Abstract: A device and process for crystallizing a compound using hydrodynamic cavitation comprising the steps of mixing at least one stream of a feed solution of such compound to be crystallized with at least one stream of an anti-solvent in a nucleating section via collision of the feed solution and the anti-solvent, passing the mixed streams at an elevated pressure through at least one local constriction of flow to create hydrodynamic cavitation thereby causing nucleation and the production of seed crystals, passing the fluid stream containing the seed crystals through an intermediate section to a crystal growth section, passing the fluid stream containing the seed crystals through the crystal growth section at an elevated pressure through at least one local constriction of flow to create hydrodynamic cavitation thereby causing further crystallization of the compound contained in the solution.

Abstract: A homogenization device comprising a flow-through channel having at least two local constrictions of flow wherein the size of a first local constrictions is adjustable thereby permitting variable flow rate through one portion of the device and the size of a second local constriction is fixed thereby permitting constant flow rate through another portion of the device.

Abstract: Comblike, surfactant polymers for changing the surface properties of biomaterials are provided. Such surfactant polymers comprise a polymeric backbone of repeating monomeric units having functional groups for coupling with side chains, a plurality of hydrophobic side chains linked to said backbone via the functional groups, and a plurality of hydrophilic side chains linked to said backbone via the functional groups. The hydrophobic side chains comprise an alkyl group comprising from 2 to 18 methylene groups. The alkyl groups are linked to the polymeric backbone through ester linkages, secondary amine linkages, or, preferably, amide linkages.

Abstract: A system and method for the in-situ removal or remediation of contaminants in a soil formation containing a subsurface groundwater aquifer, the method comprising the steps of: injecting a first oxidant into the aquifer at an injection point to create a volume of influence of the first oxidant in the aquifer thereby treating the contaminants contained within the volume of influence; and injecting a compressed gas into the aquifer to increase the size of the volume of influence of the first oxidant. The injection of the compressed gas into the aquifer can also force the groundwater in the aquifer away from the injection point into a surrounding area to transport the first oxidant into the surrounding area thereby extracting contaminants from soil adjacent to the surrounding area.

Abstract: Processes and devices associated with reducing the amount of organic substances in a fluid are described. In one example method, oxidizing agents may be introduced into a local constriction of flow in a flow-through chamber as the fluid is flowed therethrough. Cavitation bubbles which contain and/or are associated with the oxidizing agents may form. Collapse of the cavitation bubbles may produce pulses of ultraviolet light, thereby ionizing the oxidizing agents, producing hydroxyl radicals, and degrading and/or oxidizing the organic substances in the fluid. An example device may include a flow-through chamber including a local constriction of flow, a port configured to introduce oxidizing agents into the local constriction of flow, and may include an area configured to collapse the cavitation bubbles, thereby initiating events leading to degradation and/or oxidation of organic substances in a fluid flowed through the device.

Abstract: A device which simultaneously maximizes light reflectivity from one side of the device while maximizing light transmissivity from the opposite side of the device. The device is configured with distinct regions of transparency and reflectivity including a plurality of reflective structures. The structures are generally smaller towards a light transmitting side of the device and larger towards a light reflective side of the device.

Abstract: A fluid connector with adjustable flow control includes an adapter having a first threaded portion, a sealing surface and an orifice. The fluid connector also includes a valve body having a second threaded portion for engagement with the first threaded portion and a central body passage connected to at least one port. Upon rotation of the valve body relative to the adapter, the port is displaced axially relative to the sealing surface thereby effecting a change in fluid flow through the fluid connector and into or out of the orifice.

Abstract: Hydraulic systems generally comprise expansion hose lines and other damping elements which are provided with one or several serially connected hose chambers according to the generated pressure pulsation. The damping measures of the inventive hydraulic system are initiated according to the prevailing pressure during operation thereof. The aim of the invention is to keep the loss of pressure low and save a significant amount of energy during continuous operations. Said aim is achieved by a direct line connection between the source of pressure and the user, which bypasses the dampers. Said bypass line is blocked by a valve when the pressure in the system increases.

Abstract: A device and method for creating hydrodynamic cavitation in fluid is provided. The device can include a flow-through chamber having a first portion and a second portion, and a plurality of baffles provided within the second portion of the flow-through chamber. One or more of the plurality of baffles can be configured to be selectively movable into the first portion of the flow-through chamber to generate a hydrodynamic cavitation field downstream from each baffle moved into the first portion of the flow-through chamber.

Abstract: A quick-connect cartridge assembly includes a ring, a collar disposed within the ring, and an annular seal coaxially disposed with respect to the ring and the collar. A plug having a shank with an outer diameter substantially similar to the inner diameter of the collar is slidably received within the collar and is held within the collar by a friction fit. The plug is also received through the annular seal so as to establish a coaxial relationship with the ring, the collar and the annular seal. The plug includes one or more features for facilitating installation of the ring, the collar and the annular seal into a port and subsequent removal of the plug from the components after installation.

Abstract: Devices for mixing and/or reacting combinations of one or more liquids, gases or solids is provided. The device can generally have at least one cavity into which a fluid flows by way of a tangential orifice, thereby forming cavitation bubbles. The cavity is configured to alternate between a closed position, where pressure increases in the fluid and the cavitation bubbles collapse, and an open position, where the fluid exits the cavity. Also provided are methods for mixing and/or reacting fluids. Also provided are mixture and reaction products made using the methods.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present system and method is directed to the identification of tissues within a vascular object by analyzing ultrasound data collected from the vascular object by non-invasive scans. By identifying and characterizing types of tissue from ultrasound data, an assessment can be made about the health condition of a patient without an invasive procedure. Other applications of the present system will also be appreciated including identifying other types of tissues.

Abstract: A method is provided to dynamically interact with a plurality of enabled devices within a personal network. Individual ones of the devices are configured to interoperate with a service provider network and configure or alter services to individually identifiable devices.

Abstract: An electrically conductive additive system comprising carbon nanofibers and, optionally, electrically conductive particulate material mixed in a liquid component. The carbon nanofibers can be characterized by having a diameter between about 70 to about 200 nanometers, a length between about 50 to about 100 microns, and graphitic planes having a stacked cone-type structure.

Abstract: A localizing apparatus includes a frame, a linear reference marker, and a target marker. The frame includes a first portion fixable to a first anatomical reference point. The linear reference marker is rotatable about the first anatomical reference point to align a second anatomical reference point with the first anatomical reference point. The target marker is rotatable about the first anatomical reference point to establish an angle from the linear reference marker such that the target marker is located in a desired plane.

Abstract: A tube bender comprising a mandrel, a forming member connected to the mandrel for coaction with the mandrel to effectuate bending of a tube wherein the forming member has at least two bending positions defined thereon, a handle pivotally connected to said forming member, and a release member movable relative to said handle and configured to be secured in a locked position relative to said forming member when said handle is selectively moved to any of one said at least two bending positions thereby preventing relative movement between said handle and said forming member. The release member enables an operator to move the release member to an unlocked position to permit such operator to move the handle relative to the forming member between the at least two bending positions.