Abstract: At the step of preheating the container, in addition to heating of the whole container, a neck portion (1a) of the container may be heated separately. Alternatively on the step of preheating the container, while whole container is heated by a hot air blast which is supplied in the container, neck portion (1a) of the container may be heated separately. Since it is difficult to increase the temperature of the neck portion as compared with other portions, by heating the neck portion separately, the effect of the preheating is performed more effectively. It is desirable that the hot air blast is supplied from the nozzle inserted in the container. For example by the method of spraying hot air blast from the outside of the portions, heating of the neck portions can be performed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an absorbent liner for use in a sterilization process and, more particularly, to an absorbent liner for cushioning surgical instruments and sterilization packs and providing an advantageous moisture absorption functionality during and after completion of a sterilization process. The absorbent liner functions advantageously with steam or ethylene oxide gas as the sterilization agent. The absorbent liner is fabricated from a material having a desired level of moisture absorption, e.g., on the order of at least about thirty percent (30%) by dry weight, and is preferably fabricated from a hydrophilic polymeric foam material, e.g., a hydrophilic polyurethane foam. The disclosed absorbent liner may be advantageously utilized in sterilizing surgical instruments and in conjunction with sterilization carts such that potential residual moisture is eliminated from the surface of the sterilized surgical instruments and the shelves of the sterilization carts.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for signaling an event using fragrance are disclosed. A fragrance emitting device is activated to a low battery voltage indicator in an electronic device, serving as a warning to replace the battery, either in place of or complimentary to conventional indicators such as warning lights or audible signals. The fragrance emitting system can be integrated into the electronic device itself or can be part of the battery.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for sterilizing cross-linked gelatin as well as to sterilized cross-linked gelatin. In particular, the methods of this invention employ E-beam sterilization techniques.

Abstract: A vacuum-sealable hatch that is vacuum sealed to a surface of a passthrough light sterilization device, and related methods of use, consists of a hatch body having at least a portion adapted to fit within an opening of the treatment chamber and a flexible piece attached to the hatch body. The flexible piece extends peripherally from the hatch body and includes a seating portion which is adapted to be vacuum sealed to a seating region of an interior surface of the treatment chamber. The hatch body and the flexible piece seal the treatment chamber from the outside environment, thereby preventing the free flow of microorganisms to and from the treatment chamber and the outside environment. In some variations, at least the seating portion of the flexible piece is transmissive to the light treatment such that surfaces underneath the seating region are treated by the light treatment.

Abstract: Oxygen scavenging can lining materials are disclosed. The oxygen scavenging materials comprise at least one compound oxidizable by molecular oxygen, wherein the at least one compound is contained within microcapsules which are rendered oxygen permeable by contact with aqueous can contents.

Abstract: For sterilization of objects a plurality of sources of ultraviolet light emission are arranged in an enclosure formed so as to enclose an object to be sterilized with the sources of ultraviolet light emission emitting light in an inner chamber of the enclosure onto an object to be sterilized.

Abstract: Benzyldimethyl{2-[2-(p-1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethyl} ammonium chloride (BDT) forms the basis of contact lens solutions that are unusually effective at reducing the number and wide variety of pathogenic microorganisms that may infect rigid gas permeable or soft contact lenses. Furthermore, it has been discovered that natural occurring compounds alone and in combination with chemical agents can be used in ophthalmic solutions such as contact lens solution to enhance and complement their anti-microbial, cleaning and wetting activity or to reduce irritation to the eye. The basic contact lens solution comprises an effective concentration of BDT (preferably 1 to 100 parts per million), with naturally occurring plant products possessing activities complementary to BDT, in an isotonic diluent buffered with a physiologically acceptable buffer to a physiologically natural range.

Abstract: A method of disinfecting a contact lens is provided, including the steps of preparing a disinfecting liquid which contains water-dispersible fine particles of a titanium oxide dispersed in an aqueous medium, immersing the contact lens in the disinfecting liquid; and irradiating the disinfecting liquid in which the contact lens is immersed, with a light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stable, aqueous odor-absorbing composition, preferably for use on inanimate surfaces. The composition comprises from about 0.1% to about 0.5%, by weight of the composition, of an emulsion or dispersion comprising long lasting hydrophobic perfume to improve acceptance. Optionally, the composition can contain low molecular weight polyols; metallic salts to help control odor; water soluble anionic polymer to help control odor; a humectant, etc. The composition is preferably essentially free of any material that would soil or stain fabric. The composition is preferably applied as small particle size droplets, especially from spray containers.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric treated with an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant solution results in a heterogeneous system having antibacterial activity when in contact with an aqueous source of bacteria. The antibacterial activity imparted to the nonwoven fabric renders the nonwoven fabric useful in a wide variety of absorbent products, such as personal care products and medical absorbent products, which are typically exposed to aqueous sources of bacteria. Furthermore, the alkyl plyglycoside surfactant is virtually non-irritating and non-sensitizing to human skin.

Abstract: A nuclear fuel dissolution apparatus which comprises a perforated sloping ramp contained within a process chamber for containing solvent for the fuel, a pulsation member which in use creates pulses in solvent in the process chamber, the perforations being designed to direct pulses of solvent along and up the ramp, and a discharge point for fuel hulls disposed at an upper region of the ramp is characterised in that the ramp is made out of flat blades and the perforations of the ramp comprise inclined slits formed between the blades.

Abstract: A system for treatment of infectious waste including an impactor coupled to a mixing drum that can be pressurized. Infectious waste is introduced directly into the impactor, where the waste is pulverized, then introduced into the mixing drum through its inlet end for mixing with a treatment fluid effective to kill pathogenic organisms. The drum is sealed, and superatmospheric pressure is applied therein to drive the treatment chemicals into the waste particles. After treatment, the treated waste and treatment chemicals are discharged from the drum through the inlet end of the mixing drum.

Abstract: Sterilization device intended to sterilize objects, such as bottles, comprising feed and discharge means for objects, a rotatable treatment unit, which in the region of its circumference comprises treatment cavities, each treatment cavity comprising an opening for feeding and discharging the objects, which opening can be closed and opened with the aid of closure means in the form of an endless belt which bears against the treatment unit over at least a part of its circumference, and it being possible to connect the treatment cavities to a feed for process media. A description is also given of a method for sterilizing objects using the device.

Abstract: The apparatus for liquid sterilization by high-pressure dynamic cavitation includes a fluid passage through which the continuous flow of liquid passes, wherein the fluid passage is defined by a closed cylindrical chamber having a side wall and first and second opposing ends. The chamber has an inlet and an outlet through which the continuous flow of liquid enters and exits the chamber, the inlet being tangential to the chamber axis and adjacent to the first end to provide tangential flow within the chamber and to cause the liquid flow to be deflected at the first and second opposing ends two or more times for increasing sterilization time of the liquid before exiting the outlet axially disposed on the second end. One or more projections protruding from the interior side wall of the chamber create a high-pressure drop in the flow behind the one or more projections and thereby create high-pressure dynamic cavitation for effective sterilization.

Abstract: A composition and method for disinfecting inanimate and dermal skin surfaces includes phenol, iodine solution, and glycerine and water. In a most preferred embodiment, the solution includes, by volume, between about 1/2 and about 1 volume units phenol, between about 1/2 and about 2 volume units of iodine solution, between about 2 and about 8 volume units of glycerine. A suitable diluent such as water or glycerine can also be used. The iodine solution is preferably a tincture of iodine solution having, by volume, between about 2% and 10% iodine in ethyl alcohol, and about 5% potassium iodide.

Abstract: A method of protecting carbon and low-alloy steels from high temperature hydrogen attack. A carbon or low-alloy steel portion of a reactor system that is to be contacted with high pressure hydrogen at elevated temperatures is provided with an intermetallic, diffusion barrier layer that reduces the rate of hydrogen attack at least ten-fold compared to the steel portion without the diffusion barrier layer.

Abstract: A device for evaluating air removal is subjected to a sterilization process whose effectiveness is dependent on a sufficiently high vacuum being achieved. A closure or lid (20, 70) seals an opening into an interior chamber (12) of a container (10). The closure and container are mechanically interconnected, e.g., fricitonally, such that a preselected pressure differential across the closure is needed to release the closure. The friction or other mechanical interconnection level and a pressure in the interior chamber are selected such that when the exterior of the container is subject to a preselected vacuum, the closure releases. Ease or reliability of reading the indication is improved with a spring (50) for expelling the closure or a frangible member (56, 72) which is severed or irreversibly deformed as the closure releases.

Abstract: An air freshener for attachment to a ceiling fan includes a storage container, a thick, porous fragrance cake impregnated with a fragrance secured inside the storage container, and "hook and loop" fasteners for attaching the storage container to the cover or a light fixture of the ceiling fan. The storage container preferably includes a bottom, a side wall and a lid. Together, the bottom and the side wall define a cavity in which the fragrance cake is secured. The lid is movable relative to the side wall so that the lid may be moved to expose the fragrance cake. The lid, the side wall or both have a plurality of apertures therethrough to permit ambient air to circulate around the fragrance cake to distribute the fragrance to the surrounding area as the air enters and exits the apertures and is further circulated by the ceiling fan.

Abstract: An air abatement system that includes a pre-treatment system and an air treatment system for abatement of contaminated air that includes pollutants such as V.O.C.s, NOx, and/or CO. The air stream is treated using activated air, activated water, and ultraviolet light under conditions that produce hyroxyls, peroxides, and other oxidants without the formation of ozone. These oxidants are also utilized in the activated air, with the activated water being formed as an aqueous solution of the activated air. The pre-treatment system includes a quenching zone where activated water is misted into the air stream, followed by alternating reaction zones and depletion zones where activated air is added and then turbulently mixed with the air stream. The air treatment system includes a primary treatment tunnel, carbon bed system, activated air generator, and a sparger tank farm. Activated air produced by the generator as added into water while being exposed to ultraviolet light in the sparger tank farm.