Abstract: A process is disclosed for the electro-refinement of titanium aluminides to produce titanium-aluminum master alloys which process is effective even in the presence of substantial amounts of aluminum and in the presence of ten (10) or more weight percent oxygen in the material(s) to be refined. The process is likewise effective without the addition of titanium chlorides or other forms of soluble titanium to the electrolyte bath comprising halide salts of alkali metals or alkali-earth metals or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to systems and methods for processing non-fermented liquids. In some embodiments, non-fermented liquids may be processed into fermentable liquids in relatively short time (e.g., less than or equal to 30 minutes). In certain embodiments, the non-fermented liquids may be processed in relatively small batches (e.g., having a volume of less than or equal to 2 liters). The systems and methods described herein may be useful for producing fermented (e.g., alcoholic) beverages by a consumer. Advantageously, the systems and methods may be for use by a consumer where, upon introduction of a non-fermented liquid into the system, a fermented beverage is produced (e.g., in relatively small batches and/or in relative short times) as compared to traditional fermentation systems and methods (e.g., requiring relatively long fermentation times and/or relatively large batches).

Abstract: A chemical vapor sterilization process is enhanced by concentrating a germicide via condensation and re-vaporization thereof, exploiting the difference between the vapor pressures of the germicide and its solvent to extract some of the solvent during the condensation process. A heat pump coupled with the condensation surface enhances the speed and efficiency of condensing and revaporizing the germicide.

Abstract: Concentration of a chemical vapor sterilant, especially, hydrogen peroxide, can be calculated at a point within a lumen based upon physical characteristics of the lumen and process parameters of a sterilization process employing the sterilant.

Abstract: A sterilization system includes a sterilization chamber, a vacuum pump associated with the sterilization chamber, a vaporizer in association with the sterilization chamber, a sterilant distillation system associated with the chamber, a source of sterilant solution associated with the vaporizer and with the sterilant distillation system, and a control system which has programmed therein a first cycle in which the sterilant is admitted to the sterilization chamber at a first concentration, and a second cycle in which sterilant is concentrated in the sterilant distillation system to a second concentration, higher than the first concentration and from there admitted into the sterilization chamber and wherein the first and second cycles are selectable.

Abstract: A directional antenna is provided that utilizes an existing light source or simple reflector having a beam directing reflective surface and a transparent cover for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic radio waves. In an aspect, an information signal is impressed across a conductive material formed to a transparent cover and the reflective surface directs electromagnetic radio waves in a predetermined direction. Beam pattern, gain, polarization and wavelength can be selected through the design and positioning of the conductive material from the reflective surface for providing an effective resonant antenna. The radiated information signal may be used to detect an object or communicate with a receiver. The light source or reflector can be attached to a fixed structure or to a mobile vehicle. In the case of a mobile vehicle, the antenna is fully concealed. In an aspect, material costs, manufacturing costs and assembly costs are reduced as compared to presently available antennas.

Abstract: A sterilizer employs a vaporizer having sloped surfaces over which flow liquid sterilant solution for vaporization. The arrangement promotes even distribution of the sterilant solution for more efficient vaporization.

Abstract: A directional antenna is provided that transmits an information signal to a light source having a beam directing reflective surface. In an aspect, the information signal is impressed across a light filament and the reflective surface directs the electromagnetic radio waves in a predetermined direction. The radiated information signal may be used to detect an object or communicate with a receiver. The light source can be attached to a fixed structure or to mobile vehicle. In the case of a mobile vehicle, the antenna is fully concealed and can operate with an unmodified, factory installed vehicle headlight. In an aspect, material costs, manufacturing costs and assembly costs are reduced as compared to presently available antennas.

Abstract: A chemical vapor sterilization process is enhanced by concentrating a germicide via exploitation of the difference between the vapor pressures of the germicide and its solvent. A diffusion restriction can be placed into the diffusion path to assist this process and the path then opened to provide rapid diffusion of the thus concentrated germicide. The path through the diffusion restriction can be closed to allow the pressure in a sterilization chamber to be lowered prior to receiving the concentrated germicide.

Abstract: A sterilizer includes a vacuum chamber, a source of vaporizable sterilant, a vacuum pump, and a control system. The control system is programmed to take one or more data inputs regarding the nature of the load, such as lumen length and diameter, and determine one or more parameters of the sterilization cycle based upon the inputs.

Abstract: A cassette for a sterilizer has one or more cells containing a sterilant, is received within a sleeve and the sleeve carries a bar code which is encoded with a lumen claim. The lumen claim relates to a sterilization cycle for which the cassette is designed.

Abstract: A cassette for a sterilizer has one or more cells containing a sterilant and carries a bar code which is encoded with a lumen claim. The lumen claim relates to a sterilization cycle for which the cassette is designed.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing an article includes placing the article into a chamber containing an inner atmosphere and exhausting the inner atmosphere to lower pressure in the chamber. Hydrogen peroxide vapor is present in the chamber during at least a portion of the step of exhausting the inner atmosphere. Exhaustion of the inner atmosphere is terminated and additional hydrogen peroxide is admitted into the chamber. Hydrogen peroxide vapor contacts the article for a sufficient period to effect sterilization of the article.

Abstract: The automated inspection of features on printed circuit boards is compatible with automated manufacturing technology and greatly speeds the production of useful boards. One printed circuit board feature that can be difficult to inspect is the placement of holes surrounded by pad material. The present invention provides a more robust method and apparatus for inspecting holes to determine if they are surrounded by a pad material. Hole Images are processed to highlight the hole and adjacent pad material. Automated design and manufacturing data is combined with an indication of what forms an acceptable hole based on surface area measurement of pad material on the printed circuit board. The method and apparatus then compares measured areas with a calculated error threshold to determine if the hole is placed within an acceptable region of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A method is provided according to the present invention for storing medical information onto a portable storage device. The inventive method generally includes the steps of providing a portable electronic data storage device directly connectable to a universal serial bus (USB) port of a computer,. and populating the portable electronic data storage device with medical information pertaining to a certain individual. The medical information includes a date indicator reference providing the date on which the portable electronic data storage device was last populated, i.e., the age of the medical information. Connecting the portable electronic data storage device to the USB port of a computer will allow the certain individual to view, but not edit, the medical information stored thereon.