Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adsorbent for removing arsenic species from ground water and/or surface water systems. Such adsorbent removes both As(III) and As(V), thereby providing potable water. Also provided is a method and/or device (e.g., filter) for removing arsenic species from contaminated waters utilizing such adsorbent.

Abstract: A process for separation and environmentally benign disposal of amine borane complexes includes adsorbing amine borane complex onto a solid support, treating the adsorbed amine borane complex with an oxidizing agent in situ on the adsorbent thereby forming decomposition products without the formation of hydrogen gas, and collecting the decomposition products for disposal thereof.

Abstract: There are provided an adsorbent which can effectively adsorb and remove endogenous cannabinoid in fluid, and a process for removing endogenous cannabinoid in fluid by means of the adsorbent. The adsorbent of endogenous cannabinoid comprising an adsorbent for endogenous cannabinoid comprising a water-insoluble material containing a substance whose solubility parameter &dgr; is at most 12 ((cal/cm3)1/2) is obtained. Endogenous cannabinoid in fluid can be effectively adsorbed and removed by contacting the adsorbent of endogenous cannabinoid with fluid containing endogenous cannabinoid.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for separating, immobilizing, and quantifying biological substances from within a fluid medium. Biological substances are observed by employing a vessel (6) having a chamber therein, the vessel comprising a transparent collection wall (5). A high internal gradient magnetic capture structure may be on the transparent collection wall (5), magnets (3) create an externally-applied force for transporting magnetically responsive material toward the transparent collection wall (5). The magnetic capture structure comprises a plurality of ferromagnetic members and has a uniform or non-uniform spacing between adjacent members. There may be electrical conductor means supported on the transparent collection wall (5) for enabling electrical manipulation of the biological substances. The chamber has one compartment or a plurality of compartments with differing heights. The chamber may include a porous wall.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for separating and measuring solids from multi-phase well fluids. The apparatus comprises a separator; an upper solids level and a lower solids level sensor, both connected to the separator; a dump valve operatively connected to the separator; and a control module operatively connected to the dump valve to move the dump valve between an open and a closed position. The upper solids level sensor generates a first signal when the upper level of accumulated solids-within the separator reaches a pre-determined upper level. The lower solids level sensor generates a second signal when the upper level of accumulated solids within the separator reaches a predetermined lower level. The control module receives the first and second generated signals such that upon receipt of the first signal the control module causes the dump valve to open and upon receipt of the second signal the control module causes the dump valve to close.

Abstract: A method and system for the recuperation of the content of septic tank where the supernatant is returned to the septic tank after the recuperation of the sludge and of the scum is described herein. According to the method of the present invention, a major portion of the supernatant is advantageously recuperated from the top of the septic tank to the bottom thereof, and stored in a first reservoir of the system. The sludge, the remainder of the supernatant and the scum are then recuperated and stored in a second reservoir. The supernatant is filtered, either upon its recuperation or before its return to the septic tank. Finally, the filtered supernatant is returned to the septic tank.

Abstract: A submerged sensor head is protected from fouling by marine organisms by positioning the sensor head in a submerged hollow enclosure. Openings are formed in the hollow enclosure to admit water but filters are positioned in the openings so that only filtered water may enter the enclosure. The filters remove biologically active marine organisms from the water and have sufficient surface area to enable free flow of water into the hollow enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for removing an oil contaminant from the surface of an aqueous solution, comprising manually controlling a surface skimmer from a remote location to remove a layer or a batch of an oil contaminant from an oil-aqueous solution mixture by the skimmer, where the aqueous solution is contaminated by the oil as a result of an industrial process. The present invention also provides a system for carrying out the method, which comprises a surface skimmer, a collection means which is preferably a separator, a conduit connecting the skimmer to the collection means in an airtight fashion, and means for creating negative pressure in the skimmer, where the skimmer is capable of manual control from a remote location.

Abstract: A system for automated operation of a blood separation system controlling the input of blood samples, the separation of blood components, and the discharge of the components. The system includes a blood reservoir and centrifuge for receiving blood samples and separating the blood components. A sensor determines when adequate separation has been achieved and a controller receives signals from the sensor to operate a centrifuge drive assembly to achieve desired separation. An input pump pumps blood samples to the blood reservoir, and an outlet pump removes separated samples from the blood reservoir. The inlet and outlet pumps are operated by the controller, and the inlet pump may be operated to discharge separated components not collected by the blood separation system, whereby additional sample volume is added for ongoing operation.

Abstract: A microneedle array module is disclosed comprising a multiplicity of microneedles affixed to and protruding outwardly from a front surface of a substrate to form the array, each microneedle of the array having a hollow section which extends through its center to an opening in the tip thereof. A method of fabricating the microneedle array module is also disclosed comprising the steps of: providing etch resistant mask layers to one and another opposite surfaces of a substrate to predetermined thicknesses; patterning the etch resistant mask layer of the one surface for outer dimensions of the microneedles of the array; patterning the etch resistant mask layer of the other surface for inner dimensions of the microneedles of the array; etching unmasked portions of the substrate from one and the other surfaces to first and second predetermined depths, respectively; and removing the mask layers from the one and the other surfaces.

Abstract: A method for forming many microlenses comparatively easily and effectively is provided. On one end of an optical substrate is formed a plurality of lens planes at regular intervals. Lens areas containing the lens planes are partially covered by an etching mask and etching processing is performed on areas being exposed outside the etching mask to remove the areas to a specified depth. While the lens planes formed on one surface of the optical substrate are being held by a support substrate, polishing processing is performed on another end face of the optical substrate and each microlens formed in the lens areas is separated from the support substrate.

Abstract: A method for forming an etched silicon layer. There is first provided a first substrate having formed thereover a first silicon layer. There is then etched the first silicon layer to form an etched first silicon layer while employing a plasma etch method employing a plasma reactor chamber in conjunction with a plasma etchant gas composition which upon plasma activation provides at least one of an active bromine containing etchant species and an active chlorine containing etchant species.

Abstract: A glass workpiece being processed in a vacuum plasma processing chamber is dechucked from a monopolar electrostatic chuck by gradually reducing the chucking voltage during processing while maintaining the voltage high enough to clamp the workpiece. A reverse polarity voltage applied to the chuck at the end of processing assists in dechucking. The workpiece temperature is maintained at a high value at the end of processing to assisting in dechucking. Peak current flowing through the chuck during lifting of the workpiece from the chuck controls the amplitude and/or duration of the reverse polarity voltage during the next dechucking operation.

Abstract: In general, the present invention is directed to methods of using weight or mass measurements to control various semiconductor manufacturing processes, and systems for accomplishing same. One illustrative method comprises providing a substrate, performing a deposition process to form a process layer above the substrate, determining a weight or mass of the process layer formed above the substrate, and controlling at least one parameter of the deposition process based upon the determined weight or mass of the process layer. One illustrative system in accordance with the present invention comprises a deposition tool for performing a deposition process to form a process layer above a substrate, a pressure sensor in contact with the substrate for sensing a pressure induced as a result of the process layer formed above the substrate, and a controller for controlling at least one parameter of the deposition process based upon the sensed pressure.

Abstract: An electroplating method includes forming a layer, the forming of the layer includes: a) contacting a substrate with a first article, the first article includes a support and a conformable mask disposed in a pattern on the support; b) electroplating a first metal from a source of metal ions onto the substrate in a first pattern, the first pattern corresponding to the complement of the conformable mask pattern; and c) removing the first article from the substrate. The method may further involve one or more of (1) selectively depositing or non-selectively depositing one or more additional materials to complete formation of the layer, (2) planarizing deposited material after each deposition or after all depositions for a layer, and/or (3) forming layers adjacent previously formed layers to build up a structure from a plurality of adhered layers. Electroplating articles and electroplating apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention includes coating composition having magnetic properties for application to a substrate. The coating composition includes a plurality of strontium and or barium hexaferrite particles having a random magnetic pole alignment. The coating composition also includes a binder adhesive capable of suspending the strontium hexaferrite particles. The binder adhesive is a natural rubber capable of adhering in a substantially thin film to the substrate. The strontium hexaferrite particles are normally present between 50% to 98% of the coating composition's total weight when dried on the substrate. The thickness of the film of the coating composition ranges from 0.5 mils to 20 mils, and has 6 to 24 magnetic pole changes per linear inch. The binder adhesive allows for manipulation of the strontium hexaferrite particles to a non-random magnetic pole alignment after the ferromagnetic particles have dried in the binder adhesive on the substrate.

Abstract: A magnetic ferrite composition including at least one of Mg, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Li and having a content of carbon within a predetermined range, for example, over 9.7 weight ppm to less than 96 weight ppm. The composition may be used as the magnetic core for an inductor, transformer, coil, etc. used for radios, televisions, communication devices, office automation equipment, switching power sources, and other electronic apparatuses or magnetic heads for video apparatuses or magnetic disk drives or other electronic components.

Abstract: A sterilizing composition for a food-packing material which comprises the following components (1) and (2): (1) an aqueous solution containing peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid, and (2) a peracetic acid sterilizing power-improving agent comprising one or two or more compounds selected from the group consisting of esters obtained from a C2-C8 aliphatic acid and a C2-C8 aliphatic alcohol, C2-C8 aliphatic alcohols and aliphatic alcohols having a benzene ring.

Abstract: An organic EL device is disclosed in which is placed a transparent water-capturing film comprising an easy-to-use organometallic compound illustrated by the chemical formula (1): wherein, R1, R2 and R3 are selected from the group consisting of alkyl group, aryl group, cycloalkyl group, heterocyclic group and acyl group having one carbon atom and above, and M is a trivalent metallic atom.

Abstract: An inorganic liquid or glass of hybrid composition including an inorganic component; and a template component, wherein the inorganic component and the template component are present in composition in a ratio that provides an intermediate range structural order to the composition. The intermediate range structural order results in the formation of metallotropic liquid crystals and anisotropic glasses. Methods of preparing the composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of gasifying organic materials (carbonaceous compounds) such as coal, shredded waste tire or waste oil into gaseous fuel, carbon monoxide and hydrogen, and an apparatus therefore are provided. The method comprises the steps of supplying initial fuel gas and oxygen into a gasification reactor to produce water and carbon dioxide, supplying the organic materials into the reactor and reacting them with the water and carbon dioxide to produce carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas, discharging the carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas from the reactor, recycling a part of the carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas discharged from the reactor into the reactor, and reacting the carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas supplied into the reactor with oxygen to produce water and carbon dioxide. The method facilitates the control of temperature in the gasification reactor as well as produces fuel gas of high quality by increasing the concentration of hydrogen.

Abstract: A solid electrolytic capacitor includes a valve acting metal having microfine pores, a dielectric film formed on a surface of the valve acting metal, and a solid electrolyte layer provided on the dielectric film, in which at least a portion of the solid electrolyte layer is of a lamellar structure. In particular, a solid electrolytic capacitor includes an electrically conducting polymer having a specified condensed ring structure containing (1) a solid electrolyte layer containing a sulfoquinone anion having a sulfo anion group and a quinone structure and other anion, and (2) a solid electrolyte layer containing an anthracenesulfonate ion and other anion.

Abstract: Polyoxymethylene with addition of conductivity black and of a lubricant mixture composed of a lubricant with predominantly external lubricant action and of a lubricant with predominantly internal action, and also with addition of an impact-modifier component provides a high level of electrical conductivity with good mechanical and tribological qualities. It is used for functional components with requirements for good electrical conductivity with good wear performance.

Abstract: A dielectric fluid comprises an isoparaffinic base oil and hydrogen donor compound. The base oil may be a hydroisomerized isoparaffinic oil, and the hydrogen donor may be a substituted, or partially saturated aromatic compound. The resulting dielectric fluid exhibits negative hydrogen gassing properties along with good oxidative stability and low temperature performance.

Abstract: A process of producing an article having a surface provided with an optical diffraction grating such that the surface generates visible color when illuminated with diffuse white light. The process involves deforming a starting material to produce the article having the surface and, during the deforming step, impressing a diffraction relief pattern on the surface by a tool provided with a bearing surface having a corresponding surface relief pattern of parallel lines that contacts the surface of the article under pressure. While the diffraction relief patter is being impressed, the surface is caused to slide in a direction of movement relative to the bearing surface of the tool. The invention also relates to the article.

Abstract: For each lens molding cycle, the method comprises the following steps: raising the wall of the mold cavity to a heating temperature higher than or equal to the molding temperature of said material; filling the molding cavity with said material; at the end of filling, increasing the pressure of said material introduced in this way into the molding cavity up to a compacting pressure; and bringing the wall of the molding cavity to a cooling temperature to cool said molded material down to an unmolding temperature below its molding temperature, said cooling temperature being lower than said unmolding temperature. The molding cavity begins to be filled with said material before the heating temperature has been reached. Once both the compacting pressure of said material and the heating temperature of the molding cavity wall have been reached, they are both maintained for a given length of time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a manufacturing method of a complex lens for a tandem scanning optical system that includes a step for preparing molding dies for forming a cavity to form the complex lens as a single-piece element, and a step for injecting lens material into the cavity. The molding dies include a pair of single-piece mirror surface cores that form a plurality of lens surfaces of the complex lens at an incident side and a plurality of lens surfaces at an exit side, respectively. The complex lens has a plurality of stacked lens portions and the lens portions converging a plurality of light beams, which are modulated independently and deflected by a deflector, onto a surface to be scanned, respectively, for forming a plurality of scanning lines at the same time.

Abstract: The invention concerns a composite material comprising activated carbon and expanded graphite. The material is a block wherein the activated carbon is homogeneously and uniformly distributed in the form of microporous particles. The texture of said particles is characterised by a microporous volume W0 ranging between 0.1 cm3g−1 and 1.5 cm3g−1 and a mean pore dimension L0 ranging between 2 Å and 30 Å, the activated carbon particles have substantially the same texture wherever they are located in the composite material, the thermal conductivity levels of the material range between 1 and 100 Wm−1K−1. Said material is obtained by heat treatment of a mixture of expanded graphite and an activated carbon precursor in the presence of an activating agent at a temperature and for a time interval sufficient to obtain a wear rate of the activated carbon precursor ranging between 5 and 70% by mass.

Abstract: Scrap material having both a thermoplastic polyurethane and a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl alcohol is recycled by blending the scrap material into a thermoplastic polyurethane composition and preparing a barrier membrane from theblended material. The virgin thermoplastic polyurethane and the thermoplastic polyurethane of the scrap material are polymerized using at least about 60 percent by weight, based on the weight of the polyurethane produced, of a polyester diol having a weight average molecular weight of at least about 500 and having from four to five carbon atoms between substantially all of the ester [—O—C(═O)—] groups. The blend material containing the virgin thermoplastic urethane and the scrap material is formed into a layer of a barrier membrane. The resulting membrane has a haze of no more than about 12%.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the steam misting of rectangular nozzles and spinning systems equipped therewith for producing polyamide filaments whereby the steam feed is conducted through a tube loop which is passed through the heating chamber of the spinning beam so that the steam is brought to the spinning temperature. Directly below the spinning beam and thus on the lower edge of the rectangular nozzle stack which is connected thereto, between the spinning beam and the after-heater, steam outlet bars are longitudinally applied. These steam outlet bars are equipped with a simple labyrinth for pressure equalization. The steam inlet is effected initially in each case centrally of the rectangular nozzle stack and transitions into an upwardly open and relatively broad distribution chamber along the rectangular nozzle stack. This vertical distribution chamber transitions into a horizontal and very small gap which is open into the spinning chamber at its mouth.

Abstract: An article and method of preparing a synthetic solid surface material having a simulated burled wood effect in a pattern formed by preparing a resin matrix with iron oxide pigments and pearlescent mica pigments, adding a darker mica pearlescent pigment and/or an iron oxide pigment composition with a slightly less specific gravity than the matrix for the creation of a burling effect, pouring into a flat substrate in paths, and applying vibration or agitation which generally allows or speeds the darker pigment to rise and bubble to create a burling effect on the back side of the solid surface. The back side of the slab, the surface generally not in contact with the mold, is then sanded to the desired thickness on a wide belt sander.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing plastic-substitute goods by using natural materials is disclosed. Agricultural byproducts and wood byproducts such as rice husks, rice plant stems, corn plant stems, bean plant stems, wheat plant stems, saw dust and the like and the washed and dried sludge produced from the alcoholic factory are crushed into a particular size, then the crushed particles are mixed with natural adhesives (such as corn starch, potato starch and the like), and are coated with melamine resin or urea resins, and then a molding is carried out by applying a pressure in a molding machine, thereby manufacturing the plastic-substitute goods. The raw materials of the present invention are readily available from the rural areas, and the molding is carried out at a temperature of 100-300 degrees C.

Abstract: A method for producing a thermoplastic filler for eliminating surface damage to concrete or asphalt surface is disclosed which includes mixing stone chips, sand, a powdered material and a bituminous binding agent to a homogenous mixture which is in constant motion at a temperature of between about 180° C.-2400° C., with a coolant being added subsequently to the mixture in a rapid manner thereby converting the mixture into a non-cohesive granulate of small pellets due to the high surface tension of the various constituents, and wherein the granulate can be heated to convert it to a free-flowing or spreadable filler having strong adhesive properties.

Abstract: An illuminated cover and a method of making such a cover. An electroluminescent foil overlies a thin, rigid support base, and an insulating foil overlies the electroluminescent foil. A first opening allows insertion of an electrical connector for the electroluminescent foil. A second opening allows insertion of a control key of a device covered by the decorative cover. The covered electronic device further includes a printed circuit board having electronic components mounted on it, including the control key. A connector extends into the first opening to connect the electroluminescent foil to circuitry on the printed circuit board so as to provide electrical power to the electroluminescent foil. A graphic can be included between the electroluminescent foil and the insulating foil. The cover is made by a molding method.

Abstract: The invention provides a filter apparatus for removing air entrained particles comprising a pleated filter media. A first media member has a plurality of alternating upstream and downstream folds and a wall connecting the folds. A pair of slits forms an aperture and a hinged pleat. A second media member matingly attaches to the first media member.

Abstract: An elastic doll capable of being bent at sites therein which are to be bent and kept from being bent at sites therein which are not to be bent, to thereby be deformed in a natural manner and capable of being downsized. The elastic doll includes a trunk (1), arms (2) and legs (3) in which a skeleton member (7) is embedded. The skeleton member (7) is constituted by first cores (8) made of metal and arranged at sites in the doll corresponding to joints and second cores made of rigid synthetic resin and arranged at sites in the doll corresponding to distal ends thereof and positions between joints adjacent to each other. The first cores (8) and second cores (9) are connected to each other, wherein the first cores (8) are covered with synthetic resin (6a) as required. The skeleton member (7) is covered with a skin/flesh member (6) made of soft synthetic resin.

Abstract: A disc cable capable of preventing occurrence of fine pieces of a metal wire material caused by wear and damage of a metal wire and preventing mixing of the fine pieces into feed is provided. A cover layer 5 formed of synthetic resin is formed on the surface of a metal wire 4, and a groove-like part 6 to which the surface of the metal wire 4 is exposed is formed not forming a part of the cover layer 5 in a predetermined spacing relation in a longitudinal direction of a cable 2. Then, a disc 3 formed of synthetic resin is molded, and the synthetic resin is flown into the groove-like part 6 to form a protrusion 8 on the disc 3 to fixedly mount it on the cable 2 to produce a disc cable 1 having the discs 3 disposed in a predetermined spacing relation on the cable 2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to Apparatus for molding a receptacle fitted with a covering label. The technical field of the invention is that of molding a receptacle out of plastics material. In a method of molding a receptacle fitted with a covering label (1b) which is inserted into the mold (93) prior to injection, the label is shaped and at least two edges of the label are joined together, after which the shaped label is placed on a male portion (91) of the mold.

Abstract: A plastic bowling pin and method for manufacturing the bowling pin uses a first mold 8 having first axial rods 9 and 10 displaceable into and from the first molding cavity along a longitudinal axis “a” and a second mold 15 having second axial rods 16 and 17 displaceable into and from the second molding cavity along a longitudinal axis “b”. Molding a core portion 2 by forcing the molten synthetic resin to be flowed into the first molding cavity of the first mold 8 after the first axial rods 9 and 10 have been inserted into the first molding cavity. Molding a skin layer 3 on the external surface of the molded core portion 2 by forcing the molten synthetic resin to be flowed into a space between the external surface of the molded core portion 2 and the second molding cavity of the second mold 15 after the molded core portion 2 has been positioned relative to the second molding cavity.

Abstract: The complex shaped articles are formed by trimming, cutting and shaping a honeycomb core material to a desired size and shape, deforming the sized and shaped honeycomb core material at ambient temperature; permanently setting the shape and contour of the sized and shaped honeycomb core material; affixing side edges to the shaped and contoured honeycomb core material; and, bonding a fiber reinforced resin to the top and bottom surfaces of the honeycomb core material.

Abstract: A process for three-dimensional modeling in which an alkali-soluble thermoplastic material is used in an additive deposition process to form a soluble support structure (28) for a three-dimensional object (26) under construction. The alkali-soluble thermoplastic material includes a base polymer of carboxylic acid and a plasticizer. Following formation, the object (26) is placed in an alkaline bath to dissolve the support structure (28). The alkali-soluble material can be used to form an alkali-soluble three-dimensional object (26).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing microporous films. The method utilizes a casting surface and a condensing surface. The condensing surface is spaced from the casting surface to form a gap. The distance between the surfaces forming the gap is relatively small and is preferably less than 3 cm. A material, capable of forming microporous films through thermally induced phase separation processes, is cast onto the casting surface, preferably through conventional extrusion practices. The material contains at least one evaporative component that generally flashes off upon formation of the microporous material and condenses on the condensing surface.

Abstract: An embossed, cast polyolefin film or an embossed, oriented polyolefin film includes: (a) a core layer including a propylene polymer; (b) an embossed outer layer on one side of the core layer, the embossed outer layer including an olefin polymer capable of being embossed; and (c) an additional outer layer on a side of the core layer opposite to the embossed outer layer, the additional outer layer including an olefin polymer. The embossed film can then be metallized to produce a shiny, metallic film having a prismatic or holographic appearance.

Abstract: A system for generating mechanical waves for use in smelting and conversion processes that occur in furnaces and converters for a higher production of refined metals, consisting in an electrical signal generator, transducers that convert said electrical signals in mechanical waves placed on the outer end of air blowing tuyeres and a coupling means between said system and the shell of the converter. The air blowing tuyeres are placed forming an angle less than or equal to 90° with the transducer and the airflow entrance to the interior of the converter, forming a figure with an &agr; angle shape; and the transducer is placed in the direction of the cross axis of the converter pointing towards the &agr; angle of the air blowing tuyere, for applying mechanical waves that travel in a longitudinal direction with the airflow into the converter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to high-strength aluminium-based alloy of Al—Zn—Mg—Cu system and the article made thereof. Said alloy can be used as a structural material in aircraft- and rocket engineering, and for fabricating the articles for transportation- and instrument engineering. The advantage of the suggested alloy is its high strength and the required level of service properties combined with sufficient technological effectiveness necessary for fabricating various wrought semiproducts, mainly of large sizes. Said alloy has the following composition (in wt %): zinc 7.6-8.6 magnesium 1.6-2.3 copper  1.4-1.95 zirconium 0.08-0.20 manganese 0.01-0.1  iron 0.02-0.15 silicon 0.01-0.1  chrome 0.01-0.05 nickel 0.0001-0.03  beryllium 0.0001-0.005  bismuth 0.00005-0.0005  hydrogen 0.08 × 10−5-2.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for preventing the habituation of a fragrance composition. The method and device are adapted to provide to a space, which it is desired to fragrance, a continuous supply of a first fragrance composition and a periodic supply of a second fragrance composition. The fragrance composition(s) may be vaporized by heating and may include deodorant and/or insecticidal compounds.

Abstract: A method of disinfecting a contact lens is provided, including the steps of preparing a disinfecting liquid which contains water-dispersible fine particles of a titanium oxide dispersed in an aqueous medium, immersing the contact lens in the disinfecting liquid; and irradiating the disinfecting liquid in which the contact lens is immersed, with a light.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization, wherein the chamber temperature is set at less than 39° C. throughout, and containers with temperature-sensitive products can be efficiently sterilized without the temperature-sensitive products showing a significant loss of activity or degradation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrogen peroxide indicator that includes a substrate on which is disposed an indicator composition that includes at least one of a select group of colorants. As a result of contact with hydrogen peroxide, the colorants change color, and even become colorless, thereby providing an indication of the presence of hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding to an automated analyzer a bulk quantity of vessels is provided. The bulk vessel feeding apparatus has a frame structure, a vessel hopper and an elevator chain supported by the frame structure. The elevator chain is driven by a drive sprocket and carries a plurality of scoopers for transporting the vessels from the hopper to a sorting and orienting mechanism. The sorting and orienting mechanism has two actuated rams for ejecting the vessels from the scoopers into a guide, while sorting and orienting the vessels, such that they are all headed by their closed ends when traveling in the guide. The guide leads to an escape mechanism for dispensing the vessels one at a time to the analyzer.