Abstract: A fuel reforming system comprises a reforming catalyst section (4) performing reformate reactions on supplied fuel gas, a membrane hydrogen separator (5) extracting hydrogen from the reformate gas, a supply device (8–14) supplying combustion gas for heating the membrane reactor (2), a sensor (16) for detecting the temperature of the membrane hydrogen separator (5) and a controller. The supply device supplies combustion gas to the membrane reactor (2) before the reforming catalyst section starts reformate reactions during startup of the membrane reactor (2). Furthermore the supply device stops supply of combustion gas to the membrane reactor (2) when the temperature of the membrane hydrogen separator (5) is greater than or equal to a target temperature. Thereafter the fuel supply device supplies fuel to the fuel reforming catalyst section (4). In this manner, hydrogen embrittlement in the membrane hydrogen separator can be avoided.

Abstract: An apparatus for parallel processing of reaction mixtures, including a reactor block including reaction chambers for containing reaction mixtures under pressure, the reactor block further including a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a first plurality of fluid flow paths providing fluid communication with the first sidewall and respective reaction chambers and the second sidewall and respective reaction chambers; a stirring system including a base plate defining a second plurality of flow paths, wherein respective flow paths of said second plurality of flow paths are in fluid communication with respective reaction chambers and respective fluid flow paths of said first plurality of flow paths, and the base plate also supports a plurality of stirring blade assemblies for mixing the reaction mixtures; interchangeable manifolds supported by the first sidewall and the second sidewall, the interchangeable manifolds defining a plurality of manifold inlet/outlet ports, wherein respective inlet/outlet ports of sa

Abstract: The sample temperature regulator is provided with a heating block (3) having a sample container holder (6) and a temperature-controllable heater (7) and with a cooling block (4) having a cooling mechanism (11). These two blocks are combined with each other through a connecting plate (15) made of a material having a thermal conductivity lower than those of these blocks. This constitution can reduce heat transfer between the heating block and the cooling block and allows them to have wide temperature regulating ranges, as well as increased heating capacity and cooling capacity, respectively. Further, this constitution makes the structure of the temperature regulator simple and compact, so that the regulator has increased durability and can be offered at a low price.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for producing carbon black on a substrate. One preferred method includes providing a head assembly including a nozzle, the nozzle including a first injector for injecting a gas such as acetylene, and a second injector for injecting a mixture of a fuel and an oxidant to produce a pilot flame. The head assembly is indexed over a substrate on which is to be deposited carbon black. The acetylene is injected through the first injector, then through a pilot flame emitted from one or more second injectors, and finally toward a substrate to be coated with carbon black, but only when a deposit of carbon black is desired. The method includes ceasing the flow of acetylene, indexing the head assembly away from the substrate on which was just deposited the carbon black after a carbon black deposition sequence, and ceasing fuel gas and oxidant gas flows through the second injector.

Abstract: In a process and a device for the parallel preparation of at least 4n oligonucleotides, at least four inserts each with n reaction vessels are first arranged on a plate (16), each reaction vessel containing a nucleotide initiator base bound to an inert carrier. Particular operations are then carried out in parallel with one another at four stations (28, 30, 32, 34), and in particular a deblocking operation simultaneously in all n reaction vessels of the insert at the first station (28), a first washing operation simultaneously in all n reaction vessels of the insert at the second station (30), a coupling operation in all n reaction vessels of the insert at the third station (32), and, simultaneously in all n reaction vessels of the insert at the fourth station (34), a second washing operation followed by a capping operation followed by a third washing operation followed by an oxidation operation followed by a fourth washing operation.

Abstract: The apparatus for the disinfection of aqueous media in a tank wherein the media is exposed to ultraviolet radiation from a tubular watertight UV source, an electronic control unit is attached to the tank for the control of the UV source, the container is provided with a cover that can be tilted open and has a handle and the source is arranged substantially along a middle axis of the apparatus.

Abstract: An automated chemical synthesizer including a plurality of reaction vessels and an execution time calculator. Synthetic reactions are to be carried out in the plurality of reaction vessels according to a synthesizing process. The execution time calculator is configured to calculate presumed execution time to carry out a predetermined scope of the synthesizing process before the predetermined scope of the synthesizing process is actually carried out.

Abstract: In order to prevent a catalyst for an internal combustion engine from decreasing efficiency by deterioration after long time use of the catalyst, the decreased efficiency of the catalyst is determined, and the internal engine is controlled based on results of the determination so as to maintain high efficiency of the catalyst. The catalyst is installed in an exhaust pipe of the engine. Sensors for detecting conditions of exhaust gas both at upstream side and downstream side of the catalyst are provided, respectively. As for the sensor, for example, an oxygen sensor of which output varies stepwise at &lgr;=1, or a sensor of which output varies in proportion to air-fuel ratio can be used. Detected values of the sensors are taken into a control unit, eliminating efficiency and deteriorating degree of the catalyst are estimated by comparison of the detected values, and the engine is controlled so that the eliminating efficiency becomes maximum.

Abstract: The process for producing hydrogen gas according to the present invention consists of reacting aluminum with water in the presence of sodium hydroxide as a catalyst. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also described. The apparatus comprises an expandable container wherein the pressure and temperature of the reaction causes the container to expand and contract to control the degree of immersion of a fuel cartridge in water and consequently to control the intensity and duration of the reaction.

Abstract: Sterilization apparatus, for medical instruments and similar objects, which is easy to handle and/or remove and which is mainly formed by a casing (1) provided with a sterilization boiler (11) and means for performing the sterilization process. The sterilization apparatus comprises a double-walled boiler (11) whereby fluid (13), such as demineralized water, which is present between the inner wall (3) and the outer wall (12), is heated by heating elements (17, 18) so as to achieve a sable temperature of the boiler wall as well as to generate steam (16). The apparatus further comprises a water reservoir (19), pump (21) and valve (22) for supplying water to the boiler and means (23, 24) for controlling the level of water, a valve (25) through which generated steam (16) can be injected into the sterilization chamber, a water-ejector (31) for drawing a vacuum in the chamber, and an aeration valve (29) for releasing the vacuum.

Abstract: A washing vessel capable of housing an endoscope is formed in an apparatus body. A washing solution containing a detergent is spurted against the endoscope arranged within the washing vessel for washing the endoscope. Also, an oxide-based disinfecting-sterilizing solution is supplied into the washing vessel for disinfecting-sterilizing the endoscope after the washing step together with the washing vessel.

Abstract: A waste is dry-distilled in a gasification furnace and generated combustible gas is combusted in a combustion furnace. A temperature in the combustion furnace is set to be substantially constant at a first preset temperature or more. When the temperature in the combustion furnace is greater than the first preset temperature by combustion of other fuels, the combustible gas is introduced. When the temperature in the combustion furnace reaches a second preset temperature or more by the combustion of only the combustible gas, the combustion of the other fuels is finished. When the temperature in the combustion furnace falls below a third preset temperature the combustion of the other fuels is resumed. When the temperature in the gasification furnace falls below a fourth preset temperature, the combustion of the other fuels is finished.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for monitoring and/or controlling treatment of aqueous systems including water cooling systems are provided. The present invention includes a self-contained treatment unit for controllably bleeding water from an aqueous system and delivering treatment agents, such as inhibitor agents and/or anti-biofouling agents, to treat conditions, such as scale, corrosion, biofouling or the like within the aqueous system.

Abstract: An apparatus for parallel processing of reaction mixtures, including a reactor block including reaction chambers for containing reaction mixtures under pressure, the reactor block further including a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a first plurality of fluid flow paths providing fluid communication with the first sidewall and respective reaction chambers and the second sidewall and respective reaction chambers; a stirring system including a base plate defining a second plurality of flow paths, wherein respective flow paths of said second plurality of flow paths are in fluid communication with respective reaction chambers and respective fluid flow paths of said first plurality of flow paths, and the base plate also supports a plurality of stirring blade assemblies for mixing the reaction mixtures; interchangeable manifolds supported by the first sidewall and the second sidewall, the interchangeable manifolds defining a plurality of manifold inlet/outlet ports, wherein respective inlet/outlet ports of sa

Abstract: Methods and kits that use nucleotide analogs to confer increased accuracy and improved resolution in the analysis and sequencing of oligonucleotide mixtures are provided.

Abstract: A compact, portable, and user-friendly duct sanitizing apparatus and method, for new construction and retrofitting to existing air conditioning and heating systems, which can be professionally or nonprofessionally installed and then easily serviced by a non-professional.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a reformer and a method of controlling the reformer are provided. The reformer gasifies a reformate fuel by a reforming reaction, supplies the obtained reformate gas to an energy converter to convert the reformate gas into energy of another form, and heats the reformate fuel by burning emission containing unreacted flammable gas produced in the energy converter. The control apparatus comprises a reforming amount assessing device for assessing the amount of the reformate fuel to be gasified, and an emission amount assessing device for assessing the amount of emission to be supplied into the reformer on the basis of the assessed amount of reformate fuel. When using the unreacted hydrogen gas generated in a fuel cell for heating the reformate fuel, the unreacted hydrogen gas and combustion aid gas can be controlled so that the reformate fuel is heated properly.

Abstract: A unitary container housing having a plurality of sealed compartments each containing a dry composition which will gradually release an antimicrobially active gas upon exposure to moist air, and each compartment being separately openable to expose its contents to the environment, and a method of using the same.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and an apparatus for identifying and quantifying components in an effluent stream from an ammoxidation reactor, the apparatus comprising a microprocessor; and a Fourier Transform infrared spectrometer having a sample cell through which may flow a portion of the effluent stream, an infrared source to emit infrared radiation and pass the infrared radiation through the effluent stream, an infrared detector to detect transmitted infrared radiation at the selected infrared wavelengths and to generate absorbance data due to absorbance of the infrared radiation by the components, wherein each of the components absorbs infrared radiation at one or more of the infrared wavelengths, and an output apparatus to provide the absorbance data to the microprocessor; wherein the microprocessor is programmed to identify and quantify each of the plurality of components based upon the absorbance data and calibration data, the calibration data being obtained from recovery run analyses and calibrat

Abstract: There is provided an automated sampling system for taking polymer samples from a fluidized bed, gas phase reaction system which utilizes at least one volatile, hazardous monomer. The sampling system provides minimal sample-to-sample variability, improved reactor control and polymerization operability which minimizing potential exposure or release of the volatile, hazardous monomers.

Abstract: A device for preparing a sterile liquid includes structure for validating a sterilization treatment applied to the liquid. The validating structure includes structure for calculating, from at least one operating parameter of the device, a parameter representing a sterilizing value for the sterilization treatment, and structure for comparing the calculated parameter to a threshold value corresponding to the sterility of the liquid.

Abstract: A sanitizer which utilizes hot air to destroy bacteria upon household products such as nursery, bathroom and kitchen items. The sanitizer includes a base, heating element, fan, and a sanitizing chamber with spacers which allow optimal placement of the products being sanitized. The sanitizer includes a vented cover which allows operation within a set temperature range and fast cool down when the sanitizing process is complete.

Abstract: A scent emitting device incorporates a specially adapted prerecorded playback cassette and playback device, with the prerecorded cassette including one or more scent emitting cartridges and the playback device including scent dispersal apparatus. The recording includes inaudible and/or invisible signals which trigger the scent production mechanism of the player to actuate the scent emitting apparatus. Upon receiving an appropriate signal from the recording, the apparatus actuates a small pump which withdraws a small quantity of the desired scent from the appropriate scent cartridge and sprays the selected scent into a plenum, whereupon it is vaporized and dispersed into the ambient air by a fan or other suitable device. Each prerecorded cassette may include one or more (preferably several) scent cartridges, with the player preferably including a series of syringes for automatically penetrating each cartridge of the cassette as it is inserted into the player.

Abstract: A fragrance emitter used with internet is disclosed. The fragrance emitter is able to emit various kinds of fragrance stored in vessels according to the command sent by a frequency detector which is used to search for the existence of a specific frequency specially used by a specific web site. Therefore, when the existence of a specific frequency matches with a predetermined frequency, the electromagnetic valve is able to activate the movement of a valve mounted on a fragrance vessel in an air tight manner, such that the fragrance is ventilated and mix with the air by a fan.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing an instrument having an exterior and a proximal end in a chamber of a sterilizing apparatus, the method including the following steps: washing the instrument with a rinse fluid; removing bio-burden from the instrument with a bio-burden removing fluid; stabilizing a sterilization temperature at which sterilization of the instrument occurs; sterilizing the instrument; a first rinsing of the instrument with the rinse fluid; and a first drying of the instrument. The sterilizing step includes: applying to the instrument a first application of a sterilizing fluid at a first predetermined flow rate and applying to the instrument a second application of the sterilizing fluid at a second predetermined flow rate. The first application includes a first predetermined sequence of pulses of the sterilizing fluid and a driving fluid. The second application includes a plurality of pulses of the sterilizing fluid.

Abstract: Sterilant monitoring assembly includes an external housing defining an inlet and an outlet, and an internal flow path extending therethrough. An internal housing is located within the external housing and substantially surrounded by the internal flow path. The internal housing defines an interior sensor chamber therein, and includes a valve arrangement to join the interior sensor chamber selectively in fluid communication with the internal flow path. Preferably, the valve arrangement of the internal housing is defined by a base portion and a cover portion moveable relative to each other between an open position and a closed position. In one embodiment, the cover portion has an open end section configured for sealing engagement with an opposing surface of the base portion when moved axially to the closed position. In another preferred embodiment, the base portion and cover portion include mating peripheral walls.

Abstract: A method of and system for object-oriented real-time mechanical control of automated immunochemistry instruments. The mechanical control method and system has an object-oriented attribute which incorporates and implements one or more of the following characteristics: encapsulation of functionality, information hiding, abstraction, concept of nouns and/or verbs or properties and/or methods, inheritance, specialization, and generalization. The mechanical control method and system has a real-time attribute which satisfies the requirement that certain actions of one or more units of the automated immunochemistry instrument must occur at a specific time in order for the instrument to function correctly, wherein the control system responds to inputs and other stimuli and causes various units of the instrument to respond appropriately in a timely manner.

Abstract: A vaporizer (14) supplies hydrogen peroxide and water vapor to a high level disinfection or sterilization region (20). Mid-infrared light detectors (32) detect light in the mid-infrared range which has traversed a region of the treatment chamber in a first narrow spectrum centered at 8,000 nanometers which is absorbed by the hydrogen peroxide vapor, a second narrow spectrum which is absorbed by the water vapor, and a third spectrum that is absorbed by neither the hydrogen peroxide vapor nor the water vapor. From these measurements, an absorbance or transmittance is determined (40) from which the concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and water vapor are determined (42). Monitored temperature (44) and the determined concentrations are converted into a percent saturation (54). The supply of hydrogen peroxide and water vapor to the chamber is controlled (60) in accordance with the determined percent saturation.

Abstract: The apparatus for the disinfection of aqueous media in a tank wherein the media is exposed to ultraviolet radiation from a tubular watertight UV source, an electronic control unit is attached to the tank for the control of the UV source, the container is provided with a cover that can be tilted open and has a handle and the source is arranged substantially along a middle axis of the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for disinfecting and testing the electrical safety of a transesophageal echo—TEE-probe. The apparatus comprises a receptacle adapted to receive the TEE-probe, apparatus for supplying the receptacle with a disinfection fluid and with a rinsing fluid, apparatus for removing any fluid from the receptacle, and an insulation tester having a first contact within the receptacle and a second contact connectable with the TEE-probe. The disinfecting and testing of the electrical safety is executed by supplying the receptacle with a disinfection fluid, disinfecting the TEE-probe, and removing the disinfection fluid. The receptacle is then supplied with a rinsing fluid and the TEE-probe is rinsed from remaining disinfection fluid. When the TEE-probe has been rinsed and before removing the rinsing fluid from the receptacle, an electrical safety test is executed with the TEE-probe by using the rinsing fluid.

Abstract: An odor-eliminating apparatus that is disposed in or affixed to the inside of a container door or the underside of a container lid and adapted to emit an odor-eliminating gas every time the closed door or lid is opened and reclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a battery operated ozone-generating module adapted for attachment to the inner surface of the container lid and including an orientation sensor that reacts to the door opening/closing and triggers the module to generate a predetermined amount of ozone gas and release it into the container. The ozone gas reacts with the organic odor molecules in the container to destroy the odor molecules and create therefrom a healthful mixture of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing an instrument having an exterior surface at substantially room temperature includes a chamber having an interior compartment for receiving and housing the instrument. The interior compartment is maintained at a predetermined compartment temperature while the instrument is being sterilized. The chamber is releasably engagable with a portion of the instrument to support the instrument within the interior compartment. A fluid injection mechanism is in fluid communication with the chamber for supplying fluid to the chamber and for maintaining the fluid at a predetermined fluid temperature while the instrument is being sterilized. The chamber includes at least one fluid outlet for directing a flow of fluid onto the exterior surface of the instrument. The chamber further includes at least another fluid outlet to direct the flow of fluid onto the portion of the instrument engaged by the chamber.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing a hollow endoscope having a conduit is disclosed. An end of the endoscope conduit is connected to a sealed vessel such that the endoscope conduit is in fluid communication with the sealed vessel. The endoscope is placed in a sterilization chamber and the chamber sealed. The sterilization chamber is run through sterilization cycles in which the pressure within the chamber is varied. During the pressure variation within the sterilizing chamber, sterilizing gas is drawn from the sterilizing chamber via the endoscope conduit into the vessel. During the pressure variation the inner surface of the endoscope is subjected to sterilizing conditions in addition to the outer surface of the endoscope. In a preferred embodiment the sterilizing conditions are provided for by ozone gas in the presence of a humid atmosphere of at least 95% water saturation. The sterilization process is operatively simple and reduces the chance of human errors caused by false interpretation and handling.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing an instrument having an exterior and a proximal end in a chamber of a sterilizing apparatus, the method including the following steps: washing the instrument with a rinse fluid; removing bio-burden from the instrument with a bio-burden removing fluid; stabilizing a sterilization temperature at which sterilization of the instrument occurs; sterilizing the instrument; a first rinsing of the instrument with the rinse fluid; and a first drying of the instrument. The sterilizing step includes: applying to the instrument a first application of a sterilizing fluid at a first predetermined flow rate and applying to the instrument a second application of the sterilizing fluid at a second predetermined flow rate. The first application includes a first predetermined sequence of pulses of the sterilizing fluid and a driving fluid. The second application includes a plurality of pulses of the sterilizing fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to method and apparatus for synthesis of polymers, and specifically teaches the use of polymeric sheets suitable for the synthesis of small quantities of oligonucleotides such as DNA.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided articles for use in non-invasive measurements of nitric oxide levels in a variety of fluid media, e.g., in mammalian body fluids. Articles according to the present invention comprise a nitric oxide trapping agent contained within a vessel, wherein the vessel comprises a semi-permeable membrane. Nitric oxide diffuses through the semi-permeable membrane and is trapped therein for subsequent quantitative analysis. Articles of the present invention are particularly useful in selectively detecting nitric oxide in the presence of other NOx species.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and an apparatus for identifying and quantifying components in an effluent stream from an ammoxidation reactor, the apparatus comprising a microprocessor; and a Fourier Transform infrared spectrometer having a sample cell through which may flow a portion of the effluent stream, an infrared source to emit infrared radiation and pass the infrared radiation through the effluent stream, an infrared detector to detect transmitted infrared radiation at the selected infrared wavelengths and to generate absorbance data due to absorbance of the infrared radiation by the components, wherein each of the components absorbs infrared radiation at one or more of the infrared wavelengths, and an output apparatus to provide the absorbance data to the microprocessor; wherein the microprocessor is programmed to identify and quantify each of the plurality of components based upon the absorbance data and calibration data, the calibration data being obtained from recovery run analyses and calibrat

Abstract: A control apparatus can maintain a substantially constant temperature of a reforming reaction in which a partial oxidation reaction occurs. The control apparatus can be used for a reformer that reforms reformats fuel into fuel by an endothermic reforming reaction and a partial oxidation reforming reaction. The amount of oxygen supplied for the partial oxidation reaction is determined based on an amount of the raw material and on theoretical endothermic values and exothermic values of the respective reforming reaction and partial oxidation reaction.

Abstract: An apparatus for the remote or local delivery of stored or real-time aroma sensory information to an end user of a multimedia device. The present invention includes an aroma converter for encoding aroma information into electrical signals, a delivery system for delivering the electrical signals, and a retrieval system for receiving and processing the electrical signals to control the aroma or combination of aromas emitted by one or more aroma release chambers.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for printing arrays of molecules and methods for printing these arrays. More particularly, the invention relates to a gene pen apparatus that may be used for delivering arrays of oligonucleotides on solid supports from a multiplicity of reagent reservoirs through flow controlling means. The flow controlling means may for example, be either a pin valve means or a wicking means.

Abstract: Solid phase combinatorial synthesis is carried out in a multi-reactor synthesizer comprising an array of separate reactor cells (1-9) containing a solid reaction support medium (26). Subsets of the reactor cells (1-9) are interconnected with one another in a desired pattern, and, in a first reaction step, reagents (A, B, C) are circulated through the subsets. After the first reaction step is completed, the reactor cells (1-9) are rearranged into a new configuration of the subsets, and the same, or other, reagents (A, B, C) are circulated through the new subsets. The process can be repeated to produce large numbers of compounds differing from one another.

Abstract: A detection system for detecting contaminant gases includes a converter, a detector, a primary channel for delivering a target gas sample through the converter to the detector, and at least two scrubbing channels for delivering a reference gas sample through the converter to the detector. Each of the scrubbing channels includes a scrubber for removing basic nitrogen compounds from the reference gas sample, while the primary channel preferably transmits the target gas sample without scrubbing. The converter converts gaseous nitrogen compounds in the target gas sample to an indicator gas, such as nitric oxide (NO), and a control system directs the flow of a gas sample among the primary channel and the scrubbing channels. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the basic-nitrogen-compound concentration can be measured by comparing the concentration of the indicator gas detected in the reference sample with the detected indicator-gas concentration in the target sample.

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: The present invention provides a system and method for real-time monitoring and control of anti-microbial cycle parameters within a load-simulation device 6. The system and method simulate the same conditions as those within an acceptable standard challenge load to be sterilized. Integration of the system into a control system 17 allows critical anti-microbial parameter levels to be achieved and maintained within the simulated load throughout a cycle, thus resulting in a significant reduction in the number of unsuccessful cycles. A redundant parameter-monitoring system 100 within the system is included. When acceptable parameter levels are shown to have been met, the processed load is automatically released for use immediately upon completion of the cycle, thus eliminating the need for biological indicators and chemical integrators.

Abstract: A vial cap holder and cap piercer for holding vials of varying sizes sealed with pierceable caps, said holder comprising: a frame, a holder adjustably mounted to said frame, a plate mounted on said frame below said holder, the plate having an aperture, a cup mounted on top of said plate for receiving a pierceable cap of said vial, a retractable needle for piercing the pierceable cap of the vial and to communicate with the contents of the vial, a driver for extending and retracting said needle, and a tongue pivotally mounted to the holder, the tongue having a beveled surface for receiving the vial.

Abstract: A device and method for efficiently synthesizing diverse molecular products on substrates. A parent vessel 200 contains a suspension of substrates. The suspension is pressurized with argon and transferred to a plurality of reaction vessels 201-209 in one or more reaction vessel banks where monomer addition reactions take place. Optionally, the substrates may be tagged with a tag monomer. A vortexing motor 300 vortexes the contents of reaction vessels 201-209 during monomer addition reactions to enhance synthesis. After the desired monomer and/or tag monomer addition reaction, the suspension is pressurized with argon and transferred back to parent vessel 200 for mixing. Thereafter, the suspension may be pressurized with argon and reallocated among reaction vessels 201-209 for further synthesis.

Abstract: A purifier treating a batch of liquid with ozone uses a reversible pump that directs liquid flow along different courses during forward and reverse pumping. In a forward mode, the pump directs ozonized liquid through a purification course that purifies the liquid; and in a reverse mode, the pump withdraws ozonized liquid from the purification course and redirects the withdrawn liquid to a reverse destination, which can be a purified liquid output or a return of the withdrawn liquid to a liquid container.

Abstract: A forced hot air method and apparatus for efficiently and rapidly sterilizing dental and medical implements in a confined space. Implements to be sterilized are positioned in a removable caddy supported within a chamber. Fresh air from outside the housing; is drawn into a plenum and heated. A blower rapidly circulates hot air within the chamber to quickly sterilize the implements. Sterilization can be completed within 3 minutes at temperatures of about 325.degree. F. After sterilization, air from outside the housing is rapidly circulated within the chamber without being heated to quickly cool the implements.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for conducting solid phase oligomer synthesis. The apparatus includes a reaction vessel in which a solid phase support is contained. The reaction vessel has a top opening through which gases and solvents can be delivered by way of a series of conduits and valves. The reaction vessel is interconnected through a bottom opening therein and through a series of conduits and valves with a vessel or series of vessels containing a reagent or series of reagents, respectively, required for the synthetic reaction. The reagent vessel serves a both a source of reagent delivered to the reaction vessel and as a repository for unused reagent returned thereto from the reaction vessel. Reagent delivery and mixing is gas-driven using an associated source of an inert gas.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for generating, administering, extracting and recovering sterilant gas for sterilizing and/or decontaminating enclosed spaces such as, for example, interior spaces of microbial isolators, and also to components associated with such apparatus and methods. Specifically contemplated herein, inter alia, is an arrangement and a method for automatically, and in a selected one of a predetermined and a predeterminable sequence, carrying out at least two of the steps of: providing decontaminant gas; initiating the administration of decontaminant gas into a target volume; and extracting gas from the target volume. This arrangement and method may conceivably be utilized in contexts other than contexts of apparatus and methods for generating, administering, extracting and recovering sterilant gas for sterilizing and/or decontaminating enclosed spaces.