Abstract: A recycling system melts unused portions of soap in order to improve the efficiency of the soaking procedure. A chamber has a pump and a screen that holds the soap disposed therein, while a tube member connects to the chamber. One or two conduits are fluid flow connected to the outlet port of the pump and each have one or more jets that protrude through the tube member. Soap is placed onto the screen and water is drawn into the chamber by the pump. The inlet pattern of the pump creates a flow of water that flows over the soap on the screen, with the soap laden water being pumped through the conduits and discharged into the sink by the jets. Now that the soap has melted into soap laden water, pieces and bits of soap will not stick to the fabric at the conclusion of the soak wash period. A fluid level switch deactivates the pump if the water within the sink falls below a certain level.

Abstract: A method of cleaning, disinfecting, and inhibiting mold and mildew growth on a non-porous hard surface is disclosed. The method utilizes a composition comprising an aliphatic alcohol, at least one organic ether, and optionally a secondary alcohol and is essentially free of conventional antibacterial agents including chlorine bleaches, quaternary ammonium compounds and phenolic compounds.

Abstract: An incense tray for use with sticks of incense that has a base with an inner surface to receive incense ashes and a housing mounted on the base that has top portion with a screen that permits air to flow from the inside to the outside of the housing. The tray further includes a plurality of incense holders spaced around the periphery of the housing that are angled inwardly towards the center of the tray so that the incense sticks they receive also angle inwardly towards the center. A fan is mounted within the housing to direct the flow of air upwardly through openings in the screen so that the incense smoke is drawn toward the center and then upwardly. A receptacle for receiving a fragrant votive candle or fragrant oil can be mounted on the screen to improve and complement the aromatic effect of the incense smoke.

Abstract: A corrosion inhibitor comprising a quantity of a phosphorylated oxyalkylated polyol at a pH of 5.0 or higher which produces a first level of corrosion loss in an oxygenated corrosive system under given conditions, and an amount of a passivating agent effective to decrease the corrosion loss under said given conditions to a second level which is less than the first level. The passivating agent minimizes the impact of the corrosion inhibitor on the rheology of drilling system fluids.

Abstract: A method of dispersing, in water vapor, an anti-infective therapeutic composition (10) into the air in a room (36), in order to treat or prevent transmission of upper respiratory infections, includes: adding to a reservoir of liquid water in a vaporizer (34), a therapeutic composition (10) containing one or more antibiotics (14), alcohol (16), an analgesic (18) and an expectorant (20); and vaporizing the therapeutic composition (10) into the air along with the water in the vaporizer reservoir for inhalation by persons in the room.

Abstract: A flow-through rack assembly (14) includes porous hangers (44) which support items to be decontaminated within a decontamination chamber (12). A plurality of nozzles (16) spray a decontaminant fluid, such as peracetic acid, over the items. The rack assembly includes tubes (42) which convey a portion of the decontaminant fluid under pressure to internal channels (52) of the porous hangers. The fluid permeates the hanger surface, flowing over regions of the items which are in contact with the hangers. The rack assembly ensures decontamination of those regions which may be otherwise inaccessible to fluid sprayed from the nozzles.

Abstract: The invention concerns combinations of substances with (1) an aromatic mercaptothiazole or triazole, (2) a multiple substituted phenol insoluble in water, (3) L ascorbic acid or one of its salts and possibly (4) a suitable carboxylic acid/salt pair that after sublimation and condensation on metal surfaces can stabilize the pH value of a condensed water film in the range 4.8≦pH≦6.5 (referred to 25° C.), and use of the combinations of substances as vapor-phase corrosion inhibitors in packaging or for storage in closed spaces for protecting preferably metals that cannot be passivated, like copper, silver, manganese, magnesium and their alloys, against atmospheric corrosion.

Abstract: The surface of items which are penetratable for high-frequency energy, like for instance plastic food packagings which are manufactured by blow molding or vacuum molding, and in particular returnable bottles for soft drinks, are sterilized by providing a liquid film on the items, following which they are subjected to microwaves or high-frequency to heat the liquid film, preferably to the boiling point. The liquid is preferably water with a de-tensioning agent. An apparatus for performing the method is provided with wetting means, dripping off means adapted to leave a liquid film on the items during the dripping off, and heating means. The dripping off means are substantially constituted by transport means for conveying the items from the wetting means to the heating means. A system for sterilizing plastic bottles may compromise a washing section, a rinsing section, transport means adapted to let the bottles drip off during transport, and a heating section.

Abstract: A system and a method for sterilizing a lumen device involve a container in a chamber and a source of germicide. The container has an interface separating the container into two compartments and a communication port which provides fluid communication between the container and the chamber. The lumen device extends across the interface, and the two compartments are in fluid communication with each other through the lumen device. The lumen device is sterilized when the germicide flows from compartment to compartment through the lumen device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stable, aqueous odor-absorbing and wrinkle controlling composition, preferably for use on inanimate surfaces, especially fabrics. The composition comprises from about 0.1% to about 20%, by weight of the composition, of solubilized, water-soluble, uncomplexed cyclodextrin and an effective amount of at least one ingredient to improve the performance of the composition selected from the group consisting of: (1) cyclodextrin compatible surfactant; (2) cyclodextrin compatible antimicrobial active; and (3) mixtures thereof. The composition also comprises a wrinkle control agent which is fabric lubricant, shape retention polymer, hydrophilic plasticizer, lithium salt, or mixtures thereof. Hydrophilic perfume improves acceptance. Optionally, the composition can contain low molecular weight polyols; metallic salts to help control odor; a humectant, etc. The composition is essentially free of any material that would soil or stain fabric.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing a medical device includes placing the device in a multi-chambered compartment having at least a first and a second chamber and an removable interface between the two chambers, where there is no opening on the interface. The interface is adjusted so that a device too big to fit into the first or second chamber can be sterilized in a bigger chamber formed by the first and second chamber. A sterilant is introduced into the chamber to sterilize the medical device. Plasma may be optionally be introduced to enhance the sterilization.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing a tattooing solution through irradiation. Specifically, a tattooing solution such as an india ink solution is supplied and irradiated to facilitate sterilization. The radiation is, for example, gamma radiation.

Abstract: A process for the treating of a product comprising the steps of: contacting the product with a solution of ozonized water subjected to stirring during all or part of the contacting, wherein all or part of the stirring is hydraulic in origin; recirculating at least a portion of the solution contacted with the product to one or more points where the contacting step occurs so as to establish turbulent water conditions capable of allowing achievement of a sufficient contact time between the product and the ozone dissolved in the water to attain a required level of treatment.

Abstract: A sterilizer comprising an openable enclosure (2,4) for surrounding one or more articles (8A, 8B) to be sterilized, the enclosure being arranged to attenuate microwave radiation such that in use, when the enclosure is irradiated with microwave energy, the microwave field energy throughout the interior of the enclosure is significantly less than that outside the enclosure, and the enclosure including a gas tight cavity (2C, 4C) containing a gaseous charge, the charge being chosen from the group of materials which emit ultraviolet radiation when irradiated with microwave radiation.

Abstract: Heart valves or other components for replacement of heart or other bodily organs and tissue prostheses or synthetic prosthetic materials are effectively sterilized by treatment with a carbodiimide coupling agent known to create amide linkages between amines and carboxylic acids. Such treatment has been shown to be bactericidal when carried out using an effective concentration of such a carbodiimide at a temperature of at least about 35° C. for a sufficient period of time, e.g. treatment for about 9 hours at a concentration of at least about 50 mM. The sterilization treatment preferably employs EDC as a water-soluble coupling agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for retarding the formation of corrosion and/or removing existing corrosion deposits on a metal surface where the metal is in contact with air. The process comprises contacting said metal surface with an oxime in an amount effective to retard the formation of corrosion on the metal surface.

Abstract: A dry sterilizer includes a container for containing beads, a heater, and a resilient member disposed adjacent to an opening of the container. An instrument, after sterilization, is tapped against the resilient member to remove beads attached to and lodged in the instrument and the removed beads are returned to the container. The resilient member prevents beads from entering a housing of the sterilizer by blocking a gap between the container and the housing at the opening.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing medical devices and similar instruments in diffusion-restricted containers is provided. The sterilization method includes placing a liquid solution containing vaporizable germicide such as hydrogen peroxide into the diffusion-restricted container and vaporizing the germicide. The containers can be attachable and detachable to a sterilization system, and used as a vacuum chamber. An attachable/detachable container containing an article to be sterilized can be nested with a second container, and the article and inside and outside of the inner container are sterilized. The sterile article inside the nested containers can be transported and the sterile inner container with the sterilized article can removed from the outer container and placed in a sterile environment without contaminating the sterile environment. The sterile article can then be removed from the sterile container and utilized.

Abstract: A composition and a method of use for reducing malsensory agents comprising a component selected from the group consisting of fragrances, flavors, unfragranced carriers and mixtures thereof, with undecylenic acid and/or a derivative thereof, in an amount effective to reduce the malsensory agents and allow release of the component from the composition.

Abstract: A low toxic, biodegradable, water soluble and dispersant series of corrosion inhibitors are described. The method of inhibiting corrosion in aqueous medium by incorporating the inhibitor in PPM is provided. The corrosion inhibitor compromises an acrylic acid and chloroacetic acid adduct of 2-substituted imidazolines or primary, secondary or tertiary amines with carbon chain of twelve to twenty-two saturated or unsaturated carbon atoms. The molar ratio of acrylic acid to chloroacetic acid was methodically changed while keeping the concentration of imidazoline or the amine a constant. The product is made water soluble by raising the pH to 8-9 at the end of the synthesis by adding aqueous sodium hydroxide.