Abstract: A system for safely disposing of pathogenic waste materials. The waste material is disposed in a chamber and heated by forced hot air to temperatures above approximately 450.degree. F. to destroy harmful bacteria within several minutes. The high temperatures melt plastic waste materials. The harmless waste is cooled providing a solid block in which syringes and other sharp items are generally encased. The temperature within the chamber is continuously sensed and the operation of the apparatus is microprocessor controlled to adjust the process time in accordance with the load size. The microprocessor further stores the sensed temperature to provide verification that the waste has been exposed to sufficient temperatures and for a sufficient time to render such waste harmless.

Abstract: The grid plate is disposed between the fluidized bed reactor chamber and an underlying wind box and includes a plurality of nozzles for feeding fluidizing gas from the wind box into the reaction chamber. The nozzles are configured to afford different pressure drops across the grid such that with increasing pressure, additional nozzles are actuated in response to increasing pressure differences across the plate whereby fluidized bed start-up and steady state operating conditions may be facilitated.

Abstract: A method for deodorization of cork accomplished by applying steam distillation to remove substances originating offensive odor in the cork is disclosed. The method comprises 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: This invention relates to the apparatus, for sequencing natural or recombinant DNA and other polynucleotides. In particular, this invention relates to a method for sequencing polynucleotides based on mass spectrometry to determine which of the four bases (adenine, guanine, cytosine or thymine) is a component of the terminal nucleotide. In particular, the present invention relates to identifying the individual nucleotides by the mass of stable nuclide markers contained within either the dideoxynucleotides, the DNA primer, or the deoxynucleotide added to the primer. This invention is particularly useful in identifying specific DNA sequences in very small quantities in biological products produced by fermentation or other genetic engineering techniques. The invention is therefore useful in evaluating safety and other health concerns related to the presence of DNA in products resulting from genetic engineering techniques.

Abstract: A method for making a sensing element, and an assembled sensing element, useful in sensing the concentration of a gas, e.g., carbon dioxide, in a medium, e. g. blood, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises placing a quantity of a sensing composition precursor between and in contact with a transparent, gas impermeable solid disc and an opaque, gas permeable film, the sensing composition precursor comprises a sensing component, a polymer precursor and a cross-linking agent; and forming a gas sensing composition from this quantity of sensing composition precursor.

Abstract: Containers (20-20) which held UV curable acrylate materials commonly used as coating materials for drawn optical fiber are treated prior to disposal. Because of the presence of acrylate residues therewithin, the container cannot be disposed of in a landfill and has been incinerated. This problem has been overcome by exposing the residue within the container to suitable reproducible radiation determined in accordance with the photchemistry of the residue materials to cure completely the remaining acrylate material and thereby reduce its reactivity.

Abstract: Catalytic regenerators, nozzle designs and processes suitable for introducing regeneration air into a catalytic cracking unit which substantially reduce erosion induced nozzle failures include a plurality of nozzle elements having a roughness defined upon the outside surface of said nozzle elements so as to reduce erosion due to the impact of fluidized catalyst particles within the catalytic regenerator.

Abstract: A system for preparing a flexible elongate fluid-containing member for storage comprises a transparent perforated hollow shaft for supporting the fluid-containing member in a coiled configuration and a cup-shaped cleaning device for automatically dispensing a cleaning fluid onto the fluid-containing member while it is held in the coiled configuration on the support shaft. A transfer mechanism is provided for automatically transferring the fluid-containing member in the coiled configuration from the support shaft to a receptacle, and an aspirator is provided for automatically removing liquid from the fluid-containing member prior to transference thereof from the support shaft to the receptacle. The receptacle includes a central finger defining with an outer wall an annular storage chamber for maintaining the elongate member in a coiled configuration during storage.

Abstract: A self actuating sole wetting device (10) is provided for use in treating the soles of shoes, feet, paws and the like with a wetting solution (20) selected for a particular hygienic purpose. The device (10) includes a sole receiving subassembly (14) and a peripheral structure subassembly (16) forming a tray, and a reservoir subassembly (18) for delivering the solution to the tray. Absorbent pad members (58, 60) allow wetting uneven surfaces and prevent splashing. Flow control on the reservoir prevents excessive depth and splashing. The sole wetting device is particularly adapted for use with animals such as dogs or in canine environments, to prevent the spread of parvo and other diseases.

Abstract: An analyzer with an improved rotor structure for analyzing solid-containing and solid free liquids having an improved rotor design that utilizes chambers and channels that operate by centrifugal force and capillary action to separate and meter the liquids for testing purposes.

Abstract: An automatic immunoassay apparatus utilizes cartridges each having at least two wells, a first well containing solid phase material carrying antigen or antibody, and a second well containing antibody or antigen labelled with labelling compound. The wells may be sealed with a suitable sealing film before use and the sealing film is broken when the cartridge is to be used. The cartridges are transported to a predetermined position on a steppingly movable reaction line and conveyed thereby at a predetermined interval. While the reaction line steps, a sample, labelled antigen or antibody contained in the second well and substrate, if necessary, are added to the first well and stirred at predetermined timings, and reactions between the sample and a reactive solution are measured under control of a control device having a memory storing operator selectable programs for various measuring methods.

Abstract: A system for analyzing a biological fluid or the like for a constituent of interest comprises structure defining a sample inlet port, structure defining an analysis region, a measuring system connected in sensing relation to the analysis region, and structure defining a reaction chamber that has an immobilized enzyme capable of modifying the constituent of interest. Control means operates liquid flow means in a unidirectional sample flow mode to initially flow a sample of material to be analyzed from the sample inlet port to the reaction chamber and to the analysis region for a measurement of unmodified sample material, and then operates the liquid flow means in a bidirectional sample flow mode to oscillate the sample material in the reaction chamber and facilitate modification by the immobilized enzyme of the constituent of material in the sample.

Abstract: Apparatus for identifying and distinguishing between at least two different types of refrigerant includes a sample container having a fixed internal volume. Refrigerant to be tested is selectively admitted into the container in vapor phase, vapor pressure of refrigerant within the container is measured, and admission of refrigerant into the container is terminated when the vapor pressure of refrigerant contained therein reaches a preselected level. A sensor and associated electronics are coupled to the container for determining type of refrigerant vapor in the container as a function of one or more selected properties of the refrigerant, and indicating such refrigerant type to the operator.

Abstract: An evanescent wave sensor for use in analyzing a medium, the sensor including a shell having a radiation port at a first end and a base at a second end. The base has a dimension greater than that of the radiation port, and inner and outer wall surfaces of the shell extend between the radiation port and the base. The shell is formed of a material having an index of refraction greater than that of the medium. An apparatus and method for analyzing the medium using the sensor may include a receptacle which defines a chamber about a portion of the shell for contacting the medium to the shell for analysis, optical elements for guiding radiation from a radiation source to the radiation port, and optical elements for guiding fluorescent radiation from the shell to a detector of fluorescent radiation.

Abstract: Method of storing sodium perborate monohydrate granules at elevated surrounding temperature of between 10.degree. and 65.degree. C., according to which the granules are stored in bulk in a closed enclosure proofed against the surrounding atmosphere, into which is introduced a slow flow of dry air which is forced to pass through the mass of the granules, the air flow escaping to the atmosphere through a small opening made in the part of the enclosure away from that where the said flow is introduced.The process applies to the transport of sodium perborate monohydrate in a tank truck.

Abstract: The application is directed to methods and apparatus for venting a pressurized sterilizer chamber having a liquid load within it. A sterilizer chamber is provided with a pressure sensor for sensing the chamber pressure and a vent channel with an associated vent valve. The vent valve is opened to vent pressure from the chamber, and has an orifice providing a maximum flow coefficient substantially larger than a standard bleed valve. A microprocessor-based sterilizer controller monitors chamber pressure and opens and closes the vent valve. The venting phase is regulated by means of a series of vent cycles. An individual vent cycle is intiated by starting a software timer to time a preset interval. The controller records a starting chamber pressure and opens the vent valve. The controller monitors the chamber pressure, and when the pressure has dropped from the starting pressure by a selected maximum amount, closes the vent valve until the timer interval has elapsed.

Abstract: A sterilizing gas mixture, containing ethylene oxide and a diluent, is used to sterilize articles in a sterilizing chamber. When the sterilization has been completed, the chamber is purged of sterilizing gas, usually in two or more purging cycles. During the first purging cycle, the spent sterilizing gas mixture is directed to a condenser, where the residual ethylene oxide and diluent are liquefied. During the second and subsequent purging cycles, the additional sterilizing gas mixture remaining in the chamber is conveyed to a disposal unit to dispose of the remaining ethylene oxide. The disposal unit can be a catalytic device which converts the ethylene oxide to carbon dioxide and water. Alternatively, the disposal unit can be a chemical device, such as an acid scrubber which converts the ethylene oxide into a non-toxic substance. Thus, virtually none of the ethylene oxide vents to the outside.

Abstract: There is described an assay element suitable for use in an automated analytical test instrument for assaying a fluid sample. The element includes a thin porous member possessing a high degree of capillarity such as a fibrous mesh pad supported within a guide defined by surfaces contiguous the porous member. The dimensions of the porous member and its degree of capillarity are such as to provide for capillary transport of fluid through the member. A fluid dispenser and a fluid collecting chamber are disposed contiguous to opposed ends of the porous member. The fluid dispenser is formed as a well with a port at the bottom of the well, the port being contiguous the porous member and having a ridge extending along a perimeter of the port. The ridge protrudes into the porous member a distance sufficient for entraining fluid present in the well to propagate within the member rather than along an interface between a surface of the member and guide surfaces which hold it in place.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for carrying out a method for sterilizing a medical unit comprising at least two connections for a fluid flow pathway where a sterilizing medium flows through the unit.Medical units of this type are e.g. medical filters, in particular dialyzers. A high degree of sterility is here required. This is accomplished through the steps of:(a) inserting the unit into a system under pressure-tight coupling of the two connections to a feed conduit and discharge conduit of the system under atmospheric conditions;(b) passing the sterilizing medium from the system through the unit for a give period;(c) closing the two connections in the coupled state and in a germproof manner, without the same being opened, on completion of the sterilization operation; and(d) removing said unit from said system as a sterile unit with closed connections.All steps, including the removal of the unit, are therefore carried out in a system where the sterility obtained is constantly maintained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing unclear matter on an optical element used with a radiation beam is disclosed. A filter is used to introduce light of a desired wavelength into a chamber in which the optical element is accommodated; a gas supplying device is used to supply a reactive gas which is reactable with the unclear matter on the surface of the optical element; and a vacuum-evacuating device is used to vacuum-evacuate the inside of the chamber.