Abstract: Disclosed is a method for disinfecting packaging. In certain aspects, the method comprises placing the packaging in a contacting chamber and directly contacting the packaging with gaseous ozone for a time interval, wherein the time interval is sufficient to substantially reduce pathogens on the packaging. In certain embodiments, the time interval is from about 3 seconds to about 30 seconds. In certain aspects, the gaseous ozone is comprised of from about 6% to about 12% ozone and the time interval is sufficient to substantially reduce pathogens on the packaging.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for disinfecting a meat product by placing the meat in a contacting chamber and directly contacting the meat with gaseous ozone for a time interval sufficient to substantially reduce pathogens on the meat. In certain aspects, the time interval is from about 3 seconds to about 30 seconds. In further aspects, the time interval is from about 5 seconds to about 15 seconds. In yet further aspects, the time interval is about 5 seconds. In certain implementations, the gaseous ozone is introduced into the chamber at about 10 liters per minute. In further implementations, the gaseous ozone is from about 6% to about 8% ozone.

Abstract: A thermal management material that may be used is thermal interface material is described. An apparatus and methods of the making the thermal management material are also described, which includes a roll-to-roll apparatus for making the thermal management material.

Abstract: A concrete building block containing Portland cement, a filler, water, and a quantity of particularly sized plastic particles, such as spent abrasive particles of a thermoset plastic. The associated method of producing such blocks eliminates the need of curing the blocks in a heated humidity controlled environment in order for the blocks to attain the required water content for hydration of the cement.

Abstract: A photonic switch according to the present invention may be formed using one of a selected group of non-linear optical materials. Each of the materials within this group has a refractive index that demonstrates a substantial peak as a function of wavelength, where the peak occurs at a wavelength distinct from the wavelength of the input signal. A method of producing a photonic switch according to the present invention includes fabricating source and drain waveguides using micro-molding or micro-contact printing processes, or MIMIC (micro-molding in capillaries) of a UV-curable polymer. If desired, a gate waveguide may also be formed in part by these processes. The photonic switch also includes a photonic crystal formed from non-linear optical material, which may be formed, for example, using a block copolymer and nanoparticle composite in a MIMIC or ?fluidics process. Such a process may employ a functionalized mold material to align the blocks.

Abstract: A photonic switch may be formed using one of a selected group of non-linear optical materials. Each of the materials within this group has a refractive index that demonstrates a substantial peak as a function of wavelength. The photonic switch includes a positive gain, and thus acts as a photonic transistor. In addition, a photonic switch is formed so that a gate signal is applied in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the input signal so that there is no effective contamination of the input signal by the gate signal affecting the output signal.

Abstract: A photonic switch may be formed using one of a selected group of non-linear optical materials. Each of the materials within this group has a refractive index that demonstrates a substantial peak as a function of wavelength. The photonic switch includes a positive gain, and thus acts as a photonic transistor. In addition, a photonic switch is formed so that a gate signal is applied in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the input signal so that there is no effective contamination of the input signal by the gate signal affecting the output signal.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for sealing pallets of fresh produce inside plastic bags and furnishing the interiors of the sealed bags with a modified gaseous atmosphere. Conventional pallets loaded with cooled fresh produce are moved one at a time to an in-line squeeze station. The produce load of a pallet positioned at the squeeze station is squeezed between opposed vertical walls to suspend it above the pallet base as a downwardly movable floorplate descends to allow the deposition of a plastic sheet lining on the pallet. The floorplate is raised to its former level to bear the weight of the loaded pallet as the produce load is unsqueezed and the loaded pallet is moved by conveyor to a bagging station.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for sealing pallets of fresh produce inside plastic bags and furnishing the interiors of the sealed bags with a modified gaseous atmosphere.