Abstract: An automatic fluid injector, useful for the injection of preselected small, accurately measured quantities of fluid specimens into, e.g., an analytical instrument, particularly a purge and trap analyzer. The injector includes generally a syringe, or syringe assembly, inclusive of a barrel into which a fluid specimen can be loaded, a plunger for the displacement of the fluid specimen from said barrel via the dispensing end thereof into the analyzer, and a probe integral therewith for the pick up of the fluid specimen for filling the barrel of the syringe. The combination further includes a magazine for transporting one or more fluid specimen-containing septum sealed vials for pick up of a fluid specimen therefrom by the probe portion of the syringe assembly for delivery to the barrel of the syringe.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of conditions associated with atherosclerosis in vertebrate animals, particularly man. A prolactin-inhibiting compound administered to the animal exhibiting the atherosclerotic conditions, in dosage sufficient to decrease the total plasma cholesterol and total triglyceride levels, will over a sufficient period of time suppress atherosclerosis and reduce lipid plaques in the walls of the blood vessels of the animal. Exemplary of prolactin-inhibiting compounds are the ergot-related drugs 2-bromo-alpha-ergocryptine, 6-methyl-8 beta-carbobenzyloxy-aminomethyl-10 alpha-ergoline, 1,6-dimethyl-8 beta-carbobenzyloxy-aminomethyl-10 alpha-ergoline, 8-acylaminoergolenes, ergocornine, 9,10-dihydroergocornine, and D-2-halo-6-alkyl-8-substituted ergolines.

Abstract: An immunoassay method for one-step detection of specific antibodies which includes incubation of a solid phase support or matrix having a spot of the antigen bound thereto with a sample of the clinical fluid to be tested in the presence of a signal developing reagent, including a detector substance, which is preferably a colloidal metal sol, and a ligand, such as protein A or other antibody binding ligand. A diagnostic field kit containing the test antigens and signal developing reagent is also described.

Abstract: Anaplasma marginale antigen, antigen compositions, vaccine and process for the production of said antigen, antigen composition and vaccine are disclosed. The Anaplasma marginale is free of the erythrocyte antigens that cause neonatal isoerythrolysis, and effective as a vaccinate which will not only protect the vaccinate against bovine anaplasmosis, but does not induce neonatal isoerythrolysis in offspring of vaccinates.

Abstract: The neural cell adhesion molecule is used in nerve prostheses for the repair of peripheral nerve damage in mammals, both animal and man. In particular, in a process wherein a crushed or severed nerve ending is entubulated by use of a prosthetic device, a neural cell adhesion protein is added to the prosthetic device to increase the rate of growth of the fibrous components of the nerve, to more rapidly regenerate the nerve, and provide a more complete restitution of the function of the muscle served by the regenerated nerve.

Abstract: Compositions useful for absorbing oil from the surface of oil contaminated water, or land, constituted of a particulate admixture of wood fiber, preferably in concentration ranging about 20 to 70 wt. %, and hydrophobic, organophilic water wettable cotton linters, preferably in concentration ranging from about 80 to 30 wt. %. The compositions can be spread upon the oil contaminated water, or land, to absorb the oil, and the oil contaminated compositions then swept up or otherwise removed, and disposed of to leave the water or land surface cleansed of oil.

Abstract: A particulate solids transport bag with a gas assist unloading feature. The bag is one having an enclosing flexible side wall, or walls, flexible bottom wall provided with an opening, preferably a spout, and a gas distributor. The gas distributor is of tubular shape formed by a flexible material located atop or upon, around or surrounding said bottom wall opening, or spout, and contains a gas permeable upper face, gas impervious lower face and gas inlet into the tubular space. Gas, particularly air, is injected via the inlet into the tubular opening and passed through the gas permeable upper face of the flexible material to aerate and render the solids flowable for discharge through the opening, or spout, of the bottom wall.

Abstract: A process, and apparatus for the production of fiber reinforced plastic structures, particularly high strength fiber reinforced plastic structures via an improved vacuum assisted technique. In apparatus which includes a fluid impervious outer sheet, or bag, provided with a resin inlet, marginally sealed upon a mold to provide a chamber in which can be place a fiber lay up and which in turn is provided with a vacuum outlet there is provided a resin distribution medium for location on one side of the fiber lay up of character which permits on application of a vacuum the ready, continuous flow of resin via the resin inlet into the chamber to the marginal edges of said resin distribution medium. Closure of the outer sheet, or bag, with the fiber lay up is prevented by the presence of the resin distribution medium while the flow of resin is continued throughout the resin distribution medium, the resin applied to one side of the fiber lay up, and the resin cured.

Abstract: An automated fluid injector which includes, in combination, (A) a syringe, (B) an injector feed assembly for introducing a fluid specimen into the syringe, (C) a magazine for transporting fluid specimens for pick up by the injector feed assembly, and (D) an automatic drop counter. The automatic drop counter counts drops of a fluid specimen overflowed from the barrel, and is responsive to a preselected drop count to cut off the flow of fluid specimen transported from a vial by the probe sub-assembly, and trap a calibrated amount of the fluid specimen for injection. The automatic drop counter can also be used as a safety mechanism to shut down the operation of the instrument when no flow occurs over a preselected interval of time. By virtue of this combination, a wide range of highly volatile and highly viscous fluid specimens can be handled.

Abstract: An anaerobic process for the digestion of organic wastes, and novel anaerobic digester. In digestion of the organic wastes in the presence of anaerobic microorganisms, at anaerobic conditions, the carbon:nitrogen and nitrogen:phosphorus ratios of the digestion are adjusted to optimize the rate of anaerobic digestion, generally only about 12 to 72 hours, or less, being required to produce a stabilized low solids sludge and clean liquid effluent. The anaerobic digester is designed to facilitate this process, and is transportable from site to site.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to compositions characterized as porous solids on the surfaces of which thin films of chitinous material are dispersed, and to a process employing chitin per se, and preferably the chitin coated compositions, supra, as contact masses for the removal of metals contaminants, or halogenated organic compounds, from liquid streams contaminated or polluted with these materials.

Abstract: A boat fender provided with internal capacity for storage of the rope from which it is normally suspended when in use. A mechanism is also provided retaining the rope when it is in storage, and for quick release of the rope when it is withdrawn from storage for use in suspending the boat fender.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel microorganisms separated from natural environments and purified and genetically modified, process for immobilizing these microorganisms by affixing then to substrates, the biocatalytic compositions formed by these microorganisms affixed to substrates, and the use of the biocatalytic compositions for the detoxification of toxin-polluted streams. The microorganisms are (1) Pseudomonas fluorescens (ATCC SD 904); (2) Pseudomonas fluorescens (ATCC SD 903); (3) Pseudomonas cepacia (ATCC SD 905); (4) Methylobacter rhodinum (ATCC 113-X); and (5) Methylobacter species (ATCC 16 138-X).

Abstract: A coal gasifier slag composition, and process utilizing a coal gasifier slag composition for the removal of a metal ion, or the ions of a plurality of metals, from an aqueous medium by contact of said coal gasifier slag composition with said aqueous medium. The coal gasifier slag, which is regenerable by contact with a dilute acid, is employed as a contact mass for the removal from an aqueous medium of a metal ion, or the ions of a plurality of metals, derived from Groups IB through VIIB, IIA through VA, and VIII of the Periodic Table of the Elements. The coal gasifier slag is useful for removing a metal ion, or the ions of a plurality of metals, from industrial waste water, groundwater, mine water and the like, or as a landfill, or as a protecting layer adjacent to or surrounding land fills, surface impoundments, tank farm beds and the like.

Abstract: Fungicidally active cellulosic textile compositions, or articles of manufacture, which can be placed in contact with infected human skin, or worn for the treatment and cure of skin diseases. A fungicidally active phenolic compound, drug, or medicinal, is bonded to cellulose or cellulose-containing materials, or finished articles of clothing, notably e.g., socks, rendering these materials useful for the treatment and cure of skin diseases caused by fungi infections over the infected skin areas with which they are in contact. These materials, as bandages or finished articles of clothing, can be washed, dried, and reused over-and-over without addition of a fresh drug, for effective continuing treatment of a skin disease.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a cellulose ether by reacting in a heterogenous reaction mixture an alkaline solution and an etherifying agent with a fibrous cellulose. The total of the required stoichiometric amount of the alkaline solution and at least a portion of the etherifying agent required in producing the cellulose ether are admixed (e.g. in a mixing nozzle) at sufficiently low temperature to suppress reaction between the alkaline solution and the etherifying agent. The admixture is then contacted with the cellulose fibers, preferably by spraying the admixture thereupon. Additional of the etherifying agent if required is then added to the reaction mixture, and the heterogenous reaction mixture is agitated and reacted at an initial temperature below 40.degree. C. sufficient to produce alkalization of the cellulose. Thereafter the temperature is increased above 40.degree. C., preferably incrementally or gradually up to about 100.degree. C., preferably to 80.degree. C.

Abstract: An improved electrolytic cell, the electrodes of which can be readily cleaned, and resensitized by the application of fresh electrolyte upon the electrodes. The cell includes a cleaning assembly integral with the cell body, and the electrodes of the cell are integrated with a plunger reciprocably mounted within the cell body. In operating position, the electrodes are extended by actuation of the plunger into a thimble insert which, with the components provided by the thimble insert provide the essential components of an operative cell. The plunger, when the cell has become insensitive due to desensitization of the electrolyte, can be withdrawn from the thimble insert, aligned with the cleaning apparatus, the electrodes cleaned and a fresh electrolyte installed upon the electrodes, and the electrodes returned to operative position by mere reactuation of the plunger.

Abstract: A capillary fluid injector, particularly an automated capillary fluid injector, for dispensing very small accurately measured quantities of a fluid into a medium. A capillary opening of adjustable volume is located on the dispensing end of the fluid injector assembly.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for parboiling rough rice, which process includes: (1) soaking the rough rice; (2) subjecting the soaked rough rice to a first value of microwave energy to partially gelatinize the starch in the rice and raise its water content; (3) draining free water, if any, from the treated soaked rough rice; and (4) subjecting the drained rough rice from (3) to a second level of microwave energy to effect substantially complete gelatinization and to lower the rough rice water content.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to improvements in the art of gas chromatography, and gas chromatographs containing a detector operated on the thermal conductivity principle. In the conventional gas chromatograph, a pair of resistance filaments constitutes an opposite arm of a Wheatstone bridge, and each of two pairs of filaments provides a reference side and a measuring side, respectively, across which a carrier gas can be flowed and the bridge balanced. A moisture-containing sample can be input and transported via carrier gas through a circuit to a substrate filled column and the moisture and other components of the sample separated according to their different affinities for the column substrate. The sample constituents elute from the column in characteristic sequence as elution bands diluted with carrier gas.