Abstract: A system comprising a pulper configured to (i) accept surfactant, a liquid and fiber stock and (ii) generate a foam that suspends the fiber stock, wherein the foam has a half-life; a headbox configured to receive the foam-suspended fiber stock from the pulper and displace the foam-suspended fiber stock onto a forming wire, wherein a time it takes the foam-suspended fiber stock to move from the pulper to the headbox is less than the half-life; and a foam return device that removes at least some of the foam from the forming wire and returns the at least some of the foam to the pulper.

Abstract: A multi-layered web is disclosed that is resilient and/or elastic in the Z-direction. Thus, when the web is compressed, the web assumes a compacted state and then expands to an expanded state when the compressive forces are removed. In one embodiment, the multi-layered web includes a middle layer made from a resilient blend of fibers positioned inbetween two outer layers. The middle layer, for instance, can contain elastomeric fibers, three-dimensional fibers, and/or debonded fibers.

Abstract: A system comprising a pulper configured to (i) accept surfactant, a liquid and fiber stock and (ii) generate a foam that suspends the fiber stock, wherein the foam has a half-life; a headbox configured to receive the foam-suspended fiber stock from the pulper and displace the foam-suspended fiber stock onto a forming wire, wherein a time it takes the foam-suspended fiber stock to move from the pulper to the headbox is less than the half-life; and a foam return device that removes at least some of the foam from the forming wire and returns the at least some of the foam to the pulper.

Abstract: A method of recovery of DNA fragments using ultrafiltration. The method of the present invention relates to the separation and/or fractionation of double stranded linear nucleic acids using continuous pressure differential ultrafiltration to achieve improved recovery of small PCR products. In one embodiment, dilution of sample such as small PCR products is carried out prior to purification by ultrafiltration. Subsequent filtration of linear DNA, for example, under diluted conditions significantly increases the recovery of smaller PCR products, and improves the recovery of larger DNA fragments as well. In another embodiment, reduced vacuum pressure is used during ultrafiltration to increase the recovery of smaller PCR products and improve the recovery of larger DNA fragments as well.

Abstract: A laboratory device design particularly for a multiplate format that includes a plate or tray having a plurality of utilitarian discontinuities such as reaction chambers or wells, wherein at least two of the discontinuities have different functionalities. In a preferred embodiment, the device is a multiwell plate or tray that meets SBS dimensional standards guidelines and is therefore automation compatible. In one embodiment, the device is a multiwell plate or tray that has a modular design, wherein removable inserts with different functionalities can be placed in a base. The particular inserts chosen depend on the desired sample preparation or assay to be carried out.

Abstract: A method of recovery of DNA fragments using ultrafiltration. The method of the present invention relates to the separation and/or fractionation of double stranded linear nucleic acids using continuous pressure differential ultrafiltration to achieve improved recovery of small PCR products. In one embodiment, dilution of sample such as small PCR products is carried out prior to purification by ultrafiltration. Subsequent filtration of linear DNA, for example, under diluted conditions significantly increases the recovery of smaller PCR products, and improves the recovery of larger DNA fragments as well. In another embodiment, reduced vacuum pressure is used during ultrafiltration to increase the recovery of smaller PCR products and improve the recovery of larger DNA fragments as well.