Abstract: The reactor for performing heterogeneous catalyzed chemical reactions comprises packing elements which are constructed of corrugated plates having inclined corrugations and catalyst members which are disposed between the plates. In one embodiment, the catalyst members have alternating fluted parts and unfluted parts with the fluted parts disposed within the troughs of the adjacent corrugated plate. In other embodiments, the catalyst members may be in the form of unfluted members, continuously fluted members and members which are disposed in planes between pairs of corrugated plates or within the troughs of the corrugated plates.

Abstract: The container for dispatching, disinfecting, sterilizing and storing a variety of instruments such as endoscopes and parts therefore is so constructed that selectible bearing elements comprising pads may be utilized releasably and exchangeably in the container tray and/or lid, which fixedly support one or more side-by-side instruments in the container. By fitting bearing elements of different sizes a wide variety of different instruments can be accommodated.

Abstract: A vertical autoclave for carrying out operations involving a medium having a liquid phase and/or a solid phase includes:(a) a concave autoclave bottom;(b) a shaft along a vertical axis of said autoclave, said shaft passing through said bottom of said autoclave; and(c) stirrers for driving said medium with a centripetal motion about said concave autoclave bottom.

Abstract: A medical instruments sterilization container (10) includes a housing (12) and a removable dome-shaped lid (14) having a filtered inlet port (18) disposed therethrough for permitting the passage of gas or steam into housing (12). A removable tray (16) is adapted to be disposed within housing (12) to hold various instruments to be sterilized and includes apertures (24) formed on the bottom of the tray for permitting condensate to drain therefrom. The bottom surface of housing (12) is sloped to two locations centered on opposite sides thereof and includes filtered outlet ports (40, 42) positioned at the two locations to permit discharged air and condensate to exit housing (12). Pedestals (30) are secured on the bottom surface of housing (12) to facilitate stacking of a plurality of sterilization containers.

Abstract: A fluid treating device for carrying out chemical and/or physical reactions in a flowing fluid stream in contact with a stationary corrugated thin metal member. The converter comprises a housing and fluid inlet and outlet means associated therewith to define an enclosed housing. The metallic element is an accordion folded thin ribbon having perforations through which fluid may pass through the metal strip for ingress or egress and contact with zig-zag corrugations. Catalysts may be supported on the corrugated metal element whereby the device is especially useful in treating exhaust gases. The device with or without catalyst is useful as a particulate trap, especially for diesel engines.

Abstract: A head for uniformly dispersing a liquid over the input surface of a chromatographic or reactive bed in a preparative column having a predetermined back pressure per unit flow rate, comprising an inlet tube through which the liquid is supplied. According to the invention the inside of the head (1) is profiled so that the vertical liquid flow through the bed is equated to the horizontal liquid flow in the head with due consideration to said back pressure of the column.

Abstract: A container for the dissolution of a tablet of material is characterized by a plurality of projections mounted within the container. The projections cooperate to define a tablet-receiving recess adapted to confine a tablet inwardly therewithin in a relatively high energy zone during sonication of the tablet. Gaps between the projections define recirculating liquid channels whereby hydrating liquid passing through the tablet-receiving recess may be recirculated to other regions of the compartment.

Abstract: A porous structure through which at least one fluid flows, consisting of a plurality of honeycomb blocks each of which has partition walls defining a multiplicity of parallel channels. The plurality of honeycomb blocks adjacently located in stacked packings, the stacked packings being superposed on each other such that the parallel channels formed in honeycomb blocks in two superposed stacked packings communicate with each other. The parallel channels in one of the honeycomb blocks are inclined with respect to the parallel channels in the corresponding honeycomb blocks such that the honeycomb blocks cooperate to form a multiplicity of zigzag fluid passages extending through the porous structure.

Abstract: A medical instruments sterilization container (10) includes a housing (12) and a removable lid (14). A removable tray (16) is adapted to hold various medical instruments to be sterilized. The container is formed of a polymer of relatively low thermal conductivity, with a material having a relatively high thermal conductivity being added thereto in order to substantially increase the overall thermal conductivity of the container to absorb radiant heat and rapidly conduct that heat throughout the container to reduce condensate within the container.

Abstract: One or more ports (34) are formed in a bottom wall (18) of a housing (12) and/or a lid (14) of a medical instrument sterilization container (10). As formed in bottom wall (18), the port (34) includes a circumferential, downwardly tapering side member (42) that extends to a bottom member (40) having a plurality of orifices (44) to communicate a sealed interior (26) with the exterior. A filter cartridge (36) is provided for insertion in the port (34) and has a filter medium (60) that permits the passage of sterilizing gas or steam but does not permit the passage of contaminants. A side member (54) of the cartridge (36) tapers downwardly and inwardly from its perimeter to the filter medium (60) and is adapted to sealingly register with the port side member (42). A retainer (38) may be provided for keeping the cartridge side member (54) in sealing registration with the port side member (42).

Abstract: An improved transport container for semiconductor wafers includes chamber structure of sheet material with structure in the chamber for supporting the semiconductor wafers. The chamber includes a first access door portion through which the semiconductor wafers may be introduced into and removed from the chamber, a coupling for attaching the chamber to a source of inert gas for flowing inert gas through the coupling to create a positive pressure in the chamber, and a port spaced from the coupling for continuously releasing gas from the chamber preferably at a rate in the range of one-half to ten cubic centimeters per minute so that the wafers are exposed to a flowing, low but positive pressure inert gas environment during storage and transport.

Abstract: Openings are provided in the walls of a sterilization container, particularly one for surgical instruments, to allow for the introduction of a sterilant gas, and a filter element is provided internally of these openings. To prevent external objects from entering the openings in the surface and penetrating the filter element, a relatively stiff perforate sheet, preferably formed of metal, is placed between the surface of the container and the filter element, the perforations in the sheet being offset from the openings in the container wall.

Abstract: A readily adjustable shatter jet mechanism comprises a frame which rotatably and displaceably receives a fluid supply pipe assembly. The assembly includes a fluid supply pipe which is pivotally movable. A nozzle is connected to the pipe and can be rotated into one of a plurality of rotational positions. The assembly can be disengaged from the frame and reengaged with the frame at a different location so that the pipe and its nozzle can also be displaced with respect to the frame. In this way the fluid jet can be directed in a variety of directions toward a smelt stream to be broken up by the fluid jet.

Abstract: A support assembly for the air distributor in the catalyst regenerator vessel of a fluid catalytic cracking apparatus is revealed. The support assembly comprises a primary support which fixedly connects the air distributor to the catalyst regenerator and a plurality of secondary rigid supports. The secondary rigid supports connect to both the air distributor and catalyst regenerator vessel with ball and socket joints.The support assembly allows for unrestricted multi directional thermal expansion of the air distributor without causing twisting or warping.

Abstract: A basket is removably inserted in the upper end of each drain tube in those interbed assemblies of a catalytic tower whose catalyst beds are to be removed upwardly by vacuuming. The basket has a grid for a bottom wall, so that catalyst particles thereabove are retained but fluid being treated in the tower can easily pass therethrough. The provision of the baskets makes it possible to downwardly drain spent catalyst from the lower bed sections while simultaneously vacuuming it upwardly from the upper bed sections.

Abstract: An appliance for disinfecting contact lenses utilizes a disinfecting solution, such as hydrogen peroxide, that liberates a gas during disinfecting action. The appliance has a container body with a removable cap that provides a sealed chamber except for a vent opening through the cap. A hydrophobic membrane filter is disposed across said vent opening and is substantially impermeable to the disinfecting solution but permeable to the liberated gas.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the chlorination of polyolefins in aqueous suspension. The method includes subjecting the suspension of the polyolefin to a submerged jet of chlorine gas at a velocity sufficient to atomize the chlorine; i.e., at least about sixty feet per second. By this method a very intimate mixture of chlorine and aqueous suspension is formed, whereby the chlorination proceeds more efficiently and at a lower chlorine pressure. Further advantages include a more uniformly-substituted product.

Abstract: Vanes operatively attached to external sleeves are provided in a conduit to implement on the outside of the conduit change in the swirl angle of incoming fluids.

Abstract: A medical instruments sterilization container (10) which includes a housing (12) and a removable lid (14). A removable tray (16) is adapted to hold various medical instruments to be sterilized. The container is formed of a polymer of relatively low thermal conductivity, with a material having a relatively high thermal conductivity being added thereto in order to substantially increase the overall thermal conductivity of the container to absorb radiant heat and rapidly conduct that heat throughout the container to reduce condensate within the container.

Abstract: A method of operating an expandable chamber formed with a valve opening in a wall of the chamber, which permits the surrounding environment, such as high temperature steam, to enter the chamber is used. A temperature responsive delay valve closes the chamber to capture a quantity of the steam in an autoclave sterilizing cycle. The closing of the valve is delayed until the high temperature steam has been applied for a predetermined time. A later reduction in pressure surrounding the chamber causes the chamber to expand, which provides an indication that an adequate sterilizing cycle has been provided. The expansion force may also be used to permit a container to close at the end of a sterilizing cycle.

Abstract: A single-crystal boule pulling rod for pulling a boule from a melt utilizing the Czochralski method including a main pulling rod and a heat insulating layer surrounding the main pulling rod. The main pulling rod, which may be either bar-shaped or composed of two concentric pipes, is forcibly cooled. Preferably, a pipe made of molybdenum or stainless steel is provided around the heat insulating material.

Abstract: An improved air ring for a regenerator in a fluid catalytic cracking process in which a baffle extends vertically downward from the air ring for a critical length. The baffle prevents catalyst erosion on the underside of the air ring and improves air distribution in the catalyst bed.

Abstract: In pulling a single crystal of a compound semiconductor having a high melting point and exhibiting a high dissociation pressure at such melting point, like a compound semiconductor of elements of Groups III-V such as GaAs or GaP, from a feed melt contained in a crucible and subject to an inert gas atmosphere of a high pressure, apparatus for positioning a baffle plate floating in the feed melt in a predetermined position in a stable state in order to prevent heat convection of the feed melt in the crucible from affecting the solid-melt interface and consequently a single crystal having a small dislocation density can be obtained.

Abstract: A feed input assembly 2 for a high-temperature chemical reactor 4 includes a feed tube 6 having a feed inlet opening 8 and a feed-discharge opening 12. A cooling jacket 14 surrounds a length of the feed tube 6 extending from the feed-discharge opening 12. The cooling jacket 14 has an inlet 22 and an outlet 24 for respectively receiving and discharging a coolant. A coolant channel 17 is formed by a space between the cooling jacket 14 and the feed tube 6. The input assembly also includes flow-directing conduit means 32 for directing a flow of coolant from the inlet 22 of the cooling jacket 14 against inner wall portions of the feed tube 6 and cooling jacket 14 adjacent the feed-discharge opening 12.

Abstract: A container lid (12) is held open by a support plate (18) carrying a chamber (20) which expands at a predetermined point in a sterilizing cycle to react against the lid, moving the plate outwardly to permit the lid to drop onto the container base. A resilient gasket (16) prevents fluid flow into the container after the lid is fallen, but permits fluid flow outwardly past the gasket when interior pressure exceeds exterior pressure. When the container is to be opened, a relief valve (60) relieves the vacuum within the container and filters air entering the container at that time.

Abstract: A fluid distributor/collector assembly is composed of a screen cylinder, a perforated tube provided in the screen cylinder and support discs also provided in the screen cylinder. The screen cylinder is made of cylindrically arranged support rods and a wire screen wound helically on the support rods. The perforated tube is formed with apertures for distributing or collecting fluid which flows through the wire screen. The support discs radially support the screen cylinder outwardly from the perforated tube thereby defining a space between the screen cylinder and the perforated tube. Within each support disc is an opening in which the perforated tube is supported. The assembly can be buried in a catalyst bed within a catalytic reactor and used to distribute or collect fluid.

Abstract: A sterilizer container includes a seal member so positioned on the container that movement of the outer cover of the container to a contaminating position requires fracturing the seal, thereby destroying the utility of the seal member and thus providing a visual indication that the articles within the container are contaminated. Further, the seal member includes a sterilization indicator which provides a further indication that the articles contained within the container are sterile.

Abstract: A sterilizer container comprising a lower base portion, cover, and an intermediate cover which is installed in a sealing manner on the inwardly drawn edge of the lower base portion. The cover includes an overlapping flange. A flow passage, leading to a tortuous path, is defined by the overlapping flange of the cover and the inwardly drawn edge of the lower base portion. The exchange of fluent media between the interior and the exterior of the container takes place through the flow passage and the tortuous path. The intermediate cover is connected with the cover in a detachable manner and has perforations in its middle segment which are covered by a filter. This filter is pushed against the peripheral segment of the intermediate cover by means of a sealing ring which is supported by the cover. The intermediate cover can be provided with valves effective in two directions in place of perforations whereby an equalization of pressure is possible. In this case, the filter is omitted.

Abstract: A replacement multiple piece flange for a catalytic converter includes a first piece having an arcuate edge for engagement with the curved surface of the outlet pipe on the catalytic converter and a groove for engagement with the web extending from the side of the catalytic converter. A second flange piece also has an arcuate edge for engagement with yet another curved surface of the outlet pipe on the catalytic converter and a groove for engagement with the web. The multiple piece flange is also provided with a plurality of openings which facilitate the assembly of the flange and its installation on the automobile and exhaust system.

Abstract: An electric egg cooker is converted to a baby bottle sterilizer by mounting an insert thereon formed with seats for the baby bottles and nipples. A hood, which can be fitted over this insert, has a height sufficient to accommodate the baby bottles.

Abstract: A sterilizable, stackable medical/dental instrument casette is formed of sterilization heat resistant plastic. A cover of the casette is closable, openable and separable from a tray of the casette. The tray is stackable on the cover, or other identical casette covers. Flexible, movable rails define compartments within the casette, and support and separate instruments in the casette. The cover is securely latchable to the tray.

Abstract: A packed counter-current column in which the gas and the liquid is contacted in a column packed with layers of reproducible elements of regular polygonal section, each of which has a lower part shaped to form a nozzle by overlapping of two opposite walls of the element, which walls also form slits between themselves and the other walls, and an upper part including an arcuate or angular bend which narrows the upper part of the element. The layers may be spaced apart by from 0 to 3 times the height of a layer and superimposed or rotated in a horizontal plane relative to each other by an optional angle. The configuration introduces to the normal counter-current flow an additional conflow vortex and cross-flow motion in the elements and a turbulent motion between the layers.

Abstract: A pivotal valve (10) for use in removal of catalysts (40) from reactors (30) having outer and inner flange plates (110, 120) with a plurality of spacers (130, 132, 134) firmly attached therebetween to form open regions (300, 302) between the spacers and the flange plates to allow free passage of the catalyst material (40) upon closure of the valve (10) to prevent jamming of the valve (10), a gate (140) pivotally attached between the plates (110, 120) for selectively opening and closing the nozzle hole (25) on the reactor nozzle (20) and an arcuate steel plate (190) on the pivotal gate (140) for selectively engaging the inner flange plate (120) next to the nozzle (20) to provide a complete circular seal around the nozzle hole (25) when the circular gate (140) is in the closed position.

Abstract: Packing for fluidized bed reactors, is improved by providing alternately inclined baffles connected directly to each other or by means for connecting the said baffles into grids located in one or several levels, the said baffles forming expanding and contracting cells in the direction of the flow. The size, spacing in grids and the angle of attack of these baffles and spacing of grids are the same throughout the reactor volume when uniform distributions of the fluidizing agent and the fluidized medium are required. Alternatively, a device of this type is improved by providing variable sizes, spacing in grids, and angle of attack of these baffles and spacing of grids when specified nonuniform distributions of the flow of the fluidizing agent and the concentrations of the fluidized media are desired for particular applications.

Abstract: A fluid distributor means for distributing a liquid-containing fluid on the surface of a confined body of material, such as, a body catalyst or clay, including, a vertical tubular fluid inlet terminating in a plurality of radially-disposed tubes, mounted above the body of material; an annular tray between the radially-disposed tubes and the body of material and surrounding the radially-disposed tubes, having upstanding inner and outer edges to prevent fluid flow from the edges and having apertures for the passage of fluid therethrough and a plurality of baffles, equal in number to the number of radially-disposed tubes, mounted on the tray in positions to intercept fluid discharged by the tubes. A layer of inert particulate material may be disposed on the body of material below the tray.

Abstract: An inflatable structure, includes a base and a barrier attached to the base which is capable of being inflated to a predetermined shape in order to define a chamber. A door in the barrier allows access to the chamber. The base includes a source of gas for inflating the barrier and for circulating within the chamber. The barrier is constructed as a twin-walled structure having inner and outer walls defining an air flow space therebetween. Holes are provided through at least portions of the inner wall to provide a means for circulation of air from the space into the chamber. When not in use, the aerator may be deflated and folded for compact storage and shipment.

Abstract: An injector for a high temperature gas distribution means comprising a distribution manifold having a heat-resistant lining with a central passage therethrough, and a refractory-lined injector communicating with the distribution manifold. The injector includes a nozzle disposed external to the manifold having a central opening and an inlet extending from the nozzle to the central passage. The cross-sectional area of the central opening in the nozzle in the direction of flow is smaller at least at one point than that of the inlet such that a major portion of the pressure drop in the gas flowing from the central passage through the inlet and the nozzle is created by the nozzle. By disposing the nozzle external to the distribution manifold, the flow rate of gas through cracks in the heat resistant manifold lining is minimized.

Abstract: A unique temperature responsive operating mechanism is disclosed which is particularly suited for embodiment as a temperature responsive valve mechanism for use with a steam sterilization container. The mechanism includes a valve operating member which is movable by the action of a biasing spring from a first, opened position to a second, closed position with respect to an opening defined by the sterilization container. The mechanism further includes a temperature responsive, heat deformable member operatively associated with the biasing spring and the valve operating member to provide progressive movement of the valve operating member from its first to its second position in response to an elevation in temperature of the environment of the operating mechanism. Desired communication is provided between the interior and exterior of the sterilization container during a substantial portion of the steam sterilization process, with the mechanism subsequently tightly sealing the container.

Abstract: A reactor tube for thermally cracking or reforming of hydrocarbons wherein a reacting layer contacting hydrocarbons is made of heat resisting steel comprising, in terms of % by weight, 0.3 to 1.5% C, up to 3% Si, 6 to 15% Mn, 20 to 30% Cr, up to 3% Nb, up to 0.15% N, the balance being substantially Fe and a covering layer which covers the said reacting layer is made of Fe-Cr-Ni heat resisting steel and is fused to the reacting layer at their boundary.

Abstract: A reactor tube for thermally cracking or reforming hydrocarbons comprising an outer tube member made of Ni-containing heat resisting material and having enhanced mechanical strength with a large wall thickness, and an inner tube member of small wall thickness fitted in the outer tube member and made of heat resisting material free from Ni or with a low Ni content. The inner and outer tube members have been subjected to a diffusion treatment with a thin coating of Ni-P solid solution provided at the junction therebetween and thereby bonded together.

Abstract: Carbon black is produced in a flow reaction by spraying a hydrocarbon containing liquid feedstock with the aid of a propellant gas into a stream of hot reaction gases produced by burning a fuel, the feedstock-propellant gas-jet enters the reaction zone with a spraying angle that is greater than the spreading angle of a free jet. There is also described an apparatus for carrying out the process which comprises a binary injector supporting an atomizing nozzle whose head has several channels which are adjusted from zero degrees to different angles to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle.

Abstract: A bracing assembly for use in fluidized bed units having a number of cyclone separators equipped with diplegs is disclosed. The assembly comprises paired brace elements interconnecting adjacent diplegs to form a closed polygon whereby each dipleg in the polygon supports the others to eliminate sway or movement of the diplegs. The method of attachment of the brace elements is such as to accommodate large temperature differentials within the unit during operation and also between operation and shutdown without the creation of abnormal stresses. The assembly is particularly useful in the regenerator vessels of fluid catalytic cracking units.

Abstract: A closed, air-free blood oxygenator assembly having integrated into one self-supporting unit a rigid-shell blood reservoir having an easily visible, concavity which is closed by an attached expansible, flexible membrane which overlies the concavity and forms a variable volume liquid and air-tight blood reservoir, and an attached blood heater, and a hollow fiber membrane oxygenator. The assembly stores, heats, oxygenates and purifies blood by passing oxygen through the lumens of a mat of small diameter gas-permeable hollow fibers supported on a cylindrical core as blood flows over the outside surfaces of the fibers in a small, easy to use, safe, integrated unit which avoids blood contact with ambient air as blood circulates through the assembly during surgery.

Abstract: Blood units and water units for membrane type blood oxygenator in which blood units are separated from water units by oxygen units; oxygen diffuses through membranes of blood units from oxygen units and water units apply pressure to blood units through intervening oxygen units. The blood unit is formed by a frame having a pair of opposing sides and a pair of opposing ends, the ends being imperforate, the sides being formed with flow-through passages for flow of blood from one blood unit to the next and with lateral passages for flow of a portion of the blood into, through and out of the blood unit, there being a semi-permeable membrane affixed to opposite faces of the frame. The water unit comprises a water impermeable, expansible water mattress having rigid end members formed with water flow-through passages for flow of water from one water unit to the next and having lateral passages for flow of a portion of the water into, through and out of the mattress.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided to size finely divided catalyst particles so that all of the catalyst particles passing through the apparatus are sized so as to have a maximum particle diameter. The apparatus includes:(a) A sealed cylindrical housing having an arcuate opening cut into its lower surface,(b) A fine mesh screen which overlaps the arcuate opening cut into the cylindrical housing,(c) A hemicylindrical housing attached to the lower surface of the cylindrical housing and defining a cavity in communication with the cylindrical housing,(d) An inlet port in the top center surface of the cylindrical housing,(e) An outlet port in the bottom center surface of the hemicylindrical housing,(f) A shaft rotating axially within the cylindrical housing and having brushes attached thereto which force catalyst particles from the cylindrical housing through the screen and break down catalyst agglomerates introduced into the cylindrical housing.

Abstract: A method for discharging a periodic flow of a measured volume of hot regenerated catalyst particles from a moving bed regeneration system into a catalyst hopper at a substantially steady particle flow rate thus eliminating pressure surges in the hopper.

Abstract: A blood oxygenator is equipped with a sparger having a passageway formed by two vertically aligned fluid impervious cones, one upright and one inverted, between the bases of which a porous disc is positioned. An oxygen inlet communicates with the porous disc to radially inject oxygen into the passageway from the periphery of the porous disc. The blood is transformed from a liquid to a foam as it rises in the passageway. At the outlet of the sparger an oxygenation chamber includes a serpentine cascade which prolongs contact between the blood and bubbles of gas containing oxygen. The outlet of the cascade empties into a reservoir which has a concave foam filter therein defining a defoaming chamber and a screen having uniform interstices surrounding the foam filter to form a bubble point barrier. The screen prevents undissolved gaseous emboli in the blood from passing from the defoaming chamber toward the arterial outlet of the reservoir.

Abstract: A flow-promoting device in combination with a heated box tray open at the top in a reaction and degasification column in which a viscous or highly viscous liquid is flowing from an inlet end to an outlet end of the tray and in which a heating tube register is located to be completely covered by the liquid. The tube register includes a plurality of heating tubes spaced from each other, and the flow-promoting device has a bottom heating unit for the box tray positioned outside and along the bottom of the tray, a siphon plate mounted on the tray at a liquid inlet end of the tray and closely in front of the tube register, with the siphon plate having a bottom end extending to the underside of the tube register, and a weir positioned at the liquid outlet end of the box tray. The weir has a top edge extending at least to the topside of the tube register, and the spacing of the weir from the tube register is larger than the spacing of the siphon plate at the inlet end from the tube register.

Abstract: A device and method for use in the catalysis of a chemical reaction having a container with a fluid inlet thereto and a fluid outlet therefrom and a plurality of catalyst bodies assembled therein.In order to enhance the mixing of reactants in the device, the catalyst bodies are randomly arranged in the container and in order to reduce resistance to flow of reactants through the device, the catalyst bodies each have a plurality of internal channels of an ordered, pre-determined size and arrangement for permitting substantially unrestricted flow of reactants therethrough.

Abstract: Apparatus for preventing the diversion of plutonium in nuclear fuel reprocessing plants. The apparatus includes various piping arrangements which prevent plutonium in a liquid state from being drawn out of a nuclear fuel reprocessing cell through conduits which are normally accessible to the operators of the facility.