Abstract: This invention relates to an automated apparatus for subjecting samples to one or more selected test procedures at one or more test stations comprising a conveyor line for transporting samples contained in uniquely labeled containers, said line having at least two lanes for routing said containers to one or more selectable test stations, at least one of said lanes being a transport lane and at least one of said lanes being a queue line, and having a container interface device for transferring containers to said testing device from the queue lane and back again onto said queue lane.

Abstract: This invention relates to an automated apparatus for subjecting samples to one or more selected test procedures at one or more test stations comprising a conveyor line for transporting samples contained in uniquely labeled containers, said line having at least two lanes for routing said containers to one or more selectable test stations, at least one of said lanes being a transport lane and at least one of said lanes being a queue lane, and having a container interface device for transferring containers to said testing device from the queue lane and back again onto said queue lane.

Abstract: A direct contact water heating system and process are disclosed which provide for the direct contact of hot flue gases with water-to-be-heated without the hot flue gases being washed or quenched prior to their contact with the water in such a manner that maximum thermodynamic efficiency is achieved while delivering water heated to the equilibrium temperature corresponding to the vessel pressure and free of dissolved gases, and requiring, under most conditions, no make-up water. A variation will produce water at a higher temperature. The system discharges scrubbed environmentally-acceptable flue gas to the atmosphere with essentially zero chemical, particulate or thermal pollution.