Abstract: It has long been the practice to incorporate bactericides, fungicides and virucides in detergent compositions. But in such detergent modifications if the antimicrobial is washed off as the hands or other surfaces are rinsed, the effectiveness of the detergent is greatly reduced. The composition should be absorbed onto the skin or other surface being washed, leaving a film which resists removal by running water. This is termed substantivity. Cinnamon oils and similar antimicrobial cinnamic compounds have been in soaps but they rinse off. A cinnamic compound-containing antimicrobial surfactant is provided herein which is rendered substantive to the surface being washed.

Abstract: A gravity fed water treatment apparatus for drinking water removes chlorine, chlorides and other organic compounds by gravity feeding the water from one container to another at a controlled flow rate through activated carbon particles.

Abstract: Fresh meat, wrapped and unwrapped, is confined within a chamber which contains means for generating ultraviolet light rays in the range of 2650 to 3000 A.degree.. The outer surface of meat within the chamber is subjected to ultraviolet light for a period of time sufficient to kill most of the bacteria in the outer surfaces of the meat and before discoloration occurs. Enzymatic action within the meat occurs during and after irradiation. After those of the bacteria on the surface of the meat which were not killed during the initial exposure to ultraviolet rays have multiplied to the number originally on the outer surface of the meat, it is again subjected to ultraviolet rays for another period of time during which most of the surface bacteria are killed after which the now tenderized meat is removed from the chamber.

Abstract: A housing or porous water-permeable material containing granular water-treatment particles is immersed in a quantity of water, and means are provided for effecting circulation of the water through the housing whereby certain chemicals are removed from the water.