Abstract: A method and apparatus for sampling microorganisms using fluid pressure, vacuum or a combination thereof to create fluid flow that collects biological and chemical material on a filter element. The filter element is secured in a cartridge replaceably coupled to a hand-held sample collection device that provides a fluid drain downstream of the filter element. The cartridge allows a fluid to pass through the filter element in a manner that prevents cross-contamination of subsequent samples. The sample makes contact with only the filter cartridge before the fluid is drained. Accordingly, the source of the fluid is not contaminated because it remains at a higher pressure than either the sample or the fluid drain during operation. Subsequent filter elements avoid contamination by biological or chemical material from a previous sample.

Abstract: Radioisotope generators comprising inorganic layered hydroxide composition, such as magnesium aluminates and lithium aluminates. These inorganic layered hydroxides form anion exchange materials that exhibit surprisingly high selective affinities for certain radioisotopes. Inorganic layered hydroxides have been prepared and shown to have high affinity for tungstate anions, the anion form of tungsten-188, yet low affinity for perrhenate anions, the anion form of rhenium-188.

Abstract: A method for the anodic electrochemical synthesis of ammonia gas. The method comprises providing an electrolyte between an anode and a cathode, providing nitrogen and hydrogen gases to the cathode, oxidizing negatively charged nitrogen-containing species and negatively charged hydrogen-containing species present in the electrolyte at the anode to form adsorbed nitrogen species and adsorbed hydrogen species, respectively, and reacting the adsorbed nitrogen species with the adsorbed hydrogen species to form ammonia. Nitrogen and hydrogen gases may be provided through a porous cathode substrate. The negatively charged nitrogen-containing species in the electrolyte may be produced by reducing nitrogen gas at the cathode and/or by supplying a nitrogen-containing salt, such as lithium nitride, into the molten salt electrolyte.

Abstract: The method for separating ferrate salts from a solution comprising providing contact between the solution of essentially of aqueous hydroxide and the ferrate salts and a surface having a magnetic attraction, magnetically securing the ferrate salts to the surface; and eliminating contact between the solution and the surface. Contact is provided by immersing the surface in the solution, passing the liquid ferrate mixture over the surface, or combinations thereof. The magnetic attraction may be induced by permanent magnets, electromagnets, and combinations thereof. The apparatus for ferrate production comprises an electrochemical cell having an iron-containing anode, cathode, and an aqueous hydroxide solution in fluid communication with both the anode and the cathode, and a magnetic separator in fluid communication with the aqueous hydroxide solution for separating ferrate salts from the aqueous hydroxide solution.

Abstract: A device for the transdermal delivery of a therapeutic agent to a biological subject that includes a first electrode comprising a first array of electrically conductive microprojections for providing electrical communication through a skin portion of the subject to a second electrode comprising a second array of electrically conductive microprojections. Additionally, a reservoir for holding the therapeutic agent surrounding the first electrode and a pulse generator for providing an exponential decay pulse between the first and second electrodes may be provided.

Abstract: Composite coating compositions, composite metallic coatings derived from these compositions, and methods of forming the composite coating compositions and composite metallic coatings, wherein the compositions and coatings comprise particles of at least one quasicrystalline metal alloy and at least one elemental metal. The methods include electrocodepositing suspended quasicrystalline metal alloy particles and dissolved metal ions onto a substrate. Preferably, the substrate is disposed in an aqueous bath containing at least one dissolved metal ion species and at least one suspended quasicrystalline metal alloy powder species. The compositions and coatings enhance the wear, friction, hardness, corrosion, and non-stick characteristics of the substrate.

Abstract: A bismuth-213 generator comprising an insoluble composition having the general formula Zr(Phosponate)x(HPO4)2?x.nH2O, wherein x is between 0 and 2; and n is the number of waters of hydration; and wherein cations of radioactive isotopes selected from radium, actinium and combinations thereof are immobilized on the composition. The value of x may be between about 0.2 and about 1. The phosphonate may be n-phosphonomethyl-miniodiacetic acid (PMIDA), wherein x may be between about 0.1 and about 1.9. The phosphonate may be one or more phosphonate having the formula: H2O3P—(CH2)a—N—((CH2)bCO2H)—((CH2)cCO2H), wherein a, b, and c are numbers from 1 to 3 that may or may not be equal. The value of x may also be between about 0.1 and 1.9.

Abstract: Selective extraction of one or more metal anions from an aqueous solution, by contacting the aqueous solution with an organic solution including a diquaternary amine, wherein the diquaternary amine has two diquaternary nitrogens spaced at a distance of less than about 10 ?, selectively binding the metal anions to the diquaternary amine, and then separating the organic solution from the aqueous solution, wherein the diquaternary amines having the selectively bound metal anions are concentrated in the organic solution. Alternatively, the diquaternary amines may be adsorbed or chemically bonded to a solid, and the metal anion-containing aqueous solution passed over the solid having the diquaternary amines. Palladium may be selectively extracted by contacting the acidic solution with an iodide and an organic solvent, allowing the palladium to bind to the iodide, and then separating the organic solution from the aqueous solution, concentrating the bound palladium ions in the organic solution.

Abstract: Selective extraction of a metal anion complex, such as a platinum-group metal halide, from an aqueous solution containing other metal anions or anion complexes, by contacting the solution with a diquaternary ammonium salt having two quaternary nitrogens spaced at a distance less than about 10 ?, selectively binding the metal anion complex to the diquaternary ammonium salt to form an organo-metallic complex, and separating the organo-metallic complex from the solution. Alternatively, the diquaternary ammonium salts may be adsorbed or chemically bonded to a substrate, and the metal anion complex-containing solution passed over the substrate. Preferably, the two quaternary nitrogens are spaced a distance apart that is complementary to the ionic diameter of the target metal anion complex.

Abstract: A method for the electrochemical production of ferrate salts in an aqueous electrolyte solution comprising one or more hydroxide components. Dramatically increased yields of ferrate salts are obtained from using a mixture of sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. Preferably, both sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide are present in concentrations greater than 5 molar, most preferably at least 10 molar, i.e., 10 M NaOH and 10 M KOH. The anode is preferably a sacrificial anode made out of an iron-containing material to supply the iron necessary for the ferrate production reaction.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell comprising a plurality of electrochemical cell components having at least one opening extending therethrough. At least one filament extends through the at least one opening and has two ends with first and second securing members coupled to the two ends. A biasing member is disposed to put the at least one filament in tension between the securing members and to put the plurality of electrochemical cell components in compression. The filament is preferably electronically insulating and preferably does not transmit torsional forces. The filament extends through the at least one opening at least one time and may loop around a securing member any number of times. The filament may have a finite cut length or may form a continuous filament loop.

Abstract: An apparatus for decontaminating water in an ice machine or a beverage-dispensing machine comprising an ultraviolet radiation source, an ozone source and a controller. As potable water enters the apparatus via a conduit, the potable water is decontaminated by an ultraviolet (UV) light source, which irradiates the potable water, and by an ozone generation system that provides ozone to be injected into the potable water to oxidize contaminants. Because water is often circulated within ice machines, the circulating water conduits and reservoir are also treated with ozone and UV radiation. The present invention also provides a controller for optimizing the decontamination process by providing UV light and ozone production only when required for decontamination. Typically, ozone generation and UV radiation are required whenever makeup potable water is brought into the apparatus or when the refrigeration compressor is running.

Abstract: A chemical sensor for detecting the presence of one or more analytes. The sensor comprises at least one electrode pair and a photopolymerized electrically conducting polymer composition disposed in contact between each of the electrode pairs. Each polymer composition may include an organic polymer capable of interacting with one or more analytes. The sensor also comprises a means for delivering an analyte to each polymer composition, and a means for processing the resultant electronic signal from each polymer composition and electrode pair. Preferably, the sensor comprises a plurality of different polymer compositions, each with a dedicated electrode pair, to generate a collection of signals that provide a fingerprint unique to a particular analyte.

Abstract: Inorganic ion exchange materials for the separation of 90Y from 90Sr include clinoptilolite, potassium titanosilicate pharmacosiderite, sodium titanosilicate and sodium nonatitanate. These materials are suitable for making a 90Y generator that contains 90Sr immobilized on an ion exchange column of the materials. The materials have a very high selectivity for 90Sr, a very low selectivity for 90Y, good radiation and thermal stability, low toxicity, fast reaction kinetics, and can be readily and reproducibly synthesized. A method is thus provided for eluting 90Y from the ion exchange material with an aqueous solution to obtain a carrier-free solution of 90Y.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the generation and collection of an aqueous peracid solution at the cathode of a PEM electrolyzer. The electrochemical process introduces carboxylic acid (such as distilled table vinegar, lactic acid, citric acid or combinations) to the anode and a source of oxygen to the cathode. The PEM electrolyzer has a gas diffusion cathode having a cathodic electrocatalyst that is capable of hydrogen peroxide generation. The peracid solution is generated at the gas diffusion cathode and the solution is very pure and may be used for disinfecting or sterilizing various items or solutions. In a second embodiment, the carboxylic acid may be provided directly to the cathode, such as in the form of an acid vapor.

Abstract: The method for separating ferrate salts from a solution comprising providing contact between the solution of essentially of aqueous hydroxide and the ferrate salts and a surface having a magnetic attraction, magnetically securing the ferrate salts to the surface; and eliminating contact between the solution and the surface. Contact is provided by immersing the surface in the solution, passing the liquid ferrate mixture over the surface, or combinations thereof. The magnetic attraction may be induced by permanent magnets, electromagnets, and combinations thereof. The apparatus for ferrate production comprises an electrochemical cell having an iron-containing anode, cathode, and an aqueous hydroxide solution in fluid communication with both the anode and the cathode, and a magnetic separator in fluid communication with the aqueous hydroxide solution for separating ferrate salts from the aqueous hydroxide solution.

Abstract: A method to demolish concrete that comprises electrically connecting rebar disposed within the concrete to a power supply, electrically connecting a counter electrode within electro-osmotic communication of the concrete to a power supply, and externally providing electrolyte as supplemental moisture for the concrete. An electric field is created within the concrete and causes water moisture to migrate toward the rebar thereby expediting the corrosion thereof. The corrosion of the rebar generates iron oxides, which because of their greater volume, cause areas of localized pressure within the concrete. As the corrosion process proceeds, an accumulation of oxides increases the localized pressure to cause cracking within the concrete.

Abstract: Sodium nonatitanate compositions, a method using the composition for recovery of 82Sr from irradiated targets, and a method using the composition for generating 82Rb. The sodium nonatitanate materials of the invention are highly selective at separating strontium from solutions derived from the dissolution of irradiated target materials, thus reducing target processing times. The compositions also have a very low affinity for rubidium, making it an ideal material for use as a 82Rb generator. Sodium nonatitanate materials of this type both improve the recovery of 82Sr and provide a safer, more effective 82Rb generator system.

Abstract: Selective extraction of one or more metal anions from an aqueous solution, by contacting the aqueous solution with an organic solution including a diquaternary amine, wherein the diquaternary amine has two diquaternary nitrogens spaced at a distance of less than about 10 ?, selectively binding the metal anions to the diquaternary amine, and then separating the organic solution from the aqueous solution, wherein the diquaternary amines having the selectively bound metal anions are concentrated in the organic solution. Alternatively, the diquaternary amines may be adsorbed or chemically bonded to a solid, and the metal anion-containing aqueous solution passed over the solid having the diquaternary amines. Palladium may be selectively extracted by contacting the acidic solution with an iodide and an organic solvent, allowing the palladium to bind to the iodide, and then separating the organic solution from the aqueous solution, concentrating the bound palladium ions in the organic solution.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating an exhaust gas stream from cold startup through continuous operating conditions of an internal combustion engine includes an oxidizing catalyst bed disposed in an exhaust pipe and a reducing catalyst bed disposed in the exhaust pipe downstream from the oxidizing catalyst bed. The oxidizing catalyst bed as one or more oxidizing catalysts and the reducing catalyst bed has one or more reducing catalysts. A method is provided for treating an exhaust gas stream both during cold start and during continuous operating conditions of an internal combustion engine by passing the stream through an oxidizing catalyst bed having one or more oxidizing catalysts at a light off temperature; a reducing catalyst bed having one or more reducing catalysts and providing hydrogen into the reducing catalyst bed to condition the reducing catalyst; and introducing hydrogen into the internal combustion engine during cold startup.