Abstract: A storage system includes a floor; a pair of end walls hingedly and detachably affixable to the floor; a pair of side walls hingedly and detachably affixable to the floor; and a cover hingedly and detachably affixable to one of the end walls.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable painting and drying apparatus for facilitating painting and drying of wooden blocks such as cabinet doors. The portable painting and drying apparatuses are formed using various components such as bases, poles (e.g., metallic poles and wooden dowels), joints (e.g., single and double-pole joints), a spinner, hangers, a spray gun holder, a hitch clip, a hanger organizer, a hitch clip holder, a rail connector, a rubber washer, or a thumb screw. The painting apparatus is used by a painter for painting all surfaces of a cabinet door at the same time. Upon completion of painting of the cabinet door, the painted cabinet door is transferred to the drying apparatus for drying.

Abstract: An improved catalytic filter material for use in removing target species found in a fluid stream is provided. The filter material includes water wettable, high temperature staple fibers in the form of porous substrates that are attached to a high temperature fluoropolymer woven scrim. The porous substrates have catalyst particles adhered (e.g., tethered) to the surfaces thereof by a polymer adhesive. Optionally, at least one microporous layer is positioned adjacent to or within the filter material.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for processing substrates using acoustic energy. In one aspect, the invention can be a system for processing flat articles including a support for supporting the flat article and an acoustic energy treatment apparatus. The acoustic energy treatment apparatus may include a support arm and a plurality of transducer assemblies coupled thereto. The transducer assemblies may include a housing with a transducer coupled thereto, and the housings of the transducer assemblies may be arranged in an end-to-end manner. A trough may also be included that extends along at least a portion of a length of the transducer assemblies. The trough may serve as a reservoir that upon being filled and overflowed with a liquid allows the liquid to fluidly couple the transducer assemblies to the flat article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for remediating highly contaminated fine soil using multiple micro hydrocyclones that includes: a mill adapted to mix contaminated soil with water and to individualize the soil; a screen adapted to separate the soil introduced from the mill into soil having given particle sizes; a separator adapted to finely separate the soil having particle sizes of less than a given value by particle size from the soil having the given particle sizes separated through the screen; a remediating unit adapted to wash the finely separated soil introduced from the separator by particle size by means of process water for washing; and a filtering unit adapted to separately discharge the soil washed and introduced through the remediating unit and the process water for washing contained in the soil.

Abstract: A method of collecting cut hair is disclosed. The steps include providing a vacuum source and a filter assembly having a top piece, a bottom piece, and a filter member. The assembly has a generally circular perimeter. A vacuum is applied to the assembly interior, and the cut hairs are moved through the aperture and into the assembly. The cut hairs are circulated in a collecting vortex and collected on the filter member.

Abstract: Continuous processes for depleting residuals in hollow fiber membranes comprising polysulfone or polyethersulfone and polyvinylpyrrolidone by rinsing the membranes while compressing them in a pinching device comprising grooved rollers.

Abstract: A textile filter system of a pulse jet filtration device that includes a particulate textile filter bag to restrain particles in a gas stream and a textile, chemically active filter sleeve to remove substances from the gas stream. For regenerating a chemically active textile filter, the filter is removed from the filtration device and washed in water along with mechanically treating the textile filter.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for active biofouling control. According to an aspect, a device comprising a surface for contacting a biological material. The device also comprises a mechanism comprising a structure configured to change the surface between a first shape and a second shape. The change from the first shape to the second shape deforms the surface beyond a critical strain for debonding of a fouling agent from the surface when the fouling agent has bonded to the surface in the first shape.

Abstract: A method of removing material such as surface treatments, metal coatings, and other material layers from an edge region of a metal work piece where they could potentially contaminate a nearby weld. According to one embodiment, a scraper tool includes a body having a base portion and a tab portion, and several scraping elements attached to the base portion. During operation, the scraping elements scrape one or more surfaces of the edge region so that the depth to which the scraping element engage the metal work piece is generally affected by the amount of rotation of the scraper tool about a pivot axis.

Abstract: A rapper device for cleaning a heat exchange surface in a pressure vessel by transmitting impact energy. The rapper device includes a striker and an impacting device for impacting the striker which has one end contacting the heat exchange surface in the pressure vessel. The striker includes a piston section having a piston rod projecting out of the pressure vessel via a passage opening in line with the impacting device. A piston head is slideable within a piston chamber in line with the passage opening. The piston chamber is operatively connected to a sealing gas supply. The piston head is a separate part with an aperture. The piston rod runs through the aperture, e.g., in a slideable arrangement.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing cleaning solvents is provided. The method includes selecting a small plurality of test solvents from a large plurality of perspective solvents. The equilibrium composition of a multi-component solution is preferably described by the Hansen solubility model. A small plurality of test solvents is applied to solute samples and the degree of dissolution or swelling recorded. Based on the degree of dissolution or swelling, at least one solvent is selected from the large plurality of perspective solvents based on the Hansen parameters.

Abstract: A method and a rapper device for cleaning a heat exchange surface in a pressure vessel. The rapper device includes a striker rod which has one end contacting the heat exchange surface in the pressure vessel and one end projecting out of the pressure vessel via a passage opening. The rapper device also includes an impacting device for impacting the projecting end of the striker rod. A section of the striker rod is slideably supported in a pressure chamber adjacent the passage opening. The pressure chamber is connected to a sealing gas supply maintaining the pressure in the pressure chamber at a higher level than the pressure in the pressure vessel. A bellows defines a pressure chamber around at least a section of the striker rod.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of cleaning a lipseal and/or cup bottom of an electroplating device by removing metal deposits accumulated in prior electroplating operations. The methods may include orienting a nozzle such that it is pointed substantially at the inner circular edge of the lipseal and/or cup bottom, and dispensing a stream of cleaning solution from the nozzle such that the stream contacts the inner circular edge of the lipseal and/or cup bottom while they are being rotated, removing metal deposits. In some embodiments, the stream has a velocity component against the rotational direction of the lipseal and/or cup bottom. In some embodiments, the deposits may include a tin/silver alloy. Also disclosed herein are cleaning apparatuses for mounting in electroplating devices and for removing electroplated metal deposits from their lipseals and/or cup bottoms. In some embodiments, the cleaning apparatuses may include a jet nozzle.

Abstract: Exemplary surface debris removal systems and methods are operable to remove debris from a signal transmitting/receiving surface. An embodiment provides power to, and then removes power from, a conductive memory wire that is secured to a moveable portion of a two-position snap spring. In response to providing the power to the conductive memory wire, a length of the conductive memory wire decreases so that the moveable portion of the two-position snap spring is pulled from an extended position to a retracted position. When power is removed from the conductive memory wire, the moveable portion of the two-position snap spring moves from the retracted position to the extended position. In response to the moving of the moveable portion of the two-position snap spring from the retracted position to the extended position, an energy is generated and transferred to the surface that dislodges the debris from the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for clearing tubing includes a grip assembly connected to the pair of rollers. The grip assembly is operable to move the rollers to engage the tubing therebetween. The movement of the grip assembly is limited such that a minimum tubing gap between the rollers is equal to approximately twice a wall thickness of the tubing. The rollers are moved along the tubing to clear obstructions. The apparatus can also include a clamp assembly having one or more plates that limits movement of the grip assembly to bring the rollers no closer than the minimum tubing gap. Alternately, the grip assembly can include first and second shell halves movable between open and closed positions with a channel defined therebetween, and the rollers are mounted in the grip assembly.

Abstract: Exemplary surface debris removal systems and methods are operable to remove debris from a signal transmitting/receiving surface. An embodiment provides power to, and then removes power from, a conductive memory wire that is secured to a moveable portion of a two-position snap spring. In response to providing the power to the conductive memory wire, a length of the conductive memory wire decreases so that the moveable portion of the two-position snap spring is pulled from an extended position to a retracted position. When power is removed from the conductive memory wire, the moveable portion of the two-position snap spring moves from the retracted position to the extended position. In response to the moving of the moveable portion of the two-position snap spring from the retracted position to the extended position, an energy is generated and transferred to the surface that dislodges the debris from the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) to process used materials for input into a manufacturing process. The apparatus includes a housing (10) having a top surface (15) and providing a plurality of chambers arranged in descending order. A series of locations (20) are positioned under said top surface and through which used materials are to pass. Each said location being provided for receipt of a predetermined used material. A descending path (25) extends from each said location and provides for the transfer of used material from the respective location successively through the chambers. The chambers include a sensing chamber (30) downstream of said locations and having sensing means (35) operable to sense the composition of used material located within said sensing chamber. The sensing means being operable to activate an alarm if the used material has been placed by a user in an opening for receipt of a different material.

Abstract: An extraction device for a filter element containing collected particles of target material and an extraction fluid, wherein the device may have a piston and a vibration apparatus for vibrating the filter element to cause particles to move from the filter element and into the extraction fluid. The piston may first create compressed air to urge a first amount of extraction fluid and particles out of the filter element, and may then compress the filter element to urge a second amount of extraction fluid and particles out of the filter element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate cleaning apparatus including a brush cleaning unit which cleans a substrate by making a roll brush in contact with a surface of the substrate, and a transporting unit which conveys the substrate. The roll brush includes a bristle. At least one of a diameter of the roll brush, stiffness of the bristle, and density of the bristle becomes larger from an end portion of the roll brush to a central portion thereof.

Abstract: An aircraft component with an aerodynamic surface coating comprising a resilient foam with an array of open cells infused with a cleaning material such as a gel, paste or liquid. This prevents contaminants such as insects from adhering to the aircraft component. The resilient foam stores at least part of the impact energy of the contaminant, the cleaning material is released from the deformed foam so that the cleaning material at least partially coats the contaminant, and the foam springs back to eject the coated contaminant from the aircraft component.

Abstract: In a process chamber of a substrate processing apparatus, such as an RTP apparatus, a carrier is placed and configured to carry out a contaminant that has been attached to it. In this state, a cleaning gas containing N2 and O2 is introduced into the process chamber, and cleaning is performed under conditions including a pressure of 133.3 Pa or less and a temperature of 700° C. to 1,100° C. This cleaning is repeatedly performed by sequentially replacing a plurality of carriers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for eliminating dust for a computer and a control method thereof. A control unit and a heat-radiating fan controlled by the control unit are provided in the main body. In addition, there is provided a cooling fin through which air stream formed by the heat-radiating fan passes. While the air stream formed by the heat-radiating fan passes through the cooling fan, heat is exchanged between the air stream and the cooling fin and the air stream is then exhausted to the outside of the main body. A vibration-generating element for generating vibration supplied with power is provided at one side of the cooling fin. The control unit controls the driving of the vibration-generating element. Vibration of the vibration-generating element is transmitted to the cooling fin to shake off dust accumulated on the cooling fin. Then, the air stream formed by the heat-radiating fan is exhausted to the outside of the main body together with the dust.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for automatic extraction of gaseous atmospheric contaminants (for example HAPs and PCBs) with toxic properties, which are retained in polyurethane foam filters (PUF) that consists of: An automatic extraction device, which allows extracting chemicals compounds of interest using a sequence of organic solvents where the PUF must be immersed in, by means of a process of extraction based on compression and decompression cycles of the PUF; and A drying device which permits to dry the cleaned PUF, from the previous process, by means of sweeping the solvent with hot gaseous ultra pure N2, eliminating the solvent until achieving the dryness of the PUF.

Abstract: A device (11) for cleaning a pleated filter element, the device having; a body, a fluid inlet (13), a work face (14) having at least one pleat separating projection (19) and at least one fluid outlet (22) for directing fluid between pleats separated thereby.

Abstract: A connecting end face cleaning tool having superior cleaning properties includes a cleaning fabric. This cleaning tool removes soiling attached to the connecting end face of an optical connecting part when that connecting end face is detached. The cleaning fabric is constructed such that the woof threads protrude from the surface of the fabric more than the warp threads. The cleaning fabric has a tape-like shape, the lengthwise direction of which is the direction of the extension of the warp threads. Soiling is removed from a connecting end face as the connecting end face and cleaning fabric are moved relatively such that the connecting end face moves transverse to the woof threads of the cleaning fabric. A method of cleaning a connecting end face uses a cleaning fabric with woof threads protruding from the surface of the fabric more than the warp threads and the fabric is moved relative to the connecting end face transverse to the woof threads of the fabric.

Abstract: Methods for post-etch deposition on a dielectric film are provided in the present invention. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a substrate having a low-k dielectric layer disposed thereon in a etch reactor, etching the low-k dielectric layer in the etch reactor, and forming a protection layer on the etched low-k dielectric layer. In another embodiment, the method includes providing a substrate having a low-k dielectric layer disposed thereon in an etch reactor, etching the low-k dielectric layer in the reactor, bonding the etched low-k dielectric layer with a polymer gas supplied into the reactor, forming a protection layer on the etched low-k dielectric layer, and removing the protection layer formed on the etched low-k dielectric layer.

Abstract: Process for the treatment of cork or a cork-based material particularly with a view towards extracting contaminating organic compounds, in which said cork or said cork-based material is put into contact with a dense fluid under pressure at a temperature of from 10 to 120° C. and at a pressure of from 10 to 600 bars. Manufacturing installation for parts made of cork or a cork-based material, such as bottle corks, comprising an installation for treatment or extraction by putting the said cork or the said material into contact with a dense fluid under pressure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for integrating optical interfacial elements with a high power acoustic resonator. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, in certain embodiments of the present invention, one or more optical interfacial elements may be integrated with a high power acoustic resonator to provide a robust sensing device that may provide for acoustic cleaning of the optical interfacial elements and/or combining optical and acoustic measurements made by the integrated system for analysis purposes. In certain aspects, the high power acoustic resonator may include an acoustic horn for focusing acoustic energy and the optical interfacial elements may be integrated with the acoustic horn.

Abstract: A system and method for using a spray/liquid particle count (LPC) to measure particulate contamination is disclosed. Initially, a component for particulate extraction is received. A sprayer is provided for spraying a liquid on the component. In addition, a container is provided for catching the liquid spraying on the component. The container is clean prior to receiving the liquid and the liquid is collected for later analysis of a number of particles extracted from the component.

Abstract: A system for recycling reusable resin mold products recovered from discarded apparatuses is disclosed. This recycling system includes a crushing system for crushing resin mold products one kind by one kind into crushed resinous pieces and packing the same in a bag, a classification system for irradiating a light beam to the resin in the bag and classifying the bags into respective kinds of resins based on a reflected beam therefrom, a cleaning system for separately cleaning the respective kind of crushed resinous pieces taken out of the bag to remove foreign matters adhered onto the surfaces of the crushed resinous pieces therefrom, and a recovery system for recovering the cleaned crushed resinous pieces.

Abstract: Process for the treatment of cork or a cork-based material particularly with a view towards extracting contaminating organic compounds, in which said cork or said cork-based material is put into contact with a dense fluid under pressure at a temperature of from 10 to 120° C. and at a pressure of from 10 to 600 bars. Manufacturing installation for parts made of cork or a cork-based material, such as bottle corks, comprising an installation for treatment or extraction by putting the said cork or the said material into contact with a dense fluid under pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and process for removing adherent molten metal from a surface by applying a non-wetting agent for the metal to the surface or to the adherent molten metal. The non-wetting agent may be a pressurized fluid or applied by a pressurized fluid.

Abstract: There is disclosed a substrate treating method comprising supplying a treating solution onto a substrate, and continuously discharging a first cleaning solution to the substrate from a first discharge region disposed in a nozzle, while moving the nozzle and substrate with respect to each other in one direction, wherein a length of a direction crossing at right angles to the direction of the first discharge region is equal to or more than a maximum diameter or longest side of the substrate, the nozzle continuously spouts a first gas to the substrate from a first jet region, and the length of a direction crossing at right angles to the direction of the first jet region is equal to or more than the maximum diameter or longest side of the substrate.

Abstract: A method for cleaning of a measuring element (1) passed over by a gas flow is arranged on a thin-walled membranous material (5). The measuring element (1) includes at least one heatable element (6, 7, 8; 10, 11), which is arranged on the membranous material, the membranous material being capable of vibrating. By means of a control apparatus (20) or a switching (22) associated with the measuring element, a periodic delivery of current (41, 42) in intervals takes place in this manner to at least one heatable element (6, 7, 8; 10, 11) of the measuring element (1) and thereby produces vibrations. Alternatively, vibrations of the membranous material (5) can be produced by special vibration exciters or by means of ultrasonic coupling.

Abstract: This invention relates to a metal part and other surface modification method suitable for the machining industry in which shot peening is typically used to refine the surface of a metal part (to introduce compressive residual stresses, to enhance fatigue strength, to harden the workpiece) and for fields in which parts need be cleaned. According to the present invention, workpiece W is placed within a first vessel which is filled with a fluid. The first vessel is pressurized by controlling the flow rate of the fluid flowing in the first vessel from nozzle 4 distant from said workpiece on the surface and of the fluid flowing from first vessel. Thus, the collapsing impact force of cavitation bubbles is increased so that the machined part will have its surface strengthened and cleaned by applying a peening effect to the surface of the part with said impact force.

Abstract: Deicing of an external mirror (10) on a vehicle is effected by applying a sudden deformation force to the mirror. Sandwiched between the mirror (10) and a mounting surface (12) is a structure that includes a ribbon conductor (14), portions of which overlap each other in such a way that current through the conductor passes through these portions in opposite directions. A capacitor (32) is discharged through the conductor (14), generating a magnetic field that results in mutual repulsion between the overlapping portions. The mounting surface resists this repulsion force, which is instead transferred to the mirror (10), causing momentary distortion, and dislodgment of ice on the mirror surface. The same technique is also applicable to deicing of windows.

Abstract: A process for recycling an electronic scrap material comprising a metal provided on a polymeric substrate, which method comprises: milling flaked electronic scrap material with a bead impact material in the presence of water to produce flakes of cleaned polymeric substrate; adding water to the milled material and separating the flakes of cleaned polymeric substrate from metal-containing material; dewatering and drying the flakes of cleaned polymeric substrate; and treating the metal-containing material to recover the metal.

Abstract: A cleaning device for a paint brush comprises a hollow nozzle attached to a source of pressurized cleaning solution such as water, solvent, liquefied hot soap or alike. The distal tip of the nozzle is equipped with a poppet valve such that the body of the valve protrudes from the distal tip. The proximal section of the nozzle is adapted to be attached to a source of cleaning solution, that in the most basic configuration being a common tap water valve. When the water valve is opened, the brush is moved towards the nozzle. Upon engaging with the heel or bristles of the brush, the poppet valve moves inwards and opens the flow of water towards the center of the brush allowing washing out any remaining wet and dissolved paint. In another embodiment of the invention, the cleaning device includes a hollow handle attached to a source of pressurized cleaning solution and equipped with one or more nozzles each having a poppet valve.

Abstract: A pathological waste disposal unit (10) has a chamber (11) with a closeable cover (16) and a waste outlet (14) connected to a waste sump (20). A carrier (30) for waste bags (40) is mounted on a shaft (31), rotatable by an impellor (30), on which is directed high pressure water from nozzles (150). Water knives (70) cut open the waste bags (40) while the carrier (30) is rotating to release the waste (41) from the waste bags (40), to cause the waste to face the bottom wall (13) of the chamber (11) and flow through the waste outlet (14) to the waste sump (20). Safety interlock means prevent operation of the unit (10) while the cover (16) is raised and the opening of the cover (16) while the unit (10) is in operation.

Abstract: A supercritical process vessel with an interior for holding a supercritical fluid is provided. A wafer support for supporting a wafer within the interior of a supercritical process vessel to expose the wafer to the supercritical fluid is provided. A lamp, which is able to operate at supercritical fluid pressures within the interior of the supercritical process vessel is provided.

Abstract: A self-adhesive film label, in particular for reusable bottles, is proposed which can be readily detached in conventional washing equipment. This is achieved by means of a self-adhesive label with a stretched film layer, which shrinks back at elevated temperature in the washing device. Since the adhesive of the label loses its adhesive force at this temperature, the label is rapidly and readily detached, supported by the surrounding washing liquid of the washing device.

Abstract: Acidic and basic cleaning compositions using toxicologically-acceptable ingredients for cleaning fruits and vegetables are provided. Clear liquid formulations comprising oleate, alcohol ethoxylates and buffers are sprayed onto apples, lettuce and the like to remove soil and unwanted deposits.

Abstract: In a process for removing the paint from plastic components provided with coats of paint, the plastic components are first crushed to a bulk material size of the crushed plastic pieces. The plastic pieces are subsequently mixed with a paint removing agent reducing the adhesion of the coats of paint to the plastic pieces, and circulated by means of a conveyor screw. The paint removing agent is formed in this connection by an emulsion consisting of at least one benzyl-substituted alkanol and an alkyl-glycol acetate or N-alkyl-pyrrolidone with an aqueous lye, which can not be completely mixed. The mixing ratio for mixing the individual components is selected so that it is in the range of a mixing gap. After the paint removing agent has acted upon the painted plastic pieces, a solid substance is added to the paint remover so that the further steps of the method can be carried out in a dry state.

Abstract: Process for the disintegration and cleaning of contaminant-containing raw paper stocks. The process includes producing a contaminant-containing suspension, feeding the contaminant-containing suspension to a closed coarse screen, drawing of a cleaned flow fraction from the closed coarse screen, and drawing off an overflow fraction containing an increased amount of contaminants from the coarse screen during at least about 80% of an operating time. The process also includes adjusting a volumetric mass flow of the overflow fraction to at least about 15% and maximally about 50% of a volumetric mass flow of an inflow into the coarse screen, and feeding the overflow fraction to a screening device, in which contaminants collected are sluiced out discontinuously as a further overflow fraction, thereby forming a further cleaned flow fraction.

Abstract: Deicing of an external mirror (10) on a vehicle is effected by applying a sudden deformation force to the mirror. Sandwiched between the mirror (10) and a mounting surface (12) is a structure that includes a ribbon conductor (14), portions of which overlap each other in such a way that current through the conductor passes through these portions in opposite directions. A capacitor (32) is discharged through the conductor (14), generating a magnetic field that results in mutual repulsion between the overlapping portions. The mounting surface resists this repulsion force, which is instead transferred to the mirror (10), causing momentary distortion, and dislodgment of ice on the mirror surface. The same technique is also applicable to deicing of windows.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus to be used with an endotracheal tube and including an elongate tubular member that extends into the endotracheal tube. A cleaning assembly is provided at a distal end of the elongate tubular member and is radially expandable to engage the interior wall of the endotracheal tube for cleaning thereof. A ventilator coupling is further provided and is connected to the endotracheal tube, a first inlet port of the ventilator coupling being coupled to a ventilator assembly to supply air to a patient, and a second inlet port of the ventilator coupling being structured to receive the elongate tubular member there through into the endotracheal tube.

Abstract: Toner xerographically adhered to a material, such as a sheet of paper, may be removed using a solvent-based or solventless approach. The application of ultrasonic tamping, scraping and brushing may aid in removing toner particles. In a solvent-based approach, a solvent may be applied generally or the solvent may be targeted specifically to the toner covered portions of the material to loosen the adhesive securement of the toner to the material. Thereafter, the toner is subjected to a mechanical abrasion using ultrasonic and physical agitation to cause flaking of the toner.

Abstract: A cleaning/polishing pad has a first surface with raised, substantially nubs, having a length greater than a width, arranged adjacent each other forming laterally alternating rows of nubs and having troughs interspersed therebetween, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a thickness. The troughs, which may contain polishing/cleaning chemicals, are divided into first and second groups of substantially parallel troughs. The groups of troughs are arranged at an angle to one another forming a hatch pattern. The pad can be formed to make roller brushes, circular brushes or manual wipes. For the circular brushes the nubs are arranged adjacent each other forming laterally alternating concentric circles of nubs. Micropores are interspersed within the pad having a gradient of pores with smaller pores towards the first surface and larger pores towards the second. There are no sharp edges or corners in/on the pad.

Abstract: Preservative compositions using toxicologically acceptable ingredients, and employing a pH of 9.0 or above for at least part of the process, for controlling the growth of spoilage bacteria and for preventing unwanted color changes in fresh and processed mushrooms. Aqueous solutions of preservatives are prepared and applied in multiple stages to the mushrooms, by spraying or immersion. More specifically, disclosed is a method for preserving fresh and processed mushrooms, comprising the steps of: contacting the mushrooms with an antimicrobial buffer solution having a pH of from about 9.5 to about 11.0; and rinsing the mushrooms one or more times immediately after the contacting step with pH-neutralizing buffer solutions of erythorbic acid and sodium erythorbate, in ratios of about 1:4, with a sufficient pH to return the mushrooms to the mushroom physiological pH of about 6.5.