Abstract: A space-saving, high-density modular data center and an energy-efficient cooling system for a modular data center are disclosed. The modular data center includes a first cooling circuit including a primary cooling device and a plurality of modular data pods. Each modular data pod includes a plurality of servers, a heat exchange member coupled to the first cooling circuit and a second cooling circuit coupled to the heat exchange member and configured to cool the plurality of servers, the second cooling circuit including a secondary cooling device configured to cool fluid flowing through the second cooling circuit. Each modular data pod also includes an auxiliary enclosure containing at least a portion of a distributed mechanical cooling system, which is configured to trim the cooling performed by a central free-cooling system.

Abstract: A space-saving, high-density modular data pod system and an energy-efficient cooling system for cooling electronic equipment and method of cooling are disclosed. The cooling system includes a free-cooling system cooling a first fluid in thermal communication with the electronic equipment using atmospheric air and a mechanical sub-cooling system coupled to the free-cooling system. The mechanical system cools a second fluid flowing in the free-cooling system as a function of an amount by which the free-cooling system has exceeded its maximum cooling capacity. The method of cooling includes using a first fluid, enabling heat transfer from the first fluid to a second fluid that has been cooled using atmospheric air, and mechanically cooling the second fluid to the extent that free cooling the first fluid is insufficient to cool the first fluid. The cooling system operates by the wet bulb temperature exceeding a first predetermined wet bulb temperature.

Abstract: A self contained unit and system for determining whether medical equipment or devices such as endoscopes, minimally invasive surgical instruments (MIS), etc., are blocked, or substantially free flowing, or are disconnected or leaking before they are subjected to cleaning and/or a disinfecting process that is either sequential or simultaneous. The apparatus has a manifold that generally receives predetermined amounts of a gas and/or liquid for dispensing to one and preferably a plurality of channels. Advantageously, the test apparatus of the present invention can be utilized as a stand-alone unit that is able to monitor the noted medical equipment or devices with regard to the flow of a gas and/or liquid therethrough such as large or small lumens and such flow can also be automatically verified by a system independent of human intervention. Alternatively, the test apparatus can be utilized as part of a comprehensive system in conjunction with other devices for testing, cleaning, and/or disinfecting.

Abstract: An apparatus for the low energy vaporization of oxidizing agents, such as hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid, relate to an apparatus comprising a storage tank containing a liquid oxidizing agent or solution, a vaporizer operatively connected to the storage tank for receiving the liquid through a flow control valve and vaporizing the liquid oxidizing agent or solution, a vessel having a vacuum applied thereto with the vessel being operatively connected to the vaporizer so that a vacuum is also applied thereto, and a pressure sensor in said vessel for detecting the partial vapor pressure of the oxidizing agent. A microprocessor is programmed to receive a signal from the vessel pressure sensor and to close the flow control valve upon the vessel reaching a predetermined pressure level so as to prevent condensation of the oxidizing agent and the vessel.

Abstract: A method of treating the surfaces of medical instruments which are contaminated with prions includes contacting the surface with a composition containing a source of peroxide ions, such as hydrogen peroxide, at a molar concentration of at least 1.5M peroxide (equivalent to approximately 5% hydrogen peroxide) and preferably, about 2M peroxide (approximately 7% hydrogen peroxide). The composition is optionally in the form of a gel. The composition is retained in contact with the surfaces for about 1-2 hours until all or substantially all prion contamination is removed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the low energy vaporization of oxidizing agents, such as hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid, relate to an apparatus comprising a storage tank containing a liquid oxidizing agent or solution, a vaporizer operatively connected to the storage tank for receiving the liquid through a flow control valve and vaporizing the liquid oxidizing agent or solution, a vessel having a vacuum applied thereto with the vessel being operatively connected to the vaporizer so that a vacuum is also applied thereto, and a pressure sensor in said vessel for detecting the partial vapor pressure of the oxidizing agent. A microprocessor is programmed to receive a signal from the vessel pressure sensor and to close the flow control valve upon the vessel reaching a predetermined pressure level so as to prevent condensation of the oxidizing agent and the vessel.

Abstract: A mobile deactivation apparatus for deactivating contaminants within a defined region that includes a source of a vaporous deactivating agent, a gas handling system, a support member, a drive means, a control system, and a power system is disclosed. The gas handling system dispenses the vaporous deactivating agent to the defined region. The support member is movable in the defined region and supports the source of the vaporous deactivating agent and the gas handling system. The support member can be propelled by the drive means. The control system is programmed to control the operation of the gas handling system and the drive means. A power system is provided to supply power to the mobile deactivation apparatus.

Abstract: A method of treating the surfaces of medical instruments which are contaminated with prions includes contacting the surface with a composition containing a source of peroxide ions, such as hydrogen peroxide, at a molar concentration of at least 1.5M peroxide (equivalent to approximately 5% hydrogen peroxide) and preferably, about 2M peroxide (approximately 7% hydrogen peroxide). The composition is optionally in the form of a gel. The composition is retained in contact with the surfaces for about 1-2 hours until all or substantially all prion contamination is removed.

Abstract: A reactor for the oxidation of a precursor to an aromatic carboxylic acid or ester thereof in a liquid phase reaction mixture is disclosed. The reactor comprises an elongate vessel, substantially vertical in use, having an upper mixing element and a lower mixing element, characterised in that the upper mixing element is an axial pumping impeller and the lower mixing element is a radial pumping impeller. A process of producing a carboxylic acid or ester thereof in a reactor of the invention is also disclosed. In use, the configuration of mixing elements leads to three highly turbulent mixing zones. In a preferred embodiment of the process of the present invention oxidant, from one inlet, and solvent, precursor and catalyst, are introduced directly into a mixing zone. The highly turbulent mixing zones lead to rapid mass transfer suppressing the formation of unwanted, coloured by-products and reduced reactor fouling.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for deactivating articles contaminated with nanobacteria, generally comprise a dispersant and/or a dissolution agent, and a deactivator. The methods and compositions of the invention are advantageously utilized to decontaminate and/or sterilize various articles such as medical and manufacturing devices or surfaces.

Abstract: A proteinaceous material has been found to show similar activity and treatment response to that of disease causing prions, such as CJD. A prion model which incorporates the proteinaceous material has a variety of applications. The model has an ability to be cultured either in vivo or in vitro, allowing rapid screening of potential drugs for treating animals or humans, or methods of treating food products or items which may come into contact with prions, such as medical or dental devices. Several treatment methods and materials have been developed using the model.

Abstract: An oxidizing liquid (20), such as hydrogen peroxide, is vaporized (18) and the vapor is used to deactivate nerve gas, blistering gas, or other biologically active substances such as pathogens, biotoxins, and prions. A second chemical compound (42) in vapor, mist, or fog form is used in conjunction with the oxidizing vapor. In one embodiment, the second chemical preconditions the biologically active substances to be deactivated more efficiently by the oxidizing vapor. In another embodiment, the second chemical boosts the reactivity of the oxidizing vapor. In another embodiment, the other chemical reacts with the oxidizing vapor to form an intermediate compound that deactivates at least some of the biologically active substances.

Abstract: An improved process for recycling unspent diol removed from a polyester manufacturing process wherein the diol is captured, hydrogenated, and recycled so that the final polyester product has improved color over polyesters produced using other recycled diols.

Abstract: A method of treating the surfaces of medical instruments which are contaminated with prions includes contacting the surface with a composition containing a source of peroxide ions, such as hydrogen peroxide, at a molar concentration of at least 1.5M peroxide (equivalent to approximately 5% hydrogen peroxide) and preferably, about 2M peroxide (approximately 7% hydrogen peroxide). The composition is optionally in the form of a gel. The composition is retained in contact with the surfaces for about 1-2 hours until all or substantially all prion contamination is removed.

Abstract: An indicator device for determining the efficacy of an antimicrobial treatment process. The indicator device includes an active agent encapsulated in an encapsulation component. The encapsulation components preferably takes the form of an electrospun nanofiber including a polymer.

Abstract: A flash vaporizer (34) provides a constant flow of vaporized hydrogen peroxide or other antimicrobial compounds for rapidly sterilizing large enclosures (10), such as rooms or buildings. The vaporizer includes a heated block (50) which defines an interior bore or bores (70, 72, 74). The flowpath created by the bore or bores increases in cross sectional area as the hydrogen peroxide passes through the block to accommodate the increase in volume during the conversion from liquid to gas. The vapor is injected into dry air in a duct that circulates it to the large enclosure.

Abstract: A method of decontaminating a surface or liquid which is contaminated with prions includes treating the surface with a composition which includes one or more phenol. Phenols which are particularly effective include p-chloro-m-xylanol, thymol, triclosan, 4-chloro, 3-methylphenol, pentachlorophenol, hexachlorophene, 2,2-methyl-bis(4-chlorophenol), and p-phenylphenol.

Abstract: A reactor for the oxidation of a precursor to an aromatic carboxylic acid or ester thereof in a liquid phase reaction mixture is disclosed. The reactor comprises an elongate vessel, substantially vertical in use, having an upper mixing element and a lower mixing element, characterised in that the upper mixing element is an axial pumping impeller and the lower mixing element is a radial pumping impeller. A process of producing a carboxylic acid or ester thereof in a reactor of the invention is also disclosed. In use, the configuration of mixing elements leads to three highly turbulent mixing zones. In a preferred embodiment of the process of the present invention oxidant, from one inlet, and solvent, precursor and catalyst, are introduced directly into a mixing zone. The highly turbulent mixing zones lead to rapid mass transfer suppressing the formation of unwanted, coloured by-products and reduced reactor fouling.