Abstract: A MEMS-based particle manipulation system which uses a particle manipulation stage and a plurality of laser interrogation regions. The laser interrogation regions may be used to assess the effectiveness or accuracy of the particle manipulation stage. In one exemplary embodiment, the particle manipulation stage is a microfabricated, flap-type fluid valve, which sorts a target particle from non-target particles in a fluid stream. The laser interrogation stages are disposed in the microfabricated fluid channels at the input and output of the flap-type sorting valve. The laser interrogation regions may be used to assess the effectiveness or accuracy of the sorting, and to control or adjust sort parameters during the sorting process. One or more feedback loops may be used to improve the particle manipulation process, based on data acquired during the first interrogation and/or during a downstream confirmation. Artificial intelligence techniques may be used to good effect.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for loading trays with articles using a first tray conveyor on which empty trays are delivered and an article conveyor on which articles are delivered to be transferred onto empty trays. The trays include a frame with a peripheral raised edge and a base having at least one aperture and a transport plate for the articles, the transport trays being positioned on the base of the frame. A lifting apparatus is provided for the transport plate of the tray at a height that is about equal to the height of the article conveyor, such as about 10 millimeters (10 mm) or less to reduce or eliminate drop forces as articles as transferred from the article conveyor onto the tray.

Abstract: A de-traying method and apparatus for removing articles from trays, each of the trays having a base, a rim around the base and an opening in said base and a bottom covering said opening and liftable from said base. A tray supporting an article is transported to a detraying assembly where the article is detrayed by elevating the bottom at least to the level of the tray rim with an article lifter having a lifting base and a plurality of lifting blocks. The lifting blocks are sized and arranged to engage the tray bottom through the opening in response to the lifting base being elevated, and to maintain orientation of the tray with at least one of said blocks positioned outside of the tray adjacent the rim. The article is displaced off of the elevated tray bottom.

Abstract: A de-traying method and apparatus for removing articles from trays, is useful with a plurality of trays, each of the trays having a base, a rim around the base and an opening in said base and a bottom covering said opening. The bottom is liftable from said base. A tray that is supporting an article on said bottom is transported to a detraying assembly. The article is detrayed at the detraying assembly by elevating the bottom at least to the level of the tray rim with an article lifter from below the tray. The article lifter includes a lifting base and a plurality of lifting blocks fixed to the lifting base. The lifting blocks are sized and arranged to engage the tray bottom through the opening in response to the lifting base being elevated. The lifting blocks are sized and arranged to maintain orientation of the tray with at least one of said blocks positioned outside of the tray adjacent the rim. The article is displaced off of the elevated tray bottom.

Abstract: A combination of metal catalysts are independently introduced to a fuel oil to enhance and improve the combustibility of the fuel oil and to adjust in real time the ratio of the metal catalyst mixture to the quality and/or quantity of the fuel oil. This combination of ionic metal catalysts may also be utilized to improve a low grade fuel oil to a higher grade fuel source while reducing the pollutants and minimizing the fuel related damage potential to the engine. The primary combination of metals includes Platinum, Indium, Rhodium, Aluminum and Rhenium in an adjustable ratio, with the ratio being variable depending on the fuel source and quantity. Chemicals and catalysts selected are utilized as molecular ions whose decomposition results in the form most effective to combustion.

Abstract: A combination of metal catalysts are independently introduced to a fuel oil to enhance and improve the combustibility of the fuel oil and to adjust in real time the ratio of the metal catalyst mixture to the quality and/or quantity of the fuel oil. This combination of ionic metal catalysts may also be utilized to improve a low grade fuel oil to a higher grade fuel source while reducing the pollutants and minimizing the fuel related damage potential to the engine. The primary combination of metals includes Platinum, Indium, Rhodium, Aluminum and Rhenium in an adjustable ratio, with the ratio being variable depending on the fuel source and quantity. Chemicals and catalysts selected are utilized as molecular ions whose decomposition results in the form most effective to combustion.

Abstract: Method for reducing pollution emissions and increasing fuel economy for carbon-based combustion processes. Embodiments of the invention comprise combinations of an airborne catalyst blend with various fuel and/or oil filters to produce unexpected efficiency results. A full system includes a fuel purifier, a microfine fuel filter, and/or a bypass oil filter in combination with an airborne catalyst blend dispenser or a catalyst/fuel mixture. Methods of filtering fuel and/or oil prior to burning fuel in the presence of an airborne catalyst blend also improve fuel economy and reduce pollution emissions for carbon-based combustion processes.