same material as the transmitting plastic is used to reduce effectively unwanted absorption (and heat) in the transmitting plastic. Radiation focusing, masking, transmitting plastic cooling, bond line component drying, double pass welding, and additional bond line pressure are used to improve the bond of the resulting manufacture.

Abstract: A lightweight portable germicidal air filter for home and personal use is disclosed. The air filter includes a cabinet which houses an electrostatic air filter, an ultraviolet lamp and a parabolic reflector or a convex lens for focusing the ultraviolet radiation emitted by the lamp on an upstream side of the air filter. The reflector or the lens are constantly oscillated to systematically sweep the upstream side of the filter with germicidal levels of radiation. A fan located adjacent the downstream side of the filter draws air through the filter and impels it out through areas for air outlet in the sidewalls of the cabinet. The advantage is a simple, lightweight germicidal air filter with few moving parts which is inexpensive to manufacture.

Abstract: An air cleaning filter having a carrier made of activated carbon fibers in the form of a web which supports at least one kind of chemical agent selected from the group consisting of (a) an alkali agent selected from a hydroxide or carbonate or an alkali metal, (b) an acidifying agent selected from acid aluminum phosphate or phosphoric acid, and (c) an oxidizing agent composed of two compounds, i.e. active manganese dioxide resulting from an alkali permanganate and an alkali iodate, or which supports combined chemicals of (a) the alkali agent and (c) the oxidizing agent, or combined chemicals of (b) the acidifying agent and (c) the oxidizing agent, wherein one or both surfaces of the web are covered with a nonwoven fabric to make an integrated filter.

Abstract: Hot, saturated water vapor in the form of low-temperature subatmospheric steam is employed to shorten the aeration period after sterilization with a condensable, heat-labile chemical sterilant. The application of steam accelerates the rate of outgassing of sterilant residuals that are absorbed into, or adsorbed or condensed onto chamber or load materials. The method is particularly suitable for removing residuals from polymeric materials and/or materials that are poor heat conductors. Apparatus is provided to supply steam in situations where a utility steam supply is not available.

Abstract: An essential oil diffuser having a compact foldable tripod support is provided to facilitate carrying the diffuser in luggage such as briefcases or handbags. The essential oil diffuser will heat oil to the proper temperature without risk of overheating or burning the oil through combustion. In order to achieve a compact package having a short vertical dimension, the oil bowl must be placed close to the candle flame and so the diffuser includes a double bowl assembly supported by three folding legs. The double bowl assembly has an upper bowl member and a lower plate member separated by a uniform air gap. The lower plate member has a large radial flange extending beyond the perimeter of the upper bowl member, thereby containing spills. The lower flange of the lower plate member also serves as a heat sink, thereby diffusing and dissipating excess heat from the candle by convection and radiation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for uniformly contacting an article with a treatment solution. Preferred embodiments are methods of uniformly tinting of contact lenses or uniformly surface modifying contact lenses. The method involves suspending the lens in the treatment solution by application of fluid flow, preferably sinusoidal or pulsed, in a direction opposite the stagnant force (i.e., sum of buoyancy and gravity forces) on the article. The fluid flow prevents the lens from contacting the container structure for periods sufficient to cause non-uniform treatment conditions, while continuously mixing the treatment solution to maintain uniform concentrations throughout.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a fluid product by injecting steam from a steam inlet and fluid product from a product inlet into a mixing chamber. The mixing chamber includes an outlet for the treated product, a steam injection opening with a first valve member disposed therein and a product injection opening with a second valve member disposed therein. The position of the first and second valve members determines the width of a substantially annular discharge orifice around each valve member. The discharge orifices face one another. The apparatus additionally includes pressure sensitive displacement means which permits movement of the second valve member in response to the pressure in the product inlet. The invention additionally relates to a method for treating a fluid product utilizing the apparatus as described above.

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 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: The present invention covers a method for disinfecting a contact lens including contacting the lens with an isotonic aqueous solution comprising 0.6 to 2 weight percent tromethamine (preferably 0.8 to 1.5 percent) for a time sufficient to disinfect the lens. Other aspects include adding to the solution from 0.01 to 1 weight percent chelating agent (preferably disodium EDTA) and/or additional microbicide.

Abstract: A method for heat sterilizing or disinfecting hospital waste includes the steps of grinding and/or comminuting the waste under a cutting force and for an amount of time such that a quantity of heat which is sufficient to reach and maintain the sterilization or disinfection temperature within the massive waste is generated by friction. The apparatus includes a rotor provided with vanes or blades for grinding or comminuting the waste and a plurality of fixed strikers in the form of vanes or blades associated with the walls of the housing.

Abstract: A filter assembly for gas filtration including a support cage and a filter bag made of, or which includes, a fabric containing fiberglass yarns. The support cage has widely spaced vertical supports which provide filter bag support surfaces having a large radius of curvature. The wide support areas reduce damage to the filter bag material from cyclic bending and flexing.

Abstract: A flow-through vapor phase decontamination apparatus includes at least one isolator unit (14) defining an isolation chamber (16) that receives a load (L) for decontamination. The apparatus includes a vapor phase decontaminant generation system (20) integrally connected to the at least one isolator unit (14). The vapor phase decontaminant generator system (20) includes one or more vaporizers (22) that inject a combination of a carrier gas and a vaporized decontaminant such as H.sub.2 O.sub.2 into the isolation chamber (16). A blower (24) recirculates the carrier gas through the one or more vaporizers (22) for replenishment of the decontaminant vapor. Alternatively, an automated filling system (70a-70c) is provided within the isolation chamber (16) for aseptic filling of containers (C). A conveyor system (68) transports the containers (C) into and out of the isolation chamber (16). The decontamination apparatus includes an electronic control system (26) for controlling decontamination operations.

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 heated inside of the chamber in hot air having a relative humidity of 30-85% until the temperature of the commodity exceeds the thermal death point temperature of the target pest but is not so high as to adversely affect the quality of the commodity. The temperature of the commodity is held at this temperature until the pest is killed. 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. After treatment of the commodities, the bins are unloaded using the low friction conveyor track system out of the opposite end of the treatment chamber.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for decontaminating biomedical waste, the waste is introduced with moisture into a flexible, polymeric bag defining an internal volume and having a bursting point in response to expansion of the internal volume. The waste and moisture is then sealed within the bag, and the sealed bag is introduced into a decontamination chamber and subjected to microwave radiation within the chamber at a predetermined level and time sufficient to sterilize the waste. The decontamination chamber defines an internal surface spaced a predetermined distance from the flexible bag with the bag at about ambient temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilization of medical instruments and similar devices make use of hydrogen peroxide vapor released from an inorganic hydrogen peroxide complex. The peroxide vapor can be released at room temperature and atmospheric pressure; however, the pressure used can be less than 50 torr and the temperature greater than 86.degree. C. to facilitate the release of hydrogen peroxide vapor. Preferred hydrogen peroxide complexes for use in the invention include Na.sub.4 P.sub.2 O.sub.7.3 H.sub.2 O.sub.2 and KH.sub.2 PO.sub.4.H.sub.2 O.sub.2. The heating rate can be greater than 5.degree. C. Optionally, a plasma can be used in conjunction with the vapor.