Abstract: A sensor for detecting hydrogen peroxide, comprising an element exhibiting piezoelectric properties having a metal-oxide-containing coating, the metal-oxide having a divalent or tetravalent state.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the concentration of a detergent in a detergent solution. A capacitive sensor is exposed to the detergent solution, and electrical properties of the capacitive sensor are responsive to changes in the concentration of detergent in the detergent solution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing the concentration of a gaseous sterilant in a sealable enclosure. An indicator is provided that has a chemistry such that the indicator changes color when exposed to vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP). The chemistry is adapted to react when exposed to a specific minimum concentration of vaporized hydrogen peroxide for a specific minimum period of time. In this manner, it can be visually determined whether articles (e.g., medical instruments and like devices) located within the sealable enclosure have been exposed to a minimum threshold of vaporized hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A chemical concentration detecting system for determining the relative concentrations of a multiple component chemical solution. The multi-component solution is preferably comprised of an antimicrobial chemical and a base fluid that acts as a diluent for the antimicrobial chemical, or as a vehicle or carrier for the antimicrobial chemical. A capacitor is exposed to the decontamination solution, wherein the decontamination solution acts as the dielectric between the plates of the capacitor. Permittivity of the dielectric is affected by the relative concentrations of the components, and thus a measurement of the capacitance is used to determine the relative concentration levels of the components in the solution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the state of a chemical solution for neutralization of chemical and biological warfare agents are disclosed. A capacitor is exposed to the chemical solution, wherein the steam acts as a dielectric between the plates of the capacitor. Permittivity of the dielectric is affected by the oxidant levels in the chemical solution, and thus a measurement of electrical properties of the capacitor is used to monitor the state of the chemical solution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring at least one of steam purity and steam quality for steam used in a decontamination process. A capacitor is exposed to the steam, wherein the steam acts as a dielectric between the plates of the capacitor. Permittivity of the dielectric is affected by the purity and/or quality of the steam, and thus a measurement of electrical properties of the capacitor is used to monitor steam purity and/or quality.

Abstract: An electroactive material (e.g., a doped electroactive polymer, or an intercalcated carbon/graphite fiber) responsive to the concentration of a chemical component is used to sense the concentration of the chemical component inside a chamber. The conductivity, or other electrical property of the electroactive material, varies in response to the exposure to the chemical component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the concentration of metal cations in a chemical solution. In a preferred embodiment, the chemical solution is a solution for derouging or passivating stainless steel. A capacitive sensor provides data indicative of the concentration of chemical components (e.g., iron or chromium) in the chemical solution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for formulating and controlling concentrations of deactivating chemicals in a solution inside a chamber. The solution may include chemical components that are deactivating chemicals, as well as chemical components that are base chemicals, acting as a diluent for a deactivating chemical, or as a vehicle or carrier for a deactivating chemical. A capacitor is exposed to the solution, wherein the solution comprises a dielectric material between the plates of the capacitor. Permittivity of the dielectric is affected by the relative concentrations of the chemical components, and thus a measurement of the electrical properties of the capacitor can be used to determine the concentration levels of multiple chemical components in the solution.

Abstract: Hydrogen peroxide is vaporized (20) and mixed (30) with ammonia gas in a ratio between 1:1 and 1:0.0001. The peroxide and ammonia vapor mixture are conveyed to a treatment area (10) to neutralize V-type, H-type, or G-type chemical agents, pathogens, biotoxins, spores, prions, and the like. The ammonia provides the primary deactivating agent for G-type agents with the peroxide acting as an accelerator. The peroxide acts as the primary agent for deactivating V-type and H-type agents, pathogens, biotoxins, spores, and prions. The ammonia acts as an accelerator in at least some of these peroxide deactivation reactions.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a composite article, comprising a metal foil having a first side and a second side; a protective film of at least one inert silane, titanate or zirconate overlying the first side of the metal foil; and a metal sheet having a first side and a second side, the first side overlying the protective film. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of increasing tarnish resistance of metal foil comprising contacting the metal foil with an inert silane, titanate or zirconate compound to form a protective film having a thickness from about 0.001 microns to about 1 micron on a surface of the metal foil; and attaching the foil to a metal sheet.

Abstract: A vaporizer heating apparatus is comprised of electromagnetically responsive material and electrically non-conductive material. A antimicrobial fluid to be vaporized, such as water or hydrogen peroxide solution, is supplied to the heating apparatus where it is converted to a vapor. In one embodiment of the present invention, electromagnetically responsive material particulate is embedded into the electrically non-conductive material. In another embodiment of the present invention, a microwave generator is used to produce heat.

Abstract: A contaminant detecting system for determining the presence of a miscible or immiscible contaminant in a fluid. The fluid acts as a dielectric between the plates of a capacitive sensing element. The measured capacitance value varies in accordance with the composition of the fluid, to indicate the presence or absence of the contaminant in the fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in a liquid or gaseous fluid. A capacitor is exposed to the fluid, wherein the fluid acts as the dielectric between the conductors of the capacitor. The permittivity and dielectric constant associated with the fluid is affected by the relative concentrations of the chemical components comprising the fluid. A measurement of the capacitance is used to determine the relative concentration levels of the chemical components in the fluid. In an alternative embodiment, a resistor, and associated resistance values, are used to determine the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in a liquid or gaseous fluid.

Abstract: A chemical concentration detecting system for determining the relative concentrations of a multiple component chemical solution. The multi-component solution is preferably comprised of an antimicrobial chemical and a base fluid that acts as a diluent for the antimicrobial chemical, or as a vehicle or carrier for the antimicrobial chemical. A capacitor is exposed to the decontamination solution, wherein the decontamination solution acts as the dielectric between the plates of the capacitor. Permittivity of the dielectric is affected by the relative concentrations of the components, and thus a measurement of the capacitance is used to determine the relative concentration levels of the components in the solution.

Abstract: A chemical concentration detecting system for determining the relative concentration of a chemical component in a gas mixture. The gas mixture may include chemical components that are antimicrobial chemicals, as well as chemical components that are base chemicals, acting as a diluent for the antimicrobial chemical, or as a vehicle or carrier for the antimicrobial chemical. A capacitor is exposed to the gas mixture, wherein the gas mixture acts as a dielectric between the plates of the capacitor. Permittivity of the dielectric is affected by the relative concentrations of the chemical components, and thus a measurement of the capacitance is used to determine the relative concentration levels of the chemical components in the gas mixture.

Abstract: A resistor foil, comprised of a copper layer having a first side and a second side. An intermediate layer having a thickness of between 5 Å and 70 Å is disposed on the first side of the copper layer. A first layer of a first resistor metal having a thickness of between 50 Å and 2 &mgr;m is disposed on the intermediate layer, and a second layer of a second resistor metal having a thickness of between 50 Å and 2 &mgr;m is disposed on the first layer of the first resistor metal. The first resistor metal has a resistance different from the second resistor metal.

Abstract: A system for irradiating mail, comprising a device for conveying mail along a predetermined path and a device for irradiating the mail moving along the path with a beam of electrons. An apparatus for chilling the mail is provided along the path. The apparatus exposes the mail to a low-temperature, gaseous fluid created using a cryogenic fluid.

Abstract: An induction coil (36) generates a magnetic field which induces current in an induction vessel (28). The induction vessel is heated by the current and supplies the heat to a passage (34) within the vessel. A liquid to be vaporized, such as water or hydrogen peroxide solution, is supplied to the passage where it is converted to vapor. The vapor is supplied to a defined area, such as a chamber (14) of a steam or vapor hydrogen peroxide sterilizer (10), where items are microbially decontaminated by the vapor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for neutralizing biological and/or chemical warfare agents using an ozone-containing solution. The ozone-containing solution is produced by combining ozone-containing gas with an ozone vehicle, such as an organic solution. The ozone-vehicle prolongs the shelf life of the ozone to allow for extended periods of storage. A storage container is used to store the ozone-containing solution and facilitate its transportation to an environment contaminated by the biological and/or chemical warfare agents, or near a potential site for biological or chemical attack. The ozone-containing solution is drawn out of the storage container to apply it to a contaminated environment.