Abstract: In order to take care of the oral hygiene needs of aged or infirm patients in health care facilities, or the like, a relatively small, compact, self-contained device can be carried by a lay operator from room to room. Fresh water in one container carried on the device is replenished from each room's fresh water faucet and waste water in another container is disposed of in the room's sink. Each patient has an individual tooth brush adapted to engage a handle connected by flexible tubing to the portable device and suitable switches enable the operator to control the operation of electrically actuated components effective to discharge fresh water through the bristles of the brush and vacuum waste water from the vicinity of the brush tip end. Particular care is built into the design of the unit to prevent cross-contamination and electrical shock hazard.

Abstract: An apparatus and process are provided for depressurizing, cooling, and, optionally, moisturizing retorted oil shale produced in an oil shale retort operated at superatmospheric pressure. Hot retorted oil shale particles are gravitated from the retort and into an elongated, multichambered vessel. In the upper chambers of the vessel the particles are partially cooled by contact with a controlled flow of liquid water. The water, having been totally vaporized, is removed from the particles at a rate which prevents the substantial flow of gases between the vessel and the retort. In the lower chambers of the vessel, the particles are first stripped of entrained hydrocarbon gas by gravitating through a countercurrently flowing stream of stripping gas and then brought to ambient pressure by gravitating through a long, narrow seal leg. Optionally, the depressurized and partially cooled particles are then further cooled and moisturized by admixing with a controlled flow of liquid water.

Abstract: An apparatus and process are provided for depressurizing, cooling, and, optionally, moisturizing retorted oil shale produced in an oil shale retort operated at superatmospheric pressure. Hot retorted oil shale particles are gravitated from the retort and into an elongated, multichambered vessel. In the upper chambers of the vessel the particles are partially cooled by contact with a controlled flow of liquid water. The water, having been totally vaporized, is removed from the particles at a rate which prevents the substantial flow of gases between the vessel and the retort. In the lower chambers of the vessel, the particles are first stripped of entrained hydrocarbon gas by gravitating through a countercurrently flowing stream of stripping gas and then brought to ambient pressure by gravitating through a long, narrow seal leg. Optionally, the depressurized and partially cooled particles are then further cooled and moisturized by admixing with a controlled flow of liquid water.