Abstract: A chemical reactor comprises packing media which promotes plug flow through the reactor. The packing media comprises a plurality of stacked plates, each plate comprising an array of upwardly protruding dimples separated by downwardly protruding dimples. The plates are stacked with the down dimples lying above the up dimples of the plates below to thereby form rows of compartments. The up dimples comprise four transfer ports to provide even flow of fluid from a compartment in one row to each of the adjacent compartments in the adjacent rows. The method achieves plug flow in the reactor and causes two fluids to mix by the use of turbulence and shear at each transfer port.

Abstract: A thermal decomposition trap includes a trap main body (21) having an inlet port (26) for supplying a gas to be thermally decomposed and an outlet port (27) for exhausting the gas, and a heater (23, 25) for heating the gas supplied in the trap main body (21). An oil trap (28) containing an oil and having an oil discharge port (29) and a valve (V3) connected thereto is formed on a bottom portion of the trap main body (21). Particles generated by thermal decomposition of the gas are precipitated in the oil in the oil trap (28). The oil containing the particles is easily discharged in a short time period by opening the valve (V3) mounted on the oil discharge port (29). An oil-free auxiliary pump is arranged between a reaction chamber and the thermal decomposition trap, whereby a mass flow rate of exhaust from rate in the reaction chamber is not reduced regardless of the arrangement of the thermal decomposition trap.

Abstract: A gas mixer and distributor has an array of parallel gas mixing and distributing tubes which extend from a first chamber through successive second and third chambers. Respective coaxial tubular sections surround the tubes and communicate between the second and third chambers. Openings in the walls of the tubes communicate from the third chamber into the tubes. The first gas is fed into the first chamber for distribution into the first ends of the tube. The second gas is fed into the second chamber and passes through the annular passages formed by tubular sections over the tubes into the third chamber. The annular passages provide indirect heat exchange between the first and second gases to produce uniform temperature and density of the second gas in the third chamber before passing into the tubes through the tube wall openings.

Abstract: An appliance for sterilizing contact lenses or the like includes a reaction vessel for containing the lenses in sterilizing contact with hydrogen peroxide solution and two catalytic elements for decomposing the hydrogen peroxide during the lens sterilization. The first catalytic element decomposes a portion of the initial concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the solution during the lens sterilization, and the second catalytic element accelerates combined decomposition of the reduced concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the solution resulting from decomposition by the first catalytic element, in order to achieve sufficiently reduced terminal hydrogen peroxide concentration at completion of the lens sterilization for safe contact by the eyes of a wearer with residues of hydrogen peroxide at the terminal concentration which may adhere to the sterilized lenses.

Abstract: The specification discloses a medical instruments sterilization container (10) which includes a housing (12) and a removable lid (14). A removable tray (16) is adapted to hold various medical instruments to be sterilized. The container is formed of a polymer of relatively low thermal conductivity, with a material having a relatively high thermal conductivity being added thereto in order to substantially increase the overall thermal conductivity of the container to absorb radiant heat and rapidly conduct that heat throughout the container to reduce condensate within the container.

Abstract: An acoustical wave trap is combined with the rupture disc or relief valve used in vessels for storing potentially explosive materials. The acoustical wave trap operates to substantially reduce the magnitude of the rarefaction wave produced within the vessel when the rupture disc or relief valve opens, and thereby simplifies the pressure relief requirements.

Abstract: A replacement flange for the end of a catalytic converter is provided by a pair of generally L-shaped coupling elements which have their base portions opposed and seated in an elongated channel element which permits one coupling element to slide therein relative to the other. The opposed edges of the flange coupling elements are generally arcuate to fit about the end pipe of the converter and have recesses to seat the flanges on the sides of the converter body. Assembly is effected by mounting one coupling element to the automobile support structure about the converter end and then sliding the other coupling element sideways into engagement therewith and mounting it to the support structure.

Abstract: A blood reservoir device comprising a generally flexible blood collection chamber having an inlet portion and a main portion. The inlet portion is preferably sized and configured such that blood entering the inlet portion will avoid turbulence and will undergo generally laminar flow through the inlet portion, into the main portion of the chamber. A vent tube is provided for venting coalesced or collected gas bubbles from the top edge of the chamber. Additionally, one or more filter elements may be positioned within the chamber to further facilitate removal of air bubbles from blood passing through the chamber.

Abstract: A device for sterilizing products packed in cylindrical containers, includes an elongate, essentially cylindrical housing and an essentially cylindrical rotor located therein which can be driven via a central shaft. The circumferential wall of the housing is provided on the inside with a helically running, raised rib. The rotor is designed as a cage having a plurality of rings placed behind each other, the center line of which coincides with the axis of the rotor, and a plurality of raised ribs fastened to the circumference of the rings parallel to the axis of the rotor. The outer edge of the ribs on the rotor is located near the inner edge of the helically running rib on the inner wall of the housing so that spaces are formed between the ribs for receiving the cylindrical containers. Within the rotor between neighboring rings bracing elements in the form of pipes are provided to reinforce the rotor.

Abstract: A method for reducing the build-up of residual levels of ethylene oxide in a polymeric medical instrument sterilization container (32) is provided. The container (32) is electroplated in a tank (50) with successive layers of copper, nickel and chromium. The layers of copper, nickel and chromium provide a protective coating of material dense enough to prevent the ethylene oxide from penetrating to and being absorbed by the less dense polymeric container (32). Thus the polymeric container (32) may be repeatedly sterilized without a hazardous build-up of residual ethylene oxide.

Abstract: An improved trickle valve is provided which includes a curved tubular body portion terminating at its bottom end with a valve seat. The trickle valve also includes a flapper plate which is pivotably mounted to cover the valve seat when the valve is in the closed position and which swings away from the valve seat when the valve is in the open position. Importantly, the tubular body portion has a predetermined radius of curvatuve sufficient to increase, under conditions of use, the stability of the dipleg solids level over that of trickle valves having a straight run tubular body portion. Indeed, the radius of curvature of the tubular body portion preferably is in the range of from about 11/2 times to 21/2 times the diameter of the tubular body portion.

Abstract: Nozzle designs and processes introducing the regeneration air into a catalytic cracking unit are disclosed which reduce the probability of erosion induced nozzle failures. Novel features include nozzle length, tip design, and orientation with respect to the air headers.In one aspect of the invention at least one of the nozzles is positioned substantially vertically downwardly. In another aspect of the invention at least one of the nozzles has a length greater than the outside diameter of the pipe. In another aspect of the invention at least one of the nozzles is provided with a beveled tip. In still another aspect of the invention, at least one of the nozzles is provided with a baffle on its tip.

Abstract: A lens support structure for holding a pair of contact lenses in a lens storage container includes a support frame having an integral stem portion and surface support means for the respective lenses. The support structure also includes a pair of lens holding members pivotably mounted on the support frame in which each holder member includes a basket-like cover portion which overlies the surface support means in the pivotably closed portion for enclosure of a respective lens therebetween.

Abstract: A sterilizing tray for holding objects while they are being sterilized in a sterilizing solution. At least one end of the sterilizing tray is equipped with a top pivoting end door whose latch can be released by tipping the end of the sterilizing tray against the work surface. Once the latch is released, the weight of sterilized objects in the tipped sterilizing tray pushes the end door open, thereby depositing the sterilized objects neatly on the work surface without their ever having been touched by the user.

Abstract: In a sterilizing container for surgical instruments comprising a bottom part and a lid sealingly positionable thereon, with a seal made of an elastically deformable material extending around the lid along the outer circumference thereof and being fixed to the lid by means of a profiled strip, in order to effect a simplified attachment of the profiled strip to the lid without changing the lid, it is proposed that the profiled strip consist of a plastic material with a hard rating and be adhesively bonded to the inside of the lid.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided an arrangement which can be used in particular in a media-mixing nozzle assembly intended for use with or to be incorporated in a contact reactor. The nozzle assembly enables a first medium to be mixed with a second medium. This medium mixture is used to clean a contaminated medium fed to the contact reactor, by bringing the contaminated medium into contact with the medium mixture, this mixture containing an absorbent which is capable of reacting with the contaminants in the contaminated medium. The first medium and the second medium are supplied under overpressure to a mixing chamber provided in the nozzle assembly and located upstream of the exit orifice of a nozzle.

Abstract: A cassette for dental instruments includes two substantially identical trays with each tray having a hinge to permit removable assembly of the tray to the other tray to form the cassette or enclosure. Each tray has apertures or holes wherethrough liquid cleansing agents can be sprayed into and can be drained out of the tray. Ribs are removably mounted into the trays and are held in spaced substantially parallel positions therein. At least one of the ribs has a clamping device for holding dental instruments in positions substantially transverse to the ribs. An intermediate locking plate is removably mounted into each tray above the ribs to further secure the dental instruments in their clamped positions in the tray. The two trays when assembled together as a cassette are readily washed, autoclaved, stored and transported together, while each tray can contain a separate set of dental instruments.

Abstract: Apparatus for sterilizing contact lenses wherein the lenses are moved in a circular orbit within a microwave oven through variations of energy levels in the microwave field in the oven, with the orbit of movement being spaced from the floor of the oven.

Abstract: An appliance for disinfecting contact lenses wherein the lenses are disposed within a lens disinfecting solution which produces a gas during the disinfecting action. The appliance has a container body with a lens holder for supporting a pair of contact lenses within the container and a removable cap with a vent means which seals the container to prevent contamination while permitting the venting of gases developed during the disinfecting action. The vent consists of a post positioned in a bore such that the post does not obstruct passage of gas from the inside of the container through the bore and a resiliently deflectable apertured diaphragm through which the post protrudes. The aperture in the diaphragm deflects away from the post when the pressure within the container exceeds a threshold pressure. Once the pressure within the container is equalized with the ambience, the diaphragm resiliently deflects to close the vent thereby protecting the contents of the container from contamination.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sterilizing system for sterilizing containers. In accordance with the invention, an external actuating element is provided in an autoclave chamber structure to hold special closure elements and/or the container lid in an open position and to bring them into a closed position before the autoclave is opened.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process and apparatus for fluid catalytic cracking (FCC). Output of an FCC riser feeds a riser cyclone. A downstream end of the riser and the riser cyclone are located within a reactor vessel (disengaging vessel) having sidewalls. Cracked hydrocarbons in the output pass from the riser into a riser cyclone and discharge from the reactor vessel without being added to a reactor vessel atmosphere. A stripper cap divides the reactor vessel atmosphere into upper and lower portions. The stripper cap and a lower portion of the reactor vessel sidewalls define a stripping zone. A riser cyclone dipleg extends through an opening in the stripper cap into the stripping zone. A chimney vent conduit is provided for conducting stripped hydrocarbons out of the stripping zone without being added to the atmosphere of the reactor vessel above the stripper cap.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for the insertion of carrier elements with comb-like titer strips into a microtiter plate and to provide a convenient holder for washing the titer strips. The apparatus provides a container and a changing insert with guide lamellas and space rods for holding the carrier elements.

Abstract: A lid structure for a polypropylene container is formed of a three ply laminate and a rehealable silicone rubber top layer adhered to the laminate. The laminate is polyester, polyvinylidene chloride and polypropylene heat sealed to the top rim of the container.

Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor and operating process is disclosed, the reactor including a distributor plate to provide distribution of fluid passing upwardly into a fluidized bed; a mixing chamber positioned below the distributor plate; fluid entry conduits, preferably at the base of the reactor, for the passage of fluid into the reactor; and a flow deflector associated with the entry conduit for providing at least an upwardly fluid flow path and an outward fluid flow path along the wall of the mixing chamber to inhibit the accumulation of solids and liquid in the mixing chamber.

Abstract: Equipment for measuring the rate of erythrosettling of blood comprises a plurality of pipettes, a rack for holding the pipettes upright, and a closure element for the bottom end of each pipette. The rack includes an elongated pedestal, a portal attached to the pedestal, a plurality of seats adapted to receive the pipettes by snap action and formed in the portal, and a bridge element associated with the portal and straddling it. The bridge element is displaceable elastically from a home position to a working position interfering with the pipettes, for simultaneously removing the pipettes from their snap-action holding seats. The invention affords the advantage that the operator is not required to come in contact with the blood being analyzed.

Abstract: A holding fixture for medical use, serving to support and fix articles, such as medical instruments, that are to be sterilized, and intended for mounting on a support panel, composed substantially of two parts: a retaining post, provided at least in part with profiling, that is to be locked into place on the support panel, and a bracket that can be slipped onto this retaining post, the mounting aperture of the bracket being such that it is lockable by positive engagement with the retaining post. By this principle, the most varied kinds of holding fixtures, adapted individually to the position and shape of each instrument, can be devised with a minimum number of different components. These brackets can easily be locked in place and released again by exerting pressure and tension upon corresponding regions of the brackets, making them extremely simple to use.

Abstract: A thermowell assembly consists of an elongated tube member including a channel and having a plurality of arm members disposed at diverse lengths and extending into the channel of the tube member. Thermocouple guide tubes including passageways for receiving a thermocouple are disposed in the channel of the elongated tube member with a terminal end portion of each thermocouple guide tube being mounted to respective arm members.

Abstract: The present application is directed to medical sterilizer device with an improved latch mechanism and method and, more particularly, to a new and improved sterilization device in the form of a sterilizer case of medical applications relative to the use of instrument sterilization and storage. The case of the invention provides an effective storage container and method for sterilizing medical instruments and/or equipment by fluid (gas or steam) techniques.

Abstract: An oxygen injector assembly for directing substantially pure oxygen into the path of an effluent or exhaust stream from a primary reformer process for mixing of the oxygen with the effluent, the assembly comprising an oxygen delivery tube for discharging the oxygen into the path of the effluent, and a cooling jacket disposed around the outer periphery of the delivery tube for moderation of the ambient temperature conditions surrounding the oxygen injector assembly and thus compensating for the increased temperature conditions created by the mixing of the oxygen with the effluent in lieu of mixing air therewith.

Abstract: An appliance for disinfecting/sterilizing contact lenses having a valve for the venting of gases liberated from the lens solution in the form of a deformable, polymeric plug which is movable between a closed and an open position, depending on the pressure of the gases.

Abstract: A vortex adapter, and method of its use, suitable for holding a plurality of tubes to be vortexed, comprising: an elongated handle; a base fixed to the handle, the base comprising a plurality of holding means, wherein a tube can be positioned within each holding means; and a nipple fixed to the base, wherein the nipple can be inserted into a cup of a vortexing machine, and wherein when the nipple is inserted into the cup and the cup is caused to vibrate the tubes held within the holding means are subject to vortex forces from the cup.

Abstract: A system to make walls for catalyst baskets for heterogeneous synthesis reactors, particularly the distribution walls which are inserted in axial reactors in order to modify them into substantially radial (or axial-radial) reactors with low energy consumptions. The distribution walls are divided into n sections. By attaching each section end to a device consisting of two flange elements, the radially longer one protruding over the distribution wall, the invention achieves truing and stiffening of the entire device. The other end extends slightly into the inside of the catalyst bed. Between the internal walls of the basket and the perforated distribution sheet, an airspace is formed by using separating rods or, in their absence, using a perforated bridge plate as the distribution wall.

Abstract: A porous structure consisting of one or more packings each consisting of honeycomb blocks arranged in a first direction in the plane of the packing perpendicular to the nominal direction of fluid flow through the structure. Each block includes partition walls which define channels inclined to the nominal direction and provided in parallel rows arranged in the first direction. The walls include intersections by which the channels of each row are spaced apart from each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The walls define a pair of voids between the adjacent channels of each row, at least one of the voids constituting part of the channels of the adjacent rows. Perforations are formed through the walls in a direction intersecting the rows of channels, for fluid communications between the adjacent channels of each row and adjacent rows.

Abstract: A gas mixer and distributor for a reactor has first and second inlet chambers with the second inlet chamber being interposed between the first inlet chamber and an entrance to a reaction chamber. Walls form tubular or slit-like passageways extending from the first chamber to the entrance of the reaction chamber through the second chamber. Upper portions of the passageways have uniform cross-sections selected to produce gas velocities above the flashback velocity, as well as producing turbulence to completely mix gas passing from the second chamber through orifices in the walls of the passageways. Lower sections of the passageways gradually increase in cross-section to reduce velocity and minimize vortexing and recirculation at the entrance to the reactor chamber.

Abstract: A pipette canister formed from a thermoplastic material. The canister withstands dry heat above 160.degree. C. reduces breakage of glass pipettes stored within, and the material is free from metal oxide residues.

Abstract: An improved air distribution device for distributing fluidizing gas to a bed of fluidized solids. The distribution device is arranged to maintain a bed of fluidized particles above a planar region of air injection and allow withdrawal of solids from below the region of air injection. The fluidizing gas is distributed to a bed of fluidized particles by a central dome and a series of horizontally extending branch pipes arranged about the periphery of the dome. In order to improve the structural integrity of the apparatus and the operation of the device, the horizontal branch pipes are attached to a knuckle region of the central dome by a series of extruded outlets that minimize stress concentrations in the branch pipe connection and locate outlet holes in the branch pipes at an elevation close to the outlet holes in the dome.

Abstract: Catalytic regenerators, nozzle designs and processes suitable for introducing regeneration air into a catalytic cracking unit which substantially reduce erosion induced nozzle failures include at least one nozzle which has at least one planar surface generally parallel to the nozzle's longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A storage container or carrying case for contact lenses has a screw-on cap on which baskets for hanging the lenses vertically inside the canister are swingably suspended on a hinge plate which also holds the annular gasket for the cap closure when it is screwed down on the canister. A single helix thread on the outside of a tubular extension of the canister, for meshing with a similar internal thread on the rim of the cap, has a vertically running gap of a few degrees in width and a shallow channel is recessed in the flat flange surface just below the threading at the same orientation as the gap in the thread. The tightness of the closure is thereby readily adjustable to prevent leakage of a treating solution for the lenses from the closed canister in the event that it is knocked over while at the same time permitting escape of gas when the treating liquid includes hydrogen peroxide and a wafer is provided near the flat bottom of the canister to activate or modify the peroxide action.

Abstract: To eliminate the necessity for additional seals or indicator tapes in a closure for a sterilizing container comprising a bottom part and a lid, with a pivotable locking bar which in a closed position fixes the lid in the closed position on the bottom part and in an open position releases the lid for removal from the bottom part, and with a safety closure for the locking bar which is damaged when the locking bar is pivoted from the closed position to the open position, the safety closure includes (i) a data carrier card which can be pushed into or put into a holding device on the locking bar, on the lid, or on the bottom part, (ii) a securing member to prevent removal of the data carrier card from the holding device when the locking bar is in the closed state, and (iii) a marking element to penetrate the data carrier card secured in the holding device during pivotal motion of the locking bar from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: A sterilizer having a bottom part and a lid with a pair of pivotable closure bars mounted on the lid and adapted to be moved between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the closure bar coacts with a detent to fix the lid to the bottom part. The free end of the closure bar is angled outwardly for ease of grasping the bar. A stop is provided which defines the open position of the closure bar. When in its open position, the closure bar is generally parallel to the top of the lid and is adapted to be used as a carrying handle for the lid.

Abstract: The apparatus for mixing multicomponent plastics, in particular polyurethane, has a steadying attachment 1 which is arranged at the outlet orifice 12 of a mixing head 10. The steadying attachment is equipped with a plurality of lamellae 3 which are movable in the region of the emerging mixture of components and run in the direction of flow of the said mixture. Advantageously, the lamellae can be moved forward and back in a guide housing which has webs 2 which occupy the space between the lamellae and thus ensure cleaning. Steadying is achieved by greater friction with the wall and an increase in the outflow cross-section.

Abstract: A sterilization, storage, and presentation container, the container including a tray and a cover which can be inverted to form a second tray. Instrument support means are provided through insert boards, dividers, clip retainers and open-cell, synthetic foam devices. The insert boards include holes for the passage of the sterilizing medium and the holes in the lower insert board can receive pegs to further support the instruments.

Abstract: A container for holding dental or medical implements within the sterilization chamber of a clinical sterilizer includes a bottom tray and a cover element which cooperatively effect a Morton-type closure. The cover element is adapted to permit viewing of the sterilized contents of the container without disturbing the closure. The cover element may be a transparent flexible sheet held against the sidewall of the bottom tray by a clamp, with the sidewall, cover and clamp together effecting the Morton-type closure.

Abstract: A container comprising a top cover for placement on a base support. The top cover may be placed in a first position on the base support to allow steam or gas to enter within the container and a second position for providing a seal between the cover and base support.

Abstract: Apparatus for installing pipes in multipipe type gas-liquid contact equipment comprises a bush which can be mounted on the inner peripheral surface of a pipe installation bore formed in a deck for pipe installation within the multipipe type gas-liquid contact equipment, a cylindrical head which is provided on the upper end of the pipe, the head being capable of penetrating in conjunction with the pipe through the bush, and a collar member which can be fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical head. In this apparatus, the collar member is fitted to the cylindrical head, and the installation of pipes is performed by rotating the collar member.

Abstract: An autoclave tray for sterilization of surgical components and equipment includes slotted, polysulfone holders each having a base portion, a body portion and a connecting portion wherein the connecting portion is narrower than both the base portion and the body portion, the body portion being designed to receive and hold at least one surgical component, a tray arranged with oblong slots for receiving and holding one or more synthetic holders wherein the oblong slots include a narrow channel portion and an enlarged keyhole portion. The holders may be positioned in the oblong slots by passing the leading edge of the base portion through the enlarged keyhole portion of the slot and sliding the connecting portion along and within the narrow channel portion. The tray further includes a plurality of steam holes disposed about the surface of the tray.

Abstract: A mounting frame for a block-type parallel mounting of catalyst plates is provided. The block mounting has frame members separated by a distance substantially corresponding to the width of the catalyst plates to be mounted. The frame members are provided with a series of guide slots open on top for admission of the catalyst plates. On the bottom edges of the frame members, there are provided base supports for the bottom edges of the catalyst plates. The frame members themselves also form lateral supports for the catalyst plates to prevent movement thereof when mounted in the module. The mounting modules, once loaded with the planar elements, can be combined into a larger frame in a horizontal mode, or they can be vertically stacked, such as in the flue of a combustion furnace itself. The plates are typically pre-coated with a material that is catalytic to further the conversion of the gaseous compounds passing thereby.

Abstract: A medical instruments sterilization container (10) includes a housing (12) and a removable lid (14). A removable tray (16) is adapted to hold various medical instruments to be sterilized. The container is formed of a polymer of relatively low thermal conductivity, with a material having a relatively high thermal conductivity being added thereto in order to substantially increase the overall thermal conductivity of the container to absorb radiant heat and rapidly conduct that heat throughout the container to reduce condensate within the container.

Abstract: An appliance for disinfecting contact lenses wherein the lenses are disposed within a disinfecting solution which liberates a gas during the disinfecting process. The appliance has a container body with a removable cap which forms a sealed chamber having a normally closed vent conduit, and a lens holder is provided to support the contact lenses within the container body. The cap includes a resiliently deflectable flange which defines a check valve in the conduit which is deflected by excessive pressure within the container to open the valve enabling passage of effluent gas from the chamber through the conduit.

Abstract: A liquid-gas bubble separator comrising a container having an inlet for a fluid which includes liquid and gas bubbles, an outlet and upstream and downstream vents. A filter element is provided in the container between the inlet and the outlet. The filter element permits the passage of the liquid and inhibits the passage of the gas bubbles. The filter element is between the upstream and downstream vents so that gas bubbles which do not pass through the filter element can be vented through the upstream vent, and any gas bubbles downstream of the filter element can be vented through the downstream vent. A bypass passage is provided around the filter element. A portion of the filtered fluid is recirculated through the bypass passage to prevent forward flow through the bypass passage when the filter element is clean, and such recirculating flow is terminated when the filter is clogged to a predetermined degree to thereby open the bypass passage for forward flow.