Abstract: A free standing detergent dispensing device removably insertable into an automatic washing machine, the device comprising a cartridge having a plurality of chambers to accommodate a detergent composition, a directing means to direct wash liquor selectively into a chamber of the cartridge to contact the detergent composition therein and a common outlet from all of the chambers to allow the detergent loaded wash liquor to exit the device, wherein the outlet only permits substantially uni-directional flow.

Abstract: Rigid yet lightweight composite sheets contain a core layer formed by thermal consolidation of a needled non-woven mat of glass fibers and polypropylene fibers, optionally with a melt-bonded polypropylene film on at least one side thereof, sandwiched between layers of GMT. The core contains from 20 to 80 volume percent air voids, whereas the GMT outer layers have a very low or zero void content. The composite sheets may be used for structural panels, for fabricating furniture, and for other uses.

Abstract: A dispensing element of an anesthetic vaporizer is provided that can be manufactured in a simple manner and makes it possible to dispense anesthetic over a broad setting range. The dispensing element (11) includes two, longitudinally extending dispensing channels (14, 15), which are connected to one another in terms of flow by means of a connection channel (16). The gas flows from one of the dispensing channels (14) into the other dispensing channel (15) via the connection channel (16).

Abstract: A dispenser for an automatic dishwasher comprises a body having an aperture for release of an active component. The extent of opening of the aperture is controllable. The active component is contained in a blister disposed in the body.

Abstract: A free standing detergent dispensing device removably insertable into an automatic washing machine, the device comprising a cartridge having a plurality of unsealed chambers to accommodate a detergent composition, a directing means to direct wash liquor selectively into a chamber of the cartridge to contact the detergent composition therein, each chamber having an inlet in the form of a tortuous path to obstruct unwanted flow of wash liquor into an unselected chamber.

Abstract: A wick arrangement for an anesthetic evaporator includes a wick with a carrier material (2) that is essentially impermeable to gas provided with wick material (3, 4) on both sides. A great path length is provided for saturating the gas with anesthetic vapor in the smallest possible installation volume by providing flow channels such as helical flow channels (10, 11) extending helically on both sides of the wick. The gas flow is led in counterflow in the flow channels (10, 11) by a housing (9).

Abstract: A method for producing a wear resistant coating as well as a wear resistant coating is provided, which is applied to predetermined surfaces of machine parts (1) that are exposed to wear by friction, in particular for internal combustion engines. The coating is made of at least one tetrahedral amorphic carbon layer (4) that is devoid of hydrogen or practically devoid of hydrogen, with the layer being applied to the predetermined surface (2) of the machine part (1) and including sp2 and sp3 hybirdised carbon for reducing the friction and for increasing the wear-resistance of the predetermined surface of the machine part.

Abstract: An apparatus for deactivating medical instruments and devices comprised of a deactivation chamber movable between a loading position and a deactivation position. A circulation system is provided to circulate a deactivating fluid through the deactivation chamber. The circulation system is connectable to the deactivation chamber when the deactivation chamber is in the deactivation position.

Abstract: An apparatus for deactivating medical instruments and devices. The apparatus has a housing structure and a drawer disposed in the housing structure. The drawer has a recess formed therein and a planar surface formed about the periphery of the recess. The recess is dimensioned to receive medical instruments and devices to be microbially deactivated. A circulation system is provided within the housing structure to circulate a microbial deactivation fluid through the recess. A drawer-sealing assembly is located in the housing structure. The drawer-sealing assembly is operable to engage the drawer assembly and fluidly seal the recess to create a decontamination chamber.

Abstract: A container for holding items to be microbially deactivated in a reprocessor. The container is comprised of a generally cup shaped tray having a bottom wall and a continuous side wall extending to one side from the periphery of the bottom wall. The bottom wall and the side wall defining a cavity for receiving instruments and items to be microbially deactivated. A lid is attachable to the tray. The lid is dimensioned to cover the cavity. An inlet port is formed in the tray to communicate with the cavity. An outlet port is formed in the tray to communicate with the cavity. A barrier element is disposed within one of the ports. The barrier element controls flow through the one port. The barrier element is comprised of a material that is permeable to gas and water vapor but impermeable to liquid, bacteria and organisms.

Abstract: An apparatus for deactivating medical instruments and devices having a circulation system for circulating fluids through the apparatus and a chemical delivery assembly for generating a deactivation fluid to circulate through the circulation system. The chemical delivery assembly is comprised of a chemistry housing that has a first receptacle and a second receptacle formed therein. A first fluid inlet communicates with the first receptacle. A second fluid inlet communicates with the second receptacle. A first fluid outlet is disposed near an upper portion of the first receptacle to establish a predetermined fluid level in the first receptacle when fluid is introduced into the first receptacle. A second fluid outlet is disposed near an upper portion of the second receptacle to establish a predetermined fluid level in the second receptacle when fluid is introduced into the second receptacle. A lid is attached to the chemistry housing. The lid is movable between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for obtaining a sample of fluid from a process conduit. The device includes a tubular core that has a passageway extending therethrough. The tubular core has ends that are attachable to spaced-apart portions of a conduit. A tubular sleeve surrounds the tubular core such that the tubular core extends lengthwise through the tubular sleeve. The tubular sleeve has a boss formed thereon that has a bore extending therethrough. The bore fluidly communicates with the tubular core. A syringe is mountable to the boss and the syringe has a needle. The needle is dimensioned to extend through the bore to puncture the core and to project into the passageway inside the core.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a wear-resistant coating and to a wear-resistant coating on predetermined surfaces of machine or engine parts, in particular for internal combustion engines, which are exposed to frictional wear, comprising at least one nanocrystalline functional layer (4) made up of at least two CrNx phases for reducing friction and increasing the wear resistance of the predetermined surface (2) of the machine or engine part (1).

Abstract: This invention is related to a process for the controlled release into a cleaning environment of an active ingredient of a detergent or detergent additive composition wherein the cleaning environment, to which the detergent or detergent additive composition has been delivered, is exposed to an electric, magnetic or electromagnetic field at an appropriate point in time and for an appropriate time period wherein the release is effective by chemical and/or physical modification, initiated by said field, of at least one specific compound, the modified compound not being directly involved in bleaching; a detergent or detergent additive component with such functionality; a detergent or detergent composition comprising such detergent or detergent additive component; processes for cleaning dishes in an automatic dishwashing machine or for washing fabrics in a laundry washing machine using such detergent compositions; as well as the use of an electric, magnetic or electromagnetic field to control the release of an act

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of processing signals obtained from scanning textile fabrics (1). To provide a method which makes it possible to evaluate the faults (4, 5, 6) in a fabric in a highly differentiated way and which results in targeted actions on the basis of the faults that are recognised, first of all, for values of parameters, value ranges which define categories of faults in the fabric are determined. For categories of faults in the fabric, the distribution of faults in the fabric is then to be determined and, as a function-of the category determined and the distribution of the faults in the fabric, an action is to be performed in connection with the fabric.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of operating a reprocessor that has a chamber for receiving items to be sterilized. The reprocessor is filled with water that has passed through a first and a second filter element that both comprise a filtration system. A liquid sterilant is generated by mixing the water with dry chemical reagents. The liquid sterilant is circulated through a fluid circulation system and the filtration system wherein a portion of the liquid sterilant is directed through a bypass conduit and another portion is directed through the first and second filter elements. After a predetermined exposure time, the reprocessor is drained. Then the reprocessor is filled with water for rinsing that has passed through the first and the second filter elements. The water for rinsing is heated prior to being introduced into the reprocessor.

Abstract: A continuous method for producing a thermoplastically moldable semifinished product of a thermoplastic material and reinforcing fibers, comprises blending thermoplastic fibers and reinforcing fibers together to form a nonwoven blend, consolidating the nonwoven blend by needling or by a thermal treatment, heating the consolidated nonwoven blend to a temperature above the softening temperature of the thermoplastic, compressing the consolidated nonwoven blend successively in a heated compression mold and in a cooled compression mold at a pressure of less than 0.8 bar for at least 3 seconds, and optionally applying functional layers to the semifinished product. The preferred product is a thermoplastically moldable semifinished product of a thermoplastic material and reinforcing fibers with an average length of 20 to 60 mm and an air pore content of 35 to 65 vol %.

Abstract: The present invention provides in vitro methods of expansion and propagation of undifferentiated progenitor cells and more specifically undifferentiated progenitor cells containing Islet1, a marker apparently unique to proliferating cardiac stem cells. Methods are described for isolation of stem cell populations as well as for provoking expansion and propagation of undifferentiated progenitor cells without differentiation, to provide cardiac repair or improve cardiac function, for example.