Abstract: A method for the reduction and/or removal of pathogenic agents and microorganisms contained in solids, comprising the steps of purification of the starting material to dispose of materials that combine a great size and extreme hardness and malleability; and the adjustment of the humidity degree of the material obtained in step of purification, and the grinding and heating of the material obtained in the step of adjusting the humidity, where the grinding and heating are carried out simultaneously by subjecting the material to a high pressure while at the same time its temperature is increased by means of an increase in the pressure on the material and the friction caused between the material and the grinding means.

Abstract: Sterilization apparatus for sterilizing packaging containers, the sterilization apparatus comprising a first carousel for supporting a plurality of sterilization devices, the sterilization devices being adapted to sterilize an interior of the packaging containers by electron beam irradiation, and a transport system for transporting the packaging containers, the transport system comprising a second carousel coaxial with the first carousel, wherein the first carousel comprises a first rotatable shaft and the second carousel comprises a separate second rotatable shaft coaxial with the first rotatable shaft.

Abstract: A disposable sensor card (74) includes a polymeric substrate (80), such as polyester, printed with a plurality of electrodes (78), and a reuse-prevention system (150) which includes a fuse link (152) and a cut link (154). A controller (70) tests the fuse link and cut link to see if they have been destroyed. If the controller determines that the two links are good, a sensor card support system (72), which includes a ram (130), clamps the sensor card over an opening in a manifold (138) so that the electrodes are in contact with a decontaminant solution, such as peracetic acid solution, passing through the manifold. The controller detects an electrical property of the electrodes and determines a concentration of the decontaminant therefrom. During the clamping process, a cutter (170) severs the cut link. A memory of the cut link is retained by the controller. If power to the controller is interrupted, the memory is lost and the controller detects that the cut link is broken when power is regained.