Abstract: A polyethylene terephthalate purification apparatus comprises at least a reactor (4) which houses the plastic material to be purified, an opening connected to a vacuum pump, stirrers (16) to ensure the stirring of the plastic material inside of the reactor (4) and a heating mechanism comprising a microwave heating device to promote the excitation of the polar molecules.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to novel dressings containing polysulfated oligosaccharides having sustained release of the active ingredients. It also relates to a method for the preparation thereof, this method including a treatment step with ethylene oxide. It further relates to the uses thereof for wound care and the treatment and/or prevention of scars and stretch marks.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus for the production of a uranium yellowcake from a uranium peroxide precipitate, the peroxide precipitate being in the form of a low solids content, uranium rich feed slurry, the apparatus including: a. a thickener for thickening the feed slurry to produce a thickener underflow with a solids content in the range of 15 to 50% w/w and a thickener overflow; b. a means for dewatering the thickener underflow to produce a solids cake with a solids content of at least 50% w/w and a dewater overflow; and c. an indirectly heated kiln for heating the solids cake at a temperature suitable to produce either a calcined uranium trioxide yellowcake or a dried uranium peroxide yellowcake.

Abstract: An apparatus for the extraction of plant constituents such as may be used in the production of traditional Chinese medicines. The apparatus uses a fluid chamber to hold a mixture of plant and carrier fluid which is then passed through a conduit through a second chamber. The second chamber includes microwave sources to heat the mixture and preferably, some mechanical mechanisms to create turbulence to assist in breaking cell walls within the plant material. The heated mixture is returned to the fluid chamber and the process continued on further fluid and plant mixture until the batch itself is at elevated temperature and retained for a predetermined period of time. The resultant mixture may then be processed through a microwave assisted condensation process to provide a condense extract for eventual use.

Abstract: This invention relates to improvements to a transportable hydrocarbon-recovery unit. More particularly, this invention relates to an integral hydrocarbon-recovery unit that comprises a first evaporation system and a condensation system. The actual first evaporation system comprises means for supplying the material to be extracted that includes means for controlling supply, means for conveying said material, treatment-chamber means including internal cleaning means, means for heating the material, means for increasing the heat-transfer area, means for removing excess material, including means for increasing hermeticity, and means for conveying the extracted vapors towards the condensation system. The purpose of the invention is to provide a unit for extracting hydrocarbons and other contaminants from impregnated material at the same time as providing, over a shorter time period and with greater effectiveness, the recovery process.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for continuously and efficiently treating volume-reduced polystyrene resin in gel state, thereby removing solvent and recovering resin. A volume-reduced gel-state polystyrene resin is heated in the separation/recovery apparatus under ambient pressure or reduced pressure, for removal of solvent and recovery of resin.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing oil sand to produce a liquid stream comprising water and bitumen and a solid stream comprising solid particles, and a method and control system for controlling the apparatus. The apparatus includes a drum having first and second ends, a conditioning zone adjacent the first end, a compressing zone adjacent the second end and a processing zone therebetween. A rotatable spiral trough, having lifting members therein, extends through each zone for imparting a spiral rolling motion to the oil sand. An oil sand inlet communicates with the conditioning zone, while a water inlet communicates with the processing zone. A liquid stream outlet is located at the first end of the drum, while a solid stream outlet is located adjacent the second end. Preferably, the spiral trough has a width through the compressing zone less than through the processing zone and a height through at least a portion of the compressing zone greater than through the processing and conditioning zones.

Abstract: A process and equipment that accelerates the rate at which asbestos is converted into non-asbestos minerals during the process of mineralogical conversion, the process consisting of new methods and equipment for handling the asbestos that promotes absorption of mineralizing agents, increases the heat transfer properties of the asbestos, increases the overall efficiency of the process, and shortens the period of time required for processing.

Abstract: There is provided a treatment method of efficiently separating an additive component from a resin component for the purpose of treating and recycling a thermoplastic resin composition containing an additive. The treatment method includes heating and agitating the thermoplastic resin composition containing the additive together with a solvent for dissolving at least part of the additive at a temperature ranging from the glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic resin to the boiling point of the solvent inclusive, and separating and recovering the solvent in a liquid state in which at least part of the additive is dissolved, so that at least part of the additive is separated and removed from the thermoplastic resin composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the transfer between a solid matter and a liquid, comprising an outer drum and a perforated inner drum, means for commonly rotating the drums, and means situated inside the inner drum for moving the solid matter. In between the two drums, a number of troughs are formed which, during the rotation of the drums, bring up liquid and pour it out higher up through the inner drum. Along the front rim of each trough, the drum is provided with a drain opening, opposite to which means are provided for preventing, when the drain opening, during the rotation of the drums, is at the bottom, the penetration of solid matter through said opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for extracting the natural juice of ligneous plant material, a device for carrying out said method and the use of said method in the production of dried ligneous plant material. The method for extracting the natural juice of ligneous plant material comprises the following: a pressurization step in which a sealed enclosure containing the plant material is pressurized, whereby the pressure thereof is greater than that of the atmosphere; a stage in which saturating water vapor is created or injected; a stage in which the plant material is heated to the core by means of electromagnetic waves; a step in which the liquid exudates from said plant material are gravitationally recovered.

Abstract: A clinical test apparatus includes a reaction table (1) for placing a test piece thereon for reaction of the test piece with an analyte at a predetermined temperature to perform analysis. The clinical test apparatus includes a primary coil (3) fixed, as molded and sealed in resin, on a base facing the reverse surface of the reaction table (1) and supplied with alternating power, a secondary coil (4) mounted, as molded and sealed in resin, on the reverse surface of the reaction table (1) in facing relation to the primary coil (3) for inducing an electromotive force due to the alternating power supplied to the primary coil and a heater (5) built in the reaction table (1) for generating heat due to the electromotive force induced in the secondary coil.

Abstract: A test device, system and method, the device composed of an elongated, toothbrush-shaped, transparent, plastic housing and a lateral-flow test strip for the detection of an analyte, such as a beta-lactam in milk, in the housing, the housing having an expansion cavity to receive expanded, liquid-contacted, absorbing material in the test strip, and to control lateral flow rate and times in the test strip.

Abstract: A system is described for conjugating, isolating, and purifying proteins. The system contains an ultrafiltration apparatus which is connected with a reaction vessel reservoir.

Abstract: A system for the temperature adjustment treatment of liquids, especially during the isolation and amplification of nucleic acids with a reusable thermostat element and a disposable heating element has the advantage of a particularly simple means of conducting temperature adjustment treatments. This system facilitates the execution of sample preparation and amplification in a single vessel.

Abstract: A device for the sterilization and encapsulation of bio-hazardous materials, especially including needles and syringes, which provides a sealable container to receive the materials and a rotating carousel to successively position the container for processing, a heat device to raise the temperature within the container to sterilize the contents and melt any plastic material, a compactor to crush the container into a smaller volume, and an ejector to remove the compacted container from the carousel.

Abstract: A method and gas sterilizing unit for gas sterilization of a product. The method and gas sterilizing unit obviates the need of a separate preconditioning area or cell, the need to transfer items being sterilized to a separate sterilizing chamber and the need to further transfer the sterilized items to a separate degassing cell or area or room.

Abstract: In a process for solid-liquid extraction, in particular of sucrose from beet cossettes, countercurrent extraction in an extraction tower is employed. The tower juice is drawn off together with the small-sized solid constituents obtained in the process, such as sand, essentially exclusively via side screens.

Abstract: A roofing membrane having a reinforcing fabric saturated with a bituminous material. The reinforcing fabric having a first fiberglass scrim layer to which is stitched a non-woven polyester mat.

Abstract: A process and processing system are disclosed that provide for the processing of many forms of waste, such as medical and food waste, that both reduces the volume of waste solids and neutralizes the biological activity of such waste, thereby facilitating the disposal of potentially unhealthy or hazardous materials. Biological neutralization is accomplished by chopping the waste material and mixing it with a circulating stream of fluid such as water that is superheated to a temperature which effects disinfection or sterilization in accordance with the needs of the user. The superheated fluid is maintained substantially in a liquid form to facilitate intermixing with the waste material and absorption thereby in instances of the processing of fluid-absorbable materials. The processed waste can be filtered to remove solid particles having a size in excess of a predetermined amount, and the filtrate can be passed into municipal sewer systems.

Abstract: A process and apparatus to reclaim solid polystyrene-type polymer material in solid form comprising a dissolving section to dissolve the solid polystyrene-type polymer material in a solvent including a dissolving tank to receive solvent from a solvent reservoir and the polystyrene-type polymer material from an external source to form a solution thereof and a recovery section including a recovery tank to receive the solution from the dissolving section, a separator unit to separate the dissolved polystyrene-type polymer material in solid form from the solvent, a solid material processing unit to remove the reclaimed polystyrene-type polymer material from the separator unit and a fluid separator/recovery unit to remove moisture from the separator unit and separate and recover the solvent from the water.

Abstract: A process and processing system are disclosed that provide for the processing of many forms of waste, such as medical and food waste, that both reduces the volume of waste solids and neutralizes the biological activity of such waste, thereby facilitating the disposal of potentially unhealthy or hazardous materials. Biological neutralization is accomplished by chopping the waste material and mixing it with a circulating stream of fluid such as water that is superheated to a temperature which effects disinfection or sterilization in accordance with the needs of the user. The superheated fluid is maintained substantially in a liquid form to facilitate intermixing with the waste material and absorption thereby in instances of the processing of fluid-absorbable materials. The processed waste can be filtered to remove solid particles having a size in excess of a predetermined amount, and the filtrate can be passed into municipal sewer systems.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method and apparatus in which solid gelatin chunks are liquefied, tempered, and debubbled in a single operation. The debubbling step is accomplished by evacuating and sealing off the loaded solid reservoir and heat exchanger before initiating the liquefying step. After the vacuum is applied, the gelled chunks are pressed into the heat exchanger, where heat is applied to the gelled chunks of photographic material. This liquefies the gelled chunks of photographic material. When the liquefied product gives a positive pressure at the heat exchanger outlet, the liquefied product is allowed to flow from the heat exchanger. Liquefying and tempering are performed as the solid chunks are pushed through the heat exchanger by the reservoir piston.

Abstract: A disposable pad for odor prevention comprising a fluid impervious backing sheet, a top sheet and a pad sandwiched between the backing sheet and said top sheet, said pad being formed substantially of hydrophobic fibers so as to quickly disperse liquid waste for rapid evaporation.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating radioactive comminuted fuel elements with hot nitric acid comprising an endless conveyor which carries the fuel fragments through a U-shaped jacketed tube counter to the flow of acid. The conveyor travels in a conduit which connects to the ends of the U-shaped tube to form a continuous loop. Downstream of the U-shaped tube associated with the conduit is a washing unit, a drying unit, and a discharge unit. Upstream of the U-shaped tube is a feed unit which joins the conduit. A radioactive fission material sensor is located just ahead of the discharge unit and serves to actuate a switch to recycle treated fragments that may still be radioactive. Drive apparatus for the conveyor comprises permanent magnets mounted at spaced intervals on the conveyor and exciter windings surrounding said U-shaped tube to direct forward movement.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooking-dehydration and sterilization-drying of organic wastes, comprises a chamber (1) heated by a double walled enclosure (2) that communicates with fire tubes (3), the enclosure (2) receiving hot gases from a firebox (4). The hot gases pass through conduits (5) to diffusion nozzles (6) immersed in the products (7) to be dried. Some of the combustion gases are recycled by a ventilator (8) via a conduit (9) and a cyclone (10) to the firebox (4). The ventilator (8) draws in fresh air through a preheating heat exchanger (11) that is heated by the combustion gases which are then vented.

Abstract: An improved harvester for harvesting a salt crop from the bottom of a shallow, elongated solar crystallizer containing a substantially saturated salt solution overlying the salt crop. The harvester includes track means extending longitudinally along the sides of the crystallizer on which a pair of carriages are movably mounted and support the ends of a frame extending transversely across the crystallizer. The frame includes salt gathering means for transferring the salt crop laterally in the form of one or a plurality of longitudinally extending furrows or ridges in response to the travel of the harvester along the tracks and the resultant gathered salt is extracted by one or a plurality of suction inlets disposed in alignment with the furrows in the form of an aqueous brine slurry. The extracted salt crop is subsequently separated and recovered while the liquid brine is returned to the crystallizer.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously providing countercurrent liquid-solid contact. The preferred embodiment of the apparatus includes an Archimedes' screw in the form of a spiral and a distribution system which includes a central tube disposed along the axis of the spiral. The central tube includes a plurality of weirs and is in open communication with the spiral through a plurality of hollow spokes fixed at one end to the spiral and at the other end to the central tube.Dissolving solution is distributed by the distribution system to the spiral where it encounters nuclear material moving upward due to the pumping action of the spiral. The dissolved material moves counter current to the nuclear material and removed near the bottom of the apparatus.

Abstract: Core sandwich structure comprised of a lightweight core material in the form of a low density thermosetting resin matrix composition containing glass microballoons, particularly an epoxy resin containing glass microballoons, sandwiched between high strength fiber-thermosetting resin matrix outer sheets, particularly woven graphite-epoxy sheets. Employing epoxy resin as the preferred thermosetting resin, the epoxy core material is B-staged, placed between sheets of pre-preg woven graphite-epoxy material, and the assembly co-cured under pressure to form the core sandwich structure.

Abstract: Apparatus for the treatment, such as drying, freezing, crystallization of wet solids, slurries, suspensions, pulps and similar materials with heating or cooling.The apparatus is characterized by a treating body having two sections. The first section has a horizontally arranged axially flared annular treating drum rotatable around the horizontal or near-horizontal longitudinal rotation axis, and having end plates with a material feeding inlet pipe leading into the interior through one end plate, while the other end plate is provided with an opening arranged eccentrically in relation to the rotation axis. The second section of the treating body is connected rigidly and thus rotatably to the treating drum, the second section of the treating body having at least three duct-like oblong treating members leading into each other.