Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for recovering platinum group metals from a feed containing one or more precursor compounds of one or more platinum group metal ions, wherein the process comprises the steps of (i) supplying to a cathode compartment of an electrochemical cell equipped with a cathode comprising a gas diffusion electrode with a porous electrochemically active material, the feed containing the one or more precursor compounds to form a liquid phase in the cathode compartment, (ii) supplying a CO2 containing gas to the cathode compartment, (iii) applying a potential to the cathode which is such as to cause electrochemical reduction of the CO2 to CO, (iv) and recovering from the liquid phase precipitated particles of the one or more platinum group metals in clemental form.

Abstract: Use of heterogeneous nucleation allows the localized reduction of metal salt and also cross-link the carbon precursor in the same region. This cross-linked matrix act as the secondary heterogeneous sites for spontaneous Nano particle synthesis and growth during the process of pyrolysis. Selectively creating heterogeneous sites and reducing the metal precursor using highly focused energy beams create various metal-carbon composites with controlled metal positioning. This is such a unique process where a pretreatment process will control the fabrication of complex metal-carbon composite nano and microstructures. This greatly simplifies the fabrication process, facilitating nanostructures like Nano metal bulbs, nanometal pointed nanogaps and metal sandwich structures with such process. With several advantages ranging from electronics, catalysis, optics and several other bio-functionalization technologies, this enables materials with unique and hybrid advantages.

Abstract: Microfluidic chips, systems, and methods of making and using thereof are described. The microfluid chip includes a disc-shaped transparent layer containing a plurality of cell traps, pillars, and filers, and a support layer attached thereto. The microfluid chip has at least one inlet port in center of the transparent layer for receiving a sample of liquid and cells, and optionally a plastic cover. The microfluid chip can be designed to be suitable for the forces used for cell pairing/fusion in stationary and spinning format, or suitable for a particular cell fusion method such chemical and electrical methods. The microfluid chip is particularly suited for fusing dendritic cells and tumor cells for immunotherapy, or for generating hybridoma.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bottom-up synthesis approach for the fabrication of gold nanoparticles composite carbon thin films based on in situ reduction of gold precursor within a photoresist matrix. This provides the possibility to accumulate noble metal nanostructures both on the surface as wells as in the bulk of a tough material like glassy carbon. With several advantages ranging from electronics, catalysis, optics and several other biofuntionalization technologies, this material is like a hybrid. Moreover, fabrication of micro and Nano level structures make it as a CMEMS and BIOMEMS relevant material for wide range of applications.

Abstract: A formulation of thinners for waterborne automotive paints with low volatile organic compound levels, that include components able to be diluted in water, including a composition of a benzene derivative; a combination of two alcohols of a methyl alcohol and an isopropyl alcohol; an ester; osmotized water; and a ketone, where the benzene derivative is a toluene, a xylene, or a mixture of both; and wherein the composition is formed by the following compounds (in weight): Toluene/xylene from 1% to 9.5%; Isopropyl Alcohol from 30% to 45%; Methyl Alcohol from 1.5% to 12%; Methyl Acetate from 0.4% to 3%; Dimethyl Ketone from 0.78% to 6.3%; and Water from 30% to 66%, with the thinner compound mixed with waterborne paint having a low roughness, an improved gloss and particle size distribution (PSD) and a drying time between ½ and ¼ of the drying time without this thinner.

Abstract: Use of heterogeneous nucleation allows the localized reduction of metal salt and also cross-link the carbon precursor in the same region. This cross-linked matrix act as the secondary heterogeneous sites for spontaneous Nano particle synthesis and growth during the process of pyrolysis. Selectively creating heterogeneous sites and reducing the metal precursor using highly focused energy beams create various metal-carbon composites with controlled metal positioning. This is such a unique process where a pretreatment process will control the fabrication of complex metal-carbon composite nano and microstructures. This greatly simplifies the fabrication process, facilitating nanostructures like Nano metal bulbs, nanometal pointed nanogaps and metal sandwich structures with such process. With several advantages ranging from electronics, catalysis, optics and several other bio-functionalization technologies, this enables materials with unique and hybrid advantages.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bottom-up synthesis approach for the fabrication of gold nanoparticles composite carbon thin films based on in situ reduction of gold precursor within a photoresist matrix. This provides the possibility to accumulate noble metal nanostructures both on the surface as wells as in the bulk of a tough material like glassy carbon. With several advantages ranging from electronics, catalysis, optics and several other biofunctionalization technologies, this material is like a hybrid. Moreover, fabrication of micro and Nano level structures make it as a CMEMS and BIOMEMS relevant material for wide range of applications.

Abstract: A formulation of thinners for waterborne automotive paints with low volatile organic compound levels, that include components able to be diluted in water, including a composition of a benzene derivative; a combination of two alcohols of a methyl alcohol and an isopropyl alcohol; an ester; osmotized water; and a ketone, where the benzene derivative is a toluene, a xylene, or a mixture of both; and wherein the composition is formed by the following compounds (in weight): Toluene/xylene from 1% to 9.5%; Isopropyl Alcohol from 30% to 45%; Methyl Alcohol from 1.5% to 12%; Methyl Acetate from 0.4% to 3%; Dimethyl Ketone from 0.78% to 6.3%; and Water from 30% to 66%, with the thinner compound mixed with waterborne paint having a low roughness, an improved gloss and particle size distribution (PSD) and a drying time between ½ and ¼ of the drying time without this thinner.

Abstract: Imagine a marriage between a regular cooking oven, and a charcoal BBQ. What would come out of this 2 if we crossed them? An apparatus with the convenience of use of an oven, and the great flavors and aromas of a BBQ. An apparatus that is easy to use, and yet has an unlimited potential of what you can cook on it. It cooks fast, delivering juicy and flavorful cuts of meats, poultry, fish, or anything you want to throw at it, without having the concern that the drippings from your meats will ignite with the charcoal and burn your foods. We did this by repositioning the charcoal to the side, which we called the charcoal side burner (CSB). By doing this, we now have a box that cooks like an oven and gives your meats the flavors and aromas of charcoal.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for protecting hinges, including hinge plates, hinge loops and pins and related hardware from paint is disclosed. While painting doors, the apparatus and system can be used to protect the hinge hardware from paint without having to remove the hinge hardware from the door and door frame. In general, the apparatus and system includes a hinge plate cover that includes a magnetic material around the periphery of the cover. The apparatus and system further includes a hinge loop and pin cover that typically includes an elastic band that can optionally include a sealed end or a grip tab.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for protecting hinges, including hinge plates, hinge loops and pins and related hardware from paint is disclosed. While painting doors, the apparatus and system can be used to protect the hinge hardware from paint without having to remove the hinge hardware from the door and door frame. In general, the apparatus and system includes a hinge plate cover that includes a magnetic material around the periphery of the cover. The apparatus and system further includes a hinge loop and pin cover that typically includes an elastic band that can optionally include a sealed end or a grip tab.