Abstract: A liquid-gas bubble separator comrising a container having an inlet for a fluid which includes liquid and gas bubbles, an outlet and upstream and downstream vents. A filter element is provided in the container between the inlet and the outlet. The filter element permits the passage of the liquid and inhibits the passage of the gas bubbles. The filter element is between the upstream and downstream vents so that gas bubbles which do not pass through the filter element can be vented through the upstream vent, and any gas bubbles downstream of the filter element can be vented through the downstream vent. A bypass passage is provided around the filter element. A portion of the filtered fluid is recirculated through the bypass passage to prevent forward flow through the bypass passage when the filter element is clean, and such recirculating flow is terminated when the filter is clogged to a predetermined degree to thereby open the bypass passage for forward flow.

Abstract: A filter material comprising hydrophobic filter media treated with a wetting agent which consists essentially of a material selected from the group consisting of polysobate 20, polysorbate 40, polysorbate 60 and polysorbate 80. The wetting agent is applied by dissolving it in a solvent and spraying the resulting solution onto the filter media.

Abstract: Stress cracking of polycarbonate parts during prolonged storage while assembled with plasticized polyvinyl tubing is greatly reduced by using tubing in which tri-2-ethylhexyl trimellitate is the predominant or sole primary plasticizer.

Abstract: The invention provides an agitator system primarily for use in the production of liquids and semi-liquids which may be agitated during a sterilization process. A sealed chamber may be filled with live steam or a mixture of steam and air or water. Inside the chamber is a relatively simple table mount which enables a reciprocal motion of a product continuously during the entire or a part of the process. A suitable driving power source is positioned outside of the chamber and connected through the chamber wall to give a reciprocal motion to the table. The driving power source is adapted to accommodate any of a plurality of production variables such as changes in: length of stroke or amplitude of vibration, rate of stroke or frequency of vibration, rate of acceleration or deceleration, or the like.