Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a decomposing system for polyisocyanate residues that is capable of suppressing reaction of polyisocyanate residues with high temperature and high pressure water to allow smooth start-up of the operation, and a start-up method for the decomposing system for the polyisocyanate residues. The decomposing system is used for hydrolyzing the polyisocyanate residues to polyamine using high temperature and high pressure water, comprising a hydrolyzer, a water feed pipe connected to the hydrolyzer, a residual feed pipe connected to the water feed pipe, a solvent feed line for filling an organic solvent in a solvent filling portion of the residual feed pipe, and a solvent draining line. Upon start-up of the operation, the organic solvent is previously filled in the solvent filling portion via the solvent feed line and the solvent draining line, first, and then, the high temperature and high pressure water is fed from the water feed pipe to the hydrolyzer.

Abstract: A new, novel and useful disinfection and purification system comprised of organic compounds in synergistic action with selected metal ions and method of manufacture and use. One of the benefits that is derived from this system is the ability to quickly and easily treat a surface, fluid or medium for disinfection of bacteria, fungi, viruses, algae and protozoans, with a non-toxic, non-chlorinated mixture that effectively kills all such organisms in minutes or hours. The disinfection and purification system remains effective for long periods of time maintaining its disinfection capacity making it highly effective for stored or transported mediums such as potable drinking water. The disinfection and purification system may be incorporated with carbon block or membrane filters to disinfect filtered liquids such as water to render it potable.

Abstract: A diagnostic device is provided that includes a plurality of retainment regions, with the retainment regions that are separated by at least one dissolvable barrier. The retainment regions can be interconnected through at least one fluid processing passageway. A retainment region can include a container such as a retainment region, well, chamber, or other receptacle, or a retainment region such as a surface on which the material is retained. The retainment regions can include a reaction retainment region, one or more reagent retainment regions, each containing unreacted reagents, and a sample retainment region. A pressure-actuated valve can be positioned in each fluid processing passageway interconnecting the one or more reagent retainment regions with the respective intermediate retainment regions interposed between each of the one or more reagent retainment regions and the reaction retainment region. The dissolvable barrier can be a fluid flow modulator in the at least one fluid processing passageway.

Abstract: A water chlorinating device having a vessel (2) in turn having a bottom portion (6) for containing water; a grille (10) located over the bottom portion and for supporting a solid chemical chlorinating substance (11); a spray device (13) for directing at least one water jet on to the grille (10); and a mixing nozzle (29) located inside the bottom portion (6), at the bottom of the vessel (2), and for agitating the water in the bottom portion (6) by means of a water jet.

Abstract: A new, novel and useful disinfection and purification system comprised of organic compounds in synergistic action with selected metal ions and method of manufacture and use. One of the benefits that is derived from this system is the ability to quickly and easily treat a surface, fluid or medium for disinfection of bacteria, fungi, viruses, algae and protozoans, with a non-toxic, non-chlorinated mixture that effectively kills all such organisms in minutes or hours. The disinfection and purification system remains effective for long periods of time maintaining its disinfection capacity making it highly effective for stored or transported mediums such as potable drinking water. The disinfection and purification system may be incorporated with carbon block or membrane filters to disinfect filtered liquids such as water to render it potable.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a decomposing system for polyisocyanate residues that is capable of suppressing reaction of polyisocyanate residues with high temperature and high pressure water to allow smooth start-up of the operation, and a start-up method for the decomposing system for the polyisocyanate residues. The decomposing system is used for hydrolyzing the polyisocyanate residues to polyamine using high temperature and high pressure water, comprising a hydrolyzer, a water feed pipe connected to the hydrolyzer, a residual feed pipe connected to the water feed pipe, a solvent feed line for filling an organic solvent in a solvent filling portion of the residual feed pipe, and a solvent draining line. Upon start-up of the operation, the organic solvent is previously filled in the solvent filling portion via the solvent feed line and the solvent draining line, first, and then, the high temperature and high pressure water is fed from the water feed pipe to the hydrolyzer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dewatering drilling fluid including a feeder, an aging tank, a polyductor configured between the feeder and the aging tank and a flocculant solution pump fluidly connected to the aging tank. Further, the system includes a portable skid to house the feeder, the aging tank, the polyductor, and the flocculent solution pump. In certain embodiments, the polyductor is configured to mix a liquid with a dry flocculant from the feeder, and disperse a resultant flocculent solution in the aging tank, the aging tank is configured to receive the flocculant solution, and the flocculant solution pump is configured to remove the flocculant solution from the aging tank.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for use in a cartridge for on-line preparation of a solution for a medical procedure. The device comprises a hollow body, the body having a first end and a second end and is provided with through holes in its wall. The second end is closed, while the first end is open and adapted for receiving fluid introduced into the cartridge. The fluid leaves the device through said holes. Furthermore, the invention relates to a cartridge provided with such a device, a method of manufacturing such a cartridge and the use of a charge of concentrate in such a cartridge.

Abstract: A new, novel and useful disinfection and purification system comprised of organic compounds in synergistic action with selected metal ions and method of manufacture and use. One of the benefits that is derived from this system is the ability to quickly and easily treat a surface, fluid or medium for disinfection of bacteria, fungi, viruses, algae and protozoans, with a non-toxic, non-chlorinated mixture that effectively kills all such organisms in minutes or hours. The disinfection and purification system remains effective for long periods of time maintaining its disinfection capacity making it highly effective for stored or transported mediums such as potable drinking water. The disinfection and purification system may be incorporated with carbon block or membrane filters to disinfect filtered liquids such as water to render it potable.

Abstract: A process of flocculating and dewatering an aqueous suspension of suspended solids comprising, introducing into the suspension, (a) a concentrated polymer solution and, (b) a dilute polymer solution, characterised in that the concentrated and dilute polymer solutions are introduced into the substrate substantially simultaneously. Preferably the concentrated and dilute polymer solutions are introduced into the suspension as an aqueous composition comprising a dilute aqueous solution of polymer and a concentrated solution of polymer. The process brings about improvements in filtration and cake solids.

Abstract: A method for separating technical and biological polymers by generating two liquid phases using an added gas or an adjusted temperature. The separated polymers are obtained in solution with a high degree of purity. Complete separation can be achieved by subsequently performing liquid chromatography during which the corresponding trace component irreversibly adheres to the column while the other trace component is not retarded.

Abstract: A solvent mixture to disperse or dissolve a copolymer of methyl-trifluoropropyl siloxane and dimethylsiloxane, the solvent mixture comprising perchlorethylene, a selected acid ester, and a selected ketone. The invention also comprehends the combination of copolymer and solvent mixture.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for reclaiming expanded synthetic resin wastes in a form suitable for subsequent injection molding. The apparatus includes a tank containing a solvent having a pump for pumping dissolved resin wastes to an evaporator. The evaporator comprises an endless belt on which dissolved resin waste is deposited and precipitates in the form of a thin film. A heater is disposed below the belt to expedite separation of solute and solvent by evaporation. A blower disposed within a housing enclosing the endless belt establishes air circulation over the belt, further promoting evaporation. The thin film is wound on a roller and subjected to a heated roller to fuse the many thin film strata into a solid, generally cylindrical mass. The solid mass is then comminuted by a granulator. Evaporated solvent is recovered in a condenser and is reused.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for processing residue-containing packages so as to receive valuable materials, in particular pressure containers for dispensing foams with propellant gases. For that purpose, extraction with a solvent is carried out essentially in atmosphere of propellant gas and/or solvent vapors.

Abstract: A medical method utilizes a medical instrument such as a suturing needle made of biocompatible material. In addition, a medical operating room is provided with a container of a solvent fluidic material. During a medical procedure, the instrument is used to operate on a patient in the operating room. Upon completed use of the instrument, it is deposited in the container in the operating room, whereupon the instrument dissolves in the container.

Abstract: A treadmill having an adaptive speed control for the belt drive in which members engageable by the user to be pulled have signal generators associated therewith to enable signals proportioned to the degree of pulling to be used to correspondingly reduce a selected belt speed so that a lagging pace of the user is detected and the belt speed reduced automatically. Hand rails and/or pivoted vertical poles can be used as the user-engageable members. The mean position of the poles can be monitored to generate signals corresponding to the degree of pulling exerted by the user.

Abstract: A method of reclaiming waste polyvinyl chloride according to the present invention includes the steps of bringing industrial waste containing polyvinyl chloride into contact with a solvent in which polyvinyl chloride can be dissolved, to remove polyvinyl chloride from the industrial waste, removing substances which cannot be dissolved in the solvent from a polyvinyl chloride solution consisting of the solvent and the polyvinyl dissolved therein, and recovering reclaimed polyvinyl chloride as a substance left over when the solvent is removed from the polyvinyl solution. The industrial waste to be reclaimed includes polyvinyl chips obtained from waste electric wires, polyvinyl chloride-impregnated wallpaper and used agricultural polyvinyl chloride sheets. The solvent used in the present invention consists of at least one kind of organic solvent selected from the group composed of methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone and dioctyl phthalate.

Abstract: The invention concerns the method and apparatus for processing remnant-holding packagings while recovering substances of value, said method including the following steps: The packagings are inserted into an operational vessel 13, and the residues are extracted using a solvent. The residue-containing solution from the operational vessel 13 is transferred into a sump. The residue-holding solution is concentrated in the sump while the solvent is evaporated in an evaporation station 19. The evaporated solvent is condensed in a condensing station 20. The solvent is recycled from a recycling station 22 into the operational vessel 13. The residues are enriched and then recovered in concentrated form from the sump.

Abstract: A meter measuring the speed of a person moving using his muscular energy includes apparatus for providing speed data; meters for measuring, directly or indirectly, at least one parameter affecting the effort to make to obtain motion; and processors, taking into account coefficients associated with the value of the parameter and with the morphology of the person, for providing data of equivalent speed corresponding to the speed value that would be reached for the same effort when the considered parameter has its rest value.

Abstract: A method for removing cured sulfur-containing polymer sealants from surfaces is disclosed. The method comprises applying to the surface a sealant remover comprising at least about 50 wt. % of a pyrrolidone, especially N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, and allowing the cured sulfur-containing polymer and the remover to remain in contact until the cured sulfur-containing polymer is loosened and can be easily removed from the surface. The method of the invention enables fast, effective removal of the sulfur-containing polymer sealants commonly used in the aerospace, construction, and insulating-glass industries.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of hydrating a particulated polymer and producing a well treatment gel includes a mixer for spraying the polymer with water at a substantially constant water velocity and at a substantially constant water spray pattern at all flow rates of the water. A centrifugal diffuser is connected to the mixer for receiving the mixture, centrifugally diffusing the motive energy of the mixture, and hydrating the mixture into a gel. A centrifugal separator and constant velocity jet pump may be connected between the mixer and the centrifugal diffuser. A dilution valve is connected to the discharge of the centrifugal diffuser for mixing water with the gel at a substantially constant mixing energy at all flow rates of the gel and producing a diluted gel. A viscometer may be connected to the discharge of the dilution valve for measuring the viscosity of the diluted gel and regulating the flow of gel from the centrifugal diffuser to the dilution valve in order to control the viscosity of the diluted gel.

Abstract: Polymer activation apparatus for activating a batch of dry polymer in dilution water includes a tank which contains the dilution water in a mixing vessel and a mixing assembly within the mixing vessel. The dilution water is circulated at a high rate through the mixing assembly to create a high shear flow condition within the mixing assembly. The polymer is introduced into the mixing assembly to disperse the polymer in the dilution water and form a slurry in the vessel without causing agglomeration of the dry polymer. After dispersion and before hydration of the polymer, the rate of circulation through the mixing assembly is reduced to create a low shear flow condition. The low shear condition is maintained as the viscosity of the solution increases.

Abstract: Polymer activation apparatus for activating a liquid polymer emulsion in dilution water includes a first processing zone in which the polymer solution is subjected to a high mean shear rate for a predetermined period of time, and a second processing zone in which the polymer solution is subjected to a low mean shear rate for a longer period of time. The shear rates and residence times in the zones are selected to produce maximum activation in less total processing and aging time than that required in known apparatus.

Abstract: A polymer activation apparatus for activating and diluting a liquid polymer with water includes, a vessel defining a cylindrical chamber divided into first and second processing zones, the polymer and water being supplied to the first processing zone, an impeller located in the first processing zone subjecting the polymer to a high shear rate for a short contact time to initiate dissolution and activation of the polymer, and the polymer being moved to the second processing zone under the force of the water supplied to the first processing zone, a second impeller in the second processing zone subjecting the polymer to a lower shear rate for a longer period to continue the polymer dissolution and activation process.

Abstract: This invention is a method and means to prevent tampering when urine specimens are donated for testing and to do so without violating privacy. The method is to require that the hands of the donor subject be continuously engaged while the specimen container is exposed, so as not to allow the subject's hands the physical freedom necessary to introduce a false specimen into a urine container. The mans of the invention is a device that ensures that the engagement is properly followed or that shows any failure to comply. The preferred device consists of a container holder with two separate parts that lock together to make a container inaccessible to a subject. The process of hand engagement unlocks the two parts to make the container accessible. Disengagement of the hand restriction while the two units are separated relocks the mechanism and blocks reassembly.

Abstract: A polymer activation apparatus for activating and diluting a liquid polymer with water includes, a vessel defining a cylindrical chamber divided into first and second processing zones, the polymer and water being supplied to the first processing zone, an impeller located in the first processing zone subjecting the polymer to a high shear rate for a short contact time to initiate dissolution and activation of the polymer, and the polymer being moved to the second processing zone under the force of the water supplied to the first processing zone, a second impeller in the second processing zone subjecting the polymer to a lower shear rate for a longer period to continue the polymer dissolution and activation process.

Abstract: A dispersion of polymeric particles in a non-aqueous liquid is mixed with water with sufficient agitation to initiate substantial dissolution of the particles into water and is substantially homogeneously dispersed into the water substantially immediately, for instance in less than 50 milliseconds from the initiation of substantial dissolution. Preferred apparatus is an orifice mixer having a mixing chamber 41 leading to an orifice 51 and supplied by an inlet 46 for dispersion, the inlet terminating in a valve 47 and an orifice 44, and an inlet 45 for water. The effective outlet area of the orifice 51 is adjusted by an eccentrically mounted aperture plate 52 and there is a shear helix 57.

Abstract: A process for preventing, or at least substantially reducing, scaling in an aqueous polymer dilution apparatus by injecting carbon dioxide gas into the solution to maintain the pH of the solution in a range which tends to hold scale forming substances in solution.

Abstract: Method of adding water and a hydroxide of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal to a washing solvent such as an alkylamide and/or alkylsulfoxide when washing and removing high molecular substances stuck on the interior of a production apparatus or molding machine for an aromatic vinyl-acrylonitrile copolymer. A method for regenerating and recovering the washing solvent used for the above-mentioned washing and removal by means of an evaporator and distillation tower.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and device for the production of highly concentrated spinning solutions from acrylonitrile polymers, where the dissolving is carried out in one step in a stirred mixing vessel, which has a disc-shaped stirrer rotating in a horizontal plane, the polymeric material to be dissolved and the solvent are metered in separately at room temperature into the stirring vortex which is formed, and the temperature of the solution being formed is maintained at a constant preset value in the range from 60.degree. to 120.degree. C. by controlling the peripheral velocity of the stirrer.

Abstract: Apparatus, and method, for diluting polymer solutions of a known concentration to a preselected lower concentration without any concomitant degradation or thinning of the polymer comprising the solution. The apparatus comprises an elongated chamber desirably in the form of a cylinder or tube having polymer solution dispersing stations arranged in spaced relation therealong. The dispersing stations comprise at least one perforated plate or screen. The perforations in the plates or screens diminish in size as the polymer solution and a diluent for the solution advance in the direction of the outlet or discharge end of the chamber. Flow control means desirably are positioned between one, or more, of the dispersing stations.

Abstract: This invention provides a technique for extremely rapid dissolution, or dispersion on essentially the molecular level, of certain polymeric materials in compatible liquid vehicles. The polymeric materials are comminuted at cryogenic temperatures and are then introduced into a liquid vehicle preferably while still at or near cryogenic temperature. At low concentrations, the resulting blend or system displays reduced friction to flow while high concentrations may be used to immobilize the liquid vehicle and/or reduce its vapor pressure.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus useful for dissolving high molecular weight olefin polymers in a hot hydrocarbon solvent. The apparatus includes:(a) A plurality of interconnected fluid chambers, each of which has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet,(b) Screens covering the inlet and the outlet of each fluid chamber; the screen covering the outlet having a smaller mesh than the screen covering the inlet,(c) Stirring means in each fluid chamber adapted to sweep retained polymer particles free of the screen covering the outlet of said chamber,(d) Means for pumping fluid through the fluid chambers, and(e) Means for supplying heat to fluid passing through the apparatus.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymerization reaction vessel having an approximate monolayer coating on the inner surfaces thereof which is obtained by applying thereto an aqueous coating solution containing a tannin, such as, for example, tannic acid. When polymerizing olefinic monomers, such as vinyl halides, vinylidene halides, and vinylidene monomers having at least one terminal CH.sub.2 =C< grouping, in such a coated reaction vessel, polymer build-up on the inner surfaces thereof is substantially eliminated. Multiple charges of polymer can be made in said coated vessel without opening the same between charges thus preventing the escape of unreacted monomer to the atmosphere.