Abstract: A filtration cell (10) for a biological sample having an outer housing (12) defining a first chamber and an inner housing (14) defining a second chamber is disclosed. The inner housing is disposed within the first chamber and rotatable with respect to the outer housing and at least a portion of the inner housing includes a filtration membrane (52). Upon rotation of the inner housing, a first portion of the biological sample passes from the first chamber into the second chamber and a second portion of the biological sample is restrained in the first chamber. Alternatively, the filtration cell may also include a rotation element disposed in the inner housing. Upon rotation of the rotation element with respect to the inner housing, a first portion of the biological sample to passes from the second chamber into the first chamber and a second portion of the biological sample is restrained in the second chamber.

Abstract: A blood separation device adapted to receive a blood sample having a whole blood portion and a plasma portion is disclosed. The blood separation device includes a housing defining a first chamber, a second chamber, and a separation member disposed therebetween. The blood separation device also includes an actuator, wherein actuation of the actuator draws the blood sample into the first chamber and the separation member is adapted to allow the plasma portion to pass through the separation member to the second chamber. The blood separation device matches the plasma chamber volume, the blood chamber volume, and the applied single pressure source so that the correct trans-membrane pressure and shear rate is obtained.

Abstract: A biological fluid separation device adapted to receive a biological fluid sample having a first portion and a second portion is disclosed. The device includes a housing having a first chamber having a first chamber inlet for receiving the biological fluid sample therein and a first chamber outlet. The housing has a second chamber having a second chamber inlet and a second chamber outlet, and a separation member separating at least a portion of the first chamber outlet and the second chamber. The separation member is adapted to restrain the first portion of the biological fluid sample within the first chamber and to allow at least a portion of the second portion of the biological fluid sample to pass into the second chamber. An actuator, such as a vacuum source, draws the biological fluid sample into the first chamber and the second portion into the second chamber.

Abstract: A hermetically-sealed paperboard container is disclosed that may be produced using a conventional converting machine but at a converting temperature of at least 93° C. lower than a conventional converting temperature. The formation of pin holes or rupture on the barrier structure during the converting process can be significantly reduced, resulting in the hermetically-sealed paperboard container with enhanced barrier performances.

Abstract: A biodegradable packaging material having excellent oxygen barrier performance is disclosed. The material includes a biodegradable polymeric structure and a barrier layer positioned on at least one surface of the structure, wherein the barrier layer is derived from a water-based coating composition comprising biopolymer and clay. The biodegradable structure may include homopolymer or copolymer of lactic acid-based monomers. Starch and protein may be used as biopolymers. Clay in the disclosed coating composition may be at least partially exfoliated, have a particle size in range of nanometers, or both. When desired, the disclosed packaging material may include paper-based substrate having the barrier coated biodegradable polymer positioning on at least one of the paper-based substrate.

Abstract: A process for preparing a chrome substrate for application of a polymer coating, wherein the substrate preparation enhances adhesion and durability of the adhesion between the chrome substrate and the polymer coating, involves contacting the chrome substrate with an acid solution for a period of time sufficient to modify the surface of the chrome substrate. In certain embodiments, the acid treatment is an anodic treatment. In accordance with certain aspects of this invention, the acid treated chrome surface is further treated with a silane compound to enhance adhesion with a subsequently applied polymer coating composition.

Abstract: An economical process for creating decorative and/or functional finishes on chrome, involves formation of a polyurethane film on the chrome substrate, wherein a strong and durable adhesion between the polyurethane film and the metal substrate is achieved by employing a silane adhesion promoter. Specific embodiments involve the use of an aromatic amine functional silane-coupling agent and/or an epoxy functional silane-coupling agent to achieve excellent adhesion between the polyurethane film and a chrome surface.

Abstract: A process for preparing a chrome substrate for application of a polymer coating, wherein the substrate preparation enhances adhesion and durability of the adhesion between the chrome substrate and the polymer coating, involves contacting the chrome substrate with an acid solution for a period of time sufficient to modify the surface of the chrome substrate. In certain embodiments, the acid treatment is an anodic treatment. In accordance with certain aspects of this invention, the acid treated chrome surface is further treated with a silane compound to enhance adhesion with a subsequently applied polymer coating composition.

Abstract: A vehicular window assembly adapted to close an opening in a vehicle body includes a window panel of glass or plastic in the form of a sheet, a primer layer, and at least one polymeric gasket preferably formed from a polymer resin comprising an olefin and bonded to the panel on the primer layer which also comprises an olefin. The primer preferably has a transition temperature above which improved adhesion characteristics are exhibited, and the panel and primer are preferably preheated above the transition temperature prior to molding or other application of the gasket. Alternately, the primer can be cross-linkable and is preferably cured after application of the gasket through ambient moisture and/or post heating. The gasket may also be preformed and applied to the window panel with pressure and heat.

Abstract: A vehicular window assembly adapted to close an opening in a vehicle body includes a window panel of glass or plastic in the form of a sheet, a primer layer, and at least one polymeric gasket preferably molded to the panel on the primer layer from an olefinic-styrenic copolymer such as an ethylene-styrene copolymer or ethylene-styrene interpolymer. The primer preferably has a transition temperature above which improved adhesion characteristics are exhibited, and the panel and primer are preferably preheated above the transition temperature prior to molding or other application of the gasket. Alternately, the primer can be cross-linkable and is preferably cured after application of the gasket through ambient moisture and/or post heating. The gasket may also be preformed and applied to the window panel with pressure and heat.

Abstract: A vehicular window assembly adapted to close an opening in a vehicle body includes a window panel of glass or plastic in the form of a sheet, a primer layer, and at least one polymeric gasket preferably molded to the panel on the primer layer from an olefinic-styrenic copolymer such as an ethylene-styrene copolymer or ethylene-styrene interpolymer. The primer preferably has a transition temperature above which improved adhesion characteristics are exhibited, and the panel and primer are preferably preheated above the transition temperature prior to molding or other application of the gasket. The primer may also comprise an olefinic-styrenic copolymer. Alternately, the primer can be non-cross-linkable, or cross-linkable, and is preferably cured after application of the gasket through ambient moisture and/or post heating. The gasket may also be preformed and applied to the window panel with pressure and heat, or the gasket may be extruded onto the window panel.