Methods of manufacturing a light-activated powder are provided which provide solid-state generation and release of chlorine dioxide without detectable amounts of any toxic by-products such as chlorine gas, chlorites, or chlorates. The powder need not be exposed to moisture, relative humidity, or an acid before or during exposure of the powder to visible light to generate the gas. The powder can also be prepared under conditions that minimize or prevent decomposition or oxidation of sodium chlorite or premature light activation of the powder during the manufacturing process to maximize its activity.

A phase change system and methods of making a phase change system are disclosed. A multiple phase change system is also disclosed. The system may include at least one phase change material and at least one chemical reactant encapsulated within the phase change material. The chemical reactant may react with another chemical reactant or the surrounding environment.

A method for designing a new product includes automatically identifying a plurality of components of stored products, wherein the plurality of components is associated with an existing component included in a design of the new product, automatically selecting a new component from among the plurality of components, wherein a relationship between the existing component and the new component optimizes a design objective for the new product, automatically adding the new component to the design for the new product, and iteratively repeating the identifying, the selecting, and the adding until a stopping criterion is met, wherein the design for the new product is complete when the stopping criterion is met.

A circulation chamber for a cargo container comprises a cargo container extension including a housing, a cargo container aperture, and an interior volume; the cargo container extension is structured and dimensioned to be attached to an opening of the cargo container, thereby placing the interior volume in fluid communication with an interior of the cargo container. The housing, cargo container aperture, and interior volume may be cooperatively structured and dimensioned to allow at least a portion of the cargo container to be disposed in sealing engagement with the cargo container aperture, and furthermore, allow, at least partially, a door of the cargo container to be open while the circulation chamber is attached to the cargo container.

A method for controlling an atmosphere in a space which is at least partially filled with agricultural or horticultural products comprises the steps of (a) measuring an amount of at least one metabolite such as acetaldehyde, ethyl acetate and/or ethanol produced by the products, (b) measuring at least one of (i) an amount of oxygen absorbed by the products and (ii) an amount of carbon dioxide produced by the products, (c) determining a relationship between the measured amount of the metabolite and the measured amount of oxygen and/or carbon dioxide, (d) analyzing the determined relationship to detect a potential onset of fermentation in the products and (e) selectively adjusting a level of at least one component of the atmosphere in the space on the basis of the analysis. An installation for carrying out this method is also claimed.

An apparatus for sterilising a packaged product (16) such as food or drink comprises a pair of gas filled electrodes (1, 2) connected to a power supply (18) for generating a high voltage pulses between the electrodes (1, 2) sufficient to ionise the gas therein and to create a high electromagnetic field therebetween. A reflector (7) is provided for directing the generated field towards the package (16), such that the electromagnetic field penetrates through the wall of the package (16) and forms cold plasma from the trapped air inside the package (16). This cold plasma comprises ozone and other reactive oxygen based species which have a high oxidizing potential and kill all microorganisms in contact with the ozone and reactive species resulting in the disinfection of the product as well as the interior of the sealed package.

A method for designing a new product includes automatically identifying a plurality of components of stored products, wherein the plurality of components is associated with an existing component included in a design of the new product, automatically selecting a new component from among the plurality of components, wherein a relationship between the existing component and the new component optimizes a design objective for the new product, automatically adding the new component to the design for the new product, and iteratively repeating the identifying, the selecting, and the adding until a stopping criterion is met, wherein the design for the new product is complete when the stopping criterion is met.

Technologies for providing a gas inlet and gas outlet to a compartment are described. In embodiments, the technologies include a dual channel connector unit that includes an inlet passageway and an outlet passageway. In embodiments at least a portion of the outlet passageway is disposed radially around the inlet passageway. The connector unit is configured to install into a portion (e.g., wall, bottom, top, or lid) of a compartment. Systems and methods including such connector units are also described.

A sterilization apparatus characterized in that the sterilization apparatus comprises a reactive oxygen species irradiation unit for irradiating a reactive oxygen species-containing gas which is a reaction product of plasma generated using an alternating current and a water-containing gas containing steam, the sterilization apparatus further containing an inlet unit for steam flow for supplying the water-containing gas heated to a temperature of from 50 to 300 C., wherein the reactive oxygen species-containing gas contains water in an amount equal to or greater than the amount of saturated steam. The sterilization apparatus of the present invention shows excellent sterilization activity, so that it can be suitably used in sterilization of containers for foodstuff, bottle caps sealing the openings of the containers, medical devices, foodstuff such as vegetables and meat, and the like.

Device and method suitable for disinfecting herbs using plasma are disclosed. The device comprises a chamber and two sets of electrodes in an opposed position one relative to the other, inside the chamber. Each electrode in one set has a counterpart electrode in the other set, the two electrodes positioned facing each other and being configured to connect to a RF HV power supply, to produce a plasma-generating EM field in the space between the electrodes. The device further comprises a dielectric carrier positioned inside the chamber in the space between the two sets of electrodes, the carrier being dimensioned and configured to carry herbs in granular form such as powder or particles thereon. A portable sealable container comprising a unidirectional valve is also disclosed, configured to store herbs thereinside during plasma treatment in the device, and to store the disinfected herbs after treatment under vacuum. A device for disinfecting herbs by evaporating a disinfection agent in an evacuated chamber is also disclosed where plasma is used in any of several methods to enhance, improve and expedite the disinfection process.