Abstract: A method of irradiating a biological specimen with ultraviolet, in particular a polynucleotide specimen selected from DNA or RNA, or optionally a protein. In the case where the specimen is DNA or RNA, or potentially proteins, the specimen is irradiated to cross-link the specimen to a substrate. In the case where the specimen is DNA, the specimen can also be irradiated to form thymine dimers. The method uses an apparatus which permits relatively precise control of the total ultraviolet dose received by the specimen, despite any changes of ultraviolet flux from the lamps which may occur from during any one experiment, or between a number of experiments. Thus, the method allows relatively highly reproducible results to be obtained.

Abstract: An integral biomolecule preparation device which accomplishes all of the nucleic acid separation steps, including centrifugation, reagent addition, and pipeting, automatically without human intervention to fully automate the DNA separation procedure.

Abstract: A compact manifold for distribution of fluids (gas or liquid or combination thereof). The manifold has a block having fluid channels provided therethrough between two faces of the block. Against one face, a plate is fastened which swages ferrules between the plate and the block to tightly connect fluid conduits through the plate to the block. On the opposite face of the block, a manifold plenum is formed in a groove between a manifold plate and an o-ring. The o-ring is pressed against the manifold plate by a back plate and both plates are securely fastened onto the block such that the holes in the manifold plate are aligned with the fluid channels in the block. Checkvalves are positioned between the block and the manifold plate to prevent backflow. The above-mentioned components are positioned into their respective places and are secured upon the tightening of the fasteners. The manifold is configured with at least two plenums each having a group of distribution outlets.

Abstract: Apparatus for conducting and controlling chemical reactions, wherein idealistic reaction conditions are achieved automatically for chemical reaction systems in a reaction vessel. The apparatus includes a pH-sensor, a temperature sensor and a vacuum sensor in the reaction vessel. The apparatus also includes electronic scales to measure the weight change in additive liquid containers linked with liquid flow mechanisms to supply additive liquids into the reaction vessel. A cooling mechanism is provided to cool the reaction vessel and a vacuum mechanism is provided to degas the inner space of the reaction vessel. A CPU is arranged to control the liquid flow mechanisms, the cooling mechanism and the vacuum mechanism based on calculated values derived from signals issued by the sensors and the scales.

Abstract: A sterilizing cassette system is disclosed. A sealed container (cassette) is provided and configured to receive an article to be sterilized (i.e. a load). A sealing member, such as a plunger, is associated with the cassette at an opening formed in the cassette. An actuating member, such as a motor, is mechanically associated with the sealing member to open and close the sealing member at preselected times during the sterilizing cycle. A control device, such as a microprocessor, is associated with the actuating member to provide signals to the actuator to cause it to actuate the plunger at preselected times in the sterilizing cycle. The actuator is formed integral with the sterilizer so that it can be interchangeably used with multiple load-bearing cassettes. Once the cassette is removed from the sterilizer, it remains in its sealed state until the load is needed, thus mainlining the load in a sterilized condition.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the automated synthesis of DNA segments utilizing multiple reaction columns, all of which are open at the inlet end to the atmosphere of a reaction chamber. A movable reagent supply line outlet is positioned adjacent to the column inlet end to apply reagent to each of the columns according to an input sequence of delivery. The delivery sequence is under processor control. Reagents are removed from all columns simultaneously through the application of vacuum at the outlet end of each column. The device enables the parallel synthesis of large numbers of different oligonucleotide sequences of different lengths.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an automated peptide synthesizer equipped with recovery lines including an acyl component recovery line for recovering unreacted acyl components to allow the reuse of the acyl components, and a solvent recovery line for recovering and distilling a reaction solvent and passing it through a purification column to allow the reuse of the reaction solvent. Both recovery lines are installed on the flow pathway from one or more reaction chambers or columns to a waste liquid reservoir of the automated peptide synthesizer. By recovering expensive acyl components and solvents, running cost in peptide synthesis can be reduced to mitigate economic burden, and the amount of waste leading to environmental destruction can be reduced.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for performing a multiple synthesis of peptides on a solid carrier. Active components are successively bonded to functional groups anchored on a carrier. The carrier is a planar porous material divided into functionalized compartments, into which an active component is put, via a dispensing head.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a machine for performing nucleic acid amplification under computer control. The machine utilizes any one of a number of heating and cooling systems under control of a host computer which directs the heating and cooling systems to heat and cool a reaction-chamber-containing heat exchanger at appropriate times in the process. The reaction chambers are pre-loaded with the nucleic acid(s) to be amplified, a thermostable enzyme to catalyze polymerization, specific oligonucleotide primers, and four different nucleotide triphosphates. Also disclosed is the process for the amplification chain reaction implemented by the machine, which utilizes a thermostable enzyme.

Abstract: Gas generating apparatus in which a supply of carrier gas is mixed with an impurity gas that permeates through the membrane of an impurity gas generator. A dopant gas is supplied to the impurity gas generator through a pressure controller which operates in response to a pressure monitor that monitors the pressure of the dopant gas supplied to the impurity gas generator. As the monitored pressure of the supplied dopant gas changes, the pressure of that supplied gas likewise changes in a manner which maintains a substantially constant flow rate of the impurity gas through the membrane to be mixed with a carrier gas.

Abstract: An automatic processor for analyzing reaction solutions has a large number of reaction vessels arranged in a circle on a disk, a disk driver for circulating the reaction vessels successively to pass through a sample pouring position, a reagent adding position and an analyzing position in order, sample pouring pipet nozzle for pouring a sample into each of the reaction chambers at the sample pouring position, reagent adding pipet nozzle for adding a reagent into each of the reaction chambers at the reagent adding position, and analyzer for analyzing a reaction solution in each of the reaction vessels at the analyzing position. A large number of reaction vessels are divided into a plurality of reaction vessel groups each of which has a plurality of reaction vessels. The disk driver circulates each of the reaction vessel groups in a predetermined time in accordance with the reaction times of the reaction solutions in the reaction vessels of the same reaction vessel group.

Abstract: A process for rapidly sterilizing biological media, such as broths and gels used as incubation or growth media to test the presence of microorganisms, such as bacteria, includes applying microwave radiation to such an aqueous biological medium contained in a microwave transmissive pressure retaining container, such as a capped cylinder made of polytetrafluoroethylene, which cap is preferably equipped with ports, by directing the microwave radiation through the container and onto the medium in such amount that the pressure in the container and the temperature of the medium are raised above ambient pressure and temperature, and maintaining such raised pressure and temperature for a time sufficient to sterilize the medium.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for processing liquids are provided. The apparatus include open-ended, hollow reactor compartments which are detachably connected to receptor ends of tube systems. In preferred embodiments, a portion of the tube system is fixed to a rotor arm which can be rotated in a circle and moved up and down. Another portion of the tube system is coupled to a metering syringe which serves for drawing in or ejecting fluids into or from the reactor compartment and/or the tube system. A plurality of process stations such as bottles containing reagents or solvents can be arranged on a circular tray such that they can be accessed by the reactor compartment or by the receptor end if the reactor compartment has been detached from the tube system. The invention can be used, for example, for automatic protein sequencing, whereby the proteins to be sequenced are held in place by a matrix in the reactor compartment.

Abstract: Liquids for cleaning, disinfecting and lubricating dentistry handpieces are distributed to the handpieces by a device which includes reservoirs for storing liquids for the cleaning, disinfection and lubrication procedures which are to take place, and a series of solenoid valves for sequentially opening at different stations according to a prescribed cycle. To this end, each liquid to be utilized is conveyed through each handpiece in actual liquid form, and not in an atomized form, and then atomized in the handpiece by compressed air entering through a conduit which is separate from the conduit for passing the liquids.

Abstract: A reactor for sequentially modifying a molecule attached to a solid phase support, including: a plurality of substrate carriers, each substrate carrier capable of carrying a solid phase support to which a molecule to be modified can be attached; a plurality of reagent chambers, each capable of comprising a reagent for effecting a modification of the molecule; and means for individually bringing each of a plurality of chosen substrate carriers into a reagent-contact mode and a reagent-non-contact mode with each of a plurality of reagent chambers. Each of a plurality of the substrate carriers is capable of sequential contact with the contents of a plurality of the reagent chambers. The sequential contact is capable of resulting in the sequential modification of molecules attached to solid phase supports on the plurality of substrate carriers.

Abstract: A cleaning and disinfecting apparatus for medical equipment and instruments is provided. The apparatus includes at least one feed line constructed so as to be coupled for the supply of cleansing liquid and at least one outlet line for the discharge of spent cleansing liquid. A transportation and cleaning vessel is further provided which receives the articles to be cleaned and is adapted to be placed in and taken out of the apparatus. The vessel has at least one inlet and at least one outlet, the inlet being adapted to be connected to the feed line and the outlet being adapted for coupling to the discharge line. The inlets and outlets can be closed by non-return flaps on valves which are in closed position when inoperative and are opened by pressurized fluid.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to a method and apparatus for controlling microbial growth in air handling systems employing heat exchanging coils, water pans, or the like, exposed to moisture and subject to microbial contamination. Condensation apparatus located within a chamber defined in an air handling system is disinfected by temporarily interrupting normal air flow, sealing the chamber with respect to the air handling system, introducing an anti-microbial growth gaseous disinfectant into the chamber, removing the anti-microbial gas from the chamber after disinfecting the condensation apparatus and then restoring normal air flow through the chamber. The preferred anti-microbial gas is produced by using an ozone generator in conjunction with an auxiliary air flow system.

Abstract: A microprocessor-controlled, self-contained steam sterilizer is disclosed. Once the steam exposure phase is complete in the sterilizer, the microprocessor is programmed to operate the vaporizing heater in a low-power duty cycle to utilize the vaporizing heater as a drying heater in a lower power operating mode to effect a drying phase.

Abstract: A process, system and pressure chamber for the automated sterilization of articles, particularly medical or dental instruments is disclosed, which is simple to use and economically efficient by comparison with conventional autoclaves and steam sterilizing system. Steam is generated by the pulsed injection of a controlled quantity of water into a heated boiler whenever it runs dry. The boiler is coupled in a closed-loop system to a relatively small pressure chamber in the form of a cassette that is readily inserted and removed from a holder connecting the chamber to a steam inlet conduit and a venting conduit, the latter being closed off during pressurization of the chamber. By automated monitoring of the boiler and chamber temperatures, conditions in the chamber are measured and the boiler and valves in the system controlled to effect a sterilization cycle.

Abstract: In a medical instrument sterilization system that preferably utilizes humidified ozone as a sterilization agent or sterilizing effluent, the system provides for ozone generation, humidification of that ozone and its transfer to for circulation in a primary sterilization chamber wherein medical instruments are scoured clean and sterilized by passage of the humidified ozone therethrough, and for venting the used ozone to a destruction chamber for heat destruction. The invention is in a secondary safety chamber for containing the primary sterilization chamber wherein sterilization operations take place that is locked and sealed during the sterilization cycle and provides for separately sensing and venting for destruction any sterilizing agent as escapes from the primary sterilization chamber.

Abstract: Not only the dialysis machine, but also its outer supply conduits and connection tubes together with the associated water distribution system can be flushed and disinfected in the present disinfection method by including these members in the cleaning circuit. Energy is saved and the amount of disinfectants is reduced during hot cleaning and chemical disinfection in a recirculatory process, and the duration of the disinfecting operations can moreover be decreased. Furthermore, a five-valve assembly is provided in or on the dialysis apparatus, in an additional apparatus with respect to the dialysis apparatus or in a water supply system integrated into the wall of a dialysis station for the dialysis apparatus so as to carry out the disinfection method, and a supply means is provided for introducing the disinfectant into the recirculatory circuit.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for synthesizing biopolymers, such as polypeptides and polynucleotides. The apparatus includes plural reaction vessels in which subunit coupling to biopolymers in a particle suspension is carried out. The vessels are connected to common valving structure for use in mixing the suspension and removing suspension liquid. In one embodiment, a robotic arm in the apparatus is operable to transfer reaction solution to the reaction vessels, and to transfer particle suspensions from the reaction vessels to a mixing vessel and back to the reaction vessels. The method can be used to produce preferably equi-molar amounts of different-sequence biopolymers, such as polypeptides and polynucleotides.

Abstract: An automated, computer-driven amino acid indexer for peptide synthesis uses programmed computer, a circuit board controller, and a combination of microtiter sample well trays, light emitting diodes to illuminate each sample well, and circuitry to control the illumination of the diodes. The apparatus simplifies technical difficulties present in large-scale laboratory syntheses of peptides by substantially reducing the time required for dispensing amino acids into sample trays and reducing the occurrence of error in the process to negligible levels in typical syntheses. A programmed, automated technique for synthesizing peptides is also provided.

Abstract: Sequential degradation of peptides for sequencing purposes by successive cleavage of amino acids from one end of the peptide chain is performed in an adsorption column with flows of the degradation reagents and wash liquids passing through the column in both directions. Migration of the peptide in one direction is thereby compensated by a subsequent migration in the other, and loss of peptide from the column over repeated cleavages is avoided. In preferred embodiments, the column contains two serially arranged adsorbent zones with differing adsorption characteristics, and the directions of flow of the various system components through the column are selected with a view toward a difference in peptide partitioning between the stationary and mobile phases in one zone vs. the other. The result is that any migration of the peptide occurring at any stage of a given cycle of the procedure occurs at a greater rate toward the zone interface than away from it.

Abstract: A sterilizer is disclosed which includes control circuitry for automatically controlling a plurality of sterilization cycles. The control circuitry operates to control actuation of a door opening mechanism whereby a door of the sterilizer may be automatically opened a small amount at the conclusion of a sterilization cycle whereby the sterilizer may initiate a drying portion of the cycle without the assistance of an operator. In addition, a baffled water reservoir is provided such that a water filling area of the reservoir is separated from a steam recovery area of the reservoir to thereby provide efficient recovery of steam at the conclusion of a sterilization cycle.

Abstract: A liquid treatment system receives untreated liquid from a pressurized source and outputs treated liquid on demand. An ozone containing gas from a generator is combined with untreated liquid to accomplish the desired treatment before the liquid is output; and the necessary operations include pumping, venting, a demand event switch, and a control system to accomplish the necessary functions. A valved liquid passageway conducts untreated liquid to a contact region, accumulated gas is vented from the system. A demand event can be manual operation of an output switch or manual operation of an outflow valve that causes a liquid level change within the system. Treated liquid outflow can occur by gravity, as a passive outflow in response to opening an inflow valve, and as an active outflow driven by a pump.

Abstract: A batch liquid purifier using a reservoir, an ozone generator, and a pumping system is arranged for contacting the liquid with an ozone containing gas so that it is purified either during a direct outflow to a purified liquid chamber or during a circulational flow back to the reservoir. The flow circuit can include a liquid gas separator and venting of gas to atmosphere via an ozone concentration reducer. Pumping, valving, and controls can be accomplished in a variety of ways.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for performing a multiple synthesis of peptides on a solid carrier. Active components are successively bonded to functional groups anchored on a carrier. The carrier planar functionalized porous material divided into compartments, into which the needed activated component is put. Common operations of the synthesis are carried out by all compartments of the carrier at the same time.

Abstract: A device for removing air from the steam chamber of an autoclave includes a sealable sterilization chamber for receiving items to be sterilized. The chamber is sealed and the pressure and temperature therein monitored by sensors. Vapor for sterilizing items is generated in the chamber by a heater. Air is removed from the chamber through a relatively large vent and a selectively activated valve for opening and closing the vent. A digital controller receives the monitored temperature and pressure of the chamber as inputs, compares these empirical values with standard values and, on the basis of the comparison, generates a control signal to selectively open or close the valve. The vapor used in steam and the standard values are a set of coordinates, which when plotted on a pressure/temperature graph, would yield a curve characteristic of saturated steam. The standard values are stored in a memory accessible to the microprocessor.

Abstract: A cleansing and sterilization mechanism which is usable on contact lenses, surgical instruments, dental tools, and other items which require regular cleansing and sterilization. Using ozone as the cleansing and sterilization medium, the apparatus provides for added guaranty of operation through the use of feedback mechanism to assure that all the components are working and that the to-be-cleaned items are exposed to the ozone bath for the specified time. Furthermore, the item is capable of communicating, via phone line, to a central unit which monitors the operation and performance of the mechanism.

Abstract: This invention relates to the apparatus, for sequencing natural or recombinant DNA and other polynucleotides. In particular, this invention relates to a method for sequencing polynucleotides based on mass spectrometry to determine which of the four bases (adenine, guanine, cytosine or thymine) is a component of the terminal nucleotide. In particular, the present invention relates to identifying the individual nucleotides by the mass of stable nuclide markers contained within either the dideoxynucleotides, the DNA primer, or the deoxynucleotide added to the primer. This invention is particularly useful in identifying specific DNA sequences in very small quantities in biological products produced by fermentation or other genetic engineering techniques. The invention is therefore useful in evaluating safety and other health concerns related to the presence of DNA in products resulting from genetic engineering techniques.

Abstract: A system for the electrophoretic analysis of DNA fragments produced in DNA sequencing operations comprising: a source of chromophore or fluorescent tagged DNA fragments; a zone for contacting an electrophoresis gel; means for introducing said tagged DNA fragments to said zone; and photometric means for monitoring said tagged DNA fragments as they move through said gel.

Abstract: An apparatus for the stepwise performance of chemical reactions characterized by a cup-shaped reactor vessel spinning around its longitudinal axis, and a pipette for applying samples, reagents, and solvents onto the inner wall of the vessel. The pipette is rotatable around an axis, and can be positioned at a location from which it can be lowered into reservoirs for drawing in or for ejecting liquid. The pipette can furthermore be positioned at a location from which it can be lowered into the vessel for applying sample, reagents or solvents onto its inner wall or it can be positioned at a location from which it can be lowered to remove reaction products and excess products from the bottom of the vessel. The apparatus can be used for automatically sequencing proteins and/or peptides.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for carrying out a method for sterilizing a medical unit comprising at least two connections for a fluid flow pathway where a sterilizing medium flows through the unit.Medical units of this type are e.g. medical filters, in particular dialyzers. A high degree of sterility is here required. This is accomplished through the steps of:(a) inserting the unit into a system under pressure-tight coupling of the two connections to a feed conduit and discharge conduit of the system under atmospheric conditions;(b) passing the sterilizing medium from the system through the unit for a give period;(c) closing the two connections in the coupled state and in a germproof manner, without the same being opened, on completion of the sterilization operation; and(d) removing said unit from said system as a sterile unit with closed connections.All steps, including the removal of the unit, are therefore carried out in a system where the sterility obtained is constantly maintained.

Abstract: The pressurization period of an autoclave is controlled by an oscillator which provides an output to the autoclave control unit. The control unit has a microprocessor with its own clock. The number of times that a portion of the program is carried out by the microprocessor during the pressurization period of the autoclave, is counted into a register to decrease a separately established count in the register. This separately established count is representative of the correct operating time of the pressurization period. If, at the end of the pressurization period, the count in the register exceeds zero by more than an allowable error, a fault indication is produced on a display and the autoclave door is maintained locked so as to prevent access to articles in the autoclave.

Abstract: In an unplumbed sterilizer, a measured quantity of liquid is introduced into a partially evacuated chamber in a dump period. The liquid quantity is automatically controlled by closing a valve in the additional conduit upon the occurrence of either (a) the chamber pressure attaining a preset value, or (b) elapsing of a preset time, whichever occurs first.

Abstract: A high pressure to low pressure transition in the steam production within sulfur condensers feeding cold bed adsorption reactors in an extended Claus process sulfur recovery plant is prevented from affecting recovery by maintaining a sufficiently cold reactor in final position to absorb potentially emissions affecting increase in final reactor feed temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out chemical reaction sequences includes a stack of reaction plates arranged one above another and displaceable according to choice step by step in relation to one another, which are provided with passages arranged at the stepping interval, one of which passes in each case is formed as reaction chamber. A plate displacement device serves for the displacement of the respective plate, according to choice, in relation to the remaining plate stack. A pressure application part of a clamping device is provided with a faculty for movement of the plates in relation to one another between a pressure application position with sealing clamping together of the plates and a release position.

Abstract: A compact apparatus having a gravity assisted, substantially linear, vertical fluid flow path through vertically aligned elements for the N-terminal and C-terminal sequencing of proteins and peptides is disclosed.

Abstract: A reaction chamber utilizes a sample carrier composed of a magnetic core and a surface coating effective to support sample of protein or peptide. The sample carrier is floated magnetically by means of electromagnets positioned within a reaction vessel. Edman reagnet is applied to the sample to effect amino acid sequence analysis of protein or peptide from amino-terminal. By such construction, reaction efficiency of repeated production of thiazolinon amino-acid derivatives is increased so as to increase number of identified amino acids, thereby enabling microanalysis of sample.

Abstract: A sterilization apparatus comprises a housing provided with an opening through which an object may be inserted, and an ultraviolet radiation generator at least partially inside the housing for irradiating with bacteriocidal radiation an object inserted into the housing through the opening. A liquid spraying mechanism or gas injection mechanism is disposed at least partially inside the housing for applying to the inserted object a sterilizing agent. A coating or cover forming mechanism is also provided at least partially inside the housing for forming on the inserted object a protective covering. A control unit controls the activation of the radiation generator, the sterilizing mechanism and the coating mechanism.

Abstract: There is disclosed an autoclave system incorporating a sterilization chamber and a reservoir. The reservoir is coupled to the sterilization chamber by means of a selectively operated valve. A microcontroller in conjunction with timing means computes a time necessary to place a predetermined amount of water into the sterilization chamber to assure that a proper sterilization cycle will be implemented. The apparatus determines the amount of time required to operate the valve based on the water level in the reservoir. The system is initilized with a full reservoir of water and bases all successive computations for valve operation from this point. Thus the valve is operated according to a given time duration, which time duration is computed according to the number of sterilization cycles previously performed by the autoclave system.

Abstract: A thermal reactor, and a method of operating the thermal reactor, in which the thermal reactor includes: a chamber which is thermally isolated by refrigerated air circulating in the walls of the chamber, and which holds a tray of sample vials; means for supplying air to the chamber and for exhausting air from the chamber; heaters for heating the air supplied to the chamber; sensors for sensing the temperature of the air supplied to the chamber and of the sample vials, and a computer which pulses the heaters according to the measured temperatures of the vials and the air in the chamber to maintain the temperature of the vials at a desired level.

Abstract: An automated DNA sequencing apparatus having a reactor for providing at least two series of DNA products formed from a single primer and a DNA strand, each DNA product of a series differing in molecular weight and having a chain terminating agent at one end; separating means for separating the DNA products to form a series bands, the intensity of substantially all nearby bands in a different series being different, band reading means for determining the position anThis invention was made with government support including a grant from the U.S. Public Health Service, contract number AI-06045. The U.S. government has certain rights in the invention.

Abstract: A polynucleotide synthesizer comprises a supply mechanism for supplying a) liquid reactants for synthesizing peptides or polynucleotides, b) liquid reagents that assist in the synthesis, and c) a wash liquid; a reactor column; a connecting device for fluidly connecting the supply mechanism with the column; apparatus for positively displacing with gas pressure, liquid reactants and reagents, and wash liquid from the supply mechanism into the connecting device; and a controller connected to the column for allowing liquid to flow under the force of the gas pressure and at a controlled rate, into a temporary storage chamber and for thereafter emptying the chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a procedure for chemically determining the base sequence of DNA and, in particular, its step of cleaving the labeled DNA having undergone a base-selective chemical modification at the position of the modified base. More particularly, it relates to a method for cleaving DNA which comprises modifying DNA base-selectively with chemical reagents, bringing the resulting reaction mixture into contact with an adsorbent to adsorb the chemically modified DNA on the adsorbent, washing the adsorbent with a washing fluid to remove any chemical modification reagents from the adsorbent, bringing the adsorbent into contact with an eluent to elute the chemically modified DNA adsorbed thereon, concentrating the resulting eluate and then heating it together with a cleavage reagent.

Abstract: A diagnostic instrument and method indexes plural, sequentially actuated reaction vessels, stepwise to several processing positions. Several positions effecting wash have wash probes that are gauged together. Sample and/or reagent are not added to a number of vessels leading and trailing sample containing vessels. The processing of the sample is controlled according to different time-templates and the first use of the wash probes occurs in the same cycle for different sets of analytical tests.

Abstract: An automatic perfumer capable of operating in one of a plurality of modes to suite varying room conditions, the modes including an intermittent mode for perfuming at predetermined intervals, and a light-activated intermittent mode for operating as described above and only upon the application of light, thereby avoiding needless nighttime operation.

Abstract: An ozone deodorizing device for use in refrigerators, in which ozone is intermittently generated under action of a timer by use of a creepage discharger to avoid consumption of the battery, the discharge quantity is equalized by use of a pulse generator varying its pulse width to compensate for the reduction of battery power.

Abstract: A method is provided for sequencing peptides and proteins in which the coupling and cleavage reagents are supplied through a valve block assembly with internal delivery channels and a common outlet channel. The outlet channel communicates with a reaction chamber in which the sample is placed. Access of reactants to the delivery channels is controlled by diaphragm valves, preferably equipped with relief grooves to accommodate deformation of the diaphragm. Reservoirs feeding the delivery channels have an inert atmosphere controlled by pressurizing and venting channels in the valve block. Exposure of plastic tubing to oxygen is kept to a minimum. Reactants are thereby supplied without significant cross-contamination or oxidative decomposition.