Abstract: The invention refers to a device (1) and method for sterilizing partly formed packages (6) in a packaging machine. The device (1) comprises an inner chamber (2) and an outer chamber (3), the inner chamber (2) being provided with a sterilization unit (5). Further, it comprises a carrier unit (10), comprising a separating member (11) and a package carrying member (12), which is being adapted to rotate between a first position in which the package carrying member (12) is located in the outer chamber (3), and in which the separating member (11) separates the inner chamber (2) from the outer chamber (3), and a second position in which the carrier unit (10) has rotated a package (6) into the inner chamber (2) and in which the separating member (11) separates the inner chamber (2) from the outer chamber (3).

Abstract: Transmissivity is restored to a gallium stained substrate by directing an electron beam to the substrate in the presence of an etching gas. For higher concentrations of implanted gallium, the transparency can be substantially restored without reducing the thickness of the substrate. For lower doses of implanted gallium, the transmission is restored to 100%, although the thickness of the substrate is reduced. The invention is suitable for use in the repair of photolithography masks.

Abstract: A nano-imprint lithography template includes a rigid support layer, a cap layer, and a flexible cushion layer positioned between the support layer and the cap layer. Treating an imprint lithography template includes heating the template to desorb gases from the template. Heating the template includes radiating the template at a selected wavelength with, for example, infrared radiation. The selected wavelength may correspond to a wavelength at which the template material is strongly absorbing.

Abstract: Method for treating a nominally pure crystal having non-linear optical properties. The nominally pure crystal contain foreign atoms at a residual concentration of less than 20 ppm so as to provide specific absorption of incident light. The method includes determining, based on testing on a specifically doped reference crystal of same type as the nominally pure crystal, a threshold value. The threshold value is defined by a temperature at which a migration of ions in the nominally pure crystal to the surface of the nominally pure crystal ceases. The foreign atoms are transformed to a higher valance state by a thermally-supported oxidation process including heating the nominally pure crystal at a heating rate that increases by less than 3° C. per minute to a maximum temperature above the threshold value and below a Curie temperature of the nominally pure crystal. An electrical voltage is applied so as to eliminate electrons released during the oxidation process from the nominally pure crystal.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method and apparatus for aqueous extraction of chemical compounds from solid material in which the solid material is entrained in an extraction liquid phase that flowed around immersed sonotrodes emitting radial or focused high energy ultrasonic waves. A significant increase in extracted material and decreases in extraction time is observed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a fluid using a wave energy uses a gas-sparged pipe configured to create a flow of the fluid in a thin film along a vortex path from a first end to a second end of the gas-sparged pipe, a first electrode and a second electrode that are at least partially disposed within the gas-sparged pipe, spaced apart from one another, and axially aligned with one another along a central axis of the gas-sparged pipe from the first end to the second end. The electrodes are used to create an open electrical arc to provide the wave energy directly exposing the fluid as the fluid flows along the vortex path in close proximity to and surrounding the electrical arc such that only a gas separates the fluid from the open electrical arc.

Abstract: Methods and processes for preparing interconnected carbon single-walled nanotubes (SWNTs) are disclosed. The SWNTs soot, synthesized by any one of the art methods, is heated to less than about 1250° C. in flowing dry air using the electrical field (E) component of microwave energy. The tubes of the SWNTs thus treated become welded and interconnected.

Abstract: [Problems] To provide a treatment method having excellent purification effect, in which impurities having high ionicity in a silica powder can be removed in a short time, a apparatus thereof, and a purified silica powder. [Means for Solving the Problems] A purification method of a silica powder comprises: making a silica powder into a fluid state; contacting a purified gas to the silica powder in the fluid state at high temperature; and thereby removing impurity components of the silica powder. In the method, the silica powder in the fluid state is positioned in a magnetic field region. Further, the silica powder is contacted with the purified gas, while applying voltage to the silica powder by an electric field generated by moving of the silica powder. Preferably, the silica powder in a fluid state is positioned in the magnetic region of 10 gausses or more, and contacted with the purification gas at a temperature of 1000° C. or more.

Abstract: A system for sterilizing air includes an air duct for flowing the air therethrough. A first electron beam generator is positioned relative to the duct for irradiating the air flowing therethrough with a first electron beam. The first electron beam for disabling biological substances within the air.

Abstract: Described is a method for fractionalizing nanoparticles according to the conductivity of the particle, thus enabling the production of large numbers of particles with uniform conductivity. The method is based on a modified thermophoresis process wherein a temperature gradient is produced in a mixture of particles and the most conductive particles are selectively deposited on a warm surface. In contrast to conventional thermophoresis methods, the temperature gradient that drives the fractionalization process is produced using a light source.

Abstract: Water processing method, in particular for producing fresh water from salt water by membrane distillation. In comparison with previously known methods, a significant reduction in investment cost and operating cost can be achieved by the combination of the following measures: The water to be processed is kept in a supply chamber the wall of which is formed at least in part by a hydrophobic membrane being permeable for water vapor. A hydrophilic membrane having a greater thickness in comparison with the hydrophobic membrane and a lower thermal conductivity per unit area runs in parallel with the hydrophobic membrane. By the pumping action a vapor pressure difference is produced between the water to be processed and the fresh water so that the membrane distillation is driven by the vapor pressure difference resulting from the pumping action, the water condensing in the pores of the hydrophilic membrane.

Abstract: A defoaming method capable of destroying foams generated when a container is filled with drink, or the like, efficiently at a high speed and destroying foams effectively even in the case of a container having a narrow mouth. Liquid surface (6) in a container (1) is irradiated with pulse-like light (2) and a pulse-like sound wave (8) is generated from an irradiated point (7) as a sound source. The pulse-like sound wave thus generated propagates from the sound source as a strong spherical wave to reach a bubble (9) and to destroy the bubble. It can also destroy a bubble located at a place remote from the optical path quickly, thus destroying bubbles efficiently at a high speed. Alternatively, pulse-like light is condensed at a gas portion above the liquid surface and the bubbles can be destroyed with a shock wave generated by breakdown phenomenon.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing an active material for a lithium secondary battery to enable efficient removal of iron impurities, which would become a problem in production of an active material for a lithium secondary battery, and attain a high quality. The method includes removing iron impurities in an active material for a lithium secondary battery by means of magnetic force. With this method, use of a magnetic force-generating device within a recess portion, which composes at least one part of the recess portion, enables efficient removal of only iron impurities. Thus, it is expected that a voltage drop caused by dissolution of iron compounds, i.e. impurities in a positive electrode, and their migration to a negative electrode in a battery, and decreases in charge and discharge efficiencies and a voltage drop owing to precipitation of lithium can be suppressed.

Abstract: A device for generating a magnetic field moving in at least one field plane located in a fluid to be treated and in which the gradient of the vector product between the intensity of the magnetic field and its displacement velocity induces stereochemical deformations of the molecules of the treated fluid, which may be a limestone water or a fuel. Each field plane may have a first magnetic field generator such as a pair of coils (10, 10?) and a second magnetic field generator such as a pair of coils (12, 12?) forming an angle ? with the first generator, both being disposed at the periphery of the pipe (20) through which the fluid to be treated is flowing. At least one of the two field generators generates a magnetic field whose amplitude is variable over time so that the resultant is a magnetic field moving in the field plane having a variable amplitude and a direction moving at an angular velocity such as to obtain the highest possible gradient of the vector product.

Abstract: This invention describes a method and apparatus for the In Vitro treatment process of purifying and maintaining the sterility of water thereby replacing existing transient technology that is flawed by repeated handling inside and outside the medical environment where this technology is intended for use i. e. hemodialysis clinics, trauma centers, burn centers, general medical institutions the pharmaceutical packager and other locations and applications where purified sterile water is required.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the prevention of fouling of process streams by the application of electric charge on process components. The electric charge may be attractive or repulsive to the foulants, they may be constant or variable and may be applied to any section of the process stream where convenient and wherein their preventive effects are optimized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the process of selectively exposing matter to a specific wavelength of electromagnetic energy in sufficient flux density per wavelength to cause or promote a desired effect. The process includes, but is not limited to, destroying, disinfecting, denaturing, disinfesting, disrupting, or dehydration of one or more of the substances present. More specifically, present invention relates to subjecting matter, which may contain a mixture of substances, to electromagnetic energy, in concurrence with its spectral properties to exploit the spectral differences within the substance or within a mixture of substances. Energies are applied to cause wavelength-dependent reactions resulting from differential absorption; this additional applied energy manifests itself in changes, or quantum transitions, in the vibrational, rotational, magnetic, and electronic states of the molecules.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for clearing water in a water supply system from micro-organisms, such as Legionella. The water is thereto first filtered to retain a substantial amount of the micro-organisms, and subsequently radiated to inactivate micro-organisms that may still remain in the water, wherein said radiating step acts on the water at least as this water leaves the water supply system through a supply opening, such as a shower head, sprinkler, irrigation nozzle or the like. The invention furthermore relates to an apparatus for clearing water supplied by a water supply system from micro-organisms, a water supply system provided with such apparatus and a shower unit comprising an apparatus according to the invention.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for using an ultraviolet laser system to decompose selected chemical substances in water. More particularly, this invention provides methods and apparatus whereby various environmental pollutants in water are rapidly decomposed to very low concentrations, consistent with environmental discharge regulations, use requirements, and/or applicable health standards, by means of exposure to ultraviolet laser irradiation (10, 20), either with or without one or more catalysts and/or other chemical additives to facilitate or enhance the decomposition process.

Abstract: A tungsten oxide/titanium dioxide photocatalyst coating oxidizes contaminants in the air that adsorb onto the coating into water, carbon dioxide, and other substances. The tungsten oxide forms a monolayer on the titanium dioxide. When photons of the ultraviolet light are absorbed by the tungsten oxide/titanium dioxide photocatalyst coating, an electron is promoted from the valence band to the conduction band, producing a hole in the valence band. The holes in the valence band react with water applied on the tungsten oxide/titanium dioxide photocatalyst coating, forming reactive hydroxyl radicals. When a contaminant in the air is adsorbed onto the tungsten oxide/titanium dioxide photocatalyst, the hydroxyl radical attacks the contaminant, abstracting a hydrogen atom from the contaminant. The hydroxyl radical oxidizes the contaminant, producing water, carbon dioxide, and other substances. The tungsten oxide/titanium dioxide photocatalytic coating has low sensitivity to humidity variations.

Abstract: A system for sterilizing air includes an air duct for flowing the air therethrough. A first electron beam generator is positioned relative to the duct for irradiating the air flowing therethrough with a first electron beam. The first electron beam for disabling biological substances within the air.

Abstract: According to a first embodiment of the invention, a dual cathode electrode for generating EUV light is disclosed. The dual cathode electrode may include a first outer cathode, a second inner cathode, and an anode disposed between the inner and outer cathodes. The dual cathode electrode also includes a plasma disposed in between the cathodes that emits EUV photons when it is excited by an arc between the anode and the cathodes. According to a second embodiment of the invention, several Dense Plasma Focus (DPF) electrodes are placed along a circle. The DPF electrodes, when activated, will emit electron photons from the circle in which they are placed thereby avoiding obscuration used to protect UV mirrors against debris.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of purifying mixtures comprising nanofibers and/or nanotubes and residual catalyst particles that are covered by outer layers of the nanotube or nanofiber material. The mixtures are exposed to electromagnetic radiation, which induces localized heating in the residual catalyst particles. The localized heating creates breaches in the outer layers. Thereafter, the residual catalyst particles may be removed under relatively mild conditions that do not significantly affect the structural integrity of the nanotubes or nanofibers. The methods of the invention have been used to particular advantage in the purification of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) synthesized using metal catalysts. For these SWNTs, microwave radiation is preferably used to induce the localized heating, the outer layers are preferably removed at least in part by carrying out the localized heating under air, and the residual catalyst may be removed by exposure to relatively dilute aqueous acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and a method for separating particles from fluids using ultrasound, laminar flow, and stationary wave effects comprising a micro-technology channel system with an integrated branching point or branching fork, and a single ultrasound source. One of the characteristics of the invention is that the single ultrasound source, which generates the standing waves, excites the complete structure including the channel system. No special reflectors or the like are needed. Extremely thin dividers can separate the flow, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the device. The device could be manufactured in silicon and the ultrasound energy could preferably be delivered by a piezoelectric element.

Abstract: A cavitation assembly for purification of drinking water includes a generally cylindrically-shaped open-ended tube for flow of water therethrough, the tube comprising a transducer for converting electrical energy to acoustic energy and transmitting ultrasound through the water in the tube to induce cavitation in the water in the tube. A water moving means flows the water through the tube, and an electrical power source provides electrical power to the tube. The cavitation inactivates microorganisms in the water.

Abstract: A process for treating a solid-liquid mixture by cavitation to decompose at least some contaminant associated with the solid particles, the contaminant either being absorbed into the pores of the solid or onto the surface of the solid particles. The process includes the step of subjecting the mixture to cavitation such that a portion of the contaminant is chemically decomposed. Typically the chemical decomposition occurs at the surface of the solid particle. Typically the cavitation process is an ultrasonic treatment step, although other cavitation processes are applicable, for example high shear mixing. The cavitation effect is capable of achieving physico-chemical changes at the particle surfaces. The localized high temperatures on bubble collapse (as high as 5000K) can decompose contaminant substances such as PCB and other hazardous materials including polybrominated biphenyl PBB), organochloride and organophosphate compounds, pesticides and the like.

Abstract: In a process for the recovery of krypton and xenon, an oxygen-enriched stream containing krypton and/or xenon and hydrocarbons is removed from an air separation unit. A substantial portion of the hydrocarbons, especially methane, ethane, and acetylene, is removed from the oxygen-enriched stream prior to the distillation process. The hydrocarbon removal process includes, but is not restricted to, the hydrocarbons reacting with a portion of the oxygen present in the feed gas. The krypton and xenon are eventually recovered from the oxygen stream through a distillation process. The distillation process is performed in such a manner that at least a stream further enriched in both krypton and xenon is produced.

Abstract: Transmissivity is restored to a gallium stained substrate by directing an electron beam to the substrate in the presence of an etching gas. For higher concentrations of implanted gallium, the transparency can be substantially restored without reducing the thickness of the substrate. For lower doses of implanted gallium, the transmission is restored to 100%, although the thickness of the substrate is reduced. The invention is suitable for use in the repair of photolithography masks.

Abstract: A method comprising a first step for radiating ultraviolet rays of a short wavelength of 110 nm or longer, but shorter than 200 nm to the gas, for example, an air to be treated to generate ozone, a second step for radiating ultraviolet rays of a medium wavelength of 200 nm or longer, but shorter than 300 nm to the air treated in the first step to form active oxygen, and a third step for radiating ultraviolet rays of a long wavelength of 300 nm or longer, but shorter than 380 nm to the air treated in the second step to convert the active oxygen into oxygen molecule in ground state, at least the second and/or third step being conducted in the presence of a photocatalyst comprising particles of titanium oxide of an orthorhombic crystal system or particles of titanium oxide of an orthorhombic crystal system supporting fine particles of another metal.

Abstract: In the synthesis of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane (R-365mfc), a mixture of R-365mfc and the impurity 1,1,1,3-tetrafluoro-2-butene (R-1354mzy) is purified and R-1354mzy is removed from the mixture by contacting the mixture with 1-5 mols of chlorine for each mol of R-1354mzy in the presence of ultraviolet light having a wavelength between about 300 to 400 nm which provides at least 0.02 watts-hour/kg of the mixture. The R-1354mzy is reduced to below 10 wt. ppm as it is converted to 2,3-dichloro-1,1,1,3-tetrafluorobutane (R-354) or other butane containing more chlorine and having a higher boiling point than R-365mfc. The butane(s) may be separated more easily from R-365mfc. The photochlorination is effected in a manner such that at least about 96 weight percent of the starting amount of R-365mfc is maintained in the mixture.

Abstract: In a process for decomposing pollutants by bringing pollutants contained in air into contact with air that contains chlorine, under irradiation by light, at least part of a chlorine-generating solution present in a chlorine generation region is fed to a means for forming the functional water by electrolysis to effect regeneration and is again fed to the chlorine generation region. Also disclosed is a pollutant decomposition system used in such a process.

Abstract: Novel accelerated methods involving corona discharge, and preferably pulsed streamer high voltage corona discharge, in combination with an effective amount of suitable particles to break down organic contaminants, such as phenol and phenol red, in aqueous mediums are disclosed. More particularly, it has been discovered that the addition of an effective amount of suitable particles to the aqueous phase of a corona reactor greatly affects the properties of the corona discharge, i.e., streamer length, intensity, number of streamers and sparkover voltage, thereby significantly increasing the breakdown voltage (i.e., the maximum voltage prior to sparkover), so that the removal of organic contaminants may be accelerated, since the production of hydroxyl radicals, aqueous electrons and hydrogen peroxide increases with increases in the applied discharge voltage.

Abstract: Ozone gas having a high ozone concentration is generated by a solid electrolyte electrolytic process. An ozone solution is prepared by injecting the ozone gas into an acidic solution of pH 6 or below. The ozone solution heated at a temperature in the range of 50° to 90° C. is supplied to a contaminated object to oxidize and dissolve a chromium oxide film by an oxidizing dissolving process. The ozone solution used in the oxidizing dissolving process is irradiated with ultraviolet rays to decompose ozone contained in the ozone solution, the ozone solution is passed through an ion-exchange resin to remove ions contained in the ozone solution. An oxalic acid solution is supplied to the contaminated object to dissolve an iron oxide film by a reductive dissolving process.

Abstract: A method for decomposing halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbon compounds or aromatic compounds characterized by contacting the compound to be decomposed with functional water under light irradiation, wherein the functional water is characterized by a hydrogen ion concentration (pH) of 1-4, an oxidation-reduction potential of 800-1500 mV (working electrode: platinum, reference electrode: silver-silver chloride) and a chlorine concentration of 5-150 mg/l, and the irradiation is carried out with light of a wavelength of 300 nm or more, with an intensity of 10 mW/cm2 or less. This method is carried out at room temperature under the atmospheric pressure. An apparatus for the method is also provided.

Abstract: A method for decomposing an organic compound by using functional water followed by neutralization of the wastewater not to affect the environment.

Abstract: A ventilation system has a water treatment section (54) which applies droplets of water (58) to contaminated air. The water is then removed by an entrainment separator (62). The air is passed over a series of UV lamps (70) which generate ozone sufficiently fast to strip off the layer of ozone formed on the UV tubes. Photolysis, ozonolysis and oxidation all reduce the level of organic contaminants in the air stream. The air then passes over a second UV source which decomposes any remaining ozone.

Abstract: A process for treating colored liquid comprises a step of contacting a colored liquid and functional water generated by electrolysis of a water solution of an electrolyte under light irradiation, to decolorize efficiently and stably to a low chromaticity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the photocatalytic degradation of organic compounds by zeolite and/or mesoporous material hosted photocatalysts. The present invention further relates to a method of treating a contaminated aqueous liquid or gaseous fluid containing organics using a combination of visible or solar light energy in the presence of a photocatalyst to decompose the organic impurities in the liquid or gaseous fluid.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus are provided for altering the biological, chemical, and molecular activity of primary materials, such as metals and ceramics, in order to confer atypical energetic effects on the so-altered primary materials. Such primary material is bombarded by varying frequencies of energy from an array of sources, causing vibrational excitation of the primary material at the molecular level which changes the molecular nature of the so-treated material. The primary material is then effective in altering the biological, chemical, and molecular activity of secondary materials brought in close proximity thereto. The invention sets forth a process and apparatus for producing water-purifying tools and a process and apparatus for purifying water.

Abstract: The invention provides for a method for removing elemental mercury from a fluid, the method comprising irradiating the mercury with light having a wavelength of approximately 254 nm. The method is implemented in situ at various fuel combustion locations such as power plants and municipal incinerators.

Abstract: A heat transfer process in which a chemical species flow is heated by heat exchange, by providing a source of applied electromagnetic energy that creates heat; directing at least a portion of the chemical species flow over the source of applied electromagnetic energy wherein the chemical species flow absorbs heat from the applied electromagnetic energy source to create a heated chemical species flow; and directing the heated chemical species flow into a device that uses applied electromagnetic energy to react gases within the chemical species flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for disinfecting and purifying liquids and gasses comprising; a) passing said liquids or gasses through a reactor or a combination of reactors, having a truncated compounded concentrator geometry; and b) simultaneously delivering and concentrating diversified electromagnetic and acoustic energies into a specific predetermined inner space of said compounded concentrator reactor, forming a high energy density zone in said reactor or reactors over a predetermined period of time. The reactor according to the present invention is preferably a compounded parabolic concentrator or a compounded ellipsoidal concentrator. The electromagnetic energy delivered and concentrated into and inside the reactor can be of any range of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as ultra-violet, visible, infra-red, microwave etc., or combination thereof. The acoustic energy is of any suitable frequency.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating fluids by transmitting ultrasonic energy into the fluids to produce high intensity cavitations in the fluids as the fluids pass through the apparatus. The fluids are retained in the apparatus for a sufficient period of time to destroy contaminates in the fluids, neutralize acids or bases in the fluids and dissociate other chemical compounds.

Abstract: A polluted soil remediation apparatus comprising a treatment tank in which pollutants degradable with light irradiation in the presence of chlorine is extracted as a gas containing the pollutants from polluted soil and a mixture of the gas containing the pollutants and chlorine-containing air is irradiated with light to degrade the pollutants, wherein the apparatus comprises a unit for aspirating the gas containing the pollutants from the polluted soil, a chlorine-containing air generation unit for generating the chlorine-containing gas, a mixing unit for mixing the gas containing the pollutants extracted by the aspiration unit and the chorine-containing air generated by the chlorine-containing gas generation unit to form a mixed gas.

Abstract: An intense ultraviolet radiation source is disclosed that may be operated in substantially any arbitrary gas environment, without regard to a containment envelope for the ultraviolet radiation source. The intense ultraviolet radiation source can be generated by applying a pulsed or continuous electrical discharge to a partially ionized combustion flame via two electrodes. The combustion flame and electrical discharge can be focused, contained, or confined by gas pressure, electric fields, and/or magnetic fields. Optionally, the thermal energy in the flame and the electrical discharge power input may be augmented with an electromagnetic radiation source, such as a radio-frequency induction heater, a laser, or a microwave generator. Impurities may be placed in contact with or added to the fuel and/or the oxidizer to further alter the emitted ultraviolet radiation spectral brightness as needed.

Abstract: An ultraviolet light reaction system is constructed for surface cleaning/surface processing, a processing speed and an apparatus size that can not be attained by any conventional chemical reaction system, are realized, and realization of a time-sharing performance/a high-throughput performance/a compact size is intended. Using an excimer ultraviolet lamp whose light source is excimer ultraviolet rays of a wavelength that transmissive distances to air, gas, and water are 2 mm or more, respectively, surface processing (such as a surface cleaning process) of a substrate disposed in a one-by-one substrate chamber is preformed.

Abstract: A new method for design and scale-up of photocatalytic and thermocatalytic processes is disclosed. The method is based on optimizing photoprocess energetics by decoupling of the process energy efficiency from the DRE for target contaminants. The technique is applicable to both low and high-flux photoreactor design and scale-up. The low-flux method is based on the implementation of natural biopolymeric and other low-pressure drop media support for titanium dioxide and other band-gap photocatalysts. The high-flux method is based on the implementation of multifunctional metal oxide aerogels and other media in conjunction with a novel rotating fluidized particle bed reactor.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of purifying mixtures comprising nanofibers and/or nanotubes and residual catalyst particles that are covered by outer layers of the nanotube or nanofiber material. The mixtures are exposed to electromagnetic radiation, which induces localized heating in the residual catalyst particles. The localized heating creates breaches in the outer layers. Thereafter, the residual catalyst particles may be removed under relatively mild conditions that do not significantly affect the structural integrity of the nanotubes or nanofibers. The methods of the invention have been used to particular advantage in the purification of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) synthesized using metal catalysts. For these SWNTs, microwave radiation is preferably used to induce the localized heating, the outer layers are preferably removed at least in part by carrying out the localized heating under air, and the residual catalyst may be removed by exposure to relatively dilute aqueous acid.

Abstract: A procedure and a filter device (1) serving the purpose of removing and/or destruction organic substances in contaminated air. The filter device comprises at least one ventilator (12) for sending an air stream through a first chamber (14) with an opening, which is connected with a source for contaminated air; a second chamber (15) with a number of sheets (20) placed abeam the main direction of the air stream in order to make the air stream change direction at least one time; a third chamber (16) with a number of perforated tubes (22) which at least at one end are in open connection to a secondary air source; a fourth chamber with a number of lamps for radiating the air stream with a short-waved ultra-violet light and; a fifth chamber (17) with a volume, which gives the air stream a predetermined duration time in the chamber, and which has an opening, through which the purified air passes in order to be released to the surroundings.

Abstract: Methods of reducing the content of and preventing formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines in harvested leafy plants such as tobacco and marijuana, are disclosed. The methods are directed to subjecting the plant to microwave radiation, at appropriate times in the cure cycle. With tobacco, products suitable for human consumption, such as cigarettes, cigars, etc., can be made in accordance with the present invention, having contents of tobacco-specific nitrosamines on a par with fresh-cut, green tobacco. In preferred embodiments, the resultant tobacco products are dried, golden-yellow leaves having almost negligible amounts of the known carcinogens NNN and NNK, in comparison to conventionally cured tobacco.