Abstract: A vehicle brake assembly includes a sensor that detects the amount of movement of certain components within the brake assembly. In the preferred embodiment, a rotary sensor is coupled directly with the generally S-shaped cam member and provides signals that indicate the total amount of rotary movement of the cam member (during braking applications. These signals provide information indicative of the amount of slack or stroke during braking applications and provide indications of the conditions of brake linings associated with the brake shoes within the brake assembly. The sensor information preferably is communicated to a vehicle operator in a manner that indicates whether an inspection or maintenance of the braking system is advisable.

Abstract: A brake actuator for use in railway transit and similar vehicles to adjust for wear of braking components located on such vehicles. The brake actuator includes an externally threaded or serrated rod having a longitudinal axis. Such brake actuator further includes power and slack adjusting collets disposed on the rod and located in respective housings disposed about the collets and rod. A yoke member is disposed about and in engagement with the power collet housing and a first axially translatable bearing is disposed on the yoke member. A second fixed bearing is spaced from the axially translatable bearing and a piston is disposed for movement in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rod. The piston has an integral fork-shaped wedge disposed astraddle the threaded or serrated rod for movement to a location between the bearings.

Abstract: The invention relates to the damping of mechanical vibrations of components in apparatuses. In particular, the invention relates to the damping of components of brakes. For this purpose, at least one piezoelectric element is provided, which is in engagement with the vibrating component and electrically excited in such a way that it damps vibrations of the component.

Abstract: A brake device has magnets arranged on a frame that is fastened to a bearing pedestal of an elevator drive machine. The frame includes a pair of spaced stabilizers attached to a pair of magnet carriers on which the magnets are fastened. The magnets act on disk armatures arranged on brake arms pivoted on the pedestal. The magnetic forces act in opposition to the spring forces of compression springs and release the brake shoes from a brake drum, the forces which then occur being absorbed by the frame.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to shock absorbers, including position-sensitive shock absorbers (2) in which the position-sensitive damping can be different during compression and rebound strokes, and shock absorbers (60) with damping adjusters (80, 118) which vary the damping provided during compression and rebound strokes. The position-sensitive shock absorber includes a cylinder (4) within which a piston (122) is movably mounted for movement between the first and second ends of the cylinder. Bypass openings (24-32) open into the cylinder interior (6) at axially spaced-apart positions. The bypass openings are coupled by a bypass channel (38). A flow valve (40, 42) may be positioned along the bypass channel permitting fluid flow from the first opening to the second opening and restricting fluid flow from the second opening to the first opening.

Abstract: In a damping force generator for a hydraulic damper, the valve is protected from pressure rise in the damper and its durability is thereby enhanced. The damping force characteristics can be vary in stepwise fashion by providing a main leaf valve 21 and a sub-leaf valve which closes an opening 21A formed in the main leaf valve 21, and the approximate mid-point of the main leaf valve 21 is supported by a plurality of intermediate seat surfaces 16 from the side of a port 13. The outer circumference of a main leaf valve 64 is supported by an outer circumferential seat surface 62, and the outer circumference of a sub-leaf valve 65 extends outwards to the vicinity of a part where the outer circumference of the main leaf valve 64 and the outer circumferential seat surface 62 overlap.

Abstract: A piece of baggage is provided with a retractable pocket that is configured to support a beverage container on the exterior of the piece of baggage. The pocket is constructed of a mesh material and has an elastic strap along an upper edge that allows the pocket to expand to support various size containers, such as bottled water. When not in use, the pocket can be held collapsed against or inside the piece of baggage by a closure mechanism such as a zipper. This conceals the pocket to improve the aesthetic appearance of the piece of baggage and reduces the risk of snagging the mesh pocket as the piece of baggage is transported.

Abstract: A turbine impeller rotates around a rotational axis in a housing unit, and a bridging clutch unit has a clutch element connected in an essentially nonrotatable fashion to the turbine impeller. The clutch element has friction area which can be brought into frictional contact with an opposing friction area on the housing unit. A pretensioning device acts on the clutch element to pretension it against the opposing friction area.

Abstract: A flow limiting device provided between a clutch master cylinder and a clutch operating cylinder has a first fluid chamber on one axial side in communication with the clutch master cylinder, a second fluid chamber on the axially opposite side in communication with the clutch operating cylinder, and a piston for partitioning the first and second fluid chambers. The piston has on a circumference thereof an annular groove in communication with the second fluid chamber through an inner passage, and a land on the axially opposite side of the annular groove.

Abstract: A wet type friction member includes a core plate, a plurality of segmental friction units and oil grooves. The segmental friction units are bonded on the core plate at intervals in a ring-shaped manner. The oil grooves are demarcated and formed by facing end surfaces of neighboring two pieces of the segmental friction units, and connect an inner peripheral side of the core plate with an outer peripheral side thereof. At least one of the facing end surfaces of the segmental friction units have a cut-off portion, which is cut off inwardly, at an inner peripheral side end of the facing end surfaces and/or an intermediate portion thereof. The oil grooves are provided with a major-width portion of a wide groove width by the cut-off portion at an inner peripheral side opening of the oil grooves and/or an intermediate portion thereof.

Abstract: When the claw of the engagement piece abuts the raised portion of the lock gear, the engagement piece cannot move further and is held off at the position. When the lock gear turns a small amount then the indentation (indented portion between gear teeth on the periphery) meets the claw. At this event, the slider piece moves as it is sliding along the guide cam by the elastic force of the coil spring until the slider piece abuts the spacer. The claw of the engagement piece meshes the lock gear so that the power output shaft is fixed or will not turn whereby the wheel shafts are locked.

Abstract: A brake drive is described which is characterized in that at least one brake drum (1) largely secured against rotation has in its interior at least one expanding ring (2) which is larger in diameter prior to installation, which after installation has a first inherent expansion friction against rotation owing to its expansion force at all points of the friction faces (5), which inherent expansion friction undergoes an additional expansion and braking intensification up to potential total blocking in the event of a reverse torque on the driven shaft (3) via the driving journal (4) thereof and the driving journal's circular thrust on one of the two end faces of the expanding ring (2) which total blocking contracts the expanding ring owing rotation of the primary hand wheel (6) or primary contracting pivoted lever (6a) at the input side with the aid of the two contracting journals (6′ and 6″) securely attached thereto, again owing to a circular tensile force on the opposing end face of the expanding r

Abstract: To provide a commodity price setting method and a commodity price setting system in an automatic vending machine, which can reduce wrong setting of a commodity price and with which an operator can easily set and confirm a commodity price. Since a numerical value of a commodity price is formed by multiplying a minimum currency value in an inputting apparatus and this numerical value is inputted in a storage device, a set value can always be a multiple of a minimum currency value with a minimum unit of the set value as the minimum currency value. Therefore, a fraction less than the minimum currency value that cannot be used in the automatic vending machine is never set as a commodity price, and confusion and wrong operation such as a customer trying to insert an unusable currency can be surely prevented.

Abstract: A plant for assembly of bodies (15) with work stations (16) and means (12) for conveying bodies between work stations comprises reference members (17) assembled transitorily on the conveyance means to support the body on the conveyance means during transfer between work stations and grasping devices (27) assembled in the work stations for grasping the reference members (17) and positioning them accurately while temporarily disengaging them from the conveyance means to accurately position the body supported on the reference members in the station space. The reference members (17) comprise means (39,40) for grasping the body and holding it steadily against them when operated by actuators (44) assembled in the station.

Abstract: Two belts 20a and 20b disposed perpendicularly to a bottom belt 10 passed round and driven by a pair of pulleys 11 and 12, have profile members 23 for accelerating or decelerating conveyed matter conveyed on the bottom belt 10 in contact with the leading or trailing end of the conveyed matter, thus permitting conveying of successive items of conveyed matter at a predetermined conveying interval without clamping the conveyed matter and independently of the thickness of shape thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying coiler cans, includes a first conveyor track having an outlet end; a first conveying device for moving the coiler cans on and along the first conveyor track; a second conveyor track having an inlet end and being arranged at generally right angles to the first conveyor track; a second conveying device for moving the coiler cans on and along the second conveyor track; a first drive for operating the first and second conveying devices; a separate transfer device for moving a coiler can from the outlet end of the first conveyor track into the inlet end of the second conveyor track; and a second drive for operating the transfer device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conveyor for garment hangers, comprising an endless mechanism disposed inside sections with a longitudinal slot upwards, said mechanism having carriers, which project through said slot, and said sections having first sliding surfaces, which are arranged in such a way that a hanger is positioned essentially at right angles in relation to the direction of advance of the conveyor, wherein arranged between two sections is a part with a second sliding surface formed in such a way that the hanger can be turned into a position which is essentially parallel with regard to the direction of transportation.

Abstract: A flexible chain conveyor, comprising at least one mutually parallel chain having links whereon rod-like elements are fixed transversely; the links that constitute the at least one chain being inclined by a preset angle with respect to an imaginary plane which is perpendicular to the advancement plane of the conveyor.

Abstract: Rod retention systems are disclosed for modular plastic conveyor belts. In one embodiment the connecting rods, which pass through interdigited link ends of successive modules, each include a circumferential groove at one location, receiving a retaining clip at a position between adjacent interdigited link ends, snapped into position in the groove. The retaining clip provides easy assembly using existing tools, and a rod can easily be removed from the belt by applying sharp force on the end of the rod. In a second embodiment a rod retention system has blocking members at both ends of each module row, forming edges of the belt. A space about two or three link ends wide extends laterally from the blocking member to the first rod-encircling link end inboard of the blocking member; within the space the module is devoid of link end structure which would confine the rod from the bottom of the belt.

Abstract: The invention concerns a modular steering column mounted switch system for motor vehicles which is organized according to the internal functions of the switch. The steering column mounted switch system contains a plurality of functional modules which correspond to the internal functions. Should the demands for operation and/or design of a particular module change, the associated module can be easily replaced. All other functional modules remain unchanged, to thereby permit simple adaptation of the steering column mounted switch to the given operation and design demands. When there is a defect, the modular steering column mounted switch can also be easily repaired and in an economical fashion by simple replacing the defective functional module.

Abstract: A method of making a microswitch module which comprises the steps of: charging a molten resin onto a loading surface of a microswitch; disposing an actuator element onto the molten resin charged onto the loading surface of the microswitch; and ensuring that the actuator element remains fixed while at least part of the the molten resin hardens into a layer of resilient material thereby providing a microswitch module wherein the actuator element is adapted to transmit a mechanical switching force to the loading surface of the microswitch through the layer of resilient material for actuating the micro switch. Additionally, a micro switch module comprises a micro switch; a layer of resilient material disposed on a loading surface of the microswitch; and an actuator element disposed on the layer of resilient material for transmitting a mechanical switching force therethrough to the loading surface of the microswitch for actuating the microswitch.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an electronic device such as, in particular, a timepiece (1), including a case (2) made of a plastic material delimited by a back cover (6) and a lateral wall (4) called the middle part, characterized in that this electronic device includes at least one means (36, 38) intended, via the effect of an application of pressure, to control at least one electronic function such as a horological function of said electronic device, this means (36, 38), directed towards the interior of the case (2), being made integral with said case (2) and being set back with respect to the outer surface of the latter, said means (36, 38) being activated using a pointed element such as the tip of a pen.

Abstract: Step keys, a step key assembly, and a terminal having the step key assembly are disclosed. An individual step key includes a first slope portion inclined at a first predetermined angle, a second slope portion inclined at a second predetermined angle in the opposite direction to the first slope portion, a recess having a first height and opened under the first slope portion in the forward direction of the step key, a protrusion having a second height lower than the first height and extended from under the second slope portion in the rear direction of the step key, and an extension extended from under the first and second slope portions.

Abstract: An electrode with large active surface area is made by winding a Ti-fiber tow around a rectangular Ti-plate, and an electrocatalytic coating of three layers is applied. A precoat comprising a mixture of iridium dioxide and tantalum pentoxide is applied first, using a solution of the corresponding chloride salts in hydrochloric acid with some nitric acid added to inhibit corrosion of the metal. A sealing coat is then applied, comprising tin dioxide doped with antimony, in order to improve adhesion of the final oxide coat to the precoat. The third and final coat comprises particles of titanium dioxide doped with niobium in the +4 oxidation cemented with titanium dioxide that is doped with antimony. Anodes of this description are preferably assembled together with corrosion resistant cathodes in an alternating sequence, with a plastic coated fiber glass mesh placed between the anodes and cathodes to prevent short circuiting.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved electrochemical sensor having a base bearing a working and counter electrode which provides a flow path for a fluid test sample. The working electrode has a reaction layer on its surface which contains an enzyme capable of reacting with an analyte to produce electrons which are received by the working electrode. The base is mated with a cover to form a capillary space into which the test fluid is drawn. The improvement involves configuring the working and counter electrodes so that a major portion of the counter electrode is located downstream on the flow path from the working electrode with the exception of a small sub-element of the counter electrode which is in electrical communication with the primary portion of the counter electrode and located upstream of the working electrode.

Abstract: The present invention is a gas component sensor comprising novel electrolyte compositions. The electrolyte compositions in bulk, sintered or thin film embodiments are capable of forming with different-metal sensing and reference electrodes a highly stable gas oxide sensors. The novel electrolyte composition changes electrochemical reactions at the sensing and reference electrodes and the overall reaction of the electrodes and electrolyte. The novel electrolyte compositions have: (1) excellent chemical stability and thermal compatibility as to the electrodes and a preferred ceramic substrate, (2) excellent chemical stability with the environment as to the reference and sensing electrodes, which need not be sealed against the atmosphere to be sensed, (3) effective adherence to the substrate and electrode metals.

Abstract: A gas sensor and a process are provided for manufacturing a gas sensor with an oxygen ion-conducting solid electrolyte, which has a measurement gas side and a reference gas side and which separates a measurement gas space from a reference gas space, at least one measurement electrode being arranged on the measurement gas side of the solid electrolyte and at least one reference electrode being arranged on the reference gas side of the solid electrolyte, and with a support which is gas-permeable at least in the area of the electrodes. The problem presents itself of providing an economical gas sensor, in which the gas supply to the electrodes takes place through a gas-permeable support, as well as providing a simple process for manufacturing the gas sensor. The problem is solved for the gas sensor in that the oxygen ion-conducting solid electrolyte and the electrodes are constructed as thin layers and are arranged on the gas-permeable support.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a method for continuously producing electrodeposited copper foil while thiourea-decomposed products remaining in copper electrolyte are removed through activated carbon treatment. Another object is to provide high-resistivity copper foil obtained through the method.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a positive electrode foil of an aluminum electrolytic capacitor is provided in which anodizing conditions are optimally determined and automatically set to minimize the loss of production and to produce a constant quality of the positive electrode foil. The method comprises an etching process and an anodizing process. An etched foil produced in the etching process is subjected to a constant current inspection, and then, the anodizing conditions are determined from the result of the constant current inspection. The anodizing conditions are transferred to a control panel in the anodizing process where they are automatically registered as its settings. Also, an apparatus for manufacturing the positive electrode foil is provided which has a voltage sensor connected between an output running roller and cathode electrodes in an anodizing tank. A voltage measured by the voltage sensor is fed back to a direct-current source for controlling its output voltage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filtration method of copper electrolyte that can remove minute electrolytic by-products and dirt and may improve filtration efficiency by improving a conventional filtration method, the so-called precoating method. In a filtration method of copper electrolyte for removing electrolytic by-products and dirt which affect copper electrolysis, by passing copper electrolyte through a filter element precoated with a filtering aid, in the present invention, a precoated layer of a filtering aid is formed on a filter element in advance. Activated carbon preliminary treatment solution containing powdery activated carbon is passed through the filter element formed with the precoated layer, and is also circulated until no powdery activated carbon leaks from an outlet of the filter element, thus forming a powdery activated carbon layer on the precoated layer. Subsequently, the copper electrolyte is passed through for filtration.

Abstract: This invention employs a novel approach to the copper metallization of a workpiece, such as a semiconductor workpiece. In accordance with the invention, an alkaline electrolytic copper bath is used to electroplate copper onto a seed layer, electroplate copper directly onto a barrier layer material, or enhance an ultra-thin copper seed layer which has been deposited on the barrier layer using a deposition process such as PVD. The resulting copper layer provides an excellent conformal copper coating that fills trenches, vias, and other microstructures in the workpiece. When used for seed layer enhancement, the resulting copper seed layer provide an excellent conformal copper coating that allows the microstructures to be filled with a copper layer having good uniformity using electrochemical deposition techniques. Further, copper layers that are electroplated in the disclosed manner exhibit low sheet resistance and are readily annealed at low temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention deposits a conductive material from an electrolyte solution to a predetermined area of a wafer. The steps that are used when making this application include applying the conductive material to the predetermined area of the wafer using an electrolyte solution disposed on a surface of the wafer, when the wafer is disposed between a cathode and an anode, and preventing accumulation of the conductive material to areas other than the predetermined area by mechanically polishing the other areas while the conductive material is being applied.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing high concentration ozone gas, characterized by employing a pressure swing adsorbing apparatus having a plurality of adsorbing layers filled with ozone adsorbent, in which the ozone adsorbent is one or two or more kinds of adsorbent selected from the group consisting of high silica pentasyl zeolite, dealuminized fogersite, and mesoporous silicate.

Abstract: A thick film electrochemical microsensor device for measuring or regulating chlorine and bromine in water, comprising a substrate to which is applied an optimum arrangement of at least two electrodes. The device is especially useful for measuring or regulating chlorine and bromine levels in swimming pool or spa water. A method of measuring or regulating ions of at least one of chlorine and bromine in water is also described, which comprises contacting the water with the microsensor of the present invention; measuring the current output of the microsensor; determining the level of at least one of chlorine and bromine indicated by the current output; and generating a signal.

Abstract: A thick film electrochemical micro-sensor apparatus for detection and quantification of trace metal ions in water, comprising a substrate to which is applied an arrangement of electrodes comprising at least one of a first type of working electrode, at least one of a second type of working electrode, a counter electrode, a reference electrode, and optionally pH and temperature detectors. The apparatus is especially useful for detection and quantification of trace metal ions in water and effluent. A method of detecting and quantifying trace metal ions using the electrochemical micro-sensor apparatus is also described comprising contacting the water or effluent with the sensor of the present invention, applying a voltage selected for the trace metal ion to be detected, measuring the current output of the micro-sensor, determining if the current output indicates the presence of the trace metal ion, and generating a signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the indirect determination of concentrations of additives in metal plating electrolyte solutions, particularly organic additives in Cu-metalization baths for semiconductor manufacturing. The apparatus features a reference electrode housed in an electrically isolated chamber and continuously immersed in the base metal plating solution (without the additive to be measured). An additive concentration determination method comprises electroplating a test electrode at a constant or known current in a mixing chamber wherein the base metal plating solution is mixed with small volumes of the sample and various calibration solutions containing the additive to be measured. Plating potentials between the electrodes are measured and plotted for each of the solution mixtures, and data are extrapolated to determine the concentration of the additive in the sample.

Abstract: A paper base having a thin metallization on at least a portion of its surface is folded into a box for accommodating golf balls. The box has an elegant appearance, can be disposed of without problems, and can be effectively manufactured.

Abstract: A storage device for medical swabs having an envelope for the latter is characterized in that the envelope is formed by adjacently disposed chambers which are sealed bacteria-tight for the swabs, the size of the chambers being determined by the number and the size of the swabs kept in stock in each of these, and in that the envelope can be kept in stock rolled up or concertinaed.

Abstract: A support device for a wafer shipping container, to constrain the flexure of a multiple number of backgrind-processed wafers when the wafers are stored in alignment in the wafer shipping container. For this support device, stoppers are projected inwards from the front and rear sides of a container body as a part of the wafer shipping container. The support device is comprised of: a pair of opposing walls, which are positioned on the bottom side of the container body and inserted into, and fixed by, the stoppers; a pair of connecting bars across the spacing between the paired opposing walls; a multiple number of partitioning supporters arranged with a predetermined pitch in the longitudinal direction of the paired connecting bars. The wafers are inserted and held between adjoining partitioning supporters, whereby they are prevented from flexing.

Abstract: A container liner comprising a waterproof backing, a porous covering, a seed carrier interposed between the backing and the covering, and a plurality of seeds embedded in the seed carrier such that upon germination the seeds will sprout through the porous covering to form a soft, natural, protective cushion for objects, such as candies or Easter eggs. The container liner is sufficiently flexible so that the container liner can be easily manipulated to substantially conform to the interior contour of the container.

Abstract: This invention is directed to middle distillate production (e.g., diesel and kerosene products) by means of a reactor hydroprocessing system using two or more reactors (or a single reactor vessel having two or more stages, each stage containing one or more reaction zones). Hydrocracking is preferably performed in the initial reactor, and hydrotreating (and/or further hydrocracking) is preferably performed in the subsequent reactor vessel or stages within a single vessel. Reaction stages are effectively segregated to avoid recracking of products, to dramatically reduce hydrogen consumption in saturating the bottoms product and to carry out aromatic saturation of middle distillates in a clean low-temperature environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for converting naphtha and cycle oils produced in catalytic cracking reactions into light olefins. More particularly, the invention relates to a process for hydroprocessing a catalytically cracked light cycle oil, and then re-cracking it along with naphtha in an upstream zone of the primary FCC riser reactor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for converting cycle oils produced in catalytic cracking reactions into light olefin and naphtha. More particularly, the invention relates to a process for hydroprocessing a catalytically cracked light cycle oil in order to form a hydroprocessed cycle oil containing a significant amount of tetralins. The hydroprocessed cycle oil is then re-cracked in an upstream zone of the primary FCC riser reactor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for converting cycle oils produced in catalytic cracking reactions into olefin and naphtha. More particularly, the invention relates to a process for hydroprocessing a catalytically cracked light cycle oil, and then re-cracking it in an upstream zone of the primary FCC riser reactor.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for atomizing a fluid is disclosed. The processes and apparatuses are useful for atomizing a feed oil for a fluid cat cracking (FCC) or other suitable process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to trioctahedral phyllosilicates 2:1 of a stevensite or kerolite type containing fluorine, fluorinated in synthesis in an acid medium in the presence of hydrofluoric acid and/or another source of fluoride anions. The invention also relates to a method of preparation to obtain said phyllosilicate. The existence of gaps enables adjustable quantities of cations to be incorporated in the gaps and hence the exchange capacity of said solids to be modulated. These phyllosilicates, raw from synthesis or after post-synthesis modification, may be incorporated in the composition of catalysts used to convert hydrocarbons, in particular for hydrocracking.

Abstract: A method for classifying defects includes imaging an inspected object. An image of a defect candidate is extracted from an image obtained by said imaging step. Said extracted defect candidate image is classified into a first category. Said extracted defect candidate image is classified into a second category. Said extracted defect candidate image and information relating to said classification into said first category and information relating to said classification into said second category are displayed on a screen.

Abstract: This invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing an apparatus that will assist in sorting mailpieces which increases the efficiency of the mail sorting apparatus, provides an organized space for intermediate storage of mailpieces and provides ergonomic features that reduce injury to the mail sorting apparatus operator and increases productivity. The present invention is directed to, in a general aspect, a mailpiece storage rack. The storage rack is used to hold partially sorted mailpieces between sorting passes in multiple pass sorting of mailpieces using a mail sorting apparatus or stores mailpieces after sortation and prior to delivery. The storage rack maintains the grouping, sequence and stack quality or alignment of partially sorted mailpieces which provides for more efficient re-feeding. The rack is designed ergonomically for easy transferring of mail into and out of storage and also provides for organized workflow.

Abstract: A filtering device comprising a casing with an inlet space for liquid to be filtered and an outlet space for filtered liquid; a substantially cylindrical filtering element of the disposable type, which is removably placed within the casing to function therein as a liquid permeable partition between the inlet space and the outlet space; a unique information containing micro circuit or chip provided in said filtering element, adapted to function as an identification label and cooperating with a receiver means provided in the casing, so as to provide for a periodical or continuous exchange of information between the micro circuit and the receiver means. According to the invention the micro circuit is embedded, at a circumferential location, in an annular sealing means provided at a terminal edge of the cylindrical filtering element, by means of which sealing means the filtering element sealingly engages an annular seat between the inlet space and the outlet space.

Abstract: An ozone water purification system is disclosed. In this system, ozonated water flow proceeds alternately upwardly and downwardly through a series of vertical tubes. In order to disturb the laminar flow within the tubes, several types of turbulence-inducing devices may be mounted within the tubes. Such a mounting may be made so that the devices are removable for cleaning. In addition, the tubes may be circularly arranged so as to conserve space.