Abstract: The inventive subject matter is directed to compositions and methods for sterile and storage stable low-dose atropine formulations with improved stability. Most preferably, the compositions presented herein are substantially preservative free and exhibit less than 0.35% tropic acid from degradation of atropine. Advantageously, contemplated formulations are also substantially free of preservatives.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter is directed to compositions and methods for sterile and storage stable low-dose atropine formulations with improved stability. Most preferably, the compositions presented herein are substantially preservative free and exhibit less than 0.35% tropic acid from degradation of atropine. Advantageously, contemplated formulations are also substantially free of preservatives.

Abstract: An apparatus configured for mixing the contents of one or more fluid containers includes a fluid container support platform configured to hold one or more fluid containers. The fluid container support platform is configured to index the container to one or more specified locations and to be moved in an orbital path about an orbital center independently of the rotation about the central axis of rotation. The apparatus further includes an indexing drive system configured to effect indexing movement of the container support platform and a vortex drive system configured to effect powered orbital movement of the container support platform about the orbital center. An evaporation limiting insert placed within containers reduces exposure of the fluid contents of the container to atmospheric air, thereby reducing susceptibility of the fluid contents to evaporation.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for inactivating one or more enzymes in a biological sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling evaporation from a body of water. The method of the invention uses a water insoluble compound and a water soluble polymer, which interact with each other by non-covalent bonding interactions.

Abstract: A total evaporator for fluids, including a cold chamber to prevent pre-evaporation, an evaporation region connected thereto having narrow flow cross-section for fast evaporation of the fluid, and a subsequent vapor chamber for pulsation damping and the controlled superheating of the vapor, the evaporation region being formed by a gap between concentrically nested cylindrical and/or conical tube sections and heat required for the evaporation and superheating processes is supplied by electric heating and/or by hot fluid and/or by catalytic or homogeneous combustion via the wall of the concentric tubes.

Abstract: A composition for retarding water loss and/or heat loss from a body of water comprises a polyoxyethylene ether having the general structure of R—(OCH2CH2)nOH where R is an alkyl group or mixture of alkyl groups, and n is the average number of ethylene oxide units in the polyethylene glycol segment, wherein R is lauryl alcohol and n is 2. The composition can be delivered as a neat liquid, solution, or dispersion in a solvent or carrier, without additional dispersants or spreading agents, and without hazardous or flammable solvents. Embodiments may include a thickening agent to stabilize the dispersion until use. Preservatives, colorants and fragrance can be added. The range for delivery of the composition in dilution is from about 0.1% to about 90% by weight in one embodiment, and from about 0.5% to about 50% by weight, and from about 1% to about 20% by weight in other embodiments.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are disclosed for treating a biological fluid with light. A container of biological fluid is introduced into a fluid treatment chamber where it is contacted with light provided by one or more light sources in proximity to the fluid treatment chamber. A drawer for holding containers of biological fluid introduces the containers into the chamber. Containers for holding the biological fluid are marked by the apparatus to indicate the status of the treatment.

Abstract: A liquid storage apparatus provides a safe and easy to use device for efficiently managing liquid reagents used in a variety of laboratory equipment. The liquid storage apparatus helps reduce the likelihood of accidental sticks to laboratory personnel, allows for flexibility of experimental design, and helps maximize the use of chemical regents to prevent waste. The apparatus includes a plurality of containers of liquid with a pierceable septum interface at each end. The apparatus also includes a lower array of needles with each of the lower needles in the lower array of needles arranged to penetrate the bottom pierceable septum of a different one of the containers. Each of the needles includes a passage so the liquid can flow out of the pierced container. The apparatus further includes an upper array of needles with each of the upper needles in the upper array of needles arranged to penetrate the top pierceable septum of a different one of the containers.

Abstract: A method is provided for minimizing the emissions of odorous gases and neutralizing volatile fatty acids generated by anaerobic decomposition of digestible and odiferous animal waste that includes the step of adding an alkaline solution to the digestible and odiferous animal waste to at least partially neutralize volatile fatty acids present in the digestible and odiferous animal waste and applying a layer of oil and activated carbon to the surface of the waste. A system for applying the above method includes means for applying the layer of oil and activated carbon to a surface of the waste; means for injecting the alkaline solution into the waste below the layer of oil and activated carbon; means for monitoring the pH level of the waste; and means for triggering the injection of additional alkaline solution when the pH level of the waste reaches a set point.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for emulsifying a petroleum product that has been spilled upon a portion of the earth's surface or that is burning are based upon use of a nonionic, primary surfactant composition comprising a first ethoxylated sorbitol oleate and, preferably, a second ethoxylated sorbitol oleate, and a nonionic, secondary surfactant that is capable of stabilizing and solubilizing the primary surfactant composition such that the resulting emulsifying compositions have a hydrophilic/lipophilic balance between about 12.0 and about 13.5.

Abstract: A cartridge device containing UVC for air disinfection that comprises individual ultraviolet bulb, HEPA/Carbon filter, LED for detection of replacement, ballast and electrical components; cartridge is plugged into a backplane which allows for easy installation and servicing of all components. The backplane powers the device and can be encased in various configurations which can be used in multiple applications, including portable and permanent air treatment devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for minimizing the emissions of odorous gases and fatty acids generated by digestible and odiferous waste. The apparatus includes a treatment comprising oil, activated carbon and a base buffering agent. The apparatus also includes a system for delivering the treatment through a low pressure output, such as a low pressure manifold with a plurality of delivery pipes. A starter plank made of concrete, used for mounting the apparatus on a wall and a flotation board, made of foamed polystyrene board, directs the flow of the treatment onto the surface of the waste. The method includes the steps of applying oil and activated carbon to the surface of liquid waste and injecting a base buffering agent below the surface of the oil/activated carbon layer. The oil and activated carbon create a seal that prevents odorous emissions from entering the air space above the liquid waste and the base buffering system neutralizes the acidic waste.

Abstract: Multi-purpose solutions for contact lens care provide substantial lens wearer/user comfort and/or acceptability. Such solutions include an aqueous liquid medium; an antimicrobial component, preferably a biguanide polymer present in an amount of less than about 5 ppm; propylene glycol or glycerin in an amount sufficient to increase antimicrobial activity; a surfactant component, preferably a poly(oxyethylene)-poly(oxypropylene) block copolymer surfactant, in an effective amount; a phosphate buffer component in an effective amount; a viscosity inducing component, preferably selected from cellulosic derivatives, in an effective amount; and a tonicity component in an effective amount. Such solutions have substantial performance, comfort and acceptability benefits, which, ultimately, lead to ocular health advantages and avoidance of problems caused by contact lens wear.

Abstract: Parent disclosure, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,303,133 B1, taught a calcium hydroxide containing evaporation retardant having particles that mutually repel one another because of water-induced ionization. Calcium hydroxide makes the retardant unsuitable for treating overly alkaline agricultural soil, and to substitute plain calcium sulfate for calcium hydroxide would degrade the particle repulsion effect. Substitutable acidified gypsum is made by absorbing about 5 milliliters sulfuric acid per 300 grams calcium sulfate. Blending unemulsified detergent range alcohol in a parts by weight ratio of about one-to-ten with the acidified gypsum produces a soil treatment product for suppressing evaporation of water from treated soil without impairing water infiltration into the same soil.

Abstract: Input water is preheated in a heat exchanger (2), pumped (4) through another heat exchanger (5) into a heating unit (6). The heating unit heats the water to a temperature of above 100° C., preferably 140-150° C., while maintaining the water in a liquid state without vaporization. A pump (8) feeds the heated water under sufficient pressure to prevent vaporization to at least one crossflow filtration unit (9). A portion of the heated water passes through a thermally stable filtration material having a pore size of 1-20 nanometers for filtering endotoxins and pyrogens, 4-10 nanometers for filtering viruses, or 100 nanometers−30 &mgr;m for filtering bacteria. Heated water which has passed through the filtration material is fed through a pure water product outlet of the filtration unit to a pure water outlet (16). A retenate portion of the heated water flows past the filtration material to carry filtered impurities through a retenate output line (10).

Abstract: Process for producing hydrophobic polyolefinic membranes for gas exchange via thermally induced liquid-liquid phase separation is disclosed. A solution of at least one polyolefin in a solvent system, of a compound A and a compound B having a viscosity less than 60 mPa s, is extruded to form a shaped object. The compound A is a solvent and compound B preferably a non-solvent of the polymer, and the boiling point of compound A is at least 50° C. higher than that of compound B. After the shaped object leaves the die, at least one surface thereof is subjected to an atmosphere promoting evaporation of compound B, and the shaped object is subsequently cooled until the phase separation and solidification of the high-polymer-content phase take place.

Abstract: The invention pertains to enhancing the dispersion on the surface of a still or moving body of a polar liquid, such as water, of particles of a powder of the composition essentially comprising a monolayer-forming constituent, such as hexadecanol or octadecanol or a blend thereof, together with a high proportion of a soluble or sparingly soluble alkaline earth metal hydroxide, more particularly about five times the monolayer-forming constituent's weight when the hydroxide constituent is—as preferred for potable water evaporation reduction—calcium hydroxide procured as inexpensive pre-powdered agricultural hydrated lime. A melt-processing manner of producing the composition is described. When particles of the composition contact the body of water, so long as lime remains present in any floating particles, they will be individually positively charged, resulting in their repulsion from one another. This enhanced dispersal effect is due to the ionization of the calcium hydroxide.

Abstract: A method of impeding the evaporation of a solvent by at least partially dissolving a solvent soluble polymer in the solvent in sufficient amounts so as to impede the evaporation of the solvent is disclosed. In one embodiment the soluble polymer may be selected from the group including oligomeric or polymeric homo-, co-, and terpolymers wherein a vinylcyclohexyl moiety comprises at least 10% weight of the polymer. Another aspect is generally directed to a method of storing a solvent including placing the solvent in a suitable container for storage, and dissolving in at least a portion of the solvent sufficient amounts of a soluble polymer so as to impede the evaporation of the solvent. Also described are compositions including a solvent and a polymer dissolved in the solvent so as to impede evaporation of the solvent.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the formation of organic gels by dissolving organic gelling agents in organic solvents. The aryl cyclohexanol gelling agents employed in this invention are not structurally related to previously known gellation agents and they exhibit potent gellation activity, for example, from 0.2-5%, by weight, of gelling agent is able to immobilize a variety of organic solvents. The gels formed range from optically transparent to slightly translucent, and complete fluidity can be restored by either increasing the temperature (reversible) or by chemical treatment (irreversible).

Abstract: A device for applying an evaporation-inhibiting film to an exposed liquid surface of a liquid body, which includes an impeller disposed below and coplanar with the exposed liquid surface; means for rotating said impeller; means for delivering the evaporation-inhibiting film to the exposed liquid surface at a location immediately above said impeller; and means for bringing liquid from beneath the exposed surface of the liquid body to above said impeller.

Abstract: A method for creating a barrier to protect wood materials for house construction or wooden structures such as houses from humidity, moisture and/or biological attacks, such as wood decaying fungi and termites, is disclosed. The method is to treat wood itself or, preferably, the ground surface under the floor with a liquid containing a synthetic resin emulsion and an anti-fungal and wood-preservative agent and/or a pesticide such as termite-controlling agent, and further, a foaming agent. The barrier contains a selected copolymer of vinyl acetate and a polyurethane polymer.

Abstract: An apparatus is also described for reducing pollutant emissions into the surrounding air from storage of liquid materials in a tank having a cover which is movable in the vertical direction in the tank and moves along with the fill level of the liquid material being stored, wherewith an edge gap is present between the outer perimeter of the cover and the inner wall of the tank, which edge gap is filled with a sealing liquid which has a lower density than the liquid material being stored, and has a vapor pressure which is low in comparison to that of the liquid material being stored.

Abstract: Novel formulations for aqueous foams which, in the presence of hydrocarbons, can persist for 24 hours or more. The foams are suitable for the suppression of hydrocarbon and polar organic vapors.

Abstract: Novel formulations for aqueous foams which, in the presence of hydrocarbons, can persist for 24 hours or more. The foams are suitable for the suppression of hydrocarbon and polar organic vapors.

Abstract: The present invention provides an immunohistochemical staining method using improved reagents. In one aspect, the method uses an evaporation inhibitor liquid to prevent evaporation of reagents applied to an assay region of a slide.

Abstract: A composition for forming an essentially biodegradable foam for application to a substrate to provide a barrier between the substrate and the atmosphere formulated from a mixture in water of specified materials in certain proportional relationships. Its use in preparing such a foam barrier is also provided.

Abstract: An improved method for loading crude oil into a tank or tanks of a tanker ship wherein a layer of foam is used to suppress the formation of hydrocarbon vapors during the loading operation. The foam is generated at a point remote from the tanks and is then supplied to the bottom of the tanks through the already-existing crude oil loading manifold aboard the tanker.

Abstract: An evaporation reduction apparatus for open mouth liquid containers and a method for substantially reducing liquid to air evaporation surface exposure wherein an elongated tube having an upper end portion of such outside dimension in relationship to the inside container mouth dimension to form a press fit upon insertion of the tube into the container. The tube having a bottom end and bottom end portion with at least one elongated slot open at the tube bottom end extending upwardly from the tube bottom, the tube having at least one bore passage in an upper end portion wall for fill venting purposes. The tube or evaporation chimney providing a method for reducing liquid evaporation from the open mouth container by reducing the actual liquid surface area exposed to ambient air.

Abstract: A preservation process and apparatus which serves to preserve respiratory agricultural produces, such as plants, flowers, fruits, vegetables, cereal grain and the like, without necessitating the use of chemical coatings, chemical preservatives, fumigants, or the like. The invention is predicated on the concept of imposing a small positive pressure gradient on the product from the outside to the inside. The selected positive pressure gradient may be of the order of 1-5 psi, which is sufficient to insure positive partial vapor pressure gradients from ambient partial vapor pressure to the internal partial vapor pressure of the product. Such a positive pressure sufficient to ensure a positive partial pressure gradient neutralizes the outward diffusion of moisture and nutrients from the product, and it also retards the respiration rate and thus retards its rated maturity.

Abstract: A container body is formed of a polymer material and contains coloring matter effective to render the body substantially opaque to electromagnetic radiation having a wave length of about 5 to about 600 nm and translucent or semi-transparent to electromagnetic radiation having a wave length of about 600 to about 800 nm. The container permits storage and transport of photosensitive fluids, for example, body fluids for test purposes which contain bilirubin and other photo-degradable substances, but at the same time the contents of the container body are apparent from visual inspection.

Abstract: A fluorine-containing surface active composition capable reducing the surface tension of water and the interfacial tension between water and oil, which comprises (A) at least one of cationic, non-ionic to ampho-ionic surfactant showing a surface tension of not more than 25 dyne/cm when determined on a 0.01 to 1.0 % by weight aqueous solution and having at least one fluorine-containing group comprising not less than 6 carbon atoms, of which each carbon atom bears at least one fluorine atom, and (B) at least one of surfactants of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic group of 4 to 20 carbon atoms or a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon group of 6 to 20 carbon atoms, R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.

Abstract: A composition for protection of the liquid surface from heat- and mass-trfer, for example from evaporation, contains a polymer limitedly swelling in the protected liquid or a mixture of said polymer with a neutral filler having a density lower than the density of the protected liquid.A method for protection of the liquid surface from heat- and mass-transfer comprising application of said composition on the surface of a liquid, for example petroleum, in an amount of from 0.1 to 2 kg per m.sup.2. Upon contacting of the polymer with the liquid the polymer rapidly swells and forms a continuous gel-like covering which hinders the heat- and mass-transfer on the liquid surface.

Abstract: A fluorine-containing surface active composition capable reducing the surface tension of water to the interfacial tension between water and oil, which comprises (A) at least one of cationic, non-ionic and ampho-ionic surfactant showing a surface tension of not more than 25 dyne/cm when determined on a 0.01 to 1.0 % by weight aqueous solution and having at least one fluorine-containing group comprising not less than 6 carbon atoms, of which each carbon atom bears at least one fluorine atom, and (B) at least one of surfactants of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic group of 4 to 20 carbon atoms or a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon group of 6 to 20 carbon atoms, R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.

Abstract: A fluorine-containing surface active composition capable of reducing the surface tension of water and the interfacial tension between water and oil, which comprises (A) at least one cationic, non-ionic or ampho-ionic surfactant showing a surface tension of not more than 25 dyne/cm when determined on a 0.01 to 1.0% by weight aqueous solution and having at least one fluorine-containing group comprising not less than 6 carbon atoms, of which each carbon atom bears at least one fluorine atom, and (B) at least one of surfactants of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic group of 4 to 20 carbon atoms or a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon group of 6 to 20 carbon atoms, R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.

Abstract: Disclosed are cell-free, stable, aqueous blood gas controls containing a proteinaceous foaming agent. The addition of foaming agent to the blood gas control permits generation of a gas impermeable foam within the head space of a sealed ampule in which the control is packaged. Upon agitation of the ampule prior to opening, the foam thus generated effectively isolates the control fluid from the ambient environment, thereby maintaining the concentration of gases dissolved within the fluid at their assigned values.

Abstract: A drain cleaner package which reduces the hazards of handling a caustic material, such as sulfuric acid, or an aqueous alkali metal hydroxide solution in a container by providing a layer of immiscible liquid in the container above the caustic material. In a preferred embodiment, the container is a bottle with a narrowed neck.

Abstract: A very effective composition for inhibiting vapor losses of stored hydrocarbons comprises a mixture of a surfactant, such as a foaming agent, and a polyglycol. A method for retarding evaporation of volatile hydrocarbons from a body of liquid hydrocarbon material is provided by forming a thin film of these compositions on the surface of the body of liquid hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A very effective composition for inhibiting vapor losses of stored hydrocarbons comprises a mixture of a surfactant, such as a foaming agent, and a polyglycol. Indeed a method for retarding evaporation of volatile hydrocarbons from a body of liquid hydrocarbon material is provided by forming a thin film of these compositions on the surface of the body of liquid hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A process for preparing microcapsules comprising a core of highly viscous liquid substance encapsuled with a wall of an aggregate of finely divided silica powder, which comprises adding the highly viscous liquid substance into a powder bed of the finely divided silica powder under stirring with a cutter. The microcapsules thus obtained have such a structure that the core of highly viscous liquid substance is coated with a wall of an aggregate of the finely divided silica powder and a gelatinized layer formed between the wall and the liquid core substance.

Abstract: A very effective composition for inhibiting vapor losses of stored hydrocarbons comprises a mixture of a fluorosurfactant, a silicone surfactant, a polyglycol, and a glycol ether. Indeed, a method for retarding evaporation of volatile hydrocarbons from a body of liquid hydrocarbon material is provided by forming a thin film of these compositions on the surface of the body of liquid hydrocarbons.