Abstract: An improved nipple for feeding liquids to newborn and young bovine calves and other mammals. A horizontal flat portion of an upper end of the nipple has a downward curving periphery that merges into a vertical portion of a barrel at an exterior radius of 9 to 10 mm and an interior radius of 6.5 to 7.5 mm. The thickness of a wall of the upper end of the nipple is between 5 and 10% less than the thickness of the wall of the barrel. The flat portion of the upper end of the nipple 1 has a diameter in the range of 5 to 7 mm, which is about 20 to 25% of the inner diameter of the barrel. A bump-out may be formed on a base of the nipple to aid in removing and replacing the nipple on a bottle.

Abstract: Improved aqueous, ready to use iodine teat dip compositions are provided which are specially formulated for winter time use to permit application to cows teats without freezing while at the same time affording adequate germicidal activity. The compositions include from about 0.01-2% by weight iodine, from about 0.01-3% by weight iodide ion, and from about 35-75% by weight of an additive selected from the group consisting of glycerin and a mixture of at least about 10% by weight glycerin based upon the total weight of the composition and one or more C2-C7 polyhydric alcohols different than glycerin and each containing at least 2 hydroxyl groups, said composition containing no more than about 45% by weight propylene glycol when propylene glycol is one of said polyhydric alcohols. The compositions preferably have free iodine values of from about 1-60 ppm at 25° C. and from about 0.5-20 ppm at 4° C.

Abstract: Improved, non-chlorinated systems and methods for removing soils from hard surfaces are provided wherein such surfaces are initially contacted with a first aqueous use dispersion including a protease enzyme, followed by contact the surface with a second aqueous acidic use dispersion. The enzyme dispersion preferably includes a polyol such as propylene glycol and in use is heated to a temperature up to about 120° C. The acid dispersion may include a surfactant and is also used in a heated condition. The two-component systems of the invention can be used for CIP treatment of dairy or other equipment in lieu chlorinated cleaning agents.

Abstract: In assembly for dispensing agents into drains and the like, includes a retaining member having a perforate wall structure substantially surrounding and enclosing a quantity of a sanitizing agent therein. The retaining member is preferably flexible and tubular, and may be formed into a donut-shaped configuration. The retaining member may be provided of a mesh material. The mesh initially holds the sanitizing agent, provided as a powder or in granular form therein. Upon wetting of the sanitizing agent, it may assume a gel-like consistency and erode to dispense the sanitizing agent into the liquid passing through the retaining member. A mount may be employed to both hold the retaining member in a proper position and configuration, and to secure edges of the retaining member in a closed position.

Abstract: Stable aqueous glycerin iodine concentrates are provided which are adapted for dilution in water to yield germicidal iodine use solutions. The concentrates include from about glycerin, iodine, and iodide ion. Preferably, the concentrates further include one or more additives such as compatible wetting agents, hydrotropes, thickening agents, additional emollients and buffering systems. The quantities of iodide ion and iodine are such that the ratio of iodide ion to iodine is from about 0.5:1 to about 6:1. The concentrates are stable for a period of at least about 3 months at room temperature and are dilutable at a ratio of 1 part concentrate with from about 2-80 parts water. The concentrates can be formulated to give very low free iodine values as concentrates which dramatically increase in diluted use solutions to values which are from about 2 to about 300 times greater than the free iodine in the concentrates.

Abstract: Improved film-forming skin protectant compositions are provided which are capable of forming a long-lasting elastic barrier film when applied to skin; the compositions have particular utility as barrier teat dips, for protecting cows against mastitis, especially during their susceptible non-lactating periods. The compositions include a film-forming component (preferably a mixture of polyether polyurethane and benzoin gum) dispersed in a compatible carrier and further having a minor amount of nitrocellulose incorporated therein in order to increase the time of adherence of the composition to skin, as compared with an otherwise identical composition without nitrocellulose. The compositions may also include a germicide (e.g., chlorhexidine diacetate), and a coloring dye. The most preferred compositions include polyether polyurethane, benzoin gum, a solvent system made up of tetrahydrafuran and a lower alcohol, and chlorhexidine diacetate.

Abstract: Stable, aqueous, iodine-based germicidal compositions are provided which include respective amounts of available iodine, non-ionic surfactant (e.g., polyoxyethylene, polyoxypropylene block copolymers) and an iodine-solubilizing halide ion selected from the group consisting of Cl.sup.- and Br.sup.- and mixtures thereof. Use of Cl.sup.- and/or B.sup.- substantially reduces or completely eliminates the need for iodide ion in the compositions for maintaining available iodine in solution. The compositions can be in the form of dilutable concentrates or final use solutions.

Abstract: Stable aqueous glycerin iodine concentrates are provided which are adapted for dilution in water to yield germicidal iodine use solutions. The concentrates include from about 30-87% by weight glycerin, from about 0.15-15% by weight iodine, from about 0.15-15% by weight iodide ion, and one or more additives such as compatible wetting agents, hydrotropes, thickening agents, additional emollients and buffering systems. The concentrates are stable for a period of at least about 3 months at room temperature and are dilutable at a ratio of 1 part concentrate with from about 2-80 parts water. The concentrates can be formulated to give very low free iodine values as concentrates, but provide dramatically increased free iodine values as diluted use solutions.

Abstract: Improved, stable, germicidal, aqueous teat-dip compositions are disclosed, which include a film-forming agent selected from the group consisting of hydroxyethylcellulose, methyl hydroxypropylcellulose, and ethylhydroxyethylcellulose, a germicidal agent, preferably iodine complexed with a nonionic surfactant, and water to provide a solution having a viscosity of about 50 to 1000 cp. The liquid, aqueous compositions, when applied to the teats of agricultural animals, dry to form a continuous barrier film, which functions both as an effective anti-microbial agent and as an effective barrier at the mouth of the milk channel to prevent or reduce the incidence of mastitis.

Abstract: Improved conveyor lubricants are provided which are compatible with thermoplastic articles such as containers made of polyalkylene terephthalates. The lubricants are essentially free of oil and include a nonionic surfactant (e.g., a nonylphenol ethoxylates) dispersed in water where the surfactant has a molecular weight of at least about 1000 and contains at least about 12 ethylene oxide moieties therein. The surfactant should preferably comprise at least about 50% by weight of the non-aqueous components of lubricant concentrates and use dilutions. In use, the concentrates are diluted and sprayed or otherwise applied onto handling equipment for the thermoplastic articles. The use dilution surfactants of the invention give very advantageous lubricity ratio and crazing values, making them eminently suited for use with PET containers.

Abstract: Stable aqueous iodine/iodide/iodate germicidal compositions are provided which have relatively high quantities of free iodine therein and also substantially maintain the starting amounts of available and free iodine throughout a storage period of at least about three months. The compositions of the invention contain from about 0.01-1.4% by weight available iodine, from about 10-125 ppm free iodine, from about 0.005-0.5% by weight iodate ion, from about 0.1-15% by weight of iodine complexing agent, from about 0.004-0.5% by weight iodide ion, and have a pH of from about 2.0-4.5.

Abstract: Stable, aqueous complexor-iodine germicidal use compositions and concentrates adapted for application to animal or human skin are provided which have desirable complexor:iodine ratios of from about 2-4.5. The compositions and concentrates preferably include a polyethoxylated polyoxypropylene block copolymer (Poloxamer) as the complexing agent, wherein the polyoxypropylene moiety has an average molecular weight of at least 2600 and a polyoxyethylene content of from about 30%-75% by weight, in combination with from about 0.1%-5% by weight average available iodine on a nominal basis. Use of the defined class of Poloxamers allows formulation of both high and low temperature stable compositions and concentrates. Other ingredients such as emollients, buffering agents and viscosity improvers can also form a part of the use compositions and concentrates.

Abstract: Improved, highly viscous film-forming protective germicidal formulations are provided which include water, a germicidal agent (preferably complexed iodine) together with an organic thickener, a skin conditioning agent and a minor amount of polyvinyl pyrrolidone. Preferably, the formulations include iodine complexed with a Poloxamer and PVP, in combination with a xanthan gum and glycerin. The formulations have a viscosity of from about 50-5000 cP and form a flexible residual film when applied to skin. The invention is particularly useful in the preparation of bovine teat dips.

Abstract: Strong acid cleaning compositions supplemented with stable, protein-reactive staining dyes are provided which can be used for the acid clean-up of metallic food processing equipment while also giving a visual indication of residual soils on equipment surfaces. The compositions are provided as dilutable concentrates including water, a staining dye and at least about 5% by weight of a strong inorganic acid; the dye is stable in the concentrate under storage at 25.degree. C. for at least about 3 months. The concentrates are diluted in water at the point of use and in such form have a pH of up to about 4. The preferred concentrates of the invention include water, from about 10%-50% by weight of an acid mixture comprising phosphoric, sulfuric and nitric acids, and Acid Violet 19 dye.

Abstract: Fatty acid sanitizer concentrates and diluted final solutions are provided which include individual amounts of germicidally effective fatty acid, hydrotrope, strong acid selected from the group consisting of phosphoric and sulphuric acid sufficient to lower the pH of the final solutions to about 1-5, and a concentrate stabilizing weak acid component selected from the group consisting of propionic, butyric and valeric acids and mixtures thereof. The concentrate stabilizing component enhances the room and low temperature phase stability of the concentrates, even when used at very low levels typically ranging from 3.5%-15% by weight. Preferably, the fatty acid is a mixture of nonanoic and decanoic acids, whereas the strong acid is selected from the group consisting of orthophosphoric, sulfuric and mixtures thereof. Alternately, stable concentrates and use dilutions can be provided using undecylenic acid, either alone or in combination with other fatty acids.

Abstract: Stable, aqueous detergent-iodine germicidal use compositions and concentrates adapted for application to animal or human skin are provided which have desirable detergent:iodine ratios of from about 2-4.5. The compositions and concentrates include a polyethoxylated polyoxypropylene block copolymer (poloxamer) as the complexing agent, wherein the polyoxypropylene moiety has an average molecular weight of at least 2600 and a polyoxyethylene content of from about 30%-75% by weight, in combination with from about 0.1%-5% by weight average available iodine on a nominal basis. Use of the defined class of poloxamers allows formulation of both high and low temperature stable compositions and concentrates. Other ingredients such as emollients, buffering agents and viscosity improvers can also form a part of the use compositions and concentrates.

Abstract: Fatty acid sanitizer concentrates and diluted final solutions are provided which include individual amounts of germicidally effective fatty acid, hydrotrope, strong acid sufficient to lower the pH of the final solutions to about 1-5, and a concentrate stabilizing weak acid component selected from the group consisting of propionic, butyric and valeric acids and mixtures thereof. The concentrate stabilizing component enhances the room and low temperature phase stability of the concentrates, even when used at very low levels typically ranging from 2.5%-15% by weight. Preferably, the fatty acid is a mixture of nonanoic and decanoic acids, whereas the strong acid is selected from the group consisting of orthophosphoric, sulfuric and mixtures thereof.