Abstract: A system for automated operation of a blood separation system controlling the input of blood samples, the separation of blood components, and the discharge of the components. The system includes a blood reservoir and centrifuge for receiving blood samples and separating the blood components. A sensor determines when adequate separation has been achieved and a controller receives signals from the sensor to operate a centrifuge drive assembly to achieve desired separation. Separation may be based on a calibrated rotation time for the centrifuge as measured by a timer. An input pump pumps blood samples to the blood reservoir, and an outlet pump removes separated samples from the blood reservoir. The inlet and outlet pumps are operated by the controller, and the inlet pump may be operated to discharge separated components not collected by the blood separation system, whereby additional sample volume is added for ongoing operation.

Abstract: Regenerable gas purifier materials are provided capable of reducing the level of contaminants such as oxygen and water in an inert, nonreactive or reactive gas stream to parts-per-billion levels or sub-parts-per-billion levels. The purifier materials of this invention comprise a thin layer of one or more reduced forms of a metal oxide coated on the surface of a nonreactive substrate. The thin layer may further contain the completely reduced form of the metal.

Abstract: A centrifugal method of separating and collecting components from a fluid is provided, comprising providing a centrifuge operable at a plurality of rotation speeds and having a mounting assembly for positioning and retaining a disposable collection assembly relative to the centrifuge at the rotation speeds; mounting a separation assembly comprising a number of collection chambers in the mounting assembly, wherein each of the collection chambers include an outer, conical-shaped collection portion with a port for providing a fluid pathway for the fluid into and out of the collection chambers and wherein the mounting includes fluidically connecting the ports with a fluid tube; connecting a fluid source to the fluid tube; rotating the centrifuge at a fill speed; and operating the fluid source to supply the fluid to the fluid tube, whereby the fluid is concurrently supplied in substantially equal volumetric and component density quantities to each of the collection chambers.

Abstract: A system for automated operation of a blood separation system controlling the input of blood samples, the separation of blood components, and the discharge of the components. The system includes a blood reservoir and centrifuge for receiving blood samples and separating the blood components. A sensor determines when adequate separation has been achieved and a controller receives signals from the sensor to operate a centrifuge drive assembly to achieve desired separation. An input pump pumps blood samples to the blood reservoir, and an outlet pump removes separated samples from the blood reservoir. The inlet and outlet pumps are operated by the controller, and the inlet pump may be operated to discharge separated components not collected by the blood separation system, whereby additional sample volume is added for ongoing operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a supported catalyst for in situ remediation of soil and/or groundwater contaminated with a halogenated hydrocarbon comprising an adsorbent impregnated with zero valent iron, wherein the adsorbent is capable of adsorbing the halogenated hydrocarbon. This invention further provides a bioremediation composition for in situ bioremediation of soil and/or groundwater contaminated with hydrocarbons, comprising an adsorbent capable of adsorbing said hydrocarbons, a mixture of facultative anaerobes capable of metabolizing said hydrocarbons under sulfate-reduction conditions, a sulfate-containing compound that releases sulfate over a period of time, and a nutrient system for promoting growth of said anaerobes, wherein said nutrient system includes a sulfide scavenging agent.

Abstract: This invention includes both a one-column process and a two-column process for the preparation of compositions enriched for anthocyanins from a crude plant extract. Both processes include a novel column purification step using a brominated polystyrene resin. This invention also includes extracts enriched for anthocyanins.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for performing an activated clotting time test on a sample of blood containing platelets, the apparatus comprising a plurality of test cells, said cells being adapted for receiving an aliquot portion of said sample, wherein each of said cells comprises an anticoagulant and a platelet inactivating agent, and wherein at least one of said cells further comprises a clotting activator, wherein a clotting time is determined for each of said aliquot portions, and wherein a relative clotting time for each of said aliquot portions comprising the clotting activator is determined as compared to a reference clotting time for said at least one cell containing no clotting activator, wherein said relative clotting times in said cells are determinative of the clotting activation of said clotting activator.

Abstract: Regenerable gas purifier materials are provided capable of reducing the level of contaminants such as oxygen and moisture in a hydride gas stream to parts-per-billion levels or sub-parts-per-billion levels. The purifier materials of this invention comprise a thin layer of one or more reduced forms of a metal oxide coated on the surface of a nonreactive substrate. The thin layer may further contain the completely reduced form of the metal. In one embodiment, the total surface area of the thin layer is less than 100 m2/g.

Abstract: A system for the production of autologous thrombin, comprising a centrifuge including a blood reservoir for receiving and separating an autologous anticoagulated blood sample having multiple inactive blood components and means for removing at least one of said inactive blood components upon separation, and a dispenser having at least two collection chambers for receiving said at least one of said inactive blood components, wherein a first collection chamber activates a first portion of said inactive blood component and stores the resulting coagulated blood component comprising a clot and said autologous thrombin.

Abstract: Trace impurities such as organic compounds and carbon monoxide in reactive fluids such as ammonia, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen bromide, and chlorine are reduced to sub-ppb levels using gas purifying systems that contain a preconditioned ultra-low emission (P-ULE) carbon. P-ULE is capable of removing impurities from a reactive fluid down to parts-per-billion (ppb) and sub-ppb levels without concurrently emitting other impurities such as moisture or carbon dioxide into the purified reactive fluid. The P-ULE carbon is prepared by heating a carbon material to temperatures from 300° C. to about 800° C. in an ultra-dry, inert gas stream, to produce an ultra-low emission (ULE) carbon material, subjecting the ULE carbon to a second activation process under a reactive gas atmosphere to produce a P-ULE carbon and storing the P-ULE carbon in an environment that minimizes contamination of the P-ULE prior to its use in a gas purifier system.

Abstract: Trace impurities such as organic compounds and carbon monoxide in reactive fluids such as ammonia, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen bromide, and chlorine are reduced to sub-ppb levels using gas purifying systems that contain a preconditioned ultra-low emission (P-ULE) carbon. P-ULE is capable of removing impurities from a reactive fluid down to parts-per-billion (ppb) and sub-ppb levels without concurrently emitting other impurities such as moisture or carbon dioxide into the purified reactive fluid. The P-ULE carbon is prepared by heating a carbon material to temperatures from 300° C. to about 800° C. in an ultra-dry, inert gas stream, to produce an ultra-low emission (ULE) carbon material, subjecting the ULE carbon to a second activation process under a reactive gas atmosphere to produce a P-ULE carbon and storing the P-ULE carbon in an environment that minimizes contamination of the P-ULE prior to its use in a gas purifier system.

Abstract: Trace impurities such as organic compounds and carbon monoxide are reduced to sub-ppb levels in gases such as nitrogen, helium and argon, by gas purifying systems that contain an ultra-low emission (ULE) carbon material. Ultra-low emission (ULE) carbon materials is capable of removing impurities from a gas stream down to parts-per-billion (ppb) and sub-ppb levels without concurrently emitting other impurities such as moisture or carbon dioxide to the purified gas stream. The carbon material is superactivated by heating the carbon to temperatures between 300-800° C. in an ultra-dry, inert gas stream. The ultra-low emission (ULE) carbon material is handled and stored in an environment that minimizes contamination from moisture and other oxygenated species in order to maintain its ppb and sub-ppb impurity removal and low emission properties.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for systemic immune activation which is effective for eliciting both a systemic, non-antigen specific immune response and a strong antigen-specific immune response in a mammal. The method is particularly effective for protecting a mammal from a disease including cancer, a disease associated with allergic inflammation, or an infectious disease. Also disclosed are therapeutic compositions useful in such a method.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the sterilization and disinfection of agricultural and botanical products such as botanical powders. More particularly, the present invention is directed towards the use of HBS technology whereby contaminated agricultural products are contacted, at ambient pressure, with an oxidant such as nascent oxygen or hydroxyl radicals thus resulting in the oxidization and destruction of the contaminating microorganisms.

Abstract: Self-contained devices are described that integrate nucleic acid extraction, specific target amplification and detection into a single device. This integration permits rapid and accurate nucleic acid sequence detection. The invention may be used, for example, in the screening for nucleic acid sequences which may be indicative of genetic defects or contagious diseases, as well as for monitoring efficacy in the treatment of contagious diseases.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for the delivery of a vapor phase product having a substantially constant impurity level from a liquefied source of said gas to an endpoint. The delivery method includes withdrawing a liquefied gas having a level of impurities from a storage container and delivering the liquefied gas to a vaporization unit where the liquefied gas and the impurities dissolved therein are completely vaporized. The vapor phase product is then delivered to an endpoint. This invention affords the delivery of gases with substantially constant impurity levels throughout the delivery of the liquefied gas. In addition, this invention affords the delivery of the liquefied gas at high vapor phase flow rates for long periods of time and allows substantially complete usage of the contents of the storage container.

Abstract: A method of preparing storage-stable, citrus-flavored compositions containing comprising citral or a citral derivative as the flavoring agent and a plant extract as the stabilizing agent. The plant extract inhibits the formation of p-methylacetophenone, thereby preventing the development of off-flavors and off odors and increasing the shelf life of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel baked goods having incorporated therein a delivery vehicle that provides protection to an alpha-amylase enzyme from thermal denaturation and continuously releases the alpha-amylase enzyme during, and following the baking process. Essentially, dry, food-grade alpha-amylase particles are mixed with a food grade lipid in a quantity sufficient to envelop the alpha-amylase particles thereby forming a loaded delivery vehicle or enveloped alpha-amylase. The enveloped alpha-amylase is subsequently added to a dough comprising flour, water, and other dough forming ingredients near the end of the mix cycle. Once the enveloped alpha-amylase is incorporated, the dough continues through the normal production process for that particular baked product. The food grade lipid enveloping the alpha-amylase provides thermal protection to the enzyme. No other production or packaging modifications need be made.

Abstract: A blood centrifuge with a drive assembly for transmitting an input rotation speed to a rotor with a sample reservoir at a desired rotation ratio. The drive assembly includes a base and an outer shell mounted to the base to rotate at an input rate. A bottom pulley is rigidly mounted to the base and attached to the outer shell with bearings. A top pulley is mounted to a center shaft of the outer shell to rotate with the outer shell about the central axis of the centrifuge. An internal drive belt is provided to transmit the rotation to the top pulley via a pair of transversely mounted idler pulleys that rotate with the outer shell. The top pulley is thus rotated at twice the input rate but in the same direction. A rotor assembly with the sample reservoir is attached to the top pulley to separate blood components.

Abstract: A method of harvesting platelet rich plasma from whole blood, comprising adding an aliquot of blood via the inlet tube of a rotating flexible centrifuge bag comprising inlet and outlet tubes sandwiched between doughnut shaped flexible sheets sealed together at the outer and inner perimeters. The whole blood separates radially into fractions. The distal end of the outlet tube is in flow communication with a desired fraction. The desired fraction is removed from the rotating bag via the outlet tube and withdrawal is terminated when an undesired fraction is detected to be near the distal end of the outlet tube. An alternative method comprises adding an aliquot of blood via the inlet channel of a rigid centrifuge container, said container having an interior collection chamber for receiving said whole blood and having a generally off-centered figure eight-shaped side cross-sectional configuration.