Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for preserving one or more collectible items. The apparatus includes a housing and a nitrogen generator. A nitrogen generator generates a nitrogen rich gas and supplies the nitrogen gas to the housing, which displaces the oxygen inside the housing to preserve the collectible item or items enclosed by the housing. The nitrogen rich gas significantly reduces the degradation of the collectible item due to the exposure of the item to oxygen in the air. In another embodiment, the apparatus further includes a temperature control system and a humidity control system to control the temperature and humidity inside the housing. This further aids in preserving a collectible item for relatively long periods of time by reducing the effects of the environment on the item.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing a sealable enclosure includes a circuit for flow of a sterilizing gas or gasses. The circuit is connected to the enclosure to be sterilized to form a closed circuit and pumps to circulate gas through the circuit and enclosure. The circuit has parallel branches one of which contains apparatus to deactivate a sterilant to be added to the carrier gas flowing through the circuit and apparatus to dehumidify the gas. The other branch contains apparatus to heat the gas and apparatus to supply a sterilant vapor or vapors to the gas. Control apparatus determines which of the parallel branches the gas flows through. The control apparatus maintains flow through one branch passage until the relative humidity falls below a predetermined level. The flow through that branch is then terminated and flow through the other branch initiated.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage tank has an outer cylinder and a cylindrical hydrogen storage module within the outer cylinder spaced apart from an inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder to provide a hydrogen passage therebetween. The cylindrical hydrogen storage module includes a lamination having a plurality of hydrogen storage units filled with powdery hydrogen absorption material and a hydrogen absorption and desorption surface on an entire outer peripheral surface, while interposing a heating/cooling element between ones of adjacent units. First and second main passages penetrate the lamination in a lamination direction of the units, and permit heating fluid and cooling fluid to flow therethrough. Sub passages branch from the main passages and extend over within each of the heating/cooling elements.

Abstract: The system includes an enclosure for providing a closed volume for bactericide vapor. The enclosure has a container access opening formed therein for providing vapor communication between a container and the closed volume. A container interface assembly at the container access opening positions, locks and seals the container to the enclosure. A container door removal system is partially contained within the enclosure and is operably engaged with the enclosure and attachable to a container door of the container for separating the container door from the container. The container door removal system includes an actuator element located external to the enclosure. A vapor injection system is included having an inlet and an outlet for the bactericide vapor.

Abstract: A chlorine dioxide generator comprises a water eductor surrounded by a variable volume plenum. The plenum casing is threaded onto the venturi body, permitting the plenum volume and area to be modified depending on the capacity required. Chlorine and sodium chlorite may be fed tangentially into a conical plenum and reacted therein to form chlorine dioxide, which is discharged into water passing through the eductor at the venturi throat.

Abstract: A nitrogen oxide reducing system of a diesel engine can reduce nitrogen oxide contained in an exhaust gas of the diesel engine and whereby cab adapt to a restriction. At a tip end of a mixer, air holes required by the engine are formed, a nitrogen gas generating device for increasing concentration of nitrogen in the air is mounted to introduce nitrogen into the mixer, the mixer is mounted to the induction opening of the engine at opposite side of the air hole to introduce increased amount of nitrogen to prevent oxidation of nitrogen and discharge nitrogen.

Abstract: A ClF3 gas generation system is provided with supply sources of chlorine (3) (for example a cylinder of compressed chlorine) and fluorine (4) (for example a fluorine generator) connected into a gas reaction chamber (2) enabling generation of ClF3 gas. The reaction chamber has a valved outlet (C) for the supply of the ClF3 gas to a process chamber for immediate local use.

Abstract: Methyl halide contaminants are oxidized in a reaction chamber containing a methylotrophic bacterium through direct oxidation of the methyl halide contaminant. Methyl halides may be used as a disinfectant, with the remnant methyl halide contaminant oxidized through direct oxidation by the methylotrophic bacterium.

Abstract: An air sanitizing device for vehicles includes a casing attached to an air vent of the vehicle and having a passage defined therethrough. An ultraviolet LCD is located in the passage and powered by a power supply device connected to the casing. The power supply device can be powered by batteries, AC or DC electric current.

Abstract: A device for gasifying a sterilizing liquid comprises a hot air duct 12 having an inlet 36 at one end thereof and an outlet 33 at the other end thereof, a hot air generator 37 for supplying to the inlet 36 hot air having a temperature capable of gasifying the sterilizing liquid, a spray nozzle 13 for spraying the sterilizing liquid into the hot air duct 12, and a plate heater 23 disposed as opposed to the outlet 33.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of sterilizing a device in a sterilizer, methods of sterilizing a device in an enclosure in a sterilizer, and enclosures for retaining a device capable of being sterilized in a sterilization process. The sterilization process comprises hydrogen peroxide vapor or gas. The sterilization load may include an enclosure, which can be a tray or a container. The tray or container comprises at least a volume of aluminum oxide. The ratio of the amount of hydrogen peroxide gas or vapor introduced into the sterilizer to the volume of aluminum oxide is at least 24 mg/cm3.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a pre-cleaning process is performed for removing a physical substance such as blood, mucus or tiny pieces of tissue that are attached to the exterior of the medical device and are inside a duct or a hollow portion. Then, the pre-cleaned medical device is immersed in a chlorine dioxide solution and/or a chlorine dioxide solution is passed through the duct or the hollow portion. Thereafter, the medical device is placed in a chlorine dioxide gas atmosphere and/or a chlorine dioxide gas is passed through the duct or the hollow portion. In this manner, the exterior of the medical device and the interiors of the duct and the hollow portion are deodorized, disinfected and sterilized.

Abstract: A chemical vapor sterilization process is enhanced by controlling the temperature of a diffusion path between a vaporizer and a sterilization chamber so as to condense and then re-vaporize at least a portion of the vapor.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling operation of an ultraviolet air treatment device including an ultraviolet lamp positioned to treat air within an air handling system that operates in either an on state or an off state. The method includes activating the ultraviolet lamp, and determining the operational state of the air handling system. The ultraviolet lamp is deactivated upon expiration of a predetermined time period during which the air handling system remains in the off state. The predetermined time period is preferably 30-60 minutes, preferably 40 minutes for residential applications.

Abstract: A garbage storage apparatus capable of generating ozone for cleaning air is disclosed. The garbage storage apparatus includes a bin, a cover and an ozone-based air cleaner. The bin defines a space for storing garbage. The cover is used for covering the bin. The ozone-based air cleaner is communicated with the bin for cleaning air in the bin.

Abstract: Dispensers and refills for volatile liquids, such as fragrances, are disclosed. Dispensers and refills in combination with dispensers according to the present invention may comprise a volatile liquid and a housing. In certain embodiments, the volatile liquid of the present invention has a predetermined evaporation rate, measured and calculated by the method described herein. In other embodiments, the volatile liquid exhibits a predefined relative evaporation rate. In addition to the housing, the present invention includes optional components, such as a motorized fan and/or a wick, to facilitate release of the volatile liquid into the atmosphere.

Abstract: In an apparatus, after completion of a CMP (i.e., chemical mechanical polishing) operation of a semiconductor wafer, the thus polished wafer is temporarily stored in a water tank before it is subjected to a post-CMP cleaning operation. During its storage period in the water tank, the wafer is prevented from being chemically attacked by an oxidizing agent contained in an abrasive used in the CMP operation. The apparatus includes: the water tank for storing the wafer therein; a pure water supply pipe for supplying pure water to the water tank; an anticorrosion agent supply pipe for supplying an anticorrosion agent to the pure water; a drain pipe connected with a lower portion of the water tank to discharge the water from the water tank; a return pipe for returning the discharged water to an upper portion of the water tank through a pump and a filter, the return pipe branching-off from the drain pipe; and, valves mounted on these pipes.

Abstract: A portable photoelectric air cleaner, which includes a semi-circular body in which there are an extractor fan, a transformer, a circuit board, an electrode end ultraviolet radiation tube and a cathode high voltage discharge fibre line, which is characterized in that an air inlet and an outlet are formed on said body. The cathode fibre line for discharging in high voltage is fixed at the air outlet. The electrode end ultraviolet radiation tube is fixed at the outlet which is placed in the body, and is formed in an air collector. The extractor fan is fixed between the electrode end ultraviolet radiation tube and the air outlet which are formed nearly inside the body. The portable photoelectric air cleaner is furthermore characterized in that said air collector is comprised of a space which is defined by an air collecting wall and blocking wall. The electrode end ultraviolet radiation tube is fixed between the front and rear block walls so that the rays can't emit out of the cleaner.

Abstract: A chlorine dioxide gas generating kit includes a gas generating apparatus having a first reaction component contained therein and a second reaction component contained therein. The first and second reaction components are separated within the apparatus by at least one rupturable membrane. To activate the apparatus, the at least one rupturable membrane is ruptured to permit contact between the first and second reaction components to facilitate a chemical reaction therebetween which produces chlorine dioxide gas. The apparatus is adapted for releasing chlorine dioxide gas produced therein. To inhibit the unintended rupturing of the membrane, the kit also includes a substantially rigid receptacle defining an internal cavity sized and shaped for receiving at least a portion of the apparatus to inhibit flexing and bending of the apparatus. Before activating the apparatus, the apparatus is removed from the receptacle.

Abstract: Phosphine gas is generated by agitating a reaction mixture of a metal phosphide and water with agitation air in a reaction pot of a phosphine gas generator. The resulting phosphine gas is then diluted with dilution air to produce a fumigant phosphine gas which is directly delivered to a commodity for fumigation. The reaction pot does not have any rotating means such as agitators, rotors, or stirrers. The generator provides on-site generation of phosphine gas in a rapid manner improving the fumigation efficiency for a commodity, such as grain, preferably contained within a storage structures, such as a grain silo. The generator has a built in deactivation system for the unused metal phosphide and phosphine gas.

Abstract: A perfume-dispensing adapter for use in a bubble generator for SPA is constructed to include a casing connected between a compressed air source and an air nozzle panel being put in a bathtub for guiding compressed air from the compressed air source into the air nozzle panel for producing air bubbles in the bathtub, a valve supported on a spring member in the casing and adapted to close the casing when the casing receiving no compressed air or to open the casing when the casing receiving compressed air, and a perfume dispenser mounted in the casing and adapted to emit a smell into compressed air passing through the casing.

Abstract: The process for producing hydrogen gas according to the present invention consists of reacting aluminum with water in the presence of sodium hydroxide as a catalyst. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also described. The apparatus comprises an expandable container wherein the pressure and temperature of the reaction causes the container to expand and contract to control the degree of immersion of a fuel cartridge in water and consequently to control the intensity and duration of the reaction.

Abstract: A burstable bead system including a support having a surface, and a plurality of beads mounted on the surface of the support, with each of the beads comprising an outer wall defining an interior space. The outer wall of each of the beads is flexibly deformable by pressure applied to the outer wall, and is ruptureable by pressure applied to the outer wall to create an opening in the outer wall into the interior space of the bead. A scent vapor is located in the interior space of the bead such that application of pressure to the outer wall of the bead on the surface of the support releases the scent vapor from the interior space of the bead and into an environment exterior to the bead.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for significantly reducing the biological load on consumer products such as food products, spices, produce, botanicals, cosmetic ingredients, barrels, pallets, crates, birdseed and medical products is disclosed. The method involves applying a continuous stream of saturated steam to a material in a sealed biological burden reduction chamber. The continuous stream of saturated steam is created in said chamber by correlating a desired temperature to pressure based on the use of Saturated Steam Tables. The apparatus includes: (a) a bioburden reduction chamber; (b) a temperature controller; (c) an air injection system; (d) a steam injection system; and (e) an evacuation system.

Abstract: A fluidic pump (108) comprises an electrolyte cavity (110) and a pump outlet (115) fluidically coupled to the electrolyte cavity that are within at least a portion of a fluid guiding structure (105), two electrodes (112, 113) extending from the fluid guiding structure into the electrolyte cavity; and a vapor permeable membrane (120) that prevents an electrolyte (125) in the electrolyte cavity from passing through the pump outlet while allowing gas to flow through the pump outlet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrogen peroxide indicator that includes a substrate on which is disposed an indicator composition that includes at least one of a select group of colorants. As a result of contact with hydrogen peroxide, the colorants change color, and even become colorless, thereby providing an indication of the presence of hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: An improved singlet oxygen generator (SOG) and method of using gas phase electronically excited states of oxygen for biomedical and chemical treatment applications are disclosed. According to the invention, both gas phase O2(1&Sgr;) and O2(1&Dgr;) are used for medical treatment, sterilization, and deactivation of biological and chemical agents, including diseased tissue and biological and chemical weapons. The improved SOG is compact and scalable, portable, capable of operating in a zero-gravity or low gravity environment, may use gaseous diluent or buffer gas, and is capable of operating at pressures as high as one atmosphere. The SOG is capable of operating within a short distance of the target site for the electronically excited states of oxygen, which are delivered to the target site via a conduit. The SOG and delivery system provide higher yields of electronically excited oxygen with longer lifetimes suitable for bio-medical applications.

Abstract: An apparatus for disinfecting and sterilizing dental handpieces includes a treating chamber with an internal holding stub which has through-channels for connecting exterior treatment fluid source elements to internal standard channels in and through the handpieces to through-flush treatment fluid through these channels from a socket end to a tip end of the handpiece. The treating chamber is laid-out as a pressure resistant autoclaving chamber provided with steam generation at elevated temperature and pressure. The through-channels of the holding stub are alternatively connectable through an outlet valve to the exterior atmosphere so as to enable back-flushing of pressurized steam from the treating chamber through the internal channels from the tip end to the socket end.

Abstract: An electrically activatable fumigating device, methods of using it, and methods of constructing the device, are disclosed. The device is adapted to be plugged into a wall outlet. It is provided with a resistance heater that is housed in a lower recess of a heating cup by crimping edges of the recess around the heater. The cup focuses the heat of the heater adjacent the bottom of the cup. A eutectic thermal cut-off operates as a primary means of energy cut-off. The resistance heater is also designed to fail after a specified heating period as a redundant means of cut-off.

Abstract: An oxygen generator comprising an oxygen generating unit including: (a) a chlorate oxygen generating candle for generating oxygen when ignited; and (b) an ignition device for igniting the candle to initiate oxygen generation from the candle. The candle is arranged during operation to sustain propagation of a plurality of burn fronts therethrough, the fronts propagating in different directions.

Abstract: A system for dehumidifying and deodorizing, the system comprising a hanging, dehumidifying and deodorizing pouch comprising a housing having a impermeable membrane and a semi-permeable securely attached to the impermeable membrane. The housing enclosing moisture-absorbent material and deodorizing material. The housing is enclosed within a jacket comprising a perforated contiguous wall; the wall defines an opening for receiving the housing. The jacket further comprises a closing member for closing the opening when the housing is within the jacket. The jacket can comprise a rigid, rectangular cage having a detachable lid. The semi-permeable membrane of the housing can comprise polyethylene or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, individually or a combination thereof. The impermeable can comprise either polyethylene film or polypropylene film. The moisture-absorbent material can comprise a hygroscopic, deliquescent or a combination of a hygroscopic deliquescent and a gel forming polymer.

Abstract: A device for producing an aqueous chlorine dioxide solution when placed in water. The device includes a membrane shell that defines a compartment which includes one or more dry chemicals (e.g., a metal chlorite and an acid) capable of producing chlorine dioxide gas when exposed to water. Wick means extend into the compartment for absorbing water and transporting water into the compartment such that the chemical(s) in the compartment dissolve in the water and produce chlorine dioxide. In one embodiment, the membrane is formed of a material that allows the passage of gas (e.g., chlorine dioxide) but is impervious to liquid (e.g., water). In another embodiment, the wick means is a wick member which divides the compartment into first and second compartment sections. One chemical (metal chlorite, for example) is contained within the first compartment section and another chemical (acid, for example) is contained within or can easily be placed in the second compartment section.

Abstract: The present invention provides an incense burner which effectively prevents the user from an easy touch on its high temperature parts, can be used at a plurality of temperature ranges, and can let the user enjoy comfortably light art and aroma for a long period of time with ease. The incense burner of the present invention has a container for accommodating the material to be heated, a heating plate provided beneath the container, a heater for heating the heating plate and a supporting component for supporting the heating plate.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for treating dentures at elevated pressured to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment employs a sealed pressure containment vessel. Denture cleaning, disinfecting, deorderizing, brightening, bleaching can be performed using this apparatus and method and the effectiveness of conventional active agents in removing plaque or the biolayer on the surface of the denture can be improved. Active agents can be forced into pores, fissures and microscopic openings in dentures to remove pathogens or contaminants that cannot be reached by conventional processes. The effectiveness of conventional effervescent denture treatment tablets can also be increased.

Abstract: This invention corresponds to a device that delivers sulfur dioxide (SO2) in a controlled manner after getting in touch the active ingredient of the device, sodium metabisulfite, with humidity. The most important characteristic of the invention is that emission control of the gas is obtained with one or several homogeneous layers of the active ingredient at different concentrations allowing, if required, for a multilayer generator system with fast and slow emission of SO2 making use additionally of physical barriers specially designed for controlling the flux of water and SO2 through them. The invention also discloses the methods of obtaining the SO2 generator device.

Abstract: A gas generator includes a housing, which has outflow openings for outflowing gas, and at least one destructible insulation foil which in a non-activated state of the gas generator closes at least one of the outflow opening so as to be moisture-tight. The insulation foil has a varying thickness. The varying thickness is provided by at least one thermally insulating foil layer with a varying thickness, which lies over a base layer.

Abstract: A system for processing a wafer using ozone includes an ozone gas source connecting into the process chamber. Wafers are held within a holder or fixture in the chamber. A chamber exhaust line connects the process chamber to an inlet at the top end of an ozone destructor. A system or cabinet exhaust line extends from an outlet also at the top end of the ozone destructor. A canister within the ozone destructor contains a catalyst. Exhaust flow from the process chamber moves down through the ozone destructor and then up through the catalyst. Saturation of the catalyst by condensing water vapor and loss of catalytic efficiency, is reduced. As the process chamber and chamber exhaust line are better isolated from the catalyst, potential for catalyst particles moving into the process chamber or chamber exhaust line, or for condensing vapor to back up in the chamber exhaust line, are reduced.

Abstract: A device and method for sanitizing and deodorizing including the selective transportation of a sanitizing composition by the capillary action of a wick to an acidic composition which may be held in a reservoir, or which also may be selectively transported through the capillary action of a wick to the reservoir.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for producing at high efficiency vaporization a precisely controllable, continuously adjustable gas-phase flow of a vaporizable liquid (e.g., hydrogen peroxide) in a carrier gas (e.g., air) are disclosed. The gas-phase product flow can be substantially continuous, low-temperature, unsaturated with respect to the vaporized vaporizable liquid, and of substantially constant vaporized vaporizable liquid concentration as a function of time. Fine particles of the vaporizable liquid are produced and introduced into the flow of carrier gas/vapor in a vaporization plenum with a sufficient flow of carrier gas/vapor to provide a curtain of carrier gas/vapor between substantially all of the fine particles of vaporizable liquid and the inner surface of the vaporization plenum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for terminal sterilization of solid forms of nanoparticulate active agent compositions via gamma irradiation. The nanoparticulate active agent has an effective average particle size of less than about 2 microns, prior to incorporation into a solid form for sterilization. The resultant sterilized compositions exhibit excellent redispersibility, homogeneity, and uniformity. Also encompassed are compositions made via the described method and methods of treating animals and humans using such compositions.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus in form of a disinfecting apparatus comprising a steam device for combatting germs on the surface of products, in particular of food products. The apparatus employs a combination of steam and ultrasound to kill germs on the surface of a product which is conveyed past the steam device. Pressurized steam is fed through a steam passage to an opening conveying the steam to a cavity, in which the steam is made to oscillate at a ultrasonic frequency. The oscillations in the steam prevent the steam from heating the products excessively, while germs presents on the surface of the products are heated and killed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating a desired smell by processing smell information through a combination of a computer system and a perfume generating means. In order to generate a desired smell under control of a computer, preset perfume information concerning a smell classification table, kinds of preset perfume corresponding to the items of smell in the smell classification table, the amount of smell to be generated and the variation with time of the amount is registered, the item of a specific smell is selected from the smell classification table, and relevant pieces of the preset perfume information corresponding to the item of the specific smell is extracted. A deodorant may be combined or various smells may be combined with an image.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing an article of mail includes a chamber defining an airtight space and having an entrance for receiving the article of mail. A vacuum pump is coupled to the chamber for withdrawing air therefrom and, specifically, from the article of mail, this air withdrawal reducing the chamber air pressure. An ozone generator is coupled to the chamber for introducing ozone at atmospheric pressure therein following air withdrawal. This causes efficient diffusing of the ozone into the article of mail for sterilizing it against anthrax. The ozone is then withdrawn into an ozone filter that includes a non-consumable manganese dioxide catalyst for converting the ozone back into oxygen. The article of mail may be initially perforated to enhance air withdrawal and ozone diffusion. The article of mail may be embossed following ozone withdrawal to indicate completion of sterilization. The apparatus may be implemented using multiple chambers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a number of UV generators needed to destroy at least 90% of biological matter in an air stream of a ventilation system is disclosed. The method comprises determining the number of UV generators needed to destroy a proportion of biological matter in the air stream of the ventilation system.

Abstract: Particles constituted of either a single element selected from the group consisting of silicon, titanium, nickel, and samarium or a carbon fluoride are disposed in such respective positions that the wave energy inherent in the element or carbon fluoride is amplified to thereby enable the particles to have, among these, a field where energy concentration occurs. Thus, an active structure is obtained which is capable of generating hydrogen by liberating hydrogen from the hydrogen bonds of water or a hydrocarbon without applying an external energy thereto.

Abstract: A chemical adsorption system and method comprising an apparatus containing a solid adsorption article comprising a known amount of a chemical adsorbate material disposed on a solid adsorbent material. Trace amounts of the adsorbate are released from the adsorbent using an inert gas. By controlling various parameters such as the temperature of the adsorption article, the amount of the adsorbate on the adsorbent, and the flow rate of inert gas through the apparatus, the amount of chemical adsorbate material vapor that is released from the adsorbent can be precisely controlled and predicted. The apparatus contains no liquid chemical materials, and serves as both an internal chemical reference standard to the attached chemical vapor monitor and as a chemical surface passivator. Furthermore, the invention is capable of spanning several orders of magnitude in chemical vapor concentration from the parts-per-million (ppm) to parts-per-trillion (ppt) range.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for disinfection or the inhibition of microbial growth in the air, freshening and perfuming of the air, being based on the emission of particles into the air of a disinfecting composition based on essential oils and/or their active ingredients their mixtures with glycols and/or glycol ethers in variety of proportions. In accordance with the method of the invention, the particles emitted into the air which it is sought to disinfect, freshen and perfume, are produced using the evaporation of the liquid composition, through a wick indirectly heated to a temperature of less than 100° C. in its upper area.

Abstract: An ultrasonic fragrance-generating device is disclosed and the device comprises an inner cup, a housing a covering ring, an oscillating unit and a heat dissipation fan and the mouth of the housing being inserted into the inner edge of the mouth of the inner cup and the mouth of the inner cup being covered by the covering ring and the cup edge of the housing being covered by a hood and the housing being an inner layered housing and an external layered housing, and the inner layer housing being a hole at the bottom section thereof for the mounting of the oscillation unit and the bottom face of the housing being mounted with the heat dissipation fan, characterized in that the wall of the hood is mounted with at least a layer of magnetic solenoid and the positive pole of the magnetic solenoid faces the inner cup, forming into energy conduit for magnetized fluidization.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas-release packet, comprising a flexible gas-permeable material enclosing a gas-producing composition that releases gases beneficial to foodstuffs and the like. The packet may be made permeable to water vapor to work with water-activated gas-releasing compositions.

Abstract: A chlorine dioxide gas producing apparatus has a first reaction component contained therein and a second reaction component contained therein. The first and second reaction components are separated within the apparatus by at least one rupturable membrane. To activate the apparatus, the at least one rupturable membrane is ruptured to permit contact between the first and second reaction components to facilitate a chemical reaction therebetween which produces chlorine dioxide gas. The apparatus is adapted for releasing chlorine dioxide gas produced therein. The apparatus may be placed into an enclosure containing articles to be treated and the enclosure then closed to permit a concentration of chloride dioxide gas produced by the apparatus sufficient to treat the at least one article to fill the enclosure.