Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispersing a sample in a process stream is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a conduit which receives a sample at a first end and passes the sample to a pyrolysis furnace through a second end. A port is provided to admit a carrier gas. A dispersing device, preferably consisting of quartz wool, distributes the sample throughout the conduit, so that the sample may be heated by the pyrolysis furnace without coking. The method comprises the steps of receiving a sample in a conduit, dispersing the sample within a fluid carrier such that the sample is uniformly mixed throughout the fluid carrier.

Abstract: A corona discharge generator is disclosed, and includes a central tube of electrically conducting material circumscribed by a glass tube having an electrically conducting coating on its exterior surface and being sealed to the exterior surface of the central tube at opposites ends of the glass tube. The central tube is blocked within the longitudinal extent of the glass tube, and provided with holes between the interior of the central tube and the annular enclosure formed between the central tube and the glass tube, toward the opposite ends of the glass tube. Oxygen-containing gas flows along the central tube, out a first hole or holes to the enclosure, along the enclosure and back through one or more holes into the central tube on the downstream side of the blockage. A pulsed electrical signal is applied to the two tubular electrodes to effect a corona discharge within the enclosure, thereby producing ozone.

Abstract: A microwave process seal and method is provided for use, for example, in the detection of ullage level and flow in a vessel or conduit by detecting the presence of a solid or liquid material in proximity to a microwave detector. Particularly, a horn design is provided in conjunction with, the microwave process seal of the present invention which fits in the mouth of the horn. The microwave process seal is kept as thin as possible to meet pressure requirements. The surface of the seal is oriented at or near the Brewster angle. The Brewster angle is that angle for which there is total transmission across a dielectric boundary for energy that strikes the boundary with a linear polarization.

Abstract: A method for automated control of a petroleum distillation column in which signals representing temperatures, pressures and fluid flow rates for selected product streams withdrawn from the column are transmitted to a digital computer where, by means of a programmed algorithm, they are used to derive a true boiling point curve for the petroleum products of such product streams. The true boil point curve is then used to infer selected properties for the petroleum products which are compared with desired properties for the products of the monitored product streams and the differences between the inferred and desired properties are utilized to adjust automatically one or more of the operating parameters for the column so as to move the column's performance incrementally towards optimization.

Abstract: Disclosed is a brake locking mechanism of the anti-theft type for use with a vehicular brake system having a brake actuating push rod reciprocable by a driver operated lever into the brake applying position. The brake lock comprises a locking mechanism attached to the brake pedal by an elongated linking member and a remote switch for engaging and disengaging the lock. The locking mechanism preferably comprises a pawl and ratchet assembly or a piston and fluid operated cylinder. The lock may be either manually activated by pressing on the brake pedal or automatically activated by positioning a three-way valve and engaging a pump.

Abstract: A suspension ceiling for clean room installations is disclosed. The ceiling has a suspended ceiling support structure having a plurality of grid openings including a vertical member between each grid opening and flanges extending horizontally from each vertical member so as to form a horizontal surface around a periphery of each grid opening for peripherally supporting a ceiling insert therein. At least one ceiling panel is positioned in a grid opening and peripherally supported by the flanges. An edge cap sealingly engages the ceiling panel edge surface for inhibiting particle emission therefrom. The edge cap comprises an elongated rigid or semi rigid strip of generally U-shaped cross-section having first and second horizontal portions respectively compressively engaging the periphery of the back and front ceiling panel horizontal surfaces and a vertical portion joining the first and second horizontal strip portions adjacent the ceiling panel edge surface.

Abstract: Method of treating animal hosts or their environment for ticks and fleas by applying thereto a toxic amount of linalool.