Abstract: A method of preparing and cleaning a floating filter medium for a biological cleaning apparatus includes the steps of forming a filter layer by placing in a treating tank a granular floating filter medium having a specific gravity of about 0.3 or less and a particle size of 1 to 15 mm. Wastewater enters the tank and flows through the filter layer. Excess sludge is separated and removed from the filter medium by discharging an amount of water from the treating tank, from below the filtered layer, equivalent to 0.5 to 1.5 times the filling amount of the filter medium in a time period of between 5 to 90 seconds.

Abstract: A pellet for a radioactive seed, suitable for use in certain medical radiological treatments, including a metallic X-ray detectable marker rod such as tungsten coated with a radioactive-absorbing material, such as a polyamino acid, in a binder wherein a radioactive material is absorbed. Such pellets are encapsulated in a material such as titanium to form an effectively sealed radioactive seed which is useful in certain medical radiological treatments.

Abstract: A sweeping machine which includes a debris collection hopper and filter assembly which is readily attached to the lift bars of a conventional forklift so as to be manipulated both horizontally and vertically by the forklift and which is mounted thereto so as to float relative to the forklift in order to follow the contour of the surface being swept.

Abstract: A pellet for a radioactive seed, suitable for use in certain medical radiological treatments, comprising a metallic X-ray detectable marker rod such as tungsten coated with a radioactive-absorbing material such as carbon in a binder wherein a radioactive material is absorbed. Such pellets are encapsulated in a material such as titanium to form an effectively sealed radioactive seed which is useful in certain medical radiological treatments.

Abstract: A flexible sealed radioactive film for medical treatments comprising a radioactive material on or in a flexible substantially two-dimensional film and sealed in a substantially two-dimensional envelope. A number of flexible sealed radioactive film units can be provided in the form of a perforated strip wherein any number of flexible sealed film units can be easily removed from the perforated strip and applied to the site of treatment. The flexible sealed radioactive film can be easily applied to irregular contours to provide radiation treatment for diseased tissue and the like. Methods of making the flexible sealed radioactive film are also disclosed.

Abstract: A storage and transport container for radioactive medical materials comprising a stainless steel shell with a central stainless steel well opening downwardly from the top of the container with a multiplicity of small diameter, generally U-shaped stainless steel tubes, one end of each such tube extending out of each side of the stainless steel shell, the bottom of the U-portion of each tube passing under the central well. Where the container is substantially cylindrical, the well and stainless steel tubes may extend substantially through the length of the shell. The wells of the containers are stoppered or sealed with a plug of radiation shielding material. A novel handle structure for such containers comprises a vertical shaft connected to the container by a short open sleeve attached near the top of one side of the container so that the shaft may move upwardly and downwardly in the sleeve and rotate therein.

Abstract: A capsule for encapsulating radioactive material for radiation treatment comprising two or more interfitting sleeves, wherein each sleeve comprises a closed bottom portion having a circumferential wall extending therefrom, and an open end located opposite the bottom portion. The sleeves are constructed to fit over one another to thereby establish an effectively sealed capsule structure.

Abstract: A storage and transport container for radioactive medical materials comprising a stainless steel shell with a central stainless steel well opening downwardly from the top of the container with a multiplicity of small diameter, generally U-shaped stainless steel tubes, one end of each such tube extending out of each side of the stainless steel shell, the bottom of the U-portion of each tube passing under the central well. Where the container is substantially cylindrical, the well and stainless steel tubes may extend substantially through the length of the shell. The wells of the containers are stoppered or sealed with a plug of radiation shielding material. A novel handle structure for such containers comprises a vertical shaft connected to the container by a short open sleeve attached near the top of one side of the container so that the shaft may move upwardly and downwardly in the sleeve and rotate therein.

Abstract: A non-metallic catheter button body having a variety of geometric shapes, having integrally secured therewith a metallic marker element, to anchor a catheter or surgical tube in the body with less pain to the patient while providing an X-ray visible marker, which button substantially reduces loss of the patient's skin from scattered electrons resulting from a bombardment by radiation from radioactive material. The non-metallic button body may further include an integral non-metallic stem portion to facilitate the crimping of the stem, anchoring of tubes in the body, and insertion of ribbons of radioactive material therein.

Abstract: A high pressure fluid control valve comprises a body having an inlet, an outlet and a cavity disposed about a vertical axis. An outer cage having a plurality of radially disposed openings is sealably mounted in the cavity and has a vertical axis substantially aligned with the vertical axis of the cavity. An inner cage having a smaller diameter than the outer cage is sealably mounted in the cavity. The inner cage has radially disposed openings at its upper end, said upper end extending inside the outer cage thereby defining an annulus between the two cages. The inner cage has openings which are in fluid communication with the openings on the outer cage as well as the valve outlet. A plug operates partly within the annulus in a direction parallel to the vertical axis of the cavity and simultaneously restrict the radially disposed openings of the inner cage and the outer cage thereby regulating pressure drop or flow from the inlet to the outlet of the valve.

Abstract: A swivel joint for handling fluids which is used to connect open-ended male and female pipe sections. A retainer in the form of an annular split ring is mounted circumferentially about the male pipe section in a groove formed on its outer surface. The split ring includes thrust and radial transfer surfaces which cooperate with complementary surfaces formed on solid annular bearings which are disposed generally between the split ring and the female pipe section. The complementary surfaces transmit both radial and thrust loads through the split ring and bearing. An assembly nut connects the male and female pipe sections, split ring and bearing together.