Abstract: The present invention discloses a fractionation device used for proteins and/or peptides, which has any of the following features: 1) At least one portion of a substrate surface with which proteins or the like are made in contact has an amount of adsorption of bovine serum albumin of 50 ng/cm2 or less with respect to the substrate surface, when a bovine serum albumin solution is made in contact therewith. 2) At least one portion of a substrate surface with which proteins or the like are made in contact has an amount of adsorption of human ?2-microglobulin of 3 ng/cm2 or less with respect to the substrate surface, when a protein aqueous solution consisting of human ?2-microglobulin and bovine serum albumin is made in contact with the substrate surface.

Abstract: Phosphine gas is generated by agitating a reaction mixture of a metal phosphide and water with agitation air in a reaction pot of a phosphine gas generator. The resulting phosphine gas is then diluted with dilution air to produce a fumigant phosphine gas which is directly delivered to a commodity for fumigation. The reaction pot does not have any rotating means such as agitators, rotors, or stirrers. The generator provides on-site generation of phosphine gas in a rapid manner improving the fumigation efficiency for a commodity, such as grain, preferably contained within a storage structures, such as a grain silo. The generator has a built in deactivation system for the unused metal phosphide and phosphine gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for purifying water by dissolving one or more soluble metal salts in the water to provide corresponding metal ions, by dissolving hypohalite into the water, and by regulating the residence time, and thus hypohalite concentration in the device using a venturi nozzle disposed between the metal generator and the hypohalite generator.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for separating components of aqueous mixtures, including aqueous solutions and suspensions. In one implementation, an apparatus flows the aqueous mixture over a hydrophilic surface to form a first region of purified water and a second region of at least one concentrated non-aqueous component. The apparatus can draw off either the purified water or the concentrated non-aqueous components. In one implementation, an array of tubules performs the differential extraction. In another implementation, various hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic surfaces are disposed in multiple differential extractors and some effluents may be recycled to perform complex assaying and separation. In a further implementation, an apparatus can draw off purified water just beneath the air-water interface.

Abstract: A free standing detergent dispensing device removably insertable into an automatic washing machine, the device comprising a cartridge having a plurality of chambers to accommodate a detergent composition, a directing means to direct wash liquor selectively into a chamber of a cartridge to contact the detergent composition therein, wherein the directing means is movable relatively to the cartridge to bring an opening in the directing means selectively into alignment with an inlet opening in each chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides a protein separation device comprising a chaperone protein immobilised on a substrate. In one embodiment, the chaperone protein is an Hsp60 chaperone, preferably a group one chaperone, preferably GroEL. The invention also provides a method for isolating a protein from a biological sample using a protein separation device of the invention.

Abstract: A process for carrying out a liquid/solid reaction comprises a) preparing a reaction suspension in which a first reactant is present in suspended form and a second reactant is present in dissolved form in a suspension medium, where one of the reaction products is insoluble in the suspension medium, b) passing the reaction suspension through an elongated reaction zone so that the Reynolds number of the stream is less than 20,000 and c) separating off the insoluble reaction product formed. The process has the advantage that the insoluble reaction product is obtained in a readily filterable form.

Abstract: An improved system and method for using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a processing fluid additive for safely and effectively treating water-wet hogout propellant as well as any other water-wet propellants, explosives and hazardous wastes (solids and liquids) to make them compatible with the MSO process. The method includes the step of applying liquid PEG to the hazardous waste to create a slurry or feedstock that when fed directly into the MSO reactor vessel prevents the occurrence of smelt-water explosions due to the accumulation of dangerous levels of sodium chloride, and/or sodium sulfide in the molten salt bath. The PEG possesses special qualities that make it ideal for this purpose. It is a low cost, low viscosity, commercially available, non-hazardous (per OSHA standards), water soluble, low toxicity chemical that burns cleanly leaving little or no residue.

Abstract: A new, novel and useful disinfection and purification system comprised of organic compounds in synergistic action with selected metal ions and method of manufacture and use. One of the benefits that is derived from this system is the ability to quickly and easily treat a surface, fluid or medium for disinfection of bacteria, fungi, viruses, algae and protozoans, with a non-toxic, non-chlorinated mixture that effectively kills all such organisms in minutes or hours. The disinfection and purification system remains effective for long periods of time maintaining its disinfection capacity making it highly effective for stored or transported mediums such as potable drinking water. The disinfection and purification system may be incorporated with carbon block or membrane filters to disinfect filtered liquids such as water to render it potable.

Abstract: A recycling facility includes a receptacle for receiving the ammunition to be cleaned, a gas tank for receiving a pressurized gas and coupled to the receptacle, for supplying the pressurized gas to the receptacle, and a heater coupled between the gas tank and the receptacle, for preheating the pressurized gas before the pressurized gas flowing into the receptacle, and for melting and removing the TNT material from the ammunition. The receptacle includes a control valve coupled between the heater and the receptacle, and a control valve coupled between the heater and the gas tank. A collecting casing may be coupled to the receptacle, and coupled to the gas tank via a filter.

Abstract: A system for microbially deactivating items. The system includes a circulation system for circulating a microbial decontamination fluid through a deactivation chamber that forms a part of the circulation system. A container for holding items to be deactivated is provided. The container has a sealable cavity in which the items to be deactivated may be placed, and at least one valve element that is movable between an open and a closed position to regulate fluid flow into the cavity. An actuator in the deactivation chamber is operable to move the valve element to an open position when the container is disposed within the deactivation chamber, wherein the cavity within the container is in fluid communication with the circulation system when the valve element is in the open position.

Abstract: Thermoplastic compositions that reflect ultraviolet light are provided herein, along with articles of manufacture and methods of fluid purification using the same. The thermoplastic compositions preferably comprise a suitable thermoplastic material and microparticles of UV reflective material, such as aluminum or stainless steel. The thermoplastic compositions are useful, for example, in forming articles of manufacture comprising a UV reflective surface that are suitable for use in a water treatment system in connection with a UV light source.

Abstract: The invention relates a method for the production of stabilised suspensions of nanometric or submicrometric particles, which is a method contained in a continuous flow that includes a step (20) for the placing in suspension, dispersion and/or functionalisation of these particles produced in a gaseous stream containing the particles at the output of a reactor in a stream of at least one liquid. The invention also relates a device that implements this method.

Abstract: A detergent dispensing device for an automatic washing machine, the device having a cartridge with a plurality of chambers to accommodate a detergent composition, a selecting means to selectively expose each chamber to wash liquor allowing the detergent, in use, to be washed out of the chamber; a manual operating means being movable from a first position to a second position for loading mechanical energy into the device which provides a restoring force for the operating means, and a thermal element to retain the operating means in the second position, the thermal element being arranged to move when subjected to an elevated temperature prevailing in an interior of the machine during a wash cycle, thereby moving the operating means or releasing the operating means, the operating means being arranged to advance the selecting means to an adjacent chamber as the cartridge remains stationary.

Abstract: A mass-based dispensing system includes a set of interchangeable load cell assemblies. The load cell assemblies are sized to be interchangeably received into a mass-based product dispenser. Each of the interchangeable load cell assemblies has a maximum rated load that is different from the maximum rated load of the other load cell assemblies. The interchangeable load cell assemblies are substantially modular (i.e., have substantially similar external geometries), thus enabling the product dispenser to interchangeably receive the load cells. The interchangeable load cell assemblies enable a single product dispenser to accommodate a broad range of differently weighted products and/or product containers.

Abstract: The invention is directed to polyester processes that utilizes a pipe reactor in the esterification, polycondensation, or both esterification and polycondensation processes. Pipe reactor processes of the present invention have a multitude of advantages over prior art processes including improved heat transfer, volume control, agitation and disengagement functions.

Abstract: A system and method for extracting active elemental iodine from the contact of water with stored crystal iodine and for introducing the extracted elemental iodine into a water supply line and/or otherwise making the extracted elemental iodine available for an intended use. The system operates by allowing a portion of the water entering from a water supply line to be redirected to a first housing where it makes contact with stored crystal iodine causing to extract active elemental iodine. The iodinized water leaves the first housing and enters a second housing where it makes contact additional stored crystal iodine to help stabilize the elemental iodine concentration. The system can be designed to provide the elemental iodine in more than one potency concentration through the use of a metering valve and different travel routes for the elemental iodine out of the second housing.

Abstract: A pseudo-plastic or thixotropic carrier having anti-malodorous components dissolved or suspended therein is sprayed on the internal surfaces of an ostomy bag or pouch. The viscoelastic properties of the carrier allow the composition to be conveniently dispensed from a spray bottle into the ostomy bag and retained on the inner walls thereof without being displaced therefrom by incoming waste during use of the ostomy bag. This allows the composition to continue to deodorize the ostomy bag headspace even after waste material begins to fill the bag.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for treating goods, such as, for example, fumigating and re-cooling perishable goods, such as fruit, using a tarp and floor seal. The apparatus encloses goods on a surface and includes a canopy that is substantially impermeable to flowable materials, such as gas, liquid, or a combination thereof; an upper perimeter for supporting an upper portion of the canopy; a lower perimeter for supporting a lower portion of the canopy, the lower perimeter to be placed in proximity to the surface; a support structure for supporting the upper perimeter and lower perimeters; and a gasket in communication with the lower perimeter, wherein the gasket is deformable to substantially seal the chamber by compressing the gasket against the surface. The apparatus may also include an intermediate support structure for providing support to the canopy and a conduit in communication with the chamber to supply cool air to the chamber.

Abstract: A dispenser (200) dispenses an amount of concentrate in a container (204) using a diluent to form a use solution. A dispenser includes a housing (201). A product holder (210) is positioned to support the container (204) with the concentrate in the cavity of the housing. The product holder (210) carried by a scale (240), wherein weight of the concentrate is concerned. A moveable container holder (215) is moveable between a first position and a second position. The container holder is positioned between the housing (201) and the container (204). A cover (216) is operatively connected to the container holder (215) at a connection. A cam surface is adjacent the housing (201). The cover (216) has a cam (216d) for contacting the cam surface (201a), wherein when the cover (216) is moved from a closed position to an open position, the connection moves upward, thereby carrying the container holder (215) and the container (204) which are moved upward lifting the container (204) off of the product holder (210).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method suitable for dispensing heterogeneous compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method suitable for dispensing heterogeneous compositions.

Abstract: A device is provided for increasing the pH of an acidic aqueous stream, which may result from commercial activity in petroleum, mining, metal finishing and food processing sectors, among others. A container defines an upright reactor portion with a cross-section that increases upwardly, along with inlet and outlet conduits connected to an inlet and an outlet between which the reactor portion is located. The conical portion contains a bed of substantially water-insoluble alkaline salt particulate, such as MgSO, the bed being such that, when the pH of the inflowing aqueous stream is below 7, contact between the particulate and the aqueous stream will raise the pH of the outflowing stream to a level above that of the inflowing stream.

Abstract: A cartridge holder (30) for an automated endoscope reprocessor (10) is mounted on a movable rack (14). As the rack is wheeled into the chamber, a connector (164) on the cartridge holder (164) automatically makes a fluid connection with a connection port (158) within the chamber. The cartridge holder includes a base (42) and a lid (44), which is pivotally connected to the base by a hinge (110). A cartridge (40) holding a dose of a disinfectant concentrate or reagents is positioned in a well (50) defined by the base and the lid closed. Water flows through the cartridge holder via a fluid passageway (A) defined in part by the lid and in part by the hinge. The water mixes with the concentrate or reagents and the resulting disinfectant solution passes out of a lower end (205) of the cartridge into the well. The solution flows upwardly, around the cartridge, through an annular space (232) between the cartridge and the well, disinfecting the well in the process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for pre-treatment of a sample to be introduced in a chromatograph, and a method for performing solid-phase extraction of a component present in a sample. The system uses a syringe having a needle being provided with a porous body having a monolithic structure along at least an appropriate length of the needle and across an overall diameter of the needle. The method includes the steps of inserting the needle into the sample, passing the sample through the needle to retain an analyte within the porous body, and desorbtion of the retained analyte from the porous body.

Abstract: A process for thermally crystallizing a polyester polymer by introducing pellets into a liquid medium having a temperature of at least 140° C. within a liquid medium zone and crystallizing the submerged pellets at or above the vapor pressure of the liquid medium without increasing the molecular weight of the pellets, and while the pressure on at least a portion of the pellets is equal to or greater than the vapor pressure of the liquid medium, separating at least a portion of said pellets and at least a portion of the liquid medium from each other. The crystallization is desirably conducted in the liquid medium zone without mechanically induced agitation. Optionally, the pellets are formed by an underfluid pelletizer.

Abstract: Methods of detaching microorganisms (e.g., bacteria) from, or of inhibiting microbial (e.g., bacterial) attachment to, animal or poultry carcasses or seafood or parts thereof, wherein the method involves contacting animal or poultry carcasses or seafood or parts thereof at least once with at least one of the following: (i) a polysulfated polysaccharide, (ii) carboxymethyl cellulose, or (iii) guanidine or arginine, optionally together with sodium chloride and at least one non-ionic surfactant, or (iv) mixtures thereof, in an amount effective to detach microorganisms (e.g., bacteria) from, or inhibit microbial (e.g., bacterial) attachment to, animal or poultry carcasses or seafood or parts thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a container having at least one inlet and/or outlet and containing at least two different solids arranged in layers as well as the use of said container for preparing a dialysate. In particular, a flexible bag is described, having three layers of different solids, where the middle layer consists of a solid which is compatible with the two adjacent layers and thus forms a separating layer between the two other layers. The layers are secured in place during shipping by vacuum packing.

Abstract: Thermoplastic compositions that reflect ultraviolet light are provided herein, along with articles of manufacture and methods of fluid purification using the same. The thermoplastic compositions preferably comprise a suitable thermoplastic material and microparticles of UV reflective material, such as aluminum or stainless steel. The thermoplastic compositions are useful, for example, in forming articles of manufacture comprising a UV reflective surface that are suitable for use in a water treatment system in connection with a UV light source.

Abstract: A single housing comprising a diluent inlet, a solution outlet, and a plurality of discrete reagent beds comprising at least one reagent in dry form, wherein said reagent is present in the discrete reagent bed in a proportion sufficient for production of a complete hemodialysate solution.

Abstract: A pressure gradient dosing system is provided for a fluid supply system. A flow passage has first and second pressure zones having a pressure gradient therebetween. An additive reservoir in an additive delivery system responds to the pressure gradient to release additive to the flow passage.

Abstract: This is a device which will make the monitoring and regulation of chemicals in a pool easy and convenient. It will also make it as automatic as possible for the user to accurately monitor the chemical levels and add the appropriate chemicals. The user may preset the amount and time of the specific chemicals to be added and may adjust for factors such as usage and time of year.

Abstract: A biological fluid disposal system having a water flow line, a biological fluid line in fluid communication with the water flow line, a disinfectant line in fluid communication with the water flow line and the biological fluid line, and a venturi connected to one of the lines for creating a suction force so as to draw a biological fluid and a disinfectant in mixed relationship through the water flow line. The venturi includes a source of water pressure connected to the water flow line such that the water flow across an opening of either the biological fluid line and disinfectant line creates the suction force. The disinfectant line is connected to the biological fluid line between the water flow line and source of biological fluid.

Abstract: A process and a system for increasing para-xylene production from a C8 aromatic feedstream by coupling at least one xylene isomerization reactor with at least one pressure swing adsorption unit or temperature swing absorption unit to produce a product having a super-equilibrium para-xylene concentration. This product is then subjected to para-xylene separation and purification.

Abstract: An ion sampling method for wafer provides a wafer in a sampling chamber, wherein the wafer surface that is going to be sampled faces upward; spraying an extraction liquid continuously on the wafer surface to form a liquid film thereon; keeping the thickness of the film constant for dissolving the ion contaminants in the extraction liquid; and collecting the extract solution at the bottom of the sampling chamber.

Abstract: A process for hydroformylating olefinically unsaturated compounds by means of a cobalt-based catalyst is carried out in a non-aqueous ionic liquid which is a liquid at a temperature below 90° C. and comprises at least one ammonium and/or phosphonium and/or sulfonium cation Q+ and at least one anion A?; catalyst recycling is improved by using a ligand selected from the group consisting of Lewis bases and employing a depressurization step between the pressurized reaction step and the step for separating the phases by decanting. At the end of said depressurization step, the organic phase is separated in the decanting step and the non-aqueous ionic liquid containing the catalyst can be re-used.

Abstract: Methods and compositions useful for capturing proteins or peptides from a sample mixture and analyzing the captured proteins or peptides via high throughput electrospray ionization (ESI) or matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (HT MALDI MS) are provided. The methods and compositions are useful in large scale, simultaneous analyses of proteins and peptides present in a cell(s), tissue(s), or biological fluid(s).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing of a product based on weight as a load cell (22) which supports a structure holding the product (20a) to be dispensed. The weight of the product (20a) that is dispensed is determined by use of a controller (23).

Abstract: One embodiment provides for a liquids/solids reaction vessel configured to contain a mixture of at least one liquid and at least one solid. The vessel includes a closed perimeter wall defined by an effective height, and a bottom connected to the closed perimeter wall to thereby define a vessel volume configured to contain the mixture. The reaction vessel further includes a solids extraction system located in at least one of the bottom or in the perimeter wall proximate the bottom. The effective height is selected to produce a pressure proximate the bottom of the reaction vessel selected to eject the at least one solid through the solids extraction system under the influence of gravity alone. The effective height can be further selected to cause an increase in a reaction rate between the at least one liquid and the at least one solid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for physically separating polypeptide constituents of a sample fluid by (a) providing a sample fluid comprising a mixture of polypeptides of differing physical and/or chemical properties; (b) contacting the fluid with at least two individual polymer matrix units, each polymer matrix unit preferentially accepting a different set of polypeptides on the basis of one or more physical and/or chemical properties; and (c) extracting the set of polypeptides from each polymer matrix unit.

Abstract: Vessels, or housings, and covers therefor are detailed herein. Loads and load-bearing surfaces exist principally at the periphery of the covers, by contrast with centralized loading utilized in other designs. In some versions of the vessels, a cover is sandwiched, at its periphery, between a cap assembly formed of both a jack ring and an upper component or cap and thus carried on and off the associated vessel when the cap is placed onto or removed from the vessel, respectively.

Abstract: A medium having a support structure configured for circulation of a fluid therein, such as a replaceable filter cartridge, including a sanitizing agent which contains one or more reactants that are chemically configured for delivering chlorine dioxide or other sanitizing agents in a controlled dose to sanitize, deodorize, and disinfect upon being wetted by the fluid and positioned in the medium support structure to be exposed to the fluid circulating therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for dissolving and delivering a solution of a solid chemical material, such as calcium hypochlorite, is described. The apparatus includes in combination: a container, a lid removably mounted on the upper end of the container, and a housing. In operation, the lid is mounted on the container, which contains solid chemical material, and both are inverted and placed on top of the housing. A nozzle within the housing extends through a hole in the lid into the internal space of the container such that dissolving fluid is charged into the container through the nozzle where it contacts the solid chemical material. A solution of chemical material is formed within the container and the solution drains through additional holes formed in the lid and is removed from the housing to a point of use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the transfer between a solid matter and a liquid, comprising an outer drum and a perforated inner drum, means for commonly rotating the drums, and means situated inside the inner drum for moving the solid matter. In between the two drums, a number of troughs are formed which, during the rotation of the drums, bring up liquid and pour it out higher up through the inner drum. Along the front rim of each trough, the drum is provided with a drain opening, opposite to which means are provided for preventing, when the drain opening, during the rotation of the drums, is at the bottom, the penetration of solid matter through said opening.

Abstract: A device for preparing dialysate for a dialysis machine is provided with a cartridge (9) containing salts (S), a first line (6) for supplying purified water to the cartridge (9) to form a saturated solution in the said cartridge (9), a second lin (7) for supplying the said saturated solution from the cartridge (9) to the first line (6) and for mixing the saturated solution with the purified water and forming the dialysate, and a discharge line (18) for discharging the said saturated solution from the second line (7) and from the said cartridge (9) at the end of the dialysis treatment.

Abstract: A dispenser system that takes high pressure fluid such as a high pressure water source and reduces the volume flow of the high pressure water as it flows into a dispenser with the dispenser having a low pressure outlet, which offers negligible fluid resistance in comparison to the inlet fluid resistance to the dispenser, thereby ensuring that if a dispenser cap is accidentally removed from the dispenser while the unit is in operation the water will not spray out into and onto the user. The dispensing system includes a removable cartridge carrier with adjustable openings and a dispenser housing that one can maintain a uniform flow pattern under different flow rates to provide for a predicable control of a dispersion rate from a dispersant located in the system and a method of predictably changing the dispersion rate of a dispersant.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for preparing a fluid for a medical procedure by mixing of at least one medicament in the form of powder with water, the medicament is held in a vessel which defines a bottom, a side wall, and a top opening which is closed by an membrane for sealing the inside of the vessel. The apparatus includes an opener for opening the membrane of the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for removing fumes from an endoscope disinfecting apparatus configured for disinfecting an endoscope with a disinfecting solution. In architecture, the exhaust system includes a fan housing, a fan disposed within the fan housing, an exhaust hose connected to the fan housing, and wherein the exhaust system is connected to the endoscope disinfecting apparatus.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for storing and transporting peritoneal dialysate in dry or lyophilized form, and for forming a deliverable peritoneal dialysis solution therefrom. In one embodiment, a dry reagent bed, including reagents sufficient to produce a dialysis solution, is suspended in a diluent flow path through the apparatus housing. Continuous pressure on the reagent bed causes the bed to compact as it erodes when purified water is passed through the housing. The pressure ensures complete and even dissolution of the reagents. Through dry storage and simple dissolution, even in a home, the invention enables a wider variety of solution constituents, including reduced acid content and the use of bicarbonate as a stable buffer component. The latter is illustrated in a double-bed embodiment, where bicarbonate is stored separately from calcium or magnesium salts within a single housing.

Abstract: A cost effective apparatus for preparing solutions is provided. The apparatus includes a chamber which is divided by a movable partition into two compartments, a dissolving solution supply line for supplying dissolving solution to a first compartment of the chamber, a solution tank, a solution preparing line connecting the solution tank and the first compartment of the chamber, a solution preparing line connecting the solution tank and a second compartment of the chamber, and a transporting pump provided between the solution tank and the second compartment, and a solution transporting line for transporting the solution prepared in the solution tank and that has been transported to the second compartment to the point of use. The transporting pump may alternatively be provided between the first compartment and the solution tank.