Abstract: A UV sterilizer with a double-chamber structure comprises an inner tube and an outer tube with different size, the inner tube being partly surrounded by the outer tube thereby forming an inner chamber and an outer chamber, the inner chamber is the space encircled by the inner tube and the outer chamber is the annular space encircled by the overlapped portions of the inner tube and the outer tube; a first end portion of the inner tube is located outside the outer chamber and provided with a first water port, a second end portion of the inner tube is located inside the outer chamber and provided with a second water port communicating with the outer chamber; a first end portion of the outer tube is sealingly connected with the outer wall of the inner tube, while a second end portion of the outer tube is sealed; sleeved UV lamps are arranged in the outer chamber or in both the inner chamber and the outer chamber.

Abstract: An in-line reactor for the treatment of liquids or gasses by light radiation is disclosed. The reactor is made of tube, pipe, or chamber made of a transparent material, having at least one fluid inlet and correspondingly at least one fluid outlet. The transparent material of the tube is selected such that its refractive index is as possible close to the refractive index of the fluid to be treated. Air gap is kept around the outer transparent walls of the reactor, in order to allow for total internal reflection inside the reactor, of light directed into it from a light source in angles of incidence greater than the critical angle. Fluid treatment systems comprising at least one said in-line reactor are also disclosed. Furthermore, method of in-line fluid treatment, and especially of water sterilization and disinfection and aseptic filling of water are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method to provide uniform, high intensity radially inwardly directed electron beams to the interior of a cylindrical volume for the purpose of destroying toxic, hazardous, or noxious organic and/or inorganic compounds contained in air or other media flowing through a cylindrical region; or to destroy or inactivate bacteria, viruses, fungi, or mold spores in such flowing media; to sterilize contents of flowing media; to treat fluidized grains, herbs, or other products; or to destroy chemical warfare agents. A window assembly to transmit electromagnetic radiation, for example, an electron beam, x-rays, or other high energy electromagnetic radiation, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of purifying the used O-18 enriched cyclotron target water contaminated by the various organic compounds, the method including: supplying gaseous oxygen into the target water to be purified; irradiating UV rays having wavelengths of 254 nm and 185 nm on the target water; and releasing the gases generated during the purification oxidation process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method, process and apparatus for disinfecting and sterilizing all types of surfaces contaminated with microorganisms and toxic substances to render both inactive. Furthermore, this invention relates to both a method and apparatus for disinfecting and/or sterilizing breathable air and then using this air to protect a confined space from external contamination. The apparatus consists of a new ultra-violet (NUV) source that is more effective than mercury based 254 nm light for destroying DNA of virus, bacteria, spores and cists. It is most effective in breaking chemical bonds in toxic gases and Biotoxins that are useful to terrorists. It is combined with other apparatus that remove particulates and byproducts sometimes produced by the NUV source and maintains positive pressure of the confined space so as to prevent the influx of air from outside the protected zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for irradiating an absorbing liquid, for example waste water to be disinfected, in a throughflow. Said device comprises at least two radiator units having one cylindrical UV radiation source and three concentric sheaths. A cooling medium for carrying off heat from the UV radiation source flows in a hollow space between the inner and the center sheath. The inventive device allows to use high-performance UV radiation sources and to evenly irradiate the zones of irradiation and prevents floating particles from settling down on the radiator units.

Abstract: A wearable or portable intermittently operable hydration system (10) includes a purification module (22, 50) that contains one or more solid state UV devices that are positioned in the path of hydrating fluid, or water, flow through the hydration system to a mouthpiece (18). The UV LEDs are instant on devices with essentially no ramp-up required, and a sensor (20) or the opening of a push-pull valve (53) controls the turning on of the UV LEDs. The fluid flow path may run from a bladder (12) in a backpack (19) worn by the user, a sports bottle (54) worn by or carried by the user or may be through a water filtration system that a user operates via a pump. The power for the purification module may come from batteries, solar cells, fuel cells, power converted from pumping or winding action or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A mobile electron beam radiation sterilizing apparatus includes a movable chassis vehicle; a cabinet body installed on the chassis vehicle; an electron accelerator, which generates electron beam for articles to be radiation-processed, wherein the electron accelerator is provided in the cabinet body; an accelerator control box, which controls operation of the electron accelerator, a radiation shielding system comprised of: a stationary shielding body covering the electron accelerator; a pair of rotatable shielding doors, through which a passage is formed for an article to be processed to enter or exit, rotatably connected to the stationary shielding body; a motor for switching on and switching off the rotatable shielding doors.

Abstract: Microfluidic nozzle array devices are provided with the body of each device having at least one nozzle extending outwardly from one surface of the body. The microfluidic nozzle array devices are fabricated using an injection molding process and find particular utility in a wide range of applications, including but not limited to nanospray/electrospray applications, mass spectrometer applications, optical spectrometry applications, spotting applications (i.e., DNA or protein array), etc. Manufactured nozzles can include sealed nozzle apexes which are subsequently opened by focusing energy from an energy source on the sealed apex resulting in the opening of the nozzle channel.

Abstract: A non-heating type fluid sterilizing apparatus can efficiently sterilize a fluid having high turbidity and a large quantity of solid matter or a fluid such as blood having low transmissivity of ultraviolet radiation, as well as sterilize either a single fluid in large quantity or various fluids in small quantity.

Abstract: There is provided a far infrared radiator capable of highly activating methane gas prior to combustion to thereby attain an enhancement of thermal efficiency at combustion. In a passage of methane gas prior to combustion, there is positioned absorbent material (58) produced by mixing at least carbon with tourmaline as an absorption material of absorptivity higher than that of the material of the methane gas passage. Energy-absorbing coating (59) is applied to an fixed on the external surface of the absorbent material, and on a circumferential surface of the energy-absorbing coating there are positioned magnet (54) and far infrared radiator (57) produced by mixing tourmaline with at least iron powder and carbon.

Abstract: Some demonstrative embodiments of the invention include a method, device and/or system illumination-based disinfection. A disinfector may include, for example, a conduit to carry a flowing medium to be disinfected, the conduit having an inlet to receive the medium and an outlet to discharge the medium; a flow adapter configured to adapt a flow of the medium at the inlet based on an intended spatial distribution of flow velocities of entities suspended in the medium along a plurality of intended flow paths from the inlet to the outlet; and at least one illumination source to illuminate the conduit with light having a customized spatial light flux distribution, which is based at least in part on the intended distribution of flow velocities. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A water purification system utilizing a plurality of ultraviolet light emitting diodes and associated method of use is disclosed. This includes an inlet, an ultraviolet radiation chamber, and an outlet, wherein the inlet is connected in fluid relationship to the ultraviolet radiation chamber and the outlet is connected in fluid relationship to the ultraviolet radiation chamber to allow water to flow between the inlet and the outlet through the ultraviolet radiation chamber, wherein the ultraviolet radiation chamber is positioned adjacent to a plurality of ultraviolet light emitting diodes. The plurality of ultraviolet light emitting diodes may be mounted on a flexible electrical circuit board and/or in the form of an array. Moreover, the ultraviolet radiation chamber can be a transparent tube with the plurality of ultraviolet light emitting diodes positioned on the outside of the transparent tube or positioned within the transparent jacket.

Abstract: Ultraviolet radiation is used to disinfect water or a fluid in a flow tube, where the flow tube acts as a fluid filled light guide for the ultraviolet radiation and the ultraviolet radiation propagates through the flow tube via total internal reflection.

Abstract: An X-ray emitting section 22 for emitting soft X-ray is arranged facing a chamber 21. An inlet duct 23 and a outlet duct 24 are arranged on both sides of the chamber 21. An irradiating region is ionized by the soft X-ray. It is therefore possible to achieve a charging device of aerosol particles that is safe and easy to handle.

Abstract: A system for purifying a fluid uses ultra violet (UV) light to inactivate micro-organisms present in the fluid. The system has an arrangement of UV light emitters on perforated plates. The fluid, while passing through perforations in the perforated plates, is exposed to the UV light emitted by the UV light emitters. Micro-organisms present in the fluid pass very close to the UV light emitters. The UV light absorbed by the micro-organisms causes genetic damage and inactivation. The system has feedback units providing feedback about the physical properties of the fluid to a power unit supplying power to the UV light emitters. The power unit varies the amount of power supplied to the UV light emitters, based on the feedback.

Abstract: A method for eliminating airborne microorganisms in an air duct comprises placing a device containing at least one light emitting diode (LED) in the air duct so that the air flow passes through the beam emitted by the LED.

Abstract: In the invention, the transparent tube is used as the fluid pathway of the flowthrough cell, which not only makes sure the fluid can retain the stable laminar state and no micro-bubble existing, but also can avoid the turbulent and the micro-bubble producing the negative peak and the interference peak. Utilizing the transparent property of the pipe wall, the ektexine of both ends of the optical pathway is made to be a smooth plane and forms a single unit planar light inlet window with the pipe. There do not need to be furnished with the glass window or the quartz glass window any more. This smart design has solved the leakage and dead angle problem that has puzzled people for a long term. The invention not only simplifies the structure but also increases the precision. It produces an unexpected research finding.

Abstract: An optical chromatography system employs fluid filled hollow core fibers, such as photonic crystal fibers (PCFs), which confine an incident optical beam from a laser, for example, in the core and cause separation of particles in the fluid along the length of the PCF. The incident optical beam is confined in the fluid filled core of the PCF by a periodic lattice of air capillaries surrounding the core. The lattice either creates a lower refractive index in the cladding than in the fluid filled core or creates a ID photonic bandgap structure where the guiding is accomplished by surrounding the fluid filled core with a periodically changing array of dielectric constant which prohibits radial dilution of the optical energy over a range of wavelengths through photonic bandgap effects.

Abstract: The invention provides a fluid UV sterilization system capable of automatically and stably keeping the fluid level, which includes a channel, a UV lamp module group, an electrical controller and a mounting bracket for UV lamp module(s), each UV lamp module comprising a frame and a plurality of UV lamps, the orientation of the frame and the lamps is perpendicular to or forms an angle with the general flow direction in the channel. A baffle is provided on either or both of the upstream and downstream of at least one of the UV lamp module(s), and the bottom of the baffle extends to such an extent towards the bottom of the channel that it at least reaches within the effective radiation distance of the UV lamp module group towards the fluid surface. The fluid UV sterilization system according to the present invention can control the fluid level automatically and stably, and can be used for the sterilization of domestic sewage, industrial sewage, recycled water, tap water and other kinds of water.

Abstract: Thermoplastic compositions that reflect ultraviolet light are provided herein, along with articles of manufacture and methods of fluid purification using the same. The thermoplastic compositions preferably comprise a suitable thermoplastic material and microparticles of UV reflective material, such as aluminum or stainless steel. The thermoplastic compositions are useful, for example, in forming articles of manufacture comprising a UV reflective surface that are suitable for use in a water treatment system in connection with a UV light source.

Abstract: A collector is disclosed that is constructed to receive radiation from a radiation source and to transmit radiation to an illumination system, the collector comprising a reflective element which is internally provided with a fluid channel.

Abstract: A gas monitoring apparatus includes a sample introducing portion, a measurement portion, an ionization portion, a mass analysis portion, a data processing portion and a display. The sample introducing portion introduces a sample gas including an object material to be measured. The measurement portion measures a concentration of a predetermined coexisting material, which coexists with the object material in the sample gas. The ionization portion ionizes the sample gas. The mass analysis portion analyzes mass of an ion produced by the ionization portion. The data processing portion analyzes signals detected by the mass analysis portion to calculate a concentration of the object material. And the display displays results of analysis conducted by the data processing portion. The data processing portion includes an adjustment portion which adjusts the concentration of the object material according to the concentration of the predetermined coexisting material.

Abstract: Medical isotope generator systems are disclosed according to some aspects. In one aspect, a 90Y generator system comprises a generator column, a concentration column, and a flow control system, through which the generator column and the concentration column are in fluid communication. The flow control system provides a plurality of flow configurations for delivering a milking solution to the generator column, the concentration column, or both, and for delivering an eluent solution to the concentration column in either a forward or a reverse flow direction. The generator column can comprise a 90Sr stock adsorbed on a sorbent. The milking solution preferentially elutes 90Y from the generator column. The concentration column comprises a sorbent that captures 90Y from the milking solution without altering the milking solution. The eluent solution elutes 90Y from the concentration column.

Abstract: A gas shower to condition at least one optical path in an optical apparatus, wherein the gas shower includes a gas distribution chamber having a shower outlet side to supply gas to the optical path, the gas distribution chamber being configured to distribute the gas to the optical path, wherein the gas distribution chamber includes a substantially sharp tapered tip.

Abstract: A method of operating a UV disinfection device provided with at least one UV emitter, including supplying the emitter with an operating voltage for a firing and continuous operation thereof, modulating the operating voltage, an operating current, or an electrical power of the UV emitter, detecting the UV radiation emitted by the emitter with a UV sensor that is adapted to temporally resolve the modulation, evaluating the signal recorded by the UV sensor, and checking whether the modulation in the signal given off by the sensor corresponds to a desired value.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for UV irradiation and heat sterilization of fluid media, and in particular of liquids containing microorganisms and/or viruses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid treatment system comprising: an inlet; an outlet; and a fluid treatment zone disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The fluid treatment zone has disposed therein: (i) an elongate first radiation source assembly having a first longitudinal axis, and (ii) an elongate second radiation source assembly having a second longitudinal axis. The first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are non-parallel to each other and to a direction of fluid flow through the fluid treatment zone. The present fluid treatment system has a number of advantages including: it can treat large volumes of fluid (e.g.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying viruses and bacteria in a closed loop system that irradiates the fluid multiple times through the same channel. The apparatus consists of a cuvette, an irradiation station, two ultraviolet light sources, a peristaltic pump, and a bottle which are all systematically situated with respect to a housing and a cover. A plurality of power control switches controls the operation of the apparatus. This includes an on/off power switch, an on/off pump control, and ultraviolet light control switches. Timers are provided to regulate the time period the cuvette is exposed to the ultraviolet radiation within the irradiation station from the two ultraviolet light sources. The cover is also provided to enable the cuvette to be used and exposed to ultraviolet radiation within an enclosed environment.

Abstract: Techniques for providing ion source feed materials are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a container for supplying an ion source feed material. The container may comprise an internal cavity to be pre-filled with an ion source feed material. The container may also comprise an outer body configured to be removably loaded into a corresponding housing that is coupled to an ion source chamber via a nozzle assembly. The container may further comprise an outlet to seal in the pre-filled ion source feed material, the outlet being further configured to engage with the nozzle assembly to establish a flow path between the internal cavity and the ion source chamber. The container may be configured to be a disposable component.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating fluids with UV comprises a housing for receiving a flow of fluid having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a reaction chamber; and an assembly of UV sources positioned substantially perpendicular to the fluid. The assembly includes at least first and second pairs of UV sources located in the reactor chamber. The first pair of UV sources has upper and lower UV sources that are positioned relative to each other at a span that is greater than the span between the upper and lower UV sources in the second pair. The second pair is positioned in either the upstream or downstream flow of fluid such that the plane created by the upper UV sources of each pair of UV sources intersects with the plane created by the lower UV sources of each pair of UV sources Subsequent UV sources or pairs of UV sources may be advantageously used. The apparatus may be combined with a baffle arrangement wherein the baffles are preferably positioned in such a way to direct the fluid now into the treatment area.

Abstract: A process for the on-line determination of the hydrogen peroxide content of a mixture obtained in a chemical reaction comprises at least the following steps: (1) admixing the mixture comprising hydrogen peroxide with at least one reagent which is capable of forming a substance which can be detected by optical methods on reaction with hydrogen peroxide, so as to form this substance, (2) determining the amount of the substance present by measuring its specific absorption in an appropriate wavelength range.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a particle beam processing apparatus that is smaller in size and operates at a higher efficiency, and also directed to an application of such apparatus to treat a coating on a substrate of a treatable material, such as for flexible packaging. The processing apparatus includes a particle beam generating assembly, a foil support assembly, and a processing assembly. In the particle beam generating assembly, electrons are generated and accelerated to pass through the foil support assembly. In the flexible packaging application, the substrate is fed to the processing apparatus operating at a low voltage, such as 110 kVolts or below, and is exposed to the accelerated electrons to treat the coating on the substrate.

Abstract: A point of use water purifier for use in rural and under developed areas having a supply reservoir chamber in a first container and a treatment reservoir chamber in a second container underlying the first container and into which the first container is fitted, the water purifier employing a UV radiation source to selectively on demand expose untreated water selectively delivered from the supply reservoir chamber to the treatment reservoir chamber prior to dispensing water from the water purifier for consumption. The water purifier is connectable to an electrical power source such as a 12 volt battery or solar powered battery and is effective to remove substantially all viruses, bacteria and mold spores from untreated water in a short time upon exposure to UV radiation.

Abstract: An ultraviolet water treatment system is provided for treating water moving through a treatment area in a direction D. The system includes a series of ultraviolet modules disposed in side-by-side relationship in the treatment area. Each module includes an ultraviolet lamp and a pair of vertical supports with one support of each module being deemed an upstream support and one support being deemed a downstream support. The upstream supports of the respective modules are non-aligned and at least two of the upstream supports are staggered in the direction D and lie generally in separate transverse planes with respect to direction D.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting a fluid, atomizers, reactors, integrated fuel processing apparatus, combinations thereof, methods of atomizing reactants, methods of moving fluids, methods of reverse-flow in a reactor, and combinations thereof, are provided. One exemplary apparatus for transporting a fluid, among others, includes: a channel for receiving a fluid; a sensor for determining an internal condition of the fluid in the channel; and a channel actuator in communication with the sensor for changing a cross-sectional area of the channel based on the internal condition, wherein the change in cross-sectional area controls a parameter selected from a pressure and a fluid flow.

Abstract: A water treatment system has a battery rechargeable by a manual generator, thus eliminating the need for an external power source. The water treatment system uses the rechargeable battery to power a pump and a UV lamp. After the water passes through a filter, the UV lamp treats the water being pumped through the apparatus. The system optionally includes a flashlight, also powered by the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: The invention herein provides for the detection of certain calcium containing endospores, and particularly pertains to the detection of bacillus anthracis by first chelating calcium ions of said endospores and then reacting the chelated calcium ions with aequorin to generate a light pulse which can then be detected by a standard liquid scintillation spectrometer.

Abstract: Thermoplastic compositions that reflect ultraviolet light are provided herein, along with articles of manufacture and methods of fluid purification using the same. The thermoplastic compositions preferably comprise a suitable thermoplastic material and microparticles of UV reflective material, such as aluminum or stainless steel. The thermoplastic compositions are useful, for example, in forming articles of manufacture comprising a UV reflective surface that are suitable for use in a water treatment system in connection with a UV light source.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for treating a fluid. The apparatus includes a fluid passageway, at least one source of irradiation, and curved reflecting troughs for reflecting irradiation onto the fluid passageway. A space is defined between the closed ends of the troughs. A first set of reflectors joins end edges of the trough open ends, and a second set of reflectors joins the top and bottom edges of the troughs and the first set of reflectors. The reflectors and troughs define a chamber. The fluid passageway and the at least one source of irradiation are positioned in the chamber, with each source of irradiation within a respective trough. At least one of the fluid passageway and the at least one source of irradiation is spaced from any focal axes so as to provide a substantially uniform irradiation distribution within the fluid in the fluid passageway.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus, systems, and methods for analyzing biological samples. The apparatus, systems, and methods can involve using a vacuum source to pull microfluidic volumes through analytical equipment, such as flow cells and the like. Additionally, the invention involves using optical equipment in conjunction with the analytical equipment to analyze samples and control the operation thereof.

Abstract: An integrated flow through water sterilization device within a sanitary faucet fixture. A portion of the flow path has a plurality of ultraviolet radiation generating LED's arranged around a transparent flow conduit within the faucet. The ultraviolet radiation generating LED's effectively sterilize the water as it flows through and is dispensed by the faucet. A hydro-electric generator is driven by a water flow to the faucet upon demand and provides electrical power for the ultraviolet radiation generating LED's as water is used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus to dispense a sample for subsequent electrospray ionisation (ESI) mass spectrometry (MS) analysis, to a method of fabricating such apparatus and to applications of such apparatus in biological and chemical analysis. The apparatus consists of an electrically non-conductive substrate comprising at least two covered microstructures (generally microchannels) having one extremity formed at the edge of the substrate, one of said microstructures containing the sample to be dispensed into a mass spectrometer by electrospray ionisation and at least a second of said microstructure containing a fluid used as sheath liquid or sheath gas, said at least two microstructures being formed in such a manner that the sample and the sheath liquid/gas come in contact to each other and/or are mixed directly in the Taylor cone of the spray.

Abstract: The air-and-water sterilization apparatus for use with an ice machine includes a source of ultraviolet radiation, a first input, a first output, a water tube, an air chamber, an air treatment passageway, a second input, a first filter, a first damper, a third input, a second damper, a second filter, a fan, a second output, and a housing. The source of ultraviolet radiation is one or more ultraviolet lamps that are used to sterilize air and water before that are moved off to the ice machine or other appliance. The source of ultraviolet radiation, the water tube, the.

Abstract: A lamp assembly for use in a water treatment system. The lamp assembly includes a bulb assembly, a reflector assembly and a conduit carring liquid, such as water, through the lamp assembly. The reflector assembly is configured to reflect and focus light emitted from the bulb assembly on the conduit, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the lamp assembly. The reflector assembly can include reflectors including one or more diminishing radii of curvature, which terminate and form a peak near a bulb of the bulb assembly and/or conduit.

Abstract: A freestanding portable liquid filtration device (18) having an upper housing (24), a lower housing (32) and a base (36) which are secured together with an interference fit, with an enclosed lower portion of the upper housing (24) fitting within an open top of the lower housing (32) and an enclosed bottom of the lower housing (32) fitting within an upwardly facing opening of the base (36). A filtration element (26) having a first portion disposed with the upper housing (24) and a second portion from which fluid is discharged disposed within the lower housing (32), wherein liquid flows from the upper housing (24) through the filtration element (26) and into the lower housing (32). The upper and lower housings (24, 32) being formed of transparent materials, and the lower housing (32) including a light source (38) for illuminating at least a portion of the lower housing (32).

Abstract: Portable personal water purifier with a microdischarge array sealed with a radiation emitter, preferably Xel, slightly above atmospheric or water pressure in a closely-configured treatment chamber. Each array is a polyimide film separating a copper layer or mesh cathode surface from a conductor pattern of nickel anodes at UV pixel via sites, juxtaposed in effective purifying range of all the water. In a canteen embodiment, the array is presented as a divider in the water chamber, or at its sides. In a continuous-flow embodiment, the array is presented as a spiral flow-through packet between input and output connections axial to a cylindrical water jacket. Battery or plug power is provided, along with any desired input filter. Two microdischarge arrays are preferably sealed in a twin-pack about a set of stiffener rods, extending outward for re-assembly in sockets after cleaning. Other separation assurance devices are spiral and chain separators.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement detect harmful substances while eliminating or minimizing the drawbacks of an ion-mobility spectrometer (IMS). The sample gas flow is mixed with a reference gas utilizing a pump (7). A reaction gas is supplied via a metering unit (10) to the ion-mobility spectrometer (2) when complex ion-mobility spectrometer spectra are present. The measurement signals obtained as to the gas-quantity ratio between the sample gas and the reference gas are adapted to the original concentration and are then compared to previously defined and stored measured values via a signal height comparison or a pattern recognition. The measuring system is rinsed following the measurement phase by feeding the reference gas and is cleaned by metering an additional cleansing gas when harmful substances are detected which could not be rinsed away. Such methods and measuring systems are used for identifying harmful substances in ambient air.

Abstract: A device that permits the in-home UV treatment of drinking water such as tap water is disclosed. The device employs a bare low-energy UV lamp suspended below a reflector and above a free surface of water flowing within the device. The water is supplied from a tap or other store of drinking water and proceeds through the device by the force of gravity. The device itself is not pressurized. The flow of water within the device is exposed to UV radiation from the UV lamp and is disinfected as a result. In the illustrated embodiment, the device is of a small size to permit its use, for example, directly at a tap for drinking water within the home. The flow rate of the device is commensurate with the normal flow rate of tap water, preferably less than about 8 liters per minute. The lamp power for safely disinfecting the water can be less than 20 watts, and in the illustrated embodiment the lamp is a low-pressure Hg lamp.

Abstract: A sterilization apparatus wherein one or more electron beam tubes are used to direct electron beams into an ambient gaseous environment to create an electron plasma cloud into which non-sterile target objects may be moved. The electron plasma cloud is formed by interaction of the electron beam with the ambient atmosphere. Helium or other like gaseous may be used to expand the effective volume of the electron plasma cloud. Manipulators are used to move target objects in the electron plasma cloud, exposing non-sterile surfaces to the cloud and then joining the surfaces together where appropriate. The beam tube used to generate the electron beam has a thin low energy absorbing window which allows relatively low energy beams to be used, minimizing damage to materials within the surface of the target objects.