An apparatus for the performance of the SNMS process, having a separate ion source, a sample holder, a system for the production of a radio-frequency plasma and a mass analyzer, in which the ion source and the mass analyzer are disposed side by side on the same side of the chamber provided for the radio-frequency plasma, and in which the sample mounted on the sample holder is situated within the chamber provided for the radio-frequency plasma. This apparatus can be used not only for the performa...

A device for performing a plurality of immunochemical assays simultaneously comprises a waste reservoir about which are positioned at least two assay tubes connected in series by conduits formed in the base and top of the reservoir structure. A compound syringe is insertable into an opening formed through the top of the waste reservoir, the syringe being held in place by a receiving structure formed in the base of the reservoir and connected to the entrance end of the series of assay tubes. The ...

A spark plug for an internal combustion engine which utilizes an annular round ring surrounding the center electrode. Surrounding the center electrode is a fire hole which includes an enlarged annular space to achieve an increased volume of the fire hole to maximize the ignition of the fuel/air mixture within the fire hole. The ground ring may include a series of ports to facilitate dispersement from the spark plug of the ignited fuel/air mixture within the fire hole.

A process for performing a dialysis operation. The operation is carried out by snapping a weighted clamp on one end of a length of dialysis tubing. The dialysis tubing is then filled with a liquid to be treated and an unweighted clamp is snapped on the other end thereof. The assembly is then suspended in a dialysis bath thereby floating in a generally vertical position.

A method of performing an oxidation reaction in which an alkali hypohalite is used as an oxidizing agent which comprises: carrying out the oxidation reaction in an aqueous medium with concurrently distilling off a solvent used in the reaction as the reaction proceeds under a reduced pressure. The method is in particular useful for the oxidation of diacetone-L-sorbose to diacetone-2-keto-L-gulonic acid in water. The reaction temperature is so accurately controlled that the same optimum yield of d...

A method for modeling a fractured formation to determine a non-uniform fracture conductivity which will yield fracture performance comparable to that obtained from a fracture having uniform conductivity. Additionally, proppant concentrations and proppant schedules may be established to facilitate performing a fracturing operation to distribute sand in the fracture such that the fracture exhibits a non-uniform conductivity. The modeling technique includes the determining of an optimal fracture co...

A hydrophobic semi-permeable membrane process (e.g., using hydrophobic microporous hollow fibers) for the concentration of a dilute solution of low osmotic pressure by osmotic distillation (also known as membrane distillation or membrane evaporation), which is a separation process using as its driving force the difference in the osmotic pressure between two fluids (e.g., fruit juice and seawater) separated by a hydrophobic semi-permeable membrane to achieve a concentration of the fluid having th...

An improved surgical device for performing thoracostomies. The device includes a holder for a curved stylet or a flexible tube and curved stylet combination which holder includes a two piece curved needle attached to a pair of handles, each handle including one part of the needle, which handles can be spread apart for insertion of a curved stylet or tube and curved stylet combination between the needle parts. When it is desired to remove the device from the patient, one of the handles having its...

In order to perform an anastomosis, a pilot head of a surgical staple suturing instrument is connected through a push-type or a threaded connector and through a paraboloid-like cap so as to simplify introduction into the organ that is to be anastomised. The combination body is pushed through the organ with the help of a probe, as far as the end of the organ that has been sutured with a purse-string suture. Once the desired position of the pilot head is reached, the cap is released and then remov...

A pressure vessel for catalytic endothermic reactions in the upper portion of which is a supporting plate for a plurality of open ended shell tubes within which are reaction tubes. The reaction tubes are spaced from the shell tubes by fins affording an annular space. The reaction tubes are either supported by the supporting plate or bear against the bottom head of the vessel through upright sleeves. Catalyst-free gas feed tubes connect to the upper ends of the reaction tubes and catalyst-free ga...