Abstract: An analyzer is described which includes an input station for trays carrying containers filled with body fluids. It consists of a plurality of tray tracks arranged side by side and whose central axes intersect in a point which is vertically aligned with the pivot point of a pivotally arranged transporter. The transporter can be aligned with any of the tray tracks. By means of a tray movement member the tray can be transported from the input station to the processing stations and back. The exits of the tray tracks are associated with retaining means which are controlled in the same way as the stepper motors in response to sensors and a microprocessor.

Abstract: A gas generating device for supplying gas in an air bag or the like is provided with a gas generating composition, which is burned by an ignitor to generate gas, and a primary filter for filtering the burnt gas. The gas generating composition and the filter are placed in a combustion chamber having a primary gas exhausting port. The primary filter is chemically inactive with respect to the burnt procedure of the gas generating composition. The filter has a metal screen whose melting point is equal to or higher than the burning temperature of the gas generating composition. A cooling chamber is provided which communicates via the primary gas exhausting port with the combustion chamber. In the cooling chamber is disposed a secondary filter which cools gas coming out of the combustion chamber and filters the burning residue in the gas. A secondary gas exhausting port is formed in the cooling chamber to discharge the gas filtered by the secondary filter.

Abstract: A liquid treatment system receives untreated liquid from a pressurized source and outputs treated liquid on demand. An ozone containing gas from a generator is combined with untreated liquid to accomplish the desired treatment before the liquid is output; and the necessary operations include pumping, venting, a demand event switch, and a control system to accomplish the necessary functions. A valved liquid passageway conducts untreated liquid to a contact region, accumulated gas is vented from the system. A demand event can be manual operation of an output switch or manual operation of an outflow valve that causes a liquid level change within the system. Treated liquid outflow can occur by gravity, as a passive outflow in response to opening an inflow valve, and as an active outflow driven by a pump.

Abstract: An improved system for performing an alkylation process and a method for handling liquid catalyst in an alkylation process. This improvement involves a method and apparatus by which liquid alkylation catalyst contained in alkylation process equipment can be safely stored and isolated from the external environment. Additionally, the apparatus improvement will allow for an improved method for controlling the circulation of liquid alkylation catalyst by providing means for quickly stopping the circulation of alkylation catalyst. The apparatus improvement includes a baffle contained within a vessel which is attached to the bottom of the vessel and extends upwardly into the vessel. The baffle is designed to allow for the liquid flow between the inside of the vessel and the inside of the baffle and it allows for the venting into a vapor space from the top of the baffle. Within the baffle is standpipe which provides for fluid flow from within the baffle to a region outside the vessel.

Abstract: A method for plasma sterilization within a controlled temperature range includes exposing an article in a sterilizing chamber to a gas plasma flowing from a plasma generating chamber until the temperature in the sterilizing chamber rises to a preselected maximum temperature. The flow of the plasma gas to the sterilizing chamber is terminated until the temperature in the sterilizing chamber falls to a temperature below the preselected maximum temperature. These steps are repeated until sterilization of the article is effected. The temperature below the preselected maximum temperature when gas plasma flow is again initiated is preferably not more than 3.degree. C. below the preselected maximum temperature.

Abstract: An automatic chemistry analyzer includes sample cups circumferentially located on a sample wheel. Means moves the sample cups rotationally under cycloidal action to and away from a target location where a probe operates vertically in relation to the sample cups and an injection cell. The motion is effected by a cam operating with a cam follower formed by lobes circumferentially located about a drive wheel which houses the sample wheel or carousel.

Abstract: A reformer assembly includes fuel introduction plates, combustion chamber plates and reforming chamber plates. The fuel introduction plate includes a first plate member and a first masking frame on the periphery of the first plate member. The combustion chamber plate includes a second plate member and a second masking frame on the periphery of the second plate member, and combustion catalyst is placed in the combustion chamber plate. The reforming chamber plate includes a third plate member and a third masking frame on the periphery of the third plate member, and reforming catalyst is placed in the reforming chamber plate. The first masking frame has a fuel feeding port. The second plate member has a number of dispersion holes and the second masking frame has air feeding and exhaust gas discharging ports. The third masking frame has raw material gas feeding and reformed gas discharging ports. These plates are stacked to define a multi-layer unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for continuously taking a sample from a discharge system of a polymerization reactor having a discontinuously opening discharge valve connecting the polymerization reactor to a product tube leading into a solid-constituent separation system. A sampling means having a closing valve of an on/off type is connected to the product tube. The closing valve closes for the period of a pressure wave occurring when the discharge valve opens, and opens after the pressure wave. A buffer container connected to an analyzer is provided with a sufficient volume to maintain the continuity of the sample flow when the closing valve is closed.

Abstract: A method for flash sterilization with a plasma gas includes exposing an unpackaged article in a sterilizing chamber to a gas plasma flowing from a plasma generating chamber until the temperature in the sterilizing chamber rises to a preselected maximum temperature of at least 100.degree. C. The flow of the plasma gas to the sterilizing chamber is terminated until the temperature in the sterilizing chamber falls to a temperature below the preselected maximum temperature. These steps are repeated until sterilization of the article is effected. The temperature below the preselected maximum temperature when gas plasma flow is again initiated is preferably not more than 3.degree. C. below the preselected maximum temperature.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for continuously treating infectious waste, which comprises: (a) introducing bulk unseparated infectious waste material into a receiving container means, the receiving container means adapted to receive a flow of disinfectant such that the receiving container means remains substantially free of infectious contaminants; (b) shredding the waste material by a primary shredding means; (c) separating the shredded waste material from waste residue in a separation tank means having a predetermined fluid level thereby producing a waste slurry; (d) pumping the waste slurry into a reactor vessel means; (e) contacting the waste slurry with a disinfecting fluid in the reactor vessel means for a sufficient amount of time to disinfect the waste slurry; and (f) dewatering the disinfected waste slurry to recover solid disinfected waste material.

Abstract: Process for the combustion of toxic gaseous effluents bereft of oxygen in a flame, comprising an inner cone (8) supplied with combustible gas (6) and with so-called primary combustion-suppporting gas (7). Said gaseous effluent (10) and a so-called secondary combustion-supporting gas (9) are introduced separately at the level of said inner cone, said secondary combustion-supporting gas being introduced in the form of at least one jet directed towards the axis (D) of said inner cone at a flowrate and speed sufficient to ensure an excess of combustion-supporting gas, the maintenance of temperature and to create a turbulent gaseous mass at the level of said inner cone; the toxic gaseous effluent (10) being introduced into said turbulent gaseous mass. Said process is carried out under a depression. It also relates to an installation for carrying out said process.

Abstract: A nitric acid producing plant including an absorber and a closed vessel. Nitric acid having nitrous acid in solution is produced in the absorber by reacting to the oxides of nitrogen derived from the decomposition of ammonia with water. There is also an oxygen cylinder which supplies oxygen under pressure differential to the vessel. The pressure of the stagnant oxygen in the vessel exceeds atmospheric pressure. The plant also includes means for passing the nitric acid solution from the absorber to the vessel under positive differential pressure and means for recycling to the absorber the product of the reaction of the nitric acid solution and the oxygen. The liquid which is recycled to the absorber absorbs NO at a higher rate than NO.sub.2.

Abstract: Gas/solids contact apparatus includes a tower-like, vertical vessel divided by internal wall structures into three axially-extending, concentric spaces. An inner space, typically of generally circular cross section and extending along the axis of the vessel, receives the gas which is to be contacted with particulate solids. An intermediate space, which may have a variety of configurations, surrounds the inner space and, during operation the contactor, contains a downwardly moving bed of solids. An outer space, typically of annular configuration, surrounds the intermediate space and serves to collect gas which flows from the inner space, generally horizontally through the moving bed of solids and then into the outer space for discharge through a gas outlet. In a preferred embodiment the moving bed of solids is contained by louvered walls, and these walls are constructed as modules which can be arranged to provide contactors having different gas and solids handling capacities.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon reforming apparatus having a furnace casing, a combustion gas passage formed in the furnace casing, a cylindrical reactor which is made up of multi-layered passages arranged concentrically around the combustion gas passage, with the multilayered passages being filled with catalysts, a combustion gas discharge passage communicating with the combustion gas passage, and a feedstock gas intake passage communicating with any one of the multilayered passages, characterized in that the combustion gas discharge passage is arranged on the inside of either of the outer passage of the multilayered passages or the feedstock gas intake passage, so that the combustion gas discharge passage is separated from the furnace casing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method of detecting microorganisms in a rapid manner and increasing the number of microorganisms detected during the culturing of a sample by the addition of resinous and non-resin adsorbents and molecular sieves in the growth media. These agents have been found to neutralize or remove inhibitory and antimicrobial substances found in samples and media.

Abstract: A sterilizing system includes a sealed container releasably containing a gaseous sterilant under pressure and a first enclosure made at least partially of a gas-permeable material. The container and the articles to be sterilized are disposed in and sealed within the first enclosure, the container while in the sealed first enclosure being manipulatable to release gaseous sterilant into the sealed first enclosure. A second enclosure in which the first enclosure is disposed is constructed such that the sterilant released into the first enclosure from the container diffuses through the gas-permeable material of the first enclosure into the second enclosure at a rate capable of establishing sterilizing conditions in the first enclosure during a sterilizing cycle to thereby effect sterilization of the articles in the first enclosure.

Abstract: An engine exhaust gas purifying device, and process, wherein the device provides a catalyst device for treating the exhaust gas, an adsorbing device for adsorbing materials from the exhaust gas and a heat exchanger. The device is configured so that high temperature exhaust gas from the engine passes through a high temperature side of the heat exchanger prior to passing through the adsorbing device. After passing through the adsorbing device, the gas passes through the low temperature side of the heat exchanger and then passes to the catalyst device. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the catalyst can be disposed in the low temperature side of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: By using a specific polymer material for handling, shipping, and storage, integrated circuits are protected from both corrosion and electrostatic discharge. This enclosure material includes a polymer matrix with both carbon black and a metal embedded. Suitable metals include copper, iron, cobalt, and manganese.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for preserving, transporting, storing, re-hydrating and delivering viable micro-organisms. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a kit and method for preserving and storing dried, microbiological organisms and for re-hydrating and delivering specific and reproducible numbers of viable organisms therefrom. The kit and method of the present invention provides the capability to deliver a known quantity of rehydrated micro-organisms as a single, total dose of cells without the inaccuracies and safety hazards associated with standard needle, syringe or pipette transfer systems. The kit includes first and second vial and cap combinations, the first carrying the dried organisms in a dry, biologically inert atmosphere, the second carrying a pre-measured quantity of re-hydrating fluid. A quantitative number of selected microbiological organisms are dried under mild conditions, i.e.

Abstract: The pressurization period of an autoclave is controlled by an oscillator which provides an output to the autoclave control unit. The control unit has a microprocessor with its own clock. The number of times that a portion of the program is carried out by the microprocessor during the pressurization period of the autoclave, is counted into a register to decrease a separately established count in the register. This separately established count is representative of the correct operating time of the pressurization period. If, at the end of the pressurization period, the count in the register exceeds zero by more than an allowable error, a fault indication is produced on a display and the autoclave door is maintained locked so as to prevent access to articles in the autoclave.