Abstract: A separator assembly for separating adjacent flexible bags in a filling assembly includes a body defining an opening therethough, a surface defined on the body within the opening, a clamp movable in the opening and configured to selectively contact the surface, a separator blade movable within the opening, a rail, and a rail guide configured to slidably engage with the rod. The separator assembly is movable along the rail. Methods of moving the separator assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of using a transfer factor formulation to improve the success rate of a human COS or COS/IUI procedure. The transfer factor formulation consists of at least transfer factor, and may also include lactic acid generating bacteria, and/or glucans. The transfer factor formulation, administered correctly, improves the probability of achieving conception via COS/IUI. Both men and women can receive transfer factor formulation. Dosage amounts are adjusted for body weight. Consumption frequency may be adjusted in response to hormonal measurements. Typically, consumption of the formulation begins three to 100 days before a planned COS/IUI procedure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are diatomite filter aid products with enhanced permeabilities and flow characteristics, and methods for enhancing the permeabilities and flow characteristics of very fine grain, low permeability diatomite ore by, in one embodiment, pre-agglomerating the ore in the presence of less than 10% water and then subjecting the pre-agglomerated ore to at least one calcination process. At least one flux may be used in the at least one calcination process. Also disclosed herein is a method of processing diatomite ore suitable for samples with high wet densities or large amounts of fine particulate matter. Also disclosed herein are methods of producing commercially applicable filter aid products from Hungarian diatomite.

Abstract: Ion delivery manifolds with a gas transport channel, for receiving an ionized gas stream, and plural outlets that divide the gas stream into plural neutralization gas streams that are directed toward respective plural target regions are disclosed. At least generally equal ion distribution across the target regions is achieved by using different ion flow rates through the plural outlets. Methods of delivering plural neutralization streams to respective plural target regions include steps for receiving an ionized gas stream, for dividing the ionized gas stream into plural neutralization streams, and for directing the neutralization streams toward respective target regions. At least generally equal ion distribution across the target regions is achieved by differing the ion flow rates of the neutralization streams.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are diatomite filter aid products with enhanced permeabilities and flow characteristics, and methods for enhancing the permeabilities and flow characteristics of very fine grain, low permeability diatomite ore by, in one embodiment, pre-agglomerating the ore in the presence of less than 10% water and then subjecting the pre-agglomerated ore to at least one calcination process. At least one flux may be used in the at least one calcination process. Also disclosed herein is a method of processing diatomite ore suitable for samples with high wet densities or large amounts of fine particulate matter. Also disclosed herein are methods of producing commercially applicable filter aid products from Hungarian diatomite.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for processing diatomaceous earth ore comprising roasting a diatomite feed at a temperature ranging from about 850 to about 1600° F. Also disclosed herein is a method for processing a diatomite feed comprising at least one impurity to produce a diatomite product having at least one of reduced loss-on-ignition, reduced impurity content, reduced beer soluble iron content, and improved brightness as compared to the feed composition. Further disclosed herein is a system for processing a diatomite feed comprising a first heating zone for roasting the diatomite at a temperature ranging from about 850 to about 1600° F., a second zone for calcining the diatomite at a temperature of at least about 1600° F., and a counter-current flow of gas from the second heating zone to the first heating zone.

Abstract: Ionizers are integrated with the computer and software that is used to operate process equipment. Communication is bidirectional. Operating information from the ionizer is displayed on the equipment computer terminal. Commands from the equipment computer control the ionizer. This enables the ionizer to react to ionizing requirements that change with time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for charging substrates without introducing high electric fields into the work environment. A non-contact charging plate is combined with a source of bipolar air (or gas) ions to effect the charging. This method is useful for studying the effects of static charge in charge sensitive processes. Substrates to be charged include semiconductor wafers, media disks, reticles, and flat panel glasses. In many cases, the shape of the apparatus is similar to industry-standard carriers. Hence, charging can be done robotically.