Abstract: A variably flexible insert, or sets of inserts for an athletic shoe is provided which absorbs and distributes a portion of the user's weight. The insert is constructed of an injection molded plastic defining a plurality of horizontal slot or score lines which penetrate partially or completely through the insert. A series of perforations terminate the ends of the score lines which prevent or reduce cracking propagation of the score lines, and impart greater flexibility to portions of the insert. In one embodiment, the inserts are secured within the athletic shoe by adhesive pads. In another embodiment, foam friction pads are adhesively mounted or laminated on one or both sides of the flexible inserts, and this provides a non-skid surface within the running shoe and along the user's foot, as well as a certain amount of cushioning.

Abstract: A carpet cleaner device and method having feed and dispensing lines for applying and removing cleaning solutions from carpets, upholstery, floors and similar surfaces is disclosed. Connections to these lines, and also connections for electric power are mounted on a tray which is supported within the device during use. The tray may be pulled out from the device to expose the lines and connections for ready access during servicing, and/or repair.

Abstract: A phase-stable, biocide concentrate and/or solution composition is provided for disinfecting surfaces such as in animal husbandry applications, food processing, medical purposes, and the like. In the concentrate form, the composition comprises a quaternary ammonium biocide, an aliphatic dialdehyde and a foam surfactant. Typically, the solution composition may employ glutaraldehyde, a foam producing surfactant, a chelating agent, an odor obscuring compound, and an acid to lower the pH and stabilize the glutaraldehyde. The concentrate has a stability at ambient temperature of up to about two years. When applied to surfaces employed in animal husbandry, the adhesive properties of the composition enable it to remain in contact with these surfaces a sufficiently long time and thereby provide effective cleaning and disinfecting capability.

Abstract: A disposable seal is provided at the connection between an insertion needle and associated VACUTAINER holder when drawing blood from a patient during a phlebotomy procedure. The seal comprises an outer absorbent layer, and successive layers of sealing plastic film, an adhesive layer, and a removable inner layer of film for exposing the adhesive layer for attachment to the VACUTAINER holder. Prior to use, the disposable seal is mounted on the VACUTAINER holder along the adhesive layer and the insertion needle is pierced through the sealing portion of the plastic film and threaded into the VACUTAINER holder. A portion of the sealing plastic layer of film is partially detached by the insertion needle and wraps around the threaded portion of the VACUTAINER holder to improve the seal between the needle, and any small amount of blood leakage will be absorbed by the outer absorbent layer of the seal. The VACUTAINER holder can then be reused, using standard sterilization procedures.

Abstract: A floor cleaner device is described comprising a rolling support on which is mounted a tiltable handle that can be secured in various angular positions during use by means of a set of solenoid actuated locking pins which engage a set of bores defined on the handle frame. During use, the device is balanced between a first set of wheels and a rotatable cleaning element. A second set of wheels is maintained in an elevated position by the handles during use and out of contact with the floor surface which is being cleaned. To conserve space during storage and when not in immediate use, the device may be positioned in an upright position and stable manner by tilting the handle to a vertical position and engaging the actuated pins into the appropriate bores to effect upright positioning. This tilt configuration will lower the second set of wheels into contact with a floor surface, and balance the device between the two sets of wheels, and consequently the device will occupy less space.

Abstract: An iodophor teat dip is disclosed comprising a solution of a fatty alcohol polyglycol ether carboxylic acid, glycerin, I.sub.2, I- (or HI) and, a pH buffer. The teat dip reduces the spread of mastitis infection, imparts a smoother teat condition, improves milk let down, and has few discernible long term effects.

Abstract: A portable cooler is provided including a plastic bag or container with inflatable sidewalls into which are placed items for cooling, such as infant feeding bottles, food, soft drinks, etc. Prior to using these items, the sidewalls of the bag are inflated with CO.sub.2 gas, which upon expansion, sufficiently cools the interior of the bag, and chills the food. The plastic bag may also contain a frozen gel package to provide temporary cooling prior to use, and augment cooling by the CO.sub.2. In a similar manner, cooling may be provided using a relatively stiff container having hollow sidewalls and/or a bottom into which may be expanded CO.sub.2 gas to provide cooling prior to use. A frozen gel package may be placed inside the container or in the top portion of the container to augment CO.sub.2 gas cooling. The same technique of cooling may also be accomplished using the expansion of CO.sub.2 gas into the sidewalls of a thermos container.

Abstract: A fiber optic integrated phacoemulsification system is disclosed comprising surgical handpieces for cataract surgery which incorporate fiber optic bundles that transmit visible light to enhance visualization by intraocular illumination. Patient safety is improved by the oblique lighting to the retina, thereby reducing the necessity of direct coaxial light from the surgical microscope. The fiber optic bundles enable the application of laser energy or visible light and permit endoscope visualization of intraocular structures either through the surgical handpiece or through an end piece attachment.