Abstract: A chromatographic assay test device for use with immunoassays. The test device has a sample collection member pivotally coupled to a test strip receiving member. The sample collection member has a window for applying a test sample to a pad accessible through the window and the pad is repositionable to an inverted position to contact a chromatographic member inserted into the test device. The chromatographic member is then brought into opposition to the sample collection member thus improving test performance by reducing the manipulation of samples. The test device is constructed from five interconnected panels which are die cut from SBS cardboard. The first panel has a window for inserting a test strip and the second panel has a window for viewing the test strip during the test procedure. The third panel has the repositionable pad section. The fourth panel has a window for applying the test sample and the fifth panel covers the test sample window.

Abstract: An apparatus for the extraction of peat comprising an outer tank (1) and an inner tank compartment (3) having perforated walls (4,23) and being the actual container for peat to be extracted. Feeding pipes (13) for the supply of extracting medium extend into the inner tank compartment (3) while at least one outflow opening (7-11) is connected to the outer tank (1). Between the inner tank compartment (3) and the outer tank (1), there is a free space (38) filled with extracting medium. Preferably, the medium is supplied to a plurality of orifices within the inner tank compartment (3), and particularly to at least two different levels.

Abstract: An improved rotating basket extractor is provided having improved discharge means comprising a hopper section having a solid material entry and solid material exit end. The cross sectional area of the solid material entry end is smaller than the exit end so as to help prevent the agglomeration of solid material in the discharge hopper as it exits from the rotating baskets to a dual screw conveyor for subsequent travel to a discharge chute. The discharge hopper and the housing for the dual screw conveyor comprise slot means to provide for additional drainage of miscella therethrough. Additionally, the axially disposed rotatable shaft, supporting the rotating baskets, is journalled in upper and lower bearings located outside the outer housing member for ease of maintenance. The lower thrust bearing is mounted for direct support by the flooring substrate below the outer housing of the extractor to help minimize bearing contamination and corrosion.

Abstract: A grid (250, 280) is disclosed which can be used as part of a salt platform (10, 50, 80) to support salt in an ion exchange water softener. The grid is preferably formed of ABS plastic and has a border portion (252) and bands (254, 256) without holes (274) formed therethrough for strength. When the grid is used as part of a salt platform having vertically oriented members (12-24) with open upper ends, cap portions (258-270), without holes formed therethrough, are used to cover the upper ends of the members.

Abstract: An improved rotating basket extractor is provided having improved discharge means comprising a hopper section having a solid material entry and solid material exit end. The cross sectional area of the solid material entry end is smaller than the exit end so as to help prevent the agglomeration of solid material in the discharge hopper as it exits from the rotating baskets to a dual screw conveyor for subsequent travel to a discharge chute. The discharge hopper and the housing for the dual screw conveyor comprise slot means to provide for additional drainage of miscella therethrough. Additionally, the axially disposed rotatable shaft, supporting the rotating baskets, is journalled in a thrust bearing provided contiguous to the flooring substrate. Location of the thrust bearing there helps to minimize bearing contamination and corrosion.

Abstract: A column for performing thermal separations includes a vertical cylindrical outer column wall defining an inner volume which is subdivided by a separating wall into two halves filled with mass exchange packs, each of the mass packs has horizontal strip-like two rim guards, a lower guard is interrupted in the area of opposite corners of the respective mass exchange pack and an upper rim guard is a continuous flexible fabric strip.

Abstract: A column for performing thermal separations and/or chemical reactions with a vertical cylindrical outer column wall surrounding an inner volume, which is subdivided by a median vertical separating wall into two volume halves, wherein mass exchange packs are arranged, whereby an overheated liquid can be introduced in the column, whereby for the separation of the overheated liquid into liquid and vapor on the separating wall a box is mounted, wherein abuts a duct traversing the outer column wall and supplying the overheated liquid, whereby the box has a mist collector in its upper region and a liquid outlet in its lower region.

Abstract: A solubilizing apparatus includes a fluid permeable sleeve having opposed openings therein wherein a spray nozzle is in flow communication with one opening and a second opening is disposed to receive solids. The spray nozzle is designed to spray a fluid in a swirling spray sweeping the insides of the sleeve wall as it travels toward the opposite end. The solubilizing apparatus is specifically useful for dissolution of chemicals utilized in cleaning reverse osmosis membranes.

Abstract: A distributor system for uniformly directing vapor and liquid across the surface of a fixed bed of solids in a downflow reactor comprising a distributor tray, and a plurality of open-ended downpipes extending through the tray. A first array of the downpipes has a plurality of vertically spaced elevations of holes above the level of the tray. A second array of the downpipes has at least one elevation of holes at substantially the same height above the level of the tray as one of the upper elevations of holes in the first array of the downpipes. But, the second array has no elevation of holes corresponding to the lowermost elevation of holes, and possibly other lower elevations of holes, in the first array of downpipes. The absence of the lowermost holes in the second array of downpipes causes the liquid flow rate through the distributor tray at a given liquid height to be reduced when that liquid height falls below the elevation of the holes second from the bottom in the first array.

Abstract: A salt platform (10, 50, 80) is disclosed which can be used in an ion exchange water softener to support the salt used in the water softening process. The salt platform will be typically placed in a tank containing a salt brine which wets the grid (34) and the area above the grid containing the dry salt which is drawn into the brine as the salt is depleted during the process. The platform includes a plurality of vertically oriented members (12-24) which are preferably formed of PVC plastic pipe. Bracing members (26, 28) are secured between adjacent vertically oriented cylinders to provide a stable platform. A grid (34) is supported atop the vertically oriented cylinders and the salt, in turn, is supported on the grid.

Abstract: A swimming pool treatment device for simultaneous introduction of at least two separately stored chemicals into the water of a swimming pool has an enclosed, selectively openable first hollow body portion for containing and dispensing a first chemical into the swimming pool water. At least a second enclosed, selectively openable hollow body portion is included for containing and dispensing at least a second chemical into the swimming pool water. The first hollow body portion and the at least a second hollow body portion are selectively detachably interengaged with one another. The first hollow body portion and the at least a second hollow body portion are selectively detachably interengaged with one another, to thereby provide a way to simultaneously introduce at least two separately stored chemicals into the water of the swimming pool.

Abstract: A solubilizing apparatus includes a fluid permeable sleeve having opposed openings therein wherein a spray nozzle is in flow communication with one opening and a second opening is disposed to receive solids. The spray nozzle is designed to spray a fluid in a swirling spray sweeping the insides of the sleeve wall as it travels toward the opposite end. The solubilizing apparatus is specifically useful for dissolution of chemicals utilized in cleaning reverse osmosis membranes.

Abstract: A water treatment pill is disclosed having a cylindrical periphery and disklike end faces and comprising material that in use is eroded to treat the water. The cylindrical periphery of the pill is covered with a cover of water impermeable material to prevent water coming into contact with the periphery of the pill. A passage is provided between the sleeve and the periphery of the pill and running from one end face to the other. This passage may be formed in the periphery of the pill or in the sleeve. One end face of the pill is closed off by a closure member. Thus with the axis of the periphery vertical and the closure member on the upper face of the pill, any gases which may accumulate below one end face of the pill can escape along the groove to the other end face.

Abstract: A water treatment device which is attached to the feed hose immediately above or behind deep water pool cleaner. Includes a cylindrical body that is slotted on either side within which a water treatment substance is housed. An outer cylindrical sleeve that rotates over the main cylindrical body is used to regulate the flow of water over the water treatment substance such that quiescent conditions prevail inside the holder. The device is equipped with buoyant end caps as to minimize impedance of pool cleaner to which is it attached. Provides distribution of dissolved water treatment substance throughout the entire body of water from the bottom up.

Abstract: Polymer activation apparatus for activating a batch of dry polymer in dilution water includes a tank which contains the dilution water in a mixing vessel and a mixing assembly within the mixing vessel. The dilution water is circulated at a high rate through the mixing assembly to create a high shear flow condition within the mixing assembly. The polymer is introduced into the mixing assembly to disperse the polymer in the dilution water and form a slurry in the vessel without causing agglomeration of the dry polymer. After dispersion and before hydration of the polymer, the rate of circulation through the mixing assembly is reduced to create a low shear flow condition. The low shear condition is maintained as the viscosity of the solution increases.

Abstract: A device for growing cells has a container which forms an inner chamber, and a plurality of discs located in the inner chamber and provided with corrugations sufficient to entrain a growth medium with cells during a rotation of the container with the discs, while allowing the growth medium with the cells to slowly flow downwardly.

Abstract: An gas generator is disclosed that generates gas from a pressure-producing reaction of reactant pieces and reactant fluid. The generator includes a pressure/reaction regulator for use with a reaction chamber. The regulator includes a reactant-fluid accumulator in communication with the reaction chamber via a reactant-fluid port for adjusting pressure in the chamber relative to a preselected threshold pressure. The regulator also includes at least one body extending substantially into the reaction chamber from the reactant-fluid port. The body is formed with holes for letting fluid under pressure into and out of the chamber. Also disclosed is such a regulator that is usable with a reaction chamber having plural reactant-fluid ports and includes plural bodies, one for each port.

Abstract: A solid product static brake (10) is provided which is employed in cast solid chemical block dispensing systems for slowing a generally downward gravitationally driven movement of the solid chemical block when placed or installed in a chemical dispenser. The brake provides the ability to prevent the destruction of the cast solid during installation due to mechanical shock. The static brake comprises a horizontal base frame (12), and a plurality of rigid blade members (18) extending from the base frame in a generally perpendicular direction. When a new solid block is installed, the blade members contact and slow the solid block as it falls into the dispenser.

Abstract: A controllable dispenser which dispenses an aqueous solution of a soluble substance. The dispenser has an inlet to accept a supply of water and an outlet to discharge the solution. The dispenser includes a container having a chamber, where the soluble substance is placed, and a passage surrounding the chamber. The chamber is longitudinally in line with the inlet and outlet. The water entering the device is able to flow through both the chamber and the passage. The fluid flowing through the passage functions as a carrier of the solution to the outlet. The chamber is defined at both ends by an orifice. Various chambers may be used, each having a different diameter and different size orifices, one allowing a greater rate of flow than another, thereby increasing the level of concentration or the rate of solubility. The device is preferably constructed of a transparent material which enables the user to observe the amount of soluble substance remaining in the chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing oil, bitumen, precious metals, and hydrocarbon gases from mined oil-bearing rock material, such as tar sands and soil shale. The rock is ground, preconditioned in a heated and pressurized atmosphere devoid of oxygen, and subsequently centrifuged in the presence of an oil-replacement gas to produce oil, and also any precious metal particles that are present in the oil-bearing rock material. The produced oil and precious metals are subsequently separated from each other by centrifuging.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of preparing brine by dissolving salt in water, the salt containing sodium chloride but also calcium sulfate and/or other soluble impurities with a slower dissolution rate than sodium chloride, wherein the salt is supplied to a vessel including a grid for supporting a salt bed, water is supplied and flows through and wets at least a portion of the salt bed before it flows through the grid, whereby small solid particles form and pass through the grid whereafter they are separated from the solution, said small particles containing essentially no sodium chloride.The invention further concerns a device for making brine by dissolving salt in water, which device comprises a vessel containing a grid support, means for supplying solid salt, means for supplying water, means for the outflow of brine, and means for removing undissolved salt particles at the bottom of the vessel.

Abstract: A cleaning system and dispenser are disclosed which feature a reservoir for retaining a liquid detergent solution; a chamber for retaining a mass of solid, dissolvable detergent; a measurement device for measuring the concentration of detergent in the liquid detergent solution; and a flow control device for circulating the liquid detergent solution from the reservoir into contact with the solid detergent so as to dissolve a portion of the solid detergent and increase the concentration of detergent in the liquid detergent solution. The circulation of the liquid detergent solution is in response to a signal from the concentration measuring device that the concentration of detergent in the liquid detergent solution has fallen below a predetermined minimum. The dispenser also includes a measurement device for measuring the volume of solution in the reservoir and for adding fresh water to the reservoir when the volume of solution is below a predetermined minimum.

Abstract: A system for mechanically and biologically decomposing a garbage discharged from a house, a restaurant or the like at high operational efficiency is disclosed. The system includes a disposer for disintegrating the garbage into a large number of pieces, a solid/liquid separator for separating water from the disintegrated garbage and a garbage decomposing vessel for biologically dissolving the solid disintegrated garbage from which water has been substantially separated in the solid/liquid separator. To promote biological decomposition of the solid disintegrated garbage in the garbage decomposing vessel, pulverized wood is normally used instead of soil as a raw material for forming a decomposing bacillus growing bed in the garbage decomposing vessel. Prior to practical use, the pulverized wood is thermally processed.

Abstract: A pool chemical dispenser utilizing a flotation device to hold the dispenser on the surface of a body of water such as a swimming pool and a pool chemical-containing cartridge that fits within the flotation device is provided. The cartridge is intended to hold a fast dissolving pool chemical, such as calcium hypochlorite, and is equipped with a cartridge skirt and a cartridge skirt insert with a pool chemical tablet support grid to ensure partial immersion of the pool chemical tablet closest to the water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to obtain a suspension and/or a solution of limestone powder in water. The limestone powder is placed on a grating (7) of such a mesh size that only a negligible quantity of the powder by itself passes through the grating (7) of such a mesh size that only a negligible quantity of the powder by itself passes through the grating (7). The grating is sprayed from underneath with water from several nozzles (10) so positioned that the main part of the surface of the grating (7) is sprayed. At least a part of the water passes by this through the grating (7), loosens and/or dissolves the powdered limestone and carries this with it when the water runs back through the grating (7). The water and the suspended and/or dissolved limestone powder in it are collected under the grating (7). The apparatus is also equipped with a vibrating device and has a sedimentation container in the lower portion of the container.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a dissolvable product into a toilet bowl. The structure of the dispenser properly meters and times the flow of water therethrough to increase operational efficiency. The dispenser includes a substantially sealed container enclosing the product and having an entrance hole and an exit hole. Water flow interruptions are positioned to interrupt the flow of flush water and to channel the water to the entrance. A sufficient change of water is guaranteed by the deflectors while excess water is limited by the size of the entrance. A deflector is positioned to deflect water away from the product, and instead to cause the water to rise gently in the containers. The size of the exit hole ensures that water remains in the container after flushing has stopped, so that the dissolved product is efficiently infused into the water standing in the toilet bowl as the water level in the container recedes.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating in counter current of suspended particles with a liquid, whereby the particles and the liquid are transferred in opposite directions through a contact zone which, at some places, spaced in axial direction, is stirred in planes perpendicular to the centre line of the contact zone, in which the contact zone is one continuous space and that the volume fraction of the solid matter in the contact zone is maintained at a value between 0.20 and 0.55.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting at least one selected component from a substrate material, or sample is provided. The apparatus includes a separate first container that is configured to hold an extractant fluid, and a separate second container that is configured to receive at least a portion of this extractant fluid. The apparatus also includes a separate third container that is interposable between the first container and the second container and is configured to contain the substrate material. The apparatus further includes a coupling for joining the third container between the first container and the second container to form an assembly to permit fluid communication between the first container and the second container through the third container, whereby the extractant fluid is permitted to flow from the first container, through the third container and contained substrate material to collect a portion of the selected component of the substrate material, and into the second container.

Abstract: An article for sanitizing toilets comprising a dosing dispenser with a calcium hypochlorite cake composition characterized in that the article is designed (when used) to dispense from 1 ml to 4 mls of a 5% to 15% liquid bleach over the life of the article. When in use, the article is designed to maintain a reserve of liquid bleach in the dispenser wherein the reservoir to dose volumetric ratio of 3:1 to 6:1.

Abstract: A cartridge-type aroma percolator for wafting fragrance into the atmosphere at a relatively high rate. The percolator includes a cylindrical container having a vented cap and a base provided with a raised hub housing an electric heater. Telescopically inserted into the container is a replaceable cartridge having a can whose base has a reentrant socket that complements and receives the hub. Placed adjacent the upper end of the can is a liquid-permeable toroidal insert incorporating a pad of porous material, the insert defining therebelow a chamber having a pool therein of an aqueous solution of a volatile liquid fragrance. A tube coaxial with the can extends through the hollow core of the barrier, the tube inlet being immersed in the pool adjacent the socket, the tube outlet being above the barrier.

Abstract: A shale oil retort apparatus is provided for retorting oil shale under airtight conditions. The retort apparatus employs a split hub wheel device which allows for the axial feeding of crushed oil shale and the axial dispensing of spent oil shale. The retort apparatus utilizes a rotatable shaft on a stationary axle, said shaft containing three spokes that are set approximately equidistant apart. The spokes serve to feed raw oil shale, dip it into a hot oil bath and dispense spent oil shale out of the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus and propeller for distributing a gaseous, liquid or powdered material in a liquid by rotation in the liquid of a propeller having two or more blades. The blades have a perforated hollow portion connected to a source for the gas. The propeller is rotated at a cavitation producing velocity, and for the distribution of the material in the liquid use is made of the pressures occurring upon the implosion of the cavitations.

Abstract: A toilet bowl cleaner containing a water soluble disinfectant, comprising a round container and a closure mountable there over, the closure being encircled by two rows of apertures and provided with a cylinder, of a smaller diameter than the container, extending downwardly from the underside of the top of the closure and protruding within the container; said cylinder is provided, at its upper end, with apertures, coinciding with the upper row of apertures of the closure, and a plurality of holes at its lower end to initiate a siphoning action when the water of the toilet tank has dissolved the disinfectant at the level of said lower holes.

Abstract: A cylindrical housing encloses a plurality of vertically stacked extractor sections each containing a plurality of baskets in vertical registry with baskets of the other sections, with the baskets all being stationary so that material to be processed passes in a vertical path down through each successive extractor section. Rotating screens and miscella collection pans are disposed beneath the baskets in each extractor section and form the bottom thereof, with the screens and pans having aligned openings which during rotation permit the material being processed to be passed from an upper basket to a lower basket in vertical registry therewith. A countercurrent flow miscella and solvent distribution and collection system supplies miscella or fresh solvent to the upper portion of each of the extractor sections above the baskets and rotates with the screen and collection pan to progressively apply the proper strength of miscella or solvent to each of the baskets in each of the extractor sections.

Abstract: A continuous solvent extracting apparatus with a generally cylindrical stationary housing containing a plurality of stationary bottomless baskets disposed laterally adjacent one another in a circular pattern in a single stage with a screen forming the bottom of the baskets. The screen is mounted for rotation beneath the baskets with a single opening through which material being processed can be emptied from each of the baskets in sequence after the miscella has been removed from the material being treated by drainage through the screen. The miscella is collected in a pan which also rotates with the screen and includes a hopper in registry with the opening in the screen through which the processed material can pass from each of the baskets to a discharge opening from the extracting apparatus.

Abstract: Aqueous solutions of olefinically unsaturated hydrophilic monomers are deoxygenated, advantageously pH adjusted, and prepared for direct photopolymerization by photoinitiator addition and countercurrent scrubbing with an inert gas in a contactor column, preferably a packed column.

Abstract: A process for the operation of a counter current crystallization column is described in which perforated plates or screens are positioned at spaced intervals. Movable objects such as steel balls or plastic balls are inserted in the column on each of the plates or screens and set into vibration by some kind of distance effect such as vibration of the entire column. The vibrating objects promote the passage of the crystals through the plate in that they have a milling effect on the crystals and are drumming against the plates. When said effect is wanted at the under side of the plates, supporting screens are mounted just below the plates and provided with the movable objects.

Abstract: An apparatus for the countercurrent extraction of liquids, forming a portion of solids, from such solids includes a rotary drum having an axis which is substantially horizontal. An inner partition is positioned within the drum and is substantially in the shape of a spiral formed by spiral turns having spaces therebetween. Each space has a raising element which lifts the solids from the liquid and a barrier over which the solids drop from the raising element and which stops the liquid and forces it back into an adjacent space during rotation of the drum. The raising element has a curvature such that the solids are lifted from the liquid and gradually drop in successive fractions over the barrier without sliding on the raising element.

Abstract: A dissolver for dissolving nuclear fuel materials out of fuel element segments during reprocessing of irradiated nuclear fuels, the dissolver being made of a material which is a neutron absorber and being composed of a dissolving vessel and a dissolving basket disposed in the vessel to receive such fuel element segments and to permit flow of dissolving fluid therethrough, with the basket being divided into a plurality of individual sections or compartments so as to prevent establishment of a critical state in the dissolver.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved apparatus for counter-currently contacting liquids and solids to dissolve, or leach, a selected component of the solids while minimizing back-mixing of the liquid phase. The apparatus includes an elongated drum which is rotatable about its longitudinal axis in either direction and is partitioned radially into a solids-inlet/liquid-outlet compartment at one end, a solids-outlet/liquid-inlet compartment at its other end, and leaching compartments therebetween. The drum is designed to operate with its acid-inlet end elevated and with the longitudinal axis of the drum at an angle in the range of from about 3.degree. to 14.degree. to the horizontal. Each leaching compartment contains a chute assembly for advancing solids into the next compartment in the direction of solids flow when the drum is rotated in a selected direction. The chute assembly includes a solids-transfer baffle and a chute in the form of a slotted, skewed, conical frustum portion.

Abstract: A float dispenser is adapted to be floated in a body of water such as a swimming pool, to dispense in the water a soluble solid material carried by the dispenser. The dispenser includes a flotation element from which an apertured receptacle is supported below the water. The receptacle is divided into separate compartments. A single tablet of water soluble material is located within each compartment so that the tablet segregated from the other tablets to expose its maximum surface areas to the surrounding water. The dispenser may be made of two identical integral half sections of molded plastic material which are locked together to lock the tablets within their individual compartments. After dissolution of the tablets, the dispenser may be discarded and replaced with another.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus useful for dissolving high molecular weight olefin polymers in a hot hydrocarbon solvent. The apparatus includes:(a) A plurality of interconnected fluid chambers, each of which has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet,(b) Screens covering the inlet and the outlet of each fluid chamber; the screen covering the outlet having a smaller mesh than the screen covering the inlet,(c) Stirring means in each fluid chamber adapted to sweep retained polymer particles free of the screen covering the outlet of said chamber,(d) Means for pumping fluid through the fluid chambers, and(e) Means for supplying heat to fluid passing through the apparatus.

Abstract: A portable compost container including a base section for receiving fertilizer sap and having outlet means to draw off the sap therefrom. A perforate inner section is supported by the base section into which decomposable garbage and waste is placed, the perforate section having access means to permit removal of compost from the lower portion thereof. An imperforate section is placed over the perforate section and is supported by the base section, the imperforate section being removable for ready access to the perforate inner section. A lid covers the container.

Abstract: A cylindrical housing encloses a plurality of vertically stacked extractor sections each containing a plurality of baskets in vertical registry with baskets of the other sections, with the baskets all being stationary so that material to be processed passes in a vertical path down through each successive extractor section. Rotating screens and miscella collection pans are disposed beneath the baskets in each extractor section and form the bottom thereof, with the screens and pans having aligned openings which during rotation permit the material being processed to be passed from an upper basket to a lower basket in vertical registry therewith. A countercurrent flow miscella and solvent distribution and collection system supplies miscella or fresh solvent to the upper portion of each of the extractor sections above the baskets and rotates with the screen and collection pan to progressively apply the proper strength of miscella or solvent to each of the baskets in each of the extractor sections.