Abstract: The application of a Refractory Hard Material coating composition to selected areas of the surface of an aluminum cell cathode permits tailoring or control of ledge formation during cell operation. Cell voltage improvements are also noted, resulting in more efficient cell performance.

Abstract: A unique temperature responsive operating mechanism is disclosed which is particularly suited for embodiment as a temperature responsive valve mechanism for use with a steam sterilization container. The mechanism includes a valve operating member which is movable by the action of a biasing spring from a first, opened position to a second, closed position with respect to an opening defined by the sterilization container. The mechanism further includes a temperature responsive, heat deformable member operatively associated with the biasing spring and the valve operating member to provide progressive movement of the valve operating member from its first to its second position in response to an elevation in temperature of the environment of the operating mechanism. Desired communication is provided between the interior and exterior of the sterilization container during a substantial portion of the steam sterilization process, with the mechanism subsequently tightly sealing the container.

Abstract: An air purification system chills incoming air to condense water and toxic gases, adsorbs toxic molecules, reheats the air to reduce its relative humidity, and then converts oxidizable contaminants into carbon dioxide with an oxidation catalyst.

Abstract: A combination unsaturated chemical vapor sterilization system and a steam sterilization system utilizing the same sterilizing chamber. It includes a pressure chamber in communication with a source of sterilizing chemicals and water, transport means to selectively deliver sterilizing chemicals or water into the chamber, a heating element to heat the interior of the chamber, and a microprocessor control panel operably associated with the heating element and transport means to control the sterilant composition, the temperature and the pressure within the chamber at any given time in accordance with a preselected setting.

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: A chemical oxygen generator is disclosed which includes a pressure vessel surrounding the container containing the chemical. In a space between the tank containing the chemical and the wall of the pressure vessel, a supply of pressurized oxygen is provided. A manually triggerable valve stem is operable to simultaneously open a passage from the pressurized supply and to initiate ignition of the chemical in the tank to generate a further supply of oxygen.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon vapors containing HF, as from an HF alkylation refrigerated vent gas yield, the reactor settler, and the like are charged to a liquid knock-out drum to remove entrained liquid therefrom, the recovered liquid being pumped to storage in response to liquid level control on the knock-out drum. Recovered vapors are charged to a circulating aqueous caustic treater to yield HF-free vapors, as to a flare. The circulating caustic solution is indirectly heated in response to a preselected caustic solution temperature to prevent freezing. A high pressure rupture disc, upstream from the knock-out drum, affords a vapor relief safety by-pass of the treater. Dry gas, such as nitrogen or sweet, natural gas, continuously sweeps the relief line to maintain this line open and operable.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a safety device for packagings which contain pyrophoric metallic catalysts that emit hydrogen. The apparatus consists of a hollow stopper, open upward, in the bottom of which a pressure relief valve is fitted, an oxidation catalyst arranged in the stopper, and a gas-permeable closure covering the upper side of the stopper.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for canning food products in a non-metallic jar, utilizing a metallic or non-metallic jar lid and a non-metallic enclosure enveloping the jar and lid and which is placed within a microwave oven for heating with a pressure control check valve for limiting the maximum pressure within the enclosure during heating and preventing entry of air during subsequent cooling of the enclosure and food product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for canning food products in a non-metallic jar, utilizing a metallic or non-metallic jar lid and a non-metallic enclosure enveloping the jar and lid and which is placed within a microwave oven for heating with a pressure control check valve for limiting the maximum pressure within the enclosure during heating and preventing entry of air during subsequent cooling of the enclosure and food product.

Abstract: A method for canning food products in a non-metallic jar, utilizing a non-metallic jar lid and a none metallic enclosure enveloping the jar and lid and which is placed within a microwave oven for heating with a pressure control check valve for limiting the maximum pressure within the enclosure during heating and preventing entry of air during subsequent cooling of the enclosure and food product.

Abstract: A container with a liquid-impervious, vapor-permeable membrane for sterilizing lenses and storing them using the buffered hydrogen peroxide saline solution. The container is also provided with catalytic means to decompose the hydrogen peroxide following termination of the sterilizing period with the membrane permitting escape of the gases produced by the decomposition while preventing passage of liquid therethrough.

Abstract: In an inflatable occupant-restraint system in a vehicle, a generator for producing fluid under pressure is so placed that a portion of the generator is outside the cushion and has a resilient venting means for dumping increasing fractions of gas volume outside the cushion at increasing operating temperatures.

Abstract: A continuous-stream zeolite crystallization apparatus comprising a combination of a tubular reactor, a central stirring element contained therein, ingress and egress means for the reactor for charging crystalline zeolite forming reactants therein and recovering crystallized zeolites therefrom, respectively, recovery vessels for collecting and processing crystallized zeolites continuously, the reactor and recovery vessels optionally being subjected to a controlled pressure system.

Abstract: An apparatus for synthesizing a polypeptide chain on an insoluble solid support in a continuous flow reactor by performing a series of stepwise coupling reactions under high pressure is disclosed. A deprotecting agent reservoir, a solvent reservoir, a neutralizing solution reservoir, and a plurality of amino acid reservoirs are provided. Each reservoir can be selectively coupled to the reactor and a source of high pressure inert gas or an appropriate pump can be used to force the fluids as needed to the reactor. The reactor also includes a recycle loop whereby the amino acid from a particular reservoir can be recycled through the reactor under high pressure.

Abstract: The danger of explosion due to decomposition of high-pressure industrial process gases, such as ethylene, is reduced by maintaining in an inert atmosphere at least part of an evacuation system included between a pressurized vessel within which the decomposition may take place, on the one hand, and the atmosphere, on the other.

Abstract: A disinfectant system for intermingling a disinfectant with an effluent to be treated, such as wastewater, to kill pathogens therein, the system enhancing contact between the effluent and the disinfectant to effect a rapid and efficient disinfection action. The system includes an ejector through which a minor portion of the effluent is pumped to produce a motive fluid which induces a disinfectant therein to produce a concentrated disinfectant fluid. Th ejector terminates in a cylindrical diffuser section having a closed end and at least two circumferential series of orifices whereby the disinfectant fluid is discharged therefrom as high velocity jets which project radially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the section.

Abstract: Apparatus capable of operating both as nitrogen generator and carbon dioxide absorber, particularly for the preservation under controlled atmosphere of fruit and vegetable products, comprising a generator in turn including a burner, having a mixture of air and fuel gas supplied thereto, and in which a combustion is effected, so that a mixture exits from the generator as comprising steam, nitrogen and carbon dioxide, two absorbers each of which for retaining carbon dioxide, connection means between the generator and absorbers, comprising a condenser, for the removal of the steam, so as to supply to either absorber only a mixture of nitrogen and carbon dioxide, means for feeding the gas exiting from either absorber to the cell or storage room containing the products, or alternatively to the outlet, means for connecting the cell with either absorber for supplying the cell atmosphere thereto, means by which when one of the abosrbers is operating to retain carbon dioxide of the gaseous mass from the burner or cell

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for the preparation of a reaction mixture, from fluid components, comprising storage tanks, feed pipes leading from said storage tanks to a mixing head via metering pumps and opening into a mixing chamber via injection apertures, said mixing chamber formed by the bore of a housing, a control piston displaceable within said bore and being capable of blocking flow through said apertures, return lines branching off upstream of said apertures and leading up to said storage tanks, and a shut-off means for stopping the flow of said material through at least one of said return lines, the activation of said shut-off means being dependent upon the position of said control piston within said bore.

Abstract: A steam-operated sterilization apparatus for sterilizing laundry, bandages, instruments and the like, includes a heat-insulated container, and a sterilization chamber disposed within the heat-insulated container. A space between the heat-insulated container and the sterilization chamber is filled with a fluid acting as a carrier of heat. A heating device heats the fluid to a temperature above 100.degree. C., and a water conduit, connected to a source of water, is disposed in the space for passing the water therethrough. The water conduit includes a water-evaporation section for converting the water into steam, and a steam-heating section for converting the steam into superheated steam. The water conduit communicates with the sterilization chamber for introducing the steam and the superheated steam thereinto, and a discharge device communicates with the sterilization chamber for at least condensing the steam and the superheated steam, and for discharging the condensate.

Abstract: A sterilizer utilizes fluorocarbon liquid as the sterilizing medium. The fluorocarbon liquid is retained in the bottom of a sterilizer chamber. Instruments are placed within the chamber above the liquid level. The chamber is sealed and a heater causes the liquid within the chamber to vaporize. The fluorocarbon vapor is more dense than the air within the chamber and is not miscible with that air. Consequently, as the fluorocarbon vaporizes, the air within the chamber is displaced through a vent in the top of the chamber. A minor amount of fluorocarbon vapor is also displaced as all air is purged from the chamber. The discharged fluorocarbon vapor is recondensed through an expansion valve and collected for recycling. The chamber is sealed upon purging of all the air and is maintained in a pressurized state for a period of time. Subsequently the heater is turned off and the chamber is cooled by a fan.

Abstract: In a high pressure tubular reactor containing a plurality of tubular sections interconnected in series by means of connection devices, which reactor contains one or more reaction zones, there is positioned within each reaction zone a single rupture disc device from about 24 to about 40 feet downstream from the reaction zone inlet.

Abstract: A system for generating chlorine dioxide for use as a disinfectant in water or wastewater treatment, the system output including a percentage of chlorine at an acceptably low level, thereby avoiding the deleterious effect of chlorine in the disinfection process. The system is provided with a source of chlorine gas and a source of aqueous sodium chlorite, both of which are fed into a reactor to generate chloride dioxide therein. The output of the reactor is coupled to an ejector operated by a water stream to create a vacuum which draws chlorine dioxide from the reactor into the ejector to dilute the chlorine dioxide before it is supplied to a process being treated. The resultant negative pressure in the reactor acts to draw the chlorine gas therein from the source through a vacuum regulator which maintains the flow of chlorine gas into the reactor at a constant rate and acts to cut off the supply of chlorine in the absence of negative pressure.

Abstract: A replaceable cartridge-type oxygen generator is described including a quick-opening pressure casing containing a chemical oxygen-generating cartridge having a severable hermetically-sealed container and an ignition device, the casing further including an actuating device capable of actuating the ignition device only when the cartridge is disposed within the casing and the casing is closed. The casing further includes a high-volume vent automatically effective in case of the sudden build-up of a high pressure, such as may be caused by the ignition of a contaminant. Also described is an oxygen supply system including a plurality of such generators connected to an outlet manifold having pressure sensing means controlling the ignition of the cartridges.

Abstract: In the removal of HF from hydrocarbon streams by chemical reaction with solid potassium hydroxide, runaway temperatures and subsequent explosions can occur when excess HF is present in the hydrocarbon charged to the KOH treater. According to the invention, a control system and method are provided which regulate the flow of hydrocarbon charged to the KOH treater responsive to temperature changes within the system indicative of excessive amounts of HF in the hydrocarbon stream, thereby preventing the treater temperature from exceeding a preselected maximum allowable value. Several embodiments are provided whereby temperature changes in the KOH treater or a differential temperature across an HF stripper are used as temperature sensing points to control flow of hydrocarbon to the KOH treater.

Abstract: A composite injector is provided for handling the introduction to a thick-walled, high pressure polymerization autoclave of both monomer and catalyst streams. Said injector comprises an inner, separately enclosed, high pressure catalyst conduit of relatively small cross-section terminating in a fine orifice at its downstream end which substantially coincides with the inner wall boundary of said autoclave, and, surrounding the upstream portion of said catalyst conduit at least, a pressure-tight outer housing of much larger inner cross-section having an upstream monomer supply connection and a downstream fitting for sealing engagement with a matched opening through said thick-walled autoclave. By introducing the catalyst and the monomer through their respective separate passageways of this composite injector, the resultant catalyst stream is released into the monomer stream just as said streams are both emerging into the open space beyond the inner wall boundary of said autoclave.

Abstract: A control and monitoring system for an oxygen generation device having a plurality of chemical oxygen generation elements sequentially decomposed to continuously generate oxygen.

Abstract: An all-pyrotechnic inflator, for generating an inflating gas, includes: an elongated enclosure means, a linear ignitor, and a pyrotechnic material. The elongated enclosure means has a longitudinal axis and an outlet means for passage of the gas. The linear ignitor is arranged within the enclosure means and extends along at least part of the longitudinal axis of the enclosure means. The pyrotechnic material is disposed within the enclosure means and extends along at least part of the longitudinal extent of the enclosure means for combustion and generation of gas upon ignition by the linear ignitor. The enclosure means further includes an inner wall, an outer wall, a nozzle means, and a means for maintaining substantially constant pressure during generation of the gas. The pyrotechnic material is the sole source of the inflating gas.

Abstract: An improved chemical generation apparatus particularly adapted to the generation of chlorine dioxide. This apparatus includes a generation vessel having at least two reducing couplings attached thereto by leak-proof joints thereby forming at least one inlet and at least one outlet to said vessel. The reducing couplings advantageously have surfaces which form an angle of at least 110.degree. with the vessel walls to create a geometry which prevents chemical buildup during operation of the apparatus. The apparatus also has sources of supply for each of the reactive materials connected to said inlet of the vessel though a metering means and an injection check valve.

Abstract: The disclosed gas flow sensor has an orifice connected in an oxygen conduit and a pressure switch connected to the conduit by having a pressure chamber communicating with the conduit. The chamber terminates at a diaphram which is operatively coupled to a normally open microswitch by a spring loaded rod. As the flow rate of oxygen flowing through the conduit drops below a permissible minimum magnitude, back pressure on the orifice decreases so as to close the microswitch to provide a control signal. A bypass valve is connected across the orifice to prevent the oxygen pressure within the conduit from excessively increasing.