Abstract: An event counter and access controller system has a central processor unit, memory storage, and operator's keyboard, display, badge reader and key switch. The system may operate in a normal mode, wherein copy pulses from a photocopier, for example, are counted and stored in individual user accounts; and in a set-up mode, wherein accounts may be sorted and examined, may be made accessible or inaccessible, and may have their contents changed. When receiving count copy pulses from an event to be counted, the system certifies the validity of the pulses by filtering and sampling techniques. When an access card is inserted in the badge reader, the system validates and accounts for skew tolerance of the card.

Abstract: A catalytic reaction chamber for contacting a reactant stream with catalyst particles which are disposed as an annular-form bed and are downwardly movable therethrough via gravity-flow. The annular catalyst bed is spaced between a catalyst-retaining screen and a scalloped, perforated centerpipe. A plurality of vertically-positioned catalyst-transfer, or withdrawal, conduits are circumferentially-disposed substantially adjacent the outer surface of the scalloped centerpipe and extend the entire length of the catalyst bed. These contain a first plurality of apertures which face into the bed of catalyst particles and which are sized to permit catalyst particles to flow therethrough. A second plurality of apertures is disposed opposite the first plurality of apertures, and sized to inhibit the flow of catalyst particles therethrough.

Abstract: A catalytic reaction chamber for contacting a reactant stream with catalyst particles which are disposed as an annular-form bed and are downwardly movable therethrough via gravity-flow. The annular bed is spaced between a catalyst-retaining screen and a perforated centerpipe. A plurality of vertically-positioned catalyst-transfer, or withdrawal, conduits are circumferentially-disposed substantially adjacent the outer surface of the centerpipe and extend the entire length of the catalyst bed. These contain a first plurality of apertures which face into the bed of catalyst particles and which are sized to permit catalyst particles to flow therethrough. A second plurality of apertures is disposed substantially 180.degree. opposite the first plurality of apertures, and sized to inhibit the flow of catalyst particles therethrough.

Abstract: An improved radial flow moving bed reactor, or other type of fluid-solid contacting vessel, in which stagnant catalyst volumes are reduced. The improvement results from the placement of a plurality of catalyst collection scoops or a single discoid cover plate just above the catalyst withdrawal conduits in a manner which directs the removal of catalyst through an annular opening adjacent the inner catalyst retention screen.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for particulate matter which distributes said particulate matter, at substantially the same rate, uniformly across a given area.

Abstract: Apparatus for pulsing the flow of the liquid between the trays of a distillation column with only a small change in liquid level. In the preferred embodiment, a dome-like capping plate is mounted over the upper end of a downcomer conduit and overlaps the portion of the downcomer which extends above the fractionation tray as a weir to form a sealed liquid passageway having the shape of an inverted U. A siphon which starts when liquid is pushed over the top of the weir is broken when the liquid level on the tray falls to the lower end of a U-shaped conduit communicating with the upper volume of the capping plate.