Abstract: A bag assembly comprising of any number of detachable and re-attachable, wedge-shaped, independent, bag segments, that when collectively joined together, form a pumpkin-shape. The wedge-shaped, independent bag segments can be joined, at their top ends and their bottom ends, by each attaching to a detachable rings at the top and the bottom. An inner pocket is included within each of the wedge-shaped, independent, bag segments. One or more detachable shoulder or hand straps can be applied and connect at either of the ends of the bag assembly for carrying purposes, or the strap can be attached directly to the bag segment. The detachable rings also serve as quick grab handles. Each of the wedge-shaped, independent bag segments have an exterior access entry.

Abstract: A chlorine resistant polyamide is formed from the reaction product of an amine and an acid chloride monomer wherein both the amine and the acid chloride monomer are modified with electron-withdrawing groups that exhibit sufficient activity to (i) minimize any chlorination on both the amine and acid chloride and (ii) minimize N-chlorination. A membrane is made from the polyamide for use, for example, in a desalination unit.

Abstract: A halogen resistant polyamide is formed from the reaction product of an amine monomer and an acid chloride monomer wherein the amino group of the starting amine monomer is separated from the aromatic amine ring system by an alkyl group and (i) minimizes halogenation on the amine and (ii) minimizes N-halogenation at a pH range of approximately 7 to approximately 10.5. A membrane is made from the polyamide for use, for example, in a reverse osmosis desalination unit.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a high flux, high salt rejection cellulose acetate desalination membrane. In this method, cellulose acetate polymer is dissolved in a first solvent such as methylene chloride or 2-methyltetrahydrofuran to produce a solution. Further steps involve stirring the solution, and thereafter permitting the solution to settle, for a time sufficient for a majority of the cellulose acetate to precipitate out of the solution to form a cellulose acetate precipitate. Next, the cellulose acetate precipitate is stirred into an excess methanol. Thereafter, the cellulose acetate is filtered out and used in making the desalination membrane.

Abstract: A chlorine resistant polyamide is formed from the reaction product of an amine and an acid chloride monomer wherein the acid chloride monomer is modified with electron-withdrawing groups that exhibit sufficient activity to (i) minimize any chlorination on both the amine and acid chloride side and (ii) minimize N-chlorination. A membrane is made from the polyamide and, in one application, the membrane is used in a desalination unit.

Abstract: A chlorine resistant polyamide is formed from the reaction product of an amine and an acid chloride monomer wherein the acid chloride monomer is modified with electron-withdrawing groups that exhibit sufficient activity to (i) minimize any chlorination on both the amine and acid chloride side and (ii) minimize N-chlorination. A membrane is made from the polyamide and, in one application, the membrane is used in a desalination unit.

Abstract: A chlorine resistant polyamide is formed from the reaction product of an amine and an acid chloride monomer wherein the acid chloride monomer is modified with electron-withdrawing groups that exhibit sufficient activity to (i) minimize any chlorination on both the amine and acid chloride side and (ii) minimize N-chlorination. A membrane is made from the polyamide and, in one application, the membrane is used in a desalination unit.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a high flux, high salt rejection cellulose acetate desalination membrane. In this method, cellulose acetate polymer is dissolved in a first solvent such as methylene chloride or 2-methyltetrahydrofuran to produce a solution. Further steps involve stirring the solution, and thereafter permitting the solution to settle, for a time sufficient for a majority of the cellulose acetate to precipitate out of the solution to form a cellulose acetate precipitate. Next, the cellulose acetate precipitate is stirred into an excess methanol. Thereafter, the cellulose acetate is filtered out and used in making the desalination membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to three isolated DNA molecules that encode for proteins, BigL1, BigL2 and BigL3, in the Leptospira sp bacterium which have repetitive Bacterial-Ig-like (Big) domains and their use in diagnostic, therapeutic and vaccine applications. According to the present invention, the isolated molecules encoding for BigL1, BigL2 and BigL3 proteins are used for the diagnosis and prevention of infection with Leptospira species that are capable of producing disease in humans and other mammals, including those of veterinary importance.

Abstract: A semiconductor device, comprising a trench extending into the device from a surface. The trench has sidewalls extending along the length of the trench, a depth and a width defined at said surface between said sidewalls. The trench is at least partly filled with a material. At least one of the sidewalls is provided with at least one lateral recess, the or each recess providing a discrete localised increase in said trench width.