Abstract: A partially PTFE laminated rubber closure for pharmaceutical vials which resists undesired removal prior to placement of an aluminium over-cap on the vial and closure. The rubber closure includes a flat circular head which protrudes over the end of the pharmaceutical vial. Secured to the underside of the head is a cylindrical sealing portion which is partially laminated with PTFE at its lower end. Above the end of the PTFE on the outside of the sealing portion is a protruding ring of rubber. This ring allows good high friction contact between the closure and the vial which prevents the closure from dislodging during transportation of the vial after application of the closure and prior to application of an aluminum overcap. A method for making the closure is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for washing balls in a fluid is disclosed which includes a container for storing soiled balls and a wash unit having an elongated cylindrical housing suitable for containing the fluid and having a lower end adapted for receiving balls and an upper end adapted for discharging balls. The container serially dispenses balls via a transfer chute to the lower end of the housing. The transfer chute includes apparatus for separating regular and irregular balls. Inside the housing, balls are conveyed from the lower end to the upper end by a screw conveyor system which agitates and scrubs the balls. The screw conveyer system includes an first screw conveyor located near the lower end, and a second screw conveyor located near the upper end. The first and second screw conveyors are spaced to form a conveyor free wash cell. Balls are discharged at the housing's upper end to a ramp having a plurality of overlapping flights, where the balls are rinsed.

Abstract: A sanitizing block for cleaning the blade of a food product slicer is manufactured from an inert material, such as cellulose sponge, which does not crumble nor dull the blade of the slicer when positioned on the carriage and sliced in the normal manner as would be used for a chunk of meat or cheese. The sanitizing block is preferably pre-moistened with a sanitizing solution to aid in the cleaning of the slicer and blade. The sanitizing block is useful as a compliment to the normal cleaning procedures of the slicer which often require disassembly of the slicer and washing of the component parts. The sanitizing block reduces food-born bacteria and minimizes carryover flavors from previously sliced items by removing residue remaining on the blade and slicer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning a moving web of sheet material. The apparatus includes a Coanda nozzle having an elongated, curved foil and a slit for directing gas at a high rate of speed along the foil. The gas from the foil impacts a layer of air entrained by the web of sheet material flowing in an opposed direction. Impact occurs within a gap formed between the foil and the web which becomes increasingly restricted in the direction of movement of the web. The entrained layer of air is caused to reverse direction within the gap and is mixed with the gas from the nozzle under turbulent conditions to clean the web and remove particulate material such as dust therefrom.

Abstract: A method and composition for removing hardened concrete from surfaces on trucks, mixers, and other equipment used in the concrete industry. The cleaning composition includes hydroxyacetic acid, a soap agent, and a degreasing agent mixed together in an aqueous solution. In the preferred embodiment, the amounts of each ingredient by percent weight are as follows: 17.5% hydroxyacetic acid, the soap agent 4%, the degreasing agent -2%, and water -76.5% To remove the hardened concrete, the cleaning solution is evenly applied over the surface of the hardened concrete and maintained in contact with the concrete for at least five minutes. The hardened concrete is transformed into soft, puttylike concrete chunks by the cleaning composition. After the hardened concrete has been maintained in contact with the cleaning composition for a sufficient length of time, the soft putty-like concrete chunks are easily brushed or sprayed from the surface.