Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for rendering a non-metallic substrate stably antimicrobial. The method comprises: (a) contacting the substrate with an antimicrobial surfactant; (b) contacting the substrate with a polymeric binder; and (c) subjecting the substrate, surfactant, and binder to conditions at which the substrate becomes stably antimicrobial. In another embodiment, the invention relates to a substrate into which an antimicrobial surfactant and a binder have penetrated.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for rendering a non-metallic substrate stably antimicrobial. The method comprises: (a) contacting the substrate with an antimicrobial surfactant; (b) contacting the substrate with a polymeric binder; and (c) subjecting the substrate, surfactant, and binder to conditions at which the substrate becomes stably antimicrobial. In another embodiment, the invention relates to a substrate into which an antimicrobial surfactant and a binder have penetrated.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing antimicrobial compositions consisting of a polymeric material and, embedded therein, an antimicrobial compound. The antimicrobial compound contains at least one quaternary ammonium group, at least one hydrocarbon chain comprising a minimum of 10 carbon atoms and a maximum of 24 carbon atoms, and one or more anions to balance the charge of the quaternary ammonium groups. The invention is also directed to a method of making antimicrobial compositions containing an antimicrobial compound embedded in a polymeric material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing antimicrobial compositions consisting of a polymeric material and, embedded therein, an antimicrobial compound. The antimicrobial compound contains at least one quaternary ammonium group, at least one hydrocarbon chain comprising a minimum of 10 carbon atoms and a maximum of 24 carbon atoms, and one or more anions to balance the charge of the quaternary ammonium groups. The invention is also directed to a method of making antimicrobial compositions containing an antimicrobial compound embedded in a polymeric material.

Abstract: A resistor apparatus for containing broken pieces of an overheated resistor body is provided. The resistor apparatus includes a resistor body and a first and second lead wire electrically connected to opposite sides of the core. A gas permeable containment casing substantially encloses the resistor body and is fixed to the lead wires by fasteners, therefore maintaining the containment casing in a position substantially enclosing the resistor body. In the event that the resistor overheats and the resistor body breaks, the containment casing is maintained in a position to contain any pieces of the overheated resistor that break away, while allowing any gasses to escape, therefore preventing explosion of the containment casing and damage to surrounding apparatuses.