Abstract: Disclosed is a method of and apparatus for reducing the level of extremely small catalyst particles ("fines") in an FCC system by temporarily retaining particles separated from the secondary cyclone separator in a reactor vessel or catalyst regenerator. These particles can be intermittently withdrawn from the temporary retaining area in order to achieve particle flow at a low volume rate, which takes them out of the active catalyst inventory within the reactor/regenerator system. The intermittent withdrawing of catalyst "fines" reduces the particulate contamination both in flue gas exhausted to the atmosphere from the catalyst regenerator and in the main column bottom (MCB) products from the fractionation stage. Preferred embodiments include intermittent withdrawal of "fines" from either the regenerator or the reactor vessels and the secondary cyclones contained in each of these vessels.

Abstract: An article of manufacture comprising a blood-collection tube containing an acid such as citric acid in an amount effective to adjust the pH of the blood to be collected in the tube to a level between 5.0 to 7.0. The blood-collection tube may also contain NaF in an amount to produce a concentration thereof between 0.1 to 0.5 mg/ml of the blood.

Abstract: A method for classifying leukocytes with a flow cytometer by means of optical measurements on fluorochrome-stained blood cells is useful in the practice of clinical testing.

Abstract: A method of preparing the traditional salted-and-dried fish is disclosed. The dried fish is first soaked in cold water to re-hydrate the fish and to reduce the salt content. Secondly, the re-hydrated fish is centrifuged until almost dry. The almost-dry fish is sealed in cans, and then cooked. The product is more nutritious and more tasty than salted-and-dried fish prepared in the home, and is far more convenient in that it can be eaten straight from the can.

Abstract: Solid material which is carried out of a fluidized bed reactor with the gas discharged therefrom and which is separated off in a separator is returned to the reactor by way of a recycling means. To reduce problems caused by virtue of differing pressure levels within the system in the recycling operation, the pressure in the recycling means between the separator and the upper boundary of a bed of solid material which is formed in the recycling means is reduced by suction removal of gas to a pressure level which is no higher than or even lower than the lowest pressure in the separator which in turn is lower than the pressure in the reactor.

Abstract: A novel method of determining the onset of the fertile period of a human female is disclosed comprising the step of monitoring the axillary secretions of said female during the course of her menstrual cycle to determine variations in the concentration of androstenol or dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. A first significant increase in the concentration of either of those compounds following the cessation of menses is indicative of the onset of the fertile period. In each case, a follicular phase peak occurs which exceeds by at least twice the concentration of those compounds present at any other time during the menstrual cycle. As a result, the monitoring of these compounds may act as reliable indicators predicting the occurrence of ovulation in five to seven days, and/or indicating the onset of the fertile period at a time when appropriate contraceptive measures can still be taken to avoid pregnancy or sexual intercourse can promote fertility.

Abstract: A quantitative pipette comprising a cylinder, a plunger inserted into the cylinder capable of sucking and discharging a prescribed amount of liquid by the movement of the plunger at a prescribed distance, a ratchet having plural teeth at regular intervals, a driving means for rotating the ratchet, a damping means for damping the rotation of the ratchet not faster than a prescribed speed, a ratchet-engaging means capable of engaging the ratchet to stop it so as to permit the rotation of the ratchet intermittently, a pinion rotating simultaneously with the ratchet, a rack engaging the pinion and fixing said plunger, and a rotary means for rotating from the outside said ratchet or pinion opposed to the driving force of said driving means.

Abstract: A method and optrode for detecting gem polyhalogenated hydrocarbons in a sample fluid based on a single phase Fujiwara reaction as provided. The method comprises contacting a reaction mixture with a sample fluid which contains the gem-polyhalogenated hydrocarbons. The reaction mixture comprises an aqueous solution of pyridine or derivative thereof and a hindered nitrogen base. Upon contact a fluorescent and/or chromgenic reaction product forms whose fluorescence and/or absorbance is related to the concentration of gem-polyhalogenated hydrocarbons in the sample fluid.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved apparatus for stripping hydrocarbons from spent catalyst which has been used in effecting hydrocarbon conversion reactions prior to the regeneration of this catalyst by combustion of carbon deposits upon the catalyst. The invention is described in terms of its use in FCC processes, since such processes are the most common application of the invention. In order to better distribute stripping gas, which is normally steam, so that the gas contacts and passes through substantially all of the catalyst, distribution ports are added to the skirts of the stripper baffles which direct catalyst flow in a generally side-to-side manner as it moves downward through a stripping vessel. The ports are sized to vary penetration of the stripping gas into the stream catalyst that moves past the grids. Use of these ports increases the amount of hydrocarbons removed from the spent catalyst and/or decreases stripping gas requirements.

Abstract: A tissue culture flask having a flat bottom wall with optical properties on the inner surface of which cells are grown. A top wall opposite the bottom wall has a large opening therethrough which provides access to the growing surface for the removal of cells growing on the surface. The opening is closed by a flexible transparent film which is sealed to the top wall and which may be peeled off the top wall to provide access to the flask interior.

Abstract: The invention provides a specimen collection and sampling device, particularly useful for urine samples, for collecting a liquid sample and segregating an aliquot of the sample away from contact with the remaining portion of the sample. This segregation is accomplished as the lid is closed on the container. In one embodiment, the aliquot sample is transferred to an evacuated tube held within the container. In another embodiment, the aliquot is held within a sample chamber that is built into the container. In a preferred embodiment, the aliquot is mixed with a treating agent to maintain the microbiological integrity of the aliquot, or to provide an appropriate reagent or buffer for drug analysis.

Abstract: A filtration system for handling an array of filter wells which are open at the top and closed by a filter membrane at the bottom. The system includes a manifold chamber defined by side and bottom walls and having a support for the wells which carries the filter membranes above the bottom walls so that filtrate may be drawn through the membranes. A vacuum fitting is connected to the chamber so that a low pressure source may be applied thereto, and a sealing sheet extends over the wells and having holes aligned with the open tops of the wells so that when the low pressure is applied to the chamber, filtrate may be drawn through the membrane.

Abstract: For vial samples of milk collected along a route of dairy farms, a sample vials tray is provided of foldable mode that can be readily accommodated within the limited-volume ice chest of the route agent's truck. At the agent's milk processing plant, the same tray, and with the sample vials undisturbed therein, can be employed in the non-folded and latched condition required for automated laboratory analysis of milk samples contained in the tray-housed vials. A multi-prongs type holder holds each vial in a secure condition during the vehicular journey from dairy farm to milk processing plant. The foldable tray utilizes a special hinge that is relegated to a non-obtrusive location that does not interfere with the tray's usage in concert with automated laboratory analytical equipment.

Abstract: A diagnostic device (10) includes a plurality of standard solutions for being dispensed into a row of wells (20), the standard solutions contained within a predetermined number of standard tubes which are spaced a predetermined distance apart equal to the distance between the plurality of wells (20) whereby a single pipettor (28) can transfer the standards from the entire row of standard tubes (26) to a single row of wells (20) in a single transfer step. The invention further provides a mixing mechanism for agitating the entirety of a microtiter plate seated thereover.

Abstract: A thermowell assembly consists of an elongated tube member including a channel and having a plurality of arm members disposed at diverse lengths and extending into the channel of the tube member. Thermocouple guide tubes including passageways for receiving a thermocouple are disposed in the channel of the elongated tube member with a terminal end portion of each thermocouple guide tube being mounted to respective arm members.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sample preparation chamber for a system for preparing samples of various compositions for assay by liquid chromatography. The sample preparation chamber is includes a container having a threaded cap and a threaded, lightweight, translucent plastic cup. A stirrer/grinder shaft driven by a motor and connected to a propeller/grinder passes through the cap. The cup has a sloped bottom with a sump region, and a fill/empty pipe passes through the cap and has its outlet at or near the sump. A nozzle/fill pipe arrangement allows the walls to be washed down as liquid is pumped into the cup. A second fill pipe with its outlet spaced up from the bottom of the cup is also used, and a sample metering valve having an inlet in said cup is present.

Abstract: Dental and medical instruments and appliances are chemically sterilized by immersion in or subjection to a formulation or composition comprising as active antimicrobial agents a combination or admixture of an iodophor such as the povidone-iodine complex or a quaternary ammonium compound such as cetyl pyridinium chloride and a peroxide such as H.sub.2 O.sub.2, the antimicrobial action of the iodine derived from the iodophor being enhanced or potentiated by oxygen released from the peroxide. The invention is applicable also to the chemical sterilization of surgical sites. Procedure for making and using the sterilizing formulation or composition is described.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, refrigerant together with oil, water and any other contaminants is drawn off from a high pressure refrigeration system. The drawn off refrigerant is reduced in pressure and serially, the oil is removed, the water is removed and the amount of water and acid present is determined.

Abstract: A shaking apparatus for agitating and withdrawing a liquid specimen such as blood confined in a sealed vessel, the apparatus including vessel catching hand whereby the vessel is held under the action of a spring and is shaked so as to effect the agitation of the content, and after agitation is finished the content is withdrawn without opening the vessel through needles stabbled through the plug thereof. The needles are cleansed so as not to spoil the specimen contained in the vessel.

Abstract: A urine specimen is preserved from bacterial deterioration as to relative constituents by adding thymol. To the thymol-treated specimen, lithium-solution volume-marker is added, then is divided into two (first and second) separate portions. Thereupon, using the first portion, standard conventional measurements and/or analysis is conducted for total volume, pH/acidity, uric acid, citrate, sodium, and potassium. To the second portion, there is added boric acid and hydrochloric acid, followed by standard/conventional measurement and/or analysis for ammonium ion, citrate, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, oxalate and sulfate. Thereafter the findings are charted and compared to controls.