Abstract: A batch thermal cycler for large numbers of biological or chemical samples uses n modules each in good thermal contact with the samples, but substantially isolated from one another, thermally and functionally. Each module carries samples on an upper sample plate. The module has a temperature sensor adjacent the samples, an electrical resistance heating element, and a circulating fluid heat exchanger for step cooling. Heating occurs at a point generally between the samples and the source of the cooling. The modules are individually replaceable. O-rings automatically seal fluid and electrical interfaces. An electrical controller has n simultaneous channels that provide closed loop control of the electrical power to each module. As a method, the invention includes at least one modular temperature zone where the temperature is sensed at a point adjacent the samples in that zone. The samples are heated adjacent the sample plate. Cooling is by a step change. The cooling overshoots a set lower temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the selective control of the sulfur trioxide concentration in flue gases, to enhance the ash removal efficiency of electrostatic precipitators, which includes supporting a catalyst in the path of the flue gas, positioning temperature modifying means in communication with the catalyst, passing the flue gas by the catalyst and selectively varying the temperature of the catalyst, with the temperature modifying means, to vary the amount of catalytic conversion of SO.sub.2 in the flue gas to SO.sub.3.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating waste water streams is constructed by introducing a mixture of pre-heated waste water and an amount of a oxidant lower than that required to oxidize all the organic matter in the waste stream into the front port of an elongate tubular reaction chamber maintained at supercritical temperatures and pressures. The amount of oxidant is high enough, it initially raise the temperature of the stream in the reaction chamber to 750-1,200.degree. F. A first injection side port is located downstream from the front port of the reaction chamber at a distance at which the temperature has reached a maximum value, and 90-100% of the available oxidant has been consumed. Oxidant and water are simultaneously injected through the first port, in a manner that the amount of oxidant is adequate to oxidize to oxidize a specified amount of organic matter, and the amount of water is effective to counterbalance the heat produced by the ration of the co-injected oxidant with the respective organic matter.

Abstract: A catalytic oxidizer having an interactive dilution control system for continuous treatment of air hydrocarbon vapor mixture having a shell vessel for enclosing a central volume of generally circular cross-section, a combined catalyst chamber and spiral heat exchanger integrally connected and coaxially positioned within the shell vessel, also of cylindrical configuration, for providing a continuous transverse flow path from an inlet header to the exhaust header including a spiral heat exchanger for providing counter-flow heating of vapor, a catalyst chamber centrally positioned in said shell vessel an inlet plenum, a central core for containing a catalyst means, and an exhaust plenum; and interactive dilution control apparatus for automatically maintaining a concentration of inlet vapor at a selected optimum operating level including a microprocessor control sub-system for sensing the temperature in each zone of the catalyst chamber connected to the dilution control means; by-pass apparatus connecting the exh

Abstract: A method of sterilizing an object having the steps of providing a container with an exterior surface that has a microwave interactive layer and defines an interior space having an initial temperature. An object is then placed within the interior space of the container. Next, the microwave interactive layer is exposed to a first amount of microwaves so that the layer produces heat which raises the temperature within the interior space to a predetermined sterilization temperature. The predetermined sterilization temperature is then maintained within the interior space for an amount of time sufficient to sterilize the object.

Abstract: A method for controlling gas flow direction through a regenerative incinerator system coupled to a flow reversing valve, and for reversing the flow direction of the gas stream through the regenerative incinerator system. The regenerative incinerator system having a combustion zone and one or more heat accumulating and heat exchanging zones. The method establishes a combustion zone base temperature set-point, or T.sub.CB for referencing combustion zone temperatures, or T.sub.C 's, and an outlet base temperature set-point, or T.sub.OB, for referencing outlet temperatures, or T.sub.O 's, from the regenerative incinerator system. A switching temperature, or T.sub.S, is also established as a function of T.sub.C, T.sub.CB and T.sub.OB such that the slope of said function, i.e. dT.sub.S /dT.sub.C, is never negative over a predetermined range of combustion zone temperatures, or T.sub.C 's. The switching temperature being equal to T.sub.OB when the combustion zone temperature is equal to T.sub.CB.

Abstract: A thermal cycling system and method of use are described. The thermal cycling system is based on the-circulation of temperature-controlled water directly to the underside of thin-walled polycarbonate microtiter plates. The water flow is selected from a manifold fed by pumps from heated reservoirs. The plate wells are loaded with typically 15-20 .mu.l of reagent mix for the PCR process. Heat transfer through the thin polycarbonate is sufficiently rapid that the contents reach thermal equilibrium with the water in less than 15 seconds. Complete PCR amplification runs of 40 three-step cycles have been performed in as little as 14.5 minutes, with the results showing substantially enhanced specificity compared to conventional technology requiring run times in excess of 100 minutes. The plate clamping station is designed to be amenable to robotic loading and unloading of the system. It includes a heated lid, thus eliminating the need for mineral oil overlay of the reactants.

Abstract: A catalyzer control apparatus for purifying exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine has an electrically heated catalyzer that is heated by a battery which battery is isolated from the conventionally provided engine battery. The temperature of the catalyzer is detected by a sensor and a control circuit located with an engine control unit selectively applies power to heat the catalyzer. The catalyzer is arranged to be pre-heated prior to engine start and by isolating the battery for heating the catalyzer from the normally provided engine battery so, because the catalyzer takes a great power, engine starting is enhanced by virtue of having separate batteries.

Abstract: A sterilization system for sterilizing a solution such as a parenteral solution or diluent generally includes an arrangement for supplying a solution to be sterilized from an associated source, at least one first heat-exchanger for elevating the temperature of the solution, and at least one second heat-exchanger for subsequently cooling the solution. The system further includes an arrangement for pressurizing the system with sterile gas which is used to effect "dry-start up" of the system and to shut-down the system to minimize product losses.

Abstract: The operation of a steam sterilizer is monitored by a test unit and a controller which together comprise a system which can be operated in two principal method schemes: (1) the testing for completeness of air removal from a sterilizer chamber, and (2) the testing for effective sterilization conditions. These methods each have two principal modes of operation: (a) the performance of a Bowie and Dick type test, as is usually done on a once-a-day basis; and (b) monitoring the sterilizer during load conditions. In a preferred embodiment a test unit including temperature and pressure sensors, a moisture sensor and a heat sink are positioned within the chamber of a steam sterilizer and transmit by radio the conditions therein to an external controller. The test unit can employ a replaceable cartridge to assure effective operation even after a large number of cycles of operation.

Abstract: A sterilizer using steam, which can assure maintaining the temperature at the inside of a thing to be sterilized at a sterilizing temperature during a predetermined period, is proposed. The time to maintain the steam temperature at boiling, temperature is determined as a function of the time which was necessary to raise the steam temperature from a predetermined starting temperature to a predetermined end temperature. After maintaining the boiling temperature, a valve is closed to raise the steam temperature to the sterilizing temperature, which sterilizing temperature is maintained during a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A small energy efficient afterburner for oxidizing the byproducts of incomplete combustion is disclosed. Gases are forced into a firebox, where a heating element maintains a temperature above the flash point for the more common and undesirable pollutants. Typical temperatures are 500.degree. C. to 800.degree. C. for burning hydrocarbons coming from internal combustion engines or wood stoves. After gases pass through the firebox, they are forced into a chamber adjacent to the firebox intake, so that heat energy may be transferred to the incoming gases, thereby greatly increasing the thermal efficiency of the device. Greater efficiencies are achieved by putting a catalytic surface in the firebox, and by insulating the afterburner exterior.

Abstract: A deodorant equipment for an air conditioner includes a heater. A fin covers at least a part of an effective heating area of a surface of the heater. The fin has a radiator portion extending along a longitudinal direction of the heater. A vitreous coating film covers at least a part of an outer surface of the fin. A catalyst layer includes an absorption member and a catalyst. The absorption member absorbs odor components of air. The absorption member releases the odor components when being heated. The catalyst oxidizes and decomposes odor components when being heated.

Abstract: An explosion proof microwave heated solvent extraction apparatus or system for extracting organic materials includes a pressure resistant microwave transmissive extraction container, which is preferably of reinforced polyetherimide lined with fluoropolymer, in a microwave radiation heated chamber, with a device for controlling a microwave radiation generator, such as a magnetron, in response to the presence of any solvent vapor in a collection container for rupture diaphragm discharged material from an extraction container or in exhaust gas from the chamber. The presence of the solvent in the collection container or exhaust gas is preferably detected by a semiconductor gas sensor which decreases its electrical resistance in the presence of solvent vapors, thereby increasing its voltage and thus controlling operation of the magnetron, turning it off when solvent vapor (and a potentially explosive gas mixture) is present.

Abstract: A regenerative bed incinerator 10 is provided with a gas recirculation duct 80 through which a controlled amount of gaseous fuel is injected in the contaminated process exhaust gases 3 prior to admission to the regenerative bed incinerator 10 to increase the heating value of the process exhaust gases 3 so as to improve overall contaminated destruction efficiency for process exhaust gases which have a low level of combustible contaminants therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus assures effective operation of sterilizers, especially those of the pre-vacuum type. The apparatus performs two principal methods: (1) testing for completeness of air removal from a sterilizer chamber, including the re-entrainment of air in the load due to air leaks in the chamber, vacuum system and/or steam system, and (2) the testing for effective sterilization conditions. Also, performed are three secondary methods: (i) identifying of causes of sterilizer faults, (ii) providing of preventive maintenance procedures (an Early Warning) (iii) identifying of procedures to correct sterilization faults in progress. These methods are illustrated for the two principal modes of operation: (a) the performance of a Bowie and Dick type test, as is usually done on a once-a-day basis; and (b) monitoring the sterilizer during load conditions.

Abstract: A multiple bed regenerative incinerator is cycled at regular intervals by an automatic control which causes fuel gas to be added to the impure inlet air for a first part of each cycle interval and interrupts the flow of fuel gas to the impure air inlet during a last part of each cycle interval thereby improving the purging of fuel gas from the regenerator being fed the impure air. Fuel gas flow may be adjusted by the control in response to signals from a monitor sensing the lower explosive limit of the impure air/fuel gas mixture. The control may cause the fuel gas to be delivered to a burner in a combustion chamber interconnecting the hot ends of the regenerators during the last part of each cycle interval. High dilution of fuel limits fume temperature and NOx production.

Abstract: Methods, devices, apparatus and kits for amplifying and detecting nucleic acid are provided. The apparatus is a two-tier thermal cycling device that operates in conjunction with a reaction/detection unit. A sample is loaded into a reaction chamber of the device which is then mated with a detection chamber to form the reaction detection unit. A first heating element of the thermal cycling apparatus applies a desired temperature to the reaction/detection device to amplify target nucleic acid in the sample. The reaction mixture is then transferred to the detection chamber by the second heating element and amplified target nucleic acid is immobilized on a support in the detection chamber. A detection system associated with the apparatus detects and analyzes the immobilized amplified nucleic acid target.

Abstract: In an endothermic steam active catalytic process employing a fixed catalyst bed in a fuel fired reactor for the dehydrogenation of alkanes to alkenes, wherein a reaction temperature above about 500.degree. C. (932.degree. F.) is maintained for commercially feasible conversions, and wherein catalyst activity declines during a production period, apparatus for control of a process temperature so as to compensate for catalyst activity decline includes a temperature sensor mounted in the reaction effluent stream in combination with a temperature controller which automatically adjusts the quantity of fuel supplied to the fired reactor.

Abstract: The apparatus for regulating liquid specimen temperature is used to maintain the liquid temperature of a sample constant in order to maintain a specific reaction state of the sample in an apparatus for analyzing samples, such as a blood analyzing apparatus. In this apparatus, a main body is included which is made of ceramics comprised mainly of silicon carbide high in thermal efficiency and excellent in chemical resistance. A liquid inlet is disposed at one end of a passage passing through the main body, which is used for heating. Preferably, the liquid inlet is opened toward the passage inner wall, and a liquid separating member for moving the liquid as it flows into the passage is disposed in the passage. When the liquid separating member is installed in the passage, the incoming liquid, not controlled in temperature, and the liquid leaving the passage already controlled in temperature may be separated, so that liquid control precision may be enhanced.

Abstract: The exhaust gas purification system for an engine with two banks provides a pair of bypasses for interchangeably communicating with each of the exhaust pipes from the two banks. A changeover valve is inserted at the junction point of the bypass and is inserted at the junction point of the bypass and the exhaust pipe for changing the flow of the exhaust gas. When the catalyst temperature is lower than a predetermined value, the exhaust gas flows directly into the catalyst. When the catalyst temperature is higher than the predetermined value, the exhaust gas flows into the bypasses for cooling the exhaust gas and then into the other side catalyst. Therefore, the activity performance of said catalyst is improved in both cold and hot states.

Abstract: Apparatus for conducting and controlling chemical reactions, wherein idealistic reaction conditions are achieved automatically for chemical reaction systems in a reaction vessel. The apparatus includes a pH-sensor, a temperature sensor and a vacuum sensor in the reaction vessel. The apparatus also includes electronic scales to measure the weight change in additive liquid containers linked with liquid flow mechanisms to supply additive liquids into the reaction vessel. A cooling mechanism is provided to cool the reaction vessel and a vacuum mechanism is provided to degas the inner space of the reaction vessel. A CPU is arranged to control the liquid flow mechanisms, the cooling mechanism and the vacuum mechanism based on calculated values derived from signals issued by the sensors and the scales.

Abstract: A method of remote temperature sensing for a gas heated chamber utilizing temperature sensors is disclosed, wherein at least a first temperature sensing device is coupled to an enclosed environment of a cabinet containing a sterilization cassette and at least a second temperature sensing device is coupled to a gas exit conduit from the cassette so as to avoid condensation on the internal walls of the cassette or on the object contained therein.

Abstract: A control system for regulating the decontamination of waste in a reaction chamber is provided. The control system monitors the chamber temperature and disinfectant concentration. Using the disinfectant concentration, the control system then calculates the minimum temperature required to maintain a specified level of decontamination. This minimum temperature is then compared to the actual temperature by the control system. If the actual temperature is below the minimum, the control system operates a heater to heat the reaction chamber. Additional temperature control can also be provided by the control system. If desired, the control system compares the actual chamber temperature to an ideal operating temperature. If the actual temperature exceeds the ideal temperature, the system cools the chamber by pumping in additional low temperature disinfectant. In this manner, the additional disinfectant maintains the level of decontamination as the chamber temperature decreases.

Abstract: The catalytic reactor has a catalyst member in the form of a stage of different orientations from one another and with flow-guiding elements which form crossing subflow ducts and which have a catalyst thereon. The flow-guiding elements are at an angle of inclination W of at least 10.degree. to the main flow direction and form partly open flow-crossing places between the subflows. The height H of a stage corresponds to a displacement factor H/HO of at least 1/2 where HO=Dctg W and D equals the diameter (or width) of the catalyst member. Satisfactory homogenization of the catalytic reaction and satisfactory heat removal via the heat-conductive rector wall are therefor achieved. The selectivity of the chemical reaction is improved and slip substantially obviated.

Abstract: A spent sterilization agent destruct and ambient air mixing device for inclusion with medial instrument sterilization system that preferably utilizes humidified ozone O.sub.3 as a sterilization agent or sterilizing effluent. The invention is for receiving a spent sterilization agent flow that includes humidified ozone O.sub.3 and oxygen O.sub.2 and provides, within the device, for exposure of that spent sterilization agent to both a catalytic converter and to an application of heat that converts ozone O.sub.3 to oxygen O.sub.2, thereby rendering the sterilization agent inert, and provides for mixing that inert flow with ambient air and venting to atmosphere.

Abstract: A plurality of workpieces are supported on a workpiece holder disposed over an opening defined in a horizontal base plate and connected to an evacuating device. A reaction chamber, which is supported on an arm of a lifting and lowering device, is vertically movable with respect to the base plate between a lowered position in which the reaction chamber defines a closed space which accommodates the workpieces therein and a lifted position in which the workpieces are exposed out of the reaction chamber. A heating device, which is supported on an arm of another lifting and lowering device, is vertically movable with respect to the base plate between a lowered position in which the heating device surrounds the reaction chamber and a lifted position in which the reaction chamber is exposed out of the heating device.

Abstract: A catalytic oxidizer having a combined central catalyst chamber and a spiral heat exchanger for treatment of air hydrocarbon vapor mixture including an outer shell of circular cross section having a tangentially directed longitudinal inlet aperture, a parallel exhaust aperture, an end cover plate and having a catalytic chamber centrally and coaxially positioned in the outer shell including an inlet port and an outlet port, the catalytic chamber including an upstream plenum, a catalyst core member and a downstream plenum, having perforated partitions for separating the catalyst core member from the inlet plenum and the exhaust plenum, and a coaxial spiral plate heat exchanger surrounding the catalytic chamber including a spiral inlet passage formed by coiled plates connected at one end to the inlet aperture and at the other end to an outlet associated with the inlet plenum defining a first heat exchange region, the coiled plates being spaced apart to create an intermediate spiral exhaust passage, the heat exch

Abstract: An apparatus for use in analyzing materials for ash content includes a walled chamber which retains microwave radiation therein, a source of microwave radiation, such as a magnetron, for radiating onto contents of such chamber, and an ashing furnace in the chamber which includes a heat resistant wall of low thermal conductivity, which is transmissive of microwave radiation, and a microwave absorptive material which is capable of being heated by microwave radiation to an ashing temperature. The furnace includes a passageway through it for the entry into the furnace cavity of a gas, such as air, and for venting gas, such as combustion products, from the furnace cavity, and preferably also includes a removable trapezoidally shaped door in a front wall thereof, which, when the chamber door is open, is readily removable from the furnace by hand, without burning the operator's fingers, despite the high internal temperature in the furnace cavity.

Abstract: A catalytic chemical reactor of a sandwiched configuration is described. The reactor has at least one plate with a major surface and two minor ends opposite one another across the major surface. A plurality of reaction chambers are present in the plate, parallel to one another and the major surface, extending from one of the minor ends to the other. The reactor additionally comprises at least one heating panel adjacent and parallel to the flat plate. The plates may be configured in modular pairs with a heating panel in between each pair. The reactor is particularly adapted to produce organic chemicals, such as acrolein, in significant, but moderate quantities. Additionally, the reactor is of such a size that it is readily portable. Unusually, the reactor plates, or at least their inner surfaces, may be made from materials such as aluminum, tantalum, titanium, tungsten, niobium and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A system for analyzing a chemical reaction provides control of the temperature and volume of the reagents to improve the accuracy and precision in quantitative measurements of specific proteins and other immunochemistries in body fluids. The reaction occurs in a cuvette within a nephelometric optics module. A sensor senses the temperatures of reaction buffer liquids as they flow into the cuvette, and a heat exchanging device increases or decreases the temperatures of the buffer liquids. A control circuit responsive to the temperature sensor controls the heat exchanging device to maintain the temperature of the buffer liquids and the cuvette within a selected temperature range. The system may also include a sample pickup station, a sample probe for withdrawing a selected sample from the sample pickup station, a sample preparation station, and transport device for carrying said sample from the sample preparation station to the reaction cuvette.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a waste solution which contains a nonvolatile substance such as a toner used for development of an electrophotographic film and a liquid which is difficult to volatilize at normal temperatures such as isoparaffin. The waste solution heated from below a multiplicity of vertically elongated guide chambers disposed in a waste solution container rises upward through the guide chambers in the form of vapor and is oxidized by a catalyst. After ignition, even if the heating of the waste solution by a heater is stopped, the waste solution in the waste solution container continues to be heated by oxidation heat.

Abstract: A microprocessor-controlled, self-contained steam sterilizer is disclosed. Once the steam exposure phase is complete in the sterilizer, the microprocessor is programmed to operate the vaporizing heater in a low-power duty cycle to utilize the vaporizing heater as a drying heater in a lower power operating mode to effect a drying phase.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method and apparatus in which solid gelatin chunks are liquefied, tempered, and debubbled in a single operation. The debubbling step is accomplished by evacuating and sealing off the loaded solid reservoir and heat exchanger before initiating the liquefying step. After the vacuum is applied, the gelled chunks are pressed into the heat exchanger, where heat is applied to the gelled chunks of photographic material. This liquefies the gelled chunks of photographic material. When the liquefied product gives a positive pressure at the heat exchanger outlet, the liquefied product is allowed to flow from the heat exchanger. Liquefying and tempering are performed as the solid chunks are pushed through the heat exchanger by the reservoir piston.

Abstract: A blood analyzer system incorporates a conveyor for handling and transporting sample blood through at least one blood analyzer and an automatic blood smear generator under the control of a programmable controller. Blood samples are stored in sample containers having identifiers for the sample blood that they contain. These sample containers are transported through the system in protective racks that permit the reading of the identifiers. The results of analysis by one or more blood analyzers in the system determines the need for performing or omitting subsequent operations on a particular sample blood. When a smeared blood sample is to be made, the controller assures that the smear thickness is consistent with other samples regardless of the thickness or viscosity of the sample blood. If the system fails to make a required smeared blood sample, a detector sounds an alarm, warning of a system failure.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided whereby the heat released from exothermic hydrodemetallization reactions is recovered in order to provide either a lower operating cost of a two-stage hydrotreating process or protection of process equipment against excessive operating temperatures.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing objects comprising a tubular container part which is removably arranged on an electric supply and control unit. The container part has a chamber-defining inner wall which is also an electrical resistance heating element. Accordingly, the container part may be made with low heat capacity and a correspondingly short heat-up period.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for preventing the settlement of or for removing attached mollusks and/or their larvae on the surface of a structure exposed to the aquatic habitat of the mollusks. The method comprises heating the surface with heating means, such as induction coils or resistance heaters, to an elevated temperature for a period of time sufficient to kill the mollusks and/or their larvae. The heating means and/or the power source may be movable so that they can be used to heat different components periodically to remove the mollusks or to prevent settlement.

Abstract: An accurate, low cost temperature control system for a disposable cartridge carrying including a sample chamber for a portable medical diagnostic device or other electrochemical analytical device is disclosed. The disposable cartridge may include its own heating element on a sensor chip and plugs into a terminal which contains electrical input/output connections. The outer surface of the chip is exposed. A remote temperature sensor which senses the temperature of the outer surface of the chip of the measuring cell and generates a control signal which is used with conventional temperature control circuitry as the basis for thermostatic control of the cell temperature.

Abstract: A system is provided for maintaining the concentration of sulfur oxides in a flue duct (60) at a predetermined value. The sulfur oxides being maintained at a concentration to substantially optimize the particulate removal performance of an electrostatic precipitator (70). The sulfur rate control system (100) injects sulfur trioxide into the flue gas in proportion to a deficiency in the content of sulfur oxides in the flue gas, with respect to the proportion to particulates being carried by the flue gas. The sulfur trioxide is formed in a catalytic converter (54) which is supplied with sulfur dioxide and oxygen from a reaction chamber (40). The formation of sulfur dioxide is controlled by metering the source of sulfur responsive to a signal provided from a ratio controller (64).

Abstract: A plastic light conduit of cross-linked polymer material having good light transmitting characteristics, without voids or noticeable bubbles, is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of manufacture and an apparatus, involving progressive heating of reactive monomer mixture in a tube which is submerged in a progressive reactor utilizing cold oil to maintain a cold, non-reacting zone, and hot water to create a hot zone that causes reaction, while simultaneously carrying away the excess exothermic heat of reaction.

Abstract: A temperature controlled chamber for an analytical instrument which includes a circular conveyor for transporting assay cartridges, the chamber enclosing the outer peripheral part of the conveyor on which the assay cartridges reside. The temperature controlled chamber has a bottom wall of polymeric material located beneath the conveyor, an outer wall of polymeric material extending upward above the conveyor, a metallic top wall and a metallic inner wall which extends downward to the upper surface of the conveyor. Thermal control, including rapid thermal response to compensate for temperature perturbations induced by periodic introduction of assay cartridges which are at a temperature less than that of the chamber, is accomplished by heating elements located above and below the conveyor. The heating elements are pulsed by an electrical circuit at a rate substantially faster than the rate of introduction of new assay cartridges.

Abstract: A liquid phase process for oligomerization of C.sub.4 and C.sub.5 isoolefins or the etherification thereof with C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alcohols wherein the reactants are contacted in a reactor with a fixed bed acid cation exchange resin catalyst at an LHSV of 5 to 20, pressure of 0 to 400 psig and temperature of 120.degree. to 300.degree. F. Wherein the improvement is the operation of the reactor at a pressure to maintain the reaction mixture at its boiling point whereby at least a portion but less than all of the reaction mixture is vaporized. By operating at the boiling point and allowing a portion of the reaction mixture to vaporize, the exothermic heat of reaction is dissipated by the formation of more boil up and the temperature in the reactor is controlled.

Abstract: A system for safely disposing of pathogenic waste materials. The waste material is disposed in a chamber and heated by forced hot air to temperatures above approximately 450.degree. F. to destroy harmful bacteria within several minutes. The high temperatures melt plastic waste materials. The harmless waste is cooled providing a solid block in which syringes and other sharp items are generally encased. The temperature within the chamber is continuously sensed and the operation of the apparatus is microprocessor controlled to adjust the process time in accordance with the load size. The microprocessor further stores the sensed temperature to provide verification that the waste has been exposed to sufficient temperatures and for a sufficient time to render such waste harmless.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a laboratory determination of the rate and type of hydrocarbon generated from a hydrocarbon source utilizes hydrous pyrolysis to generate hydrocarbons from the sample and then utilizes cryogenic methods to remove the fluid portions to a transfer vessel. The gaseous components are removed to a further vessel of known dimensions for determination of weight. The hydrocarbons in the transfer vessel are passed through a dryer to separate the water and their makeup determined. The hydrocarbons remaining in the reactor vessel are removed by working with solvents and their weights are determined after separation and evaporation of the solvents.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for proportional control of heating of a sterilizer chamber are disclosed in the application. A sterilizer chamber has heaters mounted on the walls, a wall temperature sensor and a chamber temperature sensor. The controller is operable to adjust the heat input by turning on the heaters for a variable fraction of a selected fixed interval and off for the remainder of the interval. When on the heaters provide a substantially constant heat input per unit time. The fraction of the interval during which the heaters are on is proportional to a temperature differential which comprises a setpoint temperature minus a temperature reading from one of the sensors. The controller has two, or in an alternate embodiment three, operating modes each having a unique temperature differential.

Abstract: A sublimating and cracking device which may be used to produce a collimated beam of molecules from a solid source. The device includes an elongated sublimating tube and an elongated cracking tube adapted to be axially oriented off axis to each other. The sublimating and cracking tubes are interconnected and heated in use.

Abstract: A system for setting an analysis condition for a thermal analysis of a fluid inside an apparatus, wherein a gas flow-in temperature in the apparatus, a gas flow-in rate, and an apparatus outer wall temperature are set as critical conditions, the interior of the apparatus being under a high pressure atmosphere and heated by a heater, an analysis mesh shape, a pressure inside the apparatus and other values, and a heater power, are set as initial values, and a simulation is carried out so that an optimum operating condition is obtained, wherein the relationship between heater power by which a heater monitoring temperature is maintained at a constant value and a gas flow rate at the entrance while changing the apparatus internal pressure is obtained by a trial experiment, and the simulation is carried out by changing the gas flow rate at the entrance in accordance with the heater power and the gas flow rate at the entrance set as the initial value.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus are described for the production of peroxyacids from concentrated solutions of hydrogen peroxide and an oxyacid. The total amount of concentrated hydrogen peroxide is divided into at least two portions which are added separately in series to the concentrated oxyacid.

Abstract: For the catalytic treatment of exhaust gases continuously flowing through a catalytic converter (14) from an IC engine, more particularly the IC engine of a vehicle, during operation at moderate temperatures the exhaust gases are heated by a heat storage means prior to their entry into the catalytic converter in a heating zone.