Abstract: Compositions and methods are directed to engineered extracellular matrix protein—mussel foot protein fusions for use as a bioadhesive for repairing tissues. The compositions have one or more of: (i) at least one hydrophobic region; (ii) at least one crosslinking region; (iii) at least one tyrosine residue accessible to be enzymatically modified to a DOPA or TOPA side chain; (iv) at least one mussel foot protein; (v) at least one mussel foot protein loop; (vi) at least one human extracellular protein loop; or (vii) at least one of the following sequences: SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5, or SEQ ID NO: 6. The elastin-like polypeptide includes at least one non-naturally occurring amino acid or sequence alteration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a sample for subsequent use in a diagnostic or analytical assay by concentrating the target analyte and/or removing interfering factors from the sample matrix. The present invention also relates to a fluidic device comprising a capture and release system connected to an immunodetection system.

Abstract: A blending silo of the type having a silo vessel defining a center axis and provided with a conical bottom ending in a vessel outlet, includes a funnel with its longitudinal axis coinciding with the center axis of the silo vessel and with its interior space being subdivided by a plurality of sheet segments in several compartments which are successively arranged in circumferential direction such that neighboring compartments have differently sized inlet cross sections and/or outlet cross sections to attain a superior homogenizing of bulk material.

Abstract: In a rotary feeder of the type including a housing provided with a top inlet and a bottom outlet and accommodating a cellular rotor which includes a plurality of radial blades supported on a horizontal shaft and axially defined by respective lateral disks which are spaced from pertaining bearing covers, a seal arrangement is provided between each lateral disk and pertaining bearing cover of the housing and includes a plastic filler ring which is floatingly arranged between the bearing cover and the disk and is spring-loaded in axial and radial direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for pneumatically conveying bulk material in particular bulk material which is difficult to handle includes a conveyor line having a plurality of conveyor line sections for transporting the bulk material. Each of the conveyor line sections comprises a rigid outer pipe and an elastic inner pipe of an outer diameter which is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer pipe in pressureless state. The connection of adjacent conveyor line sections is attained by a sectional ring which is placed over each axial end of the outer pipe and about which the elastic pipe is folded outwardly, a flange element arranged between the thus shaped axial ends of adjoining conveyor line sections, and external brace elements extending between successive flange elements for bracing the latter so as to connect adjoining conveyor line sections in pressure-sealed manner.

Abstract: An apparatus for pneumatically conveying bulk material includes a conveyor line for transporting the bulk material and a secondary line which carries clean gas and is sectionized by spaced three-way/two-way directional control valves. Each control valve is actuated by a pressure transmitter which compares the actual pressure in the conveyor line with the desired pressure in a third line carrying a fluid at a desired pressure decreasing in downstream direction in accordance with the pressure drop in the conveyor line during normal operation. A communication between the conveyor line and the second line is provided by respective branch lines which define the third connection of the control valves and are multiply connected to the conveyor line.

Abstract: An apparatus for pneumatically conveying bulk material includes a conveyor line for transporting the bulk material and a secondary line which carries clean gas and is multiply connected via branch line and a plurality of check valves with the conveyor line for allowing introduction of clean gas when the pressure difference as measured between adjacent pressure transmitters exceeds a predetermined value. Adjacent pressure transmitters are operatively connected with a differential pressure switch which actuates a valve regulating the flow of clean gas through the branch line. The differential pressure switch opens the valve as soon as the pressure difference exceeds the predetermined value.

Abstract: A bulk material mixer includes a container accommodating a central tube provided with a plurality of lateral inlet openings at various levels. The inlet openings have a cross section which increases from bottom to top so that the inlet openings at the lowest level have a smallest cross section while the inlet openings at the uppermost level have a greatest cross section.

Abstract: A circulation mixer for bulk material includes a container with funnel-shaped bottom to which a cellular wheel sluice is attached. The sluice is provided with inlet ports for bulk material as well as outlet ports communicating with pertaining riser pipes and includes a cellular rotor which conveys bulk material introduced through the inlet ports to the outlet ports for returning bulk material via the riser pipes to the upper part of the container. For pneumatically raising the bulk material through the riser pipes, air is injected through further ports which are arranged opposite the outlet ports and serve also as discharge ports for bulk material.

Abstract: A transport conduit for bulk material is formed of a rigid outer tube and an elastic inner tube of substantially smaller diameter. The inner tube is hermetically sealed at each of its ends to the conduit section so as to form a closed annular chamber between the inner elastic tube and the rigid outer tube. Communicating through the wall of both the outer and inner elastic tubes are relief and check valves sealed with respect to the elastic inner tube so as to maintain the integrity of the annular chambers. The valves are connected to a secondary gas supply from which air under pressure is directed into the conduit to assist in the transport of the bulk material. The annular chambers are serially connected by bridging tubes passing from one section to the adjacent section, thereby interconnecting each of the annular chambers in an outer parallel conduit to permit atmospheric air to move serially through them from one end of the transport conveyor to the other.

Abstract: A counterflow separator is provided having a feed pipe for bulk material opening into the top of a chamber housing. A discharge conduit radial extends from the top of the housing and an inlet conduit for classifying air extends radially into the housing at its lower portion. The housing is provided with a wall section below the orifice of the feed pipe, which section expands conically outwardly into a collecting hopper. The conical wall section permits the design of a braking stretch longer than its own length, thus reducing the requirement for classifying air, without causing a deterioration in the classifying quality.

Abstract: An air classifier having an upright housing open at both ends in which a pipe section is concentrically located to define a first annular passage closed at its upper end. A feed conduit attached to a pneumatic delivery system is concentrically located within the pipe section defining a second annular passage open at both ends. A cover is mounted over the upper end of the housing defining a dispersing chamber for bulk material. The dispersed material falls through the second passage, beyond the lower end of the pipe into an annular chamber where the components are separated by an air stream moving upwardly. The heavier particles falls and the lighter particle travel with the upward air.

Abstract: The gravity feed mixing of bulk materials is effected by removing partial quantities of the material at each of a plurality of vertically disposed levels, and passing the removed material through a series of funnels arranged vertically so that the material is admixed with the material passing from a higher level and fed to a lower level.