Abstract: Systems and methods for rapid traversal of a dynamic search tree to conduct a competitive auction for a transaction at the point of sale and at the speed associated with conventional payment card transactions, typically in credit transactions.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the disinfection of surfaces are provided. The compositions include an alcohol and a peracid. The disinfectant composition is characterized by a pH of no more than about 5. Broad spectrum efficacy is achieved, and synergistic activity is exhibited against bacterial and fungal spores, including Clostridium difficile spores. The compositions and methods are also useful against conformationally altered prions, bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the disinfection of surfaces are provided. The compositions include an alcohol and a peracid. The disinfectant composition is characterized by a pH of no more than about 5. Broad spectrum efficacy is achieved, and synergistic activity is exhibited against bacterial and fungal spores, including Clostridium difficile spores. The compositions and methods are also useful against conformationally altered prions, bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the disinfection of surfaces are provided. The compositions include an alcohol and a peracid. The disinfectant composition is characterized by a pH of no more than about 5. Broad spectrum efficacy is achieved, and synergistic activity is exhibited against bacterial and fungal spores, including Clostridium difficile spores. The compositions and methods are also useful against conformationally altered prions, bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the disinfection of surfaces are provided. The compositions include an alcohol and a peracid. The disinfectant composition is characterized by a pH of no more than about 5. Broad spectrum efficacy is achieved, and synergistic activity is exhibited against bacterial and fungal spores, including Clostridium difficile spores. The compositions and methods are also useful against conformationally altered prions, bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

Abstract: A pickling process for descaling metal includes a two-stage filtering process to remove pickling liquor fog, mist, and/or vapors from a gas collected during the descaling process. The process includes a two-stage filtering arrangement that includes a first stage filter, which is arranged to remove a liquid phase of the pickling liquor from the gas, and a second stage filter, which is arranged to remove a gaseous phase of the pickling liquor the said gas. The recovered pickling liquor can advantageously be recycled for reuse because it is recovered in a relatively higher concentration that has heretofore been possible.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing the nature, location, position and orientation of hand hygiene dispensers within a facility and correlating that information with the usage experienced by each specific dispensers in order to correlate usage with physical characteristics of the dispenser, its location and position. Dispensers of various types are provided with data chips and acquire data correlating usage with the date and time of a dispensing cycle. The physical parameters associated with each dispenser are also known and recorded. All of this data is downloaded periodically into a database that assess such data in order to correlate usage of hand hygiene dispensers with parameters such as the nature of the dispenser, its location, position and orientation, time of day, work shift and the like. From this data, parameters can be defined that will optimize the use and positioning of hand hygiene dispensers within a facility such as a health care unit, hotel, restaurant or the like.

Abstract: Dispensing systems are disclosed which utilize electronically powered key devices and/or identification codes associated with a refill container to preclude the need for mechanical keys. A first embodiment of the device utilizes a matching code stored in a radio frequency identification tag or bar code associated with a fluid refill container and an identification code associated with the dispenser housing. Matching of the codes by a controller allows for continued use of the dispenser via some type of operational mechanism. Another embodiment employs a key which carries the matching code wherein matching of the codes allows for actuation of a motor actuated pumping device. Yet another embodiment employs a blocking mechanism to prevent use of a dispenser's push bar if a key and dispenser housing do not have matching codes. And yet another embodiment requires the use of a key that has a matching code that matches the dispenser's identification code in order to permit initial access to the dispenser housing.

Abstract: Corkscrew machine including rotatable spiral radius pinion gear mechanically coupled to annular collar and engages inclined gear rack to translate driver up and down carrying freely rotating, helical corkscrew. Crank rotates spiral radius pinion gear to translate driver up and down relative to collar along rotation axis of corkscrew with mechanical advantage increasing as driver approaches collar. A non-rotating collar cam coupled to, translated relative to, driver, receives and follows helix of corkscrew to impart torque rotating the corkscrew when held stationary within annular collar responsive to translation of driver toward and away from annular collar. Biased, releasable collar latch captures and holds collar cam at stationary position within annular collar releasing it to translate upward with driver upon an upward cork pulling stroke of driver relative to collar when bottle is held within annular collar.

Abstract: A skin cleansing composition suitable for removing ink and other stains from the hands and arms of a user includes an effective amount of a low molecular weight alcohol having from one to twelve carbon atoms and an effective amount of a peroxide releasing agent, e.g., a perborate salt, preferably sodium perborate, such that together, the alcohol and perborate salt provide a synergistic reaction that effectively removes ink from the skin of the user. Other additives such as fillers, abrasives, and detergents may be employed to provide further cleansing action.

Abstract: An invented corkscrew machine includes a rotatable spiral radius pinion gear mechanically coupled to an annular collar and engaging an inclined gear rack for translating a driver up and down carrying a freely rotating, helical corkscrew. A crank rotates the spiral radius pinion gear for translating the driver up and down relative to the collar the along the rotation axis of the corkscrew with a mechanical advantage that increases as driver approaches the collar. A non-rotating collar cam coupled to and translatable relative to the driver, receives and follows the helix of the corkscrew for imparting torque rotating the corkscrew when held stationary within the annular collar responsive to translation of the driver toward and away from the annular collar.

Abstract: A skin cleansing composition suitable for removing ink and other stains from the hands and arms of a user includes an effective amount of a low molecular weight alcohol having from one to twelve carbon atoms and an effective amount of a peroxide releasing agent, e.g., a perborate salt, preferably sodium perborate, such that together, the alcohol and perborate salt provide a synergistic reaction that effectively removes ink from the skin of the user. Other additives such as fillers, abrasives, and detergents may be employed to provide further cleansing action.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser which discharges a predetermined amount of fluid upon actuation of a actuator includes a counter and at least two timers for use by users of the device. The apparatus further includes a switch coupled to the actuator wherein the switch generates a use signal. An operating circuit is carried by the dispenser and provides a processor which receives the use signal and increments or decrements a counter by one. Additionally, the processor generates a flag signal to indicate which of the timers is in use. Each timer has associated therewith a distinct sensor output such as a sound or light to indicate to the user the start of a washing cycle and completion thereof. In the event more than two users are present, the sensor output is not provided. However, a counting event is still recognized. Of course, multiple users of the device or sensor outputs could be provided if desired.

Abstract: A bladder assembly for operating a dispenser for fluid material. The dispenser includes a hinged pressure bar movable into and out of collapsing engagement with a collapsible tube which leads from a source of supply of the material to be dispensed. The bladder assembly includes a flexible bladder in fluid communication with a foot pump. The bladder is removably located within the dispenser behind the pressure bar so that inflation of the bladder by pumping air into it through a hose from the foot pump moves the pressure bar into collapsing engagement with the tube to dispense the material.

Abstract: Support plates for packing materials in mass transfer towers made using parallel beams with generally inverted U-shaped cross-sections which contact one another along a line running the length of the beams, are provided with a trough member supported directly under the contact line between adjacent beams.

Abstract: A valve and dispensing assembly for dispensing powdered material from a container includes a flexible tube intended to be collapsed to actuate a valve which permits the tube to selectively open for dispensing the material through the tube. The assembly includes a flexible tube apparatus including a body attachable to the container and a valve releasably received within the tube and normally closing it off. Collapse of the tube causes it to move relatively of the valve to unseat it and open the tube for material discharge. The assembly also includes a declumper secured to the tube for movement therewith during collapse of the tube. The valve closes off the tube when in its uncollapsed condition while the tube and declumper move relatively of the valve during collapse to open the tube. A portion of the declumper is bifurcated and has serrated opposed edges which can engage the head of the valve during the tube collapse to assist in breaking up clumps which may have formed in the material.

Abstract: A cleansing composition includes a salt of chlorhexidine such as chlorhexidine digluconate and at least one nonionic surfactant which does not include any polyoxypropylene/polyoxyethylene block copolymers. Also included in the composition is at least one amphoteric surfactant. Other additives such as viscosifiers or thickeners, emollients, fragrances, perfumes, coloring agents, preservatives, foaming agents, fungicides and the like may also be added. Preferably, the composition does not include alcohol as a carrier. The cleansing composition has been found to exhibit improved antibacterial properties while remaining mild on the skin.

Abstract: An originally viscous, non-flowable and non-pumpable cleaning composition made less viscous, and flowable and pumpable by the addition of at least one thickening agent to the composition. The cleaning composition includes an oil phase including at least one of a hydrocarbon oil and a hydrocarbon solvent and mixtures thereof, and at least one of a fatty acid and a non-fatty acid soap surfactant; and a water phase including water and a base. The addition of at least one thickening agent in various amounts relative to the amount of water in the composition makes the composition flowable. In particular, the addition of from about 2 to about 38 percent by weight of at least one thickening agent has been found to be suitable to provide a flowable composition containing between about 30 and 55 percent water. A method for the preparation of flowable cleaning compositions is also provided. The cleaning composition (13) forms a novel combination with a container (10) as a replacement element for dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: An originally viscous, non-flowable and non-pumpable cleaning composition made less viscous, flowable and pumpable by the addition of psyllium husks to the composition. The cleaning composition includes an oil phase including at least one of a hydrocarbon oil and a hydrocarbon solvent and mixtures thereof, and at least one of a fatty acid and a non-fatty acid soap surfactant; and the water phase including water and a base. The addition of psyllium husks in various amounts relative to the amount of water in the composition makes the composition flowable. In particular, the addition of from about 2 to about 38 percent by weight of psyllium husks has been found to be suitable to provide a flowable composition containing between about 30 and 55 percent water. A method for the preparation of flowable cleaning compositions is also provided. The cleaning composition (13) forms a novel combination with a container (10) as a replacement element for dispensing apparatus.