Abstract: A system for analyzing a biological sample may include at least one sample acquisition stage comprising a sample acquisition device for acquiring the biological sample from a sample source; a droplet generator device for forming a droplet wrapped in an immiscible carrier fluid, wherein the wrapped droplet comprises at least the biological sample and a reagent, the droplet generator configured to receive the biological sample transferred from the sample acquisition device; a collection vessel for collecting the wrapped sample droplet from the droplet generator, the vessel configured to contain a carrier fluid for receiving and protecting the sample droplet; and an analysis system for analyzing the wrapped sample droplet and detecting products of a polymerase chain reaction.

Abstract: The invention provides a mixing apparatus. The mixing apparatus includes a first container, wherein the first container comprises: a first port; and a mixing chamber. The mixing apparatus further includes a second container, wherein the second container is adapted to receive the first container, and a seal disposed between the first container and the second container. In addition, the mixing apparatus includes a channel between the first port and the mixing chamber, wherein the channel is defined by the seal and the first container. In some examples, the seal includes: a first seal portion; and a transition seal portion, the transition portion comprising: a seal split; and an air intake channel.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an automatic chemical supply apparatus having an opening shutter unit, the automatic chemical supply apparatus including a blocking door which consists of an opening/closing door and a blocking unit that are installed on a frame and which is configured to block an interior of the automatic chemical supply apparatus from the outside in a state in which a hose is seated on a mounting portion, a hose opening through which the hose passes in a state in which the opening/closing door is closed, and an opening shutter unit which is disposed on the blocking door and configured to open and close the hose opening.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a co-gasification process that uses biomass and VGO as a feedstock to produce syngas which includes a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing network connectivity and remote monitoring, optimization, and control of pool/spa equipment are provided. “Internet-of-Things” (IoT) functionality is provided for pool and spa equipment in a flexible and cost-effective manner. Network connectivity and remote monitoring/control of pool and spa equipment is provided by various components such as a network communication and local control subsystem installed in pool/spa equipment, and other components. Also disclosed are various control processes (“pool logic”) which can be embodied as software code installed in any of the various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing network connectivity and remote monitoring, optimization, and control of pool/spa equipment are provided. “Internet-of-Things” (IoT) functionality is provided for pool and spa equipment in a flexible and cost-effective manner. Network connectivity and remote monitoring/control of pool and spa equipment is provided by various components such as a network communication and local control subsystem installed in pool/spa equipment, and other components. Also disclosed are various control processes (“pool logic”) which can be embodied as software code installed in any of the various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing network connectivity and remote monitoring, optimization, and control of pool/spa equipment are provided. “Internet-of-Things” (IoT) functionality is provided for pool and spa equipment in a flexible and cost-effective manner. Network connectivity and remote monitoring/control of pool and spa equipment is provided by various components such as a network communication and local control subsystem installed in pool/spa equipment, and other components. Also disclosed are various control processes (“pool logic”) which can be embodied as software code installed in any of the various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Abstract: An injection lance assembly for creating a higher degree of turbulence and dispersion of a treating agent into a fluid stream.

Abstract: An aeration device pertaining to the technical field of sewage treatment includes a flow mixing chamber and an air inlet chamber. The flow mixing chamber has a liquid inlet opening, a liquid outlet opening, and an air inlet hole penetrating the chamber wall and located inside the air inlet chamber. The air inlet chamber has an air inlet opening and an interior space whose cross-sectional area is gradually reduced along the liquid flow direction in the flow mixing chamber. The cross-sectional area and number of the air inlet hole can be properly set in order for the mixed fluid produced by the aeration device to have relatively high-density small-diameter air bubbles that contribute to mixing the liquid flow and air flow sufficiently, dissolving oxygen rapidly and sufficiently into the liquid flow, increasing the oxygen dissolution rate of the mixed fluid, and enhancing aeration efficiency.

Abstract: A process and device to create access to low gravity solids (LGS) of about 2 to 20 microns for removal from a fluid material/LGS emulsion having the steps of: flowing the emulsion into high pressure tubing; separating the emulsion into at least two high pressure streams; forcing the emulsion through high pressure nozzles at a terminus of each of the at least two high pressure tubing streams at a speed in the range of about 10 ft/sec to 200 ft/sec or at a force in a range of about 10 to 100 PSI; and colliding the streams of emulsion exiting the high pressure nozzle within a pressure drop chamber, wherein the pressure drop is in a range of about 5% to 50% of the back pressure of the nozzles; wherein a cavitation effect is realized from a collision force of the high pressure streams within the pressure drop chamber.

Abstract: A fluid dispersion nozzle and system for spraying large areas with near-monodispersed, aerosolized fluid droplets. More specifically, the fluid dispersion nozzle receives pressurized and fluid from fluid dispersion machinery, aerosolizes the fluid into near-monodispersed droplets, and distributes the aerosolized, near-monodispersed droplets evenly over long distances. The nozzle is an adjustable, dual-contour, supersonic nozzle that includes a main adjustable contour, an auxiliary contour, an axial fluid injector, a resonator, and a plunger.

Abstract: A micro-reactor system for contacting fluids is described. The system comprises a first microfluidic channel structure for guiding a first fluid to at least one output nozzle thus generating a first sub-flow, a second microfluidic channel structure for guiding a second fluid to at least a second output nozzle thus generating a second sub-flow, said first output nozzle being aligned with said second output nozzle and arranged for contacting the first sub-flow and the second sub-flow. The micro-reactor comprises at least a third microfluidic channel structure for at least a third, inert, fluid generating at least a third sub-flow arranged to be positioned adjacent at least the first and/or the second sub-flows so as to act as a wall between said first and/or second sub-flows.

Abstract: Described are systems and methods for providing a pulse of a therapeutic gas with a desired flow profile to maximize therapeutic effectiveness. Systems and methods of the present disclosure can generate and/or provide desired flow profiles with various shapes and/or properties by configuring, modifying, optimizing, and/or factoring in aspects of at least one fixed flow rate assembly of a therapeutic gas delivery system such as, but not limited to, spatial relationships of elements of the fixed flow rate assembly, rate of valve closure and opening, latent flows, transient wave generation and/or propagation, to name a few.

Abstract: A method and system of measuring the size distribution of particles within dilute colloids, for example, through variation of the minimum detected size of aerosolized colloid particles. The method of determining the size distribution of particles in a fluid, involves forming a stream of aerosol droplets of the fluid, the droplets containing particles and dissolved material evaporating the droplets to generate particles, and measuring the concentration of particles by varying a detection threshold. A system or apparatus for determining the size distribution of particles in a fluid, includes a droplet former for forming a stream, of aerosol droplets of the fluid, the droplets containing particles and dissolved material, and a condensation particle detector for evaporating the droplets to generate particles and for measuring the concentration of particles, the condensation particle detector having a variable detection threshold.

Abstract: A gas injection apparatus for a thermal processing chamber includes a gas injector having an inlet at a first end and a port at a second end; and a plate having a first opening matching the port, one or more second openings, and at least one circuitous flow path defined by the plate and fluidly connecting the first opening to the one or more second openings.

Abstract: An insulated solution injector may include an outer tube and an inner tube arranged within the outer tube. The outer tube and the inner tube may define an annular space therebetween, and the inner tube may define a solution space within. The annular space may be configured so as to insulate the solution within the solution space. As a result, the solution may be kept to a temperature below its decomposition temperature prior to injection. Accordingly, the decomposition of the solution and the resulting deposition of its constituents within the solution space may be reduced or prevented, thereby decreasing or precluding the occurrence of a blockage.

Abstract: Provided is a valve unit including a first gas flow channel to a gas tank and a second gas flow channel branching off from the first gas flow channel and leading to a gas-consuming device. The valve unit can avoid the entrance of water, which may be included in gas, into the second gas flow channel. The first gas flow channel to let gas from the outside in has a bend. The first gas flow channel has a communication port to the gas tank at an end downstream of the bend. A second gas flow channel branches off at a branching part between the bend and the communication port, and the second gas flow channel leads to the gas-consuming device. A straightening member is disposed between the bend and the branching part, and is to straighten the gas flow from the upstream to be parallel to the direction of the first gas flow channel.

Abstract: A cascade wind tunnel T-bar turbulence generating grid for creating a turbulence intensity in an air flow having an air flow volume for testing at least two turbine blades having a turbine blade dimension and a pitchwise location, the turbulence generating grid comprising a plurality of cross bars having a front surface and a cross bar gap, a plurality of vertical bars having a vertical bar front surface and a cross bar gap and at least two support bars assembled to form a plurality of air flow. The support bar at an angle ? to the air flow and about parallel to the turbine blades. The cross bars mounted to the support bar such that the cross bar front surface is perpendicular to the air flow. The vertical bars are mounted to the support bar such that the vertical bar front surface is perpendicular to the air flow and wherein the vertical bar gap and a horizontal gap provide the turbulence intensity about constant across the pitchwise location.

Abstract: Provided are a device and a method for adjusting the number and size of air bubbles, more particularly, a device and a method for adjusting the number and size of air bubbles, capable of mixing a liquid and gas to form an air bubble mixture or air bubble water (water containing air bubble) and freely adjusting the number and size of air bubbles contained in the formed air bubble mixture to thereby be used in various fields.

Abstract: Systems and methods for weighing and mixing pigments for concrete in a granular form are provided. The systems and methods dispense one or more granular color pigments as a slurry at the point of concrete product.

Abstract: An injection lance assembly for creating a higher degree of turbulence and dispersion of a treating agent into a fluid stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the insertion and conveying of a labile additive, or a mixture thereof, in a transporting pipe, in which a main stream of molten material flows, said process characterized in that it incorporates said additive, or said mixture, in a portion of the pipe delimited by the main stream, according to one of the following alternative modes: a) in a longitudinal direction with respect to the flow direction of the main stream of molten material, or b) in a transversal direction with respect to the flow direction of the main stream of. molten material, or c) according to a composition of the longitudinal (a) and transversal (b) mode, thus forming a resulting stream which keeps the labile additives segregated from the main stream of molten material.

Abstract: This disclosure features methods of forming chemical compositions. The method includes (1) mixing a plurality of continuous material flows in a mixing tank to form a chemical composition, each continuous material flow including at least one component of the composition; and (2) moving a continuous flow of the chemical composition to a packaging station downstream of the mixing tank. The mixing and moving steps are performed continuously. This disclosure also features systems that can be used to perform such methods.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the present invention are directed to a vertical microfluidic probe head, which comprises a middle layer of material and two outer layers. The middle layer comprises two opposite, main surfaces, which are, each, grooved up to a same edge surface that adjoins each of the main surfaces, so as to form two sets of n microchannel cavities, n?1, on each of the opposite main surfaces. The middle layer is furthermore arranged between the two outer layers, which (at least partly) close the microchannel cavities grooved on the two main surfaces. This way, two sets of n microchannels are formed, which are, each, open on the edge surface, such that two opposite sets of n orifices are formed on the edge surface. Thus, the length of the apertures is not limited by the thickness of the middle layer.

Abstract: A sheath flow system having a channel with at least one fluid transporting structure located in the top and bottom surfaces situated so as to transport the sheath fluid laterally across the channel to provide sheath fluid fully surrounding the core solution. At the point of introduction into the channel, the sheath fluid and core solutions flow side by side within the channel or the core solution may be bounded on either side by the sheath fluid. The system is functional over a broad channel size range and with liquids of high or low viscosity. The design can be readily incorporated into microfluidic chips without the need for special manufacturing protocols. Uses include extruding materials and/or fabricating structures.

Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment system for reducing emissions from an engine includes an exhaust conduit adapted to supply an exhaust stream from the engine to an exhaust treatment device. The conduit includes an aperture. An injector injects a reagent through the aperture and into the exhaust stream. A flow modifier is positioned within the exhaust conduit upstream of the injector. The flow modifier increases the velocity of the exhaust gas at a predetermined location within the conduit relative to the injected reagent.

Abstract: [Problems] A combustion gas extraction probe that is capable of preventing burnout of a head metal portion of a probe, capable of rapidly cooling a high-temperature gas in a uniform manner in a probe, and whose outer diameter can be kept small. [Means for Solving Problems] A combustion gas extraction probe (4) having a hollow-cylindrical inner tube (4a) in which a high-temperature combustion gas flows, a hollow-cylindrical outer tube (4b) surrounding the inner tube (4a), a low-temperature gas discharge hole (4c) provided in the inner tube (4a), and a low-temperature gas supply means (9) for supplying a low-temperature gas between the inner tube (4a) and the outer tube (4b) and discharging the low-temperature gas from the discharge hole (4c) into the direction that is substantially perpendicular to the sucking direction of the high-temperature combustion gas and is toward the center of the flow of said high-temperature combustion gas.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes an outer case structure around a central longitudinal engine axis. An intermediate case structure is included inboard of the outer case structure. An inner case structure is included inboard of the intermediate case structure. A variable area exhaust mixer is included, which is movable between a closed position adjacent to the intermediate case structure and an open position adjacent to the inner case structure.

Abstract: An end member (3A) for a spiral separation membrane element includes: an inner annular portion (31); an outer annular portion (32) surrounding the inner annular portion (31) at a distance from the inner annular portion (31); a plurality of connecting portions (33) connecting the inner annular portion (31) and the outer annular portion (32); and a shield plate (34) disposed between at least one pair of the connecting portions (33) and forming an opening (41) between the shield plate (34) and the outer annular portion (32). According to this configuration, a radially outwardly spreading flow is formed by the shield plate (34), and therefore suspended solids in a feed liquid can be effectively directed to the peripheral region.

Abstract: A sheath flow system having a channel with at least one fluid transporting structure located in the top and bottom surfaces situated so as to transport the sheath fluid laterally across the channel to provide sheath fluid fully surrounding the core solution. At the point of introduction into the channel, the sheath fluid and core solutions flow side by side within the channel or the core solution may be bounded on either side by the sheath fluid. The system is functional over a broad channel size range and with liquids of high or low viscosity. The design can be readily incorporated into microfluidic chips without the need for special manufacturing protocols. Uses include extruding materials and/or fabricating structures.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprising an active contraceptive drug and one or more pharmaceutically-acceptable excipients. The pharmaceutical composition, when subjected to an in vitro dissolution test according to the USP XXIII Paddle Method, results in no more than 50% of said active drug initially present being dissolved within 30 minutes, and at least 50% of the active drug being dissolved in a time range from about 3 hours to about 4 hours. The pharmaceutical composition is administered daily to a patient having a BMI of about 25 kg/m2 or more for at least a portion of a treatment cycle. The pharmaceutical composition does not cause a number of days of bleeding events in the patient exceeding an average of 15% per treatment cycle in consecutive treatment cycles of administration after an initial treatment cycle of administration.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation adapter for an air intake system of an engine is disclosed. The exhaust gas recirculation adapter includes a tube portion defining an interior space therein. The exhaust gas recirculation adapter also includes a protrusion projecting into the interior space of the tube portion. The protrusion is configured to provide a surface for impacting of exhaust gases thereon.

Abstract: A sheath flow system having a channel with first and second fluid transporting structures located on opposing surfaces facing one another across the channel in the top and bottom surfaces of the channel situated so as to transport the sheath fluid laterally across the channel to provide sheath fluid fully surrounding the core solution. At the point of introduction into the channel, the sheath fluid and core solutions flow side by side within the channel or the core solution may be bounded on either side by the sheath fluid. The system is functional over a broad channel size range and with liquids of high or low viscosity. The design can be readily incorporated into microfluidic chips without the need for special manufacturing protocols.

Abstract: The system and method for preventing air leakage from the process side to the bearing side of a mill. The system includes a labyrinth seal ring comprising a series of knives defining first and second labyrinth paths from an air inlet to the process side and the bearing side of the system, respectively. The differences in the two paths such as provided by the number of knives used in each path creates a differential pressure drop which biases air from the air inlet to the process side. The labyrinth seal thus provides a reliable and superior method for reducing the potential for particulate in the process side of the mill from damaging the bearing system.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine exhaust nozzle comprises a nozzle body 8 defining a nozzle exit 6. An array of movable slats 16, 18 is disposed round the nozzle exit 6. Flow control walls 20 are fixed to the nozzle body 8 and provide flow control surfaces 22 over which the movable slats 16, 18 move. The flow control walls 20 prevent leakage of gas at the edges of the movable slats 16, 18, so improving performance of the exhaust nozzle.

Abstract: A sheath flow system having a channel with at least one fluid transporting structure located in the top and bottom surfaces situated so as to transport the sheath fluid laterally across the channel to provide sheath fluid fully surrounding the core solution. At the point of introduction into the channel, the sheath fluid and core solutions flow side by side within the channel or the core solution may be bounded on either side by the sheath fluid. The system is functional over a broad channel size range and with liquids of high or low viscosity. The design can be readily incorporated into microfluidic chips without the need for special manufacturing protocols.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of sodium bentonite as a fluid bed that supports the grit and debris resulting from sawing. The invention also relates to the use of vibrating tables for separating the debris resulting from bentonite sawing. The invention describes a special centrifuge for concentrating the bentonite and recovering same. The invention includes an improvement to the supply of the inclined-plate settlers. The invention describes a centrifugal bentonite concentrator with no moving parts. The method can be used to reduce current sawing costs by up to about 70% and to achieve forward movements up to six times greater than usual.

Abstract: An exhaust treatment device is disclosed. The exhaust treatment device has a compact configuration that includes integrated reactant dosing, reactant mixing and contaminant removal/treatment. The mixing can be achieved at least in part by a swirl structure and contaminant removal can include NOx reduction.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and systems for preparing a polymer concentrate for treating a formation with slick water systems viscous fluid or a gelled viscous fluid are disclosed. The method includes directing a powdered gel into a vortex mixing chamber, while directing a first portion of a base fluid into the vortex mixing chamber to form partially hydrated fluid concentrate. The partially hydrated fluid concentrate is then sucked or sweep into a main portion of base fluid for form the slick water systems viscous fluid or gelled viscous fluid.

Abstract: The present application provides a bio-diesel blending system for blending a flow of a bio-diesel fuel with a flow of a second fuel. The bio-diesel blending system may include one or more second fuel skids with the flow of the second fuel, a bio-diesel tank with the flow of the bio-diesel fuel, a bio-diesel skid in communication with the bio-diesel tank, and one or more blending lines in communication with the bio-diesel skid and the second fuel skids for in-line blending of the flow of the bio-diesel fuel and the flow of the second fuel to form a blended flow.

Abstract: A fluid processing apparatus for processing a material to be processed between processing surfaces of processing members capable of approaching to and separating from each other, so as to rotate relative to each other, introduces a first fluid between the processing surfaces, introduces a second fluid between the processing surfaces from another flow path independent of the first fluid, and mixes and stirs the first and second fluids between the processing surfaces to undergo treatment. A processing member is composed by assembling a plurality of divided components of the processing member. An opening and a flow path are formed in the space between the plurality of components. This eliminates the need to create all ring-shaped disks which are the processing member as one block, and also eliminates the need to substantially process the flow path leading to the opening, thereby making it possible to easily undergo decomposition and cleaning.

Abstract: The specification generally discloses systems and methods for mixing and delivering fluids in microfluidic systems. The fluids can contain, in some embodiments reagents that can participate in one or more chemical or biological reactions. Some embodiments relate to systems and methods employing one or more vent valves to controllably flow and/or mix portions of fluid within the microfluidic system. Advantageously, fluid control such as a sequence of fluid flow and/or a change in flow rate, can be achieved by opening and closing one or more vent valves and by applying a single source of fluid flow (e.g., a vacuum) operated at a substantially constant pressure. This can simplify the operation and use of the device by an intended user.

Abstract: An ammonia injection grid covered with sound adsorption material for a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system that provides uniform distribution of ammonia to the SCR catalyst in NOX reduction systems and provides noise suppression for heat recovery steam generation systems, packaged boilers, simple cycle catalyst systems and fired heaters for superior operational efficiency. The ammonia injection grid covered with sound adsorption material includes an injection tube having at least one nozzle for injecting ammonia into a flow of flue gas. The ammonia injection grid also includes a corrugated turbulence enhancer covered with sound adsorption material associated with the injection tube to generate turbulent wake to enhance turbulent mixing and noise suppression.

Abstract: An opening device for opening a closed fluid container comprises a housing having a first chamber (1) for receiving the fluid container (3) and a second chamber (2) having an outlet (13). A part (6) of the fluid container that can be separated is arranged in the second chamber. A rotary drum (8) is rotatably supported in the second chamber. Said drum can be rotated from a starting position into a separating position in which it separates the separable container part from the fluid container. The rotational axis of the rotary drum is disposed at an angle to the connecting axis between the first and second chambers. A system for mixing at least two components uses such an opening device and a mixing container (18) having a connecting piece (19), to which the opening device is removably connected to establish a fluid connection.

Abstract: A pressure compensation and mixing device for a fluid heater has a mixing unit and a pressure compensation unit. The mixing unit is configured to mix a fluid guided in the mixing unit. The pressure compensation unit is configured to homogenize the pressure in the fluid. The mixing unit and the pressure compensation unit are integrated in a housing which allows for a compact structure. By the mixing unit, a specific homogenization of the temperature of the water heated by the fluid heater is achieved.

Abstract: The specification generally discloses systems and methods for mixing and delivering fluids in microfluidic systems. The fluids can contain, in some embodiments reagents that can participate in one or more chemical or biological reactions. Some embodiments relate to systems and methods employing one or more vent valves to controllably flow and/or mix portions of fluid within the microfluidic system. Advantageously, fluid control such as a sequence of fluid flow and/or a change in flow rate, can be achieved by opening and closing one or more vent valves and by applying a single source of fluid flow (e.g., a vacuum) operated at a substantially constant pressure. This can simplify the operation and use of the device by an intended user.

Abstract: A microfluidic device provided with a micro-channel structure capable of easily and positively providing therein micro-droplet having various dilution ratios. A micro-channel structure provided in a substrate (2) has a first mixing unit (11) and a second mixing unit (21) connected to the downstream side of the first mixing unit (11), with each mixing unit (11, 21) having first through third micro-channels. One end of a first weighing unit (11d) consisting of a micro-channel having a capacity equivalent to the volume of a specified-amount first micro-droplet is opened to a first micro-channel (11a), and the other end is opened to a merging unit (12a) provided on a second micro-channel (12). One end of a second weighing unit (13d) consisting of a micro-channel having a capacity equivalent to the volume of a specified-amount second micro-droplet is connected to a third micro-channel (13), and the other end is opened to the merging unit (12a).

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing a first fluid into a flow path (44) of a second fluid, said apparatus having a chamber (12), which encloses the flow path and exhibits a first inlet (13) for receiving the second fluid, a second inlet (15) arranged downstream of the first inlet for receiving the first fluid, as well as an outlet arranged downstream of the second inlet for discharging a mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid, said flow path extending from the first inlet to the outlet and said second inlet opening into the flow path, a throttle body (29), which is pivotally arranged inside the chamber for controlling the flow area of the flow path, and pivoting means (50, 51) for pivoting the throttle body for said controlling of the flow area.

Abstract: A hot and cold water mixing valve including a temperature adjusting dial, and a cylindrical casing having formed therein a hot water inlet and a cold water inlet is provided with a control valve member in which one end thereof is subjected to a load from a biasing member and the other end is subjected to a load from an actuator. By balancing between the loads applied by the biasing member and the actuator, a mixture ratio between the hot water which flows in through the hot water inlet and the cold water which flows in through the cold water inlet is adjusted. A temperature adjuster adjusts a position of the control valve member through the biasing member and includes a tapered skirt portion, which spreads in a radial direction, at an end on the control valve member side thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing at least first and second fluid, comprising: (a) a first nozzle comprising a first flow duct defining a first flow chamber, and having a first nozzle tip having a first discharge opening; and (b) a second nozzle comprising a second flow duct defining a second flow chamber, and having a second nozzle tip having a second discharge opening; wherein said first flow duct and said second flow duct are spirally wrapped each over the other. The invention also provides a process for mixing fluids, especially adapted for the production of isocyanates, and that is notably carried out in the apparatus of the invention.