Abstract: An automated system to aid the diagnosis of neuromuscular diseases by producing fiber size histograms utilizing histochemically stained muscle biopsy tissue. Televised images of the microscopic fibers are processed electronically by a multi-microprocessor computer, which isolates, measures, and classifies the fibers and displays the fiber size distribution. The architecture of the multi-microprocessor computer, which is iterated to any required degree of complexity, features a series of individual microprocessors P.sub.n each receiving data from a shared memory M.sub.n-1 and outputing processed data to a separate shared memory M.sub.n+1 under control of a program stored in dedicated memory M.sub.n.

Abstract: A catalytic converter system for purifying exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine has a catalytic converter of the so-called monolithic type having a catalytic body of a honeycomb shape. The body has an elongated cross-sectional-shaped inlet surface located transverse to the flow of exhaust gas. An exhaust pipe of a relatively small diameter has an end facing the inlet of the catalytic body. In order to direct the exhaust gas to the outermost portion of the elongated inlet of the catalytic body, the exhaust pipe is, on the end facing the inlet, provided with a guiding means for forming one opening on each side of the exhaust pipe in the direction along which the inlet of catalytic body is elongated. The exhaust gas in the exhaust pipe is partly diverted therefrom via the side openings toward the outermost peripheral portion of the inlet of the catalytic body. Accordingly, the catalytic converter can be used to effectively purify exhaust gas.

Abstract: A method of the quantitative measurement of antigens and antibodies by reacting antibody- or antigen-sensitized insoluble carrier particles with a corresponding antigen or antibody or a mixture thereof in a sample and irradiating the reaction mixture with light of a specific wavelength to measure the absorbance or percent absorption of the reaction mixture, and an apparatus for use therein.

Abstract: An improved process and device are described, for monitoring time-temperature histories of perishable articles, utilizing an inactive form of a diacetylene compound, incapable of undergoing a color change upon thermal annealing, but capable of conversion to an active form upon contacting an activating vapor. The active form is capable of undergoing a color change upon thermal annealing, as a result of solid state polymerization wherein the resulting color change is representative of the time-temperature history of thermal annealing. Specific active and inactive forms of diacetylenes useful in the improved process and device are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and Method for memory organization of samples are disclosed. Elongated, compartment-free channels are provided for slidably receiving sample tube containers and associated sample tubes therein. Each channel is provided with excess physical space, along its longitudinal dimension, thus permitting the separation of groupings of sample tube containers from other sample tube containers undergoing the same or different series of tests.

Abstract: A sensitive portable detector for nickel carbonyl is provided which relies on chemiluminescence produced in the presence of ozone and carbon monoxide by pulse-modulating the carbon monoxide feed to the reactor chamber and detecting the resulting modulation of the output signal. The instrument is thus made insensitive to any NO which may be present in the gas sample.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically measuring calcium and magnesium concentrations of less than about 500 parts per million in a liquid solution is disclosed by repeatedly automatically trapping a single sample, colorimetrically analyzing the trapped sample and displaying a corresponding calcium and magnesium concentration reading.

Abstract: In an aspiration chamber of a carbon black reactor, the discharge end of a hydrocarbon inlet and the aspiration inlet of a hydrocarbon reaction section are arranged in such a proximate relationship that the hydrocarbon feed entering from said inlet into said reaction section aspirates surrounding hot combustion gases. The aspiration chamber has a wall converging from the end to which the reaction section is attached towards the end to which the hydrocarbon inlet is attached. Inlets for the combustion gases comprising coal are provided for the tangential feed of the combustion gases into the annulus formed between the reaction section and the converging wall of the aspiration chamber. At least one ash outlet for discharging the ash from the chamber is arranged upstream of the discharge end of the hydrocarbon feed means.

Abstract: A detecting element for sensing the presence of higher than normal concentrations of ozone in air at ambient temperatures and pressures. The element is formed of a "lower" oxide of a semiconductor having a variable valence. In the presence of ozone, two free electrons in the conductive band of the semiconductor combine with dissociated atomic oxygen to form a "higher" oxide of the semiconductor thereby changing the conductivity of the element. At least two electrodes are placed in spaced apart contact with the element to permit a current to be passed therethrough whereby the change in conductivity can be discerned.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of treating waste material wherein after comminution, the relatively hard material such as glass, brick, and ceramic in finely divided condition together with finely divided soft material is separated and removed to a recirculating composter.Disclosed is a composter having a plurality of upright perforated pipes for discharge of the gaseous products of decomposition.

Abstract: A method of the quantitative measurement of antigens and antibodies by reacting antibody-or antigen-sensitized insoluble carrier particles with a corresponding antigen or antibody or a mixture thereof in a sample and irradiating the reaction mixture with light which contains rays of polychromatic light having a particular wavelength region in the range of 0.6 to 2.4 microns to measure the absorbance or percent absorption of the reaction mixture, and an apparatus for use therein.

Abstract: A process for quenching hot coke discharged from an oven of a battery of coke ovens into a one-spot car. The process utilizes a unique arrangement of two sets of narrow angle spray nozzles to quench the coke. In addition to quenching the coke, one set of spray nozzles initially knocks down the peak portion of the coke pile and distributes the coke so that the exposed surface of the coke is substantially level. The quench liquid discharged through the narrow angle spray nozzles contacts about 50% to about 70% of the substantially level, exposed surface of the hot coke. Sufficient openings are provided adjacent the bottom of the one-spot car to drain the quench liquid to prevent the buildup of quench liquid in the quench car.

Abstract: Soil testing apparatus comprising two dialytic tubes, one of the tubes containing a dialyzable solution containing H-ions and the other tube containing a dialyzable solution containing carbonate (CO.sub.3)ions. The invention also concerns a method of testing a soil sample using such an apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for safely and economically converting sodium sludge and other dangerous wastes containing metallic sodium, lithium and potassium into products of economic value. The process reacts solid or molten wastes with an aqueous solution to yield products of the metal hydroxides, hydrogen gas and waste heat while consuming only water. Both scrap sodium and sodium sludge are acceptable feedstocks for this unique float/spray process.

Abstract: A coated bead, a gripper for rotatably engaging the bead, a carrier for carrying at least one gripper, test tray bearing at least one reaction chamber and an agitator for agitating the carrier in relation to the test tray are disclosed.

Abstract: An automatic chemical analyzer includes a rotary disc which is intermittently driven for rotation in a given direction and which is provided with a plurality of holders, each of which receives a reaction tube therein. The reaction tubes are disposed to move through an annular channel of a thermostat liquid vessel which maintains first reagent and a liquid sample to be examined, both injected into a reaction tube, at a given temperature. Second reagent is heated to a predetermined temperature before it is injected into the reaction tube. After the injection, the liquids are agitated to mix them together, and the resulting reaction solution is then subject to a colorimetric determination by an optical measuring instrument. Subsequently, the reaction solution is discarded, and rinse water which is previously heated to a given temperature is supplied to the tube for cleaning it.

Abstract: A device for mixing immiscible or semi-immiscible liquids and subsequently separating one or more of them followed by transfer is disclosed. An array of elements is utilized with the center decant transfer tube of one element connecting with the mixing tube of the adjacent element to the right. This is used for transfer of the upper phase material, generally known as the effluent phase. Transfer of the lower phase or the residual phase is accomplished by transferring to the mixing tube indicated to the left in the array. The upper phase is first decanted through a center decant tube, and then, prior to mixing, the lower phase is transferred. The sequence of transfer can be reversed if the units are stacked so that movement proceeds in opposite directions in adjacent rows of elements.

Abstract: Apparatus for the polymerization of an olefin in a particle form process to form solid particles of polyolefin in a liquid slurry in a polymerization zone and the solid polymer particles are separated from the liquid diluent and any unreacted monomer, in which a portion of the slurry is diverted in the polymerization zone through a liquid cyclone separator. This separator has a separating portion thereof in heat exchange relationship with the zone liquid. After the separation in the liquid cyclone the clarified separated liquid is returned continuously to the polymerization zone and the resulting concentrated slurry is directed to a place of separation of the polymer particles.

Abstract: A testing apparatus in which a vacuum holder mounted on a carrier is used to hold a specimen on the carrier as the carrier is moved from a first location to another location where the specimen is deposited can be modified so that the vacuum supplied to the vacuum holder is used to actuate a pump so as to dispense a predetermined quantity of fluid each time the carrier is in such another location. Such a modified apparatus can be utilized in medical testing in dispensing a reagent into an appropriate receptacle such as a test tube serving as a receiving means for the specimen. Such a structure is advantageous because it utilizes a single vacuum source for both holding a specimen on a carrier and for dispensing a liquid.

Abstract: A device for reading the results of centrifugal separation of test samples such as samples of blood. The centrifugal separation apparatus is provided with a housing having a hinged cover having a magnifying lens built into it, either as a lens shaped portion of a plastic cover, or as a separate glass lens attached to the cover. Arms on the hinged cover, engaging with abutment portions on a stationary part of the housing, define a position of the cover which is most appropriate for reading the results.