Abstract: Contact lenses are purified by contact with ozone in a compact system that includes an ozone generator, a purifying liquid in a lens chamber, and a pumping system for flowing liquid and gas in a way that brings ozone dissolved in a purifying liquid into contact with the lenses. In some embodiments, undissolved ozone can also contact the lenses. Several preferred arrangements are shown for accomplishing the lens purification with such an ozone disinfection system.

Abstract: A method of analysis in which a first fluid is delivered to a sensing position at a controlled first rate of flow through a fluid junction. Fluid including this first fluid is pumped to the sensing position at a rate of flow greater than the first rate, whereby to aspirate further fluid into the first fluid at the fluid junction. A condition of the fluid is sensed at the sensing position. Associated analytic apparatus includes first and second pumps (1, 2). The first pump has a pair of ports and the second pump has at least one port. A conduit (4, 5) provides fluid flow communication from a first of the ports of the first pump (1) to the port of the second pump (2). A fluid junction (3) in the conduit (4, 5) is spaced from the second pump for admitting a further fluid to the conduit. A sensor (13) is associated with the conduit (5) to sense a condition of the fluid in the conduit at least at a sensing position between the fluid junction (3) and the second pump (2).

Abstract: Automatic apparatus for cleaning dental handpieces and turbines is in the form of a housing having a compartment with hinged door. Standard motor noses project down from the top of the compartment to receive handpieces or turbines to be cleaned. Cleaning fluids, namely water, a disinfectant and oil are supplied sequentially to the motor noses while internal shafts of the motor noses are rotated by a set of pinions to drive the handpieces or turbines while the fluids are passed through them. The hinged door has an inflatable tube seal.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously performing a multiplicity of synthesis reactions is disclosed. The synthesizer includes at least one reaction vessel having an access port and a synthesis compartment adjacent the access port. A closable exit channel with an exit port is adjacent the synthesis compartment. The apparatus also includes a base having a plurality of inlets, each of the inlets configured to receive the exit channel of the reaction vessel. A fluid outlet is present that is in communication with the plurality of inlets. A vacuum pump and vacuum line are connected to the fluid outlet for sucking excess reagents and by-products from the reaction vessel. The apparatus further includes a shaker for shaking the reaction vessel while synthesis is proceeding.

Abstract: A device for the determination of amino acid sequence of a polypeptide comprises two new features offering great advantages in the cost and efficiency of operation of amino acid sequencers. The sequencer is provided with the capability for the bidirectional flow of sequencing reagents and contains a sample chamber having a bicompositional adsorbent for the polypeptide.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a machine for performing nucleic acid amplification under computer control. The machine utilizes any one of a number of heating and cooling systems under control of a host computer which directs the heating and cooling systems to heat and cool a reaction-chamber-containing heat exchanger at appropriate times in the process. The reaction chambers are pre-loaded with the nucleic acid(s) to be amplified, a thermostable enzyme to catalyze polymerization, specific oligonucleotide primers, and four different nucleotide triphosphates. Also disclosed is the process for the amplification chain reaction implemented by the machine, which utilizes a thermostable enzyme.

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

Abstract: An automated chemical conversion unit for use in a peptide/protein sequencing process. The improved conversion methodology decreases the time necessary for the conversion reaction chemistry of the specific derivative of the sequenced amino acid to a more stable form. The conversion reaction is designed to be performed directly in a fraction collector tube which operates in one embodiment in conjunction with a thermoelectric temperature element to allow utilization of different temperature levels for different amino acid derivatives.

Abstract: A reactor unit for use in extended Claus process plants comprising three or more reactor units, each alternating between operation under high temperature Claus and cold bed adsorption conditions, comprises a sulfur condenser upstream of an associated downstream reactor which are rotated as a unit through operations in the plant. This reduces the number of condensers required. In a further aspect, a potential surge in the plant low pressure steam system is eliminated in comparison with previous similar extended Claus plants.

Abstract: A pressure control apparatus suitable for controlling pressures in autoclaves permits a plurality of autoclaves to be selectably pressurized from a single pressurizing circuit. The apparatus can be externally controlled to more efficiently multiplex autoclaves to the pressurizing circuit and to more efficiently implement different pressure schedules for the autoclaves. Once a pressure has been set for an autoclave maintained in communication with the main pressurizing circuit, the apparatus automatically monitors the position of the pump piston and resets it from either of its extreme limits of movement to maintain pressure at a desired set point. Corresponding methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Test carrier analysis system for the analytical determination of a component of a sample fluid, in particular of a body fluid. The system comprises test carriers (1) with a color formation layer (5) which is attached movably to the test carrier. The color formation layer is in the initial state of the test carrier not in fluid contact with a fluid reservoir layer (4) likewise attached to the test carrier, but can be pressed against the latter by external manipulation. The system also incorporates an evaluation apparatus with a pressure element (10a) for the pressing of the color formation layer (5) and a control unit (25) for controlling the apparatus functions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the sequential treatment of immersed objects with dissolved reagents which is particularly suitable for the treatment of contact lenses. The invention further relates to a kit consisting of the above-mentioned device and a container in which unit doses of reagents are stored.

Abstract: An automatic chemistry machine particularly suitable for the automatic sequencing of DNA on the microliter scale including a source of reagents, a common means to transfer by contact microliter quantities of reagent, below 5 microliters, and a rotatable reaction surface to which said quantities of reagent are transferable, means to control the transfer means to access and contact specific spaced areas of the reaction surface, and means to control the rotation of the surface with regard to the transfer means action, the surface being formed to constrain flow of transferred reagent quantities over the surface and in a reaction area to mix under centrifugal action on faster rotation of the surface.

Abstract: An automatically controlled recirculating high velocity hot air sterilization device includes a housing having a sterilization chamber with a temperature sensor mounted therein, a hot air plenum including a blower in fluid communication with a heating element and sterilization chamber for inputting hor air into and receiving hot air from the sterilization chamber for recirculation, and a control chamber having a temperature sensing circuit connected to the temperature circuit for producing electrical inputs representative of the sterilization chamber temperature, power circuits connected to the heating element and blower, a controller connected to the temperature sensing circuit for monitoring the temperature, and to the heating element and blower circuits for controlling their operation, and a control panel including cycle selection switches for operation, an on/off switch, and temperature and timer/error displays.

Abstract: A self-contained, closed loop steam sterilizer has an integral external boiler. The sterilizer employs a prevacuum sterilization cycle with a dwell phase to promote steam efficiency. A single pump accomplishes all pumping functions in a prioritized manner.

Abstract: A system for treating articles, preferably with a sterilizing, gas is disclosed. The system includes a chamber into which the articles are received and valves for supplying the sterilizing gas to the chamber and for removing the gas from the chamber after a predetermined time period. The sterilizing gas is generated on site from at least two components, thus minimizing problems in the transportation of the gas to the location. The sterilizing gas generated on site is preferably chlorine dioxide and the two components may be chlorine gas and sodium chlorite. The system includes a programmed microprocessor controller for controlling the valves executing a predetermined sequence of instructions. The predetermined sequence of instructions define a state diagram for the system having a plurality of successive states. In order to provide for system safety, the controller preferably employs a plurality of abort states to which the system returns in the event of a failure.

Abstract: A method of generating a sterilizing vapor for use in a vapor sterilizing ocess, the method including the steps of burning a fuel selected from the group consisting of combustible gases and combustible aerosols, whereby hot combustion gases are generated, and introducing a liquid into said hot combustion gases, whereby the liquid is evaporated to form the sterilizing vapor.

Abstract: An unplumbed sterilizer is provided with an exhaust valve means which allows automatic liquid introduction to the sterilizing chamber with the door closed even after a prior sterilization cycle has been run. The exhaust valve means also minimizes the possibility of trapping air within the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for proportioning reaction mixtures, particularly for the manufacture of hard polyurethane foam. The apparatus includes two proportioning cylinders each for proportioning one of the components to a mixing head. The pistons of the two proportioning cylinders can be operated alternatingly for filling the cylinders with the compound and subsequently ejecting the component from the cylinders. Double-acting hydraulic cylinders driven by a common hydraulic pump operate independently from each other the proportioning pistons of the two proportioning cylinders. A servo-controlled proportional valve is provided in each of the connecting lines between the hydraulic cylinders and the hydraulic pump. The control cycles of the proportional valves determining the ejection of the two cooperating proportioning cylinders are adjusted relative to each other so as to temporarily overlap.

Abstract: A device for solid phase sequencing of nucleic acid segments comprises a plurality of sequencing blocks for storaging and processing n nucleic acid fragments immobilized on carrier segments or in homogenous phase during a sequencing process, each of a sample dosing device for immobilizing n labeled nucleic acid samples from the sequencing blocks onto areas of a carrier matrix in a simultaneous fashion and including a capillary holder and a plurality of capillaries corresponding to the number n of different nucleic acid samples to be sequences and arranged according to the distribution of the reaction vessels with a distance between capillary orifices from the capillary holder greater than a depth of the reaction vessels, a plurality of carrier holders for fixing carrier matrices in a predetermined position during the immobilization of the nucleic acid samples with the sample dosing device and each having a recess corresponding to respective dimensions of the carrier matrix and a plurality of bores with a numb

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

Abstract: A conductive liquid is dosed with a vessel having an upper rim and with a dip tube having a lower end projecting down into the vessel below the rim thereof. The vessel is periodically overfilled with the liquid such that periodically the liquid overflows the rim. Immediately after each overfilling of the vessel, the liquid is aspirated from the vessel through the dip tube until the lower end of the dip tube is above the surface of the liquid in the vessel. The resistance between the dip tube and the liquid in the vessel is continuously monitored and an error signal is generated either when the detected resistance falls below a predetermined threshold corresponding generally to that of the liquid after the overfilling but before the aspirating or when the detected resistance is substantially above the threshold after the aspirating and before the next overfilling. The flow of liquid out of the vessel is impeded except over the rim and through the dip tube at least during the aspirating step.

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

Abstract: An extraction and treatment apparatus which includes multiple solvent tanks which are switchably connected to multiple sample tubes in which material to be processed is contained. The sample tubes are filled with solvent from the tanks and drained of their processed contents, under the control of a microcomputer.

Abstract: A separator comprises a central casing including an upper disk and a lower disk, both disks having a plurality of openings, and a plurality of columns extending between the upper and lower disks and in communication with the plurality of openings, an upper casing including a disk disposed in contact with the upper disk of the central casing and having a plurality of openings, and a plurality of columns extending upwardly from the upper surface of the disk and in communication with the plurality of columns of the central casing, a lower casing including a disk disposed in contact with the lower disk of the central casing and having a plurality of openings, and a plurality of columns extending downwardly from the lower surface of the disk and in communication with the plurality of columns of the central casing, and a plurality of receptacles disposed within the plurality of columns. The upper and lower casings are rotated so that the receptacles can be circulated through the columns.

Abstract: An incubation apparatus containing a rack or block with openings capable of receiving containers containing reagents. The rack or block is attached to a heating element for heating containers in the block. The block is driven by a motor actuated by a timer such that at the end of a predetermined time period the block is pivoted whereby containers will fall out of the block and onto a sloping surface on the housing of the incubator. This apparatus provides for the carrying out of reactions for a predetermined amount of time without the necessity of close monitoring of the incubation by laboratory personnel.

Abstract: The method and apparatus are designed to permit of sterilizing surgical instruments by inducing electrolysis in a water solution having pH-value of between 5 and 7.5 and a concentration of chloride ions between 0.45 and 0.85 g/l; the electrolyte is buffered with each sterilizing cycle, and its condition monitored continuously.

Abstract: A multi-reactor hydrocarbon catalytic conversion system includes at least three reactors, a feed source for providing hydrocarbon feed to the reactors and apparatus for sequentially backwardly rotating the reactors during process mode operation of the reactors. In each of a series of sequential cycles, at least one reactor currently operates in a regeneration mode position, while other reactors operate in process mode positions. A reactor having freshest catalyst is in a last process mode position, and a reactor having relatively least fresh catalyst is in a first process mode position. The reactor having relatively least fresh catalyst receives fresh feed first from the feed source, and the reactor having freshest catalyst receives the partially converted feed last. Method and apparatus are provided for rotation of the reactors, without the necessity of stopping operation of the catalytic conversion process while the shifting of the reactors is being performed.

Abstract: An automated disinfection system for a hemodialysis machine having a proportioning pump includes a manifold block having a check valve for connection to a container of disinfection solution. The manifold block has an outlet connected to the suction line of the pump and an inlet connected to a warm water source via a solenoid valve. A timing and control circuit controls the solenoid valve to produce a water rinse cycle when the solenoid valve is open and a disinfection cycle when the solenoid valve is closed. The check valve closes when positive pressure is present in the manifold block during a rinse cycle and opens to admit solution to the pump when negative pressure is present in the manifold block during a disinfection cycle.

Abstract: 1,2-dichloroethane is continuously and completely removed and recovered from the off-gas obtained during the production of 1,2-dichloroethane by subjecting ethylene to an oxychlorination reaction with hydrogen chloride and oxygen. The off-gas is initially contacted with active carbon, then incinerated at temperatures higher than 900.degree. C. and ultimately freed from hydrogen chloride and chlorine, and the active carbon is freed from 1,2-dichloroethane and regenerated by treating it with hot steam. More particularly, the off-gas loaded with the 1,2-dichloroethane and having a temperature of 1.degree. C. to 10.degree. C. is heated to a temperature at least 20.degree. C. higher than the respective dew point of water and contacted with the active carbon.

Abstract: An exhaust processor assembly is provided for processing a flow of combustion product supplied by a source. The processor assembly has a housing including an inlet coupled to the source for admitting combustion product into the housing. The inlet includes first and second diverging nozzles interconnected by a transition section of uniform cross-section. A diverter is positioned in the inlet for interrupting the flow of combustion product traveling through the inlet toward the substrate. The specially configured inlet and the diverter cooperate to substantially uniformly distribute the flow of combustion product introduced into the housing across the inlet face of the substrate. Such uniform distribution provides a distributed exhaust flow designed to load the substrate substantially evenly to enhance combustion product treatment efficiency of the substrate means.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for steam sterilization in which goods are conditioned by removing air and heated to a desired temperature in a chamber. The goods are subjected to a plurality of pressure pulses at above atmospheric pressure by alternate pressurization and venting of the chamber to atmospheric pressure. At the beginning of the process and following pressurization pulses, at or slightly above atmospheric pressure air is flushed from the chamber with steam prior to pressurization. Upon removal of air from the load and the chamber sterilizing environment, the chamber is pressurized until a selected pressure related sterilization temperature is reached. After a timed exposure period, the sterilizing chamber is vented to atmospheric pressure and a vacuum is created in the sterilizing chamber to dry the load.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for analyzing a biological material such as blood serum to determine whether a substance indicative of disease is present. The apparatus utilizes a two-way valve construction for rinsing a cartridge containing the material under analysis at various operating stations.

Abstract: A semi-automatic, solid phase peptide multi-synthesizer is characterized in that it is principally constituted by chemical reactors (2), connected to volumetric solvent proportioners (1) disposed above the said chemical reactors (2) and below a solvent selector (4) supplied with solvent by solvent containers (6) under pressure of nitrogen distribution cylinders (3), as well as a center for adjustment and regulation of very low pressure nitrogen (5), are sequentially controlled by a programmable automation (7) or a microcomputer assuring the carrying out of the synthesis technique. The maximum number of volumetric solvent proportioner (1)--chemical reactor (2) assemblies is equal to the maximum number of peptides which may be produced simultaneously.

Abstract: Ozone is electrically generated by ionization in an ionizing tube (7). The ozone migrates across a hydrophobic semipermeable membrane (25), and diffuses into an isotonic solution for soaking contact lenses for a predetermined duration, preferably on the order of two hours.

Abstract: An apparatus for peptide synthesis in which a plurality of supply valves are arranged in series to define a line for supplying successive reagents to a reaction vessel in which a peptide is to be synthesized. A corresponding plurality of containers contain respective reagents and each, by actuation of its corresponding valve, is connectable through downstream ones of the series of valves to supply its respective reagent to the reaction vessel. For cleaning or reacting with peptide starting material therein further valving permits draining of the reaction vessel to waste and, between applications of successive reagents to the reaction vessel, cleaning of the line of valves by flushing with a cleaning reagent sent from the upstream end of the series of valves through the line to waste.

Abstract: Inert gas is supplied to a closed reagent reservoir for reagent dosing in producing gaseous measuring samples according to the "hydride method". Thereby, reagent is pressed into a sample vessel through a reagent dosing conduit. A manometric switch is provided at the inert gas connecting conduit to produce a defined reagent flow, by means of which manometric switch a valve located in the connecting conduit is driven into its closed position, if a preset pressure has been reached.

Abstract: A technique, including an apparatus, for automatically regenerating a catalyst used in a process for obtaining a product in an exit stream from a raw material in a feed stream of a reactor, comprises determining the concentration of raw material in the feed and exit stream and obtaining a value for the catalyst selectively as a function of the difference between the concentrations. When a selected selectivity is reached, which is indicative of the need for the catalyst to be regenerated, regenerator equipment is activated for regenerating the catalyst in the reactor. To continue the process, the feed stream is transferred to an auxiliary reactor during regeneration of the primary reactor, which contains regenerated or fresh catalyst.

Abstract: Apparatus for carrying out a multiplicity of different sequential chemical syntheses on solid-supports simultaneously comprises a multiplicity of complementary support plates each formed with a reaction chamber opening through the plate and containing the solid-support together with at least one by-pass channel through the plate. The by-pass channel or channels and reaction chamber are disposed equi-angularly and at the same radial distance about an axis of the plate. The plates are rotatably supported in compression in face to face contact between end plates complementary to the plates and each formed with a blank position and passages for at least one reactant stream. Means is provided for independently rotating each plate whereby each reaction chamber of each plate may independently be isolated or positioned in the or a selected reactant stream.

Abstract: An aroma-generating unit adapted to periodically discharge into the atmosphere bursts of aromatic vapor, the non-aromatic intervals between the bursts having a duration sufficient to avoid desensitizing the olfactory response of those exposed to the unit. The unit includes a hollow case whose upper wall has a vent therein and whose side wall has a slot to receive a replaceable cartridge provided with a porous mat impregnated with an aromatic liquid. When fully inserted, the cartridge is disposed below the vent and serves to define an air-confined chamber within the case. Disposed in this chamber is an electrical heater that is periodically energized by power pulses to heat and expand the confined air and to produce a positive pressure in the chamber forcing the heated air through the impregnated mat to rapidly volatilize the liquid and to produce bursts of aroma which are discharged into the atmosphere through the vent, which bursts are separated by relatively long, non-aromatic intervals.

Abstract: A high pressure mix-head for use in reaction injection molding systems includes a full cross section plunger and a piston valve assembly selectively positioned in response to recirculation and pour cycles to control flow through recirculation passages formed on the O.D. surface of a mix-head sleeve.

Abstract: A reactor plant is described comprising separate compressor and expander, and several reaction chambers. Solid reactant within each said reaction chamber is alternately compressed with reactant gas from the compressor and subsequently the consequently reacted gases are expanded through the expander. Rapid gas with solid reaction occurs since the reactant and reacted gases are alternately flowing into and out of the pore spaces of the solid reactant where a large area for reaction exists. Reacted gases are recycled back through repeated cycles of compression and expansion until adequately reacted after which they are replaced with fresh reactant gases.

Abstract: In an apparatus for synthesizing polynucleotide including a plurality of reactors, bottles charged with reagents and solvents, and change valve means for switching passages between respective bottles and the reactors, the improvement comprises mode selector means between a pressure source and the reactors for switching liquid supply or discharge operation and distributor means for closing or opening passages connected with the reactors to selectively operate the reactors.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for automatically constructing a polypeptide of high purity, up to 50 amino acids in length, using only single couplings. The apparatus includes an activation system for receiving protected amino acids, one kind at a time, having a common vessel (an activator vessel) in which to activate each of the amino acids. Also included is a reaction vessel for containing a resin used in solid-phase peptide synthesis for attaching a peptide chain thereto. A transfer system is also provided, which operates under control of a computer, to transfer the activated species from the activation system to the reaction vessel and to transfer amino acids, reagents, gases, and solvents from one part of the apparatus to another.

Abstract: A pulsed flow, balanced double jet precipitation apparatus and process are disclosed in which a silver salt solution and a halide salt solution are mixed in a primary mixing zone defined within a reaction vessel having a gelatin solution therein and in which pulses of a predetermined volume of the silver salt solution and the halide salt solution are alternately introduced at substantially the same point in the primary mixing zone with a predetermined pause between each pulse.

Abstract: A continuous reactor for forming polymeric materials from reactive components for use in a system for mixing monomeric materials and the process of operation of the continuous reactor and system.

Abstract: A method of operating an expandable chamber formed with a valve opening in a wall of the chamber, which permits the surrounding environment, such as high temperature steam, to enter the chamber is used. A temperature responsive delay valve closes the chamber to capture a quantity of the steam in an autoclave sterilizing cycle. The closing of the valve is delayed until the high temperature steam has been applied for a predetermined time. A later reduction in pressure surrounding the chamber causes the chamber to expand, which provides an indication that an adequate sterilizing cycle has been provided. The expansion force may also be used to permit a container to close at the end of a sterilizing cycle.

Abstract: An air treatment apparatus operating in conjunction with a conventional type of air conditioning apparatus through which air moves in an air stream. The air treatment apparatus is to be loaded with any one of a plurality of interchangeable cassette type containers. Each container is to contain a particular type of a liquid substance such as an air freshening chemical. The air treatment apparatus is to be electrically controlled to operate through a pump to be dispensed as a plurality of short bursts of the substance within the air stream of the air conditioning apparatus at preselected intervals.

Abstract: A steam sterilization system for a fitting machine having dispensing nozzles connected to a source of product supply, the sterilizing system including a novel autoclave apparatus and a novel condensate purge system. The autoclave structure causes sterilizing steam to flow downward through the inside of the dispensing nozzle to its open ended bottom where it reverses and flows upward between the inside face of a reversing tube and the outside face of the dispensing nozzle to a series of holes through the sidewall of the reversing tube where it emerges and goes down between the outside face of the reversing tube and the inside face of the autoclave shell thereafter passing down into a steam and condensate line. Condensate formed within the dispensing tube drips out the bottom of the dispensing tube and through an aperture at the bottom of the reversing tube, the condensate effectively sealing the bottom of the reversing tube to steam.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled, general purpose gene synthesizer for programmably synthesizing selected nucleotide sequences. Depending upon a programmed chemistry, metered volumes of selected bases and reagent/solvents are sequentially metered into the bottom of a reaction cell containing solid-supported nucleotides, where desired linkages are achieved in an agitated suspension. Self-refilling syringe metering and electrically initiated, pneumatically operated valving insures economical, non-contaminated synthesis. Preprogrammed, selectable chemistries and operator programmed sequences are operatively coupled under microprocessor control to ensure a general purpose synthesizer.