Abstract: A dry heat sterilization system having a housing and a number of plenums to guide the flow of hot air. Hot air is forced to flow through the plenums, the intake slide duct and into the bottom of the containers. The hot air will rise and exit from the top of the container through the exhaust slide duct. Furthermore, the external surfaces of the container are also sterilized through the use of semi-pierced duct walls with adjustable diffuser panels. Hot air will re-circulate until it reaches a pre-determined temperature. The container and its contents can be safely handled once the exhaust air blower removes hot air from the system.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus in form of a disinfecting apparatus comprising a steam device for combating 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: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods of disinfecting and/or decontaminating articles, and more specifically to a system and method of efficiently disinfecting and/or decontaminating articles such as pieces of mail that may have been exposed to diverse biological and/or chemical contaminants.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser (10) supplies a beverage from a beverage container (12) through a piping system, wherein a device is provided for sterilizing, by heat, said piping system and a connection portion (61) of said beverage container connected to said piping system. A beverage dispenser further supplies a beverage from a beverage container (12) through a piping system and a cock (32), wherein a device is provided for sterilizing by heat said piping system and said cock (32). Thus, the piping system in the dispenser is heat-sterilized.

Abstract: As shown in FIG. 1 there is one embodiment of a fumigation apparatus in the form of a module (8) including a panel (10) which can be positioned in or at an opening of an enclosed space in use to define a fumigation chamber. Fumigant inlet means in the form of an orifice (12) are arranged in the panel (10) to allow a flow of a fumigant directly into the fumigation chamber. A nominal number of mixing fans, in this case two fans (16) and (18), thoroughly circulate gases within the fumigation chamber when operating. The module (8) includes a system control box (14) linked to the fumigant delivery orifice (12) and valve system which functions to control the flow of toxic gas into the fumigation chamber. The panel (10), when positioned in use, is secure against the passage of fumigant and gases by means of an inflatable rubber seal (22) which is located around a lip edge perimeter of the panel (10).

Abstract: A silicon reclamation apparatus with which a large amount of silicon can be easily recovered from a waste slurry is provided. The silicon reclamation apparatus of the present invention includes a solid-liquid separation part for obtaining solid substances for silicon recovery by solid-liquid separation of a concentrate of a waste slurry or the waste slurry which is discharged from a cutting device which cuts silicon or a polishing device which polishes silicon, with use of a slurry comprising abrasive grains and coolant; a washing part in which the solid substances for silicon recovery are washed with an organic solvent; and a classification part in which the solid substances for silicon recovery after the washing are classified to obtain a silicon-containing powder having a higher silicon content than before the classification.

Abstract: Systems, methods and multi-well plates comprising an array of wells for thermal treatment of chemical or biological samples are disclosed. Each of the wells comprises a bottom opening, an upper opening, inner side walls extending from the bottom opening to the upper opening, a protrusion extending from the inner side walls into the well with a first cross-sectional area and located at a height from the bottom opening which is smaller than the height from the upper opening. A sample chamber with a second cross-sectional area is formed between the bottom opening and the protrusion. An upper chamber with a third cross-sectional area is formed between the protrusion and the upper opening, and in which the first cross-sectional area is smaller than the third cross-sectional area and smaller than or equal to the second cross-sectional area.

Abstract: Glycolic disinfectant compositions and related methods and apparatus for electrostatic dispensation.

Abstract: A boule formed by high rate vapor phase growth of Group III-V nitride boules (ingots) on native nitride seeds, from which wafers may be derived for fabrication of microelectronic device structures. The boule is of microelectronic device quality, e.g., having a transverse dimension greater than 1 centimeter, a length greater than 1 millimeter, and a top surface defect density of less than 107 defects cm?2. The Group III-V nitride boule may be formed by growing a Group III-V nitride material on a corresponding native Group III-V nitride seed crystal by vapor phase epitaxy at a growth rate above 20 micrometers per hour.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for dispensing air treatment chemicals, and refill units for use therewith. Some of these devices have a well facing the heater and a transparent wall to view the use up of the air treatment chemical. Other of these devices have a refill with wells positioned in opposing directions.

Abstract: A device for obtaining energy carriers from moist biomass includes a dehydration device for mechanically pre-dehydrating the biomass, and a drying step for post-dehydrating the pre-dehydrated biomass via the addition of heat. The dehydration device includes a first dehydration step and a second dehydration step, which is combined with the drying step to form a single assembly.

Abstract: A process for melting silicon, in which silicon bodies (4; 14; 24) are detached from a silicon starting material (2) - (40) -, the silicon bodies (4; 14; 24) being dimensioned - (40) - in such a way that they can be arranged in a heatable crucible (6), the silicone bodies (4; 14; 24) are arranged in the crucible (6) and the crucible (6) is heated - (46) -, at least some of the cavities (10) that occur between the crucible walls (7) and the silicon bodies (4; 14; 24) or between monolithic parts of the silicon bodies (4; 14; 24) when the silicon bodies (4; 14; 24) are arranged in the crucible (6) - (42) - being at least partially filled with silicon granules (8; 18, 20; 28) - (44) -, and an arrangement for melting silicon.

Abstract: A sterilizing apparatus for retorted products is provided, which can transfer the retorted products unidirectionally to and from a retort and which can heat and sterilize the retorted products homogeneously for a short time, while sliding a carriage carrying the retorted products reciprocally in the retort. The rotating motions of a rotating drive source (16) disposed on the outside portion of the retort (3) are transmitted through a shaft sealing mechanism (13) to a cam mechanism in the retort, and are converted into reciprocal motions by the cam mechanism and transmitted to the carriage (7) carrying the retorted products (4), so that the retorted products can be heated and sterilized while the carriage (7) being slid forward and backward or rightward and leftward of the retort.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and associated method for the production of gypsum in manufacturing plant. More specifically, the invention relates to the production of alpha-type gypsum in a gypsum board manufacturing plant. The system yields increased efficiencies by capturing heat given off during processing steps and using that heat to reduce the energy needed for calcination. The invention finds particular application in the production alpha-type gypsum. The present invention is described in greater detail hereinafter in conjunction with the following specific embodiments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for stabilising a metastable soluble anhydrite III, to a method for producing a hydraulic binder based thereon, to the thus obtainable hydraulic binder, to a method for the use thereof in the cement industry and to an industrial plant for carrying out the inventive method. The method consists in stabilising a metastable soluble anhydrite III by mechanically stressing the particles thereof in such a way the crystal structure of the particles is modified and the metastable phase thereof is stabilised. Said invention makes it possible to stabilise the metastable soluble anhydrite III particles without using current steps for heating and quenching said particles.

Abstract: A chemical vapor sterilization process is enhanced by flowing a portion of the sterilant vapor through an instrument container using a normal portion of the exhaust process. Preferably, an exhaust conduit which draws a vacuum on a sterilization chamber is oriented so that the container is adjacent an inlet to the conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for adding an alkali metal promoter into steam and contacting the solution with a dehydrogenation catalyst during a dehydrogenation reaction is disclosed. The apparatus has a first conduit capable of transporting an alkali metal salt solution and a second conduit in fluid communication with the first conduit, the second conduit capable of transporting steam so that the alkali metal salt is dissipated into the steam prior to entry into a dehydrogenation reaction zone.

Abstract: A system and a method of decomposing organic waste are provided. The system decomposes organic waste in a decomposition chamber without use of enzymes, additives, or microorganisms. In one embodiment, the system decomposes organic waste within 24 hours and deodorizes the odor of decomposing organic waste during decomposition process. The system provides sufficient heat and operating conditions to evaporate moisture from the organic waste without burning the organic waste. The byproduct of the organic waste after decomposition process by the system is substantially homogeneous material that is reduced in volume compared to the organic waste. In one embodiment, the system reuses or recycles water and heat used in the system for different processes in the system. The system includes a blower that provides flow of the moisture inside the system.

Abstract: A method for providing a reducing agent precursor includes heating a quasi-closed evaporator volume, delimited by a wall and at least partially filled with a solution of a reducing agent precursor, to a reserve temperature of the solution to produce an atmosphere of a vapor including at least one reducing agent precursor at a reserve pressure above ambient pressure. The vapor is extracted on demand by utilizing a pressure difference between the reserve pressure and an ambient pressure. The method and a device provide reducing agent precursors that can especially be used in the selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides. The method and the device allow easy dosing since, due to the pressure gradient between the vapor and an extraction line, no other conveying device is required when the vapor, which contains at least one reducing agent precursor, is dosed to a hydrolysis catalytic converter.

Abstract: Apparatus for sterilizing, pasteurizing, and/or disinfecting a pumpable or free-flowing medium includes at least one heating source, a temperature holding device which is monitored by means of a thermal sensor, and an outlet. The pressure required for the treatment is maintained within the temperature holding device by at least one unit conveying member in opposition to a resistance pressure. Two conduit branches are connected to a conduit located downstream of the temperature holding device. A restriction member and a shut-off member are disposed in each of the two conduit branches, with one conduit branch extending to the outlet while the other conduit branch leads to the feed conduit upstream from the heating source as a return conduit. The restriction member is hereby part of a heat exchanger which guides medium from the temperature holding device in counterflow to a flow of medium to the heating source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method suitable for pasteurisation or sterilisation of articles, and apparatus suitable for carrying out the method. The method includes heating the article and/or a related medium within a confined volume sufficiently that expansion of the article and/or the medium subjects the article to a pressure sufficient (in combination with the temperature) to result in pasteurisation or sterilisation of the article.

Abstract: Methods and systems for programmed dispensation of consumable compositions are provided. A method for administering a consumable composition may comprise: (a) dispensing a dose of a consumable composition according to a programmed dosing schedule; and (b) sterilizing at least a portion of a beverage container. A system for administering a consumable composition may comprise: (a) means for dispensing a dose of a consumable composition according to a programmed dosing schedule; and (b) means for sterilizing at least a portion of a beverage container. A method for administering a consumable composition may comprise: (a) dispensing a dose of a consumable composition according to a programmed dosing schedule; and (b) providing a notification of a sterilization of a beverage container.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatus and method for improving gas distribution during thermal processing. One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for processing a substrate comprising a chamber body defining a processing volume, a substrate support disposed in the processing volume, wherein the substrate support is configured to support and rotate the substrate, a gas inlet assembly coupled to an inlet of the chamber body and configured to provide a first gas flow to the processing volume, and an exhaust assembly coupled to an outlet of the chamber body, wherein the gas inlet assembly and the exhaust assembly are disposed on opposite sides of the chamber body, and the exhaust assembly defines an exhaust volume configured to extend the processing volume.

Abstract: An apparatus for placing a hydrophobic barrier on an examination slide including a vessel, a printer block having a printing surface to form a hydrophobic barrier on the examination slide in a specified pattern, a slide holder, and a reversible actuator. The invention also includes a method for placing a hydrophobic barrier on an examination slide in a specified pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for sterilizing a cosmetic product, in which said product consists of a fluid circulating under regulated pressure in a sterilization circuit (1), according to the viscosity of said fluid. The invention also relates to the device for implementing such a method.

Abstract: Bio-waste sterilizers are described. In one implementation an exemplary system has waste transport vessels that can be intermittently heated and pressurized, for example, with steam, and are interconnected to provide multiple sterilization pathways for waste as the waste is transported. Selected sterilization pathways may depend on attributes of the waste. Sterilization factors, such as mechanical shredding, application of steam, application of pressure, maintenance of temperature, separation of liquid, etc., are integrated into the waste transport features of the system, which can be made compact to save space while processing relatively large bulk amounts of materials, such as medical wastes. The system maintains safe isolation of bio-hazardous components in the waste from the external environment. A system controller provides parameters management, smart sterilization cycle control, quality assurance, safety management, diagnostics, and reporting over a network.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing metal nanoparticles is disclosed. The apparatus includes: a precursor supply unit configured to supply a precursor solution for metal nanoparticles, a transport device configured to transport the precursor solution, a heating unit connected with the precursor supply unit and configured to heat the precursor solution to a temperature range in which a production of metal nanoparticles occurs, and a cooling unit connected with the heating unit and configured to collect and cool metal nanoparticles produced at the heating unit, where the cooling unit includes: a channel, a tube surrounding the channel, and a circulator configured to supply a coolant to the tube.

Abstract: An improved thermal phase separation unit separates contaminants from a contaminated substrate. The improved thermal phase separation unit includes an enclosure arranged to withstand temperatures created by a combustion system, an essentially air-tight processing chamber supported within the enclosure by support columns connected between the processing chamber and a bottom of the enclosure, a heat shield disposed between the processing chamber and the bottom of the enclosure, and a vapor handling system arranged to remove vapor from the processing chamber. The combustion system heats the processing chamber, and, in turn, indirectly heats contaminated substrate being processed in the processing chamber so as to volatize contaminants in the contaminated substrate to vapor that is subsequently removed by the vapor handling system.

Abstract: A controlled odor generator, comprising a central processing unit, at least one micropump unit, a sensor unit and a fan. The micropump unit is housed in a casing containing odorous fluid and has a micropump array for ejecting the odorous fluid in tiny droplets. The central processing unit regulates operation of the micropump unit, allowing to control timing quantity and mixture of spread odor. The sensor unit provides the central processing unit with environmental data, like temperature, air density and humidity, as well as human body states for controlling the micropump unit. Environmental changes are followed by a change of spraying of odor, and varying taste and demand are adapted to.

Abstract: The method for reducing organic chlorine compounds in cement production facility is a method by which a quantity of organic chlorine compounds contained in powder is reduced in the cement production facility, and the method is provided with a heating step for heating the powder to separate the organic chlorine compounds from the powder or decompose the organic chlorine compounds and a gas thermal decomposing step for supplying heat-treated gas containing the organic chlorine compounds generated by heating the powder to a high temperature part of the cement production facility, thereby thermally decomposing the organic chlorine compounds contained in the heat-treated gas.

Abstract: An apparatus and method, for processing solid waste to produce a solid fuel product and a recycling stream, involves an elongated, generally cylindrical shape rotating pressure vessel that can use the effects of heat, humidity and pressure to convert the solid waste into a burnable fuel and can produce a glass, a metal or a plastic recycle stream. The pressure vessel is adapted to be rotated along its axis or rotation in order to ensure close contact between the solid waste and internal humidity at elevated temperatures and pressures to result in the conversion of the solid waste into a useful fuel and recycle stream. The driving mechanism and support structure for the vessel requires substantial strength and resistance to wear. The pressure vessel of the invention, while requiring rotation around its axis of rotation, also requires the pressure vessel to be movable in the vertical plane.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an apparatus for disinfecting a cuvette cover. The opening of a cuvette (14) containing a test fluid is temporarily covered while the cuvette is at a processing station. The surface of the cover facing the cuvette opening in the lifted condition of the cover is heated to a temperature suitable for the killing of microorganisms on the cover.

Abstract: A thermalcycler includes a first thermalcycler body section having a first face and a second thermalcycler body section having a second face. A cavity is formed by the first face and the second face. A thermalcycling unit is positioned in the cavity. A heater trace unit is connected to a support section, to the first thermalcycler body section, to the second thermalcycler body section, and to the thermalcycling unit. The first thermalcycler body section and the second thermalcycler body section are positioned together against the support section to enclose the thermalcycling unit and the heater trace unit.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, performing an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.

Abstract: Organic materials being indirectly heated via hot air having the temperature required for their treatment, the process consists in the recycling of the vapours and gases evolving from the organic materials into a hot air circuit by forcing them into contact with the flame of a burner in order to bum the organic gases contained therein. The apparatus for executing the process comprises a double wall sealed tank; the outer wall being insulating and the inner wall being heat-conducting, the space, created by the walls, defines the hot air circuit.

Abstract: A device for selectively controlling and varying surface texture includes a body having at least one surface, and an active material in operative communication with the at least one surface, wherein the active material is configured to undergo a change in a property upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the change in a property is effective to change a texture of the at least one surface.

Abstract: A fine channel device, having an inlet opening for introducing a gas and an inlet path interconnecting with this inlet opening, a fine channel interconnecting with the inlet path, a discharge path interconnecting with the fine channel, and a discharge opening interconnecting with this discharge path. The inner diameter of the inlet path is greater than that of the fine channel, and either increases gradually, or remains identical, with increasing distance from the position where the inlet opening and the inlet path are in interconnection with each other.

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: A process for melting material to be treated includes placing material to be treated in a container that may include an insulating lining, heating the material to be treated and melting the material to be treated, preferably allowing the melted material to cool to form a vitrified and/or crystalline mass, and disposing of the mass. The mass is either disposed while contained in container or removed from container after cooling and disposed. Heat loss and melt-surface disruptions can be minimized with an engineered overburden material, which covers at least a portion of an exposed surface of the material to be treated.

Abstract: A fumigation apparatus (1) includes a sulfur evaporator (3) including a heat source (28) and a container (9). The heat source (28) includes an electrically operated heating coil (15). The container (9) includes a wall (11) and an inner space (13). The inner space (13) is designed and arranged to store sulfur (14) to be evaporated therein. The container (9) substantially is made of ceramic material. The heat source (28) and the container (9) are designed as one common structural unit. The heating coil (15) at least partly is arranged in the wall (11) of the container (9) such that it is embedded in the ceramic material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of processing analyte using a portable incubator apparatus. The incubator apparatus 10 has a plurality of cavities 20 each configured to receive analyte to be incubated. The method comprises: receiving analyte in each of the plurality of cavities; incubating the analyte in the plurality of cavities, the incubator apparatus being operable to control temperatures of analyte contained in the plurality of cavities independently of each other; and moving the incubator apparatus from a first location to a second location whilst the analyte is being incubated, the incubator apparatus being configured to maintain desired incubation conditions independently of a supply of electrical power and apparatus external to the incubator apparatus as the incubator apparatus is being moved.

Abstract: A transportable flamer, mounted on a tractor or similar, may be used to sterilize poultry litter, soil, concrete, etc. The flamer disclosed comprises a hood to contain the heat, an external frame, and burners. A fuel tank may be carried on the flamer or on a tractor or trailer in front of, or behind the flamer. An additional embodiment provides for mounting the flamer on wheels, permitting the unit to be towed by a truck, four-wheeler, tractor, etc. The burners are adjustable as to angle, and fueling rate.

Abstract: Methods and devices for preparing a biological sample for analysis are described. The biological sample from an organism has at least macromolecule having a primary structure that naturally degrades after the sample is removed from the organism. The method includes causing the biological sample to adopt a shape to permit rapid and uniform heating. The shaped sample is then rapidly and uniformly heated, thereby altering a secondary structure of the macromolecule while preserving its primary structure.

Abstract: A scent lure is configured as a reusable container with two separate compartments, one for a scent wick and one for a disposable heating element. The compartments are separated by a common dividing wall and are independently accessible for ease of use. The separate compartments allow the heating element to be removed and/or replaced without contact with the scent wick and vice versa. Preferably, the heating compartment has vents to facilitate continued activation of a heating element during use. The vents are preferably configured to provide a chimney effect that creates a heated air flow over the sent wick for enhancing the lure's effectiveness.

Abstract: Disclosed is a a POU (point of use) cold tank sterilizing system which is a POU cold tank sterilizing system, mainly used for POU coolers used at home or office.

Abstract: A hydrogen peroxide vapor generation unit (10) receives hydrogen peroxide and water solution at an interface (20) and interconnects with an air dryer (14) by way of nipples (72, 92). In one embodiment, the dryer includes a clamping assembly (42) which is latched (74, 94) with the nipples and which receives a disposable desiccant cartridge (40). In an alternate embodiment, a reusable desiccant cartridge (40?) is connected directly to the nipples (72, 92). When the desiccant cartridge (40?) is saturated, it is removed and placed in a regenerator unit (120). A regenerated cartridge is installed in its place.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser (10) supplies a beverage from a beverage container (12) through a piping system, wherein a device is provided for sterilizing, by heat, said piping system and a connection portion (61) of said beverage container connected to said piping system. A beverage dispenser further supplies a beverage from a beverage container (12) through a piping system and a cock (32), wherein a device is provided for sterilizing by heat said piping system and said cock (32). Thus, the piping system in the dispenser is heat-sterilized.

Abstract: A toothbrush sanitizer includes at least one basket for holding a toothbrush, a housing that receives the at least one basket, and a heating element connected to the housing. The basket(s) can also accommodate a toothbrush head from a known electric toothbrush. The basket can be completely removable from the housing so that the basket can be separately cleaned from the housing. The heating element heats the toothbrush to sanitize the bristles. According to an alternative embodiment, the toothbrush sanitizer can include a first toothbrush basket, a second toothbrush basket, a housing that receives the baskets, and a heating element connected with the housing. The second basket receives the first basket.

Abstract: A method and system for reclaiming and beneficiating fly ash particles includes recovering at least a portion of fly ash particles from reclaimed feed and supplying at least a portion of the recovered fly ash particles to at least one mixing reactor with a chamber where at least a portion of the supplied fly ash particles are thermally beneficiated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of microbial reduction and/or sterilization of impression materials, specifically elastomeric impression materials, by means of steam sterilization.