Abstract: A chemical vapor deposition method for producing a dielectric film, the method comprising: providing a substrate into a reaction chamber; introducing gaseous reagents into the reaction chamber wherein the gaseous reagents comprise a silicon precursor comprising a silicon compound having the formula RnH4-nSi as defined herein and applying energy to the gaseous reagents in the reaction chamber to induce reaction of the gaseous reagents to deposit a film on the substrate. The film as deposited is suitable for its intended use without an optional additional cure step applied to the as-deposited film.

Abstract: A method of operating a septic system to facilitate maintenance and avoid damage to property and/or the environment. A septic system that collects and monitors data to provide information to a user about the nature of a problem condition, or to warn a user of potential problems in advance, or to recommend courses of action to avoid costly repairs, or property damage, or damage to the environment.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to a cell culture apparatus and a cell culture method. One aspect of the disclosure is an oxygen-permeable bag comprising one or more polymer films defining a boundary of an interior compartment of the bag, each of the one or more polymer films comprising an inner layer adjacent the interior compartment of the bag, the inner layer comprising a fluoropolymer, and adhered to the inner layer, an outer layer comprising polymer; a first port formed in an exterior surface of the bag and in fluid communication with the interior compartment; a second port formed in an exterior surface of the bag and in fluid communication with the interior compartment; and contained in the interior compartment, a plurality of microcarriers.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for manufacturing a proppant for a particular stimulation fluid, or for manufacturing a stimulation fluid for a particular proppant. The present invention also concerns a proppant for hydrocarbon stimulation, wherein the proppant comprises a plurality of amorphous spherical glass particles which have not undergone any further chemical or thermal treatment, a method of preparing the proppant, and uses of the proppant in hydrocarbon stimulation.

Abstract: A method for depositing a silicon-containing film, the method comprising: placing a substrate comprising at least one surface feature into a flowable CVD reactor which is at a temperature of from about ?20° C. to about 100° C.; increasing pressure in the reactor to at least 10 torr; and introducing into the reactor at least one silicon-containing compound having at least one acetoxy group to at least partially react the at least one silicon-containing compound to form a flowable liquid oligomer wherein the flowable liquid oligomer forms a silicon oxide coating on the substrate and at least partially fills at least a portion of the at least one surface feature. Once cured, the silicon oxide coating has a low k and excellent mechanical properties.

Abstract: A fluid collection apparatus for use in negative pressure wound therapy. The fluid collection apparatus includes a flexible bag having a first opening and a second opening. The bag includes a structure defining a fluid pathway connecting the first opening and the second opening. The pathway is circulative and contributes to orientation independence of the bag in use. The bag further includes a load-bearing component.

Abstract: Provided is a method for connecting coiled tubing strings, as well as a flexible stabbing snake. In one aspect, the method for connecting coiled tubing strings includes lowering a downhole end of a first coiled tubing string within a wellbore, and coupling an uphole end of the first coiled tubing string to a downhole end of a second coiled tubing string at a location between a coiled tubing injector and the wellbore to form a combined coiled tubing string. In at least one aspect, the method further includes lowering the combined coiled tubing string within the wellbore.

Abstract: A unit dose container for holding a single dose of a given liquid, the container comprising: a chamber (8) in which, in use, the given liquid is stored, the chamber having a wall through which, in use, the liquid is to be supplied; a release mechanism (7), at least part of which is internal to, or forms part of the wall of the chamber, the release mechanism being movable relative to the chamber between first and second positions; and means for allowing the release mechanism (7) to move from the first to the second positions, thereby opening a passage through the wall so that the liquid can exit the chamber (8), the means including at least one flexible wall portion.

Abstract: A fluid collection apparatus for use in negative pressure wound therapy. The fluid collection apparatus includes a flexible bag having a first opening and a second opening. The bag includes a structure defining a fluid pathway connecting the first opening and the second opening. The pathway is circulative and contributes to orientation independence of the bag in use. The bag further includes a load-bearing component.

Abstract: A sheath comprises an elastomeric tube having a self-expanding scaffold coupled to a wall. The scaffold can expand to a diameter larger than the tube diameter to provide an enlarged distal opening. An aspiration catheter has a balloon and an aspiration port so that occlusive material can be removed from a blood vessel by drawing the balloon through the vessel while simultaneously aspirating through the port.

Abstract: A method for depositing a silicon-containing film, the method comprising: placing a substrate comprising at least one surface feature into a flowable CVD reactor which is at a temperature of from about ?20° C. to about 400° C.; introducing into the reactor at least one silicon-containing compound having at least one acetoxy group to at least partially react the at least one silicon-containing compound to form a flowable liquid oligomer wherein the flowable liquid oligomer forms a silicon oxide coating on the substrate and at least partially fills at least a portion of the at least one surface feature. Once cured, the silicon oxide coating has a low k and excellent mechanical properties.

Abstract: A liquid droplet production apparatus comprising a perforate membrane and an actuator. The actuator is configured to vibrate the perforate membrane such that a liquid in contact with the perforate membrane during use is caused to pass through at least one aperture of the perforate membrane and to be ejected as liquid droplets from the perforate membrane. The perforate membrane includes one or more stiffening structures for increasing the stiffness of the perforate membrane, the one or more stiffening structures each being defined by a local transverse deformation of the perforate membrane. A removable cartridge, a perforate membrane, an actuator assembly for use in such a liquid droplet delivery apparatus, and a method of manufacturing a perforate membrane for such a liquid droplet apparatus.

Abstract: A cartridge for an aerosol delivery system. The cartridge includes a fluid reservoir including a first reservoir portion, a second reservoir portion, and at least one liquid barrier configured to separate the first and second reservoir portions. The first and second reservoir portions have respective first and second openings at a first end of the cartridge. The cartridge further includes a perforate membrane located at the first end of the cartridge and over the first and second openings. The first and second openings are configured to supply first and second liquids to a first side of the perforate membrane during use and the perforate membrane comprises a plurality of apertures configured to eject one or both of the first and second liquids from a second side of the perforate membrane in the form of liquid droplets when the perforate membrane is vibrated. An aerosol delivery system includes the cartridge.

Abstract: A micro-nozzle with an integrated filter structure for receiving fluids at pressures between 0.1 MPa to 50 MPa, comprising: at least one fluid inlet, a fluid outlet comprising at least one orifice, a primary filter structure positioned downstream from the at least one fluid inlet and arranged to provide statistical filtration of fluid passing therethrough.

Abstract: A multi-temperature, intelligent storage and retrieval system and methods to facilitate un-attended pick-up of orders by customers, which is particularly applicable to grocery purchases.

Abstract: An aerosol delivery system includes a perforate membrane comprising a plurality of apertures, as well as a fluid reservoir reservoir in fluid communication with a first side of the perforate membrane and actuation means configured to vibrate the perforate membrane to cause a liquid in the fluid reservoir during use to be ejected as liquid droplets from a second side of the perforate membrane. The plurality of apertures comprises first and second arrays of apertures of first and second configurations which are grouped together in first and second discrete regions of the perforate membrane. The fluid reservoir includes first and second reservoir portions and a liquid barrier by which the first and second reservoir portions are separated. A removable cartridge for an aerosol delivery system.

Abstract: Methods and devices are described for performing at least one of enhancing female sexual arousal, enhancing female sexual pleasure, or enhancing an ability to achieve or experience a more pleasurable orgasm for a female. In some cases, an acoustic wave stimulus is combined with one or more of providing a suction stimulus and a vibration stimulus as this may be further beneficial to the female.

Abstract: A method and composition for producing a porous low k dielectric film via chemical vapor deposition includes the steps of: providing a substrate within a reaction chamber; introducing into the reaction chamber gaseous reagents including at least one structure-forming precursor comprising an silacyclic compound, and with or without a porogen; applying energy to the gaseous reagents in the reaction chamber to induce reaction of the gaseous reagents to deposit a preliminary film on the substrate, wherein the preliminary film contains the porogen, and the preliminary film is deposited; and removing from the preliminary film at least a portion of the porogen contained therein and provide the film with pores and a dielectric constant of 3.0 or less. In certain embodiments, the structure-forming precursor further comprises a hardening additive.

Abstract: According to a chemical vapor deposition method for depositing an organosilicate film on a substrate, a gaseous organosilicate composition is introduced into a vacuum chamber. The gaseous organosilicate composition includes a first silicon-containing precursor selected from an organosilane and an organosiloxane, and further includes at least one second silicon-containing precursor selected from compounds represented by the structure of Formula I: R1nSi(OR2)4-n ??(I), in which R1 is a linear, branched, or cyclic C2-C6 alkyl group; n=1-3; and R2 is a linear, branched, or cyclic C1-C6 alkyl group. A first energy source is applied to the gaseous organosilicate composition in the vacuum chamber to induce reaction of the first silicon-containing precursor and the at least one second silicon-containing precursor and thereby deposit the organosilicate film on at least a portion of the substrate.

Abstract: Provided is a method for connecting coiled tubing strings, as well as a flexible stabbing snake. In one aspect, the method for connecting coiled tubing strings includes lowering a downhole end of a first coiled tubing string within a wellbore, and coupling an uphole end of the first coiled tubing string to a downhole end of a second coiled tubing string at a location between a coiled tubing injector and the wellbore to form a combined coiled tubing string. In at least one aspect, the method further includes lowering the combined coiled tubing string within the wellbore.