Abstract: A feeder is disclosed for dissolving a chemical and mixing it with a liquid. The feeder includes a hopper adapted to hold the chemical, a nozzle located in the hopper, and a supply of the liquid to the nozzle to dissolve the chemical on contact with the liquid from the nozzle to form a solution. A solution basin is disposed under the hopper and a drain is provided from the hopper into the solution basin. An outlet from the solution basin has an outlet valve which opens when a solution level in the solution basin rises.

Abstract: In a liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a dispensing probe for sipping and injecting a liquid sample and a dispensing controller for operating the dispensing probe to ascend, descend and rotate, the liquid dispensing apparatus includes a sample moving device for moving a rack holding the liquid sample, a light beam generator, a photosensor for receiving a light beam reflected from a surface of the liquid sample, a computing unit for computing a liquid surface level based on an output signal from the photosensor, and a controller for controlling operations of those components in a supervising way and processing information necessary for the operations. With the liquid dispensing apparatus, precise information of the liquid surface level can be obtained before the start of the dispensing operation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for purifying gases such as air of unwanted gaseous compounds, in which method the gas to be purified is brought into contact with a solution (2) that binds the unwanted gaseous compounds, and in which method the gas to be purified is caused to flow through a reactor filler (3) in a space filled with the solution that binds the unwanted gaseous compounds. At least the saturation level of the solution (2) and the surface level of the solution (2) are monitored in essence continuously, and on the basis of monitoring data the solution's saturation level and surface level are maintained essentially within predetermined limit values.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer for performing qualitative and quantitative analyses of living samples, such as blood and urine, which effectively utilizes the sample and enables requested tests to be performed as many as possible, when sample deficiency is predicted as a result of measuring a sample volume in advance. The analyzer includes a unit for measuring a sample volume, and has a function of, when sample deficiency is predicted, automatically changing an analysis mode to a decrease sample assay for a part of tests, thereby reducing a sample volume required depending on the measured sample volume.

Abstract: Methods and systems for programmed dispensation of consumable compositions are provided. A method for administering a consumable composition may comprise: (a) dispensing a dose of a consumable composition according to a programmed dosing schedule; and (b) sterilizing at least a portion of a beverage container. A system for administering a consumable composition may comprise: (a) means for dispensing a dose of a consumable composition according to a programmed dosing schedule; and (b) means for sterilizing at least a portion of a beverage container. A method for administering a consumable composition may comprise: (a) dispensing a dose of a consumable composition according to a programmed dosing schedule; and (b) providing a notification of a sterilization of a beverage container.

Abstract: Aspirator systems include an aspirator body member having a fluid passageway extending therein and a first and second optical conductor configured to receive and/or transmit light therethrough. A drive mechanism may be coupled to the aspirator body member and configured to move the aspirator body member between an advanced position and a retracted position. An aspirator tip is coupled to the aspirator body member at an end of the fluid passageway and having a fluid passageway therein extending from the end of the fluid passageway of the aspirator body member when coupled to the aspirator body member, the aspirator tip being coupled to the first and second optical conductors and comprising an optically transmissive material.

Abstract: A shell-and tube reactor including at least one reaction tube with a measuring means, substantially same solid particles being filled in the reaction tubes with or without the measuring means, a length of the filled solid particle layer, and a pressure drop thereof while passing a gas through the reaction tube, per each reaction tube, being substantially the same, respectively. By measuring the temperature of the catalyst particle layer, such a temperature as a representative can be gasped.

Abstract: A disinfectant treatment for self-contained potable water systems. A lamp or lamps within the interior of at least one component system in which water is resident. During operation of the system. As the water tank, water heater, water filter, or other component which holds a volume of water. By putting a radioactive and a microbial effect in response to exposure to UV radiation may be formed of the vessel or other component. The radioactive material may be tin dioxide, titanium dioxide, or other material that produces hydroxyl ions in response to UV exposure. The hydroxyl ions flow from the vessel or other component into the piping and other components so as to attack/inhibit microbial action throughout the system. The lamps are mounted within quartz sleeves for immersion in water or other components. The quartz sleeves to prevent vibration damage. May also be used to of the system so as to prevent friction freeze damage.

Abstract: A reaction tank for causing a reaction for analyzing a specimen in a humidity-applied atmosphere in a storage vessel, includes a humidifying unit that includes a water reservoir reserving water and a humidifier releasing moisture of the water reservoir to an inside of the storage vessel, the humidifying unit humidifying the inside of the storage vessel, and a humidity detector that detects humidity inside the storage vessel. An operation of the humidifier of the humidifying unit is turned ON when the humidity inside the storage vessel becomes lower than a predetermined suitable humidity whereas the operation of the humidifier of the humidifying unit is turned OFF when the humidity inside the storage vessel exceeds the predetermined suitable humidity.

Abstract: A sterilizer includes a vacuum chamber, a source of vaporizable sterilant, a vacuum pump, and a control system. The control system is programmed to take one or more data inputs regarding the nature of the load, such as lumen length and diameter, and determine one or more parameters of the sterilization cycle based upon the inputs.

Abstract: The current invention is a device that is operated by an operation button. The user chooses the required sample and determines its quantity and then presses the button to extract the sample during several seconds in a special pot while another sample is extracted at the same time and put in the same pot to mix the samples then to heat, cool or mixed them together or shaking the sample (vibrate movement) in different speed.

Abstract: A microproportioning system includes a reservoir, a micro-diaphragm pump the entrance of which is connected to the reservoir, an open-jet proportioner the entrance of which is connected to the exit of the micro-diaphragm pump, a proportioning port connected to the exit of the open-jet proportioner, and a proportioning control which is in an operative communication with the micro-diaphragm pump and the open-jet proportioner

Abstract: An apparatus and means for separating an ultraviolet light source from a liquid and for controlling the temperature of the ultraviolet light source to its optimal temperature range for modifying contaminants in a liquid.

Abstract: A reaction apparatus is provided with a reaction chip (50) for setting plural temperature regions and including a reaction channel (59) formed over these temperature regions, a pump for supplying a reaction liquid to a reaction channel of the reaction chip (50), a control device for controlling supply of the reaction liquid, and a heater for heating each of the temperature regions of the reaction chip (50) to the preset temperature. The reaction chip (50) is provided with a vacuum shielding layer (62) at the boundaries for separating each of the temperature regions. Accordingly, the reaction apparatus assures uniform and stable reaction within a short period of time.

Abstract: A level sensor apparatus is disclosed for detecting contact of a pipetting needle with a liquid contained in a vessel. The apparatus includes a sensor head made up of a pipetting needle, a needle holder, and an electromechanical transducer. The sensor head also has an associated mechanical resonance frequency. An electrical signal generator is used to generate a driving signal which when applied to the electromechanical transducer causes vibration of the pipetting needle at the resonance frequency. A measurement device is used to measure a parameter of a vibration signal indicative of the mechanical vibration of the pipetting needle when it is driven by the driving signal. An electronic circuit and associated computer software is provided to evaluate variation of the vibration signal with time and thus detect contact of the pipetting needle with a liquid contained in the vessel.

Abstract: A liquid concentration control and supply apparatus used in a reaction apparatus is disclosed. A control element in the liquid concentration control and supply apparatus controls its operating steps, comprising detecting the mixed liquid concentration in a liquid mixing device, detecting the height of mixed liquid level in the liquid mixing device, determining whether the mixed liquid concentration falls within a lag range referencing to a preset concentration value, and based on the information on the mixed liquid concentration and the mixed liquid level, computing the anticipated height of mixed liquid level after the amount of liquid that needs to be output by the liquid storage device is added to the liquid mixing device and controlling the output of liquid from the liquid storage device so that the mixed liquid concentration falls within the lag range referencing to the preset concentration value.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a purified aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution. The apparatus includes at least one purifier tower packed with an ion exchange resin, a chelate resin or an adsorption resin for receiving a charged aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution containing impurities so as to effect contact thereof with the ion exchange resin, chelate resin or adsorption resin, thereby purifying the charged aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, which apparatus further comprises a feed pump of given output capable of causing the charged aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution to flow to the purifier tower, a flow sensor capable of sensing a flow rate of charged aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution being fed to the purifier tower by means of the feed pump, and a flow control unit capable of controlling the output of the feed pump on the basis of a detection result of the flow sensor so as to maintain the flow of charged aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution being fed to the purifier tower at a constant rate.

Abstract: A system and method for capillary electrophoresis are provided for analyzing a macromolecule prepared from a complex liquid mixture. In particular applications, methods and apparatus are provided for separating and analyzing a solution containing a denatured macromolecule by employing a stationary capillary electrophoresis apparatus. An apparatus for capillary electrophoresis includes an inlet chamber and a capillary electrophoresis column. One end of the column is fixed at the interior of the inlet chamber. The column has a length of at least about 20 centimeters. Also included is a liquid source adapted for automatic control. The liquid source supplies a liquid sample through an input valve into the inlet chamber so that the sample is in fluid communication with the end of the column. A method for capillary electrophoresis includes automatically supplying the liquid sample to the apparatus.

Abstract: A chemical injection system has a pump and an actuator connected to the pump. The actuator further comprises a first sensor for sensing a deactivated state of the pump; a second sensor for sensing an activated state of the pump; a computer connected to the first and second sensors and the actuator; and an interface connected to the computer, to receive commands from, and to transmit data to, a control point. The computer further comprises a stored program. The stored program contains instructions to energize the actuator to cause the pump to dispense a pre-determined quantity of chemical and to verify that the pump has actually operated to dispense the pre-determined quantity of chemical.

Abstract: The invention relates to a digital burette having a manual drive for suctioning and applying an adjustable dose volume, a gear unit connected downstream and a digital display device controlled thereby for setting the dose volume. The control comprises an incremental encoder which is functionally connected to the gear unit, at least one sensor for detecting the signals produced by the incremental encoder and a processor connected to the sensor and the display device for calculating the dose volume corresponding to the number of signals. The incremental encoder is, in particular, a sector disc with two groups of sectors of different magnetic field strength disposed alternately in the peripheral direction of the sector disc. A sensor detects the number of turns of the sector disc.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for brewing a brewing substance. The apparatus including a liquid conduit (18) for supplying a brewing liquid, a liquid permeable container (28) for retaining the brewing substance and allowing the brewed liquid to pass through, a spray member (20) for delivering the brewing liquid from the liquid conduit to a brewing substance and discharging the brewing liquid into the liquid permeable container, a liquid flow modifier (52) for varying the flow rate of liquid at the spray member, and a control member (44) operably connected to the liquid flow modifying member for causing the liquid flow modifying member to vary the liquid flow rate. The alteration of the discharge of the liquid from at least a first spray pattern to at least a second spray pattern facilitating mixing of the brewing liquid and brewing substance within the liquid permeable container.

Abstract: In a liquid treating equipment to maintain a small amount of liquid to a desired liquid level with constantly supplying an additional liquid into a small capacity vessel, a storage vessel 13 to store the small amount of liquid, an injection tube 16 to inject the small amount of liquid into the storage vessel 16, liquid supplying apparatus 23–25 to supply the small amount of liquid into the storage vessel through the injection tube, a flow path 15 of which one end is joined with the storage vessel, a discharge vessel 14, joined with the storage vessel 13 via the flow path, having a larger surface area than that of the storage vessel, a discharge tube 17 of which the discharging inlet is positioned at the same level position as a desired liquid level of the small amount of liquid in the storage vessel and liquid discharging apparatus 27–29 to discharge the liquid from the discharge vessel through the discharge tube are provided.

Abstract: A chemical generator having inlets for receiving multiple reactant and water streams; a dilution chamber; a reaction chamber operably connected to the inlets and to the dilution chamber; an eductor operably receiving the water stream from the one of the inlets and communicating with the reaction chamber for drawing first and second reactant streams into the reaction chamber for mixing. Float control valves interrupt the water stream to the eductor when desired amounts of the first and second reactant streams have entered the reaction chamber, the eductor drawing the activated solution of first and second reactant streams from the reaction chamber into the dilution chamber. The float control valves limit the residence time of the first and second reactants in the reaction chamber and selectively interrupt flow of the water stream into the dilution chamber.

Abstract: A container having a port for holding a liquid medium and a reactant that interact to produce a change in gas levels within the container. A removable stopper for insertion into the port creating an airtight seal. A tube extending through the stopper into the container having a distal end for being submerged in the liquid medium for receiving the liquid medium and monitoring a change in the level of the liquid medium within the container. A controller is provided extending through the stopper into the container for setting the liquid medium at a level within the tube, wherein the controller is operable to direct the liquid medium into the tube to a desired level so that a change in gas levels caused by the interaction of the reactant with the liquid medium can be monitored through a change in the level of the liquid medium within the tube.

Abstract: A method for resupplying reagents inventoried on-board an automatic clinical analyzer by: comparing an averaged assay demand pattern on the analyzer for assays over a sequence of specifically defined time periods with the reagents inventoried on-board the analyzer to determine which reagents will be exhausted before the next following the sequence of specifically defined time periods, and, resupplying reagents appropriately.

Abstract: System, method, and computer program product for synchronizing a system for aspirating and/or dispensing of liquid samples that includes a microejection device and a pump, which are connected with one another via tubing, wherein a computer is capable of being loaded with an activatable computer program product for synchronizing operation of the microejection device and the pump. Embodiments are characterized in that the loaded and activated computer program product, directs the computer to control and synchronize the system: (a) to actively define a sample volume and dispense the defined sample volume using the microejection device, which is filled with sample liquid; and (b) to track a part of the pump that conveys liquid around a value, dependent on the sample volume, which is defined and is actively dispensed only by the microejection device, to prevent excessive pressure differences in the microejection device, tubing, and pump.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (1) for treating contaminated materials in which the materials are fed by an input unit (2, 3, 4) to a conveyor system (9) extending through a treatment chamber (6) where they are heated, treated and discharged via a discharge element (12). A liquid reservoir (16) is created in a first treatment area of the treatment chamber (6) by inclining the treatment chamber. The first area is also heated to a temperature below the boiling point of water, and a second area extending from th first treatment area to the top end of the treatment chamber (6) is at least partially heated to a temperature above the boiling point of water. This enables the contaminated material to be treated and compacted in a simpler, more reliable manner and in a (quasi-) continuous flow through several treatment areas.

Abstract: In order to prevent a catalyst for an internal combustion engine from decreasing efficiency by deterioration after long time use of the catalyst, the decreased efficiency of the catalyst is determined, and the internal engine is controlled based on results of the determination so as to maintain high efficiency of the catalyst. The catalyst is installed in an exhaust pipe of the engine. Sensors for detecting conditions of exhaust gas both at upstream side and downstream side of the catalyst are provided, respectively. As for the sensor, for example, an oxygen sensor of which output varies stepwise at &lgr;=1, or a sensor of which output varies in proportion to air-fuel ratio can be used. Detected values of the sensors are taken into a control unit, eliminating efficiency and deteriorating degree of the catalyst are estimated by comparison of the detected values, and the engine is controlled so that the eliminating efficiency becomes maximum.

Abstract: Processes and apparatus for quantitatively converting urea to ammonia on demand are disclosed. One process includes the steps of: receiving a demand rate signal for ammonia; feeding reactants including urea and water into a reactor to provide a reaction mixture; and controlling temperature and pressure in the reactor to produce a gaseous product stream including ammonia and carbon dioxide at substantially constant concentrations. Another process includes the steps of: feeding molten urea or solid urea to a reactor; feeding water (liquid or steam) to the reactor; and reacting the urea and water at elevated temperature and pressure to form a gaseous product stream including anmmonia and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A solid detergent dispenser for use with a dishwashing machine includes a chamber and a lid. The chamber is configured and arranged to receive a solid detergent having a particular composition. A water inlet receives water from a water source, and the water flows through a tunnel into the bottom of the chamber. The chamber is flooded with water from the bottom to ensure relatively constant erosion of the solid detergent, which ensures that a relatively constant concentration of the solid detergent is used in the dishwashing machine. A water outlet allows water to flow out of the chamber into the dishwashing machine. The water must flow into the chamber faster than it flows out of the chamber to ensure that the appropriate amount of dissolution of the solid detergent occurs. The only valve used in the preferred embodiment is a valve to control the amount of water flowing into the water inlet.

Abstract: An automated chemical synthesizer including plural reaction vessels, a plurality of liquid containers, at least one liquid dispenser, a liquid amount storage, a dispensing amount calculator, and a liquid shortage detector. The plurality of liquid containers are configured to contain liquid chemicals respectively. The at least one liquid dispenser is configured to dispense the liquid chemicals from the plurality of liquid containers to the plural reaction vessels according to a synthesizing protocol. The liquid amount storage is configured to memorize a present amount of each of the liquid chemicals in the plurality of liquid containers. The dispensing amount calculator is configured to calculate a dispensing amount of each of the liquid chemicals to be dispensed according to the synthesizing protocol.

Abstract: A process and apparatus to deliver both process chemical and solvent for cleaning the process chemical in a solvent purge refill system along with an integral solvent sorption module, in a single “assembly” that permits ease of shipping, minimal end-user interaction, sufficient solvent for the solvent purge operation, without residual solvent, requiring disposal. This eliminates customer handling of the solvent, and eliminates the customer's need to find a solvent waste facility, as residual solvent can be returned in the same package in one piece/one step.

Abstract: A continuous preparative process, including monitoring production, for acetic acid, methyl acetate or a mixture thereof, by carbonylation, in an industrial installation, of methanol or a carbonylatable derivative of methanol with carbon monoxide in a liquid phase in the presence of water and a homogeneous catalyst system. In a reaction zone I, the carbonylation is carried out in the liquid phase at a temperature of 150 to 250° C., under a pressure of 5·105 to 200·105 Pa and with venting of part of a gaseous canopy above a liquid phase level in said reactor. Then, in a vaporization or flash zone II, a liquid originating from the zone I at a pressure below that of zone I is partially vaporized to form a liquid fraction which is recycled into the reactor, and in a purification zone III, a vaporized fraction originating from flash zone II is distilled on a distillation column.

Abstract: A plant for transformation of polyolefine wastes into useful hydrocarbons is provided which comprises a reactor in a shape of a vertical tank provided with an inlet charging hole, connected to a polyolefine raw material and catalyst dosing device, product vapour receiving pipe, a mixer and a liquid level regulation system, and a distillation column. In addition, a reactor is provided with a heating system in a form of a combustion chamber (8) surrounding a tank from below, and the chamber (8) is heated with at least one burner (9), supplied with reaction products.

Abstract: A level control mechanism is provided for a biofluid drop ejection device which ejects biofluid drops in small volumes. The biofluid drop device includes a drop ejection mechanism having a transducer which generates energy used to emit the biofluid drops. A reagent cartridge or biofluid holding area holds a biofluid, isolated from the drop ejection mechanism to avoid contamination between the biofluid drop ejection mechanism and the reagent cartridge. The reagent cartridge is connected to the drop ejection mechanism such that upon operation of the mechanism, the biofluid is emitted in controlled biofluid drops. A level sensor is positioned to sense a height of the biofluid within the cartridge. Upon sensing the height of the biofluid below a certain level, an adjustment is made to the height by providing at least one of additional biofluid to the cartridge, and raising the level of the entire reagent cartridge.

Abstract: The drop-by-drop evaporation of a liquid or solution is controlled by monitoring the disappearance of each successive droplet and by actuating the deposition of the next droplet until the desired volume is deposited. In the case of a solution, non-volatile residue (NVR) is collected on a deposition surface plate as a relatively small mound. One of a variety of methods may be employed to measure the evaporative behavior of each droplet and to key the deposition procedure. The process is preferably carried out employing a clean deposition surface plate that is maintained at or below the boiling point of the particular liquid or solvent being deposited. The environment is preferably controlled so that inadvertent contamination is precluded from interfering, and thus the method permits the automatic, micro-processor controlled evaporation of liquids with the resultant deposition of non-volatile residues from solutions within relatively short periods of time.

Abstract: An adapter for holding a sample container includes a main body portion and a tapered body portion that forms a continuation of the main body portion. The tapered body portion includes a mouth opening that is of lesser diameter than the diameter of the main body portion. The mouth opening of the adapter is sized to provide direct support of a sample container which holds a liquid sample. During liquid level sensing ultrasonic waves from an ultrasound detector are reflected back to the sound detector as echoes from the lip flange of the sample container and from the liquid level within the sample container. The tapered surface of the adapter deflects sound echoes away from the sound detector. The adapter is thus invisible to the ultrasound detector. The echo from the liquid level is a variable duration echo and the echo from the lip flange of the sample container is a fixed duration echo that is always of lesser duration than the variable duration echo.

Abstract: A method for controlling absorbent at a decarboxylation facility with an absorption tower having an amine recovery section and a regeneration tower, including controlling a temperature controller for controlling a temperature of circulating water forwarded to the amine recovery section of the absorption tower by a controller which controls a liquid level at the bottom of the absorption tower, whereby the concentration of amine in the absorbent is regulated.

Abstract: The invention concerns a liquid transfer device for an analysis apparatus with a liquid transfer cannula (5) and a capacitive liquid level detector to detect the immersion of the liquid transfer cannula (5) in an analysis liquid contained in a vessel. To reliably check if the liquid transfer cannula (5) is submerged in the analysis liquid or immersed for example in foam it is proposed additionally that resistance is measured by a measurement section (16) in the liquid transfer cannula (5).

Abstract: Processes and apparatus for quantitatively converting urea to ammonia on demand are disclosed. One process includes the steps of: receiving a demand rate signal for ammonia; feeding reactants including urea and water into a reactor to provide a reaction mixture; and controlling temperature and pressure in the reactor to produce a gaseous product stream including ammonia and carbon dioxide at substantially constant concentrations. Another process includes the steps of: feeding molten urea or solid urea to a reactor; feeding water (liquid or steam) to the reactor; and reacting the urea and water at elevated temperature and pressure to form a gaseous product stream including ammonia and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Sterilant monitoring assembly includes an external housing defining an inlet and an outlet, and an internal flow path extending therethrough. An internal housing is located within the external housing and substantially surrounded by the internal flow path. The internal housing defines an interior sensor chamber therein, and includes a valve arrangement to join the interior sensor chamber selectively in fluid communication with the internal flow path. Preferably, the valve arrangement of the internal housing is defined by a base portion and a cover portion moveable relative to each other between an open position and a closed position. In one embodiment, the cover portion has an open end section configured for sealing engagement with an opposing surface of the base portion when moved axially to the closed position. In another preferred embodiment, the base portion and cover portion include mating peripheral walls.

Abstract: In a system and method for accurately calculating a steam-carbon ratio in a steam reformer or the like, a level control device operates a control valve to maintain the water in the steam reformer at a substantially constant level. A meter upstream of the heat exchanger measures the amount of water entering the heat exchanger. With a reading from that meter, the steam-carbon ratio at the reformer can be accurately counted. In another embodiment of the present invention, a process gas inlet incorporates an elongated body extending at least partially through the process portion of the heat exchanger. Openings spaced apart along the length of the body distribute the process gas along the length of the heat exchanger. In still another embodiment of the invention, a plurality of dividers is spaced apart along a width of the process portion of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: This invention describes a method for pumping or delivering fluids utilizing a flexible vessel subject to controlled pressures within another pressure vessel. The pressure vessel can be sourced with positive and/or negative (e.g., vacuum) pressure.

Abstract: A method for treating the liquid phase of contaminated materials that are disinfected or sterilized in a treatment chamber is provided, whereby a defined liquid collector area is provided in the treatment chamber. When the liquid in the collector area reaches a maximum level it is discharged into a collector tank and when the level of liquid in the collector area reaches a minimum level liquid is returned to the treatment chamber. When the liquid in the collector tank reaches a maximum level, liquid therefrom is returned to the treatment chamber in case the maximum level of liquid in the treatment chamber is not reached or said liquid is treated in an additional high-temperature disinfector unit to obtain purified liquid. A device that carries out the method is also provided. Using the method or device provided, contaminated solid materials with a high proportion of liquid can be disinfected or sterilized.

Abstract: An improved multi-well synthesis and filtration apparatus (10) includes a deep-well synthesis block (12) having a plurality of flowthrough wells (24) optionally fitted with filter disks (48) each of the wells (24) being integrally formed in the synthesis block (12), such that any material placed in the wells (24) is in immediate contact with the material of the synthesis block (12), an upper cover (14), a lower cover (16), and a pair of first and second sheet gaskets (18, 20). The first and second sheet gaskets (18, 20) are interposed between the upper and lower covers (14, 16) to seal inlet portions (38) and outlet spouts (40) of the wells (24). The upper and lower covers (14, 16) are independently releasable, and, with the gaskets (18, 20) form a gas tight seal, so that material is retained in the wells (24) when the lower cover (16) is removed, but the upper seal maintained.

Abstract: A foam detecting sensor (7) and an ultrasonic oscillation horn (13) are mounted on a vertical pipeline between a culture tank (1) and a liquid-vapor separating device (5). When overflowed foams are subjected to ultrasonic irradiation, they burst and lose volume. The burst foams have high apparent density as compared to the foams before irradiation. Thus, the concurrent use of ultrasonic oscillation devices (12, 13) and the liquid-vapor separating device (5), such as cyclone, leads to an enhanced liquid-vapor separation efficiency and higher productivity by fermentation.

Abstract: A humidifier with an integrated bacteriostat dispenser is disclosed. In one embodiment, a hand-operated bacteriostat pump is mounted on the humidifier housing and dispenses a predetermined amount of bacteriostat into the water tray of the humidifier when operated upon. In another embodiment, the bacteriostat automatically dispenses an amount of bacteriostat appropriate for the amount of water discharged from a water bottle into the water tray. In this embodiment, a chamber is defined for holding bacteriostat. A regulator keeps the amount of bacteriostat in the chamber at a predetermined level. A plunger head is partially disposed in the chamber and is connected to a surface the position of which changes with the water level in the water bottle. The position of the plunger head thus moves as the water level in the water bottle changes, displacing bacteriostat into the water tray. In another embodiment, a method for dispensing bacteriostat into a humidifier is disclosed.

Abstract: An air filter system is disclosed which utilizes a house plant growing in a standard plant growing device (pot) and a subsurface air withdrawal member positioned below the top surface of the growth media in which the plant is growing. The subsurface member has intake and outlet apertures where the outlet aperture is in fluid communication with a fan unit. The fan unit pulls air from the environment into and through the plant growing medium, into and through the subsurface member and into and out of the fan unit. As the air is pulled through the growth media the plant and associated micro-organisms remove airborne contaminants such as VOCs, pollens, dust and the like. The unit can also be operated in reverse where air is drawn into the fan unit and exhausted through the plant growth medium. Thus, any pot suitable for growing plants indoors can be converted into an air filter for upgrading the air quality of in open, closed or semi-closed environments.

Abstract: A contact lens is disposed in a well containing hydration fluid, such that a concave surface of the lens faces upwardly and the lens is submerged in the hydration fluid, thereby allowing contaminants to leach out of the lens into the hydration fluid. After hydration, a washing fluid is introduced into the well and contaminated hydration fluid is removed from the well so as to replace at least some of the contaminated hydration fluid in the well with the washing fluid in a predetermined fluid-exchange procedure. The washing fluid is introduced into the well so as to be directed against the concave surface of the lens and the contaminated hydration fluid is removed at a removal location remote from where the washing fluid impinges against the lens, such that the action of the introduced washing fluid serves to oppose The predetermined fluid-exchange procedure is monitored so as to establish whether the predetermined fluid-exchange procedure has been correctly performed.

Abstract: A sample handler moves and positions racks, containing sample tubes, in an analytical instrument. The sample handler has an in-feed and out-feed that advance sample tube racks using a walking beam mechanism. The racks are seated within the in-feed and are transported onto a cross-feed. The racks and tubes contained thereon are moved past detection devices that identify the samples and measure various properties thereof. Thereafter, the cross-feed moves the racks to a position behind the out-feed where the walking beam mechanism moves the tube racks out of the analytical instrument.