Abstract: A device and method for automating immunohistochemical staining of biological material on glass slides is presented. The slides are placed on a base with the tissue section facing upwards. A "chamber" consisting of a rectangular plastic box with a hinged overhead door is clamped directly over the tissue section. A rubber gasket seals the chamber--slide interface. Reagents are dropped on to the tissue section by opening the hinged overhead plastic door. When the door is closed, the chamber is sufficiently sealed so as to prevent evaporation. Washing of the tissue section is accomplished by the addition and aspiration of buffer through ports in the chamber. The ports are connected via flexible tubing to a manifold. Because the wash steps are peformed in tandem and do not require manual manipulation of slides, a significant time savings is realized.

Abstract: Catalytic regenerators, nozzle designs and processes suitable for introducing regeneration air into a catalytic cracking unit which substantially reduce erosion induced nozzle failures include at least one nozzle which has at least one planar surface generally parallel to the nozzle's longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A distributor system for use in multiple bed, downflow reactors which provides improved distribution across the reactor and improved vapor/liquid contact and distribution. The system comprises a collection tray arranged below the first catalyst bed in the reactor, a first, rough distributor tray which is arranged below the collection tray and which is fed from the collection tray by means of spillways in the tray and a mixing chamber beneath the spillways. The first distributor tray provides for separate vapor and liquid flow by means of apertures in the tray or downward flow of liquid and vapor chimneys for downward flow of vapor. After the first distributor tray, a second, final distributor tray is provided with downcomers for flow of liquid and vapor onto the lower catalyst bed. Each downcomer comprises an open-topped tube with a side aperture for entry of liquid into the tube, vapor entering through the open top of the tube.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing and observing spatial patterns in chemical reaction comprising a vessel having a laminate positioned in said vessel forming a chamber. The laminate comprises a polymer gel layer (or other porous medium) sandwiched between a transparent layer and an array of capillary tubes. The capillaries in the array are perpendicular to the gel surface in order to allow access to the gel from the chamber only in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the gel.

Abstract: Inclusion in a blood sample of an isomer of glucose which is capable of replacing glucose in blood cell metabolism ensures accuracy of glucose assay.

Abstract: A method for treating mercury-contaminated aluminum surfaces to render aluminum-mercury amalgam and liquid mercury harmless to aluminum is provided. The method involves converting the mercury to a compound which is inert to aluminum, such as mercuric sulfide, at temperatures below the freezing point of water. This is accomplished by contacting the aluminum surface with a condensable solvent such as carbon disulfide, carbonyl sulfide, or tetrahydrofuran having gaseous hydrogen sulfide dissolved therein, and then dissolving a reactive gas such as sulfur dioxide within the solvent. The reaction of the two dissolved gases within the solvent generates the sulfur which reacts with the mercury to form mercuric sulfide.

Abstract: A method for supplying spent catalyst to a catalyst regenerator comprises (1) guiding the flow of spent catalyst from the lower end of a spent catalyst standpipe downwardly therefrom and (2) curving the downward flow of spent catalyst away from the wall of the catalyst regenerator towards the vertical center line of the air distributor for providing the most thorough and even distribution of spent catalyst and air. An extension tube means for performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Hot flue gas, such as the flue gas from a fossil fuel furnace or a waste incinerator, to be scrubbed to remove acidic gas, such as sulfur dioxide and hydrogen chloride gas, and particulates, such as fly ash, is passed to a primary drying chamber and contacted therein with a spray of droplets of an absorbent liquid containing particles of an alkali or alkaline reactant. The droplets are partially dried in the primary drying chamber to a tacky condition before reaching a foraminous collecting member extending through a lower portion of the primary drying chamber wherein it collects as a moist, porous mat. As the flue gas continues to flow through the mat depositing on the collecting member, the mat serves as a filter for removing particulates, including fly ash, in the gas and the remaining sulfur oxides in the gas react with unreacted particles of reactant and reactive ingredients of the fly ash collected in the mat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for immediately and intimately mixing a fluidizable cracking catalyst with a fluid hydrocarbon in a riser reactor. The process involves passing the hydrocarbon through a hollow plug valve engageable with the upstream end of a riser reactor. The hydrocarbon is atomized by a nozzle attached to the downstream end of the hollow plug valve. The plug valve is capable of moving in a reciprocating fashion to permit the flow of catalyst to the riser.

Abstract: A cassette for holding a tissue specimen comprises a body portion (10) and a separable portion (12) which snap together to enclose a specimen (42) in a mould space (54) of the cassette. The specimen (42) is located and oriented in the mould space (54) between a compliant base portion (14) and the separable portion (12). The specimen is processed by the successive application of processing fluids before being embedded in paraffin wax. The specimen is held in its oriented position on the cassette during processing and embedding, there being no handling or re-positioning of the specimen between processing and embedding. During embedding, molten wax is supplied to a container (56) in which the cassette is placed. Wax surrounds and embeds the specimen, the container base is then cooled to solidify a base layer of wax, allowing the remaining wax to be drained from the container, leaving the wax within the cassette to solidify and cool.

Abstract: Tagging compounds (which function as both dyes and markers) having the following structures: ##STR1## wherein x is an integer between 0 and 3 inclusive, y is an integer between 1 and 3 inclusive, z is 0 or 1, and R is a straight or branched chain hydrocarbon having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms are disclosed. These compounds can be dissolved in a diluent at a concentration of from about 10 percent to about 30 percent, forming a concentrate which can be further dispersed in an organic liquid to form a final concentration of from about 1 ppm to about 15 ppm of said tagging compound in said liquid. Methods for detecting the presence of a tagged compound in an organic liquid are also disclosed.