Abstract: A system for the introduction of a fluid to an internal volume of a suction canister. The canister is provided with sidewalls and a top, the latter possessing a circular opening and cylindrical duct. A fluid-containing vessel is provided having a tubular extending dispensing port sized to pass over and capture the cylindrical duct when the fluid-containing vessel is positioned over and in contact with the suction canister. The fluid-containing vessel further is provided with a fluid reservoir segregated from the tubular extending dispensing port by a circular membrane which is scored so as to rupture by the cylindrical duct upon the application of nominal pressure exerted upon the fluid-containing vessel.

Abstract: A method of disposing of garments after use. The garments, linens, drapes, towels and other useful articles are provided as woven, non-woven, knitted or otherwise formed fabric of thermoplastic polyvinyl alcohol polymer fiber, the fiber being water soluble only at temperatures above approximately 37.degree. C. and preferably above 50.degree. C. After use, the fabric is subjected to water at a sufficient temperature to substantially dissolve the fabric whereupon the water and dissolved fabric are subjected to disposal.

Abstract: Towel, sponge and gauze products composed of fibers of polyvinyl alcohol resin. The fibers are selectively soluble in aqueous solutions only above approximately 93.degree. C. Polyvinyl alcohol fibers have a degree of hydrolysis of at least 99%, are composed of no more than 1/2% sodium acetate, 1/10% methyl alcohol and an average degree of polymerization between approximately 1300 to 1500. The polyvinyl alcohol fibers being produced by a process of dope extrusion.

Abstract: A system for the introduction of a fluid to an internal volume of a suction canister. The canister is provided with sidewalls and a top, the latter possessing a circular opening and cylindrical duct. A fluid-containing vessel is provided having a tubular extending dispensing port sized to pass over and capture the cylindrical duct when the fluid-containing vessel is positioned over and in contact with the suction canister. The fluid-containing vessel further is provided with a fluid reservoir segregated from the tubular extending dispensing port by a circular membrane which is scored so as to rupture by the cylindrical duct upon the application of nominal pressure exerted upon the fluid-containing vessel.

Abstract: A method of producing an absorbent composition. A polymeric material characterized as having surface anionic reactive sites is mixed with a source of multi-valent metal ions to render the polymeric material sorbent of aqueous liquids. A dispersant is then added to form a wet slurry which is subsequently dried to a granular consistency.

Abstract: A method of producing an absorbent composition. A polymeric material characterized as having surface anionic reactive sites is mixed with a source of multi-valent metal ions to render the polymeric material sorbent of aqueous liquids. A dispersant is then added to form a wet slurry which is subsequently dried to a granular consistency.

Abstract: A method of converting a toxic composition containing an aldehyde to a composition which is substantially non-toxic. The aldehyde is reacted with a polymer having protic oxygen or nitrogen atoms, a polyimine or polyimine derivative, and an active aromatic to couple or react with the aldehyde-containing composition. Preferably, this aldehyde conversion process will yield a substantially fluid reaction product by way of a substantially irreversible reaction.

Abstract: A composite fabric and its method of disposal after use. Garments, linens, drapes, towels and other useful articles are provided as the composite of a reusable first component and a woven, non-woven, knitted or otherwise formed fabric of thermoplastic polyvinyl alcohol polymer as a second component. The second component is water soluble in temperatures above approximately 140.degree. F. After use, the composite is subjected to water of sufficient temperature to substantially dissolve the thermoplastic polyvinyl alcohol component but not the reusable first component.

Abstract: A method for containing potentially infectious devices. The potentially infectious devices are deposited in a container to which is added an oligomer or monomer-containing composition to at least partially envelope the potentially infectious devices. The oligomer or monomer-containing composition is caused to harden through polymerization or cross-linking of the oligomer or monomer to immobilize the devices, and to act as a sterilizing or disinfectant agent due in large part to the exothermic nature of the reaction.