Abstract: The invention relates to the processing of fluid biological media, especially of culture media or cell- or virus suspensions, potentially containing active pathogens, with the aim of inactivating these pathogens and/or modifying ingredients in these biological media by thermal or radiological treatment.

Abstract: [Problem] Providing a plant growth acceleration system, which is safe to workers and also can be applied to even the case of a wide plant growth area. [Solution] The plant growth acceleration system, which can effectively accelerate plant growth in a wide plant growth area by radiating electrons to the plant growth area from linearly long extended electron radiation parts or a plurality of electron radiation parts installed distributedly. Moreover, if DC power generated by a solar power generation apparatus is converted to AC power by an inverter circuit and electrons are generated, introduction of the plant growth acceleration system becomes easy and favorable even for a wide plant growth area far from a supply base of commercial power. Furthermore, if regulation of an amount of electron radiation is enabled for optimization by utilizing past growth results corresponding to external environment of a plant growth area and kinds of plant, etc.

Abstract: Provided is a mass spectrometer capable of easy exchange of a measurement sample and suppressing a carryover. The mass spectrometer includes a mass spectrometry section, an ion source the internal pressure of which is reduced by a differential pumping from the mass spectrometry section and the ion source ionizes the sample gas, a sample container in which the sample gas is generated by vaporizing the measurement sample, a thin pipe that introduces the sample gas generated in the sample container into the ion source, an elastic tube of openable and closable that connects the sample container and the thin pipe, a pair of weirs that closes or opens the elastic tube so as to sandwich the elastic tube, and a cartridge that integrates the sample container, the thin pipe, and the elastic tube, and is detachable in a lump from a main body of the mass spectrometer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an irradiation apparatus for inactivating pathogens and/or leukocytes in a biological fluid such as a platelet suspension and/or plasma comprising: a casing (2), a support member (3) for carrying at least one irradiation bag (19) containing the biological fluid, a light source (4) comprising two banks of light (5, 6) disposed above and below the support member (3), and an agitating system (25) for moving the support member (3), the light source generating UVC light of suitable intensity to inactivate pathogens and/or leukocytes and the agitation system moving the support member in an orbital path with predetermined amplitude and rotational frequency suitable to expose the whole biological fluid to UVC.

Abstract: A chamber configured to increase an intensity of target radiation emitted therein is provided. The chamber includes an enclosure at least partially formed by a set of transparent walls. Each transparent wall can comprise a first material transparent to the target radiation and having a refractive index greater than 1.1 for the target radiation. The outer surface of the set of transparent walls can include a set of cavities, each cavity comprising an approximately prismatic void. Additionally, a medium located adjacent to an outer surface of the set of transparent walls can have a refractive index within approximately one percent of a refractive index of a vacuum for the target radiation.

Abstract: A method and irradiator apparatus used for wort sterilization by radiation for production of ethanol from sugar cane, comprising a modular irradiation drum, radioactive source, ducts for transmission of a fluid through an apparatus for irradiation, and application of radiation to a fluid within an apparatus for sterilization of such fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of freezing a body or a portion thereof. The method comprises exposing at least a part of the body to a coolant having a temperature below the freezing point of the body, and at the same time operating an electromagnetic heater, as to maintain the at least part of the body at a temperature above its freezing point; and reducing the electromagnetic heating to allow the at least a part of the body to freeze. The electromagnetic heater comprises a resonator, and the heated part of the body is heated inside the resonator.

Abstract: In one characterization, the present invention relates to a radiation-shielding assembly for holding a container having a radioactive material disposed therein. The assembly may, at least in one regard, be referred to as an elution shield and/or a dispensing shield. The assembly includes a body at least partially defining a cavity. There is at least one opening through the body into the cavity. The assembly may include a cap that at least generally hinders escape of radiation from the assembly through the opening. The cap may be releasably attached to the body in one orientation and may establish non-attached engagement with the body in another orientation. The assembly may include an adjustable spacer system for adapting the assembly for use with containers having different heights.

Abstract: The present invention is disclosed an array-type-transducer-based high-power ultrasound delivery system which includes a support bracket, an array-type ultrasound transducer, and a plurality of containers. The support bracket includes a plurality of grooves, and the array-type ultrasound transducer includes a clamp and N ultrasound transducers. The clamp includes a plurality of wedges configured for engaging in the grooves of the support bracket and thereby connecting the array-type ultrasound transducer to the support bracket. The containers are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix so that the ultrasound transducers of the array-type ultrasound transducer can dip into and leave the ultrasound-conducting medium in the containers vertically. The disclosed system features high operation speed and low labor requirement. Moreover, the depth by which and the time for which the ultrasound transducers dip into the ultrasound-conducting medium in the containers can be controlled and quantified.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for sterilizing containers with a conveying device, which conveys the containers along a pre-set conveying path. A first sterilization device acts upon at least one area of the containers with radiation in order to sterilize them. A checking device is arranged downstream with respect to the first sterilization device along the conveying path in order to check the sterilization procedure. The checking device is used for analyzing at least one medium occurring in the region of the containers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a UV fluid sterilizer, which is suitably formed to sterilize fluid having poor UV transmission. According to the present invention, the UV fluid sterilizer includes a plurality of UV sterilization units.

Abstract: In one characterization, the present invention relates to a radiation-shielding assembly for holding a container having a radioactive material disposed therein. The assembly may, at least in one regard, be referred to as an elution shield and/or a dispensing shield. The assembly includes a body at least partially defining a cavity. There is at least one opening through the body into the cavity. The assembly may include a cap that at least generally hinders escape of radiation from the assembly through the opening. The cap may be releasably attached to the body in one orientation and may establish non-attached engagement with the body in another orientation. The assembly may include an adjustable spacer system for adapting the assembly for use with containers having different heights.

Abstract: Gas having stable isotopes is monitored continuously by using a system that sends a modulated laser beam to the gas and collects and transmits the light not absorbed by the gas to a detector. Gas from geological storage, or from the atmosphere can be monitored continuously without collecting samples and transporting them to a lab.

Abstract: In one characterization, the present invention relates to a radiation-shielding assembly for holding a container having a radioactive material disposed therein. The assembly may, at least in one regard, be referred to as an elution shield and/or a dispensing shield. The assembly includes a body at least partially defining a cavity. There is at least one opening through the body into the cavity. The assembly may include a cap that at least generally hinders escape of radiation from the assembly through the opening. The cap may be releasably attached to the body in one orientation and may establish non-attached engagement with the body in another orientation. The assembly may include an adjustable spacer system for adapting the assembly for use with containers having different heights.

Abstract: A method of radiation sterilizing a plurality of stent-catheter assemblies includes positioning a plurality of stent-catheter assemblies on a fixture, each of the stent catheter assemblies being arranged in a planar configuration and disposed in corresponding planar packages supported on the fixture, wherein the packages are stacked horizontally on the fixture, and wherein the stents of the assemblies are positioned at a position in each package such that the stents are exposed to the same or substantially the same radiation; and exposing the packages to an incoming radiation beam, the radiation beam being at an acute angle to the planes of the planar configuration of the assemblies, wherein the packages are arranged such that a front end of the stack faces the radiation beam and a back end of the stack faces away from the radiation beam.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an irradiation cell for producing a radioisotope of interest through the irradiation of a target material by a particle beam, comprising a metallic insert forming a cavity designed to house the target material and to be closed by an irradiation window, wherein said metallic insert comprises at least two separate metallic parts of different materials, being composed of at least a first part comprising said cavity.

Abstract: A method of radiation sterilizing a plurality of stent-catheter assemblies includes positioning a plurality of stent-catheter assemblies on a fixture, each of the stent catheter assemblies being arranged in a planar configuration and disposed in corresponding planar packages supported on the fixture, wherein the packages are stacked horizontally on the fixture, and wherein the stents of the assemblies are positioned at a position in each package such that the stents are exposed to the same or substantially the same radiation; and exposing the packages to an incoming radiation beam, the radiation beam being at an acute angle to the planes of the planar configuration of the assemblies, wherein the packages are arranged such that a front end of the stack faces the radiation beam and a back end of the stack faces away from the radiation beam.

Abstract: A method for preparing luminescent diamond particles (e.g., fluorescent nanodiamonds). The method includes irradiating diamond particles with an ion beam and heating the irradiated diamond particles in a non-oxidizing atmosphere at a temperature between 600 and 1000° C. The diamond particles have a diameter of 1 nm to 1 mm and the ion beam has a kinetic energy of 1 KeV to 900 MeV. Also disclosed are luminescent diamond particles prepared by this method and methods of using them.

Abstract: In one characterization, the present invention relates to a radiation-shielding assembly for holding a container having a radioactive material disposed therein. The assembly may, at least in one regard, be referred to as an elution shield and/or a dispensing shield. The assembly includes a body at least partially defining a cavity. There is at least one opening through the body into the cavity. The assembly may include a cap that at least generally hinders escape of radiation from the assembly through the opening. The cap may be releasably attached to the body in one orientation and may establish non-attached engagement with the body in another orientation. The assembly may include an adjustable spacer system for adapting the assembly for use with containers having different heights.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of radiation sterilizing a plurality of medical devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to an irradiation apparatus for inactivating pathogens and/or leukocytes in a biological fluid such as a platelet suspension and/or plasma comprising: a casing (2), a support member (3) for carrying at least one irradiation bag (19) containing the biological fluid, a light source (4) comprising two banks of light (5, 6) disposed above and below the support member (3), and an agitating system (25) for moving the support member (3), the light source generating UVC light of suitable intensity to inactivate pathogens and/or leukocytes and the agitation system moving the support member in an orbital path with predetermined amplitude and rotational frequency suitable to expose the whole biological fluid to UVC.

Abstract: The present invention is a compound sliding seal unit of markedly reduced size and height dimensions which is employed as a discrete assembly for both the passage across and the at-will height adjustment of a mounted, rotatable shaft which extends from the atmospheric environment portion into the vacuum environmental portion of an ion implanter apparatus. The extended, rotatable shaft is typically fashioned as either a rotatable hollow tube or conduit (suitable for the passage of electrical components) and/or as a rotatable support suitable for the mounting of a pivotal scanning radial arm translation system. The manner of construction and the substantially reduced height dimensions of the compound sliding seal unit permits on-demand changes of height for the mounted, rotatable shaft which extends from the atmospheric environment and extends through the compound unit into the confined and limited spatial volume of a vacuum environment within a conventional ion implantation apparatus.

Abstract: A central dryer for electron beam curing is described which includes a first application unit for the application of a first coating to a web. The central dryer for electron beam curing also includes an irradiation unit in which a first electron beam generator and a second electron beam generator are arranged for the irradiation of the web. The electron beam generators arranged in the irradiation unit have connections for at least one pump system to generate an operating vacuum. In addition to this the central dryer for electron beam curing also has a web guiding system which feeds the web successively but not necessarily in direct succession, to the first application unit, the first electron beam generator, the second electron beam generator.

Abstract: The present invention is related to method for irradiating bulk material, particularly for treatment of food products such as grain, characterized in that in the case of a failure of said irradiation, the untreated bulk material is separated from the treated material and subsequently transported back towards the beginning of the process, in order to be treated. The invention allows to avoid re-treatment of large quantities of material, and provides a clear separation between contaminated and uncontaminated parts of the installation.

Abstract: A method for preparing luminescent diamond particles (e.g., fluorescent nanodiamonds). The method includes irradiating diamond particles with an ion beam and heating the irradiated diamond particles in a non-oxidizing atmosphere at a temperature between 600 and 1000° C. The diamond particles have a diameter of 1 nm to 1 mm and the ion beam has a kinetic energy of 1 KeV to 900 MeV. Also disclosed are luminescent diamond particles prepared by this method and methods of using them.

Abstract: A fluid sterilization apparatus including a sterilization chamber having a cavity therein, and a nozzle for receiving pressurized fluid and directing a spray of the fluid into the cavity. An electron beam generator having an exit window is mounted to the sterilization chamber for directing a beam of electrons through the exit window and into the cavity of the sterilization chamber to irradiate the spray of fluid. The nozzle is configured to direct the spray of fluid substantially parallel and proximate to the exit window.

Abstract: A device and method for inactivating pathogens in therapeutic fluids with sterilizing radiation in a continuous thin fluid flow arrangement that exhibits radiation dose uniformity for fluids having high optical densities. Radiation dose uniformity is achieved in part through a “carrying” mechanism that moves or carries the fluid, thereby eliminating a channel flow velocity profile where flow volumes near the channel walls run the risk of overexposure to the radiation due to very large residence times within the channel. The device comprises a relatively flat belt chamber (22) connected to a fluid flow through an inlet (24) and an outlet (26) on the belt chamber (22). The belt chamber (22) has a top surface (28) and a bottom surface (30). A radiation permeable plate (32) is disposed adjacent the top surface (28) of the belt chamber (22) and is in contact with the belt chamber (22). A radiation source (42) is provided adjacent to the plate (32) adjacent to a side opposite the belt chamber (22).

Abstract: A conveying system (22) transports loose particulate material past a radiation source (200). A feed system (20) discharges particulate material onto the conveying system (22). A pneumatic system with an inlet manifold (14) and tubes (16) provides air through which the particulate material is fluidly transported to the feed system (20). A receiving hopper (24) receives the particulate matter from the conveying system (22). A dump hopper (10) dumps the particulate material into the pneumatic system. A discharge manifold (18) separates the particulate material from air. A metering gate (70) is located at a base of a hopper (69), which controls the layer of particulate material deposited onto said conveyor. A second inlet manifold (26) and tubes (28) adjacent the receiving hopper entrains the particulate material in air. A receiving station (32) receives the particulate material from a second discharge manifold (30).

Abstract: A photochromic material which undergoes a change in appearance when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the UVC band provides a visual indication of the degree of sterilization achieved by a UV emitting device. The photochromic material is placed either on the UV source or in or adjacent the sample being sterilized. The photochromic material is formulated to undergo a certain degree of change in appearance when it has been exposed to a level of UV which corresponds to effective sterilization of the sample being sterilized. An optional reference card bears a color or opacity reference for comparison with the exposed photochromic material.

Abstract: A manual release apparatus attachable to a fifth wheel of a truck cab for disengaging a king pin on a truck trailer from the fifth wheel, including an elongated, rigid lever arm, a first end of which is pivotally attached to a side of the fifth wheel at a location spaced from the opening through which the release rod extends, a second end of which is spaced away from the fifth wheel extending horizontally from the first end, whereby the lever arm is attached to the release rod, such that a manual movement of the second end of the lever arm will cause the lever arm to be pivoted horizontally about the first end, thereby causing the release rod to be pulled outwardly to disengage the king pin from the fifth wheel.

Abstract: A hand-held water purification system includes a pen-light sized ultraviolet lamp that is enclosed in a quartz cover and is powered by a battery and associated ballast circuitry. The battery and ballast circuitry are connected to the lamp by switches that are under the control of a liquid-level sensor. The sensor connects the battery, the ballast circuitry and the lamp once the sensor determines that the ultraviolet lamp is fully immersed in the water. If the container that holds the water is relatively large, the lamp and quartz cover end of the system are used to stir the water, to ensure that all of the water comes sufficiently close to the ultraviolet lamp.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inactivating viruses in a body fluid. A mixture including a therapeutically effective amount of methylene blue and an amount of a body fluid is formed in a container under sterile conditions and then the container is irradiated with a light field of a suitable intensity and wavelength for activating the methylene blue for a time sufficient to inactivate viruses in the mixture. The mixture is maintained in a substantially static state within the container.

Abstract: Apparatus for sterilizing contact lenses wherein the lenses are moved in a circular orbit within a microwave oven through variations of energy levels in the microwave field in the oven, with the orbit of movement being spaced from the floor of the oven.

Abstract: Materials to be tested for resistance of immersion swelling, drying shrinkage, thermal expansion and thermal contraction under light exposure are placed on a mount on a rotating shaft which immerses the sample in water, heats and dries it, and exposes it to light before cooling it by again immersing it in water. The samples may be simultaneously exposed to air pollutants by adding gases to a corrosion resistant chamber enclosing the rotating shaft. The chamber enclosing the rotating samples is composed of a lower tank base and a cover fitting into a liquid seal well on the tank base. The cover is fitted with fluorescent lights, an infrared heating strip, a thermocouple and a viewing port. A controller with indicator for the radiant heating strip and a speed control on the rotating shaft drive motor together with "run" and "pause" controls permit selection of the exposure cycles and their conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the disinfection of seeds, preferably those of grains, to prevent pathogenic organisms from being planted with the seeds, and to provide reliable disinfection without using toxic agents. The seed is irradiated by low-energy electrons with energy and dosage controlled so that the surface and regions close to the surface are exposed to the radiation with fungicidal effect. A beam of the low-energy electrons is provided by an electron gun aimed at a region within a seed-receiving chamber at which the seeds to be irradiated are caused to intercept the radiation repeatedly and on all sides. The chamber may be at atmospheric pressure or be evacuated, the latter condition requiring vacuum locks at seed inlet and outlet ports of the chamber.

Abstract: This invention relates to an automated apparatus for use with electromagnetic radiation, such as a laser beam, to promote chemical reactions. The reaction chamber apparatus comprises a cylinder equipped with a reciprocating piston and with one or more windows. The invention also comprises an automated system which utilizes said chamber, and a method for utilizing the chamber and system. A laser beam enters the cylinder through one window, activates the reagents therein, and exits the chamber through a second window. After a mixture has been reacted, the laser is placed on standby, and the piston reciprocates, filling the cylinder with fresh reagent. Various embodiments are described which improve the efficiency of this invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the electron beam irradiation of a flowable material, more particularly sewage sludge, the apparatus having a conveying drum moving the material through the electron beam, means for supplying the material to the drum, a resiliently mounted dispensing roller for spreading the material in a thin layer on the drum, a doctor device for removing the material from the drum, and a collecting tank for irradiated material.

Abstract: A perlite expander control system is disclosed in which a source of and detector for penetrating radiation are used to determine the density of an expanded perlite product flowing through a conduit. The density of the perlite product will be inversely proportional to the amount of penetrating radiation transmitted to the detector. A signal generated by the detector in response to the amount of transmitted radiation received is processed in appropriate circuitry to control the feed of raw perlite ore to the expander, thus resulting in the correct amount of ore being fed to the expander per unit time to result in obtaining the desired degree of perlite expansion. Typically beta, gamma or X radiation of various energies may be used as the penetrating radiation.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine by mixing with other fluids in an enclosed mixing chamber by cyclonic action while subjecting the mixture to a rotating interrupted high voltage direct current electrical field which sweeps through the mixture.

Abstract: The device for irradiating liquid and pasty substances with high energy electrons in order to pasteurize or sterilize the irradiated substances and to enrich them with one or more additives, comprises a pair of cylindrical circulation members rotatably mounted in said housing and having radially extending helical blades. The members are located in a housing which has the shape of a solid figure eight formed of two tubes connected together and the walls of the housing conform to the path of the movement of the radial tips of the blades with a close clearance. The housing has an inlet for the substances to be irradiated at one end, and an outlet at the other end of the housing which is located between the axes of the rotatable members. The top of the housing has an irradiation opening between the axes of the circulation members and an electron deflecting horn of an electron beam radiating means has an electron accelerator disposed over the irradiation opening for directing a sweeping electron beam thereover.

Abstract: The material being treated flows out of a hopper in a thin layer onto a rotating drum and is moved through an irradiation zone formed by an electron beam which is directed radially at the drum. The hopper may use an adjustable metering edge or rotatable metering roller to vary the thickness of the layer of material on the drum.

Abstract: A sewage sludge-irradiation device for irradiating sewage sludge with radiation having a sterilizing effect. A conveyor system embodies at least two conveyor devices, at least one of which conveyor device is supplied with a layer of sewage sludge. The conveyor devices are arranged in a manner to form therebetween a passageway defining a mixing gap for the through-passing sewage sludge. A relative movement exists between the two conveyor devices, and radiation means cooperates with the conveyor system for irradiating the sewage sludge at a location prior to intermixing thereof in the mixing gap. The conveyor devices can be driven to possess respectively different speeds of movement, and it is also possible for one of the conveyor devices to be driven and the other to be stationary so as to define a stationary boundary means or surface for the mixing gap.

Abstract: The method consists in that a preground stock is fed in a counter-current flow relatively to the flow of electrons in a beam and is mixed directly in said beam. A mineral binder can be produced in a special apparatus wherein the stock is fed into an irradiation zone by a conveyor at the end whereof is provided a bell placed into an air-tight reaction chamber so that a source of accelerated electrons is coaxial with said bell, said source being arranged at the outlet from the bell, and disposed in the bell with provision for rotation is at least one mixing contrivance which assures uniform distribution of the stock processed at the outlet from the bell in the zone of irradiation.