Abstract: A bed pad, an automobile seat pad, a pillow or a similar cushionlike item having therapeutic effects similar to those of finger pressure therapy, a good airing function and an improved adaptability to the head or waist of the user is provided. A cushionlike item according to the present invention has a series of continuously arranged bag portions containing a large number of stuffing elements of synthetic resin. In a preferred embodiment, the stuffing elements are hollow and spherical and are connected together vertically and horizontally to order to increase its airing function.

Abstract: A sterilizing method for treatment of fresh fruits and an apparatus used for the method that allow a significant reduction of steam consuption and of fruit sterilization cost is disclosed.The present invention is characterized by that extermination of vermin eggs and sterilization and disinfection of fresh fruits is conducted without deteriorating the freshness of the fruits to be treated by irradiating far infrared rays on the fruits to preheat the cores of the fruits to a predetermined temperature and then by maintaining the fruit cores at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time in saturated steam.

Abstract: A sterilizing method for treatment of fresh fruits and an apparatus used for the method that allow a significant reduction of steam consumption and of fruit sterilization cost is disclosed. The present invention is characterized by that extermination of vermin eggs and sterilization and disinfection of fresh fruits is conducted without deteriorating the freshness of the fruits to be treated by irradiating far infrared rays on the fruits to preheat the cores of the fruits to a predetermined temperature and then by maintaining the fruit cores at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time in saturated steam.