Abstract: A cleaning system for cleaning the interior pump and piping system of a whirlpool spa is disclosed. The device comprises a compartmentalized tank having an intake chamber and an outlet chamber. The outlet chamber is placed into fluid communication with the spa's suction intake fitting. The intake chamber is placed into fluid communication with the spa's jet openings. Cleaning fluid is introduced into the outlet chamber and cycles from the outlet chamber, through the spa's pumps and pipes, through the spa's jet openings, into the intake chamber, and back into the outlet chamber, which is in fluid communication with the intake chamber. From there, the fluid begins the cycle again. A pair of cooperating valve assemblies block fluid communication between the intake chamber and the outlet chamber and force the cleaning fluid out of the device upon the completion of the cleaning operation.

Abstract: A machine for filling containers, such as flexible plastic bags, with fluid product, such as liquid food product, using two container fill nozzles that each having a product supply system. While one of the nozzles is being used to fill containers that are being moved through the machine, the other nozzle and its product supply system is being cleaned. For the cleaning, at least one receptacle is provided to receive a nozzle being cleaned. Any product remaining in the delivery system and nozzle is flushed out through the receptacle in which the nozzle is inserted, and those portions cleaned. Fresh product is then loaded back into the delivery system and dispensed through the nozzle into the containers. This system and these operating techniques allow the product to be changed frequently without having to suffer a significant down time of the filling machine for cleaning.

Abstract: Tubes (12), which can have any variety of cross-section and multiple bends, to be cleaned each have one end portion retained within a fixture (16) by an expanded bladder (42) while pressurized cleaning fluid (52) from conduit (50) passes through the tubes (12). Where no tube (12) is positioned within a particular fixture (16), the cleaning fluid (52) is prevented from moving through the fixture by the expanded bladder (42).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the cleaning of a ventilator manifold while it is attached to a respiratory support system. A particular embodiment of the present invention relates to a cleaning device used in conjunction with the ventilator manifold to clean the interior chamber of the manifold of patient secretions that have accumulated during the use of the manifold. The cleaning device includes a dual lumen catheter which accesses one of a plurality of manifold ports by inserting the cleaning device through a flexible boot attached to one of the manifold ports. The flexible boot allows for omni-directional use of the cleaning device inside the manifold by medical personnel. The use of the flexible boot in combination with the cleaning device allows medical personnel to cleanse the interior of the manifold without concurrent loss of respiratory support to the patient.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a cleaning device 5 for cleaning the shaving head 3 of a dry shaving apparatus 1, with a cradle structure 7 adapted to receive therein the shaving head 3, a cleaning fluid container 61 holding a cleaning fluid, as well as a device adapted to be driven by a motor 28 for feeding the cleaning fluid, wherein the cleaning fluid container 61 is separable from the cleaning device 5 and includes a filter means 24 integrally formed therewith.

Abstract: The cleaning attachment mates with a standard urostomy collector connector, has a hose barb which is secured by the urostomy connector jaws, and mates with a standard household faucet so that water can flow through the cleaning attachment through the urostomy connector, and onto the urostomy collector bag for cleaning the collector.

Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus for emptying and rinsing out photographic chemical containers into a mixing tank and provides a means of completely removing all chemical residues from the containers in a manner which is safe for the operator. The apparatus has an emptying trough for emptying the chemicals into the mixing tank, the emptying trough having a base and a locating plate opposite the base. In the base there are outlets each of which corresponds to a locating hole in the locating plate for the purpose of emptying the chemical containers through their open necks. In each outlet of the apparatus according to the invention is a nozzle incorporating a valve mechanism which can be operated by placing the neck of a chemical container over the nozzle or removing same.

Abstract: A fluid collection and disposal system which includes a reusable collection unit designed to operate in conjunction with a disposable manifold for collecting fluids aspirated from a patient during a surgical procedure, and to be cleaned by a servicing unit after use. The servicing unit removes the collected fluid from the collection unit and prepares it for reuse. The disposable manifold is removed from the collection unit prior to its attachment to the servicing unit, and a new disposable manifold is replaced on the collection unit after servicing.

Abstract: A honeycomb tabletop, including a honeycomb core positioned between a top and bottom structural layer, wherein a number of cups are positioned between the bottom layer and the top layer, and at least some of the number of cups are sized and shaped to cooperate with the lower face of the top layer to form a cavity surrounding at least two of the plurality of holes in the top layer so that contaminants will be unable to pass through the surrounded holes into the honeycomb core. Preferably, these cups form a sealing engagement with the lower face of the top layer to facilitate rapid and thorough cleaning of contaminants from the cups.

Abstract: An automatic transmission fluid exchanging device includes drain and supply tubes to conduct used transmission fluid from and unused transmission fluid to a vehicle transmission. The device further includes a supply pump in the supply tube to flow unused transmission fluid into the transmission. A pair of flow control valves are disposed in the respective drain and supply tubes to allow the operator to match the flow rates of fluid through the respective tubes.

Abstract: A distribution valve for a high-pressure pump comprises a closed valve housing (1), in which a valve rotor (2) is rotatably mounted. The valve rotor is adapted during rotation, preferably indexing, to alternately open and close the flow path to a series of outlet ports (8) in the valve housing, such that the pumping medium is distributed via the ports concerned out to individual nozzles disposed in a succession. The distribution valve is extended especially for use in a device for washing the interior of a building. The device comprises a carriage, which is movable back and forth and has a frame on which the nozzles are mounted.

Abstract: A system for cleaning an interior of a holding tank particularly in recreational vehicles. The apparatus includes a holding tank for retaining fluids and a fluid distribution assembly which extends through the tank for dispensing pressurized fluid against an interior thereof. The fluid distribution assembly comprises a main fluid conduit which is connected to a plurality of lateral conduits by a series of vertical conduits and upper and lower T-connectors. The lateral conduits have openings positioned along the body of the conduits and at least one opening at each outer distal end of the conduits. The openings in the conduits allow a pressured spray of fluid like water to be released from the fluid distribution assembly and into the interior space of the holding tank.

Abstract: A lipstick molding mold cleaning apparatus including a water level controller to automatically control the level of water in a washing tank, a plurality of sensors to detect the position of the lipstick molding mold under cleaning, and sets of nozzles controlled by the sensors to respectively wash the lipstick molding mold with washing water, clean the lipstick molding mold with detergent, rinse the lipstick molding mold with rinsing water, and dry the lipstick molding mold with air.

Abstract: A stand for suspension of footwear during treatment, such as washing disinfecting, blacking, impregnating and drying, wherein the stand has a piping system provided with jets for the secure retention of the footwear as well as internal washing and disinfecting thereof. The footwear is placed down onto the nozzle pipe (6) and is washed internally as detergent and disinfectant, respectively, are supplied to the stand's piping system and are sprayed out through the holes in the nozzle pipes. The stand is preferably used in a facility for treatment of footwear where the function of the stand is both to permit internal washing and disinfecting of the footwear and to hold the footwear in place during the external treatment.

Abstract: A method of prefilling and terminally sterilizing a syringe including providing a syringe barrel having first and second opposite ends where the first end includes a port therethrough with a connector member formed about an exterior of the port and the second end being open. Particulate matter is removed from the interior of the syringe barrel and a cap and stopper are sterilized, the stopper including first and second opposite longitudinal ends. The first end of the stopper is inserted into the second open end of the syringe barrel until the first end of the stopper reaches the first end of the syringe barrel. The syringe barrel then is filled with a desired liquid, such as a medicament or imaging agent, through the port of the first end of the syringe barrel so that substantially no air enters the syringe barrel and where the stopper moves within the syringe barrel from the first to the second ends thereof upon filling.

Abstract: A container washing apparatus for washing containers such as beverage cans. An elongated liquid supply pipe includes a plurality of angled fittings connected along opposite sides of the pipe. Each fitting includes quick connect and disconnect structure on its outer end for mating with like structure of a fan spray nozzle. The fan spray nozzles may be turned onto the ends of the angled fittings in a quick twisting bayonet motion to align each of the elongated fan spray patterns parallel to one another and to the longitudinal axis of the pipe. In a preferred embodiment, the container washing apparatus is used in a washing system including a liquid permeable conveyor for moving a plurality of containers, such as beverage cans, past a plurality of elongated spray pipes of the invention which are mounted adjacent upper and lower sides of the conveyor in a perpendicular orientation relative to the movement of the conveyor.

Abstract: A method for safely cutting hollow bodies filled with metallic Na for disposal comprises the steps of cutting the hollow bodies with plasma jet so as to oxidize metallic Na while conveying said hollow bodies in a hermetically sealed housing, throwing the cut hollow bodies into a neutralizing aqueous solution tank, then taking out said cut hollow bodies from the tank, collecting a fume produced while cutting the hollow bodies, spraying water over the fume and recovering the fume. An apparatus for carrying out the above method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sterilization process particularly well suited for sterilizing instruments and other devices having long narrow lumens. Apparatus in which the process can be practiced is also provided. The process uses a multicomponent sterilant vapor wherein one component is water. The lumened instruments are fluidly connected to the exhaust manifold of the sterilizer. A deep vacuum is drawn in the sterilization chamber followed by the injection of pulses of the sterilant vapor until a higher, but still subatmospheric pressure level is reached. When the pressure level reaches a predetermined subatmospheric level, a flow-through sterilization phase begins. It includes successive alternating periods of sterilant flow and the discontinuance of such flow. During sterilant flow periods, there are sterilant injection pulses where the sterilant flows through the chamber and the lumened instruments to exhaust. Each such flow period is followed by a hold period.

Abstract: The cleaning of the brewing device of a coffee machine takes place in various phases. In a first phase, water is conducted out of a water tank via a water supply connection of the brewing cylinder through the outlet pipe disposed in the brewing piston into an external water tank. The cleaning water follows the route of the brewed coffee in this phase. In a second phase (see FIG. 3) the cleaning water is conducted from the brewing cylinder via channels in the wall of the brewing cylinder into areas outside the brewing cylinder and cleans, among other things, the second extension piece for the transport of the coffee grounds to the grounds container. In a third phase the water located in the brewing chamber is caused to flow out over the edge of the brewing cylinder by means of the shifting of the ejection piston.

Abstract: An apparatus mounted on a vehicle frame for cleaning liquids and solids from a sub-surface enclosure. The apparatus comprises a water tank having a drain valve and a feed valve. A water pump is connected to the feed valve that supplies water to a high pressure cleaning device used for loosening waste solids in the sub-surface enclosure. A suction pump connected to a suction hose removes the waste from the sub-surface enclosure and directs it to either of two waste tanks through a valve configuration comprising an inlet valve connected to one waste tank and a second inlet valve connected to the other waste tank. The two inlet valves selectively allow the waste removed from the sub-surface enclosure to enter either the first waste tank, the second waste tank or both. A method for cleaning the sub-surface enclosure is also provided.

Abstract: A cassette for the acceptance of medical instruments, and preferably dental instruments, to enable a hygienic treatment of the instruments when the cassette is placed into a chamber of an apparatus that is capable of being closed pressure-tight. The cassette contains at least one adapter for holding at least one instrument. The adapter will have line channels for the delivery of treatment agents to the interior of the instrument and the adapter can contain a control valve that will close the line channels given an adapter not occupied with an instrument.

Abstract: A sewage collection and disposal system for a passenger transport vehicle comprises a sewage collection tank having a sewage inlet connected to a sewer pipe of the vehicle and a sewage discharge outlet for draining sewage from the sewage collection tank under control of a drain valve. A cleaning liquid supply pipe connects a source of cleaning liquid under pressure to a cleaning liquid supply connection for introducing cleaning liquid into the sewage collection tank. A precharge tank that is in fluid communication with the sewage collection tank is also connected to the cleaning liquid supply pipe, whereby cleaning liquid is supplied to the precharge tank when cleaning liquid is supplied to the cleaning liquid supply member. A blower establishes a partial vacuum in the sewage collection tank when the drain valve is closed, whereby pressure difference between the precharge tank and the sewage collection tank forces cleaning liquid present in the precharge tank into the sewage collection tank.

Abstract: When an object of treatment is subjected to, for example, a gas treatment in an airtight chamber, reaction products adhere to the inner wall surface of the chamber, an object holder therein, and the corner portions of the chamber. When a cleaning medium is injected into the chamber, according to the present invention, the reaction products are dissolved in the cleaning medium by hydrolysis. Thereafter, the cleaning medium is discharged from the chamber. Then, the chamber is heated and evacuated, so that water vapor is discharged to provide a predetermined degree of vacuum, whereupon the treatment can be started anew. Therefore, a wiping operation can be omitted. Moreover, the reaction products remaining at the corner portions of the chamber can be removed without forming a source of polluted particles, so that the necessity of overhauling can be obviated. Thus, fully automatic cleaning, so to speak, can be effected, and the chamber need not be open to the atmosphere, so that the throughput can be improved.

Abstract: This invention is a dental cleaning device disposed within a visually attractive furniture grade cabinet. The cleaning tank within the device is kidney shaped with a pair of inlets that direct a circulating liquid upwardly and inwardly from an area adjacent the bottom of one end of said tank. At least one liquid outlet is provided at the opposite end of said tank and connected to a circulating means such as a circulating pump so that a continuous flow of liquid can be accomplished across dentures placed in the tank, The kidney shape of the tank causes eddy currents to flow off of the main swirling inlet to outlet liquid circulation to further clean the various areas of the dentures.

Abstract: A plurality of engine-run components are fixtured on a cleaning fluid manifold disposed in a cleaning chamber with the internal passage of each component communicated to a respective fluid spray nozzle on the cleaning fluid manifold, a heated caustic cleaning fluid is pumped to the manifold for flow through the nozzle and then the internal passage of each component for a time to remove the deposits, and the heated cleaning fluid is discharged from each component into the cleaning chamber.

Abstract: In the program-controlled cleaning of endoscopes in a cleaning apparatus, the head parts are cleaned, rinsed, disinfected and rinsed clean in pressure chambers and, at the same time, the insertion tubes are cleaned, rinsed, disinfected and rinsed clean in pipes, attached to these pressure chambers, in a number of cleaning stages using cleaning liquid which is introduced via a circulation pump at a pressure of approximately 200 mbar. Prior to each of these cleaning stages, compressed air generated in the compressed air unit of the cleaning apparatus is introduced from there through the pressure test attachment of each endoscope, which pressure test attachment is connected by means of a pressure test adaptor to a compressed air attachment of the cleaning apparatus, until an internal pressure of 250 mbar is reached.

Abstract: Apparatus for neutralizing a heating element contaminated with acid. A housing is provided which receives water and a base material. The water and base material combine within the housing to form a neutralizing agent. The neutralizing agent is then passed through the heating element in order to neutralize the heating element for safe disposal as municipal waste.

Abstract: A tank for liquidous material is disclosed having a single aperture for accessing an interior volume. A collar formed as a truncated cone circumscribes the aperture to provide sealing with a cap having a mating conical band. A band surface and a collar surface form the only contact between the cap and the collar. A drain fitting may be secured to the collar upon removal of the cap, after which the tank is upended for draining through the drain fitting. A wash fitting attached to the drain fitting sprays the interior of the tank for cleaning. No recesses (grooves) or `O` ring seals, and no protruding, resilient, normal, face seals are used which might trap debris and inhibit complete cleaning. The tapered collar and band create contact forces for sealing that are much greater than the load securing the cap to the collar. The tank, collar and cap may be rotomolded of a single material in a single mold, the cap being severed and trimmed after molding.

Abstract: A sparger system for mixing a solid/liquid suspension in a cylindrical container comprises a sparger pipe which extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container. The sparger pipe is separated from an inner wall of the container by a first distance and a first end portion of the sparger pipe extends through a side wall of the container. A first flange member is releasably coupled to the first end portion of the sparger pipe so that, when the first flange member is coupled to the first end portion of the sparger pipe, the first end of the sparger pipe is sealed. The flange member may be removed from the first end portion of the sparger so that pressurized liquid may be introduced directly into the sparger pipe to clean the sparger pipe and the container. A fluid passage is coupled to the sparger pipe and extends to an opening which is above a maximum level of liquid to be stored in the container.

Abstract: A supply cap 1 is provided for attachment to the outlet 2 of a container 3 to permit supply of a quantity of substance from within the container 3 to a supply conduit 15 in a sealed manner when the container 3 is inverted so that the outlet 2 is at its bottom. The cap 1 has a connector body 8 which is sealingly engageable with the outlet 2, an outlet duct 13 extending through the connector body 8 for supply of a quantity of substance from within the container 3 when the container is inverted, and an inlet duct 14 extending through the connector body 8 for the passage of air and/or rinsing liquid into the container 3.

Abstract: An ostomy bag cleaning device (10) for introducing water into an ostomy bag (12) in order to loosen and evacuate waste contained therein and retain evacuated waste material until sanitarily disposal thereof. The cleaning device (10) includes a pump reservoir (14) for storing clean water to be used as a cleaning medium for an ostomy bag (12). A pump (16) includes a pump impeller (26) positioned within the pump reservoir (14) such that the water may be withdrawn therefrom. Water is withdrawn from the pump reservoir (14) through a flexible hose (38). A waste receptacle (18) is provided for receiving and storing the waste and wasted water from the ostomy bag (12) until sanitary disposal thereof. A carrying case (42) is provided for storing the pump reservoir (14), the pump (16), the waste receptacle (18), and any associated equipment. A rigid support structure (44) is provided for receiving both the pump reservoir (14) and the waste receptacle (18) such that the position of each is maintained.

Abstract: An apparatus for showering and disinfection of a sanitary facility includes a first shower, a first operating device for opening or closing the supply of liquid to the first shower, and a first conduit for supplying water to the shower. A tank is disposed in the first conduit and is connected, via a first inlet pipe of the first conduit, to a supply pipe and is connected by a second conduit section, to the shower. The first conduit section discharges in the tank above a highest permitted filling level, whereby there is created an air gap between liquid in the tank and the discharge of the conduit section. Downstream of the air gap, a device is coupled in for the supply of disinfectant to the storage space of the tank, or to the second conduit section.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for cleaning and removing particulates from underground liquid fuel storage tanks which typically have restricted access openings to the interior thereof. The apparatus is provided with a main fuel pump having an inlet and outlet, an inflow passage communicating with the pump inlet for conducting fuel to the pump from an underground liquid storage tank, and an outflow passage communicating with the pump outlet for returning fuel from the pump to the same underground tank. The inflow passage is provided with protective strainer and a jet pump for increasing and maintaining the rate and velocity of fuel flowing therethrough to the main pump.

Abstract: A cleaning system (10) for an eave trough (11) and a downspout (12) includes a conduit assembly (13) extending along a portion of the downspout (12) and along at least a partial length of the eave trough (11), and a strainer assembly (14) interposed with respect to the downspout (12). A plurality of spaced spray nozzles (16) extend from the conduit assembly (13) and spray water toward the junction (17) of the eave trough (11) and downspout (12). A fitting (19) is connected to one end the conduit assembly ( 13 ) and is adapted for interengagement with a hose (20) which provides for a source of water under pressure. The spray of water allows for the flushing or purging of the eave trough (11), directing debris for the eave trough (11) to and through the downspout (12).

Abstract: An adapter (70) for connecting a banjo fitting (44) of a transmission oil cooling line (21) to a flushing unit or cooler fixture hose (73) has a banjo nut (56') joined to a hollow tubing (71). Tubing (71) terminates in a flared end (72) which passes through an axial bore (45) of banjo fitting (45) and is secured by a radiator clip (74) within hose (73). Bore (44) has front and rear openings surrounded by ring-shaped external surfaces (46). A sealing nut (75) threads onto a threaded shank portion (57) of banjo nut (56') to establish an "O"-ring (76) seal against one surface (46) about tubing (71), and to seal the other surface (46) with a washer (63) at an underside of a head (58) of banjo nut (56').

Abstract: Disclosed is the structure of a garbage collecting device. The present invention utilizes a tower shell body to store the garbage. Garbage can be placed on an elevator from a garbage inlet and then dumped into the tower shell body and stored therein. A rubbish container can stop beside said shell body, then dump the garbage into the rubbish container by a conveyor. A washing device is provided to flush the interior of the shell body in order to prevent odor.

Abstract: A whirlpool system includes a basin defined by basin walls; a pipe system including a central conduit and nozzles coupled to the central conduit and situated in the basin walls and having nozzle outlets directed to the basin; a pressure generator coupled to the central conduit for supplying the nozzles with water and/or air; a mist generator for generating a fluid mist under influence of temperature at normal atmospheric pressure; and an intake conduit coupling the mist generator to the central conduit in a zone of the pressure generator for disinfecting the pipe system and the basin.

Abstract: A razor cleaning device is attached to a source of tap water either at a faucet spout or independently of a faucet. The device contains a nozzle for directing the tap water to a location to which blades of a razor are guided for cleaning. The outlet of the nozzle is of a relatively small area, causing the tap water exiting from the nozzle to be of a high pressure. The device contains a valve which remains closed unless the razor blades are in place for cleaning, the closed valve causing the pressure at the valve to increase and also conserving water. The device contains a notched leaf for guiding the razor blades to the location for cleaning, and a lever which is pressed upon by the razor when the blades are in that location, the lever causing the valve to open and a high pressure blast of water to exit the nozzle, cleaning the blades.

Abstract: A dental handpiece sterilizer includes a sterilization chamber with an internal manifold system having outlet connectors into which dental handpieces can be plugged. A sterilant vapor introduced to the manifold flows through the dental handpieces coupled to the manifold and into the interior of the chamber so that it contacts the exterior surfaces of the handpieces before exiting the sterilant chamber.

Abstract: A sparger container comprises a pair of opposed end walls, a pair of opposed side walls, and a closed floor. The closed floor has an open-topped, longitudinally-extending channel and two generally planar sides slanting upwardly from the top edges of the channel to the side walls. A sparger system is provided immediately above the floor and includes a generally rectangular network of pipes disposed along the inner perimeter of the side and end walls, and at least one inlet providing fluid communication between a source of pressurized fluid and the pipes. The sparger system can also include a pipe positioned above the channel. Each of the pipes is provided with a plurality of holes therethrough, which are evenly-spaced circumferentially and are positioned at spaced intervals along the lengths of the pipes. An outlet for the container is positioned at one end of the channel and extends through one of the end walls.

Abstract: A sink for washing tie-stall dairy farm milk pipeline systems includes a narrow trough at the bottom of the sink. The trough receives the inflations of milking machines placed in the sink for washing. The sides of the trough confine and constrain the inflations so that the machine does not tip over while in the sink. The water level remaining in the sink when the pipeline system is flushed through therefore can be small, leading to water savings of up to 30%. The trough is made from stainless steel sheets, bent to shape; the sides of the sink extend outwards and outwards from the trough at an angle, whereby the sink sides guide the inflations into the trough as the farmer lowers the milking machine into the sink.

Abstract: A paint roller cleaner, for water based paints, that is inserted through a specially designed paint roller and that is attachable to the standard garden hose with the purpose of cleaning the nap of the paint roller. The structure is made of a sixteen-inch plastic tube with one end closed and the other end with a hose attachment. The first nine inches from the closed side has eight rows of twenty-four one-sixteenth holes, evenly spaced, and a raised handle that keeps the paint roller in place. Structural means are provided for directing the water flow in such a manner that water sprays perpendicularly outward through the holes and through the nap with equal intensity from the top to bottom of the roller.

Abstract: A recirculating type cleaner for paint spray guns. The apparatus includes a cabinet supporting a sink and a pair of solvent receptacles each containing a pump and motor for circulating solvent from the receptacles through outlet nozzles and into the sink. In use, the gun is given one or more initial rinses with solvent, from one receptacle, after which a final cleaning rinse is made with new solvent from another receptacle. The sink drain is arranged so that all of the solvent is returned to a single container. Clean solvent passes in use from the clean solvent receptacle to the used or dirty solvent receptacle, leaving fresh solvent uncontaminated, while the contaminated solvent is used repeatedly. The sink includes a fire safety cover secured over the sink opening by a fusible link, and the solvent receptacles are positioned for ready removal to facilitate periodic servicing.

Abstract: A milk flow meter having a measuring chamber which is connected to a milk supply conduit, the measuring chamber communicating with a discharge chamber and a milk sump at the lower end thereof. A calibrated milk discharge opening is provided between the measuring chamber and the discharge chamber and a milk suction conduit is connected to said milk sump. An additional rinsing conduit is provided, the upper end of the rinsing conduit leading into the discharge chamber and/or the measuring chamber essentially on the level of the upper end of the measuring chamber and the other end of the rinsing conduit being adapted to be connected, with the aid of an adjustment means movable between a measuring position and a rinsing position, essentially exclusively to the milk suction conduit in the rinsing position.

Abstract: A system for reprocessing and sterilizing a previously used catheter having at least one lumen is disclosed. The catheter is provided with a housing and enclosed within the housing. Heated sterilant is provided to the housing and the catheter. The lumen is tested during the reprocessing and sterilizing cycle for blockages and integrity. If the catheter is of a type having a balloon tip, the balloon is also tested for integrity by inflating and deflating it a plurality of times. The housing is pressurized to a level above the ambient pressure and maintained at such pressure whereby the sterility of the catheter is maintained for up to one week. Further disclosed is an apparatus for selectively coupling used catheters to a source of sterilant. The apparatus includes a housing having a tray for holding the catheter in place during reprocessing, a door for enclosing and locking the catheter within the housing, and a plurality of valves for coupling the housing to a source of sterilant.

Abstract: A washing system comprising a wafer washing section having plural chemical washing vessels, plural water washing vessels and a drier, a cassette washing section having a water washing device and a drier, a loader section for taking out the wafers from the cassettes and loading the wafers into the wafer washing section, an unloader section for returning the washed wafers in the washed cassette and unloading the wafers from the wafer washing section, a wafer transfer device the wafers in the wafer washing section, a cassette lifter for carrying the cassettes from the loader section to the cassette washing section, and a wire drive unit for carrying the cassettes in the cassette washing section.

Abstract: A system for hermetically dispensing and diluting a concentrated chemical from a container into a dilution tank which includes (i) a first portion for attachment to the container which includes a valve for controlling fluid flow from the container through the first portion, (ii) a second portion for attachment to a source of pressurized water and a measuring receptacle which includes a valve for controlling fluid flow from the source of pressurized water through the second portion and a valve for controlling fluid flow through the second portion into the receptacle, (iii) a coupler for attaching the first and second portions so as to provide fluid flow from the container to the measuring receptacle, and (iv) a valve over an outlet orifice in the receptacle for controllably releasing the contents of the receptacle into a dilution tank.

Abstract: A process for removing residual oil from used oil filters. The process includes washing the oil filters with a wash water while simultaneously crushing the oil filters. The wash water has a carefully selected and limited surfactant to effectively remove the residual oil while reducing emulsification of the removed residual oil into the wash water. The oil is recovered and the wash water is recirculated after having been amended with surfactant and/or water to assure that the surfactant remains within the desired limits.

Abstract: A rinse nozzle for gently and efficiently rinsing the interior and exterior of breathing regulators, snorkels, buoyancy compensator vests and other SCUBA equipment. The nozzle has an outlet adapted to releasably mate with regulator and snorkel mouthpieces and with the mouthpiece of a buoyancy compensator inflator. The nozzle includes a flow metering means, baffle means, and diffusing passage to provide low velocity fluid rinsing to prevent damage to the equipment. The rinse nozzle can be attached to any standard hose or faucet.

Abstract: An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus for cleaning the interior surfaces of tubes. The apparatus includes an ultrasonic generator and reflector each coupled to opposing ends of the open-ended, fluid-filled tube. Fluid-tight couplings seal the reflector and generator to the tube, preventing leakage of fluid from the interior of the tube. The reflector and generator are operatively connected to actuators, whereby the distance between them can be varied. When the distance is changed, the frequency of the sound waves is simultaneously adjusted to maintain the resonant frequency of the tube so that a standing wave is formed in the tube, the nodes of which are moved axially to cause cavitation along the length of the tube. Cavitation maximizes mechanical disruption and agitation of the fluid, dislodging foreign material from the interior surface.