Abstract: Liquid chromatography apparatus including a hollow cylinder and a fixed end closure in which the effective useful length of the cylinder is varied through the use of a piston member that slides within the cylinder due to force exerted by a threaded shaft that is connected to a handle. Binding of the piston member in the cylinder is prevented by a ball joint that operatively connects the piston member to the threaded shaft and by a plurality of O-rings located on the piston member that contact the inner wall of the cylinder and tend to prevent tipping of the piston member. Even liquid distribution and filtering is obtained through a 0.5 micron porous sintered stainless steel liquid distribution disk. A smooth inclined surface in combination with an uninterrupted ring provide a trap for bubbles of gas located inside the cylinder.

Abstract: A liquid container is packaged in a box having a removable handle which also acts as a closure device for the opening and closing of the box. The liquid may be bulk sterile fluids, chromatography buffers, industrial enzymes packaged in glycerol, liquid nutrient solutions, and similar liquids. The container comprises an inner bladder made of polyvinyl chloride. The inner bladder is wrapped in a carbon dioxide/oxygen gas barrier. This gas barrier may be in the form of a plastic bag. The gas barrier reduces or prevents the deterioration of the liquid in the inner bladder. The inner bladder has three ports for accessing the liquid. These ports are of a septum-type which can indicate tapering, The inner bladder also has a fill tube for use in filling, and a metal hook for hanging if the inner bladder, is removed from the box. The box is designed to support weight sufficient to allow stacking of several boxes with associated filled inner bladders.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for detecting the presence of a analyte in a sample. The apparatus includes an optical transmitter and receiver for transmitting light toward the sample and receiving a portion of the reflected light. The optical receiver acts in conjunction with a data processor to convert the reflected light to data representing the density of analyte in the sample. The apparatus thus disclosed is portable and can be transported to remote testing sites.

Abstract: An apparatus for and process of pasteurizing or sterilizing and subsequent cooling of edible foodstuffs in containers. The containers are relatively thin-walled and are fabricated from plastic. At least one of the containers is provided with an internal probe which monitors the pressure and temperature at its substantially geometric center. The pressure within a chamber of the apparatus, within which pasteurization or sterilization is to be effected, is also monitored. A comparator compares the pressures within the chamber and the container having the probe therein to develop a control signal representative of the pressure difference. A controller is arranged to respond to the control signal to maintain a predetermined pressure relationship while heating and subsequently cooling the foodstuffs. The pressure difference which is maintained may be zero, or be slightly above or below zero.

Abstract: A probe suitable for monitoring temperature and pressure in a relatively thin-walled container fabricated from plastic. The internal probe monitors the pressure and temperature at substantially the geometric center of a container in a pasteurizing or sterilizing apparatus. The probe is provided with a sharp container-wall piercing end and a tapered threaded self tapping portion which provides an effective seal. The probe is hollow so that fluid can be conducted from the interior of the container and its pressure determined. A temperature sensing member is carried within the hollow probe so that temperature within the container may be sensed.

Abstract: An apparatus for pasteurizing or sterilizing and subsequent cooling of edible foodstuffs in containers. The containers are relatively thin-walled and are fabricated from plastic. At least one of the containers is provided with an internal probe which monitors the pressure and temperature at its substantially geometric center. The pressure within a chamber of the apparatus, within which pasteurization or sterilization is to be effected, is also monitored. A comparitor compares the pressures within the chamber and the container having the probe therein to develop a control signal representative of the pressure difference. A controller is arranged to respond to the control signal to maintain a predetermined pressure relationship while heating and subsequently cooling the foodstuffs. The pressure difference which is maintained may be zero, or be slightly above or below zero.