Abstract: A method and device for increasing the loading capacity of a chromatography column through dilution of a mobile phase at the head of the column. A strong mobile phase is provided for dissolving a sample. A sample is injected into the strong mobile phase, and subsequently diluted with a weak mobile phase. The resulting sample-containing weak mobile phase is passed through a chromatography column for retention and separation of the components of the sample.

Abstract: A method of producing IgG1 subclass antibodies reactive to the surface of Crystosporidium oocysts, the method comprising: (a) separating at least a protion of the Cryptosporidium oocyst wall from the internal sporozoites to form an oocyst-wall preparation; (b) treating the separated oocyst-wall preparation so as to obtain an oocyst antigen preparation capable of eliciting a detectable IgG1 immune response in an animal to the surface of the oocyst; (c) immunizing an animal with the oocyst antigen preparation so as to elicit an IgG1 immune response in the animal; and (d) obtaining from the animal IgG1 antibodies reactive to the surface of Cryptosporidium oocysts. IgG1 antibodies reactive to the surface of Cryptosporidium oocysts.

Abstract: A method and device for increasing the loading capacity of a chromatography column through dilution of a mobile phase at the head of the column. A strong mobile phase is provided for dissolving a sample. A sample is injected into the strong mobile phase, and subsequently diluted with a weak mobile phase. The resulting sample-containing weak mobile phase is passed through a chromatography column for retention and separation of the components of the sample.

Abstract: A method of selectively repairing the lining of a lined pipeline utilising a conveyance adapted to be receivable within and to travel through the pipeline. The conveyance consists of a plurality of vehicles comprising an inspection means, an excising means, a debris removal means and an application means. The method comprises: an identification step whereby the conveyance travels along the pipeline inspecting and locating damaged portions of the lining; an excising step whereby damaged portions of the lining identified from the inspection step are removed by the conveyance; a debris removal step whereby the conveyance travels along the pipeline to remove debris and/or water left in the pipeline by the excising step; and an application step whereby the conveyance travels along the pipeline and applies a fresh lining composition to replace the excised portions of lining removed by the excising step.

Abstract: A method for removing an organic solute from a solution, comprising contacting the solution with a polymer formed by copolymerizing one or more hydrophobic monomers and one or more hydrophilic monomers, whereby the solute is adsorbed onto the polymer. The solution can comprise a polar solvent such as a polar organic solvent or water or an aqueous buffer. The hydrophobic monomer can be, for example, divinylbenzene. The hydrophilic monomer can be, for example, a heterocyclic monomer, such as a vinylpyridine or N-vinylpyrrolidone.

Abstract: A method for removing an organic solute from a solution, comprising contacting the solution with a polymer formed by copolymerizing one or more hydrophobic monomers and one or more hydrophilic monomers, whereby the solute is adsorbed onto the polymer. The solution can comprise a polar solvent such as a polar organic solvent or water or an aqueous buffer. The hydrophobic monomer can be, for example, divinylbenzene. The hydrophilic monomer can be, for example, a heterocyclic monomer, such as a vinylpyridine or N-vinylpyrrolidone.

Abstract: A method for removing an organic solute from a solution, comprising contacting the solution with a polymer formed by copolymerizing one or more hydrophobic monomers and one or more hydrophilic monomers, whereby the solute is adsorbed onto the polymer. The solution can comprise a polar solvent such as a polar organic solvent or water or an aqueous buffer. The hydrophobic monomer can be, for example, divinylbenzene. The hydrophilic monomer can be, for example, a heterocyclic monomer, such as a vinylpyridine or N-vinylpyrrolidone.

Abstract: A flexible face sign system is provided which includes a cabinet assembly mounting one or two face assemblies. The cabinet assembly includes a cabinet frame comprising upper, lower and opposite side cabinet frame sections. The cabinet assembly can receive a light fixture for providing illumination. The face assembly includes a face frame comprising upper, lower and opposite side sections. The cabinet and face upper frame sections are hingedly interconnected whereby the face assembly can be swung to an open position with respect to the cabinet assembly. Alternatively, the face assembly can be removably mounted on the cabinet assembly without providing for hinged motion therebetween. The face assembly includes a flexible face panel mounted on the face frame sections and adjustably stretched thereover by retainer clips which grip margins of the face panel and are tension-adjustably connected to the face frame sections by tension-adjusting bolts.

Abstract: A method for removing an organic solute from a solution, comprising contacting the solution with a polymer formed by copolymerizing one or more hydrophobic monomers and one or more hydrophilic monomers, whereby the solute is adsorbed onto the polymer. The solution can comprise a polar solvent such as a polar organic solvent or water or an aqueous buffer. The hydrophobic monomer can be, for example, divinylbenzene. The hydrophilic monomer can be, for example, a heterocyclic monomer, such as a vinylpyridine or N-vinylpyrrolidone.

Abstract: A linestopping system for pipes includes first and second linestopping means, each linestopping means including an inflatable plug, an inflation means and an insertion means and first and second branch pipe supports each having an apertured flange with a pipe section mounted thereon at an acute angle, each pipe section containing a valve. In use, the pipe supports are disposed on a pipe in spaced apart locations with the pipe sections facing in opposite directions such that upon apertures being cut in the pipe at the pipe supports the inflatable plugs of respective linestopping means are inserted by the insertion means through the apertures in the pipe and subsequently inflated by the inflation means so as to seal off a section of the pipe.

Abstract: Disclosed is a water filtration medium capable of removing heavy metals from ground water and surface supplies. This medium comprises a gamma form of manganese dioxide that has been comminuted and divided into fractions according to mesh size, including fractions of 10 to 40 mesh, 40 to 100 mesh, and 100 to 325 mesh. The particles in a given mesh size are treated with a reducing agent such as ferrous sulfate and then washed with water to remove iron precipitates and fines. The washed particles are treated with a solution of sodium hydrosulfite and sodium bisulfite. The treated particles are then neutralized with sodium hydroxide to remove remaining acidity. The neutralized particles are washed again in order to remove spent chemicals and undissolved metals. The particles are then dried prior to use as a filtration medium. Also disclosed is a disposable cartridge for housing the filtration medium, a method of using the medium, and a means for preparing the medium.

Abstract: A lagoon cover made up of a number of individual sections, each of which has a body formed of flexible sheet material. The cover sections are releasably connected together in edge to edge relationship, and the connection is such that each section may rise or fall relative to adjacent sections. Buoyancy means is attached to the body of each section to support that section on the lagoon, and each section also preferably has stabilizing means which is at least partially immersed in the lagoon and serves to resist movement of the section across the lagoon. Gas transfer means is provided so that gas caught in the space between the cover and the lagoon surface, can be transferred from one part of the cover to another. Pressure relief means is also provided to automatically relieve excessive build-up of pressure in that space.

Abstract: The invention features an apparatus and method of detoxifying and/or sterilizing waste materials utilizing ozone under pressure. The waste materials are loaded into a pressurizable chamber in which the ozone is introduced under pressure. The ozone penetrates and sterilizes and waste materials, after which the gas is evacuated from the chamber following a given treatment cycle. The evacuated gas is then fed to a second, purification chamber. Any toxic substances or contaminants that may have been released in the first waste chamber and were carried along with the evacuated gas are further purified. This is accomplished by introducing ozone into the second chamber to mix with and sterilize the evacuated waste gases. This second introduction of the ozone to purify the waste gases is an essential step of the process, and ensures that none of the toxic or contaminating substances escape to the environment.

Abstract: A gas/liquid heat and/or mass exchanger including a chamber to hold the liquid, the bottom wall of the chamber defining at least one outlet orifice. A plurality of thin guide filaments descends from the orifice or orifices, and at least one thin, falling film of liquid flows down the filaments. The guide filaments are preferably substantially straight and under longitudinal tension. They may be either vertically oriented or tilted, and each one may be either a monofilament of multiple filament. An array of guide filaments may descend from each outlet orifice, and all such arrays may be parallel. A preferred form of the method of forming each outlet orifice is disclosed. A non-fouling nozzle for controlling the flow of liquid is disclosed as a subcombination.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing polluted clinging water from ice. The dirty ice pieces are introduced at the bottom of a column of water and are rinsed by progressively cleaner water as the ice pieces float to the surface.

Abstract: A structure for joining thermoelectric and heat exchange elements in series so that the combination can be operated as a heat pump, at an elevated voltage with high efficiency when transporting high heat flux levels across very small temperature differences.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing free-floating, buoyant crystals to a predetermined size. Crystals having a positive buoyancy such as water crystals (ice) grow due to immersion in a stream of supercooled feed water that flows downward in a tapered incubation duct with a velocity that decreases as the cross-sectional area of the duct increases with increased depth. As the crystals grow, their terminal buoyant velocity increases until it exceeds the peak stream velocity. At this time the crystals float upward and out of the apparatus. A plurality of interconnected incubation ducts may be stacked vertically one above the other. The apparatus may be combined with apparatus to grow free-floating crystals having a negative buoyancy from a supersaturated salt solution that is discharged from the bottom of the apparatus for growing crystals having a positive buoyancy.

Abstract: A dish-like receptacle for serving liquids to small animals whereby a coolant source maintains the liquid at a reduced temperature over extended periods. The coolant source is a frozen gel which may be refrozen, regenerated or replaced as needed.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for purifying or desalinating relatively small quantities of water using one or a few membrane units with relatively modest power requirements. The apparatus uses a pump, an eductor or a combination of both in recirculating a portion of the feed water through a reverse osmosis membrane assembly. The method includes recirculating a portion of the feed water through the membrane assembly and discharging a portion of the recirculated feed water from the system.