Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine for the production of a component for an aerosol generating article, the machine including: —a buffer station, the buffer station including: # fixed sheet guides; # movable sheet guides which are movable in a reciprocating manner in a direction towards the fixed sheet guides and in a direction away from the sheet fixed guides; # an actuator for moving the movable sheet guides, wherein the fixed and movable sheet guides together define a zig-zag trajectory for the sheet having a variable length for varying the total length of the sheet of material in the buffer station; # supports for the sheet, the supports being arranged so that, when the movable sheet guides are moved towards the fixed sheet guides, at least one of the movable sheets guides is interposed between two different supports of the plurality; # an air system; # wherein the each of the supports defines an outer surface, at least one of the outer surfaces having a first portion in which a sucking action is

Abstract: A substrate is described having a treated contact surface comprising a carbon or silicon compound comprising from 1 to 30 atomic percent oxygen, from 0.1 to 30 atomic percent nitrogen, or both, each as measured by XPS. The treated contact surface has a biomolecule recovery percentage greater than the biomolecule recovery percentage of the surface before treatment according to the method.

Abstract: There are provided reactive metal powder in-flight heat treatment processes. For example, such processes comprise providing a reactive metal powder; and contacting the reactive metal powder with at least one additive gas while carrying out said in-flight heat treatment process, thereby obtaining a raw reactive metal powder.

Abstract: A polyamide fiber which has a single fiber fineness of less than 5 dtex, and has a stress per unit fineness of 0.7 cN/dtex or more in 3% elongation in a tensile test of the fiber, in which a stress F1 in 3% elongation in a tensile test of the fiber before 100° C. boiling water treatment and a stress F2 in 3% elongation in a tensile test of the fiber after the treatment satisfy Formula (1): F2/F1>0.7??(1).

Abstract: Polymeric materials are described which have a bioflavonoid coating, the bioflavonoid content of the coating comprising at least naringin and neohesperidin. The use of such coated polymeric materials is also described as well as the process for making the coated polymeric materials.

Abstract: A low temperature heat seal coating solution which contains an amorphous or semi-crystalline polyester or co-polyester resin, tackifier, anti-blocking agent, and solvent. The coating solution can be applied to a packaging web such as a foil or film by converters using conventional methods such as gravure, rod, slot die, or printing process. The heal seal coating can be sealed to itself or another substrate to manufacture food packaging bags or pharmaceutical blister packaging. The heat seal temperature can be as low as 70° C. under conventional equipment and conditions in the industry.

Abstract: Provided is a graft copolymer (A) obtainable by graft-polymerizing, in the presence of 30 to 80 parts by mass of an ethylene-based polymer (a), an aromatic vinyl-based monomer (b) and, if necessary, another vinyl-based monomer (c) copolymerizable with the aromatic vinyl-based monomer (b) in a total amount of 20 to 70 parts by mass (provided that the sum of the components (a), (b) and (c) is 100 parts by mass), in which the ethylene-based polymer (a) has a density of 0.900 g/cm3 or more and less than 0.966 g/cm3, a number average molecular weight of 10,000 to 50,000, and a molecular weight distribution of 5 to 15, and the proportion of the ethylene-based polymer (a) molecules having a molecular weight of 10,000 or less is 5.5% or more.

Abstract: An electrode including fluorinated and surface defluorinated coal is described, as well as methods of producing such and employing such within an electrical system. The coal in the electrodes is fluorinated at an amount of between 0.3 and 1.4. The resulting coal products can be further surface defluorinated and maintain functionality within an electrical system.

Abstract: Provided is a graft copolymer (A) obtainable by graft-polymerizing, in the presence of 30 to 80 parts by mass of an ethylene-based polymer (a), an aromatic vinyl-based monomer (b) and, if necessary, another vinyl-based monomer (c) copolymerizable with the aromatic vinyl-based monomer (b) in a total amount of 20 to 70 parts by mass (provided that the sum of the components (a), (b) and (c) is 100 parts by mass), in which the ethylene-based polymer (a) has a density of 0.900 g/cm3 or more and less than 0.966 g/cm3, a number average molecular weight of 10,000 to 50,000, and a molecular weight distribution of 5 to 15, and the proportion of the ethylene-based polymer (a) molecules having a molecular weight of 10,000 or less is 5.5% or more.

Abstract: A surgical access assembly is described that includes an outer sheath and a selectively removable obturator. The outer sheath is defined by an open distal end and an open proximal end and includes a hollow body portion therebetween. The obturator is defined by a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end further comprises a tapered distal tip member. The obturator is configured to be received within the outer sheath such that the tapered distal tip member protrudes from the open distal end of the outer sheath when the obturator is in an introducing configuration. The outer sheath further includes a gripping member, wherein the gripping member includes at least one retaining notch formed on an outer surface thereof.

Abstract: A sticker for spacing wood is extruded from an alloy that includes polycarbonate resin and polysulfone resin. The sticker can have a variety of different configurations, including a top surface that includes contact points that have an area substantially smaller than the area of the top surface, a single or multiple internal longitudinal hallow chambers separated by multiple reinforcing members, longitudinal external grooves that allow airflow, lateral external grooves that intersect the longitudinal external grooves, curved sides for a version where the stickers are placed manually, and substantially straight sides for a version where the stickers are placed by a machine. A method for manufacturing the sticker includes pulling an extrusion with a puller that includes a plurality of teeth that provide a first plurality of lateral grooves running substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the extrusion in a top and bottom surface of the extrusion.

Abstract: Methods of aligning fibers with an electric field are provided. The fibers may include dielectric fibers, such as carbon fibers. The fibers may be aligned in a liquid that is curable. Composite materials also are provided that include aligned fibers.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for water dissociation with microplasma generated in microchannel plasma arrays or chips. Preferred methods and systems introduce water vapor into a microchannel plasma array. Electrical power is applied to the microchannel plasma array to create a plasma chemical reaction of the water vapor in the microchannel plasma array. Dissociated hydrogen and/or oxygen gas is collected at an output of the microchannel plasma array. The water vapor can be entrained in a carrier gas, but is preferably introduced without carrier gas. Direct introduction of water vapor has been demonstrated to provide efficiencies at an above 60%. The use of carrier gas reduces efficiency, but still exceeds efficiencies of prior methods discussed in the background.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a method for draping on a form, which includes a step of deposition on the form of a first fold support in the form of one or more polymer nonwoven fabrics. The invention further relates to a thermoplastic nonwoven material manufactured with a nonwoven fabric of polymer fibers.

Abstract: A patterned film structure consists of a substrate and of a patterned polymeric layer which selectively covers and exposes part of the surface of the substrate. The patterned polymeric layer is selected form at least one of an unsubstituted poly-para-xylylene and a substituted poly-para-xylylene.

Abstract: Protein layers (1) repeating regularly in two dimensions comprise protein protomers (2) which each comprise at least two monomers (5), (6) genetically fused together. The monomers (5), (6) are monomers of respective oligomer assemblies (3), (4) into which the monomers are assembled to assembly of the protein layer. The first oligomer assembly (3) belongs to a dihedral point group of order O, where O equals (3), (4) or (6) and has a set of O rotational symmetry axes of order (2). The second oligomer assembly (4) has a rotational symmetry axis of order (2). Due to the symmetry of the oligomer assemblies (3), (4), the rotational symmetry axes of each second oligomer assembly (4) is aligned with one of said set of O rotational symmetry axes of a first oligomer assembly (3) with (2) protomers being arranged symmetrically therearound.

Abstract: Polymeric materials are described which have a bioflavonoid coating, the bioflavonoid content of the coating comprising at least naringin and neohesperidin. The use of such coated polymeric materials is also described as well as the process for making the coated polymeric materials.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for restoring a surface field potential of an electret material. An oscillator generates an oscillating output, and a power amplifier amplifies the oscillating output. A step-up transformer generates a high voltage alternating current output from the amplified oscillating output, and a polarity controller generates one of a positive pulsating output and a negative pulsating output from the high voltage alternating current output.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for applying a coating to an interior surface surrounding a passage of an article. A plasma is generated from a process gas inside the passage of the article, and the coating is deposited from the plasma on the interior surface. The article may optionally be placed inside of a passage of a conductive conduit. Either the article or the conductive conduit is coupled with a radio-frequency generator for generating the plasma inside the passage of the article.

Abstract: Method for preparing a substrate comprising an anti-adhesive silicone coating obtained from an anti-adhesive silicone composition based on crosslinked silicone oil(s) with adhesion properties that are modified compared with the initial properties thereof, in which provision is made for a substrate at least partly coated with an anti-adhesive silicone coating and the anti-adhesive silicone coating is cold-plasma-treated, approximately at atmospheric pressure, in an optionally doped nitrogen atmosphere or in an optionally doped carbon dioxide atmosphere, substrate at least partially coated with an anti-adhesive silicone composition, silicone-self-adhesive complex and uses.

Abstract: A machine for atmospheric plasma treatment of continuous material substrates comprises means for feeding a substrate for moving it along a feed path; at least two electrodes each positioned at one face of the substrate, each electrode facing a respective face of the substrate, a difference in electric potential being applicable across the electrodes for generating an electric discharge; the feed means comprising at least one first roller and one second roller, the first roller and the second roller coinciding with respective electrodes and each acting on a respective face of the substrate.

Abstract: An image recording device includes a support member, a recording head, a conveyor unit, a surface modifying apparatus and a movement mechanism. The conveyor unit intermittently conveys a recording medium toward a support member along a conveyance path, and intermittently passes the recording medium through a processing position disposed on an upstream side of the supporting member with respect to the conveyance path. The surface modifying apparatus, during a passage time in which the recording medium passes through the processing position, executes surface modification processing on the recording medium passing through the processing position, and emits heat along with execution of the surface modification process. The movement mechanism places the recording medium passing through the processing position near the surface modifying apparatus during the processing time, and separates the recording medium and the surface modifying apparatus when the passage time ends.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer possessing a linear backbone selected from the homopolymers belonging to the family of polyfluorenes, polycarbazoles, polyanilines, polyphenylenes, polyisothionaphthenes, polyacetylenes, polyphenylene vinylenes, and copolymers thereof, said backbone bearing at least one side group possessing at least one nitroxide function. It also relates to an electrode material, an electrode and a lithium secondary battery obtained from such a polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of conversion of carbon dioxide into organic products using plasma technology comprising the steps of (a) providing a reaction chamber; (b) introducing a counterpart molecule and carbon dioxide into the reaction chamber; (c) initiating a plasma in the reaction chamber; and (d) converting the carbon dioxide into organic products, wherein the organic products do not contain formic acid and formaldehyde, and wherein the counterpart molecule consists of water molecule.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method for rapidly producing a synthetic gas from a bio-diesel byproduct using microwave plasma, in which, while a plasma flame is generated by a plasma generator and waste glycerin, a bio-diesel byproduct, as fuel, is gasified by being supplied to the generated plasma flame of high temperature, the fuel is supplied in various types to increase the contact time or the contact area with the plasma flame and thus promote gasification thereof and the contents of steam and oxygen supplied and the plasma power are controlled to increase the collection amount of combustible gas and thus allow rapid production of the synthetic gas.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an antitumor aqueous solution and an anticancer agent, both of which can kill cancer cells while having virtually no effects on normal cells, and to provide methods for producing the antitumor aqueous solution and the anticancer agent. The method of the invention for producing an antitumor aqueous solution for killing cancer cells includes an aqueous solution preparation step of preparing an aqueous solution through addition, to water, of a solute containing at least one of disodium hydrogen phosphate (Na2HPO4), sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3), L-glutamine, L-histidine, and L-tyrosine disodium dihydrate (L-tyrosine.2Na.2H2O); and a plasma irradiation step of irradiating the aqueous solution with atmospheric pressure plasma generated in a plasma generation region by means of a plasma generator.

Abstract: A liquid thin film is disposed on a conveyor surface (e.g., a roller or belt) that moves the thin film into a precisely controlled gap (or nip) region in which the liquid thin film is subjected to an electric field that causes the liquid to undergo Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) patterning deformation, whereby portions of the liquid thin film form patterned liquid features having a micro-scale patterned shape. A curing mechanism (e.g., a UV laser) is used to solidify (e.g., in the case of polymer thin films, cross-link) the patterned liquid inside or immediately after exiting the gap region. The patterned structures are either connected by an intervening web as part of a polymer sheet, or separated into discreet micro-scale structures. Nanostructures (e.g., nanotubes or nanowires) disposed in the polymer become vertically oriented during the EHD patterning process. Segmented electrodes and patterned charges are utilized to provide digital patterning control.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of production of chemical bonds and subsequent molecules by electrospray ionization and the design of an electrospray chemical synthesizer, for use in chemical synthesis and expedited organic chemical reactions.

Abstract: Gas treatment systems and methods are provided. A system includes at least one device defining a space and having a gas inlet and a gas outlet. The device also includes an electrode assembly, where the electrode assembly includes a dielectric plate, at least one first electrode, at least one second electrode, and a conductive layer. The electrodes are elongate electrodes disposed on a first major surface of the dielectric plate and arranged substantially in parallel. Further, the conductive layer extends over a second major surface of the dielectric plate, is electrically coupled to the one of the electrodes, and is electrically isolated from the other electrode. The system includes a circuit configured for generating a pulsed electric field between the electrodes.

Abstract: A method for controlling selectivity or turnover frequency of a catalyst is provided. The catalyst is provided between a first electrode and a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode, wherein the first electrode has an insulating layer on a first side of the first electrode and the second electrode has an insulating layer on a first side of the second electrode wherein where the first side of the first electrode and the first side of the second electrode are between the first electrode and second electrode. A fluid solution that contains a salt electrolyte and a substrate for a catalytic reaction is provided between the electrodes. A voltage is provided between the first electrode and second electrode.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: Methods and devices for non-thermal PCR amplification of nucleic acid sequences. An electrical potential is applied to cause non-thermal separation of strands of a double-stranded nucleic acid or double-stranded nucleic acid/primer extension product.

Abstract: Methods for releasing associated guest materials from a metal organic framework are provided. Methods for associating guest materials with a metal organic framework are also provided. Methods are provided for selectively associating or dissociating guest materials with a metal organic framework. Systems for associating or dissociating guest materials within a series of metal organic frameworks are provided. Thermal energy transfer assemblies are provided. Methods for transferring thermal energy are also provided.

Abstract: A continuous feed discharge surface treater for treating web materials has a discharge chamber where ionization of a process gas occurs defined and contained by one or more rollers. Enhanced chemical coronas and plasmas are achieved by limiting depletion of the gas chemistry from the discharge chamber and dilution or contamination from mixing with drawn in ambient air. Atmospheric coronas can also be achieved in which minimal or no ozone is exhausted from the treater. Various roller and electrode assemblies, including both fixed and rolling electrodes, can be employed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of conversion of carbon dioxide into organic products using plasma technology comprising the steps of (a) providing a reaction chamber; (b) introducing a counterpart molecule and carbon dioxide into the reaction chamber; (c) initiating a plasma in the reaction chamber; and (d) converting the carbon dioxide into organic products, wherein the organic products do not contain formic acid and formaldehyde, and wherein the counterpart molecule consists of water molecule.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to mass spectrometry and related techniques, and in some cases, to determining single species using mass spectrometry. In certain instances, polymers such as DNA or RNA can also be sequenced. Certain embodiments of the invention relate to passing a polymer, such as DNA, RNA, a protein, a polypeptide, a polysaccharide, etc., through a pore and cleaving the polymer in sequence. For instance, the polymer may be cleaved using a laser or an electric field. In some embodiments, a property of at least one subunit of a polymer is determined using mass spectrometry. In some embodiments, a single ion (which may be a subunit of a polymer, or an ion based on another species) can be isolated in a mass spectrometer and a signal generated from the single ion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are electrochromic devices, including eyewear, windows, and displays, prepared by in situ formation of conjugated polymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process, and respective operating apparatus, for modifying the structure of a sludge, in particular an organic sludge originating from a purification treatment of waste water, of the civil and industrial type, to be subjected to dehydration and/or drying, wherein the sludge is exposed to the action of an electric field generated by direct current.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a filter for removing unwanted components in a fluid flow or a gas flow, as well as a filter obtainable by the method according to the invention. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of the filter according to the invention for removing unwanted components in a fluid flow or a gas flow. Moreover, the present invention relates to the use of the filter for the production of products containing filter materials, such as cigarettes, and the products per se.

Abstract: Provided are electronegative-ion-aided methods and apparatus to achieve reduction of carbon dioxide gas into useful products. In one embodiment, using different methods of discharge, the electronegative gases forms non-equilibrium electronegative ions, so that carbon dioxide reduction occurs for the production of organic compounds. When carbon dioxide is introduced into the container containing at least one electronegative gas, such as water, ammonia, bromine or iodine vapor, it reacts to form organic compounds, such as ethanol, methanol, and oxalic acid in the case of water, urea in the case of ammonia, and tetraiodomethane in the case of iodine.

Abstract: The present device is a microchannel separator that uses a separation driving force created by an electric field. An ionic fluid flows through the microchannels and is subjected to an electric field by two spaced apart parallel electrodes possessing an electric charge. The ions in the ionic fluid are attracted towards the charged electrodes and thus are concentrated in the region of flow near the charged electrodes and depleted from the central region of flow between the charged electrodes. The charged electrodes are insulated from the ionic fluid by an impermeable barrier which prevents arcing and adherence of the ions to the charged electrodes. After a sufficient length of passage of the ionic fluid through a main channel two blocking plates separate the flow into a central and two outer output channels. The central channel draws a portion of the ionic fluid from the central region of the main channel that has fewer ions than the ionic fluid in the regions near the charged electrodes.

Abstract: Catalyst mixtures include at least one Catalytically Active Element and, as a separate constituent, one Helper Catalyst. The catalysts can be used to increase the rate, modify the selectivity or lower the overpotential of chemical reactions. These catalysts are useful for a variety of chemical reactions including, in particular, the electrochemical conversion of CO2. Chemical processes employing these catalysts produce CO, OH?, HCO?, H2CO, (HCO2)?, H2CO2, CH3OH, CH4, C2H4, CH3CH2OH, CH3COO?, CH3COOH, C2H6, O2, H2, (COOH)2, or (COO?)2. Devices using the catalysts include, for example, a CO2 sensor.

Abstract: Provided is a plasma oxidation-reduction method with which it is possible to control the structure of amino acids and proteins with high and stable reproducibility, by using plasma in order to control the amino acids and proteins that make up a living body, particularly by using plasma in order to oxidize or reduce amino acids and proteins. Also provided are a method for promoting plant/animal growth using the plasma oxidation-reduction method, and a plasma-generating device for use in the method for promoting plant/animal growth. Amino acids or proteins are oxidized or reduced in the plasma oxidation-reduction method by using an active oxygen species or active hydrogen in the plasma. Preferably, the active oxygen species comprises any one of singlet oxygen atoms, excited oxygen molecules, or hydroxyl radicals, and the active hydrogen comprises excited hydrogen atoms.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions for incorporation of an unnatural amino acid into a peptide using an orthogonal aminoacyl tRNA synthetase/tRNA pair. In particular, an orthogonal pair is provided to incorporate 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan in a position encoded by an opal mutation.

Abstract: A plasma treatment has been used to modify the surface of BNNTs. In one example, the surface of the BNNT has been modified using ammonia plasma to include amine functional groups. Amine functionalization allows BNNTs to be soluble in chloroform, which had not been possible previously. Further functionalization of amine-functionalized BNNTs with thiol-terminated organic molecules has also been demonstrated. Gold nanoparticles have been self-assembled at the surface of both amine- and thiol-functionalized boron nitride Nanotubes (BNNTs) in solution. This approach constitutes a basis for the preparation of highly functionalized BNNTs and for their utilization as nanoscale templates for assembly and integration with other nanoscale materials.

Abstract: Methods for releasing associated guest materials from a metal organic framework are provided. Methods for associating guest materials with a metal organic framework are also provided. Methods are provided for selectively associating or dissociating guest materials with a metal organic framework. Systems for associating or dissociating guest materials within a series of metal organic frameworks are provided. Thermal energy transfer assemblies are provided. Methods for transferring thermal energy are also provided.

Abstract: A method for producing of ultra-dispersed carbon comprises the steps of introducing gaseous methane and chlorine into passageways (3 and 4) of a burner (2) communicating with a chamber (1) of a reactor, combusting the mixture of methane and chlorine resulting in the formation of a diffusion flame, depositing products of a process of oxidative coupling of methane, separating a suspension containing solid carbon particles, and extracting a desired product. The greater part of the methane stream is fed to the outer boundary of the flame through a branch pipe (6) provided within the reactor chamber. Internal walls of the reactor chamber (1) in the combustion zone of the diffusion flame are washed by means of water stream. The desired product is extracted from the crude product through thermal processing of the solid particles suspension. Utilization of the method essentially increases the mono-dispersed carbon yield in the process of oxidative coupling of methane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of silicon from silyl halides. In a first step, the silyl halide is converted, with the generation of a plasma discharge, to a halogenated polysilane, which is subsequently decomposed to silicon, in a second step, with heating.

Abstract: Methods of generating nucleic acid fragments of substantially uniform length from sample nucleic acids comprising linearly stretching the sample nucleic acids over a substrate having a plurality of cleavage regions separated by relatively consistent distances, cleaving the linearly stretched sample nucleic acids at the cleavage regions, and collecting the resulting nucleic acid fragments. The method may further include collecting and concentrating the resultant nucleic acid fragments of substantially uniform length.

Abstract: To provide an electret having high stability with time and thermal stability of retained electric charge and having excellent charge retention performance, and an electrostatic induction conversion device comprising such an electret. This has been done by providing an electret obtained from a composition comprising a compound (A) having a molecular weight of from 50 to 2000 and having at least two polar functional groups, and a polymer (B) having a number average molecular weight of more than 2000 and having reactive functional groups reactive with the above polar functional groups and an electrostatic induction conversion device comprising such an electret.