Abstract: An apparatus and method for the inactivation of infectious organisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa, and especially for the inactivation of human immunodeficiency virus in proteinaceous material such as blood and blood products, without adversely affecting the normal physiological activity of the material, by contacting it for a time interval of only about 16 seconds with an ozone-oxygen mixture having an ozone concentration of only about 27 .mu./ml. The apparatus includes a gas-liquid contact apparatus through which the material and ozone-oxygen mixture flow in contacting, counter-current relationship, and an ozone generator which produces an ozone-oxygen mixture having a resonant frequency of about 7.83 Hz. The apparatus and method of the invention provide precise control of the concentration of ozone and the contact time between the material to be treated and the ozone-oxygen mixture.

Abstract: Apparatus (2) for electrically charging liquid droplets for use in the stimulation of plant growth and/or the control of insects, which apparatus (2) comprises spray means (16,18:20,22) for spraying at least one spray of liquid from the apparatus (2), and electronically operated liquid-charging means (12) for causing the liquid to be electrically charged in such a manner that liquid droplets constituting the spray are able to retain their charge until earthed during use of the apparatus (2).

Abstract: Apparatus (2) for the controlled generation and administration ozone, which apparatus (2) comprises a generator (4) for generating ozone, a monitor (6) for monitoring the ozone, a dosage device (8) for providing a correct amount of ozone for administration, and a computer control device (77) for controlling the operation of at least one of the generator (4), the monitor (6) and the dosage device (8).

Abstract: Ignition apparatus for providing plasma ignition for an engine, which ignition apparatus comprises a switching circuit, a wave form generator for generating an a.c. wave form output, a power amplifier circuit for amplifying the output from the wave form generator, a d.c. to d.c. inverter, and a transformer having primary and secondary windings, the primary winding being connected to the power amplifier circuit for receiving the output from the power amplifier circuit, and the secondary winding being connected to the d.c. to d.c. inverter, and the wave form generator and the d.c. to d.c. inverter being connected in parallel so that during operation of the ignition apparatus high voltage a.c. from the wave form generator carries and sustains d.c. which is from the d.c. to d.c. inverter and which is required for the plasma.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing spark ignition of an internal combustion engine in which sparks at the spark plugs are initiated by a high voltage pulse of typically 20 KV and are sustained thereafter by a d.c. voltage of typically 3 KV. In one embodiment the d.c. voltage is produced from a 12 volt supply by a d.c. to d.c. converter, the converter being adapted to produce a substantially constant voltage irrespective of the current drain produced by the spark, within given limits. The converter is also adapted to shut down its operation in the event of an output short circuit. The converter is disclosed connected to a lean burn PROCO engine with the result that only one spark plug per cylinder is required. In an alternative embodiment the d.c. sustaining voltage is derived directly from a conventional alternator driven by the engine.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing spark ignition of an internal combustion engine is disclosed including a spark generator which supplies spark generating pulses to spark plugs of the engine. The spark produced by each pulse is sustained after the pulse has died away by means of a generator which applies to the spark plugs a voltage capable of sustaining but not initiating sparks across the spark plugs. The generator is per se capable of developing a continuous output so as to maximize the spark energy and to allow the duration of the spark to be selected as desired. The output of the generator may be applied to the spark plugs continuously in which case the effect of increased impedance to the spark produced on combustion is used to terminate the spark. Alternatively, the output of the generator can be switched to terminate the spark.

Abstract: A motor vehicle rear view mirror is disclosed having a mirror glass which pivots automatically from a normal position to an anti-glare position in response to headlight glare. The glass is mounted between a front frame and a back plate of a two part housing and carries a magnetic member for co-operating with a solenoid coil of an electrical assembly. The electrical assembly is formed as a single unit mounted in the back plate and includes a photosensor receiving light through a partly silvered region of the mirror glass. A signal from the photosensor is amplified by one or more transistors to energize the solenoid coil. A pair of switch contacts is actuated when the mirror glass changes its position to the anti-glare position and is arranged to reduce current flow in the coil to a level just sufficient to hold the mirror glass in the anti-glare position.