Abstract: A method of sterile packaging and wetting articles within the package which involves the steps of partially filling a container with any of a number of anti-bacterial agents in liquid or semi-liquid form, then placing articles into the container, then sealing the container so that an air space is formed above the liquid within the container, then heating the container and its contents to a temperature substantially below the boiling point of the liquid, and at a pressure of about one atmosphere, until the surfaces within the container above and below the liquid level, and the entire contents of such container, are sterilized, and finally cooling the container and its contents to a temperature at or below the dew point of the air space until the surfaces within the container and above the liquid level are wetted by the condensed liquid from the air.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling an open top carton with a liquid product and liquidating the foam generated during the filling of the carton. A plurality of dispensers sequentially fill the carton with the liquid product. A defoamer introduces a spray of high velocity particles into the foam in the container to break down and liquidate the foam. After the foam is dissipated, the top of the carton is sealed.

Abstract: A polyolefin mould for casting contact lenses from a polymerizable monomer composition which shrinks on polymerization, said mould comprising: male (50) and female (51) mould halves at least one of which has a flexible diaphragm portion (53, 54) which is shaped to provide a surface corresponding to a lenticular surface, said mould halves (50, 51), when closed together, cooperating to define a mould cavity (52) for receiving a volume of said monomer composition, at least one of said mould halves (50, 51) having a shoulder portion (55, 56) surrounding said cavity and shaped to engage with said other mould half to define an edge moulding portion of said cavity: whereby in use said diaphragm (53, 54) is deflected into said cavity under forces exerted on said mould by said monomer composition when polymerized in said closed cavity (52), thereby compensating for the shrinkage occurring on polymerization and avoiding the formation of bubbles or voids in the resulting lenses.

Abstract: A system for introducing liquified gas into filled containers in a continuous container fill line (10), wherein, the dosage of liquified gas dispensed into each container is calibrated to the individual container's particular head-space volume. The system (10) includes measuring the head-space volume of each filled container in-line and communicating that measurement to a controller (28) which can adjust the dosage of liquified gas to be dispensed to each individual container. The system also provides for measuring the internal pressure of each container after sealing, which measurement is also communicated to the controller so that the controller can make additional dosage corrections and can direct the ejectment of improperly pressurized containers.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a refrigerant container in the form of a bag, or pouch, made from two sheets of multi-layer barrier film material which are heat sealed adjacent their edges to form a closed pouch which has an interior space. The bag may be connected to an access valve provided in a line of a sealed refrigeration system for capturing the refrigerant therefrom. The barrier film material is specially formulated to prevent outward permeation of a refrigerant and to prevent inward permeation of air. A valve stem is provided for filling and emptying the bag.

Abstract: A insulation device includes an enclosure defining a cavity which is filled with a binderless, loose, discrete, divided insulation material. An uncured binder is homogeneously dispersed through the insulation filling material prior to installing the insulation material in the enclosure. The binder is cured after the insulation material is installed in the cavity to prevent the shifting or settling of the insulation material within the cavity. The insulation device can be made by forming an opening into the cavity of the enclosure, injecting binderless, loose, discrete, divided insulation material into the enclosure cavity and concurrently applying an uncured binder on the insulation material as it is being injected into the enclosure cavity to homogeneously distribute the uncured binder throughout the insulation material being injected into the enclosure cavity, and closing the opening of the enclosure.

Abstract: An insulation panel for an appliance for reducing one or more undesirable side effects due to the operation of the appliance such as noise, vibration and heat includes a first layer of enclosing material such as polyethylene or polypropylene which has greater tear resistance and configuring this first layer of enclosing material to a size and shape based upon the appliance and the area of the appliance to be covered. Next, a second layer of similar enclosing material is selected and configured so as to having a matching peripheral edge or contour with the first layer. Ultimately these two layers of enclosing material are joined together around their peripheral edges so as to define and completely enclose an interior cavity. Into this interior cavity a blanket of insulating material is dispersed of a generally uniform blanket thickness. In certain applications, the insulating material includes a binder so that the insulating material will not shift or settle relative to the enclosed cavity.

Abstract: The package (10) for shipping and storing articles such as cut flower arrangements (14) includes a flower container (12) lower portion is provided with a water-containing absorbent foam block (18) receiving the flower stems (38) in pierced relation and a block (20) of non-absorbent, relatively rigid foam, above the absorbent block sealing said block and said flower stems in place. A plastic film vented shell (16) is disposed about the flowers and connected to the container in shrink-wrap relation. The package includes U-shaped insert (22) which holds the container firmly in place in the shipping carton (24) and refrigerated gel envelopes to ensure freshness of the flowers on arrival at their destination.

Abstract: The present invention provides a package for and method of packaging a sterilizable calibratable medical device including a hydratable sensor component. The device is maintained in a sterile environment during storage and in a clean environment during the calibration procedure. The package includes a manifold connected to the sensor component by plumbing. The plumbing establishes fluid communication between the manifold and the sensor component and/or between the sensor component and the ambient environment of the plumbing. The manifold, plumbing and medical device are sealed in a wrap including a gas-permeable surface. The wrap and its contents, including the interior surfaces of the components, are sterilizable by exposing the wrap to a gaseous sterilization solution and appropriately adjusting the plumbing. The medical device is hydratable by directing the hydration solution to the sensor component by means of the plumbing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for building up a ground store of pressed vegetable material wherein the material is picked up by a tractor loader and successively put through a funnel element which carries a store of a retractable plastic sheet hose, whereby a long row of bails are stored in the hose. The funnel element is moved stepwise forwardly by the tractor to consecutively provide the necessary space in the hose for enabling an introduction of the next bail. The tractor and/or loader may be provided with equipment for applying a treating fluid to the bails during the handling thereof, and the bails, thus treated, are stored in a practically sealed manner in the tubular sheet hose.

Abstract: A method for packaging intraocular lenses, contact lenses and other small, delicate devices which must be stored in a liquid is described. The method utilizes a container having a conically-shaped compartment to package small, delicate devices (e.G., intraocular lenses) in a manner such that the devices may be easily located in the compartment and removed from the container.

Abstract: A food stuff casing is disclosed, in particular for packing and casing hot packed food stuffs or those that are heated after packing, containing at least one polyamide, which can absorb at leasat 5% of its own weight in water prior to saturation, characterized in that the food stuffs casing contains at least 5%-wt water, no tightening lubricating agent, and no moisture retention agent.

Abstract: An apparatus for flowing and filling liquified gases, which fuctions to flow and to fill liquified bases into cans from a liquified gas storage tank immediately before seaming of the cans. The apparatus includes a solenoid for attracting an upper portion of a needle of a flow valve formed from a needle valve to open and clode the valve. A pulse motor adjusts an opening-degree of the valve. A valve opening-degree detecting device detects the opening degree. A direction changing nozzle is formed with a nozzle opening obliquely descended in a direction of transporting a can, below the flow valve. A line speed and a balve open amount in a high speed region and a low speed region are respectively set to thereby obtain a line speed/valve opening-degree conversion table, on the basis of which an opening-degree of the valve can be controlled following the line speed.

Abstract: Containers are pressurized by adding a controlled amount of liquid cryogen to uncapped containers as they move along an assembly line to a capping station. The liquid cryogen is added to the containers in a stream from a conduit outlet. The amount of cryogen delivered is controlled by sub-cooling the liquid cryogen as it flows across a flow-control restriction in the conduit, thereby ensuring that flow across the restriction is liquid. Control is also achieved by maintaining the temperature of the cryogen delivered from the outlet low enough to avoid detrimental flashing.

Abstract: A system and a method for the isolation from the environment of chemically or biologically contaminated objects are disclosed. The method includes inserting a contaminated object into a disposal container and then contacting the object with one or more reactive agents which react to immobilize and protectively encapsulate the object. The use of reactive agents which are members of room temperature reacting polyurethane foam systems is particularly preferred.

Abstract: Baled animal feed material is improved by being moved onto a vehicle either by a lifting mechanism at the side of the vehicle or by a platform which takes the bale directly from a baler. On the vehicle is firstly mounted a wrapping station in the form of a cradle which rotates the bale about its axis and about an axis at right angles to the bale so that the plastic strip material is wrapped around the bale and around the ends of the bale. A probe is moved forwardly hydraulically to enter the bale along its axis following which anhydrous ammonia from a volumetric measuring device is injected under pressure from a hydraulic supply through the probe into the bale.

Abstract: Solid shaped articles, particularly rapidly dissolving pharmaceutical dosage forms, carrying predetermined unit quantities of chemicals are prepared by a novel process involving the addition of the predetermined amount of chemical in a solvent to a placebo article which contains a network of carrier material. The placebo article is prepared by freezing a composition of carrier material in a solvent and subliming the solvent from the frozen composition.

Abstract: Normally, cyanoacrylates cannot be applied by brushing since they cure rapidly in contact with brush bristles. By pre-wetting the bristles with a solvent, this curing action is impeded. Thus, brushes so treated can be stored in a cyanoacrylate monomer formulation and the formulation can be brushed.This discovery permits cyanocrylates to be conveniently packaged in a bottle with cap and brush ready for use, for example, as fingernail strengthening and extenion systems. Thus, sophisticated fingernail enhancement systems can be distributed and used about as conveniently as fingernail polish systems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for netting meat products wrapped in an edible collagen film. The apparatus includes a receiving surface into which the meat products are deposited and wrapped with the film. The wrapped meat products are then forced through an extrusion device and into a netting. The apparatus includes a lubrication distribution system for lubricating the surfaces which contact the wrapped meat products. Also associated with the apparatus is a container for storing edible collagen film pieces trimmed to selected lengths and stacked therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a canned aqueous food product contained in a hermetically closed rigid container. According to the invention, the pressure inside of the container as measured at 20.degree. C. has a value between 3,300 and 6,600 pascals and the partial pressure of steam is at least equal to 40% of said pressure. The invention is in particular applicable to the canned food industry.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing pressurized, sealed containered food is disclosed, in which a predetermined quantity of low-temperature liquefied gas is charged through two or more low-temperature liquefied gas outlets into a succession of individual containers which have already a predetermined quantity of food including liquid content and are successively travelling upright with the top end open at a constant speed, and each container is subsequently sealed with a lid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing antiseptically sterile hands for use in hospitals where germ transfer from one patient to another is to be avoided, this being accomplished by encapsulating an antiseptically presoaked glove and later removing the encapsulating material to provide the user with premoistened gloves to perform body massage and operating room functions free of fear that there may be germ transfer to a patient under care.

Abstract: Normally, cyanoacrylates cannot be applied by brushing since they cure rapidly in contact with brush bristles. By pre-wetting the bristles with a solvent, this curing action is impeded. Thus, brushes so treated can be stored in a cyanoacrylate monomer formulation and the formulation can be brushed.This discovery permits cyanoacrylates to be conveniently packaged in a bottle with cap and brush ready for use, for example, as fingernail strengthening and extension systems. Thus, sophisticated fingernail enhancement systems can be distributed and used about as conveniently as fingernail polish systems.

Abstract: A control system for providing a closed loop control circuit between a liquid nitrogen dispenser and apparatus for determining internal pressure within a closed can having liquid nitrogen applied thereto whereby the automatic controlling of the volume of liquid nitrogen dispensed into each can is effected. Control data from a pressure test unit is averaged and the average is compared to a preselected set point and converted into a pulse of a width varying in accordance with the average detected pressure of previously filled cans to control the time of dispensing and thus the volume of dispensed liquid nitrogen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing liquid impregnated fabric wipes and packaging the wipes in a container. Fabric material in sheet form is initially passed through a folder to fold the side edge of the sheet, and the folded sheet then travels over a pair of liquid impregnating tubes where liquid is discharged from slots in the tubes against opposite faces of the folded sheet material. After impregnation with the liquid, several sheets are placed together in superimposed form and cut into short lengths to form wipes. The wipes are supported along their side edges by two pair of cooperating endless conveyor belts and as the wipes move along the conveyor, a reciprocating platen moves downwardly between the spaced belts to eject the wipes from the belts onto a conveyor or pack the wipes into a container.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for absorbing moisture when moisture constraints are present. The moisture absorbing compositions include a curable epoxy resin, a curing agent, and an anhydride of a carboxylic acid. In one embodiment, the anhydride component is present in an amount sufficient both to cure the resin and to absorb the moisture. In other embodiments, a separate curing agent is included. Methods employing such compositions as adhesives or coatings, particularly in electronic device packaging, also are disclosed.

Abstract: Precipitated silica, formed by the interaction of sodium water glass and sulfuric acid, followed by mechanical processing, is employed as an insulating material having a low thermal conductivity. The precipitated silica is dried, compressed, placed in an evacuable pouch, and evacuated. The resulting board-like insulation configuration is used directly as insulation in, for example, household refrigerators.

Abstract: A device for wrapping a bale of ruminant animal feedstuff and injecting it with a chemical treatment, comprising a frame carried by a tractor, and a turntable with spikes thereon on the frame for holding a bale off the ground and rotating it relative to the frame. The device is equipped for holding a supply of wrapping material and for rotating the turntable and a bale thereon with the wrapping material attached to the bale, whereby the wrapping material is wrapped around the bale as the bale rotates with the turntable. The device is also equipped for injecting chemical treatment from a source on the tractor into the bale.A method of injecting a chemical treatment into a bale is also disclosed.

Abstract: Pressurization of containers with liquid nitrogen to impart container strength and content protection is effected by injecting a small quantity of liquid nitrogen before sealing the container by the methods and apparatus including a gas pressure system wherein liquid nitrogen is maintained by control means at a constant pressure with nitrogen gas being separated from liquid nitrogen before dispensing and a recirculating pump pressure system wherein liquid nitrogen from a second of two supplies is pumped through a conduit to a dispensing gun and surplus liquid and gas is returned to the supply.

Abstract: Compositions comprising: (1) an acid-containing highly concentrated calcium salt solution which optionally can also contain magnesium ions and minor amounts of other physiologically acceptable metal ions; and (2) a particulate admixture comprising sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride and, optionally, potassium chloride, dextrose and other physiologically acceptable materials which, in aqueous solution, are unreactive to sodium bicarbonate.

Abstract: A lawn and garden feeding apparatus includes a container made of transparent plastic, having inlet and outlet hose connections and a disposable cartridge which is inserted into the container. The cartridge comprises a gel with plant nutriment and a water soluble dye suspended therein with the cartridge fitting the inside of the container and having a bore communicating with the inlet and outlet connections. The container inlet is connected by a garden hose to a source of water and the outlet is connected by a hose to a conventional sprinkler or nozzle so that in use of apparatus, water flows through the cartridge bore drawing nutriment and dye from the gel in micro-feeding amounts, and is discharged through the sprinkler or nozzle. Extraction of dye from the gel, after a selected period of time, results in a perceptible change in gel color, indicating that the cartridge requires replacement.

Abstract: A method for packaging and shaping sanitary napkins (10) in a container (44) is described. The method comprises advancing a succession of pre-moistened, embossed sanitary napkins (10) along a predetermined path (30), deflecting the ends of the napkins (10) by means of deflector guides (32) to impart a non-planar shape to the napkins (10), introducing the napkins (10) into a container (44) which provides packaging therefor, and reducing the moisture content in the napkins (10). After the moisture content is sufficiently reduced, e.g., as by evaporation during commercial storage or shipment, the napkins (10) retain their non-planar, curved shape after removal from the container (44) for individual use.

Abstract: A spermicidally active, lubricated prophylactic and method for making same is disclosed. The prophylactic is formed by dip-coating and unrolling the prophylactic and a specific lubricant, polyethylene glycol, and a spermicide are dispensed into the rolled prophylactic, the lubricant causing migration of the spermicide throughout the rolled device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing liquid impregnated fabric wipes and packaging the wipes in a container. Fabric material in sheet form is initially passed through a folder to fold the side edge of the sheet, and the folded sheet then travels over a pair of liquid impregnating tubes where liquid is discharged from slots in the tubes against opposite faces of the folded sheet material. After impregnation with the liquid, several sheets are placed together in superimposed form and cut into short lengths to form wipes. The wipes are supported along their side edges by two pair of cooperating endless conveyor belts and as the wipes move along the conveyor, a reciprocating platen moves downwardly between the spaced belts to eject the wipes from the belts and pack the wipes into a container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for washing the solid annular pieces used in immune methods, i.e. the so-called EIA-rings, and for coating such rings with a reagent, as well as for the dispensing of the rings. The EIA-rings are fitted, one after the other, into a tubular container part, which is open at both ends. To the bottom end of the container part an intake tip is attached, and to the other end a device for drawing and exhausting a liquid through the intake tip into the container part. The container part enclosing the EIA-rings is then sealed at both ends until the upper end of the container part is opened for dispensing the rings. The opened end is connected to a dosage device, the intake tip of the container part is removed and the EIA-rings are dispensed by means of the device.

Abstract: A process for storing sound and heat insulating fiber materials comprising reducing fiber-fiber friction in the product by drying and by applying a friction reducing agent, preferably a silicone oil, onto said fibers, optionally freezing the product, preferably to a temperature below the glass transition temperature of the adhesive in the product, enclosing the product in an air-tight and moisture-proof material, evacuating the package and reducing the porosity of the product by at most 1/3 by compressing, sealing the package and, after storing, opening the package and optionally working the product mechanically.

Abstract: Nonwoven fibrous sheets bonded with polyvinyl alcohol, intended for use in pre-moistened condition as skin cleansing tissues, are folded and packaged in closed containers or in individual sealed water impervious envelopes; said packaged sheets being maintained in contact with a dilute aqueous solution of boric acid. The boric acid imparts improved wet tensile strength to the sheet during storage and use by the consumer but may be safely disposed of, after use, by flushing in plain water without danger of clogging the plumbing system. Instead of boric acid solution, one may employ for the indicated purpose a non-alkaline aqueous solution of a salt which acts as a precipitating or gelling agent for polyvinyl alcohol, said salt being one having an acid to neutral pH on hydrolysis.

Abstract: Nonwoven fibrous sheets impregnated with latices of polyvinyl acetate or its copolymers containing polyvinyl alcohol, intended for use in pre-moistened condition as skin cleansing tissues, are folded and packaged in closed containers or in individual sealed water impervious envelopes; said packaged sheets being maintained in contact with a dilute aqueous solution of a precipitating or gelling agent for polyvinyl alcohol, such as boric acid. The agent imparts improved wet tensile strength to the sheet during storage and use by the consumer but permits the sheet to be safely disposed of, after use, by flushing in plain water without danger of clogging the plumbing system.

Abstract: A liquid impregnating system for impregnating, with a liquid, absorbent, compressible product maintained at least in part within the interior compartment of a tub or other container. The impregnating operation is carried out by compressing the product to increase the residence volume in the tub for the impregnating liquid, and directing the liquid into engagement with the product while it is maintained in its compressed condition. Most preferably, the product is a stack of absorbent sheets and the compressing operation is carried out by pressing downwardly on the uppermost sheet of the stack in localized areas intermediate end margins to cause end margins of at least some adjacent sheets in the stack to fan apart. This increases the accessibility of absorbent surface area within the stack to the impregnating liquid.

Abstract: A method for making packaged gel refrigerant. Polyethylene tubing having a gusset fold along each side edge is cut off in desired lengths and one end of each is heat-sealed. A metered amount of dry, powdered gel base is inserted, and the other end of the bag is then heat-sealed to provide a closed and sealed bag containing the gel base. The bags may then be shipped to a remote location. There a hollow needle is moved to pierce the bag contents through the gusset fold and next to an upper sealed end, the cut leaving a small plastic flap still attached to the bag. A jet of a metered amount of water under high pressure is then sent through the needle to combine with the powder in the lower part of the bag, and then the needle is removed, the cut flap closing most of the needle-entry opening. The water and powder are then mixed together away from that opening, the freshly formed and still forming flexible gel being thereafter distributed substantially evenly throughout the bag.

Abstract: An improved method for handling and transporting thermoplastic materials such as chewing gum base is disclosed. Chewing gum base, formulated as a hot viscous blend, is initially extruded and then pelletized. The pellets are subsequently cooled in a liquid medium such as water. Instead of drying the pellets and coating the pellets with a lubricating powder for packaging and shipment, a slurry of the cooling medium and pellets is conveyed to bulk containers or railroad tank cars for transport to the customer-user, a chewing gum manufacturer. By transporting in a liquid the tendency of the tacky pellets to agglomerate is eliminated, and the prior steps of drying and coating the pellets with a lubricating power are unnecessary. The customer-user, in the case of chewing gum base, furthermore, does not have to separate agglomerated pellets before use, and the pellets need only be strained and conveyed directly to a blender for formulation into chewing gum compositions.