Abstract: An electrically operated tooth-cleaning device being provided with a handle part having an electric drive motor. A hanle part can be connected with an attachment provided with a cleansing tool, with the cleaning tool being capable of being caused to rotate by the drive motor. A first cleaning tool of a first attachment is capable of being connected directly with the drive motor, and cleaning tool of a second attachment can be couple trough a transmission with the drive motor.

Abstract: A method for controlling the spread of the parasitic microorganism, Myxobolus cerebralis. The method involves the application of a solution containing a quaternary ammonium compound onto articles carrying Myxobolus cerebralis in order to the destroy the microorganism.

Abstract: A biodegradable air freshener that breaks down in the presence of water to minimize solid waste, including a water soluble substrate including foamed vegetable starch and a liquid fragrance carried in the substrate. The liquid fragrance may be from about 0.01 to about 10 times the weight of the substrate. A coloring agent may optionally be provided in the liquid fragrance to impart color to the air freshener. Because the substrate is made from a water soluble starch, it dissolves in water leaving little or no solid waste.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a device for an air freshener for use by hanging in an automobile 12 or other location made in a variety of native American shapes 18, 26, 28 and 30. The present invention 10 is provided with a circular bulb 24 on its backside and further the device contains an amount of absorbent material 34 held in a recessed space 35 in its body 10 for holding liquid scented oil 48. The scent can be dispersed into the atmosphere by selectively depressing and releasing the bulb 24 so that an amount of air is dispelled through scent apertures 20 into the air space surrounding the air freshener of the present invention 10. In an alternative embodiment, the bulb 24 is threaded 40 into the air freshener 10 and contains an amount of absorbent material 44 whereby scent oil 48 is placed directly on the absorbent material 44 therein which then can be displaced into the air surrounding the air freshener 10 by pressing on the bulb 24 with the scent passing through said air apertures 20.

Abstract: The present invention provides a means and a device to control relative humidity and airborne contaminants within a defined environment. The devices and methods of the present invention enable a user to regulate the relative humidity of a defined environment and insure that extreme conditions, e.g. less than 15% or greater than 90% relative humidity, do not exist. The air quality control system can also be used to control the relative humidity in and about a narrow range. Control over relative humidity and airborne contaminants is achieved by combining an appropriate salt and water solution, such as a saturated salt solution with a solid phase of that salt, with an isolation membrane and a getter system. The present invention is particularly useful for housing sensors, such as SIR sensors, which are sensitive to relative humidity extremes.

Abstract: A dust bag comprises a filter bag consisting of a filter material. In a first wall portion of the filter bag, an inlet opening is provided through which the air flow to be cleaned gets into the filter bag. On the inner surface of the wall portion opposite the inlet opening, there lies a protective layer of a resistant material of great tensile strength. This protective layer extends as a strip through the filter bag and prevents damage to the inner surface of the filter bag caused by particles striking the same.

Abstract: The killing of microorganisms on the surface of porous and non-porous materials including agricultural commodities is accomplished by use of methods and apparatus which expose the material to controlled applications of a biocidal treatment gas into a sub-atmospheric environment. The material is first exposed to a vacuum then, without an intervening flush step, full treated with an air-free treatment gas prior to being re-exposed to a vacuum. The method and apparatus successfully kill microorganisms both on the surface and within the pores or structural recesses of the material without causing significant deleterious changes to the material.

Abstract: Use of a solution comprising glucose for peritoneal dialysis, in which the glucose portion is sterilised separately from the remaining components at a high glucose concentration above about 20% and mixed after sterilisation, substantially according to WO 93/09820. The solution has a reduced formation of advanced glycosylation end products and the use is indicated for diabetic uremic patients.

Abstract: An apparatus for the remote or local delivery of stored or real-time aroma sensory information to an end user of a multimedia device. The present invention includes an aroma converter for encoding aroma information into electrical signals, a delivery system for delivering the electrical signals, and a retrieval system for receiving and processing the electrical signals to control the aroma or combination of aromas emitted by one or more aroma release chambers.

Abstract: The sterilizing method according to the present invention is a method of sterilizing a medical product by a hydrogen peroxide gas while keeping the packaged condition. In such a sterilizing method, a packaging container (1) capable of allowing the hydrogen peroxide gas to penetrate therethrough is used, and after completion of the sterilizing treatment, the packaging container (1) is subjected to degassing treatment while heating, thereby removing the hydrogen peroxide gas from the inside thereof. As a result, it is possible to conduct the treatment efficiently and surely prevent the hydrogen peroxide gas from remaining in the packaging container. In addition, the injection packs (P) according to the present invention comprises the packaging container (1) and a medicine-filled injector (4) enclosed in the packaging container.

Abstract: Two-compartment bottle assemblies useful in preparing multi-purpose compositions containing an Al-trypsin and disinfectant, methods of preparing these compositions and methods involving the use of these compositions are disclosed for cleaning and disinfecting of contact lenses.

Abstract: A bathing ball structure includes a soft rhombic-shaped synthetic open-mesh material woven into a tubular webbed band of predetermined length, of which the round opening of the webbed band is slipped vertically onto a U-shaped frame and continuously pulled over until a number of annular plies have accumulated, a binding cord is then wound around the outer extent of the webbed band, at which time a bathing ball or other three-dimensional animal or plant decoration is inserted between the numerous annular plies and the binding cord.

Abstract: An apparatus for the catalytic decomposition of H2O2 in an aqueous solution which is a contact lens care agent, wherein the catalyst is formed by a shaped body which is roughened by sand blasting and which is coated by a platinum layer 1 which is produced by sputtering.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing the interior and the exterior of a lumen device in a multi-chambered compartment with an interface with an adjustable opening in the interface. The lumen is placed partly in the first chamber and partly in the second chamber across the interface, sterilant is introduced into the multi-chambered compartment, and a flow is created between the two chambers through the lumen. The adjustable interface may be equipped with expandable material, compressible material, or inflatable material. Hydrogen peroxide or peracetic acid are suitable sterilants.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterilizing water containing pathogen protozoa having shells in a simple manner without negative influencing the environment is disclosed. Ultrasonic waves are applied to drinking water to form fine cavitation bubbles which are used to destroy the shells of pathogenic protozoa. The residual chlorine in the drinking water along with an oxidizing action and effect of the ultrasonic wave, permit not only sterilization but also deodorization and decolorization.

Abstract: A chemical feeder for use in a water circulation system includes a body, a head attached to the top of the body, and a flow passage extending through the head. A portion of the water flowing through the flow passage is diverted into the body, where the water mixes with chemical tablets contained therein. A strainer is positioned inside the body and a stand pipe connects the strainer to the flow passage. Venturi forces within the flow passage draw the chemical solution from the body and into the flow passage, where the chemical solution mixes with the water flowing therethrough. It is possible to control the concentration of the chemical solution by controlling the flow of fluid from the flow passage into the body.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for ultraviolet irradiation of air for the purpose of removing contaminants from that air is disclosed. A U-shaped ultraviolet bulb enshrouded within a quartz tube provides enhanced contaminant destruction characteristics. By combining a plurality of those bulbs in a chamber that is of polished aluminum, and further combining aluminum filters therewith, added irradiation enhancement is achieved.

Abstract: The invention relates to articles of manufacture of polyurethane-generating compositions for the manufacture of non-cytotoxic products for medical use, characterized in that these compositions contain: at least one polyisocyanate, preferably a non-aromatic polyisocyanate, in the monomer or prepolymer state; at least one polyol; and at least one dialkyl sulphoxide compound, preferably in the proportion of at least 2% by weight with respect to the total weight of the polyol or polyols.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of disinfecting and cleaning medical articles are disclosed. Disinfecting contact lenses by generating of peracetic acid in situ, while simultaneously cleaning with a proteolytic enzyme, is a preferred embodiment. Tablets for simple consumer use including disinfecting and cleaning means, and delayed release neutralizing means, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Storage stable, aqueous acidic solutions having a pH in the range of from 1 to 5 comprising at least one ester peracid having general formula where R represents an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbons and x equals 1 to 4, are provided. The solutions can be prepared by contacting an aqueous solution of a carboxylic compound having general formula where x is from 1 to 4 and R represents an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbons with an inorganic peroxygen compound, preferably hydrogen peroxide, at a pH of less than 4 until at least some ester peracid is produced, and thereafter adjusting the pH to be in the range of from 1 to 5, if necessary.