Abstract: Devices for controlling the reaction rate of a hydrocarbon to an acid or other intermediate oxidation product by pressure drop rate adjustments. The devices incorporate a reaction chamber, different means for monitoring miscellaneous parameters, means for feeding ingredients including gases, means for exiting products and gases, means for stopping the feeding and exiting of gases at predetermined time intervals, means for measuring the pressure drop rate during the period that the feeding and exiting of gases takes effect, and a controller, the function of which is to conduct adjustments in one or more of temperature, feeding rates of hydrocarbon, solvent, catalyst, promoter, and the like until the pressure drop rate and the reaction rate fall within desirable predetermined limits.

Abstract: A system for controlling temperature of a polymerization process includes a primary reactor system having a polymerization reactor and a recycle gas line which includes a heat exchanger, a primary temperature controller which continuously measures temperature within the reactor and provides a coolant adjust signal, a secondary cooling system which circulates a mixture of fresh and recirculated coolant through the heat exchanger and a secondary temperature controller which continuously measures the temperature of the mixed coolant and adjusts the proportion of mixed coolant to fresh coolant based on the coolant adjust signal and the temperature of the mixed coolant.

Abstract: A flow reactor providing a high degree of selectivity in the reaction of a feedstock to produce one or more end product compounds, which includes: side walls defining an elongated reactor unit having a length dimension along which the feedstock is reacted under varying conditions of energy and chemical flux effective to produce the one or more end product compounds; a plurality of devices for supplying energy or chemical flux through the side walls and positioned to distribute the energy and chemical flux along the length of the reactor unit so as to optimize a property of the one or more end product compounds; devices for measuring a property of the end product compounds; and an adaptive feedback control system to determine, establish and maintain the optimum energy and chemical flux distribution along the length of the reactor based on the end product property measurement.

Abstract: A controlled atmosphere incubator having an interior chamber surrounded by a heated water jacket. A glass access door of the chamber is directly heated by a clear, electrically conductive coating. The door is sealed against the perimeter of the opening by a readily replaceable gasket and is field reversible due to unique hinge mounting assemblies. An easily accessed blower assembly is located within the chamber and includes a HEPA filter readily replaceable by the user from within the chamber. A filtered air exchange system is provided for limiting the maximum level of humidity in the chamber. The incubator control maintains constant power output from the blower motor so that the heat output of the motor is also constant. A voltage compensated temperature control is also provided for the heaters associated with the water jacket. Compensation for environmental conditions inside the chamber is also provided by the control for producing more accurate readings of carbon dioxide levels.

Abstract: A heating device for a titration plate enables selected sample wells to be thawed by providing an array of individually energizable heat sources each capable of heating a single sample well. A cold plate serves to maintain all other samples in their frozen state.

Abstract: A batch polymerization process controller using inferential sensing to determine the integral reaction heat which in turn is used to indicate the degree of polymerization of the reaction mixture batch. The system uses a reaction temperature compared with a desired temperature, and the result is used as a feedback to monitor and control the process. One version of the process controller also uses a feedforward signal which is an integral reaction heat indication from a process model. In another version of the process controller, the integral reaction heat is compared with a desired integral reaction heat, and result is used as another feedback to monitor and control the process. Heat production and reaction temperature profiles may be used, along with the thermokinetic equations to determine the polymerization process and reactor models which are utilized by the process controller to optimize the polymerization process in terms of efficient use of cooling water and desired polymerization of each mixture batch.

Abstract: The invention provides improved methods and apparatus for steam sterilization that monitor pressure at one of more points in the steam flow path in order to regulate the flow of cooling water mixed into the discharge or effluent. This permits the indirect, yet accurate and rapid, determination of discharge water temperature so that it can be mixed with just the right amount of cooling water to bring it to the desired temperature, e.g., 140.degree. F. or below.

Abstract: A regenerative thermal oxidizer (H-101) includes a number of heat exchange columns (A, B) topped by a combustion chamber (C-101). Contaminated air is directed into one of the columns and oxidation is completed as the flow passes through the combustion chamber (C-101). From the combustion chamber (C-101), the now clean air flows vertically downward through another column and then is directed via an outlet through an outlet manifold and released to atmosphere or recirculated back to the oxidizer (H-101). A combustible fuel is added to the contaminated air prior to its entry into one of the columns. The addition of the combustible fuel is regulated by continuously monitoring the inlet and outlet temperatures (TE-101A, TE-108A), and comparing a difference between these temperatures to a predetermined value. Further control can be achieved by measuring the flow of contaminated air to the oxidizer (H-101) via pressure differential and coordinating that measurement with the temperature differential measurement.

Abstract: A self-contained incubator for growth of microorganism kit and methods for use of such a kit are provided. The kit and methods may detect the presence of microorganisms and may utilie a microorganism growth and indicator medium provided in a sample container along with a heat source, preferably generating heat through chemical means, and optionally heat shields, allowing for on-site testing of a microorganism present in a sample. The sample container may also include a removable vessel cap that includes a barrier separating the sample from a material capable of disinfecting the sample, thereby preventing contact of the sample and the material for a desired time period. The vessel cap may also be used independently in other applications.

Abstract: The movement and mixing of microdroplets through microchannels is described employing silicon-based microscale devices, comprising microdroplet transport channels, reaction regions, electrophoresis modules, and radiation detectors. The discrete droplets are differentially heated and propelled through etched channels. Electronic components are fabricated on the same substrate material, allowing sensors and controlling circuitry to be incorporated in the same device.

Abstract: A method in which a temperature gradient is generated across a "gradient" block, and an apparatus comprising a block across which a temperature gradient can be generated. By setting up such a gradient, multiple reaction mixtures held in wells on the gradient block can be simultaneously run at temperatures which differ only slightly, thereby permitting an optimum temperature for the reaction to be quickly identified. In a preferred embodiment the gradient block is integrated into a thermal cycler used for nucleic acid amplification reactions.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a microwave heated chemical process is disclosed. Time varying concentrations of some chemical substances within fumes in the microwave oven are monitored to detect concentration variations for which responses are known. Responses to the detected variations are initiated to control the chemical process without terminating the process. Examples of responses include varying microwave radiation energy, initiating safety systems, increased venting of the microwave oven, and so forth.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process control system user interface. The user interface is useful for coupling a bioreactor to a process control system for controlling the environmental conditions of a cell culture within the bioreactor. The user interface includes one or more process control option selections, which, upon selection by the user, configure the process control system to a preset control algorithm profile in the process control system. The user interface presents the process control option selection to the user through a menu. The user interface further includes a selection for establishing one or more process control setpoints and a response control algorithm profile selectable by the user for controlling the system's approach to the setpoint.

Abstract: Systems and methods for heating, reacting, and/or treating a stream containing oxidizable matter. Recycle reactor is used alone or in conjunction with plug-flow reactor. Density differences in the recycle reactor facilitate flow within the recycle reactor without substantial external heat exchange.

Abstract: A steam condensate tempering system for a steam sterilizer uses a fast temperature sensor to measure the temperature of combined water and steam condensate from a sterilizer, and a controller for controlling the flow of cool water to mix with the steam condensate in response to the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A waste plastic disposal apparatus (K1-K4) including a storage portion (2) for storing waste plastic; a heating portion (7) for heating the waste plastic, which includes a heater (7b) and a fan (7a); a hot-air circulating path (20) for circulating hot air therethrough, which is defined by the storage portion (2) and the heating portion (7); an exhaust path (10) which branches off from the hot-air circulating path (20); and a deodorizing portion (9) which is provided in the exhaust path in response to intake of a predetermined quantity of external air into the hot-air circulating path (20) per unit time, the hot air in the hot-air circulating path (20) is exhausted in a quantity equal to the predetermined quantity from the exhaust path (10) through the deodorizing portion (9).

Abstract: An automobile catalytic converter that utilizes the energy of the exothermic reactions that take place in the catalysis substrate to produce electrical energy with a thermoelectric generator. On vehicle cold start, the thermoelectric generator is used as a heat pump to heat the catalyst substrate to reduce the time to catalyst light-off. In this way, the catalytic converter comes up to operating temperature more rapidly, reducing the amount of pollutant emissions at vehicle start-up.

Abstract: A rotary kiln in which reaction is to occur between counterflowing reactants and an injector for a reactant extends into a reaction zone in the kiln. The injector is provided with means for adjusting the temperature of the injected reactant to a temperature in the desired range for that zone. Further means are provided for maintaining a temperature in the desired range throughout the zone. The arrangement be used in the production of uranium oxides from uranium hexafluoride.

Abstract: A garbage disposing device of an energy-saving type comprises a housing having an air intake port and an air discharge port, and a vessel mounted within the housing to store therein food wastes. The vessel has an air inlet and an air outlet. An intake passage is formed in the housing to extend from the intake port to the air inlet for introducing a fresh air into the vessel. An exhaust passage is formed within the housing to extend from the air outlet to the discharge port for discharging therethrough an air containing unpleasant odor resulting from a decomposition of the food wastes. A deodorizer unit comprises a catalyst for decomposing the unpleasant odor in the air, a heater for activating the catalyst, and a case for incorporating therein the catalyst and the heater.

Abstract: A polymerization apparatus includes a support plate for supporting a workpiece to be polymerized and a hood comprising a light source for guiding light to the workpiece such that the light impinges on at least two sides of the workpiece. The hood is liftable relative to the support plate so as to allow access to the workpiece when in a lifted position. A heat source for heating the workpiece is provided. A control device controls the function of the polymerization apparatus. A method for operating the polymerization apparatus includes the steps of heating the workpiece to a desired temperature after switching on the light source, maintaining the desired temperature for a desired polymerization cycle time period, and subsequently shutting down the light source and the heat source for a final polymerization cycle time period.

Abstract: A system for the temperature adjustment treatment of liquids, especially during the isolation and amplification of nucleic acids with a reusable thermostat element and a disposable heating element has the advantage of a particularly simple means of conducting temperature adjustment treatments. This system facilitates the execution of sample preparation and amplification in a single vessel.

Abstract: A method of reducing the nitrogen oxide level in the flue gases issuing from combustion units by introduction of reducing agents into contact with gases containing nitrogen oxides in first and second reducing stages, is provided. The first reducing stage is a non-catalytic stage (e.g. at temperatures over 800.degree. C.), while the second stage is a catalytic stage (e.g. at temperatures of about 300-400.degree. C.). A steam generation boiler with improved nitrogen reduction facilities is also provided. The amount of nitrogen oxides in the hot gases is reduced in the combination of the first and second reducing stages while producing steam in a steam generation boiler system, thus resulting in gases essentially free from nitrogen oxides while eliminating the possibility of NH.sub.3 (or other reducing agent) slip in the exhausted flue gases. Heat transfers in a convection section as used to establish stabilized temperature conditions for catalytic reduction.

Abstract: A system for treating human waste in remote or portable toilet facilities, including a holding tank that stores waste; a heat reservoir that receives waste from the holding tank, heats the waste to kill fecal coliform bacteria therein present, and routes the heated bacteria-free waste back through the holding tank. The holding tank maintains the heated bacteria-free waste separate from the contaminated waste but passes residual heat from the bacteria-free waste to the untreated waste. In one embodiment, a centrifuge receives the bacteria-free waste from the holding tank, separates the liquid waste from the solid waste, and discharges the liquid waste from the system. In one embodiment, the waste is pumped through the system to be heated in incremental portions.

Abstract: A reactor system that can safely use general purpose electrical devices and unregulated surface temperature heat sources even though a flammable and/or combustible substance is being processed in the reactor or is within the processing area. The reactor system includes a reaction vessel and at least one process control device proximate the reaction vessel which is a possible ignition source for flammable and combustible materials. A shroud encloses the ignition source within a chamber and the chamber is provided with an inactive environment which is effective for preventing the ignition source from igniting any flammable or combustible substance that may enter the chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for minimizing heat degradation of a vapor decontaminant in a vaporizer by selectively operating a plurality of vaporizer heaters to provide a decreasing heat gradient through the vaporizer. A method and apparatus are also provided for selectively operating a plurality of preheaters, in series, for preheating a carrier gas entering a vaporizer in a flow-through decontamination system, and for maintaining a predetermined carrier gas temperature. A further method and apparatus are provided for fine-tuning chamber pressure in a high flow rate closed-loop flow-through vapor phase decontamination system.

Abstract: A method of simultaneously sterilizing a first object and a second object that includes providing a first container with a first exterior surface, the first exterior surface comprises a first microwave interactive layer and defines a first interior space having a first initial temperature. The first object is placed within the first interior space of the first container. The method includes the step of providing a second container with a second exterior surface, the second exterior surface comprises a second microwave interactive layer and defines a second interior space having a second initial temperature. A second object is placed within the second interior space of the second container. The first and second microwave interactive layers are exposed to a first amount of microwaves so that the first microwave layer produces heat which raises the temperature within the first interior space to a predetermined sterilization temperature.

Abstract: A thermowell assembly and method which allows for arresting leakage in the case a thermowell begins to leak in a hydroprocessing process without having to shut down a flow of a hydrocarbon feed stream through a hydroconversion reaction zone in the hydroprocessing process. The thermowell assembly comprises a first hollow sleeve section which supports a thermowell member, a ferrule sealing member which engages the first hollow sleeve section, a second generally cup-shaped second sleeve section wherethrough a thermocouple member slidably passes, and an outer sleeve member for maintaining the union of the first sleeve section, the ferrule sealing member, and the second sleeve section. The method comprises severing and/or removing the thermocouple member from the commenced-leaking thermowell member and placing a high pressure cap over an aperture left vacant by the thermocouple member to seal-off the leaking thermowell member from the atmosphere.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing and maintaining a desired temperature of a sample holder includes a non-deformable support, a deformable diaphragm secured to the lower surface of the support and a thermal regulable heater in thermal connection with the diaphragm. The apparatus can be positioned above the upper surface of a sample holder and, upon inflation of the diaphragm, a seal is formed between the diaphragm and the sample holder. When the thermoregulable heating element is activated, the sample holder is maintained at the desired temperature. The temperature can be coordinately regulated with a block heater that heats the underside of the sample holder.

Abstract: A molecular analyzer and method of use for sensitive, rapid and accurate detection of specific, or target, molecules or specific parts of molecules in a liquid sample to be detected without the use of radioisotopes. Apparatus for sealingly holding any number of sample tubes (23) containing a test sample and having pre-incorporated, internally contained detection reagents for removing unbound molecules from the sample tubes, as well as means for rapidly changing the temperature of the test sample and means for quantitating the target molecules without allowing molecules in the sample tube to contact the environment is provided. Alternatively, the apparatus may be adapted to receive detection reagents that are not preincorporated without exposing them or the test sample to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A regenerative thermal oxidizer in which contaminated air is first passed through a hot heat-exchange bed and into a communicating high temperature oxidation (combustion) chamber, and then through a relatively cool second heat exchange bed. The apparatus includes a number of internally insulated, ceramic filled heat recovery columns topped by an internally insulated combustion chamber. From the combustion chamber, the air flows vertically downward through another column containing heat exchange media, thereby storing heat in the media for use in a subsequent inlet cycle when the flow control valves reverse. Temperature is sensed within the bed of heat exchange media in order to monitor the temperature profile and control a bypass of hot combustion gases should the temperature exceed a predetermined level.

Abstract: A gas refining system for adsorbing a reducing gas includes a reduced gas stream, a section for adsorbing and removing sulfur-containing compounds in the reducing gas, an adsorbent which contacts the reduced gas stream, an oxygen-gas containing stream which enters the adsorbing and removing section, a calcium-compound containing stream, and a reactor which receives the above streams and allows for the adsorption of sulfur dioxide and precipitation of a gypsum compound.

Abstract: Independent control of multiple samples which are in close proximity. All the samples in a sample container designed for rapid heat transfer and can be independently regulated to a set point using a temperature feedback control with the temperature monitored by a temperature sensitive element. This is implemented by heating each sample independently and at the same time a cooling device produces a substantial and continuous heat flow from the sample in order to permit an adequate rate of cooling when required. The rate of heat flow through the cooling device is partly determined by a thermal resistance which is included to control the pattern and maximum rate of heat flow to designed levels. By keeping the thermal mass of the temperature controlled components to a minimum it is also possible to change the temperature of the samples very rapidly.

Abstract: A sterilizer supplies liquid over an object and then irradiates far-infrared radiation to the object. The object is fully sterilized since the supplied liquid well absorb far-infrared radiation with sterilizing effect.

Abstract: A reactor system that can safely use general purpose electrical devices and unregulated surface temperature heat sources even though a flammable and/or combustible substance is being processed in the reactor or is within the processing area. The reactor system includes a reaction vessel and at least one process control device proximate the reaction vessel which is a possible ignition source for flammable and combustible materials. A shroud encloses the ignition source within a chamber and the chamber is provided with an inactive environment which is effective for preventing the ignition source from igniting any flammable or combustible substance that may enter the chamber.

Abstract: A reagent strip slide treating apparatus includes a reagent strip comprised of a plurality of chambers. A reagent passageway on the strip connects to each of the chambers and connects to a common passageway. The chambers are arranged at variable predetermined distances along the strip. A double slide is provided which is comprised of a first and a second slide spaced apart by a predetermined distance and adapted to have therebetween biological material to be treated sequentially by a plurality of reagents. A tube connects the common passageway of the reagent strip to the space between the space slides. The capsules containing reagents are provided within the chambers on the strip. The capsules are provided with thin walls which are adapted to burst upon the application of pressure. A press moving at a constant speed is provided to press the reagent strip and capsules in the chambers causing the capsules to burst. The spacing between the chambers determines the timing of the application of the reagents.

Abstract: An HC adsorbent which adsorbs hydrocarbons in a predetermined low temperature region and discharges hydrocarbons in a temperature region higher than the lower temperature region is provided in an engine exhaust passage. A catalyst which oxidizes hydrocarbons in a predetermined high temperature region is provided downstream of the HC adsorbent. A heater for heating exhaust is provided upstream of the HC adsorbent. A control unit activates the heater when the exhaust temperature has risen to near the upper limit of the lower temperature region. Activation of the catalyst is thereby promoted, and the time until the catalyst starts oxidizing hydrocarbons discharged by the HC adsorbent is shortened.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exhaust gas treatment unit which possesses a stable treating capacity, with a reduced running cost. The exhaust gas treatment unit removes noxious gases such as monosilane contained in an exhaust gas by thermal decomposition. The exhaust gas treatment unit includes a heating drum (5) into which the exhaust gas and oxygen or air are introduced and a heating source (6) disposed on the outer periphery of the heating drum (5) so as to heat the inside of said heating drum (5). A temperature sensor (14) detects the temperature of the inside of said heating drum (5) in the vicinity of its outlet and a controller (16) controls the heating source (6) in accordance with a detected temperature value from the temperature sensor (14) so that the temperature of the inside of said heating drum (5) in the vicinity of the outlet is maintained within a predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: A controlled atmosphere incubator having an interior chamber surrounded by a heated water jacket. A glass access door of the chamber is directly heated by a clear, electrically conductive coating. The door is sealed against the perimeter of the opening by a readily replaceable gasket and is field reversible due to unique hinge mounting assemblies. An easily accessed blower assembly is located within the chamber and includes a HEPA filter readily replaceable by the user from within the chamber. A filtered air exchange system is provided for limiting the maximum level of humidity in the chamber. The incubator control maintains constant power output from the blower motor so that the heat output of the motor is also constant. A voltage compensated temperature control is also provided for the heaters associated with the water jacket. Compensation for environmental conditions inside the chamber is also provided by the control for producing more accurate readings of carbon dioxide levels.

Abstract: A disinfestation treatment chamber for treating fruit, flower and vegetable commodities subject to infestation by quarantine pests. The commodities are disinfested so as to meet quarantine restrictions without adversely affecting the quality of the commodity. The commodity is heated inside of the chamber in hot air having a relative humidity of 30-85% until the temperature of the commodity exceeds the thermal death point temperature of the target pest but is not so high as to adversely affect the quality of the commodity. The temperature of the commodity is held at this temperature until the pest is killed. The commodity is loaded into the treatment chamber in bins onto a low friction conveyor track system which transports the bins from one end of the chamber to the other. The commodities are treated while they are inside of the treatment chamber. After treatment of the commodities, the bins are unloaded using the low friction conveyor track system out of the opposite end of the treatment chamber.

Abstract: A device for testing the development of processes or chemical reactions in the presence of solid catalysts comprising a reactor of cylindrical shape, of inside diameter D and of length L, such that 50<L/D<150. The reactor having a preferred D of 10-40 mm also includes a sheathed thermometer arranged substantially along the axis of the reactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reaction heat control mechanism of heat exchange area regulation type in a chemical reaction apparatus comprising: a reaction vessel for receiving a liquid agent to be reacted therein; a heater; a cooling jacket acting as an airtight vessel in and out of which a cooling medium flows; a temperature controller; and a cooling medium liquid- level controller acting as a supply and exhasut change mechanism for changing and regulating a volume of gas in the cooling jacket, said liquid level controller controlling the reaction heat of the liquid agent in the reaction vessel by increasing or decreasing a contact area of the cooling medium in the cooling jacket with the outer surface of the reaction vessel, and it can even control chemical reaction experiencing sudden temperature change in the reaction vessel in a quick and stable manner.

Abstract: Control system and method for monitoring and controlling the stoichiometry of a secondary air burner in a thermal oxidizer. The burner control system secures a certain stoichiometry independent of possible simultaneous changes of the gas mixture flow rate and/or of the combustible impurity concentration in the process gas. The firing rate of the burner is adjusted by a controller. Additionally, the flow of the burner fuel and of the process gas mixture are measured and transformed into separate signals. Both signals are sent to an evaluation apparatus that compares the signals and generates a third signal based upon that comparison. This third signal is in communication with a device that changes the gas mixture flow resistance, and thus the desired amount of gas mixture will be diverted for the combustion of the fuel.

Abstract: A miniaturized thermocycler is provided for carrying out thermally controlled biochemical or biological melecular processes, in particular polymerase chain reactions. The aim of the invention is to provide a miniaturized thermocycler which enables such reactions to be carried out more effectively, avoids the problem of parasitic heat absorbers and can be manufactured inexpensively in series. This aim is achieved by virtue of the fact that the sample holder (1) is designed as a series of meanders winding in a plane, the sample holder (1) has a groove in a wall and closed over by a cover, the groove passing alternately through comparable heating zones (2) and cooling zones (3), located at intervals along the groove, as it meanders.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purifier includes a filter for collecting particulates, a heater for firing collected particulates, a blower for feeding air, and a controller for controlling power supplied to the heater and air flow rate of the blower. The air flow rate is varied in a regeneration period for improving the regeneration efficiency and for protecting the filter. In one embodiment, the air flow rate is initially reduced in the burning period and increased after burning in the radial direction at the downstream portion of the filter. The burning propagation speed, the heat generation and the increase of the temperature of the filter are limited by suppressing the air flow rate in the burning period. The particulates remaining in the downstream portion of the filter due to the suppressed air flow rate supplied in the burning period can be burned subsequently by supplying an increased air flow rate after the burning period.

Abstract: A sterilizer supplies liquid over an object and then irradiates far-infrared radiation to the object. The object is fully sterilized since the supplied liquid well absorb far-infrared radiation with sterilizing effect.

Abstract: A fluidized-bed reactor has a plurality of heat-removing pipes and at least one temperature detection section disposed in a fluidized-bed forming portion. The heat-removing pipes are connected with coolant-feeding pipes and coolant-draining pipes at the outside of the reactor at least one of the heat-removing pipes is supplied with a first coolant at a stationary velocity and at least one of the other heat-removing pipes is supplied with a second coolant at a variable velocity. A temperature controlling method is disclosed for a fluidized-bed reactor in which heat is removed by using these heat-removing pipes in the fluidized-bed reactor.

Abstract: A control system for a process using supercritical fluid includes a reactor vessel including an agitator for mixing a batch of materials therein a source of supercritical fluid supplied to the reactor vessel, means for introducing into the reactor vessel batch material that is mixed in the presence of the supercritical fluid based on a selectable reaction process, process monitoring means for producing signals representative of the reaction in the reactor vessel; and control means for controlling the reaction in the reactor vessel based on said signals and the selected reaction process.

Abstract: There is disclosed an automated apparatus and process for immunocytochemical staining of biological materials using ligand pairing. The apparatus includes an array of sample cells interconnected with reagent supply and drainage lines. Each cell encloses a fluid chamber into which a sample substrate is inserted. The face of the substrate onto which a biological sample is mounted faces into a fluid well. The cell includes a cell head having a chamber to receive therein a solid support matrix releasably containing a ligand to be contacted with the sample. The chamber in the cell head is in flow communication with the fluid well so that when the ligand is released from the matrix it flows into the fluid well thereby contacting the mounted biological sample. The ligand support matrix may be gelatin or wax.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for producing oxides of metals and of metal alloys. The metal or alloy is placed in an oxygen atmosphere in a combustion chamber and ignited. Products of the combustion include one or more oxides of the metal or alloy in powdered form. In one embodiment of the invention a feeder is provided whereby material to be oxidized by combustion can be advanced into a combustion chamber continuously. A product remover receives the powder product of the combustion.

Abstract: A process for extracting extractable material from a base material in which it is present, while protecting against explosion of any solvent vapor in air includes heating by microwave radiation in a closed pressure-resistant and heat-resistant container, such base material, extractable material and organic extraction solvent, passing air near or into contact with the extraction container so that it will carry away from the container any escaping solvent vapor, and passing said air with the solvent vapor, if present, into contact with solvent detector which turns off a source of microwave radiation when the solvent vapor is present. Preferably the invented process will include passing the air, with any solvent vapor which may be present in it, to a flow detector, which will turn off the source of microwave radiation if flow ceases.