Abstract: Presented are devices and methods for the generation of high temperature plasma, wherein air or gas is projected past a heating element, or superheated steam produced by water projection on an element and combinations thereof utilizing a heat source comprising an electrically powered heating element in a double helical (DNA) shape which allows for an efficient generation of high heat output.

Abstract: Presented is an electrically charged heating element configured as a twin reversed spiral or other flat shape for high power density during cross current fluid flow. In one embodiment the element material is wound clockwise in a spiral inwardly to a point and then wound counterclockwise in a spiral outwardly from that point on the same plane as the clockwise winding, and between the clockwise windings, to a point past the beginning of the outer clockwise winding. Hot fluid generators employing such elements singly or in multiple stacked configurations are presented as well.

Abstract: Presented is a fixture to be attached to a device, and method of use thereof, designed to project a fluid upon a surface or object where the distance between the surface or object and the source of applied fluid is in need of precise control. Such need of distance control could be where the fluid, due to temperature or abrasiveness might damage the surface if applied to closely or where the distance may need to be precise where a fluid, such as paint, needs to be applied at a specific distance for optimal coverage.

Abstract: Presented are devices and methods for the generation of high temperature plasma, wherein air or gas is projected past a heating element, or superheated steam produced by water projection on an element and combinations thereof utilizing a heat source comprising an electrically powered heating element in a double helical (DNA) shape which allows for an efficient generation of high heat output.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the application of labels to packaging employing the application of superheated steam or other fluids in an enclosed space at atmospheric pressure are presented. Such an apparatus and method will more effectively, efficiently and safely attach shrink labeling to consumer packaged goods (CPG) with enhanced time, water and energy savings.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the instant generation of superheated steam at normal atmospheric pressure are presented. Such an apparatus includes a water source, a means to convert the water to a mist or atomized droplets and a means to superheat the mist for application onto surfaces and objects. The apparatus and method are based upon the unique properties and behavior of misted water when it comes into contact with a heated surface, such behavior and properties resulting in the efficient and expansive release of energy and superheated steam. Such an apparatus can produce this steam at one atmosphere without the need of a boiler or other required high pressure fixtures or piping.

Abstract: Presented is a heating element, and method for producing same, comprised of strip material having a length, width and depth where the strip material is twisted at least once axially relative to its length and bent at least once across its width resulting in a generally flat profile. The twists and bends provide for expansion and contraction of the heating element and thereby provide stress relief during heating and cooling.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the application of labels to packaging employing the application of superheated steam or other fluids in an enclosed space at atmospheric pressure are presented. Such an apparatus and method will more effectively, efficiently and safely attach shrink labeling to consumer packaged goods (CPG) with enhanced time, water and energy savings.

Abstract: A compact steaming device, which may be handheld, and method for the generation at one atmosphere and projection of superheated steam over objects and surfaces for the elimination and control of unwanted microorganisms and pests including, but not limited to bedbugs, fleas, ants, lice and mites. A preferred embodiment of such a compact device comprises a vessel, a base, heating coils, a superheated steam generator and an external power supply for the initial boiling of a liquid to vapor and for subsequent heating of the vapor to superheated temperatures. The device and method allow for the generation of steam or gas and subsequent superheating to be accomplished safely at one atmosphere. The preferred embodiment allows for the free flow of the gas through and out of the compact device safely and effectively relieving any resulting pressure. A multi-watt embodiment is also envisioned which may be handheld or stationary.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the instant generation of superheated steam at normal atmospheric pressure are presented. Such an apparatus includes a water source, a means to convert the water to a mist or atomized droplets and a means to superheat the mist for application onto surfaces and objects. The apparatus and method are based upon the unique properties and behavior of misted water when it comes into contact with a heated surface, such behavior and properties resulting in the efficient and expansive release of energy and superheated steam. Such an apparatus can produce this steam at one atmosphere without the need of a boiler or other required high pressure fixtures or piping.

Abstract: Presented is a heating element, and method for producing same, comprised of strip material having a length, width and depth where the strip material is twisted at least once axially relative to its length and bent at least once across its width resulting in a generally flat profile. The twists and bends provide for expansion and contraction of the heating element and thereby provide stress relief during heating and cooling.

Abstract: A sterilizing apparatus includes an enclosure defining an interior chamber and a door for accessing the interior chamber. A fluid source communicates with the chamber to supply a working fluid thereto. A heater heats the fluid in the chamber and a pump moves the fluid in the chamber by the heater. A valve communicates with the chamber and with the exterior of the chamber and is configured to vent the fluid in the chamber to the exterior at a pressure of approximately one atmosphere. Such provides superheating and concentrating of the working fluid in the chamber. A method of sterilization includes introducing a working fluid into an interior chamber and circulating the fluid through at least one recirculation loop having a heater for heating the fluid to an operational temperature suitable for killing microorganisms. The method further provides for killing of very high temperature resistant microorganisms.

Abstract: A sterilizing apparatus (10, 80) includes an enclosure (18, 84) defining an interior chamber (20, 86) and a door (22) for accessing the interior chamber (20, 86). A fluid source (42, 88) communicates with the chamber (20, 86) to supply a working fluid thereto. A heater (64, 102) heats the fluid in the chamber (20, 86) and a pump (62, 82) moves the fluid in the chamber (20, 86) by the heater (64, 102). A valve (50, 150) communicates with the chamber (20, 86) and with the exterior of the chamber (20, 86) and is configured to vent the fluid in the chamber (20, 86) to the exterior at a pressure of approximately one atmosphere. Such provides superheating and concentrating of the working fluid in the chamber (20, 86). A method of sterilization includes introducing a working fluid into an interior chamber (20, 86) and circulating the fluid through at least one recirculation loop (54, 96) having a heater (64, 102) for heating the fluid to an operational temperature suitable for killing microorganisms.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating superheated steam capable of reducing or eliminating microorganisms associated with an item includes a gas heater for heating a gas, a steam generator coupled to the gas heater and having a reservoir for supplying water, wherein the heater heats the gas such that when water is combined therewith, a mixture of superheated steam and gas capable of reducing or eliminating microorganisms is discharged from the apparatus. The generation of the steam-gas mixture may be done at one atmosphere of pressure and the mixing may be done prior to expelling the fluid from the apparatus. The apparatus may be configured as a hand-held device, A method of treating an item for microorganisms includes generating a superheated steam at approximately one atmosphere of pressure, directing a flow of the steam onto the item, and reducing or eliminating microorganisms using the steam.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating superheated steam capable of reducing or eliminating microorganisms associated with an item includes a gas heater for heating a gas, a steam generator coupled to the gas heater and having a reservoir for supplying water, wherein the heater heats the gas such that when water is combined therewith, a mixture of superheated steam and gas capable of reducing or eliminating microorganisms is discharged from the apparatus. The generation of the steam-gas mixture may be done at one atmosphere of pressure and the mixing may be done prior to expelling the fluid from the apparatus. The apparatus may be configured as a hand-held device, A method of treating an item for microorganisms includes generating a superheated steam at approximately one atmosphere of pressure, directing a flow of the steam onto the item, and reducing or eliminating microorganisms using the steam.

Abstract: An apparatus (200, 300, 400) for generating superheated steam capable of reducing or eliminating microorganisms associated with an item (230) includes a gas heater (10) for heating a gas, a steam generator coupled to the gas heater (10) and having a reservoir (216, 304) for supplying water, wherein the heater (10) heats the gas such that when water is combined therewith, a mixture of superheated steam and gas capable of reducing or eliminating microorganisms is discharged from the apparatus (200, 300, 400). The generation of the steam-gas mixture may be done at one atmosphere of pressure and the mixing may be done prior to expelling the fluid from the apparatus (200, 300, 400). The apparatus (400) may be configured as a hand-held device, A method of treating an item (230) for microorganisms includes generating a superheated steam at approximately one atmosphere of pressure, directing a flow of the steam onto the item (230), and reducing or eliminating microorganisms using the steam.

Abstract: A sterilizing apparatus includes an enclosure defining an interior chamber and a door for accessing the interior chamber. A fluid source communicates with the chamber to supply a working fluid thereto. A heater heats the fluid in the chamber and a pump moves the fluid in the chamber by the heater. A valve communicates with the chamber and with the exterior of the chamber and is configured to vent the fluid in the chamber to the exterior at a pressure of approximately one atmosphere. Such provides superheating and concentrating of the working fluid in the chamber. A method of sterilization includes introducing a working fluid into an interior chamber and circulating the fluid through at least one recirculation loop having a heater for heating the fluid to an operational temperature suitable for killing microorganisms. The method further provides for killing of very high temperature resistant microorganisms.

Abstract: A novel flexible infrared device is provided for heating surfaces in a uniform manner not available previously. The heater is designed in a manner so as to allow “hugging” of the surface by attaching the heater module to at least two swivel points located above the heating plane. In this manner the common problems encountered with heating dies by IR heaters is overcome.

Abstract: A coil-in-coil electric heating assembly for industrial applications heats any gas through an annular space between the coils to very high temperatures. Gas is introduced into the annular space through one open end of a tubular enclosure and leaves through an opposite end after being significantly heated. Coils may be made from several heating element materials and may be wound in the same direction or opposite direction. The opposite winding direction often gives a higher temperature of the exit gas. Temperatures even as high as 1500° C. in the exit gas have been recorded. The heating system may be utilized to generate superheated steam for industrial applications even in a recirculating manner.

Abstract: A sterilizing apparatus (10, 80) includes an enclosure (18, 84) defining an interior chamber (20, 86) and a door (22) for accessing the interior chamber (20, 86). A fluid source (42, 88) communicates with the chamber (20, 86) to supply a working fluid thereto. A heater (64, 102) heats the fluid in the chamber (20, 86) and a pump (62, 82) moves the fluid in the chamber (20, 86) by the heater (64, 102). A valve (50, 150) communicates with the chamber (20, 86) and with the exterior of the chamber (20, 86) and is configured to vent the fluid in the chamber (20, 86) to the exterior at a pressure of approximately one atmosphere. Such provides superheating and concentrating of the working fluid in the chamber (20, 86). A method of sterilization includes introducing a working fluid into an interior chamber (20, 86) and circulating the fluid through at least one recirculation loop (54, 96) having a heater (64, 102) for heating the fluid to an operational temperature suitable for killing microorganisms.