Abstract: A method and system for transporting a plurality of substrates between a transfer chamber and at least one processing chamber. The system includes a chuck assembly with a plurality of chucks configured to receive wafer substrates, where the chuck assembly is movably configured to provide for transfer of the plurality of substrates between a transfer chamber and a processing chamber. The system provides a structure that allows for the processing of one substrate on a first chuck, while a second substrate is loaded onto a second chuck and prepared for processing.

Abstract: A machine for palletizing elements having a head, a shank and a tip. An auger has a first portion having a variable pitch and a second portion having a constant pitch. A plurality of the elements are directed onto the auger and retained on the auger. A transfer arm moves the plurality of elements from the auger and introduces the plurality of elements to a tray having rows of holes therein. Several embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a parking structure for accommodating a plurality of vehicles in individual parking spaces, the parking structure comprising a parking tower including an entry/exit and a plurality of parking stories having parking spaces, a rotary platform for receiving each vehicle, a lifting platform for carrying the vehicles up and/or down from the entry/exit of the parking tower to the stories and from the stories back to the entry/exit of the tower, and a carriage assembly for transferring the vehicles between the rotary platform and the lifting platform and between the lifting platform and the stories.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for delivering large containers of goods, especially warehoused goods, such as pallets, to an out-processing station or to a transfer station. The apparatus includes an inclined delivery segment that leads to the out-processing station or transfer station and that has at least two tracks arranged essentially parallel that leave an intermediate space. At least one cart is arranged in each track. The carts form a first cart pair, whereby the carts run on wheels and have a bearing surface, whereby a large container can be placed on the bearing surfaces of the cart pair. Large containers can be moved using the inventive apparatus while avoiding the disadvantages of conventional roller tracks, such as pressing rollers into the wood on the underside of pallets and thereby causing the pallets to become stuck.

Abstract: A multi-set robot is provided that includes a first robot set having a first motor coupled to a first rotatable member that is rotatable about an axis; a second motor coupled to a second rotatable member that is rotatable about the axis; a first plurality of blades vertically spaced from one another; and a first linkage adapted to enable coordinated movement of the blades on rotation of the first and second rotatable members. The robot also includes a second robot set positioned above the first robot set having a third motor coupled to a third rotatable member that is rotatable about the axis; a fourth motor coupled to a fourth rotatable member that is rotatable about the axis; a second plurality of blades vertically spaced from one another; and a second linkage adapted to enable coordinated movement of the blades on rotation of the third and fourth rotatable members. Other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A stick or boom for a work machine. The stick or boom has a box portion including a first and second end and a first and second pivot point position at respective ends. A truss portion having an offset pivot point is attached to said stick or boom.

Abstract: A substrate transport apparatus comprising a drive section, an articulated arm, and a gripper. The articulated arm is connected to the drive section. The articulated arm has an end effector for transporting a substrate. The gripper is connected to the end effector for holding the substrate on the end effector. The gripper has at least two actuated contact pads for gripping the substrate. The two actuated contact pads are disposed on the end effector so that when actuated the contact pads are translated inwards relative to the end effector to grip the substrate and position a center of the substrate to a predetermined location on the end effector irrespective of a dimensional variance of the substrate.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for providing reciprocating, liner motion for a movable work piece relative to a stationary work piece is provided. The drive system includes a motor rotating a drum in forward and reverse directions about a first axis. The motor and drum are fixedly mounted with respect to the stationary work piece, such as to a housing or other structure. The system further includes an elongate, substantially non-flexible cable having a first and second ends fixed with respect to the stationary work piece. The cable further includes an intermediate portion extending between the first and second ends, with the intermediate portion being wound around the drum. First and second bearings are provided which are mounted to the movable work piece. The first bearing is positioned relative to the cable such that the intermediate portion of the cable is wound over the first bearing, and with the first bearing being positioned between the first end of the cable and the drum.

Abstract: A moisture-controlled wafer storage container for storing semiconductor wafers during processing and a method for using the container are provided. The container may be constructed of a container body that has a front wall, a back wall, a left-side wall, a right-side wall and a top wall defining a cavity therein for receiving a wafer cassette and wafers stored in the cassette. The cavity is further defined by a bottom wall of a wafer cassette when the cassette is positioned in the container to form a sealed cavity. The container further includes a moisture-absorbing means that is placed in the container or in fluid communication with the sealed cavity of the container for absorbing moisture and for controlling a relative humidity in the sealed cavity to less than 30%, and preferably to less than 20%, and more preferably to less than 10%.

Abstract: In a method for cooling a turbine (1), the supply of the cooling medium is regulated in accordance with the third power of the rotor rotational speed. The method is particularly employed in the period while the rotors run down after the termination of the on-load operation of the turbine (1). The method ensures that cooling takes place according to requirement and a critical phase with respect to vibrations of the long blades can not, as far as possible, be reached.

Abstract: A cast assembly for a gas turbine engine compressor, the compressor including a plurality of axial flow stators and a rotor having a plurality of axial flow blades, each of the blades having a tip section and a leading edge. The assembly comprises a stator outer platform, a boss, a passage, a blade outer shroud and a circumferential slot. A boss is formed in the platform and includes a passage. The passage includes an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is disposed in the circumferential slot. The outlet being disposed upstream of the leading edge of the blades. The passage circumferentially converges inward from the inlet to the outlet. The outer shroud joins with said outer platform during the assembly of the compressor such that the circumferential slot is formed downstream and proximate to the leading edge of the blades. The circumferential slot is in flow communication with the inlet and converges axially.

Abstract: A rotor is provided so that a rotor-side end part of a rotation shaft is rotatably supported by a bearing accommodated in a bearing accommodating part provided in a bottom part of a yoke in such a way as to project to a rotor side, and a part of an armature winding wound around a core surrounds the bearing accommodating part through an insulator.

Abstract: In a gas turbine, having a number of turbine blades/vanes respectively combined to form blade/vane rows, each of the turbine blades/vanes including an integrated cooling air duct, the cooling air requirement is to be kept particularly low in conjunction with reliable cooling of the turbine blades/vanes. For this purpose, the turbine blades/vanes forming a first turbine blade/vane row and the turbine blades/vanes forming a second blade/vane row connected downstream thereof, viewed in the flow direction of the working medium, are connected one behind the other on the cooling air side with the intermediate connection of an injection device for water. During the operation of the gas turbine, the cooling air flowing out of the turbine blades/vanes forming the first blade/vane row is intercooled by the injection of water and is subsequently supplied to the cooling air ducts of the turbine blades/vanes forming the second blade/vane row.

Abstract: An improved oil seal is provided for sealing passage of a rotatable shaft through an end wall of a bearing housing in a turbomachine or the like, wherein the shaft is rotatably supported within the bearing housing by oil-lubricated bearings. The improved oil seal comprises a dynamic oil-air separator and a slinger rotor mounted on the shaft for rotation therewith, the slinger rotor having an outwardly extending slinger ring with an outboard seal face with radially oriented slots and a circumferential groove or grooves.

Abstract: A booster compressor includes inlet guide vanes supported from a shroud. A shell surrounds the shroud and defines a manifold. A splitter nose includes a groove receiving a forward tang of the shroud with a clearance therebetween defining an outlet for the manifold. Hot air is channeled through the manifold and out the splitter nose for deicing thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve arrangement (1), in particular for a power plant. A housing (2) contains a shut-off valve (3) for shutting off a fluid flow, a control valve (4) for controlling the fluid flow through a housing outlet (8) and a bypass valve (5) for controlling the fluid flow through a bypass (13). This bypass (13) branches off from the housing (2) between the shut-off valve (3) and the control valve (4).

Abstract: An abrasion-resistant liner assembly for the suction branch of a centrifugal pump of the type having a suction connection for mating with a suction source, and a relief annulus formed in the suction connection, including a cylindrical liner, a groove formed in the outer surface of the liner and extending circumferentially around the liner, a seat ring positioned within the groove, and a seat ring holder positioned adjacent the seat ring on the inner end of the liner, wherein when the liner is positioned within the suction branch and the suction flange is mated with a suction source, the seat ring projects into the relief annulus, and the seat ring holder prevents axial movement of the liner.

Abstract: A stage of turbine blades (40) in a gas turbine engine (10) is surrounded by an array of shroud segments (42). The upstream ends of the segments (42) have plenum chambers (54) into which cooling air is fed from a compressor (12) via one hole (66) of a pair of holes, the other being numbered (68). Air from the plenum chambers (54) passes out to film cool the interior surface of each respective segment (42). Air from holes (68) passes out to convection cool the exterior surface of each segment (42), which effect is enhanced by the provision of ribs (80) and fences (82).

Abstract: A gas turbine engine outlet guide vane assembly has annular inner and outer end walls, a flowpath between the inner and outer end walls, outlet guide vanes radially disposed between the inner and outer end walls, and boundary layer energizing means for energizing boundary layers using secondary flow to mix free stream flow into the boundary layers along the inner and outer end walls and suction and pressure sides of the vanes. The boundary layer energizing means includes having the vanes circumferentially leaned in a direction that the suction sides face. The boundary layer energizing means also includes swept leading and/or trailing edges of the vanes that extend radially between the inner and outer end walls. The swept leading and/or trailing edges may be curved inwardly into the vanes from the outer end walls to leading and/or trailing edge points respectively between the end walls.

Abstract: A hot swap fan module for a server is described. The server has a fixed frame for installing the hot swap fan module. The module has at least one fan electrically connected with a power plug and having two sides. Each side of the fan has four holes. Each of two identical plastic moldings has four protuberances through the four holes for imbedding each of the plastic moldings on each side of the fan.

Abstract: A wind power plant for producing electrical energy on a large scale, comprising a base, a housing, rotatable on said base around vertical axis. A wind tail, attached to the housing, rotate the housing toward direction of the wind, utilizing the power of the wind, and produces additional tunnel suction to the flow of the wind from front side to back side of the housing. A plurality of turbines, equipped with rotors with wide blades, is mounted inside the housing one above another. Deflectors cover from the wind the front side of the rotors above their axis of rotation while computer controlled governors are covering the remaining front side of the rotors below their axis of rotation, keeping steady the speed of rotation of the rotors. Working surfaces of turbines are covered from heavy snow and during the storm and protected from birds. Power plant saves the area of occupied land, utilizing higher speed of wind on higher elevations.

Abstract: A turbine blade/vane, having a blade/vane aerofoil which extends along a blade/vane axis and through which cooling medium flows, mainly in the longitudinal direction of the turbine blade/vane, is configured comparatively simply for reliable and effective closed cooling. In particular, it is configured with the use of cooling air as the cooling medium. An incident flow duct and an efflux duct for cooling medium are routed within the blade/vane aerofoil, essentially over its complete length. The incident flow duct and the efflux duct are connected together on the cooling medium side in such a way that cooling medium passing from the incident flow duct into the efflux duct is conducted in a transverse direction along a wall inner surface, which has to be cooled, of the blade/vane aerofoil.

Abstract: In a closed circuit moving blade cooled turbine, holes in the radial direction formed in the outer periphery of a second stage wheel are led to cooling air supply holes to second stage moving blades and to prevent the cooling air from leaking into the junction, the holes in the radial direction and the cooling air supply holes are interconnected and the supply members covering the junction are fit into them. The cooling air after cooling the second stage moving blades is introduced into the collection holes formed in the outer periphery of the spacer via the cooling air collection holes and to prevent the cooling air from leaking into the boundary, the cooling air collection holes and collection holes are interconnected and the collection members covering the boundary are fit into them.

Abstract: An internal coating on an internal passage wall exposed at a passage opening through an article external surface is protected from removal during repair of the article, including removal of at least a portion of an external coating, by a masking assembly disposed about the passage opening. The masking assembly comprises a masking member and a substantially flexible seal, substantially inert to a coating removal medium for the external coating. The masking member is shaped for disposition about the passage opening across a gap between the external surface and the masking member. The substantially flexible seal is disposed across the gap substantially to seal the gap.

Abstract: A fan assembly is disclosed. The fan assembly has a frame and a motorized blade assembly. The motorized blade assembly has an electric motor and an integrally attached bladed propeller with a central hub. The motor includes a rotor and a stator, the rotor having a rotatable output shaft extending from a front side of the motor with a bladed propeller secured to the output shaft. The motor includes a housing with a mounting area for securing an electrical control switch. The mounting area is provided by a flange portion of the rear motor wall and positioned radially outwardly relative to the output shaft, and provides mounting of the control switch with a user interface that is exposed from the fan frame. The fan assembly motor also may provide an electrical connection port for removable attachment of an electrical power cord, wherein the connection port is integral with the motor housing and is exposed from the fan frame for attachment of the cord by a user.

Abstract: A method and a pump apparatus are provided for the generation of an adjustable, substantially constant volume flow of a fluid by means of a pump apparatus, wherein the fluid (5) is forwarded by the pump apparatus (1) from a reservoir (2) into a flow connection (4). A rotary pump (1) is used as the pump apparatus and the rotary pump (1) is operated at an efficiency which is less than half the maximum efficiency (&eegr;max) of the rotary pump (1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dry vacuum pump which includes multiple-tier cylinders, a gas flow path formed in a cover, and a cooling water flow path for thereby concurrently a heat of cooling rotation friction elements and a high temperature gas.

Abstract: A variable displacement piston type compressor has a housing, a drive shaft, a cam plate and a piston. The drive shaft is rotatably supported by the housing. The drive shaft has a first end and a second end. The first end of the drive shaft extends through the housing. The cylinder block is placed between the first end and the second end. The suction chamber and the discharge chamber are defined near the first end relative to the cylinder block. The crank chamber is defined near the second end relative to the cylinder block. The refrigerant in the crank chamber is bled into the suction pressure region through a bleed passage. Thereby, the inclination angle of the cam plate is controlled. The crank chamber and the suction chamber are connected with each other through the bleed passage. The bleed passage is formed outside of the drive shaft.

Abstract: In a compression capacity control device for a refrigeration cycle including a variable displacement compressor that compresses refrigerant sucked from a suction chamber communicating with a suction line, and discharges the refrigerant into a discharge chamber communicating with a discharge line, while varying the delivery quantity of the refrigerant by changing pressure in a pressure-regulating chamber which has the pressure therein controlled by an electromagnetic control valve, the electromagnetic control valve arranged between the discharge chamber and the pressure-regulating chamber is held in an open state to place the variable displacement compressor in a state with the minimum delivery quantity within a variable range, when the electromagnetic control valve is in a deenergized state. This makes it possible to dispense with a clutch for inhibiting operation of the compressor, thereby largely reducing the device cost.

Abstract: A hydraulic transmission pump assembly adapted to provide fluid under pressure to predetermined components in a transmission including a one-way clutch assembly operatively coupled to the pump and an electric motor operatively coupled to the one-way clutch. The one-way clutch is operatively connected to an engine to provide motive power the pump and the electric motor at engine speeds above a predetermined level thereby providing fluid under pressure to the transmission and driving the electric motor to generate electricity. The electric motor is operable to drive the pump at engine speeds below the predetermined level to provide fluid under pressure to the transmission during this operating condition.

Abstract: A blower includes a casing for receiving a motor therein and the shaft of the motor extends through an opening in a top surface of the casing. A blade assembly is connected to the shaft and a cover is fixedly connected to the top surface of the casing and has an air outlet. The blade assembly is enclosed by the cover. Two recesses are defined in an outer periphery of the casing and a handle is connected to one of the two recesses, and an air inlet is defined in an inside of the other recess of the casing.

Abstract: A scroll compressor of simple structure and low production cost which can be protected when abnormal pressure state or abnormal temperature state of the compressor comprises: a sealed casing including a first chamber for forming a low pressure and a second chamber for forming a high pressure which are divided by a separating panel; a driving unit built in the casing for generating a driving force; a compressed unit connected to the driving unit via a rotating shaft for compressing and discharging fluid when the driving unit is operated; and a protecting device mounted on one side of the separating panel for bypassing the fluid of high pressure or of high temperature in the second chamber to the first chamber when a pressure difference or temperature difference between the first and second chambers is larger than a set value.

Abstract: Provided is a connecting structure for a vacuum pump, which can block propagation of electrical noise, generated by a main body of the vacuum pump. Between both ends of a connection piping for connecting the vacuum pump to a vacuum chamber of an apparatus to be connected with and evacuated by the vacuum pump, there is interposedly provided an electrical insulating portion formed of an insulating material so as to provide electrical insulation therebetween. The electrical insulation portion may be provided to a connection piping member such as a damper (or a valve depending on the connection arrangement) for absorbing mechanical vibrations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a roots vacuum pump which is capable of implementing a good outer appearance and an improved layout design of a pump by forming a certain path through which a remaining compression gas is returned to a suction port side of a roots pump in a housing of a roots pump in the case that a gas compressed by a roots pump is not fully exhausted by a latter part pump and remains in an exhaust pot side of the roots pump and is capable of concurrently operating a roots pump and a latter part pump. The roots vacuum pump apparatus in which a root pump and a latter part pump are connected, includes bypass paths formed in at least one inner surface among the inner surfaces of the front cover and the rear cover for communicating the suction pot and exhaust port of the cylinder, and an one-way valve installed in an inlet of the bypass path contacting with the exhaust port for opening the bypass path when a pressure of the exhaust port exceeds a certain level.

Abstract: A hermetic reciprocating piston compressor capable of reducing vibration, noise, starting voltage, and power consumption, comprising a cylinder block; a cylinder head that is attached at the cylinder block and having a discharging chamber; a valve plate inserted between the cylinder block and the cylinder head: a first discharging muffler connected with the discharging chamber by a discharging passage disposed between the valve plate and the cylinder block; and a second discharging muffler connected to the first muffler at one end thereof by the connection pipe, and the discharging pipe being connected with another end the second discharging muffler, wherein the connection pipe has plural passages in a middle part thereof, and the passages merge to become one passage at both ends thereof.

Abstract: A wet-type rotor pump which is particularly suitable for feeding coolant in motorcar engines comprises a pump wheel. By the pump wheel, a feed medium is fed through an intake channel into a discharge channel. Via a common shaft, a motor armature of an electric motor is connected with the pump wheel. The motor armature is surrounded by a slit pot, feed medium flowing around the motor armature to cool it. The shaft is supported by two radial bearings, one radial bearing being arranged in a supporting element. The supporting element that is arranged within the intake channel further comprises an abutting surface on which a flow surface of the pump wheel abuts to take up axial forces.

Abstract: A manual/pneumatic oil pumping device including a housing having an upper cover equipped with a manual mechanism and a pneumatic air sucking mechanism. A closing means is disposed in the upper cover corresponding to the pneumatic air sucking mechanism. When the closing means is in an opened state, the oil reserving space communicates with the pneumatic air sucking mechanism so that the pneumatic air sucking mechanism can suck out the air in the oil reserving space and thus pump the oil. When the closing means is in a closed state, the oil reserving space does not communicate with the pneumatic air sucking mechanism and a user can manually pump the oil.

Abstract: A hydraulic transmission pump assembly including a pump, an electric motor operatively coupled to the pump, and a differential gear assembly interposed between the two. The differential gear assembly acts to divide engine torque between the pump and the electric motor at engine speeds above a predetermined level thereby providing fluid under pressure to the transmission and driving the electric motor to generate electricity; the electric motor also being operable to drive the pump at engine speeds below the predetermined level thereby providing fluid under pressure to the transmission during this operating condition.

Abstract: A gas compression apparatus for reciprocating compressor includes: a reciprocating motor generating a linear reciprocal driving force; a compressing cylinder positioned with a predetermined distance from the reciprocating motor; a position controlling cylinder positioned with a predetermined distance from the compressing cylinder; an initial position variable type piston inserted into the compressing cylinder and the position controlling cylinder, and being linearly and reciprocally moved within the compressing cylinder and the position controlling cylinder; and a pressure controlling valve controlling a pressure inside the position controlling cylinder with the pressure of the gas discharged from the discharge chamber.

Abstract: A plunger for being inserted in a tubular barrel in an axially movable manner includes a plunger body having a distal end positioned within the barrel and a proximal end positioned outside of the barrel, and a seal member disposed on the distal end of the plunger body. The seal member has a base portion extending from the plunger body towards the distal end of the barrel, and a flange portion radially outwardly extending from the base portion and having a peripheral edge contacting an inner circumference of the barrel so as to define an accommodation space within the barrel.

Abstract: A scroll compressor having a reversion preventing device includes: a driving unit inserted in a closed casing and generating a driving force; a compressing unit for compressing and discharging a fluid when the driving unit is driven; a rotational shaft rotatably supported by a main frame and a sub-frame that are fixed at the casing and transmitting the rotational force generated from the driving unit to the compressing unit; and a reversion preventing device installed at one side of the rotational shaft and stopping the rotation of the rotational shaft when the driving unit is rotated in a direction opposite to the direction in which the driving unit compresses the fluid. Since the reversion preventing device is installed at the rotational shaft in order to stop the rotation of the rotational shaft if the rotational shaft is rotated in the reverse direction, blocking the driving unit from being rotated in the reverse direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cylinder structure for a rotary vane type vacuum pump which is capable of preventing a high pressure gas in a discharging port from flowing beyond vanes in the direction of a suction portion for thereby implementing a high vacuum state, decreasing a time required for obtaining a high vacuum state, and decreasing a noise.

Abstract: A method of producing a gear from a metallurgical powder includes molding at least a portion of the powder to provide a gear preform. The gear preform is sintered and hot formed, and subsequently may be carburized. The gear preform is resintered and cooled at a cooling rate suitable to provide a bainitic microstructure in at least a surface region of the preform. The gear teeth of the preform may be shaved to, for example, adjust dimensions, and enhance dimensional uniformity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stable, aqueous odor-absorbing and wrinkle controlling composition, preferably for use on inanimate surfaces, especially fabrics. The composition comprises from about 0.1% to about 20%, by weight of the composition, of solubilized, water-soluble, uncomplexed cyclodextrin and an effective amount of at least one ingredient to improve the performance of the composition selected from the group consisting of: (1) cyclodextrin compatible surfactant; (2) cyclodextrin compatible antimicrobial active; and (3) mixtures thereof. The composition also comprises a wrinkle control agent which is fabric lubricant, shape retention polymer, hydrophilic plasticizer, lithium salt, or mixtures thereof. Hydrophilic perfume improves acceptance. Optionally, the composition can contain low molecular weight polyols; metallic salts to help control odor; a humectant, etc. The composition is essentially free of any material that would soil or stain fabric.

Abstract: In-situ bromination of aromatic azoles using ppm levels of one or more brominating agents prior to forming a film on a metal surface in an aqueous system and treating deposited unexpectedly effective in improving the chlorine resistance and the corrosion inhibition of the bromine treated aromatic azoles.

Abstract: The present invention involves the use of photosensitizers to provide antibacterial surfaces on consumer and industrial items. This approach avoids the used of chemicals and solutions that may be toxic. The inventions also avoids the use of chemical compositions that might form degradation products which may be unacceptable to healthy persons or irritating to persons who may have allergies or are otherwise sensitized. According to the invention, photosensitizers with specific properties and specific design features are selected to make practical use of photosensitizers in the consumer and industrial market place. It is important to select a photosensitizer with an activation spectrum that is matched to the environmental conditions under which the surface to be protected is required to exhibit its antimicrobial properties. This means that the illumination energy and intensity levels expected need to yield enough singlet oxygen to destroy the targeted microbes.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are disclosed for treating a biological fluid with light. A container of biological fluid is introduced into a fluid treatment chamber where it is contacted with light provided by one or more light sources in proximity to the fluid treatment chamber. A drawer for holding containers of biological fluid introduces the containers into the chamber. Containers for holding the biological fluid are marked by the apparatus to indicate the status of the treatment.

Abstract: A method for treating a biological organism in a medium, comprising heating the medium containing the organism by a temperature of at least about 2° C. at a rate which exceeds a relaxation rate of a cellular membrane of that organism, under such time and temperature conditions which do not thermally denature a substantial portion of the biological proteins. A method is also provided for treating a biological organism in a medium, comprising heating the medium containing the organism by a temperature of at least about 2° C. at a rate which exceeds a relaxation rate of a cellular membrane of that organism, under such time and temperature conditions which do not thermally denature a substantial portion of the biological proteins.

Abstract: A heat sterilization process for small, washed, and bagged articles such as vial stoppers includes a conditioning or air removal phase prior to sterilization. During the air removal phase, a substantial majority of the liquid moisture is removed from the bagged articles by introducing brief periods of dry, warm air to the autoclave chamber. The air is introduced in short bursts at the point of greatest vacuum while pressure pulsing the chamber during the air removal phase. The air is heated and injected into the chamber through a supply valve which is rapidly opened and closed while the chamber is maintained within a preselected vacuum range between the pressure pulses. The result is a greatly reduced time for a complete sterilization and drying process.

Abstract: Decontamination is achieved by producing an activated cleaning fluid mist using a decontamination apparatus having a source of a cleaning fluid, a mist generator having an input flow of the cleaning fluid and an output flow of a mist of the cleaning fluid at substantially one atmosphere ambient pressure, and an activator positioned to activate the mist of the cleaning fluid to produce the activated cleaning fluid mist wherein atoms of the cleaning fluid are activated. The activated cleaning fluid mist is contacted to a location to be decontaminated.