Abstract: Breaks in heat seals between a paper member and a clear plastic member are detected by providing a paper member with a relatively dark coloration, for example dark blue, dark green or dark red, at least in the area of the heat seal, heat sealing the clear plastic member to the paper member in the desired seal area whereby upon breaking the heat seal there is a distinct color contrast between the break in the heat seal and the relatively dark coloration of the paper and any remaining heat sealed area. The method is especially suited for the manufacture of sterilizable packages or pouches for medical implements.

Abstract: A two-flame burner is used in a flame photometric detector for analyzing a sample material. The sample material is introduced via a first conduit structure into a hydrogen-rich first flame, and the combustion products and excess hydrogen from the first flame are passed via a second conduit structure into an oxygen-containing environment. A second flame is maintained at the exit end of the second conduit structure. The first and second conduit structures are composed of material that does not contribute to the coloration of the second flame during operation of the detector. Particular constituents of the sample material are detected by observing the presence of colors in the second flame indicative of the constituents. For example, the presence of sulfur is indicated by a blue coloration, and the presence of phosphorus is indicated by a green coloration.

Abstract: This apparatus is useful for converting microgram quantities of particulate nitrogen into nitrogen gas such that it is possible to measure the quantity of nitrogen in the sample as well as to determine the isotopic contents of the nitrogen by spectrometric means. This apparatus constitutes an improvement over prior art inventions in that it is easier to operate and/or less expensive to build than was the case for similar previously known inventions.

Abstract: This is a method of prospecting for accumulations of hydrocarbons or other minerals. At least two (and preferably more) samples of subsurface rock units are taken at different vertical depths in a plurality of locations. Each such sample is processed to recover organic material present in the rocks. From this organic residue, a number of specimens of the same palynomorph taxon are selected, and a characteristic of light absorbed or transmitted by the specific organic particles is determined. The difference in the values obtained in the same location for two sets of palynomorphs at different vertical distances (preferably same well) is called the translucency differential. This differential or the gradient (differential divided by the corresponding vertical distance between sampling points) is then plotted on a map at the location of the various points of sample collection, and a contour map or cross section is drawn.

Abstract: A corrosion testing machine having a cell within which specimens are to be subjected to corrosion testing; a spraying tower in the center of the cell and having means therein for producing a spray of a testing liquid extending in all directions from the top of the tower; a supporting column within the cell and rotatably mounted for rotation around the spraying tower; a motor coupled to the supporting column for rotating the column around the spraying tower; and an annular frame mounted on the supporting column around the spray tower having supports for supporting test pieces thereof in an inwardly and downwardly inclined position with the surfaces to be tested facing inwardly and upwardly toward the top of the spray tower. In the machine the spray of the testing liquid is evenly applied to the surface of the specimens to be tested.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for monitoring the metal content of aqueous systems. The device involves the use of a porous membrane permeable to the metal ions to be detected in an aqueous phase and an organic liquid medium containing a trapping agent for the ions and capable of forming therewith a complex soluble in the organic liquid medium. The organic medium with its trapping agent is contained in a housing with an opening covered by the membrane which can be presented to the aqueous phase.The device and method allow the aqueous and organic phases to wet opposite faces of the membrane so that ion transfer can take place across the membrane. The trapped ions are analyzed at intervals by conventional means.

Abstract: A method, device and test reagent for detecting free available chlorine in aqueous fluids which utilizes as an indicator substance azine compounds of the formula: ##STR1## where R and R' are hydroxy or amino substituents and X, X', Y and Y' are hydrogen, hydroxy, methyl or methoxy substituents and may be the same or different. Preferably such test reagents are incorporated with a carrier member or with a wicking device for concentrating the aqueous fluid being tested in the area of the test reagent.

Abstract: A gas sampler in the form of a bubbler is associated with a transparent detector tube containing a chemical that changes color when a toxic gas flows through it. Conduit means connect the air outlets of the two devices with the inlet of a suction pump to draw air through the bubbler and tube simultaneously. The flow of air from the bubbler to the pump is restricted relative to the flow from the tube to the pump.

Abstract: A composition is tested for its flame retarding ability by determining the decrease in the amount of hydrogen molecules produced in a reaction zone from hydrogen radicals when said composition is present in the reaction zone over the amount produced in the same reaction zone without said composition.

Abstract: Method for competitive binding in diagnostic clinical testing for thyroid function in which blood serum is sufficiently acidified to inactivate binding of thyroid hormone to serum proteins. The serum test solution is then mixed directly with a buffered competitive binding protein solution without first separating inactivated endogenous serum proteins.

Abstract: A manipulative laboratory device for transferring biological fluid from one or more primary containers to an associated secondary set of containers through a disposable closed compartment system. The compartment system allows for greatly simplified decanting procedures, for example, in pouring off serum samples in blood analyses. The transfer device is preferably of transparent plastic material, and allows for complete isolation among respective samples and selective transfer of controlled volumes of biological fluid when combined with a pump, through means to apply equal volumes of pressurized gas to each of the compartments. The transfer device allows, serum, for example, to be held and filtered during transfer, while maintaining the serum within a closed compartment to reduce the risk of hepatitis and similar infectious transmissions to operating personnel.

Abstract: An alcohol retainer cartridge and method for using same are disclosed herein comprising calcium sulfate as an adsorbent for alcohol. The cartridge includes calcium sulfate contained within a tube between pieces of filter paper. At one end of the tube is a disc having a central aperture smaller than the interior of the tube, the disc resting against an inwardly extending lip of the tube. A spring clip bearing against the interior wall of the tube retains the filter paper at the other end. A sample of the alcohol in a person's breath is obtained by passing an amount of the person's breath, preferably about 52 milliliters, through the calcium sulfate, preferably in the amount of about 0.5 grams. The alcohol is adsorbed by the calcium sulfate and may be subsequently assayed.

Abstract: A method for the rapid analysis of trace components in a liquid, which comprises filtering said liquid through a filter paper having at least one of anion exchange functional groups and chelating ion binding functional groups, thus collecting substantially the entire amount of the objective components (anions or chelating ions) contained in said liquid on the filter paper, and analyzing the anion- or chelating ion-loaded filter paper as such or after drying, or analyzing the eluate obtained by elution of the anions or chelating ions to be analyzed from said filter paper.

Abstract: Photolysis of organic mercury compounds in mercury-containing samples to determine mercury therein by means of irradiation with a light source emitting predominantly below 260 nm.

Abstract: A centrifuge test tube cap assembly for sealing a thin walled test tube used primarily with a vertical tube rotor. The cap assembly is designed for convenient and easy removal from the test tube through the use of internal means which activates the direct sealing and unsealing of the cap with respect to the test tube. The mechanism of the tube cap provides for convenient removal of the cap assembly from the test tube which is necessary in order to insert or remove the liquid to be subjected to centrifugation.

Abstract: A system for analyzing a material such as sewage, the system including a preprocessor for extracting volatile compounds of carbon from inorganic carbonaceous substances within the material, a high-temperature reactor wherein the material chemically reacts with a gaseous reagent to produce a measurable amount of a gaseous product, and a chamber positioned at an exit port of the reactor, the chamber having a liquid covered surface to separate precipitates from the gaseous product.

Abstract: A photometric analyzer to monitor one or more constituents of a mixture, such as by producing indications of the concentrations of sulfur dioxide and NOX (NO + NO.sub.2) in flue gases. The NO is converted to detectable NO.sub.2 by ozone thus:NO + O.sub.3 .fwdarw. NO.sub.2 + O.sub.2contrary to accepted theory, the following reaction to undetectable N.sub.2 O.sub.5 is negligible because of the rapid flow of flue gas:NO.sub.2 + O.sub.3 .fwdarw. N.sub.2 O.sub.5 + O.sub.

Abstract: Element for detecting the presence of combustible gases in a gaseous atmosphere containing at least one oxidizing agent, comprising a microporous support consisting essentially of a mixture of gamma-and/or eta-alumina and refractory fibres, a catalyst layer based on a metal or an oxide of a metal from the family of the platinoids, located on at least a part of the surface of the microporous support, and a filament based on platinum, of which at least a part is wound round the said support.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for improved detection of sulfur dioxide by fluorescence are disclosed wherein the effects of interferent hydrocarbons in the test sample are eliminated. In apparatus detecting sulfur dioxide by detecting the fluorescence of sulfur dioxide from narrow band ultraviolet radiation by photomultiplier means, the test sample being fed to the fluorescence chamber is first passed through a reactor to oxidize the hydrocarbons from the sample. The effect of this oxidization is to convert interfering hydrocarbon components in the sample gas into non-interfering materials. In one embodiment employing ozone, moisture removal apparatus is added prior to the oxidization reaction to prevent the error producing formation of H.sub.2 SO.sub.4.

Abstract: The gas or gas-carried suspended matter indicator tube includes a reagent therein for detecting gases or suspended matter in the gas which are passed through the tube. The tube is drawn down at each end and sealed. Each end of the tube or the portion of the tube at which the reagent ends, is retained by fixing elements, which comprise glass granules which are sintered.