Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preventing a microorganism from growing on surfaces such as the skin, walls, floors, countertops, and food preparation surfaces as well as in absorbent materials such as diapers, clothing, bedding, bedpads surgical apparel, surgical masks and the like. This method includes incorporating an effective amount of zeolite onto the surface or into the absorbent material to inhibit such a microorganism from growing.

Abstract: A composition and method for removing and preventing Salmonella contamination of meat products, in particular poultry. The composition comprises an effective amount of a quaternary ammonium compound in an aqueous solution. The quaternary ammonium compound are selected from the group consisting of alkylpyridinium, tetra-alkylammonium, and alkylalicyclic ammonium salts. Preferably, the quaternary ammonium compounds are cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) and cetylpyridinium bromide (CPB). The method comprises treating meat and poultry products with an effective amount of the quaternary ammonium compound in an aqueous solution. Mutagenicity studies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for the reduction or elimination of microbes in liquid or food products whereby the passage of a waveform, such as a DC square-wave, of a specific amplitude, duty cycle and current through the liquid or food product for a specific time period, allows for the elimination of microbes such as Salmonella Typhimurium from a variety of substances, including water, milk and solid food products.

Abstract: A system for treating articles, preferably with a sterilizing, gas is disclosed. The system includes a chamber into which the articles are received and valves for supplying the sterilizing gas to the chamber and for removing the gas from the chamber after a predetermined time period. The sterilizing gas is generated on site from at least two components, thus minimizing problems in the transportation of the gas to the location. The sterilizing gas generated on site is preferably chlorine dioxide and the two components may be chlorine gas and sodium chlorite. The system includes a programmed microprocessor controller for controlling the valves executing a predetermined sequence of instructions. The predetermined sequence of instructions define a state diagram for the system having a plurality of successive states. In order to provide for system safety, the controller preferably employs a plurality of abort states to which the system returns in the event of a failure.

Abstract: A method of lyophilizing reagent-coated latex particles which results in a product easily reconstituted without agglutination, retains activity, and remains stable and active at storage at 4.degree. C.

Abstract: A method of lyophilizing reagent-coated latex particles which results in a product easily reconstituted without agglutination, retains activity, and remains stable and active at storage at 4.degree. C.

Abstract: A disposable film developing assembly comprises a container having a developing chamber and an additional chamber upstream thereof for receiving a film wrap. A developer envelope containing film treating fluid is disposed inside the container, tabs on the envelope being connected to the container for tearing open the envelope and permitting the release of fluid therefrom upon a withdrawal of the envelope from the container. Linking elements for coupling a film to the envelope are provided, whereby the film is drawn from the film wrap into the developing chamber during a withdrawal of the envelope from the container. The envelope has a fluid containing pocket with a pair of longitudinally staggered extensions projecting from the longitudinal edges of the envelope towards the longitudinal edges of the container. Tabs are connected to the envelope at the extensions of the envelope pocket and are folded at creases over the respective extensions.