Abstract: The cannabis potency testing method quantitates cannabinoids with UV detection. The cannabis potency testing method may be used for analysis of cannabinoids in plant material/flower form, or in some embodiments, other forms, such as gummies. The cannabis potency testing method includes cannabis plant samples that may be extracted and diluted in methanol then analyzed by, for example, a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system in tandem with a Diode Array Detector (DAD). This method may utilize cannabis plant material, one or more grinding spheres, a container, and a grinder apparatus. The cannabis potency testing method allows determination of high- and low-level cannabinoids in a single injection, and meets or exceeds AOAC standards for analysis of cannabinoids in dried plant materials, concentrates, and edibles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to containers for holding liquid samples. The containers may be useful for mixing a liquid sample or lysing cells in a liquid sample. The invention also relates to methods of using the containers of the invention.

Abstract: Particles are released from a particle-containing area of a first surface of a porous matrix. The particle-containing area is contacted with a liquid medium and sonic energy is applied to an opposing area on a second surface of the porous matrix, wherein the opposing area is opposite to the particle-containing area. The particles may be biological particles or non-biological particles.

Abstract: The mill for spice products, in particular such as cinnamon sticks, houses a reservoir for storing the spice product. The reservoir communicates through a passage, with a grinding mechanism. The reservoir includes a mechanism for fragmenting the spice product. The mechanism for fragmenting are defined by a crusher of the spice product.

Abstract: An apparatus (300) for aerating a food product, (200, 300) comprising a housing (10) with an inlet (100) for the food product and an outlet for the aerated food product, and, within the housing (10), first and second pairs (210, 220, 240) of a rotor and a stator each having complementary toothed rims orientated in opposition in the axial direction, and a gas injector (1) for injecting, at an upstream position relative to the first pair (210, 220) of a rotor and a stator, a gas in the food product to be aerated, wherein a further inlet (310) is provided for injecting, at a position between a pair (210, 220) and an adjacent pair (240) of a rotor and a stator, an additional composition to be mixed with the food product.

Abstract: Disclosed are calcium carbonate mineral filler compositions, wherein the composition has a mineral content characterized by a weight ratio of calcium to magnesium of at least 10:1, and wherein the composition is at least substantially free of calcium oxide. Also disclosed are methods for making a mineral filler composition from a renewable biological source of calcium carbonate. Also disclosed are carpets comprising the mineral filler from renewable biological source produced by the methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: A print cartridge including a cartridge housing having a container body and a lid that encloses the container body. The lid includes a bottom surface and a top surface. One or more air vent openings are formed through the entire thickness of the lid from the top surface to the bottom surface. A hydrophobic coating is disposed on at least one of the top or the bottom surfaces of the lid, with the hydrophobic coating being absent over the one or more air vent openings. The hydrophobic coating is deposited in liquid or gaseous form.

Abstract: A method for retrieving active material from a galvanic cell is provided. The galvanic cell includes an active material, a support for the active material and a binder for bonding the active material and the support. The method includes the following steps: (a) crushing the cells, in particular under inert gas or in a vacuum, so that solid cell fragments are also formed, (b) heating the solid cell fragments up to the decomposition temperature (Tz), which is high enough to make the binder decompose so that it loses its binding properties, preferably under inert gas or in a vacuum, such that heat treated cell fragmented are formed, and (c) classifying the heat treated cell fragments, whereby (d) the classifying comprises air jet sieving and (e) the air jet sieving is carried out in such a way that the active material is separated from the support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to containers for holding liquid samples. The containers may be useful for mixing a liquid sample or lysing cells in a liquid sample. The invention also relates to methods of using the containers of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for decomposing a biological sample (9), the method having the following steps: the sample (9) is put into a container (6) which is composed of plastic, in particular, the container (6) is inserted into an adapter (2, 2a), the adapter with the closed container therein is connected to an apparatus which moves the adapter back and forth, in particular upwards, in automated fashion. This method makes it possible to decompose biological samples in automated fashion, to be precise both samples at room temperature and frozen samples. The invention also relates to an apparatus for carrying out the method, the apparatus having an adapter (2, 2a) which is predominantly composed of plastic and has sleeves (4) which are composed of metal and are intended to accommodate containers (6) which are composed of plastic, in particular.

Abstract: A device and a method for preparing adipose tissue for transplantation from lobular fat material extracted by liposuction, the fat material consisting of a mixture of fluid materials and cell fragments, cells and one or more cell magroagglomerates of heterogeneous sizes, include at least one sterile container having a size reducing device for reducing the fat material into cell agglomerates of smaller and identical or similar sizes, the device dividing the inner chamber of the container into at least two portions, particularly a first upper portion and a second lower portion.

Abstract: A micro-spike algae harvesting and biofuel extraction system including a micro-spike board supported at an inclined angle by a rigid framework and forming a planar substrate for support of an array of miniature, upwardly pointed, conically-shaped spikes, and a sprinkling system for dispersing an algal solution of algae cells from above the micro-spike board onto the array of spikes for puncturing the algae cells to release biofuel contained therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of enriching for membranous microvesicles relative to the cellular population in a biological sample. More particularly, there is provided a method for enriching for exosomes from plasma. In a related aspect, there is provided a method of reducing the concentration of cellular and cellular derived molecules in a biological sample. Still further, the present invention provides methods for selectively isolating mRNA subpopulations from exosomes. Yet further, there are provided methods of amplifying exosome derived RNA. The method of the present invention is useful in a range of applications including, but not limited to, diagnostic, prognostic, therapeutic, research and development applications, to the extent that the enrichment of exosomes is required.

Abstract: A cell isolation apparatus includes: a chamber body which includes a chamber into which tissue is to be introduced; an isolation member which is moved in the chamber and which is to collide with the tissue to isolate a cell; and a controlling portion which controls an operation of the isolation member in the chamber body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to plant cells and plants which synthesize hyaluronan and to methods for preparing such plants, and also to methods for preparing hyaluronan with the aid of these plant cells or plants. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of plants for preparing hyaluronan and to food or feed which comprises hyaluronan.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated ID3517, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line ID3517 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line ID3517, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line ID3517, and plants produced according to these methods.

Abstract: A method of and system for producing oil and valuable byproducts from grains, such as corn, in dry mills are disclosed. The method and system include dewater milling process after fermenting. Further, the method and system are able to produce oil without evaporating. Moreover, the method and system include one or more of the germ processing units, emulsion processing units, fiber processing units, high value protein producing units, and glycerol and inorganic salt producing units, such that high value byproducts are able to be generated.

Abstract: A method for crushing and drying damp wood, wherein the wood is introduced into an impact reactor, which has a substantially cylindrical main body, in the closed interior space of which there rotates a rotor with at least one impact element, which contacts the wood and crushes it into part-constituents while generating a great transfer of momentum. The interior space of the cylindrical main body is assigned a suction removal device, which during the impact crushing removes the mist of moisture produced when the impact element makes contact with the material, and the interior space of the cylindrical main body has admitted to it hot gas, heated by waste heat from a combustion process, at a temperature of less than 95° C., in particular less than 80° C., or the exhaust gas from a combustion process, which after a collision of the impact element with a material constituent penetrates the material constituent in place of the moisture leaving. Also a device for carrying out the method.

Abstract: Methods and devices to process harvested skin tissue and to immediately reintroduce the ground tissue into the patient to repair a tissue defect are disclosed. A hand-held portable tissue grinder comprising a housing and a grinding element are disclosed. The tissue grinder is used for grinding skin and subcutaneous tissue and includes a sterile polymer housing having a first opening adapted to receive the skin and subcutaneous tissue. The tissue grinder also includes a sterile grinding element disposed substantially within the housing. The grinding element includes a plurality of cutting surfaces adapted to operably engage with the housing to provide ground tissue and further includes a handle mechanism coupled to the grinding element to move the grinding element with respect to the housing to grind the skin and subcutaneous tissue, wherein the ground tissue can be removed from the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for breaking down biological material, especially for obtaining biomolecules by ultrasound, the biological material being arranged, in a container together with a liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to containers for holding liquid samples. The containers may be useful for mixing a liquid sample or lysing cells in a liquid sample. The invention also relates to methods of using the containers of the invention.

Abstract: A process is disclosed which includes separating selected solids from a process stream with a selected solids mechanical processor containing a filter to produce a filtrate substantially free of selected solids and a retentate containing recovered selected solids. In one embodiment, the process stream contains an increased amount of liquid is provided to a downstream mechanical processor as compared to a process stream having no selected solids mechanical processor upstream. The selected solids mechanical processor can be a dynamic filtration device or a static separation device. Bio-oil recovery efficiency, quantity, and quality can be improved as a result.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements to lyse a biological sample are described. The arrangements comprise a lysis tube containing the sample, one or more electromagnets generating a magnetic field, and one or more permanent magnets inside the lysis tube. The permanent magnets move and lyse the sample when a magnetic field is generated by the electromagnets.

Abstract: The invention relates, for example, to methods for preparing a plant or animal sample for processing, i.e. for example for the isolation of nucleic acids or proteins from the sample, as well as to a pulverizer.

Abstract: A method for processing rapeseed includes dehulling and separating the rapeseed into kernel fractions and husk fractions. The kernel fractions are subjected to one or more pressings so as to obtain oil and an oil cake, the oil cake having solid content and oil content. The oil cake is subjected to at least one further milling process so as to provide an output that is a base material, filler material or additive for human foods.

Abstract: A micro rotary machine may include a micro actuator and a micro shaft coupled to the micro actuator. The micro shaft comprises a horizontal shaft and is operable to be rotated by the micro actuator. A micro tool is coupled to the micro shaft and is operable to perform work in response to motion of the micro shaft.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method and apparatus for aqueous extraction of chemical compounds from solid material in which the solid material is entrained in an extraction liquid phase that flowed around immersed sonotrodes emitting radial or focused high energy ultrasonic waves. A significant increase in extracted material and decreases in extraction time is observed.

Abstract: Cellulose nanofibers are produced using a 4-hydroxy TEMPO derivative by treating a cellulosic material with an oxidizing agent in water in the presence of a cellulose oxidation catalyst containing an N-oxyl compound to prepare oxidized cellulos, and microfibrillating the oxidized cellulose.

Abstract: A tissue dicing and separation device comprises a housing having an interior that receives tissue for dicing and separation. The device includes a blade assembly connected to a motor and solenoid. The solenoid reciprocates the blade assembly while the motor clocks the blade assembly during each reciprocation cycle. This reciprocating and clocking action of the blade assembly dices and/or minces the tissue. The housing is filled with a fluid and then the blade assembly is continuously rotated to create a vortex within the housing. The vortex causes the diced tissue particles to separate by particle size. Outlets at different positions along the housing permit withdrawal of a slurry of fluid and tissue particles with the tissue particles having a desired size range. The obtained slurry may be used in conjunction with a fistula plug treatment device and method.

Abstract: An apparatus for disrupting cells or viruses comprises a container having a chamber for holding the cells or viruses. The container includes at least one flexible wall defining the chamber. The apparatus also includes a transducer for impacting an external surface of the flexible wall to generate pressure waves in the chamber. The apparatus also includes a pressure source for increasing the pressure in the chamber. The pressurization of the chamber ensures effective coupling between the transducer and the flexible wall. The apparatus may also include beads in the chamber for rupturing the cells or viruses.

Abstract: A manually actuated juicing tool used to insert directly into a pomegranate fruit cut horizontally in half. Once cut horizontally, the pomegranate reveals sections of arils separated by membranes. The tool has a rigid horizontal handle that the user grasps with one hand. A round mid-shaft projects down from the handle a distance sufficient to allow the tool to be projected down to the base of the husk of the fruit while leaving the handle above the husk. At the base of the mid-shaft are two or more tines projected outwardly and slightly downwardly. The tine at its outward end is convex to match the symmetry of the husk of the fruit. On the bottom of the tine are tiny cutting spikes used to pierce the arils. The tine also contains small vertical extrusion holes to allow juice to flow above the tine while leaving all solids beneath.

Abstract: A device and method to provide a simplified wash process and controlled disintegration of a soft substance, such as a gel, are disclosed. In use, a block of, e.g., gel matrix is placed in the device and washed with a series of appropriate solutions to remove interfering contaminants. The washing liquid is removed through a deformable narrow opening in the bottom of the device, and, subsequently, the gel block is extruded through the deformable narrow opening, by a physical force, such as centrifugal force, a vacuum or positive pressure from a gas or liquid, etc., resulting in fragmentation of the gel block into a series of particles of similar size. The fragmentation of the gel results from shear forces exerted onto the gel block traveling through the deformable narrow opening in the device.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements to lyse a biological sample are described. The arrangements comprise a lysis tube containing the sample, one or more electromagnets generating a magnetic field, and one or more permanent magnets inside the lysis tube. The permanent magnets move and lyse the sample when a magnetic field is generated by the electromagnets.

Abstract: A grinding system includes a mortar container having an open top portion and a bottom portion having a first interior grinding surface and a wall portion interconnecting the top and bottom portions for defining a hollow interior collection chamber, a modular pestle assembly including a universal pestle shaft having at its proximate end an actuator portion extending above the top portion and at its distal end a mounting portion for receiving one of a set of pairs of matching tips and pestle collars, the pestle tip having a second grinding surface for engaging the first grinding surface, and a closure device sealingly engageable with the pestle assembly and the open top portion for sealing the container and the collection chamber between the grinding surfaces and the top portion of the mortar container.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for mechanical cell lysis with single cell resolution which requires very low applied pressure. The device can be handheld, simple to operate, requires no external power except for hand-applied pressure via a syringe, and is applicable to all cell types including yeast and bacterial cells. The device is also capable of mechanically lysing a single cell. A single cell is selected from a biological sample of interest. The single cell is lysed by application of mechanical stress in a single cell lysing apparatus having a trap structure for deterministically capturing the cell and a stress raiser that cooperates with a source of mechanical stress so as to apply sufficient force to rupture a cell. The stress raiser can be a properly designed edge of the trap or it can be a lithographically produced structure such as a nanoblade or a nanopillar.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting oil from algae comprises a disruptor (125) having a plurality of deflectors (220 and 225) against which a mixture of algae and water (100) is forcibly impacted upon the urging of a pump (115). The impacting of the algal cells against the deflectors ruptures their cell walls and liberates the lipids (oil) and other materials contained therein. A tank (130) collects the mixture and after a settling period, the mixture forms at least three layers comprising oil (155), water (160), and algal residue (165). The oil layer is removed through one or more conduits (177, 178) into a holding tank (185) for further refining and use. The water is discarded, and the biomass residue comprising algal cell walls and other non-oil components is removed to another holding container (199) from which it can be discarded or used as an agricultural fertilizer or the like. If desired, the residue can be further treated in order to scavenge any remaining oil.

Abstract: Improved ball mill disruption techniques. In different embodiments, disrupting particles that are not substantially spherical are used. In other embodiments, roughened disrupting particles are used. In other embodiments, larger disrupting particles are used. In each instance, improved disruption can be achieved.

Abstract: Disclosed is a linear shaker apparatus capable of effectively mixing a wide variety of large volume liquid samples that provides a near linear mixing motion so as to allow for the easy break up of solids suspended in the fluid sample. The longer shaking distances and slower operating speeds employed by the linear shaker described herein, which resembles the motion a scientist or lab technician might employ when shaking such a vial by hand, does not lend itself to the electromagnetic technique employed in various prior art shakers. The linear shaker described herein employs an electric motor and linkage that allows varying the speed and stroke of the mixing operation to accommodate different laboratory protocols.

Abstract: The invention provides low-cost, non-thermal methods to transform and beneficiate bulk materials, including low rank coals such as peat, lignite, brown coal, subbituminous coal, other carbonaceous solids or derived feedstock. High pressure compaction and comminution processes are linked to transform the solid materials by eliminating interstitial, capillary, pores, or other voids that are present in the materials and that may contain liquid, air or gases that are detrimental to the quality and performance of the bulk materials, thereby beneficiating the bulk products to provide premium feedstock for industrial or commercial uses, such as electric power generation, gasification, liquefaction, and carbon activation. The handling characteristics, dust mitigation aspects and combustion emissions of the products may also be improved.

Abstract: Apparatus for grinding biological samples contained in tubes (12) carried by a turntable (10) driven with oscillating motion, the zone in which the tubes (12) oscillate being surrounded by cooling means (30) enabling the samples in the tubes (12) to be maintained at a desired low temperature, e.g. 4° C., while they are being ground.

Abstract: Lubrication substrates are disclosed that have been treated with or that carry a lubricant for maintaining a paper shredder. The lubrication substrate is fed through the shredding mechanism of a paper shredder. Rather than requiring disassembly of the paper shredder, maintenance and lubrication can be performed by passing the lubrication substrate through the shredding mechanism. The lubrication substrates can take any of a variety of forms, and can be substantially rigid and/or stiff. The lubrication substrates can also include scented lubricants and decomposing agents. Paper shredders are also disclosed for use with the lubrication substrates. The paper shredders can have various means for identifying when lubrication is needed and/or when the cutting mechanism of the paper shredder is lubricated by a lubrication sheet. Paper shredders having a reservoir of lubricant for delivery to the cutting mechanism of the paper shredder are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to plant cells and plants, which are genetically modified, whereby the genetic modification leads to an increase in the activity of a starch-phosphorylating OK1 protein in comparison to the corresponding wild type plant cells or wild type plants that have not been genetically modified. In addition, the present invention concerns means and methods for the manufacture of such plant cells and plants. These types of plant cells and plants synthesise a modified starch. Therefore, the present invention also concerns the starches synthesised from the plant cells and plants according to the invention, methods for manufacturing these starches, and the manufacture of starch derivatives of these modified starches, as well as flours containing starches according to the invention. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to nucleic acids, coding starch-phosphorylating OK1 proteins, vectors, host cells, plant cells, and plants containing such nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: A sonication apparatus is directed to a microfluidic-based system to automate differential extraction of specific cell types within a mixed sample. The microfluidic-based system includes a sonication module for selective cell lysis, separating means to eliminate centrifugation, high surface area pillar chip modules to purify DNA from a cell lysate, and microfluidic circuitry to integrate the steps in an automated platform.

Abstract: A standalone bench top laboratory instrument designed to disrupt, or lyse, cells, spores and tissue samples using ultrasonic energy. The lysing device is programmable, allowing the user control over the sample volume, sonication power level, and lysing duration in order to optimize lysing protocols for specific targets. Once a lysing protocol is entered, the device automatically lyses the sample according to the entered lysing protocol. The lysing device also provides a cooling feature, enabled by a heat exchanging sub-assembly, to prevent the sample from exceeding a maximum set temperature.

Abstract: Medication is disposed of by rending the medication, including medicaments stored in blister packs and transdermal patches, and aggregating the riven medication with a disposal medium that is suitable for burial or incineration. Burial or incineration of the aggregated disposal medium and the riven medication reduces the likelihood of water contamination.

Abstract: A device for sample tissue disruption and/or cell lysis comprising: a piezoelectric material; and at least a second material in contact with the piezoelectric material; and wherein the second material has an uneven surface on an opposite side to that in contact with the piezoelectric material. The device may be made by assembling at least three layers and membranes for the valves and pumps. The piezoelectric material is actuated by an external voltage source to generate cavitation, which disrupts tissue and/or lyses cells, in particular by a modulated alternative external voltage. The invention further provides a method of disrupting tissue and/or lysing cells in a device. Also provided is a piezoelectric device comprising a piezoelectric material in contact with a second material, and wherein the second material has an uneven surface on an opposite side to that in contact with the piezoelectric material.

Abstract: A method for processing unseparated egg shells is provided. The method includes placing the unseparated egg shells in a fluid tank containing a fluid mixture, applying cavitation to the fluid mixture to thereby assist in separating the egg shell membranes from the egg shells, and recovering the egg shell membranes. Preferably, the fluid mixture is recirculated to thereby provide for continuous processing of unseparated egg shells. The method may further include drying the egg shell membranes to produce dried egg shell membranes which may then be vacuum packaged for storage and/or transport. The dried egg shell membranes may then be subjected to an extraction process for extracting at least one type of polypeptide from the egg shell membranes. Collagen, hyaluronic acid, or amino acids of interest may be extracted from the egg shell membrane and purified for numerous uses.

Abstract: A differential extraction system is directed to a micro fluidic-based integrated cartridge to automate differential extraction of specific cell types within a mixed sample. The integrated cartridge includes a sonication module for selective cell lysis, separating means to eliminate centrifugation, high surface area pillar chip modules to purify DNA from a cell lysate, and micro fluidic circuitry to integrate the steps in an automated platform.

Abstract: Medication is disposed of by rending the medication, including medicaments stored in blister packs and transdermal patches, and aggregating the riven medication with a disposal medium that is suitable for burial or incineration. Burial or incineration of the aggregated disposal medium and the riven medication reduces the likelihood of water contamination.

Abstract: An apparatus for comminuting biological specimens includes a receiving component provided with a drive source, a sample retainer configured for retaining at least one biological specimen and for engagement in the receiving component, and a single use comminution mechanism in operational relationship with the sample retainer. The drive source is configured for driving the comminution mechanism. A collector is associated with the receiving component for receiving comminuted product generated by the comminution mechanism. A method for comminuting biological specimens is provided so that, upon comminution, the specimen is readily subject to rapid extraction and detection of drugs and their metabolites, compounds, chemicals, pesticides, steroids, growth enhancers, contaminants or other pharmacologic agents which may reside in the specimen.