Abstract: Apparatus and methods provide rapid analysis of members of a combinatorial library. The apparatus includes a plurality of reactor vessels for containing individual library members, a fluid handling system that apportions a test fluid about equally between each of the vessels, and a housing for enclosing the reactor vessels. The housing defines a pressure chamber configured to sustain a pressure substantially above atmospheric pressure. This allows for simultaneous screening of library members at high pressure by providing a small pressure differential on reactor components. The apparatus is used for screening library members based on their ability to catalyze the conversion of fluid reactants.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus implementing techniques for separating and/or analyzing fluid mixtures. The techniques employ microfluidic separation devices that include an inlet port for receiving a fluid feed stream, a microscale fluid flow channel in fluid communication with the fluid inlet port, a phase equilibrium control region located along the fluid flow channel for controlling conditions including temperature and/or pressure to provide a thermal equilibrium, a capillary network in the temperature control region, a first outlet port in indirect fluid communication with the fluid flow channel through the capillary network, and a second outlet port in direct fluid communication with the fluid flow channel. A plurality of microfluidic separation devices can be coupled in fluidic communication to provide for separation of complex mixtures. The systems, methods and apparatus can be used to characterize fluid mixtures.

Abstract: A hammer hanger is useful for hanging objects off the ground. The hammer hanger includes a Slide hammer tube that impacts a stake to insert the stake into and remove it from the ground. The slide hammer comprises a slide hammer tube that is slidingly captured on the stake. A spade of the stake prevents the hammer hanger from tipping in soft or wet soil. One or more arms are pivotally held on the slide hammer tube for folding and unfolding. Objects are hangable on the unfolded arms. The arms may have hooks that are specially constructed to hang archery bows. The slide hammer may be one or more slide hammer tubes that are releasably lockable to each other for assembling and disassembling the tubes. A stop on the stake coats with the slide hammer tube to prevent the slide hammer tube from rotating on the stake.

Abstract: Parallel flow chemical processing systems, such as parallel flow chemical reaction systems are disclosed. These systems are adapted to simultaneously and independently vary temperature between separate flow channels, preferably by employing separate, individual heating elements in thermal communication with each of four or more parallel flow reactors. The flow reactors are preferably isolated from each other using a thermal isolation system comprising fluid-based heat exchange. In preferred embodiments, the axial heat flux can be fixedly or controllably varied.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for obtaining kinetic information for commercial-form catalysts using minimal catalyst material while approximating large-scale reactor hydrodynamics and heat and mass transfer.

Abstract: A microfluidic fluid distribution manifold includes a common port and a plurality of fluidic channels spirally wound around the common port. Each fluidic channel connects the common port to an independent port and provides essentially the same flow resistance to a fluid flowing therethrough. A fixture for the flow restrictor allows fluid flows to be communicated between the flow restrictor and a larger system such as a parallel reactor system.

Abstract: A library of material samples is provided in a condition suitable for imaging using infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The samples are provided to one or more detection cells, each of the cells including or containing a reflective surface. Preferably, for imaging, an energy source (e.g. a source of infrared radiation) provides energy to the detection cells to interact with the samples. Thereafter, images (e.g., spectra) related to the samples are created based upon the interaction.

Abstract: A chemical processing microsystem useful for identifying and optimizing materials (e.g., catalysts) that enhance chemical processes or for characterizing and/or optimizing chemical processes is disclosed. The chemical processing microsystem comprises a plurality of microreactors 600 and, in a preferred embodiment, a plurality of microseparators 900 integral with the chemical processing microsystem 10. The microreactors 600 are preferably diffusion-mixed microreactors formed in a plurality of laminae that include a modular, interchangeable candidate-material array 100. The material array 100 comprises a plurality of different candidate materials (e.g., catalysts), preferably arranged at separate, individually addressable portions of a substrate (e.g., wafer). The microseparators 900 are similarly formed in a plurality of laminae that include a modular, interchangeable adsorbent array 700.

Abstract: A method and a device for the measurement of rate of eating of an object of measurement ingesting food. The method includes a scale for the measurement of food intake and a computer system, which is signal-connected with the scale and allows storing and computing of signals and visualization of stored and computed signals. Simultaneously, the computer system provides at least one reference standard for the rate of eating and an associated, biologically determined level of satiety, which is used for comparison, visualization and evaluation together with the values of rate of eating recorded by said scale and stored by the computer system. This allows for adjustment of rate of eating. The computer system of the method may be provided as a portable computer with an integrated scale.

Abstract: A flexible boot for covering and protecting protruding aircraft structures. The flexible boot is especially well adapted to cover and protect aircraft nose cones. In such an application the boot also protects electronic equipment including radar equipment typically located within the nose cone or radome area of the aircraft. The flexible boot has the advantage that it may be packaged by rolling it up. Preferably no discernible creases or wrinkles develop in the surface of the boot while it remains in rolled-up condition or thereafter when unrolled prior to use. The boot is formed of a flexible curved and continuous cap having a closed end and an opposed open end. The peripheral edge at the open end of the cap lies at or above the equator of the largest sphere which can be inscribed within the cap.

Abstract: The invention relates to overload and short circuit protectors for electrical circuits with two series connected output stage transistors (MP10, MN10) or the like, the conductive capacity of which is controlled complementally such as to generate on an output (10) between the output stage transistors an output signal with a potential varying in response to the potential of an input signal. In a circuit with overload or short circuit protectors in accordance with the invention there is included at least one protective circuit including two protection transistors (MN6, MN46) or the like, of which one (MN6) has its conductive capacity substantially determined by the potential on the circuit output (OUT), the conductive capacity of the second (MN46) protection transistor being substantially in response to the input signal.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for filtering contaminated fluids at various locations using at least a first and second filter unit mounted on a mobile base. Each filter unit has a plurality of filter vessels with each of the filter vessels having a plurality of filter elements and dual plate mounting. In each filter unit, the contaminated fluid is first coarse filtered and then fine filtered. Means are provided to by-pass either the first or second filter unit so that the filter elements can be changed or for by-passing both the first and second unit when desired.

Abstract: A hand tool designed to cut across a length of decorative wide body molding material and simultaneously shape the cut end to receive an insert piece cut by the same hand tool from scrap molding material to form a finished end for a molding strip. The tool makes the two cuts in the molding material to provide the cut end on the strip and an insert when the molding is placed in the tool against angularly related guide members.

Abstract: Essentially continuous thermoplastic resin molding of complex decorative relief is produced by continuously extruding molten resin into a rotating forming wheel and cooling and removing the molded resin from the wheel. A doctor wheel cooperates with the forming wheel to provide a flat surface to which a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer may be applied for bonding the resin molding to an intended substrate.