Abstract: A method which enhances a disinfection process by using a catalyst which increases in effective surface area during the process. Also disclosed are contact lens disinfecting systems which are designed to maintain a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide solution for a longer period of time before increasing the overall surface area of catalyst exposed to the hydrogen peroxide solution. The devices utilize pressure from expanding oxygen generated within the system through use of a small catalyst, or through exposure of only a small portion of a large catalyst, to control deployment of the large catalyst for completing disproportionation of the hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A method which enhances a disinfection process by using a catalyst which increases in effective surface area during the process. Also disclosed are contact lens disinfecting systems which are designed to maintain a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide solution for a longer period of time before increasing the overall surface area of catalyst exposed to the hydrogen peroxide solution. The devices utilize pressure from expanding oxygen generated within the system through use of a small catalyst, or through exposure of only a small portion of a large catalyst, to control deployment of the large catalyst for completing disproportionation of the hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A photobioreactor includes a cultivation zone configured to contain a liquid culture medium and facilitate growth of a microalgae biomass, a plurality of parallel edge-lit light transmitting devices mounted within the cultivation zone, and a collection zone oriented in relation to the cultivation zone such that at least a portion of the liquid culture medium and microalgae from the cultivation zone may be periodically harvested. Methods for illuminating algae, for dissolving materials into an algae medium, for extracting oil from algae, and for producing biodiesel from algal oil are also provided.

Abstract: A water based biomass producing system that is disposed in a body of water, for example a freshwater lake or a sea, and is capable of producing a biomass that can be converted into a biofuel. The system relies on a pool of freshwater that is suspended in the body of water to grow the biomass. The pool is contained within a flexible polymeric membrane that is impermeable to the water of the body of water. The membrane is suspended in the body of water by a float. A filtration system is connected to the float that has an inlet that is for introduction of water from the body of water and an outlet that is for discharging freshwater into the pool. A biomass extractor is provided to harvest the biomass from the freshwater pool. The harvested biomass can then be converted into a biofuel.

Abstract: A system for making cell blocks includes a cell block cassette and processing station, the cassette including a main body having a having a collection aperture formed therein and a filter assembly removably attached to the main body, the filter assembly defining a collection well in communication with the collection aperture, and having a filter positioned across a bottom surface of the collection well, the filter configured to retain cellular matter carried in a fluid that is dispensed into the collection well and flows across the filter. The cell block processor has a cassette interface removably seating the cell block cassette, and a sensor positioned or positionable to detect and monitor a fluid level in the collection well.

Abstract: A plate platform having a visual indicator that allows the user to track his or her progress in loading the platform wells is generally disclosed. The plate platform is constructed from a substantially transparent base having a plurality of elongated bore-holes internally from the side surface in the substantially transparent base. The substantially transparent base defines a non-transparent portion on the top surface extending from the side surface to an area configured to receive the well plate. A slide bar is positioned slideably positioned within each elongated bore-hole of the substantially transparent base. Each slide bar defines a marked surface that is visible through the substantially transparent base but not through the non-transparent portion. The marked surface comprises a row label, a column label, and a well marker.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for thin-layer cell smear preparation and in-situ hybridization, comprising at least one positioning device and a sealing device. The positioning device comprises at least one first opening. When the positioning device is set on a carrier device, the wall of the first opening and the carrier device form a cavity. The cavity is used to accommodate a cell suspension. The sealing device is provided on the positioning device for sealing the cavity to form an enclosed space.

Abstract: An algae cultivation apparatus includes a light guide plate, at least one transparent circulating channel, at least one light emission module, an algae guide-in module, an algae collection module, a gas guide-in module, a gas collection module, a culture medium guide-in module, a temperature control module and a pH value control module. With the installation of the light guide plate and at least one light emission module, a 24-hour light source can be introduced to improve the production efficiency of an algae.

Abstract: A vortex mixer and method for forming an emulsion wherein the mixer is adapted to form an emulsion with a desired droplet size and having a desired volume. The vortex mixer provides improved uniformity in emulsion preparation and may be used to create multiple emulsions simultaneously.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the composting of biogenic materials, wherein material introduced at the top of a container as in FIG. 2b reaches a storage chamber (2) arranged below a reactor chamber (1) passing therethrough only by gravity with air introduction. Slide surfaces are provided which brake the downward material flow. Slide vanes (4), for example, can be used as slide surfaces and also other slide devices such as tubes, funnels, spheres and particular container shapes. The compost can be easily removed from the storage container by means of a shovel, or similar without the weight of the heap affecting the shovel. The otherwise necessary shifting of the heap in order to reach the mature compost on the floor is thus avoided. The heap is also vertically aerated over the whole surface thereof from bottom towards the top, the composting organisms are continually optimally supplied with air and optimal conversion rates of fresh biowaste to compost achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrophoresing a sample and for thereafter either scanning in the visible mode or the fluorescent mode, under control of a central processor, to provide scanning densitometry of the electrophoresed sample, and with the fluorescent mode scanning being performed in situ. The apparatus includes a gantry which moves from left to right in the XY plane. The gantry draws, delivers and deposits the samples and reagents, and includes safety devices to prevent the gantry from movement and damage when there are obstructions in the path of the gantry. A fluorescent scanning unit is moved by X- and Y-direction motors to position a photomultiplier over an electrophoresed sample. In this way, the electrophoretic sample can remain fixed in place during sample delivery, ultraviolet exposure and measurement operations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid distribution system, which is useful in a number of contexts, including in accomplishing various synthetic, diagnostic and drug screening reactions. The distribution system can comprise an alpha reservoir and a beta reservoir, a first set of parallel and adjacent first and second feeder channels and a second set of parallel and adjacent third and fourth feeder channels which are offset from the first and second feeder channels, wherein (a) the first and third feeder channels are connected to the alpha reservoir via a first connector channel that is situated above or below the second and fourth feeder channels and are independent of the beta reservoir and (b) the second and fourth feeder channels are connected to the beta reservoir via a second connector channel that is situated above or below the first and third feeder channels and are independent of the alpha reservoir. The distribution system is preferably a microscale distribution system.

Abstract: An improved method for processing an industrial sterilization agent utilized to sterilize medical instruments includes the use of a regenerative thermal oxidizer. The sterilization agent is removed from the sterilization chamber and directed into the combustion chamber with little chance for the sterilization agent to mix with air or any other source of oxygen. In this way, the present invention reduces the possibility of explosion of the sterilization agent prior to its being directed into the combustion chamber.

Abstract: An electrochemical process for extracting oxygen from an oxygen-containing gas which uses an electrochemical cell having two zones separated by a multi-component membrane made from intimate, gas-impervious, multi-phase mixture of an electronically conductive phase and an oxygen ion-conducting phase. In one zone a gas containing oxygen is passed in contact with the membrane. In the other zone a gas capable of reacting with oxygen is passed in contact with the membrane.

Abstract: A method for extending the uselife of a chloride ion selective membrane of an ISE sensor by providing a two-layer sensor structure wherein an quaternized ion-selective polymeric layer is positioned between a sample to be analyzed and a conventional polymeric ISE membrane containing an ion-exchange agent. Also provided are polymer compositions comprised methyl methacrylate/choloromethyl styrene copolymer and mixtures thereof that have been reacted with tertiary amines.

Abstract: The subject invention provides methods and kits for conveniently diagnosing various physiological conditions that produce altered levels of specific carbohydrates, known as diagnostic carbohydrates. Measurement of the levels of the diagnostic carbohydrates is performed by fluorophore assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis. Physiological conditions of particular interest that may be ascertained by the subject invention include carbohydrate metabolism diseases, autoimmune diseases, neoplasia, toxic chemical exposure and microbial infections. Fluorophore assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis diagnosis may be applied to various patient specimens, including blood, urine and skin.

Abstract: A heat exchanger is provided which may be used in an integrated blood oxygenator and heat exchanger. The heat exchanger has a plurality of wave shaped sinusoidal channels on one or both sides. The heat exchanger has a cap attached at the upper end. The heat exchanger is disposed within a housing. The bottom end of the heat exchanger is bonded to the bottom end of the housing, and the upper end of the heat exchanger with the cap attached is spaced apart from the upper end of the housing. A liquid inlet and outlet are in fluid communication with the inner surface of the heat exchanger. A blood inlet and outlet are in fluid communication with the outer surface of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger may be used with a blood oxygenating chamber. The blood oxygenating chamber contains a plurality of permeable hollow fibers which oxygenate blood flowing through the blood oxygenating chamber. The blood oxygenating chamber is in fluid communication with the outer surface of the heat exchanger and the blood outlet.

Abstract: A multilayer integrated assembly for effecting fluid handling functions includes complementary microstructures formed by an etching or similar process in a planar foldable substrate. The complementary microstructures may be superimposed in a controlled manner by operation of micro-alignment means also formed in the foldable substrate by an etching or similar process. Microstructures are contemplated as including channels (that may be superimposed to form fluid conduits), apertures, conduit apertures, sample processing compartments, and the like. An intermediary substrate may optionally be incorporated in the integrated assembly so as to provide a material having a thickness or composition that may differ in a useful characteristic from the material used to provide the foldable substrate and accordingly expand the functionality of the integrated assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is an interface between a capillary electrophoresis separation capillary end and an electrospray ionization mass spectrometry emitter capillary end, for transporting an anolyte sample from a capillary electrophoresis separation capillary to a electrospray ionization mass spectrometry emitter capillary. The interface of the present invention has: (a) a charge transfer fitting enclosing both of the capillary electrophoresis capillary end and the electrospray ionization mass spectrometry emitter capillary end; (b) a reservoir containing an electrolyte surrounding the charge transfer fitting; and (c) an electrode immersed into the electrolyte, the electrode closing a capillary electrophoresis circuit and providing charge transfer across the charge transfer fitting while avoiding substantial bulk fluid transfer across the charge transfer fitting. Advantages of the present invention have been demonstrated as effective in providing high sensitivity and efficient analyses.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of performing a synthetic process in a liquid distribution system having reaction cells, by pumping at least one reagent into a reaction cell.