Abstract: An apparatus and method for in situ monitoring the viscosity and cure of resins using viscosity dependent fluorescence uses a fiber optic waveguide to introduce light to the resin of a wavelength exciting fluorescence and to conduct the emitted light to a monitor. The emitted light parameters correlate to the viscosity and cure conditions of the resin. The apparatus and method may be used to control composite construction and to provide information on the in service condition of composites.

Abstract: A specifically-reactive sample-collecting and testing device possessing a cavity or cavities each having a dimension small enough to enable sample liquid to be drawn into the cavity by capillary action, wherein said cavity includes an electrode structure for making measurements of one or more electrically measurable characteristics of the sample, and wherein a surface of a wall of the cavity optionally also carries a coating of a material appropriate to the test to be carried out in the device.

Abstract: A catalyst bed for conducting exothermal reactions between gases and/or other fluids is disclosed. The catalyst bed includes at least two cooling elements arranged in parallel relationship with each other. A space is thereby defined between the two cooling elements, and one opening at each opposite end of the cooling elements is also defined by the arrangement of cooling elements. The space created is adapted to receive a catalyst mass through either of the openings. The cooling elements cool the gases and/or other fluids, as well as the catalyst mass to keep the reaction temperature low enough to maintain a desired state of equilibrium.

Abstract: The peroxide content of a non-aqueous medium is measured by a system including separate supplies for two carrier solutions, a first one containing an acid for acidifying the sample and the second containing an iodide compound for reacting with the peroxide(s) in the sample and producing a free iodine ion, such as I.sub.3.sup.-, and a flow-through detector, such as a colorimetric device. The sample and first carrier solution streams are controlled by a sample injection valve which is movable between a load position wherein the sample stream is routed to a sample waste collector via a sample loop and the first carrier solution stream passes through a first carrier solution conduit and is combined with a stream the second carrier solution prior to passing through the detector and a measure position wherein a slug of the sample is introduced into the first carrier solution conduit, mixed with the first carrier solution and combined with the second carrier solution prior to passing through the detector.

Abstract: Apparatus for oil purification comprises a packed column for contacting sour oil with steam from a boiler, a gravity separator for separating the oil and water, a coalescer for coalescing the recovered oil, and a condenser for separating the lighter fraction from the column.

Abstract: A system for modernizing exothermic heterogeneous reactors used in the synthesis of ammonia, methanol and the like, which include a pressure shell, a wall for forming an airspace, a wall or cartridge for containing a catalyst bed, and catalyst-containing basket. An airspace-forming wall is formed of a single piece substantially the whole axial length of the reactor. A bed forming wall is distinct from, and unconnected to, the airspace forming wall, and it constitutes independent modules, each module containing at least one catalyst bed and each module resting either on an underlying module or on an extension of an inside gas distribution collector. The bed forming walls contain the catalyst and distribute gas therethrough. A portion of the catalyst contacts the airspace-forming wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of porous, and particularly macroporous, membranes. The membranes produced by the process are highly absorbent and can therefore be employed, as supporting matrices for test strips. These test strips can be used for the detection of substances to be analyzed in a liquid.

Abstract: A device for carrying out an analytical determination which comprises an assay cassette and a transport body which is adapted for location in the assay cassette, the assay cassette having a plurality of discrete reagent chambers which are separated from one another by a separation arrangement which, in use, is ruptured or opened by the transport body. An assay cassette is also described which includes a signal detection chamber that is separated from the final reagent chamber by a separation arrangement which, in use, is ruptured or opened by the transport body.

Abstract: Single or multi-cell reservoir sensors with single illumination sources and one or more detectors per cell unit have an arrangement whereby a gaseous, vapor or liquid sample enters the cell body and interacts with a sensing solution to detect and quantify a given species. Entrance of the sample into the sensor is through an opening in the cell body which may be covered with a membrane to contain the sensing reagent and to presort the species entering the cell. Reservoir cells can be used with organic, inorganic or biochemical sensing materials. A variety of sensors as alcohol, drugs of abuse, organic halides, cyanide and inorganic ions are provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adsorption and detection of adsorbents or analytes. The method and apparatus can be employed in the field for rapid adsorption of analytes and is particularly useful for detection of mycotoxins. A sample to be analyzed is prepared in solution and placed in a test tube. A tube-like adsorption column having a seal and a valve member is forcefully fed into the test tube to force solutions through the valve member into the columun and through a filter and adsorbent to trap interferences. The semi-purified solution may then be analyzed for the presence of analytes. The column with the purified solution may be further employed with a second smaller adsorption column similarly equipped with a seal and valve member fitting within the first column. In similar fashion the second column may be forced into the first column to expel the solution therein into the second column and through one or more selective adsorbents for different analytes such as one or more mycotoxins.

Abstract: Isopentene, or isoamylene, conversion to methyl tert-amyl ether can be substantially improved while high conversion of isobutylene to methyl tert-butyl ether can be maintained by carrying out the overall etherification process with alkanol in a staged manner, wherein the first stage is methanol etherification of a C.sub.5 +, or C.sub.5, hydrocarbon feedstream rich in isoamylene and the second stage is etherification to produce MTBE and additional TAME from a C.sub.4 +, or C.sub.4, feedstream. Unreacted methanol and hydrocarbons from the first etherification are uniquely separated by fractionation from the TAME product by using the second stage C.sub.4 + feedstream as a reflux stream to the fractionator and passed to the second etherification zone. Products from the second etherification zone are separated by distillation to produce MTBE, TAME and C.sub.5 +, or C.sub.5, hydrocarbons as a bottom stream.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing medical waste are disclosed. Medical waste is disintegrated or shredded, disinfected with radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation and then transformed into useful material such as reclaimed plastic and refuse-derived fuel.

Abstract: A disposable diagnostic assembly or device for performing diagnostic tests which include test card and strip structures having a generally flat area, containing a well with an interior wall defining a reagent pad pocket to receive a specifically designed chemical reagent pad and which is secured in place by an annular snap-on cover. Additionally, the test card or strip may have a raised rib to contain spilled sample fluid. The diagnostic assembly is used to measure the concentration of an analyte via visualization or in combination with a meter.

Abstract: Biological fluid test samples are analyzed for a broad spectrum of drugs, including benzodiazepines, amphetamines, tricyclic antidepressants and opiates, in a single isocratic analysis using a chromatographic column system containing three analytical columns--an anion exchange column, a reversed phase column and a cation exchange column. A pre-column is also included to purge the sample of salts, proteins, peptides and hydrophilic anions. Carrier liquids containing acetonitrile at various strengths are used for distribution of the various drugs among the columns, elution of the drugs from the columns, and column purging and conditioning. The system readily lends itself to automation, automatic periodic sampling, and component identification and quantification.

Abstract: Packages which are subject to tampering while in a store or deterioration over time due to the presence of oxygen may be readily identified by placing therein a multi-component visual indicator system which is sensitive to the presence of oxygen. The system, which may be prepared aerobically and then placed into an anaerobic environment for use, is not effected by the presence of reducing agents found commonly in foods, drugs, and cosmetics.

Abstract: At least two layers are fixed together at a distance so that a gap is present between them, wherein the layers are connected with one another by a plurality of discrete melt adhesive regions, intermediate spaces being present between the melt adhesive regions so that a liquid transport in the gap between the layers is assured through the intermediate spaces. To produce this test carrier, the melt adhesive in the form of discrete regions, between which intermediate spaces are present, is applied to a first layer material in a thickness which is greater than the desired gap and a second layer material is pressed against the melt adhesive regions while the melt adhesive is still sufficiently hot in order to be bindable in such a manner that it binds with the melt adhesive but a gap remains between the layer materials.

Abstract: A liquid sterilizing system (A) defines a basin (10) in which a container (B) is removably disposed. The liquid sterilizing system selectively pumps sterile rinse liquids from a supply (24) and liquid sterilant solutions from a supply (70) into the basin filling the basin and the container. The container includes a lower shell having a bottom wall (34) that defines an aperture (32) for receiving sterilant and sterile rinse liquids. A nozzle plate (44) is mounted close to but spaced from the shell bottom wall to define a tortuous liquid distribution path (40) between the inlet aperture and nozzle plate apertures (90). A barrier (96) divides the liquid receiving portion and a drain portion of the liquid distribution path between the shell bottom surface and the nozzle plate. A cover (80) has a downward depending peripheral wall (82) which is offset from the shell peripheral wall (86) by the spacers (88) to define a tortuous vent path (48) therethrough.

Abstract: A process for plasma sterilization comprising exposing an article in a sterilizing chamber to at least one cycle comprising a pulsed treatment with gaseous antimicrobial agent and a plasma treatment. The pulsed treatment comprises at least two pulse-vacuum cycles, each pulse-vacuum cycle comprising the steps of exposing the article to the gaseous antimicrobial agent at a pressure of from 4 to 18 torr and reducing the pressure in the sterilizing chamber to from 0.1 to 4 torr. The plasma treatment comprising exposing the article to a plasma generated from gases selected from the group consisting essentially of argon, helium, nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen and mixtures thereof, the exposure to the plasma being carried out at a pressure of from 0.1 to 10 torr and a temperature of less than 80.degree. C.

Abstract: A centrifuge vessel (10) for performing automated immunoassays is disclosed. The centrifuge vessel (10) comprises a center tube (11) and an outer waste chamber (15). A biomaterial (18) is held within the center tube (11) and is capable of binding specific analytes in test samples. In operation, the centrifuge vessel (10) is rotated at high speed about its longitudinal axis, thereby causing all fluid within the center tube (11) to be transported into the outer waste chamber (15) while the analyte of interest remains bound to the biomaterial (18) positioned within the center tube (11).

Abstract: A biochemical analyzer provided with a disk for engaging and conveying measuring elements and an analyzing method wherein information held by the measuring elements is detected and the engagement and conveyance of these elements can be controlled on the basis of the detected information. The biochemical analyzer is provided with engagement slots for the measuring elements.