Abstract: The invention relates to kits and components thereof used in the conduct of solid-phase binding assays.

Abstract: A reciprocating motion disk for mixing wastewater in a tank of a treatment plan is optimized for geometry, along with cycling speed and stroke length, to cause effective mixing velocity throughout the tank.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional image rendering device for displaying multi-dimensional images by layering 2D physical pixel configurations featuring a plurality of tubes in a tank, the inner cavities of the tubes are each filled with a liquid medium such that an air pocket is disposed at the first end of each tube; displacement components slidably disposed in the inner cavity of each tube that can slide between a down position and an up position; a tube aperture disposed in each tube; and a moving means operatively connected to each displacement component functioning to systematically move the respective displacement component a fixed distance creating uniform air bubbles.

Abstract: A device for mixing water and gas for drinking purposes including mixing of water and gas, in which a water supply and a gas supply end. The mixing includes a turbulence generator, having a housing containing a mixture of water and gas and a plunger with two frontal faces. The plunger and the housing can be moved relative to each other in an oscillating manner. A flow connection is provided between the two frontal faces of the plunger.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for detecting an anomaly in fuel demand data and fuel supply data generated by a fuel metering system for an engine, The method comprises collecting the fuel demand data and the fuel supply data during operation of the fuel metering system, generating expected fuel supply data based on the collected fuel demand data and a nominal response model describing the expected behavior of the fuel metering system, and detecting the anomaly if a difference between the expected fuel supply data and the collected fuel supply data exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: There is described a water carbonation apparatus in which two carbonation units (10, 11) are linked to a volumetric control unit (9) which stores a volume of carbonated water ready for use. When carbonated water is to be discharged, the stored carbonated water from the volumetric control unit (9) is discharged, while simultaneously carbonated water from one of the carbonation units (10, 11) is discharged into the other carbonation unit (11, 10) is filled with uncarbonated water from the volumetric control unit (9), and a volume of uncarbonated water is drawn from a water supply (2) into the volumetric control unit. The volumetric control unit (9) in one embodiment comprises a pair of piston and cylinder assemblies which together define four internal chambers (21, 22, 23, 24), the pistons being linked together such that the volumes of the four internal chambers vary at the same rate.

Abstract: A gas charging unit for adding gas to a liquid polyurethane component, in particular a filler-laden polyurethane component of a polyurethane injection molding unit, includes a mixing vessel having an inlet opening and receiving a liquid polyurethane component via the inlet opening. Arranged in the mixing vessel in alignment with the inlet opening and axially adjustable in relation to the inlet opening is at least one movable mixing element to mix the polyurethane component fed into the mixing vessel with gas injected into the polyurethane component via a nozzle.

Abstract: A sense-simile sampler delivers a sample fragrance in response to receiving an external signal, preferably via the internet. The sampler has a fragrance reservoir attached to a cylinder via a tube. A piston plunger reciprocates in the cylinder to expel the fragrance. A one-way valve controls flow of fragrance from the reservoir into the cylinder. The piston plunger is solenoid operated via signals from an internet appliance.

Abstract: For admixing a gaseous substance, especially an odoriferous substance, into a gas stream. The gaseous substance is fed by means of a carrier gas (23) via a line (10) to a mixing chamber (1). The line contains at least one capillary (19), which is arranged in an advancing device (9) with two defined positions. In a first position the capillary extends through an opening (6), into the mixing chamber. In a second position the capillary opens outside of the mixing chamber in a suction removal space (25) surrounding the mixing chamber. Preferably the carrier gas is flowing continuously and suction removal means (26) are provided which remove the carrier gas together with the gaseous substance when the capillary opens in the suction removal space.

Abstract: In order to whip liquid cream even in reduced quantities, without any effort and risk, the apparatus according to the invention comprises a piston (7) provided in its front part (7b) with holes (17) through which a mixture of cream and air is pumped by jerky motions which whip the cream progressively as it moves towards a nozzle (16) dispensing the whipped cream. The rear part (7a) of the piston (7) operates with an excentric (4) actuated by a electric motor (2) and exerts oscillations along its longitudinal axis, thus modifying constantly the empty space in a tube (8) surrounding the piston (7). This modification of volume creates a sucking action on the liquid cream to which air is mixed and, at the same time, pumps said mixture by jerky motions towards the nozzle (16) through the holes (17).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air-water switching unit which consists of an air-water switching chamber with a movable piston residing inside the chamber and separating air coming into the chamber through an air inlet at one side and water coming into the chamber through a water inlet at the other side of the chamber. An air-water outlet is located between the air inlet and the water inlet. The movement of the piston is controlled by the pressure difference between the air pressure on one side and the water pressure on the other side of the piston. The air mixing water pump according to the present invention comprises the air-water switching unit, an air pump connected to the air inlet of the air-water switching chamber of the air-water switching unit, water supply from the output of a water filter connected to the water inlet of the air-water switching chamber, and a PVC tube connected to the air-water outlet of the air-water switching chamber.

Abstract: A motorless continuous carbonator including a double acting piston type water pump driven by a double acting piston type gas pump actuator assembly powered by the carbonating gas. A connecting rod couples the pump piston with the actuator piston and includes means for operating a toggle switch mechanism for controlling a pair of solenoid valves respectively connected to the pump and actuator assembly for controlling the flow of water and carbonating gas, typically CO.sup.2, therefrom and thus deliver still water and CO.sup.2 to a semi-permeable membrane carbonator. The CO.sup.2 gas which initially provides the pumping force is subsequently fed to the carbonator where it is absorbed by the still water to form carbonated water which is then fed to a dispensing unit which may be either a post-mix dispenser utilized either on earth or in a microgravity environment.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a post-forming gel comprising, a first cylinder having a chamber and a slidable piston separating the chamber into a first compartment to receive a gel base and a second compartment, and a second cylinder having a chamber and a slidable piston separating the chamber into a first compartment to receive the gel base and a second compartment, with the first compartments of the first and second cylinder facing each other. The apparatus has a shaft connecting the pistons of the first and second cylinders, and a conduit connecting the first compartments of the first and second cylinders. The apparatus has a device for reciprocating the pistons in the first and second cylinders to cycle the gel base through the conduit between the first compartments of the first and second cylinders, and a device for introducing a foaming agent to the gel base while it is being cycled between the cylinders.

Abstract: A motorless carbonator including a single acting pneumatic water pump connected between a carbonator tank and an uncarbonated water supply with the pump having a gas return spring integral therewith. The pump is driven by the carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) fed to the carbonator tank. A CO.sub.2 saving device is coupled between the water pump and the carbonator tank and includes a spring biased diaphragm connected to a piston rod and an O-ring support member which operates to control the venting of CO.sub.2 to the atmosphere so as to reduce the amount of CO.sub.2 required to operate the pump during both a pumping stroke and a return stroke.

Abstract: A motorless carbonator including a double acting diaphragm type pneumatic water pump is connected between a carbonator tank and a water supply. The pump is driven by the carbon dioxide fed to the carbonator tank. Control of the pump is by way of an electrically operated shut-off valve which is opened and closed in response to a water level sensor in the carbonator tank. Coupled between the carbonator tank and the pneumatic pump is a spring biased diaphragm valve assembly which is normally biased closed, but is opened when the pump is actuated to feed water into the carbonator tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a post-foaming gel comprising, a first cylinder having a chamber and a slidable piston separating the chamber into a first compartment to receive a gel base and a second compartment, a second cylinder having a chamber and a slidable piston separating the chamber into a first compartment to receive the gel base and a second compartment, a conduit connecting the first compartments of the first and second cylinders, a device for reciprocating the pistons in the first and second cylinders to cycle the gel base through the conduit between the first compartments of the first and second cylinders, and a device for introducing a foaming agent to the gel base while it is being cycled between the cylinders.

Abstract: An improved carbonator and method is disclosed which delivers water under pressure to a carbonator from a pump driven by the carbonating gas under pressure, the exhaust from which is mixed with the water being carbonated. Alternative embodiments are disclosed which are configured in unitary, low-cost, compact configuration conducive to cooling within confined compartments. Low operating pressures permit convenient use of inexpensive plastic components for efficient operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for making post-foaming gels comprising, a piston chamber having an outer case defining a chamber, a piston being slidably received in the case and separating the chamber into a first compartment adjacent one end of the case for retaining a gel base, and a second compartment adjacent the other end of the case for retaining a compressed gas, with said piston having a hollow stem extending out of the other end of the case. The apparatus has a device for circulating the gel base through the stem and first compartment, and a device for introducing a foaming agent to the gel base while it is being circulated throught the piston chamber.

Abstract: A carbonator system consisting of a meter assembly and two holding tanks which may be used on earth or in the microgravity conditions in outer space. The meter assembly functions as a double acting pump to simultaneously pump separate quantities of water and carbon dioxide to one of two holding tanks which both function as a single acting pump. These holding tanks hold the carbon dioxide and water for a sufficient time and at a sufficient pressure in order to form carbonated water. One of the holding tanks can discharge the formed carbonated water to a dispenser. Once this tank is empty, the other holding tank may begin to dispense carbonated water. The first holding tank may then be refilled with carbon dioxide and water by the action of the meter assembly.

Abstract: A method for carbonating water and a carbonator which can be used on earth or in the microgravity conditions of outer space uses a tank having first and second chambers separated by a movable piston. Carbon dioxide inlets, water inlets and carbonated water outlets as well as agitators are provided for each chamber. The piston in the tank can be driven by introduction of either carbon dioxide or water into one chamber in order to reduce the volume of the other chamber and to cause carbonated water held therein to be discharged. Both chambers will be able to sequentially form carbonated water when both carbon dioxide and water is contained in one of the chambers.

Abstract: A carbonator system consisting of a holding tank divided into an upper and lower chamber may be used on earth or in the microgravity conditions of outer space. A first embodiment involves first introducing water and then carbon dioxide into the lower chamber of the holding tank. Pressure is then exerted on a moveable piston in this tank to cause the piston to reduce the volume of the lower chamber housing the carbon dioxide and water. This action plus the action of an agitator, drives the carbon dioxide into solution. An alternative embodiment is disclosed wherein carbon dioxide is first introduced into the lower chamber of the holding tank. Water is next introduced into this lower chamber such that it is completely filled with both water and carbon dioxide. While the water is being introduced, an agitator is used to aid mixing of this water and carbon dioxide to form carbonated water. The agitator may consist of a bar contained within the lower chamber of the holding tank.

Abstract: A carbonator which includes first and second chambers separated by a movable piston may be used on earth or in the microgravity conditions of outer space. The volume of either chamber are correspondingly increased or reduced due to the movement of the piston. The first chamber can receive carbon dioxide gas at a predetermined pressure. A conduit can thereafter be opened between the chambers to permit the carbon dioxide gas to flow to the second chamber. A spring is provided to cause said piston to move so as to reduce the volume of the first chamber and force the carbon dioxide gas into the second chamber after the two chambers are placed in communication. The conduit is then closed and water at a selected pressure is introduced into the second chamber. Due to the various pressures, the water and carbon dioxide gas mix to form carbonated water. An agitator can be used to aid this mixing.

Abstract: This is a device for injecting air into a water supply under pressure in a closed system. One embodiment consists of two sliding pistons inside a closed housing. The two pistons are connected to each other by a connecting rod. They are positioned so that they slide alternately toward one end of said housing and then toward the other end. They are propelled first in one direction and then the other by water entering under pressure alternately through two openings, one on each side of the driving piston and exiting alternately through two other openings on opposite sides of said driving piston. These valves are opened and closed alternately in pairs by a means driven by the movement of said pistons. The second piston, driven by the first, draws air into said housing as it moves in one direction and then forces it into the water as it moves in the other direction.

Abstract: This is a device for injecting air into a water supply under pressure in a closed system. It consists of two sliding pistons inside a closed housing. The two pistons are connected to each other by a connecting rod. They are positioned so that they slide alternately toward one end of the housing and then toward the other end. They are propelled in one direction by water pressure entering the housing through an opening from an outside source. They are propelled in the opposite direction by a coil spring. This device can employ any one of several different means to increase and decrease the water pressure on one piston thereby alternately causing the coil spring to be compressed and then allowed to expand. This causes the second piston to draw air into the housing through a check valve when the coil spring is being depressed and then allows the air to pass through a check into the path of the flowing water when the coil spring is expanding.

Abstract: Cell useful for equilibrating a hydrophilic liquid such as an aqueous solution held therewithin with a gas composition. The cell comprises a tube having an open end and a closed end, the closed end comprising a porous member having a hydrophobic surface, the member being impervious to flow of a hydrophilic liquid therethrough when the tube is filled therewith and positioned vertically with a closed end thereof downwardly and being permeable to pressurized flow of the gas composition upwardly therethrough. The invention is also concerned with such a cell in an apparatus for equilibrating a hydrophilic liquid such as an aqueous solution with a gas composition, which apparatus comprises a gas vessel having therewithin a gas of a selectable composition at a pressure above ambient atmospheric pressure, flow control means for receiving flow from said vessel and controlling a flow rate therefrom and conduit means leading from the flow control means to a solution cell having therewithin a hydrophilic liquid.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with apparatus for equilibrating an aqueous solution with gas. The apparatus includes a gas vessel having therewithin a gas of a selectable composition at a pressure above ambient atmospheric pressure. Flow control means receive flow from the vessel and control a flow rate therefrom. A solution tube is provided having an aqueous solution therewithin. Conduit means lead from the flow control means to the tube below a liquid level of the aqueous solution. Means are also provided for causing the gas to be delivered within the aqueous solution below the liquid level as a plurality of bubbles. The process of the present invention is directed at simultaneously equilibrating a plurality of aqueous solutions each with one of a plurality of gas compositions.

Abstract: An apparatus for a suspension system in a vehicle provides both spring and damping characteristics in a single unit. Within a closed container that has a variable volume (similar to commonly available shock absorbers), a gas-liquid interfacial system acts under input deflection from the axle of a vehicle to provide both spring and damping characteristics. To increase the damping response time of the system, the interfacial area in contact between the gas and the liquid is increased over the ordinary cross-sectional area of the container. The gas is soluble in the liquid and preferably increases in solubility with an increase in temperature so that, as the temperature increases and the gas expands, the static condition of the container is substantially maintained by the increase in absorption of the gas into the liquid. Preferably, pentane thickened with 3% aluminum octoate and 4% oleic acid is the liquid. It is stored in an open-cell urethane foam having an average pore cell size of approximately 0.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continually metering a gaseous blowing agent in an accurate and precise manner into a molten resin charge, such as polystyrene. This is accomplished by a free piston-cylinder combination which is actuated by the gas blowing agent and which continually meters discrete uniform volumetric charges of the gaseous agent into the molten resin. The blowing agent is uniformly distributed throughout the resin charge and extruded into a region of lower pressure to yield a foamed structure.

Abstract: A carbureting type fuel metering apparatus has a primary and secondary induction passage into which fuel is fed by several fuel metering systems among which are primary and secondary main fuel metering systems and an idle fuel metering system, as generally known in the art; engine exhaust gas analyzing means sensitive to selected constituents of such exhaust gas creates a feedback signal which through an associated solenoid transducer becomes effective for controllably modulating the metering characteristics of the main fuel metering system systems, and, if desired, the idle fuel metering system as to thereby achieve the then desired optimum metering function; the solenoid transducer is shown as simultaneously controlling two valving members and is effective upon experiencing a failure to assume a position providing for a lean fuel mode of engine operation.

Abstract: A carbureting type fuel metering apparatus has an induction passage into which fuel is fed by several fuel metering systems among which are a main fuel metering system and an idle fuel metering system, as generally known in the art; engine exhaust gas analyzing means sensitive to selected constituents of such exhaust gas creates feedback signal means which through an associated solenoid transducer become effective for controllably modulating the metering characteristics of the main fuel metering system, and, if desired, the idle fuel metering system as to thereby achieve the then desired optimum metering function; the solenoid transducer is shown as simultaneously controlling two valving members and is effective upon experiencing a failure to assume a position providing for a lean fuel mode of engine operation.

Abstract: Standards solutions and test samples are necessary for blood gas analyzers. Production of such standards and test samples has only been possible with relatively expensive apparatus. Such standards and test samples are provided herein by apparatus 10 which equilibrates a liquid 12 with a gas 14. The apparatus 10 includes a barrel 16 open at a first end 18 and at a second end 20. A piston 22 fits matingly reciprocally within the barrel 16. A flow control 26 allows the gas 14 to flow into the second end 20 of the barrel 16 and prevents the liquid 12 from flowing out of the second end 20 of the barrel 16. The gas 14 is allowed to flow out of the barrel 16 above a liquid level 44 therein. A method utilizing the apparatus 10 to prepare standard and test sample solutions is also set out.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for gas-liquid equilibration (tonometry) in a transportable vessel. Specifically the method and device is concerned with tonometry of blood or buffer solution in a syringe. The compartment formed when a syringe plunger is partially inserted into a syringe barrel serves as a tonometer chamber where gas of known composition is bubbled through a liquid sample. Gas enters the chamber through small holes in the tip of the syringe plunger and bubbles upward through the sample. The syringe plunger itself is a second chamber which is used for heating and humidifying the gas prior to entering the tonometer chamber. The entire syringe is housed in a temperature controlled environment during equilibration. This environment allows observation of the entire tonometry process. After equilibration the syringe tonometer is easily removed from the heat controlled environment and is used as the sample's transport vessel. The syringe configuration allows easy entry of the sample into the target sytem, e.g.

Abstract: Standards solutions and test samples are necessary for blood gas analyzers. Production of such standards and test samples has only been possible with relatively expensive apparatus. Such standards and test samples are provided herein by apparatus 10 which equilibrates a liquid 12 with a gas 14. The apparatus 10 includes a barrel 16 open at a first end 18 and at a second end 20. A piston 22 fits matingly reciprocally within the barrel 16. A flow control 26 allows the gas 14 to flow into the second end 20 of the barrel 16 and prevents the liquid 12 from flowing out of the second end 20 of the barrel 16. The gas 14 is allowed to flow out of the barrel 16 above a liquid level 44 therein. A method utilizing the apparatus 10 to prepare standard and test sample solutions is also set out.

Abstract: Apparatus for the production of a lignocellulose material from chips, sawdust, chopped plants, bark, small fibres comprising a vertical column with a series of successively-mounted horizontal perforated plates partly abutting upon the inner surface of the column; at the free ends of said plates retaining baffles are secured for partial entrapment of coarse particles of the product; a clearance is provided between the baffle and inner surface of the column and the plates are disposed relative to each other so that baffles of each successive plate are located diametrically opposite to the baffles of each preceding plate thus forming a zigzag labyrinth along the total height of the column for increasing the time of contact of coarse particles of the raw materials with the oxygen-containing gas and alkaline reagent.A pulsator means is operably connected to the column for setting liquid reagents in the column into reciprocating vertical motion.

Abstract: A mixing device for mixing together multi-component plastics materials, for example polyurethane, comprises a mixing chamber into which supply ducts for the components lead and in which a piston is reciprocable between a retracted position in which the supply ducts are in communication with the mixing chamber and a forward position in which the supply ducts are shut off from the mixing chamber. The piston is provided with an axial bore through it connected to a supply of air under pressure to enable air to be supplied into the mixing chamber together with the components for producing plastic foam such as foamed polyurethane.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for mixing hydrogen and oxygen as a noncombustionable ixture of gases which avoids the hazard of a combustible mixing interface are disclosed as comprising a pair of cylinders which timely contains a water solvent within which said hydrogen and oxygen are respectively dissolved under pressurized and refrigerated conditions, in accordance with a predetermined program of operations. Then, the gas-saturated water of one of said cylinders is mixed with that of the other, thereby causing the gases therein to be mixed wthin the mixed water. The resultant gaseous mixture is subsequently separated from said water mixture, dried, and stores as a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen gases.