Abstract: An in-line stripper has a venturi-conical mixer combination in which the annular space thereby is automatically adjustable in response to changes in viscosity or other property conditions.

Abstract: A method for vapor deposition includes monitoring of growth of a semiconductor layer by way of in-situ monitoring. According to the invention, in-situ monitoring is performed by irradiating a light beam onto the surface of the growing layer in a direction nearly perpendicular to the surface. Growth parameters of the layer are detected by monitoring variation of the light reflected by the surface of the layer. A growth condition in a vapor deposition chamber is feedback controlled based on the detected growth parameter.

Abstract: A device for removing air from the steam chamber of an autoclave includes a sealable sterilization chamber for receiving items to be sterilized. The chamber is sealed and the pressure and temperature therein monitored by sensors. Vapor for sterilizing items is generated in the chamber by a heater. Air is removed from the chamber through a relatively large vent and a selectively activated valve for opening and closing the vent. A digital controller receives the monitored temperature and pressure of the chamber as inputs, compares these empirical values with standard values and, on the basis of the comparison, generates a control signal to selectively open or close the valve. The vapor used in steam and the standard values are a set of coordinates, which when plotted on a pressure/temperature graph, would yield a curve characteristic of saturated steam. The standard values are stored in a memory accessible to the microprocessor.

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 method and apparatus for operating a limestone wet scrubbing flue gas desulfurization apparatus comprises first and second pH measuring devices connected respectively to a recirculation line in the scrubber and above the liquid holdup tray in the scrubber. The difference in the pH values measured at these two locations in the system is used to adjust the amount of air supplied to the sump or reaction tank of the scrubber to maximize oxidation in the scrubber and to avoid wasted airflow.

Abstract: A plant for producing chain-type ammonium polyphosphate from ammonium orthophosphate and phosphorus pentoxide in the presence of gaseous ammonia comprises a reactor having rotatable mixing, kneading and comminuting tools in its interior and a feed pipe for the solid starting materials, an introduction pipe for ammonia, a gas discharge pipe and a discharge line for the reaction product, all of which are flow-connected to the interior of the reactor. The discharge line of the reactor is also connected for material flow to a mixing apparatus. A discharge device, which is controlled by the power consumption of the drive motor of the reactor, is arranged in the discharge line.

Abstract: A liquid pump, particularly though not exclusively suitable for use in flow injection analysis, and comprising a reservoir 3 an outlet tube 6 for conducting liquid 2 from the reservoir and a device for introducing gas into the liquid in the reservoir to displace liquid therefrom through the tube. The gas may be introduced in the form of a series of rapid pulses of controlled duration and frequency and is introduced at a fixed level relative to the entrance to the outlet tube.

Abstract: A cleaning system and dispenser are disclosed which feature a reservoir for retaining a liquid detergent solution; a chamber for retaining a mass of solid, dissolvable detergent; a measurement device for measuring the concentration of detergent in the liquid detergent solution; and a flow control device for circulating the liquid detergent solution from the reservoir into contact with the solid detergent so as to dissolve a portion of the solid detergent and increase the concentration of detergent in the liquid detergent solution. The circulation of the liquid detergent solution is in response to a signal from the concentration measuring device that the concentration of detergent in the liquid detergent solution has fallen below a predetermined minimum. The dispenser also includes a measurement device for measuring the volume of solution in the reservoir and for adding fresh water to the reservoir when the volume of solution is below a predetermined minimum.

Abstract: A starch based adhesive is made in an agitator tank which has a first rotatable propeller shaft with a plurality of propellers distributed along the length thereof. Each of at least some of the propellers is surrounded by an apertured shroud, which could be made of expanded metal or the like, for example. Above the propeller shaft is a second rotatable shaft having a plurality of high speed shearing blades affixed thereon. The two shafts are preferably driven by separate motors, the shearing blades being driven by a motor having approximately 4-5 times the power of the motor driving the propeller shaft in order to impart a comparably larger amount of energy to the slurry via the shearing blades as compared to the energy imparted by the propellers.

Abstract: A chemical analyzer in which the measurement of the change in attenuation of RF radiation propagated through a sample is used as the basis for calculating the change in concentration of a given chemical in the sample. Also disclosed are various probe and system designs which facilitate the use of RF attenuation as a basis for measurement of certain chemical characteristics of a sample.

Abstract: A particle control chamber enables experiments to be carried out on biological cells and the like using a laser system to trap and manipulate the particles. A manipulation chamber provides a plurality of inlet and outlet ports for the particles and for fluids used to control or to contact the particles. A central manipulation area is optically accessible by the laser and includes first enlarged volumes for containing a selected number of particles for experimentation. A number of first enlarged volumes are connected by flow channels through second enlarged volumes. The second enlarged volumes act as bubble valves for controlling the interconnections between the first enlarged volumes. Electrode surfaces may be applied above the first enlarged volumes to enable experimentation using the application of electric fields within the first enlarged volumes.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for heating of articles and organisms, and in particular for destroying or rendering harmless organisms containing nucleic acids and/or proteins by action of microwave radiation generated by a microwave emission device. The microwave emission device illustratively comprises a plurality of magnetrons emitting microwave radiation into a sterilization chamber and configured such that cold spots are avoided. The invention further relates to a microwave radiation level monitoring device positioned in the vicinity of areas of likely microwave leakage such as a door to the sterilization chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating a pesticidal gas mixture of phosphine gas and air for fumigating an enclosed environment, e.g. a grain silo, with phosphine. Air, moisture content adjusted by drying or humidifying, is passed through a porous bed of aluminium phosphide or magnesium phosphide, preferably in a throw-a-way cartridge. The resulting mixture of air and phosphine gas is passed into the space. Typical humidities (which determines the phosphine concentration) are 4 g/m.sup.3 for "flow through" conditions or 12 g/m.sup.3 for "one shot" conditions of fumigation. The cartridge is fitted directly in sealing relationship between inlet and outlet adaptors to serve as the gas generator vessel of the apparatus. The cartridge, completely filled with metal phosphide in powder or granulate form, has cylindrical gas-tight side walls, flexible and stretchable to allow for expansion of the metal phosphide during hydrolysis, and porous end walls.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a flue gas provided with a heater and an apparatus for removing NOx on the downstream side of an apparatus for removing SOx, where a heat exchanger for heat exchanging a treated gas from the apparatus for removing NOx with conbustion air is provided on the downstream side of the apparatus for removing NOx, whereby the waste heat of the treated gas can be efficiently utilized and the heat required for heating the flue gas can be reduced.

Abstract: The containers which are to be sterilized (glass bottles) (1) are continuously moved into and out of a radiant oven via laminar-flow units and then cooled in a cooling zone by HOSCH-filtered air. A part of the HOSCH-filtered cooling air is here branched off and passed through the radiant oven in a low-turbulence counterflow. At the entry of the bottles into the radiant oven, this counterflow is extracted by means of a fumes/exit air fan (11). The required clean-room conditions are maintained in the radiant oven by a positive pressure P.sub.2 as compared with atmospheric pressure P.sub.AT and a thus resulting counterflow of a means flow velocity of <0.2 m/second is maintained. The positive pressure P.sub.2 is here measured in the radiant oven and compared with the set value, and the exit fan (11) air for the HOSCH-filtered cooling air on the exit side is reregulated in such a way that the deviation .DELTA.p from the set value is minimized.

Abstract: A cage-culture turbidostat as described for growing organisms at a constant population density which avoids the problem of filters clogging and nutrient dilution and facilitates the analysis of the growth and development of the organisms. The cage-culture turbidostat minimizes reintroduction of spent nutrient medium through the filters during backwashing.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a low temperature environment at a substantially constant and uniform temperature. A closed chamber is provided with an inlet and outlet. The chamber is operated at subatmospheric pressure. Steam is introduced into the chamber for providing the heating environment at a preselected temperature. A vacuum is applied to the chamber to regulate the steam about its saturation point for a preselected temperature.

Abstract: A bioassaying device for carrying out an experiment with a subject placed under a transparent portion of a base plate. The subject is irradiated with light rays emitted from light-emitting ends of three fiber optic cables. One of the three fiber optic cables radiates light rays containing plenty of the red color-spectrum component, another cable radiates the blue component and the remaining cable radiates the green component. Each of the fiber optic cables is provided with a mechanism for adjusting its inclination angle simultaneously with vertical movement of a moving plate upon which the fiber optic cables are mounted.

Abstract: A medical and surgical instrument cleaning and disinfecting device consisting of a tubular body whose one end is open and whose other end is equipped with a liquid collection tank is shown. The detector senses the presence of an instrument inside of the tubular body and controls pressurized diffusion of a nebulized disinfection product which is sprayed on the instrument. A suction device pulls disinfection spray towards a reservoir.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for epitaxial growth of precisely one monolayer. The growth is by organometallic chemical vapor deposition in which the substrate is alternately exposed to the anion and cation of a III-V compound. During deposition of the cation, for instance Ga or Al, reflectance difference spectroscopy is performed to obtain the difference of reflected light beams polarized in orthogonal directions. A growth of a monolayer and even of a partial monolayer can be monitored in real time.

Abstract: A method for non-destructive testing for approximation of oxygen transmission in hollow fiber blood oxygenators or the like is provided which method includes passing a first fluid at a predetermined temperature and volume flow rate through the hollows of the fibers and a second fluid at a second predetermined input temperature and volume flow rate across the outside of the fibers and measuring the heat rise or fall of the fluids and comparing the results with standards for a given blood oxygenator device.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling the reactivity of lime produced in a lime cycle process that includes the steps of forming burnt lime in a kiln, washing and filtering of lime sludge, and causticizing of green liquor, which lime cycle process steps are carried out under variable operating conditions. At least one mechanical property of the burnt lime is measured, and at least one operating condition of the time cycle process is adjusted, based on the measured mechanical property of the burnt lime, so as to thereby control the reactivity of lime produced in the lime cycle process.

Abstract: A microprocessor controls a heater which generates steam inside the sealed chamber of a sterilizer. During that portion of the sterilizer cycle wherein sterilizing conditions are trying to be attained, the microprocessor monitors both the temperature and pressure levels inside the chamber by controlling the heater and waits until both variables reach predetermined levels before starting a sterilize timer. Once the timer is started, it is stopped if the level of either one of the temperature or pressure variables drops below a predetermined minimum value which, in the preferred embodiment, air their optimum values. While the sterilize timer is timing, the pressure level rather than the temperature level is used by the microprocessor to control the heater. These features allow a more reliable and accurate control of the generation and maintenance of sterilizing conditions inside the chamber, resulting in greater assurance of complete sterilization while minimizing the expenditure of time and energy.

Abstract: A multiple station disinfector apparatus simultaneously heats a plurality of devices such as contact lenses. Each of these devices is disposed in a quantity of liquid within a closed container. The apparatus comprises a housing having a base portion and a recloseable cover portion and a plurality of similar recessed receptacles in the base for receiving the containers. Each receptacle has a bottom wall and sidewall of complementary shape for surroundingly engaging a bottom wall part and a substantial portion of a sidewall part of one of the containers. Heating elements are disposed for heating the receptacles.

Abstract: A continuous process for alkylating an alkylatable hydrocarbon in the presence of a acid-type catalyst in which the alkylatable hydrocarbon is contacted with an alkylating agent in the presence of a catalyst in a reaction zone so as to alkylate the alkylatable hydrocarbon. The reaction product is separated in an acid settler vessel into an alkylate product phase, located in the upper portion of the first separation zone, and a catalyst phase located in the lower portion of the first separation zone. The catalyst phase is further separated into a first portion and second portion, such that the first portion is cooled and recycled for use in the alkylation reaction zone as a catalyst recycle, and the second portion is passed into a second separation zone, wherein the catalyst phase is further separated into a rerun catalyst stream containing acid-type catalyst and an acid soluble oil stream. The rerun catalyst stream is passed into the hydrocarbon phase of the acid settler vessel.

Abstract: The continuous NITROX mixer is a pre-calibrated, continuous flow, gas mix system and a method which combines pure oxygen and air at atmospheric pressure, to create a final mixture of predetermined composition. Constituent gases are regulated to the same pressure and temperature before oxygen is metered through precision micro-metering valves. The system proportions the amounts of each gas and delivers the final mixture to a common mixing chamber. Delivery pressure can be adjusted up to 3000 PSI, making the system suitable for filling SCUBA or storage cylinders.

Abstract: A method for controlling the thickness of a thin crystal film which is grown in a vacuum atmosphere, comprising the steps of: generating an electron beam in the vacuum atmosphere; directing the electron beam thus generated to a crystal being grown to obtain a diffraction pattern of the crystal; detecting the variations in time of the intensity of the diffraction pattern thus obtained; obtaining the number of oscillations from the variations thus detected; and interrupting the growth of the crystal in synchronism with the oscillations of the intensity when the number reaches a predetermined number. The composition ratio of a mixed crystal can be also determined by the ratio among the frequency of oscillations of each crystal which constitutes the mixed crystal. The oscillations of the intensity of the RHEED pattern can be observed more than 400 times so that the thickness of the grown thin crystal film can be measured with the accuracy higher than 1000 .ANG. in terms of the mono-layer.

Abstract: The sterilizing pressure chamber of an autoclave is provided with two valve controlled vent paths. At the end of the sterilizing cycle of the autoclave a first vent path channels the sterilizing steam from the chamber into a condensing coil having an end which opens into a liquid reservoir. When the pressure within the chamber drops to a predetermined level, a second vent path, having a flow rate which is greater than the first path, opens and provides a channel for the rapid escape of the remainder of the steam from the chamber.

Abstract: A process for the catalytic gaseous phase reaction of a reactive gas wherein the heat of reaction generated produces a temperature elevation of less than about 150.degree. C. in the substantially adiabatic reaction system, the improvement comprising:heating the cold reactive gas by passing it through a heated regenerative material present in the first portion of a vessel;passing the heated reactive gas through a solid catalyst for the reaction present in a second portion of the vessel to form a gaseous product stream;redirecting the gaseous product stream;passing the redirected gaseous product stream through the solid catalyst for the reaction present in the second portion of the vessel to form additional gaseous product,cooling the gaseous product stream by passing it through a cooled regenerative material present in the first portion of the vessel; andperiodically reversing the flow direction in the portions of the reaction system.

Abstract: The invention features a unique pH control system and method for maintaining the proper pH in a continuous process stream. The system backmixes a sample stream, which decreases the dynamic gain of the control system, and which allows for the ease of adding a controlled amount of reagent or buffer to the process stream on a continuous basis.

Abstract: The inventive means includes a supply vessel (10) having a bottom opening (14), feed means (15 to 17) for supplying the vessel (10) with solid silicon and means (11 to 13) for heating the vessel, said vessel being placed above the crucible (1) containing the melt (8) so that the molten silicon in the vessel (10) flows out through the bottom opening (14) into the crucible (1) when the level (h) of the molten silicon in the supply vessel reaches a maximum value (20) and the replenishing flow stops when the level (h) has fallen to a minimum value (22). An application involving the deposition of a layer of polycrystalline silicon onto a carbon tape is described.

Abstract: An apparatus which includes a reaction vessel from which is tapped a sample of synthetic resin by a tap line, a feed pump in the tap line delivers the synthetic resin to a mixer, a heat exchanger and a viscosimeter, and the latter reflects end product characteristics of the main reaction vessel output. A solvent is also fed to the tap line between the feed pump and the static mixer, and the tap lie downstream of the viscosimeter can be selectively directed back to the reaction vessel, to a dilution container, or to a collection vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining and controlling the diazonium ion concentration in diazotization solutions and/or in azo coupling reactions, which comprises determining said diazonium ion concentration by means of IR spectroscopy from the intensity of the N.tbd.N stretching frequency.The method is extremely selective and virtually trouble-free and permits the simultaneous determination of the concentration of different diazonium salts in mixtures.

Abstract: A system maintained under a constant reference pressure for the automated synthesis of peptides includes a reaction vessel that has a single port for both injection and withdrawal of the various fluids used in the peptide synthesis sequence, a plurality of reservoirs for holding the amino acids used in the synthesis of the peptide chains and a plurality of reservoirs for holding the solvents and reagents used to promote the synthesis of the peptide chains. The system also includes a volume displacement pump for removing a controlled volume of gas from the reaction vessel as the first part of each injection step to reduce the pressure within the vessel. This is followed by connection of a selected reservoir to the reaction vessel and flow from the reservoir to the vessel resulting from the pressure differential between the vessel and the reservoir. As soon as the pressure in the reaction vessel has returned to reference level, the transfer is complete.

Abstract: A delayed coker control system wherein the hydrocarbon feed flows to the coker furnace is automatically limited to the lowest of the maximum allowable flows to avoid furnace zone flooding, an air-limited furnace and overfilling of the coke drum in the cycle time. Flows among the separate furance zones are adjusted to balance heat loads on each stream and to redistribute excess flow to non-flooding zones.

Abstract: A isothermal rebreathing apparatus and method for collecting human breath samples for chemical analysis of the ethyl alcohol content wherein the breath samples are obtained from a subject repetitively exhaling into the inhaling from an enclosed, flexible, variable volume, bag-like collection receptacle which is heated to maintain the breath sample enclosed therein at a prescribed temperature, preferably at or near the subject's body temperature, before extracting the breath sample for subsequent chemical analysis. The collection receptacle may be enclosed by an airtight chamber including heaters therein to warm the air around the collection receptacle in order to regulate the temperature of the breath sample therein. A bellows section in fluid communication with the heating chamber allows for inflation and deflation of the flexible collection receptacle while located in an airtight environment.

Abstract: A gas sensor has a 100-400 .mu.m thick gas-sensitive layer containing 5-30 mole % of a platinum group metal or an alloy thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing liposomes is characterized by optically monitoring the light transmission of a liposome precursor solution and controlling the flow rate and/or temperature of the precursor solution and/or a dialysis buffer solution in accordance therewith.

Abstract: Control of an isomerization process is based on a known relationship between the octane number and temperature of a reaction at equilibrium; and a predetermined relationship between octane number and temperature of the reaction product of a reactor using a specific catalyst. In use, measurements of actual octane number and temperature are compared with the octane number and temperature of a reaction at equilibrium to determine if the reaction is at equilibrium. If the reaction is not at equilibrium, a control signal is developed to restore equilibrium. Thus control of an isomerization process is accomplished so as to substantially maximize the efficiency of the isomerization process both from a production standpoint and from an energy usage standpoint by maintaining the isomerization reaction at desired equilibrium conditions. Also, for a dual reactor system, the differential temperature between the two reactors is manipulated so as to maintain more favorable isomerization conditions in the tail reactor.

Abstract: A single crystal pulling system including a single crystal pulling apparatus, an electromagnet, and an electromagnet moving mechanism, wherein the single crystal pulling apparatus pulls a seed crystal from a single crystal material melt contained in a crucible at a specified constant speed. The electromagnet is disposed at the outer periphery of the crucible so as to apply a predetermined required strength of magnetic field to the crystal-melt interface of the melt. The magnet moving mechanism moves the electromagnet in a vertical direction with respect to the crucible as the level of the crystal-melt interface is lowered during seed growth so that a predetermined required strength of magnetic field is always applied to the crystal-melt interface.

Abstract: In order to prevent burn-off of a radial feedstock nozzle in a carbon black reactor, resulting when the feedstock stopped flowing through the nozzle, a preselected minimum temperature of the feedstock tube actuates a mechanism to withdraw the feedstock from the hot zone of the reactor.

Abstract: In a crystal growing apparatus, an electrode is arranged above a crystal raw material melt at a distance therefrom. Changes in the resistance of the atmosphere between the electrode and the melt are detected so as to detect the surface level of the melt. The crystal pulling speed or power supply for heating the melt is controlled in accordance with the detection result, thereby performing dimension control of the crystal.

Abstract: A catalyst regeneration process and apparatus for the oxidative removal of coke from a coke contaminated fluid catalyst. The process comprises a high temperature coke combustion zone, a catalyst disengagement zone and an external heat removal zone comprising a shell and tube heat exchanger. Catalyst is cooled by passing it through the shell side of the heat exchanger with a cooling medium through the tube side. A mixture of coke contaminated catalyst, oxygen containing gas, and cool regenerated catalyst from the heat removal zone are contacted in the high temperature combustion zone, the temperature of which is controlled by adjusting the rate at which catalyst is passed through the heat exchanger. This rate is adjusted by adjusting the difference in catalyst head between the catalyst inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger and thus the hydraulic driving force which effects catalyst circulation through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: Water repellent coatings for optical elements such as lenses and windshields. Coatings for uncoated glass, glass having a magnesium fluoride antireflective coating, and glass having an electrically conductive coating of a mixture of indium oxides and tin oxides are applied by applying compositions containing chloromethylsilanes, Dow Corning 531 and 536 fluids, or N, beta-aminoethyl-gamma-aminopropyltrimethylsilane and a perfluorocarboxylic acid to the surface where water repellent coatings are desired. Dow Corning 531 and 536 fluids are described as aminofunctional polydimethylsiloxane copolymers. Hydrolysis and condensation reactions in the presence of water at the surface to be coated result in a durable polymeric coating bonded to the surface.

Abstract: A system for the addition of a corrosion inhibitor to an engine cooling system wherein a container in the coolant system holds the corrosion inhibitor in a solid package which is withheld from contact with the coolant solution by a spring under load. The inhibitor package is counterbalanced by a pair of opposed springs with one spring being subject to corrosion when the corrosive effect of the coolant increases; corrosion of the spring allowing the inhibitor package to be urged into contact with the solution to provide treatment thereof.

Abstract: An aromatic odorant emitting device comprising a mainbody case and a cover case, said device including an odorant, and an evaporator immersed with the aromatic odorant, and a fan unit which blows the air to the evaporator so as to control the evaporation rate of the odorant in response to the temperature and the illumination intensity in the room, with the aid of a thermosensor and a photosensor, so that a constant aromatic odorant evaporation is provided.

Abstract: A system for controlling the number of waste liquid disposal units in operation is disclosed in which the amount of waste liquid to be produced during a predetermined period of time is forecast, and the forecast result is used to calculate the required minimum number N of the waste liquid disposal units according to a predetermined formula, thereby to control the operation of the required minimum number N of the units among a plurality of waste liquid disposal units.

Abstract: Automatically controlled continuous process for the diazotization or tetrazotization of aromatic amines in which the rate of addition of the inorganic nitrite is controlled by a polarovoltric method. The process comprises adding regularly and continuously to a reactor an aqueous slurry or solution of the amine containing sufficient acid for the diazotization process and simultaneously adding to the reactor a solution of an inorganic nitrite at a rate which is automatically regulated by a polarovoltric controller to ensure that a pre-selected concentration of unreacted nitrous acid is maintained in the reactor throughout the whole period of the reaction.

Abstract: Acetylene contained in an ethylene product stream in minor amounts is selectively hydrogenated to ethylene in the presence of suitable catalysts in a two stage converter having a primary reactor stage providing hydrogenation of a portion of the acetylene present in the stream in series with a secondary reactor stage providing hydrogenation of substantially all of the remaining unreacted acetylene. Overall process control is achieved by adjusting the molar ratio of hydrogen to acetylene in the feed stream for the primary reactor stage in response to feedforward information from an analyzer for the primary stage feed stream and feedback information from an analyzer for the primary stage effluent stream to provide a primary stage effluent of substantially constant acetylene content.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling the pH in a continuous flow vessel into which process material is fed through a feed channel and controlling chemical solution is fed through a control channel and in which the pH is measured at an output part of the vessel in order to effect the control by controlling the control chemical feed according to the feedback method, the value of a reference variable being given by a pH number.