Abstract: An improved vapor generator and control system includes a vaporization chamber for generating superheated vapor from liquid therein and at least one input connectable to liquid supply and adjustable control for controlling input of liquid into the vaporization chamber whereby output of superheated vapor is controllable while the system is in operation. A method for fabricating vapor generators includes the steps of providing at least two separate parts of a vapor generator, fastening the parts together to form a vapor generator defining a vaporization chamber and providing a capability to connect input control for control of input of liquid to the vaporization chamber. A method for cleaning selected objects comprises the steps of generating superheated vapor and controlling output of superheated vapor terms of volume and/or pressure and/or direction by adjustably controlling in an ongoing manner volume, pressure, and velocity of the liquid being subjected to vaporization.

Abstract: A system for further heating superheated vapor comprises apparatus for further heating superheated vapor from superheated vapor generation devices. A method for further heating superheated vapor comprises the steps of providing superheated vapor and further heating the superheated vapor.

Abstract: A system and method for cleansing, including cleaning, disinfection, sterilization and decontamination comprises apparatus for generating and issuing superheated vapor including at least one (1) sterilant, the liquid from which the superheated vapor is generated comprising solution of sterilant and in some applications at least one anticorrosive and includes control for exposure to said superheated vapor. A method for cleaning, disinfecting, sterilizing, and decontaminating includes the steps of directing superheated vapor under pressure including at least one sterilant therein toward the object to be cleaned, disinfected, sterilized and decontaminated and may include provision of an anticorrosion reagent therein. Apparatus may provide a tortuous path such as to expose an object to be cleaned, sterilized, disinfected, or decontaminated in various aspects such as to treat substantially the entire object, either through use of manual intervention or substantially wholly automated.

Abstract: A superheated vapor generation system includes at least one vapor generator with a vapor generation space in its interior for generation of superheated vapor upon entry thereinto of liquid. At least one thermal element is disposed within the interior vapor generation space. A method for fabrication of a superheated vapor generation system includes providing at least two sections for fastening together, providing at least one thermal element, and fastening the sections together to form an interior vapor generation space, with the thermal element disposed therein.

Abstract: An improved superheated vapor generator for generating superheated vapor comprises a vapor generating volume for receiving liquid and including a vaporization member having a portion defining a plurality of holes for vaporizing contact with the liquid. The widths and/or depths of the holes may vary substantially randomly. The vaporization member may define grooves and ridges of substantially randomly varying height and depth and may further include intersecting grooves and ridges, intersecting the first-mentioned ridges and grooves, these ridges and grooves varying substantially randomly in height and depth. Two or more vapor generators may be arranged such that the vapor generated thereby and vapor pressure are additive.

Abstract: A cleaning and waste management system comprises a cleaning chamber substantially isolatable from the ambient and including at least one openable closure for accomplishing said isolation, the cleaning chamber for accommodating objects to be cleaned being connected to a collector for waste and contaminants from cleaning, and a cleaning member insertable into the chamber without substantially affecting the isolation of the interior of the cleaning chamber from the ambient. The cleaning member generates superheated vapor such as steam and to dispense such superheated vapor directed to an object to be cleaned so that the object may be hand-held in the cleaning chamber.

Abstract: A superheated vapor generator system comprises at least two vapor generators connectable to a controller for causing at least one of the superheated vapor generators to generate superheated vapor during a time interval in which the at least one other superheated vapor generator does not generate superheated vapor whereby at least one superheated vapor generator produces superheated vapor as desired during a selected time interval. The system may be adjusted to generate vapor substantially continuously.

Abstract: A superheated vapor generator and control system includes a vapor generator having an interior vapor generating chamber with peripheral surfaces having a plurality of ridges and grooves, preferably of substantially randomly varying heights and depths and preferably having a plurality of grooves and ridges intersecting the first-mentioned grooves and ridges, the second-mentioned ridges and grooves preferably varying substantially randomly in height and depth. A hand-held control member includes parts for controlling generation of superheated vapor and for directing such vapor to desired objects. A method for fabricating a superheated vapor generator includes machining inner portions of sections of heat conductive material to form grooves and ridges and then welding the parts together to form a closed interior vapor generation chamber.

Abstract: A system utilizing a dry steam jet for cleaning, sterilizing and related purposes. A steam generator in the form of a flash boiler with a heat source is utilized. A reservoir containing a mixture of water and containing a cleaning agent or other chemical is provided. A motor driven reciprocating pump, pumps the liquid mixture into the flash boiler. The mixture immediately is vaporized and then is discharged through the jet nozzle. The system is coordinated to be operated electrically under manual control. The flash boiler is internally etched in a non-uniform manner to enhance the flashing of the liquid. The pump speed, water flow, etched boiler size, and applied heating temperature are coordinated to achieve the result that a steady flow at the desired pressure and temperature from the jet nozzle can be had.