Abstract: A device for exhaust gas treatment includes an exhaust gas line through which an exhaust gas can flow in a flow direction, a supply for feeding a reducing agent into the exhaust gas line, a regulating unit for dosing the reducing agent to be supplied, and a carrier body for bringing about a chemical reaction of the reducing agent with at least one constituent of the exhaust gas. The carrier body is positioned downstream of the supply in the flow direction, and the carrier body has at least one metallic base body at least partially including a coating with a storage capability for the reducing agent. Two methods for the dosed provision of a reducing agent, especially a solid reducing agent, are also provided. The methods and device allow economical use of the reducing agent while guaranteeing an approximately 100% reaction of the nitrogen oxides contained in the exhaust gas.

Abstract: A plurality of vessel holder means 14 are mounted around a revolving body 12 at an equal circumferential spacing. Each vessel holder means 14 includes two holders 26, 26 for carrying two vessels 4, 4 in vertical alignment. A path along which the revolving body 12 revolves contains an inversion interval C-D and an upright transfer interval D-B and A-C. Inversion means 16 which inverts the vessel holder means 14 about a tangential axis O1 is located within the inversion interval C-D while an electron beam irradiator 24 is located within the upright transfer interval A-C. Vessels which are fed at a vessel feed position A and carried by the holders 26 are subject to the irradiation of the electron beam at an electron beam irradiation position E, then inverted, and when it reaches the electron beam irradiation position E again, the opposite surface is subject to the irradiation of the electron beam. Vessels 4 are inverted again and then discharged at a vessel discharge position B.

Abstract: The presently disclosed debris collection system includes an elongate body having a first end, a second end, and a bore extending therethrough. The first end of the elongate body is hermetically closed while the second end has an opening. The elongated body is made of an impermeable material. A cap fixed to the elongated body and has a bore extending therethrough. A port, which is attached to the cap, is designed for introducing fluid into the elongated body. A watertight seal, such as a gasket, is attached to the cap. The seal is also made of an impermeable material. In operation, a liquid is introduced into the debris collection system. A surgical tool must then be introduced into the system. Thereafter, a vortex is created within the system to debride debris from the surgical tool.

Abstract: A multichannel array structure is provided and a mechanism for establishing a viscous flow within the multichannel array for preventing the flow of particulates (???material) that cause window clouding. A process chamber is provided for confining a process pressure within a process volume with a viewport window along the chamber for viewing at least a portion of the process volume. A ingress port is disposed in the process chamber, and to the process volume, for receiving a flow of process gas in the process volume and an egress port is disposed, and in the process chamber, to the process volume for extracting a flow rate of gas from the process volume. A multichannel array (MCA) is disposed between the viewport window and the process volume of the process chamber. The MCA has a plurality of channels, each of the channels having a diameter and a length. A window chamber is defined between the viewport window and MCA with a chamber window port for receiving gas into the chamber volume.

Abstract: Improved methods for making hole transport molecules (HTMs) that are incorporated into imaging members, such as layered photoreceptor devices, to increase the photoreceptor's “hole mobility,” or its ability to move charge, across its charge transport layer (CTL). Embodiments pertain to a continuous process for making N,N-diphenyl-4-biphenylamine and a system for performing the same.

Abstract: A method and system for using spatially modulated excitation/emission and relative movement between a particle (cell, molecule, aerosol, . . . ) and an excitation/emission pattern are provided. In at least one form, an interference pattern of the excitation light with submicron periodicity perpendicular to the particle flow is used. As the particle moves along the pattern, emission is modulated according to the speed of the particle and the periodicity of the stripe pattern. A single detector, which records the emission over a couple of stripes, can be used. The signal is recorded with a fast detector read-out in order to capture the “blinking” of the particles while they are moving through the excitation pattern. This concept enables light detection with high signal-to-noise ratio and high spatial resolution without the need of expensive and bulky optics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the orientation of a gas analyzer. Because condensation can build-up in a filter of the gas analyzer, it needs to be purged from the analyzer so that accurate readings can be made. By having a orientation device built-in, the analyzer can be purged at the desired orientation so that, as much water, can be purged, as possible, to the designated outlet.

Abstract: The current invention relates to an apparatus for the production of stable oxy-chloro acid. The invention allows for simple ion exchange while modifying the pH to allow the chlorous acid to be in a stable form so that it does not rapidly degrading into chlorine dioxide and can be used as an effective biocide and cleaning composition. The apparatus also provides for an uninterrupted production of chlorous acid, which allows for the use of chlorous acid to be used in batch or continuous cleaning treatments.

Abstract: A system and a method to detect biological and chemical agents in a sealed contained at, for example, a mail-processing center. The system includes filtration and vacuum subsystems cooperatively working to draw an air sample from the interior of the particulate containment system for evaluation by a biosensor or chemical analyzer to detect the presence of a contaminant. The vacuum subsystem includes a vacuum generator, flow meters, and pressure regulators to accommodate the varying volume within the particulate containment system. The filtration system includes an inlet filter and a high efficiency particle air filter (HEPA) filter. The inlet filter removes coarse impurities, such as dust and dirt, from the incoming air to improve sensor efficiency. The HEPA removes contaminants from the air sample prior to being released to the surrounding environment, thereby eliminating the possibility of spreading the contamination outside the particulate containment system.

Abstract: An oxidation reactor includes a reactor body, a manhole nozzle projecting from the reactor body, and a partition plate separating an inside of the manhole nozzle and an inside of the reactor body from each other. In an oxidation reactor including the reactor body and a nozzle projecting from the reactor body, there is provided a means for feeding an inert gas into the nozzle. In a process for producing (meth)acrylic acids by subjecting propane, propylene or isobutylene to catalytic gas-phase oxidation reaction in an oxidation reactor for producing (meth)acrolein or (meth)acrylic acid, the above oxidation reactor is used as the oxidation reactor. In a method for analyzing an easily-polymerizable compound by introducing a gas containing the easily-polymerizable compound into an analyzing apparatus through a sampling tube, a double tube is used as the sampling tube, and a heating medium is fed into an outer tube of the double tube.

Abstract: Fibres with an extraction phase coated thereon in combination with a positioning device are described to perform adsorption of components of interest from an animal or animal tissue for the investigation of living systems. A number of interfaces to analytical instrumentation are disclosed including mass spectrometry, LC/MS, MALDI and CE as well as direct spectroscopic on-fibre measurement.

Abstract: A disinfectant dispensing system includes a dispensing device implemented to dispense a predetermined amount of disinfectant. The system further includes means for detecting the presence of a user within the vicinity of the system, means for detecting use of the dispensing device, and means for recording the presence of a particular user within the vicinity of the system and use of the dispensing device by said user. A related system for equipment cleaning includes equipment having embedded RFID tags associated with cleaning devices with corresponding RFID readers. Various methods of using the systems are also included.

Abstract: A fan unit (10) for purifying air comprises a fan housing (20), a rotatable fan body (30)disposed within the housing (20), the fan body having a flow inlet cavity (36) and an air purifying lamp (40) disposed at least partially within the flow inlet cavity (36), whereby, in use, air drawn into the housing (20) through the flow inlet cavity (36) is purified by radiation emitted from the lamp (40).

Abstract: An air purifying device including a mounting body configured for connection to a duct or a plenum of an air handling system is provided. A low-profile porous substrate including a photocatalyst is connected to and extends from the mounting body. An ultraviolet lamp is connected to and extends from the mounting body adjacent to the low-profile porous substrate for activating the photocatalyst. The present invention further provides methods of purifying air within an air handling system.

Abstract: A tamper-proof seal is disclosed for use in connection with sterilization containers. The seal includes a body portion including a sterilization indicating material and a tongue extending from the body portion. The tongue may be in the form of a laminate consisting of a pair of substantially inert outer layers sandwiching a high shrink inner layer. The tongue is designed to engage the latch mechanism of a sterilization container when the container is in the closed position and the latch mechanism is in a latched position. Upon exposure of the container to sterilization conditions, the tongue shrinks, causing the outer layers to fold upon themselves to form at least one pleat. The container latch mechanism cannot be opened without fracturing the tongue of the seal, thereby providing visible evidence of the latch mechanism being opened.

Abstract: The invention relates to the dough and pancake industry, and all new industries wherein a product undergoes nixtamilization. The invention more particularly relates to a rotary reactor for nixtamalization, having a better capacity for homogenization of the reagents in both the process and product. The advantages of reactors included in the invention when compared to prior art is that they enable a higher degree of homogenization of the trinomial water, lime and product to be nixtamalized and make it possible to control the homogenization operation of the trinomial without damaging the soft grains and to achieve homogenization of the temperature throughout the entire mass of the product.

Abstract: A sorbent media protective device includes an enclosure having a gas inlet, gas outlet and a thin-film multilayer indicator. The thin-film multilayer indicator is proximate sorbent media that can sorb a vapor of interest flowing from the gas inlet towards the gas outlet. The indicator includes a porous detection layer whose optical thickness changes in the presence of the vapor, located between a semireflective layer and a reflective layer permeable to the vapor. With equilibration at the applied vapor concentration between at least a portion of the media and the vapor, the vapor can pass through the reflective layer into the detection layer and change the detection layer optical thickness sufficiently to cause a visibly discernible change in the indicator appearance if viewed through the semireflective layer.

Abstract: A modular system used to visually inspect the interior of storage tanks and to simultaneously collect samples to analyze the products stored. The modular internal inspection system includes an assembly made up by a pneumatic controller (2), a pneumatic module (3), an interface module (4), a control module (5), an operation module (6), and several connection cables (7a, 7b, 7c). The system may be remotely operated and allows recording the images and the data collected during inspection. The modular internal tank inspection system is used in storage tanks (1) of any geometric configuration, normally found in industrial installations. Furthermore, because it is an intrinsically secure system, it may be used on tanks that store different types of liquid fuels, with no risk of explosion.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a multi-step process of converting hydrocarbon fuel to a substantially pure hydrogen gas feed includes a plurality of modules stacked end-to-end along a common axis. Each module includes a shell having an interior space defining a passageway for the flow of gas from a first end of the shell to a second end of the shell opposite the first end, and a processing core being contained within the interior space for effecting a chemical, thermal, or physical change to a gas stream passing axially through the module. The multi-step process includes: providing a fuel processor having a plurality of modules stacked end-to-end along a common axis; and feeding the hydrocarbon fuel successively through each of the modules in an axial direction through the tubular reactor to produce the hydrogen rich gas.

Abstract: A system is provided for easily and efficiently managing a compliance monitoring process and for dynamically generating an inspection report. The system includes a database that contains data that identifies specific information about a device, system or environmental element that is located and to be inspected at a particular site. The database also contains data that identifies specific information to be obtained during an inspection of the specific devices, systems or environmental elements at a particular site. Furthermore, the database can be easily updated to correspond with changes in the laws and/or regulations applicable to a particular site, or to correspond with changes to the devices, systems or environmental elements located at a particular site. The inspection report includes the data from the database, and is dynamically generated soon before an inspector inspects a device, system or environmental element at a particular site.

Abstract: Multiwell plate applications are describe for use with a plurality of fibres having an extraction phase coated thereon in combination with a positioning device. The device and method described are able to perform adsorption of components of interest from a biological system in high volume.

Abstract: The present invention includes a disposal system for disposal of medicated oral dosage forms comprising: 1) a container having a top, a bottom, and a sidewall, the container having a plurality of apertures located thereon; 2) a uni-directional port for securing a medicated oral dosage form within the container wherein the uni-directional port allows the medicated oral dosage form to be easily inserted into the container, but prevents the medicated oral dosage form from being removed from the container such that the medicated oral dosage form is secured within the container; and 3) a fluid propulsion device and system, such as a dishwasher, for disposing of the medicated oral dosage form, wherein the fluid propulsion device causes or directs a fluid to penetrate the container through a single aperture or the plurality of apertures in the container, thus causing the fluid to dissolve and dispose of the medicated oral dosage form.

Abstract: There is disclosed a germicidal treatment system having a status indicator. The germicidal treatment system comprises at least one mounting assembly attachable to an outside of a wall of an air handling apparatus. Each of the mounting assemblies includes a germicidal lamp and a ballast. The germicidal lamp is coupled to the ballast. The germicidal treatment system includes a power cord to receive electrical power and to provide electrical power to the ballast. A status indicator to indicate the functioning status of the germicidal treatment system.

Abstract: Use of calibrant in extraction phase is described for quantification of components of interest in samples in laboratory application as well as in on-site monitoring. This approach is particularly useful for in-vivo investigation of living systems.

Abstract: The use of an isomer of anthracene disulfonic acid as an inert fluorescent tracer is described and claimed. The utility of this type of inert fluorescent tracer in boiler systems to trace unwanted carryover of boiler water into a steam line is also described and claimed.

Abstract: A self-contained closed loop system and method for detecting contaminants in, on, and around objects. The system includes an air duct subsystem connecting at least one sensor to a sealed housing containing a rotating container. Air from the sealed housing is circulated past a sensor to detect, for example, biological or chemical contaminants. If a contaminant is detected, an indicator is set and a contaminant neutralizer is optionally injected into the air duct subsystem.

Abstract: Processes for preparing controlled samples of particles, including microorganisms and cells are described. A sample of particles is provided and separated into a predetermined number of desired particles by particle separation means. The predetermined number of particles is dispensed into a receptacle or onto a surface in accordance with a sorting instruction, with the receptacle or surface being positioned by collecting means so as to receive the dispensed particles. A sorting instruction from the particle dispensing means activates the collecting means such that when a sorting instruction has been actuated, so as to deliver a predetermined number of particles into a receptacle or onto a surface which is positioned accurately for sufficient time to collect all sorted particles, the collecting means advances and positions a subsequent surface or receptacle for receipt of particles, the collector means thereafter signaling the particle separation means to commence the next sorting instruction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing the concentration of a gaseous sterilant in a sealable enclosure. An indicator is provided that has a chemistry such that the indicator changes color when exposed to vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP). The chemistry is adapted to react when exposed to a specific minimum concentration of vaporized hydrogen peroxide for a specific minimum period of time. In this manner, it can be visually determined whether articles (e.g., medical instruments and like devices) located within the sealable enclosure have been exposed to a minimum threshold of vaporized hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A disposable medical item for use with medical equipment includes circuitry forming an electrical path between the item and medical equipment. The circuitry is coupled to a medical equipment controller or independent microprocessor and includes a fuse. The controller transmits a status signal over the path in response to the equipment receiving the item. A disabled fuse prevents traversal of the path by the status signal, thereby indicating prior item use. If the controller does not detect the status signal, medical equipment operation is disabled. Otherwise, the controller transmits over the path a signal sufficient to disable the fuse to indicate item use and verifies the disabled fuse status. If the disabled fuse status is verified, the controller enables equipment operation. The controller periodically checks the fuse status during equipment operation and disables operation in response to a prior used item inserted into the medical equipment.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting mass based on a frequency differential of a resonating micromachined structure, such as a cantilever beam. A high aspect ratio cantilever beam is coated with an immobilized binding partner that couples to a predetermined cell or molecule. A first resonant frequency is determined for the cantilever having the immobilized binding partner. Upon exposure of the cantilever to a solution that binds with the binding partner, the mass of the cantilever beam increases. A second resonant frequency is determined and the differential resonant frequency provides the basis for detecting the target cell or molecule. The cantilever may be driven externally or by ambient noise. The frequency response of the beam can be determined optically using reflected light and two photodetectors or by interference using a single photodetector.

Abstract: A pressure-sealing, pressure-monitoring closure for non-invasively sealing a reaction vessel to a defined release pressure in microwave-assisted chemistry is disclosed. The closure includes a pressure-resistant, microwave-transparent reaction vessel, one portion of which defines a mouth, a flexible pressure-transmitting releasable cover assembly on the mouth of the vessel, a pressure transducer on the cover and external to the vessel for monitoring the pressure in the vessel as exerted against the flexible cover, and a clamp for urging the vessel, the cover and the transducer together under a defined force so that when the pressure in the vessel exceeds the defined force, the cover can flex and release the pressure from the vessel.

Abstract: Water-based chemical indicator inks for ethylene oxide sterilization processes and methods for its use. The chemical indicator ink contains at least one pH indicator dye selected from the group consisting of Bromocresol green, Bromophenol blue, Methyl red, Ethyl orange, and combinations thereof. The pH indicator dye undergoes an irreversible color change when exposed to ethylene oxide vapor in the presence of low-temperature steam, but when exposed to other sterilization processes either does not undergo a color change or undergoes a color change that is different than is obtained when exposed to ethylene oxide.

Abstract: The present invention provides composite biological devices that include biological material as an integral component thereof. The devices can be used for measuring metals, for example, particularly toxic metals such as mercury.

Abstract: A system for determining the efficacy of a sterilization process and communicating that determination to a remote device. The system includes a sterilization sensor and a reader adapted to receive that sterilization sensor. The sterilization sensor has an indicator that undergoes a predetermined optical change when exposed to a sterilization process. The reader has an illumination source for illuminating the sterilization sensor, a color sensor for evaluating the condition of the illuminated sterilization sensor, and an interpretation circuit for interpreting the output of the color sensor to determine whether the optical change has taken place. The reader also has a communication circuit for communicating data from the interpretation circuit to the remote device. In the preferred embodiments, the sterilization sensor is disposable and the reader is reusable.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for monitoring, analyzing, and/or discriminating molecular species, preferably a biomolecule, within a medium using a multisensor array (MSA) and multivariate processing. Biological compounds such as nucleotides and polynucleotides can be detected and analyzed. A reaction process such as an accumulation cycle of nucleic acids can be monitored, analyzed, and controlled using a multisensor array (MSA) and multivariate processing. Monitoring a biomolecule includes interrogating the medium, and preferably its gas phase, by coupling a sensor responsive to any changes of the medium and or biomolecule and its secondary products when, for example, an amplification reaction is proceeded. It is also a scope of the present invention to use direct detection and monitoring of biomolecular reactions in real-time without radioactive or fluorescent labeling. A preferred application is real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection.

Abstract: Sterilization methods and apparatus are effective to achieve a 6-log reduction in CFUs of industry standard bacteria and bacterial spores, i.e., B. stearothermophilus and B. subtilis spores, by subjecting sterilizable materials to a chemical additive-containing carbon dioxide sterilant fluid at or near its supercritical pressure and temperature conditions. Most preferably, the chemical additive-containing supercritical carbon dioxide sterilant fluid is agitated during sterilization, e.g., via mechanical agitation or via pressure cycling.

Abstract: A system and method that enables early detection of hazardous materials, such as explosives and biological materials, in the early phases of mail handling or processing, is disclosed. The early detection of such hazardous material utilizing the system and method of this invention can be performed while the mail is being processed. The system includes at least two primary elements: an activation sub-system and a sense and analyze sub-system.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for monitoring, analyzing, and/or discriminating molecular species, preferably a biomolecule, within a medium using a multisensor array (MSA) and multivariate processing. Biological compounds such as nucleotides and polynucleotides can be detected and analyzed. A reaction process such as an accumulation cycle of nucleic acids can be monitored, analyzed, and controlled using a multisensor array (MSA) and multivariate processing. Monitoring a biomolecule includes interrogating the medium, and preferably its gas phase, by coupling a sensor responsive to any changes of the medium and or biomolecule and its secondary products when, for example, an amplification reaction is proceeded. It is also a scope of the present invention to use direct detection and monitoring of biomolecular reactions in real-time without radioactive or fluorescent labeling. A preferred application is real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for testing one or more sterilization indicators (e.g., biological indicators or chemical indicators) or other articles by contacting them under controlled sterilization conditions with a flowing antimicrobial gas containing hydrogen peroxide vapor are disclosed. This invention also provides apparatus and method for testing sterilization processes that use a flowing antimicrobial gas containing hydrogen peroxide vapor under controlled sterilization conditions, or for testing materials for such processes under controlled sterilization conditions, or for testing both such processes and such materials under controlled sterilization conditions. There can be an essentially square-wave contact of the sterilization indicators or other articles with the antimicrobial gas (i.e.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using a combination of sonication and ozone to decontaminate pressurized water. The process includes pumping water from a source, such as a creek, river, pond or the like. The water is strained and filtered, and then transferred to a treatment container where it is pressurized for treatment with ozone and ultrasound. The treated water is then piped to a storage tank for subsequent use. The uninterrupted sequential transfer of water from the source, through a treatment container and to the storage tank is accomplished automatically by way of electronic sensors, valves and pumps that are made to communicate with a central processor control unit.

Abstract: A catalyst coating 5 for decomposing ozone in the air is applied to an outer surface of cooling pipes 3 and radiating fins 4 of a radiator 2. A peel sensor 2 is provided on the catalyst coating 5 of the radiator 2 to detect a loss (remaining amount) of the catalyst coating 5. The position of detection of the peel sensor 2 is determined according to a temperature characteristic of the radiator 2, and a flow rate of the air passing through the radiator 2. The position of detection of the peel sensor 2 can be determined easily and appropriately, such that loss and deterioration of the catalyst coating 5 can be detected with high precision.

Abstract: Portable and wearable chemical detector devices, such as badges, that are analyte-general, rather than analyte-specific, and which provide an optimal way to notify and protect personnel against known and unknown airborne chemical hazards. The devices are advantageously low-cost, have low-power requirements, may be wearable and are designed to detect and alarm to a general chemical threat. A sensor device includes two or more sensor devices, a processing module coupled to each of the sensor devices and configured to process signals received from each of the two or more sensor devices to determine an environmental state; and a communication module that communicates information about the environmental state to a user.

Abstract: The invention concerns a climatic cabinet with specimen storage places and a transporting device and a monitoring device for specimen slides. The invention also concerns a device and a method for the monitoring of a climatic cabinet. The monitoring device is designed, with respect to its form and outside dimensions, so that it can be transported by the transporting system and can be laid on one of the specimen storage places and can be removed from a specimen storage place. That has the advantage that the monitoring device can be moved to any place with the already present transporting device, wherein not only individual specimen slides but also specimen slide cassettes can be taken to their storage places and monitored, as well as stationary and movable storage devices in a position at rest and in operation, such as cassette carrier carousels, and parts of the transporting device itself.

Abstract: A system for automatically testing a fluid specimen, e.g., urine, to indicate the presence of specified chemical components in the specimen. The system preferably utilizes an assaying device comprised of a collection cup and a cap which carries at least one test strip. The device includes an integrated aliquot delivery mechanism actuatable to wet the test strip with an aliquot delivered from the fluid specimen. The assaying device is configured to operate in conjunction with an electronic reader device capable of actuating the aliquot delivery mechanism and reading the reaction of the test strip. A preferred reader device defines a keyed receptacle for accommodating a complementary shaped cup housing in a particular orientation. The reader device is comprised of a camera for capturing the image of a test strip, an actuator for actuating an aliquot delivery mechanism, and a microprocessor/controller for (1) controlling the camera and actuator and (2) processing the image.

Abstract: Methyl halide contaminants are oxidized in a reaction chamber containing a methylotrophic bacterium through direct oxidation of the methyl halide contaminant. Methyl halides may be used as a disinfectant, with the remnant methyl halide contaminant oxidized through direct oxidation by the methylotrophic bacterium.

Abstract: A contaminant detection system for mail is provided. A tray of mailpieces is transported along a transport path into a chamber that has a negative pressure maintained by a vacuum system. The tray of mail enters the chamber and is quickly decelerated, such as, for example, by hitting a stop. The quick deceleration compresses the mailpieces in the tray, thereby ejecting air, dust and other particles from the mailpieces into the surrounding environment inside of the chamber. The vacuum system draws the ejected air, dust and other particles into a sampling system that monitors for the presence of a possible biohazard. If any type of contaminant is found in the ejected air, dust and other particles, the tray can be held for further investigation of the mailpieces. If no contaminants are detected, the tray is accepted and the mailpieces are further processed.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling operation of an ultraviolet air treatment device including an ultraviolet lamp positioned to treat air within an air handling system that operates in either an on state or an off state. The method includes activating the ultraviolet lamp, and determining the operational state of the air handling system. The ultraviolet lamp is deactivated upon expiration of a predetermined time period during which the air handling system remains in the off state. The predetermined time period is preferably 30-60 minutes, preferably 40 minutes for residential applications.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for processing fresh perishable products to assure freedom from pathogens and chemical residue from the point just following harvest to the point of delivery to a retail site and later. The methods provide an improved system for assuring and maintaining pathogen-free products, including fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, meat, poultry, game, seafood and flowers, until purchased by the consumer and exceed current standards set by the U.S. government.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring the back pressure in chemical reactor tubes includes many automated features. Inflatable tube seals may be automatically inflated. The device may measure several tubes at once. It may transmit data electronically to a remote computer for analysis and graphic display.

Abstract: A solid detergent dispenser for use with a dishwashing machine includes a chamber and a lid. The chamber is configured and arranged to receive a solid detergent having a particular composition. A water inlet receives water from a water source, and the water flows through a tunnel into the bottom of the chamber. The chamber is flooded with water from the bottom to ensure relatively constant erosion of the solid detergent, which ensures that a relatively constant concentration of the solid detergent is used in the dishwashing machine. A water outlet allows water to flow out of the chamber into the dishwashing machine. The water must flow into the chamber faster than it flows out of the chamber to ensure that the appropriate amount of dissolution of the solid detergent occurs. The only valve used in the preferred embodiment is a valve to control the amount of water flowing into the water inlet.