Abstract: A raising and lowering mechanism is provided at a work station for vertically transferring articles or products delivered to the station by an overhead delivery conveyor. Discrimination between transfer of a load from the delivery conveyor and transfer back to the delivery conveyor is accomplished by a mechanical discriminator which appropriately conditions suspension hooks on the delivery conveyor for either releasing the load or reconnecting the load. The transfer mechanism employs a vertically reciprocating conveyor which is confined to a vertical transfer axis without the necessity to employ some degree of lateral movement to uncouple the load from the delivery conveyor, present the load at a working position within the work station, and return the load to the delivery conveyor. Drift compensation is provided to allow for some misalignment of a delivered load with the transfer axis.

Abstract: The detection of bacterial growth or the performance of other interrogative processes in multiple sample vials is accomplished using a moving rack that selectively couples optical locations to an optical excitation and detection system. The apparatus includes a drive mechanism combining agitation of the culture vials with a sequential scanning of an array of optical fibers, preferably by a spectrophotometric excitation and detection system. Selection of each culture vial provides, for example, optical detection of bacterial growth by fluorescence or other spectrophotometric measurements. A rack for holding vials is preferably the only moving assembly, and requires no mechanical or electrical interconnection with the excitation and detection system for its operation.

Abstract: A sterilizer using steam, which can assure maintaining the temperature at the inside of a thing to be sterilized at a sterilizing temperature during a predetermined period, is proposed. The time to maintain the steam temperature at boiling, temperature is determined as a function of the time which was necessary to raise the steam temperature from a predetermined starting temperature to a predetermined end temperature. After maintaining the boiling temperature, a valve is closed to raise the steam temperature to the sterilizing temperature, which sterilizing temperature is maintained during a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A method and apparatus maintains a level of sterilization during medical procedures operative upon a bacteriologically contaminated workpiece. A bacteriologically impermeable sheath is placed around the workpiece for maintaining bacteriological separation between the workpiece and medical equipment activating the medical procedure. In the preferred embodiment, the sheath lines a beaker in which dental implants, the workpieces, are placed when being cleaned using ultrasound. The sheath is cost effective enough to be disposed of after each use.

Abstract: An improved method for rapid disinfection of contact lenses in a convenient and reliable manner is disclosed in which a series of oxidation-reduction reactions are employed. Specifically, dicheoroisocyanurate and potassium iodide react to form iodine species for disinfecting the contact lens. An amount of ascorbate is then added to neutralize the iodine species.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating board-shaped articles, especially printed circuit boards, comprises a preheating station for the printed circuit boards which is arranged at the entrance to the apparatus, and following the preheating station, in the sequence of their arrangement, at least one coating station for coating at least one side of the printed circuit boards with preferably UV-hardenable plastics, lacquer or the like, and at least one vapour-removal and drying station, each of which processing stations has transport means for the printed circuit boards. The transport means in the vapour-removal and drying station are equipped with carrying elements for the longitudinal edges of the printed circuit boards, the width of which elements can be adjusted to the width of the printed circuit boards to be carried and which support and guide the printed circuit boards at the longitudinal edges over their entire length.

Abstract: An ice bagger includes a sanitizing system which periodically activates to sanitize the ice hopper. In operation, a flow of water is directed to the hopper to melt the ice in the hopper and to flush the melt water to a reservoir. A sanitizing agent is added to the water in the reservoir to form a sanitizing solution which is circulated throughout the hopper. After the sanitizing process, the sanitizing solution is drained from the reservoir and the reservoir is refilled with fresh water for rinsing the hopper.

Abstract: A pipette, comprising a plurality of side-by-side cylinders (1) with plungers (2) and seats (4) for attaching tip pieces to the pipette, and an operating member (5), to which the plungers are connected for moving them with the aid of an operating means (6) connectable to said operating member, said operating member (5) being fork-like and comprising a stem (7), a coupling member (8) connected to the stem and plunger rods (3) connected to the coupling member. The plungers are made of resilient material and are elastically connected to the plunger rods.

Abstract: In a reverse darkfield (RDF) microlithography alignment system a confocal spatial filtering system discriminates against topographical features other than the alignment mark. A CCD detector array provides flexible confocal filtering via a pixel weighting matched to the optical system. The confocal filtering system employs empirical filter optimization accomplished by correlating stored images with resulting overlays. The empirical optimization of the filter reweights the CCD array and correlates back to measured overlay results. This not only enhances the proven process insensitivity of RDF systems, but combines it with the improved resolution and noise rejection of confocal imaging. Alternatively the means for confocal spatial filtering is comprised of a filter matched to the instantaneous image of an alignment target; for example, a double slit filter matched to the image of a single alignment mark edge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the sterilization of the inside layer of a packaging material, the packaging material being produced as a laminate with an inside layer of a transparent thermoplastic which is applied on a reflective material layer. The sterilizing energy includes high energy light flashes emitted from one or more flash units, the light flashes being caused to act on the inside of the packaging material for purposes of exterminating bacteria and microorganisms present on the surface. Because the light flashes emitted from the flash unit are reflected by the reflective layer, the surface layer of the layer will be influenced by both the direct and the reflecting photoenergy from the flash units, the sterilizing effect being thereby improved. Packaging material well-suited for sterilization according to the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The laparoscopic instrument tray system comprises an instrument tray suitable for holding laparoscopic instruments for storage and sterilization and suitable for holding the instruments in an accessible position for use. The tray comprises sides with upwardly and downwardly directed notched cross bars which receive the shanks of laparoscopic instruments. Bails hold the instruments in place during sterilization and transport and are raised to permit access. The instrument tray has a bottom (preferably perforated) for holding other types of instruments for sterilization and access.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination container for holding sterilized elements and a sterilizable transfer port for transferring the sterilized elements into an isolation system having a wall. The container includes a flexible bag defining a cavity containing a plurality of the sterilized elements. The container also includes a collar which has an interior surface defining a bore extending through the collar. The bag is secured to the collar with the opening in registry with the bore. A removable seal is movable between a first position where the seal initially extends across the bore to prevent elements from being removed from the cavity and to maintain the sterility of the elements and a second position where the seal is moved from the first position to access the cavity such that the elements are removable from the cavity through the opening and the bore.

Abstract: An industrial waste disposal apparatus which converts the waste from hazardous to nonhazardous form. The apparatus processes the waste into a solid block of nonhazardous material. The solid block may thereafter be disposed of through conventional disposal methods. This apparatus and process also reduces the volume up to 80% of the original volume.

Abstract: A disinfection rack to mount, organize, display, and sterilize vials comprising of a reservoir (16) that contains disinfection fluid, which travels along a plurality of wicks (24) into a disinfection chamber (14), where the top of vials (28) remains in contact with the disinfecting fluid. Vials (28) are suspended by the top and neck within said disinfection chamber (14), and is stabilized by a spring (22) also contained within. The disinfection rack can be mounted by attaching a mounting plate (10) to a wall, cabinet, door, or other vertical surface allowing continuous visualization and sterilization of vials while in said disinfection chamber (14).

Abstract: A chlorinator apparatus having a cannister with an interior for receiving a plurality of tablets therein, a plate affixed within the cannister and having a surface for supporting one of the tablets thereon, a fluid inlet positioned on the cannister to the plate for directing fluid flow toward the tablet on the plate, and a fluid outlet formed in the cannister so as to pass fluid flow from the cannister. The cannister has a generally cylindrical configuration. A diverter member is affixed to the plate adjacent the fluid inlet so as to divert fluid flow from the fluid inlet, The diverter is a generally V-shaped member having a narrow end adjacent the fluid inlet. The plate has an orifice formed therein so as to be in communication with the fluid outlet. A plurality of legs are formed on the plate so as to extend upwardly from the top surface of the plate.

Abstract: A coved corner facility for providing a sealed work area to handle, manipulate and formulate materials which includes a walled enclosure having a plurality of mutually adjoining generally planar walls which define a work area. The planar portions of at least a plurality of mutually adjoining pairs of the walls intersect at angles of less than about 135.degree.. Each of the plurality of adjoining pairs of the walls are connected by preformed generally arcuate transition areas extending continuously between the planar portions of the adjoining pairs of walls. An inlet port in the walled enclosure is provided for allowing air to flow into the work area. An outlet port is provided in the walled enclosure for allowing air to flow out of the work area. An air flow control device causes air to flow through the inlet port into the work area and out of the enclosure work area through the outlet port.

Abstract: In order to remove impurities and contaminations adhering to the surfaces of an optical component, especially to the front and rear faces of a contact lens, electromagnetic radiation is caused to act on the optical component. Using that electromagnetic radiation, preferably the light of an excimer laser the wavelength, energy density and intensity of which are adjustable, the adherent impurities and any microorganisms present are killed, deactivated and removed photo-ablatively.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for terminal sterilization of prefilled packages is disclosed. A prefilled package such as syringe, vial, cartridge, or bottle is inserted into a sterilization chamber. The chamber is pressurized with a gas having a humidity between 0% to 100%. The gas is then heated such that the prefilled package does not fail and a vapor is generated within said prefilled package which is lethal to pathogens. The package is then cooled to drop the temperature of the prefilled package.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment for waste liquid containing a body fluid such as blood and lymph, and provides a method for treating a waste liquid containing a body fluid, which makes easy the transport of the container after collection of a waste liquid, the incineration of the container, and the sterilization of the water content in the waste liquid if necessary, and all; and a treating container suitable for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A tool support and presentation device is described. The device has a base with a centrally mounted spindle and a resilient diaphragm mounted on the spindle. The diaphragm has plural collets therein and each collet may receive a tool. The diaphragm may be automatically or manually flexed to display the tools in an easily accessible configuration. In a preferred embodiment, the device is cylindrical and the diaphragm is automatically flexed by a spring disposed between the diaphragm and the base which upwardly urges a central portion of the diaphragm and thereby presents the tools in a frustoconical array.