Abstract: An installation for preparing liquid and/or gaseous carbon dioxide is described, having a first container which is configured to store liquid carbon dioxide, wherein the first container is in fluid communication with a second container by at least a first pump, wherein said pump is configured for pumping carbon dioxide out of the first container via a first valve into the second container. A measuring apparatus is provided for measuring the mass of the second container, wherein the installation is configured such that the first valve is closed off so that no more carbon dioxide can be supplied to the second container when the mass of the second container measured by the measuring apparatus reaches or exceeds a predefined value. Methods for preparing liquid carbon dioxide are also provided for.

Abstract: A high-pressure gas compressor comprises a single-acting cam driven piston with a pressure compensation chamber disposed between the piston and the cam. A roller tappet assembly transmits reciprocating motion from the cam to the piston. A pressurized gas directed to the pressure compensation chamber offsets forces acting on the piston from the compression chamber gas pressure, thereby reducing Hertzian pressure between the tappet roller and the cam. Overall efficiency and durability can be improved by reducing friction between compressor components, for example by employing thin film coatings to reduce friction, pressurized oil lubrication systems and higher cylinder bore diameter to piston stroke ratios. The service life of gas seals and compression efficiency can be improved by thermal management strategies, including liquid-cooled compressor cylinder liners and intercoolers between compression stages.

Abstract: A method for obtaining pure copper is provided wherein oxygen is blown onto a copper melt, in a melting furnace lined with refractory material, having a waste heat boiler set onto it, in order to oxidize contaminants contained in the melt and thereby remove them from the melt, and wherein a splash protection device through which water flows is provided above the copper melt, on the inside wall of the melting furnace, which prevents copper that splashes out of the copper melt from penetrating into the waste heat boiler. Boiling water is used for cooling the splash protection device, which water is under a pressure of more than 5 bar and is evaporated, at least in part, as it flows through the splash protection device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the deposition of a material on a surface. The process utilizes the steps of providing a material to be deposited on the surface; providing a transport medium comprising liquid, subcritical carbon dioxide; combining the material and the transport medium to obtain a combination of the material and the transport medium; and delivering the combination to the surface.

Abstract: A high-pressure gas compressor comprises a single-acting cam driven piston with a pressure compensation chamber disposed between the piston and the cam. A roller tappet assembly transmits reciprocating motion from the cam to the piston. A pressurized gas directed to the pressure compensation chamber offsets forces acting on the piston from the compression chamber gas pressure, thereby reducing Hertzian pressure between the tappet roller and the cam. Overall efficiency and durability can be improved by reducing friction between compressor components, for example by employing thin film coatings to reduce friction, pressurized oil lubrication systems and higher cylinder bore diameter to piston stroke ratios. The service life of gas seals and compression efficiency can be improved by thermal management strategies, including liquid-cooled compressor cylinder liners and intercoolers between compression stages.

Abstract: A method for obtaining pure copper is provided wherein oxygen is blown onto a copper melt, in a melting furnace lined with refractory material, having a waste heat boiler set onto it, in order to oxidize contaminants contained in the melt and thereby remove them from the melt, and wherein a splash protection device through which water flows is provided above the copper melt, on the inside wall of the melting furnace, which prevents copper that splashes out of the copper melt from penetrating into the waste heat boiler. Boiling water is used for cooling the splash protection device, which water is under a pressure of more than 5 bar and is evaporated, at least in part, as it flows through the splash protection device.

Abstract: A non-invasive method for gene regulation during gene therapy comprises the steps of introducing electromagnetic field response elements into a gene promoter not having any electromagnetic field response elements to serve as switches for regulating exogenously introduced genes, and applying an electromagnetic field to the introduced electromagnetic field response elements to induce gene expression. In this way, a safer, more effective, and more precise method for gene therapy is provided of inducing production of desired genetic products.

Abstract: A unique approach to clinical application of cytoprotection is offered by electromagnetic (EM) field induction of stress proteins. Electromagnetic fields are non-invasive and easily applied, compared to the current hyperthermia protocols. Fertilized dipteran eggs and cultured rodent cardiomyocytes (H9c2 cells) were used as first-level models to test electromagnetic fields for their ability to induce increased hsp70 levels for effective cytoprotection. Eggs preconditioned with an 8 &mgr;T 60 Hz EM field for 30 minutes had a 114% increase in hsp70 levels, and an average 82% increase in survival following a lethal temperature of 36.5° C. Thermal pre-conditioning at 32° C. was not nearly as effective in dipteran eggs, inducing only a 44% increase in survival. Preconditioning of cultured murine cardiomyocytes (H9c2 cells) with an 8 &mgr;T 60 Hz field induced a 77% average increase in hsp70 levels.

Abstract: A non-invasive method for gene regulation during gene therapy comprises the steps of introducing electromagnetic field response elements into a gene promoter not having any electromagnetic field response elements to serve as switches for regulating exogenously introduced genes, and applying an electromagnetic field to the introduced electromagnetic field response elements to induce gene expression. In this way, a safer, more effective, and more precise method for gene therapy is provided of inducing production of desired genetic products.

Abstract: A process for operating a jet pump with a driving nozzle from which a driving medium, especially steam, exits at supersonic speed, this driving medium mixing with a gaseous load medium. According to the invention, downstream of the outlet of the nozzle in the mixing region the circumferential length is increased by a cross-sectional shape of the driving jet diverging from the circle in order to eliminate the azimuthal symmetry of the vortex structure of the driving medium, wherein the respective cross-sectional surface corresponding to the principle of continuity beginning in the jet direction with a circular cross section in the supersonic portion of the jet corresponds to the circular cross-section surface of the driving medium in conventional supersonic nozzles.