Abstract: The present invention relates to unexpected or surprising discoveries in the field of biodegradable, water-dispersible formulations and materials and methods for influencing their rate of dispersibility in water. In particular, the present invention relates to the unexpected discovery that the inclusion of effective amounts of short length cellulose fibers dispersed throughout a water soluble cellulose ether binder will result in a retardation or slowing of the water dispersibility of the formulation relative to a formulation containing long or long and short cellulose fibers in a cellulose ether binder. In an additional aspect, the present invention relates to the discovery that the inclusion of effective amounts of long length cellulose fibers dispersed throughout a water soluble cellulose ether binder will result in an enhancement or hastening of the water dispersibility of the formulation relative to a formulation containing a cellulose ether binder which does not contain long cellulose fibers.

Abstract: A delivery system for an agriculturally active chemical comprises a body or carrier portion including a first water dispersible agriculturally inert and essentially nontoxic composition containing a predetermined aliquot of the agriculturally active chemical. The body or carrier portion has a predetermined size and a predetermined shape. The delivery system also comprises a protective coating, about the body portion, of a second water dispersible agriculturally inert and essentially nontoxic composition. The aliquot of the agriculturally active chemical is an amount of the agriculturally active chemical effective to terminate functioning of a target agricultural pest upon application of the agriculturally active chemical to soil or water via the delivery system. The agriculturally active chemical can take the form of a biocide such as an insecticide, fungicide or nemacide.

Abstract: An apparatus for enhancing hygiene comprises a sensor for generating a first signal upon automatically sensing that an individual has entered a washroom and for generating a second signal upon automatically sensing that the individual has exited the washroom. The hygiene enhancing apparatus further comprises a monitoring device for automatically monitoring an individual upon his entry into the washroom, to automatically determine whether the individual has cleaned his hands. The monitoring device includes a generator for producing a third signal upon a detection by the monitoring device that the individual has cleaned his hands. An alert signal generator is provided for generating an alert signal cognizable by a human being. The alert signal generator is operated or activated by a control unit which is operatively connected to the sensor, the monitoring device, and the alert signal generator.

Abstract: A sterilization apparatus comprises a housing provided with an opening through which an object may be inserted, and an ultraviolet radiation generator at least partially inside the housing for irradiating with bacteriocidal radiation an object inserted into the housing through the opening. A liquid spraying mechanism or gas injection mechanism is disposed at least partially inside the housing for applying to the inserted object a sterilizing agent. A coating or cover forming mechanism is also provided at least partially inside the housing for forming on the inserted object a protective covering. A control unit controls the activation of the radiation generator, the sterilizing mechanism and the coating mechanism.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a substantially rigid water-dispersible article includes the step of mixing together an ionic water-soluble film-forming polymer, a non-ionic water-soluble film-forming polymer, a chemically purified finely divided highly bleached cellulose, and glass fiber wool. Water is added to the dry mixture to form a dough which is subsequently molded into the desired form and dried while being maintained in the molded form. A filler or extender such as talc or paper pulp may be added prior to the molding step. In addition, a wetting agent may be added to accelerate rewetting and dispersal of the article upon disposal thereof, while a hydrophobic composition may be added to the dough to form a water repellant surface layer or film during drying of the molded article.