Abstract: A test carrier analysis system for analyzing a body fluid, the system including a test carrier (1) with a detection layer (20) on which a detectable change specific to the analysis takes place, obeying an evaluation curve, to the concentration of the component, and wherein the evaluation curve is dependent on the manufacturing batch of the test carrier. The system further includes an evaluator having a measuring and digitization circuit (25) which generates from the physically detectable change an intermediate result independent of the evaluation curve in the form of a finite number of digital output states, and having a display (7) for indicating the output states in the form of an alpha and/or numeric code. A readable information carrier element is provided having a correlation thereon between the alphanumeric codes of the display (7) corresponding to the output states and the concentration values determined in accordance with the evaluation curve.

Abstract: A salt platform (10, 50, 80) is disclosed which can be used in an ion exchange water softener to support the salt used in the water softening process. The salt platform will be typically placed in a tank containing a salt brine which wets the grid (34) and the area above the grid containing the dry salt which is drawn into the brine as the salt is depleted during the process. The platform includes a plurality of vertically oriented members (12-24) which are preferably formed of PVC plastic pipe. Bracing members (26, 28) are secured between adjacent vertically oriented cylinders to provide a stable platform. A grid (34) is supported atop the vertically oriented cylinders and the salt, in turn, is supported on the grid.

Abstract: The composting of waste material in a batch mode is accomplished by microbiological aerobic activity in a closed cylindrical vessel. The batch composting facility comprises bottom aeration (18) and an agitation auger mechanism (1) to ensure both aerobic and homogeneous composting conditions.

Abstract: A method and a composition for disinfecting matter or materials such as medical instruments, operating rooms, examining tables, walls, windows, floors, solutions, porous substances and the like contaminated with bacteria, bacterial spores, fungi, or viruses is disclosed. The composition consists of a mixture of a peroxymonosulfate and a carbonyl-containing compound and reaction products thereof and is preferably dioxirane formed by in situ oxidation of a ketone or aldehyde by the peroxymonosulfate in aqueous solution. Carbonyl-containing compounds that have been tested include acetone, 2-pentanone, 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone, and camphorsulfonic acid. The method includes providing a solution containing the dioxirane reaction mixture and contacting the matter or materials with it at room temperature for a time sufficient to disinfect and sterilize the matter or materials.

Abstract: A method of and device for sterilizing the hose of a hose pump in a system operating in sterile conditions. Before the system is sterilized, the hose is transferred from the pump, but not disconnected from the system's lines, to a device that surrounds it snugly. The device comprises two halves. Each half has a depression shaped and dimensioned to match half the outer surface of the hose and accordingly surrounding it tightly over its total length when the two halves are together.

Abstract: An apparatus for enabling the agitation of carrier particles utilizing a carrier transporting member with a series of magnets attached, which magnets attract and retain the carrier particles present in a container means. The transporting member is caused to rotate by a roller.

Abstract: An apparatus for drawing a specimen of a body fluid, such as urine from a sample tube. The specimen is drawn through a reusable slide assembly for examination. The slide assembly includes a glass enclosure shaped to provide a viewing chamber for use with a microscope. A sample tube with a special plug and ball valve provides a solids collection chamber with which a uniform amount of body liquid is provided for the specimen.

Abstract: A compact manifold for distribution of fluids (gas or liquid or combination thereof). The manifold has a block having fluid channels provided therethrough between two faces of the block. Against one face, a plate is fastened which swages ferrules between the plate and the block to tightly connect fluid conduits through the plate to the block. On the opposite face of the block, a manifold plenum is formed in a groove between a manifold plate and an o-ring. The o-ring is pressed against the manifold plate by a back plate and both plates are securely fastened onto the block such that the holes in the manifold plate are aligned with the fluid channels in the block. Checkvalves are positioned between the block and the manifold plate to prevent backflow. The above-mentioned components are positioned into their respective places and are secured upon the tightening of the fasteners. The manifold is configured with at least two plenums each having a group of distribution outlets.

Abstract: A method and device for disinfecting an item with a disinfecting agent and a suitable neutralizer to neutralize the agent. The item is placed in a container with the agent. A neutralizer is placed in the container in a receptacle which hinders the contact between the agent and the neutralizer so that the items can be disinfected. A device includes a container and a receptacle which regulates the renewal of the agent in contact with the neutralizer.

Abstract: A device for holding a laboratory cell well plate in a more accessible and visible position and for indicating which individual cell wells have been used or accessed during the experimental session. The device consists of an angled receiving face that supports and retains a cell well plate and an electronic array of detectors and indicators for identifying the use of specific cell wells on the cell well plate.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for real time analysis of the intermediates and products of a gas phase chemical reaction catalyzed by a particulate catalyst. Real time analysis is conducted under high vacuum using detecting means contained within a high vacuum chamber. The reactor is connected to the vacuum chamber but is outside thereof, allowing the reactor to be operated either at high vacuum or under moderate pressure. Reactors and reactor feed manifolds of varying configuration may be interchangeably connected to the vacuum chamber on an essentially modular basis. Only a single vacuum system is required for the apparatus. Reaction products may also be analyzed by methods such as gas chromatography. Simultaneously with real time analysis of reaction products and intermediates, infrared, ultraviolet other reflected electromagnetic analyses may be conducted on the reacting gases or catalyst surface.

Abstract: A consistency transmitter for a pipe carrying a pulp mixture has a sensor blade within the pipe and an arm outside the pipe. The sensor blade is carried by a diaphragm, so the diaphragm is flexed in response to motion of the sensor blade. The arm is connected to the diaphragm so the arm is moved in response to movement of the sensor blade. A blade extends across the diaphragm to constrain the diaphragm to motion in one direction. A probe detects motion of the arm, the circuitry being remote from the probe and connected to the probe by a cable.

Abstract: A ceiling fan filter for filtering the air in a room having a ceiling fan is made from at least one layer of resilient polymeric fiber filter material. Each layer has a length, a width, an upper surface, a lower surface and two side edges which extend along the length of the layer. A narrow compressed strip is formed in the filter material by compressing and heating the layer of filter material so that the filter material is fused together. The compressed strip causes an expanded thickness of the side edges to increase the effective filter surface area of the filter and gives the filter a semicircular cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the length of the filter. An adhesive layer is joined to the lower surface of the filter to attach the filter to the fan blade of a ceiling fan.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the automated synthesis of DNA segments utilizing multiple reaction columns, all of which are open at the inlet end to the atmosphere of a reaction chamber. A movable reagent supply line outlet is positioned adjacent to the column inlet end to apply reagent to each of the columns according to an input sequence of delivery. The delivery sequence is under processor control. Reagents are removed from all columns simultaneously through the application of vacuum at the outlet end of each column. The device enables the parallel synthesis of large numbers of different oligonucleotide sequences of different lengths.

Abstract: An ultraviolet liquid sterilization system including an ultraviolet light source. Provision is made for gravity feeding a liquid to be sterilized past the ultraviolet light source to expose the liquid immediately to the light to sterilize the liquid without the need for a pump, or pressure.

Abstract: A method for deodorization of cork accomplished by applying steam volatilization to remove substances originating offensive odor in the cork is disclosed. The method has a first step of putting the cork into a container, a second step of supplying steam generated in a steam generator to the container, and a third step of discharging the steam along with the substance originating the offensive odor from the container. An apparatus for deodorization of cork by this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vapor humidification component with a disposable water source for a medical instrument sterilization system that utilizes ozone as a sterilization agent. The humidification component of the invention receives a measured input of water that is vaporized therein and injected into an ozone-oxygen mixture flow for passage into a primary sterilization chamber wherein the humidified ozone-oxygen mixture is circulated to scour and sterilize, during a sterilization cycle, medical instruments contained therein, whereafter the ozone-oxygen mixture is passed to a destruction chamber for heat destruction and venting to atmosphere.

Abstract: The vertically suspended filter bags of a dust collector are periodically shaken in a bi-modal manner, to removed adhered dust. Repetitious motions applied to the closed bag bottoms are comprised of a long lifting stroke, to partially fold the bags, followed by one or more short strokes of higher impulse, to simulate a rapping or hammering. Apparatus which effects the process includes a motor driven cam that lifts, and then drops, a shaker bar mounted transversely to the bag bottoms, and a device for stopping the cam in a position which leaves the bags hanging freely for further collection of particulate.

Abstract: An improved magnesium-enhanced lime flue gas desulfurization system is provided which produces the high sulfur dioxide removal level of previous magnesium-enhanced lime flue gas desulfurization systems and additionally produce waste solids that have significantly better properties and are more easily dewatered than the solids produced by known systems. The magnesium-enhanced lime flue gas desulfurization system of the present invention includes a crystallizer-clarifier reaction tank (CCRT) which receives scrubber effluent and functions as a combined reaction tank and thickener. Clear liquor from the CCRT is sent to a scrubber to scrub the flue gas, and a portion of the CCRT--thickened solids are directed to a high pH premix slurry tank (PMST) where the crystallization environment can be controlled by reagent addition and pH. The PMST contents are circulated to the CCRT and are separated to produce a waste solids fraction that is easily dewatered.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the presence and/or concentration of biomolecules, in particular DNA, by providing a boundary surface between an optically denser medium and an optically rarer medium. Biomolecules adsorb to the boundary surface and alter the characteristics of impinging light. The method and apparatus use surface plasmon resonance (SPR) to excite the biomolecules. The angle of incidence of the impinging light is maintained at the angle at which SPR occurs, thereby controlling the energy transferred to the biomolecules. The energy transferred to the biomolecules causes the biomolecules to generate excitation light which is reflected and monitored at the boundary surface. The angle of incidence is controlled by rotating a desk such that the intensity of the reflected light is always maintained at a minimum which ensures that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle at which SPR occurs.